The Thieves Guild - Best Guild Line?

[Sloady]

Having played through all the Guild Lines, I've found the Thieves Guild the most fun. And unlimited supply of side jobs has meant that I really feel like a master thief. Maybe its simply having gone through the game once that I find it better... what's your favourite guild line?

[SAMIAM]

I like the Legions questline. All about the War for me.

[DorostheConqueror]

Nah, he TG was alright, up until the Batman Bits ruined it and made it impossible to complete. So far, I'd have to say the Brotherhood was the best guild line, although it's nowhere near as good as the guild lines in Oblivion. The Fighters Guild takes a turn for the bizarre and unsatisfying very early on, while the Mages Guild is much too short and the lore is never fully explained. I was hoping the Bards College would act as a Guild, too, but it doesn't (opportunity: missed) and without a Wild Card option the War stuff doesn't seem complete. The Main Story isn't too bad, but the dragons are way too easy to kill.

[Assassin540]

Dark Brotherhood was best I liked the ending but the contract's weren't as creative.

[Qwackie]

More about the civil war myself, but it was fun.

Spoiler:

Until I sold my soul to what's-her-face.

[conquistador]

I loved both the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood quests, but I thought the former was the best, at least as a whole. The Nightingale bit was really cool too. I'd take the TG over it because I felt the armor was way cooler, both in comparison to the Dark Brother hood gear, as well as the location and appearance of the hideout. The bit with Cicero was enjoyable, but started getting a bit annoying. I did enjoy both, but the Thieves Guild was just that much better. I hear the Dark Brotherhood angle was more fun in Oblivion, but I suppose that is more a matter of personal opinion.

[DorostheConqueror]

I hear the Dark Brotherhood angle was more fun in Oblivion, but I suppose that is more a matter of personal opinion.

Oh, much much much much much. There's more quests and they're far better crafted; the Summitmist Manor quest alone puts the entire Skyrim DB questline to shame.

I did like the Wedding mission, and everything past that, but there's really no comparison between the two games.

[TomDD]

Thieves Guild beats ANYTHING in Oblivion so far.

Amazed? It's just so good! The Nightingale bit is absolutely AMAZING. You get to become this like awesome, hidden legendary agent of Nocturnal, and the betrayal, Gallus, Karliah, Mecer, the whole story, the quests, the dungeons, the mystery, infinite side missions. It is just impossible to describe how [&@%!] fun the TG was!

[unokitsune]

I loved both the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood quests, but I thought the former was the best, at least as a whole. The Nightingale bit was really cool too. I'd take the TG over it because I felt the armor was way cooler, both in comparison to the Dark Brother hood gear, as well as the location and appearance of the hideout. The bit with Cicero was enjoyable, but started getting a bit annoying. I did enjoy both, but the Thieves Guild was just that much better. I hear the Dark Brotherhood angle was more fun in Oblivion, but I suppose that is more a matter of personal opinion.

You had a quest where you had to disguise yourself as a noble, get locked in a house with about 5 of them and had to single each one out to kill them one by one. No matter how you did so you could convince them to kill each other off for you if you played cards certain way. That was a very memerable quest! Plus you got bonuses almost every contract from vincet valtiere and Ocheeva now deceased.

Skyrim's DB was very simalar to that of TG but hey at least you killed a cowardly jerk emperor that couldn't even grace his cousin's wedding.

[Revenant]

Main quest wise? Meh. But as a whole - initiation, guild hall, post main quest quests and everything? I agree

[DorostheConqueror]

Amazed? It's just so good! The Nightingale bit is absolutely AMAZING

OK, question. What kind of self-respecting thief would EVER wear something like the Nightingale Armor? Especially a thief who belongs to a SUPER SECRET order that they have to keep SUPER DUPER SECRET? The art of stealth is all about blending in, not being noticed, being inconspicuous. Stomping around in this eye-catching jet black super armor like you're the gawd-damn Batman isn't inconspicuous. It's just stupid! Hello, world! Don't mind me! Badass super sneak coming through, no, no, sorry, no time for autographs! If the Agents of Nocturnal had any sense, they'd wear plain clothes, tailored to fit with whatever area they're operating in- rags for the slums, middle class clothes for Solitude, etc. Better yet, they'd go digging around in two century old ruins to find some plain gear enchanted with Chameleon.

