To begin "A Knife in the Dark", you must kill an innocent NPC — someone who wasn't hostile to you.

This can be any non-aggressive character: a beggar, a townsperson, or even someone killed during the "Paranoia" quest. I chose an Imperial Legionnaire for his armor.








After the murder, sleep in any bed. A Dark Brotherhood Lucien Lachance member will visit you during the night.

After the visit, Lucien Lachance will offer you a chance to join the Dark Brotherhood.

To prove yourself, you must eliminate a man named Rufio, who is hiding in the Inn of Ill Omen.

Once you accept, Lucien will explain how to find your target and gift you the deadly Blade of Woe.

Head to the Inn of Ill Omen and eliminate your target. You can ask the innkeeper where Rufio is, or head straight to the basement and enter the last room.

Kill the peacefully sleeping old man — just look how sweetly he's resting. Lie down beside him and wait for Lucien Lachance to appear.









Lucien arrives and tells us we did well. Sleeping next to the body doesn’t bother him — it’s normal for a stealthy assassin. He invites us to join the Dark Brotherhood and sends us to their headquarters in Cheydinhal. He also gives us the password to the hidden door, so getting inside won't be an issue.

Once in Cheydinhal, find the abandoned house. Make sure to bring a lockpick — the door has an easy lock that needs to be picked. Go down to the basement and approach the Dark Brotherhood’s hidden door. Say the password: “Sanguine, my brother.” Inside, you’ll be greeted by Ocheeva, the local leader.








She’ll give you a set of Brotherhood armor and explain the rules and your upcoming missions.