Racial Motifs 36 : Dark Brotherhood Content . By Speaker Terenus Heed me , Initiates : we are not soldiers , and do not wear a uniform ― it would be a difficult thing indeed to do our jobs if we had to wear gear that identified us as members of an order of assassins . But just because we don ' t typically use uniforms when on assignment doesn ' t mean we don ' t have them : we do . When it is necessary for you to represent the Dark Brotherhood in a manner that leaves no doubt as to our involvement in an affair , you will wear guild armor and wield guild arms as described below . AXES Your axe blades , Initiate , are shaped like those of meat cleavers , and for much the same reason . While the blade may not be heavy enough to decapitate a target with the first blow , if wielded with care it will still go halfway through your target ' s neck , and that usually suffices . BELTS An initiate ' s belt shall be leather that is broad and strong , to keep armor cinched tight and weapons secure . It shall display the Brotherhood ' s gray steel dart design , either toward the buckle or away from it . Hip tassets shall be broad and display the steel dart wrought large . BOOTS An Initiate ' s boots shall be of flexible leather for maximum mobility . The uppers shall bear the broad steel dart , toe - ward , for protection of the instep . The sole shall be ridged for traction . BOWS The Brotherhood bow is simple and utilitarian in appearance , but strong enough to drive a clothyard shaft through the heaviest breastplate . Double - chevron plates shall protect the facing , and enable the Initiate to parry . The quiver shall be blazoned with either the black or the bloody hand . CHEST PIECES The Initiate ' s cuirass shall be of dark leather accented with divers steel dart and chevron designs . There shall be extra straps for easy carriage of tools and spare daggers . And on the sternum shall be blazoned the black hand of dark knowledge . DAGGERS For assassinations , Initiate , your dagger will often be your primary weapon . The Brotherhood dagger is heavy , single - edged , and slightly curved , with a serrated back . If plunged hilt - deep between a target ' s ribs , the serrations may make quick removal difficult , so carry several daggers in the event you are forced to leave one in your target ' s corpse . GLOVES An initiate ' s gloves shall be of the finest kid leather , supremely flexible , with metal dart studs to protect the knuckles and back of the hand . The palms and insides of the fingers shall be textured to hold and apply the black soot of dark knowledge . HELMETS The Initiate ' s headgear shall be a thick leather cowl accented by matte steel studs , with a lower half - mask to conceal the wearer ' s features . The cowl shall be of generous length so as to drape full to the shoulders . LEG GREAVES The Initiate ' s greaves shall be of sturdy boiled leather , supplemented by metal dart - and - chevron plates in the heavier variations . They shall extend over the top of the boot for protection of the Initiate ' s ankles . Calf - straps shall be adjustable so as to provide room for stowage of hideout daggers . MACES The standard Brotherhood bludgeoning weapon is a square - headed warhammer , flanged on the corners for collateral laceration . The two - handed hammer is double headed , but the head on the one - handed variation is backed with a curved spike , useful as a tool for dragging cadavers into the shadows to hide them . SHIELDS The Initiate ' s shield shall be of oval kite - shape and large enough to protect a co - assassin as she plies her bow or spell staff . Upon the central boss shall be blazoned either the black or bloody hand . SHOULDER ARMOR The Initiate ' s pauldrons shall likewise be of sturdy boiled leather , surmounted by double - chevroned metal plates to turn blows from above . The elbows may sport cowters of matching design . All metal shall be matte to prevent glinting and reflection . STAVES The Brotherhood spellcaster ' s staff ends in such a heavy flanged head that it almost resembles a two - handed mace ― and may be used in that capacity in extremity . Make your staff strong enough that it can be used as a pry bar when breaking and entering , or as a rod to hold a door open or jam it shut . SWORDS Your sword , Initiate , should be a long , curved single - edged blade , with an unevenly serrated back . This latter detail has little practical purpose , serving more as an indicator of your ferocity , potentially paralyzing with fright a target who sees it . There is little difference between the one - and two - handed versions other than size .