Mercer Frey, the leader of the Thieves Guild in Skyrim, is a cunning and elusive figure. His home, located in the heart of Riften, is heavily guarded and difficult to infiltrate. However, with careful planning and execution, it is possible to sneak into Mercer’s house and uncover his secrets. One way to gain entry is through the back door, which is often left unlocked. Another option is to use the secret passage that leads from the cistern beneath the Ragged Flagon.
Once inside Mercer’s house, you will need to be cautious and avoid making noise. The house is filled with traps and guards, so it is important to proceed with stealth. Your first objective should be to find Mercer’s bedroom, where you can search for clues about his plans. Be careful not to disturb Mercer himself, as he is a powerful thief and will quickly dispatch you if he is alerted to your presence.
If you are successful in infiltrating Mercer’s house and finding his secrets, you will be well on your way to completing the Thieves Guild questline. However, be warned that Mercer is a dangerous opponent, and you should be prepared for a fight if he discovers you. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully infiltrate Mercer’s house and uncover his secrets.
Locating Mercer’s House in Riften
Mercer Frey’s abode in Riften is a secluded haven hidden amidst the city’s seedy underbelly. To uncover its whereabouts, follow these steps:
- Enter Riften and head to the Ragged Flagon cistern, the Thieves Guild’s secret headquarters.
- Speak to Delvin Mallory, the Thieves Guild’s fence, and inquire about Mercer’s house.
- Delvin will provide a map of Riften with Mercer’s house marked.
- Exit the Ragged Flagon and locate the marked location on the map, typically in the southeast corner of the city.
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Locate Mercer’s Safe: Head to Riften and enter Mercer’s opulent manor, Honeyside. Navigate to the basement, where you’ll find Mercer’s personal quarters. The safe is nestled within a discreet nook beneath the staircase.
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Pick the Lock: Mercer’s safe is meticulously guarded by a complex lock. Employ your exceptional lockpicking skills to deftly manipulate the tumblers. A seasoned thief will likely possess the finesse to navigate the intricate mechanisms.
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Retrieve the Letter: Once the safe is opened, you’ll discover a meticulously penned letter concealed within. This clandestine epistle holds the key to unraveling Mercer’s treacherous scheme.
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Analyze the Contents: Take the letter to Delvin Mallory, the enigmatic leader of the Thieves Guild in the Ragged Flagon. His expert analysis will decipher the coded contents, revealing Mercer’s covert dealings.
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Obtain the Skeleton Key: As a pivotal component of your mission, you’ll need to procure the legendary Skeleton Key. This enigmatic artifact resides in the twisted depths of Blackreach, an ancient subterranean labyrinth teeming with formidable perils.
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Use the Skeleton Key: With the Skeleton Key in your possession, return to Mercer’s safe. Employ its unparalleled abilities to effortlessly unlock the final barrier, granting you access to the remaining contents.
Below is a table summarizing the key landmarks to guide you to Mercer’s house:
| Landmark | Description |
|---|---|
| Riften Fishery | A large building on the waterfront |
| Elgrim’s Elixirs | An alchemy shop adjacent to the fishery |
| Mercer’s House | A secluded mansion behind Elgrim’s Elixirs |
Once you arrive at Mercer’s house, you’ll find a heavily guarded entrance. Be prepared for a confrontation with the guards before you can gain access to the elusive thief’s lair.
Infiltrating Mercer’s Manor through the Sewer
To infiltrate Mercer’s Manor through the sewer, you need to first locate a secret entrance. The entrance is hidden beneath a grate in the sewer system of Riften. To find the grate, start at the Temple of Mara and head southeast towards the market. On your right, you will see a small alleyway. Enter the alleyway and follow it to the end. You will see a grate on the ground. Use the Skeleton Key to unlock the grate and climb down the ladder into the sewer.
Once you are in the sewer, follow the path to the right. You will soon come to a large chamber. In the center of the chamber is a pool of water. To the right of the pool is a small door. Pick the lock on the door and enter the room.
The room is Mercer’s secret lair. Be careful, as there are several traps in the room. There is also a pressure plate on the floor that will trigger a trap if you step on it. To avoid the trap, walk along the edges of the room.
In the back of the room, you will find Mercer’s desk. On the desk is a journal that contains incriminating evidence against Mercer. Pick up the journal and read it. Once you have finished reading the journal, you can leave Mercer’s lair and return to the sewer. To exit the sewer, climb the ladder back up to the grate and unlock it using the Skeleton Key.
Table of Traps in Mercer’s Lair
| Trap | Location |
|---|---|
| Pressure plate | On the floor in the center of the room |
| Poison darts | On the walls around the room |
| Blades | On the ceiling |
Picking Mercer’s Lock with the Skeleton Key
A master craftsman named Galathil built Mercer Frey’s house, and he used a unique type of lock on the door that is unlike any other in Skyrim. As a result, you will not be able to pick the lock with standard lockpicks. Instead, you will need to use the Skeleton Key, a unique key that opens any lock in the game. To obtain the Skeleton Key, you must complete the Thieves Guild questline. Once you have the Skeleton Key, simply approach Mercer Frey’s house and use the key to unlock the door.
