How to Get the Black Hand Robes Early in Oblivion Remastered

Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is renowned for its stealthy assassins, secret contracts, and mythical black armor. Black Hand Robes are one of the most sought-after rewards for players to start the Dark Brotherhood questline. These robes, along with their matching hood, are enchanted items of light armor that enhance a range of minor skills, making them quite useful at stealth, security, and early adventuring. While technically rewarded later during the questline, it is possible to earn them much earlier, so that players can benefit from them before they have finished the whole Dark Brotherhood questline.

As for the Black Hand Robes

Black Hand Robes are not just stylish; they also have functional purposes that actually benefit early game play. The robes and the hood, when donned, enhance abilities like Security, Sneak, and Acrobatics, which make the player more secure in sneaking to do quests or exploring dangerous dungeons. One of the set pieces is The Five Tenets, which is a book full of lore and background history of the Dark Brotherhood, which makes the player appreciate the guild's background.

Black Hand set is a light armor set, i.e., it doesn't limit movement or stamina regeneration, and is otherwise a very desirable choice for early-game characters who haven't had an opportunity yet to spend resources on heavier armor sets. The set will particularly be appreciated by the players attempting to play a stealth or rogue-style build, as it gives boosts to skills that are difficult to boost effectively in the early game.

Where to Get the Black Hand Robes Early

Getting the Black Hand Robes before receiving them in the Dark Brotherhood quest involves players traveling to Bruma, one of the northernmost cities in Cyrodiil. The best place to do this is to mark the Bruma East Gate. Upon arriving, the first left should be taken and proceed southerly down the line of houses along the streets. In circling this area, the destination is to arrive at J'Ghasta's House.

The correct house can be identified from the sign on the house, which will indicate "J'Ghasta's House." In the correct location, the players will need to lockpick the main door to get in. This is a small stealth and security trial of the player's lockpicking ability. Patience, a steady finger, and attention to the mechanics of the lockpicking mini-game are the key to success, particularly for those with non-maxed Security skill.

Lockpicking and Black Hand Set Opening

There are a few chests in J'Ghasta's House that can be looted for minor loot such as gold and a Steel Cuirass, but they are not the primary objective. The target of concern is to collect the Black Hand Robes, Black Hand Hood, and the book The Five Tenets. To acquire these, the players must locate a buried locked keg in the corner of a house's basement. The keg is secured by a Very Hard lock, so it will take a couple of attempts and a handful of broken lockpicks if the Security skill of the player is poor.

When picking the lock, be extremely slow and patient. Push the pick very slowly up, so the tumbler slowly falls. The moment it does, grab the pick and toss the tumbler. Be a patient one, as the Very Hard lock can be frustrating for someone with a lower skill level. It will be easy for people who have a higher Security rating, but even beginners can do it if they are patient and pay attention to mechanics. After a few tries, the keg will finally open to reveal the Black Hand Robes, Black Hand Hood, and the Five Tenets book.

Benefits of Early Acquisition

Buying the Black Hand Robes early is a big advantage for players in their early career in the Dark Brotherhood. The Sneak bonus to Security and other miscellaneous skills aids in successful stealth missions, lockpicking, and traveling around the world without guards or enemies noticing. Compared to typical early-game armor or apparel, the Black Hand set advantages a stealthy, assassin-themed playthrough right away, allowing players to experience more of the Dark Brotherhood's unique gameplay sensation. Other than skill rewards, obtaining the robes early also means that players learn a little about Dark Brotherhood lore before it would otherwise be shown. The Five Tenets provides some insight into the philosophy and modus operandi of the group so players can better understand their own role in the guild. Providing this immersion early serves to make subsequent quests more meaningful and more aligned with what the player is doing.

Tips for Fastening the Robes Successfully

Patience is needed, too, in attempting to acquire the Black Hand Robes ahead of time. Lockpicking Very Hard locks is a sensitive move for players whose Security skill is not yet established. It is advisable to bring multiple lockpicks and to prepare the character for failure. Lockpicking lower-level locks for practice may also develop the skill and confidence for the keg in J'Ghasta's House. Players must also look out for their surroundings. Bruma is guarded by NPCs, and the use of an alarm or a broken lockpick can lead to fights that are preventable. Stealthy sneaking up to the house, breaking in during off-hours in-game, and the utilization of stealth controls can minimize detection chances. Early purchase of the Black Hand Robes can be secured with some planning, patience, and attention to the lockpicking mini-game.

Conclusion

Black Hand Robes and Hood are two of the most highly sought-after early-game gear for players on a stealth or Dark Brotherhood-oriented Oblivion Remastered playthrough. While typically rewarded somewhere near the conclusion of the guild's quest storyline, diligent players can get them significantly earlier by going to Bruma, locating J'Ghasta's House, and discovering the secret keg in the cellar. Not only are these early purchases useful for gameplay in combat and stealth, but they also help one enjoy Dark Brotherhood lore in the included book, The Five Tenets. With a mixture of careful discovery, skilled lockpicking, and determination, players can enjoy the rewards of the Black Hand set far in advance of much of the rest of the members of the guild, making their initial Dark Brotherhood quests less difficult, more enjoyable, and far more rewarding. Early availability of these robes is a credit to the richness and flexibility of Oblivion Remastered, recompensing those who often seek, diligent in discovery, and utilize the mechanics to the fullest. Whether for lore, skill enchants, or merely for the original appearance, Black Hand Robes are a definite necessity for any who embark on the dark path of the Dark Brotherhood.