Of course, the Agents of Nocturnal probably don't have much sense to begin with, since they all fell for that stupid oath. Who trades their immortal soul for a slight increase in Lockpicking prowess, or a Lesser Power they can replicate at will with spells?

[Boulderheart]

Amazed? It's just so good! The Nightingale bit is absolutely AMAZING

OK, question. What kind of self-respecting thief would EVER wear something like the Nightingale Armor? Especially a thief who belongs to a SUPER SECRET order that they have to keep SUPER DUPER SECRET? The art of stealth is all about blending in, not being noticed, being inconspicuous. Stomping around in this eye-catching jet black super armor like you're the gawd-damn Batman isn't inconspicuous. It's just stupid! Hello, world! Don't mind me! Badass super sneak coming through, no, no, sorry, no time for autographs! If the Agents of Nocturnal had any sense, they'd wear plain clothes, tailored to fit with whatever area they're operating in- rags for the slums, middle class clothes for Solitude, etc. Better yet, they'd go digging around in two century old ruins to find some plain gear enchanted with Chameleon.

Of course, the Agents of Nocturnal probably don't have much sense to begin with, since they all fell for that stupid oath. Who trades their immortal soul for a slight increase in Lockpicking prowess, or a Lesser Power they can replicate at will with spells?

A lot of people trade there souls to Daedra for poorer rewards.
But the whole idea of the Nightingales, I think, gives the guild a new dimension. It's not for treasure hunters, or stealthy thieves, it can be about serving a dark mistress in the guise of a Nightingale. To be a Nightingale isn't about stealing from the common breton on a lonely road. It's about the Big Heists and preserving the Guild.

The way I see it is that the TG is like Robin Hood, steal from the rich and give to the poor ( a-la Gray-Fox and his Beggars). Nightingales help to preserve this.

[DorostheConqueror]

And what big heists would these be? Fetching the property of Nocturnal that SHE lost when somebody else pulled a Big Heist on HER? And for the privilege of helping Nocturnal, all you've got to do in return is be a zombie ghost for the next infinity years! Gosh, what a great deal!

I hate the Nightingales. I hate them so, so much.

[The Dog Whisperer]

OK, question. What kind of self-respecting thief would EVER wear something like the Nightingale Armor? Especially a thief who belongs to a SUPER SECRET order that they have to keep SUPER DUPER SECRET? The art of stealth is all about blending in, not being noticed, being inconspicuous. Stomping around in this eye-catching jet black super armor like you're the gawd-damn Batman isn't inconspicuous. It's just stupid! Hello, world! Don't mind me! Badass super sneak coming through, no, no, sorry, no time for autographs! If the Agents of Nocturnal had any sense, they'd wear plain clothes, tailored to fit with whatever area they're operating in- rags for the slums, middle class clothes for Solitude, etc. Better yet, they'd go digging around in two century old ruins to find some plain gear enchanted with Chameleon.

This is a world where the assassin's guild has their own uniform that they can freely wear, and you're harping on about Nightingale's armour- Something which the majority of Skyrim shouldn't even know about. But oops, I forgot about the "Nightingale Sports" branding and emblem emblazoned all over it.
Anyway, if you're sneaking (And doing it properly) they shouldn't even see what you're wearing.

Of course, the Agents of Nocturnal probably don't have much sense to begin with, since they all fell for that stupid oath. Who trades their immortal soul for a slight increase in Lockpicking prowess, or a Lesser Power they can replicate at will with spells?

You're too fixated on the ethereal side of things- I really have no respect for your opinion of a 'thief' after you said you had enough loot. That's ridiculous.
What self-respecting thief wouldn't worm their way into lady luck's favour? If you want an example of what happens to a thief with no luck then go read The Redemption of Althalus.
Maybe then you'll give Nocturnal her due respect.

