May the Best Thief Win Oblivion Quest Guide Choices and Rewards

Stepping into the underground economy of Cyrodiil requires more than just high agility and a set of lockpicks. In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, players seeking entry into the elusive Thieves Guild must first prove their capabilities through a direct competition. The introductory trial forces you to outsmart rival candidates in a race to secure a specific target asset.

Initiating the Waterfront Contest

To begin your journey into the criminal underbelly, you must locate Armand Christophe in the Imperial City Waterfront district at midnight. He will layout the terms of the challenge to three hopeful recruits simultaneously. The objective is simple yet highly demanding: retrieve the hidden diary of Amantius Allectus before anyone else can claim it.

This setup establishes an active rivalry between you, Methredhel, and Amusei right from the starting gate. Success relies heavily on your speed and your understanding of local street layouts. If you delay your investigation, your opponents will quickly move ahead and secure the prize themselves.

Locating the Target Diary

Uncovering the location of the diary requires a mix of environmental tracking and social manipulation. Players can bribe local beggars to obtain the exact address of Amantius Allectus within the Temple District. Once inside the residence, finding the hidden desk drawer containing the book becomes your primary focus.

If Methredhel manages to beat you to the house and take the book, the quest takes an interesting narrative turn. You can still salvage the trial by tracking her back to her shack in the Waterfront and stealing the diary right out of her chest while she sleeps. This dynamic system ensures that failure at the initial house does not completely end your chances of completing the quest.

Evaluating Choices and Strategic Paths

While the overall objective remains straightforward, your mechanical choices during execution alter the flavor of the mission. Choosing a stealthy approach allows you to slide past city guards and complete the task without generating bounty. Alternatively, rushing into the house aggressively might save time but risks attracting unwanted attention from Imperial law enforcement.

It is important to note that harming or killing any innocent residents during this trial goes against guild principles and can lead to immediate disqualification. Managing your tools effectively and keeping an eye on your competitors provides the most reliable route to victory. Adapting to the fluid nature of the race showcases your true potential as a master rogue.

Rewards and Long Term Benefits

Handing the recovered diary over to Armand Christophe completes the trial and officially grants you the rank of Footpad within the organization. This initiation opens up access to a network of specialized fencing merchants who will purchase stolen goods from you. Felling your contraband safely becomes essential for generating wealth and unlocking advanced operations later in the storyline.

In addition to guild membership, players receive independent gold pieces for their quick work and baseline infamy points. Achieving this milestone sets the foundation for your eventual rise through the hierarchy of Cyrodiil's hidden network. Securing this early victory proves you have what it takes to survive in a highly competitive world.