Step into Tamriel, a realm woven with magic, shadowed by impending doom, and ripe with the promise of adventure. But before you can wield the sword of a hero, cast a spell of protection, or even begin your journey through the wilderness, you must first sculpt it – or rather, sculpt the hero who will. *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*, a titan of the role-playing game (RPG) genre, doesn’t just offer a vast world and a compelling narrative; it grants players the unparalleled agency to shape their destiny through the remarkably detailed **Oblivion Character Creator**. This tool isn’t merely a prelude to gameplay; it’s a fundamental aspect of the experience, forging a deep connection between player and avatar, fostering true immersion.
This article delves into the heart of this character creation process, exploring its intricacies, offering tips and insights to help you breathe life into your virtual self. We’ll examine the building blocks of your hero, from race and appearance to skills and backstory. Prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery as you craft the ultimate champion for Cyrodiil.
The Genesis: Entering the World of Creation
Accessing the character creation screen is the first step on your path. This crucial moment typically arrives at the very beginning of your *Oblivion* adventure, as your character awakens from a slumber, a prisoner with a destiny unknown. The game immediately thrusts you into a world of possibilities, and you’re the architect. The Oblivion Character Creator is the initial gate that leads into that experience.
This is more than just a mere setup; it’s where the player’s vision begins to transform from an abstract idea into a tangible form. This will be where you decide who you are, and thus, how your journey will unfold in Tamriel.
Choosing Your Lineage: The Races of Tamriel
The very foundation of your character is their race. *Oblivion* presents a diverse selection, each imbued with unique strengths, weaknesses, and cultural backgrounds that profoundly influence the gameplay experience. Choosing your race isn’t simply an aesthetic decision; it is a declaration, a starting point that shapes your abilities and interactions within the world.
The Imperials, hailing from the heart of the Empire, are known for their diplomatic prowess and balanced skills. Their starting bonus in Mercantile and a natural affinity for healing can lead to success in both the trade and combat avenues.
The Nords, hailing from the icy reaches of Skyrim, are hardy warriors, forged by the harsh elements. Their natural resistance to frost and starting skill in Blade make them formidable fighters, perfectly suited for the front lines.
High Elves, or Altmer, possess a potent connection to magic, often wielding the most powerful spells. Their bonus in intelligence and proficiency in Mysticism make them natural spellcasters, excelling in the arcane arts.
Wood Elves, or Bosmer, are masters of the bow and arrow, adept at navigating the wilderness. Their natural ability in Marksman and affinity for Athletics makes them deadly rangers, skilled at hunting and stealth.
Bretons are the inheritors of a blend of magic and martial skill. Their high resistance to magic and starting skill in Conjuration allow them to dominate the battlefield with magic and summons.
Dark Elves, or Dunmer, are stoic individuals often considered to be skilled magic users and warriors. Their natural ability in Destruction and an affinity for Mysticism make them versatile spellcasters, excelling in both offensive and defensive magic.
Orcs, or Orsimer, are known for their strength and tenacity. Their high starting skills in heavy armor and a natural affinity for axes make them tough brawlers, capable of enduring punishment and delivering crushing blows.
Redguards are swift and deadly warriors, born in the deserts of Hammerfell. Their high starting skill in Blade and a natural affinity for blocking make them agile and defensive fighters.
Khajiit are a mysterious race of feline humanoids known for their agility, stealth, and climbing skills. Their starting skills in Sneak and Acrobatics, and their ability to see in the dark makes them ideal for stealth-based gameplay.
Argonians, the lizard-like denizens of Black Marsh, are resistant to poison and disease and are excellent swimmers. Their high starting skill in Security and a natural affinity for Alteration grants an advantage with a range of utility skills.
The choice of race is critical, influencing everything from your starting skills and attributes to how NPCs perceive you. Think about your desired playstyle: Do you envision a stealthy rogue, a powerful mage, or a stalwart warrior? Your racial selection will greatly influence the path you choose.
The Foundation: Defining Your Gender and Name
Once you’ve chosen your race, it’s time to solidify your identity. Your gender selection impacts certain dialogue options, voice acting, and a few minor visual distinctions. These details help to personalize your avatar as you move forward in character creation.
Choosing a name may seem simple, but it is a vital part of building your character. The name is the identifier that will echo through the world, it is the way that others will recognize your hero, and thus, it has to be significant. It’s the label for your protagonist, so you might want to consider how it rolls off the tongue, and if it is related to the race you chose.
Sculpting the Visage: Mastering Facial Features and Customization
Now comes the truly exciting part: the meticulous art of sculpting your hero’s face. *Oblivion’s* character creator is surprisingly robust, offering an array of options for shaping your character’s appearance. The tools offered are truly astonishing for a game released during the mid-2000s.
