The Rift

Golden birch forest in the south-east around Lake Honrich and Riften, home of the Thieves Guild, with the road up to High Hrothgar on its western edge.

Ruled by: Jarl Laila Law-Giver
Capital: Riften

Places

Alchemist's Shack – Shack: Small shack south of Ivarstead with a Butterfly in a Jar inside.
Angarvunde – Nordic ruin: Nordic ruin west of Riften with a word wall for Animal Allegiance. Medresi Dran, camped outside, offers to share the treasure if you clear the undead.
Arcwind Point – Nordic ruin: Small outdoor Nordic ruin south of Ivarstead, with draugr and skeletons. A dragon can show up here after the Dragon Rising quest.
Autumnshade Clearing – Clearing: Circular glade home to a spriggan and its animals.
Autumnwatch Tower – Dragon lair: Dragon lair south of Ivarstead.
Avanchnzel – Dwemer ruin: Medium Dwarven ruin west of Riften, guarded by automatons.
Black-Briar Lodge – Settlement: Large, isolated lodge east of Riften.
Boulderfall Cave – Cave: Small cave north-west of Riften, held by necromancers.
Broken Helm Hollow – Cave: Small bandit cave in the south-east corner of the Rift.
Champion's Rest (Anniversary Edition) – Nordic ruin: Medium Nordic ruin east of Shor's Stone, added by a Creation Club creation.
Clearspring Cave – Cave: Small cave west of Shor's Stone, guarded by a troll.
Clearspring Tarn – Clearing: Small mountain pool overlooking Eastmarch, west of Shor's Stone.
Crowstooth's Camp (Anniversary Edition) – Camp: Camp added by the Alternative Armors – Dragon Plate creation.
Crystaldrift Cave – Cave: Small cave south-west of Riften, home to wild animals.
Darklight Tower – Fort: Medium fort south-west of Riften, home to hagravens, hags and witches.
Darkwater Pass – Cave: Small cave south-south-west of Darkwater Crossing, home to Falmer and chaurus.
Dayspring Canyon (Dawnguard) – Realm: Separate outdoor area around Fort Dawnguard, entered through a cave south-east of Riften.
Faldar's Tooth – Fort: Medium fort west of Riften, held by bandits with wolves and skeevers.
Fallowstone Cave – Cave: Cave north-east of Riften with wild animals, frostbite spiders and giants. Giant's Grove lies beyond it.
Forelhost – Nordic ruin: Nordic ruin south-east of Riften, held by Dragon Cultists and the dragon priest Rahgot. It has a word wall for Storm Call, and Captain Valmir's Siege on the Dragon Cult sends you here.
Fort Dawnguard (Dawnguard) – Guild hall: Large fort south-east of Riften and the base of the Dawnguard. It stands in Dayspring Canyon, a separate area.
Fort Greenwall – Fort: Large fort north-north-west of Riften. Bandits hold it at first, and it is one of the forts the Civil War lets you take.
Froki's Shack – Shack: Small shack south-east of Ivarstead. A Shrine of Talos stands up the slope nearby.
Geirmund's Hall – Nordic ruin: Small Nordic ruin east of Ivarstead with draugr, frostbite spiders, skeevers and Sigdis Gauldurson.
Giant's Grove – Grove: Grove reached through Fallowstone Cave, where a giant tribe has defiled a shrine to Malacath.
Goldenglow Estate – Settlement: Honey farm west of Riften, owned by Aringoth and watched over by mercenaries.
Gromm's Pass (Anniversary Edition) – Cave: Small cave in the Rift, south of Forelhost, added by a Creation Club creation.
Heartwood Mill – Mill: Struggling lumber mill on Lake Honrich, just west of Goldenglow Estate.
Honeystrand Cave – Cave: Small cave south of Ivarstead, home to bears.
Ivarstead – Settlement: Small milling town at the foot of the Throat of the World, in the west of the Rift.
Largashbur – Orc stronghold: Orc stronghold plagued by giants and an old curse. The Daedric quest The Cursed Tribe leads here, and a makeshift altar to Malacath stands inside.
