Understanding the Curse
The biting chill of the night. The constant gnawing hunger. The burning sting of sunlight. These are the hallmarks of a vampire’s existence in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. If you find yourself cursed with Porphyric Hemophilia, the affliction that transforms you into a creature of the night, you’ll quickly realize that vampirism comes with a heavy price. But fear not, for salvation is within reach. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the Oblivion Vampire Cure Quest, offering a pathway to freedom from the undead curse and a return to the sun-kissed world of Tamriel.
Why undertake this arduous journey? The advantages of being cured are numerous. You’ll be able to walk in the sunlight once more, without the debilitating penalties to your health and attributes. You’ll regain access to quests, locations, and services denied to vampires. Most importantly, you’ll reclaim control over your character and truly experience all that Oblivion has to offer. This is not just about removing a pesky status effect; it’s about returning your hero, or heroine, to their full potential.
Before embarking on the cure, it’s crucial to understand the nature of vampirism in the world of Oblivion. The journey begins with an encounter, a tragic embrace, and the slow, insidious transformation from mortal to monster.
The initial infection, the very beginning of this vampiric journey, starts with a contract of a disease called Porphyric Hemophilia. It spreads through the bite of a vampire, turning a healthy adventurer into the undead. The disease incubates for a while, and if left untreated, the transformation will start.
When the curse finally takes hold, the physical changes are gradual yet undeniable. Your skin becomes pale, your eyes glow with a predatory light, and a constant thirst for blood becomes a driving force. You’ll quickly notice the debilitating effects of the sun, the bane of all vampires, which severely weakens your health and attributes. The longer you remain a vampire, the more your abilities are enhanced in the darkness.
Vampires boast certain strengths. Vampires develop enhanced abilities, such as increased resistance to disease and poison, plus the ability to see better in the dark and drain life from their foes.
However, these advantages come at a steep cost. Besides the sunlight’s penalties, vampires are generally shunned by the good people of Cyrodiil. Guards will become hostile, and certain shopkeepers and service providers might refuse to interact with you. The vampire’s reliance on blood also adds a moral dilemma to the gameplay. Your character now needs to find sources of blood, lest their strength and abilities wane.
Beginning the Path to Freedom
To begin the Oblivion Vampire Cure Quest, you must first confirm your undead status. The easiest way to determine this is to simply step into the sun. If your health and attributes rapidly decline, there is no doubt, you are cursed. Another way to know is to check your active effects within your character menu. If you see the name “Porphyric Hemophilia,” it means you are now, officially, a vampire.
The first step of the quest is to speak with a specific individual who has knowledge of the cure: a priest of the Chapel of Akatosh in the city of Cheydinhal. Head inside the chapel and find the priest. They may be in their office or attending to other church-related duties. The conversation can be very tricky. You’ll need to select the right dialogue options. Ask for assistance, revealing your unfortunate condition. They will guide you in the right direction. The priest will offer information on how to acquire the cure, thus setting you on the path towards reclamation.
The Priest’s Instructions: A Quest for Ingredients
The priest will tell you that you need to gather a collection of potent ingredients and brew them in the right fashion to create the cure for vampirism. This task can be daunting, but armed with this guide, you will succeed. The priest will share that you must find:
First, you’ll need Blooded Fingers. These are taken from the corpse of a vampire. You will have to go hunting for a vampire den, and slay one of the residents there to obtain the fingers. These can be located in various locations, typically hidden caves and ruins. Use maps, explore every nook and cranny, or rely on a reliable quest tracker mod. Make sure to inspect the bodies of any vampires you slay and loot the fingers.
Second, you’ll need a sample of Argonian Blood. This is a unique component, and finding it requires some knowledge of where to look. You can acquire Argonian Blood by defeating an Argonian, or even by finding one. You may wish to check any local towns, taverns, or cities.
Third, locate Nightshade. Nightshade is a common ingredient in the world, growing wild in many areas. Look in forests, near bodies of water, and along roadsides, particularly in areas that aren’t overly populated. This purple plant can be easily harvested with no special tools required. It should be abundant throughout Cyrodiil.
Fourth, and final, you will require the Ashes of a Powerful Vampire. This ingredient can prove the most challenging, as it requires that you actually locate and eliminate a powerful vampire. These vampires are often found in the same locations as the ordinary vampire, but in larger groups. You’ll need to be strong and resourceful to fight through their defenses and claim the ashes. The ashes can often be found in urns, so you will have to loot them.
These ingredients are all crucial, and it’s important to take your time in gathering them. Once you have them, you can then proceed with the next step.
Brewing the Cure: The Alchemical Process
With the necessary components in hand, it’s time to turn them into a cure. You will need a suitable alchemy apparatus. A mortar and pestle is used in the process. If you do not have one, they are commonly found in alchemist shops or in many houses. Set your alchemy equipment where you have plenty of space. With your ingredients ready, you can start the brewing process.
First, make sure to use the Blooded Fingers. Crush them and then add them to the potion. This is the initial, and possibly the most important step. Next, add the Argonian Blood. Be careful not to spill any.
Following this, it’s time to add the Nightshade, grinding the plant into a fine powder. Ensure that you have properly collected the ingredients and prepared your alchemy station.
Finally, it’s time to include the Ashes of a Powerful Vampire. Add these components carefully, following all instructions, and following the proper steps.
Once all of the ingredients are combined, mix the potion thoroughly.
When the potion is finished, it’s time to complete your quest. You’ve got what it takes. Drink it to cure your vampirism. You’ve done it.
Claiming Victory: The Cure’s Effect
To consume the potion, go to a safe place, away from prying eyes and the harmful rays of the sun. Drink the potion. Almost immediately, you’ll feel a wave of warmth and a sense of renewed vitality. If everything goes according to plan, the effects of the potion will be immediate. Your active effects should now read as gone.
You will know that the cure has worked by checking your active effects menu. The Porphyric Hemophilia should be removed. You can also step into the sunlight. If your health and attributes remain stable, then you have successfully cured your vampirism.
Your character will revert to their original form. You’ll no longer suffer from the sun’s negative effects. You’ll regain access to restricted locations and quests, and you’ll be able to interact with NPCs who previously shunned you. The world opens to you once more.
Important Considerations and Gameplay Aids
Making the quest easier will involve preparation. Make sure you have enough potions for the journey. A lot of potion-making is involved. If you’re a new character, perhaps don’t undertake this quest immediately. You can also get help from other players. Use a wiki or forum to guide you, if required.
Common mistakes that players make typically revolve around the ingredients. Failing to acquire the ingredients properly, or failing to use the correct types. Other issues involve not having enough storage capacity for all the items you’re going to need.
Bugs and glitches are a feature of Oblivion. Ensure that you’ve saved your progress, in case of a glitch. If you find a bug, load an earlier save and attempt the quest again.
Regaining the Sun’s Embrace
The Oblivion Vampire Cure Quest is a demanding but rewarding undertaking. It’s a test of your persistence, your resourcefulness, and your dedication to your character’s well-being. By following this guide, you can rid yourself of the vampiric curse and return to the light. Remember, the quest is not a race. Take your time, gather your resources, and enjoy the experience.
This quest demonstrates just how dynamic and engaging the gameplay of Oblivion can be. You may now wander freely across Cyrodiil, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the camaraderie of your fellow mortals. The choice to be cured from vampirism unlocks new possibilities.
So, go forth, embrace the challenges, and reclaim your freedom. The world of Oblivion awaits!
