How Can You Effortlessly Solve the Tricky Vahtacen’s Secret Puzzle in Oblivion Remastered?

What’s the Ultimate Solution to the Frustrating Vahtacen’s Secret Pillar Puzzle in Oblivion Remastered?

Vahtacen’s Secret is one of the most notorious and challenging puzzles in the Mages Guild questline of Oblivion Remastered, often leaving players feeling frustrated and stuck. Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you conquer this puzzle and secure your well-deserved promotion.

Step-by-Step Solution to Vahtacen’s Secret Pillar Puzzle

Prepare Before Attempting

• Always manually save your game before interacting with the pillars. A wrong move can be deadly.
• Ensure you have the required spells or scrolls: Fire, Frost, Damage Magicka, and Fortify Magicka. If you’re missing any, check the chest near Denel for scrolls, or purchase from the Bruma or Skingrad Mages Guilds.

Understand the Puzzle’s Lore

The room contains four pillars, each inscribed with Ayleid text. These inscriptions correspond to specific magic effects:

• Av molag anyammis – “From Fire, Life” (Fire Spell)
• Av mafre nagaia – “From Frost, Death” (Frost Spell)
• Magicka loria – “Magicka Darkens” (Damage Magicka Spell)
• Magicka sila – “Magicka Shines” (Fortify Magicka Spell)

Obtain Translations and Guidance

1. Speak to Denel near the pillar; he’ll mention needing an Ayleid reference book.
2. Return to Skaleel to obtain the “Ayleid Inscriptions and Their Translations” book, then give it to Denel for translations.

Cast the Spells in the Correct Order

Stand in the room and, moving clockwise from the entrance, cast the following spells on the central pillar (not on yourself or the inscriptions):

• Fire spell
• Frost spell
• Damage Magicka spell
• Fortify Magicka spell

Only “Touch” or “Target” spells work-self-cast spells will not trigger the mechanism.

What Happens If You Make a Mistake?

Casting the wrong spell or in the wrong order can trigger a lethal trap from the pillars. If this happens, reload your manual save and try again.

Unlocking the Path Forward

When all spells are cast correctly, a hidden stairway is revealed, allowing you to progress deeper into the ruins and complete the quest.

Troubleshooting: What If the Quest Bugs Out?

Sometimes, the quest may not progress due to a glitch-often caused by skipping dialogue or rushing steps. To fix this:

1. Reload your last manual save.
2. Speak to Denel to trigger the need for the translation book.
3. Obtain the book from Skaleel.
4. Give the book to Denel and discuss all translation options.
5. Cast the spells as described above.

Rewards for Solving the Puzzle

• Promotion to the Conjurer rank in the Mages Guild.
• The Robe of the Conjurer, which boosts Intelligence, Willpower, Conjuration, and Destruction stats-making your mage significantly more powerful for future adventures.

With this guide, you can confidently overcome one of Oblivion Remastered’s most infamous obstacles and enjoy the satisfaction of a hard-earned victory!