Vampirism in Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a fascinating condition. At first, it may seem like a thrill to wield enhanced abilities, like heightened Strength and Speed, alongside powers like Hunter’s Sight. But then comes the sunlight, creeping through the dawn clouds, burning through your health bar with blistering effectiveness. Suddenly, you’re cornered: feed on an innocent or face the wrath of the sun? If this sounds familiar, don’t worry; we’ve all been there, planning our sleep schedules around NPC routines and sneaking into their homes for a sip of blood. But sometimes, enough is enough, and it’s time to turn back to mortal life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through Oblivion how to cure vampirism quest, including the lengthy quest to brew the Vampire Cure potion. We’ll also discuss alternatives and helpful tips for the process.
Oblivion How to Cure Vampirism
Vampirism is one of Oblivion’s most unique mechanics. Contracted through Porphyric Hemophilia, this disease is passed on when you’re attacked by a vampire NPC. At first, it’s harmless; just a status effect that can be cured like any other disease. But if you ignore it for three in-game days, it evolves into full-blown vampirism.
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion How to Cure Vampirism | Pros and Cons of Vampirism
Vampirism isn’t all bad; far from it. It adds layers of roleplaying depth, and the boosts to your stats are significant:
– Enhanced Strength, Speed, and Willpower allow for better combat and spellcasting.
– Powers like Hunter’s Sight and Embrace of Shadows grant night vision and invisibility; fantastic tools for stealthy players.
- As a vampire, players must feed regularly to manage their powers.
But over time, the drawbacks begin to mount:
– Sun Damage: Once fully turned, sunlight becomes your worst enemy, steadily depleting your health if you’re outdoors.
– Strained NPC Relationships: Townsfolk often refuse to interact with high-stage vampires.
– Blood Dependency: Regular feeding is required to keep your vampire stages and weaknesses in check.
Still convinced you want to cure it? Let’s begin our journey toward the light.
Starting the “Vampire Cure” Quest
Oblivion how to cure vampirism: You need to complete the A Cure for Vampirism quest, which revolves around crafting a powerful potion to remove your condition for good.
Step 1: Speak to Raminus Polus or Count Hassildor
The quest begins by consulting either Raminus Polus at the Arcane University or Count Janus Hassildor of Skingrad. Both characters are aware of the condition and will help guide you toward the cure.
- Wise and approachable, he oversees magical education and handles important quests
– Raminus Polus: Found in the Arcane University, he’ll immediately point you to Count Hassildor.
– Count Hassildor: Speak with him in Castle Skingrad to receive information about a woman named Melisande, who has knowledge of curing vampirism.
Step 2: Meet Melisande
Once directed to Melisande, travel to her home in the wilderness southeast of Cheydinhal. She’s a wise woman familiar with vampirism and agrees to help you, on one condition. You must gather the necessary ingredients for her to craft the cure potion.
Where to Find Vampire Cure Ingredients
The most challenging part of the quest (Oblivion how to cure vampirism) involves gathering the specific ingredients for Melisande. Here’s what you’ll need and how to find them:
1. Six Cloves of Garlic
Garlic is often found in homes, inns, and food barrels throughout Cyrodiil. Check the following locations:
– Merchants in towns (such as The Main Ingredient in the Imperial City).
– Inn Basements: Inns like the Wawnet Inn or the Oak and Crosier often have garlic hanging in storage.
– Loot barrels and pantries in homes.
2. Two Samples of Bloodgrass
Bloodgrass is a red herb commonly found in the planes of Oblivion. To gather this:
– Enter any Oblivion Gate and collect it; it’s scattered around the landscape.
- Often found in graveyards or shady areas, Nightshade is prized by assassins and alchemists.
3. Five Nightshade Plants
Nightshade is trickier to find, but not impossible. Look in these places:
– Alchemy Shops: Many vendors carry Nightshade, such as the Gilded Carafe in the Imperial City.
