Master the Art of Becoming the Thane of Riften in Skyrim

Becoming a Thane in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is an esteemed achievement that players can earn. Each major settlement, known as a hold, is governed by a jarl who has the authority to bestow this title upon the Dragonborn. Along with the prestigious title, players are rewarded with a loyal follower, a powerful magical weapon, and a unique opportunity to avoid penalties and arrests within the hold.

While the process of becoming a Thane in most holds is relatively straightforward and can even be bypassed by overthrowing the incumbent jarl during the Civil War quest, attaining this honor in Riften proves to be a challenging endeavor. Even with a new jarl in power, the path to Thaneship remains arduous, especially considering that players must seek out a rather elusive character to initiate the process. To navigate the intricacies of ascending to nobility in the Rift, follow these steps.

Helping Hand and The Raid

Players should start by heading to the Riften docks, which are located outside of the town. To reach the docks without getting wet, they can use a door on the western wall of the town. Among the various buildings on the docks, one of them is called the Riften Fishery. Inside the fishery, players will come across a worker named Wujeeta, who is an Argonian. It is worth noting that Wujeeta is not an essential non-playable character (NPC). If Wujeeta dies before players start this quest, it will be impossible to become a Thane of Riften without resorting to cheating.

The reason players need to interact with Wujeeta is because she is struggling with a skooma addiction. In order to help her, she requires a healing potion to cleanse her system of skooma. Any type of healing potion will suffice, although she will not accept a potion that has been crafted. Once the Dragonborn provides her with a potion, this miscellaneous quest will be completed. However, players can immediately embark on a new quest thereafter.

In the new miscellaneous quest titled "The Raid," players can approach Wujeeta once again and engage in a conversation that includes an inquiry about the source of her skooma. Initially hesitant, she can be persuaded, bribed, or intimidated to reveal the information. It turns out that her supplier is a man named Sarthis Idren, often found near the Riften Warehouse in the docks area. However, before proceeding, the Dragonborn must seek an audience with the Jarl to obtain the necessary key.

When asked, the Jarl will provide the key but requests the Dragonborn to return afterwards. Once inside the warehouse, the bodyguard of Sarthis will immediately attack the Dragonborn, followed shortly by Sarthis himself. Descending to the lower level of the warehouse, players will discover a room brimming with moon sugar and skooma. On a table lies a satchel containing a note, which should be read before returning to the Jarl to recount the events that unfolded.

Supply and Demand

In the note, it is mentioned that Sarthis obtains his skooma from a specific location. The Jarl of Riften will request the Dragonborn's assistance in disrupting the supply line by sending them to Cragslane Cavern. Although Cragslane Cavern is situated quite a distance north of Riften, players should have no difficulty locating it with the help of the objective marker.

Aside from being a hub for skooma trafficking, Cragslane is also known for hosting wolf fights. The Dragonborn will encounter numerous pit wolves and gamblers while making their way through the area. It is advisable to keep an eye out for the book titled "The Wolf Queen, v1" which can be found beneath the bar, as it will enhance the Lockpicking skill. Towards the southern part of the arena, there is a character referred to as the Butcher. Eliminating him will mark the completion of this particular phase of the quest. Although the Butcher is a formidable NPC, players can exploit his pathfinding behavior by swiftly entering and exiting the fighting pit.

Return to the Jarl of Riften to claim your well-deserved reward. The Jarl will acknowledge that you are progressing towards becoming a Thane, yet won't provide any further guidance on accomplishing this prestigious title.

Helping Out in Riften

In order to progress further, players are required to undertake a minimum of three miscellaneous quests assigned by the inhabitants of Riften. It is important to note that completing quests for the residents in the docks area will contribute towards this requirement, whereas quests undertaken elsewhere in the hold will not be counted.

Pilgrimage

Alessandra in the Halls of the Dead (underneath the Temple of Mara) wants to return her father's dagger to Andurs in the Halls of the Dead in Whiterun.

