The Skeleton Key

By now, you should be level 10. Finally, you're of high enough a level to begin the Skeleton Key quest.

So without further delay, fast-travel to Leyawiin's North East gate, and leave the city. Go up the path, and continue going up the path until you reach this point:



No offering is required, just talk to the statue.

Nocturnal will say that her Eye (no doubt a gem) was stolen by two Argonians in the city that spans the water--Leyawiin. So fast-travel back to Leyawiin.

Find Betto Plotius (he wanders about--I found him in the inn, though), and use speechcraft. Get the number up as high as possible. Exhaust all conversational options to learn that Weebam-Na and Bejeen have been bragging about some jewel they have. Might this be our Eye?

Perhaps.



This is Weebam Na's house. After you talk to them and exhaust all conversational options, get into sneak mode and wait until later at night (past 11 or 12, I believe, sometimes it can take longer). Wait in the entrance hallway, towards the end of it--not next to the door but hugging the wall on the opposite side of the bed.

You will probably be waiting a LONG, LONG time. You may have to wait until the next day (with the T key, not as in sit there waiting). Several times. If it doesn't work after a day or two, quickly exit the house and sneak back in.

After a while you'll hear Weebam-Na say it's in Tidewater Cave. Leave the house, and open up your world map. Move it just a little southeast of Leyawiin.



Well, that's a little bit of a walk, but no problem for us! Even though there will be enemies in the cave.

When you enter the cave, take the left path. And another left at the end of that corridor. And another one--basically, a giant U-turn. You will have to swim underwater, so either be quick, or have a water-breathing potion available. There's also a chest, so you should probably make two trips.

When you get the Eye, leave the cave and fast-travel back to Nocturnal's shrine. She will thank you and you will get the Skeleton Key. It is an UNBREAKABLE LOCKPICK. So no matter how crappy your security skill is, you can spam auto-attempt with this baby and you will ALWAYS get in. It might take you a while, but you will always get in.