Babette

Babette is a Breton vampire and, as a member of the Dark Brotherhood, she also functions as a merchant of potions and ingredients, as well as being a master trainer of Alchemy.

Biography

"It's been quite a boon looking like a child. No one ever suspects a thing."

―Babette^[src]

At the age of ten, Babette was bitten by a vampire, becoming one herself. She has lived over three hundred years as one, and boasts about how her innocent appearance makes killing easier. Due to her age, it can be inferred that she was alive during the Oblivion Crisis of 3E 433.

Interactions

In the Falkreath Sanctuary, she sells potions and alchemy items. Babette has more gold than the typical alchemist. She is always available for Alchemy training. Money Babette receives as a skill trainer is added to her available funds to buy things as a merchant. Babette cannot be pickpocketed or harmed in any way because she has the body of a child.

After Death Incarnate

She, along with the Dragonborn, Nazir, and Cicero (if he was not killed in the earlier quest "The Cure for Madness") are the only members of the Dark Brotherhood to survive the Penitus Oculatus attack on the Sanctuary. As such, she moves to the Dawnstar Sanctuary and continues selling potions.

Dawnguard

In Dawnguard, Babette becomes a random encounter, found wandering the wilderness of Skyrim in search of a "snack." If asked if she is hunting she may remark that, while Nazir cooks at the Sanctuary, she has "more refined tastes." If Auriel's Bow is used to block out the sun, she comments on it, saying, "The tyranny of the sun is over!" and, "It's our time, now." She also says some of the standard NPC lines, such as, "The sky is all wrong."

Wares

After completing the Dark Brotherhood questline, two Daedra Hearts can be purchased from her in the Dawnstar Sanctuary.
Babette sells one Nirnroot and two Deathbells every two days. These ingredients are useful for Ingun Black-Briar's task.

Quests

Death Incarnate – assist Brotherhood members in the fight against the Penitus Oculatus assault.

Dialogue

Show: Sanctuary
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: "There you are! Astrid's told me all about you. Heard she pulled the ole' "Choose your victim" gag with you. Ah, I love that one..." It's nice to meet you, Babette. I will kill anyone who stands in my way. Anyone. (Remain silent) "You're going to love it here. We have a lot of fun, and we look out for each other. Just like any family." I'd like training in Alchemy. "It's as rewarding as it is dangerous. Let's see what I can show you." What can you tell me about yourself? "I'm just a little girl! The Dark Brotherhood killed my mama and papa, and then they took me captive! Please, please help me! Rather convincing, don't you think? In truth, I'm no more a little girl than you are. I was once, of course. Three hundred years ago. Vampirism tends to keep one remarkably... fresh." "Can't wait to hear all about the next person you murder."

Show: Mourning Never Comes
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: "It's been quite a boon, looking like a child. No one ever suspects a thing." Any advice on my current contract? "You're headed to the Hag's Cure, right? It's a good shop. You should examine their wares. Never pass up the chance to buy a good potion... or poison. And one more thing. Have fun. You'll be committing a dark deed, but there's no reason you shouldn't enjoy yourself. You're only young once. Trust me, I know." What are your thoughts on Cicero and the Night Mother? "Two hundred years ago, I would have lain down my life for the Unholy Matron. But that is an ago long since passed. Astrid is my matron now."

Show: Whispers in the Dark
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: Astrid thinks a Family member may be conspiring with Cicero. "Oh! Well, I hope she doesn't suspect me. I mean, I've spoken with Cicero a bit, and he's quite charming. But I'd never go against Astrid. Never."

Show: The Silence Has Been Broken
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: Any advice on my current contract? "The man you need to speak with, his name is Mottierre? That's a very old and powerful Breton family, firmly established in Cyrodiil. Most curious..."

