Oblivion:The Gray Fox

This page is currently being rechecked as part of the Oblivion Remastered Project. The page is being checked in several stages to verify any changes due to the release of Oblivion Remastered. If you make an addition to this page, please update this template accordingly, but make sure you have observed the project guidelines. Details Remastered Image: not added Quests: not written Services: not written Personal Inventory: not written House Contents: not written Unique Dialogue: not written Schedule: not written

The Gray Fox (RefID: 00014702) (lore page)
Location	Quest-dependent
Race	Imperial	Gender	Male
Level	40	Class	Gray Fox
RefID	00014702	BaseID	00014653
Other Information
Health	235	Magicka	157
Responsibility	50	Aggression	0
Essential	Until The Ultimate Heist is completed
Faction(s)	Thieves Guild Gray Fox(Gray Fox )

The Gray Fox in person

The Gray Fox is the mysterious leader of one of the most secretive organizations in Tamriel, the Thieves Guild. Among the common population of the Empire it is often rumored that he can turn invisible at will, shrink to the size of a mouse, turn into mist and seep under locked doors, while most members of the Imperial Legion simply believe him to be a myth, nothing more than another common thief. Among his followers, however, the rumors that flow around are quite different; they instead comment about the mysterious figure that he represents, said to have ruled the Thieves Guild for about 300 years, questioning if he could even be immortal. That is everyone but a single fellow thief who goes around known only as the Stranger, who instead comments that he is said to be the one responsible for the theft of the Gray Cowl, his most significant feature, from the Daedra Lord Nocturnal.

For the most part of the Thieves Guild questline the only information that you will receive about him are rumors and tales, however once you have taken care of the most troublesome Captain of the Guard Hieronymus Lex, who seems to be the only one that believes the legends about the Gray Fox, S'Krivva will inform you that the Gray Fox himself may request a meeting with you very soon, which turns out to be true, as Methredhel will inform you that the Gray Fox requests an encounter with you to appoint you with a very special assignment. At this point you are directed to see him at Helvius Cecia's house in Bruma, where he will make a brief appearance to inform you about the errand that you are to carry out for him before disappearing, and a second time when you report back to explain the details of the mission. He keeps this behavior during the subsequent set of quests that he gives to you (See this section for details).

For your second assignment, you are asked to see him at Malintus Ancrus' house in Chorrol, when this time you are requested to steal a very special arrow that is currently in the possession of a powerful Court Wizard. As Amusei will inform you, for your third task the Fox will be waiting in Ganredhel's house in the city Cheydinhal, where you are assigned with the errand to steal the Boots of Springheel Jak from the descendant of a famous thief. For your final task, he requests a meeting at Othrelos' house in the Imperial City, where he will fill you in with the details of his plan to carry out one last great heist, requesting you to steal one of the legendary Elder Scrolls from the Imperial Palace. Once you return to him with the news of your job, you may notice that something is strange, as he will ask you for a final favor: to deliver a very special ring to Countess Umbranox in Anvil, only to be revealed that he was the missing Count of Anvil Corvus Umbranox all along, and that he is now willing to bestow the title of the new guildmaster of the Thieves Guild upon you in order to return to his old life before he inherited the Cowl.

The Gray Fox's equipment contains some of the rarest items in Cyrodiil. He is clad in a Weaponward Cuirass mixed with a pair of leather greaves, the Boots of the Olympian and the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal itself and also wears a ring of Ring of Alteration and a Ring of Thieves. He also keeps in his inventory a full set of lower-class clothing, namely a patched vest, a pair of sack cloth pants and sack cloth sandals. He is armed with a leveled shortsword, always unenchanted, and also carries around two potions of Cure Poison and three strong potions of Healing just in case he finds himself in a tough situation, along with a high amount of gold.

In combat, aside from relying on his trustworthy sword, he also possesses some spells to assist him. He is able to cast three spells from the school of Alteration, two from Illusion, and a single spell from Destruction, corresponding to: the apprentice-level spells Defend, Electric Shell, and Sea Stride; the expert-level Shadow spell and the master-level Silence spell; and the novice-level Spark spell, respectively. Added to that, he also possesses a lesser power that costs him nothing to cast named "Gray Cowl Invisibility", which grants him Invisibility lasting 300 seconds.

Related QuestsEdit

• Turning a Blind Eye: Steal a stone for the Gray Fox.
• Arrow of Extrication: Steal an arrow for the Gray Fox.
• Boots of Springheel Jak: Find out where Springheel Jak is buried and retrieve a pair of magical boots for the Gray Fox.
• The Ultimate Heist: Steal an Elder Scroll for the Gray Fox, and for glory!