OT; I've done everything but the two sides of the civil war, and DB is probably the most fun. And it rewarded me with the 'most fun' follower.
Better than all the Shiny CLINKY Gold!

[Boulderheart]

I've Done Stormies, Companions, Mages, TG and MQ, so far I'd say TG/Stormies was most fun, and I'm playing a warrior!

The College seemed a short and rushed, but I suppose any of them do depending on how you play it, and how you take your time with it. You could make the Civil war Last from 6 days to 6 months, just depends on how quick you do it.

[DorostheConqueror]

OK, question. What kind of self-respecting thief would EVER wear something like the Nightingale Armor? Especially a thief who belongs to a SUPER SECRET order that they have to keep SUPER DUPER SECRET? The art of stealth is all about blending in, not being noticed, being inconspicuous. Stomping around in this eye-catching jet black super armor like you're the gawd-damn Batman isn't inconspicuous. It's just stupid! Hello, world! Don't mind me! Badass super sneak coming through, no, no, sorry, no time for autographs! If the Agents of Nocturnal had any sense, they'd wear plain clothes, tailored to fit with whatever area they're operating in- rags for the slums, middle class clothes for Solitude, etc. Better yet, they'd go digging around in two century old ruins to find some plain gear enchanted with Chameleon.

This is a world where the assassin's guild has their own uniform that they can freely wear, and you're harping on about Nightingale's armour- Something which the majority of Skyrim shouldn't even know about. But oops, I forgot about the "Nightingale Sports" branding and emblem emblazoned all over it.
Anyway, if you're sneaking (And doing it properly) they shouldn't even see what you're wearing.

Of course, the Agents of Nocturnal probably don't have much sense to begin with, since they all fell for that stupid oath. Who trades their immortal soul for a slight increase in Lockpicking prowess, or a Lesser Power they can replicate at will with spells?

You're too fixated on the ethereal side of things- I really have no respect for your opinion of a 'thief' after you said you had enough loot. That's ridiculous.
What self-respecting thief wouldn't worm their way into lady luck's favour? If you want an example of what happens to a thief with no luck then go read The Redemption of Althalus.
Maybe then you'll give Nocturnal her due respect.

OT; I've done everything but the two sides of the civil war, and DB is probably the most fun. And it rewarded me with the 'most fun' follower.
Better than all the Shiny CLINKY Gold!

The Thieves Guild walks around Riften with impunity because that's what they do. They're not skulkers, they're the Mafia; they control the city, and it's in their best interest to make sure everyone remembers that. The Nightingales are different. The Nightingales are the Illuminati, they NEED to stay hidden, or the game's up. And don't give me that "just sneak around" bit. You know as well as I do that people don't sneak EVERYWHERE, and even if they do, once in awhile someone's going to spot you (especially if you're around those eagle-eyed horses and mudcrabs). All it takes is for one poor shlub to see Batman tromping around with his Official Nightingale Club Gear for the whole thing to go to gently caress.

And I don't have enough loot. For the fiftieth time, I have more than enough loot. I've got 200k septims jingling about in my pockets and there's not a damn thing I can spend them on. What more can I get with Nocturnal on my side? Nocturnal, the Daedra that couldn't even hold on to her damn Key and gives her top secret operatives clothing that she bought at Hot Topic? A couple more 5 septim plates to add to my collection of five hundred identical plates? A plain ruby or two that'll collect dust next to all the other ones that I've mined, pilfered, or otherwise acquired? Seriously, WHAT can Nocturnal offer me? Besides the THRILLING opportunity to fetch her stuff and then give it back to her?

I don't need more loot. I need better loot. I need something special, something cool, like, I dunno, an Elder Scroll! Send me to the Imperial Palace to steal an Elder Scroll, how 'bout that, Nocturnal? Oh wait, I've already got an Elder Scroll, I found it totally by accident while doing a quest for a Daedra who doesn't totally suck horker nuts. But hell, I bet Nocturnal could think of something else equally worthy of my time. Right? She'd better.

