Tag: The Elder Scrolls

In The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, having a specialized build can be great, but sometimes you just want more flexibility. That’s where the Battlemage class comes in—a versatile option that combines magic and melee skills, allowing you to tackle threats up close or at a distance. Unlike other titles in the series like Skyrim, Oblivion provides the ability to equip items in both hands, along with your chosen spell or magical ability. This gives you the choice to wield either a one-handed weapon with a shield or a two-handed weapon alongside your spells, giving you plenty of options in combat.

Battlemages can become incredibly powerful as you level up, but they do start off a bit weak. You’ll need to focus on leveling them up strategically to get the best results. Thanks to the revamped leveling system in Oblivion Remastered, this is easier than ever. Here’s everything you need to know to craft a formidable Battlemage capable of taking on the toughest challenges in the game.

Top Skills & Attributes for a Battlemage

Choosing Your Race, Class, & Birthsign

If you’re aiming to become a Battlemage, you can skip creating a custom class—the default Battlemage is the way to go. Just focus on optimizing it for your playstyle.

For race, either the Breton or High Elf offers great advantages for a Battlemage. Bretons receive bonuses in Intelligence and Willpower, both critical for spellcasting, along with a constant Fortify Magicka effect that provides an additional 50 points. High Elves, on the other hand, benefit from boosts in Alteration, Destruction, and Mysticism, as well as a stronger Fortify Magicka effect. Check out the table below for a detailed overview of the bonuses each race offers.

Ultimately, you’ll want to decide which spell types suit your Battlemage best. If you prefer dealing damage with Destruction and enhancing yourself with Alteration, pick a High Elf. If you’d rather summon allies and heal yourself through Restoration, Bretons are the way to go.

As for your Birthsign, you can either select one that enhances your natural skills or one that offsets the weaknesses of a Battlemage. Personally, I lean towards maximizing damage output while compensating for their lower defense through gear (discussed in the gear section below). The table below includes some suggested Birthsigns worth considering.

Pick any of the above based on the spells you plan to use most often, along with how you prefer to maintain your survival in harder early-game battles.

Top Spells for a Battlemage

Healing/Restoration

As a Battlemage, spells are essential. They cover everything from healing to damage dealing. Start with a broad selection of Restoration spells, focusing on those in the Heal line. Initially, you’ll have Heal Minor Wounds, which can be enhanced later at Mages Guilds and the Arcane University.

Immolating Blast

Throughout Oblivion, you’ll collect many Destruction spells, but perhaps Immolating Blast is the most powerful. It’s a straightforward point-and-shoot spell causing 110 damage instantly to its target.

You can purchase it from Vigge at the Skingrad Mages Guild or from Borissean once you reach the Arcane University, but keep in mind it requires a Master Destruction skill to cast.

Shield/Fortify Endurance

With a low initial Endurance, you’ll need to find ways to compensate as a Battlemage. Utilizing spells from the Shield line can help boost your defense, or select spells that provide a Fortify Endurance effect to temporarily increase your health.

Disintegrate

While buffing yourself, it’s also vital to weaken your opponents. You can get Disintegrate from Vigge or Gaspar at the Arcane University to chip away at your enemy’s armor and make them more susceptible to damage.

Summon Xivilai

Your magical abilities also allow you to summon various creatures to assist you. One of the strongest is the Xivilai, a formidable Daedra. You can obtain Summon Xivilai from Borissean.

Create Your Own Spells!

While pre-made spells can take you far, the true magic of Oblivion lies in your ability to create your own spells.

You’ll need to gather recommendations from every Mages Guild in the game to unlock the Arcane University for this feature.

As a Battlemage, you’ll master various magical disciplines, giving you a wealth of magical effects to mix at the Altar of Spellmaking. This is where you’ll create your most potent spells—don’t hesitate to experiment and let your creativity flow.

Top Weapons & Armor for a Battlemage

Heavy Armor

Starting with relatively low Endurance can complicate things for a Battlemage, so rely on Heavy Armor early on to help keep your character safe. Progress through Steel, Orcish, Dwarven, Ebony, and Daedric armors, swapping unique pieces with useful effects as you go.

Best Weapons for a Battlemage

As a Battlemage, you gain proficiency with both bladed and blunt weapons (though not shields). I suggest using a high-damage one- or two-handed melee weapon for your main attacks.

Your weapon choice isn’t crucial, as you will often buff your melee skills with spells. Instead of seeking out one exceptionally powerful sword, gather what you find and use enchanting to give your weapons unique magical properties. And remember to upgrade your weapon frequently to keep pace with tougher enemies.

