How to Get the Dark Brotherhood to Kidnap You in Skyrim
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So, you’re looking to join the shadowy ranks of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim, eh? You’ve heard whispers of assassins, contracts, and shadowy figures, and you’re itching to get started. But the question burns: how do you get them to come to you, to initiate that chilling abduction that marks the beginning of your journey into darkness? It all hinges on completing a specific quest and then… patience and a good night’s sleep.
The key to triggering the Dark Brotherhood’s interest lies in finishing the quest “Innocence Lost.” This involves a trip to Windhelm and a rather grim task involving Grelod the Kind at the Honorhall Orphanage. Once you’ve fulfilled this contract, you’ll set events in motion that draw the attention of the Brotherhood. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
- Start the Rumor: You can initiate the quest in a few ways. You might overhear a rumor about a young boy named Aventus Aretino performing the Black Sacrament. Alternatively, you can speak directly to Aventus himself in Windhelm, or even inquire about him from the orphans at Honorhall Orphanage in Riften. Any of these paths will lead you to Aventus Aretino in Windhelm.
- The Black Sacrament: Find Aventus Aretino in his home in Windhelm. You’ll find him performing the Black Sacrament, a ritual used to contact the Dark Brotherhood. He’ll ask you to fulfill his request: assassinate Grelod the Kind.
- Innocence Lost: Travel to Honorhall Orphanage in Riften. You will encounter Grelod, an abusive and cruel caretaker. Eliminate her. This act will send a clear signal to the Dark Brotherhood.
- The Waiting Game: After completing “Innocence Lost”, you must wait approximately 24 in-game hours. Do not fast travel during this time. Explore the world, complete other minor quests, or gather resources.
- The “We Know” Note: Eventually, a courier will approach you and deliver a note bearing the chilling words “We Know.” This is your confirmation that the Dark Brotherhood has taken notice.
- Sleep is Key: Once you have the note, find a bed and sleep. This is the trigger for the abduction. You must sleep in a bed, not simply wait.
- The Shack: Upon waking, you’ll find yourself bound in an abandoned shack with three hostages and Astrid, a key figure in the Dark Brotherhood. She will present you with a choice: kill one of the hostages. This is the start of the quest “With Friends Like These…”.
Congratulations, you have successfully been kidnapped by the Dark Brotherhood!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I have to wait after “Innocence Lost” to be kidnapped?
You need to wait approximately 24 in-game hours after completing the “Innocence Lost” quest before the courier delivers the “We Know” note. Once you receive the note, you will be kidnapped the next time you sleep in a bed.
What if I’ve already discovered the shack and killed Astrid?
If you’ve stumbled upon the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary and killed Astrid before the abduction, you’ve essentially skipped a crucial part of the questline. Your next step should be to report the incident to a guard, triggering a different path related to destroying the Dark Brotherhood.
Can I join the Dark Brotherhood without talking to Aventus Aretino?
Yes, you can initiate the “Innocence Lost” quest without directly speaking to Aventus. Overhearing rumors or speaking to orphans at Honorhall Orphanage can also trigger the quest. Talking to Aventus simply provides a direct introduction to the situation.
Is it better to join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
The choice is yours! Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers unique quests, rewards, and a rich storyline. Destroying them provides a more morally aligned path, but you’ll miss out on the content. Consider what aligns with your character’s roleplaying and your personal preferences. Completionists usually join to get all of the rewards. If you are playing to be moral, destroy them.
Can I marry anyone in the Dark Brotherhood?
While you can’t marry Astrid (she’s already married and, unfortunately, her fate is sealed), you can marry Muiri from Markarth. However, she’ll only be interested if you complete a specific Dark Brotherhood quest involving the assassination of Nilsine Shatter-Shield.
Can I let Astrid live?
Sadly, no. Astrid’s death is a scripted event within the Dark Brotherhood questline. She is essential until she dies in the quest where you destroy the dark brotherhood or when the Pentius Oculatus does. You cannot alter this outcome.
Why does Astrid betray you?
Astrid’s betrayal stems from a power struggle within the Dark Brotherhood. She anticipates that the Night Mother will choose you as the Listener and other members would choose you over her, leading to her losing her leadership position. So she attempts to eliminate you, claim the bounty on your head, and maintain control.
Are you evil if you join the Dark Brotherhood?
Let’s face it: the Dark Brotherhood is undeniably evil. Joining them means participating in cold-blooded murder for profit. You will have to kill Grelod the Kind, a hateful but defenseless old woman, just to get the opportunity to join the DB. Your morality meter will take a hit!
Who is guilty in the Dark Brotherhood quest with the hostages?
Here’s the tricky part: it’s impossible to definitively know which hostage is the intended target. Each offers a vague and potentially misleading backstory. Your choice is essentially a roleplaying decision.
Is it possible to save the Dark Brotherhood?
If you don’t complete the Dark Brotherhood questline, you can technically save them. But that questline remains incomplete. You can save the Dark Brotherhood itself, but not the members, if you continue with the questline and see it through.
Can I be a werewolf and join the Dark Brotherhood?
Absolutely! In fact, a fun little detail is that certain members of the Dark Brotherhood will acknowledge your lycanthropy.
Is there a romance in Skyrim?
Yes! Skyrim offers numerous romance options. Using the Amulet of Mara is the key to initiating marriage proposals. Keep in mind, you have to complete a specific mission for one of the Dark Brotherhood Members.
Can I betray the Dark Brotherhood?
You can choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood instead of joining. You will get your chance to kill them all, but I don’t see why you would want to. The Dark Brotherhood is the most loving of all the guilds.
What level should I be to start the Dark Brotherhood questline?
You can technically start the Dark Brotherhood questline at any level. However, some quests will be easier if you have leveled up your sneak, archery, and one-handed skills.
How do I force the Dark Brotherhood to start?
To start this quest line, you need to speak with Aventus Aretino in Windhelm, or before you head to Windhelm you can go straight to Riften & to Honorhall Orphange & kill Grelod the Kind to see a different reaction from Aventus Aretino.
Hopefully, this guide has illuminated the path to becoming the Dark Brotherhood’s next target. Remember to embrace the darkness and enjoy the sinister journey ahead!
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