Highlights
The Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim creates an atmosphere of darkness and mystery, epitomized by the renowned inquiry posed by the Black Door: "What is the music of life?"Incorporating this profound question effectively solidifies the player's identity as an assassin, imbuing the faction with an aura of apprehension and infamy.
The inclusion of the Black Door and its unsettling inquiry in The Elder Scrolls 6 would align with the continuity of previous installments and suggest the revival of the Dark Brotherhood's significance. Despite being launched more than ten years ago, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim continues to capture attention due to its thriving modding community and availability on current platforms. Nevertheless, it owes its enduring popularity to the memorable experiences provided by the original game.
One Line in Skyrim's Dark Brotherhood Questline Perfectly Sets the Tone
Despite the main story and civil war subplot following a fairly linear path with limited outcomes, there are instances in the game's design where a feeling of choice emerges. This becomes particularly evident during Skyrim's numerous side quests, which are separate from the overarching plot and therefore offer more flexibility with multiple options. Nevertheless, there is a particular questline that demands the delivery of an exceptional line, setting a remarkably high standard for its potential successor in The Elder Scrolls 6.The Dark Brotherhood, a renowned faction in The Elder Scrolls, offers players the opportunity to delve into the sinister underbelly of Tamriel by accepting contracts to end lives. While The Elder Scrolls 6 has numerous avenues to enhance the Dark Brotherhood, one crucial element that should remain unchanged is the ability for players to join its ranks.
Attempting to enter the Falkreath sanctuary without triggering the questline prompts the Black Door to inquire, "What is the music of life?" Players are unable to provide an answer at this stage. However, after completing the initial quest that initiates their journey as an assassin, they can respond with, "Silence, brother," thus gaining access to the sanctuary.
This seemingly insignificant event holds significance within the game and the faction as it aids in establishing a certain atmosphere. It allows players to become a part of a group whose reputation and influence inspire fear across Tamriel even before the events of Skyrim unfold. The eerie presence of the door and the weight of the response contribute to setting the stage for the morally ambiguous nature of the organization. Still, it is worth noting that the Dark Brotherhood's portrayal in Skyrim is not entirely somber, as Cicero, a jester, adds moments of levity throughout the game.
Continuing the tradition from Oblivion, including the Black Doors' question in The Elder Scrolls 6 would not only set the mood but also maintain a narrative element. The debate over whether Oblivion or Skyrim had the superior Dark Brotherhood story remains open, but both games establish an initial assassination before pledging oneself to Sithis and the Night Mother. The distinction lies in the query posed; while Oblivion's Black Door asks about the color of night, Skyrim's investigation revolves around the music of life. Regardless, both approaches effectively achieve their desired impact.
Given the Dark Brotherhood's immense popularity as a faction in Skyrim, it is highly likely that it will make a comeback in Elder Scrolls 6, extending its repertoire of assassination contracts. The game should also continue Oblivion's lead-up, as the quest can only be triggered by the protagonist's unwarranted murder of an innocent individual. This act indicates the protagonist's inclination towards mindless killing. While one could argue for initiating the story with another quest, there is a certain uneasiness attached to garnering the organization's attention through an unprovoked murder.
However Bethesda chooses to approach the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls 6, retaining the Black Door and preserving its chilling enigma is a compelling method for establishing the faction's presence while maintaining consistency with its portrayal in previous games. Additionally, depending on the game's setting, this approach could also suggest a resurgence of the organization's former prominence during Tamriel's Third Era, as they accept contracts from all corners of the continent, seeking retribution for the appropriate compensation.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim can be played on various platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, as well as legacy systems.