Last Vigil (Dragonborn) – Camp: Small camp in the Velothi Mountains north-east of Riften. Without Dragonborn it is just an unnamed miners' camp.
Lost Prospect Mine – Mine: Small gold mine east-north-east of Riften.
Lost Tongue Overlook – Dragon lair: Dragon lair south of Riften.
Merryfair Farm – Farm: Poor little farm north-west of Riften, run by Dravin and Synda Llanith.
Mistveil Keep – Landmark: The Jarl's castle, at the southern end of Riften.
Nightingale Hall – Cave: The hidden home of the Nightingales.
Nilheim – Tower: Small ruined Nordic tower east-north-east of Ivarstead, held by bandits disguised as guards.
Northwind Mine – Mine: Small iron mine north-west of Shor's Stone, with skeletons inside.
Northwind Summit – Dragon lair: Mountaintop dragon lair north-west of Shor's Stone.
Pinepeak Cavern – Cave: Small cave north of Ivarstead, home to bears.
Red Scar Cavern (Anniversary Edition) – Cave: Cave added by a Creation Club creation.
Redbelly Mine – Mine: Small ebony mine at the western edge of Shor's Stone, with frostbite spiders.
Redwater Den (Dawnguard) – Shack: Shack north-west of Riften, west of Autumnshade Clearing. With Dawnguard installed it is occupied by bandits and vampires.
Rift Imperial Camp – Military camp: Imperial camp south of Ivarstead, west of the Ruins of Bthalft.
Rift Stormcloak Camp – Military camp: Stormcloak camp north-east of Sarethi Farm, west of Rift Watchtower.
Rift Watchtower – Tower: Small tower east of Ivarstead, held by Orc bandits.
Riften – City: Capital of the Rift, in the far south-east. Most of the Thieves Guild questline starts here.
Riften Docks (Anniversary Edition) – Dock: The waterfront on the western side of Riften, added by the Shadowfoot Sanctum creation.
Riften Stables – Stable: Stable outside the north gate. A carriage driver here runs to the other major cities, and a grey horse is for sale.
Ruins of Bthalft – Dwemer ruin: Small Dwarven ruin south of Ivarstead, held by bandits.
Ruins of Rkund – Dwemer ruin: Small Dwarven ruin on a mountainside south-west of Riften, with a wispmother and wisps.
Ruunvald Excavation (Dawnguard) – Cave: Medium cave east of Shor's Stone where a group of Vigilants have fallen under Minorne's charm.
Sarethi Farm – Farm: Farm between Riften and Ivarstead that grows nirnroot.
Shor's Stone – Settlement: Mining town in the pass between the Rift and Eastmarch. Redbelly Mine lies at its western edge.
Shor's Watchtower – Tower: Small tower north-north-east of Shor's Stone.
Shroud Hearth Barrow – Nordic ruin: Medium Nordic ruin east of Ivarstead, home to draugr and skeletons.
Snow-Shod Farm – Farm: Small farm south of Riften, owned by Vulwulf Snow-Shod.
Stendarr's Beacon – Tower: Small tower south-east of Riften.
The Shadow Stone – Standing stone: One of the thirteen Standing Stones. Nightingale Hall lies between it and Riften.
Thieves Guild – Guild hall: The guild's hideout in the sewers beneath Riften, reached through the Ratway.
Tolvald's Cave – Cave: Large cave north-east of Shor's Stone with Falmer, chaurus, frostbite spiders and skeevers.
Treva's Watch – Fort: Medium fort south-east of Ivarstead, held by bandits.

Quests

A Cornered Rat: Speak to Delphine in Riverwood after Diplomatic Immunity; she wants Esbern found.
Compelling Tribute: Report to Legate Rikke at the Rift Imperial Camp, who sends you to Mistveil Keep in Riften. Reward: Levelled gold and access to the wagon's respawning loot.
The Battle for Fort Greenwall: Report for duty to Legate Rikke at the Rift Imperial Camp after Compelling Tribute. Reward: Tribune rank and a levelled item.
