Unlocking the Secrets: The Dark Brotherhood’s Silent Code
The secret code, or rather, the password to enter the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary in Skyrim is: “Silence, my brother.” This phrase is crucial to accessing the inner sanctum of this infamous assassin guild, signaling your allegiance and acceptance into their shadowy ranks.
Delving Deeper: More Than Just a Password
While the password itself is simple, its significance runs deep within the lore and structure of the Dark Brotherhood. It’s not just a random phrase; it’s a symbolic acknowledgment of the value of silence, secrecy, and brotherhood within this clandestine organization. The code represents the commitment to discretion and loyalty required of its members.
The Ritual of Entry
The process of entering the Falkreath sanctuary is more than just uttering a phrase. It’s a mini-ritual, a symbolic gateway into a world of shadows and death. The very act of approaching the seemingly ordinary door and being challenged with the question, “What is the music of life?” sets the stage. Answering correctly with “Silence, my brother” is the key that unlocks not only the door but also the potential for a life of intrigue, danger, and perhaps even profit.
Significance of Silence
The emphasis on silence within the Dark Brotherhood is paramount. Their entire operation hinges on secrecy. Loose lips sink ships, and in this case, they also lead to exposure and death. Silence ensures the Brotherhood’s continued existence, allowing them to operate undetected within the broader society.
The Brotherhood Connection
The phrase “my brother” strengthens the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among members. It emphasizes the bond that ties them together, a bond forged in blood and shrouded in secrecy. This connection is crucial for maintaining loyalty and preventing betrayal, though as players discover in the game, betrayal is never truly out of the question.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Dark Brotherhood
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dark Brotherhood.
1. What are the Five Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood?
The Five Tenets are the core principles that govern the behavior of all Dark Brotherhood members. Breaking these tenets is considered a grave offense. The Five Tenets are:
- Never dishonor the Night Mother.
- Never betray the Dark Brotherhood.
- Never disobey or refuse to carry out an order from a superior.
- Never steal the possessions of another Dark Brother or Sister.
- Never kill a fellow Dark Brother or Sister.
2. How do I join the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim?
To join, you must first complete the quest “Innocence Lost.” This quest is initiated by speaking to Aventus Aretino in Windhelm, who seeks an assassin to kill Grelod the Kind in Honorhall Orphanage in Riften. After completing this quest, you will be kidnapped and taken to an abandoned shack, where you will be given a choice that determines your path into the Brotherhood.
3. Why am I not being kidnapped by the Dark Brotherhood?
If you’ve already encountered the abandoned shack and killed Astrid, you will not be kidnapped. The game assumes you are already aware of the Brotherhood. Furthermore, make sure you’ve actually slept in a bed after completing “Innocence Lost.” This is the trigger for the kidnapping event.
4. Is it better to destroy or join the Dark Brotherhood?
This depends entirely on your playstyle. Joining offers a unique questline with valuable rewards, including gold, weapons, and armor. Destroying the Brotherhood appeals to players seeking a more moral playthrough, offering a questline focused on eliminating a force of evil from Skyrim. Completionists may prefer joining to experience all content.
5. Who is the traitor within the Dark Brotherhood?
During the “Honor Thy Mother” quest, you will learn that Mathieu Bellamont is the traitor, motivated by a desire for revenge against the Night Mother.
6. How can I destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
To destroy the Dark Brotherhood, kill Astrid in the Abandoned Shack. This will initiate the quest “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” Report Astrid’s death to a guard, then speak to Commander Maro. Follow his instructions to eliminate the entire Dark Brotherhood sanctuary.
7. Who are the enemies of the Dark Brotherhood?
Historically, the Morag Tong have been the Dark Brotherhood’s primary rivals. These assassin guilds have engaged in a shadow war, with the Morag Tong even assassinating key figures, like the Night Mother, in the past.
8. Can I marry Astrid in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry Astrid. She is already married, and both she and her husband are essential characters tied to specific questlines.
9. Who is guilty in the Dark Brotherhood quest “With Friends Like These…”?
It’s intentionally unclear which of the three hostages in the abandoned shack is the “correct” target. The quest design emphasizes the morally ambiguous nature of the Dark Brotherhood, where the player is forced to make a kill without knowing the full truth.
10. What are the benefits of joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Joining provides access to a unique questline with rewards such as 20,000 gold, the Blade of Woe, and the Ancient Shrouded Armor. You’ll also gain access to Shadowmere, the unique undead horse.
11. How do I acquire Shadowmere?
Shadowmere is obtained after joining the Dark Brotherhood and completing several initial contracts. He’s a resilient and powerful mount, ideal for navigating Skyrim’s dangerous landscapes.
12. Can I become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, by completing the Dark Brotherhood questline, you will become the Listener, effectively the leader of the Skyrim chapter, responsible for hearing the Night Mother’s whispers and assigning contracts.
13. Is the Dark Brotherhood questline endless?
While the main Dark Brotherhood questline has a definitive end, you can receive radiant quests, like the contracts, which are repeatable missions to assassinate randomly generated NPCs. This creates a sense of ongoing involvement with the organization. These types of interactive elements and quest designs demonstrate innovative concepts in game design. Visit GamesLearningSociety for more related content.
14. Can I join the Dark Brotherhood after killing Astrid?
No, killing Astrid starts the quest to destroy the Dark Brotherhood. You will be unable to continue the questline for joining them.
15. What happens to Babette if I destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
If you destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Babette will not appear in the sanctuary. This suggests she is either killed during the attack or manages to escape beforehand.
The Dark Brotherhood represents more than just an assassin’s guild in Skyrim; it’s a complex faction with its own rules, rituals, and history. The password “Silence, my brother” is merely a key that unlocks a world of moral ambiguity and deadly intrigue. The Dark Brotherhood is the perfect choice for gamers seeking a morally gray adventure. If you’re interested in learning more about the design and impact of games like Skyrim, be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org.