Oblivion: Best Dark Brotherhood Targets
Hey, fellow Tamriel adventurers! So, you're diving deep into the shadowy world of the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and you're wondering who the best NPCs are to, well, take care of? It's a fair question, guys! The Brotherhood isn't just about chaotic evil; sometimes, it's about strategic hits, gaining an advantage, or even just sticking it to someone who really deserves it. Let's break down some of the most rewarding and interesting targets you might encounter throughout your chilling contract missions.
The Elusive and the Annoying: Why Target Selection Matters
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of specific characters, let's talk about why you'd even care about choosing your targets in Oblivion. It's not always about the biggest bounty or the most powerful foe. Sometimes, the best NPC to eliminate for the Dark Brotherhood is someone whose removal has ripple effects, someone who's been a thorn in your side, or perhaps even someone whose demise opens up new opportunities. We're talking about strategic assassinations, not just random acts of violence, though sometimes those are fun too, right? When you're operating in the shadows, every move counts. Eliminating a key figure might weaken a rival guild, put a troublesome politician out of commission, or even grant you access to valuable information or items. Plus, let's be honest, sometimes you just really hate a certain NPC's voice lines or their smug attitude. The Dark Brotherhood is all about fulfilling contracts, but there's a certain satisfaction in choosing targets that align with your own sense of justice, or, you know, injustice.
Furthermore, the game mechanics themselves can make certain targets more appealing. Think about the quests where the target is particularly well-guarded, or perhaps located in a notoriously difficult-to-navigate area. Successfully completing such a contract not only nets you your reward but also a serious boost in confidence. It’s a test of your skills, your stealth, and your ability to plan. On the other hand, sometimes the 'best' target is the one that's easiest to get to, allowing for a quick and clean contract completion. This is especially true if you're grinding for skill increases or just want to progress through the ranks of the Brotherhood without too much hassle. The variety of contracts in Oblivion means there's always a target to suit your playstyle, whether you're a stealthy assassin or a more direct, albeit still sneaky, approach.
Consider also the lore implications. Oblivion is rich with political intrigue, ancient grudges, and power struggles. Taking out certain individuals can have surprisingly significant impacts on the game world, even if it's not explicitly detailed in the quest log. You might be playing a small but crucial role in shaping the future of Cyrodiil, all from the comfort of the shadows. This adds a layer of depth to the assassination system that many games overlook. It’s not just about clicking on a name and pressing a button; it’s about understanding the world and your place within it as a silent, deadly force. So, when we talk about the 'best' NPCs, we're really talking about a combination of challenge, reward, narrative impact, and sometimes, just pure, unadulterated gamer satisfaction.
The Obvious Choices: When the Contract is King
Let's kick things off with the contracts that are practically begging to be completed. The Dark Brotherhood quests themselves often present you with targets who are not only crucial to the storyline but also offer significant rewards and challenges. Lucien Lachance, while not someone you kill (thankfully, he's your spectral handler!), is the linchpin of the entire organization. The contracts given by him are the bread and butter of your early career. But when we talk about targets, we're thinking about the folks you actually have to eliminate. Think about the early contracts that introduce you to the Brotherhood's methods. These are often individuals who are already on the chopping block for various reasons, and your job is simply to be the final nail in their coffin. The beauty here is that the game wants you to kill them, so the path is usually laid out for you, and the opposition, while present, is manageable. You're learning the ropes, honing your skills, and getting paid for it. It’s a win-win, really.
One such example, though not always a direct contract target but someone whose elimination is often beneficial, could be a particularly irritating merchant who overcharges or a guard who’s always on your case. While the Brotherhood rarely assigns contracts for such minor grievances, the game often provides opportunities through other means, or you might find that removing such an individual makes your life significantly easier when undertaking official contracts. Imagine a quest where your target is holed up in a fortress guarded by numerous soldiers. If you can somehow neutralize a key patrol leader or a particularly vigilant sentry beforehand (perhaps through a different, unofficial means, or by spotting an opportunity), your main assassination attempt becomes that much smoother. This is where the emergent gameplay of Oblivion shines. The 'best' target might not always be the one listed in your journal, but the one whose removal creates the most favorable circumstances for your success.
Furthermore, some targets are memorable simply because of the circumstances surrounding their demise. The quests that involve disguises, elaborate traps, or assassinating someone in broad daylight while they're surrounded by their own guards – these are the ones that stick with you. The thrill of pulling off a daring hit, of outsmarting the system and the target's security, is a core part of the Dark Brotherhood experience. The 'best' targets are often those who put up a decent fight, or whose death requires a bit of planning and cleverness. It's not just about the kill; it's about the art of the kill. These are the contracts that define your reputation as a fearsome assassin, the ones whispered about in taverns and feared in noble courts. The more challenging, the more satisfying the eventual victory.
The 'Get Rich Quick' Targets: Loot and Luxury
Alright, let's talk brass tacks, guys. Who’s got the best loot? Sometimes, the best NPC to kill for the Dark Brotherhood isn't about the quest itself, but about what they're carrying or what they're guarding. Oblivion, bless its heart, isn't always the most generous with its treasure chests, but certain individuals are practically walking wardrobes of expensive gear or pouches bursting with gold. Arch-Mage Hannibal Traven is a prime example, though again, you're not typically tasked with assassinating him directly for the Brotherhood in the main questline unless things go very sideways. However, think about the high-ranking mages, wealthy merchants, or even corrupt nobles you might encounter. Their homes are often filled with valuable alchemy ingredients, enchanted items, and, of course, gold.
