The Dark Brotherhood
The Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a clandestine order of assassins whose influence extends across Tamriel. Renowned for their lethal precision and devotion to Sithis, a primordial entity embodying chaos and void, the Brotherhood has been a fixture of Elder Scrolls lore since its introduction in earlier titles. Governed by the Five Tenets, a strict code dictating conduct and hierarchy, the organisation maintains secrecy and discipline among its members. Its origins lie in a schism with the Morag Tong, an older guild of assassins, from which it diverged over ideological disputes. Embracing independence and covert operations, the Brotherhood developed distinct rituals and communication methods, often centred on the Night Mother, an enigmatic figure said to relay Sithis’s commands.
The Dark Brotherhood downloadable content (DLC), released on 31 May 2016, expanded ESO’s world with the addition of the Gold Coast region. This area, encompassing the cities of Anvil and Kvatch, became the stage for a narrative exploring the Brotherhood’s activities. Players are drawn into the faction after proving their aptitude for assassination, embarking on quests that examine internal power struggles, external adversaries, and the ethical ambiguities inherent in fulfilling contracts. The storyline avoids overt moral judgement, instead presenting the Brotherhood’s operations as a reflection of their unwavering commitment to Sithis.
A defining feature of the DLC is the introduction of a skill line tailored to stealth and assassination. Among its abilities is the Blade of Woe, which enables instant kills on unaware targets. Shadowy Disguise grants temporary invisibility, aiding evasion and positioning, while Spectral Assassin diminishes detection risks during covert actions. Passive skills such as Scales of Pitiless Justice reduce penalties for criminal acts, and Shadowy Supplier connects players to vendors offering mission-critical tools like poisons. These mechanics encourage a methodical approach, rewarding patience and strategic planning.
The Brotherhood's gameplay revolves around specialised missions. Sacrament Quests, repeatable tasks demanding stealth and precision, challenge players to eliminate targets without raising alarms. Contracts, another core element, assign specific individuals for assassination. Success yields rewards and advances the faction's standing. A dynamic bounty system heightens tension, as crimes committed in populated areas attract guard attention and mercenaries, necessitating careful risk management.
The Gold Coast’s design complements the Brotherhood’s thematic tone. Anvil’s maritime grandeur and Kvatch’s fire-scarred architecture provide contrasting settings for clandestine activities. Brotherhood sanctuaries, hidden beneath these cities, feature dimly lit chambers adorned with macabre iconography—bloodied altars, skeletal motifs, and sigils of Sithis. These spaces function as narrative and logistical hubs, where players accept assignments and engage with faction members, reinforcing the atmosphere of secrecy and dread.
Through its integration of narrative, mechanics, and environment, the Dark Brotherhood DLC enriches ESO’s portrayal of Tamriel’s underworld. It avoids romanticising the faction’s actions, instead presenting them as an unflinching aspect of the game’s broader lore. The expansion’s emphasis on stealth, consequence, and moral ambiguity offers an experience distinct from ESO’s more conventional quests, appealing to those drawn to the complexities of life as an assassin.
