Riften is a major city located in South-East Skyrim. It is the capital of the Rift. It is plagued with high levels of crime, mostly because it is the home of Skyrim's Thieves' Guild, supported by the influential Black-Briar family. Even the guards attempt to extort the Dragonborn when he first walks in. The Temple of Mara, where all weddings take place, is located in Riften.

Jarl Laila Law-Giver initially supports the Stormcloaks.