Playing a Battlemage can be challenging, but with the right spells and careful progression, it can lead to an incredibly strong character. Just be aware of the challenges that come with this unique build in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered.

There’s absolutely no shame in wanting to play as a stealth archer in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. This build is the quintessential archetype within the Elder Scrolls universe and has even turned into an inside joke among fans. It’s a favorite in both Oblivion and Skyrim, and for good reason. Stealth archers can be remarkably powerful because they receive a significant damage boost when attacking from stealth. When you play as one, your main objective is to stay hidden for as long as possible and then strike invisibly for massive damage.

If you’re like me and have played the original Oblivion several times, you’re likely familiar with the mechanics of the stealth archer style. However, due to the changes in the leveling system between the original and Oblivion Remastered, the optimal build for stealth archers has changed a bit from what you may remember. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time venturing into stealth archery in an Elder Scrolls title, here’s what you need to know to create the ultimate unseen assassin in Oblivion Remastered.

Best Skills & Attributes for a Stealth Archer Build

Choosing Your Race, Class, & Birthsign

At the start of Oblivion Remastered, you’ll make three choices that will shape your gameplay: your race, class, and birthsign. First up is your race, which you select during character creation. Your choice of race grants inherent bonuses to different skills and attributes.

The Wood Elf is the best choice for a stealth archer build due to their natural enhancements to Speed, Agility, Sneak, and Marksman. They truly embody the “stealth” and “archer” elements of a stealth archer. Alternatively, Dark Elves are also a solid choice, as they receive bonuses to Speed and Agility, plus advantages in Blade and Marksman. Keep in mind that while skill bonuses are based on your race, attribute bonuses vary slightly by origin.

However, don’t stress too much about which race to choose. You can enhance your skills and attributes as you progress in the game, so feel free to design your character however you prefer.

Your choice of class and birthsign is crucial for customizing your build. Oblivion will suggest a class based on how you perform in the tutorial, but you can opt for one of your own choosing. Your selected class determines Major Skills and Favored Attributes. Major Skills experience levels up faster, while Favored Attributes receive +5 bonuses. Choose a class that grants you Major Skills you’ll actually use for steady leveling.

No surprise, the best classes for stealth archers come from the “Stealth” category. Classes like Thief, Agent, Acrobat, and Assassin are ideal. The table below lists their Favored Attributes and Major Skills. All these classes are strong candidates for stealth archer builds, so consider what other abilities you might want when choosing.

For your birthsign, definitely select The Thief. Although The Shadow offers invisibility, there are better methods to achieve it. The Thief is superior for stealth archers and arguably the best choice in Oblivion Remastered. It provides ten-point bonuses to Agility, Luck, and Speed—crucial for effective sneaking.

Creating Your Own Class

If the preset options don’t appeal to you, consider making your own class in Oblivion Remastered. I recommend selecting Agility and Speed as your Favored Attributes—Agility enhances your bow damage, while Speed helps you evade danger swiftly.

For Major Skills, you should focus on Sneak and Marksman, which directly affect your ability to remain unseen and deal damage with bows. From there, consider adding any of the following:

• Alchemy: Excellent for potion buffs to your stealth.
• Blade or Blunt: Useful for close-quarters combat.
• Illusion: Cast spells like Chameleon and Invisibility.
• Mercantile: Gain higher prices when selling items, beneficial for Thieves Guild quests.
• Mysticism: Use spells to detect enemies through walls, great for Mages Guild players.
• Light Armor: Offers safety without the burden of heavy armor, facilitating movement.
• Security: Handy for lockpicking, a useful skill for a stealth archer.
• Speechcraft: Helps in gaining quicker NPC affinity for better prices, good for Thieves Guild endeavors.

As always, think about what additional skills you want your build to master and choose skills that will support your goals.

Best Weapons & Spells for a Stealth Archer Build

Best Bows

Realistically, you can inflict considerable damage with any bow as a stealth archer. I suggest upgrading to better bows as you find them—starting with a Rusty Iron Bow and working your way to a Daedric Bow by the time you reach endgame. Due to the leveling system in Oblivion, you’ll frequently discover higher-quality bows on your defeated foes, so make sure to loot consistently.

That said, enchanted bows that deal extra damage are always desirable. The Bow of Infernal Frost, which inflicts additional Frost and Fire damage, is a good choice early in the game. You can regularly purchase it from M’raaj-Dar in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Additionally, you might find Hatred’s Soul at the Chorrol Oblivion gate—this functions as a Daedric Bow, with bonuses for Drain Speed and Fire damage.

