Episode 1: Enter the Shadows

Episode 1: Enter the Shadows — first episode of The Fall of the Dark Brotherhood. Part of the Wayrest map.

Nagh
It is a dark night, Kellen. This one would have another story to fall asleep to. What became of your "Forgotten Hero"?

Kellen
I have only a dark tale for a night such as this. One with no heroes at all. It began when a mysterious merchant named Uther Nere sought to make the one you speak of his agent.

Uther
Come in, traveler. I'm so glad you got my invitation. I've been watching you for some time, and I think you're just the person I need. I warn you, this task will be bloody, but the cause is just. It concerns an infamous band of assassins known as the Dark Brotherhood. The brotherhood is a foul death cult worshipping a living corpse known as the Night Mother. Some years ago my daughter, the poor misguided girl, murdered her own mother in order to gain their favor. She claimed to be recruited by the Night Mother's Listener herself. Later, I learned that my daughter too had died pursuing this violent life. For years I have sought this Listener, but she is elusive. I want you to infiltrate the Brotherhood, find her, and lead me to her. Together, we will ensure that no other family suffers the same fate as mine. I know one sure way to get the Brotherhood's attention. Find someone they were planning to assassinate, and kill them first. I would check the inn to see if anyone's seen anything suspicious. I also know a man was murdered yesterday; try examining his body.

Kellen
Examining the body, the agent found claw marks on its back. This was not the work of any assassin. Had the monsters that infested Dreughside come into the city? The agent resolved to investigate.

Kellen
Surveying the shantytown, the agent heard a muffled cry from within a boarded-up home. But before they could investigate, Dreughside's fearsome residents fell upon them.

Princess
Thank you for rescuing me. I am Princess Barynia. Two noblemen kidnapped me to blackmail my father, the King. One was killed by those monsters, but his partner dragged him into town to make it look like a murder. Bring that traitor to justice, and I'll reward you. I believe he's holding a gala tonight.

Arenthil
Welcome to my gala! Let us raise a glass to the downfall of the King!

The princess sent you? Then my plans are undone. Kill me if you wish. But the king is weak. Our day will come, and soon.

Barkeep
You ask too many questions. I think it's time we taught you what we do to nosy people.

All right, you win. There's a man who says "Hail Sithis" when he's in his cups. He scared me more than you do but not anymore. He lives on the East side of town.

Kellen
As the hero searched the house, the assassin arrived home. The hero faced a choice: Confide in the assassin, or attempt to kill him, and complete his contract in his stead?

If the player chooses to confide:

Kastus Thorn
You wish to join our Brotherhood? Very well. Show me your skills.

You fight well. Here. Take my contract. The target is Markam Hawksmire, the corrupt head of the Order of the Hour guard. He's likely at their barracks or the Temple of Akatosh.

If the player chooses to kill:

Kellen
Searching the dead assassin's home revealed a contract: The target was Markam Hawksmire, the notoriously corrupt head of the local order of the Hour guard. He was likely hiding at the order's barracks, or the Temple of Akatosh.

A Grand Chanter
Brother Markam warned us that someone might come for him. Begone!

Kellen
There was no sign of Markam. The agent would have to look elsewhere.

Knight of the Hour
An intruder! Guards, to arms!

Markam knew someone was coming for him... he said he was leaving town on the next ship.

Markam
The assassin has found me! To arms men!

Kellen
With Markam dead, the Dark Brotherhood soon approached the agent and welcomed them into the fold. Over the coming weeks, the agent earned their trust. Then the unexpected happened. A fleet of corsairs attacked the city of Wayrest, even as the agent recieved a most fateful contract.

Balir R'enar
Brother, we have a most difficult contract. You are to assassinate the King of Wayrest himself; it seems some powerful nobles in the city want him dead The castle gates are barred against the corsair assault, but perhaps you can find another way in.