Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary (Skyrim)

The Skyrim chapter of the Dark Brotherhood is based here.

The sanctuary can be found near the road heading west from Falkreath and just southeast of the Roadside Ruins (i.e. on the southeast side of the actual road).

Entry
Outside is a pitch-black pool of water and its entrance is guarded by a mysterious door displaying the carving of a skull.

Upon the first visit, after being sent there by Astrid, the door will ask you the question: "What is the music of life?" Entrance is granted only when the Dragonborn replies, "Silence, my brother," Answering incorrectly will result in the door replying, "You are not worthy," The correct response will not be an option until the Dragonborn learns it during Destroy the Dark Brotherhood or after With Friends Like These...

Architectural design
The actual sanctuary consists of a cave network with multiple rooms. Between two staircases is a Word Wall where the Dragon Shout Marked for Death can be learned.

Pets
Inside the sanctuary, a docile pet Frostbite Spider named Lis can be found. In its lair is the skeleton of Gaston Bellefort, who, according to his journal, was spying on the Brotherhood and thought himself unnoticed. Sadly, attacking Lis will provoke the rest of the Brotherhood.

Dawnstar Sanctuary
There is also a Dark Brotherhood sanctuary located near Dawnstar. It is abandoned, but the Dragonborn can gain access to it in a later quest. The door will ask you the question, "What is life's greatest illusion?", and the answer is "Innocence, my brother".

Crafting



 * Alchemy Lab


 * Arcane Enchanter


 * Anvil


 * Grindstone


 * Workbench

Notable Loot
Alteration Skill Book - Sithis

Unusual Gem - Thieves Guild quest No Stone Unturned

Shrouded Armor

Sneak Skill Book - Sacred Witness

Several Soul Gems

Ingredients such as Dragon's Tongue

Word Wall

An Explorer's Guide to Skyrim

Trivia
Thing that is not said anywhere about the origin of the voice from beyond the grave that is asking you for the passcode is that it probably belong to Sithis, the Dread Lord as called from some members of the Dark Brotherhood such as Astrid and the Night Mother. Same thing for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Bugs
All items stored in containers in the sanctuary will be lost after the quest To Kill An Empire, if unmoved.

The Word on the Word Wall may become unavailable after completing the main story quest.

It is unknown what causes this glitch to occur, but it has been reported that sometimes attempting to enter the sanctuary causes the game to freeze during the loading screen.