Many players of Skyrim's Dark Brotherhood quests may not have paid much mind to the ritual of the Black Sacrament performed by the young initiate at the beginning of the storyline. Despite their indifference, they proceeded with the contract killings because, well, assassinations are compelling. As the questline progressed, it grew increasingly eerie, culminating in the Night Mother whispering her secrets directly to the player.

In stark contrast, the ending of the Elder Scrolls Online teaser trailer features a woman’s whisper that sent shivers down my spine. That’s the kind of haunting tone the Black Sacrament should evoke. The atmosphere captured there feels more authentic and unsettling.

My main interest has always been the narrative depth within Elder Scrolls Online. However, the teaser provides minimal details about the Dark Brotherhood's role or how it will feature in the game. It leaves us questioning what lies ahead.

Reflecting on the franchise’s timeline, it’s been nearly five years since Skyrim’s release and a decade since Oblivion. There are likely newcomers unfamiliar with the origins and significance of the Dark Brotherhood. They might not understand why that whisper in the trailer is so chilling or why this faction has such a dark allure.

Perhaps it’s worth revisiting the history of the Dark Brotherhood, exploring its beginnings, and speculating on how it might be woven into the upcoming Elder Scrolls Online experience. Understanding its roots can deepen our appreciation for its role in the larger Elder Scrolls universe.

Classifying the Dark Brotherhood as merely an assassin's guild seems an oversimplification, given its complex nature and underlying motives. While its activities include murder for hire, the organization's core is rooted in a darker, almost religious belief system that transcends simple profit motives. Unlike standard guilds driven by monetary gain, the Brotherhood functions more like a cult, with spiritual and supernatural elements at its heart, resonating with echoes of ancient, mystical practices.

In understanding their methods, it’s important to recognize the ritualistic process behind their targeted killings. The process begins with crafting an effigy, symbolically representing the intended victim. This effigy, which need not resemble the person directly, must be assembled from bones, flesh, a skull, and a heart—elements imbued with symbolic significance. The assassin then prepares a dagger—size is flexible, as evidenced by Aventus’s small blade—and anoint it with nightshade petals, a poisonous plant associated with death and secrecy. Surrounding the effigy with candles, the assassin whispers a specific incantation:

“Sweet mother, sweet mother

send your child unto me

for the sins of the unworthy

must be baptized in blood and fear.”

This ritual summons the Night Mother, a central figure in the Brotherhood’s religion, who then communicates directives through her chosen listener. This listener relays instructions to a speaker, who ultimately assigns the target to a silencer—an operative tasked with executing the deed. The structure of the organization mimics a five-fingered hand, with the listener and four speakers forming its core, each with designated silencers. Additional silencers may exist, potentially including players in Elder Scrolls Online, acting under the organization’s command.

Beyond these roles, there exists the Keeper, a guardian overseeing the Night Mother’s remains. In previous games, her location shifted—from a crypt in Bravil in Oblivion to being transported by Cicero in Skyrim. The current whereabouts in Elder Scrolls Online remain uncertain, though some speculate she remains hidden within Bravil, a city accessible only behind a barrier most players cannot breach.

The Night Mother’s origins are shrouded in legend. She was a Dunmer woman from early Second Era, whose life intertwined with Sithis—the primordial force embodying emptiness and void. Sithis predates most Tamrielic gods, embodying chaos, change, and the void itself. She is said to have been Sithis’s consort, giving birth to five children—possibly the offspring of Sithis himself. Her devotion to Sithis led her to commit a horrifying act: murdering her children to send their spirits into the void. Her actions drew condemnation from her community in Bravil, leading to her execution by fire.

Decades later, whispers of her voice reached a man, claiming to be the Night Mother. Her whispers conveyed Sithis’s will, marking the beginning of the Dark Brotherhood’s mission to gather souls—sacrifices in service of Sithis—and profit from their deaths. This dark, spiritual mission underscores the Brotherhood’s identity as more than just killers; they are devotees of a shadowy, cosmic faith that seeks to maintain the balance of darkness and void across Tamriel.

Based on the teaser material, players will revisit iconic locations such as Kvatch and Anvil, cities that have not been part of Elder Scrolls lore since the Oblivion era. Interestingly, these locations are depicted as more recent developments, several centuries after their Oblivion appearances. A brief shot of Anvil appears in the teaser trailer for the Dark Brotherhood DLC, but what captures more attention is an idol that seems to represent either Sithis or Mephala. Given the design, I lean toward Mephala, especially considering the arm details.

Additionally, a mysterious book featuring a handprint on its cover appears in the footage. This is likely a copy of "A Kiss, Sweet Mother," which contains instructions for performing the Black Sacrament. However, it would be fascinating if a new book was introduced—perhaps detailing the origins of the Dark Brotherhood—building on hints from a previous ESO publication titled "Brothers of Darkness," marked as the first edition. Within the same scene, a statue of a cloaked woman surrounded by five skulls is visible—most probably representing the Night Mother.

These elements lead to my main theory: the story might culminate in a confrontation with Morrowind's Morag Tong, the cult dedicated to Mephala, which originally gave rise to the Dark Brotherhood. Historically, the Morag Tong assassinated the Night Mother, and I suspect the questline will explore this dark history. Perhaps players will assume the role of a Listener—or at least someone connected to hearing the Night Mother’s voice.

There's much more to speculate on, but I’d love to hear your ideas. What do you think the storyline for the Dark Brotherhood will involve? Do you prefer the idea of taking on daily contracts from a bulletin board or receiving assignments directly from the Night Mother herself? Share your thoughts below, and I look forward to discussing more with you next time!

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