Can You Restore the Thieves Guild Without Returning the Skeleton Key in Skyrim?
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The short answer is a nuanced yes and no. You can absolutely restore the Thieves Guild to its former glory in terms of its influence and power within Skyrim’s major holds without returning the Skeleton Key, but you cannot fully complete the main Thieves Guild questline and become the Guild Master if you refuse to return it to Nocturnal. It boils down to your priorities: unbreakable lockpicks or ultimate Guild leadership. This article provides a detailed breakdown to help you make the best choice for your play style.
The Skeleton Key Dilemma: Power vs. Progression
The Skeleton Key is arguably one of the most coveted items in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. An unbreakable lockpick opens nearly any door and container, offering unparalleled access to treasure and secrets. Obtaining it is a turning point in the Thieves Guild questline. However, continuing that questline means returning the Key to Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Night and Darkness, and relinquishing its power.
The trade-off is significant. Keeping the Skeleton Key allows you to bypass lockpicking challenges indefinitely. This can be particularly appealing for players who dislike lockpicking or want to maximize their time spent exploring. On the other hand, returning the Key allows you to complete the Thieves Guild questline, become the Guild Master, and receive Nocturnal’s blessings which give the player a powerful ability.
Restoring the Thieves Guild’s Influence
Restoring the Thieves Guild involves completing special “takeover” quests for Delvin Mallory. These quests become available after you perform five smaller jobs (Burglary, Heist, Sweep, Numbers, Fishing) in a specific major hold: Whiterun, Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude. Upon completing five jobs in each city, Delvin will offer a special quest to re-establish the Thieves Guild’s presence in that hold. Completing these “takeover” quests significantly increases the Thieves Guild’s influence and rewards you with new vendors and resources at the Ragged Flagon.
You can engage in these quests before, during, or even after the main Thieves Guild questline. Therefore, you can technically restore the Thieves Guild’s influence in all the major holds even if you choose to keep the Skeleton Key. This means that even if you never return the Key, you can enjoy the benefits of a thriving Thieves Guild, with increased opportunities for profit and access to unique resources. However, you will be stuck on the quest Darkness Returns and unable to receive the final quest which will designate you Guild Master.
The Consequences of Keeping the Skeleton Key
Refusing to return the Skeleton Key effectively halts the main Thieves Guild questline. You will be unable to complete the quest Darkness Returns. While this won’t prevent you from interacting with other Guild members or taking on side jobs, it does prevent you from becoming the Guild Master.
Furthermore, although the Skeleton Key remains an unbreakable lockpick, you can achieve a similar result by leveling up your Lockpicking skill and investing perk points into the “Unbreakable” perk. This perk makes ordinary lockpicks unbreakable, essentially negating the unique advantage of the Skeleton Key.
Ultimately, the decision to keep or return the Skeleton Key depends on your individual play style and priorities. If you value convenience and effortless access above all else, keeping the Key is the obvious choice. However, if you aspire to become the Guild Master and experience the full scope of the Thieves Guild questline, you will eventually have to relinquish its power.
Making the Right Choice
Consider these questions:
- Do you enjoy lockpicking, or do you find it tedious?
- Do you value the convenience of an unbreakable lockpick above all else?
- Are you determined to complete the Thieves Guild questline and become the Guild Master?
- Are you willing to invest perk points into the Lockpicking skill to obtain the “Unbreakable” perk?
Answering these questions will help you determine whether keeping the Skeleton Key or returning it is the right choice for your character.
Remember, there’s no inherently “right” or “wrong” decision. Both options have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Choose the option that best aligns with your personal preferences and play style. As explored by the Games Learning Society, these kinds of decisions often add to a richer player experience. Learning more at GamesLearningSociety.org can help you see how these trade-offs make gameplay more engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get the Skeleton Key back after returning it?
No, once you return the Skeleton Key to Nocturnal, it is gone for good. There is no way to retrieve it through normal gameplay. You would need to use console commands (on PC) or mods to reacquire it.
2. What happens if I try to complete the Thieves Guild questline with the Skeleton Key in my inventory?
The game will prevent you from progressing until you return the Skeleton Key. The quest Darkness Returns requires you to return the Key to Nocturnal.
3. Does keeping the Skeleton Key affect other questlines in Skyrim?
No, keeping the Skeleton Key only affects the Thieves Guild questline. It will not impact your ability to complete other quests or join other factions.
4. Is the “Unbreakable” perk in the Lockpicking skill tree as good as the Skeleton Key?
The “Unbreakable” perk makes ordinary lockpicks unbreakable, effectively replicating the Skeleton Key’s primary function. However, the Skeleton Key is available much earlier in the game. The “Unbreakable” perk is a good alternative if you eventually return the Key.
5. What are the benefits of becoming the Guild Master of the Thieves Guild?
Becoming the Guild Master grants you access to unique armor, a special questline that provides valuable perks, and a prestigious title within the Thieves Guild.
6. Can I marry Brynjolf?
No, Brynjolf is not a marriable character in the base game. You would need to use mods to make him a marriage option.
7. Can I marry Vex?
No, Vex is not a marriable character in the base game. Similar to Brynjolf, you would require mods to make her a marriage option.
8. How many jobs do I need to complete for Delvin to get a special assignment?
You need to complete five jobs in a specific major hold (Whiterun, Windhelm, Markarth, or Solitude) for Delvin Mallory to offer you a special assignment to restore the Thieves Guild’s influence in that hold.
9. What is the best way to earn money in the Thieves Guild?
Completing Thieves Guild quests from Delvin pay 500 gold, and the best job would be “Beldum” because you get 500 gold plus whatever you can fence the loot for.
10. What happens if I fail a Thieves Guild job?
Failing a Thieves Guild job will incur a fine, and you may need to bribe guards to avoid further consequences. Repeated failures can also negatively impact your reputation within the Guild.
11. Where do I find fences to sell stolen goods?
Fences can be found in various locations throughout Skyrim, including the Ragged Flagon in Riften. As you progress through the Thieves Guild questline, you will unlock additional fences.
12. What is the right eye of Falmer used for?
Unlike the Left Eye of the Falmer, the Right Eye isn’t part of The Litany of Larceny quest and will not appear on the shelf behind Mercer Frey’s desk in the Ragged Flagon Cistern after selling it to Delvin Mallory. So it is advised to keep it and instead display it in the museum.
13. How do I improve my lockpicking skills quickly?
Practice is the best way to improve your lockpicking skills. Start with novice locks and gradually work your way up to more difficult ones. Investing perk points in the Lockpicking skill tree can also significantly improve your success rate.
14. What are the consequences of stealing in Skyrim?
Stealing is a crime in Skyrim. If you are caught stealing, you will incur a bounty and may be arrested. If you resist arrest, you may face combat with guards.
15. What is the best husband to marry in Skyrim?
Argis the Bulwark is the best Skyrim husband. Other good choices are Wolf Twins Vilkas and Farkas, Aela the Huntress, Marcurio or Lydia.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether to keep or return the Skeleton Key, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable Thieves Guild experience. Good luck, thief!