The Battle for Fort Greenwall: Speak to Galmar Stone-Fist at the Rift Stormcloak Camp; the quest is only offered if the council gave The Rift to the Empire.
A Chance Arrangement: Brynjolf approaches you in Riften's market by day, or find him in the Bee and Barb at night. Reward: Gold, and an invitation to the Ragged Flagon.
Taking Care of Business: Find Brynjolf in the Ragged Flagon, at the far end of the Ratway under Riften. Reward: Membership of the Thieves Guild and its armor.
Loud and Clear: Follow Brynjolf into the Cistern to meet Mercer Frey. Reward: Gold.
The Pursuit: Meet Karliah at the Ragged Flagon once Enthir has translated the journal. Reward: Chillrend, from a case in the manor's cellar.
Trinity Restored: Meet Karliah at the standing stone outside Nightingale Hall, south-west of Riften. Reward: Nightingale Armor.
Under New Management: Finish Darkness Returns and all four city jobs for Delvin, then speak to Brynjolf. Reward: Guild Master's Armor, the Amulet of Articulation and the key to the tribute chest.
No Stone Unturned: Pick up any Unusual Gem, have Maul or Vex appraise it, then join the guild. Reward: Prowler's Profit: far more gems in every chest and urn.
The Litany of Larceny: Sell Delvin Mallory the first rare trophy you bring back from a guild quest. Reward: Gold for each trophy.
Moon Sugar Rush: Ask Tonilia in the Ragged Flagon for work after Loud and Clear. Reward: Ri'saad's caravan as a travelling fence.
The Numbers Job: Ask Delvin Mallory for extra work. Reward: Gold.
The Fishing Job: Ask Delvin Mallory for extra work. Reward: Gold.
The Bedlam Job: Ask Delvin Mallory for extra work. Reward: Gold.
The Burglary Job: Ask Vex for extra work. Reward: Gold.
The Shill Job: Ask Vex for extra work. Reward: Gold.
The Sweep Job: Ask Vex for extra work. Reward: Gold.
The Heist Job: Ask Vex for extra work. Reward: Gold.
Contract: Kill Narfi: Ask Nazir for a contract in the Sanctuary. Reward: Gold.
The Cursed Tribe: From level 9, walk up to the Orc stronghold of Largashbur, south-west of Riften, where giants are attacking, and speak to Atub. Reward: Volendrung.
The Book of Love: Speak to Dinya Balu at the Temple of Mara in Riften and ask about Mara's blessings. Reward: Agent of Mara: 15% resistance to magic.
Promises to Keep: Speak to Louis Letrush at the Bee and Barb in Riften. Reward: Levelled gold, or Frost himself if you talk your way into keeping him.
Unfathomable Depths: From level 14, a frightened Argonian on the Riften docks presses a Dwemer lexicon on you. Reward: The ability Ancient Knowledge: a bonus in Dwarven armour and faster Smithing gains.
Infiltration: Speak to Stalleo at his camp across the river from Treva's Watch. Reward: The spell tome Detect Life.
Siege on the Dragon Cult: Speak to Captain Valmir, camped outside Forelhost on the mountain south-east of Riften. Reward: The mask Rahgot, a Dragon Priest staff and a word of Storm Call.
Kyne's Sacred Trials: Speak to the old hunter Froki at his shack in the hills south-west of Riften. Reward: Kyne's Token.
Repentance: Enter Darklight Tower, south of Riften, and speak to Illia just inside. Reward: Staff of Hag's Wrath; Illia becomes a follower.
Angarvunde: Speak to Medresi Dran just inside Angarvunde. Reward: A word of Animal Allegiance.
Telrav's Request: Speak to the wounded man on the road east of Nilheim.
Grimsever's Return: Talk to Mjoll the Lioness in Riften about her adventuring days. Reward: Mjoll becomes a follower and can be married.
Ringmaker: Speak to the jeweller Madesi at his stall in Riften's market.
Few and Far Between: Speak to Ingun Black-Briar at Elgrim's Elixirs in Riften. Reward: The key to her chest of alchemy supplies, which refills.
