A Chance Arrangement

By 4E 201, few new recruits seek the Cistern, but one seemed determined to make a name for themselves. ''In A Chance Arrangement, the player may choose one of several options to catch the eye of a potential sponsor. The more information they uncover independently (rather than paying for information or bribes), the more rewarding the sequence will be. The player may obtain multiple sponsorships and rewards. ''

Through speaking with Maul or Mjoll, the player may learn that the Thieves Guild requires new recruits be sponsored by current members, a tradition said to be passed down from the early days of the guild.

The player may choose one of several options to catch the eye of a potential sponsor. The more information they uncover independently (rather than paying for information or for bribes), the more profit. The player may obtain multiple sponsorships and obtain multiple rewards successfully.

Obtaining Sapphire's Sponsorship
Speaking with Sapphire or Shadr will inform the player that Shadr owes Sapphire cash. Sapphire warns Shadr that if he doesn’t pay, his valuables might start to disappear. Shadr becomes flustered and drops a hint about a prized gem stashed away in his quarters, thinking Sapphire means to take it. Stealing the gem and presenting it to Sapphire will earn her sponsorship in return for the item. Other vanilla options for completing the quest, such as offering directly to cover his debt or intimidating her into dropping it, will complete the quest as usual, but will not earn her recommendation. The player may opt to keep the sapphire, obtaining sponsorship elsewhere, although Sapphire will still accept the exchange should they change their mind.

Obtaining Brynjolf's Sponsorship
Observing Brynjolf in the market, the player will learn that he is selling a “rare potion”. Attempting to pickpocket Brynjolf or steal an elixir will trigger his taking notice, and he will invite the player to participate in his scheme.

The player must complete the market sequence successfully to earn his sponsorship. The original pickpocketing bonus added in the vanilla game may be removed or reduced (TBD). The mission can be failed completely by taking too long, leaving the area, or being caught, and the player will have to seek a recommendation elsewhere.

Obtaining Maul's Recommendation (Siding with Mjoll)
If the player is inclined towards justice, they may choose to ask Mjoll more about the Thieves Guild. Discovering their mutual distaste for the group, they debate how to root out their operations. Aerin suggests infiltrating the guild from the inside. At Aerin’s urging, Mjoll reluctantly agrees to support the player playing the part of the thief until a case can be mounted (on the condition that the player harm as few people as possible in the process).

The group decides that in order to impress Maul, the player should borrow Mjoll’s ring and present it to Maul as though it has been stolen. However, Mjoll is hesitant to trust a stranger so eager to turn into a thief with her prized posession. If the player further develops a relationship with her by returning Grimsever, they can borrow Mjoll’s engraved ring while she pretends it’s been “mysteriously misplaced”. If the player loses patience with Mjoll (or if they aren’t fond of her), they may also steal her ring and present it to Maul. The borrowed ring must be returned, while the player may keep it if stolen.

The player presents the ring to Maul to appraise and asks him if he knows a fence. Maul will send word to his brother Dirge and to Tonilia that the player has an item of interest and instruct them to meet Brynjolf in the Ragged Flagon.

This quest option is one of the select few throughout the mod that does not require stealing.