The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Dark Brotherhood

Join the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, embracing shadows and becoming an assassin with quests steeped in Sithis lore.

Dark Brotherhood

For those with a darker inclination, the Dark Brotherhood offers a thrilling and morally ambiguous questline, allowing you to embrace the shadows and become a professional assassin. This faction delves deep into the lore of Sithis, the Dread Father, and the Night Mother, presenting a narrative rich with intrigue, betrayal, and unforgettable characters. Joining their ranks opens up a world of unique contracts, powerful enchanted items, and a truly distinct playstyle. Hail Sithis!

Dark Brotherhood - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion screenshot
Dark Brotherhood

Joining the Dark Brotherhood: The Initiation

Unlike other factions that require formal applications or specific skill levels, the Dark Brotherhood seeks out those who have already proven their willingness to take a life. To initiate contact with this shadowy organization, you must commit a murder. This act, regardless of its justification or the victim's status, will mark you for recruitment.

Step-by-Step Recruitment:

  1. Commit a Murder: The most crucial step is to kill any NPC in the game. This can be a random bandit, a quest-related enemy, or even an innocent civilian. The key is that the act must be registered as a murder by the game (i.e., not a self-defense kill against an aggressor, unless you initiate the attack).
    • Recommended Target: For players who wish to join without incurring significant bounty or moral qualms, consider targets such as:
      • Bandits: Found in various ruins and caves across Cyrodiil.
      • Marauders: Similar to bandits, often found in fortified camps.
      • Nulfaga the Hag: A lone, non-essential NPC found in the wilderness near the Imperial City. She's often an easy target for a quick, low-consequence murder.
    • Important Note: The murder does not need to be witnessed for the Dark Brotherhood to take notice. They have their own mysterious ways.
  2. Sleep in a Bed: After committing the murder, you must find a bed and sleep. This can be your own bed in a purchased house, an inn bed, a bedroll in a dungeon, or even a stolen bed in an NPC's home. The duration of sleep does not matter, even one hour is sufficient.
  3. The Visit from Lucien Lachance: Upon waking, you will be greeted by Lucien Lachance, a Speaker for the Dark Brotherhood. He will appear in your sleeping quarters, regardless of its location, and deliver a chilling message. He will inform you that you have "murdered an innocent soul" and that the Night Mother has taken notice.
  4. Accept the Contract: Lucien will offer you your first contract: to assassinate a man named Rufio at the Inn of Ill Omen, located south of the Imperial City on the road to Bravil. Accepting this contract is your formal entry into the Dark Brotherhood questline.

The Inn of Ill Omen: Rufio's Demise

Your first official assassination is a test of your resolve and discretion. Rufio is a seemingly harmless old man, but his death is required to prove your loyalty to the Dread Father.

Contract Details:

  • Target: Rufio
  • Location: The Inn of Ill Omen, in the basement.
  • Strategy: Rufio is typically found sleeping in his bed in the inn's basement. He is not a fighter and poses no threat.
    • Stealth Approach: For a true assassin's touch, sneak into the basement at night. Use a silenced bow or a dagger for a stealth kill. This minimizes bounty and maintains your shadowy persona.
    • Direct Approach: You can also simply walk in and kill him. However, this may alert the innkeeper or other patrons, potentially leading to a bounty.
  • Completion: Once Rufio is dead, return to the location where Lucien Lachance first appeared to you (your last sleeping spot). Sleep again, and Lucien will reappear to congratulate you and provide further instructions.

The Sanctuary and Beyond

After successfully eliminating Rufio, Lucien Lachance will direct you to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, hidden beneath the city of Cheydinhal. This will become your base of operations and home for the duration of the questline.

Life as an Assassin:

  • New Contracts: Within the Sanctuary, you will meet your fellow assassins and receive new contracts from Vicente Valtieri, another high-ranking member. These contracts are varied, ranging from straightforward eliminations to elaborate schemes requiring careful planning and execution.
  • Advancement: Completing contracts earns you gold, reputation within the Brotherhood, and access to more challenging missions. As you progress, you will uncover a deep conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the Dark Brotherhood.
  • Moral Choices: The Dark Brotherhood questline often presents morally ambiguous choices. While your primary goal is assassination, how you carry out these tasks, and whom you choose to spare or eliminate in certain situations, can add depth to your role-playing experience.

Unique Rewards and Equipment

The Dark Brotherhood questline is renowned for its exceptional rewards, providing some of the most iconic and powerful items in the game. These items are not merely cosmetic; they offer significant advantages to any stealth-oriented character.

Notable Rewards:

  • Shrouded Armor: This iconic light armor set is one of the first major rewards you receive. It is enchanted with powerful stealth-enhancing effects, making it indispensable for assassins.
    • Shrouded Hood: Fortify Sneak +10, Fortify Marksman +10
    • Shrouded Cuirass: Fortify Sneak +10, Fortify Blade +10
    • Shrouded Gauntlets: Fortify Sneak +10, Fortify Hand to Hand +10
    • Shrouded Greaves: Fortify Sneak +10, Fortify Acrobatics +10
    • Shrouded Boots: Fortify Sneak +10, Fortify Light Armor +10
    • Full Set Bonus: Wearing the complete set provides a significant boost to your stealth capabilities, making you a true shadow.
  • Blade of Woe: A unique dagger with a powerful Absorb Health enchantment, making it a formidable weapon for close-quarters combat. It also has a unique appearance.
  • Shadowmere: One of the most powerful and loyal mounts in the game. Shadowmere is an ethereal black horse with high health regeneration and combat prowess, making her an invaluable companion for any adventurer.
  • The Black Hand Robes: A set of powerful robes worn by the highest-ranking members of the Dark Brotherhood, offering significant magical enchantments.
  • Gold and Other Items: Each contract provides a monetary reward, and many missions offer opportunities to loot valuable items, potions, and enchanted gear from your targets or their surroundings.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

  • Bounty Management: While the Dark Brotherhood encourages murder, try to complete contracts discreetly to avoid accumulating excessive bounties. Use stealth, poisons, and silenced weapons.
  • Saving Regularly: Some contracts can be tricky or have unexpected outcomes. Save frequently, especially before attempting a difficult assassination.
  • Listen to Dialogue: Pay close attention to the instructions and lore provided by your fellow assassins and Lucien Lachance. The story is rich and rewarding.
  • Explore the Sanctuary: Take time to explore the Cheydinhal Sanctuary. It contains various supplies, training dummies, and unique interactions with your fellow assassins.
  • Embrace the Role: To truly enjoy the Dark Brotherhood, embrace the role of a cold, calculating assassin. Make choices that reflect your character's dedication to Sithis and the Night Mother.

The Dark Brotherhood questline is a highlight of Oblivion, offering a compelling narrative and unique gameplay experience. By following these steps and embracing the shadows, you too can become a feared agent of the Dread Father.