Can You Sell Stolen Items in Elder Scrolls? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! Across the various Elder Scrolls games, from Morrowind to Skyrim and Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), you can indeed sell stolen items. However, the process isn’t as straightforward as walking into any old shop and making a deal. You’ll need to find a specific type of merchant known as a Fence. These individuals are affiliated with the criminal underworld and are willing to overlook the questionable origins of your acquired goods, for a price, of course.
The availability and methods of selling stolen goods vary slightly between games, but the core principle remains the same: locate a Fence, build a relationship (sometimes), and line your pockets with ill-gotten gains. Let’s delve deeper into how this works within the different Elder Scrolls titles.
Finding Your Fortune: Selling Stolen Goods in Different Elder Scrolls Games
Skyrim: The Path of the Thief
In Skyrim, your primary avenue for offloading stolen merchandise is through the Thieves Guild, headquartered in Riften. To access their services, you’ll need to join the Guild by completing a series of quests given by Brynjolf, whom you can find in Riften’s marketplace or the Bee and Barb tavern.
Once inducted, you gain access to the Ragged Flagon, the Guild’s hideout. Within its dimly lit confines resides Tonilia, a key Fence who will buy your stolen items. Initially, her available gold is limited, but as you complete Guild quests and restore the Guild’s influence throughout Skyrim, her available funds will increase.
Beyond Tonilia, another option exists: Enthir at the College of Winterhold. He’s a less conventional choice, but he provides a reliable alternative for selling stolen goods, regardless of your Thieves Guild affiliation.
Furthermore, a perk in the Speech skill tree called “Fence” allows you to sell stolen items to any merchant you have invested in. This requires investing 500 gold into their shop first. This is a great option if you want to sell stolen goods in any town.
Elder Scrolls Online (ESO): Refuges and Laundering
Elder Scrolls Online takes a different approach. Each major city contains an Outlaws Refuge, a hidden area accessible through various secret entrances. Inside these Refuges, you’ll find Fences who will buy your stolen goods and offer laundering services.
Laundering is a crucial aspect of ESO’s thievery system. While you can sell most stolen goods directly to a Fence, certain items, such as stolen armor, can only be laundered. Laundering removes the “stolen” tag, allowing you to use the item yourself or sell it to a regular merchant without raising suspicion. There is a daily limit to the amount of items you can fence or launder. Once this limit is reached you will have to wait until the next day.
It’s also important to manage your bounty in ESO. If you’re caught stealing, guards will pursue you. You can clear your bounty by paying it at a Fence, waiting for it to decay over time, or using an Edict to instantly clear your bounty once per day.
Older Titles (Morrowind, Oblivion): A More Limited Scope
In older Elder Scrolls games like Morrowind and Oblivion, the options for selling stolen items are more limited. You’ll primarily rely on finding specific merchants who are known to deal in illicit goods, often with ties to the Thieves Guild or other criminal organizations. These merchants are less readily available than in Skyrim or ESO, requiring more exploration and networking within the game world.
The Downside of Dishonesty
Regardless of the game, stealing comes with risks. Getting caught can lead to fines, imprisonment, or even attacks by guards. A high bounty can make life difficult, as guards will actively pursue you on sight. Therefore, it’s crucial to hone your sneak skill, use invisibility spells or potions, and carefully plan your heists to minimize the chances of getting caught.
It’s also worth considering the moral implications of your actions. While stealing can be a lucrative way to make money, it can also have consequences for the NPCs you interact with. Some players prefer to maintain a “good” character and avoid stealing altogether, while others embrace the role of a ruthless thief. The choice is yours.
Ethical Considerations and Game Design
The inclusion of stealing mechanics in Elder Scrolls games provides players with additional choices and consequences, allowing them to explore different playstyles and character archetypes. This is related to the discussions and research being done by the Games Learning Society and the overall impact of gaming on society. By exploring moral ambiguity, the game can create a more immersive and thought-provoking experience. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I sell stolen items to any merchant in Skyrim?
No, not unless you have the “Fence” perk in the Speech skill tree and have invested in their shop. Otherwise, you’ll need to sell to Thieves Guild members like Tonilia or Enthir at the College of Winterhold.
2. How do I join the Thieves Guild in Skyrim?
Speak to Brynjolf in Riften. He can be found in the marketplace during the day or in the Bee and Barb tavern at night. Complete his initial quest to gain entry into the Guild.
3. Where are the Outlaws Refuges located in ESO?
Every major city in ESO has an Outlaws Refuge, hidden behind secret entrances. Look for suspicious doors, sewer grates, or other concealed pathways.
4. What is laundering in ESO?
Laundering removes the “stolen” tag from an item, allowing you to use it yourself or sell it to a regular merchant. It costs the same amount as selling the item to a Fence.
5. How do I clear my bounty in ESO?
You can pay your bounty at a Fence in an Outlaws Refuge, wait for it to decay over time, or use an Edict.
6. What happens if I get arrested with stolen items in Skyrim?
Your stolen items will be confiscated and stored in the evidence chest in the jail of the hold.
7. Can I use stolen gold at regular merchants in Skyrim?
Yes, stolen gold can be used at any merchant, even those who aren’t Fences. It can also be used to pay bribes or buy property.
8. What is the maximum chance to steal something in Skyrim?
The maximum displayed chance to steal is 90%.
9. Are there any items I should avoid selling in Skyrim?
It’s generally recommended to keep items that can be used for crafting, such as ingots, ores, leather, dragon bones, and gems.
10. Can I sell the Dragon Elder Scroll more than once?
No, you can only sell the Dragon Elder Scroll to Urag gro-Shub at the College of Winterhold once.
11. Who is the best merchant to sell to in Skyrim?
Thieves Guild Fences generally offer the best prices for stolen goods and are the most reliable option.
12. Can I steal from the merchants I’m supposed to sell to?
Yes, you can steal from merchants, including Fences, but be aware of the risks of getting caught.
13. What happens to my stolen items if I go to jail in Skyrim?
All stolen items in your possession will be confiscated and stored in an evidence chest in the jail of the hold where you were arrested.
14. Can I sell stolen horses?
Unfortunately, you cannot sell stolen horses in Skyrim, making them not viable for illegal monetary gain.
15. Is there a way to get rid of the ‘stolen’ tag on an item without using a fence?
Yes. You can place the desired stolen item(s) in a container that allows you to “take” from. Then simply order a follower to retrieve those items for you and then just trade with them and the stolen tag should be gone.