Best Spells

Your spell selection for a stealth archer should include some essential options. The table below highlights the best spells to have in your arsenal for a stealth archer build in Oblivion Remastered. Be mindful of the skill level requirements needed to cast these spells. I’ve provided suggestions for both early-mid-game and late-game versions of each.

These spells are all designed to help you stay hidden or better detect enemy locations.

Best Armor for a Stealth Archer Build

Dressed to Kill

To maintain your stealth, consider two guild questlines that enhance your skills: the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood. It’s no surprise that the Dark Brotherhood questline offers the best armor for a stealth archer. The Shrouded Armor and Shrouded Hood you receive upon joining boost your Sneak, Illusion, Marksman, Blade, and Acrobatics skills—all vital for the stealth archer build we’re discussing.

However, you should also opt for Light Armor that allows fluid movement and stealth. Since your goal is to avoid engaging in situations where your armor matters, excellent Sneak and Marksman skills, along with a reliable bow and applicable spells, are your keys to success as a stealth archer in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered.

In The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, the enchanting system utilizes Soul Gems. These gems are crucial for players who favor a magic-based approach, like mages or mage hybrids, as they are essential for maintaining any enchantments on your weapons.

The challenge lies in locating and filling these gems. Finding them can be tricky, and guidance on where to search is scarce. However, they are not impossible to discover, and the effort to acquire them is worthwhile for enhancing your character.

All Types of Soul Gems

Know What You’re Searching For

There are multiple types of Soul Gems available in the game, each with unique characteristics for enchanting your weapons and items. Most Soul Gems are single-use, meaning they are consumed once employed. Exceptionally, Azura’s Star can be refilled indefinitely, making it a valuable tool for late-game enchanting.

Each Soul Gem has a monetary value based on whether it contains a trapped soul. The higher the quality of the gem, the more challenging it will be to locate during your adventures. You’re allowed to carry multiple gems at once, which is beneficial since they typically can only be used once.

How to Obtain Soul Gems

Methods and Locations to Obtain Gems

Overall, there are five main ways to acquire Soul Gems. Some gems are easier to locate than others, particularly those of lower rank. All of them can be discovered by exploring the Cyrodiil map. Keep in mind that loot scales with your level, so as you level up, your chances of finding higher-ranked gems increase.

• Check containers like chests, sacks, and display cases, which occasionally hold gems. One hidden location in the game is a tomb that contains several Soul Gems in a chest.
• Purchase them directly from merchants, such as General Goods and Mage vendors. These shops carry a limited stock of gems that refresh every seven days in-game. Some gems may already be filled with a soul, so consider the type of soul included.
• Loot NPCs and enemies after defeating them or through pickpocketing; they may carry gems.
• Receive some gems as quest rewards, notably Azura’s Star, which you obtain after completing the quest at the Shrine of Azura.
• Create specific gems, like the Black Soul Gem, by placing a Grand Soul Gem on a special altar and casting the Soul Trap spell.

Filling and Using Soul Gems

Choose Your Souls Wisely Before Filling

To capture a soul in a Soul Gem, you must cast the Soul Trap spell. Different levels of the spell exist, distinguished by their duration. You need a Mysticism score of at least 25 to use the lowest tier. If you lack this, head to Edgar’s Discount Spells in the Imperial City Market district to purchase the Minor Life Detection spell and use it frequently.

You can find the Soul Trap spell at various mage vendors, like Treyvond the Redguard at the Mages Guild building near Cheydinhal West Gate. Cast this spell on an enemy, then defeat them before the spell’s duration expires. It’s best to weaken the enemy beforehand to avoid the spell running out too soon. If your selected Soul Gem has enough space, their soul will be captured. You can also add this spell as an enchantment to different weapons.

Most of these gems are specifically for capturing creature souls. There are many creatures available, such as Bears, Wraiths, Ghosts, Goblins, Minotaurs, and Will-o-the-Wisps. If you wish to capture human souls, you need a Black Soul Gem. The process remains the same: use the Soul Trap spell and defeat the human before the spell ends. Remember to check your inventory to ensure you have an empty Black Soul Gem.

The higher the enemy’s difficulty, the greater the rank of Soul Gem required for trapping its soul. If you hold multiple empty Soul Gems, the soul may fill the lowest tier gem available in your inventory, depending on the soul’s rank. Keep a close eye on the types of empty Soul Gems in your inventory and utilize the Soul Trap spell on enemies to maximize your gems’ effectiveness.

