How to Join the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion

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Last Updated: June 1, 2025 Fact Checked

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.

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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".^{[1]
X
Research source} This is your cue to head on to Step 2.

2

Go to bed and sleep.

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3

Receive a message from Lucien Lachance.

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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.

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The Inn is located Northwest of Bravil along the Green Road.^{[2]
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Research source}

5

Head inside and enter the trapdoor.

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6

Head into the room at the end of the hallway.

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7

Kill him by any means necessary.

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^{[3]
X
Research source}

8

Wait for Lucien to give you a message.

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He will instruct you to go to Cheydinhal, enter the "Abandoned House", and speak to Ocheeva.^{[4]
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Research source}

9

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

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Enter the basement where you'll find the ominous Black Door.

10

Activate the Black Door.

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"What is the color of night?" Answer "Sanguine, my Brother."

11

Locate and speak to Ocheeva.

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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.^{[5]
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Research source}

Community Q&A

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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.

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Tips

There is a Dark Elf heading toward Skingrad, just outside the gate area, she is unimportant and easy to kill at almost any level.

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You have to be in a secure location.

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If you're feeling extra diabolical, you can taunt Rufio before you kill him.

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Warnings

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

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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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