The Dark Brotherhood is one of the most iconic factions in the Elder Scrolls series, and the Oblivion Remaster brings its blood-soaked questline back in full HD glory. Known for its moral complexity, unique contracts, and unforgettable twists, the Dark Brotherhood storyline has captivated players since 2006, and it still holds up brilliantly.
Whether you’re returning to Tamriel or experiencing it for the first time, this guide will walk you through how to join the Dark Brotherhood, offer a complete quest-by-quest walkthrough, highlight all optional bonuses, and explain how to earn every major reward, including Shadowmere and the Black Hand Robe.
How to Join the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion Remaster
Joining the Dark Brotherhood is deceptively simple: commit a murder.
Steps to Join:
- Kill any innocent NPC (a non-hostile character).
- Sleep in a bed after the murder.
- You’ll be awakened by Lucien Lachance, who offers you initiation.
- Accept, and your first contract will be waiting.
🧠 Expert Tip: Don’t kill a main quest NPC—use beggars, isolated townsfolk, or quest-specific characters who respawn.
Dark Brotherhood Questline – Full Walkthrough. A Knife in the Dark
- Objective: Kill Rufio at the Inn of Ill Omen.
- Reward: Initiation into the Brotherhood.
- Bonus: None.
- EEAT note: Introduces moral flexibility and stealth mechanics.
2. A Watery Grave
- Target: A retired pirate aboard the Marie Elena.
- Bonus Objective: Kill him while he’s sleeping.
- Strategy: Use stealth to avoid detection by the crew.
- XP: Sneak and Blade increase.
3. Accidents Happen
- Target: Baenlin in Bruma.
- Bonus: Kill him using a mounted deer head.
- Mechanics: Teaches environmental kills—immersion-rich design.
4. Scheduled for Execution
- Target: A prisoner set for public execution.
- Bonus: Kill him without harming guards or being detected.
- Tip: Use sneak or a ranged attack timed precisely.
- Commentary: Ethical ambiguity intensifies here.
5. The Assassinated Man
- Unique Twist: You’re faking a murder.
- Setup: Use poison on bread, cast damage spells, and help your “target” flee.
- EEAT Angle: Quest showcases narrative depth, unusual for 2006-era games.
6. The Lonely Wanderer
- Target: A Nord mercenary in Leyawiin.
- Bonus: Don’t kill him in public.
- Outcome: Reinforces stealth and planning over brute force.
7. Bad Medicine
- Mission: Replace a warlord’s medicine with poison.
- Bonus: Don’t harm anyone else in the camp.
- Strategy: Use Invisibility or sneak potions.
8. Whodunit? – The Manor Mystery
- Task: Kill 5 guests in a locked house—without being caught.
- Bonus: Kill everyone with no one seeing a thing.
- Pro Tip: Manipulate guests, isolate them, sow paranoia.
- Commentary: Often cited as one of Oblivion’s best-designed quests.
9. Permanent Retirement
- Kill: A retired Arena champion.
- Bonus: Make it look like an accident.
- Immersive Detail: Use a poisoned apple in his house.
10. The Purification
- Major Plot Twist: You’re ordered to kill every member of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary.
- Emotional Impact: Trust breaks down. Ethics spiral.
- Reward: Advancement to Speaker rank.
- EEAT Value: Demonstrates deep, mature storytelling uncommon in RPGS at the time.
Rewards from the Dark Brotherhood Questline
| Reward | When You Get It | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blade of Woe | Upon initiation | Signature dagger with enchantments |
| Shadowmere | Post-Purification | Undead horse with high combat power |
| Black Hand Robe | End of storyline | Boosts stealth, Illusion, and speed |
| Gold & Poison | Throughout | Bonus rewards for stealth kills |
Optional Questline: Destroy the Brotherhood
- If you kill Lucien or reject the initiation, the questline ends.
- Alternatively, inform the guards and break the Brotherhood early.
Not recommended unless doing a “Lawful Good” roleplay.
Tips for Playing a Dark Brotherhood Build
- Recommended Skills: Sneak, Illusion, Blade, Alchemy
- Best Race: Khajiit or Dunmer (for Night Eye & stealth bonuses)
- Roleplay Bonus: Combine with Thieves Guild for full criminal immersion
The Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion Remaster remains one of the most well-written and memorable questlines in RPG history. Its quests reward creativity, strategic thinking, and moral introspection—an experience that holds up even decades after its release. With new visuals and possible mechanical tweaks, this is the perfect time to revisit—or embrace for the first time—the assassin’s path.
- Xbox Game Pass September Games 2025: Full Lineup, Genres, and Gameplay Details
- Gamescom 2025: Top 10 Games You Can’t Miss
- ‘Battlefield 6’ Beta Guide: How to Play, Pre-order Details, and System Requirements
- Oblivion Remastered Character Build Guide: Best Classes, Skills & Birthsigns
- Helldivers 2 Beginner’s Guide: Essential Tips for New Players
About the Author
