How to get a key to Arkanum?

[kantal]

As simple as title...

[Ryner]

It depends on what main character you chose at the start, you have to complete a little bit of their story questline in Thole.

If you chose Jasker:

Talk to the ishkai imprisoned in a cage in the middle of the Thole marketplace, then talk to Arashad and request him to free the Ishkai, he will ask for one of two favors which act as sidequests. Completing any of these sidequests will free the Ishkai and he will give you the Arcanum key

If you chose Kalig:

Talk to Arashad and exhaust all options until he tells you to retrieve his heirloom sword from the Guild of Steel Cellar, he will then give you the cellar key. Once you use the key and enter the cellar, fight your way through, picking up the heirloom sword and you will meet Nemek, after the conversation, you will obtain an Arcanum Key

If you chose Evia:

Talk to Arashad and ask him about the Empire. He will then direct you to the imperial tomb at the burial grounds west of thole. After entering the tomb, you will encounter a boss enemy. Defeat it and check the coffin for an Arcanum Key

[the merkin jerk]

when you say the burial grounds west of thole, you mean the same ones that lead to the catacomb where the aphotic spider resides? I've cleared both the burial tombs and the catacombs and i haven't found any key

edit: nevermind. apparently one of the doors labeled "Locked door" isn't actually locked :)

[[= GF =] Slnecnica]

Wow, Detroid, thanks for exhaustive answer :))))) - I wouldn't be able to answer any better :)

[Grimlore]

I have a key from Arshad which is to the guild of steel. Is this the key to the arcanum? I tred and I can't use it on the arcanum door?

[[= GF =] Slnecnica]

No, you need to go to Cellar in the south of the market in Thole... :)