You’ll have an assortment of choices:
Head and Face
These options are the most important of all, as they will define what others see when interacting with your character. Modify facial structure, jaw shape, cheekbone definition, and eye placement. Adjust skin tone to match the chosen race and reflect your character’s background. Select from a multitude of facial structures that give the player an impressive degree of control in shaping a character’s visual presence.
Hair and Facial Hair
Here’s where the personal artistry truly blooms. *Oblivion* offers a collection of hairstyles and facial hair options, allowing you to express your character’s personality. Experiment with different styles, lengths, and colors to find the perfect fit.
Eyes
Select the eyes, from their shape to their color, that reflect your character’s very essence. Consider the narrative of the character and what their eyes should say about who they are.
Tattoos and Markings
Add personality with intricate tattoos or scars, each one speaking of a past battle or a life of hardship. Make a strong statement that defines your character’s aesthetic.
The key here is to use the provided sliders and tools, to create a truly unique hero. Play around with the options. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to try different combinations and to make mistakes. This is your canvas. Take the time to hone your character’s visual appearance.
Shaping the Physical Form: Building Your Body
Beyond the face, you can also sculpt your character’s body. The range of customization options may be somewhat limited by today’s standards, but it still allows for significant differentiation.
Body Type
Adjust the overall physique. Build a warrior with muscles, or perhaps a more slender mage.
Muscle Definition
Sculpt the precise details of muscle definition, adding further nuance to the physique.
Proportions
Refine the details of height, overall shape, and size.
The Essence: Defining Your Attributes, Skills, and Class
Once you’ve crafted your avatar’s appearance, it’s time to define their capabilities. This is where you make the practical decisions about skills and playstyle.
Class Selection
*Oblivion* offers pre-made classes to get you started, or you can create a custom class, making the game more unique for your preferences.
Attributes
The game has attributes like Strength, Intelligence, Willpower, Agility, Speed, Endurance, Personality, and Luck. These stats directly influence your character’s abilities.
Skills
Skills are how you become powerful in the game, and influence the world around you. There are many to choose from, such as blade, blunt, conjuration, restoration, acrobatics, security, and many more.
The class and skills you choose will define your play style. Do you wish to be a stealthy rogue, a powerful mage, or a stalwart warrior?
A Gift from the Gods: The Birthsign
Before leaving the character creator, you’re asked to select a birthsign, bestowed upon you by the stars. Each birthsign grants a unique and powerful bonus, influencing the strengths and weaknesses of your character. The choice of birthsign is critical, influencing your gameplay and roleplaying style.
- The Apprentice: Bonus to Magicka, but also a weakness to magic.
- The Lady: Enhanced Endurance and Personality.
- The Lord: Resistance to frost and a daily heal ability.
- The Lover: Resistance to poison and a daily paralyze ability.
- The Mage: Bonus to Magicka.
- The Shadow: Daily invisibility.
- The Steed: Increased Speed and Encumbrance.
- The Thief: Bonus to Agility, Speed, and Luck.
- The Tower: Daily lockpicking and absorb spell ability.
- The Warrior: Bonus to Strength and Endurance.
- The Serpent: Weakness to poison and a daily poison ability.
- The Atronach: Bonus to Magicka, but with reduced Magicka regeneration and spell absorption.
- The Ritual: Daily turn undead and a water-walking ability.
Refining the Look: Advanced Tips and Techniques
To truly excel in the Oblivion character creator, consider these pointers:
- Experimentation: Take the time to try out different combinations, sliders, and options. The goal is to discover what works best for you.
- Presets: Explore the provided presets to get a feel for the available possibilities.
- Roleplaying: Align your character’s appearance with your desired backstory and personality.
- Consider the environment: Think about the world that your character will inhabit, and the struggles they might endure. Will it impact their look?
A Legacy Forged in Creation
The Oblivion Character Creator’s impact extends beyond simple visual customization. It set a new standard for immersion and player agency. It was remarkably advanced for its time, and allowed for a level of customization that felt unprecedented.
- Connection: The time you spend in the character creator helps you become invested in your character’s success, forming a unique bond.
- Player Agency: Players can make their own decisions that directly influence gameplay.
- Lasting Appeal: The Oblivion Character Creator has stood the test of time.
The Oblivion Character Creator gave players a crucial role in the narrative, allowing them to take control of the world and its events. This level of player agency continues to have a lasting effect on the RPG community.
The Conclusion: Shape Your Legacy
The Oblivion Character Creator is more than a tool; it’s a portal into a world of boundless possibilities. It is where your adventure truly begins. It’s your chance to craft a champion, forge a legend, and leave your mark upon the lands of Tamriel.
Take the time to experiment, refine your look, and most importantly, have fun. Let the character creation experience be a journey in itself, a prelude to the epic adventures that await you. So, return to Cyrodiil, fire up your copy of *Oblivion*, and begin the creation of your own hero.
