Overview

Interaction with the Dark Brotherhood is never explicitly felt. You may hear rumors about the Brotherhood and may even encounter an assassin who has in their possession a mysterious contract to kill you. But to experience as much of the Dark Brotherhood as you can, begin your investigations by locating the broken cart with the odd little jester, close to the Loreius Farm, on the road north of Whiterun.

Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary

The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary is located off the road, in an eerie area of woodland within the southern Pine Forest of Falkreath Hold. The Black Door is not visible to travelers; only those inquisitive enough to venture off the beaten path will see it. The Black Door guards the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary and is magically sealed from intruders. It asks visitors for a passphrase, which they must already know in order to enter.

The initial area houses Astrid’s study and bedroom and a secret door (that will open later). Down the main stairs is the grotto cavern, containing Arnbjorn’s forge, an area for combat practice, and a waterfall pool with a Word Wall where you’ll learn an impressive Shout called Marked for Death.

Farther into the linked cave tunnels are the various bedrooms of the Dark Brotherhood Family, a dining chamber, and a laboratory that connects back to the grotto. In addition, Cicero’s room and a chapel—home to a strange little man and an odd sarcophagus—are also available to explore.

• Word of Power: Marked for Death

Important Characters

The Night Mother

Existing in the physical realm as an emaciated corpse drained and half-mummified, resting inside an iron sarcophagus, the Night Mother was brought to Skyrim by her keeper, Cicero. During the Dark Brotherhood’s prime, the Listener had the honored ability to hear her frightening voice as fragmented snippets. She receives the call of the Black Sacrament, and disperses the information to her “Children.”

Leader: Astrid

Astrid is the loving and caring leader of the Skyrim Sanctuary. She is very open about her feelings, and she will be loyal to the Dark Brotherhood until her dying breath. Astrid is married to Arnbjorn, and the two have as healthy a relationship as two Dark Brotherhood assassins can. She is the primary quest-giver.

Assassin: Festus Krex

Krex is old, cranky, and completely unsociable. He is also the one member of the Sanctuary who prefers to use spells over cold steel. Impressively unapproachable, the rest of the Dark Brotherhood accept him as an especially touchy member of the Family and do their best to shrug off his curmudgeonly nature. He does keep an ear to the ground about interesting happenings across Skyrim, which he very occasionally shares.

Assassin: Nazir

Nazir is a Redguard who wields a giant scimitar. He is older than many of the other assassins and serves as a father figure to them. He is noble, humorous, and tactical in his thinking and actions. He always ponders decisions before making them. He is also extremely talented in the Light Armor skill, and hands out minor contracts when the Black Sacrament has been completed somewhere in Skyrim. Check with Nazir for these side contracts when Astrid doesn’t have anything available.

• Trainer (Light Armor): Nazir

Assassin: Gabriella

Gabriella is a quiet, mysterious member of the Dark Brotherhood, who much prefers the company of her pet Frostbite Spider. After you complete a contract to kill Gaius Maro (and complete the bonus objective), you receive a token from Gabriella to have your fortune read by her dear friend Olava in Whiterun.

Assassin: Babette

A happy and accommodating ten-year-old girl and an obviously respected member, Babette is also obsessed with Alchemy, which she will sell to you, along with many other useful items. She seems wise well beyond her years, due to the fact she is actually a nearly two-hundred-year-old vampire. She is extremely adept at Alchemy magic.

• Trainer (Alchemy): Babette
• Vendor (Potions): Babette

Keeper: Cicero

Cicero, the “Fool of Hearts,” is a psychotic, singsong speaking, knife-wielding jester. He is also the Keeper of the Night Mother and arrives at the Sanctuary with her body. Overly paranoid, he constantly speaks with “Mother” and furiously protects her. If he ever hears of a threat to the Brotherhood, he acts quickly and impulsively.

Shadowscale: Veezara

Veezara is a Shadowscale, an Argonian born under the sign of the Shadow. For years he served the king of High Marsh. When he was honorably released from service, he wandered Tamriel and eventually made his way to the Sanctuary in Skyrim. He is friendly and somewhat quiet, but extremely skilled.

Assassin and Blacksmith: Arnbjorn

Arnbjorn is a boisterous Nordic barbarian and husband to Astrid, who’s been the only one to tame him—since he also happens to be a werewolf. His loyalty to her is unwavering and unquestioning. He was once a Companion, but his barbaric ways and eagerness for killing made it an uneasy association. After wandering the paths of Skyrim, he found this shadowy organization a much better fit for him. He sometimes works the forge inside the Sanctuary.

• Blacksmith: Arnbjorn

Familiar: Lis

More of a pet than a familiar, Gabriella’s Frostbite Spider, Lis, is a permanent resident and unofficial mascot of the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Don’t confuse this with a wild spider; it is friendly to members, and it would be a shame if someone slew it out of spite or perverse amusement...especially as all the other Dark Brotherhood members turn hostile if you’re foolish enough to slay such a fine and furry beast!