Online:Speaker Terenus

Speaker Terenus is an Imperial and the Speaker of the Dark Brotherhood. You will first meet him next to the corpse of Mariana Casca inside the Anvil Lighthouse, where he will give you your first task on behalf of the Brotherhood.
 

Related Quests







Quest-Related Events
Voices in the Dark
When you approach Speaker Terenus inside the Anvil Lighthouse, he will say, 
:"Come closer and let me look into your eyes. No remorse, no mercy. Yes, you do have the eyes of a killer. How many lives ended looking into those eyes? Enough that the Night Mother has noticed, obviously. Which brings us both to this place and time."
::Who are you?
:::"I am a Speaker for the Dark Brotherhood. I speak with the voice of the Night Mother. I act with the hands of our Dread Father, Sithis. I have an offer to make to one so skilled in the art of murder. An invitation, if you will."
:: 
::"Nothing to say? I can appreciate that. I am a Speaker for the Dark Brotherhood. I speak with the voice of the Night Mother. We have been watching you. You can deal death, but you lack purpose. We can change that … if you are willing."


:'''I'm listening, Speaker.
::"As well you should. I am certain you have questions, but first we must determine if you are worthy of joining the Dark Brotherhood. You take lives easily and without hesitation. We know that you can kill. Now show us that you can also obey."
:You're wrong. I'm no murderer.
::"No? What do you call it? Self-defense? Justice? Did they all deserve to die? How you justify your actions does not matter. All souls belong to Sithis in the Void. We are simply the instruments of their delivery."
:::I don't understand.
:::"Of course not, but we'll have time for clarity later. First we need to determine if you are worthy to join the Dark Brotherhood. You take lives easily enough, so we know that you can kill. Now show us that you can also obey."
: 
::"Silence is the music of Sithis, so perhaps you will serve us well. But first we need to determine if you are worthy to join the Dark Brotherhood. You take lives easily enough and we know that you can kill. Now show us that you can also obey."



:I'm ready to hear your proposal./ 
:"Splendid! We shall see how well you marry business with death. But first, allow me to present you with a gift. I shall teach you how to call upon a particular tool of our trade."
::What sort of tool?
:::"A tool for dealing death, of course. One forged by unseen hands. The Blade of Woe. Wield it from the shadows and its edge shall deliver your prey to Sithis in the Void.
:: 
:::"I grant you access to the Blade of Woe. Sharper than any other dagger you have at your disposal, it shall be your weapon just as silence is your armor. Wield the blade from the shadows and let its edge send your prey to Sithis."
:I accept your gift.
:"In return, I expect only unwavering loyalty and ruthless efficiency. Now, let us discuss the task before you. A killing that shall form a covenant between us, signed in blood."


If you do not complete the quest during this dialogue and return to speak with Terenus:
:"I have extended my invitation and offered a gift of worth beyond counting. Do you accept? Turning your back on me now would be most … unwise."
:I wish to join the Dark Brotherhood. I accept.

Signed in Blood
Immediately after completing Voices in the Dark, Speaker Terenus will offer you a new task, 
:''"Are you ready to accept the task that awaits you? To prove your worth to the Dark Brotherhood and take your first steps into the Night Mother's cold embrace?"
:Tell me about this task you want me to accomplish.
:"The Imperial noble, Lord Quintus Jarol, has been marked for death by the Black Sacrament. Your task is simple. Find Jarol and kill him."
:Why has he been marked for death?
:"That isn't a question we ask. Suffice it to say, he offended someone enough to get them to perform the Black Sacrament. The Night Mother heard the prayer and now Jarol must die. This is the task I have set before you."
:I'll kill Lord Quintus Jarol.
:"Excellent. The noble's estate can be found northwest of Anvil, along the Gold Road. How you perform the execution is up to you. Just make sure Lord Quintus Jarol dies by your hand. Then your initiation into the Dark Brotherhood will be complete."

