Skyrim:Delvin Mallory

Delvin Mallory is a Breton thief and an important member of the Thieves Guild in Riften. He is always found in the Ragged Flagon, located inside the Ratway. Like other patrons of the bar, he does not sleep. He is also an old friend of Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood.

Delvin's outfit consists of a set of Guild Master's armor, which includes matching pairs of gloves and boots. He also carries a leveled dagger (up to elven quality), a leveled poison, and a small amount of gold.

Delvin is the Master trainer for the Sneak skill. After joining the Thieves Guild, he will tell you that he handles all the fishin', numbers, and bedlam jobs - " the ones with the more personal touch."  If you ask him how extra jobs will help the Guild, he will reply with: ''"Years ago, the Guild used to have a foothold in every major city in Skyrim. You wouldn't dare even lift an apple without checkin' with us. When things started goin' downhill around here, it became difficult to keep it all together. We lost fences, influential contacts and coin. It wasn't long before we lost what we depend on to survive... respect. By doin' these extra jobs and puttin' some fear into the people, we can take back the cities and start bein' taken seriously again." If you ask him what he meant, he will continue: "Thanks to Maven Black-Briar, we still have some pull in Riften.  But get arrested in Whiterun and you'll be tossed right into the prisons. If we can  gain the confidence  of someone very influential who lives there by doing a unique job for them,  we'd be able to  have some leverage there too. The only way we can get that special job is by doin' smaller ones in those cities until we catch their ear... then they'll contact me and we're off."''

If you also bring to him certain collectible items that you may encounter throughout the Thieves Guild questline, Delvin will also give a monetary reward. These items will then appear on the shelves located behind the guildmaster's desk in the Cistern.

 
 
Related Quests
Thieves Guild Quests
 
 
Radiant Quests
 
 
  
 

Special Job Quests
 
 
 
 
Dark Brotherhood Quests
 
 

Quest-Related Events
Note: If you talk to Delvin after A Chance Arrangement, but before completing Taking Care of Business, he will dismiss you by saying "Come back later and I may have some work for you." or "Talk to me again if you prove your worth to Brynjolf." Delvin will still however provide Master training for Sneak regardless of whether you have joined the guild or not.

Meet the Family
thumb|right|''"We're goin' to get along nicely. So, if you've got the nerve, I've got plenty of extra jobs to help get the Guild back on its feet."
After you successfully complete Taking Care of Business, you are officially initiated into the Thieves Guild by Mercer Frey. You are now able to introduce yourself to your fellow guild members, including Delvin. When you initiate conversation with Delvin for the first time since joining the guild, he will remark: "Brynjolf, huh? Lemme guess. He plucked you off the street and dropped you into the thick of things without tellin' you which way is up. Am I right?"'' If you tell him that you know what you're doing, he will tell you: ''"Lyin' to my face isn't gonna win you any favors with me, I can promise you that. On the other hand, takin' some of these extra jobs off my hands, now that'll get you to the top of my list." When you finally admit that you may need some advice, he will continue saying: "See, that kind of attitude comes from someone who wants to get rich and stay alive long enough to enjoy it. We're goin' to get along nicely. So, if you've got the nerve, I've got plenty of extra jobs to help get the Guild back on its feet." If you inquire further, he will elaborate: "Look around you. The Flagon, the Guild... it's all fallin' apart.	A few decades ago, this place was as busy as the Imperial City. Now, you're lucky if you don't trip over a skeever instead." If you ask him what happened, he will say: "Look, I know the others think I'm a bit daft for sayin' stuff like this, but I'm gonna give it to you straight. Somethin' out there is piss-drunk mad at us. I don't know who or what it is, but it's beyond just you and me. We've been cursed." If you ask what you can do about it, he will reply: "I'll tell you what we do. We spit in that curse's face and turn things around down here. Put things back the way they were. That's where you come in. I've got plenty of work available that could guide us down the road to recovery. All you need to do is ask and we can both come out of this smellin' like a rose."'' You are now able to accept fishin', numbers, and bedlam jobs from Delvin to help the guild get back on its feet.

