Can I Leave Stuff in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, generally you can leave items in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Skyrim. Both the original Dawnstar Sanctuary and the later rebuilt Sanctuary (if destroyed) offer storage options. However, the crucial question isn’t just can you, but should you? And, perhaps more importantly, where should you store your precious (or less precious) loot? This guide will delve into the intricacies of storage within the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuaries, addressing concerns about safety, respawning, and the specific containers available.
Safe Storage or Perilous Placement? The Dark Brotherhood Dilemma
The world of Skyrim is vast and filled with tempting treasures. Eventually, you’ll need somewhere to stash your accumulating riches. While purchasing a house is an option, the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary might seem like a convenient alternative, especially if you’re deeply invested in the assassin lifestyle. However, it’s vital to understand the game’s mechanics regarding container ownership and respawning cells to avoid losing your hard-earned gear.
Understanding Safe Storage
In Skyrim, a container is considered “safe” storage if its contents do not disappear when the cell containing it resets. Cells typically reset after a certain number of in-game days (usually 10 or 30, depending on the cell type) if the player hasn’t visited them. If a container is not safe, all the items stored within will vanish upon the cell’s reset, leaving you with nothing but regret.
The Dawnstar Sanctuary: A Questionable Choice
The original Dawnstar Sanctuary, where you initially reside after joining the Dark Brotherhood, is generally not recommended for long-term storage. While some containers appear safe, reports from players suggest inconsistent behavior. The cell itself can respawn, leading to lost items, especially in containers that are not specifically marked as “owned” by the player. Therefore, using this location as your primary base of operations for storing valuables is a gamble.
The Rebuilt Sanctuary: A More Reliable Option
If you complete the Dark Brotherhood questline and restore the Sanctuary to its former glory, the rebuilt Sanctuary offers much more reliable and safer storage options. Completing the “Locate the Assassin of Old” radiant quests will gradually furnish the Sanctuary with upgrades, including improved living quarters and additional containers. These later-added containers, particularly those in your private room, are generally considered safe for long-term storage.
Choosing the Right Container: A Strategic Approach
Even in the rebuilt Sanctuary, not all containers are created equal. To minimize risk, focus on using the containers that are explicitly linked to your character after the Sanctuary has been fully upgraded.
- Your Bedroom: After upgrading, you’ll have a bedroom with various containers, including a wardrobe, chest, and bedside table. These are the most likely to be safe.
- Alchemy and Enchanting Tables: The containers associated with these crafting stations are also generally considered safe.
- Owned Containers: Look for containers that clearly indicate ownership. These are less likely to reset and delete their contents.
Avoid using the following:
- Containers near NPCs: While convenient, containers near NPCs, especially those used by them, are more prone to resetting.
- Generic Barrels and Sacks: These are almost always unsafe and will respawn their contents regularly.
- Any container in the original Dawnstar Sanctuary: Until definitively proven safe through extensive personal testing, it’s best to avoid storing anything valuable here.
Testing for Safe Storage: The Golden Rule
The best way to ensure a container is safe is to test it yourself. Place a few inexpensive items inside (like iron daggers or common ingredients) and leave the Sanctuary for at least 30 in-game days. Return and check if the items are still there. If they are, the container is likely safe for longer-term storage. If they’re gone, avoid using that container in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary respawn?
The original Dawnstar Sanctuary can respawn, leading to lost items. The rebuilt Sanctuary is generally considered safe and doesn’t respawn after completion of the Dark Brotherhood questline and its upgrade quests, especially the cells where the player has possessions.
2. Are the wardrobes in the rebuilt Sanctuary safe?
Yes, the wardrobes in your personal room within the rebuilt Sanctuary are typically safe for storage. These are designed as part of your personal quarters and are not intended to reset. However, always test first with unimportant items.
3. What happens if I destroy the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary?
If you destroy the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, you will obviously no longer be able to use any storage within it. After completing the quest to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, the bodies will remain, and you can loot anything from them. After some time has passed, the location will become inaccessible.
4. Can I store items in Astrid’s room?
No, it is not recommended to store items in Astrid’s room. Although it might seem appealing, this area is subject to resets, and items stored there are likely to disappear.
5. Is the alchemy pouch safe for ingredients?
The alchemy pouch near the alchemy table in the rebuilt Sanctuary is generally considered safe for storing ingredients. However, as always, test it first with less valuable items before entrusting it with your rare ingredients.
6. Will my items disappear from the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary if I don’t visit it for a long time?
In the original Dawnstar Sanctuary, yes, your items are more likely to disappear if you don’t visit for a long time due to cell resetting. However, in the upgraded rebuilt Sanctuary, your items are generally safe even after long periods of absence, provided they are stored in the appropriate (safe) containers.
7. Are the containers in the training room safe?
No, the containers in the training room are generally not considered safe. This area is more prone to resets than your personal quarters.
8. Can I store my weapons and armor on mannequins?
Yes, storing weapons and armor on mannequins in the rebuilt Sanctuary is generally safe. Mannequins are designed to display your gear permanently and do not typically reset.
9. Does upgrading the Sanctuary affect storage safety?
Yes, upgrading the Sanctuary significantly improves storage safety. The upgrades introduce new, player-owned containers that are less likely to reset.
10. Where is the safest place to store items if I don’t trust the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary?
If you don’t trust the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, your best option is to purchase a house in one of the major cities. Player homes provide safe and reliable storage, and you can customize them to your liking.
11. Are the chests near the enchanting table safe?
Yes, the chests near the enchanting table in the upgraded Sanctuary are generally considered safe for long-term storage. These containers are often used by players for storing soul gems and enchanted items.
12. Can I lose items stored in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary due to glitches?
While rare, glitches can occasionally cause items to disappear from any location in Skyrim, including the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Regularly saving your game can help mitigate potential losses.
13. Is the secret entrance to the Sanctuary safe for storing items?
No, the containers within the secret entrance to the Dawnstar Sanctuary are not safe. These areas are prone to resetting and should not be used for long-term storage.
14. Does using the Unofficial Skyrim Patch affect storage safety in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary?
Yes, the Unofficial Skyrim Patch often fixes bugs related to cell resetting and container ownership, potentially improving storage safety in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. It’s highly recommended to use this patch for a more stable and reliable gaming experience.
15. Can I store stolen items in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary without getting caught?
Yes, you can store stolen items in any container in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary without getting caught. There are no consequences for possessing stolen goods within the confines of the Sanctuary. However, keep in mind that guards in cities will still confiscate stolen items if they catch you with them.
In conclusion, while the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary can provide convenient storage, especially the rebuilt version, caution is advised. Always test containers before entrusting them with your valuable items, and consider purchasing a house for more reliable long-term storage if you are still concerned. Happy adventuring, and may your storage always remain safe!