The “Whodunit” quest in Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion stands out as a unique and often challenging assignment within the infamous Dark Brotherhood storyline. Many players find themselves needing a detailed strategy to navigate the delicate dance of deception and murder, especially when aiming for the bonus rewards. If you’ve just watched the video above, you understand the core premise: eliminate five guests in a secluded manor without being detected. This guide dives deeper into the mechanics, characters, and optimal approaches to master this notoriously tricky mission, ensuring you walk away with both your bounty and your reputation intact.
The challenge isn’t just about killing; it’s about eliminating targets while maintaining an illusion of normalcy, often while surrounded by the very people you’re meant to dispatch. Achieving the maximum reward requires a keen understanding of stealth mechanics and the personalities of your unsuspecting victims. Let’s break down how to turn this deadly tea party into a perfectly executed assassination.
Understanding the Whodunit Quest in Oblivion
Known officially as “Whispers of Death,” the Whodunit quest plunges you into a classic murder mystery scenario, but with a twist: you’re the killer. Fabir, your “brother,” provides the initial details, emphasizing secrecy and a bonus for a flawless execution. The stakes are high, not just for your targets, but for your standing within the Dark Brotherhood. Success often hinges on more than just high sneak skill; it demands patience, observation, and strategic targeting.
Your Targets: Personalities and Vulnerabilities
The video above introduces you to the colorful cast of characters trapped with you in Rosy Nook. Each guest possesses a distinct personality, which you can exploit to isolate and eliminate them. Understanding their traits is key to a successful, undetected assassination.
- Matilde Petit: This socialite is rather vain and enjoys conversation. She might wander alone or be found admiring her reflection, providing a brief window of opportunity.
- Nells the Naughty: A boisterous drunkard, Nells is prone to wandering, especially to find more “spirits.” His erratic movement can be a double-edged sword: easy to separate, but also prone to stumbling into inconvenient places. Pay close attention to his dialogue about wanting a drink in the basement; this is a prime opportunity.
- Neville: The nervous and paranoid one. Neville is often the first to suspect foul play once murders begin. His anxiety makes him a potential witness if you’re not careful, but also a good target for early elimination to reduce overall stress.
- Dovesi Dran: Flirty and easily manipulated, Dovesi is obsessed with Primo Antonius and finding a “chest of gold.” Her susceptibility to persuasion and desire to be alone with Primo makes her a unique target. The dialogue in the video highlights her willingness to go to Primo’s room if you suggest it.
- Primo Antonius: Arrogant and wealthy, Primo often disparages the others. His haughty demeanor makes him less likely to notice subtle threats, but his social standing means others often gravitate towards him.
The interactions you have with these individuals can directly influence their movements, creating the openings you need. For instance, suggesting Dovesi meet Primo in his room clears her path to a more private location, setting up an isolated kill.
Stealth Mechanics and Tactical Execution in Oblivion
To secure that coveted bonus reward of 1000 gold and permanent ownership of the house, you must eliminate all five guests without being detected *by any living creature*. This includes the guests themselves, and even Fabir outside if you decide to exit and re-enter. Detection means someone sees you performing a hostile action, or discovers a body and connects it to you. Here’s how to stay in the shadows:
Mastering the Art of Sneaking
Your Sneak skill is paramount. Higher skill levels reduce your detection radius, make you harder to hear, and increase your sneak attack damage. Consider these factors:
- Light Levels: Being in shadow greatly reduces your visibility. Dark corners, unlit rooms, and nighttime are your best friends. Torchlight or magical light sources will expose you instantly.
- Sound: Every step you take makes noise. Heavy armor generates more noise than light armor or clothing. Your Sneak skill mitigates this, but moving slowly (walking while sneaking) is always safer than running. Muffle enchantments on boots are incredibly useful.
- Line of Sight: If an NPC can see you, they can detect you. Use architectural features like pillars, corners, and furniture for cover. Your Sneak indicator (the crosshair changing to an eye icon) is your primary tool; a fully open eye means you are seen, a closed eye means you are hidden.
- Damage Multipliers: A successful sneak attack delivers significantly more damage. Daggers and bows often have the highest sneak attack multipliers, making them ideal for instant kills. Maximize this by aiming for a critical hit from behind with a fully charged attack.
