The Ratway
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Hold	The Rift
Location ID	RiftenEsbernsVault RiftenRatway01 RiftenRatway02

"You could say the Ratway is the city under the city. Dark, dangerous, and no place for decent folk."

―Rift Guard^[src]

The Ratway is an underground tunnel system beneath the city of Riften. It's divided into five sections:

• The Ratway

• The Ragged Flagon (the tavern used by the Thieves Guild)

• The Ragged Flagon Cistern

• The Ratway Vaults

• The Ratway Warrens

There are several weak enemies located in the Ratway Vaults and the Ratway Warrens.

During the main quest line, the Dragonborn is sent there to find Esbern, one of the last Blades.

There is an entrance near Honorhall Orphanage, down the stairs that are to the right of the eastern door, then left across the water, left from that shot walkway, then the first right.

If there is trouble getting out, look for the lever next to a draw bridge in the first section. In the Ragged Flagon Cistern, there is also a ladder up to Riften that may be used once the Dragonborn is a full member of the Thieves Guild.

Related questsEdit

• Taking Care of Business
• Dravin's Bow
• A Cornered Rat

TriviaEdit

• Inside the Ratway, on the way to the Ragged Flagon, there is a room full of plants and roots. In the middle there is a bloody stump, a basket and a dead Lowlife, with an iron battleaxe close by. This implies that this room was used for executions.
• There's a pickpocket skill book, Beggar in the end of the Ratway.

AppearancesEdit

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (First appearance)