There are many suitable creatures within each soul category, providing numerous opportunities to fill your gems. However, the game does not explicitly tell you what type of soul a creature possesses. To determine a creature’s soul type, observe its size and power. Once you successfully capture the soul in the appropriate gem, you can apply it to your weapon or armor.

To enchant your chosen item, you will need to use the Altar of Enchanting. This altar becomes available after you earn the Apprentice rank in the Mage Guild. After approaching the altar, select the Soul Gem, then the item you wish to enchant, and finally, the desired effect. To recharge an enchanted item, simply click on the gem containing a soul in your inventory and choose to recharge. The duration of the soul enchantment depends on the rank of the Soul Gem. In The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, a higher-ranked soul allows you to use your weapon or armor for an extended period before needing to recharge.

Among the various crafting materials in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Ectoplasm is one of the rarest. This substance, drawn from undead spirits, is vital for numerous quests, yet its locations in the game are not readily apparent. To collect Ectoplasm for your tasks or crafting, you’ll need to either speak with specific vendors or defeat certain unique enemies.

When used as a crafting ingredient, Ectoplasm can produce four distinct effects: Shock Damage, Dispel, Fortify Magicka, and Damage Health. However, its most notable application is within the Fighters Guild for the “Drunk and Disorderly” quest, where you’ll need to gather five pieces, making it essential to collect a significant amount.

Shops That Sell Ectoplasm in Oblivion Remastered

Rely on Luck for the Right Item

Unfortunately, none of the shops stock Ectoplasm as a regular item. However, you can find it in various locations. For instance, there’s one piece of Ectoplasm located in All Things Alchemical, a shop in Skingrad. This store is next to the Colovian Traders and Hammer and Tongs, but you’ll have to steal it, potentially putting you at risk of getting caught.

While other alchemical vendors might carry Ectoplasm, whether it appears in their inventory is up to chance. Ectoplasm can sometimes be available for purchase in alchemy shops, but it’s not consistent. On different days, as you interact with these vendors, you might be fortunate enough to find it at a good price.

Best Places to Find Ghosts & Ectoplasm

Defeat the Undead to Obtain the Crafting Material

Given the scarcity of Ectoplasm in stores, one of the easiest ways to collect it is by defeating ghostly enemies. Ghosts and undead beings come in various forms, but only specific Ethereal Undead will drop Ectoplasm when defeated. The following table outlines quests where you can encounter these types of enemies:

Ghosts, Wraiths, Spectral Sailors, and Sanctified Dead drop Ectoplasm, with standard undead having a one in three chance of transforming into one of these types. Many Ethereal Undead can be found in underground areas, particularly within major cities. When visiting a Great Chapel, check the undercrofts where you can frequently find Ethereal Undead:

• Anvil
• Bravil
• Bruma
• Leyawiin
• Skingrad

Most undercroft areas are locked, so you may need to pick a lock or use a key to access them. Ethereal Undead are resistant to standard weapon attacks, as well as silence spells, Frost, and Poison damage, making them challenging adversaries. Using fire magic is a good strategy to take them down, after which you can collect Ectoplasm from the remnants they leave behind.

If you prefer not to break into chapel catacombs, consider exploring locations like Sancre Tor or Rielle, where Ethereal Undead spawn consistently. Regardless of how you encounter them, defeating Ethereal Undead in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered will ensure you can obtain Ectoplasm for your quests or crafting.

Vampires pose a significant danger in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, but the quest “A Brotherhood Betrayed” is far from straightforward. As you explore Bruma, you may come across a crime scene featuring two lifeless bodies. A local named Bradon Lirrian has been murdered, yet the city guard insists he was the vampire responsible for the recent deaths of several beggars.

Bradon’s wife, however, doubts this conclusion. The entire situation seems heavily reliant on the claims of a supposed vampire hunter named Raynil Dralas. “A Brotherhood Betrayed” invites you to delve deeper into the mystery through a multi-step investigation. By talking to the right characters and visiting key locations, you’ll uncover vital information—and potentially earn some rewards along the way.

How to Begin “A Brotherhood Betrayed”

Visit Bradon Lirrian’s Residence

You can hear about Bradon’s demise through local gossip, but you don’t need to rely on hearsay to kickstart the quest. Head straight to Bradon Lirrian’s home, which you can find marked on your map in Bruma. Inside, you’ll see Bradon’s body alongside a few guards and his grieving widow.

