With a 23 of Marksman (from the black robes of the DB) -- it appears I'm unable to hit the target. The guide states that while marksmanship does have an impact on the accuracy of the shot, "not a big one and you should be able to hit the target reliably with a low skill if you know where to aim -- the spot where the figure's hands hold the sword." I've done about 20 reloads trying to hit that spot, but the arrow keeps falling short. Anyone have problems here?

Yup. Took me about twenty reloads. Tiny target, but I got it eventually. If the spot they say isn't working, then judge where would work and adjust aim accordingly.

I usually try to aim a bit high of the target, because of the way the arrow follows a curve rather than a straight line as compared to Morrowind.

Also, with regard to your specific problem, when I was trying to hit the target, I got a loud "thunk" sound when I did hit it on target. I tested this by using Iron Arrows beforehand, and testing with moving my crosshair higher to deliberately miss and to hit the target. I quicksaved, equipped that key arrow and when I got the sound, the door was unlocked.

Try shooting while gradually raising your crosshair until you do hit it. And yeah...it takes a bit of patience I guess.

I finally got it. It might help if I knew how to shoot a bow or read a manual. lol :rolleyes: I finally dug out the little manual and read up on bow shooting. My little arrow was flopping out of the gate, because I wasn't HOLDING the left mouse button down to get a power shot. As soon as I did that, it got the distance and hit the target on the second try or so. (I guess the 30 reloads gave me practice on my aim! :p )

hahahaha, that's funny! :p

But I liked that part. I'm an archer, so when I got there, it was child's play. I got it on the first try, no practice... :cool:

I got some cracked up error when I first got there that it wouldn't let me equip the arrow to shoot it at the keyhole. Reset my computer and it let me though. I bet I spent an hour in the Hall of Epochs trying to equip that arrow and thinking maybe I just wasn't on the pressure plate.