The Elder Scrolls: Strongest Assassins In The Series

Key Takeaways

Cicero is a survivor who went mad as the Night Mother’s protector, making him a powerful assassin ally.
Corda of the Morag Tong ended an emperor’s life and retired to an island to end Reman Cyrodiil and his son.
Naryu Virian from the Morag Tong uses stealth, charm, and deadly professionalism, as showcased in The Elder Scrolls: Online.

As I delve into the lives of these enigmatic figures, I find myself awestruck by their tales of blood, betrayal, and bravery. Each one has left an indelible mark on Tamriel’s history, carving out a niche for themselves in the annals of assassination.

While it is hardly the most well-regarded of professions, there should be no doubt that all assassins require an almost supernatural level of strength, skill, and wit just to survive. By blade or by magic, Tamrielic assassins have had a hand in too many major events in The Elder Scrolls‘ blood-soaked history to count, usually in Sithis’ name. Ranking assassins from The Elder Scrolls history is tricky because part of the job description is literally getting away with murder. This usually means keeping a clean name before and after the act.

Legends speak of assassins who’ve claimed the lives of kings and emperors, such as the unknown slayer of Tiber Septim’s grandson by the Dark Brotherhood. Throughout Tamriel, there have been ruthless killers and mass murderers, but a true assassin is one who manages to live long enough for another chance at taking a life – whether they remain unscathed or operate from beyond the grave. However, the main characters in each Elder Scrolls game are too numerous and varied to be classified as assassins, regardless of their actions. Proceed with caution, as spoilers may lurk ahead.

5 Cicero The Jester

Kept Alive By The Music Of Madness And The Dance Of Bloodshed

People often view the actions of the Dark Brotherhood as signs of insanity, and if there is any truth to this, then Cicero certainly exemplifies it. It might be surprising that Skyrim, a region not typically tolerant of eccentricities, would find favor in a high-pitched, overly energetic jester like Cicero. However, Cicero’s persona is both a disguise and an authentic reflection of his character. As he climbed the ranks from a lowly assassin, he witnessed the decline of the Dark Brotherhood, which led to his eight-year descent into madness as the sole guardian of the Night Mother, earning him the title “Fool of Hearts.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the indomitable spirit of Cicero. While every other member of his family met their end in Cyrodiil, he alone survived the harsh crucible of fate. In the tumultuous times before the Skyrim saga, he displayed remarkable courage by safeguarding the Night Mother during the siege of Cheydinhal. Even when a sanctuary brother insulted her, Cicero didn’t falter; he stood up to the Brotherhood and fought valiantly, managing to live through the ordeal.

4 Corda Of The Morag Tong

The Legendary Emperor Slayer Of The First Era

The actions of this assassin marked the start of the Second Era, as their last victim was none other than Emperor Reman Cyrodiil the Third and his son. Previously, a Redguard woman named Rijja held the position of the emperor’s mistress before his growing paranoia took over. Accusing her falsely, he imprisoned Rijja, threatening to replace her with her sister Corda – a proposition that infuriated Rijja, leading her to plot against the emperor. In retaliation for this threat, Reman ordered her execution.

A month after my sister’s tragic demise, I found myself in the Imperial City, preparing to join the Morag Tong – a guild that once operated as shadows in the realm of assassinations. The whispers spoke of a prophecy: I was destined to end an emperor’s reign by slitting his throat with a scroll bestowed upon me by a long-imprisoned empress, who had suffered at his hands for years. Once the deed was done, I sought counsel with the Night Mother and then vanished to a secluded island off the coast of Morrowind, choosing solitude to spend the rest of my days.

3 Naryu Virian

The Deadly Enforcer Of Morag Tong Justice

While most will associate assassins with the Dark Brotherhood and their overflowing bloodlust, another organization in Tamriel’s history, the Marog Tong, showed how the art of assassination could be used to further and sustain order (in a manner of speaking). The greatest agent of this group, at least according to all evidence, is Naryu Virian.

The exploits of the assassin are difficult to recount, considering their usual methods. However, Naryu Virian’s exploits, as seen in The Elder Scrolls: Online, are hard to ignore. From eliminating corrupt leaders to dismantling dangerous conspiracies and giving serial killers a taste of their own confectionary, Naryu operates with a combination of stealth, charm, and deadly professionalism. She has a body count in the thousands, a number she achieved in direct fights and through stealthy wetwork.

2 Lucien Lachance

Dedicated To Sithis In Both Life And Death

In the game “Oblivion“, this assassin, whose voice was chilling, held a notable and revered position within the Dark Brotherhood, even being recognized by the Night Mother herself. He was not only an accomplished killer but also a stealth expert. Despite his elite status as part of the Black Hand, the Brotherhood’s inner circle, he relished being out in the field, carrying out assignments with his own hands. This could involve luring prospective recruits into the organization from various locations across Cyrodiil or executing those condemned by the contract of the Black Sacrament.

While Lucien Lachance met his grizzly end at the hands of his beloved family for his perceived betrayal of the Brotherhood during Oblivion, his hateful spirit stubbornly remained in the mortal plane, eager to feed more souls to the hungry void. In Skyrim, his ghost can be summoned to assist in a murder, contracted or otherwise. As well as bloodshed, Lucien offers his macabre thoughts on the player’s actions and tends to revel in treachery and malice.

1 The Vampire Babette

The Merciless Killer With The Face Of An Innocent

Though she appears as an innocent young girl, she’s actually a formidable adversary with a chilling history. Contracting Sanguinare Vampiris at ten years old, three centuries prior to the events of Skyrim, prevented her from aging physically. She cleverly exploits her youthful appearance during Dark Brotherhood contracts and while hunting for sustenance in the wilderness.

She boasts over three centuries of expertise, capable of surpassing any sibling in a confrontation by employing her cunning or raw power, all thanks to her mysterious abilities. In the Dark Brotherhood questline within Skyrim, when Falkreath Sanctuary is attacked and annihilated, she manages to be one of the rare survivors.

2024-09-12 03:34