Join the Shadows: A Comprehensive Guide to the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Dark Brotherhood, a clandestine guild of assassins, offers one of the most compelling and morally ambiguous storylines in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Joining their ranks means embracing the shadows, fulfilling contracts, and unraveling a dark conspiracy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step required to become a member and thrive within their deadly society. Prepare to delve into the sinister world of murder for profit, and to meet some truly unforgettable, albeit often unsettling, characters.

Prerequisites and Initial Steps

Unlike some guilds that have straightforward initiation quests, the Dark Brotherhood requires a different approach. There is no sign-up sheet or grand building to wander into. Instead, you must demonstrate a willingness to commit murder. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Commit Murder: The first and most crucial step is to commit a murder. This must be the murder of a non-hostile non-essential NPC. Killing a guard or any character that will immediately attack you, or killing essential NPC’s will not work. Pick someone out, and complete the murder. It is recommended to do this in a secluded area away from any witnesses. Note that it may take up to 24 in game hours for the next step to trigger.
2. Sleep: After committing a murder, simply find a bed and sleep. It does not matter if you use one in a dungeon or at an inn. You will be visited by Lucien Lachance. He will wake you up and give you a choice to join the Dark Brotherhood. There are no limitations to committing the murder, be it in the middle of the night, or during the day.
3. The Mysterious Visitor: After your slumber, you’ll be greeted by a mysterious figure named Lucien Lachance. This dapper Dark Elf, with his signature black attire, will reveal himself as a speaker for the Dark Brotherhood. He’s not there to chastise you for your recent transgression but to extend an invitation.
4. Accept the Invitation: Lucien will ask if you are willing to join the Brotherhood. If you decline the offer, he will leave, however you can attempt to be visited again. This is an irreversible step. Once you commit to the Dark Brotherhood, they are your family.

The Cheydinhal Sanctuary

Upon accepting Lucien’s offer, he will direct you to the Cheydinhal Sanctuary, the Brotherhood’s headquarters. It’s located just outside the city, hidden within the confines of a seemingly abandoned house. Here, you will meet your fellow assassins and delve into the inner workings of the Brotherhood.

1. Entering the Sanctuary: Find the abandoned house with the distinctive black hand symbol above the door. Once you enter, prepare to meet the creepy and memorable members of your new family.
2. Meeting the Family: You’ll be introduced to a cast of colorful (and often disturbed) characters, including the Keeper of the Night Mother, Teinaava, and other resident assassins. Each member has their own quirks and backstories, adding depth to the guild’s narrative.
3. Your First Contract: Your initiation will begin with a simple contract. Speak to Ocheeva, the Argonian female that serves as the primary quest giver. Ocheeva will provide you with the details of your first kill.

The Dark Brotherhood Questline: Embracing the Shadows

The Dark Brotherhood questline is a series of contracts, each more intricate and challenging than the last. These quests will take you across Cyrodiil, engaging in stealth, combat, and even a bit of creative problem-solving. Here is a breakdown of the main quests you will encounter:

Initial Contracts

• A Watery Grave: Your first contract will see you eliminating a retired pirate captain. You’ll be provided with a poison to use on the target. It’s recommended to stick to the plan provided, as deviations could lead to a higher bounty. The key to success is to avoid any witnesses and leave the scene quickly.
• Accidents Happen: The second contract involves a wealthy wine merchant. You’ll have a unique opportunity to make his demise look like an accident by tampering with the balcony’s railing. This quest introduces a more subtle approach to assassination.
• Scheduled for Execution: You’re tasked with eliminating a jailer. You’ll learn how to exploit weaknesses in security and strike when your target is most vulnerable.
• The Assassinated Man: You must eliminate a character in the marketplace. Use the crowded area to your advantage, masking your actions, and getting out unseen.
• The Lonely Wanderer: This contract will send you to a remote location where you have to deal with a lone bandit. Keep an eye out for traps, and take him out as quickly as possible.

Ascending the Ranks

• Bad Medicine: You’ll target a healer in the city of Skingrad. The quest allows for some freedom. You will have to poison his wine or kill him directly. Consider how you are going to execute this before starting the quest, as the best option varies.
• Whodunit?: You will enter a mansion and eliminate the target, as well as any other NPC’s that you are able to. As the title suggests, you are to make it look as if one of the inhabitants has gone crazy and killed everyone in the mansion. Be creative with how you accomplish this.
• Permanent Retirement: This contract will take you into an old and ruined fort. You will have to take out a retired Legion Commander. Expect a few enemies along the way and be prepared for a more challenging fight.
• The Night Mother’s Child: The nature of this contract is a bit different than the others. You will not eliminate the target, but instead guard them. The details are best left unsaid, as it could spoil your experience.

