Need help completing Lifting the Vale in Oblivion Remastered? This guide shows you how to reach Pale Pass, solve the dungeon, and claim the Draconian Madstone.
Oblivion Remastered: Lifting the Vale Quest Guide
Lifting the Vale is a hidden gem of a quest in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, combining exploration, puzzle-solving, and a dash of Akaviri lore. If you’re into ancient ruins, ghostly warriors, and snowy mountaintops, this quest delivers—and rewards you with the unique Ring of Vipereye.
This guide covers how to start the quest, where to go, how to get through Fort Pale Pass, and where to find the Draconian Madstone.

🧭 How to Start “Lifting the Vale”
- Travel to Bruma
After progressing through the early part of the game, you may be approached by Tolgan, who delivers an invitation from Countess Narina Carvain. - Don’t See Tolgan?
You can still start the quest by hearing rumors from townsfolk or guards about the Countess seeking help. Either way, head to Bruma Castle and speak with her. - Get the Akaviri Diary Translation
Countess Carvain tasks you with finding the Draconian Madstone, an Akaviri artifact believed to be in Pale Pass. She gives you a translated diary to guide your search.

🏔 How to Reach Pale Pass
- Head to Dragonclaw Rock
It’s marked on your map. From there, go west and climb the mountain. You’ll see a large stone Sentinel statue. - Go North to the Serpent’s Trail
Continue north until you reach a cave-like area—the entrance to Serpent’s Trail. - Explore the Trail
It’s mostly linear. Along the way, you’ll find a messenger’s skeleton holding the Akaviri Orders. Grab them before exiting.
🧊 Entering Pale Pass
Once you exit the Serpent’s Trail, you’ll be in Pale Pass, a snowy valley with undead Akaviri warriors.
- Follow the Path North
You’ll spot two statues and the entrance to Fort Pale Pass in the distance. - Enter the Serpent’s Mouth
Inside the fort, prepare to fight off Akaviri undead enemies. Follow the quest marker to progress. - Through the Eyes and Fangs of the Serpent
These two doors mark key progression points. Beware traps, like arrow-firing pillars, and activate levers to lower bridges.
🗡 Meet Commander Mishaxhi
Eventually, you’ll reach a chamber called Venom of the Serpent and encounter Akaviri Commander Mishaxhi.
- Speak to him and mention the “orders.”
This completes his final mission and opens the stone wall ahead.

💎 Get the Draconian Madstone
- Loot the Chests for Gold
- Grab the Draconian Madstone from the pedestal.
- Exit the Ruins
Activate a switch on the left to create a shortcut back to the entrance.
💍 Return to Bruma & Claim Your Reward
- Head back to Countess Carvain in Bruma Castle.
- Give her the Madstone to complete the quest.
- You’ll receive the Ring of Vipereye as a reward.
🎁 Ring of Vipereye Stats:
- Reflect Spell 10%
- Resist Magic 20%
A solid mid-game ring, especially if you’re going up against magic-wielding enemies.
🧠 Quest Recap
- 🏰 Talk to Countess Carvain to begin the quest.
- 🏔 Travel through Dragonclaw Rock and Serpent’s Trail to reach Pale Pass.
- ⚔ Fight undead Akaviri and solve dungeon puzzles.
- 📜 Deliver the Akaviri Orders to Commander Mishaxhi.
- 💎 Collect the Draconian Madstone.
- 💍 Return to Bruma and receive the Ring of Vipereye.
That’s it you can also check How to Get Shadowmere
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