Delvin Mallory (Skyrim)

For other uses, see Delvin Mallory.

Delvin Mallory is a Breton thief in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He is a high-ranking member of the Thieves Guild in Riften.

Background[edit | edit source]

Delvin Mallory wrote the book Shadowmarks, which helps members of the guild recognize both valuable targets and places that should be avoided.

Delvin is the brother of Glover Mallory and unknowingly the uncle of Sapphire. He also has a younger sister, according to the Bonemold Formula.

Personality[edit | edit source]

"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."

―Delvin Mallory^[src]

Delvin Mallory enjoys handing out jobs for other guild members to complete.^[1]

Interactions[edit | edit source]

Meet the Guild[edit | edit source]

Speak with the Guild's top members and pick up your gear from Tonilia.

Reviving the Guild[edit | edit source]

Delvin will ask the Dragonborn to help him return the Guild to its former glory, and will give multiple jobs. The larceny targets below can be sold to him for 50–800 , and are in chronological order:

These rare treasures are placed on or near the desk next to the Guild treasury in The Ragged Flagon - Cistern, by the Crown of Barenziah.

Quests[edit | edit source]

The Numbers Job[edit | edit source]

The Dragonborn must forge the numbers and information of a business ledger of a business in Skyrim

The Fishing Job[edit | edit source]

The Dragonborn is tasked with stealing a specific item from a citizen of Skyrim.

The Bedlam Job[edit | edit source]

The Dragonborn must steal goods from a city unnoticed and without killing anyone.

Under New Management[edit | edit source]

Delvin Mallory will be present during the Dragonborn's initiation as Guild Master.

The Silence Has Been Broken (Dark Brotherhood)[edit | edit source]

The dragonborn will be tasked with bringing the Amulet from Amaund Motierre to Delvin for appraisal.

Special Jobs[edit | edit source]

The Dainty Sload[edit | edit source]

The Dragonborn must frame the captain of a trade ship for possessing banned items because he cheated Erikur, Jarl Elisif the Fair's thane and the Thieves Guild's client.

Imitation Amnesty[edit | edit source]

The Dragonborn must assist with the escape of Arn, the friend of wealthy Whiterun resident Olfrid Battle-Born, who is sentenced to be executed.

Silver Lining[edit | edit source]

The Dragonborn must recover a silver mold for Endon, a silversmith in the city of Markarth to solidify the Thieves Guild's influence in The Reach.

Summerset Shadows[edit | edit source]

he Dragonborn must disrupt the operations of a rival criminal organization, the Summerset Shadows to maintain the eminence of the Thieves Guild.

Connections to the Dark Brotherhood[edit | edit source]

As a friend of Astrid (he makes friendly comments on Astrid after she directs the Dragonborn to meet Delvin as part of "The Silence Has Been Broken"), and the Dark Brotherhood, he often takes fine jewelry and items on credit, when contracts pay the Brotherhood with them instead of gold. When Amaund Motierre employs the Dark Brotherhood to assassinate Emperor Titus Mede II, he pays with an amulet of the Elder Council. Astrid sends the Listener to speak with Delvin at The Ragged Flagon to receive credit for the amulet. Although suspicious of how the Brotherhood came to acquire the amulet, he willingly accepts it.

When Delvin was a new member of the Thieves Guild, he attempted a robbery in an unspecified tavern that resulted in him accidentally committing murder. Gallus, caring for Delvin, sent him to live with the Dark Brotherhood for several years until the heat caused from the murder died down. It was here he developed a relationship with Astrid, which ended when he left the sanctuary.

After the scene involving Mercer angering the Guild, Delvin will have a line of dialogue about betrayal, and that it's "like the Dark Brotherhood all over again." This could indicate he was in the Brotherhood and betrayed by them, or even by Astrid herself, though it leaves much to speculation because there will be no other discussion on the matter. Astrid will only smugly reveal that they have a "history." It could even indicate that he, like Astrid herself, felt betrayed when the Night Mother did not choose a new Listener and let the Brotherhood decline.

If the Dark Brotherhood questline has progressed to the point that the Brotherhood is now located in the Dawnstar Sanctuary, he will sell a few things to improve the sanctuary during the quest Where You Hang Your Enemy's Head. One can choose the following options:

New banners – 1,000
Poisoner's nook – 5,000
Torture chamber – 5,000
Secret entrance – 5,000
Master bedroom – 3,000

Dialogue[edit | edit source]

Show: Loud and Clear
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "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?" I know what I'm doing. "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 hand, now that'll get you to the top of my list." I suppose I could use some advice. "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." Back on its feet? "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." What's happened? "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." A curse? What can we do about it? "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." Know anything about Goldenglow Estate? "Watch yourself out there. The mercenaries Aringoth hired are trained killer. Just ask our poor little Vex." Does the Guild provide other services? "If you're lookin' to get some coin for the fruits of your labor, you should talk to Tonilia. She sounds tough, but she'll cut you a fair deal. I also suggest you spend some time in the trainin' room. Just talk to Vipir. He'll show you around." How will doing extra jobs help the Guild? "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 once again." Take a city back? What's that mean? "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 to 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." "There's plenty more work for the likes of you."

