Someone tried to assassinate me

[CrowsFeast]

So keeping this to the topic of DB assassin's only, and not groups of thugs, it would appear this is just a random act which happens as your 'good' character grows in fame?

[enyamerT]

I don't think it's about being "good". My rogue was attacked and the only real "good" thing he'd done up 'til then was tell the Jarl of Whiterun about the dragon attack. After that I went straight to Riften looking to join the Thieves Guild...

[Talamare]

a guard of riften hired three mercenaries to kill me because I stole an iron dagger to increase my pickpocketing skill...... Did that dagger really have /that/ much sentimental value?

How can you tell it was him?

[CrowsFeast]

a guard of riften hired three mercenaries to kill me because I stole an iron dagger to increase my pickpocketing skill...... Did that dagger really have /that/ much sentimental value?

How can you tell it was him?

When you are attacked by 3 thugs, they carry a note with the name of who hired them, when you're attacked by a dark brotherhood assassin, the note they carry is signed by the guild-master (or whatever the title is)