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

Factions & Guilds Overview

Overview of Factions & Guilds in Oblivion. Learn about the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, and Thieves Guild storylines, rewards, and challenges in Cyrodiil.

Factions & Guilds Overview

Beyond the main questline and countless side quests, Oblivion offers a rich tapestry of Factions and Guilds, each with its own unique storyline, rewards, and challenges. Engaging with these organizations not only provides valuable experience and gold but also unlocks powerful artifacts, spells, and allies. This section will guide you through the major factions, offering actionable steps to join, progress, and ultimately master their ranks.

The Fighters Guild

For those who prefer steel over spells, the Fighters Guild is your calling. This organization focuses on mercenary work, monster hunting, and protecting the innocent across Cyrodiil. Joining early can provide a steady income and combat training.

  • How to Join: Speak to a Guild Steward at any Fighters Guild hall. The easiest to access early on are in Anvil, Chorrol, or Cheydinhal. Simply express your interest in joining, and you'll be accepted.
  • Early Quests & Strategies:
    • Anvil: Head to the Anvil Fighters Guild and speak with Azzan. Your first task, "A Rat Problem," involves clearing rats from Arvena Thelas's house. This is a simple combat introduction.
    • Chorrol: Talk to Vilena Donton at the Chorrol Fighters Guild. She'll likely assign "The Desolate Mine," requiring you to clear goblins from a nearby mine. Be prepared for multiple enemies.
    • Cheydinhal: Speak with Burz gro-Khash. He often gives "The Unfinished Business" quest, sending you to retrieve a sword from a nearby cave.
  • Key Rewards: As you progress, you'll gain access to better equipment, training, and eventually, the ability to summon a powerful Fighters Guild Knight. The final questline culminates in a confrontation with a rival organization, offering significant gold and a unique weapon.

The Mages Guild

If arcane arts are more to your liking, the Mages Guild offers a path to mastering powerful spells and enchanting items. This guild is perfect for spellcasters and those looking to delve into the mysteries of magic.

  • How to Join: To join the Mages Guild, you must first obtain recommendations from all eight Mages Guild halls across Cyrodiil. Each hall's recommendation quest is unique and often involves demonstrating your magical prowess or problem-solving skills.
    • Anvil: Speak to Carahil. She'll ask you to investigate a recent shipwreck and retrieve a Necromancer's Amulet.
    • Bravil: Talk to Kud-Ei. She needs help finding a friend, Henantier, who is trapped in a dream world. You'll need to enter his mind to rescue him.
    • Bruma: Speak to Jeanne Frasoric. She'll ask you to retrieve a Scrying Orb from a nearby cave.
    • Cheydinhal: Talk to Falcar. This quest involves a bit of detective work and a missing ring.
    • Chorrol: Speak to Teekeeus. He wants you to find a missing book, Fingers of the Mountain, from a nearby ruin.
    • Leyawiin: Talk to Dagail. She'll ask you to retrieve her Seer's Stone from a bandit camp.
    • Skingrad: Speak to Adrienne Berard. She needs assistance with a troublesome "ghost" in a local manor.
    • Kvatch: This recommendation is automatically granted after completing the main quest "Breaking the Siege of Kvatch" if you speak to the Mages Guild representative there.
  • Key Rewards: Upon gaining all recommendations, you'll be granted access to the prestigious Arcane University in the Imperial City, unlocking advanced spell crafting, enchanting, and powerful trainers. The guild questline culminates in becoming the Arch-Mage, granting you a unique Arch-Mage's Robes and access to the Arch-Mage's quarters.

The Thieves Guild

For those with a penchant for stealth and subterfuge, the Thieves Guild offers a clandestine path to riches and infamy. This guild operates in the shadows, focusing on larceny, smuggling, and outwitting the law.

  • How to Join: To initiate contact with the Thieves Guild, you must commit a petty crime (e.g., stealing an item worth 50 gold or more) and then be arrested or pay a fine. A mysterious note will then direct you to the Waterfront District of the Imperial City. Speak to Armand Christophe near the Waterfront Lighthouse after midnight. He will give you a trial quest, "May the Best Thief Win," where you must steal Amantius Allectus's Diary from his house before two other aspiring thieves.
  • Early Quests & Strategies: Focus on improving your Sneak, Security, and Light Armor skills. Utilize invisibility potions or spells for difficult heists.
  • Key Rewards: Progressing through the Thieves Guild grants you access to fences to sell stolen goods, powerful unique items like the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal, and the ability to clear your bounties for a fee. The guild's ultimate goal is to restore the legendary Gray Fox.

The Dark Brotherhood

The Dark Brotherhood is a shadowy organization of assassins, dedicated to the will of the Dread Father, Sithis. This guild is for players who embrace a darker path and are comfortable with morally ambiguous choices.

  • How to Join: To attract the attention of the Dark Brotherhood, you must commit an "innocent" murder. The easiest way is to kill an NPC who is not involved in any quests and has no significant ties. After your first innocent murder, sleep in any bed. You will be visited by Lucien Lachance, who will offer you a contract. Complete this contract, "A Knife in the Dark," by assassinating Rufio at the Inn of Ill Omen, and you will be invited to join.
  • Early Quests & Strategies: Stealth and one-shot kills are paramount. Invest in Sneak, Blade/Blunt, and Marksman skills. Potions of Invisibility and Chameleon enchantments are incredibly useful.
  • Key Rewards: The Dark Brotherhood offers unique enchanted armor like the Shrouded Armor, powerful daggers, and the ability to summon a Spectral Assassin. The questline is one of the most compelling and morally complex in the game, culminating in a surprising twist and significant power.

Daedric Quests

While not a traditional "guild," the Daedric Princes offer a series of challenging quests that reward powerful artifacts. Each Prince has a shrine located in Cyrodiil, and most require a specific offering and a minimum character level to initiate their quest.

  • General Approach:
    1. Locate the Shrine: Explore the wilderness or consult maps to find the various Daedric Shrines.
    2. Meet Requirements: Each Prince has a specific level requirement (typically 10-20+) and an offering they demand. For example, Azura requires a Glow Dust at night, while Boethiah requires a Daedra Heart and a sacrifice.
    3. Complete the Quest: These quests often involve challenging dungeons, moral dilemmas, or unique combat scenarios.
  • Notable Artifacts:
    • Azura's Star: A reusable soul gem, incredibly useful for enchanting and recharging.
    • Mehrunes' Razor: A powerful dagger with a chance to instantly kill opponents.
    • Sanguine Rose: A staff that summons a random Daedra to fight for you.
    • Volendrung: A powerful warhammer with Absorb Stamina and Paralysis enchantments.