The Thieves Guild storyline remains a pinnacle of stealth gameplay in the current landscape of RPGs, and the "Lost Histories" quest in the Oblivion Remastered edition stands as one of its most intricate milestones. This mission serves as a gateway to the higher ranks of the guild, specifically elevating the player to the status of Cat Burglar. Unlike earlier tasks that involve simple pickpocketing or local break-ins, this quest requires a multi-layered infiltration of one of the most secure locations in Cyrodiil: the Skingrad Castle dungeons. Whether the objective is gold, infamy, or simply progressing toward the Gray Fox’s inner circle, understanding the nuances of this quest—especially with the updated mechanics of the Remastered engine—is essential for a clean run.

The Preliminary Hurdle: Fencing Requirements

Before S'krivva in Bravil even considers offering this job, there is a financial prerequisite that reflects the guild's focus on professional growth. Players must have fenced at least 400 gold worth of stolen goods. In the Remastered version, the economy and item values have seen slight adjustments, making high-value heists in the Imperial City or the mansions of Chorrol more lucrative for reaching this goal quickly. Once the Independent Thievery milestone is met, a trip to Bravil is necessary to receive the briefing. S'krivva’s concern isn't for the missing thief, Theranis, but for a specific book he was sent to recover: The Lost Histories of Tamriel. This shift in priorities highlights the cold, business-like nature of the guild's upper management.

Reaching Skingrad and Gathering Intelligence

Skingrad is often considered the most aesthetically pleasing city in the West Weald, but its beauty hides a brutal legal system. Upon arriving, the first step involves leveraging the guild's network of informants. The local beggars, often overlooked by the nobility, are the eyes and ears of the streets. A small bribe—usually around 20 gold—will loosen their tongues. They reveal that Theranis, known for his loose lips when drinking, was overheard boasting about his latest score at the Two Sisters Lodge. This indiscretion led to his swift arrest by Captain Dion's guards.

Knowing Theranis is in the castle dungeon is only half the battle. The Skingrad jailer is notoriously incorruptible compared to his counterparts in Leyawiin or Anvil. Bribing your way in is rarely an option, necessitating a more creative approach to gain access to the cell blocks.

Three Paths into the Skingrad Dungeons

One of the strengths of the Oblivion Remastered design is the preservation of multiple quest solutions, allowing for different character builds to succeed.

The Slop-Drudge Strategy

This is perhaps the most "professional" thief path and the one that provides the most freedom of movement. By inquiring about work at the castle, players are directed to Shum gro-Yarug, the castle butler. He is often found in the County Hall or wandering the bridge leading to the castle. The job he offers—the "slop-drudge"—is menial and pays poorly, but it grants official permission to enter the dungeon to feed the prisoners. With the slop-drudge status, the jailer will unlock the main door without question, allowing for a stealthy investigation without the risk of an immediate bounty.

The Covert Infiltration

For those who prefer a traditional stealth approach, breaking into the dungeon is viable but challenging. The jailer remains stationed at his desk around the clock. In the Remastered edition, the improved lighting and shadow systems mean that using Invisibility or high-level Chameleon spells is more effective than ever. Alternatively, a skilled pickpocket can lift the dungeon key directly from the jailer. It is important to note that once inside the cell block, being spotted by guards will trigger an arrest unless the player is under the cover of the slop-drudge role.

The Direct Approach: Getting Arrested

While it seems counterintuitive for a master thief, getting arrested is a fast-track into the heart of the dungeon. By committing a minor crime in Skingrad and choosing to serve jail time, the player is placed directly in a cell adjacent to the other prisoners. However, this method comes with the significant drawback of having all equipment confiscated and placed in the evidence chest. Recovering these items requires an additional layer of stealth after completing the primary objective, making this the most difficult path for those who rely heavily on their gear.

The Secret of the Wine Cellar

Once inside the dungeon, the situation becomes grim. The cell where Theranis was supposedly kept is empty. Speaking with Larthjar the Laggard, the only remaining prisoner in the main block, reveals a disturbing pattern. He speaks of a "Pale Lady" who comes periodically to take prisoners away, and they never return. Theranis was her most recent victim, followed by an Argonian.

Finding where they went requires a keen eye for environmental detail. In the dungeon's main hallway, there is a seemingly decorative candle holder on the wall. Interacting with this switch reveals a hidden door behind a stone pillar. This leads into the castle’s sprawling wine cellar. The Remastered version enhances this sequence with atmospheric fog and dynamic blood splatters on the floor, which serve as a trail. Following the blood leads to a large wine cask that hides another secret entrance. A second candle switch nearby opens the cask, revealing the Pale Lady’s sanctum.

Confronting the Pale Lady

The Pale Lady is revealed to be a vampire serving as the castle’s secret interrogator (or perhaps something more sinister given her proximity to the Count). The combat encounter here can be dangerous for lower-level characters. She utilizes frost magic and a leveled blade. Using silence poisons or enchantments is highly recommended to prevent her from turning invisible or regenerating health.

Upon her defeat, searching her body yields the keys to the secret cells. It is here that the tragic fate of Theranis is confirmed; he did not survive the interrogation. However, the Argonian prisoner, Amusei, is still alive. He is the key to finding the book, but his cooperation is contingent on a successful escape from the castle grounds.

The Great Escape with Amusei

Escorting an NPC out of a hostile area is a classic challenge. Amusei is not a combatant, so stealth is the only viable option. The most efficient route involves moving back through the wine cellar and into the castle’s dining hall. Timing is crucial here. In the Remastered edition, NPC schedules are more consistent; attempting the escape at 2:00 AM ensures that most of the castle staff and guards are in the living quarters, leaving the halls relatively clear.

Players should stay ahead of Amusei, scouting the corners for patrolling guards. If spotted, the guards will prioritize the player. Leading the guards away or using a Calm spell can save the mission if things go south. Once across the castle bridge and past the main gates, Amusei will stop and express his gratitude. As promised, he reveals that Theranis hid the book near a well behind Nerastarel's house in Skingrad before his arrest.

Locating the Lost Histories of Tamriel

The final task is a simple retrieval, but the location can be tricky to spot due to the lush vegetation of the Remastered West Weald. Behind Nerastarel's house—a large, somewhat eerie residence near the city’s northern wall—is a small stone well. The book, The Lost Histories of Tamriel, is tucked into a bush directly behind the well. It does not have a quest marker until the player is very close, so a thorough search of the shrubbery is necessary.

Conclusion and Rewards

Returning the book to S'krivva in Bravil concludes the quest. The rewards are significant for this stage of the game: 400 gold (essentially reimbursing the initial fencing requirement) and a 2-point increase in Infamy. More importantly, the player is promoted to the rank of Cat Burglar, unlocking new fences like Luciana Galena in Bravil, who has a higher gold reserve than previous contacts.

This quest is a masterclass in atmosphere and multiple-choice objective completion. It forces the player to move beyond simple thievery and engage with the darker, more political underbelly of Cyrodiil. For those playing the Remastered version, the enhanced environmental storytelling—from the blood trails in the cellar to the oppressive lighting of the secret torture chamber—makes "Lost Histories" a highlight of the Thieves Guild campaign.