[The Dog Whisperer]

Okay, well first by assassin's guild uniform I was referring to the DB's shrouded stuff. Y'know, the gear with the Black Hand printed on it. (?)
Thieves Guild doesn't really have a uniform, they've got some shiny leather.
You didn't address the point that even if people see the Nightingales in their armour (Something you admit should be a rare occurrence) it doesn't mean anything; Without the background of how to obtain the armour, or some reference to compare it to you can't tell it's a Nightingale's armour.
And that information was even regarded as a myth within the Thieves Guild, says Brynjolf.

Nocturnal gives you luck. Everytime a Bandit doesn't notice you sneaking directly in front of them, allowing you to roll behind them and sneak right out, that's Nocturnal.
But I hear you're having problems with things detecting you while sneaking. Weird.

And since when has excessive wealth needed a purpose?.. The purpose of excessive wealth is to have craploads of money. And there's always a greater figure than "craploads" to work towards.
If you really feel like you need to use it then go give it to charity *shudder* or buy 500 Steel Swords.
I'm sure the various factions wouldn't mind you investing 100k in each of them.
And you've mined? Wth? First you're not content with being rich, and then you do physical labour.. I don't think you're cut out for Elder Scrolls aristocracy.

Stop complaining about wanting to steal an Elder Scroll, a scholar's toy, and go pickpocket that Ruby from Arcadia's strongbox then collect your gold reward.
If that isn't enough for you then maybe you aren't cut out to be a thief.

[Iaius Amaius Heron]

The Companions are about the most forgettable, I thought.

Bard's College could have had so much more going for them; the whole "warrior poet"/"smarmy artist" thing they had going on tickled me pink, I wish they kept going with it.

Dark Brotherhood is fun and had some of the more memorable characters and quests.

Thieves Guild felt like it was the most involved with plenty to do. The rest of the quest lines aside from the civil war and main quest were just far too short.

Civil war has some cool parts like, y'know, going to war and all.

Main quest still isn't as good as Morrowind's, but much better than Oblivion's.

[DorostheConqueror]

The Dark Brotherhood's armor is stupid, too, for the exact same reason. It's a bit less conspicuous than the Elton John meets Tim Burton gear Nocturnal has you rocking, and ideally the only people who will see you wearing it are gonna be DEAD people, but aside from the gloves, I never wear that crap. Personally, I blame Astrid and her mismanagement of the 'hood. And yes it DOES mean something if people see you wearing that armor. The average peasant might not know exactly who or what you are. But they'll know you're something special, they'll know you're something unique, and if they've got more than half a brain, the spooky black color and cape and mask and so forth will be a pretty strong hint that you're involved in something both sneaky and nefarious. All it'd take is for rumors to start flying around, and sooner or later, the curious and the clever will unearth your deep, dark secret. No, it's a stupid set of armor. And remember what else they said about the Nightingales within the Guild? How they had to spread deliberate misinformation to keep people from knowing the truth? It's a carefully managed conspiracy, and Nocturnal decides to just throw it all away by giving you this fancy set of gear. No wonder Mercer got the better of her!

And Nocturnal doesn't give me luck. We don't HAVE Luck, remember? All we've got is Health, Magicka, and Stamina. Now you can try and chalk "Luck" up to the machinations of Nockers, the way I see it, that's just grasping at superstitious straws, and people like Karliah are blissfully ignorant of the laws of averages and chance (oh Dwemer science, wherefore art thou?). Oh, sure, I've had problems with people detecting my backstabs. Maybe it's Nocturnal? Maybe it's not? Even if it was, her attempts to screw with my luck haven't stopped me yet, and they won't stop me in the future. So nuts to her!

And wealth is a means to an end, not the end in itself. Power, knowledge, the opportunity to send souls to Sithis, ascension to godhood upon death as Talos before me, all these things are worthy goals. Wealth is important, in so far as it helps me towards those goals. But beyond that? What am I gonna do? Cover my house kneedeep in stolen tankards like some creepy hoarder? Buy a thousand pies and eat them, growing fat and lazy like some Nibenean Lord, then sit in my bedchamber waiting to die so Nocturnal can claim her prize? No, sorry. I've got better plans.

