Fang Lair (Quest)

For other uses, see Fang Lair.

Fang Lair is the second half to the second main quest of The Elder Scrolls: Arena. Following Queen Blubamka's deciphering of the Elder Scrolls, the location of the legendary Fang Lair is inscribed on the Eternal Champion's map. The Champion then leaves to claim the first piece of the Staff of Chaos.

Background[]

Objectives[]

1. Travel to the Fang Lair
2. Traverse the Lair to the spider prisons
3. Solve the two riddles
4. Claim the first piece of the Staff of Chaos

Walkthrough[]

Preparation[]

After returning Queen Blubamka's parchment, the Eternal Champion should proceed to the Fang Lair. This dungeon is far more difficult than Stonekeep, so more thought should be given to preparations.

In particular, buying Potions of Resist Fire are recommended as the final chamber of the Fang Lair holds Hell Hounds, who cast fireballs. Potions of Healing, or Potions of Heal True should be bought as well, due to the lack of resting spots within the Lair. Re-raiding Stonekeep, and raiding other randomly generated wilderness dungeons may help with expenses.

Once the comfortable with their preparations, the Champion shall proceed to Fang Lair at the Hammerfell–Skyrim border, a nineteen-day journey from Rihad.

The closest town to Fang Lair in Hammerfell is Belkarth Guard, a two-day journey. In Skyrim, the neighboring province, Karthwasten Hall, an eight-day journey.

First Floor – The Mines[]

Fang Lair is complex, and consists of multiple series of underground tunnels and intertwining hallways.

Fang Lair is an ancient Dwarven mine, now infested with skeletons, minotaurs, ghouls, spiders, Orcs, and trolls.

The overall goal is to reach the second floor, which holds the first piece of the Staff of Chaos. The room with the ladder that descends to the second floor is in the southwestern-most portion of the Lair, where six spiders are caged. Upon entering, a narration appears:

The provided map displays the shortest route to the prisons. This does not provide an abundance of experience and loot. Another disadvantage of this path is that it maximizes the time spent in mine shafts, occasionally making fighting difficult if an enemy sits on a ledge. Taking a more circuitous path will provide the opposite: more time spent in the Lair, but more earned experience and loot.

Spider Prisons[]

Entering the prisons, the Champion hears the mass hissing of giant spiders. When entering further, a narration appears on-screen:

At the south end of the room's cages, there are three doors, all three of which contain separate keys.

Cell 1 and 3 hold steel keys, and Cell 2 holds the golden key. If the Champion approaches the southeastern door, it will speak to them:

If the puzzle is solved incorrectly, five spiders will be released on the Champion. Upon approaching closer, the puzzle will speak again:

There are multiple correct answers to the door's riddle, though they all are variations of each other:

• cell 2
• 2
• cell2
• the second cell
• the 2nd cell
• c2

When responding to the door, capitalization doesn't matter. Anything other than the six answers will open the cage doors for the spiders. If the Champion responds with a correct variation, the door will speaks once more:

The door to Cell 2 will unlock and open. Retrieve the golden key from the cell and use it on the puzzle door to reach the ascending ladder to the second floor of Fang Lair.

Second Floor – Staff of Chaos[]

The second level of Fang Lair is linear. Enter the hallway ahead and defeat the three skeletons. The hallway empties into a small square room with lava flowing in the floor. In the center of the room lies an inner room made of black rock that contains the first piece of the Staff of Chaos.

If the Champion is concerned about falling into the lava pools, drinking a Potion of Resist Fire beforehand will completely negate fire damage from the lava.

Saving is recommended. Approach the door to the central chamber and the Champion will hear the growling of the Hell Hounds behind it. Now is the recommended time to drink a Potion of Resist Fire. Approaching the door, the Champion will be asked another riddle:

There are two different acceptable answers (gauntlet or glove), though a number of variations of either work:

• gauntlet
• gauntlets
• glove
• gloves
• a glove
• a gauntlet

The Champion will not be harmed if they fail the question. When a correct variation is chosen, the door comments on the Champion's wit, and open:

After the door opens, two Hell Hounds will attack the Champion.

When the hounds are defeated, the first segment of the Staff of Chaos floats over a pool of blood in the center of the chamber. It is a golden, harpoon-like spike doused in red fire with an angelic choir singing in its area. When taken, a message appears on the screen:

If the Champion does not wish to continue raiding the Lair, exit the Fang Lair and sleep at an inn, as Ria Silmane awaits contact.

Journal[]

Bugs[]

•  PC   When resting in the Lair after acquiring the first Staff Piece, Jagar Tharn may come to the Champion in their sleep before Ria. This does not affect the main questline.
•  PC   Occasionally, Jagar Tharn will dream bridge with the Champion before acquiring the first Staff Piece. This does not affect the main questline.
•  PC   Exiting the first alcove of Mine Shaft A, a Ghoul may block the exit to the mine shaft, preventing escape.
•  PC   If the player submits a blank answer during the first puzzle, it is accepted as a valid answer. The second puzzle rejects this answer.

Appearances[]

• The Elder Scrolls: Arena

Arena Main Quest
Escape From Prison Stonekeep Fang Lair Fortress of Ice Labyrinthian Selene's Web Elden Grove Temple of Agamanus Halls of Colossus Temple of the Mad God Crystal Tower Mines of Khuras Crypt of Hearts Vaults of Gemin Murkwood Black Gate Dagoth-Ur Imperial Palace