How to Join the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion

Last Updated: December 22, 2022

Everyone knows about the infamous Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. How exactly do you become a member, though? Look no further—we've put together everything you need to know in this handy guide, so you can be a member of this sinister guild in no time.

1

Kill someone.

Look for someone who is unimportant and can't really fight back. A beggar would be a good candidate. There will be text displayed at the top of the screen after you've murdered a "worthy candidate", saying something to the effect of "Your murder has been witnessed by unseen forces". This is your cue to head on to Step 2.

2

Go to bed and sleep.

Do this immediately after you have murdered an innocent character.

3

Receive a message from Lucien Lachance.

He'll introduce himself and instruct you to kill a man named Rufio. He'll also give you The Blade of Woe.
- This will happen shortly after you wake up.

4

Travel to the Inn Of Ill Omen.

Rufio unsuspectingly awaits here. The Inn is located Northwest of Bravil along the Green Road.

5

Head inside and enter the trapdoor.

You can find the trapdoor directly to the left.

6

Head into the room at the end of the hallway.

Rufio will be inside, most likely sleeping.

7

Kill him by any means necessary.

Sleep in the bed beside him once you've done the deed.

8

Wait for Lucien to give you a message.

Once you wake up, Lucien Lachance will again greet you. He will instruct you to go to Cheydinhal, enter the "Abandoned House", and speak to Ocheeva.

9

Pick the "Easy" level lock on the entrance to the "Abandoned House."

Head inside where you'll find a wooden door to the "Abandoned Basement". Enter the basement where you'll find the ominous Black Door.

10

Activate the Black Door.

It'll ask you a question: "What is the color of night?" Answer "Sanguine, my Brother."

11

Locate and speak to Ocheeva.

This completes your initiation into the Dark Brotherhood. Congratulations! You'll now be able to freely enter the sanctuary and acquire missions for the Dark Brotherhood quest line, not to mention receive an awesome set of shrouded armor.

Community Q&A

Question

I am already level 8 No contact yet from the gark brotherhood. Any ideas why?

Vinícius Vitkovski

Community Answer

Have you killed 4 citizens/15 guards? Are you sure? If you have done this and haven't received a letter in 3 days, chances are that your game is bugged.

Warnings

If Lucien Lachance is killed by you, The entire Dark Brotherhood questline is gone forever.

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Helpful 31 Not Helpful 4
If you have not killed Rufio AND spoken to Lucien Lachance afterward, you will not be able to enter the Cheydinhal Sanctuary.

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Do not join with low sneak level.

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All your quests involve murder except for 1 or 2 special occasions.

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