The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Mehrunes' Razor

Obtain Mehrunes' Razor in Oblivion. Learn about the Daedric quest, shrine location, the choice you must make, and its instant-kill effect.

Mehrunes' Razor

Mehrunes' Razor is a unique artifact dagger in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, renowned for its incredibly low base damage but its exceptionally high chance to instantly kill any target it hits. This legendary weapon is obtained through the Daedric quest of the same name, dedicated to Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Destruction, Revolution, and Ambition.

The quest to obtain Mehrunes' Razor involves a journey to a shrine dedicated to Mehrunes Dagon, located in the mountainous region of Skyrim, just north of the Cyrodiil border. Upon arrival, you'll need to perform a ritual and make a choice that directly impacts whether you receive the Razor or not. The quest tests your resolve and your understanding of the Daedric Prince's capricious nature.

The Daedric Quest: "Mehrunes' Razor"

The quest begins when you find a shrine to Mehrunes Dagon. The closest one is located in the northern mountains, a challenging trek from Bruma. Upon reaching the shrine, you will be prompted to interact with it. Mehrunes Dagon himself will speak to you, presenting you with a task.

The Ritual and the Choice

Dagon will instruct you to retrieve the Razor from a nearby tomb, which he claims was stolen from him. You will need to navigate the tomb, which is filled with traps and undead creatures. Once you reach the Razor, you will be faced with a critical decision:

  • Take the Razor: If you take the Razor, Dagon will be pleased with your audacity and will allow you to keep it, albeit with a warning about its power.
  • Leave the Razor: If you choose not to take the Razor, Dagon will be angered, and you will receive no reward.

Obtaining the Razor

To successfully obtain Mehrunes' Razor, you must:

  1. Locate the Shrine: Travel to the shrine of Mehrunes Dagon in the northern mountains.
  2. Perform the Ritual: Interact with the shrine and follow Dagon's instructions.
  3. Retrieve the Razor: Navigate the tomb and claim the dagger.
  4. Accept the Gift: Choose to take the Razor when presented with the choice.

Using Mehrunes' Razor

Despite its low base damage (typically around 1-2 points), Mehrunes' Razor has an extremely high chance (estimated around 10-20%) to instantly kill any target it hits, regardless of their level or defenses. This makes it an incredibly powerful weapon, especially against tough enemies or bosses.

  • Combat Strategy: Focus on landing hits rather than dealing massive damage. Even a glancing blow has a high chance of ending the fight.
  • Against Undead: While effective against most enemies, its instant-kill chance is particularly devastating against powerful undead creatures.
  • Enchanting: The Razor can be enchanted, but its base damage is so low that it's often best used for its unique effect.

Mehrunes' Razor is a testament to the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of Daedric artifacts. Its unique property makes it a highly sought-after item for players looking for a powerful, albeit unconventional, weapon.