Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!

Fail, Sithis!

When Astrid first captures you and forces you to kill one of the three hostages in the Abandoned Shack, she notes that “someone isn’t leaving here alive.” That “someone” doesn’t need to be pleading for their life with a bag on their head. Instead of spilling innocent blood, you can turn and attack Astrid. She is very strong, so ensure you get as many attacks in as possible before she drops from her perch and begins attacking you. When Astrid drops dead, gurgling “well done” as she falls, search her for the items listed here. Before you leave, you have the option to untie the three prisoners.

• Abandoned Shack Key
• Blade of Woe

Step out of the Abandoned Shack, situate yourself after your kidnap, and then decide where to journey to find a guard. One easy example is to head to Solitude and speak to any guard there. Or, if you don’t want to travel, simply go to Dragon Bridge. Inform a guard that you killed the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, and they are stunned. You’re told to report this action to Commander Maro immediately.

Journey to the Imperial settlement of Dragon Bridge and find the straw-roofed dwelling with Imperial banners out front, used as a Penitus Oculatus Outpost. Once inside, speak to Commander Maro, who is ecstatic at this turn of events and realizes it’s time to strike against the Dark Brotherhood. He wants you to pay them a visit. Use the passphrase “Silence, my brother,” and murder every assassin in that hole! Return to Maro afterward and expect considerable compensation.

Mass Murder in the Sanctuary

Journey to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Falkreath, and step up to the Black Door. Answer the question “What is the music of life?” with the passphrase you just learned from Maro. If Maro hasn’t told you the passphrase yet, this isn’t available as an answer. Head down the steps into the Sanctuary, and begin the first of a series of fraught battles with each member of the Dark Brotherhood (Babette does not fight and is nowhere to be found). They instantly recognize you as an intruder and begin to attack.

You meet the Dark Brotherhood in the following order:

• Arnbjorn is in his chamber, prior to entering the grotto. He carries an enchanted warhammer and attacks with the ferocity of a wolf man.
• Veezara is in the main grotto area and wields two weapons with amazing dexterity. He is a force to be reckoned with and should be approached with caution.
• Gabriella (and Lis the spider) are in the laboratory area. Both are formidable foes. At this point, you can backtrack to the previously explored areas for a breather, if necessary.
• Nazir carries a scimitar and isn’t afraid to stick it between your ribs. He’s holed up in the dining room chamber, which can be difficult to maneuver through.
• Festus is the final member of the Dark Brotherhood to fall to your might. He guards the Chapel and has several nasty spells he doesn’t mind casting on you.

Eventually, when the last assassin falls or between combat altercations, you may search the dead Brotherhood and ransack their hideout for more Shrouded outfits, weapons, and other common items.

• Potions (various)
• Enchanted and Leveled Weapons
• Leveled Armor and Outfits

Quest Conclusion

Head back to Dragon Bridge and inform Commander Maro of your penchant for assassination. He congratulates you on striking a blow against the Dark Brotherhood, which they aren’t likely to recover from. Accept your blood money.

• 3,000 gold pieces

Postquest Activities

All the remaining Dark Brotherhood Quests are now inaccessible to you.