Skyrim
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Table of contents

Complete Guide to the "No Contest" Quest in Skyrim

Introduction

In "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," quests can often be intricate and require careful navigation to complete effectively. One such quest is "No Contest," a part of the larger questline involving the Thieves Guild. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to complete "No Contest," from starting the quest to reaping its rewards.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

  • Starting the Quest

    • Locate the quest giver, "Maven Black-Briar," in Riften.
      • Enter the Black-Briar Meadery or find her at the Bee and Barb inn.
      • Engage her in conversation and ask about the "No Contest" quest.
  • Getting the Details

    • Maven will brief you on the peculiar conflict between the Black-Briar and the rival clan, the Silver-Bloods.
      • Listen carefully to her objectives where she’ll instruct you to sabotage the competition.
      • Agree to take on the task, officially starting the quest.
  • Traveling to Markarth

    • Make your way to Markarth, where the Silver-Bloods operate.
      • Use the map to fast travel if you’ve already discovered Markarth, or follow the main roads from Riften.
      • Avoid unnecessary conflict on the journey, though you may encounter bandits.
  • Investigating the Silver-Bloods

    • Head to the Silver-Blood Inn upon arrival.
      • Observe their operations and gather information.
      • Speak with locals and inquire about the Silver-Blood family for any useful information.
  • Collecting Evidence

    • You’ll need evidence to present to Maven. Look for any documents or overhear conversations that can provide leverage against the Silver-Bloods.
      • If you snoop around the inn or nearby areas, you might find a ledger or a key that is useful.
      • Make sure to avoid being caught; stealth will be advantageous here.
  • Confronting the Leader

    • Find and confront "Thonar Silver-Blood," the head of the clan.
      • Engage with him in dialogue about the recent events and your findings.
      • You may choose to intimidate, persuade, or bribe him based on your character's skills.
  • Completing Objectives

    • After confrontation, if you successfully pressure Thonar, gather any remaining evidence.
      • Decide if you want to report your findings back to Maven for a more significant advantage.
      • Another option is to strike an alliance by convincing Thonar to provide aid to the Thieves Guild indirectly.
  • Returning to Maven

    • Return to Riften after completing your decisions in Markarth.
      • Head to the Black-Briar Meadery once more.
      • Share your findings with Maven and update her on the situation with the Silver-Bloods.
  • Conclusion of the Quest

    • After your dialogue with Maven, the quest will conclude, and you will gain your rewards.
      • Expect a financial boon and possibly some favors within the Thieves Guild.
      • The quest will also affect the broader dynamics between the Thieves Guild and the Silver-Bloods, impacting future interactions.

Conclusion

Completing the "No Contest" quest successfully not only furthers your influence within the Thieves Guild but also impacts your standing with the rival Silver-Blood family. This step-by-step guide should equip you with all the necessary information to navigate the challenges presented in this quest. Enjoy your adventures in Skyrim!