Unlocking Your Dream Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Acquiring Honeyside in Riften
Unlocking Honeyside, the charming abode nestled within the bustling city of Riften in Skyrim, requires a bit of effort, but the reward is well worth it. The process essentially boils down to these key steps: gain the Jarl’s favor by assisting the citizens of Riften, complete the necessary questline related to the city’s Skooma problem, and then purchase the house from the Jarl’s steward. Let’s delve into each of these steps in detail, providing you with a clear roadmap to becoming the proud owner of Honeyside.
Gaining the Jarl’s Favor: Earning Your Place in Riften
Before you can even think about purchasing Honeyside, you must earn the respect and trust of the Jarl. This is achieved by performing good deeds for the citizens of Riften. The game requires you to assist at least five citizens, making Riften one of the more demanding holds when it comes to earning thanehood.
Here are some ways to help the citizens of Riften and increase your reputation:
- Speak to Wujeeta: This female Argonian, usually found at the Riften Fishery, has a Skooma problem. Offer her some gold to help her, then inquire about the source of the Skooma. This initiates a questline related to the city’s drug trade.
- Complete Miscellaeous Tasks: Look for characters with radiant quests to complete. These quests are often simple tasks like delivering items, chopping wood, or clearing out a nearby location.
- Donate to Beggars: Giving gold to beggars around Riften counts as helping a citizen.
- Fist Fight Niven: Head over to the stables near Riften and challenge Niven to a fist fight to make a little extra coin.
- Complete Quests: Complete quests like “Supply and Demand” for Brynjolf, though this is also related to joining the Thieves Guild.
Remember that not all quests will count toward your goal of helping five citizens. Stick to simple, straightforward tasks offered by named NPCs for the best results. Keep an eye out for the quest markers (usually!) that will point you in the right direction.
Tackling the Skooma Problem: A Necessary Evil
The Skooma questline is crucial for gaining the Jarl’s trust, especially if you are playing with Maven Black-Briar as the Jarl. After helping Wujeeta, report the Skooma problem to the Jarl (either Laila Law-Giver or Maven Black-Briar, depending on your progress in the Civil War questline). This will trigger a quest to investigate the Skooma trade in Riften.
The quest typically involves raiding a Skooma den, usually Redwater Den, located southeast of Riften. Prepare for a challenging encounter, as the den is often filled with bandits and other unsavory characters. Once you’ve cleared the den, report back to the Jarl to complete the quest.
Purchasing Honeyside and Becoming Thane
Once you’ve completed the Skooma questline and assisted at least five citizens of Riften, speak to the Jarl again. She should be impressed by your efforts and offer you the opportunity to purchase Honeyside.
Honeyside costs 8,000 gold, so make sure you have enough saved up. The purchase is made through the Jarl’s steward, Anuriel. After purchasing the house, you’ll receive the key and become a Thane of Riften. The title of Thane comes with certain benefits, including the right to own property, a personal housecarl (Iona), and the ability to be excused from crimes in Riften (within reason, of course).
Furnishing and Upgrading Your New Home
Honeyside comes unfurnished, so you’ll need to purchase upgrades from Anuriel. These upgrades include essential amenities like a bed, storage chests, a crafting area, and more. Purchasing all available upgrades will cost an additional 4,300 gold.
While Honeyside may not be the largest or most luxurious house in Skyrim, it offers a convenient location within Riften, a secure place to store your belongings, and a comfortable base of operations for your adventures in the Rift.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I trigger the quest to help Wujeeta with her Skooma addiction?
Simply find Wujeeta at the Riften Fishery and speak to her. She will mention her illness and ask for coin. Offering to help her triggers the quest.
2. Can I become Thane of Riften without helping Wujeeta?
While it is possible, it is highly likely that completing her quest is necessary to becoming Thane of Riften without glitches.
3. What happens if Wujeeta dies before I can start her quest?
If Wujeeta dies before you can start her quest, it becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, to become Thane of Riften without using console commands or mods. It is essential that you find her and help her right away.
4. How many citizens do I need to help in Riften to become Thane?
You need to help at least five citizens of Riften to become Thane.
5. Does it matter who is the Jarl of Riften (Laila Law-Giver or Maven Black-Briar)?
Yes, but only in the dialog. The process remains the same regardless of who is Jarl, but Maven is known to be, shall we say, a difficult individual. Regardless, aiding either Jarl by dealing with the Skooma trade in Riften is a required step.
6. Where is Redwater Den located?
Redwater Den is located southeast of Riften, near the border with Morrowind. Be aware that it is a dangerous location, so prepare accordingly.
7. How much does Honeyside cost?
Honeyside costs 8,000 gold.
8. How much does it cost to fully furnish Honeyside?
Purchasing all available upgrades for Honeyside costs an additional 4,300 gold.
9. Where do I buy the upgrades for Honeyside?
You buy the upgrades from Anuriel, the Jarl’s steward, who can usually be found in Mistveil Keep.
10. Is Honeyside the best house in Skyrim?
That depends on your personal preference! Honeyside is a charming and conveniently located house, but it is not the largest or most luxurious. Other houses, such as Proudspire Manor in Solitude, offer more space and features.
11. Can I get Honeyside for free?
There is a glitch that allows you to get a house in town for free when becoming Thane: Talk to the steward about the house, say yes and then quickly go to the nearest container and place all of your gold before the steward finishes the dialogue. You should get the book and key, now take the gold back from the container.
12. What are the benefits of becoming Thane of Riften?
The benefits of becoming Thane include the right to own property in Riften, a personal housecarl (Iona), and the ability to be excused from crimes in Riften (within reason).
13. Can I marry someone who lives in Riften and have them live in Honeyside?
Yes, you can marry any eligible NPC in Skyrim, regardless of their location, and have them live with you in Honeyside. Some potential spouses in Riften include Mjoll the Lioness, Marcurio, and Talen-Jei.
14. What happens if I give Riften to the Imperials during the Civil War questline?
If you give Riften to the Imperials, Maven Black-Briar will become the Jarl. This doesn’t change the process of acquiring Honeyside, but it does mean that you will be dealing with Maven instead of Laila Law-Giver.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, you can visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or explore the educational resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Unlocking Honeyside in Riften requires some dedication and effort, but it is a rewarding experience that allows you to establish a permanent presence in one of Skyrim’s most vibrant cities. Follow these steps, and you’ll soon be calling Honeyside your own!