Introduction
The world of Cyrodiil, the heart of Tamriel in *Oblivion*, is a breathtaking landscape filled with ancient ruins, sprawling cities, and perilous wilderness. However, this beauty hides a sinister underbelly: disease. From the common cold-like symptoms of Ataxia to the terrifying prospect of Sanguinare Vampiris, contracting an illness in *Oblivion* can severely hinder your character’s progress, even leading to a premature end. Weakened stats, debilitating effects, and the ever-present threat of becoming a creature of the night make understanding and combating disease crucial for any adventurer. Fortunately, *Oblivion* provides a vital tool for staying healthy: the Cure Disease spell. This article delves into everything you need to know about the Cure Disease spell and its alternatives, ensuring you remain healthy and ready to face the dangers of Cyrodiil. We’ll explore the various sources of disease, the different methods of curing them, how to craft your own potent spells, and even how to prevent them in the first place.
The Perilous World of Disease
Cyrodiil’s environment is rife with opportunities to catch something nasty. Understanding the sources of disease is the first step in protecting yourself.
Sources of Illness
The most common way to contract a disease is through combat. Many creatures, particularly those found in dungeons and caves, carry infectious diseases. Rats, wolves, goblins, and especially undead creatures like skeletons and zombies are notorious carriers. Engaging in melee combat with these foes significantly increases your risk. Traps found within dungeons are another frequent culprit. Many traps are rigged with poisoned darts or blades, often injecting you with a disease alongside physical damage. Certain quests and scripted events can also lead to illness. Simply interacting with the wrong object or being in the wrong place at the wrong time might expose you to a disease. Finally, and perhaps most frighteningly, is the disease Sanguinare Vampiris. Contracted through combat with vampires, this disease transforms your character into a vampire after three in-game days if left untreated.
The Debilitating Effects
The consequences of contracting a disease in *Oblivion* can be significant. Each disease inflicts a unique set of negative stat penalties. Ataxia, for example, reduces your Agility, making you less accurate in combat. Brown Rot weakens your Strength, reducing your carrying capacity and damage output. Droops reduces your Endurance, diminishing your maximum health. These stat reductions can quickly snowball, making it harder to fight, carry loot, and even survive basic encounters. At lower levels, the cumulative effect of multiple diseases can be fatal. Even at higher levels, diseases can severely hamper your character’s effectiveness, particularly if you’re pursuing a specific build. Imagine trying to play a stealth archer with crippled Agility or a powerful warrior with diminished Strength.
The Importance of Immediate Action
The key to successfully combating disease is recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly. The longer you wait, the more severe the effects become. Furthermore, some diseases, like Sanguinare Vampiris, have a limited window for treatment. Ignoring the initial symptoms can lead to irreversible transformation. Therefore, having a reliable method of curing disease readily available is essential for any adventurer.
The Cure Disease Spell: Your First Line of Defense
The Cure Disease spell is a fundamental tool for any aspiring mage or adventurer in *Oblivion*. It provides a direct and effective way to eliminate diseases, restoring your character to full health.
Understanding the Spell’s Functionality
The Cure Disease spell comes in two primary variations: “Cure Disease on Self” and “Cure Disease on Touch.” The “Cure Disease on Self” spell instantly removes all diseases affecting your character. The “Cure Disease on Touch” spell allows you to cure diseases affecting other characters, which can be useful for companions or allies.
Acquiring the Knowledge
Learning the Cure Disease spell is relatively straightforward. The easiest method is to join the Mages Guild. Each Mages Guild hall in Cyrodiil offers a recommendation quest. Completing these quests grants you access to the Arcane University in the Imperial City and allows you to purchase spells from the vendors there. Many spell vendors throughout Cyrodiil also sell the Cure Disease spell, though availability may vary. Keep an eye out for NPCs who specialize in restoration magic. While less common, you might occasionally find scrolls or items containing the Cure Disease effect as random loot in dungeons or containers. However, relying solely on finding the spell is not recommended.
Magicka Management
The Cure Disease spell requires Magicka to cast. The base Magicka cost depends on the spell’s magnitude and your skill level in Restoration magic. Having sufficient Magicka is crucial for casting the spell reliably. If your Magicka is too low, you might fail to cast the spell, leaving you vulnerable to the effects of disease. Increasing your Restoration skill reduces the Magicka cost and increases the chance of successfully casting the spell. Investing in Intelligence, which governs Magicka, is also beneficial.