Under the Table: Speak to Romlyn Dreth at the Black-Briar Meadery in Riften.
Special Delivery: Speak to Bolli at the Riften Fishery.
Truth Ore Consequences: Speak to Hafjorg at Elgrim's Elixirs in Riften.
Distant Memories: Talk to the trader Brand-Shei in Riften's market about where he came from. Reward: The key to his strongbox.
Caught Red Handed: Speak to Svana Far-Shield at Haelga's Bunkhouse in Riften.
Helping Hand: Speak to the Argonian Wujeeta at the Riften Fishery or in Haelga's Bunkhouse.
The Raid: After Helping Hand, press Wujeeta for the name of her dealer and take it to Jarl Laila Law-Giver.
Supply and Demand: Follows The Raid: show the Jarl of Riften the note from the warehouse.
Pilgrimage: Speak to the priestess Alessandra in Riften's Hall of the Dead.
Ice Cold: Speak to Marise Aravel at her meat stall in Riften's market.
Bring It!: Speak to the Jarl's son Harrald in Mistveil Keep. Reward: Two levelled gems.
Hunt and Gather: Speak to the court wizard Wylandriah in Mistveil Keep.
Stabilized: Speak to the stable hand Shadr outside the gates of Riften.
The Lover's Requital: Speak to Sibbi Black-Briar in his cell in the Riften jail.
Bloody Nose: Talk to Hofgrir Horse-Crusher at the Riften stables and take his bet. Reward: 100 gold.
Spread the Love: Speak to the priestess Dinya Balu in the Temple of Mara after The Book of Love.
Sealing the Deal: Speak to Talen-Jei at the Bee and Barb in Riften.
Stoking the Flames: Speak to the smith Balimund at the Scorched Hammer in Riften.
The Bonds of Matrimony: Ask Maramal about marriage, at the Bee and Barb or the Temple of Mara in Riften. Reward: The Bond of Matrimony and a spouse.
The Straw that Broke: Speak to the beggar Narfi in the ruined house across the river from Ivarstead.
Climb the Steps: Speak to Klimmek in Ivarstead, by the bridge to the Seven Thousand Steps. Reward: Levelled gold.
Grin and Bear It: Speak to Temba Wide-Arm at her sawmill in Ivarstead. Reward: An enchanted axe.
Lifting the Shroud: Ask Wilhelm at the Vilemyr Inn about the haunted barrow. Reward: Sapphire Dragon Claw.
Mine or Yours: Speak to the smith Filnjar in Shor's Stone.
Special Delivery: Speak to the miner Sylgja in Shor's Stone.
Smooth Jazbay: Speak to Avrusa Sarethi at Sarethi Farm, on the road between Ivarstead and Riften.
Bow to the Master: Speak to Dravin Llanith at Merryfair Farm, outside Riften.
Flight or Fight: Speak to Grosta at Heartwood Mill.
Dawnguard (Dawnguard): From level 10 guards talk about the Dawnguard reforming, and the Orc Durak looks for you in the cities to sign you up. You can also walk into Dayspring Canyon, south-east of Riften, at any level. Reward: Crossbow and 45 steel bolts.
A New Order (Dawnguard): Return to Fort Dawnguard after refusing Harkon and help beat off the vampires at its gate. Reward: Sorine and Gunmar settle at the fort as master trainers and merchants, and start handing out jobs.
The Bloodstone Chalice (Dawnguard): Starts by itself once you accept Harkon's gift and he has shown you the Vampire Lord's powers. Garan Marethi waits with the Chalice in the castle. Reward: A place at the Volkihar court, the death hounds CuSith and Garmr as followers and the Chalice's blessing.
Bolstering the Ranks (Dawnguard): Once Prophet is under way, ask Sorine for work. She sends you to Isran, who grudgingly names a priest the fort could use: Florentius Baenius, last seen with the Vigilants of Stendarr at Ruunvald. Reward: Staff of Ruunvald; Florentius joins the fort as a master Restoration trainer and merchant.