The Purification

• The Purification: This is a significant turning point in the Dark Brotherhood’s storyline. You’ll receive orders to eliminate several of your fellow members. This quest is shocking, as you may be conflicted with your orders. In the end it must be done.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

• Affairs of a Wizard: Your target is a high-ranking mage. This contract requires both stealth and magical prowess. Your strategies should vary depending on how well your character can use magic.
• Next of Kin: This mission involves a family with several connections to the Dark Brotherhood. There is a great degree of choice involved in this quest. You can take your time and collect the rewards and the secrets of the family.
• Broken Vows: You will take out several members of the same group, all of whom are connected to the church. Consider how to best handle this situation, as there will be a lot of guards patrolling these areas.
• Final Justice: The final contract will have you eliminate a former member of the brotherhood. It is a final showdown, that will test how far you have come as an assassin.

Special Quests

• The Dark Brotherhood Arena: There is a unique contract that is given to you when you reach a certain rank in the brotherhood. Be sure to take part when the opportunity arises.

Essential Skills and Equipment

To excel in the Dark Brotherhood, you’ll need to hone certain skills and acquire the right equipment. Here’s a breakdown:

Skills

• Stealth: As an assassin, stealth is your bread and butter. Invest heavily in Sneak to avoid detection. You should not be discovered, otherwise the contract could be more difficult than intended.
• Blade/Marksman: Choose your preferred weapon type, either blade for close-quarters combat or marksman for ranged assassinations. Note that you are free to choose any combat style, but most of the quest designs will require you to get close and be quiet.
• Acrobatics: Agility is essential for maneuvering through difficult environments. This also helps you sneak around easier, allowing you to move quickly and stealthily.
• Security: Lockpicking is a crucial skill for gaining entry into restricted areas, or getting access to loot.
• Alchemy: Making poisons can significantly enhance your attacks. It is recommended to experiment with ingredients when you get a chance to create some unique advantages for your character.

Equipment

• Night Mother’s Armor: This is the best and easiest armor set for members of the Dark Brotherhood. It is a unique lightweight armor that is perfect for stealth. This set will help you become the best assassin that you can be. You can acquire the full set as you progress the main storyline.
• Shrouded Blades: These blades are lightweight, and useful for getting in close and doing high damage quickly. You can also find other items that will enhance your weapon and attack capabilities.
• Poison: Experiment with Alchemy and find the best poison for your particular type of assassin. Paralysis is exceptionally useful, but there are many others to discover.
• Lockpicks: Always keep a supply of lockpicks for those unexpected opportunities. Be sure to find more and keep them in your inventory.

Roleplaying Tips for a Dark Brotherhood Assassin

Joining the Dark Brotherhood allows for a compelling roleplaying experience. Here are some tips to enhance your immersion:

• Embrace the Morally Ambiguous: The Brotherhood operates in the shadows, dealing in death. Accept the fact that the choices you make are not all good or righteous.
• Maintain Stealth: Act as a professional assassin, and prioritize stealth whenever possible. Avoid direct confrontations unless absolutely necessary.
• Obey the Tenets: Follow the rules of the Dark Brotherhood. You don’t have to fully buy into their ideology, but there are consequences for breaking the rules.
• Explore the Brotherhood’s Lore: Pay attention to the history and the characters around you. The more you learn, the better your roleplaying experience will be.
• Consider your motives: Are you in it for the gold, or do you have a dark past that leads you to these paths? Think about why your character would be involved with the Dark Brotherhood.

Benefits of Joining the Dark Brotherhood

Aside from the compelling storyline and roleplaying opportunities, joining the Dark Brotherhood offers several practical benefits:

• Unique Armor and Equipment: You will gain access to powerful weapons and armor that are exclusive to the Brotherhood. These items can significantly enhance your stealth and combat prowess.
• Access to a Hidden Sanctuary: The Cheydinhal Sanctuary is a safe haven, providing you with a place to rest, train, and plot your next move. You will feel like a true assassin, and the members will become a family to you.
• High-Paying Contracts: Completing contracts for the Brotherhood can be quite lucrative. You will gain access to a new form of economy.
• Exclusive Lore and Storyline: The Dark Brotherhood’s story is rich with mystery and intrigue, offering a deeper understanding of the world of Oblivion. This is perhaps the best storyline that the game has to offer.
• Unique Perks: As you progress in the brotherhood, you will unlock unique perks that will give you a distinct edge.

Conclusion

Joining the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion is a transformative experience. It’s a journey into the morally gray areas of the game, full of intrigue, danger, and compelling characters. If you are prepared to embrace the shadows and delve into the art of assassination, the Dark Brotherhood awaits. Just remember, silence is your friend, and death your trade. Following this comprehensive guide will provide you with the tools and the knowledge you will need to become a master assassin.