I have a vague memory of reading somebody's post here about there possibly being an alternate way to join the guild, but can't find that post anymore. I'm pretty sure sure this alternate way wasn't just about intentionally failing the first mission and still being let in anyways, but about managing to completely bypass it by just immediately going through the Ratways. Something like that.

So, is that possible? What about some kind of loophole to get past the whole bullying already poor npcs for money in the next mission?

I ask because my current character is more the 'steal from the rich, give to myself and the poor' type, but since as far as I know all the fences require guild membership I can't exactly just not join.

Am I stuck having to waste several perks in the Speech tree to get Fence?

some options here -

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:A_Chance_Arrangementhttp://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:A_Chance_Arrangement

Why waste perks? Just fist fight the first two . Once you win they fork over the money they owe the guild, the third will hear your collecting and pay up.

Joining the Guild makes you unpopular in Riften but in at least one case theres a quest you can do to make amends. I collected a wedding gift for the argonian.

Most things you do in this game make you unpopular in some region.

That didn't work for me. I did both, even used my persuasion skill on the argonian innkeeper rather than being heavy, but whenever I pass the by the Argonian guy he now randomly says either "friend good to see you" or "i'll never forgive you for what you did". That contrariness is a bit jarring!

You should be able to pick pocket or steal enough in the shops to make the 100 they owe. Or like take it from their strongbox, should be more options then fistfight. I'm playing on master and had to turn down difficulty to lowest one for fistfight, even with the gloves that gave me bonus to unarmed combat they kicked my butt.

There are more options than fist-fights, and Brynjolf will tell you if you ask him.



Do any two; the third one will have heard the rumors, and will just give you the money with no trouble. Aside from a broken urn, no violence is involved.

Awesome, never knew that. Amazing that after 400 hours or so I'm still finding out new stuff.