How To Cure Vampirism in Oblivion: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The allure of the night, the whisper of power, the enhanced strength and speed—vampirism in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* offers a unique and often compelling gameplay experience. But as the sun becomes your enemy and the townsfolk turn their backs, the romantic notion of being a creature of the night can quickly fade. The increasingly debilitating weaknesses and the societal isolation push many players to seek a cure, to reclaim their daylight hours and return to a life free from the thirst.

The process to cure vampirism in Oblivion is far from simple, a lengthy quest involving exploration, resource gathering, and cooperation with some of Cyrodiil’s most peculiar inhabitants. But fear not, aspiring sunlight baskers! This article will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to successfully complete the Vampire Cure quest and return to the land of the living. In short you must find someone who knows about vampirism, find ingredients to make a cure, wait for the cure to be brewed, and then speak to someone to have the cure administered.

Understanding Vampirism in Oblivion

Before we dive into the cure, let’s understand the curse. Becoming a vampire in Oblivion isn’t a conscious choice, but a consequence of battling the undead. Specifically, contracting Porphyric Hemophilia, a disease commonly spread by vampires, is the initial step. The first three days are crucial. If the disease isn’t cured through conventional means—a Cure Disease potion or a visit to a chapel—the transformation begins.

Vampirism in Oblivion operates on a stage system, ranging from the relatively mild Stage One to the crippling Stage Four. Each stage amplifies both the boons and the burdens. As a vampire progresses through the stages, their Strength, Speed, and Athletics skills are significantly boosted, granting them formidable combat prowess. They also gain powerful spells like Vampiric Embrace (a Drain Health ability) and invisibility at night.

However, the price is steep. Sun damage becomes increasingly severe, with Stage Four vampires suffering constant health drain in daylight. More importantly, your reputation suffers. NPCs will become hostile, refusing to trade or offer assistance. Some will outright attack on sight, forcing you to feed on unsuspecting citizens to delay the advancement of the vampire stages. Feeding resets the vampire’s stage back to the first. A player who contracts vampirism for too long may want to cure it for the following reasons.

Why Cure It?

The powers are alluring, but the drawbacks can become overwhelming. The growing weakness to sunlight is a constant struggle. Journeys become confined to the night, and even overcast days can be a threat. The negative reputation is another significant hurdle. Completing quests becomes difficult, and even basic interactions with vendors can turn violent.

Ultimately, the decision to cure vampirism comes down to gameplay preference. Some players enjoy the challenge of managing the condition, embracing the stealth and subterfuge required to survive. Others find the limitations too restrictive, yearning for the freedom to explore Cyrodiil without fear of the sun or the judgment of its inhabitants. If you are among those who want the later, here is what to do.

The Path to a Cure: A Detailed Walkthrough

The quest for a cure is a journey in itself, requiring patience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to travel far and wide across Cyrodiil. The quest to cure vampirism is rather long and is not easy.

Finding a Reliable Source of Information

Before you can begin your journey, you’ll need reliable information. Random rumors won’t cut it; you need someone with expertise in the arcane arts and the complexities of vampirism. Thankfully, such a person exists within the Mages Guild.

Make your way to the Arcane University in the Imperial City. Seek out Raminus Polus, the Master-Wizard. Explain your predicament, and he will acknowledge the seriousness of your condition. However, he admits that his knowledge of vampirism is limited. He will direct you to someone he believes can provide the answers you seek: Count Hassildor of Skingrad.

Seeking Out Count Hassildor of Skingrad

Travel to Skingrad, a city perched on the edge of the Gold Coast. Locate Castle Skingrad, the imposing fortress that serves as the Count’s residence. Be prepared for a chilly reception; Count Hassildor is known for his reclusive nature and unsettling demeanor.

Approach the Count with caution. Explain that Raminus Polus directed you to him, and that you are seeking a cure for vampirism. The Count, surprisingly, won’t deny his expertise. In fact, he reveals that his own wife suffers from the very same affliction. He then tasks you with a quest, aptly named “Vampire Cure.”

