The Dark Brotherhood Forever: An Endless Contract?

Yes, The Dark Brotherhood Forever quest in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a repeating quest. Once you complete the main Dark Brotherhood questline, culminating in the “Hail Sithis!” quest, “The Dark Brotherhood Forever” will become available. This quest allows you to accept an unlimited number of contracts from the Night Mother. Think of it as the Brotherhood’s version of taking out the trash – an ever-present need for a skilled assassin.

Understanding the Endless Cycle

The key element to understand is that these aren’t meticulously crafted storylines or unique characters. The “Forever” quests are a type of radiant quest, meaning they are dynamically generated using a limited pool of pre-designed locations and NPCs. This is why you might feel a sense of déjà vu as you play through them – you will encounter the same locations, similar targets, and recurring quest objectives.

The contact who gives you the quest and the target you need to assassinate are randomly selected, and after a while, these characters begin to repeat. So, while the quest never truly ends, it does recycle content, lacking the depth and narrative impact of the main Dark Brotherhood storyline. This approach, while repetitive, does offer a way for players to continually engage with the assassin gameplay long after the Brotherhood’s main story has concluded.

Why the “Forever” Quests?

So why did Bethesda implement this seemingly endless loop? Several reasons contribute to this design:

• Extending Gameplay: It provides a source of unlimited content for players who enjoy the assassin playstyle and wish to remain active within the Dark Brotherhood.

• Gold Generation: Each contract rewards the Dragonborn with gold, allowing for continuous accumulation of wealth.

• Maintaining Immersion: It reinforces the idea that the Dark Brotherhood, even after its resurgence, is a constant presence in Skyrim, always accepting contracts.

• Character Progression: Although limited, players can continue honing their stealth and combat skills through these repeatable missions.

However, it’s crucial to understand the limitations. If you seek deep narratives, complex characters, or meaningful story progression, the “Forever” quests will likely disappoint. They offer gameplay, gold, and immersion, but little else. As outlined by researchers in the Games Learning Society, games can offer a powerful blend of gameplay and narrative that fosters greater engagement. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dark Brotherhood Forever

Here’s a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing various aspects of the Dark Brotherhood and its “Forever” quests:

1. Are the Dark Brotherhood Forever quests truly infinite?

Yes, in the sense that there’s no built-in limit to the number of times you can accept and complete them. They will continue for as long as you choose to engage with them.

2. Do the rewards from The Dark Brotherhood Forever scale with level?

Yes, the gold reward from the “Dark Brotherhood Forever” quest does scale with your character’s level. The higher your level, the more gold you will receive for each contract.

3. Does completing the Dark Brotherhood Forever quests affect my character’s reputation?

No, completing these quests does not significantly affect your overall reputation in Skyrim. The targets are generally generic NPCs, and your actions don’t have far-reaching consequences like those in other questlines.

4. Are there any unique items or rewards associated with completing a high number of Forever quests?

Unfortunately, no. There are no special items or rewards tied to completing a specific number of “Forever” quests. The main reward is the gold received for each contract.

5. Can I fail The Dark Brotherhood Forever quests?

Yes, you can fail these quests. If you are caught assassinating your target, or if you kill innocent bystanders while trying to complete the contract, you may fail the quest. You may also fail it if the target dies before you get to them.

6. What happens if I kill an essential NPC during a Forever quest?

These quests don’t typically target essential NPCs. However, if you were to accidentally kill an essential character, it could disrupt other questlines or game mechanics. It’s generally best to avoid attacking essential NPCs.

7. Can I get rid of The Dark Brotherhood Forever quest from my quest log?

No, once triggered, “The Dark Brotherhood Forever” remains active in your quest log. However, you can simply ignore it and focus on other activities if you wish.

8. Are there any mods that change or enhance The Dark Brotherhood Forever quests?

Yes, numerous mods exist that alter the “Forever” quests. Some mods add new targets, locations, or quest objectives to make the experience more varied and engaging. Be sure to research and choose mods that suit your preferences.

9. Is it possible to destroy the Dark Brotherhood after starting The Dark Brotherhood Forever?

No. If you choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood instead of joining, you’ll wipe them out and that will be the end of that storyline. To trigger the destroy Dark Brotherhood quest, you must kill Astrid in the shack at the very beginning of the Dark Brotherhood quest line.

10. What are some tips for effectively completing The Dark Brotherhood Forever quests?

• Stealth is Key: Utilize stealth skills, potions, and enchantments to avoid detection.
• Choose Your Approach: Experiment with different assassination methods, such as poison, daggers, or ranged attacks.
• Plan Your Escape: Have a clear escape route in mind before carrying out the assassination.
• Use the Environment: Take advantage of the environment to create distractions or cover your tracks.

11. How does the Blade of Woe relate to the Dark Brotherhood?

The Blade of Woe is a unique dagger that steals health from opponents, making it a valuable asset for any assassin. It’s obtained during the main Dark Brotherhood questline, further incentivizing players to engage with the guild.

12. Can I marry any of the Dark Brotherhood members?

No, unfortunately, you cannot marry any of the Dark Brotherhood members.

13. Is it considered evil to join the Dark Brotherhood?

Yes, the Dark Brotherhood is an evil organization, and joining them inherently involves committing morally questionable acts. If you’re roleplaying a strictly good character, joining the Dark Brotherhood might conflict with your character’s values.

14. What happens to Babette if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood?

Babette always survives, whether you join or destroy the Dark Brotherhood, because she’s technically immortal.

15. How can I start the Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim?

To initiate the Dark Brotherhood questline, you must first complete the quest “Innocence Lost.” This involves traveling to Windhelm and speaking with Aventus Aretino, a young boy attempting to perform the Black Sacrament. Completing his request will trigger the arrival of a Dark Brotherhood assassin and begin your journey into the world of shadows and murder.