Feanoro Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Just wanted to point out that the most likely explanation why Paarthurnax has NOT intervened in any fights (as per the philosophy of the Way) is BECAUSE he knows he was created with a desire to dominate and rule. Paarthurnax knows that if he gets involved in wars/fights involving mortals and keeps doing it then his power hungry nature will have a chance to come out in time and lead him to bad things again. It's easy to end up on the wrong side like that, just imagine a group of mortals demanding that he help them kill another group of mortals by way of an ultimatum blades fashion style. Therefore the only way to be SURE he remains in control of his darker instincts is to deny them a fighting chance by adopting the Way of the Voice. Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is that, as is even written by Bethesda themselves in those loading screens, a battle between dragons is actually a verbal debate using their Thu'ums. Thus when Paarthurnax says he'll make the other dragons understand he means just that: he'll debate them with his Thu'um into submission until they adopt a peaceful lifestyle. But that's okay, because dragons are immortal and can take a bit of punishment without dying, unlike the alternative of letting them kill mortals by the dozens willy nilly. As for the Blades, I find it very strange that you get to be the Leader of the Thieves Guild, DB, Mages College but are never recognized officially as such by an "organization" of 2 people (or let's say 5 if you provide the other 3 yourself)? I really hope they make a DLC for them, as Delphine is the worst kind of "leader" for that group, it's better that they fade into history than they be resurrected under Delphine's shortsighted, hateful, warmongering ways. Now that being said I think I can see a small thread of Bethesda's logic in all this but it's still quite thin: before the Blades reached their maximum potential under the Empire they were dragonslayers. Correct me if I'm wrong but this suggests that they became the protectors of the Dragonborn BECAUSE he was the ultimate dragonslayer. In fact, it seems this dragonslayer bond was so powerful between the Dragonborn and them that they happily listened to him on all other matters, and under the Dragonborn Emperors they became the protectors of the Empire. Delphine and Esbern know this (it's from them that you hear bits of this in the game) and they want to remake the Blades from the bottom up the way it used to be in the old days. This means they are dragonslayers and you are the ultimate dragonslayer. They listen to you and protect you so that you can BE the ultimate dragonslayer and get rid of the dragons. When you stop fullfilling your end of the deal, they stop listening to you. This is what motivates the quest to kill Paarthurnax. This, also, is why you're dealing with a fundamentally different faction in this game: the Blades from Oblivion had all dragons killed/asleep and had a completely different role as protectors of the Empire. What we're dealing with in Skyrim is a faction whose only mission statement is to kill dragons. As such, let's not be surprised by the request to kill Paarthurnax, it's the same as being surprised by Astrid asking you to murder people in the Dark Brotherhood quests...murder is what the DB does, dragonslaying are what the Blades do. Delphine has told us this from the moment she met us and Esbern, even while a Blade in the old days, only cared about dragons and the end of days anyway. That being said (and maintaining the same parallel between DB and the Blades) if you can choose to Destroy the Dark Brotherhood, why can you not choose to Kill the Remaining Blades? From my point of view the moment I got Dragonbane I have no further use for them... Oh and let's not forget, Alduin's Wall (the only contribution of the Blades plot-wise) only serves to make you ask about meeting Paarthurnax. The latter is the ONLY source of wisdom and ancient knowledge in Skyrim. Now I admit on my first character, an Imperial-loving Breton (and after being mislead into thinking you would have MANY quests to do alongside the Blades after killing Paarthurnax), I made the wrong choice, not understanding very much about the game at that time. However, now, on my preconception breaking stealthy Nord, I will definitely keep my white dragon alive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matth85 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Paarthurnax could have just had a change of heart, noticing how cruel Alduin is and deciding to oppose him.It is not because of the cruel of Alduin that Paarthurnax opposes him, at least not now. That's like you opposing me because I follow the nature of humans. Paarthurnax betrayed Alduin, and Alduin is a lot stronger than Paarthurnax. I always assumed he hid on his mountain since Alduin, and the other dragons, would not be able to sense him there.Perhaps he is a kinder version of Alduin. However, he currently sits in a perfect spot. He can controll the dragons, he can controll the dovahkiins and he can controll who learns the voice. He can generally put a stop to anybody who wants to rise up. From there he can simply build up the army of dragons. It's just the vibes he gives me. The dragon nature is a cruel one. I struggle to see an elder dragon, one of the 2 fitting leaders, wanting to join in with the people of Skyrim. When you are timeless and got all the power in the world, nothing can stop you. He could wait out your lifetime, meaning nobody is remotely strong enough to take you down. I guess my feeling towards this is mostly because this is what I would have done. A perfect position, a perfect plan and all the time in the world. I would say "Time will tell", but I got my doubt Bethesda would add any more depth to the dragon story of The Elder Scrolls. There is so much more to be done with them though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wael90 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Well, we can only expect some serious questpacks with CK´s help. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reanimator4 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 I want to make a mod that adds quest "Blades". After the main line Paarthurnax will ask you to solve the dragonslayers problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wael90 Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I want to make a mod that adds quest "Blades". After the main line Paarthurnax will ask you to solve the dragonslayers problem.It would be enough for me if Delphin shut her annoying thing of a mouth and swore eternal service to me! Knee you lunatic revenge-seeking blonde! :blink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhorizon09 Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I believe he's done a lot of good since betraying Alduin, helping men overpower him. There's justice and there's redemption. I couldn't kill him. Besides he's awesome. Why support two genocidal blades when you can support a heroic dragon! ^ I'm with you all the way on this. Delphine mentioned that the dragonborn gives the Blades purpose again, but she goes and tries to order the dragonborn around, and refuse to help him/her if he/she chooses not to kill Paarthurnax? Psh whatever! I thought that the Blades are sworn to stay loyal and answer only to the dragonborn? Delphine and Esbern proves the opposite, and I will never join them. In a way, Delphine reminds me of Astrid. The Dark Brotherhood are suppose to worship Sithis and listen to the Night Mother, yet Astrid decides that she's the boss and will do as she pleases; the aftermath of Astrid's poor decisions proved how out of line she was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterAckrovan Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I thought came to me while playing Skyrim. In the long run, it's actually better for the Blades to have Paarthurnax live. The Greybeards teach the Dragon Shouts to the Dragonborn. The Dragonborn is the ultimate Dragon slayer. If you kill Paarthurnax, the Greybeards will essentially disband because they'll be unable to reteach the shouts in the life spans. Without the Greybeards the Dragonborns in the future, should the Dragons ever become a threat again, will be at a severe disadvantage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reanimator4 Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I'll just leave this here http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/008/9/5/skyrim___paarthurnax_by_doku_sama-d4lrbcl.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wael90 Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Sooooo, sooooo AWESOME :wub: <3 <3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joaodiogorp Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 I killed him, +1 Dragon soul f*** Morals! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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