The Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim is one of the game’s most captivating arcs. It involves a series of high-profile assassinations, culminating in the murder of Emperor Titus Mede II. However, a recent discovery by a player suggests that one of these assassinations might have been unnecessary due to a hidden danger in The Gourmet’s cookbook, Uncommon Taste.

The Dark Brotherhood Questline

In this questline, players assassinate various targets, including a newlywed and an immortal spirit, before finally targeting the Emperor of Tamriel. The player murders and impersonates the renowned chef, The Gourmet, to gain access to the Emperor and poison him using a deadly jarrin root. However, a Reddit user named Xav-Tay-Tor-Tot has uncovered an intriguing detail in The Gourmet’s cookbook that implies the Emperor might have been doomed regardless of the player’s intervention.

The Gourmet’s Deadly Recipe

In Uncommon Taste, The Gourmet’s recipe for Sunlight Souffle lists “a cupful of ground nutmeg” as an ingredient. Nutmeg, while commonly used in small amounts to add flavor to dishes, contains myristicin, a toxic compound that can be lethal in high doses. A cupful (approximately 120 grams) of nutmeg is far beyond the safe consumption limit and can cause severe poisoning, organ failure, and potentially death.

The Implications

During the Dark Brotherhood quest, the player adds jarrin root to the Emperor’s dish to poison him. However, the discovery of the lethal amount of nutmeg in The Gourmet’s recipe suggests that the Emperor, or rather his body double, might have died from the Sunlight Souffle alone if left unchecked. This humorous and darkly ironic twist adds an extra layer of depth to the quest, highlighting The Gourmet as an unwitting assassin.

Conclusion

The revelation about the lethal recipe in Uncommon Taste not only adds a fascinating detail to Skyrim’s rich lore but also showcases the intricate and sometimes hidden storytelling that has kept players engaged for years. Whether intentional or a happy accident, this discovery further cements Skyrim’s place as a game full of surprises and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Players who revisit the Dark Brotherhood questline can now appreciate the dark humor behind The Gourmet’s culinary skills, knowing that sometimes, the most dangerous ingredients are hiding in plain sight.

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