Character from The Elder Scrolls by Bethesda Game Studios
Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild who secretly betrayed Nocturnal by stealing the Skeleton Key. Murdered Gallus, framed Karliah, and systematically robbed the Guild he was sworn to lead.
Mercer Frey is the Guildmaster of Skyrim's Thieves Guild and one of the most accomplished traitors in Tamriel. A Breton of exceptional skill, Mercer was one of three Nightingales sworn to protect Nocturnal's Skeleton Key and the Twilight Sepulcher. Instead, he stole the Key for himself, using its reality-unlocking power to rob the Guild's vault, murder his fellow Nightingale Gallus Desidenius, and frame Karliah for the crime. For twenty-five years, Mercer operated as Guildmaster while secretly bleeding the organization dry. The Guild's declining fortunes — which members attributed to bad luck — were actually Mercer's systematic theft. The Skeleton Key's power to unlock anything, including metaphysical barriers, made him nearly unstoppable: locks, secrets, and even the potential of his own abilities were all opened to him. Mercer's downfall comes when the Dragonborn joins the Guild and Karliah returns from exile with proof of his treachery. Cornered, Mercer flees to Irkngthand to steal the Eyes of the Falmer — one last great heist before disappearing. The Dragonborn and Karliah pursue him into the Dwemer ruin, where he is finally killed. The Skeleton Key is recovered and returned to the Twilight Sepulcher, restoring Nocturnal's power and the Guild's fortune.
A lean Breton man with sharp, angular features and cold calculating eyes that miss nothing. His dark hair is slicked back and his expression carries the permanent sneer of someone who considers everyone around him a fool. He dresses well for a thief — fine leather armor trimmed with quality materials — and moves with a dangerous, coiled energy. Everything about him radiates competence masking contempt.
Also known as: Mercer Frey, Mercer, The Guildmaster