RumorsEdit

The Gray Cowl, said to have been stolen from Nocturnal

The Gray Fox's supposed image from one of the wanted posters in the Imperial City

The Gray Fox is a legendary name in Cyrodiil, and you will hear rumors about him across the entire province. This is especially true in the Imperial City, where wanted posters with his likeness adorn many walls and where you will find multiple papers from The Black Horse Courier discussing him.

Among the common people of Cyrodiil and the Imperial Legion, the only thing they seem to care about is that he's just another criminal in the world as they often comment:

"Ohh! He's that wanted criminal. Isn't he a master thief? I hear he's dangerous, too. I've heard that the beggars spy for him." (If it is a citizen in the Imperial City)

"Blasted thief. I hope they string him up when they catch him. He's a slippery one, though. The beggars are his eyes and ears." (If it is a citizen from any other town)

"He's just a thief. He's supposed to be the head of the Thieves Guild. What a joke! Can you imagine a bunch of thieves trying to form a guild? The nobility hate him, but the peasants and the beggars love him, especially in the Waterfront." (If it is a guard from the Imperial City, or)

"He's that thief that the Imperial Watch are always going on about. He likes to steal from rich folk." (If it is a guard from any other city)

"Don't pay attention to those rumors. There is no such thing as a Thieves Guild. The Gray Fox is just a thief the Watch hasn't caught yet."

Among the members of the guild however, the rumors that can be often heard are quite different:

"He's been around for hundreds of years. I've heard tell that he is immortal. I don't know about that, but he sure ain't normal."

"He's been around forever. It must be 300 years or more since he took charge. I'm not sure he's even human."

"Nobody really knows who he is. He's always hiding under that weird cowl. Kinda spooky if you ask me."

"He is the greatest of all thieves. I have heard it said that he stole his gray cowl from Nocturnal herself."

"We don't talk about him in public. The Thieves Guild follows the Gray Fox. However, we make sure that most folks think he is just a myth."

"All Thieves Guild members have sworn loyalty to him. If there is such a thing as a guildmaster, he's it."

"He's kind of like a guildmaster for the Thieves Guild. All I know is that the Doyen and other senior guild members do his bidding like trained dogs."

With a low disposition, Armand Christophe will also comment:

Gray Fox

"He's just a name on a wanted poster. I don't trust you enough to say more than that."

Citizens will also comment on the Fox's long-running battle with guard captain Hieronymus Lex:

"He's that Imperial Watch Captain that's always chasing after the Gray Fox and the Thieves Guild. Chasing after shadows if you ask me. The Thieves Guild probably doesn't exist, and it's a sure bet the Gray Fox doesn't either."

"He is captain of the Imperial Watch. He is pursuing a personal vendetta against the Thieves Guild and the Gray Fox. I heard the Gray Fox personally humiliated Lex years ago when he tried to arrest Armand Christophe for theft. Lex has never forgotten it."

Quest-Related EventsEdit

Once you have taken care of the annoying Hieronymus Lex by making him the new Captain of the Guard of Anvil, S'Krivva will tell you that she no longer has any more special jobs for you to fulfill, as you have now achieved the rank of Shadowfoot and thus don't have need of any Doyen to provide you work. However she will inform you that there have been recent rumors around the guild that the Gray Fox himself may be needing your services soon, and suggests you to keep the Guild Fences busy in the meantime.

Finding the Thieves GuildEdit

Before joining the Thieves Guild, beggars will have different dialogue to citizens and guards. If their disposition is below 70, they will simply say:

"He's a fairy tale. The Imperial Watch pretends there is a thief king named the Gray Fox who controls all the thieves in Cyrodiil. Of course it's all just made up to give them an excuse to keep us down."

If their disposition is above 70, however, they will ask:

"Are you looking for him?"

"Yes. I want to work with him."

"I think I trust you enough to tell you this secret. To learn more about the Gray Fox, go to the Garden of Dareloth at midnight. Look in the Waterfront District of the Imperial City. I can say no more."

This will start the Finding the Thieves Guild quest.

If however you choose other options, they will maintain the facade:

Yes. I want to rid the city of him.

"I don't blame you. He's a menace to society. Let me know if you find out anything."

No. I'm just curious about him.

"He's a fairy tale. The Imperial Watch pretends there is a thief king named the Gray Fox who controls all the thieves in Cyrodiil."