To get more information, engage Carius Runellius, one of the guards, using the persuasion mini-game to improve his opinion of you. After he fills you in, talk to Erline Lirrian, Bradon’s widow, to hear her side and agree to assist her.

Finding Raynil Dralas in “A Brotherhood Betrayed”

Key NPCs to Interact With

If you’re curious, you’ll discover that Raynil Dralas is staying at Olav’s Tap and Tack, the budget inn by the east gate. While you won’t find him there, speaking with Olav, the innkeeper, is crucial. Convince him through persuasion, and then inquire about Raynil to get a key to the vampire hunter’s room. Go inside and check behind the dresser to find a book titled Gelebourne’s Journal.

Upon reading Gelebourne’s Journal, you’ll learn that Bradon, Raynil, and Gelebourne were part of an adventuring trio, with each holding one of three magical amulet keys. This raises serious doubts about Raynil’s assertion that Bradon was a vampire. Even though simply reading the book will progress your quest, be sure to add it to your inventory before leaving Olav’s Tap and Tack.

Return to Bradon’s residence and present your findings to Carius Runellius. If you left the book behind, he won’t take you seriously until you fetch it. Once you successfully convince him, Carius will suggest meeting him at Olav’s after an hour. When you meet, he will reveal that Dralas has left town but points you toward a nearby cave mentioned in the journal. He will mark the location on your map, allowing you to head there directly.

Carius warns that you have only a day to catch Raynil, so you need to act quickly. You have a 24-hour time limit before Raynil escapes. Go to the cave immediately, ensuring you have your gear ready, as Raynil is waiting inside and is eager to fight. Once you defeat him, loot his body for the keys, then open the chest in the main cavern to retrieve a Mundane Amulet. You can also explore some additional areas of the cave, although there isn’t much to find.

Rewards for “A Brotherhood Betrayed”

A Valuable Amulet

After obtaining the amulet, return to Bradon’s home and speak with Erline once more. She will reveal the true nature of the amulet by saying the word “Brotherhood” over it, transforming it into a Phylactery of Litheness that she will give to you. This amulet grants a moderate Fortify Speed effect, enhancing your character’s abilities.

With everything wrapped up, you have successfully completed “A Brotherhood Betrayed.” There’s no need to return to Carius to conclude the quest. While you can’t save Bradon from the vampire hunter, you can still acquire a valuable amulet for your efforts. If you’re looking to move a bit faster in Oblivion Remastered, assisting Erline is worth your time.

The Wabbajack is undoubtedly one of the most eccentric items in Tamriel, and it makes a grand return in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. This Daedric Artifact, associated with Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness, has a rather unpredictable effect. While it may not be as chaotic as its version in Skyrim, it can still unleash significant chaos and has its practical applications in specific circumstances. However, it’s essential to grasp all its functionalities and limitations before using it indiscriminately on others.

To acquire the Wabbajack, you must complete Sheogorath’s personal quest, aptly titled “Sheogorath.” This quest is entirely distinct from the Shivering Isles DLC, which also prominently features the Daedric Prince. Some dialogue may vary depending on your progress in the DLC, but the procedure to obtain the Wabbajack remains unchanged. Here’s everything you need to know about tracking down this unusual artifact and using it to unleash mayhem across Cyrodiil.

How to Obtain the Wabbajack

An Offering for Sheogorath

You can start this quest as early as level two, but you’ll need to locate Sheogorath’s Shrine on your own. It’s positioned at the map marker located south of Bravil and north of Leyawiin, approximately halfway along the road that follows the western bank of the Lower Niben. Approach the Shrine and look for an NPC named Ferul Ravel. He will inform you that Sheogorath only interacts with mortals who bring him an offering. He asks for:

• A head of lettuce
• A ball of yarn
• A Lesser Soul Gem

You’ll need to gather all three items without any hints from the quest. The lettuce and yarn are generally easy to come by, as they can often be found in chests throughout the world. Check homes and inns in any city or even in the nearby town of Border Watch for these items. You can typically find Soul Gems at Mages Guild locations or in magic shops.

Once you have all three offerings, interact with the shrine to meet either Sheogorath or Haskill, depending on your progress in The Shivering Isles. After an introductory dialogue, they will inform you that Sheogorath finds Border Watch dull and wishes to inject some excitement into it. Your objective is to fulfill a peculiar prophecy known as the K’sharra. You’ll be responsible for the first two steps, while Sheogorath will complete the rest.