– The wilds: Particularly near Fort Farragut, north of Cheydinhal.
4. The Blood of an Argonian
This task requires you to obtain a sample of Argonian blood. There are two ways to handle it:
– Nonviolent Approach: Convince an Argonian NPC to donate their blood through persuasion. Many players choose Druja in the Mages Guild or Teekeeus in Chorrol.
– Violent Option: Attack an Argonian and take their blood by force. Be mindful, as this can lead to bounties or negative repercussions.
5. Five Empty Grand Soul Gems
Grand Soul Gems are rare but essential for making the potion, and for the Oblivion how to cure vampirism quest. Here’s how to collect them:
– Buy Them: Some merchants sell empty Grand Soul Gems (e.g., the Mystic Emporium in the Imperial City).
– Loot Them: Dungeons, guild halls, and magical ruin chests often contain them. The Arcane University is the most reliable source.
6. Ashes of Hindaril
In addition to the above, Melisande will request the ashes of a powerful vampire named Hindaril.
Hindaril can be found in Redwater Slough, near the Panther River. Defeat him and collect the ashes.
Completing the Cure
- Living in Drakelowe, she demands several rare and challenging-to-find ingredients.
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, return to Melisande. She’ll use them to craft the Vampire Cure potion, but you’ll have to wait 24 in-game hours for her to complete it. Use the time to prepare yourself for the final steps.
Using the Cure Potion
Melisande provides you with the potion and instructions for restoring your humanity. Drink the potion to cure your character. If you’re helping Count Hassildor, you’ll also deliver another vial of the cure to him, completing his quest and earning his gratitude. Congratulations, you’re no longer a vampire!
Alternative Ways to Avoid Vampirism
If you’d rather not complete the Oblivion how to cure vampirism quest, here are a few alternatives:
1. Prevent Vampirism Entirely
Cure Porphyric Hemophilia using a Cure Disease potion before it advances. Alternatively, pray at any chapel altar within the first three days of contracting the disease.
- You can take advantage of the challenges of vampirism in this game, or you can reject its limitations and remain human.
2. Accept Your Vampire Nature
Many players choose to embrace vampirism instead of curing it. Feeding on NPCs regularly helps manage the disadvantages, keeping your vampire stage low enough that NPCs still interact with you.
3. Console Commands (PC Only)
If you’re playing on PC, use console commands to instantly cure vampirism:
– Open the console and type: `setstage 0005D294 50`.
Tips and Tricks for Curing Vampirism
– Stock Up Early: Begin collecting Nightshade, Garlic, and Grand Soul Gems before even starting the quest to save time.
– Argonians Without Conflict: Use persuasion or bribery to avoid unnecessary violence when collecting Argonian blood.
– Sun Protection: If you must travel during the day, stay indoors or use stealth to minimize exposure to sunlight.
Afterword: Returning to the Light
Curing vampirism in Oblivion isn’t just a quest; it’s a journey that challenges players ethically and practically. From gathering rare ingredients to making difficult moral choices, the process of Oblivion how to cure vampirism quest is as memorable as it is rewarding. After all, few things feel better than stepping into the sunlight once more and reuniting with the townsfolk of Cyrodiil without fear. So, which path will you take: cure or embrace? Let us know your vampire tales in the comments!
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FAQ
1. How long does it take to complete the Vampire Cure quest?
On average, it takes 1–2 hours of gameplay, depending on how quickly you find the necessary ingredients.
2. Can you cure vampirism without completing Melisande’s quest?
No, the potion crafted by Melisande is the only official in-game method to fully cure vampirism (without mods or console commands).
3. What happens if I refuse to gather blood from an Argonian?
The quest requires Argonian blood to progress. Consider persuasion or roleplaying options if you prefer not to harm NPCs.
4. Can I contract vampirism again after curing it?
Yes, you can once again become a vampire by contracting Porphyric Hemophilia from another vampire NPC.