Look, let’s be real. If you’re playing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in 2026, you aren’t there for the modern graphics or the fluid combat. You're there because Cyrodiil has a vibe that Skyrim never quite captured. But then you hit the Mages Guild recommendation quests. Specifically, you hit Leyawiin. You meet Dagail. And suddenly, you're stuck baiting the trap in an Oblivion questline that feels like a fever dream.
Most people remember the "Baiting the Trap" quest for one of two reasons: either they loved the atmosphere of the Ayleid ruin it sends you to, or they got caught in one of the most infamous script-breaks in RPG history. It's a classic example of Bethesda's "Radiant AI" being just a little too ambitious for its own good.
The Recommendation Grind is Real
To even get into the Arcane University, you've got to play politics. Every city has a guild hall, and every hall head has a problem. In Leyawiin, the problem is Dagail. She’s losing her mind—or rather, she’s losing her "vision." She’s seeing things. Scared. The local mages think she’s incompetent.
You find out she needs an amulet. The Seer’s Stone.
But here’s where the baiting the trap Oblivion experience gets weird. You aren't just running a fetch quest; you’re navigating a conspiracy involving a guy named Kalthar who is, quite frankly, a terrible liar. He wants Dagail gone. He wants the power for himself.
I’ve played through this quest probably half a dozen times over the last decade. Every time, I forget how much the atmosphere of Veyond changes the mood. You leave the bright, rainy streets of Leyawiin and head into the dark. It’s quiet. Too quiet.
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Why Veyond is a Design Masterpiece (and a Nightmare)
Veyond is where the quest actually happens. It’s an Ayleid ruin. If you’ve played Oblivion, you know the drill: blue lights, white stone, and that weird humming sound that makes your skin crawl.
The quest design here is actually pretty clever. You aren't just killing skeletons. You're looking for a specific casket. But the "trap" mentioned in the quest title isn't just about a physical snare in the dungeon. It’s about the narrative trap being laid for Kalthar.
He follows you.
Did you notice that? Most players don't on their first run. If you stop and wait, or if you have high enough Sneak, you can sometimes catch glimpses of him. He’s waiting for you to do the heavy lifting. He’s waiting for you to find the stone so he can jump you. It’s a classic trope, but in the context of the Mages Guild’s internal politics, it feels personal.
The Glitch That Never Dies
We have to talk about the bugs. Seriously.
If you search for "Baiting the Trap Oblivion" on any old forum like UESP or even Reddit, the first ten results are usually people screaming because Kalthar didn't spawn. Or he spawned inside a wall. Or Dagail won't talk to them.
Here is what usually happens:
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- You find the amulet in the chest at the end of Veyond.
- The quest stage updates.
- Kalthar is supposed to confront you.
- He... just doesn't show up.
If he doesn't show up, you can’t get the recommendation. If you can’t get the recommendation, you can’t get into the University. If you can’t get into the University, you can’t enchant your gear or make custom spells. The stakes are actually weirdly high for a mid-tier guild quest.
Honest advice? Save your game before you enter the final chamber of Veyond. Don't rely on autosaves. The game’s engine, Gamebryo, is held together by digital duct tape and hope. If Kalthar doesn't trigger, you might have to use the console command setstage MG07Leyawiin 70 just to force the game to acknowledge he’s there. It's frustrating, but that's the "authentic" Bethesda experience we all signed up for.
The Lore Behind the Seer’s Stone
Why does Dagail need this thing anyway?
Lore-wise, Dagail is a touch sensitive. In the Elder Scrolls universe, being a seer isn't a gift; it’s a burden. Without the amulet, the "voices" of the Aetherius are too loud. It’s a sensory overload.
This adds a layer of empathy to the quest. You aren't just helping a boss; you’re helping a woman regain her sanity. It makes Kalthar look even more like a monster. He isn't just trying to take her job—he’s actively enjoying her mental collapse.
When you finally face him, it’s usually a quick fight. He’s a mage, but he’s squishy. A few well-placed arrows or a decent claymore swing usually ends the "trap" pretty quickly. But the weight of the quest stays with you because it’s one of the few times the Mages Guild feels like a workplace with actual human (well, Mer) drama instead of just "go get me five soul gems."
How to Speedrun This Without Losing Your Mind
If you're replaying this in 2026, you probably just want the recommendation so you can go back to the Imperial City.
- Skip the chatter. Talk to Agata in Leyawiin immediately. Don't bother talking to the other mages; they just give you flavor text that doesn't advance the plot.
- Dagail’s Father. You’ll find out the amulet was buried with her father. This leads you to Veyond.
- Veyond Navigation. The ruin is linear but long. Bring torches. Or better yet, a Night Eye potion. The Welkynd stones are tempting, but if you’re high level, the enemies here scale aggressively. Expect leveled undead or even high-tier Daedra if you’re over level 20.
- The Confrontation. Grab the amulet from the casket. Kalthar will run in and start monologuing. Let him finish. If you attack him too early, you risk breaking the script.
The reward is modest—just the recommendation and some gold—but the real prize is access to the Altar of Enchanting. That’s where the real game begins.
Actionable Insights for the Modern Player
To ensure this quest goes off without a hitch and you get the most out of your Leyawiin stay, keep these points in mind:
- Check your Inventory: Ensure you actually picked up the Manduin's Amulet. Sometimes the "Take All" button misses quest items if your encumbrance is near its limit.
- The Kalthar Trigger: If he isn't appearing, try waiting (the 'T' key) for one hour inside the final room. This often resets the AI pathing and forces him to walk through the door.
- Level Scaling: If you are level 25 or higher, the NPCs in Veyond are no joke. They will use Silence spells on you. If you're a pure mage, bring some Dispel potions or a backup enchanted blade.
- The "Unofficial Patch": If you are on PC, the Unofficial Oblivion Patch is mandatory. It fixes the script lag that causes the "Baiting the Trap" sequence to hang.
There is something strangely nostalgic about these old quest designs. They don't hold your hand. They have weird pacing. Sometimes they break. But "Baiting the Trap" remains a core memory for anyone who has spent hours wandering the green forests of Blackwood. It’s a reminder that even in a world of magic and dragons, the biggest threats are often the people standing right next to you in the office.
Take the stone. Kill the traitor. Get your recommendation. Just make sure you save your game first.
Next Steps for Completionists:
Once you finish Leyawiin, head north to Cheydinhal. The recommendation quest there involves a well, a heavy ring, and a lot of frustration, but it's the fastest way to round out your Mages Guild application. If you've already finished the guild, check your map for the "Deepscorn Hollow" DLC location nearby; it's the perfect lore-friendly player home for characters who enjoyed the darker side of the Leyawiin questline.