THE DARK BROTHERHOOD QUESTS [07.00.00]

Embark on the Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim! Learn how to join, complete 'Innocence Lost' and 'With Friends Like These...', and get your Shrouded Armor.

Alright, so you want to join the Dark Brotherhood, huh? It's a pretty wild ride, and honestly, one of the coolest questlines in Skyrim. Getting started is a bit unique, but don't worry, I'll walk you through it. You've got a couple of main ways to get the ball rolling.

First off, you can chat up any Innkeeper you meet across Skyrim. Just ask if they've heard any rumors, and eventually, they'll mention a kid named Aventus Aretino who's looking for someone to do a job. Alternatively, you can head straight to Riften, find the Honorhall Orphanage, and wait until Grelod the Kind tucks the kids in. Then, just talk to any of the kids – they'll spill the beans about Aventus running off to Windhelm. Or, if you're feeling bold, just go straight to Windhelm, find the Aretino Residence, and eavesdrop. You'll quickly catch on that Aventus is trying to summon the Dark Brotherhood to off someone.

Innocence Lost

This is where things really kick off. You'll need to find Aventus in his house. Turns out, his mom's gone, and he's escaped the Honorhall Orphanage because Grelod the Kind is anything but kind. He thinks you're with the Dark Brotherhood and tasks you with taking out the orphanage's headmistress. So, head to Riften, sneak into Honorhall, and find Grelod. The best way to do this is to follow her into her room and close the door behind you. Get the job done, and then make a quiet exit. Once that's sorted, report back to Aventus. He'll thank you by giving you the [Aretino Family Heirloom]. After that, travel to another city, and a Courier will find you with a [Mysterious Note] – it's got a black hand and a simple, chilling message: 'We Know.' That's your invitation.

With Friends Like These...

This quest kicks in after you've dealt with Grelod and then slept in a bed. You'll wake up in a strange attic, finding yourself face-to-face with Astrid. She'll let you know that Grelod was actually a Dark Brotherhood target, and now you owe them. She's got three captives there with you: Fultheim the Fearless (a sellsword), Alea Quintus (a mother of six), and Vasha (a Khajiit crime lord). Honestly, who you choose to kill here doesn't really change the outcome. Once you've made your choice and finished the deed, talk to Astrid. She'll formally welcome you into the Dark Brotherhood. With the location and password in hand, you'll head through the wilderness to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Speak with Astrid again inside, and she'll hand over the iconic gear: the [Shrouded Armor], [Shrouded Boots], [Shrouded Gloves], and [Shrouded Helmet]. Sweet!