After you have received your task, then have the option to ask Terenus more about the Night Mother and Black Sacrament, as well as the mission itself:
:Who's the Night Mother?
:"Our Unholy Matron and the one true bride of Sithis. We are her children, forever wrapped in her cold, loving embrace."
::So the Night Mother is your leader?
::"There will be time enough for more questions after you complete the task before you. Just know that she watches you. She loves you, as she loves all her children. Do not disappoint her."
:What's the Black Sacrament?
:"The Black Sacrament is the ritual by which a client procures the Dark Brotherhood's services. Using an effigy of the intended victim, the client pleads for the Night Mother to send an assassin to end the specified life. With no remorse, no regret."
::So the Dark Brotherhood is a group of paid assassins.
:::"To put it simply, yes. The lives of the innocent and the guilty alike are ours for the taking. And every soul goes to Sithis, as long as the price is paid. Death is our craft, our religion, and our trade. And business, as always, is good."
::Tell me more about the Blade of Woe.
:::"The Blade of Woe is the ebony dagger of our Brotherhood. It is a single weapon, unique and powerful in the right hands. When one of our Brothers or Sisters needs the blade for a kill, it appears to help carry out the assassination."
:Any words of wisdom before I set out to murder the noble?
:"The wise traveler asks for directions before the path diverges. Never hesitate to rely on your fellow Brotherhood members once you complete your initiation. I assume you want to know what awaits you at the noble's estate?"
::I suppose that's as good a place to start as any.
::"Killing requires few special skills, but reaching your target? That's the real task, isn't it? High walls, locked gates, and armored patrols protect the estate. There is another way to reach the estate grounds, if you're interested."
:::I'm interested.
:::"A series of smuggler tunnels runs beneath the Withered Rose and leads directly to the estate's courtyard. That's the route I would take. And don't forget to bring lockpicks. Jarol is a cautious man. He never leaves a door unlocked behind him."
::::What's the Withered Rose?
::::"The Withered Rose? A small hostel outside the city. A lovely mother and daughter own the place, but they've had trouble making ends meet. The smuggler tunnels provide them with an alternate source of income. And they're perfect for your needs."

When you have killed Lord Jarol, return to Speaker Terenus who is waiting for you in the lighthouse. Before you can tell him about the completed task, he will reveal foreknowledge of your success.
:"We know that Quintus Jarol is dead. The Brotherhood has eyes everywhere. You have done well. The covenant is sealed, signed in blood. Welcome to the family, Sister/Brother."
:That's all I had to do to prove myself?
:"We have been watching you for a long time. Killing the noble simply sealed our covenant. Now you need to meet your Brothers and Sisters. I will send you to a Sanctuary. A safehouse of sorts. A home, as well as a source of additional contracts."
:Where is this Sanctuary?
:"Not far. It's the reason I summoned you to the Gold Coast. There is much work to accomplish here, and you will be a part of that. Your new home lies to the north, hidden beneath Varen's Wall. Go there and attempt to open the Black Door."
:The Black Door?
:"The Black Door will pose a question: "What is the flavor of fear?" Reply, "Sublime, my Brother," and the Sanctuary shall be opened to you. Once inside, seek out Astara Caerellius. She has additional instructions for you."
::Are there other Sanctuaries?
::"Of course. Since the formation of the Dark Brotherhood, our shadow has stretched across the entirety of Tamriel. Not every Sanctuary has flourished, however, and our grip isn't as secure as we'd like in certain parts of the world."
:::I don't understand.
:::"Not that it concerns you, but Vvardenfell continues to be a source of … irritation. The Gold Coast, however, presents an opportunity we can all profit from. Here, we can establish a foothold that will serve the Brotherhood for generations to come."
::Why are you called a Speaker?
::"I am the voice of the Night Mother. She conveys her will to the Listener, who then passes it on to one of the four Speakers of the Black Hand to carry it out."
:::The Black Hand?
:::"The Black Hand, the instrument by which the Night Mother rules the Dark Brotherhood. It consists of one Listener and four Speakers. Four fingers and a thumb. Never more, never less. The Black Hand oversees the Sanctuaries, among other duties."
::What happened to the woman in the chair?
::"Just a little business I had to attend to. I do like to keep my dagger sharp, as it were. Her family had certain documents and presumed to make allegations that might have embarrassed the Brotherhood."
:::So you killed her to avoid embarrassment?
:::"The Brotherhood isn't that petty, but we do have certain obligations to uphold. I gave her the greatest gift of all&mdash;solace. Just as you gave the same gift to Lord Jarol. And there will be many more gifts to grant before your work is done."

