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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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You will speak with Brynjolf, tell him that Mercer (your now enemy) was going to kill you until the Dunmer saved you.
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Karliah and Brynolf will meet you there.
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Head on in front of them and wait until they get to you. Activate the Armor Stone.
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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.
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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.

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Continue the quest that Karliah gives you to complete the whole Thieves Guild questline and gain special powers.

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