Show: The Numbers Job
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Got lots of jobs available. Interested?" I heard you're offering extra work. "I handle the fishin', numbers and bedlam jobs... the ones with the more personal touch. If break-ins are more your thing, go talk to Vex." Tell me about numbers jobs. "Most of the establishments in Skyrim keep their transactions recorded within business ledgers. Your job would be to change the numbers in those books so the shortfalls from our other jobs look legit. Feel like doing a bit of writin'?" I'll do it. "Just keep your eyes open and your mouth shut and you'll do fine. Let me give you the details." Never mind, maybe later. "You're not winnin' points with me with that attitude." After completing the job: "So, what can I do for ya today?" I've completed the numbers job. "Nicely done. Here's you share." On deciding to quit the job: "So, what can I do for you today?" I want to quit that numbers job. "You can't keep quittin' jobs when it strikes your fancy. You're going to make us all look like a bunch of amateurs. Think next time."

Show: The Fishing Job
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Got lots of jobs available. Interested?" I heard you're offering extra work. "I handle the fishin', numbers and bedlam jobs... the ones with the more personal touch. If break-ins are more your thing, go talk to Vex." Tell me about the fishing jobs. "There are all sorts of people wandering around carryin' their valuables on their person... just waitin' for someone like you to pick their pocket. So, you in for a little fishin'?" I'll get it done. "Just keep your eyes open and your mouth shut and you'll do fine. Let me give you the details." Never mind. I've got other things to do. "Too bad, looks like I need to find someone else to take care of business." After completing the job: "So, what can I do for ya today?" I've completed the fishing job. "This kind of work suits you... and is going to end up makin' you rich." On deciding to quit the job: "So, what can I do for you today?" I want to quit that fishing job. "Keep droppin' these jobs and I might quit assignin' them to you."

Show: The Bedlam Job
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Got lots of jobs available. Interested?" I heard you're offering extra work. "I handle the fishin', numbers and bedlam jobs... the ones with the more personal touch. If break-ins are more your thing, go talk to Vex." Tell me about the bedlam jobs. "Sometimes we like to remind a city that that we mean business, so we hit it hard. Just steal whatever we can until we've made an impression. Simple, right? Almost. The catch is it doesn't count if anyone sees you take it. The message needs to be clear; we work in the shadows. Steal from anywhere in the hold, and you even get to keep everythin' you stole. So, you in?" I'll take it. "Nice. Here, this is what you'll need to know." Forget it. "Fine, but you're not gettin' any wealthier by weaslin' out of everythin' I offer you." "So, what can I do for ya today?" I've completed that bedlam job. "This kind of work suits you... and is going to end up makin' you rich." On deciding to quit the job: "Pull up a seat and have a drink." I want to quit that bedlam job. "Keep droppin' these jobs and I might quit assignin' them to you."

Show: The Litany of Larceny
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Still have quite a good bit of jobs available if you're looking for some extra coin." Can I sell this Queen Bee Statue to you? "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. Here you go. This should cover it." Interested in buying this Honningbrew Decanter? "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. I think you'll find this payment to be more than fair." I found this map at the EETC. Interested? "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. This should compensate you for your find." Would this ship model be worth anything? "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. What a delightful find! This should cover it." Can I sell this Dwarven Puzzle Box to you? "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. It's worth quite a bit actually. Quite a catch! Here you go, this should make you smile." Found this bust of the Gray Fox. Worth anything? "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. 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." I managed to recover an Eye of the Falmer. "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. By the Eight... you actually got your hands on it! This alone is worth more than some thieves earn in a lifetime."

Show: Summerset Shadows
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Ah, you're back." I've completed that Bedlam (Or "fishing" or "numbers") job. "Here's your share. Well done." Have something special for me, Delvin? "Well, it appears your actions are startin' to make waves out there. People are talkin' about the Guild again. In fact, I just got a special job request in. I haven't gotten anythin' like it in years." So, what's this special request? "Got word from Torsten Cruel-Sea in Windhelm that a rival Guild is tryin' to get itself started. Not only that but they're givin' us thieves a bad name by murderin' their marks. Get over there and see what you can do." Upon completion of the quest: I've finished that special Windhelm job. "Torsten was gratified the death of his daughter was avenged and the heirloom was returned. At this very moment, he's layin' the groundwork for the Guild to reestablish itself in Windhelm. Burnin' that banner was a nice touch, too. Should send a clear message to to the Summerset Shadows that we're a force to be reckoned with. I think you'll find that the Guild is beginnin' to grow. We've had a merchant move into the space right outside the flagon. It's nice to shake the cobwebs off and get things rollin' again. Keep this up and I can see a bounty headed our way."

