Dark Brotherhood Oblivion Missions: Complete Guide To Skyrim's Most Infamous Faction
Have you ever wondered what it's like to walk the shadowy path of an assassin in the Elder Scrolls universe? The Dark Brotherhood offers one of the most compelling questlines in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, immersing players in a world of moral ambiguity, complex characters, and morally challenging decisions. Whether you're a seasoned veteran returning to Cyrodiil or a newcomer curious about joining this notorious faction, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the Dark Brotherhood's missions in Oblivion.
Introduction to the Dark Brotherhood
The Dark Brotherhood represents one of the most fascinating factions in Oblivion, operating as a professional organization of assassins bound by the worship of Sithis and the Night Mother. Unlike typical evil organizations, the Dark Brotherhood operates under a strict code of conduct and honor among thieves, making them more nuanced than simple murderers for hire. Their presence in Cyrodiil offers players a chance to explore the darker aspects of Tamriel's society while engaging in some of the game's most memorable quests.
The faction's appeal lies not just in the assassination missions themselves, but in the rich lore, character development, and moral complexity they bring to the game. As you progress through the ranks, you'll encounter memorable characters, face difficult choices, and uncover secrets that challenge your perception of right and wrong in the world of Oblivion.
How to Join the Dark Brotherhood
Joining the Dark Brotherhood requires more than simply walking up to a recruiter - it demands that you prove yourself worthy of their attention. The process begins with what appears to be a random act of violence that catches the attention of the Dark Brotherhood's mysterious listener.
The Initiation Process
The journey starts when you commit murder, any murder, in Cyrodiil. This seemingly random act triggers a series of events where you'll receive a message from a "Stranger" the next time you sleep in any bed. The message is brief but ominous: "You sleep rather soundly for a murderer." This cryptic communication sets in motion your recruitment into the Dark Brotherhood.
After receiving this message, you must sleep again. This time, you'll be visited by Lucien Lachance, a high-ranking member of the Dark Brotherhood who serves as your initial contact. He provides you with a unique weapon - the Blade of Woe - and tasks you with eliminating a target named Rufio, who resides at the Inn of Ill Omen.
Finding the Sanctuary
Upon completing the initiation contract, Lucien directs you to the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary near Cheydinhal. This hidden location serves as your base of operations and introduces you to the core members of the Cheydinhal sanctuary. The sanctuary itself is a marvel of design, featuring living quarters, training facilities, and a central chamber where you'll receive your contracts.
Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary: Your New Home
The Cheydinhal sanctuary becomes your home base throughout your time with the Dark Brotherhood. Here, you'll interact with various members, each with their own distinct personality and backstory.
Key Sanctuary Members
Ocheeva, a female Argonian, serves as the sanctuary's matron and your primary quest-giver once you're established. Her calm demeanor and professional approach make her an excellent mentor for new recruits. Vicente Valtieri, a vampire member with a distinctive appearance, also provides contracts and offers a unique perspective on the Brotherhood's operations.
Other notable members include Baurus, who provides information about the outside world; Telaendril, the resident alchemist; and Gogron gro-Bolmog, an Orc whose enthusiasm for his work borders on disturbing. Each character adds depth to the sanctuary's atmosphere and provides different interactions that enrich the overall experience.
Sanctuary Rules and Etiquette
The Dark Brotherhood operates under specific rules that all members must follow. The most important is the tenet that forbids the killing of fellow Brotherhood members. Breaking this rule results in immediate expulsion and a contract being placed on your head. Additionally, members are expected to maintain the secrecy of the organization and to carry out contracts with professionalism and efficiency.
The Ten Purification Missions
The Dark Brotherhood questline's central arc involves "The Purification," a series of missions that test your loyalty and skills as an assassin. These missions are designed to eliminate perceived threats to the Brotherhood's operations in Cyrodiil.
Mission Structure and Progression
Each Purification mission follows a similar structure: you receive a target, gather information about their location and habits, execute the contract, and return for your reward. However, the missions gradually increase in complexity and moral weight as you progress. Early targets might be straightforward assassinations, while later missions involve more intricate planning and ethical considerations.
The missions take you across Cyrodiil, from the bustling streets of the Imperial City to remote farmsteads and hidden hideouts. This variety in location keeps the gameplay fresh and introduces you to different environments and challenges.
Notable Purification Targets
Among the most memorable targets are characters with rich backstories that you'll uncover during your investigation. Some targets might have families, legitimate businesses, or sympathetic qualities that make the assassination more than a simple kill order. This complexity adds depth to the missions and forces players to consider the consequences of their actions.
Advanced Assassination Techniques
Success in Dark Brotherhood missions requires more than just combat prowess. Stealth, planning, and understanding of game mechanics are crucial for completing contracts efficiently and maintaining your cover.
