Understanding Vampirism in Oblivion
The world of Tamriel is vast, rich with lore, and brimming with danger. Within the province of Cyrodiil, the setting for the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, players can explore ancient ruins, battle monstrous creatures, and unravel political conspiracies. Among the myriad threats, one stands out as particularly alluring yet perilous: vampirism. The dark gift, or curse, of vampirism offers potent powers, but comes at a significant cost. The burning question on many adventurers’ minds is: can you cure vampirism in Oblivion? Fear not, intrepid traveler, for this guide will illuminate the path to salvation.
Let’s delve into the nature of vampirism in Oblivion. Unlike some portrayals in fiction, vampirism in Oblivion isn’t an instant transformation. It’s a disease, specifically Sanguinare Vampiris, contracted most commonly through encounters with vampires found in caves and ruins across Cyrodiil. If you are struck by a vampire, you need to use cure disease potion quickly.
The disease progresses through stages, each with its own set of effects. In the initial stage, you might not even realize you’re infected. However, with each passing day, the symptoms become more pronounced. The effects of vampirism are divided into benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, vampires gain increased strength, speed, and agility. They also develop resistance to diseases and normal weapons, making them formidable opponents. As the stages of the disease progress, these abilities become more powerful.
However, the curse comes with a heavy price. Vampires are vulnerable to sunlight, which severely damages them and weakens their abilities. As the disease progresses, this weakness becomes more severe, making daylight travel extremely dangerous. Furthermore, NPCs become increasingly wary and hostile towards vampires who haven’t fed, leading to social isolation and difficulty interacting with the world.
The urge to feed is a central aspect of Oblivion’s vampirism. As a vampire, you must consume the blood of sleeping mortals to sustain your unlife. Failure to feed leads to the progression of the disease to higher stages, increasing your vulnerability to sunlight and the hostility of NPCs. Feeding involves sneaking into someone’s home while they sleep and activating them to drink their blood. The higher stage of vampirism you are, the more powerful your vampire powers, but the more negative effects you will receive as well.
The Cure: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Vampirism Cure Quest
Thankfully, Oblivion offers a way to break free from the clutches of vampirism. The quest to cure vampirism is a lengthy and challenging undertaking, but the reward is freedom from the curse.
To begin the quest, you must first become a vampire. Let the disease progress for at least three days. Then, seek out rumors and information regarding a cure. Talk to innkeepers, guards, and other NPCs. Eventually, you will hear whispers of a scholar who might know the way. A common rumor is that the Count of Skingrad, Hassildor, might hold the knowledge to cure vampirism.
Your next stop is Skingrad. Head to the Skingrad castle and speak with Count Hassildor. He’s a reclusive and somewhat eccentric figure, known for his pale complexion and unusual behavior. Upon confronting him about vampirism, he’ll reveal that he is, in fact, a vampire himself, and he offers to help you with your affliction, as long as you help him with a favor. He tasks you with finding a witch who lives in a nearby cave.
Finding a cure is not easy. Count Hassildor will mention that the only known cure for vampirism is known by a witch, Melisande, who knows the old ways and the power of potions. You will be sent on a quest to meet with her in her cave. Be warned! This cave is guarded by a group of vampires, the same that infected you in the first place. Fight through their ranks and speak with the witch. You will have to complete a fetch quest for her to create the cure for you.
Gathering the Ingredients: A Challenging Task
Melisande will give you a quest to collect a set of rare items and bring them back to her. She will require Garlic, Bloodgrass, Argonian Blood, and the Ashes of a powerful vampire. Each of these can be found throughout Cyrodiil, but they each require a measure of effort to obtain.
Garlic
Garlic is a common ingredient found in many homes and stores. It’s the easiest of the ingredients to obtain. Simply visit any inn or general store and purchase as much garlic as you need.
Bloodgrass
This plant grows abundantly in the Oblivion planes, the fiery realms that open up throughout Cyrodiil during the main quest. It’s easily recognizable by its crimson color and grass-like appearance. If you haven’t progressed far enough in the main quest to access Oblivion planes, you may be able to find some for sale at apothecaries, though it might be expensive.
Argonian Blood
Obtaining Argonian blood requires a bit of finesse. You can either kill an Argonian and collect the blood from their corpse or, less violently, use a paralysis spell or potion on an Argonian and then interact with them to acquire the blood. Keep in mind that attacking innocent NPCs will have consequences, so be prepared to face guards or pay fines.
Ashes of a Powerful Vampire
The final ingredient is the most challenging to acquire. You must find and defeat a powerful vampire and retrieve their ashes. Count Hassildor can provide you with the location of one such vampire, or you can explore vampire lairs across Cyrodiil until you find a suitable target. Be prepared for a tough fight, as these vampires are often heavily armed and possess potent vampiric abilities. Once you’ve defeated the vampire, search their corpse for the ashes.
Completing the Quest
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, return to Melisande in her cave. She will then perform a ritual to create the cure. She will ask that you stand back while she goes through with her magic, so stand back to avoid taking damage or interrupting the process. After a brief time, she will have the potion for you and give it to you to finally remove vampirism from your body. Drink the potion immediately, and you will be cured of your vampirism.
The effects of the cure are immediate. You will no longer suffer from sunlight damage, and NPCs will no longer be hostile toward you due to your vampiric nature. You can once again walk freely in the daylight and interact with the world without fear of reprisal. Return to Count Hassildor to inform him of your success. He will thank you for your assistance and offer you a reward for your efforts.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Managing Vampirism Before Curing: While you’re seeking the cure, learn to manage your vampiric state. Feed regularly to avoid progressing to the later stages, where the negative effects become overwhelming. Utilize your vampiric powers to your advantage. The increased strength, speed, and agility can be invaluable in combat and exploration. Exploit your resistances to diseases and normal weapons to overcome challenges that would be insurmountable for ordinary mortals.
Avoiding Vampirism Altogether: Prevention is always better than cure. If you wish to avoid becoming a vampire in the first place, take precautions when exploring vampire lairs. Carry cure disease potions and use them immediately if you are struck by a vampire. Alternatively, utilize spells or enchantments that provide disease resistance.
Conclusion
Can you cure vampirism in Oblivion? The answer is a resounding yes. The quest to cure vampirism is a challenging and rewarding experience that adds depth and complexity to the game. It tests your skills in combat, exploration, and resource management. By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the treacherous path to salvation and break free from the clutches of the dark gift. So, embrace the challenge, explore the world of Oblivion, and discover the secrets that lie hidden within its ancient ruins and vampire lairs. Will you succumb to the allure of the night, or will you rise above the darkness and reclaim your humanity? The choice is yours.
