Understanding the Curse of Porphyric Hemophilia
The sun blazes, the world shines, and yet… you yearn for the darkness. In the vast and immersive world of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*, adventure calls from every corner of Cyrodiil. You stalk the forests, delve into forgotten dungeons, and forge your legend. But a single bite, a moment of carelessness, and a new reality settles in, a fate whispered in hushed tones: you have become a vampire.
The initial thrill of enhanced abilities fades quickly. The sun, once your ally, now burns your flesh. Townsfolk recoil in fear and hostility. The vibrant tapestry of the world becomes a restrictive, shaded existence. But there’s a way back to the light. A cure awaits, a journey demanding dedication and a willingness to confront the shadows themselves. This guide will be your companion, your light in the darkness, illuminating the path to reclaiming your humanity and escaping the clutches of *Oblivion*’s most persistent affliction: vampirism.
Before embarking on the quest for a cure, it’s crucial to fully grasp the nature of vampirism in *Oblivion*. It’s not merely a change in appearance; it’s a fundamental shift in your character’s existence, altering your strengths, weaknesses, and interactions with the world.
The process begins with a disease called Porphyric Hemophilia. This insidious illness is contracted through the bite of a vampire. While the disease may seem innocuous at first, its effects gradually manifest. Initially, you may experience minor stat boosts and a subtle change in your appearance.
As days pass without a cure, the transformation progresses. The most immediate concern is the growing sensitivity to sunlight. Exposure to the sun’s rays will damage your health and stamina at an increasingly rapid pace, making daytime travel a treacherous endeavor.
Alongside the sun’s curse, your abilities begin to evolve. Vampires are blessed with unique powers. Enhanced strength, agility, and mystical abilities become accessible. They can see in the dark, and are often able to utilize powerful enchantments. However, these advantages come at a steep cost, and the longer you linger as a vampire, the harsher the penalties.
Perhaps the most significant change wrought by vampirism is the effect on your relationships with the inhabitants of Cyrodiil. As a vampire, you’ll become a source of fear for many, leading to hostility and aggression from NPCs. Conversations will become strained, services may be denied, and you might even be attacked on sight. This shift can hinder your questing, make it difficult to gather information, and severely impact the immersive experience the game is renowned for.
For all these reasons, curing vampirism becomes a compelling goal for many players. It’s about reclaiming your freedom, restoring social interactions, and once again becoming a fully integrated member of the world.
The Journey to Restoration: Initiating the Cure Quest
The path to a cure for vampirism is a quest in itself, an adventure marked by specific tasks and encounters. The quest, fittingly titled “A Cure for Vampirism”, is a multistage endeavor, that will eventually free you from the undead curse.
The first step to begin the quest is to locate a specific NPC. Someone who has knowledge regarding your malady. The best starting point is the Chapel of Talos in Chorrol, where you can often find a clue. Speak with the priest, who may offer a valuable lead. Eventually, you will be directed to the Imperial City. There, you’ll need to speak with a member of the Mages Guild. Finding a person to get the information you need is a common trope within *Oblivion*. The quest giver you are looking for is likely Raminus Polus, a member of the Arcane University. Speaking to him will begin the quest in earnest.
Gathering the Necessary Ingredients: A Hunt for Components
The next phase requires you to locate and gather a set of specific, often elusive, ingredients. These components, when combined, form the potion that can break the curse. The collection process will take you to different regions of Cyrodiil, and each ingredient presents its own unique challenge.
The first ingredient is Nightshade, a poisonous plant found near rivers, lakes and swamps. These plants can be located in various locations. Bravil is a good place to start, as the marshy environment makes it a particularly likely area to find these plants. Keep an eye out for the distinctive appearance of Nightshade plants.
The second ingredient is Bloody Clot, taken from vampires. You will need to locate and slay other vampires. It’s a rather macabre method, but a necessary one. Finding and defeating these creatures will challenge your combat skills and test your resolve. Any vampire, slain, should yield this gruesome item.
The third ingredient required for the cure is garlic. Garlic is a common ingredient, and can be found in many locations such as houses, farms, and shops across Cyrodiil. Though not particularly difficult to obtain, you will still need to make your way to many places to find enough garlic to complete the quest.
You’ll need to locate an Empty Grand Soul Gem, too. You may already have one from exploring dungeons or purchasing them from merchants. If not, Soul Gems are readily available at shops and some can be found while exploring. This gem is essential for the final stage of the cure.
Finally, you must acquire Argonian Blood. Finding the right Argonian is essential for the quest. Look for an Argonian named Melisande, she can be found within the Imperial City. Talking to her will give you access to the needed blood.
The Alchemy of Redemption: Brewing the Cure
With all the required ingredients in hand, the next step is to craft the cure potion itself. This task requires the use of an Alchemy Lab, the heart of potion creation in *Oblivion*. If you are a member of the Mages Guild, the Arcane University is an excellent choice. Otherwise, Alchemy Labs can be found throughout Cyrodiil, often within shops or houses of alchemists.
At the Alchemy Lab, combine the ingredients you’ve gathered. The process is straightforward: place the components into the appropriate slots, and start mixing. The result of this combination is a potion that will reverse the effects of the disease that has taken hold.
Consuming the Potion: A New Dawn
The culmination of your efforts arrives. After crafting the cure, the final step is to consume it. Drink the potion. A cinematic sequence occurs. The vampire will be cured and you will be returned to your former human form.
You will be restored to life. No longer will the sun’s rays be a threat. The constant damage from the light will disappear, and all NPCs will view you as their friend. Your appearance will revert to your original skin tone, and you’ll be free to interact with the world once more.
Tips and Strategies to Light Your Way
Curing vampirism demands patience and a bit of clever planning. Here are some tips to help you.
Before you begin the quest, prepare by scouting out the locations where ingredients are found. Know where Nightshade is found, so you can efficiently gather it. Knowing where garlic can be found is also essential.
The gathering of Bloody Clot can be streamlined with some pre-planning. The best method is to locate and clear out vampire lairs. These areas often house multiple vampires, allowing you to collect all the needed Bloody Clot in one fell swoop.
Sunlight can be a problem. It is wise to prepare for your journey, and take advantage of any cover. Travel at night whenever possible, or use the protection of buildings and tunnels during the day. Potions and spells that restore health can also assist with surviving the sun’s damage.
Embracing the Light: The Rewards of Curing Vampirism
The reward for curing vampirism extends far beyond mere freedom from the sun’s bite. By breaking the curse, you’ll gain access to a more immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience.
You’ll be able to explore the world without the constant threat of damage, allowing you to fully experience the breathtaking landscapes and hidden wonders of Cyrodiil. Your interactions with NPCs will be restored, allowing you to progress through quests, gain valuable information, and build relationships with various characters.
You will also be able to join guilds without fear of rejection. The Mages Guild will not let you progress in the ranks if you are cursed with vampirism.
Final Thoughts on Curing the Curse
The cure to vampirism is a significant undertaking, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By dedicating yourself to the journey, you will banish the shadows and return to a fulfilling, complete experience.
With your humanity restored, your journey through *Oblivion* can truly begin. So, take courage, gather your ingredients, embrace the challenge, and reclaim your place in the sun.
