How long do you have to wait for the Dark Brotherhood?
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After completing the first quest, Innocence Lost, you will have to wait 24 hours before the Dark Brotherhood contacts you again, and then a courier will come to you after three days and give you a mysterious note that will have the Dark Brotherhood symbol and the words “we know” on it. To initiate the Dark Brotherhood questline, you need to speak with Aventus Aretino in Windhelm, or before you head to Windhelm you can go straight to Riften and to Honorhall Orphanage and kill Grelod the Kind to see a different reaction from Aventus Aretino.
Introduction to the Dark Brotherhood
The Dark Brotherhood is a secret society of assassins in the world of Skyrim, and joining them can be a fascinating and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its drawbacks, including the merciless killing of many characters.
Joining the Dark Brotherhood
To join the Dark Brotherhood, you need to complete the Innocence Lost quest and then wait for the courier to deliver the mysterious note, after which you need to sleep in a bed and the Brotherhood will abduct you and take you to a strange shack, with 3 hostages and an Assassin named Astrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if you side with the Brotherhood of Steel?
Siding with the Brotherhood of Steel will result in you getting promoted to the rank Sentinel in the Brotherhood of Steel, and you will also gain a jetpack for your Power Armor.
2. Can you join the Dark Brotherhood as a good character?
No, the Dark Brotherhood is the Evil Faction, and if you’re roleplaying a good and noble character, you can’t join them.
3. Is there any benefit to killing Astrid?
Yes, killing Astrid will allow you to start a new quest line to Destroy the Dark Brotherhood, and you will also be able to retrieve her unique equipment.
4. Can you start the Dark Brotherhood without talking to Aventus?
No, talking to Aventus is not required to begin the main Dark Brotherhood quest, but it’s a rumour that points you towards a potential quest.
5. Can you marry Astrid in Skyrim?
No, Astrid is already married, and her husband is essential until he dies in the quest where you destroy the Dark Brotherhood.
6. Who is guilty in the Dark Brotherhood quest?
It’s unclear which hostage is guilty in Skyrim’s Dark Brotherhood quest, as each character provides a vague backstory that doesn’t reveal much about their identity.
7. Does the Night Mother quest ever end?
No, the Night Mother quest is called “Dark Brotherhood Forever” for a reason, and it will continue indefinitely.
8. Can you become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
Yes, you can become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim, and it’s one of the five different factions that let you become the leader of the entire faction.
9. What is the last quest for the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
The last quest for the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim is Destroying The Dark Brotherhood, which you can finish off by killing Astrid and then telling a guard about being kidnapped.
10. What happens to Babette if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
If you destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Babette will not be a Sanctuary member, and she will not appear as a member if you enter the Sanctuary.
11. What happens if you keep Cicero alive?
Keeping Cicero alive will allow you to follow the wishes of the Night Mother and honor the core beliefs of the Brotherhood by bringing him along as a follower.
12. Why does Astrid betray you?
Astrid betrays you because she knew you would become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood and other members would choose you over her.
13. Does Astrid always betray you?
Yes, Astrid will ultimately betray you in a struggle for control and power over the Brotherhood’s leadership.
14. What happens if you let Astrid live?
You can’t complete the quest without killing Astrid, and towards the end of the storyline, she betrays you and sends a contract to the Night Mother, which results in her death.
15. What spell does Astrid give you in Skyrim?
Astrid teaches you a new power called Summon Spectral Assassin, which is a unique and useful spell in the game.