Understanding the Shadow: The Nature of Vampirism in Oblivion
The sprawling landscapes of Cyrodiil beckon, filled with danger, mystery, and the ever-present threat of… vampirism. In the world of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*, becoming a creature of the night can offer tantalizing power, yet it comes with a heavy price. This article serves as your definitive guide to escaping the clutches of the undead, providing a thorough understanding of the malady, the quest to vanquish it, and the steps you need to take to finally bask in the warmth of the sun once more. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a fresh-faced hero just beginning their journey, this guide will illuminate the path to freedom from the vampire’s curse.
The Curse Unveiled
Before embarking on the quest for a cure, it’s essential to grasp the nature of vampirism within *Oblivion*. This isn’t just a cosmetic transformation; it’s a creeping disease known as Porphyric Hemophilia, contracted through the bite of a vampire. The illness doesn’t manifest immediately. Initially, you’ll experience minor symptoms, but left untreated, these symptoms will progressively worsen, culminating in full-blown vampirism. This insidious condition brings with it a host of changes, both beneficial and detrimental.
The first signs often begin with fatigue and diminished stamina during daylight hours. This is just the beginning. As the infection progresses, you will experience several stages with different symptoms. The final stage is where the true curse of the vampire comes into play.
The Price of the Night: The Burdens of Undeath
Embracing vampirism comes with a significant set of weaknesses. Perhaps the most obvious is your vulnerability to the sun. Direct sunlight deals constant damage, rapidly draining your health and making exploration during the day a treacherous proposition. This drastically limits your travel options and forces you to plan your adventures accordingly.
Furthermore, vampires suffer from a crippling weakness to fire, increasing the damage you take from flame-based attacks and spells. Potions and other sources of healing become less effective, making combat a more challenging experience. Disease is also an ever-present threat, as vampires are more susceptible than other beings.
The game also reflects your condition in the form of altered social interactions. NPCs will recognize your vampiric nature and treat you with hostility, either fleeing in terror or attacking on sight. This makes it challenging to interact with merchants, complete quests, and enjoy the social aspects of the game.
The Shadows Within
Despite the drawbacks, vampirism does bestow certain advantages. At night, a vampire becomes considerably more powerful. You gain improved attributes, such as increased strength, speed, and agility. In addition, you gain unique abilities, like the ability to see in the dark and the power to paralyze opponents with a single touch. The vampire also gets a variety of abilities.
The Turning Point: When to Seek a Cure
The decision to seek a cure is a personal one. If you enjoy the night, embrace the power, and have a high tolerance for the drawbacks, you might choose to remain a vampire. However, if the sun’s burning touch, the hostility of NPCs, and the weaknesses to fire and disease become too much to bear, the time has come to seek a cure. The benefits might no longer outweigh the costs, and the quest for a remedy becomes your top priority.
Embarking on a Pilgrimage: The Cure Quest and the Path to Freedom
The primary method of curing vampirism in *Oblivion* involves a specific quest. This adventure, aptly named “A Cure for Vampirism”, takes you on a journey through Cyrodiil, tasking you with collecting rare ingredients and ultimately completing a ritual. This quest is a pivotal moment in your character’s story and marks a significant shift in gameplay and character progression.
Seeking the Guidance: The First Steps of Your Quest
To initiate the cure quest, you must speak to certain people within the game. Begin by speaking to innkeepers. They often possess rumors and useful information about the happenings of the world. These innkeepers can point you in the right direction and provide you with clues about the cure. Another source of vital information comes from priests. These individuals, dedicated to the worship of the divines, are often knowledgeable about matters of disease, cures, and the supernatural. Approach them and inquire about your condition. They will usually provide you with details and suggest further actions, potentially guiding you toward the right individual or quest.
The Chosen Path: Seeking the Cure
Once you’ve received the necessary clues, finding the specific priest will be the next step. This individual possesses the necessary knowledge to guide you toward the cure. Inquire about a priest and the specific location where the quest begins. After this, you’ll then need to accept their invitation to begin the formal quest.