Alternatively, if you are sent to jail, after you get out of jail, you will be approached by Myvryna Arano, who will give you a note signed by the Gray Fox himself:

"Take this. It's from a friend."

When you meet Armand Christophe at the Garden of Dareloth, his introduction will depend on how you heard about the Guild:

Mysterious Note

"Ah, yes. Another scoundrel who served time in an imperial jail. The Gray Fox is offering you a chance to join the Thieves Guild."

Gray Fox

"You say a beggar told you to seek me out? Good enough for me then. The beggars are the eyes and ears of the Gray Fox. He is the King of Thieves in Cyrodiil. You could think of him as our guildmaster, although he would deny that title."

Once you pass the test, Armand will welcome you while underscoring the influence that the Gray Fox has over the guild by reciting the three rules summarised in Followers of the Gray Fox:

Thieves Guild Test

"Congratulations! You have returned with the diary. You have earned the right to join the Thieves Guild. You now owe your loyalty to our guildmaster, the Gray Fox. He has three rules you must follow."

Three rules

"First, never steal from another member of the guild. Second, never kill anyone on the job. This is not the Dark Brotherhood. Animals and monsters can be slain if necessary. Third, don't steal from the poor. The peasants and beggars are under the personal protection of the Gray Fox, particularly here on the Waterfront."

Untaxing the PoorEdit

The truth of the third rule will soon become evident, as Armand will explain once you have fenced 50 gold worth of stolen goods:

"The Gray Fox has asked me to take care of a problem, and I'm putting you on it. Hieronymus Lex actually collected taxes from everyone living here on the Waterfront! Your job is to recover those taxes. Are you up for it?"

This seems awfully noble for thieves.

"The people of the waterfront are very poor. Traditionally the city has not collected taxes from them, even though by law they could. The money the city would collect would barely cover the cost of collecting. The Gray Fox has always guaranteed protection to the poor of the waterfront. He doesn't want to let this injustice stand. It's a matter of principle."

Why does the Gray Fox care?

"The Gray Fox has led our guild for over 300 years now. He has always guaranteed protection to the poor of the waterfront."

Who is Hieronymus Lex?

"He is a fool of a Captain in the Imperial Watch. He's a real law and order type. He has a grudge against the Thieves Guild and the Gray Fox in particular. Lex has made it his personal mission to capture him. The Gray Fox has led our guild for over 300 years now. He has always guaranteed protection to the poor of the waterfront."

Once you return the tax records, Armand will note:

"Ah! The Gray Fox will be very pleased. We will make sure this gets back to the people."

After the quest, The Black Horse Courier will publish an edition detailing the incident and noting that Lex's quest to imprison the Gray Fox continues:

"The ever-vigilant Captain Lex has renewed his call to capture the infamous thief, the Gray Fox. He is petitioning for a bounty to be put on the legendary master thief's head."

MisdirectionEdit

After completing Ahdarji's Heirloom, S'Krivva's next task will again involve Lex's attempts to capture the Gray Fox:

"I have a small problem that you may be able to help with. The guild will even pay a reward. That buffoon, Hieronymus Lex, has invaded the Imperial City Waterfront. Imperial Watch guards from all over the city prowl the streets."

How bad is it?

"Hieronymus Lex has vowed not to leave until the Gray Fox is in custody. The Fox is safe, but the Thieves Guild cannot do business like this. The poor of the Waterfront are kindred to the Gray Fox, and will not betray him. However, cubs soon get hungry. Soon someone will break. Many guild members could be jailed. Find Methredhel in the Imperial City. She is co-ordinating the guild's response."

She will also provide her unique opinion on the elusive guilmaster:

Gray Fox

"He is the greatest of all thieves. I have heard it said that he stole his gray cowl from Nocturnal herself."

Methredhel is indeed coordinating all activities and will suggest a plan of action to raise the siege on the Waterfront. At this point, she will also provide some useful information about the elusive gradmaster:

Gray Fox

"I didn't think much about him when I first joined the Thieves Guild. Lately I've been hearing odd things though. That Gray Cowl he wears was stolen from Nocturnal herself. Can you imagine having the nerve to steal from a Daedric Lord?"

Down at the Waterfront, Lex's men can be found interrogating the locals and reporting back to Lex:

"I'm looking for the Gray Fox. What can you tell me?"

"I have an arrest warrant for the Gray Fox. Do you know where he is?"

"The Gray Fox is hiding nearby. What do you know about him?"

"No sign of the Gray Fox, sir."

