Starfield: Shattered Space – Kill Or Spare Vaeric? (Conflict In Conviction)

by

As a seasoned space-farer with more years under the belt of my trusty starship than I care to remember, I’ve faced my fair share of moral dilemmas out here in the cosmos. But none have been as intriguing as the one presented in the Conflict In Conviction quest. Now, let me tell you about this situation and why I firmly believe that sparing Vaeric while extorting him for 10000 Credits is the way to go!

Titled “Shattered Space“, this significant expansion for Bethesda Game Studios’ expansive space RPG, “Starfield“, offers players a fresh planet to delve into, filled with typical quests, side missions, and exciting new locales. “Shattered Space” also provides a glimpse into one of the less-explored factions within “Starfield“. Situated on the homeworld of the enigmatic and secretive House Va’ruun, a fervent religious society, players are challenged with navigating the intricate and tumultuous internal affairs of House Va’ruun during a catastrophic period. In this expansion, “Shattered Space“, all characters, even the powerful noble Houses, are not immune to the destruction.

In the “Conflict in Conviction” mission, players are assigned to track down and eliminate Vaeric Veth’aal, a renegade heir from House Veth’aal. Due to being labeled as a traitor by his father, Vaeric yearns for a life other than the one he was destined for. Despite having allies within House Veth’aal such as his aunt Vitoria and Luthor Veth’aal, Viktor remains determined to see him dead. As the player, you have three distinct approaches to complete this quest, each offering varying results.

Option 1 – Kill Vaeric Veth’aal

Per your assignment, eliminating Vaeric Veth’aal is a necessary task. As a representative of House Va’ruun, it’s your duty to obey the Great Serpent’s will. In this world, “All Must Serve,” and taking out Vaeric presents a viable choice that comes with extra credits and gear drops. If you choose this path, remember to retrieve the Signet Ring from Vaeric’s remains.

Informing Viktor Veth’aal that Vaeric has perished earns you 1000 Credits, some experience points, and advancements for the primary quest. However, this decision angers Vitoria significantly, and Luthor expresses displeasure as well. Regardless, it’s possible to enlist Tane Salavea under these circumstances, contingent on how Vaeric met his end.

Should You Attack Vaeric & Tane Salavea Together, Or Just Attack Vaeric Alone?

For players heavily into the roleplay of House Va’ruun, Tane deserves to die just as much as Vaeric for aiding and abetting a traitor. Viktor was very clear that anyone found aiding Vaeric should die. But, killing Tane will cause you to miss out on a new crew member, as Tane can be recruited after this quest (if he’s still alive). Both Vaeric and Tane will object to the decision to attack both, so there is still a chance to walk back from it even if it’s originally chosen. But, it’s probably the worst choice for this quest in terms of outcomes, since it blocks you from getting a new crew member for little in the way of reward — literally just what loot Tane has on him, which isn’t much.

Option 2 – Persuade Vaeric To Go Home

Despite his ultimate goal of departing from Va’ruun’kai forever, Vaeric might be dissuaded from taking up the role of a groat herder in the Va’ruun’kai highlands temporarily. Convincing him won’t require a great deal of effort, and he will consent to go back home and seek forgiveness for his departure. This is a favorable outcome since it prevents loss of life, but it isn’t the desired outcome for Vaeric himself.

From my perspective as a fan, this result isn’t biased towards the player; they’ll still get to enlist Tane Salavea, plus they’ll earn XP and 1000 Credits from Viktor Veth’aal as their reward for completing the quest.

Option 3 – Let Vaeric Go & Take His Signet Ring To Viktor

In my opinion, choosing Option 3 feels like stepping into the ideal scenario of all: Vaeric is free to live as he pleases, Viktor remains content, Tane becomes recruitable, and I can progress with the main quest using the provided codes. This option allows me to manipulate conversations by deceiving others about Vaeric’s supposed death, earning the same reactions as if he had actually been killed. Vitoria will still be enraged, Luthor will express disappointment, but Vaeric will continue to live among us.

Should You Extort Vaeric?

In dealing with Vaeric’s freedom, players have two choices: The more compassionate ones might choose to let him go while keeping his Signet Ring as proof of his demise. However, there’s another route that awards a significant 10000 Credits. Instead, you can negotiate for Vaeric to give up 10000 Credits and the Signet Ring in exchange for his freedom. This choice is advantageous as it offers the highest reward for the quest, amounting to a substantial 11000 Credits in total, compared to the basic outcomes which provide only 1000 Credits, XP, Tane Salavea (if alive), and codes.

(Optional) Speak To Vitoria After The Quest

For those who chose to save Vaeric, there’s an exclusive exchange with Vitoria following the quest. As promised, she departs, but heads instead to a balcony within the keep. Should you pursue her, you can engage in a confidential conversation, revealing that Vaeric is still alive. This encounter doesn’t seem to offer any gameplay advantages, yet it adds a charming touch to the storyline. Upon this revelation, Vitoria will be noticeably less hostile towards the player.

How To Recruit Tane Salavea After Conflict In Conviction

After the quest is completed, Tane Salavea could potentially join your team, but only if he’s still alive. If Vaeric meets his end, Tane might not show as much eagerness to join you, but given his lack of other alternatives to leave Va’ruun’kai, he’ll reluctantly agree. Head back to the “Herald’s Rest” to chat with Tane and extend an invitation for him to join your crew. Once he agrees, you can assign him to an active outpost or ship.

The Best Choice In Conflict In Conviction

A more advantageous option would be to coerce Vaeric and secure 10000 Credits from him. This action serves the same purpose as killing him, but it provides you with an additional 10000 Credits compared to other choices.

Read More

2024-10-02 19:13