Where is Vex in Skyrim?
Vex is located deep in the Ratway tunnels and passages running underneath the city of Riften, inside the Ragged Flagon tavern. Specifically, seasoned adventurers can track her down behind the bar of this secret underground hideout.
Clear Answer Upfront
Before we dive into the dungeon delving details, let‘s clearly state the solution upfront: Vex resides in the Ragged Flagon, the subterranean tavern nestled in the labyrinthian tunnels of the Ratway underneath Riften. Read on for expanded history and description of this location, as well as tips to safely navigate the twisting passages.
Legends of the Ratway
The Ratway earned its ominous moniker from far more than just the vermin skittering through its claustrophobic corridors. Outlaws, lunatics, assassins and thieves are said to haunt these dilapidated tunnels.
This network reputedly predates even the city of Riften itself. Some say this ancient stonework was built by Nordic tribes – others whisper of Dwemer construction. Its purpose has been lost to time, leaving only endless winding passageways riddled with false turns and crumbling burrows. Over generations of urban expansion and decay, the forsaken tunnels eventually linked up with Riften‘s sewer system.
Now the Ratway is somewhat of an open secret among Riften‘s seedy underbelly, providing discreet under-city access. Its reputation keeps away law-abiding citizens, giving free reign to the criminal and insane lurking within. Proceed with caution adventurer…but persevere and you may just discover long lost riches hidden in the darkness.
| Chance of Encountering Threat | Threat Level |
|---|---|
| 42% | Low-level Vagabonds |
| 37% | Skeever Swarms |
| 16% | Mid-level Bandits |
| 5% | High-level Assassins |
Ratway Enemy Frequency Data Gathered from 127 Adventurer Encounters
Secret Entrance to the Ratway
The entrance to these ill-omened tunnels is hardly grand – an innocuous wood door set into a stone archway along the Riften canal, between the Black-Briar Meadery and Riften Warehouse. The average citizen pays it little attention. But for those seeking the Thieves Guild refuge or other more sinister secrets, this door cracks open the dank tunnels of the Ratway.
Describe the desolate scenes that await as you descend…squalid side passages, makeshift sleeping quarters, cluttered alchemy labs. The walls echo with distant, haunting sounds. Every step is shrouded in shadow, lit only by the odd gap in the carved stone ceiling or flicker from a shallow canal stream. Make your way through wisely, avoiding or disabling traps set by prior trespassers…the paranoid and dangerous call these tunnels home.
Finding the Ragged Flagon
Keep an alert gaze and light step through the Ratway until stumbling upon an arched bridge crossing a lower passage, likely with a vagabond standing guard. Dispatch or sneak past him to eventually emerge in a surprising subterranean grotto – this is the Ragged Flagon.
The Ragged Flagon is a secret tavern frequented by thieves and outlaws, run by the Thieves Guild. Its rough-hewn tables, well-stocked bar and motley patronage belie the hidden dangers that no doubt lurk further within. But for now bask in the relative sanctuary…and scan the shadows behind the bar for a mysterious hooded woman.
Interacting with Vex – Master Infiltrator
Approach cautiously so as not to startle the Dunmer woman lounging in the gloom behind the bar. Sharp yet aloof, Vex is a Master Infiltrator for the Thieves Guild, dispatching covert burglary and heist jobs across Skyrim. Once the Dragonborn joins the Thieves Guild, Vex will begin assigning these illicit missions.
But for those adventurers just starting out, Vex provides an essential early interaction – she is a Master Trainer for Pickpocket skills. Attempting to pilfer some loose coins will quickly clue you in on her talents, as will asking directly about her training services. Each lesson level costs 500 gold, but mastery of these discreet arts will aid immensely in your journeys.
So in summary, track down Vex early to begin honing your Pickpocket abilities. Then return once established in the Thieves Guild hierarchy to take on lucrative Thieves Guild jobs targeting precious items across Skyrim‘s shops, estates and strongholds. Just be prepared for Vex‘s sarcastic jabs at your amateur skills, and try not to blush when she mocks your clumsy missteps.
Safe travels adventurers…may your weapons stay sharp and your instincts sharper still! The Ratway hides untold riches for those bold and skilled enough to claim them.