During the quest Loud and Clear, in the same room Aringoth is located, there is also the Queen Bee Statue for the quest The Litany of Larceny, found on top of the bedside table. If you return the statue to sell to Delvin, he will remark: ''"Well, well. I was looking for this little beauty. If you happen across any other unusual trinkets like this, be sure and bring them to me. I promise it'll be worth the effort." Also during the following quest Dampened Spirits, behind an expert-locked door on the second floor of the Honningbrew Meadery is the Honningbrew Decanter. Returning to Delvin with the item, he will say: "I think you'll find this payment to be more than fair." With other quests, you may come across an East Empire Shipping Map found within the East Empire Company Warehouse in Solitude. Delvin will reward you for bringing the item to him and say: "This should compensate you for your find." Another item that can be found is the Model Ship located in the Snow Veil Sanctum. Delvin will then exclaim: "What a delightful find! This should cover it."'' Also during the quest Hard Answers, the Dwemer Puzzle Cube can be found just before the door in Calcemo's Laboratory leading onto the Wizard's Balcony. Returning the puzzle cube to Delvin, he will remark: ''"It's worth quite a bit actually. Quite a catch! Here you go, this should make you smile."

The Pursuit
During the quest The Pursuit, as you enter the Cistern along with Karliah, you will be confronted by a hostile Brynjolf, Delvin, and Vex. Brynjolf will initiate the conversation first by making accusations towards Karliah:
thumb|right|"Wait just a blessed moment, Bryn. What's in that book? What did it say?"
thumb|right|"The gold, the jewels... it's all gone."
Brynjolf: "You better have a damn good reason to be here with that murderer." 
Karliah: "Please, lower your weapons so we can speak. I have proof that you've all been misled!" 
Brynjolf: "No tricks, Karliah or I'll cut you down where you stand. Now what's this so-called proof you speak of?" 
Karliah: "I have Gallus's journal. I think you'll find its contents disturbing." 
Brynjolf: "Let me see. No, it... can't be. This can't be true. I've known Mercer too long..." 
Karliah: "It's true, Brynjolf.  Every word. Mercer's been stealing from the Guild for years, right under your noses." 
Brynjolf: "There's only one way to find out if what the lass says is true. Delvin, I'll need you to open the  ."''

At this point, all four thieves will start to make their way towards the guild's vault to confirm what was written in Gallus' journal:

Delvin: ''"Wait just a blessed moment, Bryn. What's in that book? What did it say?" 
Brynjolf: "It says Mercer's been stealing from our vault for years. Gallus was looking into it before he was murdered." 
Delvin: "How can Mercer open up a vault that needs two keys? It's impossible. Could he pick his way in?" 
Vex: "That door has the best puzzle locks money can buy. There's no way it can be picked open." 
Karliah: "He didn't need to pick the lock." 
Delvin: "What is she on about?" 
Brynjolf: "Use your key on the vault, Delvin. We'll open it up and find out the truth." 
Delvin: "I've used my key, but the vault's still locked up tighter than a drum. Now use yours." 
Brynjolf: "By the Eight! It's gone, everything's gone! Get in here, all of you!" 
Delvin: "The gold, the jewels... it's all gone." 
Vex: "That son-of-a-bitch! I'll kill him!" 
Brynjolf: "Vex! Put it away... right now. We can't afford to lose our heads... we need to calm down and focus." 
Delvin: "Do what he says, Vex. This isn't helpin' right now." 
Vex: "Fine. We do it your way. For now." 
Brynjolf: "Delvin, Vex... watch the Flagon. If you see Mercer, come tell me right away."

Afterwards, all four thieves will depart. If you choose to approach Delvin at any other time during the quest, he will greet you either by saying: "Stabbed in the back. It's like the Dark Brotherhood all over again.", "Can't talk long, got to keep my eyes open for Mercer." or "Hold your thoughts 'til after we untangle this mess."'' When you search Mercer's house Riftweald Manor for clues about Mercer's whereabouts, you will find the Bust of the Gray Fox alongside Mercer's plans. Bringing the bust to Delvin, he will reveal to you: ''"Must have come from Mercer's place. He'd admired the Gray Fox for some time. Sure, I'll buy it from you... here you are."

