So, you’re wandering around the Astronomy Wing and you see Adelaide Oakes looking like she’s about to have a breakdown. It’s a classic RPG setup. She’s worried about her uncle, a metal trader who’s gotten himself mixed up with Ranrok’s lot. If you’ve spent any time in Hogwarts Legacy, you know that "trader" is usually code for "person about to be kidnapped by goblins." This kicks off The Tale of Rowland Oakes, a side quest that sounds simple enough but actually trips people up because of a map that is, quite frankly, a bit of a pain to read if you aren't paying attention to the landmarks.
He's gone. Missing.
Adelaide gives you the basics: Rowland was trading with goblins near the North Hogwarts Region. She’s terrified. You, being the fifth-year protagonist with a hero complex and a penchant for ancient magic, decide to go investigate his last known campsite. Honestly, the campsite is the easy part. It’s what comes after—the map, the Korrow Ruins, and that annoying boiler door—that actually defines the quest.
The Campsite and That Cryptic Map
Once you fly or trot your way up to the campsite, you’ll realize it’s been trashed. Goblins are everywhere. Clear them out. It’s a good chance to practice your Diffindo or maybe a cheeky Ancient Magic throw if you’re feeling spicy. After the dust settles, you need to find Rowland’s Journal and, more importantly, Rowland Oakes’ Map.
This map doesn't have a GPS marker. It’s a hand-drawn sketch.
A lot of players get stuck here because they try to follow the quest marker, but the marker just stays on the campsite area until you figure out the "riddle" of the drawing. Look at the sketch. You’ll see a river, a rock formation that looks a bit like a finger, and a ruined castle. Most people realize it’s pointing further west, following the river downstream into the North Hagwarts Region, specifically toward the Korrow Ruins.
👉 See also: Dandys World Ship Chart: What Most People Get Wrong
Don’t overthink the map. Basically, follow the river west. If you see a giant bandit camp built into the side of a cliff with a massive circular metal door, you’ve found it.
Cracking the Korrow Ruins
The ruins are a vertical mess of wooden scaffolding and stone. It’s a goblin stronghold, so expect a lot of Shield Charms and heavy hitters. You’re looking for Rowland, but he’s not just sitting in a chair waiting for you. He’s locked in a cell deep underground.
The main hurdle inside the Korrow Ruins is the Boiler Door.
You’ll reach a large room with a massive, round metal door that has no handle. To the left, there’s a furnace. This is one of those "environmental puzzles" the game loves. You need to fire up that furnace. If you don't have Incendio or Confringo equipped, now is the time. Hit the boiler with a fire spell to get the gears turning. Once the steam starts pumping, you can pull the lever and the door grinds open. It's a loud, mechanical clunk that feels satisfying every single time.
Inside, you’ll find the goblins have taken Rowland’s wand.
✨ Don't miss: Amy Rose Sex Doll: What Most People Get Wrong
This is a recurring theme in the wizarding world—a wizard without a wand is just a guy in a fancy coat. You can’t just break him out with Alohomora; he needs his "instrument" to defend himself while he makes a run for it.
Where is Rowland’s Wand?
The wand is tucked away in a side room near the big chamber where you fought the named boss (Pergit). It’s usually sitting on a table in a room that looks like a makeshift office or storage area. Grab it.
When you get back to Rowland’s cell, he’s predictably relieved. He’s a bit more "business-minded" than you’d expect for someone who was just staring at a damp stone wall for days, but he’s grateful. You hand over the wand, he does a bit of magic to secure his exit, and the quest wraps up.
Why This Quest Actually Matters for Your Playthrough
It’s easy to dismiss this as just another "fetch the NPC" mission, but The Tale of Rowland Oakes serves a few specific purposes for a completionist.
First, the rewards. You get the Handcrafted Necklace (an appearance item) and a decent chunk of XP. But more than that, the Korrow Ruins are a hotspot for Collection Chests. If you leave right after talking to Rowland, you’re missing out on some of the best gear appearances in the North Hogwarts region. There are also a few field guide pages tucked into the corners of the ruins that are easy to miss if you’re just rushing to finish the dialogue.
🔗 Read more: A Little to the Left Calendar: Why the Daily Tidy is Actually Genius
Second, it fleshes out the goblin rebellion lore. You see the logistical side of Ranrok’s operation. They aren't just looking for ancient magic repositories; they are actively disrupting the local economy by kidnapping traders and seizing goods. It makes the world feel a bit more lived-in and dangerous than just "the school where you do homework."
Common Pitfalls and Technical Hiccups
Sometimes, the quest glitches. It’s rare, but it happens. If you find the wand before talking to Rowland in his cell, the dialogue might get a bit wonky. Usually, just going to the cell door triggers the next stage.
Another thing: the combat. If you go in under-leveled, the final room in the ruins can be a meat grinder. Those goblin assassins move fast. Use your Control spells—Glacius or Arresto Momentum—to keep them from swarming you while you deal with the warriors.
Actionable Steps for Success
To breeze through this quest without getting frustrated, keep these steps in mind:
- Check the map landmarks: Follow the river west from the campsite until you hit the Korrow Ruins Floo Flame.
- Light the fire: When you hit the circular door, look for the silver boiler on the balcony. Use a fire spell. It’s that simple.
- Loot the boss: Pergit carries some decent loot. Don't just run past the bodies.
- Find the wand first: Explore the side rooms in the main "cog" chamber before heading all the way down to the cells. It saves you a trip back up the stairs.
- Equip the Necklace: If you care about your character's look, check your "Neckwear" appearances after the quest. The Handcrafted Necklace is actually one of the more unique-looking items in the early-to-mid game.
The tale of Rowland Oakes is really a test of your ability to navigate the world without a glowing golden line on the floor. Once you master the Korrow Ruins, you'll find that many of the game's later dungeons follow a similar logic: find the power source, clear the room, and keep your eyes peeled for the smallest wooden crates.