List of All Books
The world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is rich with lore, much of which is contained within the countless books scattered throughout its provinces. These tomes offer insights into history, mythology, character backstories, crafting techniques, and even provide skill increases. Collecting and reading these books is a rewarding endeavor for lore enthusiasts and completionists alike.
Oblivion features a vast library of in-game books, ranging from short pamphlets to lengthy historical accounts. These books can be found in virtually every location, including:
- Cities and Towns: Libraries, homes, shops, and guild halls are prime locations for finding books.
- Dungeons and Ruins: Ancient texts and forgotten lore are often hidden within the depths of Ayleid ruins, caves, and Daedric shrines.
- Oblivion Realms: Even the chaotic planes of Oblivion can contain unique texts, though they are often rare.
- NPC Inventories: Some NPCs may possess books that can be acquired through trade or theft.
Types of Books and Their Sificance:
- Skill Books: Reading these books provides a permanent +1 bonus to a specific skill. Identifying and collecting these is crucial for optimizing character development. For example, 'The Black Arrow, v1' increases your Archery skill.
- Lore Books: These books delve into the history of Tamriel, the Elder Scrolls universe, its races, religions, and past events. They are essential for understanding the world's rich narrative. Examples include 'The Argonian Account' and 'Brief History of the Empire'.
- Quest-Related Books: Some books are directly tied to quests, providing clues, lore, or objectives needed to progress.
- Crafting Manuals: Books detailing alchemy recipes or enchanting techniques can be found, aiding in mastering these professions.
- Journals and Letters: Personal accounts that offer glimpses into the lives of individuals and can sometimes reveal hidden secrets or quest information.
Finding and Collecting Books:
- Exploration: Thoroughly explore every nook and cranny of the game world. Books are often placed on shelves, tables, or even on the floor.
- Purchasing: Merchants, especially those in larger cities, often sell several books.
- Theft: While risky, some books can be acquired by stealing them from NPC homes or shops.
- Quest Rewards: Occasionally, books are given as quest rewards.
Organizing Your Collection:
As your collection grows, managing your books becomes important. Player homes offer a great way to display your collection. You can place books on shelves or tables to create a personal library. While there isn't an in-game 'book collection' interface that lists all you've found, keeping track of skill books is particularly important for character progression.
A comprehensive list of all books in Oblivion is extensive and would fill many pages. However, the joy of discovery is a sificant part of the experience. Keep an eye out for any book you haven't seen before, as it might hold valuable information or a skill boost.