You’ve spent dozens of hours sneaking through damp sewers and picking the pockets of sleeping beggars in the Imperial City. Honestly, it all leads to this. The Gray Fox wants the Elder Scroll, and he isn't asking for a library card. The "Ultimate Heist" is the crown jewel of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. It’s messy, long, and if you aren’t careful, you’ll end up staring at the business end of a Palace Guard’s claymore.
Most people mess this up because they rush. Don't. This mission is a test of patience more than a test of your Sneak skill, though having a high Sneak definitely helps when you're crouching in the shadows of the White Gold Tower.
Getting Started: The Setup is Everything
Before you even think about stepping foot in the Palace, you need the tools. The Gray Fox gives you the Glass of Time and the Savilla’s Stone, but you’re the one who has to bring the soul gems and the potions. If you don’t have at least a few Feather potions or a decent Chameleon spell, you’re going to have a rough time.
The quest officially kicks off in the Garden of Dareloth. You get your orders, and then it's off to the Imperial Palace. But you aren't walking through the front door like a tourist. You’re going through the Old Way.
Entering the Old Way
The Old Way is a slog. It’s located in the Palace Basement, and getting there requires you to sneak past a few guards. If you’ve already completed the Mages Guild quests, you might find some of these areas familiar, but the deeper sections are crawling with undead.
Wait.
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Check your map. The entrance is behind a restricted door. Once you’re in the sewers, the vibe shifts from "sneaky thief" to "dungeon crawler." You’ll encounter vampires, wraiths, and those annoying skeletons that just won't stay down. This isn't where you save your magicka. Use it.
The path is linear but long. You'll eventually find the Glass of Time prompt near a massive hourglass. It’s a bit of a cinematic moment, but don't get distracted. You need to find the Statue of the Pale Lady. This is the key to the whole operation.
The Glass of Time and the Pillars
You'll reach a room with two massive pillars and a pressure plate. This is where most players get stuck. You have to stand on the plate, which opens the pillars, then fire the Arrow of Extrication at the keyhole.
Here’s the catch: the shot is hard.
If you miss, you have to go pick up the arrow. It’s a unique item, so don't lose it in the dark. I usually suggest saving your game right before you take the shot. Aim slightly higher than you think you need to. The physics in Oblivion can be a bit floaty, and that arrow has some weight to it. Once the secret door opens, you’re officially in the inner sanctum.
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Inside the White Gold Tower
Now the real ultimate heist walkthrough oblivion experience begins. You aren't fighting monsters anymore; you're dodging the best guards in Cyrodiil. These guys have high detection stats. Even if you're a Master of Sneak, they can hear your boots on the stone floor if you run.
You’ll reach the Library. This is where the magic happens. There’s a chair in the center of the room. Sit in it.
Don’t move.
The Blind Moth Priests will walk right past you. They think you're one of them, or at least someone who’s supposed to be there. One of them will eventually bring you the Elder Scroll. Take it quietly. If you stand up too early or try to pickpocket them, the entire Palace goes on high alert and you're basically dead meat.
The Escape: Don't Look Back
You have the Scroll. Now you need to get out. You can't go back the way you came because the way is barred. Instead, you have to head up to the Chancellor’s quarters.
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There’s a fireplace. Yes, a fireplace.
Jump into it. It’s a long drop, but it leads back into the sewers. This is where those Feather potions or a "Heal" spell come in handy because the fall damage is no joke. Once you hit the water, swim like your life depends on it.
Why This Quest Still Peaks
Oblivion came out in 2006, but the Ultimate Heist remains one of the best-designed missions in RPG history. Why? Because it feels earned. You spent the whole Thieves Guild questline stealing petty change and busts of countesses just to get a shot at the Empire’s greatest treasure.
It’s also one of the few times the game’s "Radiant AI" actually works in your favor. Watching the Moth Priests go about their business while you sit two feet away with the most important document in the world is a genuine rush.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- The Arrow of Extrication: If you lose it, you're stuck. Seriously. Reload a save.
- Overencumbrance: The Elder Scroll isn't heavy, but the loot you find in the Old Way is. Don't be a loot goblin. Leave the iron armor behind.
- The Guards: If you get a bounty during the heist, it doesn't just go away. You’ll have to deal with it after you hand over the Scroll.
- Sneak Skill: If your Sneak is under 50, use the Ring of Khajiiti or any invisibility effect you can find. It’s worth the gold.
Wrapping Up the Gray Fox’s Legacy
Once you’re out, head back to the Gray Fox. He’s waiting in Abandoned House in Cheydinhal. This is the moment where the story wraps up—the identity of the Gray Fox is revealed, the curse of Nocturnal is broken, and you get the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal.
The Cowl is incredible. It gives you 200 points of Feather, Detect Life for 120 feet, and it boosts your Sneak by 25. But remember: wearing it makes you "The Gray Fox" in the eyes of the law. Guards will chase you on sight if they see you put it on. It’s the ultimate tool for a master thief, but it requires a bit of soul-searching before you wear it in public.
Actionable Steps for a Perfect Run
- Check your inventory for at least two Repair Hammers and five Strong Healing potions before entering the Imperial Sewers.
- Save your game manually before entering the Library and before firing the Arrow of Extrication.
- Equip soft shoes or go barefoot if your Sneak skill is low to reduce noise detection.
- Use the "Wait" function if you lose track of the Moth Priests' patrol patterns; they reset to their base positions.
- Head to a fence immediately after the quest to offload any "hot" items you picked up along the way, as you'll want your inventory clear for the Gray Cowl's benefits.
The Ultimate Heist isn't just a quest; it's the definitive stealth experience in the Elder Scrolls series. Take your time, stay in the shadows, and don't let the Blind Moth Priests hear your heartbeat.