Complete guide to joining the secret assassin guild in Oblivion Remastered with expert tips and strategies
Understanding The Dark Brotherhood

The Dark Brotherhood represents the premier assassination guild within Oblivion Remastered’s expansive world, operating as an underground network of professional killers bound by ancient traditions. Unlike more accessible factions that openly recruit members, this clandestine organization demands specific criminal actions to even acknowledge your existence. Many players wander through cities hearing whispered rumors about shadowy assassins but remain clueless about proper initiation protocols.
Understanding the Brotherhood’s unique recruitment mechanics separates successful initiates from those who waste hours attempting incorrect approaches. This secretive faction doesn’t advertise membership opportunities through conventional means, requiring deliberate actions that demonstrate both willingness and capability for the assassin’s dark arts.
Step-by-Step Initiation Process
Your journey begins with calculated violence against civilian non-player characters, though this requires careful planning rather than random slaughter. The game mechanics specifically track murders of innocent NPCs who pose no threat, with certain characters offering better strategic choices than others. Avoid eliminating merchants, quest-givers, or essential storyline figures to prevent disrupting your broader gameplay experience.
When you successfully eliminate an appropriate target, the game immediately notifies you through the distinctive message: “Your killing has been observed by forces unknown…” This confirmation indicates the Brotherhood has taken notice of your actions and prepares your formal invitation.
Sleep becomes your next critical action, as the faction traditionally contacts potential recruits through dream visitations. Resting in any safe bed triggers the next phase, marked by the atmospheric warning: “The air grows chill and a shadow approaches…” Upon awakening, you’ll encounter Lucien Lachance, the Brotherhood’s speaker, who assigns your official initiation contract.
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Your first sanctioned assassination targets Rufio, located in the basement of the Inn of Ill Omen north of Bravil. This mission serves as your practical examination, testing both your stealth capabilities and commitment to the assassin’s path. Approach this task methodically, utilizing stealth attacks or environmental advantages to eliminate your target efficiently.
The final initiation step requires another sleep cycle, during which Lucien returns to reveal the sanctuary’s hidden location. The entrance resides in Cheydinhal within an abandoned house near the eastern wall, accessible through basement entry requiring lockpicking skills. Identify the distinctive door marked with a skull and crimson handprint, then speak the passphrase “Sanguine, my Brother” to gain permanent access.
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Advanced Strategies and Pro Tips
Seasoned assassins recommend prioritizing targets with minimal gameplay consequences, such as wandering travelers or isolated farmers rather than established city residents. The game’s crime system imposes bounties for murder, making discreet operations in remote areas significantly safer than urban killings. Consider acquiring the Sanctuary blessing later to reduce your bounty accumulation rate.
Common initiation mistakes include killing essential NPCs who cannot respawn, resulting in permanently lost content opportunities. Always quick-save before attempting murders and verify your target isn’t flagged as essential through conversation options or quest journal references. Another frequent error involves sleeping in owned beds before receiving the initial invitation, which delays Brotherhood contact.
Optimize your approach by preparing adequate lockpicks before your final initiation, as the Cheydinhal sanctuary entrance requires picking a leveled lock. Developing your Security skill or acquiring the Skeleton Key provides significant advantages for consistent access. Additionally, time your murders during nighttime hours when fewer witnesses patrol the streets, reducing your chances of accumulating substantial bounties.
Post-Initiation Opportunities
Successful initiation unlocks Oblivion’s most rewarding faction questline, featuring elaborate assassination contracts, moral dilemmas, and unique narrative developments. As you advance through Brotherhood ranks, you’ll access specialized equipment, including legendary armor sets and powerful enchanted weaponry unavailable through other means. The faction’s storyline incorporates multiple branching paths with consequences affecting both your character development and the game world.
Your continued service builds reputation within the assassin community, unlocking additional contracts, vendor discounts, and eventually leadership opportunities. The Dark Brotherhood experience remains one of gaming’s most memorable faction journeys, offering depth and complexity unmatched by more conventional guilds.
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