Once you've successfully stolen Hrormir's Icestaff, a Dremora will deliver a message to Lex commanding him to stand down. At this point he will bitterly announce to his men:

"All right men. We've been ordered back to our posts. I smell the dirty hand of the Gray Fox behind this."

Lex's humiliation will be commented on by the city's residents:

"The Gray Fox made a fool of Hieronymus Lex. While half the Watch was in the Waterfront, thieves made off with half the rest of the city."

After the quest, the Black Horse Courier will also carry the story of how Lex was once more outfoxed:

"Stymied in his attempts to capture the legendary thief, the Gray Fox, Captain Hieronymus Lex of the Imperial Watch raided the Waterfront. Extra Watchmen were pulled from duty in other parts of the city to search the slums of the Waterfront. A small amount of contraband was confiscated, but the Gray Fox escaped."

Lost HistoriesEdit

In the next quest, S'Krivva will reveal that the book you're being asked to track down is sought by the Gray Fox himself:

"I have need of a very special book, the Lost Histories of Tamriel. The cat burglar Theranis was sent hunting in Skingrad for this book. However, Theranis has not been seen since. The Gray Fox himself hunts for this book. I need you to find Theranis."

When return, she will note:

"Theranis is dead? I grieve for him. But at least you have the book. The Gray Fox has sought this book for many years."

Taking Care of LexEdit

When you have fenced the 500 gold, S'Krivva will provide you with a new task with the Fox's fingerprints all over it:

"Hieronymus Lex must be eliminated once and for all. The Gray Fox has asked that you do this personally. It is a most delicate matter."

What is the plan?

"Countess Umbranox of Anvil, is hunting for a new captain of her guard. The Legion Commander of the Imperial Watch sent her a list of candidates. The Gray Fox wants this list replaced with one that highly recommends Hieronymus Lex. From Anvil he can do little harm to the guild."

The Fox's potential links to the Umbranox family are also first hinted at:

Why not just kill Lex?

"We are thieves, not murderers. That is the province of the Dark Brotherhood. For reasons unknown to this one, the Gray Fox has extended his protection to the Umbranox family and Lady Umbranox in particular. While Lex is a problem for the guild, his unwavering loyalty and resolve make him the perfect protector for Lady Umbranox."

During the quest you will also meet a curious forger, the Stranger, who will share some interesting information about the Gray Fox:

Gray Fox

"Everyone wants to know about the Gray Fox. Gray Fox this, Gray Fox that. He's just a man, not a Daedric lord. I've heard it all. They say he's immortal because he's led the Thieves Guild for over 300 years. No-one has ever seen his face because he always wears that gray cowl. Oh, and speaking of the Gray Cowl, did you know he stole it from Nocturnal herself? You'd think he was Saint Nerevar the way they talk about him."

"The Gray Fox and I are closer than brothers. We share a desire to remain unknown."

"He's a most mysterious fellow. In many ways I admire him. Most of the time I just feel sorry for him."

When you inform Lex he's to be reassigned, he will sense the Gray Fox is behind it all:

New Guard Captain

"I've been reassigned! This is outrageous! The Gray Fox had a hand in this, I know it."

Turning a Blind EyeEdit

At this point S'Krivva will note that it may finally be time for you meet the mysterious Gray Fox yourself:

"I have no more jobs for a thief of your skill. You have no need of the Doyen to provide you work. However, there are rumors that the Gray Fox himself may call on you soon. Wait for contact from him."

Sure enough, once you have fenced stolen goods worth at least 600 gold, you will be contacted by one of the personal messengers of the Gray Fox, your fellow Guild member Methredhel:

"I have a message for you from the Gray Fox."

What is the message?

"The Gray Fox has a task for you. Meet him at Helvius Cecia's house in Bruma."

Once you arrive, Helvius will be waiting for your outside:

"The Gray Fox is waiting for you."

"He's inside, downstairs. Don't keep him waiting."

Your first mark, the Temple of the Ancestor Moths

Sure enough, the Gray Fox himself is sat inside the house and will call out:

"Come. We must talk."

"I see you got my message."

If you respond cockily he will brush you off:

You're lucky I wasn't busy.

"Curb your tongue, Shadowfoot! I am the Gray Fox. If you ever want to become a Master Thief in the guild, you had better learn respect."

With a bit more respect, he'll offer you a job:

It is an honor to finally meet you.

"I have need of your special gifts. There is an item, hidden away in a remote monastery. I need you to go get it for me. The monastery is extensive and well guarded, so you should make sure to be well prepared. Should you succeed, I will pay you well for your services."

