Complete Guide to Skyrim: A Cornered Rat Quest

Introduction

In the sprawling world of Skyrim, players encounter numerous quests, each rich with lore and adventure. One such quest, "A Cornered Rat," is an integral part of the Thieves Guild story arc. This quest involves tracking down an important character and navigating dangerous environments. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough to successfully complete "A Cornered Rat," ensuring you overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Beginning the Quest

  • After completing "A Chance Arrangement," speak with Brynjolf at the Riften Marketplace.
  • He will instruct you to find Mercer Frey and inform you of his whereabouts.
  • Head to the Bee and Barb inn, where you will encounter a character named Delvin Mallory.

• Gather Information

  • Speak with Delvin about the missing Mercer Frey. He will inform you about the Thieves Guild problems and suggest you find Karliah.
  • Look for Karliah in the Ratway, which is a series of tunnels beneath Riften. You can enter the Ratway through the sewer entrance or via the back alleys.

• Navigating the Ratway

  • As you traverse the Ratway, be prepared to encounter several enemies, including bandits and rival thieves.
    • Tip: Use stealth to get through areas undetected. Utilize shadows and listen for enemy patrols.
  • Follow the markers on your compass that lead you to your quest objective, which is the "Ratway Warrens."

• Finding Karliah

  • Once you reach the Ratway Warrens, you'll come across a locked door that leads to Karliah’s location. You may need to pick the lock or use a key from another NPC in the Ratway.
  • After entering, listen to the dialogue and watch for any enemies that may attack during your conversation with Karliah.

• Convincing Karliah

  • After the cutscene, you will need to convince Karliah to join forces with you. Use your dialogue options wisely to gain her trust.
  • She will then reveal critical information regarding the Thieves Guild history and Mercer's betrayal.

• Proceeding with the Quest

  • After your conversation, follow Karliah deeper into the Ratway.
  • You will encounter various enemies that you must defeat to progress. Be sure to loot their bodies for potential items to aid you later.

• Navigating the Final Challenges

  • As you reach the end of the Ratway, you'll face a more formidable opponent, including a boss encounter.
    • Tip: Use ranged attacks or spells to take down enemies quickly while staying mobile to avoid damage.
  • Once victorious, Karliah will reveal the exit route leading you to the next part of the quest.

• Returning to Riften

  • Exit the Ratway through the designated location, which will lead you back to Riften.
  • Talk to Brynjolf again about your findings and the possibility of locating Mercer.

• Completing the Quest

  • Upon returning to Brynjolf, he will thank you for your efforts and provide additional information about the next steps in the Thieves Guild storyline.
  • You may also receive experience points and potentially loot or items useful for your future endeavors.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the "A Cornered Rat" quest in Skyrim. By following this detailed guide, you navigated the intricacies of the Ratway, gathered vital information, and set the stage for the next chapter in the Thieves Guild saga. Continue your adventures in Skyrim, and may your skills as a thief bring you fortune and glory!