The world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is vast and filled with intricate quests, but few are as mystifying as “Lifting the Vale,” a pivotal mission in the Knights of the Nine expansion. This quest, which tasks you with restoring the sacred armor of the Divine Crusader, is not just about combat—it’s a journey through ancient ruins, forgotten lore, and divine intervention. For many players, the challenge lies not in the enemies they face but in deciphering the cryptic clues scattered across Cyrodiil.
Whether you’re a returning fan experiencing the remastered edition or a newcomer diving into Oblivion for the first time, this guide will walk you through every step of “Lifting the Vale,” from locating the hidden Hist tree to battling the relentless Aurorans. With careful navigation and strategic combat, you’ll emerge victorious, one step closer to becoming the true Divine Crusader.
Table of Contents
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Quest Begins: Finding the Hist Tree
The journey to lift the curse of the Vale starts with a pilgrimage to the Great Chapel of Talos in Chorrol, where the Prophet reveals that you must seek out a Hist tree deep within the wilderness. Unlike the towering Hist trees of Black Marsh, this one is hidden, its location known only to those who follow the ancient texts. Your first task is to travel to Hackdirt, a suspicious village shrouded in rumors, and then head northeast into the dense forests of the Great Forest region.
The Hist tree itself is unmarked on the map, blending seamlessly with the environment. Look for a small, gnarled tree with glowing blue sap—this is your destination. Upon arrival, you’ll need to activate the tree, triggering a vision that reveals the next step: the ruins of Veyond Cave. This moment is crucial, as it sets the tone for the divine trials ahead. The vision’s cryptic message—“Seek the light where darkness dwells”—hints at the challenges waiting inside the cave.
Navigating Veyond Cave: Puzzles and Perils
Veyond Cave is more than just a dungeon—it’s a labyrinth of traps, puzzles, and hostile Aurorans, the celestial warriors guarding the secrets within. The cave’s entrance is deceptively simple, but as you descend, the true test begins. The first obstacle is a series of pressure plates that trigger dart traps. Careful observation reveals a pattern: stepping only on the cracked stones avoids activation.
Deeper inside, you’ll encounter a puzzle door inscribed with ancient Ayleid runes. The solution lies in matching the symbols to those found on nearby tablets, a task that requires both patience and attention to detail. Once solved, the door opens to reveal the Chamber of the Crusader’s Relics, where pieces of the Divine Crusader’s armor are kept. However, claiming them isn’t as simple as picking them up—each relic is guarded by an Auroran Knight, a formidable foe resistant to conventional weapons.
Battling the Aurorans: Combat Strategies
The Aurorans are not ordinary enemies. Clad in golden armor and wielding enchanted weapons, they are immune to normal damage, requiring a tactical approach. Here’s how to defeat them:
- Use Silver or Daedric Weapons: These bypass their resistance, making them far more effective than steel or iron.
- Magic is Your Ally: Spells like Turn Undead or Weakness to Magic can turn the tide in your favor.
- Exploit the Environment: The cave’s narrow corridors allow you to funnel enemies into chokepoints, giving you the upper hand.
Once the Aurorans are defeated, you can claim the Cuirass of the Crusader, a vital piece of the Divine Armor set. But the quest isn’t over yet—you must now return to the Prophet to learn the next steps in purifying the relics.
The Final Trial: Cleansing the Armor
With the Cuirass in hand, the Prophet instructs you to seek the Wayshrines of the Nine Divines, scattered across Cyrodiil. Each shrine requires a pilgrimage and an offering—typically a rare item like a Great Welkynd Stone or a Daedra Heart. Only by visiting all nine and performing the rituals can the armor be fully purified, lifting the curse of the Vale.
This final leg of the quest is as much about spiritual reflection as it is about adventure. The shrines test your devotion, rewarding you not just with power but with a deeper connection to the world of Tamriel.
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FAQs
Q: Can I complete “Lifting the Vale” without the Knights of the Nine DLC?
A: No, this quest is exclusive to the Knights of the Nine expansion.
Q: What happens if I lose a piece of the Divine Armor?
A: The armor cannot be dropped or sold, but if misplaced, it will reappear in the Chamber of the Crusader’s Relics.