- "Chief Inspector Rhanbiq is like a clothier who plucks at every loose strand before him until he unravels the entire jacket. Best not to dangle any thread."
- ―Talsim[1]
Chief Inspector Rhanbiq is the leader of the Iron Wheel. It was initially thought that Magnifica Falorah sent him to punish the Thieves Guild for their failed heist, though it is later revealed he is actually tasked with uncovering where her dowry was taken.
Background[]
Rhanbiq is suspected to have been born around 2E 534. Rhanbiq transferred to Taneth in 2E 562 from the Sentinel branch of the Baliffs Guild. He was involved in a number of high-profile cases, such as the capture of the Red Leathers slaving band, the revelation of a Namira cult assassinating his mentor Inspector Braswila, and the blackmail of Magnifico Gendis by an Altmer spy ring. When the Bailiffs Guild collapsed during the Imperial troubles, Rhanbiq formed a successor faction known as the Iron Wheel.[1]
Interactions[]
Hew's Bane quests[]
Partners in Crime[]
After stealing the Giovessen Skull from Fulstrom Homestead, Rhanbiq will appear and order the Vestige to surrender. He will then leave the room, leaving the Vestige to either return the skull or fight their way out.
The Long Game[]
In No Shira Citadel, Cosh has a meeting set up with Rhanbiq, and the Vestige is tasked with eavesdropping on them. After finishing their conversation, they will proceed to walk out the room.
Forever Hold Your Peace[]
Rhanbiq will arrive at Hubalajad Palace with the Iron Wheel and arrest everyone.
Prison Break[]
Rhanbiq can be spoken to regarding freeing Zeira from the prison ship.
The One That Got Away[]
Rhanbiq was dishonored after the Thieves Guild victorious exploits against the Iron Wheel and was forced to resign. Dubbing himself the "Desert Falcon," he goes off in search of Nicolas not believing he was washed away at sea. The Vestige catches up to him in Shornhelm or Stormhold, learning that he resigned from the Iron Wheel. This would be the last time the Vestige would meet Rhanbiq.
Dialogue[]
- Prison Break
"The thief from ... Fulstrom Homestead, wasn't it? Why are you here?"
- Zeira isn't going to Taneth. "So you say to an unarmed man. You seem to have the upper hand. For the moment. This won't stop—the Iron Wheel shall not stop—until there is a trial. Desecrating a family tomb? Every noble in Taneth wants to see justice served."
- Taneth can have Nicolas. "You mean Cosh? He insists he was duped by the Thieves Guild. His story doesn't completely add up, but Zeira has not spoken since her arrival. Without proof, his story is the most convincing."
- Magnifica Falorah has proof—the journal Nicolas used to plan the dowry heist. "'Dowry heist?' You name your crimes? I once gave you a chance to surrender. Instead, you attacked my men and fled with a valuable relic. I'm not inclined to take you at your word."
- I don't care what you think.
- [Lie] Please … take a moment … let's be reasonable … discuss this … like adults.
- At least I have your full attention.
- Magnifica Falorah has proof—the journal Nicolas used to plan the dowry heist. "'Dowry heist?' You name your crimes? I once gave you a chance to surrender. Instead, you attacked my men and fled with a valuable relic. I'm not inclined to take you at your word."
- Taneth can have Nicolas. "You mean Cosh? He insists he was duped by the Thieves Guild. His story doesn't completely add up, but Zeira has not spoken since her arrival. Without proof, his story is the most convincing."
- The One That Got Away
"You are the last person I expected to see. Did you come to gloat? To tell me my search for Nicolas will end in failure? And how did you learn I was the Desert Falcon?"
- Chief Inspector Rhanbiq? You're the Desert Falcon? "I'm no longer chief inspector of anything. After your guild escaped No Shira Citadel, I had no choice but to resign from the Iron Wheel. The journal was a nice touch. I'd hoped it would seal the fate of Nicolas at his trial. But a storm did that. Allegedly."
- Why are you looking for Nicolas? "You don't get that from me. You couldn't follow simple instructions to put down a sparkling trinket. How can I possibly trust you?"
- [Persuade] The Iron Wheel killed many good people. Is their blood on your hands, or is it on Nicolas? "We thought Abah's Landing was full of bandits! The merchant lords pointed us in your guild's directions. When I realized they used us to settle old debts, I withdrew to No Shira Citadel. You think me heartless? That I don't regret our methods?"
- If you want to set things right, tell me what you know about Nicolas. "All right, you win again. Here, this key opens my strongbox. You're welcome to the contents."
