Guilds of Skyrim
How and Where to Join a Guild
There are several Guilds and Factions the Dragonborn can join or ally with, which offer their own unique rewards and benefits. Factions may offer skill trainers, special abilities, or material gain, while giving your characters unique quests to pursue that will help you explore new areas. This guide will teach you where to get started and join each Guild in Skyrim and how they will help your character.
You can expect minor spoilers, given knowing the rewards for joining may blunt a surprise.
Note on Traveling:
Outside most Capitols' stables (like Whiterun), you can find a horse carriage that will take you to any of Skyrim's other Holds. This is a cheap, fast way to travel. You'll find more rewards along the way if you walk, especially Alchemy ingredients, but taking a carriage will allow you to quickly join any of these Guilds in Skyrim.
Mages' Guild: College of Winterhold
Located in Winterhold. You must pass a magic test to enter, requiring you to cast one of five spells randomly. During a part of the Main Quest you may be admitted solely because you are Dragonborn. Benefits of joining this guild are hefty: from easy access to enchanting and alchemy tables, to loads of ingredients and a trainer/shopkeeper for all Magic schools. You'll have a safe place to store your belongings and a lengthy Quest chain that can allow you to become Archmage of the Guild.
Fighter's Guild: The Companions
Located at their fort, Jorrvaskr, in Whiterun. Talk to Kodlak Whitemane to join them. You'll have access to trainers in all warrior skills, multiple options in followers, and the Skyforge, which can make some unique weapons and armor (although hardly great gear). Ultimately, the big prize here is the ability to transform into a Werewolf and get access to those warrior-themed followers.
Thieves' Guild
Join this Guild in Riften. Head to the market during the daytime, and look for a man named Brynjolf. He'll give you a little quest which requires some sneaking and pickpocketing. Failing this, you can still join with a combat quest. Ultimately, the rewards here are the fences, who buy stolen goods. You'll also be able to get lockpicks easily. At the end, you will be able to become a Nightingale and get one of three powers which can be used daily.
Dark Brotherhood
You get the quest that leads to this guild of asssassins in Riften. Head to the Honorhall Orphanage to hear of a child wanting to perform the Black Sacrament. Following this chain will get you a power to let you summon Shadowmere, the best mount in Skyrim, along with a Spectral Assassin ally which will aid you in combat.
Civil War: Imperial Legion or Stormcloaks
You can choose to join the Imperial Legion or rebel Stormcloaks in the Civil War for Skyrim, which gives you a long quest with many battles to entertain you. Join the Legion at Fort Dour in Solitude, the Stormcloaks at Palace of the Kings in Windhelm.
The Blades
The Blades are joined automatically while doing Skyrim's Main Quest.
Bards College
Head to the Bards College in Solitude to join the Bards. There is little reward to doing so, but it's another accolade for your character.
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