Destroying the Dawnguard (Dawnguard): Offered in Castle Volkihar once Kindred Judgment is over. Reward: Three Potions of Blood or a levelled item.

Collectibles

Nightingale Armor – Light armor: Given by Karliah at Nightingale Hall when you take the oath in Trinity Restored.
Nightingale Boots – Light armor: Given by Karliah at Nightingale Hall when you take the oath in Trinity Restored.
Nightingale Gloves – Light armor: Given by Karliah at Nightingale Hall when you take the oath in Trinity Restored.
Nightingale Hood – Light armor: Given by Karliah at Nightingale Hall when you take the oath in Trinity Restored.
Thieves Guild Armor – Light armor: Handed out by Tonilia in the Ragged Flagon when you join the Guild in Taking Care of Business. She improves one piece of your choice after Scoundrel's Folly.
Thieves Guild Boots – Light armor: Handed out by Tonilia in the Ragged Flagon when you join the Guild in Taking Care of Business. She improves one piece of your choice after Scoundrel's Folly.
Thieves Guild Gloves – Light armor: Handed out by Tonilia in the Ragged Flagon when you join the Guild in Taking Care of Business. She improves one piece of your choice after Scoundrel's Folly.
Thieves Guild Hood – Light armor: Handed out by Tonilia in the Ragged Flagon when you join the Guild in Taking Care of Business. She improves one piece of your choice after Scoundrel's Folly.
Guild Master's Armor – Light armor: Part of the reward for becoming Guild Master in Under New Management.
Guild Master's Boots – Light armor: Part of the reward for becoming Guild Master in Under New Management.
Guild Master's Gloves – Light armor: Part of the reward for becoming Guild Master in Under New Management.
Guild Master's Hood – Light armor: Part of the reward for becoming Guild Master in Under New Management.
Gloves of the Pugilist – Light armor: Worn by Gian the Fist, a brawler lurking in the Ratway under Riften.
Aetherial Shield (Dawnguard) – Shield: Forged at the Aetherium Forge at the end of Lost to the Ages.
Volendrung: Malacath's reward for killing the giant leader in The Cursed Tribe.
Rahgot: Taken from the Dragon Priest Rahgot at the top of Forelhost, during the quest Siege on the Dragon Cult.
Stone of Barenziah: Mistveil Keep – The Rift: On the bedside table left of the bed in the Jarl's chambers: upstairs and through the locked middle door.
Stone of Barenziah: Black-Briar Lodge – The Rift: Next to the bed in the master bedroom on the top floor of the lodge.
Glass Claw: On a table in Forelhost Refectory.
Sapphire Dragon Claw: Given by Wilhelm at the Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead once you have dealt with the ghost of Shroud Hearth Barrow.
Bee in a Jar: In the main house of Goldenglow Estate, on the island in Lake Honrich.
Butterfly in a Jar: On a shelf in the Alchemist's Shack, a lone cabin south of Ivarstead.
Queen Bee Statue: On the table beside Aringoth's bed, upstairs at Goldenglow Estate, during Loud and Clear.
Bust of the Gray Fox: On a table in Riftweald Manor, Mercer Frey's house in Riften, during The Pursuit.
Exquisite Sapphire (Dragonborn) – Curio: Sapphire's thanks when you bring her Glover Mallory's letter from his cellar in Raven Rock, after Paid in Full.
Kyne's Token – Amulet: Froki Whetted-Blade's reward for finishing Kyne's Sacred Trials.
Amulet of Articulation – Amulet: Given by Brynjolf when you become Guild Master in Under New Management.
The Bond of Matrimony – Ring: Given by Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften when you marry.
Amulet of Mara – Amulet: Sold by Maramal in Riften for 200 gold, and lent by Dinya Balu for The Book of Love. Copies turn up in random loot and at general traders and jewellers.
Aetherial Crown (Dawnguard) – Circlet: Forged at the Aetherium Forge at the end of Lost to the Ages.
Battle of Red Mountain – Block: In the cellar of the longhouse at Largashbur, on a shelf near the chest in Skybound Watch Pass and in a corner bookcase of Kilkreath Ruins.