- Do the contents tell me where he is? "No. But I suspect he's in Deshaan (Deshaan, Grahtwood or Alik'r, depending on the Vestige's alliance)."
- Where in Deshaan (Deshaan, Grahtwood or Alik'r, depending on the Vestige's alliance), exactly? "There's a snitch, goes by the name Bellulor Chatterbeak. Slippery fellow … local. He might know where Nicolas was heading. It's all in my notes."
- Thanks for the help. "I'm not helping you, I'm ending my involvement. I'm done with his case. There's neither profit nor honor in its resolution. You'll find my notes in the strongbox. Go on, then. Let me finish my drink in peace."
- Where in Deshaan (Deshaan, Grahtwood or Alik'r, depending on the Vestige's alliance), exactly? "There's a snitch, goes by the name Bellulor Chatterbeak. Slippery fellow … local. He might know where Nicolas was heading. It's all in my notes."
- Do the contents tell me where he is? "No. But I suspect he's in Deshaan (Deshaan, Grahtwood or Alik'r, depending on the Vestige's alliance)."
- If you want to set things right, tell me what you know about Nicolas. "All right, you win again. Here, this key opens my strongbox. You're welcome to the contents."
- Tell me what you know. Why do you care what happens to him? [?]
- [Persuade] The Iron Wheel killed many good people. Is their blood on your hands, or is it on Nicolas? "We thought Abah's Landing was full of bandits! The merchant lords pointed us in your guild's directions. When I realized they used us to settle old debts, I withdrew to No Shira Citadel. You think me heartless? That I don't regret our methods?"
- Why are you looking for Nicolas? "You don't get that from me. You couldn't follow simple instructions to put down a sparkling trinket. How can I possibly trust you?"
Conversations[]
- Partners in Crime
Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "Surrender, thief! The manor is surrounded. Today, the Iron Wheel brings you to justice." Quenneth: "What? Who are you?" Rhanbiq: "Chief Inspector Rhanbiq. We foiled your attempt to steal the Giovessen Skull. Will you also confess to stealing Magnifica Falorah's dowry?" Quen: "What's a "falorah"?" Rhanbiq: "She ... it doesn't matter. Return the Giovessen Skull and surrender, or face the consequences." Quen "No idea what he means. I'll ... I'll follow your lead."
- The Long Game
Cosh: "I can locate Magnifica Falorah's dowry. I can return it to you within the fortnight." Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "And what is your interest in the matter, exactly?" Cosh: "The Iron Wheel must leave Hew's Bane. You're simply bad for business." Rhanbiq: "If you recover Magnifica Falorah's dowry, I can guarantee our return to Taneth." Cosh: "There is another minor request ... hardly a trifle. Perhaps we can discuss it over drinks?" Rhanbiq: "I do not drink." Cosh: "Then I shall take your share. Come, an office is no place to do business."
- Forever Hold Your Peace
On the steps, if Quen was chosen as the Vestige's date:
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 is an honor and 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?" Quen: "So that's Nicolas? His voice is oilier than his hair!"
At the wedding, if Quen was chosen as the Vestige's date:
Quen: "There's Nicolas … but I don't see Zeira." Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "Today, Lord Cosh of Abah's Landing joins with Magnifica Falorah, the Jewel of Taneth." 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?" Quen: "The Iron Wheel is approaching. We have to leave, now!" Cosh: "There must be some mistake!" Magnifica Falorah: "Chief Inspector Rhanbiq, take everyone into custody. I want this mess sorted." Quen: "No! It's too late for Zeira. We need to go, now." 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."
- Prison Break
Quen: "Chief Inspector Rhanbiq?" Chief Inspector Rhanbiq: "The other thief? Surrender, all of you! The Iron Wheel is relentless. We serve a higher calling than gold or riches." <Velsa knocks Rhanbiq unconscious> Velsa: "What? He seemed the type to talk all day." Quen: "Zeira! You aren't the only prisoner we freed. They're on shore and itching to come back to the Thieves Guild." Velsa: "Yes, yes. A charming reunion. Open the cage so we can go."
Quotes[]
- Prison Break
- "And what are you doing here?" — When met during the quest
- "You'll be charged with desecrating al-Danobia Tomb—a capital offense. Cooperate, and I'll argue leniency."
Appearances[]
References[]
| Leader of the Bailiffs Guild | ||
|---|---|---|
| Braswila | 2E 5??–2E ??? | |
| ← | → | |