# Unveiling the Shadows: A Comprehensive Guide to Joining the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion
The Dark Brotherhood, a clandestine order of assassins operating in the shadows of Tamriel, has long captivated the imaginations of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* players. Their insidious quests, moral ambiguity, and elaborate rituals create a unique and compelling faction to join within the game. For those seeking to delve into the darker side of Skyrim’s predecessor, navigating the path to becoming a Listener or an assassin for the Brotherhood requires a specific approach. This guide will illuminate the steps necessary to infiltrate this secretive organization, from initial whispers of their existence to the coveted rank of Speaker.
To begin your journey into the clandestine world of the Dark Brotherhood, you must first be invited. This invitation doesn’t come through conventional means but through a peculiar and unsettling event: the murder of an NPC. Once you have committed an act of murder, whether it’s a crime of passion or a calculated act, you will be approached in your sleep by a shrouded figure. This spectral messenger, known as a Night Mother’s child, will initiate your entry into the Brotherhood by offering you a chance to join their ranks. The key here is that the murder must be *unjustified* in the eyes of the law; simply killing a hostile creature or an enemy combatant will not suffice.
| Category | Information |
| :———————- | :————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| **Faction Name** | The Dark Brotherhood |
| **Primary Goal** | Assassination for gold and influence. |
| **Player Entry Method** | Committing an *unjustified* murder, then accepting an invitation in a dream. |
| **Starting Location** | The Wayshrine of the One of the Nine (after the initial invitation). |
| **Key NPCs** | The Night Mother, Shadowmere (summonable undead horse), Arquen, Festus Krex, Lucius Carius, Ocheeva, Babette, Vincenzo Vater, Antoinetta Marie, Nazir, AstardTirinus. |
| **Key Ranks** | Aspirant, Assassin, Adept, Expert, Master, Speaker, Listener. |
| **Signature Gear** | Dark Brotherhood Armor, Blade of Woe, various poisons and spell scrolls. |
| **Key Quests** | “Darkness Returns,” “The Purification,” “Boethiah’s Calling,” “Whodunit?,” “The Assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII.” *(Note: Some quests are associated with the Oblivion main questline and the Daedric Prince Boethiah, respectively.)* |
| **Authentic Reference** | [https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Dark_Brotherhood](https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Dark_Brotherhood) |
## The Initiation: From Murderer to Aspirant
Following your spectral encounter, you will awaken to find yourself at the Wayshrine of the One of the Nine, a stark contrast to the shadowy business you’ve just undertaken. Here, you will meet with Arquen, a stern but fair representative of the Brotherhood. Arquen will present you with a test: the “Blood Price” quest. This initial contract will task you with eliminating a target within a specific timeframe. Successfully completing this mission is crucial, as it solidifies your commitment and proves your nascent skills to the Brotherhood.
### The First Steps in the Sanctuary
Upon successful completion of the “Blood Price,” you will be formally inducted into the Dark Brotherhood as an Aspirant. You will be granted access to the Cheydinhal Sanctuary, the Brotherhood’s primary base of operations within Cyrodiil. Here, you will meet the other members, learn the tenets of the Five Tenets (the Brotherhood’s strict code of conduct), and begin to receive more challenging contracts. The Sanctuary serves as your home, your training ground, and your operational hub.
The Dark Brotherhood’s creed, the Five Tenets, is paramount. These tenets dictate the Brotherhood’s actions and ensure its continued existence. Violating them can lead to severe repercussions, even death.
## Climbing the Ranks: Contracts and Advancement
Advancement within the Dark Brotherhood is solely based on the successful completion of assassination contracts. Each contract you undertake will test your skills in stealth, combat, and sometimes even diplomacy. As you complete more contracts, your standing within the guild will rise, leading to better equipment, more lucrative jobs, and ultimately, higher ranks.
### Key Skills for an Assassin
To excel as a member of the Dark Brotherhood, certain skills are essential:
* **Sneak:** The ability to move undetected is paramount for a successful assassin. High sneak allows you to bypass guards, approach targets unseen, and deliver a killing blow before your presence is even registered.
* **Blade/Blunt/Hand-to-Hand:** Proficiency with a chosen weapon is crucial for dispatching targets efficiently and quietly.
* **Destruction Magic:** Spells can be used for silent takedowns from a distance, creating diversions, or even for direct combat if stealth fails.
* **Illusion Magic:** Spells like invisibility and silence can significantly aid in infiltration and evasion, making them invaluable tools for an assassin.
### Types of Contracts
The contracts offered by the Dark Brotherhood vary in difficulty and reward. They can range from eliminating a lone individual to taking down multiple targets or even disrupting political schemes.
* **Standard Contracts:** These are the bread-and-butter of the Brotherhood, involving the assassination of a single specified target.
* **Special Contracts:** These often come with unique conditions or more challenging objectives, such as eliminating a target in a heavily guarded area or within a strict time limit.
* **Bonus Contracts:** Sometimes, there are opportunities for additional rewards if specific bonus objectives are met during a contract.
## The Inner Sanctum: Becoming a Speaker
As you rise through the ranks, you will eventually be recognized for your loyalty and skill. Achieving the rank of Adept or higher opens the possibility of taking on more significant roles within the Brotherhood. The ultimate goal for many is to become a Speaker, a trusted advisor to the Night Mother and a leader within the organization. This position requires not only exceptional assassination skills but also a deep understanding of the Brotherhood’s history, its members, and its intricate workings.
### Notable Brotherhood Members
The Dark Brotherhood is comprised of a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and contributions to the guild:
* **The Night Mother:** The spiritual leader of the Brotherhood, her will drives the organization.
* **Arquen:** A high-ranking member who oversees new recruits and assigns contracts.
* **Festus Krex:** A powerful Destruction mage and a veteran assassin.
* **Babette:** A vampire who appears as a child but is centuries old and a deadly assassin.
* **Nazir:** An Argonian assassin known for his pragmatic approach to contracts.
Shadowmere, a spectral horse bound to the Dark Brotherhood, can be summoned by any member who proves their worth. This powerful steed not only aids in travel but can also assist in combat, returning to life if slain.
## FAQ: Your Darkest Questions Answered
**Q1: How do I initiate the Dark Brotherhood questline in Oblivion?**
A: You must commit an unjustified murder. After this, you will receive an invitation in a dream to meet with a representative of the Dark Brotherhood.
**Q2: Where is the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary located?**
A: The primary sanctuary in Cyrodiil is located in Cheydinhal.
**Q3: What are the Five Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood?**
A: The Five Tenets are a set of rules that govern the Brotherhood:
1. Never dishonor the Night Mother.
2. Never betray the Dark Brotherhood, to which loyal members ensure eternal life and unity.
3. Never disobey the will of the Night Mother.
4. Never steal from the wealth or the properties of a member of the Dark Brotherhood.
5. Never kill a brother or a sister, lest you face the wrath of the Night Mother.
**Q4: Can I join the Dark Brotherhood if I’m a good-aligned character?**
A: While the Brotherhood is an evil organization, the game mechanics allow any character to join. However, your actions within the Brotherhood will undoubtedly have alignment consequences.
**Q5: What is the best way to complete Dark Brotherhood contracts?**
A: Utilizing stealth, aiming for silent kills, and employing poisons or illusion magic are highly recommended for efficient and discreet contract completion.
By following these steps and dedicating yourself to the shadowy arts, you can successfully navigate the treacherous path to becoming a respected member of the Dark Brotherhood in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*. May Sithis guide your blade.
