Restoring the Shadows: How Many Jobs to Revitalize the Thieves Guild in Skyrim?
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The Thieves Guild in Skyrim isn’t just about stealing; it’s about legacy, reputation, and ultimately, restoring a once-proud organization to its former glory. So, how many jobs do you actually need to undertake to achieve this grand ambition? The short answer is at least 24. This is because you need to do 5 smaller radiant jobs in each of the four major holds (Whiterun, Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude), plus a special job in each of those holds, plus the main Thieves Guild questline. These small jobs are essential for unlocking special side quests, and completing the main questline is essential to finish your transformation into the guildmaster. But, the details are more nuanced, and that’s what we’re here to explore.
Breaking Down the Job Requirements
The path to restoring the Thieves Guild is paved with a variety of tasks, each contributing to the overall goal. Let’s break down the types of jobs and their significance:
Radiant Quests: The Foundation of Restoration
These are the repeatable jobs you receive from Delvin Mallory and Vex. Think of them as the bread and butter of the Thieves Guild. They involve various tasks, such as pickpocketing, burglary, and tempering with business ledgers. These quests, while seemingly mundane, are crucial for building influence within the different holds of Skyrim. You need to complete five of these radiant quests in each of the four major holds (Whiterun, Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude). Riften does not count towards this restoration.
Special Jobs: Cementing Your Influence
After completing the initial five radiant quests in a specific hold, Delvin Mallory will offer you a “special job” related to that city. These are more involved, story-driven quests that have a direct impact on the Thieves Guild’s presence and influence in that hold. These quests are essential for not only restoring the guild’s prestige but also for unlocking new merchants and features within the Ragged Flagon. There are 4 of them overall.
The Main Thieves Guild Questline: The Backbone of the Story
This is the central narrative thread that runs through the Thieves Guild experience. Completing this questline is vital for solidifying your position within the Guild, culminating in the opportunity to become the Guildmaster. It’s more than just doing jobs; it’s about uncovering conspiracies, facing betrayals, and ultimately proving your loyalty and competence. While the number of quests can vary slightly based on player choices, it’s a significant undertaking.
The Road to Restoration: A Detailed Example
Imagine your Dragonborn eagerly joins the Thieves Guild. Here’s how the journey might unfold:
- You take on radiant quests from Delvin and Vex, focusing on jobs within Whiterun. You successfully complete five of these.
- You speak to Delvin, who then offers you a special job related to Whiterun.
- You complete the special job, further enhancing the Guild’s standing in Whiterun.
- You repeat steps 1-3 for Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude.
- You complete the main Thieves Guild questline.
- You are then named the Guildmaster and consider the Guild to be restored to its former glory.
Why Radiant Quests Matter
Some players might be tempted to rush through the radiant quests, viewing them as mere filler. However, these quests serve several important purposes:
- Building Reputation: They gradually increase the Thieves Guild’s presence and influence in the target hold.
- Unlocking Special Jobs: They are a prerequisite for the more substantial and rewarding special jobs.
- Earning Gold and Experience: They provide a steady stream of income and experience, allowing you to improve your skills and gear.
- Increasing Your Skill Level: As you progress, you will be increasing your stealth skills needed to advance further in the game.
The Impact of Restoration
Restoring the Thieves Guild is more than just a title; it has tangible benefits:
- New Merchants: Completing special jobs unlocks new merchants within the Ragged Flagon, providing access to valuable goods and services.
- Improved Guild Headquarters: The Ragged Flagon itself becomes more vibrant and populated, reflecting the Guild’s renewed prosperity.
- Guild Master Armor: You receive a unique set of armor befitting your new role as Guildmaster.
- Standing: Restoring your standing gives you the ability to have followers.
Ultimately, restoring the Thieves Guild is a rewarding endeavor that adds depth and complexity to your Skyrim experience. It’s a journey that requires patience, skill, and a willingness to embrace the shadows. Don’t rush the process; savor each job, each challenge, and each victory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I fail a Thieves Guild job?
Failing a Thieves Guild job typically doesn’t have severe consequences. You can simply return to Delvin or Vex and accept a new quest. However, failing too many jobs in a row might slightly affect their disposition towards you.
2. Can I choose which city to do Thieves Guild jobs in?
Yes and no. You can decline a quest if you don’t like the city assigned to you. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the next quest will be in your desired city. The best approach is to accept quests strategically, prioritizing the four major holds needed for restoration. Save your game before accepting a quest. If you get Riften, you can reload your save and try again until you get one of the holds.
3. What are the different types of radiant quests offered by Delvin and Vex?
Delvin offers Burglary, Bedlam, Heist, and Sweep jobs, while Vex provides Numbers, Fishing, the Numbers Job, and the Heist Job. Each type requires a different approach and skillset, adding variety to the gameplay.
4. Does the order in which I complete the special jobs matter?
No, the order in which you complete the special jobs doesn’t matter. You can focus on whichever hold you prefer.
5. Can I get the same special job twice?
No, once you complete a special job in a particular hold, you won’t receive another one for that location. The goal is to complete one special job in each of the four major holds.
6. Are there any level requirements for Thieves Guild quests?
No, there are no specific level requirements for Thieves Guild quests. However, higher levels will generally make the quests easier, as you’ll have access to better skills and equipment.
7. Can I keep the Skeleton Key?
Yes, but this comes at a cost. Keeping the Skeleton Key means you cannot complete the “Darkness Returns” quest, which is essential for becoming the Guildmaster and fully restoring the Thieves Guild.
8. What happens after I become the Guildmaster?
After becoming the Guildmaster, you’ll receive a special set of armor, and the Ragged Flagon will be fully restored with new merchants and features. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you brought the Thieves Guild back to its former glory.
9. Can I donate to the Thieves Guild vault to help restore it?
While there’s no direct donation mechanic, restoring the Thieves Guild through quests indirectly enriches the vault. However, don’t expect to see it overflowing with gold and treasures.
10. Can I marry Vex?
Unfortunately, you cannot marry Vex in Skyrim. She is not a marriageable NPC.
11. Can you wipe out the Thieves Guild?
Yes, you can choose to destroy the Thieves Guild by joining the Dawnguard and completing the “Destroy the Thieves Guild” quest. This will eliminate the Thieves Guild from Riften.
12. Can you make the Thieves Guild rich again?
You can restore the Thieves Guild by completing the quests given to you. After 5 jobs in each major city, you should be able to do a heist quest. Make sure that the job is not in Riften, or it won’t count.
13. Does Delvin and Vex ever run out of jobs?
No, Delvin and Vex offer an endless supply of radiant quests. You can continue to take on jobs from them even after restoring the Thieves Guild.
14. Can Vex become a follower?
Yes, after completing the main storyline for the Thieves Guild in Skyrim, you will get the opportunity to have either Vex or Brynjolf become a follower. Get the Guild Master’s armor from Tonila then talk to one of them again.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on society?
For more insights into the learning aspects and societal impact of gaming, explore resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They have resources to expand your knowledge of the impact of games.
Restoring the Thieves Guild in Skyrim requires dedication and effort. By understanding the job requirements and utilizing these helpful FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the Guildmaster and bringing the Thieves Guild back into the light, or rather, the shadows. Enjoy the journey, and may your pockets always be full!