The K’sharra Prophecy

Head over to Border Watch and start inquiring about the K’sharra prophecy. Most locals will direct you to Ri’Bassa, the town’s shaman. He tends to roam the small town, so finding him might take some time. If you’re having difficulties, check the Border Watch Inn at 11 AM or 7 PM, or his home between 10 PM and 4 AM.

When you find Ri’Bassa, use a mix of bribery and Oblivion‘s persuasion minigame to increase his favor towards you (aim for at least 60). Ask him about the K’sharra, and he will tell you that the prophecy consists of three signs: the plague of vermin, the plague of famine, and the plague of fear, which he refuses to elaborate on.

Plague of Vermin

Go to the Border Watch Inn, where you’ll find two display cases filled with various cheeses. Look for the Olroy Cheese, which is isolated in the left showcase. You can either pick the lock (this is a Very Hard lock) using your Security skills or an Open spell, or you can steal the key from the innkeeper, S’thasa.

Take the Olroy Cheese and place it in the cooking pot just outside to the left. After a brief moment, a swarm of rats will emerge and gather around the pot. Ri’Bassa will arrive shortly after to sprinkle rat poison. Make sure to observe this, then speak with Ri’Bassa to confirm he has witnessed the first sign of the prophecy.

Plague of Famine

From the cooking pot, head south until you find a small pen containing sheep. You need to kill the sheep to convince Ri’Bassa that the second plague is occurring.

You can achieve this in two ways: use the rat poison Ri’Bassa left near the cooking pot and add it to the sheep’s feeding trough, or you can attack the sheep directly with weapons and spells. While poisoning is a quieter, more stealthy approach, just wait for the sheep to eat and they will drop dead all at once.

Plague of Fear

After you’ve completed this task, you will receive a telepathic message from Sheogorath instructing you to head to the town center. Stand near the stone stairs and watch as the sky turns crimson and flaming wolves rain down.

Once you receive the update to return to Sheogorath’s Shrine, do just that. Upon your arrival, either Sheogorath or Haskill will greet you, and you will be rewarded with the Wabbajack for your efforts in spreading chaos across the realm.

What the Wabbajack Does

Effects & Tips

The Wabbajack is a distinct staff that casts a magic effect on any creature (excluding humans): for ten seconds after activation, it randomly transforms the target into one of several creatures.

• Daedroth
• Deer
• Goblin
• Ogre
• Rat
• Sheep
• Skeleton
• Troll

There’s no way to predict which creature the Wabbajack will spawn; all of the options are equally likely and appear in no specific order. For example, you might try to turn a goblin into a sheep for an easier fight, only to end up with a Daedroth instead. Additionally, the transformed creature will have a full health bar, and when they revert back, the original target will heal completely.

Therefore, while the Wabbajack may not always turn foes into manageable sheep, it does have specialized uses. Creatures resistant to normal damage, like ghosts and will-o-the-wisps, can be transformed into living beings that are more vulnerable to physical attacks. Since using the Wabbajack spawns aggressive creatures, it offers clever opportunities to eliminate non-hostile NPCs without attracting a bounty or blood price.

In conclusion, while the Wabbajack may not be the most universally useful item in Cyrodiil, it provides an entertaining diversion and can be advantageous in certain scenarios. Completing the “Sheogorath” quest is certainly worthwhile as you explore The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

Deciding which attributes to enhance in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the Luck attribute. Unlike other attributes that have specific impacts—like Strength for melee attacks or Intelligence for magic—Luck is more general. Although the game states that Luck influences various skills, the lack of details makes it challenging to determine if it’s a wise investment.

Oblivion Remastered alters the skill leveling system, adding another layer of complexity even for seasoned players. Similar to Skyrim, all skills now contribute to level-ups and can be leveled at any time, making the system less restrictive. This flexibility can change how valuable investing in Luck may seem.

How Luck Works in Oblivion Remastered

Smaller Boosts to Every Attribute

In Oblivion Remastered, Luck functions similarly to how it did in the original game. Its effect on other skills is determined by how far it is from a score of 50, and all races begin with a Luck score of 50. While other attributes need just one Virtue point to increase, Luck requires four, which balances out its broad impacts.

To gauge the effect of Luck on other stats, subtract 50 from your Luck score and calculate 40% of that number. For instance, if your Luck score is 70, you subtract 50 to get 20, then multiply that by 40%, resulting in an 8-point boost. This boost applies to all skills, except Acrobatics, Athletics, and Speechcraft, but this number won’t be displayed in-game.

Besides enhancing other stats, Luck can also influence various chance-based situations. It can improve outcomes in gambling, using repair hammers, and avoiding illnesses in Oblivion Remastered.

