If you want Oblivion Walker achievement progress, spare Barbas and take the Masque of Clavicus Vile. Kill Barbas only if you specifically want to keep the Rueful Axe. The normal ending of “A Daedra’s Best Friend” gives you one reward, not both.
What are the two choices?
At the end of “A Daedra’s Best Friend,” you return to Clavicus Vile’s shrine with the Rueful Axe. Clavicus Vile asks you to kill Barbas. Refuse, and Barbas is reunited with Clavicus Vile; your reward is the Masque of Clavicus Vile. Follow the request and kill Barbas with the axe, and you keep the Rueful Axe instead. Prima Games’ quest guide and the Elder Scrolls Wiki quest reference describe the alternative objectives and rewards.
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Which reward should you choose?
| Your priority | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Making progress toward Oblivion Walker | Masque of Clavicus Vile | Bethesda lists the Masque as a valid artifact for the achievement; the quest-guide sources say the Rueful Axe does not count. |
| Keeping Barbas alive | Masque of Clavicus Vile | Refusing to kill him leads to his reunion with Clavicus Vile. |
| Keeping the Rueful Axe | Rueful Axe | You receive it by killing Barbas in the ordinary quest outcome. |
Bethesda’s Oblivion Walker achievement support page confirms the Masque counts. If the achievement is your deciding factor, choose the Masque rather than the axe.
When does the decision happen?
The choice comes after you obtain the Rueful Axe and return to Clavicus Vile’s shrine during “A Daedra’s Best Friend.” Decide which outcome you want before completing the final request: the ordinary quest branch awards either the Masque or the axe, not both.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Live Another Life, In Another World: Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls comes to life in one legendary experience from all three official add-ons.
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#1 Best Overall
- Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail.
- The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features.
- All-new features include remastered art and effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, screen-space reflections, and more.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, use of alcohol
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