Diplomatic Immunity

Diplomatic Immunity is the main quest where you put on your nicest clothes and break into the most dangerous building in Skyrim. Delphine suspects the Thalmor are behind the return of the dragons, and the only way to find out is to search the Thalmor Embassy – during one of Ambassador Elenwen‘s fancy parties.

Walkthrough

Delphine’s plan

Meet Delphine in her secret room at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood. She will get you an invitation to Elenwen’s reception and tells you to find Malborn, a Bosmer servant at the embassy who secretly helps the Blades. He is waiting at the Winking Skeever in Solitude.

Smuggling your gear

Malborn offers to smuggle equipment into the embassy for you. This is your only chance – once you close the trade window, you cannot give him anything else, and you will not be able to bring anything in yourself. Give him your armor, weapon, a few healing potions and plenty of lockpicks.

Katla’s Farm

Meet Delphine at Katla’s Farm by the Solitude stables. She gives you a party outfit and the invitation, and stores the rest of your belongings for you. Then ride with her carriage up to the embassy.

The party

Inside, Elenwen greets you and the party is in full swing. Talk your way around the guests until you find someone who can create a distraction – a loud, slightly drunk guest is just what you need. When everyone is looking the other way, Malborn lets you into the kitchen, where your gear is waiting.

Searching the embassy

From here it is stealth or a fight. Make your way through the embassy towards Elenwen’s private quarters, where her files are kept. You will find dossiers on Delphine, Esbern and Ulfric Stormcloak. The big surprise: the Thalmor are just as puzzled about the dragons as everyone else – but they are very interested in finding an old Blade named Esbern.

The escape

Down in the dungeon you will find a prisoner, Etienne Rarnis, being interrogated – and Malborn may be in trouble too. Escape through the trapdoor in the dungeon, which leads into a cave beneath the embassy. Expect at least one very unhappy frost troll on the way out.

Report back

Return to Delphine in Riverwood and tell her what you found. That leads to A Cornered Rat.

Tips

• Pack light but smart when you hand gear to Malborn: armor, a weapon, potions and lockpicks matter far more than anything else.
• Followers cannot come with you to the party.
• Read the dossiers you find – they are full of interesting background on the characters you will meet later.