Breaking the Curse: A Comprehensive Guide to Curing Vampirism in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Introduction
The sun dips below the horizon, casting long, eerie shadows across the landscape. Your vision blurs, a familiar ache piercing your skull. You crave something… something dark. You are a vampire, a creature of the night, forever bound to the shadows in the world of Tamriel. But perhaps, the constant hunger, the burning daylight, and the fearful glances of the townsfolk are wearing you down. Perhaps, you yearn for the freedom of a mortal life, to wander the plains under the sun’s warm embrace. If you’re tired of the vampiric lifestyle and dream of a cure, then welcome, adventurer. This guide is your key to escaping the curse and returning to a life free from the shackles of the undead in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*.
Oblivion, a sprawling role-playing game set in the vibrant world of Tamriel, offers a vast amount of freedom in how players shape their destiny. One such choice is embracing the seductive, yet dangerous, path of vampirism. This guide, however, is dedicated to helping you shed that darkness and become mortal once more. We will explore the intricacies of vampirism, the struggles it entails, and, most importantly, the detailed steps necessary to permanently *cure vampirism in Oblivion*. Prepare to break free from the curse and experience Oblivion as a fully-fledged mortal.
Understanding the Nature of Vampirism in Oblivion
Before embarking on the quest to *cure vampirism*, it’s essential to fully grasp what it means to be a vampire in the world of Oblivion. The condition is not simply a matter of dark magic; it’s a disease, a curse known as *Porphyric Hemophilia*. It is contracted when you are bitten by a vampire, and the affliction slowly takes hold, transforming you into one of the undead.
The progression of vampirism isn’t instantaneous. It unfolds in distinct stages, each marked by noticeable changes. As the days pass after you are infected, you’ll see new vulnerabilities and powers start to affect you, sometimes causing concern as a player. These phases affect the way you survive and interact with the world:
In the first stage, you will notice subtle changes, maybe feeling a little weaker to sunlight but it shouldn’t bother you too much. There are few significant changes to your day-to-day experiences.
In the second stage, you will notice a definite decline in your health while you are in sunlight. Your skills are also affected. The negative effects of the sun are starting to become prominent. The effects of vampirism start to become more difficult to ignore.
At the third stage, sunlight will cause severe damage. Your skills will also be heavily diminished. You will be noticeably weaker during the day, and NPCs will start to make unfavorable comments or become aggressive towards you. The world will begin to shift as NPCs notice your vampiric condition.
In the final stage, vampirism reaches its peak, causing considerable damage from the sun. Your powers will be at their maximum, but your weaknesses are amplified too. NPCs will now always be hostile towards you. You *need* to feed to regain strength, or you will lose a lot of health in a short time.
The disadvantages of vampirism are significant. Sunlight is your most formidable enemy, relentlessly draining your health and stamina. Fire spells and attacks are far more dangerous than before. Guards and townsfolk, aware of your affliction, may become hostile, turning interactions into potential conflicts. You’ll be forced to live a nocturnal existence, restricted by the sun’s presence.
Despite these challenges, there are advantages as well. Vampires gain significant boosts to their skills, a resistance to disease and poison, and powerful vampiric abilities. Night vision, the ability to paralyze opponents, and the power to feed on sleeping victims offer a unique playstyle. But if you are tired of the dark, then it is time to get a *cure for vampirism* in Oblivion.
Embarking on the Path to Freedom: The Cure
The quest to *cure vampirism in Oblivion* involves a series of well-defined steps. Once you are aware of the curse and want to fix it, finding a cure is the key to reclaiming your mortality.
The quest you need to undertake, fittingly, is called *”A Cure for Vampirism”*. Your journey begins when you decide it is time.
First, you need to find *Mast* in *Skingrad*.
Mast is a friendly Orc and is the primary figure in your quest to rid yourself of vampirism. You will find him at the Chapel of Stendarr in *Skingrad*. Mast will guide you through the initial steps of the cure process and he will know all that is needed.
Once you have spoken to Mast and have gotten his first instructions, you need to find *Brother Piner* in the same chapel. *Brother Piner* will be in the chapel, willing to help you rid yourself of your vampiric nature. After speaking with him, he will set you on your way to find the ingredients needed for the cure.
The most crucial step in the process involves gathering the required ingredients. These ingredients must be collected to continue and without them, you cannot progress. Your survival depends on it. Here’s what you will need:
First, you will need *Vampire Dust*. This peculiar dust is a key component of the cure and can be found on any slain vampire. The best strategy is to actively hunt down and kill other vampires. Try exploring vampire lairs or caves where vampires are known to lurk. Make sure you collect the dust from their remains.
Next, you will need a *Flawless Ruby*. These valuable gems can be found in various locations, often within dungeons, forts, and sometimes even in the possession of high-ranking merchants. Explore these locations and look for chests or containers to increase your chances of finding one.
You will also need three cloves of *Garlic*. Luckily, this ingredient is easier to obtain. Garlic can be found in numerous locations throughout the game. You can buy it from general stores, find it growing in gardens in towns, or sometimes it can even be found in kitchens. You should have no trouble finding this vital ingredient.
Finally, you will need the *Blood of an Argonian*. This specific blood can only be acquired from an Argonian NPC. You can visit the Fighters Guild in *Bravil*. You can find an Argonian named *Albion* at the guild. Speak with *Albion* and you can then convince him to let you have some of his blood.
With all these ingredients gathered, return to *Brother Piner* at the Chapel of Stendarr in *Skingrad*. Give him the *Vampire Dust, Flawless Ruby, Garlic* and the *Blood of an Argonian* as requested. He will begin to prepare the ritual.
Now the time has come to prepare for the ritual. *Brother Piner* will perform the necessary ceremony. He’ll need some time, so allow him to do his work.
After the ritual has been performed, you will be free from the curse! Now go and see *Mast* at the chapel in *Skingrad*.
Speak with him once more and you will have been fully cured of vampirism. Your skin won’t burn in the sunlight and you are free to walk during the day!
Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Cure
The process of *curing vampirism* can be a challenging endeavor. Here are some helpful tips and strategies:
Taking advantage of fast travel will make your journey much smoother. Organize your quest by fast traveling from location to location to save time.
Save your game before you start the quest. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can always revert and try again. The save can be used to troubleshoot the quest.
Think about your character. Some players might prefer vampirism and others won’t. If you are a more open-minded character, being a vampire may not suit you, so maybe the *cure for vampirism in Oblivion* is the best choice for you.
Throughout the game, some bugs might appear. If anything doesn’t go as planned, check the unofficial patch. There are a multitude of glitches that can occur, so it is worth checking to be sure.
Conclusion: Embracing a New Dawn
Curing vampirism in Oblivion is a transformative experience. You’ve battled the sun, dodged angry mobs, and lived a life forever shrouded in the shadows. The process is challenging, but the rewards are immense. You’ll have successfully rid yourself of the *Oblivion* vampire curse.
By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be free from the sun’s burning gaze and the relentless need for blood. You can now explore the world, engaging with NPCs without fear, and utilizing your skills without the constant limitations of the vampire lifestyle.
Remember that the choice is yours. Whether you choose to embrace the darkness or seek the light, Oblivion offers an unforgettable gaming experience.
Call to Action/Further Reading
Now that you know how to *cure vampirism in Oblivion*, what will you do with your newfound freedom? Go forth, explore the world, and build your legend! Share your experiences with the cure and let others know of your tales!