The Demands of the Cure: The Ingredients of Freedom
The priest will outline the specific requirements needed to dispel your affliction. You will learn about the necessary ingredients, essential components of the ritual needed to cleanse you of the vampire’s curse. These components aren’t easy to come by, and you’ll need to undertake your own journey through the game to gather what is needed.
The Nightshade Hunt: Sourcing the Purple Bloom
One of the key ingredients is nightshade. This poisonous plant is scattered across the land. Finding it takes a keen eye and the ability to recognize its distinct purple flowers. Commonly, you can find nightshade near waterways. The location will depend on what the priest told you to do, as he might suggest other places.
The Garlic Gauntlet: The Pursuit of Aromatic Cloves
Another necessary ingredient is garlic, specifically five cloves. Garlic is somewhat easier to find than nightshade. Look for garlic in the homes, stores and shops. You will need to search multiple homes to meet the requirement of the five cloves.
The Blood of the Argonian: A Price of Freedom
This is where the quest takes a unique turn. The final ingredient required is the blood of an Argonian. However, this is a specific request, and not just any Argonian will do. This Argonian must be an individual and needs to be alive to provide the blood needed for the cure. Find a place where Argonian are dwelling. The Argonian will give the blood willingly.
The Altar of Restoration: The Ritual of Liberation
Once all the ingredients are secured, the final step is to proceed to the specific altar. This altar is located in a remote place. The priest will guide you through this location. Locate this altar and make sure all the required ingredients have been collected. Then, place the ingredients on the altar and perform the ritual. Follow the instructions as given, and you will begin the process of the cure.
Emerging into the Dawn: The Transformation Complete
Upon completion of the ritual, the cure is complete. The change will be instantaneous. You will feel the sun and see the brightness that comes from sunlight. You will no longer suffer the negative effects of vampirism. This marks a new chapter in your character’s journey, restoring your former self and freeing you to traverse Cyrodiil without fear of the sun’s wrath.
Alternate Paths and Considerations: Different Approaches to the Undead
Magical Remedies: The Limitations of Potions and Spells
Various potions and spells offer temporary relief from the negative effects of vampirism. Spells like “Resist Disease” and “Resist Fire” can lessen the impact of your vulnerabilities. Additionally, potions of resist fire and resistance can further help with those conditions, but they do not eliminate the core issue.
The Power of Choice: Remaining a Child of the Night
Some players may choose to remain vampires, embracing the nocturnal lifestyle and the powers that come with it. This path allows you to fully explore the benefits of the vampire, which can be useful in certain combat scenarios. You will need to make a personal assessment and consider which choice best fits your desired gameplay style and goals.
Tips and Tricks for the Undead
Shadow Tactics: Gameplay Before the Cure
Before securing the cure, careful planning is essential. Plan your adventures around the night, and utilize the advantages the night grants you. Use those powers to your advantage.
Embracing the Night: Speeding up the Cure Quest
To complete the quest quickly, focus on gathering the necessary ingredients, and moving quickly from point to point. Try completing this quest early in the game to ensure that you don’t spend too much time dealing with the problems that come with being a vampire.
Avoiding the Curse: Prevention is Key
The best way to handle vampirism is to avoid contracting it in the first place. Be vigilant during combat, and avoid vampires. If you do find yourself in combat with vampires, be careful of their bites.
Reclaiming Your Humanity: Curing Vampirism Early
If you do find yourself infected, it’s best to pursue the cure as quickly as possible. The sooner you eliminate the curse, the sooner you can enjoy the full experience of *Oblivion* without the restrictions of vampirism.
Conclusion: Freedom from the Shadow
The quest to cure vampirism is a journey of self-discovery, a test of skill, and a testament to your resilience. By following this guide, you can overcome the challenges of the vampire’s curse and return to the sunlit world. The path to freedom lies ahead, and the treasures of Cyrodiil await your return. Now, go forth and begin your journey to vanquish this curse.