When you get a contract, especially if it's in a private residence or a secluded area, take a moment to survey the surroundings before you strike. Are there valuable items lying around? Does the target wear a particularly exquisite ring or amulet? Sometimes, the quest might lead you to a heavily guarded manor. While your primary objective is the assassination, securing some high-value loot on the side can make the entire endeavor significantly more profitable. This is particularly true for players who are looking to fund their expensive habit of training skills or enchanting powerful gear. The Dark Brotherhood rewards you with gold, but that gold can often be multiplied by shrewd looting.
Consider the 'Whispers from the Dark' quest. While the target and method are specific, the location often holds other treasures. Or think about contracts involving targets in the Imperial City Market District. Some of these merchants might have private collections of rare goods or significant amounts of cash. If you can infiltrate their living quarters undetected, you might find more than just the satisfaction of a job well done. The key is to be thorough. Check containers, dressers, and even the corpses of your enemies (once the contract is fulfilled, of course!). The game often hides valuable items in plain sight or within the personal effects of NPCs. So, while the quest giver might not explicitly mention the treasure, your 'best' target might just be the one who happens to be sitting on a pile of gold or guarding a rare artifact.
Remember, though, that some of the wealthiest NPCs are also the best protected. This means you might need to employ more advanced stealth tactics or plan your infiltration carefully. A quick grab-and-go might not be feasible. You might need to disable guards, create distractions, or wait for the opportune moment when the target is alone and vulnerable. The riskier the target, often the greater the potential reward, both in terms of the contract payment and any illicit gains you can secure. It’s all part of the game, right? Being a successful assassin in Oblivion isn't just about combat prowess; it's about being a smart, resourceful, and opportunistic scavenger as well.
The 'Justice' Targets: Those Who Deserve It
Sometimes, guys, the best part of being in the Dark Brotherhood isn't the gold or the glory, but the sheer, unadulterated satisfaction of taking down someone truly vile. Oblivion, for all its fantasy charm, has its fair share of scoundrels, criminals, and downright awful people. The Dark Brotherhood often provides contracts that align with a certain twisted sense of justice, allowing you to rid the world of its pests.
Think about the characters who exploit the weak, betray their friends, or engage in truly heinous acts. While the game doesn't always spell out their backstories in excruciating detail, the context of the quests often implies that these individuals are marked for a reason. Perhaps they're a corrupt official hoarding resources while common folk starve, a treacherous advisor manipulating a noble for personal gain, or even a cult leader brainwashing their followers. Your contract is essentially a public service, albeit one performed in the dead of night with extreme prejudice. The 'best' target, in this sense, is one who truly deserves their fate, and whose removal brings a small measure of balance back to the world.
Consider the questlines where you might be tasked with eliminating someone who has wronged a member of the Brotherhood, or someone who poses a threat to the organization's secrecy. These are often deeply personal contracts, and the targets are usually quite unsavory. Taking them out feels less like a job and more like righting a wrong. The satisfaction comes not just from completing the mission, but from knowing you've dealt a blow against genuine evil. It's a cathartic experience, really. You're not just an assassin; you're an instrument of a darker, more decisive form of justice.
For instance, imagine a quest where you need to assassinate a bandit leader who has been terrorizing a nearby village. While bandits are common, this particular leader might be known for their cruelty or for orchestrating particularly brutal raids. Eliminating them not only fulfills your contract but also brings a sense of relief to the innocent populace. The 'best' target is the one whose death makes the world a measurably better place, even if only in a small corner of Cyrodiil. This adds a moral (or perhaps immoral) complexity to your role. You're not just a killer for hire; you're a dispenser of ultimate judgment. The anonymity of the Brotherhood allows for these 'justifiable' hits, where the reasons are clear, and the execution is swift and final. It’s a powerful feeling, being the one to bring down those who believe they are above the law.
The 'Challenging' Targets: For the Skilled Assassin
Finally, let's talk about the targets that make you sweat. For the seasoned assassin, the true 'best' NPC to kill might be the one who presents the greatest challenge. These are the individuals who are heavily guarded, possess formidable magical or combat skills, or are located in extremely secure or difficult-to-reach environments. Taking down such a target is a true test of your assassin skills and requires meticulous planning, perfect execution, and often, a bit of luck.
Think about high-ranking military officers, powerful court mages, or even skilled warriors who are always accompanied by loyal bodyguards. Assassinating them is not a simple sneak-and-stab job. You might need to utilize the environment to your advantage, employing poisons, setting traps, or creating elaborate diversions to isolate your target. The thrill of overcoming such obstacles, of outsmarting formidable defenses, is what separates a good assassin from a truly great one. These are the contracts that truly define your prowess within the Dark Brotherhood.
Consider a target who resides in a heavily fortified castle or a bustling, public area with constant patrols. Getting to them undetected, let alone dispatching them without raising an alarm, requires a deep understanding of the game's mechanics, enemy patrol routes, and your own character's abilities. You might need to master the art of invisibility, illusion spells, or even coordinate your attacks with environmental hazards. The planning phase is almost as important as the execution itself. Scouting the location, identifying key guards, and devising contingency plans are all part of the process. The 'best' target is the one that forces you to push your limits and employ every trick in your arsenal.
Successfully completing such a challenging contract provides an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. It's not just about the reward; it's about the victory over adversity. These are the assassinations that you'll tell stories about, the ones that solidify your legend within the shadowy ranks of the Dark Brotherhood. They require patience, precision, and a certain daring spirit. If you're looking to truly test your mettle as an assassin in Oblivion, seek out those contracts that seem almost impossible. The satisfaction of bringing down such a formidable foe is, for many players, the ultimate reward. It’s the culmination of your training, your gear, and your strategic thinking, all coming together in one perfect, silent strike.
