The Cure For Vampirism in Oblivion: A Complete Guide
Introduction
The shadow of the night holds a certain allure in the world of Cyrodiil. The power, the mystique, the ability to stalk prey under the cover of darkness – all these things make vampirism a tempting, albeit dangerous, prospect in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. But the eternal night comes at a price: vulnerability to the sun, a constant thirst, and the wary eyes of the living. If you’ve found yourself cursed with this affliction and yearn for the warmth of the sun and the acceptance of society, despair not! There is a path to redemption, a way to banish the thirst that consumes you.
Vampirism in Oblivion is more than just a cosmetic change; it’s a fundamental shift in gameplay. This article provides a comprehensive walkthrough and helpful tips for completing the “Cure for Vampirism” quest in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, allowing players to reclaim their mortal lives and once again walk freely in the light.
Understanding The Embrace of Shadows: Vampirism Unveiled
Before embarking on the arduous journey to cure your vampirism, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the beast that dwells within you. Vampirism isn’t a sudden transformation; it’s a gradual process that unfolds over a series of stages.
The journey begins with Porphyric Hemophilia, a disease contracted from encounters with vampires. Be wary of the undead lurking in damp caves and ancient ruins, for a single scratch can spell doom. If left untreated, this seemingly minor illness will fester and transform you into a creature of the night over the course of three in-game days.
As a vampire, you’ll progress through four distinct stages, each with its own set of blessings and curses. At the initial stage, the benefits are mild, but so are the drawbacks. As you progress, the bonuses to your strength, speed, and magical resistances become more pronounced, but so too does your weakness to sunlight and fire. Your appearance also changes, reflecting your descent into the unliving.
The boons of vampirism are undeniable. Increased strength allows you to carry more loot and deal devastating blows in combat. Enhanced speed enables you to outrun your enemies and navigate the world with unparalleled agility. Resistance to disease and magic provides a significant edge against many of Cyrodiil’s dangers. The most potent abilities include Vampire’s Seduction, which allows you to charm NPCs and sway their opinions, and Embrace of Shadows, granting invisibility for a limited time.
However, these powers come at a steep price. Sunlight is your bane, causing continuous damage and weakening your attributes during the day. Fire, another common threat in Oblivion, inflicts even more pain than usual. Perhaps the most significant drawback is the negative reaction from NPCs. As you become more visibly vampiric, people will shun you, refuse to trade with you, and even attack you on sight.
Before seeking a permanent solution, you must manage your vampirism. Feeding is the key to controlling your hunger and delaying the progression to later stages. You can feed on sleeping NPCs, restoring your bloodlust and alleviating the negative effects of vampirism. However, feeding is a crime, and getting caught can have severe consequences. Staying in the shadows during the day can minimize the damage from sunlight, and potions can temporarily enhance your resistances.
The Path to Redemption: A Detailed Cure For Vampirism Quest Walkthrough
The quest to cure your vampirism is a challenging but rewarding undertaking. It involves traveling across Cyrodiil, gathering rare ingredients, and seeking the help of powerful figures.
Your journey begins by seeking information. The quickest way to trigger the quest is to speak with NPCs and ask about rumors. Eventually, someone will mention Count Hassildor of Skingrad, a reclusive noble rumored to have knowledge of vampirism. Alternatively, you can speak to Raminus Polus at the Arcane University. The Mages Guild will direct you to the cure.
Travel to Skingrad, a city known for its vineyards and its enigmatic ruler. Count Hassildor resides in the Skingrad Castle. You may encounter difficulty speaking with the count directly, but persist. Once you gain an audience, he will reveal his tragic past: his wife is a vampire, and he seeks a cure for her affliction. He will task you with gathering the ingredients necessary for a potent potion.
Gathering The Necessary Ingredients
The ingredients required are rare and challenging to obtain, testing your skills as an adventurer.
Grand Soul Gem
First, you will need a Grand Soul Gem Filled with a Grand Soul. Empty Grand Soul Gems can be found in various locations, including dungeons, mage guilds, and general stores. Black Soul Gems are especially useful as they allow you to trap human souls, which are considered Grand Souls. Soul trapping requires the Soul Trap spell or a weapon with the Soul Trap enchantment. Cast the spell or strike your target with the enchanted weapon before defeating them to capture their soul.
Cloves of Garlic
Next, you will need six Cloves of Garlic. Garlic is a common ingredient found in many homes and taverns across Cyrodiil. Check the kitchens and pantries of inns, private residences, and markets to find this pungent spice.
Nightshade Flowers
You must also gather five Nightshade Flowers. Nightshade grows in forested areas and near bodies of water. Search along riverbanks, in gardens, and around the edges of forests to find this deadly flower.
Bloodgrass
Bloodgrass is a plant found exclusively in Oblivion, the planes of existence ruled by the Daedric Princes. Bloodgrass can be found easily in the starting areas of many Oblivion gates. Entering these gates is inherently dangerous, and it’s best to be equipped with protective enchantments, and powerful weapons.
Ashes of Hindaril
Finally, you need The Ashes of Hindaril. Hindaril was an ancient vampire, and his ashes are located within a specific ruin. The location is a closely guarded secret, but Hassildor will tell you where to find them. Be prepared for a difficult fight.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, return to Count Hassildor in Skingrad. Present him with the items, and he will reward you with the Potion of Cure Vampirism.
Drinking The Potion
Now comes the moment of truth. Drink the potion to break the curse of vampirism and reclaim your mortal life. The transformation is immediate, restoring your appearance and removing the effects of vampirism.
Mastering the Hunt: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Cure
The Cure for Vampirism quest can be challenging, but with careful planning and a few helpful strategies, you can increase your chances of success.
Optimizing Soul Trapping
Optimizing soul trapping is essential for acquiring a Grand Soul Gem Filled with a Grand Soul. The stronger the creature, the more powerful the soul. Experiment with different creatures to find the most efficient methods. Recharging enchanted weapons with soul gems can also be very helpful.
Ingredient Gathering Strategies
When gathering ingredients, plan your routes carefully and utilize fast travel to minimize travel time. Consider creating a checklist to ensure you don’t miss any items.
Combat and Stealth Tactics
Be prepared for combat, especially when venturing into dungeons and Oblivion gates. Stock up on potions, repair your equipment, and consider bringing a companion to aid you in battle. Stealth can be a valuable asset when acquiring ingredients, allowing you to avoid unnecessary encounters.
Life After The Cure: Embracing the Sun Once More
After drinking the potion and breaking the curse of vampirism, you will need to readjust to your former life. It may take some time to acclimate to the sunlight again. Gradually expose yourself to the sun to avoid discomfort. You will also need to rebuild any skills that were lost due to vampirism. Practice your combat skills, study your spells, and hone your crafting abilities.
Most importantly, take steps to avoid becoming infected with Porphyric Hemophilia again. Be cautious when exploring dungeons and ruins, and avoid contact with vampires whenever possible.
Of course, some players choose to embrace their vampirism, relishing the power and mystique that comes with being a creature of the night. This is a valid choice, but it comes with its own set of challenges and consequences.
Banish The Thirst
The Cure for Vampirism quest is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of choice. It is a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience that allows you to reclaim your mortal life and walk freely in the light. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with curing vampirism is profound, knowing that you have overcome a significant obstacle and emerged stronger than before.
So, venture forth, brave adventurer, and banish the thirst that consumes you. May your journey be filled with success and your heart filled with the warmth of the sun. Share your own experiences and tips in the comments below, and let us know how you conquered the curse of vampirism in Oblivion!