Stealth and Infiltration
Mastering stealth is essential for many Dark Brotherhood contracts. This involves understanding light levels, movement speed, and line of sight. Crouching reduces your visibility and improves your sneaking ability, while moving slowly minimizes noise. Learning to use shadows and environmental obstacles to your advantage can mean the difference between a clean kill and a chaotic confrontation.
Equipment and Preparation
The right equipment significantly impacts your success rate. Light armor or muffled footwear can improve your stealth capabilities. Poisoned weapons offer silent kills, while ranged weapons allow you to eliminate targets from a distance. The Blade of Woe, provided during initiation, serves as a reliable backup weapon and carries special significance within the Brotherhood.
Contract-Specific Strategies
Different targets require different approaches. A target who sleeps heavily might be vulnerable to a stealthy bedroom assassination, while a well-guarded noble might require a more elaborate plan involving distractions and timing. Learning to adapt your strategy to each contract's specific circumstances is key to becoming a master assassin.
The Listener and Night Mother Arc
As you progress through the Purification missions, you'll uncover a larger conspiracy involving the Listener, the Night Mother, and a potential threat to the entire Dark Brotherhood organization.
Understanding the Night Mother
The Night Mother serves as the spiritual leader of the Dark Brotherhood, communicating assassination requests through her Listener. This supernatural element adds a layer of mysticism to the organization and raises questions about fate, free will, and the nature of the contracts you're carrying out.
The Conspiracy Unfolds
Without revealing too many spoilers, the storyline takes unexpected turns as you discover that not everything is as it seems within the Dark Brotherhood. Loyalties are tested, and you'll need to make decisions that could alter the fate of the entire organization in Cyrodiil.
Rewards and Benefits of Brotherhood Membership
Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers substantial rewards beyond the immediate payment for each contract.
Unique Equipment and Items
Throughout your time with the Brotherhood, you'll acquire unique weapons, armor, and items not available elsewhere in the game. The Blade of Woe, Shrouded Armor set, and various enchanted items provide both practical benefits and status symbols within the faction.
Sanctuary Facilities
The Cheydinhal sanctuary offers more than just a place to receive contracts. It includes training facilities, storage areas, and vendors who provide specialized goods to Brotherhood members. These resources become increasingly valuable as you progress through the game.
Skill Development
The nature of Brotherhood missions encourages development of skills like Sneak, Marksman, Light Armor, and Mercantile. Regular members also provide training opportunities in various skills, helping you become more proficient in your chosen methods of assassination.
Moral Considerations and Role-Playing
The Dark Brotherhood questline presents players with numerous moral dilemmas that can significantly impact the role-playing experience.
The Weight of Murder
Unlike typical RPG factions where enemies are clearly defined as "evil," many Dark Brotherhood targets exist in moral gray areas. Some have committed crimes deserving of punishment, while others are simply victims of circumstance or political maneuvering. This ambiguity forces players to confront the ethical implications of their actions.
Role-Playing Opportunities
The Brotherhood offers rich role-playing opportunities. Will you embrace the dark persona wholeheartedly, or struggle with the moral weight of your actions? Do you maintain a separate identity for your Brotherhood life, or let it consume your character entirely? These choices can significantly impact your enjoyment of the questline and your overall experience in Cyrodiil.
Tips for Success in Dark Brotherhood Missions
Based on extensive gameplay experience, here are some practical tips for succeeding in your Dark Brotherhood career:
Preparation is Key
Always gather as much information as possible about your target before attempting an assassination. This includes their schedule, location, and any potential complications. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to execute the contract efficiently.
Multiple Approaches
Don't limit yourself to a single approach for each contract. Sometimes a direct confrontation is appropriate, while other situations call for elaborate schemes involving poison, traps, or environmental hazards. Being flexible in your methods will serve you well throughout the questline.
Manage Your Infamy
As you progress through Brotherhood missions, your Infamy score will increase, potentially affecting how NPCs interact with you. Consider maintaining a separate identity or finding ways to offset your negative reputation if you plan to engage with other factions or complete other questlines.
Conclusion: The Dark Brotherhood Experience
The Dark Brotherhood questline in Oblivion represents one of the most engaging and morally complex experiences available in the game. From the mysterious initiation process to the shocking revelations of the main storyline, these missions offer a compelling alternative to traditional heroic narratives.
Whether you're drawn to the excellent writing, the challenging stealth gameplay, the unique rewards, or the opportunity to explore Tamriel's darker aspects, the Dark Brotherhood provides a memorable journey that many players consider a highlight of their Oblivion experience. The faction's combination of supernatural elements, complex characters, and ethical dilemmas creates a questline that remains engaging even after multiple playthroughs.
For those who haven't yet experienced the Dark Brotherhood's call, prepare yourself for a journey that will challenge your assumptions about morality in gaming while providing some of the most satisfying and memorable moments in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
