The Thieves Guild of Skyrim operates from the Ragged Flagon and the Cistern, deep in the Ratway beneath Riften. It was once powerful and respected – in its own shady way – but when you arrive, its luck has run out. Jobs go wrong, money is short and nobody quite knows why.
How to join
Walk through Riften’s marketplace and Brynjolf will approach you with a job (“A Chance Arrangement”). Do it, follow him into the Ratway, and you are on your way to joining the guild.
Who runs it
The Guildmaster is Mercer Frey, with Brynjolf as his second-in-command. Members include fences, burglars and pickpockets – and behind them all stand the Nightingales, an ancient order of thieves sworn to the Daedric Prince Nocturnal.
The questline
The guild’s story starts with small jobs and turns into a hunt for the truth behind the guild’s bad luck, involving betrayal, a stolen key and an oath to Nocturnal. It is one of Skyrim’s most twisty questlines.
Good to know
- Joining the guild gives you access to fences, who will buy stolen goods.
- Restoring the guild’s influence across Skyrim’s cities unlocks more fences and better rewards.
- Mjoll the Lioness is not a fan.
Rewards & benefits
Access to fences, Thieves Guild and Nightingale armor, the Guildmaster title and a growing share of the guild's riches.
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