Show: Bound Until Death
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: Any advice on my current contract? "It's no fair. I love weddings. Astrid should have given this contract to me. Instead, she's got me visiting cities, assessing security. How boring. But listen, I think I can help you. The wedding reception is outside the Temple of the Divines, right? In Solitude? If so, the bride will probably address the crowd from the balcony. It overlooks the courtyard. Well, there's an old statue there. I've seen it. Hanging right over where she'll be standing. Old means weak. Weak means it could fall. Hmmm?"

Show: Breaching Security
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: Any advice on my current contract? "Normally I talk to a victim before I end his life, but I wouldn't recommend it this time. Maro will be alert to danger. Talking may spook him."

Show: The Cure for Madness
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: "I believed in Cicero. But he's betrayed us all." Any thoughts on the current situation? "Cicero destroyed any sympathy I may have had for him when he wounded Veezara. Kill the fool and be done with it." "Go. Do what has to be done."

Show: Recipe for Disaster
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: Any advice on my current contract? "Yes - don't kill the Gourmet! Oh, I know you have to, but it makes me sad all the same. I love the Gourmet's recipes. The world will soon be a blander, less flavorful place."

Show: To Kill an Empire
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: Any advice on my current contract? "Don't take any chances with this one. Use the Jarrin Root to poison the Emperor's food. You're disguising yourself as a chef - it only makes sense."

Show: Death Incarnate
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: "Nazir told me what happened in Solitude. You poor dear. You've been through so much..." At Astrid: "By Sithis, what... what happened?" After talking to Astrid: "Oh, Astrid..." After killing Astrid: "If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I wouldn't have believed it. How could Astrid have done this to us? Strangely, I feel only pity for her..."

Show: Hail Sithis!
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: "I'll admit, I'm having trouble coming to terms with all of this. I'll just follow Nazir's lead." If Cicero is still alive upon leaving the Dawnstar Sanctuary after murdering the Emperor: "So... wait. Cicero is alive? And we're all friends again? I swear, I can hardly keep up..."

Conversations

Contracts

Arnbjorn: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Veezara: "Ha ha ha ha! Again! Again! Do the part where he tries to buy you some candy." Babette: "Okay, okay. Wait. Here we go. "Ooh, you are such a pretty little girl. Would the sweetie like a sweetie? Oh yes, how about some chocolate?" Oh yes, please, kind sir. My mama and papa left me all alone, and I'm so very hungry. I know a shortcut to the candy shop. Through this alley. Oh ya, very good. Very good. My it is dark down here. Oh, but you are so beautiful. Such a lovely smile. Your teeth... your teeth! No! Aggghh!!" Gabriella: "Oh Babette, but you are so wicked." Nazir: "What about you, Festus? How did that last contract turn out?" Arnbjorn: "Oh, yes, please, old man. Regale us with your tales of wizardry..." Festus Krex: "Ah, the young and stupid. Always mocking the experienced and brilliant. My contract went very well, I'll have you know. Tried a new spell. Little something I've been working on in my spare time. Came "this" close to turning that priest inside out. Damned messy." Gabriella: "And what of your latest, Arnbjorn. Something about a Khajiit? Merchant was it?" Babette: "Oh, a big doggy chasing a little kitty! How adorable!" Nazir: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Festus: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Veezara: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Arnbjorn: "I am not adorable, it was not funny, and he wasn't a merchant. He was a Khajiit monk, a master of the Whispering Fang style. But now he's dead... and I have a new loincloth." Nazir: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Festus: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Veezara: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Babette: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

Caravan job

Veezara: "Tell me, sister. Are the stories true?" Babette: "You must be talking about the caravan job..." Veezara: "You infiltrated the position, eliminated the target, and made it look like an accident. Impressive. I'd say you earned your bonus on that one!" Babette: "In truth? It was so easy, I feel a bit guilty. Once again, the sweet, innocent child earned more trust than was wise."

