The Mages Guild storyline in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion presents players with complex political maneuvers and dark secrets across Cyrodiil. Once you attain the rank of Warlock, Arch-Mage Hannibal Traven tasks you with a sensitive diplomatic mission involving the enigmatic Count of Skingrad. This guide explores the intricate web of choices available in the major quest known as Information at a Price.
Meeting the Count of Skingrad
To initiate the quest, you must travel to Castle Skingrad and request an audience with Count Janus Hassildor through his steward, Hal-Liurz. The Count reveals that he possesses crucial intelligence regarding the Necromancer threat, but he requires a personal favor before sharing his knowledge. Your primary objective becomes clearing out a nest of vampires in nearby Bloodcrust Cavern while simultaneously dealing with a group of aggressive vampire hunters currently staying in town.
Managing both factions requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary complications with local authorities. The Count explicitly states that he does not care how you handle the hunters, but committing overt crimes will still result in standard legal penalties. Exploring your operational options beforehand ensures you can complete the contract without acquiring a massive bounty.
Navigating the Faction Conflict
The most straightforward method to complete the objective is to travel directly to Bloodcrust Cavern and eliminate the ten resident vampires yourself. This subterranean dungeon is located just southeast of Skingrad and features close-quarters combat that rewards careful stealth approaches. Be sure to harvest the unique Vampire Dust from their remains, as this item serves as critical physical evidence later in the questline.
After clearing the cave, you can locate the hunter leader named Eridor wandering near the Great Chapel of Julianos or the Two Sisters Lodge. Presenting him with the collected dust will convince the hunters that their quarry is destroyed, prompting the entire group to peacefully leave Skingrad. This path is ideal for players maintaining a clean moral record since it avoids unnecessary violence against the mortal investigators.
Alternative Methods and Tactical Options
Players looking for a more chaotic approach can choose to inform Eridor about the exact location of the vampire nest. The hunters will then launch an assault on Bloodcrust Cavern after midnight, allowing you to use them as distraction shields during the ensuing battle. However, these hunters are relatively weak and will easily fall to the vampires if left entirely to their own devices.
If the vampires eliminate the hunters, your quest log updates automatically to reflect that the hunter problem is solved. You can then step inside the cavern to finish off the remaining wounded vampires and claim the glory. Alternatively, if the hunters manage to win but Eridor perishes, you may be forced to eliminate the surviving members manually to clear the town dynamic.
Securing the Intelligence and Reporting Back
Once both the vampire nest is cleared and the hunters have departed, you must return to Castle Skingrad to claim your reward. Hal-Liurz will fetch Count Hassildor, who delivers a chilling warning regarding the return of Mannimarco, the legendary King of Worms. This critical revelation signals an escalation in the overarching guild conflict and shifts the narrative focus toward full-scale magical warfare.
Your final task involves traveling back to the Arcane University in the Imperial City to brief Arch-Mage Traven on the situation. The leader of the guild will express deep concern over the Necromancer resurgence and state his intentions to consult the Council of Mages. Successfully delivering this report concludes the quest line and sets the stage for the dramatic conflicts ahead.
