Exploring the crumbling white stones of Ayleid ruins is a signature experience in the heartlands of Cyrodiil. While many adventurers enter these subterranean halls seeking Welkynd Stones or a quick fight with the undead, there is a far more lucrative reason to delve into the darkness: the ten ancient Ayleid Statues. These artifacts, remnants of the "Ten Ancestors," are central to one of the most rewarding scavenger hunts in the game. Known as "The Collector" quest, this endeavor involves locating ten specific statues and delivering them to a wealthy Altmer noble named Umbacano in the Imperial City.

Finding every Ayleid statue in Oblivion requires patience, a strong sword, and an eye for hidden pressure plates. The reward for this dedication is substantial, totaling 10,000 gold coins and access to unique historical artifacts that shed light on the First Era. This guide examines the precise locations of these statues and the safest methods for extracting them from their ancient resting places.

Starting The Collector Quest

Triggering the quest for the Ayleid statues can happen in two primary ways. The most direct method is finding one of the ten statues and bringing it directly to Umbacano's Manor, located in the Talos Plaza District of the Imperial City. Upon presenting the artifact to his butler, Joll Ring, one will be granted an audience with the master of the house.

Alternatively, if a statue is sold to a general merchant in the Imperial City, word of the transaction will eventually reach Umbacano. Shortly after the sale, Joll Ring will approach the seller in the city streets, extending an invitation to meet his master. It is worth noting that selling to a merchant is generally less profitable, as they often offer a lower price than Umbacano’s flat rate of 500 gold per piece. Once the first statue is delivered and the deal is struck, the formal quest begins.

Detailed Breakdown of the 10 Ayleid Statue Locations

The statues are scattered across the map, often hidden in the deepest reaches of ruins filled with traps and hostile entities. Here is the breakdown of where to find each one.

1. Vilverin

Located directly northeast of the Imperial Prison Sewer exit, Vilverin is often the first ruin encountered. It is an expansive site containing four distinct zones. The statue is located in the final zone, Vilverin Sel Sancremathi.

Navigating Vilverin involves dealing with a group of bandits in the upper levels before transitioning into deeper chambers occupied by the undead. In the third zone, Vilverin Wendes El, one must be cautious of a floor trap that drops into a spike pit. In the final chamber, the statue sits atop a pedestal surrounded by swinging mace traps. It is advisable to clear the area of the necromancer and his summons before attempting to grab the prize.

2. Culotte

Culotte is situated southeast of the Imperial City, along the shores of the Upper Niben. Unlike some of its counterparts, Culotte consists of only a single level, making it one of the faster acquisitions. However, the simplicity of its layout is deceptive.

The statue is found in a central chamber resting on the floor between three pillars. The challenge here arises upon picking up the statue; doing so triggers the awakening of several undead enemies in the surrounding alcoves. Furthermore, the bridge used to enter the chamber may crumble, necessitating a detour through a side path that requires dropping down to a lower level to exit.

3. Fanacas

This ruin is found north of Cheydinhal, tucked away in the mountains east of Lake Arrius. Fanacas is notorious for being a haven for vampires. The statue is located in the deepest part of the ruin, submerged in a small pool of water or sitting on a nearby pedestal depending on the version of the encounter. Because of the high density of vampires and their thralls, bringing cure disease potions or having a high resistance to magic is a recommended precaution for this trip.

4. Mackamentain

Mackamentain lies northeast of Bravil, nestled within the Nibenay Basin. The entrance can be difficult to spot among the foliage, but the interior is well-organized. This site is primarily occupied by necromancers and their skeletal guardians. The statue is located in the Mackamentain Tombs section. One should keep an eye out for a hidden pressure plate in the final room that reveals a secret alcove where the statue is kept.

5. Moranda

Located in the snowy regions between Chorrol and Bruma, Moranda is a ruin filled with monsters and imps. The interior is divided into several zones. The statue is found in the Moranda Abaspania section. This ruin is particularly famous for its poison gas traps. Navigating these corridors often requires quick movement or high poison resistance. The statue is typically placed in a brightly lit room guarded by several powerful monsters.

6. Ninendava

Ninendava is found northeast of Chorrol. It is a relatively small ruin compared to Vilverin, but it is densely packed with vampires. The statue is located in a locked room in the main chamber. Picking the lock or finding the key on one of the resident vampire lords is necessary to access the artifact. Due to the cramped quarters, area-of-effect spells or wide-swinging weapons can be particularly effective here.

