Unlock Henantier’s Nightmare in Oblivion Remastered!

In Oblivion Remastered, the quest named “Through a Nightmare, Darkly” is a rumor-based adventure located within Bravil. This is one of the optional tasks that you can finish at your own pace without any prior requirements. During this mission, you’ll be assigned to save someone – a friend of a Mages Guild member – who has been trapped in an endless dream.

As a gamer, stepping into “Through a Nightmare, Darkly” feels like diving headfirst into the dreamscape of Inception. It’s my job to navigate through this surreal world, guiding someone trapped in their dreams back to reality.

For many players of Oblivion Remastered, the dream puzzles can pose a challenge. This walkthrough offers a detailed, easy-to-follow sequence so you can tackle ‘Through a Nightmare, Darkly’ with ease and speed.

Quest Details

Type	Duration	Quest Giver	Location
Miscellaneous Quest	~ 10 minutes	Kud-Ei	Bravil

The “Through a Nightmare, Darkly” quest initiates when you delve into rumors circulating in Bravil. Over time, townspeople will hint that Kud-Ei, an Argonian Mages Guild member, is on a hunt for her friend who has apparently gone missing. Upon approaching Kud-Ei herself, she reveals that her friend, Henantier, isn’t lost but ensnared in an illusion, and she enlists your assistance to free him.

How to Enter the Dreamworld

Following your agreement to rescue Henantier, Kud-Ei will guide you to his whereabouts. After that, she’ll request you to share a bed with Henantier for entry into what she refers to as the “Dreamworld.” Before you can doze off, it is necessary to ensure readiness by conversing with Kud-Ei first. Prior to lying down, make sure to put on the Dreamworld Amulet.

Here’s a quick recap:

Follow Kud-Ei into Henantier’s house.
Talk to Kud-Ei and confirm you’re ready.
Open your inventory and equip the Dreamworld Amulet.
Approach the bed next to the sleeping Henantier and go to sleep.
This transports you to the Dreamworld and begins the next phase of the Through a Nightmare, Darkly quest.

How to Complete the Four Sanity Tests

Upon venturing into the Dreamrealm, it will become clear that Henantier is ensnared within due to his lack of four essential qualities: Patience, Courage, Awareness, and Determination. To free him, you are tasked with overcoming four symbolic challenges—each embodying one of these characteristics—and retrieving all the misplaced fragments.

You can complete the Sanity Tests in any order.

The Test of Patience Puzzle Solution

At the onset of the Trial of Endurance, you’ll encounter a Puzzling Parchment tucked inside a receptacle. This parchment acts as a guide, marking a secure path over a string of hazardous floor tiles laced with tripwires.

The route splits into three enigmatic riddles, each becoming larger and more intricate as you progress. Treading on incorrect stones could activate lethal snares, so pay heed to the scroll’s emblems meticulously. The secret lies in navigating the path indicated by corresponding symbols on the Enigmatic Scroll.

First Pressure Plate Puzzle (Small): Start from the second plate on the left. Step forward onto the tile in front of it. Move to the leftmost tile, then continue straight ahead to the other side.
Second Pressure Plate Puzzle (Medium): From the starting point: two tiles up, two tiles left, two tiles up, one tile right, one tile up, two tiles right, one tile up.
Third Pressure Plate Puzzle (Large): From the starting point: three tiles up, four tiles right, two tiles up, one tile right, two tiles up, three tiles left, one tile down, four tiles left, two tiles up.

If your character has a strong proficiency in Speed and Agility, they could potentially navigate around these obstacles. Yet, it’s important to note that this approach may deplete their Health Points (HP), which isn’t generally recommended.

The Test of Courage Solution

Among the four tests, the one requiring the most courage, often referred to as the Test of Courage, asks you to swim into a tunnel. Start by retrieving the Weak Sea Potion from its container, but hold off on consuming it for now. Dive into the water and proceed along the tunnel’s path. When you sense your air running low, go ahead and drink the potion to keep swimming.

There’s an additional Breath Elixir found in the tunnel. Should you need it, go ahead and utilize it to prolong your ability to breathe underwater.

Or simply:

Found another Breath Potion in the tunnel. Use it if you want more time breathing underwater.

The Test of Perception Solution

The Key to Understanding lies hidden on a tricky obstacle course teeming with tripwires. To pass the challenge, pick up the lantern in the box and tread cautiously along the path, making sure to skip over the pressure-sensitive spots strewn about. At intervals, expect debris to rain down from above, so pace yourself. It’s wise to move deliberately and meticulously maneuver through each section to dodge the obstacles.

The Test of Resolve Solution

To conquer the Aspect of Perseverance, you’ll have to battle some Dreamland Minotaurs. Luckily, you’re equipped with a complete armor set and multiple weapons right from the start, which lessens the difficulty in combat. I suggest opting for the Staff, as it enables you to eliminate enemies without sustaining damage. Nevertheless, since the Minotaurs are usually of lower level compared to you, any of the offered weapons should make vanquishing them a walk in the park.

How to Exit the Dreamworld

After acquiring the Four Pillars of Composure (Forbearance, Bravery, Awareness, and Determination), make your way back to Henantier’s residence for a conversation. He will then guide you both out of the Realm of Dreams, concluding the quest.

Did you know? If you decide to eliminate Henantier within the Dreamworld, you will meet your own demise too. As Kud-Ei cautioned at the onset of the quest, each person’s life is interconnected with Henantier’s while in his dream, so eliminating him equates to an attempt at self-destruction.

2025-05-06 06:04