Online:Silver-Claw

Silver-Claw is a Khajiit merchant associated with the Thieves Guild in Abah's Landing. He owns the store Spotless Goods Shipping Concern and a warehouse.

You will initially meet him when you pay a visit to Velsa at her villa where he is asking her for help. She will make you get his Ledger with her assistance instead.
 

Related Quests




Quest-Related Events
Cleaning House
As you approach the garden of Velsa's Villa, you can overhear the two of them talking.
:Velsa: "Did you fall and land directly upon your skull? I … am … retired!"
:Silver-Claw: "Velsa! Do not make me beg. It is unbecoming of our most profitable history."
: 
:Velsa: "And who is this, Silver-Claw? Who else befouls my garden?"
:Silver-Claw: "In all truthfulness, I have no knowledge. A friend? But … you have no friends. Beyond my humble and mercantile self, of course!"

If you talk to him first, he will be puzzled by who you are.
:''"Are you some sort of … freelance gardener? The first I have met! A most effective entrance. Er … can you not feel Velsa's glare upon you? Oh, it is upon me! I … ahem … perhaps you should speak with her."

After blatantly eavesdropping on your conversation with Velsa, you can ask him why he came to her for help in the first place.
:"The Thieves Guild, restored to Abah's Landing? I am most grateful for your timely and unexpected assistance! You see, my bountiful warehouse was taken from me by some conniving and nefarious individual."
:Who took your warehouse?
:"That is the question I keep asking myself. One day I arrived to find unfamiliar guards. They chased me from my own warehouse like a common dragon frog! Someone must have bribed my overseers. It does not matter. I need you to recover what was lost."
:Are you asking me to steal your warehouse back?
:"What? No. Did I fail to mention the ledger hidden in my office? I may have lost my warehouse, but the ledger is worth twice that entire rickety building. If you help Velsa restore it to me, I shall be most grateful to the Thieves Guild."
:I'll meet Velsa at the warehouse.

Once you have spoken with him, he will bid you good day.
:Silver-Claw: "Then I shall look forward to our next, most auspicious meeting!"

After you have snuck through his warehouse and retrieved his ledger, Silver-Claw can be found with Velsa next to the entrance to the Cistern.
:Silver-Claw: "Ah, you return! With good news, I hope!"

When you talk with him, he will attempt to read your expression to learn if you succeeded.
:"Do you have the ledger? Was it all for naught? Oh, there is so much naught on your face! My heart shrinks in despair. But … I am quite bad at reading faces. And in this place, my nose doesn't help. So? Does the stink of victory waft about you?"
:I have your ledger. Here you are.
:"Wonderful! Were my perfidious overseers inconvenienced in any way? I do so hope they are bereft of convenience! Yet, the others who labored for me are blameless. Should they desire it, they shall have a place in my future endeavors."
:I need to speak with Zeira.

:Silver-Claw: "And now, to restore my fortunes from my humble shop. It is near the docks—you can't miss it! Well, you can easily miss it, it is hard to find. But you are always welcome!"''

The Long Game
After some eavesdropping or theft in Abah's Landing to learn more about Cosh, you can head to Silver-Claw's store to talk with Velsa, but the Khajiit will greet you with some bad news.
:Silver-Claw: "Ah, my larcenous friend! Quickly, we must speak!"

:"A most regrettable welcome, for I have such unfortunate tidings! What I soon reveal shall be quite distressing to hear—for this, I offer my gravest and most humble apology!"
:What do you mean?
:"Ah, the look on your face is unmistakable! It says, if I may speak for your most resplendent face, "Peace, my exceptionally sleek mercantile friend. Take a series of deep, relaxing breaths so you may reveal the matter at hand." In, out. In, out."
:'''Silver-Claw. Tell me what's going on.
:"Velsa left for No Shira Citadel! She made me promise upon our long and profitable friendship not to reveal this, but your vigorous interrogation left me no choice. I do not know why she travels to the headquarters of the Iron Wheel, but I fear for her safety!"
:What should I do?
:"Go after her, of course! But you are so striking. The Iron Wheel will know you don't belong. It is settled—you shall meet with the illustrious Percius Loche at the Diamond Thimble. He shall help you obtain an appropriate disguise. Tell him I sent you!"
:All right, I'll get moving.
:"Velsa assured me she would not venture beyond the outskirts of No Shira Citadel. Assured me! Oh, my. With all certainty, she is already captured."
:Who is Percius Loche?
:"A cherished friend! Though not always. Once, we were fierce rivals for the importation of fine silk—yet he proved the gracious victor, and reimburses for any referral, to this day! A cherished former rival, in all truth. But quite magnanimous."''

