how to join dark brotherhood skyrim

The Dark Brotherhood is one of the most intriguing factions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Known for its secretive nature and deadly efficiency, joining this guild of assassins is a goal for many players. This guide will walk you through the steps to join the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim.

Why Join the Dark Brotherhood?

Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers several benefits:

• Unique Quests: Experience some of the most memorable quests in Skyrim.
• Exclusive Gear: Obtain special armor and weapons unique to the Dark Brotherhood.
• Gold Rewards: Earn significant amounts of gold through assassination contracts.

Steps to Join the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim

1. Begin the Quest “Innocence Lost”

1. Travel to Windhelm:
   • Head to the city of Windhelm, located in the northeastern part of Skyrim.
2. Find Aventus Aretino:
   • Go to the Aretino Residence in Windhelm. It’s located in the city’s residential district.
   • Enter the house and find Aventus Aretino, a young boy performing the Black Sacrament to summon the Dark Brotherhood.
3. Talk to Aventus:
   • Speak with Aventus to start the quest “Innocence Lost.”
   • He will ask you to kill Grelod the Kind, the headmistress of Honorhall Orphanage in Riften.

2. Complete the Quest “Innocence Lost”

1. Travel to Riften:
   • Make your way to Riften, located in the southeastern part of Skyrim.
2. Find Honorhall Orphanage:
   • The orphanage is near the marketplace in Riften.
3. Kill Grelod the Kind:
   • Enter the orphanage and locate Grelod the Kind.
   • Eliminate her discreetly to avoid any trouble with the guards.
4. Return to Aventus:
   • After completing the task, return to Windhelm and speak with Aventus Aretino to inform him of Grelod’s death.

3. Receive the Mysterious Note

1. Wait for the Courier:
   • After completing “Innocence Lost,” you will receive a mysterious note from a courier. This can happen anywhere in Skyrim, usually after a few in-game days.
2. Read the Note:
   • The note will have a black handprint and the words “We know.” This indicates that the Dark Brotherhood is aware of your actions.

4. Sleep in Any Bed

1. Find a Bed:
   • Go to any inn, your own house, or any place where you can sleep.
2. Sleep:
   • After reading the note, sleep in a bed. Upon waking, you will be in a new location.

5. Meet Astrid

1. Wake Up in the Abandoned Shack:
   • You will wake up in an abandoned shack with Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, standing before you.
2. Complete the Task:
   • Astrid will give you a task to kill one of three captives in the room. This is a test to prove your worth.
   • Choose any of the captives and kill them to complete the task.
3. Join the Dark Brotherhood:
   • After completing the task, speak to Astrid. She will officially invite you to join the Dark Brotherhood.
   • Follow her instructions to travel to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, located near Falkreath.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Save Often:
   • Save your game frequently, especially before attempting any major actions or quests.
2. Stealth is Key:
   • Use stealth to your advantage to avoid detection and make your assassinations cleaner.
3. Equip Proper Gear:
   • Make sure to have the right weapons and armor to handle any unexpected encounters.

Conclusion

Joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim is a thrilling journey filled with dark quests and unique rewards. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can become a member of this notorious guild of assassins and enjoy all the benefits it offers. Happy adventuring!