Morrowind's Dark Brotherhood: 10,000 Secrets Uncovered

Introduction: A Brotherhood of Shadows

The Dark Brotherhood, a sinister and enigmatic faction in the Elder Scrolls universe, holds a prominent position in Morrowind. This secretive organization operates in the shadows, dispensing death and justice as they see fit. With a history steeped in blood and intrigue, the Dark Brotherhood lures players into a realm of moral ambiguity and clandestine missions.

10 Pain Points of Joining the Brotherhood

• Moral Conflict: The Brotherhood's code clashes with societal norms, forcing members to question their ethics.
• Isolation and Mistrust: Trust is a rare commodity within the Brotherhood, creating a sense of isolation and paranoia.
• Dangerous Contracts: Assassination contracts can be perilous, testing players' combat skills and stealth abilities.
• Imposing Hierarchy: The Brotherhood's rigid structure and strict hierarchy can stifle individual autonomy.
• Cult-Like Indoctrination: The Brotherhood's teachings and rituals can indoctrinate members, blurring their sense of right and wrong.
• Betrayal and Sacrifice: Trust can be fleeting within the Brotherhood, and betrayal or sacrifice may be necessary for survival.
• Deadly Consequences: Failure to execute contracts or betray the Brotherhood can result in swift and brutal retribution.
• Loss of Innocence: The violence and brutality inherent in the Brotherhood's activities can corrupt and harden even the purest souls.
• Fear and Anxiety: Living in constant fear of discovery or retribution can take a toll on members' mental health.
• Spiritual Torment: The actions of the Brotherhood can weigh heavily on members' consciences, leading to feelings of guilt and regret.

Motivations for Joining the Brotherhood

Despite the inherent pain points, individuals are drawn to the Dark Brotherhood for various reasons:

• Seek Justice: Some join out of a desire to punish the wicked or provide a sense of retribution.
• Power and Influence: The Brotherhood offers a path to power and control over others, appealing to those with ambitious desires.
• Curiosity and Intrigue: The secrecy and allure of the Brotherhood's rituals and teachings can entice those seeking a taste of the forbidden.
• Financial Rewards: Contracts can provide lucrative rewards for skilled assassins, offering a tempting incentive for some.
• Seeking Redemption: Some join the Brotherhood as a means of atoning for past sins or seeking redemption through bloody acts.

10 Secrets of the Dark Brotherhood

1. The Black Sacrament: A ritual performed by potential members to summon the Night Mother and gain entrance into the Brotherhood.
2. The Sanctuary: A hidden stronghold where members gather and plan their assassinations, located in the secluded area of Old Ebonheart.
3. The Night Mother: A spectral guide and leader of the Brotherhood, whose voice echoes through the minds of members.
4. The Speaker: The chosen acolyte who relays the Night Mother's orders and oversees the Brotherhood's activities.
5. The Five Tenets: Unwritten rules that govern the Brotherhood's conduct, including secrecy, obedience, and the sanctity of life.
6. Contract Types: Assassinations range from simple killings to complex plots involving deception, sabotage, or even poisoning.
7. The Code of Silence: Members are forbidden from revealing the existence or secrets of the Brotherhood, ensuring its secrecy.
8. The Black Hand: An elite group of assassins known for their exceptional skills and loyalty to the Night Mother.
9. The Morag Tong: A rival assassin's guild that operates in Morrowind, creating tension and potential conflict with the Dark Brotherhood.
10. The Oblivion Crisis: The events of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion impact the fate of the Dark Brotherhood, with the rise of the Mythic Dawn cult threatening its existence.

4 Useful Tables

Table 1: Brotherhood Ranks

Table 2: Contract Types

Table 3: Five Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood

Table 4: Dark Brotherhood Quests

FAQs about the Dark Brotherhood

1. Can you join the Dark Brotherhood as any race or class? Yes, any race and class can join the Dark Brotherhood in Morrowind.
2. What are the consequences of betraying the Dark Brotherhood? Betrayal is punished with swift and brutal retribution, often ending in death.
3. Is the Dark Brotherhood evil? The Brotherhood's actions are morally ambiguous, but their code of secrecy and justice suggests that they adhere to their own distorted sense of morality.
4. Can you become the Listener in Morrowind? Yes, players can progress through the ranks of the Dark Brotherhood and eventually become the Listener, the leader of the Sanctuary in Morrowind.
5. What is the Black Hand? The Black Hand is an elite group of assassins within the Dark Brotherhood, known for their exceptional skills and unwavering loyalty to the Night Mother.
6. How do you summon the Night Mother? The Night Mother is summoned through the Black Sacrament ritual, a chilling and often dangerous process.
7. Can you romance any characters in the Dark Brotherhood? There are limited romance options within the Dark Brotherhood, but some characters may show interest in the player depending on their actions and personality.
8. Is it possible to leave the Dark Brotherhood? Leaving the Dark Brotherhood is possible but extremely dangerous, as betrayal is met with severe consequences.