If you thought the side quests in Oblivion Remastered couldn’t get any stranger, brace yourself for another unique experience with “Symbols of Office.” True to its name, this quest is all about equipping you with the royal trinkets befitting the title of Sheogorath.
While this may not have been on your radar, your mission is to restore the Staff of Sheogorath; without it, the symbol of the Daedric Prince of Madness wouldn’t quite hold up, would it?
Getting Started with Symbols of Office
After you talk to Sheogorath post-completion of The Helpless Army, you’ll experience a surprising moment: Sheogorath transforms into Jyggalag, the Daedric Prince of Order.
Following this unsettling transformation, Haskill approaches with even more shocking news: you must take on the role of Sheogorath in his absence.
As a capable leader, you’ll need a symbol of authority, which kicks off your quest, Symbols of Office. Haskill instructs you to head to Knifepoint Hollow to reconstruct the Staff of Sheogorath and presents you with a crystal that you’ll need for later to access the library.
Restoring the Staff of Sheogorath’s Power
Make your way to Knifepoint Hollow, located north of the Hill of Suicides. Advance through the initial area toward the Ancient Door, which can be opened using the Knifepoint Crystal you’ve been given.
Once you step inside, you’ll meet a man named Dyus, who has been expecting your arrival.
Talk to Dyus, who will inform you that to restore the staff, you’ll need two specific items: The Eye of Ciirta and a Branch of the Tree of Shades found in Milchar.
Obtaining a Branch from the Tree of Shades
First, head to Milchar, which is just north of Overlook Road. Walk through the entrance to Milchar, Nexus, and follow the path until you reach the Grove of Reflection.
Once inside the grove, drop down the first hole to your right (west) and turn right at the first junction. You will see the Tree of Shades in front of you.
Before entering this room, consider removing all your armor and weapons to make the upcoming battle simpler.
As you approach the Standing Stone, you’ll be confronted by a hostile clone of yourself, instantly engaging in combat.
Your clone will mirror your gear and abilities, so prepare for a challenging fight if you’re well-equipped and powerful at this stage.
After you defeat your doppelgänger, grab the sword they drop: Shadowrend. Then, activate the tree to obtain a branch.
Acquiring the Eye of Ciirta
Exit Milchar and make your way to the Howling Halls in the southern part of Heretics Horn.
Enter through the Howling Halls, Narthex entrance, where you’ll encounter several apostles to defeat. You will need their Apostle Daggers shortly.
Alternatively, you can quietly eliminate one apostle and wear their robes to sneak through unnoticed. You may also find some robes on a bench near the first apostle.
Regardless of how you proceed, continue toward the grand doors leading to the Congregation Chambers.
Upon entering, you will be greeted peacefully by Ra’kheran, whether you wear a robe or not.
If you’re not in disguise, he’ll advise you to put one on before drawing attention.
Ra’kheran proposes an intriguing offer: he and his associates will assist you in eliminating Ciirta if you provide them with some daggers. You can choose to accept his offer or eliminate everyone in the area, including Ciirta.
If you decide to help Ra’kheran, he requires three Apostle Daggers without harming his allies.
To do this, return to the previous area and collect the daggers from those you’ve defeated.
With the three daggers in hand, talk to Ra’kheran again to initiate the plan.
You can then sneakily follow Ra’kheran as he rushes off to carry out the assassination, stopping briefly to arm his accomplices.
After this pause, continue following them into the Antechamber and witness the dialogue that leads to the three apostles eliminating Ciirta, allowing you to retrieve Ciirta’s Eye.
Wait for your quest to update before looting her body; the eye won’t appear until prompted.
With Ciirta’s Eye and the branch secured, head back to Dyus at Knifepoint Hollow.
Rewards for Completing Symbols of Office
After you talk to Dyus and provide him with the materials, he will create an incomplete Staff of Sheogorath for you.
However, your next task is to take the staff to the palace and empower it using the Font of Madness.
Return to the New Sheoth Palace and activate the Font of Madness located behind Sheogorath’s throne, completing your quest, Symbols of Office, and setting the stage for The Roots of Madness.
Although there are no additional rewards, the sword Shadowrend you acquired earlier is an excellent asset.
