The Dark Brotherhood Questline In Oblivion: A Journey Into Tamriel's Shadow
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the shadows, to become an assassin serving the Night Mother? The Dark Brotherhood questline in Oblivion offers players one of the most immersive and morally complex storylines in The Elder Scrolls series. From that mysterious note inviting you to join their ranks to the climactic battle that determines your fate, this questline has captivated gamers for years. Whether you're a veteran returning to Cyrodiil or a newcomer curious about the Dark Brotherhood's secrets, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every twist and turn of this unforgettable journey.
Understanding the Dark Brotherhood
The Dark Brotherhood operates as a secretive cult of assassins who worship the Night Mother, a spiritual entity that communicates through ritual words of binding. Unlike the Morag Tong, their counterparts in Morrowind who operate with legal sanction, the Dark Brotherhood functions entirely outside the law, making them both feared and reviled throughout Tamriel.
The organization follows strict tenets that govern their operations. These tenets prohibit members from killing other Dark Brotherhood members, attacking fellow members on contract, or stealing from the guild. Breaking these rules results in severe consequences, including excommunication or death. The Brotherhood's structure includes various ranks from lowly Silencer to the powerful Listener, who directly receives the Night Mother's commands.
What makes the Dark Brotherhood particularly fascinating is their religious aspect. They believe in Sithis, the embodiment of chaos and the void, and view their assassinations as sacred rituals that serve this primordial force. This theological dimension adds depth to what might otherwise be a simple series of murder missions, transforming each contract into a spiritual act.
How to Join the Dark Brotherhood
The journey begins when you commit a murder and receive a mysterious note saying, "We know." This initiates a chain of events that leads to the next crucial step: killing someone while they sleep. The target doesn't matter - it could be a beggar in an inn or a guard in their barracks. What's important is that the murder occurs during sleep, demonstrating your willingness to kill without hesitation.
After this second murder, you'll receive a third note directing you to an abandoned house in Cheydinhal. Inside, you'll find a hidden door leading to the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary. Here, you meet Ocheeva, an Argonian assassin who becomes your handler. She explains that you've been invited to join not just as a member, but as someone who has proven their worth through murder.
The initiation test comes from Vicente Valtieri, a vampire who offers you membership in exchange for completing a contract. Your target is a pirate named Rufio, who sleeps in the Inn of Ill Omen. This mission serves as both a test of your abilities and an introduction to the Brotherhood's methods - finding your target, learning their routine, and striking when they're most vulnerable.
Key Quests in the Main Storyline
Once initiated, you'll embark on a series of increasingly complex and morally challenging missions. The first major contract involves killing a mother and her three children, testing your willingness to eliminate innocents. This quest introduces the concept of "dead drops" - sealed letters containing assassination instructions that you find in predetermined locations.
As you progress, the contracts become more elaborate. You might need to frame someone for murder, kill a target in a specific way, or eliminate multiple targets simultaneously. Each contract reveals more about the Dark Brotherhood's operations and the politics of Cyrodiil. The guild's influence extends to every corner of the province, from the Imperial City's bustling streets to remote villages.
The storyline takes a dramatic turn when you're tasked with killing the Emperor himself. This mission involves infiltrating the Imperial Palace disguised as the Emperor's food taster, then escaping through the palace's secret passages. The complexity and stakes of this contract mark a turning point in your relationship with the Brotherhood.
Notable Characters You'll Meet
Throughout your journey, you'll encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. Ocheeva serves as your primary contact early on, offering guidance and contracts. Her pragmatic approach to assassination contrasts with other members' more philosophical views.
Vicente Valtieri, your initial recruiter, is a vampire who offers you the "dark gift" - vampirism - multiple times throughout the storyline. His undead nature and centuries of experience make him both fascinating and unsettling. Other notable members include Gogron gro-Bolmog, an Orc who enjoys his work perhaps too much; Telaendril, an Altmer archer with a sharp tongue; and Lucien Lachance, a high-ranking member who becomes central to the plot's development.