The Cure for Madness

Babette: "Just try to relax, Veezara. Let the elixir do its work. You'll feel better, shortly." Veezara: "Achh... Thank you, dear. You are most kind. The jester's cut feels as bad as it looks, I'm afraid." Astrid: "Damn it, this never should have happened! We knew better. We knew better, and still we let our guards down. Agh!" Festus Krex: "I'll admit, even I'm having a hard time disagreeing with you..."
[After the Dragonborn speaks to Astrid]
Festus Krex: "It's true, I'm afraid, Cicero was a little whirlwind, slashing this way and all that. It would have been funny, if he weren't trying to murder us all." Nazir: "Don't forget the ranting and raving. About the Night Mother, how she was the true leader of the Dark Brotherhood, and Astrid was just a "pretender.""
[After the Dragonborn speaks to Astrid again]
Veezara: "Bested by a fool. Who's the fool now, hmm?" Babette: "Hush, Veezara. You were very brave. Astrid may well be dead if not for you." Astrid: "She's right. I'll be forever in your debt, dearest brother. Now be quiet. Just... just rest."

Death Incarnate

Babette: "Hurry, Nazir! I'm telling you, he's (or "she's") in there!" Nazir: "I'm going... as fast... as I can, you stupid she-devil. I don't see you... helping..." Babette: "I'm not exactly built for manual labor. Now come on, you've almost got it." Nazir: "One more... pull... Yeeaahh! There." Babette: "Can you get it open?" Nazir: "I think so. Just hold on a moment."

Hail Sithis!

Nazir: "Babette, my girl - pack your things. We're moving." Babette: "I was hoping you'd say that."

Quotes

Quote	Audio
"Nazir told me what happened in Solitude. You poor dear. You've been through so much..."
"If I hadn't heard it with my own ears I wouldn't have believed it. How could Astrid have done this to us? Strangely, I feel only pity for her..."
"I'm just a little girl! The Dark Brotherhood killed my mama and papa, and then they took me captive! Please, please help me!"
"In truth, I'm no more a little girl than you are. I was once, of course. Three hundred years ago. Vampirism tends to keep one remarkably... fresh."
"Two hundred years ago, I would have lain down my life for the Unholy Matron. But that is an age long since passed. Astrid is my matron now."
"There you are! Astrid's told me all about you. Heard she pulled the ole' "Choose your victim" gag with you. Ah, I love that one..."
"I could brew some potions for you. Or train you in Alchemy."
"You looking to buy some potions? Or maybe I could help train you to make your own?"
"My targets make the mistake of not perceiving me as a threat. Last mistake they ever make."
"Have a good contract."

Trivia

Babette, along with Nazir and Cicero (if spared) are the only members who survive the Sanctuary massacre, should the Dragonborn have joined the Dark Brotherhood.
In the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, if the spider Lis is killed, the assassins attempt revenge, while Babette only says, "Why are they fighting?" as if she were a normal child, not a vampire.
Babette is the only child vampire in Skyrim.
When recording Babette's lines, Harley Graham made a blunder in the line, "Got a pretty full stock of potions and alchemy reagents." She sounds out the word "alchemy" and mispronounces it. This was not done over, and remains in the game.
Using Detect Dead can highlight her.
If the members of the Dark Brotherhood are killed in "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!," Babette is not among the members in the sanctuary.
Cicero refers to her as the "Un-child," while Astrid calls her an "eternal ten-year-old vampire."
Babette can often be found talking to Gabriella about her recent contracts.
Babette is usually found sitting down looking at Lis' spider nest along with Gabriella and Festus Krex. With Dawnguard installed, she may on occasion be spotted in Skyrim feeding on dead bodies.
During "Death Incarnate," Nazir will be arguing with Babette while he drags the Night Mother's coffin from the lake in the Sanctuary, where he will call her a "stupid she-devil" for not helping him.

Bugs

This section contains bugs related to Babette. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:

Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template 360 / XB1 , PS3 / PS4 , PC / MAC , NX / PS5 , XS , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.
Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.

Occasionally, she cannot be found at her usual spot at the Sanctuary. If the player sleeps in any bed nearby, she will re-appear.

Appearances

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard