Oblivion Remaster: Best Dark Brotherhood Targets

Hey guys! So, you're diving into the shadows of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and looking to make a name for yourself with the Dark Brotherhood, right? You're probably wondering, 'Who's the best NPC to kill for the Dark Brotherhood?' Well, you've come to the right place! This ain't just about completing contracts; it's about maximizing your gains, minimizing your risks, and maybe, just maybe, enjoying a little bit of schadenfreude along the way. We're going to break down the most juicy targets, the ones that offer the best rewards, the easiest getaways, and the most satisfying conclusions to your shadowy endeavors. Remember, in the Dark Brotherhood, every contract is an opportunity, and we want to make sure you're seizing the best ones. So, grab your shrouded daggers, and let's get to it!

The Elusive Alchemist: Falanu Hlaalu

When you're starting out with the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion, you'll quickly learn that Falanu Hlaalu is often one of your first few targets. She's a Dunmer alchemist living in Skingrad, and honestly, she's not exactly the most beloved citizen. For starters, her shop, "A Fighting Chance," is a bit of a mess, and her inventory often reflects that. But the real reason she's a prime target isn't just her personality; it's the significant amount of gold she carries. Many players find that Falanu is usually loaded with a decent sum, which, for a low-level assassin, can be a real game-changer. Plus, she’s not exactly a master of self-defense. While she might have a few potions to help her, she’s generally an easy mark. Her routine is fairly predictable, making it easier to plan your approach without alerting the whole city. The reward for offing her isn't astronomically high, but coupled with the gold you can loot directly from her, it’s a solid early-game payday. Think of her as your first stepping stone, the one who helps you get a little richer and a little more experienced before you take on the bigger fish. Remember to be sneaky, though! Even in a smaller city like Skingrad, getting caught can lead to a bounty, and nobody wants that when they’re trying to climb the ranks of the Brotherhood. So, scout her location, understand her patrol patterns (if any), and strike when the opportunity is perfect. Her death not only serves the Dark Brotherhood but also lines your pockets, making her a win-win target for any aspiring assassin. Some might even say she’s asking for it, living alone and peddling questionable concoctions. But hey, we’re just here to get the job done, right?

The Corrupt Guard Captain: Hieronymus Lex

Alright guys, let’s talk about a target that’s a bit more… official. Hieronymus Lex is the Captain of the Imperial Guard in Bruma, and believe me, he’s a character you'll love to hate. He’s arrogant, he’s overbearing, and he’s often involved in some shady dealings that make him a perfect candidate for a Dark Brotherhood contract. What makes Lex a particularly rewarding target, beyond the standard payment, is the potential for collateral gain and the removal of a nuisance. Lex is often tasked with hunting down the player during certain quests, especially if you’ve run afoul of the law. Taking him out can effectively end that pursuit, freeing you up to cause mayhem elsewhere without the constant threat of a legionnaire on your tail. Furthermore, his position means he’s likely to be carrying some decent loot, possibly including unique items or higher-grade gear that’s harder to come by at lower levels. His downfall can also be a significant blow to the city guard’s authority in Bruma, which, let's be honest, might be a good thing considering his attitude. The challenge here is that he’s a high-ranking official, meaning he’s usually well-protected and often in public view. You’ll need to be tactical. Consider striking during the night, or perhaps orchestrating an ambush when he’s away from his usual patrols. The darker and more secluded, the better. Some players even find creative ways to lure him into a trap, using distractions or bait to get him alone. The satisfaction of taking down such a pompous figure, coupled with the practical benefits of ending his pursuit and looting his gear, makes Lex a truly memorable and profitable target for any Dark Brotherhood operative. He’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most satisfying kills are the ones that serve a greater purpose – or at least, a greater payday for you.

The Wealthy, Unpopular Merchant: Lucian Beran

Now, let’s talk about a target who’s rich, influential, and frankly, deeply disliked: Lucian Beran. He’s a wealthy merchant residing in Cheydinhal, and his demise is often contracted by the Dark Brotherhood. Why is he such a good target, you ask? Well, aside from the obvious satisfaction of removing an unpleasant individual from society, Lucian Beran is practically swimming in gold. His wealth is legendary within the game, and looting his estate after his demise can yield an enormous amount of gold, valuable items, and potentially even rare artifacts. This makes him an incredibly lucrative target, especially for players who are looking to fund their expensive habit of buying property, training skills, or just hoarding all the best loot. But it's not just about the money, guys. Beran's unpopularity isn't just a rumor; he’s known for being greedy, exploitative, and generally unpleasant to deal with. Taking him out often comes with a subtle nod of approval from the local populace, even if they don’t know who’s responsible. The challenge with Beran is that he often has guards or associates protecting him, and his estate might be well-secured. Planning is key here. You'll want to scout his residence, learn the patrol routes of any guards, and find the opportune moment to strike when he’s most vulnerable. Sometimes, waiting for him to be alone in his study or during a less guarded moment can be the most effective strategy. The rewards from this contract, both in terms of gold and the sheer volume of loot you can acquire, make Lucian Beran one of the most financially rewarding targets in Oblivion's Dark Brotherhood questline. He’s the kind of target that makes you feel like a true professional assassin – efficient, deadly, and substantially richer afterwards. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it, and who better than you?

