How to Become a Nightingale in Skyrim

Last Updated: June 26, 2018

So you want to be the ultimate shadowy thief? Becoming a Nightingale grants you special powers and armor, along with providing a great storyline, so check this out for a nice side quest. Start by joining the Thieves Guild and reading on.

Steps

1
Head to Riften in the bottom right-hand corner of the map, if fast traveling isn't allowed because you haven't traveled there, hire a carriage.
2
Do any quest that stands in your way until you get to Brynjolf, from there on your character will get into the Thieves Guild.

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3
Do the Thieves Guild quests. When you get to the right one you will travel with a man named Mercer to a cave to find and assassinate his enemy. His enemy(who is a female Dunmer named Karliah,) will shoot an arrow poisoned with paralysis at you. Go through the cut-scenes.
4
Talk with Karliah. You will wake up with Karliah who tells you everything. If you get answer options, try being nice. She will tell you she was trying to hit your now enemy, Mercer. Trust her and follow her.
5
Do anything else of the quest until you get back to the Thieves Guild's Ragged Flagon Cistern. You will speak with Brynjolf, tell him that Mercer (your now enemy) was going to kill you until the Dunmer saved you.
6
Go through anything else until you get to the place near the Shadow Stone. Karliah and Brynolf will meet you there.
7
Follow them into the cave. Head on in front of them and wait until they get to you. Activate the Armor Stone.
8
Put on the Nightingale armor. Follow Brynjolf and Karliah until you get to the three stage-like platforms. Karliah will tell you to go to the west platform. Go through the cut-scenes.
9
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Why cant I pull the chain?

Community Answer

Perhaps you haven't completed the necessary tasks. In order to become a Nightingale, you must finish the Thieves' Guild quest line. Bear in mind that you will lose the Skeleton key when you do.