Prerequisites: Complete Dark Brotherhood Quest: Sanctuary

Intersecting Quests: Dark Brotherhood Quest: Sanctuary, Dark Brotherhood Quest: Whispers in the Dark

Locations: Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary , Markarth, The Hag’s Cure, Raldbthar, Raldbthar Consortium, Windhelm, The White Phial, Blacksmith Quarters

Characters: Arnbjorn, Astrid, Babette, Cicero, Festus Krex, Gabriella, Muiri, Nazir, The Night Mother, Veezara

Enemies: Alain Dufont , Bandits, Nilsine Shatter-Shield

Objectives: Talk to Muiri, Kill Alain Dufont, (Optional) Kill Nilsine Shatter-Shield, Talk to Muiri, Report back to Astrid

Clowning Around

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This quest begins once you complete Dark Brotherhood Quest: Sanctuary.

After returning from your first side contract (or later), it appears the Dark Brotherhood are welcoming a new visitor. Cicero and his oversized coffin have arrived; you’ll find them in the grotto. Cicero is engaged in a slightly tense conversation with Arnbjorn. Astrid isn’t overly fond of the jester but still welcomes him into the fold, along with his cargo. Ask Astrid about a contract, and she gives you instructions. An Apothecary’s Apprentice over in Markarth has completed the Black Sacrament. Find her and follow her wishes. You can ask Astrid about the Night Mother (the corpse Cicero has hauled in with him), advice on the contracts, and other rules to follow if you desire.

Objective: Talk to Muiri
Target: The Hag’s Cure, in Markarth

The Hag’s Helper

Journey to Markarth and seek out Muiri, who may be hanging around inside the Silver-Blood Inn, walking nearby, or heading toward the Hag’s Cure apothecary shop (or already inside).

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Tell her that you’ve come, and she speaks conspiratorially about her problem: While visiting the wealthy Shatter-Shield family in Windhelm—who were old and dear friends and recently lost their daughter to a murderer—Muiri went to the local tavern to drown her sorrows; there she fell in love with a dashing stranger named Alain Dufont...