Show: Silver Lining
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Something troublin' ya? I'll listen." I've completed that Bedlam (Or "fishing" or "numbers") job. "Good job. Now here's your part of the deal." So, what's this special request? "I want you to head out to Markarth and speak to Endon. He's a silversmith... has some kind of a shop there. His father was a good friend of the Guild back in the day, and we could really use his family's influence back on our side." Upon completion of the quest: I've finished that special Markarth job. "I hear Endon's quite pleased to have his merchandise back. He's a powerful ally in Markarth. Should help the Guild regain a foothold in the west. We're still growin' by leaps and bounds thanks to you. Another merchant's just moved into the space outside the Flagon. You're a natural. Never seen anything' like it. We've got a long way to go, but don't let that bother you... it's a lot farther than we've been in years."

Show: The Dainty Sload
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Ah, you're back." I've completed that Bedlam (Or "fishing" or "numbers") job. "This kind of work suits you... and is going to end up makin' you rich." So, what's this special request? "I need you to make your way to Solitude and talk to Erikur. He's lookin' to run some kind of a shill job. Now, he's not exactly goin' to welcome you with open arms, but keep your cool. Do this job right and we've just made an important friend out there." Upon completion of the quest: I've finished that special Solitude job. "Erikur assures me that Captain Volf will spend pretty much the rest of his life clapped in irons. Best of all, he's also pledged to open doors for us in Solitude and to get things rollin' again. Success means that the Guild is gettin' stronger. We've picked up another merchant and a new recruit. Bein' a thief is like a second skin for you, ain't it? Never seen anythin' like it. If you don't watch out, you might even earn Vex's respect. Now that'd be something, eh?"

Show: Imitation Amnesty
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "Ah, you're back." I've completed that Bedlam (Or "fishing" or "numbers") job. "Nicely done. Here's your share." So, what's this special request? "We actually got a request from one of the most powerful families in Whiterun, the Battle-Born's. Make your way up there and look for Olfrid. He says he's got a matter that requires a delicate touch, and I suggested you for the job. Don't make me the fool and let me down, all right?" Upon completion of the quest: I've finished that special Whiterun job. "Olfrid sent ahead his compliments. Looks like his friend Arn is soon to be released thanks to his brand new identity. More importantly, he's pledged the full support of the Battle-Born clan to the Thieves Guild. The Guild's at full strength, and we have you to thank for it. We've had our share of dark times, and now they seem like a distant memory. I'm goin' to tell you somethin' you'll never hear me say again, and if you tell anyone I told you, I'll deny it. When you walk through the Guild, don't be ashamed to hold your head high 'cause you're the best damn thief in the place."

Show: The Silence Has Been Broken
Inside The Ragged Flagon: "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." The Dark Brotherhood requires your services. "Oh. Oh I see. Well now, how is Astrid doin' these days? 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?" What can you tell me about this? (Give Delvin the amulet) "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-" Will you buy it? "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."

Show: Where You Hang Your Enemy's Head
Inside The Ragged Flagon: Can you repair and refit the Dawnstar Sanctuary? "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?" New banners. (1,000 gold) "Banners, huh? Trying to pretty up the place? All right, you got it." Poisoner's nook. (5,000 gold) "That'll come in handy, yeah? An alchemy station, maybe a little garden with some choice plants. All right, consider it done." Torture chamber. (5,000 gold) "Oh ho. Now that's the Dark Brotherhood I know and love. This for business or pleasure? Ah, what's it matter, right? I'll see that it gets done." Secret entrance. (5,000 gold) "Yeah, we can do that. I'm thinking a sewer grate on the outskirts of Dawnstar. Leads to a tunnel, then inside. You'll be in or out, quick as a coney." Master bedroom. (3,000 gold) "Heh. Chamber fit for a king and all that, right? No problem. Give ya a big bed, decorate the room real nice, maybe even throw in a few extra baubles." Nothing. Never mind. "Suit yourself." On attempting to make a purchase with insufficient funds: "You're a little light on coin there, my friend. No gold, no refit." If approached again: I need some things for the Sanctuary. "Of course you do." "Tell me what you need, and I'll get my people get on it." "All right. What's your fancy?" After buying everything: I need some things for the Sanctuary. "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."

