Major Factions in Oblivion
Cyrodiil is a land teeming with organizations, each with its own goals, hierarchies, and questlines. Joining these factions offers unique opportunities for character development, access to powerful gear, and a deeper understanding of the world's lore. From the honorable Fighters Guild to the shadowy Dark Brotherhood, your allegiances can shape your journey.
The most prominent factions are the guilds that offer extensive questlines: the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, and Thieves Guild. Beyond these, the Knights of the Nine offer a divine path, and the Dark Brotherhood provides a more sinister route. Each faction has specific entry requirements and progression paths, often tied to your skills and reputation.
Key Factions and Their Roles
| Faction | Primary Focus | Key Quests | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fighters Guild | Combat, mercenary work | Monster hunting, bandit clearing, duels | Gold, unique weapons, armor, reputation |
| Mages Guild | Magic, research, arcane knowledge | Magical research, artifact retrieval, dealing with magical anomalies | Spells, enchanted items, access to Arcane University, reputation |
| Thieves Guild | Stealth, larceny, subterfuge | Heists, burglaries, smuggling, infiltration | Gold, unique thief gear, influence, access to Gray Fox |
| Dark Brotherhood | Assassination | Contract killings, stealth missions, assassinations | Gold, unique assassin gear, powerful poisons, dark reputation |
| The Blades | Imperial defense, espionage | Main questline, protecting the Emperor's heir | Unique armor, powerful artifacts, Imperial favor |
| Knights of the Nine | Divine service, relic hunting | Reclaiming holy relics, battling evil sorcerers | Divine blessings, holy armor and weapons, increased faith |
Joining Factions
- Fighters Guild: Speak to any guild representative in Cheydinhal, Anvil, or other major cities.
- Mages Guild: Apply at any Mages Guild hall. You may need a certain skill level or to pass a magical test.
- Thieves Guild: Requires a bit more subtlety; often involves being caught committing a crime or speaking to specific NPCs like beggars in the Imperial City.
- Dark Brotherhood: Typically requires a specific event or quest to trigger, often involving a dream or a whispered rumor.
- Knights of the Nine: Initiated by speaking to the Prophet near Anvil or by hearing rumors of the Crusader.
Faction Benefits
- Skill Advancement: Many factions offer specialized trainers and quests that boost relevant skills.
- Unique Gear: Factions often provide access to exclusive weapons, armor, and magical items.
- Lore and Story: Each faction's questline delves into the rich history and politics of Tamriel.
- Reputation: Your standing within a faction can affect how other NPCs perceive you.
Choosing which factions to join and how to progress within them is a sificant part of defining your character in Oblivion. Each path offers a unique set of challenges and rewards.