Oblivion Remastered walkthrough: How to complete Untaxing the Poor quest

Master the Untaxing the Poor quest with expert stealth strategies, loot optimization, and common mistake avoidance

Quest Initiation Requirements

A guide to complete Untaxing the Poor quest (Image via Bethesda Softworks)
A guide to complete Untaxing the Poor quest (Image via Bethesda Softworks)

A guide to complete Untaxing the Poor quest (Image via Bethesda Softworks)
A guide to complete Untaxing the Poor quest (Image via Bethesda Softworks)

Initiating the Untaxing the Poor quest within Oblivion Remastered requires specific criminal prerequisites. You must successfully fence stolen merchandise valued at minimum 50 gold pieces to trigger this Thieves Guild assignment. Locate Ongar, the established fence typically operating from Bruma’s commercial district, to liquidate your illicit acquisitions. After completing this monetary threshold, journey back to the Imperial City’s Waterfront District. Arrange a covert meeting with Armand Christophe within the garden sector precisely at midnight for mission briefing.

Pro Tip: Accumulate multiple low-value stolen items rather than single high-value pieces to minimize suspicion. Common household items like silverware and jewelry often escape notice while meeting the gold requirement efficiently.

South Watchtower Infiltration Strategy

The South Watchtower maintains continuous guard surveillance, but strategic timing dramatically reduces detection risks. Plan your infiltration for approximately 3 AM when nocturnal human circadian rhythms ensure most sentries are deep in sleep cycles. This biological vulnerability creates optimal stealth conditions for navigating the tower interior. Before approaching the structure, implement crucial inventory management by storing any remaining contraband at safe locations. Carrying stolen goods during infiltration unnecessarily increases legal complications if apprehended.

Common Mistake: Many players attempt entry during evening hours when guards remain partially alert. The 2-4 AM window provides the lowest guard awareness levels, with only one potentially semi-conscious sentry near the entrance.

Advanced Strategy: If you possess illusion magic, casting a calm or chameleon spell just before entry provides additional security. Alternatively, equipping enchanted gear with sneak bonuses significantly improves success probabilities.

Tower Navigation and Looting Techniques

Upon successful entry, prepare for vertical progression through multiple ladder systems. If patrol personnel detect your presence, they typically issue trespassing warnings before escalating to aggression. Critical survival tactic: maintain upward momentum without hesitation – stopping to negotiate or explain invariably triggers combat initiation. During your ascent, reconnaissance of side chambers reveals lootable equipment including armor sets with respectable resale value. Exercise disciplined looting prioritization – avoid time-consuming searches that increase exposure risks.

Loot Optimization: Focus on lightweight, high-value items like enchanted jewelry rather than bulky armor pieces. The weight-to-value ratio significantly impacts your fencing efficiency post-mission.

Stealth Mechanics: Crouch movement speed combined with dark clothing dramatically reduces detection radius. The tower’s torch-lit environment creates natural shadows perfect for concealment between guard patrol routes.

Lex’s Quarters Objective Completion

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Reaching a ladder secured by an average-difficulty lock signals proximity to Hieronymus Lex’s private quarters. Successfully pick this lock to access the commander’s chamber, where you’ll find Lex in deep slumber. Avoid wasting effort pickpocketing the sleeping officer – mission-critical items aren’t in his possession. Instead, locate the writing desk positioned adjacent to the trapdoor mechanism. This furniture piece contains another average-security lock requiring your attention. Upon successful manipulation, retrieve the essential tax documentation and accompanying gold reserves.

Lockpicking Strategy: Average locks typically require 3-5 tumbler positions set correctly. Listen carefully for distinct clicking sounds indicating proper pin placement. Consider carrying extra lockpicks if your security skill is under 50.

Before departure, investigate the area immediately adjacent to Lex’s sleeping quarters. You’ll discover a rare Nirnroot specimen growing unexpectedly indoors. This alchemically valuable plant provides crucial ingredients for potions and becomes significant in later gameplay arcs.

Exit Strategy and Quest Completion

Execute your extraction following the identical route used for infiltration. Utilize the ladder network while maintaining audio discipline – excessive noise might awaken sleeping personnel. Successful tower evacuation without confrontation completes the operational stealth requirement. Return directly to Armand Christophe at the Waterfront District’s garden location. Present both the tax records and accompanying gold to conclude the Untaxing the Poor assignment formally.

Extraction Protocol: Move systematically downward without rushing – hurried movements often cause falling damage or accidental guard collisions. If detected during exit, continue movement rather than engaging in combat.

Quest completion advances your standing within the Thieves Guild hierarchy, unlocking additional lucrative opportunities and specialized training options for future criminal enterprises.

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