As for pilfering rubies, hell, I'm fine with that. I do those quests all the time; in fact, those are the only Thieves Guild quests I do! Small jobs for small fish, because the Riften Guild doesn't offer anything better, and it's still more than Nocturnal can give.

P.S. Mining is godly. You want wealth? Try Transmuting a mine full of Iron into Gold. Now that's REAL power. Yeah, bet you wish you could turn a mine full of Iron into Gold!

[darkfaith]

Thieves Guild is a GIANT improvement over ES4.....(but strangely just as buggy) I would even put it better then the guild in Morrowind... (hate the end of that) My 2nd character is a wood elf archer and i love the Nightengale armor for her.....with the Brotherhood cowl....

I have not done civil war or mages college yet...... but Thieves Guild is going to be in contention for best questline in Skyrim.....

I luv me some brotherhood, but i could just tell Astrid was going to screw me from the beginning............

[Archea47]

Personally I thought the TG was weak and short.

Spoiler:

It didn't make any sense to me that now I'm suddenly leader of the guild ... and of course have nothing to do in regards to being the leader of the guild. The betrayal in the DB quest line, though, was awesome. Pure awesomeness. The visuals in the sanctum and all that and that chump Astrid ... very cool. And it makes sense that you're the leader of the DB. Does Nocturnal ever give the quest she hints about where she might need help in the future?

[Boulderheart]

Personally I thought the TG was weak and short.

Spoiler:

It didn't make any sense to me that now I'm suddenly leader of the guild ... and of course have nothing to do in regards to being the leader of the guild. The betrayal in the DB quest line, though, was awesome. Pure awesomeness. The visuals in the sanctum and all that and that chump Astrid ... very cool. And it makes sense that you're the leader of the DB. Does Nocturnal ever give the quest she hints about where she might need help in the future?

I think that is a shortcoming of a lot of the guild lines. There's often a 'why me?' at the end, I've only been here two weeks. but I suppose you could RP it and complete all the side quests and stay there for ages.

[unokitsune]

Personally I thought the TG was weak and short.

Spoiler:

It didn't make any sense to me that now I'm suddenly leader of the guild ... and of course have nothing to do in regards to being the leader of the guild. The betrayal in the DB quest line, though, was awesome. Pure awesomeness. The visuals in the sanctum and all that and that chump Astrid ... very cool. And it makes sense that you're the leader of the DB. Does Nocturnal ever give the quest she hints about where she might need help in the future?

It was longer than it was in Oblivion. Though they do have their own hall this time, I was more dissapointed they lost their "Robin Hood" feel "Take from the Rich give to the Poor" Now it's "Take from everyone even yourselves" And instead of running odd jobs for the guild leader to the end you get set up and nearly killed by him in the process. In a way I felt it was like the Dark Brotherhood but with more lockpicking.

[Archea47]

Though they do have their own hall this time, I was more dissapointed they lost their "Robin Hood" feel "Take from the Rich give to the Poor" Now it's "Take from everyone even yourselves.

I got a job to steal a ruby off a beggar from the guild. Now, FWIW I've pickpocketed some ridiculously rich beggars but previously the beggars were protected by the guild. I wanted to shield bash the quest-giver for blasphemy

Anything happen if you steal from a house with the guild protected shadowrune?

[unokitsune]

Though they do have their own hall this time, I was more dissapointed they lost their "Robin Hood" feel "Take from the Rich give to the Poor" Now it's "Take from everyone even yourselves.

I got a job to steal a ruby off a beggar from the guild. Now, FWIW I've pickpocketed some ridiculously rich beggars but previously the beggars were protected by the guild. I wanted to shield bash the quest-giver for blasphemy

Anything happen if you steal from a house with the guild protected shadowrune?

Not to my knowledge but then again when I go on Thieves guild jobs I take precautionary save points and make use of invisi pots/spell muffle pots/spell and Aura Whisper to find out where everyone is. I mean shadowrunes -say- leave them alone but unless you get caught I doubt there is any harm to it. Would be interesting to test though.