Stuck in the Ragged Flagon? Let’s Get You Out of Riften’s Basement, Shall We?
Welcome to the Ragged Flagon. You might be new to the Thieves Guild. Or perhaps you lost your way looking for Black-Briar Meadery. Either way, you’re asking, “How do I escape this dim tavern?” Don’t worry! It’s easy once you know where to go. Let’s outline the exits.
Escape Route #1: The Ratway Runaround
The Ratway. It’s charming, right? This sewer under Riften likely led you here. Let’s retrace your steps:
- Follow the Tunnels: Just turn around and go back the way you came. It’s not hard, just a bit… ratty.
- Rift-ward Bound: Navigate the tunnels until you pop back into Riften. One gamer said, “…run all the way back…” You’re out of there. Simple enough, right?
This exit is a ‘scenic route’—if dodging skeevers and bandits counts.
Escape Route #2: The Graveyard Gambit (Cistern Stairway)
Now, for a more civilized exit. This route has a secret stairway in the Thieves Guild headquarters—the Cistern.
- Cistern Access: Head into the Cistern behind the Ragged Flagon. It’s where shady figures gather.
- Stairway to… Freedom!: Look for a stairway there. It’s visible, not hidden behind puzzles.
- Tomb Time: This stairway leads up to a secret spot in Riften’s graveyard. Sneaky!
- Secret Passage: In this graveyard nook, find a tomb with a chain below it. Pull that chain!
- Open Sesame (Tomb Edition): Pulling the chain opens a passageway. There’s even a button to open it from outside later on. Convenient!
This exit is quicker and cleaner than the Ratway. You get to emerge from a tomb, adding dramatic flair!
Wait, How Did I Even Get Into This Place? Ragged Flagon Entry Points
Now that you know how to escape, let’s talk about how you ended up in the Ragged Flagon. Knowing entrances helps with navigation and prevents future sewer trips.
Entry Point #1: The Ratway Ramp
The most usual entry is through the Ratway. Think of it as Riften’s back door.
- Ratway Entrance: Find the entrance in Riften. It’s near the docks, in a less reputable area.
- Follow the Filth: Navigate the Ratway tunnels. Dodge bandits and skeevers. Watch out!
- Ragged Flagon Ahoy!: Eventually, you’ll find the Ragged Flagon nestled within the Ratway. You’ve reached Skyrim’s seediest tavern!
Entering through the Ratway is like using the service entrance to a fancy restaurant. Not pretty, but effective.
Entry Point #2: Aggression Aggravation (Cistern Sneak-In?)
This is an unconventional method. You might sneak into the Cistern—and the Ragged Flagon—without joining the Thieves Guild.
- Cause a Ruckus: Enter the Ragged Flagon tavern and start trouble. Start a fight. Be warned, this is rude and might get you killed. Or arrested.
- Chase and Chance: If you’re lucky, during the brawl, a Thieves Guild member might run through a “strange door.”
- Follow the Fleeing Felon: Chase after them! They might lead you into the Cistern. It’s a gamble, but thrilling.
Honestly, joining the Thieves Guild is safer and smarter. But chaos has its charm.
Locked Out? Thieves Guild Membership Required!
Found yourself banging on locked doors? There’s a reason for that.
- Guild Gates: The Ragged Flagon and Cistern aren’t accessible until you join the Thieves Guild. Think of it as a members-only club with more shadows.
- Questline Key: Progress in the Thieves Guild questline for entry. If locked out, it’s a sign to join those charming criminals.
Consider it a rite of passage. You can’t just enter without invitation—or some light larceny first.
Thieves Guild 101: Ragged Flagon Edition
The Ragged Flagon is synonymous with the Thieves Guild. Let’s clarify their connection.
Guild HQ in a Pub: Smart or Suspect?
So, where’s the Thieves Guild?
- Sewer Sanctuary: The Thieves Guild lives in Riften’s sewers. Or, they’ve set up shop in the Ragged Flagon within the Ratway.
Prime real estate? Debatable. Discreet? Maybe. Definitely… damp.
Membership Perks: Ragged Flagon Access (and More!)
Want access without brawls or glitches?
- Join the Guild: The best way to access the Ragged Flagon is to join the Thieves Guild. Surprise!
It’s like needing a key to your own home. Only this home is a sewer tavern with questionable morals.
Guild Glory, Flagon Facelift
The Ragged Flagon can actually improve. Relatively speaking, of course. It’s still a sewer.
