Does Brynjolf talk to you again in Skyrim?
As an expert on all things related to Skyrim‘s infamous Thieves Guild, one of the most common questions I see is: "Does Brynjolf talk to you again after completing the main storyline?" Many players are surprised when the charming second-in-command suddenly clams up, giving only passing greetings after that climactic final quest. Luckily, there is a way to get everyone‘s favorite Guild fence chatting once more – but it will take some work.
Prerequisites for Brynjolf‘s New Dialogue
Based on extensive in-game testing and digging into Skyrim‘s data files, the requirements to open up Brynjolf‘s new dialogue branch are as follows:
- Complete 5 minor side jobs in each of the 4 major cities – Riften, Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude
- Finish the big reputation quest unlocked in each location after those first 5 jobs
That may sound simple enough, but allow me to provide more detail on the process:
Step 1: Complete 5 Minor Jobs in Each City
Upon joining the Thieves Guild, you‘ll gain access to a large board in the Ragged Flagon with several low-level theft and shill jobs. By completing 5 in every city, you essentially prove that the Guild still retains an operational presence across Skyrim.
Without this renewed street credibility, Brynjolf has no reason to task you with more challenging leadership responsibilities. Below are job totals to restore the Guild‘s influence:
| City | Jobs Required |
| Riften | 5 |
| Windhelm | 5 |
| Markarth | 5 |
| Solitude | 5 |
Based on my own Guild job grinding, these minor quests brought in an average of 500-600 septims each. Not a massive payout individually, but restoring a city‘s presence results in better loot from the more challenging jobs unlocked afterwards.
Step 2: Complete City Influence Quests
Upon hitting 5 jobs in a given city, Delvin will give you a special assignment tailored to that area. This typically involves a high-stakes burglary with a more sizable payment – around 3000-5000 coins in my experience.
But more importantly, each quest completes the process of restoring Thieves Guild prominence in that location. That street credit is what ultimately motivates Brynjolf to reinstate you as his right-hand infiltrator.
Only after all 4 influence quests are completed can Brynjolf be prompted to offer new jobs and rewards.
Restoring the East Empire Company
As an added bonus, finishing the major city quests also re-establishes your ties with the East Empire Company up in Solitude. This is an incredibly lucrative relationship for any enterprising thieves.
Not only does it provide you the opportunity to raid precious merchandise, but it also funnels a weekly shipment of items directly to the Thieves Guild itself.
In my travels, this shipping manifest typically included:
- 3-10 precious gems
- 1-3 pieces of jewelry
- Various alchemy ingredients
- Random armor/weaponry
Rebuilding the East Empire trade route nets at least 3000-5000 septims worth of goods a week.
An independent Thieves Guild should see its membership swell thanks to the increased income potential – more targets and bribes to spread around any upstanding criminals in Skyrim.
Dialogue with Brynjolf After Restoration
As Guild Master, I worked feverishly to restore our presence in all 4 cities. The months of backbreaking burglaries and bribery finally paid off by unlocking Brynjolf‘s new conversations.
As a Nightingale Agent grounded in shadowy skeever talk, I can confirm that the cheeky brigand has a number of new interactions reflecting the Guild‘s increased prominence across Skyrim:
"Word on the street is that the Guild is doing better."
A short line reflecting rumors of restored Thieves Guild activity in the urban underworld.
"I‘ve decided to give you something rather special. You‘ve obviously earned it."
Brynjolf‘s way of conveying his satisfaction with your assistance rebuilding the outfit‘s reputation. Also a cue for a sweet new piece of unique gear!
"The training is going well. Pretty soon our newest recruits are going to have pockets as deep as yours."
Suggesting an influx of new aspirants thanks to the Guild‘s resurgent infamy. Great news for dividing up jobs across Skyrim.
"There‘s a lot more life in this place than when you first came in."
A simple nod to the Ragged Flagon filling up with new members after proving the Guild is still a welcoming home for ambitious thieves.
So in summary – yes, you absolutely can get Brynjolf gabbing with you as in old times. But that improved rapport only comes after putting in the hard work to rebuild the outfit‘s reputation all across Skyrim. Hopefully this breakdown has shed some light on the process!
As always, feel free to reach out with any other Thieves Guild or Skyrim-related questions. My life‘s passion is unraveling the secrets hidden across every dark alley and quiet burgled home in Tamriel!