This is by far the easiest way to get into Mercer Frey’s house, as it does not require any special skills or abilities. However, it is important to note that the Skeleton Key is a very powerful item, and it should not be used lightly. If you are not careful, you could end up getting yourself into trouble.
Using the Skeleton Key
1. Approach Mercer Frey’s house.
2. Select the Skeleton Key from your inventory.
3. Use the Skeleton Key on the door to unlock it.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Approach Mercer Frey’s house. |
| 2 | Select the Skeleton Key from your inventory. |
| 3 | Use the Skeleton Key on the door to unlock it. |
Engaging in Stealth Tactics to Avoid Detection
In order to infiltrate Mercer’s house undetected, embracing stealth tactics is crucial. Here are some essential techniques to employ:
1. Muffle Your Footsteps
Equipping footwear enchanted with the Muffle effect significantly reduces the sound emitted from your footsteps. This allows you to navigate quietly, minimizing the risk of alerting guards.
2. Utilize Invisibility Spells
Casting Invisibility spells, such as Invisibility or Invisibility Potion, allows you to temporarily vanish from sight. This provides an invaluable advantage when traversing open areas or bypassing challenging obstacles.
3. Search for Hidden Passages
Mercer’s house may conceal secret passages or alternative entry points. Keep an eye out for hidden doors, trap doors, or inconspicuous nooks that may grant you access without being noticed.
4. Timing Your Movements
Timing is of paramount importance when engaging in stealth. Observe guard patterns and identify moments when their attention is diverted. Use these windows of opportunity to make your movements, minimizing your exposure to their line of sight.
| Guard Position | Optimal Stealth Window |
|---|---|
| Patrolling the Hallway | When they turn their back or move to the opposite end of the hallway |
| Standing at the Doorway | When they step away to inspect something or engage in conversation |
| Watching from a Balcony | When their gaze is focused on a specific area or they are distracted by a noise |
Neutralizing Mercer’s Guards with Silent Attacks
Stealth is crucial for infiltrating Mercer’s house undetected. Mercer’s guards patrol the perimeter, and taking them out silently is essential for a successful operation. Here are the key steps to neutralize these guards:
1. Assess the Situation
Observe the guards’ patrol routes and determine their blind spots. Note any low light areas or other distractions that can provide cover.
2. Gather Equipment
Equip a bow with muffled arrows or a dagger with the Silent Strike perk to minimize noise. Consider using invisibility potions or enchanted gear to enhance your stealth.
3. Isolate Guards
Lure individual guards away from their comrades by using a noisemaker or casting Illusions spells. This isolates them for silent attacks.
4. Execute Silent Attacks
Approach the isolated guards from behind and execute Silent Strike or a muffled arrow shot. This will eliminate them silently without alerting others.
5. Advanced Tactics
For enhanced stealth, consider the following advanced tactics:
**Table of Advanced Tactics**
| Tactic | Description |
|---|---|
| Chain Attacks | Eliminate multiple guards in quick succession by using a combination of melee and ranged attacks. |
| Distract and Strike | Use Illusions spells to create distractions while approaching for a silent attack. |
| Poison and Wait | Apply poisons to guards’ weapons or food to deal damage over time, giving you time to escape. |
By following these steps, you can effectively neutralize Mercer’s guards with silent attacks, ensuring your stealthy infiltration of his house.
Acquiring Vital Information from Mercer’s Safe
To retrieve the pivotal evidence hidden within Mercer’s safe, you’ll need to embark on a meticulous investigation:
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Confronting Mercer in His Secret Lair
After completing the “Trinity Restored” quest and retrieving the Skeleton Key, you’ll be tasked with confronting Mercer in his secret lair, Riften Ratway. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Enter Riften Ratway
From Riften, head to the Ratway Vaults and use the Skeleton Key to unlock the door.
2. Navigate the Ratway
Follow the path, taking out any enemies you encounter. The Ratway is a labyrinth, so it’s helpful to use a torch or magelight to illuminate the way.
3. Reach Mercer’s Lair
Eventually, you’ll reach a large chamber with a throne in the center. Mercer will be waiting for you.
4. Confront Mercer
Mercer will deny everything, but don’t be fooled. Accuse him of betraying the Guild and stealing the Skeleton Key.
5. Fight Mercer
Mercer will attack you with powerful spells and a dagger. He’s a formidable opponent, so be prepared.
6. Retrieve the Skeleton Key
After defeating Mercer, loot his body to retrieve the Skeleton Key.
