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The Thieves Guild offers some of the most engaging side quests in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Stealth enthusiasts and fans of flexible quest structures will likely find a lot to enjoy. While stealth is important for success, creative approaches can often lead to completion in various ways.
“Lost Histories” is a prime illustration of this. The quest has a straightforward goal: explore Castle Skingrad to find a way into the prison and retrieve a book for S’krivva. Though it’s a relatively quick quest, there are multiple solutions if you’re observant. Let’s discuss the different methods to complete the quest and the rewards you can earn.
How to Start “Lost Histories”
“Lost Histories” is a Thieves Guild quest given by S’krivva, a Khajiit thief located in Bravil. To unlock this quest, you’ll need to progress your Thieves Guild rank and storyline. This quest follows after “Misdirection,” the prior task assigned by S’krivva. Additionally, you must fence at least 400 gold for the guild before she’ll offer you this quest. Once you meet these requirements, talk to her to begin.
How to Reach Theranis
S’krivva needs you to retrieve a book called “Lost Histories of Tamriel” for the Grey Fox. A previous thief named Theranis was supposed to recover this book but has since gone missing. S’krivva is indifferent about Theranis’ fate, as long as you bring back the book.
If you bribe some beggars in town, you’ll discover that Theranis was arrested in Skingrad and hasn’t been seen since. You must infiltrate Skingrad’s dungeon to advance the quest, and there are a few ways to do this:
- Complete tasks for Castle Skingrad until you can visit the jail.
- Break into jail, either through the front door or a hidden passage.
- Get arrested to enter the jail directly, though you’ll lose your gear.
Slop-Drudge
The easiest route is to accept the slop-drudge job from Shum Gro-Yarug, the castle’s butler. He needs someone to feed the prisoners, granting you free access to their cells. Inform the guard you’re there for the feeding duty, then proceed inside to search for Theranis.
Break Into Jail
True thieves thrive on breaking into restricted areas, and jail is no exception. You can secretly enter Castle Skingrad’s jail block to locate Theranis, bypassing the slop-drudge task altogether. A guard will be present at the entrance, so you’ll need to distract them or make them leave. Illusion spells work wonders here, but bribing the guards won’t suffice.
Alternatively, you can use a hidden entrance to access the jail. Run into the castle’s main hall, head up to the balcony, and enter the dining area. Then, go to the kitchen on your left. Descend into the unoccupied wine cellar, and at the end of the hallway, find an unlit candle. Interacting with it will reveal a secret tunnel that leads to the prison.
Get Arrested
If you prefer a more daring method, you can choose to get arrested. Steal an item while a guard is watching or pickpocket them to become wanted. When confronted, choose jail time to serve your bounty. This action will transport you directly to Castle Skingrad’s jail, but be aware that your belongings will be confiscated and must be retrieved later.
Find The Pale Lady
Once you’re in jail, you’ll find that Theranis is missing. A prisoner named Larthjar possesses information about him, but you’ll need to build a rapport with him. If you can increase Larthjar’s affinity to 70 or higher, he will reveal Theranis’ fate. You can bribe him or engage him in the persuasion minigame to boost your standing.
Most prisoners have been mysteriously taken by “The Pale Lady.” This woman has abducted Theranis along with an Argonian. Fortunately, finding them is quite simple. In the jail, look for an unlit candle on the wall to interact with, which will uncover a secret passage leading to the winery.
After entering the winery, follow the blood stains on the floor. They will guide you to a shelf of wine bottles next to another unlit candle. Pull this candle to reveal a hidden torture chamber. Inside, you’ll find the Pale Lady, the Argonian prisoner, and Theranis’ lifeless body. Take revenge on the Pale Lady before moving on.
The Pale Lady is a vampire and can transmit Porphyric Hemophilia, the game’s version of vampirism. If you do not cure this affliction within three days, you will transform into a vampire.
To avoid vampirism, it’s wise to bring along some cure disease potions before proceeding.
Recover The Book
Amusei, the Argonian prisoner, is aware of where the book was located, but he’ll only share this information if you help him escape. Assisting him is straightforward. Get outside the castle and talk to Amusei again. Even if the guards apprehend you and send you to jail, they won’t detain Amusei. Get out of the castle and speak with him to learn about Theranis’ final message.
The book “Lost Histories of Tamriel” can be found in a bush behind a well on Skingrad’s north wall. Approach the bush and take the book. Note that if you didn’t free Amusei, the book won’t be available; skipping steps in this quest is not an option.
With the book secured, return to S’krivva and inform her of Theranis’ fate. She will show a brief moment of sorrow before rewarding you with 400 gold. This concludes “Lost Histories” and promotes you to the rank of Cat Burglar in the guild.