The Night Mother herself, though never directly encountered in Oblivion, looms over the entire storyline as the spiritual leader of the Brotherhood. Her presence is felt through ritual words of binding and the sacred contracts she issues through the Listener.
Rewards and Benefits of Joining
Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers numerous tangible benefits. Members gain access to the sanctuary, which serves as a safe house with beds, storage, and merchants. You'll receive a set of Shrouded Armor, providing excellent stealth bonuses for assassins. As you rise through the ranks, you'll gain access to better equipment, including the powerful Shadowrend sword.
The most significant reward comes in the form of gold. Each contract pays handsomely, with some missions offering over 1000 gold for successful completion. These payments increase as you advance, making the Brotherhood one of the most lucrative factions to join.
Beyond material rewards, joining the Brotherhood provides unique gameplay opportunities. You'll learn advanced stealth techniques, discover secret locations throughout Cyrodiil, and experience storylines unavailable to other characters. The sense of belonging to a secret society adds depth to your character's story and opens new role-playing possibilities.
Tips for Success in Dark Brotherhood Quests
Success in Dark Brotherhood missions requires a combination of stealth, preparation, and understanding of game mechanics. Invest in your Stealth, Marksman, and Light Armor skills early on. The Shrouded Armor you receive provides excellent bonuses to sneaking, but you'll need to develop your skills to maximize its effectiveness.
Always scout your target's location before attempting the kill. Learn their schedule, identify escape routes, and locate any guards or witnesses. Many contracts allow for creative solutions - poisoning food, staging accidents, or using the environment to your advantage. The more subtle your approach, the better your chances of success without alerting authorities.
Keep a stash of lockpicks and repair hammers. Many targets reside in locked buildings, and maintaining your equipment ensures you're always ready for the next contract. Consider joining the Thieves Guild as well - their fences can help you sell stolen goods, and their contacts might provide useful information about your targets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New members often make critical errors that can jeopardize their standing with the Brotherhood. The most serious mistake is killing another member or attacking them during a contract. The Brotherhood's tenets are strict, and violations result in immediate retaliation from other members.
Another common error is rushing into contracts without proper preparation. This can lead to unnecessary combat, witnesses, and bounty on your head. Take time to observe your target, learn their routine, and identify the optimal moment for the kill. Remember, the Brotherhood values efficiency and discretion over brute force.
Don't neglect your other skills and attributes. While stealth is crucial, having combat abilities provides a safety net if things go wrong. Similarly, investing in Speechcraft can help you talk your way out of trouble or gather information about your targets. A well-rounded character has more options for completing contracts.
Impact on the Game World
Your involvement with the Dark Brotherhood has lasting effects on Cyrodiil. As you progress through the storyline, you'll notice changes in how certain characters interact with you. Some may show fear or respect, while others might actively avoid you. These reactions add depth to the game world and reinforce your character's reputation as a skilled assassin.
The Brotherhood's actions also influence the political landscape of Cyrodiil. Their contracts often involve eliminating key figures, disrupting power structures, and creating chaos that serves Sithis's will. This ripple effect makes the game world feel more dynamic and responsive to your actions.
However, joining the Brotherhood also means making enemies. The Black Hand, a rival assassin group, becomes aware of your activities and may send their own agents to eliminate you. This creates an additional layer of challenge and tension as you navigate both your contracts and the threat of retaliation.
Conclusion
The Dark Brotherhood questline in Oblivion represents one of the most compelling narratives in The Elder Scrolls series. It challenges players to explore the moral complexities of assassination while offering rich gameplay mechanics and a fascinating cast of characters. From the mysterious initiation to the climactic battles that determine the Brotherhood's fate, this storyline provides a dark counterpoint to the game's other factions and quests.
Whether you're drawn to the Brotherhood for their power, their philosophy, or simply the thrill of the hunt, joining their ranks offers a unique perspective on Tamriel's underworld. The skills you develop, the contacts you make, and the reputation you build as a Dark Brotherhood member will shape your entire experience in Cyrodiil. So sharpen your blade, don your Shrouded Armor, and prepare to walk in the shadows - the Night Mother is calling, and her will must be done.