I am not adequately prepared.

"Preparation is the key to success. Come back to me when you are better prepared."

I would be honored to help.

"Capital! The monastery is called the Temple of the Ancestor Moths. It is where retired, blind Moth priests go to wait out the rest of their days. I will mark the location on your map. Look for it in the far northeast of Cyrodiil, beyond Cheydinhal. I need you to acquire Savilla's Stone. It is a large crystal with special properties that I need to gain... advantage. Remember, do not shed innocent blood. However, there is no bloodprice for slaying the stone's guardians, human or inhuman. When I receive word that Savilla's Stone is missing, I will be here waiting for you."

You can now ask him about himself, though he will brush you off:

Gray Fox

"I don't answer questions about myself. Particularly when they come from a Shadowfoot."

Should you try to speak to him again, he will dismiss you:

"Don't you have something to do?"

Once you return with the crystal in your hands he will eagerly ask if you have been able to recover it, telling you thrilled that you may be summoned again once you inform him that indeed you have:

"I hear the monks were most... hospitable."

Savilla's Stone

"My sources tell me that Savilla's Stone has gone missing. Do you have it with you?"

Um...Let me go get it.

"I had hoped you would have it with you. Go get the stone and return at once."

Here is the Stone.

"Capital! Now I can see past the palace defenses. It's a good thing the Emperor didn't know they had this stone. He would have had it destroyed or taken it from them and kept it under lock and key in the palace. When I have learned what I need to know, I will call for you again. Let us leave Helvius' house now. He has served me well and deserves his peace."

If during your tour around the Temple you managed to recover a mysterious note titled Instructions: the Gray Cowl you will have the unique opportunity to interrogate him about the legend behind the Gray Cowl and the Daedra Nocturnal, to which he'll respond with a mix of anger and sadness:

Nocturnal's Cowl

"You think this is Nocturnal's cowl? Where did you hear about that?"

Just a lucky guess.

"You should know better than to give heed to rumors."

From a note in the Monastery.

"I see. I suppose there is no hiding it from you. No hiding. What a joke! My whole life is hiding. Everything in that document is true. My identity cannot be known. In fact I just told you my true name twice, but I bet you don't remember it. You and I have even met before, when I was not wearing the cowl. To your clouded memory he and I are two different people. My own family doesn't even know me. I would give much to be rid of the Gray Cowl and its curse."

Meanwhile, if you committed any murders, he will deal with you matter-of-factly:

Here is the Stone.

"Capital! Now I can see past the palace defenses. It's a good thing the Emperor didn't know they had this stone. He would have had it destroyed or taken it from them and kept it under lock and key in the palace. Now for the bad news. You committed murder to retrieve the stone. I am forced to remove you from the Thieves Guild until you pay the blood price. You may pay me now, or Armand Christophe later should you choose to return to my good graces."

I cannot pay it yet.

"Then it is time for you to leave."

I'll pay the blood price.

"Capital! I hearby reinstate you into the Thieves Guild."

Arrow of ExtricationEdit

Fathis Aren's Tower. Maybe he stashed the arrow somewhere inside...

After you have fenced over 700 stolen goods to the currently available merchants of the Thieves Guild, you will be contacted again by the Gray Fox, this time by your former opponent Amusei acting as the messenger:

"It is good to see you again! I have a message for you from the Gray Fox."

What is the message?

"The Gray Fox has a task for you. Meet him at Malintus Ancus' house in Chorrol."

Head over to Chorrol and you will find Malintus outside, urging you to proceed indoors:

"Don't keep the Gray Fox waiting."

"The Gray Fox is waiting for you."

Stepping inside, the Gray Fox will call out:

"Welcome. Let's talk."

"I have need of your services once more."

Again, should you try to blow him off, he will angrily cut you off:

I resent being summoned here.

"Whelp of a Shadowfoot! You had better learn respect if you want to advance in the Thieves Guild."

With a more demure approach, he will continue:

I'm listening.

"My work with Savilla's Stone has revealed that I need something special for my plans. It's a small item in the possession of a powerful court wizard. Will you do this for me? I will pay you well."

I'm not ready yet.

"Then make your preparations. I will expect you to return soon."

Sound's lucrative. I'll do it.

"Capital! Bring me the Arrow of Extrication. It has a key shaped head. Bravil's court wizard, Fathis Aren, recently acquired this unique item. You may kill Fathis if necessary, but not in the castle. My spy network will tell me when you have it. Return here with the arrow when you do. Now we should get out of Malintus' house before we wear out our welcome."

