Hew’s Bane is the beginning of the Thieves Guild story arc. On the shores of central Tamriel, you will meet a heavily Redguard influenced territory. As with the Mages and Fighters Guild you can only gain reputation with the Thieves Guild and its associated skill line.
If you want to start to become a part of the Thieves Guild and experience this story arc on your way to playing the game chronologically, you can find an NPC called Quen at any Outlaws Refuge. She will wait there for you and offer you a job, an offer you basically can’t say No to.
A boat will take you to Fulstrom Homestead after you have met Quen at the docks. You have to play through this introduction before you are offered to go to Hew’s Bane with Quen.