7. Explore Mercer’s Lair (Optional)
Mercer’s lair contains various items, including a display case filled with ornate daggers and a table with useful books. Take your time to explore and gather any loot that interests you.
| Item | Location |
|—|—|
| Ornate Daggers | Display Case near Mercer’s Throne |
| Book: Thieves Guild Code | Table in the Corner |
| Book: Skyrim Lore, Vol. 4 | Shelf beside the Table |
Unmasking Mercer’s Treacherous Nature
Mercer Frey, the charismatic yet enigmatic leader of the Thieves Guild, initially appears to be a loyal and resourceful ally. However, as the Dragonborn delves deeper into the guild’s affairs, they begin to unravel the layers of Mercer’s true nature.
Mercer’s treachery manifests itself through a meticulous plan to betray the guild and seize its most prized possession, the Skeleton Key.
The following timeline outlines key events that expose Mercer’s treacherous machinations:
| Event |
|---|
| – Mercer forges an alliance with Karliah, a former member of the Nightingales |
| – Together, they plot to steal the Skeleton Key from the guild |
| – Mercer orchestrates a series of false leads and distractions to divert suspicion away from himself |
| – The Dragonborn discovers evidence of Mercer’s complicity in the theft at the Ragged Flagon |
| – Mercer attempts to frame the Dragonborn for his crimes |
| – The Dragonborn uncovers the location of Mercer’s secret hideout in Riften |
| – A confrontation ensues, leading to Mercer’s defeat and the recovery of the Skeleton Key |
Mercer’s treachery is a complex and nuanced betrayal that tests the trust and loyalty of the Thieves Guild. The Dragonborn’s relentless pursuit of the truth ultimately exposes Mercer’s true motives, ensuring justice prevails.
Defeating Mercer in Battle
As you step into the Thalmor Embassy, Mercer will engage you in a fierce battle. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key moments:
1. The Shadowmere Advantage
If you have the trusty Shadowmere at your disposal, its powerful attacks can significantly weaken Mercer. Don’t hesitate to summon it to gain an edge.
2. Watch for Riekling Spears
Mercer will summon Riekling Spears during the fight. These creatures can be dangerous, so prioritize killing them quickly to avoid distractions.
3. Utilize Sneak and Illusion Magic
If you’re proficient in stealth, sneak up on Mercer and launch surprise attacks. Illusion spells, such as Frenzy, can disorient him and make him easier to defeat.
4. Parry and Counterattack
Mercer’s attacks are swift and relentless. Time your parries carefully to deflect his blows and create opportunities for counterattacks.
5. Blocking is Essential
Blocking is crucial to mitigate Mercer’s powerful attacks. Equip a strong shield and hold it steadily to minimize damage.
6. Close the Range
Mercer prefers to keep his distance. Close in on him to force melee combat, where your physical attacks can deal maximum damage.
7. Use Healing Potions
Keep plenty of healing potions on hand to replenish your health during the intense battle.
8. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Be mindful of the environment. Mercer may try to trap you against walls or obstacles. Stay alert and maneuver accordingly.
9. Exploit Mercer’s Ritual
Once Mercer’s health is low, he will perform a ritual to restore his strength. This ritual takes time and creates a vulnerability. Use this window to deal heavy blows and finish him off.
Claiming Mercer’s House as Your Own
After completing the Thieves Guild questline and becoming the Guildmaster, you can claim Mercer’s house as your own. The house is located in the Riften slums, next to the Ragged Flagon.
To claim the house, simply talk to Tonilia, the steward of the Thieves Guild. She will give you the key to the house and tell you that it is now yours.
The house is a two-story building with a basement. The first floor contains a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen. The second floor contains two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a study.
The basement contains a storage room and a secret chamber. The secret chamber is where Mercer hid his ill-gotten gains. It contains a chest full of gold, jewelry, and other valuables.
Key Features of Mercer’s House:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Two stories | Contains a living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a study, a storage room, and a secret chamber. |
| Secret chamber | Contains a chest full of gold, jewelry, and other valuables. |
| Location | Riften slums, next to the Ragged Flagon |
Mercer’s house is a valuable asset for any Thieves Guild player. It provides a safe place to store stolen goods, and it is a convenient location to access the Thieves Guild headquarters.
How To Get Into Mercer’s House In Skyrim
To get into Mercer’s house in Skyrim, you must first complete the Thieves Guild questline. Once you have completed the questline, you will be able to access Mercer’s house through a secret passage in the Ragged Flagon. To find the secret passage, look for a bookshelf on the left-hand side of the room. The bookshelf is located near the entrance to the cistern. Once you have found the bookshelf, pull on it to reveal the secret passage.
Once you have entered the secret passage, follow it until you reach a door. The door is locked, but you can pick the lock with a lockpick. Once you have unlocked the door, enter Mercer’s house.
Mercer’s house is a large, two-story building. The first floor of the house contains a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen. The second floor of the house contains Mercer’s bedroom, a study, and a trophy room.
