How do you trigger the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?

How to Trigger the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

The Dark Brotherhood is one of the most iconic and feared factions in the world of Skyrim. With their sinister reputation and morally ambiguous nature, it’s no wonder that many players are eager to join their ranks. But how do you trigger the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim? In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to join this notorious organization and embark on a journey of murder and mayhem.

Step 1: Complete the Civil War Questline

Before you can join the Dark Brotherhood, you need to complete the Civil War questline. This involves choosing a side in the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks and completing the necessary quests to gain their support. Note that choosing a side will affect the game’s storyline and character interactions, so make sure you’re prepared for the consequences.

Step 2: Head to Riften

Once you’ve completed the Civil War questline, head to the city of Riften, located in the southeastern part of Skyrim. Riften is a hub of illegal activity, and it’s the perfect place to find the Dark Brotherhood.

Step 3: Visit the Bee and Barb Inn

The Bee and Barb Inn is a seedy tavern located in the heart of Riften. This is where you’ll find the first hint of the Dark Brotherhood’s existence. Speak to the innkeeper, Greta, and ask her about the Dark Brotherhood. She’ll give you some vague information, but it’s enough to get you started.

Step 4: Find Aventus Aretino

Aventus Aretino is a young boy who lives in a house on the outskirts of Riften. He’s the one who will introduce you to the Dark Brotherhood. Find his house and speak to him. He’ll ask you to help him with a problem, and that’s when the Dark Brotherhood will reveal itself.

Step 5: Kill Grelod the Kind

Grelod the Kind is a cruel and abusive woman who runs the local orphanage in Riften. She’s the one who’s been mistreating the children, and Aventus wants you to kill her. This is the first assassination contract you’ll receive from the Dark Brotherhood, and it’s a great way to get a feel for their operations.

The Five Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood

As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you’ll be bound by the Five Tenets, which are the core principles of the organization. These tenets are:

• Members must never dishonor the Night Mother. The Night Mother is the Dark Brotherhood’s patron deity, and she’s the one who provides them with their power.

• Members must never betray the Dark Brotherhood. Betrayal is a serious offense in the Dark Brotherhood, and it can result in severe consequences.

• Members must never disobey or refuse to carry out the orders of a superior. The Dark Brotherhood is a hierarchical organization, and members are expected to follow the orders of their superiors without question.

• Members must never steal the possessions of another Dark Brother or Sister. Stealing from fellow members is considered a serious offense, and it can result in banishment from the organization.

• Members must never kill a fellow Dark Brother or Sister. Killing a fellow member is a grave offense, and it can result in severe punishment.

The Dark Brotherhood’s Questline

Once you’ve completed the initial quest, you’ll be introduced to the Dark Brotherhood’s questline. This questline involves completing a series of assassination contracts for the organization, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The questline is designed to test your skills and moral fiber, and it’s a great way to explore the darker side of Skyrim.

Conclusion

Triggering the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim is a straightforward process that involves completing the Civil War questline, visiting Riften, and finding Aventus Aretino. From there, you’ll be introduced to the Dark Brotherhood’s world of murder and mayhem, and you’ll be able to complete their questline and explore the darker side of the game.

Tips and Tricks

• Complete the Dark Brotherhood’s questline in order. The Dark Brotherhood’s questline is designed to be completed in a specific order, and skipping quests can result in confusion and difficulty.

• Use your skills wisely. The Dark Brotherhood’s quests often require stealth, sneak, and assassin skills, so make sure you’re equipped with the right abilities.

• Be prepared for moral consequences. The Dark Brotherhood’s quests often involve killing innocent people, and this can have moral implications. Be prepared to live with the consequences of your actions.

• Join the Dark Brotherhood to access unique perks and items. The Dark Brotherhood offers unique perks and items that can’t be found elsewhere in the game, so joining the organization is a great way to gain an edge in combat and exploration.

FAQs

Q: Can I join the Dark Brotherhood after completing the Civil War questline?
A: Yes, you can join the Dark Brotherhood at any time after completing the Civil War questline.

Q: What happens if I choose to betray the Dark Brotherhood?
A: Betraying the Dark Brotherhood will result in severe consequences, including banishment from the organization and potential punishment.

Q: Can I continue to play the game without joining the Dark Brotherhood?
A: Yes, you can continue to play the game without joining the Dark Brotherhood. The organization is optional, and you can complete the game without participating in their questline.

Conclusion

The Dark Brotherhood is a fascinating and complex organization in Skyrim, and joining them can be a great way to explore the game’s darker side. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to trigger the Dark Brotherhood and begin their questline. Remember to use your skills wisely, be prepared for moral consequences, and enjoy the thrill of being a member of this notorious organization.