The Imperial Prison and the Tutorial Dungeon
Following the dramatic events aboard the Sea Dog and the Emperor's untimely demise, you awaken in a dimly lit cell within the Imperial Prison. This serves as Oblivion's introductory dungeon, a meticulously crafted environment designed to familiarize you with the game's core mechanics. Here, you'll learn the fundamentals of combat, stealth, lockpicking, and inventory management before stepping out into the vast world of Cyrodiil.
Navigating the Prison: The First Steps
Your initial moments are guided by a conversation with the prisoner to your left. He will offer some basic advice. The primary objective here is to escape the prison. This involves a series of interconnected chambers, each presenting a new challenge or teaching a new skill.
- Awakening and Initial Interaction: You begin in a cell. Speak to the prisoner next to you for some early hints.
- The First Key Item - The Amulet of Kings: Shortly after your escape from your cell, you will encounter an Imperial Guard named Urien. He will be in the process of being attacked by a prisoner. After you dispatch the attacker, Urien will give you a quest to deliver a secret message to the Emperor's illegitimate son, Martin Septim. As part of this quest, Urien will entrust you with the Amulet of Kings. This is the most crucial item you will acquire in the tutorial. The Amulet of Kings is a sacred artifact of the Septim Dynasty, imbued with divine power. It is intrinsically linked to the Dragonborn Emperors and the protection of Tamriel from the Daedric realms. Its significance cannot be overstated; it is the key to the Dragonfires, which seal the barriers between Mundus and Oblivion. Without it, the Daedric Princes could more easily invade the mortal plane.
- Combat Training: You will encounter hostile prisoners and guards. The game will prompt you to experiment with different weapon types. Look for a sword or axe lying on the ground or in a nearby container. Practice your basic attacks (swinging and blocking).
- Lockpicking Practice: You will find locked chests and doors. The game will introduce you to the lockpicking minigame. Your first few attempts will likely be clumsy, but persistence is key. Look for Lockpicks in containers; you'll need them.
- Stealth Introduction: Certain areas may require you to use stealth to avoid detection by guards or to gain an advantage in combat. Pay attention to the prompts that appear on screen.
Looting for Survival: Essential Early-Game Finds
The Imperial Prison is a treasure trove of essential early-game supplies. Diligently looting every container and fallen foe will provide you with the resources needed to survive your initial encounters outside the prison walls. Prioritize the following:
- Gold: Every Septim counts in the early game. Use it to purchase better equipment, potions, and training from merchants.
- Potions: Look for Potion of Health and Potion of Magicka. These are your lifelines in combat. Don't hoard them; use them when you're low on health or need a magical boost.
- Lockpicks: As mentioned, these are vital for accessing locked containers and doors, which often contain valuable loot.
- Weapons and Armor: While you'll find basic iron or steel gear, any upgrade is beneficial. Pay attention to weapon damage and armor rating.
- Repair Hammers: These are crucial for maintaining the durability of your weapons and armor.
- Scrolls: Early on, scrolls can provide powerful spells that you might not yet have the Magicka to cast yourself.
Valuable Early-Game Loot Table
| Item | Typical Quantity | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 10-50 Septims | Currency for purchases and training. |
| Potion of Health | 1-3 | Restores health, essential for survival. |
| Potion of Magicka | 1-2 | Restores Magicka, vital for spellcasting. |
| Lockpick | 2-5 | Used to open locked containers and doors. |
| Iron Sword/Dagger | 1 | Basic melee weapon. |
| Leather Armor Piece | 1-2 | Basic defensive gear. |
| Repair Hammer | 1 | Repairs weapons and armor. |
The Emperor's Secret and the Path to Freedom
After the initial combat and lockpicking tutorials, you will reach a section where you must deliver a message. You will encounter a dying Imperial Guard, Urien, who tasks you with delivering a secret message to Martin Septim. He will also give you the Amulet of Kings. This is a pivotal moment, as it sets you on the main questline of Oblivion. Urien will instruct you to proceed through the sewers beneath the prison. Be prepared for more enemies and locked doors as you make your way towards the exit.
Boss Encounter: The Ratway Guardian
As you navigate the sewers, you will eventually encounter a more formidable foe, often referred to as the "Ratway Guardian." This is typically a stronger bandit or a creature that guards the final exit.
- Strategy: Use the environment to your advantage. If there are pillars or obstacles, use them for cover. If you have potions of health, don't hesitate to use them before or during the fight. If you've found a better weapon or armor, equip it now.
- Weaknesses: Most early-game enemies are susceptible to basic attacks. If you've found any elemental damage items or scrolls (e.g., fire damage), they might be effective.
Exiting the Prison: The Dawn of a New Journey
Upon defeating the final guardian, you will find yourself emerging from the sewers into the city of Seyda Neen. This marks the end of the tutorial dungeon and the beginning of your grand adventure in Cyrodiil. Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that await you.
Common Pitfalls and Missables
- Ignoring Loot: Failing to loot thoroughly can leave you under-equipped and without essential consumables for the early game.
- Not Practicing Mechanics: The tutorial is designed to teach you. Rushing through without understanding combat, lockpicking, or stealth will make the initial hours of the game significantly harder.
- Forgetting the Amulet of Kings: While it's a quest item, its importance cannot be stressed enough. Keep it safe.