To join the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, you must first kill an innocent NPC who is not essential to any quests. Killing hostile NPCs like bandits or enemies does not count; the victim must be a non-essential, innocent citizen. After committing this murder, a message will appear saying, "Your killing has been observed by forces unknown…" This signals that the Dark Brotherhood has taken notice of you
. Some commonly recommended targets for this initial murder include:
- Puny Ancus, a beggar in the Imperial City waterfront
- Umbra, found in a cave southwest of the Imperial District Waterfront, where no one will witness the kill
- Alval Uvani, who travels frequently and can be killed on the road without witnesses
- S'rathad in the Talos District, or inhabitants of the Bravil Skooma Den, who are considered useless and non-essential
After the murder, you must sleep in a safe location. You will then be visited in your sleep by Lucien Lachance, a Speaker of the Dark Brotherhood, who will offer you membership and give you your first contract: to kill an old man named Rufio at the Inn of Ill Omen north of Bravil. Killing Rufio officially inducts you into the Dark Brotherhood. The Sanctuary is located beneath an abandoned house in Cheydinhal, accessible via a secret basement door marked with a skull and red handprint. When asked the secret phrase, respond with "Sanguine, my brother" to gain entry
. Summary of steps to join the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion:
- Kill an innocent, non-essential NPC (e.g., Puny Ancus, Umbra, Alval Uvani).
- Sleep in a safe place.
- Meet Lucien Lachance in a dream.
- Complete the contract to kill Rufio at the Inn of Ill Omen.
- Enter the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Cheydinhal using the secret phrase.
This process initiates the Dark Brotherhood questline, where you will undertake various assassination contracts and learn more about the guild