Conversations[edit | edit source]

The Pursuit

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' journal. I think you'll find its contents disturbing."
Brynjolf: "Let me see. No, it... 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 Vault."
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's 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."

Brynjolf

Brynjolf: "Delvin, please tell me you have good news."
Delvin: "If I told you that, I'd be lying. We haven't had a bit in weeks. our clients are starting to get angry."
Brynjolf: "You tell this sorry bunch of thieves that they need to put down their flagons and get to work if they want to keep their status!"
Delvin: "I will, I will..."

Tonilia

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 luck 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."

Under New Management

Brynjolf: "Look, I've never been good at these things, so I'm just going to keep it short. Being Guild Master means more than just getting a cut of all the loot, it's about being a leader and keeping this rabble in order. With that in mind, I propose that the position of Guild Master should be yours. Delvin?"
Delvin: "Agreed."
Brynjolf: "Vex?"
Vex: "Sure, why not."
Brynjolf: "Karliah?"
Karliah: "Absolutely."
Brynjolf: "Everyone is in agreement, so all I can do now is name you Guild Master and wish you good fortune and long life. Now everyone get back to work."

Quotes[edit | edit source]

"I think it's time we make this Guild Master thing official. Go and talk to Brynjolf, he's makin' preparations." ― During Under New Management
"So now the pupil is the master, eh? Good show!" ― During "Under New Management"

Trivia[edit | edit source]

The note Give Me A Chance implies that Delvin has feelings for Vex. Likewise, Delvin is warned by Vex in a note on the table in the Ragged Flagon for trying to "sneak a peek" at her bathing naked in the lake and threatens that she will cut off his "most valuable asset" if she catches him again.
If the Dragonborn is a member of both the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood, Delvin will say "You're making friends all over, ain't ya?" As such, he is one of the few characters in Skyrim who recognizes that the Dragonborn joins more than one faction and does other things in the game, along with the Thieves Guild.
Although Astrid says that he is a fence, he won't buy stolen goods from the Dragonborn (except for the Larceny Targets).
Dirge incorrectly calls Delvin as Vekel when he ask about the Dwarven warhammer that he was supposed to retrieve.
Apart from Vex, Delvin is seemingly the only person in the guild who recognizes the Dragonborn as the Guildmaster after they have reached the rank, as he will frequently call them "boss."
It is revealed in Dragonborn that Delvin is Sapphire's uncle, though he doesn't seem aware of this fact.
Delvin Mallory could be a pun on "delve in mallory," the name "Mallory" meaning bad luck and the Thieves Guild's condition is repeatedly blamed upon bad luck.
If Dragonborn is installed, Delvin's brother Glover Mallory will be on the island of Solstheim working as a blacksmith in the town of Raven Rock. His house also has a shadowmark to the left of the door.
Delvin may assign his brother Glover as the target of a fishing job.
A Warning and a Timely Offer are both addressed to Delvin.
Delvin will always be found in the Ragged Flagon, except during the quest "The Pursuit." This is also true for Vex.
Even if the Dragonborn destroyed the Dark Brotherhood and is also a member/the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild, Delvin will never comment about them slaying Astrid or the other Dark Brotherhood assassins.
Delvin was voiced by Enn Reitel. He speaks with a pronounced British accent, making him one of 4 Guild members with unique voices. The others are Vex, Brynjolf and Karliah.

Bugs[edit | edit source]

This section contains bugs related to Delvin Mallory (Skyrim). Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:

Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template 360 / XB1 , PS3 / PS4 , PC / MAC , NX , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.
Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.

360 When one of the "Radiant Quests" has been finished, Delvin may not respond to its completion. No new quests can be initiated either, which may be due to a special mission he has given the Dragonborn. Once the special mission is complete he will go back to normal.
PC 360 PS3 In the quest with Torsten Cruel-Sea, all quest items must be acquired before Delvin takes any of them.
PC 360 PS3 Sometimes Delvin will not buy a larceny target such as the Left Eye of the Falmer.
360 PS3 Collecting all the larceny targets and not returning them to Delvin will result in the miscellaneous quests completion. However, they will not be able to be given to Delvin for the rewards and the prizes will not appear in the guild's display area unless the Dragonborn places them there.
PC 360 There is a rare chance that, after you've finished all the City Influence quests, became the leader of the guild and did the job for the Khajiit caravan, all dialogue of finishing the city influence quests will reset, meaning you can speak to Delvin again and all options 'I have completed the ... job' are available again, meaning you can also get the rewards again.

Appearances[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

↑ Dialogue with Delvin Mallory.^{confirmation needed}

[1] Dialogue with Delvin Mallory.^{confirmation needed}

[1]