7. Wendir

Wendir is located south of Chorrol, just off the Black Road. This ruin is a classic undead dungeon, filled with skeletons, zombies, and ghosts. The statue is hidden in the Wendir Nagasel zone. To reach it, one must navigate a series of winding corridors and avoid several pressure-plate-activated swinging blades. The statue is perched on a high altar in the final room.

8. Welke

Welke is found southeast of Bravil, near the mouth of the Panther River. This ruin is often partially submerged, adding a layer of atmospheric tension to the exploration. The statue is located in the Welke Cey Arpen section. The inhabitants are mostly undead, including high-level wraiths if the explorer is at a significant level. The statue sits in a central room that is often guarded by a boss-level undead creature.

9. Wendel Bek

Located very close to Welke, Wendel Bek is situated just north of the Panther River. It is a large, multi-level ruin occupied by necromancers. The statue is kept in the final zone, Wendel Bek Sel Sancremathi. This dungeon is known for its complex layout and numerous traps, including falling boulders and gas chambers. The statue is often found in a grand hall, flanked by several Welkynd Stone pedestals.

10. Wenyandwik

Wenyandwik is located northwest of Bravil. It is an extensive ruin with a significant undead presence. The statue is located in the Wenyandwik Menta Na section. One of the unique features of this ruin is the use of hidden doors that are operated by remote switches. If a path seems blocked, it is often helpful to search the nearby walls for small blue glowing buttons or floor tiles.

Strategic Advice for the Statue Hunt

Gathering all ten statues is not merely a matter of combat; it is an exercise in resource management and environmental awareness.

Trap Identification

Ayleid ruins are perhaps the most trap-heavy environments in Cyrodiil. Standard traps include:

  • Swinging Maces: Usually triggered by pressure plates in narrow hallways. They can be avoided by sprinting or by using a telekinesis spell to trigger the plate from a distance.
  • Falling Spikes: Look for holes in the ceiling. These are often triggered by tripwires that are difficult to see in low light.
  • Gas Traps: Identified by small vents in the floor or walls. These are particularly dangerous as they inflict damage over time.

Inventory and Light

Ayleid ruins are notoriously dark. While torches are functional, they prevent the use of a shield or a two-handed weapon. Utilizing Night Eye or Light enchantments is often considered a more professional approach. Additionally, because the statues themselves have significant weight, and ruins are filled with heavy loot like Welkynd Stones and Varla Stones, managing encumbrance is vital. A horse parked outside the ruin or a "Feather" spell can assist in transporting the haul back to the Imperial City.

Enemy Scaling

The denizens of these ruins scale with the explorer's level. At lower levels, one might face simple skeletons and scamps. At higher levels, these are replaced by Liches, Ancient Wraiths, and Vampire Matriarchs. It is generally observed that completing the statue hunt at a mid-range level (around 15-20) offers a balance between manageable difficulty and meaningful rewards.

Rewards and the Path Forward

Each statue delivered to Umbacano yields a reward of 500 gold. Once all ten have been turned in, Umbacano provides a completion bonus of 5,000 gold, bringing the total profit from the statues alone to 10,000 gold. This is a significant sum, capable of purchasing some of the finest houses in the Imperial City or Skingrad.

However, the financial gain is only part of the story. Progressing through "The Collector" unlocks subsequent quests:

  1. Nothing You Can Possess: After delivering three statues, Umbacano will task the explorer with finding a specific carved panel in the ruin of Malada. This quest involves a moral choice and a confrontation with a rival treasure hunter.
  2. Secrets of the Ayleids: After the completion of the previous tasks and the delivery of all statues, Umbacano will ask for help in a ritual involving the Crown of Nenalata or the Crown of Lindai. This final chapter in his story leads to one of the most memorable conclusions in the game's side quests.

The Cultural Legacy of the Ayleids

Beyond the gold and the quest markers, the search for the Ayleid statues encourages a deeper appreciation for the lore of the Heartland Elves. Each ruin tells a story of a civilization that once dominated Tamriel through magic and slave labor, only to be overthrown by the rebellion of Alessia. The statues themselves, representing the ten ancestors who founded the original Ayleid city-states, are more than just currency; they are physical links to a lost era.

For those seeking to maximize their time in Cyrodiil, the statue hunt serves as an excellent tour of the province's geography. From the snowy peaks of the Jerall Mountains to the humid marshes of the Blackwood border, the quest for these ten artifacts provides a comprehensive adventure that is as educational as it is profitable. Whether one is motivated by the gold or the history, the Ayleid statues remain one of the most compelling reasons to step into the white-stone shadows of the past.