Gathering the Ingredients

Count Hassildor will explain that a cure requires a rare and potent concoction, demanding ingredients gathered from across Cyrodiil and beyond. This is the most time-consuming part of the quest, so prepare for a lengthy scavenger hunt.

Why these Ingredients Are Important: Each ingredient plays a vital role in the cure, drawing upon both arcane properties and the very essence of life. Sourcing them requires delving into dangerous locations and understanding their unique properties.

Grand Soul Gem (Filled)

Essential for containing the vampire’s soul during the purification process. A Grand Soul Gem is a powerful vessel capable of holding the soul of a mighty creature. You can find empty Grand Soul Gems in magic shops or dungeons. To fill it, you’ll need to use a Soul Trap spell or enchanted weapon on a powerful creature like a Minotaur, a Troll, or even a unique creature found in some of the game’s side quests.

Garlic (Six Cloves)

Garlic has long been associated with repelling evil and purifying the blood. This common ingredient can be found in the kitchens of many homes throughout Cyrodiil. Check in barrels or sacks in homes and inns, especially in rural towns and villages.

Nightshade (Five)

Nightshade is a deadly plant known for its poisonous properties. Despite its danger, it holds a place in many alchemical concoctions. This ingredient is commonly found growing in graveyards or other areas associated with death. Look around the edges of cities for it.

Bloodgrass (Two)

Bloodgrass grows in Oblivion’s dangerous realms. To obtain Bloodgrass, you’ll need to enter an Oblivion gate. The Kvatch Oblivion gate is a reliable location to find Bloodgrass, but other gates scattered across Cyrodiil will also suffice. Be prepared for intense combat against Daedra, and gather the Bloodgrass carefully.

Argonian Blood

The final ingredient, Argonian Blood, is perhaps the most ethically challenging to acquire. Argonians are known for their unique physiology and their resistance to disease. You will need to find a willing Argonian or steal the blood. However, the game doesn’t require you to kill an Argonian to get the blood. You can pickpocket a sleeping Argonian using a poisoned apple to get the blood.

Returning to Count Hassildor

With all the ingredients in your possession, return to Count Hassildor at Castle Skingrad. Present the ingredients to him, and he will take them to his alchemist to brew the cure.

The Count will instruct you to wait for twenty four hours while the alchemist prepares the potion. Find a safe place to rest or explore Skingrad while you wait.

Speak to Raminus Polus

Once the potion is brewed, the count will tell you to go and speak to Raminus Polus who will give you the cure. Speaking to him ends the quest.

The Aftermath: Life After Vampirism

With the cure administered, the effects of vampirism will begin to fade. The benefits of curing are clear and significant, impacting both gameplay and immersion.

Benefits of Curing

You will no longer burn in sunlight. You can freely explore during the day, engage in quests without fear of detection, and enjoy the beauty of Cyrodiil without constant worry. Interactions with NPCs will return to normal. Vendors will once again offer their services, and guards will no longer attack you on sight. You can complete quests more easily and participate more fully in the world.

Potential Drawbacks

The most obvious drawback is the loss of your vampire powers. The enhanced strength, speed, and spells that made you a formidable creature of the night will vanish. You’ll need to rely on your skills, equipment, and strategy to overcome challenges.

Maintaining Your “Humanity”

The threat of vampirism always lurks in the shadows. Be cautious when exploring vampire lairs and engaging in combat with the undead. Utilize Cure Disease potions or visit chapel altars regularly to prevent reinfection.

Conclusion

Curing vampirism in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* is a long and demanding journey, but one that ultimately allows you to reclaim your life and embrace the world in all its vibrant beauty. From gathering rare ingredients to navigating treacherous landscapes and navigating social stigmas, each step tests your resourcefulness and determination. Remember to find someone knowledgeable about vampirism, acquire the ingredients needed for the cure, allow time for the potion to be prepared, and finally, seek administration of the cure to break free from the vampire’s curse.

Whether you choose to embrace the darkness or seek the light, the choice is yours. But for those who yearn for the sun and the warmth of human connection, the path to a cure is a journey worth undertaking. And as you step back into the sunlight, remember the lessons learned and the challenges overcome, for they will shape your character and your destiny in the world of Cyrodiil.