When you return with the arrow he will say:

"I have been waiting."

Arrow of Extrication

"Do you have the Arrow of Extrication?"

Not really.

"Well go get it!"

I only have the arrow's head.

"Hmmm. I had hoped for the whole arrow, but that is not your fault. I will have to have it repaired. This arrowhead advances my plan to... nevermind. I may have need of you again in the near future, if my plans hold. Here is your reward. I am also promoting you to Master Thief in the Thieves Guild. Fathis Ules of the Imperial City will be your new fence."

If you killed anyone you shouldn't have during the quest, he will give you a scolding:

I only have the arrow's head.

"Hmmm. I had hoped for the whole arrow, but that is not your fault. I will have to have it repaired. This arrowhead advances my plan... nevermind. Where was I? Oh, yes. You have embarrassed the Thieves Guild and me with your crude murders to recover the arrowhead. Until you pay the blood price, your membership in the guild is forfeit. You can pay me now, or Armand later if you wish to rejoin."

I cannot pay it yet.

"Then this conversation is over."

I'll pay the blood price.

"Capital! I knew you could not stand for a stain on your honor, or that of the guild."

Boots of Springheel JakEdit

In order to keep receiving special jobs from the Gray Fox you will need to be active in the Guild, and thus the Fox will only send Amusei to you only after you have fenced a sum of at least 800 gold:

'"I have another mesage [sic] from the Gray Fox. You must be very important!"

What is the message?

"The Gray Fox requests a meeting. Please travel to Ganredhel's house in Cheydinhal."

Head over Ganredhel's house in Cheyndinhal, where you will find Ganredhel herself outside:

"I wouldn't keep him waiting if I were you."

Once you enter, the guildmaster will beckon you closer:

"Have a seat. Please."

"Come. We have much to discuss."

Complaining again about his manner will do you no favors:

I hate being summoned like this.

"I have no patience for impertinence. Maybe I should reconsider what I was about to offer you."

A more enthusiastic approach will net you more information:

I am eager to hear your plan.

"Further use of Savilla's Stone has revealed that I need another special item to move forward with my plans. I need the boots of Springheel Jak. He is a famous thief that died some 300 years ago. Legend has it that he was buried with his boots on. Find out where Springheel Jak is buried and bring me back those boots. Will you do this for me? It pays well."

I'm not ready yet.

"This task can wait, at least for a little while. Return when you are ready."

I am ready.

"Capital! The Earl of Imbel is the only descendant of his line that I have been able to locate. His name is Jakben, and he lives somewhere in the Imperial City. There might be a clue in the Earl's house."

Should you try to speak to him again, he will dismiss you:

"You have work to do. Go on. Get out of here."

"Not now. I need to think."

Once you have returned with the boots, you will again be greeted by Ganredhel outside:

"The Gray Fox seems very anxious to see you. Go inside."

Informing the guildmaster that you have completed the mission will have him excitedly exclaim that he's getting closer to fulfill his plan although he seems reluctant to tell you anything about it yet:

"I assume you found Springheel Jak's tomb."

Boots of Springheel Jak.

"Do you have the boots?"

Um...no. I don't.

"Don't waste my time. Not in the mood for it."

Here are the boots.

"Capital! This may be the last piece of the puzzle. I need to spend more time with Savilla's Stone first. I am truly indebted to you. If all goes well, I may call upon you for one last task. The danger will be great, but the reward will be greater. For now, here is your reward. Let us leave Ganredhel's house and go our separate ways. We have overstayed our welcome."

If you read Jakben's diary after having acquired the boots you may question him about his mysterious persona and his past associations with Jak before handing over the boots. It is however not recommended to do so, as it causes a serious bug:

Contemporary of Springheel Jak

"Did I know him personally? Of course not. He lived 300 years ago."

Jak's diary mentions you.

"Ah. It seems you have stumbled over a bit of history that few in the Thieves Guild ever discover. I am not the first Gray Fox. That master thief died sometime shortly after stealing the Gray Cowl and receiving Nocturnal's curse. However, another thief in the guild picked up the cowl and assumed his identity and the curse. No-one in the guild knew it was a different person. Over the centuries there have been dozens of Gray Foxes. To the rest of the world he seems immortal and unchanging. I am hoping to be the last."

If you committed any murders during the quest, he will be disappointed:

Here are the boots.