A Lesson in Silence
During the events of A Lesson in Silence, you can ask Speaker Terenus about the targeted attacks on the Brotherhood:
:How does the Dark Brotherhood respond to an attack on their own?
:"Harshly. If retribution cannot be delivered, then it is the Sanctuary that stands at fault."
:We'd be punished for that failure?
:"When the chef cuts a chunk of mold from a wheel of cheese, do you call that punishment? It's purification, nothing more."

A Special Request
When you reach the Count who is in the middle of performing the Black Sacrament and have spoken with him, Terenus will arrive.
:"I arrive in response to the Black Sacrament and look who I find. An interesting turn of events, don't you agree? One contract comes into conflict with another and you're caught in the middle. That makes you the ideal candidate to sort things out."
:I am?
:"The Night Mother heard the Count's prayer and Fortunata ap Dugal has been named. Her soul is promised to Sithis now. And you will keep that promise. The Count's contract is yours to fulfill."
:I'm already on a contract for Governor Fortunata.
:"You completed Fortunata's contract to the letter. No one can say that the Brotherhood didn't discharge its obligations in that regard. Now we have a new contract, and not all the gold in Anvil can change that. The Count's sacrament is yours."
:Governor Fortunata won't survive the day.
:"Very good. Seek out your Sister, Mirabelle, in Anvil Castle. She can provide aid and advice should you need it. The secret exit in the dignitary suite is the fastest route out of this castle. Now go and fulfill the Night Mother's will."''

As soon as you finish speaking to Terenus, he'll immediately turn his attention to Carolus:
:Speaker Terenus: ''"My dear Count, let's discuss the terms of this contract."

If spoken to after you accept the contract:
:"Find Mirabelle in Anvil Castle. The Count and I have business to discuss. Your business, Initiate, is murder. Best you get to it."

Following the events during A Special Request, you can discuss the Black Sacrament ritual with Speaker Terenus:
:I've never seen the Black Sacrament performed before.
:"Communion with the Night Mother is a private thing. There have been exceptions, but most petitioners hide their dark desires from prying eyes. It takes a deep commitment to see the Black Sacrament through, but that doesn't mean it's always accepted."
::You mean the Dark Brotherhood can refuse the request? / Can the Dark Brotherhood refuse to accept the offering?
::"Who the Night Mother decides to answer is up to her and her alone. But when she speaks, we answer, quickly and without question."
::What is required of a petitioner? / How does a petitioner get heard by the Night Mother?
::"They must build and effigy of blood, flesh, and bone&mdash;the symbol of their desire&mdash;and drive a blade anointed with nightshade into their offering as they recite the incantation. Through this ritual, they may be heard by the Night Mother."''

The Wrath of Sithis
After you've dealt with the Black Dragon inside Knightsgrave, you can tell Speaker Terenus about seeing the Wrath of Sithis:
:I saw a wraith when I killed the Black Dragon.
:''"What you saw was the Wrath of Sithis. The messenger sent to all who betray the Brotherhood. It has claimed the traitor's soul for the Void, where she will answer for all she has done. Never forget what awaits those who defy us."
:Could someone like Lyra ever be forgiven?
:"If their devotion to Sithis outstrips their indiscretion, they may overcome the wraith and be welcomed back into the fold. I have never observed such an event, but anything is possible."''

Filling the Void
When approached before starting the quest, he'll say, "Assassin! The time to strike is at hand." This line does not play if you have started the quest by speaking to Grazda.