After the quest Blindsighted, you will have obtained the Left Eye of the Falmer. Upon returning to Delvin, he will remark: "By the Eight... you actually got your hands on it! This alone is worth more than some thieves earn in a lifetime." However, you may not be able to turn in this item due to a bug.
----
The Silence Has Been Broken
thumb|left|"We can have a drink. Catch up. Ah, but business! Of course. What kind of business?"''
If you join the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves Guild, and are on the quest The Silence Has Been Broken, another dialogue option will be available when speaking to Delvin. When you tell Delvin that you're seeing him on Dark Brotherhood business, he will remark: ''"Oh. Oh I see. Well, you're makin' friends all over, ain't ya? So, uh... how is Astrid doing' these days? Tell her to stop by some time. We can have a drink. Catch up. Ah, but business! Of course. What kind of business?"
If you are not a part of the Thieves Guild when completing the quest, when you approach him, he will initiate the conversation by telling you: "Ah, now you must be lost. Best ya scurry off while you're able. The Ratway, well, it has a habit of swallowin' up the uninvited." Telling him that the Dark Brotherhood requires his services, he will respond differently: "Oh. Oh I see. Well now, how is Astrid doin' these days, uh? Tell her to stop by some time. We can have a drink. Catch up. Ah, but we can discuss that later, yeah? What does the Brotherhood need?"

When you show Delvin the jeweled amulet and ask what he can tell you about it, he will tell you: "Let's see... where oh where did you get this? Don't answer - I don't want to know. This is an amulet of the Emperor's Elder Council. Specially crafted for each member. Worth a small fortune. Ain't somethin' you'd give up lightly. Look, it ain't my business ta tell the Dark Brotherhood its business, but if you killed a member of the Elder Council, you'd better belie-" Before he says any more, you can interrupt him by asking if he is willing to buy the amulet: "Buy it? This? An Elder Council amulet? Oh yes. Oh yes, indeed. Wait just one moment... here. It's a letter of credit. Usable, by Astrid only, for any service or item I can provide. As per our standard arrangement. You bring that back to your lovely mistress. With my regards."'' He will then hand you a letter of credit to take back to Astrid.

Where You Hang Your Enemy's Head...
Also, during the quest Where You Hang Your Enemy's Head... you are told by Nazir to pay a little visit to Delvin regarding the upgrades of the Dawnstar Sanctuary. When you approach Delvin, he will say: ''"The Dawnstar Sanctuary? That where you lot are holing up in now? Hmm... Tell you what. It'll cost you - a lot - but I can help you out. What exactly are we talking about here?" You are now given the option of selecting up to five different upgrade choices:
thumb|right|"The Dawnstar Sanctuary? That where you lot are holing up in now?"


After you have obtained all the available upgrades for the Dawnstar Sanctuary, Delvin will then say to you: "I'm afraid that's it, my friend. I've done all I can. I hope the place is at least livable now. Good luck with, your, um... murders."''
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The Fishin', Numbers, and Bedlam Jobs
If you tell Delvin that you are looking for some extra work, there are three types of jobs available to choose from: bedlam jobs, fishing jobs, and the numbers job. If you choose to do one of these three jobs, he will reply with either of the following dialogue:


Special Job Quests
Once you have completed enough jobs in one of the major holds, if you ask Delvin about the special job he has for you, he will reply with either of the following:



For every special job completed, Delvin will give you one of four brief summaries, and bits of honest praise, depending on how many special jobs have been completed by that point:



Once you've completed all four of the special jobs available in the major holds and the Thieves Guild main quest Darkness Returns, the quest to become the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild, Under New Management, will begin.

Conversations
Sometimes around the Ragged Flagon you may overhear several conversations that Delvin has with the other members of the guild:
thumb|right|''"Oh my... umm, you won't let Mercer hear about this will you? Ahem."

Delvin: "Good news. I found that dwarven hammer you were looking for." 
Dirge: "You did? Thanks.   get you the rest of your coin by tomorrow." 
Delvin: "Yeah, funny thing about that. The price was a hundred higher than I expected." 
Dirge: " , you have no shame. I'll get you the rest like I said. I want that hammer."

