Canvas the Castle

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[edit] Overview

Prerequisites: None
Faction: None
Location: Chorrol
Quest giver: Countess Arriana Valga
Reward: Depending on what path you choose at the end:

a) By turning in the thief, you will obtain some gems and level-dependent amount of gold

b) If you choose to lie, you will obtain a painting worth 500 , some gems and level-dependent amount of gold (less than in the a) option)

[edit] Background Information

Countess Arriana Valga in Chorrol will inform you that a treasured painting of her late husband has been stolen. She requests that you retrieve it for her and bring the culprit to justice.

[edit] Walkthrough

First, you must question all of the witnesses. Use either speechcraft or bribe the witnesses until their disposition towards you is high enough. You can also use spells such as the Voice of the Emperor to temporarily raise their disposition while you talk with them. The witnesses roam the city and can be difficult to find at times; fortunately you can use the map locators to find them easier. Only after interviewing each suspect can you then begin to gather evidence.

After questioning each suspect, you must gather three pieces of evidence.

• An "unusual painting" – Behind a set of crates in the West Tower is a trap door in the floor, which takes you into a subsection of the tower. There you will find the "unusual painting."
• A paint-stained carpet – In the dining room of the castle, inspect the carpet underneath the table for a paint stain. Collect it as evidence by activating the stained carpet.
• Chanel's lectern – Go to Chanel's room (far SW room) and open her lectern.

Note that, if you are able to detect the thief through the interviews alone (two witnesses gives clues on the weather that makes the suspect's alibi an obvious lie), an accusation too early in the investigation will get you nowhere. You need to gather all three pieces of physical evidence before confronting the thief.

When all three pieces of evidence are collected, confront and accuse Chanel. Return to the Countess to return the painting and collect your reward: several gems and various amounts of gold, which is level-dependent.

Alternately, if you have high enough influence with Chanel and found out why she had taken it (through talking with her first), you can lie and say that no one is guilty. You will receive a lesser reward from the Countess. However, when you talk to Chanel again, she will express thanks and promises a "special painting" in three weeks' time. After three weeks, she will give you a painting on a stand, which is worth 500 . It is a painting of the Chorrol town centre.