Crafting Your Own Cure Disease Spells
While purchasing the base Cure Disease spell is a good starting point, creating your own custom spells allows you to tailor them to your specific needs and playstyle.
The Power of Spellmaking
To create your own spells, you’ll need access to a Spellmaking Altar. These altars are located within the Arcane University and at certain locations after completing specific quests. Access to the Arcane University requires completing all Mages Guild recommendation quests.
Combining Effects for Maximum Potency
When creating your Cure Disease spell, you can combine the Cure Disease effect with other beneficial effects. For example, you could add a Fortify Health effect to temporarily increase your maximum health or a Restore Magicka effect to replenish your Magicka after casting the spell. Be mindful that adding more effects increases the Magicka cost of the spell. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
Naming Your Creation
Don’t underestimate the power of a good name! Give your custom spell a memorable and thematic name that reflects its function. Something like “Emergency Cure,” “Lesser Blessing,” or “Vital Restoration” can add to the immersion and make it easier to identify in your spell list.
Examples of Custom Spells
Here are a couple of examples: A low-level “Quick Cleanse” spell could combine Cure Disease with a small Restore Health effect. A mid-level “Greater Ward” spell could combine Cure Disease with a Resist Disease effect, providing temporary immunity.
Alternative Routes to Recovery
While the Cure Disease spell is a powerful tool, it’s not the only way to combat illness in *Oblivion*. Several alternative methods can be equally effective, depending on your character’s skills and resources.
Potions of Healing
Potions of Cure Disease are readily available from vendors throughout Cyrodiil. You can also find them as loot in dungeons and containers. Alternatively, you can create your own Cure Disease potions through Alchemy. Creating potions requires access to alchemical equipment and the necessary ingredients.
The Blessing of the Gods
Shrines dedicated to various deities can be found throughout Cyrodiil. Some of these shrines, particularly those dedicated to Arkay and Mara, offer blessings that cure disease. Interacting with a shrine will grant you a temporary buff, including a cure for any diseases you’re currently afflicted with.
Seeking Divine Intervention
Temples dedicated to the Nine Divines can be found in major cities. Visiting these temples and paying for a service will often cure any diseases you may have contracted.
Quest Rewards
Occasionally, completing specific quests will reward you with a Cure Disease effect. These quests are often related to temples or involve assisting individuals suffering from illness.
Preventing Illness is Better Than Curing It
While having a reliable method of curing disease is essential, preventing illness in the first place is even better. Several strategies can help you reduce your risk of contracting diseases.
The Power of Enchantment
Enchanting your armor or clothing with Resist Disease enchantments can significantly reduce your chances of contracting a disease. You can find enchanted items with Resist Disease effects as random loot or learn the enchantment by disenchanting them. Creating your own Resist Disease enchanted gear requires access to an enchanting altar and the necessary soul gems.
Racial Resistances
Certain races possess inherent disease resistance. Argonians, for example, have a natural resistance to disease, making them less susceptible to contracting illnesses.
Constant Protection
Using Sigil Stones to create items with constant effect abilities to resist disease. This is achievable by closing Oblivion Gates. Be mindful of the cost of the Sigil Stone and the potential drawbacks.
Disease and the Dark Path of Vampirism
Sanguinare Vampiris is a particularly dangerous disease that can transform your character into a vampire. Curing Sanguinare Vampiris within the first three in-game days is crucial to prevent this transformation. The Cure Disease spell, potions, and shrines can all be used to cure Sanguinare Vampiris before it’s too late. If you fail to cure the disease in time, you’ll begin the process of becoming a vampire.
Conclusion
The Cure Disease spell and its alternatives are essential for survival in *Oblivion*. Understanding the sources of disease, the different methods of curing them, and how to prevent them in the first place will significantly improve your character’s chances of success. Whether you choose to rely on the Cure Disease spell, create your own custom spells, or utilize alternative methods, staying healthy is crucial for exploring the vast and dangerous world of Cyrodiil. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for your playstyle. Now venture forth, adventurer, and conquer the challenges that await, knowing that you have the tools to stay healthy and thrive in the world of *Oblivion*. Share your own experiences and tips in the comments below!
