Introduction
Ever found yourself wandering the lush landscapes of Cyrodiil, sword in hand, ready to face any foe, only to be suddenly weakened by a pesky disease? Perhaps a scamp coughed on you just a little too aggressively, or maybe you lingered a bit too long near a festering corpse in a forgotten crypt. Whatever the cause, contracting a disease in *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* is an all-too-common occurrence, and the need to find a cure becomes instantly paramount. Those stat penalties can really ruin your day (or your whole playthrough!).
Disease in Oblivion is more than just a minor inconvenience. Each ailment, from the common Rattles to the dreaded Porphyric Hemophilia (the first step toward vampirism!), brings with it debilitating effects, impacting your strength, agility, and even your ability to cast spells. These penalties can quickly make even simple tasks like fighting mudcrabs a frustrating ordeal.
This guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about acquiring Cure Disease potions in Oblivion. We’ll cover where to buy them, where to find them, how to brew your own, and even some tips on avoiding those pesky ailments altogether. Forget limping back to town, coughing and wheezing; with this guide, you’ll be back on your feet, ready to close those Oblivion Gates in no time. And maybe even avoid becoming a creature of the night.
Understanding Cure Disease Potions
What exactly *are* Cure Disease potions? Simply put, they are magical concoctions designed to remove any active disease effects plaguing your character. Pop one of these, and you’ll feel that weakness and fatigue melt away, restoring your stats to their former glory.
Why are these potions so crucial? The immediate benefit is obvious: alleviating the negative effects of the disease. Strength drained? Agility reduced? Cure Disease potions get you back in fighting shape. But the long-term consequences of ignoring a disease are even more severe. Certain diseases, most notably Porphyric Hemophilia, can lead to vampirism if left untreated for three in-game days. Becoming a vampire changes your entire gameplay experience. Sunlight becomes deadly, feeding becomes a necessity, and certain quests become inaccessible. While some players might embrace the vampire life, it’s often an unwanted fate, especially for those unprepared for the drastic change. So, quick action is key.
There aren’t variations in potency for Cure Disease potions in Oblivion. Each Cure Disease potion, regardless of where you find it, will cure all diseases affecting your character. That makes finding even one of these potions incredibly valuable. While we’ll focus on potions here, we will mention other, alternative methods that can cure disease.
Locations to Buy Cure Disease Potions
When speed is of the essence, heading to a merchant is often the quickest route. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to purchase Cure Disease potions:
Alchemy Shops in Major Cities
Your primary destination should always be the alchemy shops located in the major cities of Cyrodiil. These establishments are more likely to stock Cure Disease potions than any other type of merchant. Here’s a city-by-city breakdown:
- Imperial City: Check out “The Main Ingredient” in the Market District. The owner, Agatha, usually has a decent selection of potions.
- Skingrad: “All Things Alchemical,” owned by Sinderion (before his… unfortunate demise in the related quest), is a reliable source. Even after the quest ends, the shop will continue to be available, stocked by a new owner.
- Bravil: “Ardriil’s Tradehouse” may have Cure Disease potions in stock, alongside other general goods.
- Bruma: The “Novaroma” shop is a good choice to browse for your necessary potion.
- Cheydinhal: Head over to “Borba’s Goods and Stores” to see what she has in her shop.
- Anvil: “Morvayn’s Peacemakers” could carry the potion you need, but it is not a dedicated alchemy shop so the chances are lower.
Expect to pay around 30-60 gold for a Cure Disease potion, depending on the merchant’s disposition and your Mercantile skill. However, keep in mind that shop inventories in Oblivion are randomized. This means that there’s no guarantee that a particular shop will have a Cure Disease potion in stock every single time you visit. If they’re out, check back after a few in-game days; their inventory will have refreshed. Fast travel to another city and back can speed this process up.
Temples and Chapels
Temples and chapels dedicated to the Divines are havens of healing and restoration. While they don’t always sell Cure Disease potions directly, they can sometimes be a viable option.
The Chapel of Dibella in Anvil might have a Cure Disease potion for sale, as Dibella is the goddess of beauty and healing. The Chapel of Arkay in Cheydinhal, dedicated to the god of the cycle of life and death, is another possibility. Keep in mind that relying on temples is less reliable than alchemy shops; their primary focus is not commerce.
