In The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, numerous quests await, but some require more effort than others. You’ll travel across the map, save villagers, and defeat formidable foes. Among these quests, “A Shadow Over Hackdirt” will truly challenge your detective skills.
When Dar-Ma from Chorrol disappears, you must step in to find and rescue her. There are multiple ways to accomplish this, and we’ll guide you through the most effective methods to bring her home safely. Here’s what you need to know to locate the missing Argonian in Cyrodiil.
How to Start the “A Shadow Over Hackdirt” Quest
To kick off this quest, first, visit the city of Chorrol and meet young Dar-Ma. She’s a talkative Argonian who lives with her mother, Seed-Neeus, and they run the Northern Goods and Trade shop together.
Once you’ve met Dar-Ma, talk to her mother during your next visit. You’ll need to leave Chorrol completely for the quest to begin. Seed-Neeus sent Dar-Ma to make deliveries to a small settlement called Hackdirt, which is not far from Chorrol. Unfortunately, she hasn’t come back, and her mother is worried.
If you’ve previously visited Hackdirt, ensure that Etira Moslin and Vlanholder are still alive when you depart; otherwise, the quest won’t trigger.
Where to Find Hackdirt
To reach Hackdirt, leave Chorrol and head south. Follow the path past the Weynon Priory, then take a detour along the dirt track further down. If you reach Odiil Farm, you’ve gone too far.
Upon arriving in Hackdirt, you’ll find that much of the town is in ruins. The place was devastated long ago, and the remaining residents aren’t very friendly. Engaging with them will reveal little information.
How to Find Dar-Ma
Explore Hackdirt, but don’t take too long. While the locals are tight-lipped about Dar-Ma, you can still question them to gain some insight into the situation.
Start by talking to Etira Moslin, the local merchant and Seed-Neeus’s contact. She states that Dar-Ma never arrived and alleges that Seed-Neeus is a fraud, offering little more than that. You’re free to wander the town and gather evidence of Dar-Ma’s presence on your own.
Gathering Evidence of Dar-Ma’s Arrival
There are several clues that suggest Dar-Ma was in Hackdirt. Below are some ways to confirm her visit and that she’s still nearby:
- Her horse, Blossom. You’ll find Blossom in one of the burned-down buildings. While riding the horse counts as theft, Seed-Neeus mentioned that Dar-Ma would never abandon her beloved mare. If you ask Etira about the horse, she claims it belongs to her.
- Dar-Ma’s ransacked bedroom. Head to the inn and pick the lock to the guest rooms. One of them appears to have been overturned, suggesting a struggle. Something feels off, but it’s unclear just by looking.
- Dar-Ma’s diary. Inside the dresser of the guest room are Dar-Ma’s belongings and her diary. The latest entry talks about her hearing footsteps outside her door at night. When you confront the innkeeper about it, he claims she simply stayed the night and left without a word.
- The Deep Ones. You can read the Bible of the Deep Ones in the chapel, which contains Daedric runes. While this won’t fuel conversation, it hints at why the townspeople are so secretive.
The Bible of the Deep Ones is a rare find, so don’t forget to grab it.
Every building in Hackdirt has a hidden trapdoor that can expedite your search for Dar-Ma. However, if you wish to gather more intel before venturing down, only one townsfolk can assist you.
Talk to Jiv Hiriel, who will caution you not to speak openly (if you hadn’t already guessed). Meet him at his house after dark, right next to the chapel. He’ll inform you that time is running out and you only have a few hours to save Dar-Ma.
Jiv Hiriel provides you with a key to the caverns below the settlement and tells you to enter through the inn to get to Dar-Ma.
While it’s possible to find Dar-Ma before speaking to Jiv and rescue her during the day, the townspeople devoted to the Deep Ones will attack you on sight.
How to Keep Dar-Ma Safe
Upon entering the caverns beneath the settlement, you’ll discover Dar-Ma locked in a cage. Stealth is key to reaching her undetected, or you could combat the half-clothed Hackdirt Brethren. Use the key on the stool beside Dar-Ma to free her or pick the lock.
You can sneak out together through the ladder leading to the inn and then head to her horse, Blossom. If you drop a weapon for Dar-Ma, she may utilize it to defend herself. Otherwise, make a fast escape from town.
If Dar-Ma reaches Blossom, she’ll ride her back to town. However, the horse is quite slow since she has lost a shoe.
Instead, ride Blossom yourself and fast travel back to Chorrol to evade attacks on the way.
Once you’re back, talk to Seed-Neeus to inform her that her daughter is safe. For rescuing Dar-Ma, you’ll receive a five-point boost to your Mercantile skill, increased fame, and a disposition increase of 100 points with Seed-Neeus.
If Dar-Ma dies at any point during this quest, you’ll need to deliver the bad news to Seed-Neeus. You won’t receive a reward since she will now be in mourning for her only child.
Should You Kill the People of Hackdirt?
Be advised that if you’re spotted by the townspeople at night before the ritual, most will turn hostile and attack. Even if you manage to go undetected, they’ll aggressively chase you if you return.
Despite the unsettling noises in the caverns, you won’t actually see the Deep Ones. However, the growling sounds are thought to come from these mysterious creatures.
Only a small number, including Jiv Hiriel, will avoid conflict with you. Therefore, unless you’re truly committed to it, you’ll probably need to eliminate almost everyone in Hackdirt.
If you have a reason to save the townsfolk, try to navigate the settlement stealthily. Engage only with Jiv Hiriel without being seen, then make your way to the caverns.
Even if you avoid being spotted, there’s still a chance the townsfolk will attack, so stay alert.
Regardless of your decisions, the Hackdirt Brethren will track you down. If you don’t defeat them in the caves, they will emerge from the trapdoors and pursue you in the outside world. Act quickly to prevent additional casualties in Cyrodiil.
