Breaching Security

Eyes on the Penitus Oculatus

This quest begins once you complete Dark Brotherhood Quests: Bound Until Death.

After your talk with Astrid, she recommends you speak with Gabriella, who was also working on the details of the next contract while you were away. Optionally pass by Veezara (who you can speak with regarding his help during the escape from Solitude); then converse with Gabriella, who tells you your next target, a man named Gaius Maro—apparently an agent of the Emperor’s security force known as the Penitus Oculatus. Gaius’s superior officer (and father)—Commander Maro—has given his son instructions to check the security of every major settlement in Skyrim, in preparation for the Emperor’s visit.

Your task is to implicate him in a plot to kill the Emperor by dispatching him and planting an incriminating letter on his corpse. This should distract Commander Maro and make the Penitus Oculatus think the only threat to the Emperor has been quashed. Gaius Maro is also the only man who knows the identity of the “Gourmet,” a famous chef scheduled to cook for the Emperor at a private dinner. Gabriella also reveals the possibility of a travel schedule, allowing you to kill Gaius while he is away from the garrison town of Dragon Bridge and earn a bonus. Speak to her for a little more information.

• Incriminating Letter

Plan A: Death at Dragon Bridge

When you reach the spectacular carved bridge over the Karth River, stop and survey the settlement. If you journeyed here from the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, Gaius Maro is usually on the main thoroughfare, talking with his father, Commander Maro, and then his “love,” Faida. He then sets off on foot. Simply plant an arrow or melee strike into him, poison-tipped or not. Then promptly flee the scene. You don’t need the travel schedule if you aren’t interested in the bonus.

Plan B: The Stalking Assassin

Your first task is to try locating the travel schedule, which is on a table inside the Penitus Oculatus Outpost. You can sneak in there; the guards will say you are in the wrong place but won’t attack you. Be sure to read and take the schedule so you can refer to it during your stalking of Maro.

• Gaius Maro’s Schedule

With the schedule in hand, you can now time your arrival at any of the major cities in Skyrim to coincide with Gaius’s visit. You may, for example, wish to complete other quests or business, or simply wait (or sleep) until the appropriate day and time. When you finally wish to face Gaius, there are a few matters to bear in mind:

• To gain the bonus, do not kill Gaius Maro in Dragon Bridge or on the road as he travels between cities.
• The various assassination techniques listed when you started the side contracts during Dark Brotherhood Quests: Sanctuary apply here, too. Check that section for possible execution plans.
• Find the unlocked chamber where Gaius is, and then murder him while he sleeps. This is one reason why nighttime assassinations are recommended.
• Or, use simple combat followed by placing the letter and then fleeing from authorities.
• Finally, you can head to Dragon Bridge and follow him at a discreet distance as he walks to a Hold City. To be sure of claiming your bonus, wait until he enters the city to kill him. You may be able to kill him just outside the gates… but if he runs, you’ll lose credit for the bonus.

No matter where Gaius finally rests, be sure you stop to place on his body the Incriminating Letter that Gabriella gave you.

Quest Conclusion

Gabriella is anxiously awaiting your return. She already knows you did the deed and quickly rewards you accordingly. Then she immediately informs you of a more pressing matter. There has been an “incident” involving Cicero. Astrid will explain.

• 100 gold pieces
• Dark Brotherhood Quests: The Feeble Fortune* begins (Bonus)

Postquest Activities

Dark Brotherhood Quests: The Cure for Madness begins immediately. Remember to consult with Olava the Feeble in Whiterun and listen to your fortune.