To join the Thieves Guild in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, you have several methods, but the general process involves finding the guild's initiation and completing a trial:
Methods to Find the Thieves Guild
- Get Caught Stealing and Serve Jail Time
Commit a minor crime like stealing an item, get caught, and serve your jail sentence instead of paying a fine. After release, wait or wander until someone approaches you with a note to meet in the Garden of Dareloth in the Waterfront District, where the guild initiation begins
- Investigate Wanted Posters and Talk to a Beggar
Read one of the many wanted posters about the Gray Fox scattered around the Imperial City. Then find a beggar in the Waterfront District, raise their disposition by talking or bribing them, and ask about the Gray Fox. The beggar will tell you about the Thieves Guild and direct you to the Garden of Dareloth for the initiation
- Go Directly to the Garden of Dareloth at Midnight
If you already know the location, simply go to the Garden of Dareloth behind the Abandoned Shack in the Waterfront District at midnight. You will find a meeting of thieves where you can talk to Armand Christophe to start the initiation quest
Initiation Quest: "May the Best Thief Win"
- At the meeting, Armand Christophe will give you a trial to prove your worth: steal a journal from Amantius Allectus in the Temple District without killing him.
- The house is located by following the eastern path through the Temple District, then turning right into a small alley where Allectus' house is the first on the right.
- The lock on the door is easy to pick, and you can follow a rival thief named Methredhel if you get lost.
- After stealing the journal, return to Armand to officially join the Thieves Guild. A guard may confront you but will not arrest you during this conversation, and Armand can clear your bounty for half the cost
Tips
- Bribing the beggar to talk about the Gray Fox is often the easiest way to get the guild invitation.
- Buying lockpicks from Armand before the trial is recommended.
- Persuasion or bribing can help in convincing Armand to accept you if needed during the initiation
By following these steps, you will join the Thieves Guild and gain access to their quests, fences for selling stolen goods, and unique rewards
