Uncover the thief behind the stolen painting in Oblivion’s “Canvas the Castle” quest! Learn how to find clues, confront Chanel, and choose her fate in this engaging Elder Scrolls IV mystery.
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In the sprawling world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, one of the most intriguing side quests in Chorrol, “Canvas the Castle,” tasks players with solving a classic whodunit: the theft of a prized painting of the late Count Valga.
This blog post dives into the mystery, revealing the culprit and guiding you through the investigation process while avoiding spoilers beyond the quest.
The Setup: A Stolen Masterpiece
The quest begins when Countess Arriana Valga of Chorrol enlists your help to recover her husband’s portrait, a cherished family heirloom stolen from Castle Chorrol.
With a cast of suspicious characters—servants, guards, and court members—you must channel your inner detective to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and pinpoint the thief.
The castle’s inhabitants are tight-lipped, and accusations fly, but the truth lies in the evidence you gather.
The Investigation: Gathering the Clues
To crack the case, you will explore Castle Chorrol, searching for three critical pieces of evidence that point to the thief.
Here is what you need to find:
- The Unusual Painting: Tucked away in the West Tower, accessible via a trapdoor, is a peculiar painting hidden behind crates. This artwork, depicting a random chapel, seems out of place in the castle’s grandeur and hints at someone’s secret hobby.
- Paint-Stained Carpet: Under the dining room table, a carpet with telltale paint stains and footprints lies. This suggests the thief was careless, leaving traces of their work behind during the heist.
- Painting Supplies: A thorough search of the private quarters reveals painting supplies stashed inside a lectern in Chanel’s bedroom. This find raises questions about who in the castle has the skill and motive to create art.
These clues are scattered across the castle, requiring keen observation and a small quantity of lockpicking finesse (bring lockpicks or boost your Security skill!).
While navigating their alibis and deflections, you must also interrogate key suspects—Orgnolf, Orok gro-Ghoth, Bittneld, and Chanel.
The Culprit Revealed: Chanel’s Confession
After gathering all three clues, the evidence points squarely to Chanel, the court mage of Chorrol.
Confront her with the findings, and if her disposition toward you is 70 or higher (use Charm spells, Speechcraft, or bribes to boost it), she will confess.
Chanel reveals she stole the painting out of jealousy and unrequited love for the late Count Valga, unable to bear the Countess’s sole claim to his memory.
She hid the portrait behind another painting in her quarters, hoping to keep it for herself.
Your Choice: Justice or Mercy?
Once you have Chanel’s confession, you face a moral dilemma:
- Turn Her In: Report Chanel to Countess Arriana Valga. Based on your level, you will return the painting and earn a hefty reward of up to 700 gold plus leveled gems. However, Chanel will be banished from Chorrol, a harsh consequence of her passion crime.
- Cover for Her: Lie to the Countess, claiming the thief fled Chorrol. You’ll receive a smaller gold reward, but Chanel remains in the castle. After three weeks, she will gift you a unique Reward Painting as a token of gratitude, a rare item that adds a personal touch to your collection.
Both choices conclude the quest, but your decision shapes the outcome for Chanel and your rewards. Do you prioritize justice or show mercy to a lovesick mage?
Why This Quest Shines
“Canvas the Castle” stands out in Oblivion for its blend of detective work, moral ambiguity, and player agency.
The quest rewards exploration and persuasion skills, letting you uncover the truth at your own pace.
Chanel’s motive adds depth to the story, turning a simple theft into a tale of love and betrayal.
Whether you are a completionist hunting for unique rewards or a role-player weighing ethical choices, this quest offers something memorable.
Tips for Success
- Boost Disposition: Use Speechcraft, Charm spells, or bribes to get suspects talking. A high disposition makes Chanel’s confession easier to obtain.
- Explore Thoroughly: The clues are well-hidden, so check every castle corner, especially locked areas.
- Save Before Deciding: Your final choice locks in the outcome, so save beforehand if you want to try both paths.
- Lockpicking Helps: Some clues are behind locked doors, so bring lockpicks or invest in security skills.
Conclusion
The mystery of the stolen painting in Oblivion’s “Canvas the Castle” is a delightful detour in the game’s vast world.
Driven by love and jealousy, Chanel emerges as the thief, but the absolute joy lies in piecing together the clues and deciding her fate.
Whether you are a seasoned Elder Scrolls veteran or a newcomer, this quest is a perfect blend of investigation and storytelling.
So, grab your lockpicks, head to Chorrol, and unravel the mystery for yourself!
Have you played this quest?
What did you choose to do with Chanel? Share your thoughts below!
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