The Imperial City Market District in Cyrodiil serves as the economic heart of the Empire, but it is currently plagued by a mercantile scandal known as Unfriendly Competition. This side quest involves a mysterious new shop owner who is significantly undercutting long-standing vendors, leading to a dark investigation into grave robbing and illegal trade. Successfully navigating this quest requires a combination of patient surveillance, precise lockpicking, and tactical combat within the depths of the Imperial City's mausoleums.

Initiating the investigation in the Market District

The quest begins through organic interaction with the established merchants of the Market District. Four primary shopkeepers express deep frustration regarding a newcomer named Thoronir, who recently opened The Copious Coin Purse. These merchants include:

  • Jensine: Owner of Jensine’s Good as New Merchandise.
  • Ogier Georick: Proprietor of The Main Ingredient.
  • Claudette Perrick: Owner of The Gilded Carafe.
  • Tertullian Verus: One of the owners of Three Brothers Trade Goods.

While any of these individuals can mention the situation, speaking directly to Jensine provides the most comprehensive starting point. She acts as the representative for the local merchant society and will officially task an investigator to look into Thoronir’s business practices. The core issue is simple: Thoronir sells high-quality inventory at prices lower than the wholesale cost of the goods, which suggests either massive theft or a far more sinister supply chain.

Surveillance of Thoronir’s nightly routine

Directly confronting Thoronir during business hours (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) yields little information. He maintains a polite, albeit dismissive, demeanor and insists his prices are merely the result of superior business acumen. To uncover the truth, one must observe his actions after he closes The Copious Coin Purse.

Thoronir follows a strict schedule that is critical for the quest progression. At 8:00 PM, he locks his shop and typically heads to the Merchant’s Inn. He remains there for several hours, engaging in social activities that serve as a distraction. The critical window occurs around midnight. At this time, Thoronir leaves the inn and walks toward a small, secluded garden area located in the northwest corner of the Market District, near the well behind the main shops.

Successful tailing requires maintaining a moderate distance to avoid detection, though the stealth mechanics in the Imperial City are relatively forgiving during this specific scripted event. Upon reaching the garden, Thoronir meets with a Nord named Agarmir. The two will engage in a hushed conversation. It is essential to remain close enough to hear their dialogue without standing directly in their line of sight. The conversation reveals that Agarmir is the supplier and that Thoronir is becoming increasingly nervous about the nature of the goods being provided.

Infiltrating Agarmir’s residence in the Talos Plaza District

Once the meeting concludes, the focus shifts from Thoronir to Agarmir. Following Agarmir leads to his house in the prestigious Talos Plaza District. Investigating his home is a mandatory step to secure physical evidence of his crimes.

Agarmir’s schedule is somewhat erratic, but he is consistently absent from his home during the late afternoon and early evening, typically between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Accessing the house requires bypassing an "Average" level lock. For those with low Security skills, stocking up on lockpicks or utilizing an Open spell is advisable.

Inside the house, the primary objective is the basement. The basement door is also locked and leads to a grim discovery. The area is filled with personal effects and clothing that appear to have been stripped from the deceased. On a small table in the back corner lies the "Macabre Manifest." This book is the definitive evidence needed; it contains a meticulously kept ledger of names, dates, and items stolen from specific graves throughout the Imperial City. Collecting this book updates the quest log and provides the leverage needed to confront Thoronir.

Confrontation and the turn of events

Returning to The Copious Coin Purse during the day allows for a second confrontation with Thoronir. Presenting the Macabre Manifest changes his tone instantly. Thoronir claims ignorance regarding the source of his inventory, expressing genuine horror at the realization that he has been selling "death-shrouded" goods.

To redeem himself and avoid prosecution by the merchant society, Thoronir offers information on Agarmir’s current whereabouts. He suggests that Agarmir is currently "working" at the Trentius Family Mausoleum. This shift moves the quest from an investigative phase into a combat phase.