General Goods Stores
General goods stores are a wildcard option. They might occasionally carry Cure Disease potions, but their inventories are typically more focused on everyday items. Check stores like “Colovian Traders” in Skingrad or “Olga’s Goods” in Bruma as a last resort if you’ve struck out at the alchemy shops.
Traveling Merchants
Keep an eye out for traveling merchants as you journey across Cyrodiil. These wandering vendors can appear randomly on roads and offer a variety of goods, including potions. However, finding a traveling merchant who stocks Cure Disease potions is largely a matter of luck. It’s not a reliable strategy, but it’s always worth checking if you happen to encounter one.
Finding Cure Disease Potions as Loot
Sometimes, you’ll need to rely on your adventuring skills to acquire a Cure Disease potion. Exploring dungeons, caves, and other locations can yield valuable loot, including the very potion you need.
Containers in Specific Locations
Focus on areas where you might expect to find healers, temples, or general medicinal supplies. Dungeons that contain shrines to the Divines are excellent candidates. Bandits who have set up camp near a temple might have raided its supplies. Look in chests, cupboards, and sacks in these locations.
As Random Loot
Cure Disease potions can also be found as random loot in various containers throughout Cyrodiil. You might stumble upon one in a bandit’s chest, a necromancer’s lair, or even a seemingly innocuous barrel in a farmhouse. However, don’t rely on this as your primary strategy. The odds are low, and you might spend hours searching without any luck.
Making Cure Disease Potions (Alchemy)
For the resourceful adventurer, brewing your own Cure Disease potions is the most reliable and cost-effective solution in the long run. Alchemy allows you to become self-sufficient and never have to rely on merchants or random loot again.
Required Skill Level
To reliably create Cure Disease potions, you’ll need a decent Alchemy skill level. While you can attempt to make potions with a low skill level, the chances of success are slim, and you’re likely to waste valuable ingredients. Aim for an Alchemy skill of at least 50 to start seeing consistent results.
Ingredients
The key to successful alchemy is knowing which ingredients possess the necessary properties. Here are some common ingredients used to make Cure Disease potions in Oblivion:
- Garlic: Garlic is one of the easiest ingredients to find. It can often be found growing near houses in the countryside and is a staple in many homes. Check the cellars of inns and taverns too.
- Bloodgrass: This glowing red plant is primarily found in the Planes of Oblivion, accessible through Oblivion Gates. While dangerous to acquire, the reward is worth it.
- Mandrake Root: Another common ingredient, Mandrake Root can be found growing in the West Weald region, south of Skingrad.
- Freesia: This can be found easily in the forests of Cyrodiil.
Recipe
The precise recipe for a Cure Disease potion can vary depending on the ingredients you have available. However, a reliable combination is Garlic and Bloodgrass. Experimenting with different ingredients is part of the fun of alchemy, but the mentioned recipe is known to be effective. Once you have ingredients with matching effects, combine them at an alchemy table to create your potion.
Alternative Cures
While Cure Disease potions are the most straightforward solution, there are alternative methods for curing diseases:
Praying at Altars
Praying at the altars of certain Divines, such as Arkay or Mara, can cure diseases. However, this method has limitations. You can only pray at an altar once per day, and it may require a certain level of devotion to the deity.
Scrolls of Cure Disease
Scrolls of Cure Disease are single-use items that instantly cure all diseases. You can find them as loot or purchase them from some merchants, though they are less common than potions.
Spells
If your character is skilled in Restoration magic, you may have access to spells that cure diseases. These spells are particularly useful for characters who prefer a more magical approach.
Tips and Tricks for Avoiding Diseases
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help you avoid contracting diseases in the first place:
- Avoid combat with diseased creatures such as rats, wolves, and certain undead. These creatures have a high chance of transmitting diseases through their attacks.
- Wear armor that provides disease resistance. Some armor pieces and enchantments offer protection against diseases.
- Use “Detect Life” spells to identify potentially diseased creatures before engaging. This allows you to avoid contact with creatures that may be carrying diseases.
Conclusion
Contracting a disease in Oblivion can be a frustrating experience, but armed with the knowledge in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to combat any ailment that comes your way. Whether you choose to purchase Cure Disease potions from merchants, seek them out as loot, or brew your own concoctions through alchemy, you have a variety of options at your disposal. Remember to act quickly, as some diseases can have serious long-term consequences. So, venture forth, explore the world of Cyrodiil, and may your travels be free from illness. Now, go ahead and close those Oblivion Gates! What are your favorite places to find Cure Disease potions? Share them in the comments below!
