Trinity Restored

An Audience with Lady Nocturnal

This quest begins with the first objective already under way. Although Karliah is a Nightingale, it falls to the current acting leader of the Thieves Guild to order the murder of Mercer. Brynjolf has no qualms about this, but Karliah points out that great care must be taken; after all, Mercer is a Nightingale, and an agent of Nocturnal. She suggests meeting Mercer on equal footing. Just outside Riften is a clearing and an old standing stone. She cryptically asks that you meet there.

Take the southwest exit from Riften and walk the path until you see the large petroglyph stone among the silver birch trees. Both Brynjolf and Karliah are waiting for you. Karliah explains this is the headquarters of the Nightingales, and you’re here to seek an edge in the forthcoming fight with Mercer. You may ask her further questions, but she says she’ll tell you more once you’re inside Nightingale Hall. Follow her inside. A secret door in the face of the rocky cliff will open, revealing a door into Nightingale Hall.

Step through the still air of the entrance tunnel. Brynjolf can’t believe this place existed but doesn’t know why he’s here. Karliah reveals you are the first of the uninitiated to set foot in here in over a century. You are to accompany Karliah to the armory to don the armor of a Nightingale and begin the oath. Your roles should now become increasingly clear.

Cross the bridge, and through the archway are plinths with the same petroglyph carvings—that of the Nightingale and dark moon. Activate the Armor Stone, and the armor will be added to your inventory. Then go into your apparel and equip the armor to continue.

• Nightingale Armor
• Nightingale Boots
• Nightingale Gloves
• Nightingale Hood

Nocturnal at Our Backs

Stride toward the entrance to the Welkinsight Chamber, where Karliah explains the steps to becoming a Nightingale. After some hesitation on Brynjolf’s part, follow the procession forward as the gate opens, and stand on the ancient circle glyph inscribed into the ground. Karliah performs the oath, and a dialogue with Lady Nocturnal begins. (Her voice emanates from a ball of energy. She doesn’t appear in person at this point.)

Once the ceremony is over, Karliah reveals the last secret of the Nightingales: Their purpose is to guard not only the Twilight Sepulcher, but also the secret kept within—the Skeleton Key of Nocturnal. Mercer stole this key, which opens any lock (indeed, the artifact allowed him to bypass the otherwise-sealed locks on the Guild’s vault doors), and the powers of the key may have imbued him with powers beyond normal reckoning.

Quest Conclusion

Brynjolf tells you that due to the circumstances that have befallen the Thieves Guild, there is no one qualified to lead the forces except for you.

At this point, if you’ve completed all of the City Influence Quests, Brynjolf indicates that after this whole sorry affair is over, you are to become Guild Master.

At this point, if you haven’t completed all of the City Influence Quests, Brynjolf says that as soon as Delvin tells him the Guild has regained a foothold in Skyrim, you are to become Guild Master.

Postquest Activities

Thieves Guild Quests: Blindsighted begins now!