The battle in the Trentius Family Mausoleum

The Trentius Family Mausoleum is located within the Green Emperor Way, the central district containing the Palace and the graveyards of the nobility. Upon entering the tomb, players are immediately cornered by Agarmir and an accomplice, a heavily armored guard. Unlike many encounters in Cyrodiil, this is a scripted ambush, and Agarmir will engage in dialogue before attacking.

Agarmir is a formidable opponent for lower-level characters due to his weapon, the Debaser. This unique shortsword has a specialized enchantment that drains Willpower and Endurance on hit, which can rapidly deplete a character's fatigue and magical reserves. The accompanying guard provides additional pressure with standard melee attacks.

Strategic recommendations for the fight:

  1. Spatial Awareness: The mausoleum is a cramped environment. Using the central stone sarcophagus to kite Agarmir can prevent being surrounded by both him and his guard.
  2. Focus Fire: It is generally more effective to eliminate the guard first, as he has lower health than Agarmir but contributes significant damage.
  3. Resistance: If possible, utilizing potions or spells that restore Endurance or provide Magicka resistance can mitigate the effects of the Debaser.

Once the combat concludes, looting Agarmir’s body is essential. Not only can the Debaser be claimed, but Agarmir also carries a key and a "Muddy Shovel," which serves as the final piece of evidence to prove his direct involvement in digging up the graves.

Hidden Treasures: Calliben’s Grim Retort

A critical detail often missed during the frantic combat in the mausoleum is the presence of a second unique weapon. Behind the tomb of Calliben Trentius, located in the rear of the chamber, players can find a powerful mace known as Calliben's Grim Retort.

In the Remastered version of the game, this weapon maintains its status as one of the best early-to-mid-game blunt weapons. Its stats include:

  • Damage: Scales with level (Leveled Item).
  • Enchantment: Frost Damage and Absorb Blunt Skill.

This mace is particularly effective against undead and fire-based creatures, making it a valuable asset for subsequent dungeon crawling. It is not required for quest completion, but it is the primary reason many experienced players prioritize this quest early in their playthrough.

Finalizing the quest and rewards

With Agarmir defeated and the evidence secured, the final phase involves returning to the Market District. First, speak with Thoronir. Upon seeing the Muddy Shovel, he fully commits to reforming his ways. He promises to join the Merchants' Society, adjust his prices to fair market value, and donate his ill-gotten gains to the Temple of the One.

Thoronir rewards the player with the Weatherward Circlet. This enchanted ring provides a 15% resistance to both Fire and Frost. While its defensive capabilities are modest in the late game, it is an exceptional utility item for early exploration, especially when facing elemental casters or exploring the planes of Oblivion.

Finally, returning to Jensine completes the quest narrative. She expresses her gratitude on behalf of the merchant community. The rewards from Jensine include:

  • Gold: A leveled amount of currency (ranging from 100 to 600 gold depending on character level).
  • Fame: A permanent increase of +1 to the character's Fame stat.
  • Merchant Disposition: Improved standing with all major vendors in the Market District, which can result in slightly better buying and selling prices across the city.

Long-term impacts on the Imperial City economy

Completing Unfriendly Competition has a subtle but permanent effect on the world. Thoronir’s shop remains open, but his inventory shifts to reflect more standard merchant fare. The tension in the Market District dissipates, and the dialogue of other merchants changes to reflect their relief. From a lore perspective, this quest serves as a grim reminder of the lengths some will go to for profit in the heart of the Empire, and the thin line between legitimate commerce and criminal enterprise.

For those optimizing their character's progression, the combination of the Debaser, Calliben’s Grim Retort, and the Weatherward Circlet makes this one of the most reward-dense side quests available in the Imperial City. It is a quintessential example of the storytelling depth present in Cyrodiil's urban environments, blending mundane economic concerns with the macabre reality of the city's ancient tombs.