Introduction
The biting winds of Cyrodiil whip around you, the sun, a burning tormentor. You huddle in the shadows, a creature of the night, forever yearning for the warmth you can no longer embrace. Sunlight, once a source of life, now steals your strength, and those you once called friends now recoil in fear. This is the life of a vampire in *Oblivion*, a stark, unforgiving reality that many players find themselves thrust into, often by accident. The allure of increased strength and dark powers can be tempting, but the price is steep: a life lived in the shadows, ostracized by society. The longing for a return to normalcy, to the familiar comfort of the sun and the acceptance of the living, is a powerful motivator.
This guide provides the essential steps to successfully cure vampirism in *Oblivion*, returning you to your pre-vampire form. We will explore the complexities of the disease, the struggles it imposes, and the proven path to liberation. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the world of Tamriel, this guide is your key to reclaiming your humanity and navigating the world under the radiant glow of the sun.
Understanding Vampirism in Oblivion
The sinister tendrils of vampirism, in *Oblivion*, are more than just a superficial affliction. It’s a complex disease, a transformative curse that warps the very essence of your character. Understanding its nature is the crucial first step toward finding a cure.
The initial stage of vampirism is contracted when you’re struck by an afflicted creature. This happens when you are attacked by a vampire. They transmit the disease *Porphyric Hemophilia*. If left untreated, this disease will fully transform you into a vampire after a period of three in-game days.
What is Vampirism?
At its core, vampirism in *Oblivion* is a parasitic disease that alters the afflicted’s physiology, granting unique abilities but also imposing significant vulnerabilities. It’s a constant battle against your own nature, a struggle to survive in a world designed for the living.
How it is Contracted
The most common method of contracting the disease is by being attacked by a vampire, as mentioned above. While some NPCs will be infected with Porphyric Hemophilia and will be hostile, not all will. You need to be attacked. This is more common in dungeons and caves and, of course, by the random vampire encounter in the game.
The Stages of Transformation
The transformation into a vampire isn’t instantaneous; it progresses through several stages. During the first stage, you’re infected with Porphyric Hemophilia, which won’t yet result in changes in appearance and abilities. But once fully transformed, you will be affected by your new curse. It’s a gradual process, with each stage presenting new symptoms, both physically and behaviorally.
The Perks and Drawbacks of Vampirism
Being a vampire has both its benefits and its downsides. Navigating these complexities is crucial to surviving.
Advantages
- Enhanced Attributes: Vampires enjoy increased stats. Strength, Speed, Agility, and Willpower are all heightened.
- Special Abilities: Vampires gain several unique abilities. Night Eye grants improved vision in the dark, Charm allows for better social interactions, and Vampiric Drain allows you to steal health from other targets.
- Resistance: You gain resistance to both disease and poison, making you less vulnerable to the dangers of Cyrodiil.
Disadvantages
- Sunlight Vulnerability: The most significant drawback is the debilitating effect of sunlight. Being exposed to direct sunlight drains your health and stamina continuously. The severity of this effect increases with each stage of vampirism.
- Fire Weakness: Vampires are vulnerable to fire-based attacks, taking extra damage from flames.
- Hunger and Feeding: You must regularly feed on the blood of sleeping NPCs to maintain your strength and prevent negative effects. This is also important in controlling your actions.
- Social Repulsion: The general populace of Cyrodiil reacts with fear and hostility towards vampires. You’ll face higher prices in shops, and guards may attack you on sight.
Symptoms and Stages of Vampirism
- First Stage: This is the stage when you’re infected but not yet a full vampire. Symptoms include fatigue and reduced attributes. No appearance change.
- Second Stage: At this point, you look somewhat pale. You start to get more benefits, but also the negative effects, especially sunlight.
- Third Stage: Your skin tone pales significantly. Your abilities are now even stronger, but the sun now becomes a massive threat.
- Fourth Stage: You are now very pale, with a very obvious vampire look. You are very strong, and the sun drains your health very quickly, so be careful.
The Cure: Finding the Cure and Gathering Ingredients
Curing vampirism is not a simple task. It requires a specific quest, a series of crucial tasks, and the gathering of rare ingredients. Here is how to proceed.
Initiating the Cure Quest
Begin your quest for a cure by visiting any chapel in Cyrodiil. Speak to a priest and inquire about a cure for vampirism. The priest will direct you to an NPC named Janus Hassildor, the Count of Skingrad.
The Count’s Request
When you speak with Janus Hassildor, you’ll discover that he cannot immediately cure you. The Count has a deeper connection to the problem, though. He needs your help to find a specific alchemist named Melisande, and asks you to find out what he needs to cure you.
Gathering the Ingredients: The Search Begins
The count needs specific ingredients to create the potion that will restore you. You will have to embark on a journey to collect the necessary components.
Aurelin, the Blood of a Vampire
This one is self-explanatory. You will need to kill a vampire and collect their blood. Vampires can be found in various locations across Cyrodiil, often in dungeons and ruins. Simply defeat a vampire and loot its body to obtain the needed sample.
Nightshade
These beautiful, bell-shaped purple flowers can be found in various locations, often near water and in swampy areas.
Garlic
Garlic is less scarce. It can be found in most towns.
The Blood of an Argonian
This is the most challenging ingredient to obtain. The Count specifically requests the blood of an Argonian, a member of the lizard-like race. You will need to find this specific Argonian. After you have gathered the ingredients, deliver them to the count.
Delivering the Ingredients
Once you’ve collected all the ingredients, return to Janus Hassildor in Skingrad. Hand over the items, and the Count will prepare the cure. Then, simply drink it.
Drinking the Potion
The moment of truth has arrived. The potion is the culmination of your efforts, the key to your salvation.
The Potion
The potion will be a dark, swirling liquid. Drink it down in one gulp. The ingredients work immediately.
The Aftermath
You will start feeling the effects of the potion quickly. The initial effects will be immediate and dramatic. Within moments, you will notice the sunlight no longer drains your health and stamina. Check in the mirror and see the results. The world will no longer fear you.
Tips for Curing Vampirism
With the steps, you’re well on your way to curing your vampirism. But some considerations can help you better prepare and survive.
Timeline
It’s best to embark on the quest for a cure as soon as you realize you’ve been infected. The longer you wait, the more the drawbacks of vampirism will affect your gameplay experience.
Preparing for Sunlight
If you must travel during the day while you have vampirism, make sure to carry healing potions to compensate for the health drain. Remember the game’s fast-travel system to minimize exposure.
Quest Progression
Be thorough in your quest exploration.
Conclusion
Curing vampirism is a quest for liberation. Now, with your humanity restored, the sunlight no longer burns. You’re free to explore Cyrodiil without the constraints of your previous undead existence. May your adventures be brighter and more fulfilling now that you’ve reclaimed your true self. Congratulations, and happy travels!
