The quest to repair the Orrery is an optional side task within The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. Successfully completing this quest allows players to unlock the Imperial Orrery, a dwarven mechanism that bestows the Hero with enhanced powers based on the lunar phases. Upon arriving at the Arch-Mage’s lobby in the Arcane University, players will encounter Bothiel, a Wood Elf seeking assistance in fixing the Orrery.

The Imperial Orrery door is located in the Arch-Mage’s lobby but remains locked until players fulfill Bothiel’s request. To unlock the door and access the Orrery’s features, players must collect specific dwarven artifacts needed for the repair.

How to Begin the Orrery Repair Quest

To initiate the quest ‘Repairing the Orrery,’ head to the Arcane University in the Imperial City. Enter the Arch-Mage’s Lobby and engage in conversation with Bothiel, the Wood Elf mage present there. Agree to her quest to gather dwarven materials necessary for the repair, which will activate the quest.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Repairing the Orrery

Bothiel requires five dwarven artifacts for the Orrery’s repair, which can be found with bandit camp leaders located in the mountainous regions near Kvatch. The first quest marker directs players to Camp Ales, situated directly north of Kvatch. Players should combat the bandits in Camp Ales and retrieve a ‘Dwarven Cog’ and an ‘Undelivered Letter’ from the leader’s body.

Upon reading the ‘Undelivered Letter,’ the locations of the remaining four bandit camps will appear on your map:

• Bodean Camp (Dwarven Cylinder)
• Brotch Camp (Dwarven Cog)
• Dagny’s Camp (Dwarven Coherer)
• Varus Camp (Dwarven Tube)

Keep in mind, the bandits are often equipped with high-value gear that can be sold for a good profit at merchant shops; ensure you have sufficient carrying capacity to collect all the loot from the camps.

Once all remaining dwarven artifacts have been collected from the bandit camps, return to Bothiel at the Arcane University and present the items. She will reward you with a sum of gold corresponding to your character level.

Unlocking the Imperial Orrery

After Bothiel receives the dwarven artifacts from the Hero, she will proceed to enter the locked Imperial Orrery door to make the necessary repairs. To unlock the Orrery, simply wait 24 hours of in-game time. A notification will confirm that ‘The Orrery at the Arcane University should be functional once more.’ The door to the Orrery is now accessible, allowing free entry anytime.

Upon entering the Orrery, ascend the stairs and interact with the ‘Imperial Orrery Console’ to activate it. The device will power on, barriers will be removed, and it will emit a blue glow.

Utilizing the Orrery

The Imperial Orrery can grant characters unique Greater Powers based on the positions of the moons, Masser and Secunda. These powers can be activated once per day and last for one minute (60 seconds). They function as ‘Spells’ rather than ‘Active Effects.’

Each Greater Power from the Orrery provides two distinct effects: a +20 increase to one attribute and a -20 decrease to another. The specifics of which attributes are affected depend on the lunar phases. The following table illustrates this:

The Greater Powers provided by the Orrery rotate every three in-game days, aligning with the lunar cycle. If you acquire Masser’s Might on your initial visit, for instance, waiting three days will yield Masser’s Grace, and six days later, you will receive Secunda’s Opportunity, and so on.

Once a Greater Power is activated, it remains until replaced. It does not automatically change with the moon’s phases unless you actively use the Orrery for a different phase.