When starting the quest:
:"The Black Hand has studied the situation and we have devised a strategy for dealing with the Order of the Hour. We will strike first, attacking from the shadows and winnowing their numbers while you stalk our true enemy&mdash;Primate Artorius."
:What do you want me to do when I reach Artorius?
:"I want you to kill Artorius and fill the Void with his blood. Let the Order see what it means to challenge the Dark Brotherhood. Show them what happens when you hunt the hunters. But reaching Artorius will require all of your Brothers and Sisters."
:All of us? Artorius is just one man.
:''"One man who hides behind thick walls and a small army. We sent Tanek to Kvatch to find a way to breach the Cathedral's defenses. Astara and the rest of your brethren will follow after you. Get to Artorius and kill well, Assassin."
:Artorius will die.
:"Meet Tanek in Kvatch. He should have had plenty of time to find a way past Artorius's defenses so that you can enter the Cathedral. Other members of your family will join you once the way has been opened."
:Why has Artorius decided to go against the Dark Brotherhood?
:"As some in power reach higher levels, the rungs they stand upon become more tenuous. I assume that since Artorius once used the Brotherhood to rise to the top, he began to worry that someone would do the same to stop him. He decided to strike first."
::Artorius actually performed the Black Sacrament?
:::"Does that surprise you? People from all walks of life seek the services we provide. Nobles, priests, commoners&mdash;it makes no difference to the Night Mother. Artorius wanted to become Primate. He asked us to remove his predecessor and we complied."
::How can we fight the Order of the Hour? They're an army!
:::"And we're a collection of lone assassins. I say let them come. Let them march into our empty halls as the shadows close around them. We are those shadows, cutting them down one by one. When night falls upon the Order, it will be everlasting."
::Where's Astara? I expected her to give me these orders.
:::"These orders come from the Black Hand. Besides, your Matron has another task. She leads your brethren on a hunt. To pick off the Order, reduce their numbers. They'll be at your side when you need them most. And then the Primate will die."

After the mission is done:
:"Welcome home, Assassin. I know what occurred but I want to hear it from your lips. Say the words and say them loud."
:Primate Artorius is dead.
:"Then the head of the beast has been cut off. Well done, Assassin! We will reach out to Count Carolus and the Order of the Hour to make sure this ill-conceived war ends here."
:Is there anything else we need to do, Speaker?
:"Regarding Artorius and the Black Dragon? No. That threat has passed. But there is one more thing. Step back, Assassin, and prepare yourself."

After you complete the quest, the surviving members of the Brotherhood will approach, their heads bowed, each holding a lit candle. The group will speak, referring to your character:
:Terenus: "Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, look upon your child and smile. For the unworthy have been cleansed in blood and in fear. Her heart shines with the color of night; her song sings with the music of life. Her gaze inspires fear and her hands grant the gift of death. The Dread Father acts through her, and her work has just begun."
:Astara: "Step forward, loyal Sister."
:Terenus: "Step forward, my Silencer."

When spoken to after the title is granted:
:"You are a Silencer now, an honored member of our family. I expect you to fill the Dread Father's Void with many, many souls. Go forth, Silencer, and may your blade never lose its edge."

After being promoted to Silencer, you will be able to ask about your new position if you speak with Terenus later on.
:How have my duties changed, now that I'm a Silencer?
:"You are my agent now, and by extension an agent of the Black Hand. You're not beholden to any Sanctuary. When I call upon you, the needs of the Dark Brotherhood take precedence. For now, rebuilding this Sanctuary's strength remains our priority."
:Understood. I'll continue to aid my Brothers and Sisters here.

Black Sacraments
When you become a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you will be able to approach Speaker Terenus for special assignments.

How he greets you will depend on your rank within the Sanctuary.
;As an Initiate:
:"Eager to prove your worth, Initiate?"
:"Why do you disturb me, Initiate?"
:"Have you come to hear the will of our Night Mother?"

;As an Assassin:
:"Yes, Assassin?"
:"Are you prepared for the day's bloody work?"
:"Assassin, come. Speak with me."

;As the Silencer:
:"The hunger of your blade is a blessing for which we remain grateful."
:"Night Mother smile upon you, Silencer."
:"The Void beckons, Silencer."
:Do you have anything for me today, Speaker?

Speaking to the Speaker after coming back:
;As an Initiate:
:"Do not dally. A throat awaits your blade's sharp kiss."
:"Was I not clear, Initiate?"
:"Your task is clear, Initiate. Execute it."

;As an Assassin:
:"Was there something else, Assassin?"
:"Your victim awaits, Assassin."
:" "

;As the Silencer:
:"You know how best to conduct your work, Silencer."
:"There is not much else to be shared about your task. I trust you will make do."
:"Sow fear, Silencer."

Returning to the Speaker after a job:
:I have returned, Speaker.

;As an Initiate:
:"You've returned alive. I trust your quarry does not share that luxury."
:"Is it done, Initiate?"
:"Have you dispatched your victim, Initiate?"
:The Sacrament is fulfilled.

;As an Assassin:
:"Welcome back, Assassin. What of your task?"
:"Another notch on your belt, Assassin?"
:"I await your report, Assassin."
:The Sacrament is fulfilled.