Forever Hold Your Peace
After speaking to Zeira, you will see Silver-Claw for details on acquiring an invitation to Magnifica Falorah and Cosh's wedding. Velsa will be with him and Silver-Claw will be uncharacteristically despondent. 
:"Oh. Hello. Zeira sent word I should expect you."
:'''Silver-Claw? What's wrong?
:"Every important merchant in Abah's Landing received a wedding invitation. Every single one. But not Silver-Claw!"
:Which merchants, exactly?
:"Lord Wallavir, for one! That paranoid cheat lounges about the market as though he owns every tile on the walls. Or that lush Lady Balina. She won't even attend! Just use it as an excuse to buy another dress from Percius Loche. She's, sweet on him, you know?"
:I need to get an invitation. Who should I steal it from?
:"Hmm, I dislike them equally. Lord Wallavir would keep it in his pocket. Were you subtle enough, you could take it from him? Lady Balina would certainly leave it upon her bedroom dresser. Slip past her mansion's servants and house guards to retrieve it."
:I'll get that invitation.
:"Good, good! When you do, meet me at your Thieves Den. I may have experience in … duplicating official documents. For my records, you see."

Velsa will then interject.
:Velsa: "How can we expect a decent forgery? I can barely read your writing."
:Silver-Claw: "That is intentional. I write defensively! It keeps prying eyes from deciphering my ledger."

If you talk to him again leaving he will hope that you inconvenience one of them.
:"I do not often rejoice in the troubles of others. But those two … they are "barnacles on a horker's bow locks," as the sailors say. Such an expressive profession."

Once you have an invitation by whatever means, you can return to the Thieves Den and hand it over to Silver-Claw. He will be really excited.
:"Did you get the invitation? Whose did you acquire? No, don't tell me, I want to see it with my own eyes."
:I have the invitation. Here, take it.
:"Let me see here … "and guest"! This is good, the invitation allows for a single companion. Once you select your guest, you should visit the Diamond Thimble. If you aren't clothed in one of Percius Loche's outfits, you'll stand out like a sore claw."
:I have to dress up?
:"You don't "have" to dress up … you "get" to dress up. But your companion will need to acquire an outfit as well, so go on! I'll be over here."

He will then begin his work at the central table.
:Silver-Claw: "The invitation will be ready in no time at all."

At this point, you will need to pick someone to accompany you as your date to the wedding, Silver-Claw is one of those options.
:"I'm not entirely proud of my … accomplished penmanship, but it was necessary to protect my business in Abah's Landing."
:Do you want to be my date to the wedding?
:"But … I am not a member of your Thieves Guild! And these forgeries will take time. How will I find an outfit? Though I would like to see the inside of Hubalajad Palace. Very much so."
::You're right, I don't want to distract you.
::"Yes, that is … for the best. After, you must tell me how many fountains you see. A three fountain palace is barely a palace. You need at least five to be respectable."
::You're the best choice to be my date.
::"But why? I don't understand."
:: 
:::"That … is a very good point. The perfect spies, pretending to be normal while hunting for a terrible villain. We shall fool them all, my friend!"
:: 
:::"As a valued associate of the Thieves Guild? I still don't understand."
::::Never mind. I'll ask someone else.
::::"Yes, that is … for the best. After, you must tell me how many fountains you see. A three fountain palace is barely a palace. You need at least five to be respectable."
:::: 
::::"That … is a very good point. The perfect spies, pretending to be normal while hunting for a terrible villain. We shall fool them all, my friend!"

After you pick him, he will say, "So much to do before the wedding begins! I shall meet you when I am ready."

Otherwise, he will say, "I'm not entirely proud of my … accomplished penmanship, but it was necessary to protect my business in Abah's Landing."''

The Hubalajad Palace
thumb|right|Silver-Claw attending Magnifica Falorah's wedding
If Silver-Claw was chosen to be your date, he will meet you at the gates after you have picked an outfit from the Diamond Thimble. He will, rather loudly, comment on your clothing as you approach.
:Silver Claw: "Does everyone else see how stunning my date is? Good!"