Catalogue of Weapon Enchantments – Enchanting: On the arcane enchanter in Darkwater Pass, in the chest at Roadside Ruins, in the Emperor's Tower of Castle Dour and in the White Hall in Dawnstar.
Before the Ages of Man – Illusion: On a table in the ruins of Angarvunde, on the altar near the entrance of Shroud Hearth Barrow, in the Jarl's Quarters of Dragonsreach and in Reeking Cave.
Jornibret's Last Dance – Light Armor: In Autumnwatch Tower, in the library of Fort Neugrad, in the temple level of Korvanjund and in Soljund's Sinkhole.
Proper Lock Design – Lockpicking: In the outer tower of Faldar's Tooth, in Darklight Tower, in the Twilight Sepulcher and beside the evidence chest of Cidhna Mine in Markarth.
Mace Etiquette – One-handed: In the Captain's Quarters of Fort Greenwall, in Orotheim, in Sky Haven Temple and by the throne in the north-west room of Volunruud.
Beggar – Pickpocket: Upstairs in Haelga's Bunkhouse in Riften, in the room by the bridge in the Ratway and at Ironback Hideout.
Mystery of Talara, v 2 – Restoration: On Gadnor's body in Crystaldrift Cave, in Eldergleam Sanctuary, on a dresser in Frostflow Lighthouse and in the crypts of Ragnvald.
Racial Phylogeny – Restoration: In Avanchnzel, at Corpselight Farm in Falkreath and in the Moorside Inn in Morthal. Urag gro-Shub may also hand it over at the end of Hitting the Books.
The Exodus – Restoration: In the crypt of Forelhost, in Hob's Fall Cave, at Stendarr's Beacon and in the cellar of the Frozen Hearth in Winterhold.
Withershins – Restoration: On a pedestal in the tower at Arcwind Point, in Valthume, in Gloomreach and in the Temple of Kynareth in Whiterun.
Legend of Krately House – Sneak: In the master bedroom of Black-Briar Lodge, in the cellar of the Nightgate Inn, aboard the Red Wave at the Solitude docks and in Potema's Catacombs.
Three Thieves – Sneak: By a fallen tree south of Shor's Watchtower and at a spot south-east of Angi's Camp. Two more copies can only be reached during Thieves Guild quests, in the Honningbrew basement and in Snow Veil Sanctum.
A Dance in Fire, v7 – Speech: Outside the entrance to Angarvunde, in Arnleif and Sons Trading Company in Markarth, in Beggar's Row in Riften and in Maluril's room in Mzinchaleft.
Words and Philosophy – Two-handed: On a bookshelf in Geirmund's Hall, in Lost Knife Hideout, in the barracks of Mistveil Keep and at the shrine of Talos west of Saarthal.
Sun Fire (Dawnguard) – Restoration: Sold by Sorine Jurard at Fort Dawnguard, who only trades with the Dawnguard.
Stendarr's Aura (Dawnguard) – Restoration: Sold by Florentius Baenius at Fort Dawnguard, who only trades with the Dawnguard.
Vampire's Bane (Dawnguard) – Restoration: Sold by Florentius Baenius at Fort Dawnguard, who only trades with the Dawnguard.
Chillrend – Sword: In a display case behind an expert lock in the cellar of Riftweald Manor, Mercer Frey's house in Riften, reached during The Pursuit.
Nightingale Blade – Sword: Karliah's own sword, given to you during the Thieves Guild quest Hard Answers.
Gauldur Blackbow – Bow: Carried by Sigdis Gauldurson in Geirmund's Hall, during the quest Forbidden Legend.
Bow of the Hunt – Bow: On the altar at the back of Clearspring Cave.
Staff of Ruunvald (Dawnguard) – Staff: Carried by the witch Minorne at the bottom of Ruunvald Excavation, in the Dawnguard quest Bolstering the Ranks.
Aetherial Staff (Dawnguard) – Staff: Forged at the Aetherium Forge at the end of Lost to the Ages.