Focus on Luck Early On

Luck Becomes Less Useful Later

Luck can be advantageous in the early stages of Oblivion since you’re likely working to enhance your character’s overall abilities. You can only invest one set of four Virtue points into Luck per level up, so there’s minimal risk of overspending. However, if you’re aiming for optimal returns from your Virtues, leveling Luck is less efficient.

Other attributes affect three skills each, while Luck impacts 18. Though Luck seems appealing due to its wide influence, the high investment cost dilutes its effectiveness. After boosting Luck five times, for instance, you’d add 2 points to 18 different skills, costing you 20 Virtues—a return of only 36. In contrast, distributing those 20 Virtues among standard attributes would yield an effective return of 60 since each attribute enhances three skills. This ratio shows that Luck is only 60% as effective as focusing on other attributes.

Aside from its random benefits, an early investment in Luck helps amplify your preferred attributes while providing minor boosts across the board. Since you can only invest 5 Virtues into any other attribute at each level, raising Luck can complement your chosen attribute and all others. However, because Acrobatics and Athletics don’t benefit from Luck, this strategy might not be ideal if Luck is your main focus.

As you progress in Oblivion, the utility of investing in Luck begins to wane. The gradual increase in its percentage boost becomes less satisfying as your other stats rise, and Luck won’t impact attributes past their maximum cap of 100.

Ultimately, whether you decide to level up Luck or not won’t make or break your Oblivion experience, but it can be beneficial up to a certain point. The key is recognizing when to stop investing in Luck, as it becomes one of the least effective strategies as the game progresses.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered showcases an array of quirky characters, but few stand out quite like Glarthir. Located in the city of Skingrad, Glarthir has a vivid imagination when it comes to conspiracies. This paranoia is fittingly captured in the title of the quest he offers — “Paranoia.” Despite his distorted worldview, there’s a chance that some of his fears might hold a grain of truth.

Assisting Glarthir involves trailing several townsfolk, as he suspects they are watching him during his day-to-day activities. While this task can be time-consuming, sticking to Glarthir’s instructions isn’t the only way to complete the quest. You can also report his odd behavior to the guard captain, Dion, which will steer the quest in a different direction. Alternatively, you could provoke Glarthir to end the quest prematurely and violently.

What Happens If You Help Glarthir In Paranoia

Tailing Suspects For Three Days

If you decide to help Glarthir, you’ll need to meet him behind the church in Skingrad at midnight. This task is straightforward, as you can simply use the quest marker and adjust the time if needed. Here, he’ll request that you follow Bernadette Peneles, a neighbor he believes is keeping tabs on him. To fulfill his request, you would have to wait outside her house at 6 AM and follow her throughout the day. However, you can return to him at the next midnight without having followed her and report whatever you want in exchange for a reward of 150 gold.

After meeting Glarthir again at midnight, he’ll send you after Toutius Sextius, giving you another full day for surveillance. You’ll return to him once more to report whether Sextius is innocent, earning another reward of 150-200 gold. Finally, Glarthir will ask you to tail the winemaker, Davide Surilie, setting the stage for the climax of the quest.

Reporting Suspects As Innocent

If you’ve indicated that both Bernadette and Toutius are innocent, describing Davide as innocent as well will lead Glarthir to believe you are part of the conspiracy. Upon making all three innocence claims, Glarthir will attack you, forcing you to kill him. You can loot his body, including his house key, but you won’t receive your final day’s pay. The following morning, residents of Skingrad will comment on Glarthir’s death, treating it as an unfortunate yet expected outcome for someone as peculiar as he is.

Reporting Suspects As Guilty

You can also choose to mislead Glarthir about the guilt of any or all of the suspects, which significantly alters the outcome of assisting him. Even if they appear innocent, by labeling them guilty, the rewards for Toutius and Davide will increase to 200 gold each. You could even eliminate them yourself during your tasks; Glarthir might hesitate at their deaths but will continue to reward you. Declaring any character guilty should also prevent him from becoming hostile at the conclusion.

If you’ve already eliminated characters you’ve accused of guilt, you’ll receive 500 gold from him on the final day, completing the quest. If you’ve accused any suspects while leaving them alive, Glarthir will give you a list marking them for death after three days. Completing this task will garner you a total of 1,000 gold.

What Happens If You Report Glarthir

Getting Others To Do The Dirty Work

It quickly becomes apparent that Glarthir is not the hero in this scenario, so you have the opportunity to report him at any point after learning his intentions. However, if you want to avoid collateral damage to innocent people, it’s best to report him after agreeing to his requests rather than denying them. Refusing him can lead to a violent rampage, where he goes home, grabs an axe, and attempts to eliminate any suspects that remain.

