Has anybody figured out how to complete the quest where you allegedly meet the theif from the thieves guild (y'know, the one who can't talk straight) at the splurging sturgeon? I've tried repeatedly and he's never there.

Didn't you pay attention to what he told you? Granted, he spake the cant, an if it likes ye not, best ye plow a straighter furrow, ye natty clapperdaggeon! Ol' Nalen (as he's clept), he says to meet him astride the Splurging Sturgeoun by dusk, an' bring only yer thief in darks. Wilma's winsome whene'er she wills, but she sells seashells by the seashore.

of course i listened to him. I've searched that whole area, using imoen, while leaving the rest of the party back near the blushing mermaid inn. I've come at day, andwaited until it had turned to night, i've come at night, and waited until it turned to day, i've gone inside the inn. no darkwalk, anywhere.

If that is the case, I'd try two things - first, go into the Splurging Sturgeon and see if Narlen Darkwalk is already there, comitting the crime. If he is, you're alright. If he isn't in there, go back to the thieves guild and see if he's still walking around.

well, i tried it again, and he still wasn't there. I'm not sure why he isn't showing up. Is there something time specific to it? does he walk away if you even bring your party on the map, much less, near the the spluring sturgeon? What's the point of this subquest anyways? Do you need it for anything specific?

are you guys talking about the quest where a theif from the guild offers to you meet you outside the Splurging Sturgeon then he and his partner'll break into a house while you keep watch?
If so, then having your party up near the Blsuhing Mermaid should be OK. Was this the night of the day that he made his proposal? I've always done it then, and it's worked for me.
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* SPOILER
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After you meet the theif back at the guild he'll ask you how you enjoyed the evening. If you say it was really good he'll ask you if you'd like another burglary; if you reply positively he'll meet a theif from your party outside the Blade and Stars. The Job involves the theft of a Rogu Stone (I think)

You have to meet him in the dark. Leave your party in the Spluring Surgeon

When he tells you to meet him there, you might have to meet him THAT VERY NIGHT. Go back to the Thieves' Guild and see if he's angry because you never showed up. If he is, then you muffed the quest. Oh, well.

Spoiler
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You have to go at night and he waits out side the pub that he tells you about when you find him only send a theif (You can go do the mission any time as long as it is night)...
When you talk to him he will leed you to a house just wait out side and when the fist guard comes and talks to you shout a warning to the theifs. DO NOT KILL THE GUARD! you lose rep.