- City Influence: Restore the Thieves Guild’s influence across Skyrim by completing special jobs in various cities (not Riften). Things will improve at headquarters.
- Flagon & Cistern Upgrade: Complete special jobs to upgrade the Ragged Flagon’s and Cistern’s appearance. Think of it as a Guild makeover. From ‘dingy’ to ‘slightly less dingy’!
If you’re tired of the Flagon’s look, get to work restoring the Thieves Guild’s glory. Your reward? A slightly less depressing tavern.
Navigating the Notorious Ratway
Since the Ratway is your route to (and from) the Ragged Flagon, here are some navigation tips.
Ratway Real Estate: Flagon Location, Location, Location
Just to reiterate, because location is vital:
- Ratway Tavern: The Ragged Flagon is a tavern. In the Ratway. Under Riften. Got it?
- Beware the Beasts (and Bandits): The Ratway isn’t for tourists. Expect bandits and disease-ridden skeevers as you traverse the tunnels. Bring a sword and a strong stomach.
- Tonilia’s Treasures: Looking for Tonilia? She’s in the Ragged Flagon. After all, where would a fence be but a sewer tavern?
The Ratway is Riften’s underground adventure zone. Just don’t breathe too deeply.
Ratway Route-Finding 101
Lost in the winding Ratway?
- Bridge the Gap: Watch for a raised bridge. There’s a nearby lever to lower it. Even bandits appreciate good infrastructure.
- Magelight Magic: The Ratway is dark. The Magelight spell helps here. Someone wisely said, “…The Magelight spell is perfect here as it lights dark passageways.”
- Spell Tome Shopping: No Magelight? Get over to Mistveil Keep in Riften and talk to Wylandriah. She sells it. It’s essential gear for the Ratway.
Navigating the Ratway is about survival more than puzzles. Magelight and some bridge-lowering skills will help you immensely.
Quest Connections and Questionable Characters
The Ragged Flagon and Ratway are key places. They tie into quests. They link to notable characters. Many of these characters are shifty.
Esbern’s Escape in the Ratway Warrens
Do you know Esbern?
- Cornered Rat Quest: In “A Cornered Rat,” you must find Esbern. He hides in the Ratway Warrens.
- Thalmor Troubles: Rats and bandits are not your only worries. Thalmor agents linger during the Esbern quest. Even Thalmor need good sewers for their own reasons.
If you seek Esbern in the Ratway, expect pointy-eared nuisances. You have been warned.
Thieves Guild Taskings
The Thieves Guild quests focus on thieving. Occasionally, they include rule-breaking.
- Rule Breaker Repercussions: Thieves Guild has quests for your mistakes. They occur when you break rules. If caught attacking clients or family members, this quest triggers. So, be a stealthy criminal.
- Hold by Hold: To regain Thieves Guild’s power, perform jobs in major cities. After five jobs in Windhelm, Solitude, Whiterun, and Markarth, Delvin offers a special job in each city. You will rebuild their reputation and clean up the Flagon.
Thieves Guild quests exist. Even criminals have performance reviews and expansion plans.
General Dungeon Detour: Exit Strategies for the Adventurer on the Go
While we focus on Ragged Flagon, escaping dungeons is a concern for adventurers. Here are some exit strategies if you find yourself in another dungeon.
Standard Dungeon Departure Options
- The Backtrack Boogie: This is the simplest option: retrace your steps. Simply walk back through the dungeon’s entrance. Sometimes the simplest solution is also tedious.
- Shortcut Shenanigans: Many dungeons hide exits or shortcuts. Look for levers, chains, or buttons. These may lead back to the entrance or nearby areas.Dungeon designers enjoy creating shortcuts.
- Quest-Triggered Transports: Exits often unlock after completing quests or defeating bosses. If a boss is defeated, the exit opens! It’s nearly dungeon etiquette to unlock exits this way.
- Console Command Cheats (PC Only, You Filthy Cheater): PC players can teleport out. Stuck? Use commands to bypass obstacles or teleport. Use with caution and some guilt.
- Fast Travel Freedom: Near a dungeon exit, you can normally fast travel. Sometimes inside, if the game allows, you can fast travel to a known location. Instant escape! Remember that fast travel isn’t always available.
When escaping the Ragged Flagon, a draugr den, or another dungeon, remember: there’s always an exit. Sometimes it’s about where to look or which chain to pull.
