"A Rat Problem" Quest Overview
"A Rat Problem" is a quest you can undertake for the Fighters Guild in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, located in Anvil, once you become a member. This quest provides a fresh spin on a classic RPG theme, featuring a rat infestation in a local basement. To successfully complete it, you’ll need to engage with various characters and ensure an NPC’s beloved pets are safe.
At first glance, "A Rat Problem" might seem like a stereotypical starter quest—head to a location and eliminate a horde of oversized rats. However, similar to the original Oblivion, there’s more depth to this quest than it appears. For the best experience, it’s recommended to tackle this quest right after joining the Fighters Guild, as it’s straightforward and offers valuable rewards.
How To Start "A Rat Problem"
Upon joining the Fighters Guild, "A Rat Problem" becomes available as your first Contract quest. Speak with Azzan in Anvil to gather initial details about the quest. This rat-related mission has become a staple of the Elder Scrolls series, with the Fighters Guild traditionally including quests involving oversized rodents.
Upon talking to Azzan, you’ll learn about a woman in Anvil named Arvena Thelas, who seeks the Guild’s assistance. As Azzan explains, her “rat problem” is best discussed in person, so proceed to find Arvena Thelas in Anvil to uncover the full story about the rats in her basement.
Complete Walkthrough for "A Rat Problem"
Help Arvena Protect Her Pet Rats
Surprisingly, Arvena needs your assistance in protecting her many pet rats in the basement instead of exterminating them. She explains that something has been attacking them, likely another animal. In her panic, she urgently requests your help, so make your way through the wooden door to Arvena’s Basement.
Once inside, you’ll encounter a mountain lion poised to attack her pet rats. Use your weapons or magic to defeat the mountain lion and save her pets from becoming its next meal. Depending on your character’s abilities, this combat challenge might be tough, but focus on preserving as many rats as possible to ensure the quest can continue.
Tip: If your attacks accidentally eliminate all the rats in Arvena’s Basement, the quest can still be completed, but you won’t gain fame from the Fighters Guild, missing out on one of the primary rewards.
After you defeat the mountain lion, return to Arvena and report your findings. She informs you that the mountain lion likely accessed the basement through a hole in the wall. Worried about more mountain lions following, she suggests you speak with Pinarus Inventius, a hunter who may have more information.
Where to Find Pinarus Inventius
Pinarus Inventius lives in Anvil, close to Arvena. When you speak with him about the mountain lions, he’ll propose a hunt outside the city, prompting you to follow him beyond the main gate. Accompany Pinarus on the hunt to gather additional information related to your quest.
Pinarus leads you to a clearing where you’ll face four hungry mountain lions, akin to the one you previously battled. Eliminate all the mountain lions in this hunt, and afterward, return to Arvena to inform her that the nearby mountain lion threat has been significantly reduced. To your surprise, Arvena reveals there’s still another mountain lion lurking in her basement, leading you to another confrontation.
When the last mountain lion is taken care of, speak with Arvena again to hear her thoughts. She suspects that a jealous Argonian woman named Quill-Weave is behind the mountain lion troubles, asking you to catch her in the act. You’ll need to track Quill-Weave but won’t have to break any locks to find the evidence required.
How to Find & Catch the Culprit
Quill-Weave tends to move around frequently, which makes following her for long enough a bit challenging. Wait until nightfall behind Arvena’s house, where Quill-Weave is expected to appear. Stay hidden while observing her approach a hole leading to Arvena’s Basement.
Note: Quill-Weave visits Chorrol once a month, so you may need to wait a few days for her to show up to obtain the necessary proof.
As long as you remain undetected, you’ll see Quill-Weave drop a piece of meat outside the basement. This is likely what has been drawing the mountain lions to Arvena’s property and serves as the crucial evidence. When you confront Quill-Weave, you’ll learn that she merely wanted to lure the rats out and didn’t intend for the mountain lions to show up.
Rewards for Completing "A Rat Problem"
Once you catch Quill-Weave, you’ll have different options for completing the quest:
- Keep Quill-Weave’s secret.
- Inform Arvena that Quill-Weave is responsible.
Your ensuing rewards will vary based on your choice, as each character provides a free skill level for siding with them. Quill-Weave grants a full level in Acrobatics, while Arvena offers one level in Speechcraft. Depending on your character’s strengths, either option can be advantageous, as a free skill level is a valuable asset.
Successfully completing this quest will also enhance your standing in the Fighters Guild, unlocking further Contracts. While "A Rat Problem" may not be the most challenging quest in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, it sets the stage for many more rewarding opportunities with the Guild.
