"This place is nice, but it's not home. It feels like I'm hiding down here. People like us, we need powerful friends if we're going to make it in this world."
If in Anvil:
"Is it time? Has the Dark Brotherhood finally noticed my impeccable work? I'm ready, dark one! I swear, in the name of—wait, I should let you talk first."
People like us? (If not in Anvil)"Don't play coy. I see it in your eyes. You've killed people. Or you will. You've got the same urges as I do. Just between us, I hear the Dark Brotherhood is recruiting for some new blood. I'm going to try my best to get their attention."
What are you talking about? (In Anvil)"Nothing. Nevermind. I thought you were someone else, that's all. Forget I said anything. It's just... there's something about your eyes. They have a certain look about them. I thought you were... well, I thought you were one of them."
The Dark Brotherhood? (If not in Anvil)"You never heard of Tamriel's most elite guild of assassins? Rumor has it that if you take an innocent life and they notice, they'll offer you a place in the Dark Brotherhood. There, killers are free to pursue their true passion. Think about it."
One of them? You thought I was one of the Dark Brotherhood, didn't you? (In Anvil)"Keep your voice down! But yes, I thought you were with the Brotherhood. You've got that look in your eyes. You killed people. Or you will. Just between us, I heard the Brotherhood seeks new recruits. I plan to be one of those lucky few."
Thanks for the information. (If not in Anvil)"Word of advice. Urges aside, the Dark Brotherhood prefers to keep a low profile. Just remember—kill an innocent, get noticed. My sources say that recruiting is happening here in Anvil. I'll be at the docks if you want to talk some more."
How do you plan to get the attention of a secret group of assassins? (In Anvil)"Rumor has it that if you take an innocent life and the Dark Brotherhood notices, they'll offer you a place in their guild. Think about it. A place where killers are free to pursue their darkest passions. Doesn't it just give you the chills?"
I don't know. It sounds kind of risky. (In Anvil)"No risk, no reward, my aunt Ophelia always said. Look, people like us, we need to surround ourselves with like-minded allies. People that will protect us and help us reach our true potential. They're going to notice me, I just know it!"
You want me to just go up and kill a random person in cold blood?"I don't want you to do anything. I'm just providing information. Letting you know that new opportunities are available of you're willing to spill a little blood."
You're rather open and nonchalant about all this."Don't take my willingness to help out as a sign or anything. I recognize a kindred spirit and suggested a way to satisfy your darkest urges. They'll get you killed if you don't keep them under control. And if you don't find the right allies."
You're wrong. And possibly insane."No need to be all insulting about it. Just remember that I understand. That mask you wear every day. The one you're desperately afraid to slip one day. You could throw that mask away in the Brotherhood. They want you for who you really are."
I've killed before. Why hasn't the Dark Brotherhood contacted me already?"Hey, I don't know exactly how they select new recruits. I'm just telling you what I've heard. Maybe you just need to be in the right place at the right time. Like Anvil. Of course, I've also heard they have eyes everywhere, so what do I know?"
How do you know so much about a secret organization of assassins?"That's one of the best things about the Dark Brotherhood. It hides in plain sight. No one knows where its headquarters is or how many members it has. Yet you can go into any library and read a book about them. It's brilliant, really!"
You've read a book about the Dark Brotherhood?"Quite a few, actually. My favorite is "The Night Mother's Truth." It describes the origins of the Brotherhood, although it might all be a theory and conjecture. But forget the books! Everyone knows the Brotherhood exists. And most people fear them."
What are the benefits of joining a group like that?"Fellowship, safety, and security, to name just a few. I understand there's also a steady flow of gold from all the contracts. And you get to kill people! Can you imagine a better guild to belong to? Better than picking pockets, if you ask me."
Why do you think Anvil is the place to get noticed?"I'm not one to reveal my sources, but Fat Grakal told me that he overheard Seaworthy Saralla say that there have been some mysterious murders committed on the Gold Coast. To me, nothing says Dark Brotherhood like mysterious murders!"
But why you think the Dark Brotherhood is looking for recruits?"Oh, I got that from Margog the Hammer. Buy him a couple of ales and he spouts secrets like a bard spouts poetry. Just the other day, he told me that his cousin Krusk killed a baker in Anvil. He received a mysterious visit that very night."
A mysterious visit?"You really don't know anything about the Brotherhood, do you? If they decide you're worthy enough to receive and invitation, one of their dark dignitaries shows up to deliver the news in person. It's kind of creepy, but it's also a singular honor."
"I trust your contracts have been abundant and lucrative?" "It's good to see you again, friend!"
Do I know you?"You don't remember me, do you? We ran into each other on the streets of Anvil some time back, when it seems both of us were looking to attract the attention of the Dark Brotherhood."
I remember now."I should probably be cursing your name, you know. I'd been trying to grab their attention for days, and then you arrived to haunt the Gold Coast like some malignant wraith. I had to redouble my efforts."
<Remain silent.>"Yes! That's it! I love that, don't you? The silence that fills the void where words should be. It's positively pregnant with menace. The effect it has on people is unmistakable."
How many people did you kill, exactly?"Hmm, let's see. I kept a list. La, da, da, da, da... looks like thirteen."
<Remain silent.>"I should probably be cursing your name, you know. I'd been trying to grab their attention for days, and then you arrived to haunt the Gold Coast like some malignant wraith. I had to redouble my efforts."
You murdered thirteen people just to get the attention of the Speaker?"That's how it's done, isn't it? Death is our business, and business is good. I'm quoting the Matron, of course."
That's not how it works. You should be more discreet."You think so? I suppose you would know, the way I hear it you're the Sanctuary's new darling. I'll consider what you said."
<Remain silent.>"There it is again! Makes my blood run absolutely cold. You're magnificent at the silence thing!"
Good. This is obedient duty, not murderous playtime."Sure, sure. Well, I'd best be off. May the Dread Father guide your blade."
You are absolutely insane. (If remained silent)"Sure, sure. Well, I'd best be off. May the Dread Father guide your blade."
Gallery[]
Promotional image of Amelie Crowe from Dark Brotherhood Guide: The Basics