If you talk to him before heading in, he will ask your opinion on his outfit when you comment on it.
:"Ah, look at all the people here. Merchants, moneylenders, and their many hangers-on. See how they look at me … as their equal. It is a wonderful gift you have given me, my friend."
:About your outfit ….
:"What about it? Too much, too little?"
: 
::''"Yes, I know. But it was the only outfit that matched the ink on the invitations. Practical outweighs fashionable when you're doing two things at once. There are five stains somewhere on this outfit. Go on, try to spot them. Ha! You can't, can you?"
: 
::"To be honest, I thought I looked like one of those strange carvings on a ship's prow. But it looks good on me, you say? Then we shall be the fanciest spies in the palace! Which I should not say aloud here, I'm sorry, I'll be quiet."
: 
::"Truly? I hope it is all that you imagined and more."

:We should get moving.

If you talk to him again, he will remind you not to be late.
:"Fashionably late is good. But normal late is very, very bad. We should get moving."

Once you are inside the gates, you can take Silver-Claw aside and ask him for ideas to sneaking Zeira in.
:"To see the interior of Hubalajad Palace with my own eyes? Truly spectacular."
:We need to get Zeira inside. Any ideas?
:"I could slip one of Velsa's sleeping poisons into the doorman's drink! But alas, I brought none with me. Could you convince him to step away? If not, perhaps causing a small distraction will draw him from the gate. Something … thiefish."

If you fail to convince the guard to leave his post, Silver-Claw will comment on it and make a suggestion.
:Silver-Claw: "You almost had him! Is it time for thievery? Oh, I know! The wealthiest people make the loudest noise when they notice valuables are missing."

When you talk to him afterwards, he will stress the need for a distraction.
:"Zeira waits for us, but the doorman won't budge! Perhaps a distraction would bring him from his post?"

Once you successfully pickpocket one of the guests, he will say:
: 

Alternatively, you come across Ralds Marvos and Firgiel and Silver-Claw will get another idea for a distraction.
:Ralds Marvos: "You brought that mutt of yours? After the scene she made at the last wedding?"
:Firgiel: "Dashka is no mutt! She simply has a nose for the finest meats. And this time I'm keeping her far away from the food. She will be on her best behavior."
:Silver-Claw: "I was at that wedding. Dashka was a calamitous distraction. Perhaps we can recreate it here!"''

After you have stolen a plate of meat from Daiharri's work counter, Silver-Claw will comment.
:Silver-Claw: ''"Delicious, all of this. Let's see what the dog thinks."

When Dashka smells the meat.
:Silver-Claw: "She smells you. Head to the food tables!"

No matter how the distraction is caused, you can meet Zeira at the gate. Once you have spoken to her she will head to the Palace steps to get a good look at Cosh when he comes out.
:Zeira: "This is a nice change of scenery from the Den."
:Zeira: "First time I've been inside Hubalajad Palace. This place is a bit of a fortress."
:Zeira: "Let's hurry—I want to get a good look at Cosh. See for myself what kind of spineless marionette would dance for Nicolas."
:Silver-Claw: "And I'd like to see the face of the man who stole my warehouse! Er, ahem. Something in my throat."

Chief Inspector Rhanbiq will then come out with the groom and announce him to the guests.
:Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "Everyone, I require your attention!"
:Zeira: "This is it.—Stay close—let's see if Nicolas makes an appearance."
:Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "It's an honor and a privilege to introduce our host for the evening. May I present the impending husband of Magnifica Falorah … Lord Cosh!"
:Cosh: "Welcome to my home! I must thank all of you for joining me on this momentous occasion."
:Zeira: "That's Nicolas!"
:Cosh: "Please, eat and drink your fill! Soon, I shall speak to you not as a humble merchant, but as a noble of Taneth!"
:Zeira: "Nicolas is Cosh?"
:Silver-Claw: But I thought …. So that means …. Oh, no.

Afterwards, Zeira will walk away stunned to a nearby table. When you talk with her, she will salvage the original plan and ask you to find a way to Magnifica Falorah so she can tell the woman the truth about her fiance. Silver-Claw will have some ideas of how to get into the Palace.
:Silver-Claw: "Now we begin our spying? Oh, too loud again, so sorry."
:Silver-Claw: "The servers … are they coming from inside the palace? Perhaps they have a key? A guess, of course … I could be wrong."

