may the best thief win Quest Walkthrough Best Choices and Rewards
Stepping into the criminal underworld of Cyrodiil requires stealth, speed, and a bit of cunning strategy. The quest titled May the Best Thief Win serves as the foundational trial for players looking to secure membership within the elusive Thieves Guild in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Navigating this initial challenge efficiently ensures your character gains access to valuable underworld fences and unique stealth-focused storylines early in the game.
How to Initiate the Guild Trial
To begin this classic competitive challenge, players must locate Armand Christophe in the Waterfront District of the Imperial City after midnight. Meeting him alongside your fellow competitors triggers a race to steal a specific diary belonging to Amantius Allectus. Success requires a solid understanding of city navigation and timing to outsmart your fast rivals.Before rushing off into the night, it is highly beneficial to listen carefully to the optional rumors shared by local citizens. Gathering extra details regarding the target home layout saves valuable exploration time once you reach the residential district. Proper preparation helps you outrun Methredhel, who will actively try to beat you to the prize.
Complete Quest Walkthrough and Strategies
Once the competition officially begins, immediately make your way toward the Temple District where the target residence is located. Sneaking into the house quietly is essential to avoid alerting city guards patrolling the nearby streets. If you manage to pick the lock quickly, you can snatch the diary from the desk before anyone else arrives.
If your competitor Methredhel manages to steal the book first, the quest introduces an engaging secondary retrieval objective. You can track her back to her home in the Waterfront District and pickpocket the diary while she sleeps. Returning the recovered item directly to Armand completes the trial and cements your status as a guild member.
Best Choices and Optimal Rewards
Choosing to complete the challenge cleanly without generating a bounty is the most efficient path for ascending through the guild ranks. While getting caught by guards complicates the mission, using basic illusion spells or high sneak skills prevents unnecessary complications. Outsmarting your rival directly provides the most satisfying narrative conclusion to this introductory trial.
Successfully completing this early task rewards players with official membership into the faction network and access to reliable stolen goods merchants. You will also earn infamy points, which are necessary for progressing further into the specialized shadow network of Cyrodiil. This foundational achievement sets the stage for mastering the complex stealth mechanics throughout the rest of your adventure.