Understanding Vampirism in Oblivion Remastered
The province of Cyrodiil, a land of rolling hills, ancient ruins, and bustling cities, holds many secrets. Some whisper of forgotten gods, others of hidden treasures, but few secrets are as potent, as alluring, and as dangerous as the curse of vampirism. In Oblivion, embracing the life of a vampire comes with a price, a constant struggle against the sun, and the growing animosity of the living. For those who find themselves regretting their unholy transformation, a path to redemption exists. This guide details how to *cure vampirism Oblivion Remastered* and reclaim your humanity.
If a remastered version of Oblivion is released, there’s a chance that the cure for vampirism will be tweaked. This article will cover both the original methods and explore the potential changes Bethesda might make in a hypothetical *Oblivion Remastered*. Whether you are playing the original game or preparing for a remastered release, understanding the process is key to escaping the grasp of undeath. The cure centers around a specific quest involving the priestesses of Azura and a skilled wizard. It’s a journey filled with peril and requiring patience, but the reward – freedom from eternal night – is well worth the effort.
How to Contract Vampirism
Becoming a vampire in Oblivion isn’t a simple, intentional act. It’s a slow, creeping infection. Vampirism begins with *Porphyric Hemophilia*, a disease contracted from vampire encounters. Be wary! This affliction isn’t immediate; you have a three-day grace period before the full transformation takes hold. During this time, any Cure Disease potion, spell, or blessing will rid you of the infection. Allowing the three days to pass seals your fate, and the darkness within begins to spread.
It’s worth noting that even for roleplaying purposes, deliberately trying to become a vampire can be problematic. Repeatedly seeking out vampires and allowing them to attack you might result in unwanted and potentially game-breaking consequences. Proceed with caution.
Stages of Vampirism
After the initial incubation period, vampirism progresses through four distinct stages, each marked by increasing power and escalating weaknesses. Each stage alters your stats and NPC reactions. The early stages might seem appealing, granting bonuses to Strength, Speed, and other attributes. However, the later stages bring crippling sunlight vulnerability, making daytime exploration a dangerous, if not impossible, endeavor. Magicka, Health, and Stamina drain become more pronounced, and your monstrous appearance will lead to widespread fear and hostility.
Unique Abilities and Weaknesses
As a vampire, unique abilities emerge, offsetting the weaknesses. Spells that drain health, abilities that increase your speed and strength, and resistances to normal weapons are just a few of the dark gifts you’ll receive. But remember, every strength has its price. Sunlight becomes your enemy, causing constant health degeneration, and fire vulnerability makes certain enemies far more dangerous.
Identifying your Current Stage
How can you tell which stage you’re in? Pay close attention to NPC reactions. Guard dialogue and the general attitude of townsfolk shift dramatically as your vampiric nature becomes more pronounced. You’ll notice that your appearance becomes increasingly gaunt and undead-like.
Oblivion Remastered: Speculative Changes to Vampirism
It’s important to temper your expectations. If Bethesda releases an *Oblivion Remastered*, changes to vampirism are possible. While we can only speculate, the developers might introduce new vampire abilities, tweak existing weaknesses, or alter the progression between stages. Perhaps we’ll see a skill tree dedicated to vampiric powers, or the introduction of different vampire bloodlines, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
Consider the possibilities: Perhaps, the sunlight vulnerability is adjusted to be less punishing, allowing for brief excursions during the day. Or maybe the way NPCs react to you becomes more nuanced, based on your actions rather than your mere appearance. It’s even possible that new side quests and storylines centered around vampirism are introduced. While these are just hypotheticals, keeping them in mind will help you approach an *Oblivion Remastered* with an open mind.
The Path to the Cure: The Vampire Cure Quest
Starting the Cure Quest
Desperation is often the catalyst that begins the quest for a cure. There is a specific quest to cure vampirism. Rumors abound in Cyrodiil’s taverns, whispers passed between fearful citizens. Talking to innkeepers, healers, and scholars will eventually lead you to the information you seek. Persistent inquiry will point you towards a quest that can cure vampirism.
Speaking with Count Hassildor
Most will suggest you speak with the Count of Skingrad, Hassildor. He’s a reclusive figure, rarely seen in public. Finding him requires navigating the complexities of Skingrad society and uncovering the secrets hidden within his fortified castle. Speak to the people of Skingrad, and ask them about Hassildor, to learn about his routines and where to find him.