"Capital! This may be the last piece of the puzzle. I need to spend more time with Savilla's Stone first. If all goes well, I may call upon you for one last task. The danger will be great, but the reward will be greater. Unfortunately, there is a problem. I am deeply disappointed that a Master Thief had to resort to murder. I hearby revoke your Thieves Guild membership until the blood price is paid."

Unlike in previous quests, you will not be able to pay the blood price directly to him (see this section).

The Ultimate HeistEdit

As you may have guessed, the Fox needs to know that you are ready to face what is to come and thus he will only send Amusei to look for you only after you have sold stolen goods worth 1000 gold or more:

"I have another message from the Gray Fox."

What is the message?

"The Gray Fox requests a meeting. Please travel to Othrelo's [sic] house in the Imperial City Elven Gardens."

Othrelos himself will be standing outside and usher you inside:

"The Gray Fox is waiting inside."

"Get inside. The Gray Fox is not a patient man."

Inside, the guildmaster will beckon you closer:

"I've been waiting for you. Have a seat."

If you have been expelled from the guild, however, he will tell you to make amends first:

"You need to take care of you problems with the guild before we can talk."

Otherwise, he will ask:

"Are you ready for one last great heist?"

The last heist?

"This is the big one. This is the heist that will be written about and talked about for decades to come. We are going to steal one of the Elder Scrolls from the Imperial Palace. Are you ready for this challenge?"

How much is the buyer paying?

"There is no buyer. This is for glory, not for money. Our names will become legend. I also have a personal need for this particular scroll. As for your compensation, I ask you to trust me. If my plan works, you will get a reward worth far more than mere money. Will you do it?"

The prize that will make you a legend.

Should you refuse, he will be in an understanding mood:

That is too tough for me.

"I understand. I don't want anyone taking on this job unless they feel up to it. Return to me when you are more confident."

When exiting conversation he will say:

"Take your time."

Speaking to him again will have him impatiently ask:

"Have you decided?"

Glorious! When do we start?

"Capital! I have worked for eleven years planning this heist. Savilla's Stone provided the last bit of information I needed."

What is the plan?

"The Elder Scrolls are kept in the Imperial Palace behind a door that cannot be breached. Savilla's Stone has revealed a path around this door. You will have to travel the The Old Way. Once used as an escape route for Imperial Emperors, it has been forgotten for centuries. To unseal the entrance you must sneak into the basement of the palace and activate the Glass of Time, whatever that is."

Where is the actual entrance?

"In the Imperial Sewers. Here is the key for the gate to that section of the sewers. I picked the pocket of Ocato himself to get it."

What is this "Old Way?"

"My scrying with Savilla's Stone has provided clues, but not the details. I know the tools you will need there, but not the obstacles themselves. The boots of Springheel Jak will allow you to leap to an unreachable place. They will also protect you from a long fall. The Arrow of Extrication is the only way to unlock the final door. Take them both."

Is that all you know?

"Once you are inside the palace itself, you need to find the reading room. The blind priests will deliver a scroll to you there."

How did you manage that?

"I arranged for the notable Celia Camoran to want to read a particular Elder Scroll. Don't ask how. However, she will be... unavoidably detained. You will take her place. Do not speak to the priests. They are blindfolded and will not realize it isn't her unless you speak. As the guildmaster, I am waiving bloodprice for anyone you kill during this heist. However, I can't stop the Watch from putting a price on your head."

I can't remember all of this!

"I have written it down for you in this book. I've chosen you because you are the best. Good luck."

Should you try to speak to him again, he will dismiss you:

"Are you still here?"

"You should be on your way by now."

He will see you off with:

"Good luck."

Once you return, he will be in awe when you let him know that you were actually able to steal the Scroll, telling you with a sentiment of relief:

"You're back! Have a seat and tell me everything."

"You have the scroll? I can hardly believe it! The odds were clearly against you. Capital job! Capital! I have spent seven years learning how to translate this scroll. Even so, I will need a while to decipher what I have sought so desperately."

So what happens now?

"Ah! Still thinking about your reward, eh? I have not forgotten you or your loyal service to the Thieves Guild. You'll just have to trust me. Give this ring to Countess Umbranox in Anvil. Say nothing about me to her. I need to know how she reacts to it. It may provoke anger or tears. If she asks, just tell her a stranger wanted her to have it. Then report back to me on her reaction."

Head over to Anvil and make for the throne room in the main hall. Once you've delivered the ring to the Countess, however, a familiar figure interferes. Standing up from the bench nearby, the Stranger, or in fact the Gray Fox himself, approaches the Countess. A revealing conversation will then take place:

"By the power of the Elder Scrolls..."

