One of the intriguing groups players can align with in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is the Dark Brotherhood, a hidden network of assassins for hire. Throughout Cyrodiil, you’ll find numerous standalone sidequests, but the five main factions—the Mages Guild, Fighters Guild, Thieves Guild, the Arena, and the Dark Brotherhood—are your best bet for substantial side content and achievements in Oblivion. Each faction’s storyline offers a variety of rewards based on the combat styles they represent.
While joining most factions is straightforward, simply requiring an introduction, the method to become a member of the secretive Dark Brotherhood is a bit more involved. If you’ve played other titles in the Elder Scrolls series, you may have a general idea of what to expect, but there are specific details and unique steps for joining the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion. Here’s how to go about it.
How to Become a Member of the Dark Brotherhood
Eliminate an NPC
As in the original Oblivion, joining the Dark Brotherhood requires you to eliminate any non-hostile NPC. This could be anyone you encounter, but it’s advisable to target someone who doesn’t play a crucial role in significant sidequests or isn’t needed for your journey. Here are a few easy targets accessible right from the start:
- Any city guard: They are easy to spot and can often be isolated, but be warned, getting caught leads to a 1,000 gold bounty.
- Puny Ancus: This NPC can be found in the Waterfront District of the Imperial City, often sleeping behind a wall in a discreet area.
- Anyone inside the Skooma Den in Bravil: This is a straightforward option.
- Agronak gro-Malog, known as The Gray Prince: You’ll meet him during the Arena quest, which ultimately results in his demise.
- S’rathad: A Khajiit located in either the Talos Plaza or Waterfront Districts.
Once you have eliminated any of these NPCs (or another of your choosing), a message will pop up reading, “Your killing has been observed by forces unknown.” At this point, you need to find a bed and sleep for any duration. Renting a room at the Merchant’s Inn in the Imperial City’s Market District is a good option, though any unclaimed bed in the world will suffice.
You’ll awaken in the middle of the night to a visitor named Lucien Lachance, who will introduce himself and outline the main principles of the Dark Brotherhood. He will extend an offer of membership, contingent on the condition that you murder a man named Rufio. Lucien will also provide you with the Blade of Woe.
“A Knife in the Dark”
This initiates the quest “A Knife in the Dark,” which takes you to the Inn of Ill Omen, located along the Green Road between the Imperial City and Bravil. Simply walk in, inquire about Rufio with the innkeeper, or skip that and head directly to the trapdoor that leads downstairs.
Eliminate Rufio by any means necessary—a single strike is sufficient. Return to any bed (even Rufio’s will work) and sleep again; you’ll be visited by Lucien once more, officially welcoming you to the Dark Brotherhood. He will instruct you to visit the guild hall in Cheydinhal. Travel to the Abandoned House, descend to the basement, and say the password “Sanguine, my brother” when prompted to gain entry. Afterward, just speak with Ocheeva to be formally inducted into the Dark Brotherhood.
How to Advance in the Dark Brotherhood
A Simple System
Unlike other factions in Oblivion, advancing within the Dark Brotherhood is quite straightforward. Complete each assassination mission in the order they are assigned, and after reaching certain milestones in the story, you will be promoted.
The Dark Brotherhood is a fantastic faction choice for characters specializing in daggers, as you will acquire impressive enchanted daggers for completing various quests in its storyline. It’s also ideal for stealth-oriented characters, providing ample opportunities to enhance your stealth skill. Regardless of your character build in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, joining the Dark Brotherhood is beneficial for the experience and achievements you’ll gain while progressing through it.