;As the Silencer:
:"How many have you sent to greet the Dread Father today?"
:"I trust it's done, Silencer."
:" "
:The Sacrament is fulfilled.

Sacrament: Sewer Tenement
:"Yes. The Night Mother has whispered to the Listener and the Listener has spoken. Our Dread Father demands blood."
or
:"Yes. The Night Mother has whispered and the Listener has spoken. Our Dread Father demands blood."
:Who do I need to kill?
:"Before we begin, I offer you a chance to truly impress our dark patrons. Two challenges. Complete these tasks and receive additional rewards. Just be sure to kill the target. As long as they die, our Dread Father will be satisfied."
:I'm listening.
:"You must go to the Sewer Tenement. I hear it's remarkably cozy, for a sewer. Full of the little comforts that put our targets at ease&mdash;that make them careless. You'll be considered a trespasser, so if you want to avoid a bounty you should avoid being seen."
:What do I need to do?
:"The sewer is a tangled nest of tunnels and cisterns. Even the most wary assassin can be caught off guard there. But we are much more than assassins, aren't we? Complete your task without alerting the residents of the Sewer Tenement to your presence."
:I understand.
:"I'm eager to see just how swift you are. This is the perfect opportunity to put your speed to the test. An Overseer stalks those sewers periodically. My challenge is simple: kill your mark and escape the sewers before the Overseer arrives."
:What is your second challenge?
:"If blood is to be spilled, let it be spilled in Sithis's name. Use the Blade of Woe. In doing so, you honor your Dread Father and the Brotherhood."
or
:"Any common footpad can murder someone. It's knowledge, refinement, and discipline that set a true assassin apart. Show me that you are truly committed to your craft. Use poison to kill this target."
:Anything else?



:Who is my target?



:(Target Name) will die.  

;Completion as an Intiate:
:I have returned, Speaker.
:"Have you dispatched your victim, Initiate?"
:The target in the Sewer Tenement has been eliminated.
:"Well done. What about the challenges that I posed for this task?"

;Completion as an Silencer:
:I have returned, Speaker.
:"You have my attention, Silencer."
:The target in the Sewer Tenement has been eliminated.
:"Well done.  What about the challenges that I posed for this task?"

Completing no challenges:
:"Hmm. You return head bowed? Do not be troubled by your failure to complete my challenges. You killed the target. That is enough for the Night Mother, and enough for me. Perhaps tomorrow you can finally impress me."

Not completing all the challenges:
:I completed some of your challenges.
:"A soul has been sent to the Void. Pity that you weren't able to complete both of my challenges, but there's no sense dwelling on your failures. Here's your reward. Return tomorrow. There is always work to be done."

Completing all the challenges:
:I completed all of your challenges.
:"Performed with all the care befitting the Night Mother's sacred work. Your devotion to this task has not been overlooked. Return again tomorrow and I'll provide another opportunity to prove your prowess."
or
:"Expertly done. I sense that some of our Brothers and Sisters gaze upon you with jealous eyes. This is good. Perhaps that will motivate them to excel. Take this with the Night Mother's blessing. Return tomorrow. There is always work to be done."''

Sacrament: Smuggler's Den
:"I do. Our beloved Night Mother has received a petition. The time has come to take a life."
:Who do I need to kill?
:''"Before we proceed, I offer you a challenge. Two in fact. Consider it a bonus—a chance to demonstrate your skill. If you succeed, I'll reward you. If you fail? So be it. As long as the target dies, the Sacrament is fulfilled."
:I'm listening.
:"Your target awaits in the Smuggler's Den. It's a damp and torchlit cave&mdash;the perfect hiding place for fugitives and witless thugs. You'll be seen as a trespasser there, so if you wish to avoid a bounty, then you should avoid being seen."
:What do I need to do?
:"True followers of Sithis are like wraiths&mdash;only visible when they wish to be. Show me that you are a master of stealth. Complete your task without alerting the residents of the Smuggler's Den to your presence."
:I understand.
:"The work of an assassin demands secrecy, certainly, but also speed. Our knives must strike quickly. Decisively. With that in mind, I challenge you to finish your dark work before the tunnel's Overseer arrives."
:What is your second challenge?
:"The Blade of Woe is one of our most sacred tools. It is a pure manifestation of our Dread Father's will, you see? Honor our Brotherhood and Sithis by killing the target with the Blade of Woe."
or
:"It seems that our target has a taste for the fouler things in life. We should give them a taste of their own bitter medicine, don't you agree? Use poison to kill your prey."
:Anything else?'''