If you talk to him at this point, he will just comment, 
:"I recognize a few of these faces. So few are from Taneth. As though Magnifica Falorah was too embarrassed to invite her family?."''

Once you have the key and found out Magnifica Falorah's location.
:Silver-Claw: ''"We are masterful at this! Well, you are, but I do enjoy every bit of this. Come, let's tell Zeira what we learned!"

If you talk to him at this point, he will say, 
:"Nicolas wore the name "Cosh" like one of Percius Loche's outfits? I don't know what this means, but it can't be good."''

When you enter Cosh's bedroom to talk to Magnifica Falorah, you may realize that it will be difficult to convince her.
:Magnifica Falorah: "Who are you? How did you get in here?"
:Zeira: "Magnifica Falorah, we came to warn you. Cosh is not the man he seems."
:Magnifica Falorah: ''"He's a merchant lord of Abah's Landing. That's one step above the scum they scrape from ship hulls. Is there any other grand revelation before I call the guards?"
:Silver-Claw: "Please, give us a chance to convince you. Before you close any deal, you must do all you can to learn if it is a bad one."

If you talk to him at this point, Silver-Claw will say, 
:"Magnifica Falorah is the one you must convince, not me!"

After your talks with Falorah fails to convince her, she will point out you are trapped.
:Magnifica Falorah: "I have indulged this madness for long enough."
:Yiskha: "Magnifica Falorah, are you almost ready? The guests are assembling within the palace!"
:Zeira: "Magnifica Falorah is indisposed! She'll be ready in just a moment."
:Magnifica Falorah: "Do you intend to keep me here? Look around, there's nowhere to go."
:Silver-Claw: "But, what of the hidden passages Zeira mentioned? There might be another way out, yes?"

If you talk to him at this point, he will say, 
:"This is more exhilirating and terrifying than I imagined. But we should find a way out, yes?"

Once you have successfully figured out the puzzle, the secret passage will reveal itself.
:Silver-Claw: "Did that cabinet just … click?"''

Upon entering the passage, you will find Nicolas' trophy room which contains proof that he stole the dowry. Zeira will stay behind to show Falorah the truth and asks you and Silver-Claw to attend the wedding.
:''"I do hope Zeira knows what she's doing."

When you arrive in the main hall, Silver-Claw will be suspicious.
:Silver-Claw: "The wedding is about to begin! But where is Zeira?"

Then Rhanbiq will begin to officiate the ceremony.
:Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "Today, Lord Cosh of Abah's Landing joins with Magnifica Falorah, the Jewel of Taneth."
:Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "It is my honor, as a duly appointed officer of the Iron Wheel, to officiate their union."

And Zeira will burst onto the stage, with Falorah following.
:Zeira: "Stop! There is no honor in this union!"
:Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "What is this? Guards!"
:Cosh: "Zeira? You're alive? I … that is … what is the meaning of this?"
:Magnifica Falorah: "More importantly, why do you have the desecrated remains of my ancestor?"
:Silver-Claw: "The Iron Wheel! Look, behind us! Should we be going?"
:Cosh: "There must be some mistake!"
:Magnifica Falorah: "Chief Inspector Rhanbiq, take everyone into custody. I want this mess sorted."
:Silver-Claw: "They have Zeira. We should go before they arrest us, too!"
:Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "Iron Wheel, secure all exits! None shall leave the palace grounds. Question everyone here. Be thorough!"
:Cosh: "Falorah, my darling—I've been framed! I implore you to reconsider."
:Zeira: "Give it a rest, Nicolas. Whining doesn't suit you."
:Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "Quiet, thief! You'll have enough time to bicker from inside your cell. Take them away!"

You will need to get out of the palace and back to the gate. If you talk to him while escaping, Silver-Claw will say, 
:"Why are we talking instead of running?"

Once you reach the gate, you and Silver-Claw will go your separate ways back to the Thieves Den.
:Silver-Claw: "Let's split up. I'll meet you at the Den. The others need to hear what happened."

Back at the Den
After attending the wedding, discovering the truth and escaping the palace you can return to the Den to find the others in a morose and demoralized mood.
:Velsa: "That could have gone better."
:Quen: "The Iron Wheel has Zeira. Aren't we going to do something?"
:Silver-Claw: "Not until we know where they have her. But we will, I promise you that."

