Can You Join the Dark Brotherhood Without Sleeping? Unraveling the Enigmatic Initiation
Yes, you absolutely can join the Dark Brotherhood without sleeping in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. While the traditional method involves encountering Aventus Aretino and subsequently sleeping to trigger the iconic “We Know” quest, there are alternative, more direct routes to becoming an assassin of the night. This guide delves into the nuances of bypassing the slumber requirement and explores everything you need to know about initiating your dark career.
The Traditional Route: A Bedtime Story of Death
The conventional method of joining the Dark Brotherhood hinges on Aventus Aretino’s plea for vengeance. After completing his quest, “Innocence Lost,” by eliminating Grelod the Kind in Honorhall Orphanage in Riften, you typically need to sleep in any bed. This triggers a kidnapping cutscene, awakening you in an abandoned shack with Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood.
However, this sleep-dependent activation can be bypassed, presenting a speedier, albeit less narrative-rich, approach.
Bypassing the Bed: The Direct Approach to Necromancy
The sleep requirement exists primarily to guide players organically through the questline. For players in the know, however, it’s entirely unnecessary. The key lies in knowing where to find the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.
Instead of waiting for the “We Know” quest to activate after sleeping, you can simply travel directly to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary located in the Pine Forest near Falkreath.
Upon arriving, you’ll find a locked door adorned with a talking gargoyle named Gabriella. This is the “Black Door.” The Black Door requires you to answer a riddle: “What is life’s greatest illusion?” The correct answer is “Innocence, my brother.“
Answering correctly grants you access to the Sanctuary, effectively bypassing the sleep requirement entirely. This is crucial for speedrunners or players who prefer a more immediate entry into the assassins’ guild.
Inside the Sanctuary: Initiation and Contracts
Once inside, you’ll encounter Astrid and the other members of the Dark Brotherhood. You’ll need to speak with Astrid to formally begin your journey. This essentially catches you up on the story and sets you on the path of assassination contracts.
The initial tasks involve eliminating specific targets assigned by Astrid, proving your worthiness to the Night Mother and the rest of the Brotherhood. These early contracts serve as a tutorial, introducing you to the various methods and tools at your disposal as a stealthy killer.
Understanding the Consequences: Roleplaying Considerations
While bypassing the sleep requirement offers efficiency, it does diminish the narrative impact. The kidnapping scene and Astrid’s initial introduction are memorable moments that establish the tone and moral ambiguity of the Dark Brotherhood. Choosing the direct approach sacrifices these experiences for speed and convenience.
Consider your roleplaying preferences when deciding how to join the Dark Brotherhood. If you value the story and immersive narrative, the traditional sleep method is recommended. However, if you prioritize efficiency and gameplay mechanics, the direct route provides a viable alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Joining the Dark Brotherhood
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim, covering both the traditional and alternative methods:
1. Can I accidentally join the Dark Brotherhood?
No, you cannot accidentally join the Dark Brotherhood. You must actively pursue the questline by completing “Innocence Lost” and then either sleeping or finding the Sanctuary. There is no way to inadvertently trigger the quest.
2. What happens if I kill Astrid in the shack?
If you kill Astrid in the Abandoned Shack during the “With Friends Like These…” quest, you’ll initiate the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” questline. This allows you to eliminate the Dark Brotherhood entirely, preventing you from joining them.
3. How do I get the “Innocence Lost” quest?
To start “Innocence Lost,” visit Aventus Aretino in Windhelm. He lives in the Aretino Residence, located in the city’s Gray Quarter. You’ll hear rumors about him performing the Black Sacrament, which initiates the quest.
4. Is it possible to join the Dark Brotherhood after a certain level?
There is no level restriction for joining the Dark Brotherhood. You can join at level 1 or level 81; the questline remains accessible regardless of your character’s level.
5. What benefits do I get from joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood grants access to unique quests, armor, weapons, spells, and locations. You’ll also gain access to the Night Mother’s blessings, improving your stealth abilities. Furthermore, you’ll be able to gain a unique horse, Shadowmere, and followers.
6. Can I leave the Dark Brotherhood after joining?
No, you cannot formally leave the Dark Brotherhood. Once you join, you are committed to the questline. However, you can choose to betray them by completing the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest.
7. What happens if I fail a Dark Brotherhood contract?
Failing a contract will result in a reprimand from Astrid. Multiple failures can lead to fines or even expulsion from the Sanctuary, though you can usually regain your standing by completing additional contracts.
8. Can I join the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves Guild simultaneously?
Yes, you can join both the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves Guild. These factions have no conflicting objectives and can be completed in any order.
9. What is the Black Sacrament?
The Black Sacrament is a ritual performed to summon the Dark Brotherhood’s assassins. It involves specific ingredients, including a human heart, nightshade, and a piece of clothing from the intended victim, arranged in a circle alongside whispered incantations.
10. How do I get the Blade of Woe?
The Blade of Woe is a unique dagger obtainable by killing Astrid in the Abandoned Shack or by completing the Dark Brotherhood questline. If you kill Astrid, you can loot it from her body. If you follow the Dark Brotherhood questline, Astrid will eventually give it to you.
11. Can I marry a member of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, you can marry certain members of the Dark Brotherhood. If you gain a strong enough relationship and complete their personal quests (if any), you can propose marriage to them.
12. What are the best skills to develop for a Dark Brotherhood character?
The best skills for a Dark Brotherhood character include Sneak, Archery (for stealthy long-range attacks), One-Handed (for melee assassinations), Alchemy (for creating poisons and potions), and Light Armor (for increased mobility).
13. Is there a Dark Brotherhood questline in other Elder Scrolls games?
Yes, the Dark Brotherhood has appeared in several other Elder Scrolls games, including Oblivion, Morrowind, and Elder Scrolls Online. Each game features its own unique Dark Brotherhood questline and characters.
14. How does the Night Mother fit into the Dark Brotherhood?
The Night Mother is a figure of veneration within the Dark Brotherhood, considered their spiritual leader and a conduit to Sithis, the Void. Her remains reside within a coffin that the Dark Brotherhood members use to receive contracts.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe?
You can learn more about the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe through the in-game books, dialogue with NPCs, online wikis, and forums dedicated to the Elder Scrolls series. Further, the Games Learning Society and other educational organizations examine the deeper themes and societal impacts presented in the games. Consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org for more scholarly perspectives.
Conclusion: Embrace the Shadows Your Way
Whether you choose the traditional path through slumber or the direct route via the Black Door, joining the Dark Brotherhood offers a unique and compelling experience in Skyrim. Understanding the options available allows you to tailor your gameplay to your preferred style, ensuring a memorable and engaging journey into the shadows. Now go forth, Assassin, and embrace the darkness!