Hassildor himself is afflicted with vampirism, and he seeks a cure to save his wife, who has been in a comatose state. He’s the only one that knows how to get a vampire cure.
Hassildor will tell you to speak to Melisande, who will ask for various items to create a cure.
Gathering the Ingredients
Melisande will request several rare ingredients. They are as follows:
Six Cloves of Garlic: A common ingredient found in many homes and markets. Check the homes of farmers and merchants. They are often readily available in general stores in various cities and towns.
Five Nightshade Flowers: A plant that typically grows in damp, dark places. Look in the wilderness around swamps and near water sources. Herbalist shops also sell Nightshade.
Two Samples of Bloodgrass: This peculiar plant only grows within Oblivion gates. Venture into the dangerous realms of the Daedra and search the twisted landscapes for this crimson flora. Be prepared for a fight!
Argonian Blood: This can be the most challenging ingredient to acquire. You must find a willing Argonian to donate blood. Offer them something of value, or perhaps persuade them with your silver tongue. Just make sure they are alive when you are done.
Ashes of a Powerful Vampire: An encounter will occur at a tomb to get the ashes.
Completing the Cure
The Grand Soul Gem
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, return to Melisande. She will then need a filled Grand Soul Gem to complete the ritual.
Obtaining a Grand Soul Gem is the first hurdle. They can be found as loot in dungeons, purchased from mages, or, if you are skilled in Conjuration, created yourself. The next step is more complex. A Grand Soul Gem requires a powerful soul to fill it. Normal, petty souls won’t suffice. You must capture a Grand Soul to satisfy the requirements of the cure. This means you must use the Soul Trap spell. Equip Soul Trap and cast it on an enemy.
It is important to note that, in order to be considered a “Grand Soul”, the creature must be a humanoid. In order to soul trap a humanoid, a Black Soul Gem is needed. Black Soul Gems can be found throughout dungeons, or by completing the quest to locate the necromancer who is corrupting the temples. The Necromancer can be found in Dark Fissure.
The Final Ritual
Once you have your grand soul gem, you can give it to Melisande, and she will begin the ritual. She will create a cure potion which you must drink.
Post-Cure Life
Adjusting Back to Sunlight
With the cure consumed, the vampiric curse is broken. You may not notice the change right away, but you will feel the effects when you are outside in sunlight. You’ll start to acclimate and be able to stand in sunlight without negative effects. The hostility of townsfolk will fade. Re-establish positive relationships with NPCs by doing favors.
Preventing Future Infection
Be vigilant in the future. Wear armor that will protect you against vampires. Drink Cure Disease potions after encounters with vampires, and always prioritize your health.
Roleplaying After The Cure
The experience of vampirism might have changed your character. Maybe you will now act with compassion and gratitude. The ordeal you overcame will likely lead to personal growth.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Common Problems
During your quest, you may encounter the following problems:
Can’t Find Ingredients: If a particular ingredient is proving elusive, check multiple merchants and explore different regions.
Quest Glitches: Save your game frequently. If a bug occurs, reload to an earlier point. Refer to online communities for more specific solutions to quest glitches.
NPC Hostility: If NPCs remain hostile after the cure, check your character’s reputation. It’s possible other actions have negatively impacted their view of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about curing vampirism in *Oblivion Remastered*:
Can I become a vampire again? Yes, you can contract Porphyric Hemophilia again after being cured.
Is there a “better” way to be a vampire? Being a vampire is a playstyle that you should only choose if you are willing to spend all your time in a city.
Will the cure affect my stats? The cure will reverse the stat changes caused by vampirism, returning you to your original state.
If the *Oblivion Remastered* version includes any new bugs or issues specific to the quest, consult online communities for assistance and potential workarounds.
Conclusion
The path to *cure vampirism Oblivion Remastered* is long and arduous, but the reward is invaluable: the return to a normal life, free from the constraints of darkness and the fear of the sun. While the allure of vampiric power might tempt some, the cost is often too high. Reclaiming your humanity allows you to fully experience the wonders of Cyrodiil and forge meaningful connections with its people.
What are you waiting for? Go on and complete the quest! After you do, share your experience with curing vampirism in the comments below! Your insights could help others find their way back to the light!