The Power-Hungry Noble: Count Rugan Valerius

Let's switch gears to a target who represents the upper crust of Cyrodiilic society, someone whose fall from grace is not only contractually obligated but also potentially beneficial to the realm: Count Rugan Valerius. He resides in Bruma and is often seen as an ambitious and somewhat ruthless noble. His downfall is a significant contract for the Dark Brotherhood, and the reasons for choosing him extend beyond simple assassination. The primary draw here is the potential to gain influence or remove a political obstacle. In a world like Oblivion, removing a powerful figure can sometimes have ripple effects that benefit the player or the Brotherhood indirectly. Perhaps Rugan was blocking a certain initiative, or maybe his removal paves the way for someone more amenable to… alternative arrangements. Beyond the political machinations, nobles often possess considerable wealth and valuable possessions. Count Rugan is likely to have a substantial hoard of gold, fine jewelry, and perhaps even unique enchanted items that can significantly boost your own power and wealth. His estate is also likely to be well-guarded, presenting a decent challenge that tests your assassin skills. You'll need to be stealthy, observant, and decisive. Consider infiltration during a feast or a social gathering where security might be temporarily distracted, or plan a precise strike when he’s in a more secluded part of his manor. The satisfaction of taking down a powerful noble, combined with the potential for immense material rewards and the subtle shifts in political power, makes Count Rugan Valerius a highly sought-after and strategic target. He’s the kind of mark that proves your worth not just as a killer, but as an agent of change within the game world. Plus, who doesn’t love taking down a snobby count?

The Unscrupulous Mages Guild Member: Enil Zuriel

Alright, let’s dive into the arcane world and talk about a target that’s often lurking within the Mages Guild: Enil Zuriel. This guy is typically portrayed as an ambitious, perhaps even unethical, mage who might be dabbling in forbidden arts or seeking power through questionable means. His position within the Mages Guild means he could be involved in some seriously shady stuff, making his elimination a service to the wider magical community – or at least, to the Dark Brotherhood’s reputation. The appeal of targeting a mage like Enil Zuriel lies in the potential for acquiring unique magical items and powerful spell ingredients. Mages often hoard potent reagents, rare scrolls, and enchanted items that are difficult to find elsewhere. Looting his personal quarters or laboratory after his demise can yield a treasure trove of magical goods that can significantly enhance your character’s abilities. Beyond the loot, taking out a rogue mage can also be seen as a preemptive strike against potential magical threats, earning you a bit of unspoken goodwill. The challenge? Mages are rarely easy targets. They often possess powerful offensive spells, defensive wards, and may even have magical constructs or familiars aiding them. You’ll need to be prepared for magical combat. Bring potions of resist magic, have some powerful offensive spells or weapons of your own, and prioritize closing the distance to prevent them from casting devastating spells. Scouting their usual haunt within the Mages Guild is crucial to understanding their routines and identifying vulnerabilities. Sometimes, they might be found alone during research or experimentation, providing the perfect window for an ambush. Eliminating Enil Zuriel isn't just about completing a contract; it's about acquiring powerful magical assets and demonstrating your prowess against dangerous, magically-inclined adversaries. It’s a high-risk, high-reward proposition that’s perfect for the discerning assassin looking to stock up on arcane power.

Final Thoughts on Your Dark Brotherhood Contracts

So there you have it, guys! When you’re out there making a name for yourself in the Oblivion Dark Brotherhood, remember these key targets. Falanu Hlaalu for that sweet early gold, Hieronymus Lex to remove a persistent thorn in your side and gain loot, Lucian Beran for the massive payday and removal of an unlikeable merchant, Count Rugan Valerius for political intrigue and noble wealth, and Enil Zuriel for potent magical rewards. Each of these targets offers a unique blend of challenge, reward, and satisfaction. Always remember to plan your assassinations carefully, utilize stealth, and be prepared for any contingency. The Dark Brotherhood rewards cunning and efficiency. Don't just be a killer; be a professional killer. Now go out there, embrace the shadows, and may your contracts be swift and your pockets heavy! Happy assassinating!