Few factions in gaming are as intriguing as the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This sinister guild of assassins is steeped in rich lore, shadowy politics, and the worship of Sithis, the deity of chaos and the void. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the boots of an elite assassin, this is your opportunity to dive headfirst into the darkness, and the rewards are worth every whisper and blade. In this comprehensive Elder Scrolls Oblivion Dark Brotherhood guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through joining the Brotherhood, mastering its quests, and uncovering its rich world of conspiracy and stealth. Ready your daggers and spells because the shadows are calling.
- Oblivion set a new benchmark for immersive role-playing when it launched in 2006.
1. How to Join the Oblivion Dark Brotherhood
Joining the Dark Brotherhood is shockingly simple; the initiation, however, isn’t for the faint of heart. To begin the journey, you’ll need to commit an act that speaks to the Brotherhood’s dark creed.
Step 1: Committing Murder
To catch the Brotherhood’s attention, you must kill another NPC (non-combatants included). Any murder will do, but some players prefer to choose a character they can easily do without. It’s worth mentioning that guards may pursue you if caught, so save your game before striking. For roleplay purposes, many opt for a morally gray choice, like ending the life of a bandit who has outlived their usefulness.
- Lucien becomes a key figure in the Dark Brotherhood questline
Step 2: Lucien Lachance’s Arrival
Sleep in any bed after the murder, and you’ll be greeted by Lucien Lachance, a high-ranking member of the Brotherhood. This eerie yet charismatic recruiter will offer you a chance to join Cyrodiil’s most infamous guild. If you accept, you’ll receive your first task: eliminate a man named Rufio.
Step 3: Assassination of Rufio (Initiation)
Travel to the Inn of Ill Omen, located along the Gold Road, and find Rufio hiding in one of the bedrooms. He’s an easy initial target and poses no threat. After completing the kill, sleep once more, and the Oblivion Dark Brotherhood will officially welcome you into the fold.
2. The Brotherhood Sanctuary: A New Family Awaits
Your introduction to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Cheydinhal is like walking into a hidden paradise for assassins. Located in an unassuming building, this sanctuary becomes your home away from home, complete with quirky members, valuable resources, and plenty of dark humor.
- The Sanctuary serves as the player’s base for carrying out dark, thrilling missions.
Upon entering, you’ll meet Ocheeva, the sanctuary leader, and Vicente Valtieri, a vampire who acts as a mentor and contract handler. Other members, like the hotheaded Gogron gro-Bolmog and the mysterious M’raaj-Dar, each have distinct personalities, adding color to the group.
The Sanctuary also provides incredible perks to kickstart your assassin career. You’ll receive the Shrouded Armor, enchanted gear that boosts stealth skills, along with training tips and materials like poisons. Moreover, the Brotherhood members can level up their skills in Sneak, Marksman, and other stealth-related talents.
3. Stealth Gameplay Essentials: Becoming a Master Assassin
To thrive in the Oblivion Dark Brotherhood, we’ll need to refine the art of subtlety. Assassination is less about brute force and more about mastering stealth, timing, and creativity.
- Masters of Illusion can avoid fights, influence NPCs, or turn enemies against each other
The Focus on Stealth
Stealth-based skills are your bread and butter within the Brotherhood. Sneak, for instance, is critical for approaching enemies undetected, while Marksman adds ranged lethality when performing silent kills with a bow. Illusion magic, which offers spells like Invisibility and Chameleon, ensures you can slip past guards unnoticed.
Poisons crafted via Alchemy are also highly recommended. Combine simple ingredients to create deadly brews, such as health-draining effects or paralysis-inducing potions, perfect for taking out targets in style. Don’t forget to use enchanted gear and spells to boost Agility, ensuring silent perfection as you prowl the shadows.
4. Dark Brotherhood Quests: Step-by-Step Walkthrough
The Brotherhood offers a mix of thrilling and morally complex contracts, all designed to test your skills and creativity. Here’s a summary of standout quests to help you navigate:
A. “A Knife in the Dark”
This is where it all begins: completing your initiation by assassinating Rufio. It’s a simple kill, helping familiarize you with stealth mechanics.
B. “Accidents Happen”
A delightful showcase of in-game creativity within the Oblivion Dark Brotherhood questline, this task involves staging an “accidental” death by dropping a mounted head onto a target. Simply sabotage the ropes above the victim and enjoy the chaos!
- The dank, crumbling halls of the Imperial Prison introduce players to stealth.
C. “Scheduled for Execution”
This mission asks you to break into the Imperial Prison and kill a prisoner guarded by heavily armed soldiers. Using stealth and disguises makes this mission particularly fun.
D. “The Purification”
Here’s where the emotional stakes peak. Ordered by Lucien Lachance, you must kill every member of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary, erasing your found family for the Dark Brotherhood’s higher purposes.
5. Rewards and Perks: Why Join the Dark Brotherhood?
The tangible and narrative rewards for completing the Dark Brotherhood questline are spectacular. Let’s break them down clearly:
- Its eerie design and powerful enchantments make it a favorite for assassins who want to move unseen and strike swiftly.
1. Shrouded Armor: Enhances skills such as Sneak and Illusion.
2. Sufferthorn: A powerful enchanted dagger.
3. Gold Payouts: Earn significant gold for each assassination.
4. The Night Mother’s Blessing: Offers permanent boosts to certain stats.
5. A Unique Storyline: The satisfaction of playing through deeply immersive assassinations tied to Cyrodiil’s lore.
Beyond the gear, completing the Brotherhood’s arc immerses us in its dark mysteries, perfect for those hungry for a narrative-rich experience.
6. Roleplaying the Dark Brotherhood: Become the Ultimate Assassin
Roleplaying in the Oblivion Dark Brotherhood is an art in and of itself. Embrace the creed of Sithis by tailoring your character’s actions, skills, and moral stance.
- The Warrior makes you tougher in battle but offers no special powers beyond the raw stat increase.
– Birthsigns Matter: For maximum stealth potential, pick The Shadow, granting invisibility once per day, or The Thief, which boosts Agility and Speed.
– Play It Your Way: Will you remain a loyal servant of Sithis, unquestioningly fulfilling every dark deed, or will you rebelliously seek your redemption via selective contracts?
The choice is yours, and no matter how you approach it, the Brotherhood offers depth for every assassin archetype.
In the End: Shadowed Excellence
The Dark Brotherhood questline offers a thrilling mixture of calculated stealth and narrative complexity unmatched in Oblivion. From staging elaborate kills to wrestling with emotional decisions, it’s a journey of growth, excitement, and mystery. Whether you aim to become the most feared assassin in Cyrodiil or dabble in the shadows for rewards, the Brotherhood welcomes you. What’s your favorite Oblivion Dark Brotherhood quest or strategy? Let us know!
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7. FAQ
Q1: What happens if I kill someone by accident?
Accidental murders still count, but you must sleep to trigger Lucien Lachance’s offer.
Q2: Can I leave or betray the Dark Brotherhood?
You can’t leave the Brotherhood officially, but ignoring contracts won’t kick you out, though you’ll miss key rewards and progression.
Q3: Is the Dark Brotherhood morally evil?
Yes, the Brotherhood follows Sithis’ belief in chaos and death, but your approach to contracts can redefine your role.
Q4: How do I roleplay as a pacifist in a murder guild?
Focus on non-combat methods like poison and manipulation. Stealth playthroughs allow indirect solutions.
