In the vast world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players often find themselves in possession of items that aren’t rightfully theirs. Whether you’ve picked them up during a covert heist or stumbled upon them during your adventures, selling stolen items can be quite tricky. This detailed guide will walk you through how do you sell these ill-gotten goods, where to sell them, and the best way to sell them without attracting unwanted attention from the guards. Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of selling stolen items in Skyrim.
Understanding Stolen Items
In Skyrim, items are marked as stolen if they are taken from a location where they don’t belong to you. This includes picking up objects in someone’s home or shop without permission. Stolen items are marked with a red icon in your inventory. Selling these items requires a bit of finesse and knowledge of the right contacts.
Why Selling Stolen Items is Tricky
Stolen items cannot be sold to regular merchants. Attempting to do so will alert them to your thievery, and you’ll be unable to complete the transaction. Therefore, you need to find specific NPCs who are willing to buy these items without asking too many questions.
Where to Sell Stolen Items
The Thieves Guild
The Thieves Guild in Riften is your primary destination for selling stolen items in Skyrim. To gain access to their services, you must first complete a series of quests to become a member. Once you’re in, you can sell stolen goods to any Fence in the Guild. Here’s how you do it:
- Joining the Thieves Guild: Head to Riften and locate Brynjolf in the marketplace. He will give you a quest to prove your worth.
- Completing the Questline: Follow the questline until you’re officially a member of the Thieves Guild.
- Using Fences: Once a member, you can sell stolen items to various Fences located in Riften, Whiterun, Windhelm, and Markarth.
Table: Fences in Skyrim
| Fence | Location | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tonilia | Riften | Join the Thieves Guild |
| Mallus Maccius | Honningbrew Meadery | Complete Thieves Guild Quest |
| Enthir | College of Winterhold | Become a member of the College |
| Gulum-Ei | Solitude | Complete Thieves Guild Quest |
Other Methods
If you haven’t joined the Thieves Guild, there are still a few ways to sell stolen items:
- Invest in the Speech Skill: By increasing your Speech skill, you can unlock perks that allow you to sell stolen items to any merchant.
- Use the Fence Perk: The Speech skill tree has a perk called “Fence” which allows you to sell stolen goods to any merchant you have invested in.
Best Way to Sell Stolen Items
Tips and Tricks
- Stealth: Avoid being detected when stealing items to prevent getting a bounty.
- Selling in Bulk: Sell multiple stolen items at once to minimize the risk of being caught.
- Cover Your Tracks: Dispose of any evidence that could link you to the theft.
Using Mods
For those playing on PC, there are mods available that can make selling stolen items easier. These mods can add new fences, change game mechanics, or provide new ways to launder stolen goods.
Read also: How to Sell Stuff in Skyrim
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sell stolen items in Skyrim?
To sell stolen items in Skyrim, you need to find specific NPCs called Fences who are willing to buy stolen goods. These NPCs can usually be found in the Thieves Guild in Riften.
Where can I find a Fence in Skyrim?
Fences can be found in various locations, including Riften, Whiterun, Windhelm, and Markarth. You need to join the Thieves Guild and complete some quests to access their services.
What is the best way to sell stolen items in Skyrim?
The best way to sell stolen items in Skyrim is to join the Thieves Guild and use their Fences. This allows you to sell stolen goods without risk of alerting regular merchants.
Can I sell stolen items to any merchant?
No, regular merchants will not buy stolen items. You need to find specific Fences or unlock perks in the Speech skill tree to sell stolen goods to any merchant.
How do I join the Thieves Guild?
To join the Thieves Guild, you need to go to Riften and talk to Brynjolf in the marketplace. He will give you a quest to prove your worth and begin the process of joining the guild.
What perks in the Speech skill tree help with selling stolen items?
The Fence perk in the Speech skill tree allows you to sell stolen goods to any merchant you have invested in. Increasing your Speech skill can unlock this and other useful perks.
Can I sell stolen items without joining the Thieves Guild?
Yes, but it is more difficult. You can invest in the Speech skill and unlock the Fence perk to sell stolen items to any merchant without joining the Thieves Guild.
What happens if I get caught with stolen items?
If you are caught with stolen items, you may receive a bounty, be arrested, or have the items confiscated by guards. It is best to sell stolen goods quickly and discreetly.
Are there mods that make selling stolen items easier?
Yes, there are mods available for PC players that add new fences, change game mechanics, or provide new ways to sell stolen items in Skyrim.
How do I increase my Speech skill?
You can increase your Speech skill by successfully persuading, intimidating, or bribing NPCs, and by buying and selling goods. Training with specific NPCs can also increase your Speech skill.
What is the Thieves Guild questline?
The Thieves Guild questline is a series of quests that players must complete to join and rise through the ranks of the Thieves Guild. It starts with Brynjolf in Riften.
Can I sell stolen items to Fences in other cities?
Yes, once you have joined the Thieves Guild and completed certain quests, you can access Fences in other cities like Whiterun, Windhelm, and Markarth.
What should I do if I accidentally steal an item?
If you accidentally steal an item, you can drop it immediately to avoid a bounty, or find a Fence to sell it to. Be cautious and avoid stealing unintentionally.
How do I know if an item is stolen?
Stolen items in Skyrim are marked with a red hand icon in your inventory. This indicates that the item was taken without permission and is considered stolen.
What is the benefit of selling stolen items?
Selling stolen items can provide you with extra gold and resources that you wouldn’t have otherwise. It allows you to make use of items you acquire through less-than-legal means.
Conclusion
Understanding how to sell stolen items in Skyrim can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you’re a seasoned thief or new to the game, knowing where to sell and the best way to sell your loot is crucial. Follow this guide to navigate the complexities of Skyrim’s economy and make the most out of your thieving endeavors.
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