The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion offers players the chance to join a variety of factions and guilds, each with their own unique quests and rewards. Among the most intriguing and shadowy is the Thieves Guild, an organization that values stealth, secrecy, and the skill of taking what doesn’t belong to you. Becoming a member of the Thieves Guild in Oblivion isn’t as simple as walking up to a recruiter and asking to join. Players must explore, investigate, and prove themselves before they can enjoy the benefits and opportunities offered by this clandestine brotherhood. If you’re drawn to sneaky gameplay, stealth mechanics, and morally gray choices, then joining the Thieves Guild should be high on your list.
Requirements for Joining the Thieves Guild
Committing a Crime
Unlike many factions in Oblivion, the Thieves Guild doesn’t recruit openly. To attract their attention, you need to get caught breaking the law. Specifically, you must have a bounty on your head, even a small one, to trigger the possibility of being approached. This could involve stealing from a shop, picking a pocket, or trespassing in someone’s home. Once you’ve been arrested or caught, word spreads, and a mysterious stranger may contact you about a new opportunity.
Meeting Armand Christophe
After you’ve gained a bounty, a character known as Amusei will approach you in the Imperial City. He delivers a note inviting you to a secret meeting with Armand Christophe, a key figure in the Thieves Guild. This meeting takes place in the Garden of Dareloth in the Waterfront District of the Imperial City. It’s held at midnight, so be sure to wait or sleep until then.
Initiation: The First Test
The Competition
When you arrive at the Garden of Dareloth, you’ll find Armand Christophe and two other potential recruits. Armand explains that to join the Thieves Guild, you must prove yourself by stealing a diary from a wealthy woman named Amantius Allectus. The challenge is simple in theory: get the item and return it to Armand before the other contestants do. This test ensures only the most capable thief gets in.
Winning the Test
To beat your rivals, you need to be quick, silent, and efficient. Amantius lives in the Temple District. Pick the lock to his house during the night, avoid detection, and locate the diary on a desk upstairs. If you manage to return with the diary before the others, Armand will welcome you into the guild. Failing this challenge doesn’t lock you out entirely you can still join later if the winner decides not to.
Benefits of Joining the Thieves Guild
Fences and Stolen Goods
Once you’re a member, one of the main advantages is access to fences. These special merchants will buy your stolen items, which is otherwise impossible through normal shops. As you rise through the ranks, more fences with higher gold limits become available. This feature is essential for any character who wants to make money through theft.
Guild Protection
The Thieves Guild also provides some protection from the law. Members can pay off their bounties through guild channels, allowing you to avoid jail time or death at the hands of guards. This is particularly helpful if you’re playing a rogue-style character who gets into trouble often.
Unique Quests and Rewards
The Thieves Guild questline in Oblivion is rich with intrigue, character development, and rewarding heists. You’ll steal from nobles, infiltrate secure locations, and even deal with internal betrayal. Completing the questline offers not only gold and loot but also the chance to eventually become the Guildmaster yourself.
Advancing in the Thieves Guild
Earning Promotions
Progress in the Thieves Guild is based on two things: completing special jobs and fencing stolen goods. Each promotion requires a certain amount of gold to be laundered through fences. The more you sell, the faster you move up in rank. Jobs come from your three primary contacts: Armand Christophe, S’Krivva, and eventually, the enigmatic Methredhel.
Types of Jobs
Most missions involve stealing specific items, spying, or assisting other thieves. Some missions can be completed without violence, which aligns with the guild’s code. Killing is generally discouraged unless absolutely necessary, and innocent lives are not to be taken lightly. Honoring this code earns you more respect and ensures you remain in good standing with the guild.
Thieves Guild Code of Conduct
Rules of the Guild
The Thieves Guild in Oblivion is not simply a band of criminals it operates with a strict moral code. These rules include:
- No stealing from fellow guild members.
- No murder while on a guild job.
- Always follow the orders of higher-ranked members.
Breaking these rules can result in punishment or expulsion. You’ll need to pay restitution or complete penance missions to rejoin if you’re kicked out.
Ethical Crime
Despite being criminals, members of the Thieves Guild often target the wealthy and corrupt. This gives the organization a Robin Hood-like image among some citizens. The guild prefers cleverness over brute force and views theft as a form of rebellion against a broken system.
Challenges Along the Way
Dealing with Rivals
The Thieves Guild is not without enemies. The Imperial Guard constantly tries to root out its members, and rival factions like the Blackwood Company or the Dark Brotherhood may pose indirect threats. Navigating these challenges while staying true to the guild’s code is part of what makes the experience compelling.
Stealth and Lockpicking
To succeed, you’ll need strong stealth-related skills. This includes Sneak, Security, and possibly Illusion magic for Invisibility. Investing in these abilities helps you avoid combat, access restricted areas, and complete missions silently. Training and using enchanted gear can also make your jobs easier.
Becoming the Gray Fox
The Final Reward
The culmination of the Thieves Guild questline is the reveal of the mysterious Gray Fox’s identity. This legendary thief is a central figure in the guild and becomes a major character as you progress. Eventually, you’ll take on missions directly from him, leading to a dramatic final heist. If you succeed, you inherit the title and powers of the Gray Fox, including access to the powerful Gray Cowl of Nocturnal.
The Gray Cowl
Wearing the Gray Cowl gives you a unique set of powers, including enhanced Sneak abilities and a new identity. However, while wearing it, all crimes committed are attributed to the Gray Fox persona rather than your original name. This dual identity allows for even more creative gameplay and storytelling.
Joining the Thieves Guild in Oblivion is a rewarding experience that adds depth, challenge, and excitement to the game. From humble beginnings as a street thief to becoming the infamous Gray Fox, the path is full of interesting characters, clever missions, and meaningful choices. For players who enjoy stealth, strategy, and moral ambiguity, the Thieves Guild offers one of the richest questlines in the game. Whether you’re new to Oblivion or returning for another playthrough, becoming a member of this secretive organization will surely enhance your adventure across Cyrodiil.