If you report Glarthir prior to receiving his List of Death, no action will be taken against him, but it won’t cause any harm. To fully resolve the matter through reporting, you’ll need to tell Glarthir that at least one suspect is guilty, allowing you to obtain the List of Death after three days. With this list, you can inform a town guard or either of the Surilie brothers, leading to Glarthir’s demise without you needing to get your hands dirty.

You Should Report Glarthir In Oblivion Remastered

The Best Moral Choice Still Has Solid Rewards

If you’re adhering to a moral standard in Oblivion, it’s preferable to eliminate Glarthir rather than allow innocent people to die. Reporting him after obtaining the List of Death is a solid strategy. Claiming the suspects are guilty, acquiring the list, and subsequently reporting him will allow you to earn 550 gold and a point of fame. This path offers strong rewards while allowing you to maintain your integrity.

If you’d rather state that everyone is innocent rather than trick him into his own death, the confrontation with Glarthir is manageable, making it feasible to avoid involving the guards. Although you won’t receive as much gold this way, you can take his house key from his body and easily loot his house without the need for lock-picking.

Finally, if you’re unconcerned about the moral implications of the quest, killing characters on Glarthir’s behalf will yield the highest gold rewards. In a villainous playthrough or if wealth overrides moral choices, this is the optimal strategy. The only outcome to avoid is refusing Glarthir and setting off a rampage, as this will grant you the fewest benefits for any Oblivion Remastered playthrough.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has officially launched, and it brings back both of the original game’s story expansions: Knights of the Nine and The Shivering Isles. Though both expansions are noteworthy, I find myself leaning towards The Shivering Isles. This adventure takes you into the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness, where you need to confront the looming Greymarch to save the Isles from a tyrannical order. It’s bizarre, whimsical, chaotic, and incredibly enjoyable. While it may not be essential to the core Oblivion experience, I highly recommend that you don’t overlook it.

That said, the remastered version of Oblivion doesn’t do a great job of prompting you to play The Shivering Isles, especially during the initial phases of the game. Here’s a guide to help you kick off The Shivering Isles and what to anticipate from one of Oblivion‘s most exciting expansions.

Where to Locate The Shivering Isles

Location of Niben Bay Entrance

To begin The Shivering Isles, you’ll need to head toward the location indicated on the map above—it’s a small island situated in the heart of Niben Bay, closest to Bravil and southeast of the Imperial City.

The quickest way to reach The Shivering Isles is to fast travel to the Bay Roan Stables, which is located just north of Bravil. Since you can fast travel to major locations, like cities, without actually discovering them on the Oblivion map, I suggest you do this as soon as you’re ready to dive into the DLC. Head east from the stables until you hit water, and you should spot a small island topped with a giant, two-faced statue. Swim over to it; there’s a ramp on the side that you’ll want to approach.

How to Start The Shivering Isles

Entering the Portal

Contrary to what some people believe, there are no specific level or time requirements to access The Shivering Isles DLC. You can start this part of the game right after you complete the tutorial. Occasionally, Oblivion will prompt you with a quest notification to check out the peculiar door in Niben Bay after 24 in-game hours have elapsed. However, even if this doesn’t happen, you can initiate the quest by simply swimming up to the island—this is what I did during my latest playthrough.

Once you reach the island, pay attention to two things: the head statue seems to function as a portal, and there’s a guard stationed in front of it. Speak to the guard, and he’ll warn you about the door. Shortly after, a dark elf NPC will emerge, ranting angrily until he becomes aggressive. You can either assist the guard in dealing with him or wait until he’s defeated, then talk to the guard again and express your intention to enter.

As you converse, you’ll hear a voice on the other side of the door monologuing about the dark elf’s unworthiness and seeking a new champion. Let him finish; you won’t be able to enter the portal until he concludes his lines. When he says, “Really, do come in. It’s lovely in the Isles right now. Perfect time for a visit,” you’ll find that you can interact with the portal and step through it like any other door.

Once inside, have a seat and chat with Haskill until you agree to enter when prompted. Then, the walls will dissolve, revealing The Fringe, which is the first area of The Shivering Isles.

And just like that, you’ll find yourself in the Shivering Isles. Take your time to investigate, explore, and interact just like in any other part of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered—this DLC is packed with fantastic side quests and hidden gems, making it well worth your time.