Dirge: "You need to tell your boys to   nice, Delvin. Almost threw two of them into the well last night." 
Delvin: "They aren't my boys. Do I look like the leadin' type?" 
Dirge: "You know what I mean. Tell your boss that rough is rough, but when someone pulls a dagger fun time is over." 
Delvin: "I'll pass it along."

Delvin: "I don't know where you find your sources, but that last shipment of skooma was some of the best quality I've seen in years." 
Tonilia: "I just got lucky is all. Bumped into someone who knew someone else. The rest just writes itself." 
Delvin: "If you like I'd be happy to take it over the operation for you. Take the source off your hands." 
Tonilia: "And lose out just when the going is getting good? No thanks."

Delvin: "Tonilia, can I offer some friendly advice?" 
Tonilia: "You can offer, but I may not buy." 
Delvin: "Why don't you just formally join up? Quit sittin' here wheelin' and dealin' when you could be out there makin' a heck of a lot more coin. We could use someone with your skills." 
Tonilia: "Thanks for the compliment, Delvin. I may just take you up on that one day."

Vekel the Man: "All right, Delvin. What gives with that case of Shadowbanish you sold me?" 
Delvin: "What do you mean? That wine tastes finer than anythin' Surilie Brothers ever made." 
Vekel the Man: "Sure, it tastes great. Only one problem. You said it can make the darkness as clear as day when you drink it. Guess what? It doesn't." 
Delvin: "Am I responsible if the vintage was off on that case? Sorry, you know the rules Vekel. No refunds."

Delvin: "Puttin' together another shipment from Morrowind, Vekel. Lookin' for anythin' special?" 
Vekel the Man: "Well, if some Moon Sugar should fall into your lap..." 
Delvin: "Maybe. That stuff's gettin' tough to bring across the border with all the Argonian patrols." 
Vekel the Man: "Well if it turns up, I'll be willing to buy."

Vex: "Delvin, that last shipment we heisted on the Cyrodiil frontier was worthless!" 
Delvin: "That's impossible. I distinctly heard that lout in the tavern say it was a full shipment of furs. They should be worth a fortune." 
Vex: "You idiot. He said "firs" not "furs". It was a damn logging caravan!" 
Delvin: "Oh my... umm, you won't let Mercer hear about this will you? Ahem."

Delvin: "So, what do you think, my dear? Could a beautiful woman like you ever see yourself with an old codger like me?" 
Vex: "Absolutely."  
Delvin: "Oh, really? Well then... how can I make that happen?"  
Vex: ''"When you're in your grave and I'm standing over it. Now get out of my way!"

Combat Dialogue



Notes
Delvin Mallory is voiced by Enn Reitel.
The dialogue Delvin and Astrid use concerning each other suggest that they may have been more than friends at some point. The official game guide confirms this.
The official game guide also says that Delvin grew up in Honorhall Orphanage.
He is the author of the book Shadowmarks''.
There is a warning note addressed to Delvin from Vex, found in the Ragged Flagon. Another note addressed to him is found beside it.
Delvin is evidently somewhat infatuated with Vex, as evidenced by the aforementioned note, and also by another one he wrote to her.  She clearly does not return his affections.
Delvin's written dialogue deviates from his audio dialogue significantly. When his line of dialogue reads: "Talk to me again if you prove your worth to Brynjolf.", the audio actually says: ''"Talk to me again when you've proven yourself to Brynjolf."
Another line of dialogue reads: "Do what he says, Vex. This isn't helpin' right now." The audio actually says: "This ain't helpin' right now."'' There are many other inconsistencies between written and audio dialogue when speaking to him.
In the Dragonborn expansion, it is revealed that Delvin is the brother of Raven Rock blacksmith Glover Mallory, whose daughter is Sapphire. This would also make him Sapphire's uncle.
It is possible that one of Delvin's Fishing Jobs will direct you to steal from Glover, despite the fact that he is also in the Thieves Guild, which is theoretically forbidden.
Delvin Mallory also appeared in Legends as the card   and as a questgiver.
For more information on recurring characters, please see the main article.