Silver-Claw will promise to help you however he can, "I'm so sorry to hear of what happened. I will give what aid I can—I promise you."'' (If he didn't attend the wedding.)

After you talk with Walks-Softly, Silver-Claw will express his condolences, "As a merchant, the most I can lose is my business. But your guild has lost so much more than that. I am truly sorry."

Prison Break
Silver-Claw has some news|thumb|right
Once Thrag or Andarri tell you that Silver-Claw is looking for you, he can be found at the Den's Library, agitatedly pacing back and forth.
:Velsa: ''"Silver-Claw, stop pacing! You'll wear a rut in the floor." 
:Silver-Claw: "It helps me think! Now, where is the guildmaster? Or acting guildmaster? Or whatever you call it?"
:Velsa: "Look who's here! Your long wait is over."

You can then ask him about his news.
:"I have good news, my friend! Chief Inspector Rhanbiq and the Iron Wheel will soon depart Hew's Bane. And the bad news … Zeira will be sent to Taneth, where she will stand trial for raiding al-Danobia Tomb."
:Where is the Iron Wheel holding Zeira?
:"Somewhere in No Shira Citadel. The Iron Wheel's preparations to depart causes much distraction. There is no better time to slip among their ranks! But I am not a part of your guild. You would know best what to do, of course."
:I'll put this information to good use.

Before you convince the others to help, you can ask Silver-Claw some questions.
:"You should discuss the matter with your guild. It is not entirely my business. Although I will stand over here and pretend it is. So exciting, what you all do!"
::Will you come with us to rescue Zeira?
::"Regretfully, I am but a humble merchant. Though I can provide information, the merchant lords cannot believe me to be in the glove of the guild."
:::What does that mean?
:::"A saying. You know, like "hand in hoof?" Wait, that isn't right. Look, the merchant lords used to fear the Thieves Guild. If I am seen to be a part of you, they may take more away from me than a warehouse."
::How did you learn the Iron Wheel plans to depart?
::"As with many things, the answer is food. Little grows in Hew's Bane, so food must be imported. The Iron Wheel shipped in their own supplies, but the shipments have stopped. This means they plan to leave. No more food, no more Iron Wheel."
:::Then how did you learn their plans for Zeira?
:::"Here, the answer is drinks. With the Iron Wheel's supplies low, some grew restless. They may have discreetly attended local taverns. And I may have bought them many rounds to learn such things. For which I require no reimbursement, I assure you."

Dialogue
After The Long Game is completed, Silver-Claw sometimes can be found in the Thieves Den in the main chamber.
:"I am happy to be an honorary member of this august organization. There aren't any dues to pay, are there? I don't pay dues. It's a religious thing."

You can also overhear various conversations between him and other members of the Guild.
:Silver-Claw: "You once asked me about … Saroldo, was it? I think I met an elf with that name."
:Quen: "You did? Where? When?"
:Silver-Claw: "Years ago. He had a gift he wanted shipped to the Summerset Isles. A doll, I think—was it a dragon frog? A very pleasant man. Warm smile."
:Quen: "Thank you, Silver-Claw."
:Silver-Claw: "You're welcome, child. May it give you peace."

----
:Silver-Claw: "Your time is precious now, I know. And valuable, most valuable."
:Zeira: "And you'd like some of it."
:Silver-Claw: "Not without redress, of course! It's just …  the Thieves Guild did good business with me, before—though I did not know it at the time …."
:Zeira: "And you'd like to continue that arrangement."
:Silver-Claw: "Just so! A reader of minds, you are! A good trait in a business partner."

----
:Silver-Claw: "Your agreement with   is wonderful for business. Spotless Goods is most profitable!"
:Zeira: "I always wondered why you named it that."
:Silver-Claw: "Oh? What do you mean?"
:Zeira: "It's just that you … your fur has all manner of …."
:Silver-Claw: "Oh! Ha! Yes, I can see how it might be confusing. I named it in honor of my mentor, Golden-Fang—she was quite sleek."''
 

Notes
Although not a member of the Guild for the majority of the questline, Silver-Claw is eventually given honorary membership.
A dialogue option in Forever Hold Your Peace implies him wearing a hat all the time, although he never does.