Navigating the Shadows: Your Next Steps After “Innocence Lost” in Skyrim’s Dark Brotherhood
So, you’ve spilled some innocent blood, and the chilling whispers of the Dark Brotherhood have reached your ears. You’ve completed “Innocence Lost,” now what? The path of an assassin awaits, but understanding the immediate steps and the long-term implications is crucial. Let’s delve into the shadowy depths and chart your course.
Awaiting the Abduction: What Happens Next
After completing “Innocence Lost,” the game requires you to wait a full 24 in-game hours before the next stage of the Dark Brotherhood questline initiates. This waiting period is designed to build suspense and let the weight of your actions sink in. The game’s internal clock must tick over, so simply standing around won’t trigger the event.
The trigger is activated when you sleep in a bed. Find any bed – an inn, a player-owned home, or even a bandit’s cot – and rest. This will initiate a cutscene where you are abducted by the Dark Brotherhood and transported to an Abandoned Shack.
Inside, you’ll find Astrid, a key figure in the Brotherhood, and three potential victims. This marks the beginning of your formal initiation and a pivotal moment in deciding your character’s moral trajectory.
The Forsaken Shack: A Test of Loyalty
Astrid will present you with a choice: kill one of the hostages. The choice seems arbitrary, and indeed, the specific hostage you choose doesn’t impact the story significantly. This is primarily a test of your willingness to commit cold-blooded murder, a prerequisite for joining the Dark Brotherhood.
After eliminating a hostage, speak with Astrid. She’ll welcome you into the family and direct you to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary located in the Pale region, near Dawnstar. This marks your official induction and the beginning of your journey through the core Dark Brotherhood questline.
Embracing the Shadows: Life in the Sanctuary
Once inside the Sanctuary, you’ll meet the other members of the Dark Brotherhood, including the grumpy Argonian assassin Lis, the always-hungry werewolf Gabriella, and the eccentric keeper Cicero. Each member offers unique perspectives and contributes to the Brotherhood’s dark atmosphere.
Your primary goal is to speak with Astrid again. She’ll provide your first real contract: killing Narfi, a destitute beggar in Ivarstead. This mission, “Mourning Never Comes”, serves as an introduction to the mechanics of assassination contracts and sets the stage for more complex and morally challenging tasks ahead. Remember, the Dark Brotherhood is not for the faint of heart. It’s a world of secrets, betrayals, and, of course, death. Understanding this is crucial for a fulfilling playthrough.
FAQs: Dark Brotherhood Edition
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding your journey with the Dark Brotherhood to clarify confusion and further your understanding of the game:
1. Can I avoid joining the Dark Brotherhood after completing “Innocence Lost?”
Yes. Instead of sleeping to trigger the abduction, you can go to the Penitus Oculatus Outpost near Dragon Bridge and speak to Commander Maro. This initiates the quest “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!”, allowing you to eradicate the organization.
2. What if I kill Astrid in the shack?
Killing Astrid in the shack immediately starts the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest. This leads to a different storyline where you systematically eliminate the Brotherhood members. You do gain access to Astrid’s unique equipment in this scenario, however.
3. Is there a right or wrong hostage to kill in the shack?
No. The identity of the hostage you kill doesn’t affect the storyline. The act of killing itself is what proves your willingness to join the Dark Brotherhood. Choose whomever you like!
4. What benefits do I get from joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood provides access to a unique storyline, powerful enchanted armor (Shrouded Armor), unique weapons, access to trainers, and the ability to earn gold through assassination contracts.
5. Can I become the leader of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes. By completing the main Dark Brotherhood questline, you become the Listener, effectively the leader of the Dark Brotherhood and the personal representative of the Night Mother.
6. Do the Dark Brotherhood quests ever end?
The main Dark Brotherhood questline has a definitive end. However, after completing it, you can accept repeatable contracts from the Night Mother indefinitely.
7. What are the “Dark Brotherhood Forever” quests?
These are the endless, repeatable contracts given by the Night Mother after you’ve completed the main questline. They involve assassinating randomly generated targets for gold.
8. Are there any moral consequences for joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes. Joining the Dark Brotherhood involves committing morally reprehensible acts, including murder and betrayal. This can affect your character’s overall morality and how NPCs perceive you.
9. Can I betray the Dark Brotherhood after joining?
Not easily. The primary way to be “against” the Dark Brotherhood is to kill Astrid in the shack during your initial encounter. Otherwise, you are largely committed to their questline.
10. What happens to the other Dark Brotherhood members if I destroy them?
If you destroy the Dark Brotherhood, all its members within the Sanctuary will be killed, except for Babette who disappears entirely from the game in this scenario.
11. What is the relationship between the Night Mother and Mephala?
Some believe the Night Mother is an aspect or avatar of the Daedric Prince Mephala, who is associated with secrets, murder, and the Morag Tong, a predecessor to the Dark Brotherhood.
12. Can I marry Astrid?
No. Astrid is already married, and both she and her husband are essential characters who either die during the Dark Brotherhood questline or the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest.
13. Does Cicero ever stop being annoying?
Cicero’s eccentric behavior is a matter of personal preference. While his antics can be grating to some, he’s a crucial part of the Dark Brotherhood’s lore and provides a unique perspective. His behavior doesn’t change significantly throughout the questline.
14. What if I accidentally attack a Dark Brotherhood member?
Attacking a Dark Brotherhood member will likely turn the entire Sanctuary hostile, potentially making it impossible to continue the questline. Reloading a previous save is recommended in this case.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of gaming on learning?
Gaming isn’t just about entertainment; it can also be a powerful tool for education and skill development. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore the research and applications of game-based learning. The Games Learning Society highlights the use of game design to promote learning, engagement, and problem-solving in various educational settings.
Embracing the Darkness or Seeking Redemption
Choosing to join the Dark Brotherhood opens a captivating but morally ambiguous path. While the rewards are plentiful, remember that your actions have consequences. Explore the Sanctuary, engage with your fellow assassins, and prepare to embrace the darkness. Or, defy fate and choose to eradicate the Brotherhood, becoming a hero of justice in your own right. The choice is yours, Dragonborn.