How to Solve Vahtacen's Secret Pillar Puzzle in Oblivion Remastered

Of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered's many magical mysteries, few quests so well capture the mystery and academic interest of the Mages Guild as Vahtacen's Secret. Vahtacen's Secret is an explore, puzzle-solve, and cast-spells quest, testing your ability to think like an honest scholar of the arcane. In Vahtacens Secret forgetfulness, you are instructed by Raminus Polus to assist Irlav Jarol in a research of an ancient Ayleid ruin by the name of Vahtacen. You and two lesser researchers are left to get the job done while Irlav is busy with his work. The main mystery of the ruin is contained in its sealed pillar chamber, which can be progressed by decoding long-forgotten Ayleid inscriptions. This guide provides a complete Vahtacens Secret walkthrough, including how to solve the Vahtacens Secret pillar puzzle and claim the powerful artifacts hidden within.

How To Start Vahtacen’s Secret

To begin the Vahtacen’s Secret quest, you’ll need to have joined the Mages Guild and advanced far enough to receive assignments from Raminus Polus at the Arcane University in the Imperial City. If you talk to Raminus, he will request your help in helping Irlav Jarol unravel the secrets of an Ayleid ruin called Vahtacen in the north-east of Chorrol province of Great Forest. Upon arriving, you’ll discover that Irlav has delegated the task to Skaleel, an Argonian mage, and her colleague Denel. Both are struggling to understand the ancient language carved into the ruin’s walls, the key to unlocking the sealed marble pillar that guards the deeper chambers.

Entering Vahtacen and Speaking With Skaleel

When you reach Vahtacen Ayleid Ruin, go inside the middle room and then speak to Skaleel. She reports that the team has been unable to gain any progress on the enigmatic magical column in the middle of the ruins. Skaleel will give you the Vahtacen Ruins Key, which opens the door that leads into the puzzle room. Use the key on the door on the side of the primary hall and go along the corridor. Denel, within, is studying the runes and glyphs carved on the walls.

Obtaining the Ayleid Reference

Talk to Denel, and he will explain that he needs an Ayleid Reference book to decipher the inscriptions on the Vahtacens secret pillar. Go back to Skaleel and tell her what Denel informed you. She will give you the Ayleid Reference book, and you will go and give it to Denel. The moment you give him the book, he will begin to decipher the runes in the walls. Now let's go and examine the four wall writings in the pillar chamber. They are all Ayleid and placed about a middle marble pillar, with red gems around them. Approach each writing and "read" it by going up to it and interacting, then return to Denel and ask, "Translation." He will give you these translations:

• Av molag anyammis - Meaning Fire - Fire Spell (Flare)
• Av mafre nagaia - Meaning Frost -Frost Spell (Snowball)
• Magicka loriat - Sever Magicka
• Magicka silat - Raise Magicka These four spells are the solution to the Vahtacen's Secret pillar puzzle.

How to Solve The Vahtacen's Secret Pillar Puzzle

You will need to cast the four spells, Fire, Frost, Damage Magicka, and Fortify Magicka, on the middle marble pillar, not on the inscriptions or the gems. Spell Order (Clockwise from the entrance):

• Fire Spell (Flare)
• Frost Spell (Snowball)
• Damage Magicka (Sever Magicka)
• Strengthen Magicka (Raise Magicka)

Note:

The spells must be in the Target or Touch school, not "On Self". If you don't already have these spells in your spellbook, go to the chest behind Denel, where there is a scroll for each of these spells, which you will need. You can use the scrolls risk-free to complete the chain. Cast each of the spells in succession at the pillar. If it works, the pillar will shake and submerge into the ground, clearing the passage to the deeper chambers of Vahtacen.

Exploring The Deeper Chambers

Other than the pillar, Ghosts occupy the ruins, so use Silver or enchanted weapons; regular iron or steel will not kill them. Stock up on magicka potions and Restoration spells since these foes can deplete your magicka and health quickly. Make your way through the lower levels, battling to the last great chamber. At the opposite end, trigger the Ayleid device to lift a stone staircase that leads to a high platform. On top, there will be the Ancient Elven Helm, a beautiful and uncommon piece of Ayleid armor. Pick it up, then go back to the Arcane University to inform them of your discovery.

Returning To The Mages Guild

Return the Ancient Elven Helm to Irlav Jarol, then approach Raminus Polus in the Arch-Mage's Lobby to finish the quest. Your reward for success is a promotion to Conjurer rank within the Mages Guild and the Robe of the Conjurer, a stat-increasing robe ideal for spellcasters.