The world of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a rich and exciting place filled with magic and chaos. While there are various noble factions dedicated to protecting the citizens of Cyrodiil, there are also groups with darker motives. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join these groups and unleash some mayhem across the land.
But first, you need to find them. The Dark Brotherhood isn’t actively seeking new members, and you can’t just stroll into their headquarters like you can with the Fighters Guild or the Mages Guild. We’ll guide you on how to connect with the Dark Brotherhood and start your path as a recruit.
The Dark Brotherhood is a clandestine group of skilled assassins, and the only way to get their attention is to commit a murder yourself. Keep in mind that not all killings will qualify—self-defense doesn’t count.
If you kill someone who is a member of an evil faction, that won’t count either, so avoid targeting necromancers and similar characters.
Here are some good options for your first murder:
- The Adoring Fan. This character is essentially a punching bag. He’s easy to take down and won’t fight back. To avoid getting a bounty, rent a room at an inn, close the door, and then take him out.
- Any local beggar. Beggars typically go unnoticed, making them a good target. Killing one is likely to attract the Dark Brotherhood’s attention, but keep in mind that the Thieves Guild may not appreciate you taking out an informant.
- The City Guards. Although they seem to be noble and good, you can attack a guard without provocation to catch the Dark Brotherhood’s eye. Just be cautious, as the guards are likely more powerful than you, which could make the murder challenging if you’re not leveled up.
You’ll know you’ve successfully committed a valid murder when a message pops up on the screen indicating that unknown forces have witnessed your act.
When you go to sleep next, you will be visited by Lucien Lachance, who will magically appear at your bedside to tell you that the Dark Brotherhood wants to welcome you into their ranks—if you can take out a man named Rufio.
Lucien Lachance even gives you a special dagger called the Blade of Woe for this mission. How thoughtful!
Where to Find Rufio
You can find Rufio at an inn located south of Cyrodiil. Head to the Inn of Ill Omen, then go inside and find the trapdoor that leads to the basement. Move past the locked door and enter Rufio’s room, where he is often asleep in bed, making him an easy target.
Rufio is a weak old man, so he goes down quickly. Strike swiftly, then rest to meet with Lucien Lachance again. He will guide you on where to find your new home and instruct you on how to pass through the ancient door that safeguards the Brotherhood.
If you’d like, you can even sleep in the bed where you killed Rufio.
Where to Find the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary
To get to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, head to Cheydinhal and find the abandoned house along the eastern wall. Pick the lock on the door and descend into the basement.
Go through the broken wall and follow the path until you reach a large, old door with a skull on it. When the door asks, “What is the color of night?” respond with the phrase that Lucien Lachance provided: “Sanguine, my brother.”
The door will open for you, allowing you to step inside and meet your new family. Ocheeva will approach you immediately to give you your new armor and instructions. Welcome to your new life as an assassin!
