Skyrim: Joining The Dark Brotherhood - Aventus & Astrid Guide
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's dive into the shadows of Skyrim and talk about the Dark Brotherhood. This clandestine guild of assassins offers a thrilling, if morally questionable, path through the game. If you're looking to embrace your inner assassin and get your hands dirty, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the initial steps of joining this shadowy organization, starting with the intriguing quest involving a certain young boy named Aventus Arentino and culminating in your first meeting with the mysterious Astrid.
The Path to Darkness: Finding Aventus Arentino in Windhelm
Embarking on the Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim requires a little bit of legwork and a touch of the macabre. You won't just stumble upon the Brotherhood; you have to actively seek them out (or, you know, get noticed by them). The first step involves a trip to Windhelm, a city known for its harsh climate and even harsher inhabitants. Once you're in Windhelm, you'll need to locate Aventus Arentino. He's the key to your initial entry into the Brotherhood. So, where do you find this young lad? Aventus can be found in Honorhall Orphanage, located in Riften. He has run away from the orphanage and is hiding in Windhelm. You can find him in the Abandoned Shack in Windhelm. The shack is not easy to find but is located at the edge of town, near the docks. You can ask guards and locals to locate the shack, but they will not give you a direct location.
Once you find the Abandoned Shack, the game will automatically lead you inside. Inside the shack, you'll discover Aventus performing a ritual. You see, this little guy is trying to summon a Dark Brotherhood assassin to kill Grelod the Kind, the cruel matron of the orphanage. This is where your journey begins, but you can also choose to kill the boy. He will not provide any significant experience for your character, but you will not have to complete the Dark Brotherhood questline if you kill Aventus. This is a very important moment because your decision will determine how you will proceed. When you speak to him, he will ask you to kill Grelod the Kind. If you do not choose to kill Grelod, you will not have to proceed in the Dark Brotherhood questline.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. If you choose to help Aventus and kill Grelod, the game will proceed, and you will receive a letter from the Dark Brotherhood. This letter, simply titled "Innocence, N, 1, 1," will set the next phase of your journey, and you'll find it in your inventory. This is your official invitation, marking you as a potential recruit. The letter is a sign that the Brotherhood has taken notice of your actions, and you're now on their radar.
The Importance of the Abandoned Shack
The Abandoned Shack isn't just a random building; it's the starting point for your Dark Brotherhood adventure. The environment of the shack itself sets a grim mood. You'll likely notice the unsettling atmosphere when you enter the shack, with its dim lighting and the feeling of something ominous lurking in the shadows. The simple act of finding Aventus and witnessing his ritual really is significant for the player because it signifies the dark path the player is choosing. Also, the abandoned shack symbolizes the decay and desolation often associated with the world the Dark Brotherhood occupies. This quest really is about your choice to join the assassins, and the rest will proceed based on your decision. This first encounter with Aventus Arentino and your willingness to fulfill his request establishes the groundwork for your future role within the Dark Brotherhood.
Meeting Astrid: Your Initiation into the Dark Brotherhood
Once you receive the mysterious letter, the next step in the Skyrim Dark Brotherhood questline involves a more direct encounter. This is where Astrid enters the picture. You'll need to go to sleep. Yes, seriously. Simply find a bed, anywhere in Skyrim, and sleep. This triggers an event. If you have done the ritual and killed Grelod, you will awaken in a shack. You'll be bound to a chair, surrounded by members of the Dark Brotherhood, and face to face with Astrid. Astrid, the current leader of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim, is a shrewd and commanding figure. She's the one who will determine your fate within the Brotherhood. Before you can officially join, you will be given a choice. You can either be forced to join or die at that moment. She presents you with a choice: kill one of three bound prisoners in front of you.
This is a pivotal moment because it serves as your initiation and your first real test. You're presented with a moral dilemma: choose which innocent life you will take. This decision shapes the character of your character and sets the tone for your future missions. It's a way for the Dark Brotherhood to gauge your ruthlessness and your willingness to follow their code. The choice is yours. Once you've made your decision and eliminated one of the three prisoners, Astrid will then welcome you into the Dark Brotherhood, providing you with your first contract. From there, you'll be on your way to becoming a full-fledged assassin.
The Choice: A Test of Loyalty
The choice presented to you by Astrid is more than just a test of your combat skills. It's a test of your loyalty and your capacity for violence. The prisoners are not important and have no significant background or information; they are chosen to be sacrificed by the Brotherhood and you. Each prisoner represents a life, and your decision to end one of their lives showcases your commitment to the Brotherhood's cause. In the world of Skyrim, the Dark Brotherhood's morality is questionable, and the game challenges your values and forces you to confront the ethical implications of your actions. It's designed to make you think about the choices you make. This moment really is significant in defining your character's personality and how they will behave in Skyrim.
The Initiation: Contracts and Rewards
Once you've made your choice, Astrid will welcome you into the Dark Brotherhood. You'll receive your first contract, marking the beginning of your career as an assassin. You'll also gain access to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, a hidden location that serves as your base of operations. The contracts will vary in their complexity, requiring you to eliminate specific targets. For successfully completing your contracts, you will be rewarded with gold and other valuable items, including unique weapons, armor, and spells. This cycle of contracts and rewards is the driving force behind the Dark Brotherhood questline, and it helps you progress and makes your character become stronger. The rewards of joining the Dark Brotherhood are also a significant incentive for players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Dark Brotherhood
Can I Join the Dark Brotherhood at Any Level?
Yes, there are no level requirements to join the Dark Brotherhood. You can embark on the questline at any level, but of course, as a new character, it may be more difficult to complete. If you are a high-level character, it will be easier to fight against enemies and bosses.
What Happens if I Kill Aventus?
If you kill Aventus Arentino in the Abandoned Shack, the Dark Brotherhood questline is automatically terminated. You will not receive any letters or be able to join the guild. You can still choose to progress in other questlines.
Can I Refuse Astrid's Offer?
No, there is no way to refuse Astrid's offer. In the game, you are forced to make a decision to continue the game. If you choose to refuse, you will have to restart your game, or you will not be able to play the Dark Brotherhood questline.
What are the Benefits of Joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers various benefits, including access to unique weapons, armor, and spells. The questline provides an engaging storyline, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of assassins and make moral choices. You'll also have the opportunity to earn gold and level up your skills.
Is the Dark Brotherhood Questline Worth It?
Yes, the Dark Brotherhood questline is definitely worth it for those who enjoy role-playing and are interested in exploring the darker aspects of Skyrim. It offers unique gameplay experiences, a compelling storyline, and the chance to make choices that impact the game's world. If you enjoy the stealth gameplay, the Dark Brotherhood questline is a must-try.
Conclusion: Embracing the Shadows
So, there you have it, guys. Your guide to joining the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim. It starts with a little boy's desperate plea in Windhelm, leads to a choice that tests your morality, and ultimately thrusts you into a world of shadows, secrets, and deadly contracts. Remember the steps: find Aventus Arentino, receive the letter, and then sleep. And, of course, make sure you choose wisely when Astrid presents her deadly proposition. Joining the Dark Brotherhood is a journey, and with the guide, you are ready to embrace the shadows of Skyrim and become a master assassin. Now go forth, embrace the darkness, and may your blade find its mark!