The Gray Fox: "By the power of the Elder Scrolls I name Emer Dareloth as the true thief of Nocturnal's Cowl."

Millona Umbranox: "You're the Gray Fox! I've been betrayed!"

The Gray Fox: "I am the Gray Fox, but you have not been betrayed."

Millona Umbranox: "But..."

The Gray Fox: "I am also your missing husband, Corvus."

Millona Umbranox: "Corvus! Is it really you? Ten years I've waited for word from you. Why did you hide from me?"

The Gray Fox, now known as Corvus Umbranox.

The Gray Fox: "Ten years ago I inherited this cowl from the former guildmaster of the Thieves Guild. I became the new guildmaster, but I also received it's [sic] curse. "Whoever wears Nocturnal's cowl shall have his name stricken from history." Once I donned the cowl, no-one in all of Tamriel could recognize me. With the cowl I became the Gray Fox. Without it, I was a stranger, even to you."

Millona Umbranox: "You mean you were unable to return?"

The Gray Fox: "I've stood right next to you, and you didn't even know it. I cried out to you "Here I am! It's me, Corvus!" but you just looked at me, confused."

Millona Umbranox: "You have broken my heart for a second time. I cannot let the infamous criminal mastermind, the Gray Fox become the Count of Anvil. If you try to announce yourself as Corvus, I will deny you. I will deny you before the Emperor if I have to."

The Gray Fox: "I guessed you would say these terrible things to me. That is why I brought my friend along. From this moment forward, I renounce my life of crime forever. I am passing the Gray Cowl of the Thieves Guild to it's [sic] new guildmaster."

He'll then approach you to reward you for your loyal service to the Guild by naming you the new Gray Fox:

"The Gray Cowl is now yours. You are the new guildmaster of the Thieves Guild. You will find that history has been altered tonight. Such is the power of Nocturnal's curse that lifting it can alter time itself."

What is different?

"If Emer Dareloth had not stolen Nocturnal's Cowl, the Thieves Guild would never have fallen on such hard times. Because of the curse, he was unable to operate in the normal world of business and society. He could only act as the guild's figurehead. That has been undone. If you go to the Imperial City, you will find that the Thieves Guild has a guild hall on the site of the ruins of Dareloth."

Once he finishes his speech he will linger in the throne room until you leave. Approaching him now will have him say:

"Thank you for convincing her to meet with me."

Once you do depart, he will finally reclaim his place as the former Count of Anvil Corvus Umbranox. Meanwhile, the Black Horse Courier will publish another edition firmly excluding any involvement from the guild.

Unused DialogueEdit

• At the end of Boots of Springheel Jak, you will not be able to pay the blood price directly as he will immediately quit conversation. You will therefore never hear the two following lines:

I cannot pay it yet.

"Then we are done."

I'll pay the blood price.

"Capital! I like the swiftness of your reply. Here is your reward for getting me those boots. Be ready. I may call for you again."

• There is an unused greeting line for when you approached him without the scroll after escaping the palace during The Ultimate Heist. As the scroll is a quest item, this is impossible, so you will never hear it:

"You don't have the scroll? Then we have nothing to talk about."

• Likewise if there is an unused line if you approached him after agreeing to deliver the ring to Countess Umbranox, but it is always overridden by others:

"We should be on our way."

• At the end of the final quest, there is an additional line which is never heard as you will exit conversation after the Gray Fox mentions the new guild house:

I don't want the cowl's curse.

"The curse has been broken. Of course the thieves will only recognize you as their guildmaster when you wear the cowl. However, when you remove the cowl, eveyone will know you as yourself. Fortunately, the cowl still has the power to hide your alter ego from them. They will not realize that you are the same person that just took off the cowl. To them, the Gray Fox just vanished into thin air."

BugsEdit

• At the end of Boots of Springheel Jak, if you discuss the diary entry with the Gray Fox before you've turned in the boots for your reward, you will be unable to complete the quest. The Gray Fox will simply stand there saying "Not now. I need to think" when you try and talk to him.
  • The Unofficial Oblivion Patch, version v1.0.0, fixes this bug.

NotesEdit

• For more information see the lore page.
• In the final scene of "The Ultimate Heist", before you give the ring to Countess Millona, the Stranger is actually the NPC "The Gray Fox", albeit renamed to "The Stranger" (as opposed to "A Stranger"). His name is reverted to its original "The Gray Fox" designation after his dialogue with the Countess.