Stoking the Flames

In order to reheat his forge, Balimund the blacksmith requires 10 Fire Salts. These essential ingredients can only be found in the wild by encountering Flame Atronachs. However, Balimund suggests an alternative option for players, which involves purchasing Fire Salts from apothecaries. It is worth noting that players might have to visit multiple apothecaries on several occasions in order to accumulate the required amount.

Bolli, proprietor of the Riften Fishery, intends to present a purchase agreement to Kleppr, the manager of Markarth's Silver-Blood Inn. Players can conveniently finalize this quest without having to return to Bolli.

Distant Memories

Brand-Shei, a merchant, is determined to uncover his past and believes that the answers lie within the Wreck of the Pride of Tel Vos. Within the ship, there is a chest positioned at the water line, which contains Lymdrenn Tenvanni's Journal. Retrieving this journal and returning it to Brand-Shei will mark the completion of the quest. In the event that the Dragonborn has already falsely accused Brand-Shei of theft, they can locate him in the Riften Jail beneath Mistveil Keep. Otherwise, this merchant operates a stall in the town square.

Consider Adoption

If players complete the quest "Innocence Lost" and have the Hearthfire DLC, adopting a child from the Honorhall Orphanage counts towards helping Riften residents.

Spread the Love

Upon finishing the task titled "The Book of Love," Dinya Balu, located in the Temple of Mara, will request the Dragonborn's assistance in distributing missives to the inhabitants of Riften. It is necessary to deliver these missives to a total of 20 distinct individuals before returning to Dinya to successfully conclude this quest.

Surgery

If players have the Dawnguard DLC, paying Galathil for facial surgery in the Ragged Flagon counts towards becoming Thane.

Hafjorg, the spouse of Elgrim the apothecary, requires a visit to Shor's Stone in order to have a conversation with Filnjar regarding an unusual ore specimen. As the local blacksmith, Filnjar will readily hand over the sample upon request. Remember to return to Hafjorg once you have obtained the ore to successfully conclude the quest.

Truth Ore Consequences

Bring It!

Harrald, son of the (original) Jarl, broke his sword on a stone wall. Get his repaired sword from Balimund, the blacksmith.

Hofgrir Horse-Crusher, the proprietor of the Riften Stables, will issue a dare to the Dragonborn for an unarmed brawl. Outmatch him to aid in the Thane quest and additionally enjoy the privilege of riding his horses without charge.

Bloody Nose

Few and Far Between

Elgrim the Apothecary's apprentice, Ingun Black-Briar, has been heavily relying on his ingredients. To fulfill this quest, collect 20 Nirnroot, 20 Deathbell, and 20 Nightshade.

Ringmaker

Madesi, a merchant who frequents the market square, is in constant need of supplies for his unique jewelry creations. These supplies include two Flawless Sapphires, one Mammoth Tusk, and one Gold Ore. Although there isn't a specific location to obtain all these items, the game will notify players when they come across any of the required materials.

The Bonds of Matrimony

Maramal in the Temple of Mara is starts the marriage quest. If the Dragonborn marries someone it counts for this quest.

Ice Cold

Marise Aravel, a food merchant, specializes in selling her goods in the area between the market square and The Bee and Barb Inn. In order to ensure the longevity of her produce, she relies on five Ice Wraith Teeth. Fortunately, these teeth are relatively easier to come across compared to flame atronachs, especially in the colder regions of the map. Alternatively, players can also find this essential ingredient in various apothecary shops.

Grimsever's Return

During daylight hours, Mjoll the Lioness diligently patrols the upper pathways of Riften. Unfortunately, she had the misfortune of losing her cherished weapon, Grimsever, within the depths of Mzinchaleft, an ancient Dwemer ruin. Despite her reluctance to burden the Dragonborn with such a task, at level 14, she willingly reveals the location of the ruin, should they choose to undertake the quest. Upon the successful retrieval of her beloved weapon, Mjoll will express her sincere gratitude to the Dragonborn for their assistance.

