Rivers of Profit in Riften Content . The town of Riften offers intriguing opportunities for the enterprising rogue , though hidden quicksands lurk as well . The Rift has little fertile ground for our endeavors and Riften is the only locale I can recommend for even a brief visit . Once in town , a base of operations can be established at the Withered Tree or Shadehome Inn ; both cater to the discerning traveler . A casual perusal of the town will yield several prospects , but I erect the spine of warning . All scouting must be circumspect , with purchase of an item from one of the town ' s many merchants . For the town guard are active and unusually suspicious of strangers , especially those not of the Nord race . A meandering walk , without a local purchase in hand , will quickly land one in a cell . The island that forms the heart of town , surrounded by the invigorating waters of the nearby lake , contains several merchant stalls . A quick purchase there will soothe the guards ' suspicions . And it affords a glance at the merchants ' goods . These vary greatly in quality and selection , so the stalls of greatest interest I leave to each to determine for himself . To the north are two buildings of note . Two merchant families of long standing sell wares not generally available in the island stalls . The Rothalens sell crafting materials , including a few very specialized and rare items . This Dunmer family is tolerated in Riften for the glamor their wares add to the otherwise mundane town . The Rothalens , like all Dunmer , are grasping and suspicious , employing an unfortunate number of guards and more - esoteric security measures . The claw of greed should be tempered with the hiss of caution here . Next to the Rothalens is the establishment of Guram Ironarm . This retired blacksmith and his family cater to the weaponsmithing and armorer crafts . Virtually all materials needed for these endeavors can be found here , making this shop a destination for crafters from across the Rift . Security here is handled by the Ironarm clan , and a dozen severed hands nailed above the entrance attest to the family zeal . On the Guard Captain ' s quarters and the Fighters Guild we need not dwell , for only the foolish dive into waters so deep and swift - running with no reward in sight . Ah , but the Mages Guildhall , the most impressive edifice in Riften ! My claws quiver in remembrance of the treasures contained therein . Spell components , rare scrolls , and powerful magical items — a trove unique in the Rift . Alas , the safeguards upon them are both subtle and deadly . Venture into this building with all senses alert . Along the water ' s edge are the town ' s docks . While the simple - minded fish from them or gaze into the murky waters , for the acquisitive among us they hold greater delights . Merchants who prefer the shadows can be found along the lower level of the docks , conducting business in the delightfully damp warehouses at the waterline . A purchaser for goods of any sort can usually be found here . The town guard avoids the underdocks or patrols only in large , easily avoided groups . A grating at one end of the docks leads into a small sewer system . Now used only as a rat pathway , perhaps as Riften grows this will eventually be extended underneath the entire town , rendering it more useful for clandestine operations . In the hopes that I may contribute to the expansion of our guild ' s knowledge , I offer this record of my experiences in the town of Riften . Stay moist , comrades . Respectfully submitted , Eyes - With - Intent