Ah, Skyrim. A land of dragons, magic, and… surprisingly, entrepreneurial opportunities. While swinging a sword and shouting at the sky is all well and good, investing in shops in Skyrim is a far more stable (and less dragon-attack-prone) path to securing your financial future. The good news is, it is possible, though not in the straightforward, "walk in and buy the place" manner you might be expecting. It requires a mix of shrewd decision-making, a silver tongue, and a healthy dose of in-game mechanics exploitation (within ethical bounds, of course!).
The first thing to understand is that you can't directly buy a pre-existing shop in Skyrim like you would a house. The game simply doesn't allow for that level of ownership. However, there are several indirect methods to effectively "invest" in shops and profit from them:
The primary method for gaining influence over commerce in Skyrim is through the Thieves Guild questline. This might seem counterintuitive; why would a guild dedicated to larceny be involved in legitimate business? Well, the Thieves Guild, at its core, is about controlling the flow of wealth, and that includes manipulating markets. By completing the Thieves Guild quests in Riften, you unlock the ability to "influence" merchants in the four major cities (Whiterun, Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude). This influence translates to a small bonus to their available gold, allowing them to buy more valuable items from you and improving your ability to haggle. While it isn't direct ownership, it strengthens the merchants' businesses and, in turn, benefits you as a customer and supplier.
Think of it like this: you're not buying the shop, you're becoming a silent partner, albeit one with… unusual… methods of ensuring profitability. The initial quests are relatively simple, focusing on blackmail, theft, and general mischief. However, the final stages involve manipulating powerful figures and uncovering conspiracies, which ultimately give you leverage over the local economy. The more cities you influence, the more lucrative the entire operation becomes.
Beyond the Thieves Guild, becoming a master craftsman is essential for economic dominance. Smithing, enchanting, and alchemy are incredibly lucrative skills. Instead of selling raw materials, focus on creating high-quality armor, weapons, potions, and enchanted items. These fetch far higher prices than their component parts. Invest heavily in these skills by training with trainers, reading skill books, and, most importantly, practicing. The more you craft, the better you become, and the more valuable your creations will be.
For smithing, prioritize learning to craft Daedric and Dragonbone equipment; these are highly sought-after by adventurers and collectors alike. Enchanting allows you to imbue your creations with powerful effects, further increasing their value. Alchemy provides a steady stream of income through potion sales, and the ability to create poisons can be... strategically applied to certain… business negotiations.
Once you're a skilled craftsman, identify merchants who specialize in your goods. For example, Adrianne Avenicci in Whiterun is an excellent choice for selling weapons and armor, while Arcadia, also in Whiterun, is ideal for alchemical supplies. Befriend these merchants by completing quests for them. This will often improve their disposition towards you, resulting in better prices and a willingness to invest in your creations.
Another subtle, but effective, way to "invest" is by investing in the city itself. Complete quests that improve the city's infrastructure or security. For instance, helping the Jarl of Whiterun defend the city from dragons not only makes you a hero but also ensures the city's prosperity, which benefits all businesses. Similarly, resolving conflicts within a city, such as settling disputes between factions or uncovering corruption, can have a positive impact on the local economy.
Furthermore, keep an eye out for opportunities to influence prices. If you discover a rare resource or item, consider controlling its supply to drive up demand and inflate the price. This requires a degree of cunning and careful planning, but the rewards can be substantial. Just be careful not to attract unwanted attention from the authorities or rival factions.
Now, where do you begin? The Thieves Guild in Riften is the most obvious starting point. Head to the Ratway, a seedy underbelly beneath the city, and seek out Brynjolf. He'll give you a… persuasive introduction to the guild. Remember to save frequently; the Thieves Guild path isn't always morally… straightforward.
Simultaneously, start leveling your crafting skills. Focus on one skill at a time to maximize your efficiency. Smithing is a good choice early on, as it allows you to create basic armor and weapons for your own protection and to sell for profit.
Talk to the various shopkeepers in Whiterun. Completing simple fetch quests or delivering messages can often improve their disposition towards you, making them more likely to offer you better prices.
Finally, remember to manage your inventory wisely. Don't hoard unnecessary items; sell them regularly to maintain a steady flow of income. Invest your profits back into your crafting skills and equipment, and always be on the lookout for new opportunities to expand your economic influence.
Investing in shops in Skyrim isn't about owning brick and mortar; it's about building relationships, manipulating markets, and becoming a master craftsman. It's a long game, requiring patience, dedication, and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty. But with the right approach, you can build a financial empire that rivals even the most powerful Jarls. Just watch out for dragons – they have a nasty habit of disrupting business. And maybe invest in a good bodyguard. Just in case.