Under the Table

A note found in the Black-Briar Meadery reveals that recent thefts have been occurring. The note specifically names one employee, Romlyn Dreth, as the culprit. Romlyn will approach the Dragonborn and ask them to help smuggle a barrel of mead to the Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead. The Dragonborn has the choice to either assist Romlyn or report him to Indaryn, the meadery manager. Regardless of the decision made, it will still contribute to the progression of the Thane quest.

Stabilized

Upon arriving in Riften, players are greeted by a chance encounter between Shadr, a merchant, and Sapphire, a prominent member of the Thieves Guild. Shadr requests the assistance of the Dragonborn in conversing with Sapphire, who can often be found at The Bee and Barb. The outcome of this interaction is influenced by the Dragonborn's standing within the Thieves Guild, yet the possibility of settling Shadr's debt remains a constant choice.

Head to Riften Jail to find Sibbi Black-Briar, who is being held in a surprisingly well-maintained cell. He requests the assistance of the Dragonborn in locating his former fiancé, Svidi. Svidi, now going by the name Lynly Star-Sung and working as a bard, can be found hiding at the Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead. Engage in a conversation with her and utilize the Speech skill to uncover the truth. Afterward, the Dragonborn must decide whether to disclose the information to Sibbi. It is important to note that completing this quest only counts if Sibbi is informed, although players do have alternative choices available.

Svana Far-Shield, an employee at Haelga's Bunkhouse, despises her job and seeks to humiliate Haelga. To achieve this, she enlists the help of the Dragonborn to retrieve her tokens of affection, known as Marks of Dibella, from three individuals she is involved with: Bolli, Indaryn, and Hofgrir. The player can employ their Speech skills or resort to Pickpocketing in order to obtain the items from these men. It is crucial to note that killing them would result in the failure of the quest. Once the Marks are acquired, they should be returned to Haelga, who will provide a bribe as a reward. Finally, the Dragonborn should speak to Svana to receive their well-deserved compensation.

Sealing the Deal

Talen-Jei works at The Bee and Barb and wants to marry the innkeeper, Keerava. He needs three Flawless Amethysts for the engagement ring.

Hunt and Gather

Wylandriah, the court wizard of the Jarl, resides in Mistveil Keep. She has unfortunately misplaced three important items and requires assistance in retrieving them. The first item, her spoon, was lost at Fellstar Farm in Ivarstead. The second, a soul gem, can be found at The White Phial in Windhelm. Lastly, her orichalcum ingot is believed to be at The Frozen Hearth in Winterhold. Each item is contained within a satchel, and the quest markers will guide you to their locations. Feel free to collect them in any order that suits you.

Obviously, certain quests present an easier challenge compared to others. For players aiming to swiftly and cost-effectively achieve the Thane status, the most favorable quests to undertake would include Pilgrimage, Bring It!, and Truth Ore Consequences.

Purchasing Honeyside

After successfully completing at least three of the aforementioned quests, the Jarl of Riften will acknowledge the Dragonborn's favorable reputation among the townsfolk. However, there remains one final obstacle to overcome: the Dragonborn must become a property owner within the town. To fulfill this requirement, the Dragonborn must purchase the esteemed residence known as Honeyside from the Jarl's trusted steward. The availability of this house is granted upon the completion of the quest "Supply and Demand."

Players have the option to purchase Honeyside for 8000 gold, but interestingly enough, they can actually spend less. As long as players have a minimum of 5000 gold, they can choose the "I'll take it" dialogue option. In this case, the steward will take either all of the Dragonborn's gold or 8000 gold, whichever amount is lower.

Upon completing the purchase, the Jarl will appoint the Dragonborn as Thane of the Rift and present them with a weapon known as the Blade of the Rift. Additionally, the housecarl of Riften, named Iona, will be waiting for the Dragonborn at Honeyside.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available now on PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.