“Imprisoned by the Riddles of Reality” is a short side quest in The Outer Worlds 2 that takes place inside the Alexandra Monastery at Golden Ridge. In this quest, you’ll meet two trapped members of The Order of the Ascendant who need your help to find some books. This guide will show you exactly where to find each book and what rewards you’ll get for completing the quest.
Book Locations in ‘Imprisoned By Riddles of Reality’ Quest
You can start the “Imprisoned by the Riddles of Reality” side quest near the end of the main story mission “On the Trail of the Traitor.” When you reach the Alexandra Monastery in Golden Ridge, you’ll come across two members of The Order of the Ascendant, known as the Anchorites, who are strangely trapped inside a doorless cell. Talk to them and offer your help to kick off the quest. Your task is simple: track down two specific books and bring them back to the cell to free them.
Conflict and Deescalation Theory Book
Take the door on the left that says to exit the room with the trapped Anchorites and locate the Conflict and Deescalation Theory book. You’ll enter the scriptorium first. From there, look to your left and climb up the wooden planks draped with yellow cloth to reach the upper gallery. Once you’re up there, check the small desk on your left. You’ll find the book titled “Conflict and Deescalation Theory” by Archivist A. Maler, that’s the one Anchoress Brun asked for.
Only Real Numbers: The Casualties of Appeasement (Second Edition)
To get Anchoress Chao’s book, start by leaving the room where the two Anchorites are being held and head to the right. Go into the library on your left, but be ready, because it’s crawling with enemies. Once it’s clear, take the staircase up to the gallery above. If your Engineering skill is at least level 5, you’ll be able to unlock the door there. Inside, look for Chao’s book “Only Real Numbers: The Casualties of Appeasement” on the desk on the left.
Once you’ve collected both books, head back to the Anchorites’ room and hand them over. This will complete the side quest. Your reward is worth it; you’ll get XP, an Advanced Decryption Key, and a special piece of medium armour called the Repellent Awakened Seer Robes.
