The Dark Brotherhood is one of the most intriguing factions in Skyrim, known for its shadowy assassins and dark missions. Joining this group can unlock unique quests, special rewards, and a deep storyline. This guide will take you through the steps to become a member of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim.
Why Join the Dark Brotherhood?
Before diving into the steps, let’s explore the benefits of joining the Dark Brotherhood:
- Exclusive Quests: Access to a series of unique assassination missions.
- Special Rewards: Earn powerful items and abilities exclusive to the Dark Brotherhood.
- Rich Storyline: Engage in a captivating narrative filled with twists and dark secrets.
Step 1: Initiate the Questline
To start your journey to join the Dark Brotherhood, you need to initiate the questline. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate Aventus Aretino: Head to Windhelm and find the Aretino Residence. You’ll hear rumors about a boy trying to summon the Dark Brotherhood.
- Enter the House: Pick the lock or use a key if you have one to enter Aventus Aretino’s house.
Step 2: Speak to Aventus Aretino
Once inside the house, you will meet Aventus Aretino:
- Listen to His Plea: Aventus is performing the Black Sacrament to summon the Dark Brotherhood. He will ask you to kill Grelod the Kind, the headmistress of the Honorhall Orphanage in Riften.
Step 3: Kill Grelod the Kind
Your next step is to carry out Aventus’ request:
- Travel to Riften: Head to the Honorhall Orphanage in Riften.
- Assassinate Grelod: Enter the orphanage and kill Grelod the Kind. Be mindful of the guards and ensure you don’t get caught.
Step 4: Return to Aventus
After assassinating Grelod, return to Aventus to inform him:
- Report Back: Aventus will thank you and express his gratitude. This completes the “Innocence Lost” quest.
Step 5: Wait for the Dark Brotherhood’s Contact
After completing the task for Aventus, you need to wait for the Dark Brotherhood to contact you:
- Sleep in Any Bed: Find a bed and sleep. Upon waking, you’ll be greeted by a mysterious figure.
Step 6: Meet Astrid
When you wake up, you’ll find yourself in an abandoned shack:
- Speak to Astrid: Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, will introduce herself and offer you a task. She will ask you to kill one of three captives to prove your worth.
Step 7: Prove Your Worth
To join the Dark Brotherhood, you must complete Astrid’s task:
- Choose a Target: Decide which captive to kill. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, as any choice will satisfy Astrid.
- Execute the Task: Kill your chosen target and speak to Astrid again.
Step 8: Join the Dark Brotherhood
After proving your worth, Astrid will formally invite you to join the Dark Brotherhood:
- Receive Your Initiation: Astrid will give you directions to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, located near Falkreath.
- Enter the Sanctuary: Use the password “Silence, my brother” to enter.
Step 9: Embrace Your New Role
Once inside the sanctuary, you are now a member of the Dark Brotherhood:
- Meet Your New Family: Introduce yourself to your fellow members and learn about your new home.
- Begin Your Dark Path: Start taking on contracts and embrace the life of an assassin.
Tips for New Members
Here are some tips to help you thrive as a member of the Dark Brotherhood:
- Upgrade Your Skills: Focus on stealth, one-handed weapons, and archery to excel in assassination missions.
- Use Poisons: Utilize poisons to increase your effectiveness in eliminating targets silently.
- Manage Your Bounties: Be cautious of guards and bounties. Use Thieves Guild resources to clear your name if necessary.
Conclusion
Joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim opens up a world of dark intrigue and rewarding missions. By following this step-by-step guide, you can become a skilled assassin and explore the rich narrative that this faction offers. Embrace the shadows and master the art of stealth to make the most of your journey in the Dark Brotherhood.