Optimizing Your Kill Order for the Whodunit Quest
While the video provides a direct demonstration, having a planned sequence for your assassinations can make all the difference. There isn’t one single “correct” order, but some strategies are more effective:
Initial Reconnaissance and Setup
Upon entering Rosy Nook, take time to observe. Engage in conversations to learn their patterns and potentially manipulate their movements. For example, speak to Dovesi Dran about Primo. If you tell her to meet him upstairs in his room, she’ll head there, isolating herself and creating an excellent opportunity.
Suggested Kill Sequence and Tactics
A common and highly effective strategy involves isolating targets in private rooms or secluded areas. Here’s a tactical breakdown:
1. Dovesi Dran: Speak with her, encouraging her to meet Primo in his room. Once she ascends the stairs and enters his room, follow her in while sneaking and eliminate her quickly. Ensure the door is closed behind you. This is one of the easiest, most reliable solo kills. 2. Neville: He tends to wander downstairs. Look for him when he’s alone in a basement or a less trafficked room. His paranoia makes him a good early target to prevent him from panicking and drawing attention later. 3. Matilde Petit: She often remains in the main common areas. Wait for her to separate from the others, perhaps admiring the house or in one of the smaller, less observed side rooms. 4. Nells the Naughty: The video highlights Nells’s desire for a drink in the basement once bodies start accumulating. This is your cue. Once he makes his way down to the basement, follow him. The basement offers good cover and fewer witnesses. This is a crucial opportunity. 5. Primo Antonius: By this point, Primo is likely the last one. He might still be in the common areas or have retreated to his room. With most other guests eliminated, isolating him becomes simpler.Remember that discovering a body will alert any living NPCs, making them more vigilant and difficult to approach. Therefore, always hide bodies if possible, or ensure the kill is in an area where discovery is unlikely until the quest concludes.
Maximizing Your Whodunit Rewards
The standard reward for completing “Whispers of Death” is typically the normal Dark Brotherhood payment. However, the bonus reward is where the real value lies, offering both gold and a property. To earn it, you must meet Fabir’s unspoken requirement: not a single living creature witnesses any of your murders.
If you succeed, Fabir will be impressed by your efficiency and discretion. He will specifically tell you, “Mother has a special reward for you,” which translates to a generous bonus of 1000 gold. More importantly, you get to keep the key to Rosy Nook, making it a new, albeit somewhat morbid, player home in Chorrol. This house is a modest but functional dwelling, complete with storage and a bed, a worthwhile acquisition for any aspiring assassin.
Conversely, if even one murder is witnessed, you’ll still complete the quest but forfeit the bonus reward. Fabir will simply state that “Mother is disappointed” or words to that effect, offering only the base payment.
Advanced Tips for Stealthy Assassination
- Alchemy for the Assassin: Potions of Invisibility and Chameleon can be game-changers. Invisibility makes you completely unseen for its duration, while Chameleon makes you harder to detect. Even a low percentage of Chameleon can make a noticeable difference.
- Silence is Golden: Cast Muffle spells or wear enchanted gear to silence your footsteps. This is particularly useful for closing the distance on an unsuspecting target.
- Detect Life Spells: These spells are invaluable for seeing NPCs through walls, allowing you to track their movements and pinpoint moments of isolation.
- Saving Frequently: The “Whodunit” quest is notoriously difficult for a perfect run. Save often, especially before attempting a kill, so you can reload if you’re detected.
Achieving a flawless execution in the “Whodunit” quest can be incredibly satisfying. It’s a test of your stealth abilities, your observational skills, and your patience. By carefully planning your approach, understanding your targets, and leveraging Oblivion’s robust stealth mechanics, you can secure the bonus reward and prove yourself a master assassin for the Dark Brotherhood.
Unraveling the Mystery: Your Whodunit Stealth Q&A
What is the “Whodunit” quest in Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion?
The “Whodunit” quest is a unique Dark Brotherhood assignment where you must eliminate five specific guests in a secluded manor, acting as the killer in a murder mystery.
What is the main objective to get the bonus reward in the “Whodunit” quest?
To earn the bonus reward, you must eliminate all five guests without being detected by any living creature during the assassinations.
What special rewards do I get for completing the quest perfectly?
Completing the quest without detection grants you a bonus of 1000 gold and permanent ownership of Rosy Nook, the manor where the quest takes place.
Who are the characters I need to eliminate in the quest?
Your targets are five guests: Matilde Petit, Nells the Naughty, Neville, Dovesi Dran, and Primo Antonius, each with unique personalities that can be used to your advantage.
