Navigating the United Colonies Vanguard questline in Starfield forces players into complex moral dilemmas that shape faction dynamics and personal relationships. One of the most pivotal decisions involves whether to reveal the survival of François Sanon, also known as Vae Victis, to his clone daughter Hadrian Sanon. Understanding how this choice impacts character trust, quest progression, and narrative outcomes allows captains to make an informed decision for their playthrough.
The Truth Behind Vae Victis and Hadrian
During the UC Vanguard campaign, players discover that the notorious war criminal François Sanon is secretly alive and aiding the government from a subterranean cell. Hadrian Sanon believes her father was executed years ago for his infamous actions during the Colony War. Uncovering his continued survival creates an immediate ethical conflict between keeping state secrets and being honest with your companion.
Choosing to disclose this information to Hadrian alters her dialogue and shifts her perspective on the UC leadership. Players following daily gaming news often discuss how Bethesda embeds these layered narrative branches inside major faction storylines. Confronting Hadrian with the truth allows her to process her complex lineage with complete clarity.
Consequences of Telling Hadrian the Truth
If you choose to tell Hadrian that her father is alive, she reacts with initial shock and deep resentment toward the Cabinet's secrecy. Honesty earns her respect and strengthens your relationship, as she appreciates your transparency over political cover-ups. However, revealing this secret will compromise Vae Victis' hidden operations and alter how the final tribunal evaluates the Terramorph threat response.
Exposing François Sanon effectively shuts down his side missions, preventing players from taking on his secret bounty hunting contracts later. If you value narrative integrity and companion trust over extra side quests, informing Hadrian is the most morally satisfying route. Your decision will be reflected in subsequent conversations with both Hadrian and Percival Walker.
Consequences of Keeping the Secret
Deciding to lie to Hadrian keeps the status quo intact and preserves your working relationship with Vae Victis. By concealing his existence, you unlock access to ongoing assassination missions offered directly by François Sanon in his cell. This choice appeals to players who prioritize gameplay rewards and additional mercenary assignments over emotional honesty.
Maintaining the lie does not ruin your friendship with Hadrian, as she remains completely unaware of your deception. However, it creates a subtle roleplay dynamic where your character carries a heavy government secret. Players seeking to maximize quest content often opt for this path during their initial playthroughs.
Which Choice Should You Make
Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you value roleplay authenticity or additional gameplay content. Telling Hadrian strengthens the moral alignment of your character and delivers a more satisfying resolution to her personal narrative arc. On the other hand, keeping the secret rewards you with repeatable covert missions from a high-profile historical figure.
Neither choice permanently locks you out of completing the main UC Vanguard campaign or earning key faction rewards. Weighing personal loyalty against practical incentives ensures that your decision aligns perfectly with your captain's overarching personality.