:Who is my target?'''


:[Target Name] will die.  

If you exit conversation and come back:
:Tell me more about my mission in Smuggler's Den.
 
:I'm ready to go to the Smuggler's Den.  

;Completion:
:'''The target in the Smuggler's Den has been eliminated.
:"Well done. What about the challenges that I posed for the task?"

Completing all the challenges:
:I completed all of your challenges.
:"Performed with all the care befitting the Night Mother's sacred work. Your devotion to this task has not been overlooked. Return again tomorrow and I'll offer you another opportunity to demonstrate your skill."

Completing some of the challenges:
:"Another soul delivered to Sithis. It's unfortunate that things did not go wholly as planned, but the end result is the same. Reflect on what occurred. Return tomorrow to use what you have learned."

Completing no challenges:
:"Sithis welcomes all souls to the Void, no matter how they might arrive. You executed your duty, but I expect more of you. Return tomorrow. I'll offer you a chance to prove you can excel as well as kill."''

Sacrament: Trader's Cove
:"Yes, praise Sithis. The Black Sacrament has been performed and we have a new target. The Night Mother awaits her due."
:Who do I need to kill?
:"Before I give you the name, I would like to propose a challenge. An opportunity to demonstrate your prowess. Indulge me and I will reward you. My challenge is, of course, a secondary concern. As long as the target dies, the Sacrament is fulfilled."
:'''I'm listening.
:"Your target awaits in Trader's Cove. Fortuitous. It seems there's some kind of party going on in that cave. Slaying revelers is ever so satisfying. You'll be seen as a trespasser there, so if you want to avoid a bounty then you should avoid being seen."
:What do I need to do?
:"The Night Mother's children must be as swift as they are deadly, like the strike of a coiled serpent. With that in mind, I challenge you to complete your task before the Cove Overseer arrives."
:I understand.
:"Fear is one of the Brotherhood's greatest allies, but we treasure silence as well. Show me that you are the master of quiet dread. Complete your task without alerting the residents of Trader's Cove to your presence."
:What is your second challenge?
:"The Brotherhood is not without mercy. Some of our targets are given a quick and painless death. Others? Well … our kindness has limits. Your quarry must die in agony. Use your most lethal poisons and you will be richly rewarded."
or
:"I know you have many weapons at your disposal, but our Dread Father's blade must be blooded to keep its edge. The time has come to honor Sithis. Use the Blade of Woe to slay your target."
:Anything else?'''



:Who is my target?'''



:(Target Name) will die.  

;Completion:
:The target in the Trader's Cove has been eliminated.
:"Well done. What about the challenges I posed for this task?"

Completing none of the challenges:
:I was unable to complete the challenges.
:"It seems your work was far from perfect, but a life is a life. Return tomorrow. The truest path to improvement is practice, and the Night Mother provides ample opportunity for that."

Completing all the challenges:
:I completed all of your challenges.
:"Exemplary work. You truly possess the gift of death. Return tomorrow. I'm certain we can find more ways to put your skills to the test."

Completing some of the challenges:
:I completed some of your challenges.
:"Excellent. The Night Mother will be pleased. Return tomorrow. I am eager to see you reach your full potential."

Dark Brotherhood Trailer
In the Dark Brotherhood trailer, Terenus says the following:

:"Sweet Mother, sweet Mother, send your child unto me, for the sins of the unworthy must be baptized in blood and fear."
:"This is the black sacrament, initiate. A contract that calls for murder."
:"Now go assassin, take your blade unto the night, be rewarded in your service in our business of death."
:"Welcome initiate, to the Dark Brotherhood. And know this, in Tamriel, no one is safe, especially from us."

Notes
Speaker Terenus is voiced by Joseph Gatt (IMDb), who also voices Raynor Vanos and some Altmer characters.
Speaker Terenus is the author of the Dark Brotherhood crafting motif.
Speaker Terenus    in Legends, rewarded during the The Fall of the Dark Brotherhood'' story.