Understanding Vampirism in Cyrodiil
The province of Cyrodiil in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* is a land of sprawling forests, ancient ruins, and, unfortunately, lurking dangers in the form of vampires. While the power and allure of vampirism may tempt some, the drawbacks – the sun’s searing touch and the whispered fear of mortals – often outweigh the advantages. If you’ve found yourself cursed with Sanguinare Vampiris and seek to reclaim your mortal life, fear not. This article will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cure vampirism in Oblivion, leading you through the perilous quest and back into the sunlight. Be warned, the path is fraught with peril, requiring patience, preparation, and a strong will.
Contracting the Disease
The road to recovery begins with understanding the affliction itself. In Oblivion, vampirism isn’t a sudden transformation but a gradual descent, marked by stages of increasing power and escalating consequences. It all starts with Sanguinare Vampiris, a disease contracted through the attacks of vampires. These creatures, lurking in forgotten caves and shadowed ruins, can infect you with their tainted blood.
When you are attacked by a vampire, you will have a chance to contract the disease. To know if you have contracted it you will be notified in the top left corner of the screen.
The incubation period is crucial. You have seventy-two hours (three in-game days) to cure the disease with a simple potion of cure disease or a trip to a temple altar. If left untreated, the Sanguinare Vampiris will fully transform you into a vampire. This transformation marks the beginning of a new existence, one shaped by both power and hardship.
Stages of Transformation
As a vampire, you progress through four distinct stages, each impacting your abilities and limitations. Visually, your character’s appearance changes. Your skin pales, and your eyes glow with an unnatural intensity, a clear sign to the wary citizens of Cyrodiil that something is amiss.
The benefits of vampirism are undeniable. You gain increased strength, speed, and agility, making you a formidable combatant. You also gain resistance to diseases and poisons, and some stages grant invisibility, allowing you to move unseen through the shadows. However, these powers come at a cost. The most significant drawback is your vulnerability to sunlight. Exposure to the sun causes constant health drain. In the later stages, sunlight can be deadly, forcing you to seek refuge in the darkness.
Beyond the physical effects, your relationship with the world around you deteriorates. As you advance through the stages, non-player characters (NPCs) become increasingly wary of you. Some may refuse to interact with you, and guards may attack you on sight, making questing and trading difficult. This social isolation, combined with the constant need for blood to sustain your powers, can make playing a vampire character a challenging experience.
Why Seek a Cure?
Many players find that the drawbacks of vampirism eventually outweigh the benefits. The social stigma, the constant struggle against sunlight, and the need to feed on others can become tiresome. Moreover, certain quests and storylines may become inaccessible to vampires, limiting your ability to fully experience the game.
Therefore, the desire to cure vampirism is a common one among Oblivion players. It’s a quest to reclaim a normal life, to walk in the sun without fear, and to be accepted once more by the people of Cyrodiil.
The Cure for Vampirism Quest: A Journey to Restoration
The quest to cure vampirism is a challenging but rewarding endeavor, requiring you to gather rare ingredients and confront powerful enemies. It all begins with seeking knowledge.
Initiating the Quest
To initiate the cure for vampirism quest, you must first inquire about the condition itself. Start by speaking to any character in the game, especially those who frequent temples or are known for their knowledge of arcane matters. Ask about “vampirism” or “a cure for vampirism.” These inquiries will eventually lead you to rumors about a certain Count Hassildor of Skingrad, a figure known for his knowledge of all things pertaining to vampires.
Count Janus Hassildor is the key to unlocking the quest. He is the Count of Skingrad, a town located along the Gold Road in the West Weald region of Cyrodiil. He will be found in Castle Skingrad. However, gaining his cooperation won’t be easy. Count Hassildor is an enigmatic and secretive individual.
To gain his trust, you need to have completed the “Information at a Price” quest in Skingrad. Once you have built up a relationship with the count, he will eventually reveal information about a scholar named Melisande, who resides in a secluded shrine. She knows the ritual to cure vampirism.
Gathering the Reagents
Melisande’s instructions are simple, yet demanding. The cure for vampirism requires a specific set of rare and potent ingredients. These ingredients must be collected and brought to her shrine for the final ritual. The items needed include the following:
Two Grand Soul Gems. They must be empty and will be filled.
Six Cloves of Garlic: These pungent bulbs can be found in many homes and shops throughout Cyrodiil. Check the inventories of grocers and innkeepers, or search the cellars of houses in towns and cities. It is possible to find garlic hanging from the rafters in homes as well.
Five Nightshade Flowers: These deadly blooms grow in dark, damp places, often near graveyards or ruins. Search the wilderness surrounding cities like Cheydinhal or Chorrol for these nocturnal plants.
Two Bloodgrass Clumps: These crimson plants are found in the planes of Oblivion, requiring you to enter Oblivion gates. Seek out gates near cities like Kvatch or Bruma, and carefully harvest the Bloodgrass while avoiding the Daedra that inhabit these dangerous realms.
Ashes of a Powerful Vampire: This is perhaps the most challenging ingredient to acquire. Melisande requires the ashes of a particular vampire named Hindaril. Hindaril is not just any vampire; he is a powerful and ancient creature.
Completing the Ritual: The Final Steps to Freedom
Meeting Melisande is the turning point in your fight for a cure.
Her location
You can find Melisande at her shrine.
Melisande’s dialogue
Melisande will test your resolve, making sure you are truly dedicated to your decision. Once she’s satisfied, she will task you with retrieving the vampire ashes.
Hindaril’s location and boss fight
Hindaril resides in a cave filled with lesser vampires. He can use a variety of magic spells, and is a formidable opponent. He is resistant to normal weapons, so bringing a silver or enchanted weapon is recommended. After his defeat, take his ashes.
Return to Melisande
Present Melisande with the ashes, and she will instruct you on the final steps of the ritual. Take care when taking the cure. Once taken, you will be transported to a dark space and the disease will be purged.
Tips and Advice for a Successful Cure
Successfully curing vampirism requires careful planning and execution.
Preparation for the Quest
Before embarking on the quest, ensure that you are adequately prepared. Aim for a level between ten and fifteen, allowing you to handle the dangers of Hindaril’s dungeon.
Inventory Management
Make sure that your inventory is clear. Ingredients take up space, so free up room before setting off to gather them.
Skill recommendations
Skills such as Blade, Blunt, Destruction, Restoration, and Alchemy are valuable for this quest.
Avoiding Vampirism Again
Once cured, you’ll want to avoid contracting Sanguinare Vampiris again. The most effective way to do this is to avoid fighting vampires altogether. However, if combat is unavoidable, consider using potions of Cure Disease or spells like Cure Disease to counteract the infection.
Additional Cures
While not part of the intended game mechanics, there exist console commands that can instantly cure vampirism. However, using these commands can disrupt the game’s balance and may lead to unforeseen consequences. Use them at your own discretion.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Life in Cyrodiil
The journey to cure vampirism in Oblivion is a test of your character’s strength, resourcefulness, and determination. From the initial infection to the final ritual, it requires navigating treacherous dungeons, gathering rare ingredients, and confronting formidable enemies.
By following this guide, you can successfully overcome the curse of vampirism and reclaim your mortal life. Remember to prepare thoroughly, manage your resources wisely, and never give up hope.
