# Unveiling the Shadows: A Comprehensive Guide to Joining the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion
The allure of the Daedric Prince of Assassination, Sithis, and his shadowy covenant, the Dark Brotherhood, has captivated many a player in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The path to becoming a Listener, a revered assassin within the Brotherhood, is fraught with moral ambiguity and challenging quests, but for those who dare to tread it, the rewards are substantial. This guide will illuminate the steps required to infiltrate this clandestine organization, from your initial encounter with its enigmatic members to your rise through the ranks. Prepare yourself to embrace the darkness and master the art of silent death.
To even be considered for membership, a player must first commit a significant crime. This act doesn’t need to be particularly strategic, as the consequences are what matter. Whether it’s grand theft, a violent assault, or even murder, the key is to incur the wrath of the law and find oneself imprisoned. Once apprehended, the player will awaken in a prison cell, a fitting baptism for aspiring assassins. It is here, in the suffocating confines of incarceration, that the first whisper of the Dark Brotherhood will reach them, beckoning them towards a life beyond the conventional.
| Category | Details |
|—|—|
| **Personal Information** | |
| **Full Name** | Player Character (Customizable) |
| **Race** | Any |
| **Gender** | Any |
| **Alignment** | Varies (Often Chaotic Neutral or Evil) |
| **Affiliation** | Dark Brotherhood |
| **Status** | Aspirant, then Assassin |
| **Key Skills** | Stealth, Blade, Destruction, Light Armor, Security |
| **Notable Quests** | Dark Brotherhood questline |
| **Key Locations** | Cheydinhal Sanctuary, various assassination targets |
| **Reference Website** | [https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Dark_Brotherhood](https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Dark_Brotherhood) |
### The First Enigmatic Encounter
After serving a brief period of time in prison, a mysterious hooded figure will appear, offering a grim proposition. This spectral harbinger, known as a “Night Mother’s Child,” will present the player with a choice: accept a contract to assassinate a specific individual or face a grim fate. This pivotal moment marks the player’s true introduction to the Dark Brotherhood. The initial target will be an NPC named Grelber, who has been keeping a prisoner captive. The player must travel to the chapel in Cheydinhal and end Grelber’s life. This act, while morally questionable, serves as a test of the player’s willingness to follow the Brotherhood’s dark directives.
Upon successfully completing the assassination, the player will be instructed to return to the same mysterious contact. This individual will then reveal the location of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary, the primary base of operations for the Dark Brotherhood in Cyrodiil. This sanctuary is a haven for assassins, a place where they hone their deadly skills and receive their contracts. It is a hidden and heavily guarded location, ensuring the secrecy and security of the Brotherhood’s operations.
> The Dark Brotherhood reveres Sithis, the Void, as their divine entity. They believe that Sithis is the original creator of all things and that death is the ultimate contribution to the Void. Their rituals and assassinations are seen as acts of worship, ensuring the balance of life and death.
#### The Path to Listener: Quests and Contracts
The journey within the Dark Brotherhood is structured around a series of increasingly challenging assassination contracts. These quests will test the player’s combat prowess, stealth capabilities, and problem-solving skills. Each successful contract brings the player closer to ranking up within the Brotherhood, gaining access to more lucrative opportunities and powerful rewards.
* **Early Contracts:** These often involve straightforward assassinations, sometimes requiring the player to eliminate targets in plain sight or while they sleep.
* **Mid-Tier Contracts:** As the player progresses, the contracts become more complex. They might involve infiltrating enemy strongholds, eliminating multiple targets, or even participating in elaborate assassinations that require specific setups or timing.
* **High-Tier Contracts:** The pinnacle of the Dark Brotherhood questline involves contracts that have significant political or personal ramifications within the game’s narrative. These quests often culminate in confronting rival assassin groups or dealing with internal strife within the Brotherhood itself.
### Mastering the Art of Assassination
Beyond the questline, players can further immerse themselves in the Dark Brotherhood by focusing on developing their character’s skills. The Brotherhood itself offers training and rewards that complement an assassin’s playstyle.
* **Stealth:** Essential for infiltration and executing silent, undetectable kills.
* **Blade:** Crucial for close-quarters combat and delivering fatal blows.
* **Destruction:** Useful for creating diversions, area-of-effect attacks, or finishing off weakened foes.
* **Light Armor:** Provides protection without hindering movement or stealth.
* **Security:** Enables access to locked areas and valuable loot.
> The Dark Brotherhood employs a unique system of contracts called “Dark Sacraments.” These are whispered prayers to Sithis, seeking guidance and blessings before undertaking a mission. The Night Mother is believed to be the conduit through which these prayers are answered.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: How do I get arrested to start the Dark Brotherhood questline?**
A1: You need to commit a crime and be caught by a guard. Any crime will suffice, but murder or grand theft are common methods. After being imprisoned, you will awaken to the first encounter with the Brotherhood.
**Q2: Can I join the Dark Brotherhood without going to prison first?**
A2: No, the initial imprisonment is a mandatory step to trigger the Dark Brotherhood’s recruitment process in Oblivion.
**Q3: What happens if I refuse the first contract?**
A3: If you refuse the first contract offered by the Night Mother’s Child, or if you fail to kill the target, you will not be able to join the Dark Brotherhood.
**Q4: Are there any other ways to join the Dark Brotherhood besides the main questline?**
A4: In Oblivion, the primary and only method to join the Dark Brotherhood is through the specific questline initiated by committing a crime and being imprisoned.
**Q5: What are the benefits of joining the Dark Brotherhood?**
A5: Joining the Dark Brotherhood grants access to a unique questline with powerful rewards, specialized training, unique equipment, and the satisfying feeling of mastering the art of assassination.
