Can You Skip Talking to Brynjolf in Skyrim? Your Guide to a Brynjolf-Free Adventure
Yes, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you absolutely can skip talking to Brynjolf for the main questline. The game allows you to bypass his initial encounter by heading directly to the Ratway to find Esbern. This provides a convenient shortcut for players who wish to avoid the Thieves Guild storyline or simply streamline their playthrough.
Understanding Brynjolf’s Role in Skyrim
Brynjolf, a charismatic and cunning Nord, is a key member of the Thieves Guild and a character many players encounter early in their Skyrim journey. He is typically found in Riften, either in the marketplace during the day or at the Bee and Barb inn at night. His primary role is to introduce you to the Thieves Guild questline by initiating the quest “A Chance Arrangement.”
Why Players Might Want to Skip Brynjolf
Several reasons might compel a player to avoid Brynjolf. Some may prefer to focus on other questlines, such as the main quest or those of the Companions or College of Winterhold. Others may not enjoy the morally ambiguous nature of the Thieves Guild or simply find Brynjolf‘s initial encounter and questline tedious. Finally, some players may seek to optimize their playthrough and reduce unnecessary interactions.
How to Successfully Avoid Brynjolf
To avoid Brynjolf, the key is to never engage with him in Riften. This means:
- Avoiding Riften’s Marketplace: If you need to visit Riften, avoid lingering in the central marketplace where Brynjolf typically holds his “demonstration.”
- Staying Away from the Bee and Barb: Do not enter the Bee and Barb inn, especially during the evening and nighttime hours.
- Going Straight to the Ratway: Instead of searching for Brynjolf, proceed directly to the Ratway, an underground network of tunnels beneath Riften. This location is crucial for the “A Cornered Rat” quest, which is part of the main questline involving finding Esbern.
- Dragonborn Recognition: When you find Esbern in the Ratway, tell him you are Dragonborn. This will prompt him to unlock his door and advance the quest without any prior interaction with Brynjolf.
Consequences of Skipping Brynjolf
Skipping Brynjolf has minimal impact on the main questline. You can still progress through the game without ever interacting with him. However, you will miss out on the Thieves Guild questline and any related rewards, skills, or story elements.
Alternative Paths and Quest Progression
By bypassing Brynjolf, you can still advance the quest “A Cornered Rat” and find Esbern. Simply enter the Ratway and navigate to the Ratway Vaults, where Esbern is hiding. When you speak to him, identify yourself as Dragonborn, and he will open the door, allowing you to proceed with the main quest.
No Obligation to Join the Thieves Guild
Importantly, the game does not force you to join the Thieves Guild. While some players find the guild’s quests and storyline compelling, it is entirely optional. Avoiding Brynjolf is a direct way to ensure you are not pulled into the Thieves Guild narrative unless you intentionally choose to do so later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brynjolf and the Thieves Guild
1. Can I join the Thieves Guild later if I skip Brynjolf initially?
Yes, even if you skip Brynjolf at the beginning, you can still join the Thieves Guild later. Simply approach him in Riften, and he will offer you the initial quest “A Chance Arrangement” as usual.
2. Does skipping Brynjolf affect other questlines?
No, skipping Brynjolf only affects your access to the Thieves Guild questline. It does not impact any other questlines in the game, including the main quest, the Companions, the College of Winterhold, or the Dark Brotherhood.
3. Is Brynjolf essential to the main quest after “A Cornered Rat”?
No, once you have completed “A Cornered Rat” and found Esbern, Brynjolf‘s involvement in the main quest ends. You can continue the main quest without further interaction with him.
4. What happens if I accidentally start “A Chance Arrangement” but want to avoid the Thieves Guild?
If you accidentally start “A Chance Arrangement,” you can simply abandon the quest by ignoring it. It will remain in your quest log, but you are not obligated to complete it. Alternatively, you can complete the quest and then choose not to continue with the Thieves Guild questline.
5. Can I kill Brynjolf to avoid him?
No, Brynjolf is marked as an essential NPC for a significant portion of the game. This means he cannot be killed, regardless of your actions.
6. How do I remove the Thieves Guild quests from my quest log if I don’t want to do them?
Unfortunately, there is no in-game mechanic to remove active quests from your quest log in Skyrim without completing them or using console commands (PC only). The best you can do is ignore them and focus on other quests.
7. Is it possible to marry Brynjolf?
Yes, it is possible to marry Brynjolf, especially with the use of mods. Vanilla Skyrim does not allow you to marry him, but several mods add the necessary dialogue and conditions to make him a marriage candidate.
8. What are the rewards for completing the Thieves Guild questline?
Completing the Thieves Guild questline provides numerous rewards, including unique armor sets (such as the Nightingale Armor), access to powerful weapons, increased skill in thieving abilities, and the title of Guild Master.
9. Can I betray the Thieves Guild after joining?
No, there is no specific mechanic to betray the Thieves Guild in the same way you can destroy the Dark Brotherhood. However, you can choose to stop doing quests for them and focus on other activities.
10. What happens if I get kicked out of the Thieves Guild?
You can get kicked out of the Thieves Guild by attacking its members, stealing from them, or failing certain quests. To rejoin, you usually need to pay a fine or complete a minor task for one of the guild leaders.
11. Are there any missable items or quests related to Brynjolf?
No, there are no crucial missable items or quests that are exclusively tied to Brynjolf and cannot be obtained through other means.
12. Does my Speech skill affect my interactions with Brynjolf?
Yes, a high Speech skill can influence your initial interaction with Brynjolf during “A Chance Arrangement.” With a high enough Speech skill, you may be able to persuade him to provide information without completing his initial task.
13. Why does Brynjolf sometimes not appear in the Ragged Flagon?
Brynjolf may not appear in the Ragged Flagon if his initial scene in Riften’s marketplace is bugged or interrupted. This can be resolved by reloading an earlier save or using console commands (PC only) to reset his location.
14. Can I complete the “A Cornered Rat” quest without talking to Delphine first?
No, you need to speak with Delphine in Riverwood before you can proceed with the “A Cornered Rat” quest and locate Esbern. However, you can bypass Brynjolf after speaking with Delphine.
15. Are any factions required for the main quest in Skyrim?
None of the factions are required for the main quest, except the Greybeards and the Blades. While you interact with these groups, you do not technically “join” them. You can learn more about how games are used in education and explore the power of game-based learning on the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding these nuances and FAQs, players can confidently navigate their Skyrim adventure, choosing whether or not to engage with Brynjolf and the Thieves Guild, based on their individual preferences and gameplay style.