Side Quests & Daedric Shrines
Oblivion's world is filled with hidden wonders and optional quests, among the most rewarding of which are the Daedric Shrine quests. These unique adventures offer players the chance to interact with the enigmatic Daedric Princes, often presenting them with morally ambiguous choices and bestowing powerful, unique artifacts upon completion. Seeking out these shrines and undertaking their quests is a hallmark of a thorough Oblivion playthrough.
There are numerous Daedric Princes, each with their own domain, personality, and set of followers. Their shrines are scattered across Cyrodiil, often in remote or hidden locations. To initiate a Daedric quest, you typically need to:
- Discover the Shrine: Stumble upon the shrine while exploring or be directed to it by rumors or other quests.
- Meet the Prince's Requirements: Often, the Daedric Prince will only appear or offer their quest when specific conditions are met. This might involve the time of day, the player's level, or performing a specific action near the shrine.
- Undertake the Quest: Once the Prince appears, they will present you with a task. These tasks vary wildly, from retrieving stolen artifacts to performing acts of cruelty or kindness.
Notable Daedric Princes and Their Quests:
| Daedric Prince | Shrine Location (General) | Quest Example | Reward Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azura | Northern coast of Cyrodiil | The Azura's Star quest | Azura's Star (reusable soul gem) |
| Boethiah | Northern Cyrodiil, near the border with Skyrim | Boethiah's Calling | Ebony Mail (armor) |
| Clavicus Vile | Southern Cyrodiil, near the border with Black Marsh | A Daedra's Best Friend | Masque of Clavicus Vile (enchanted helmet) |
| Hermaeus Mora | Northwest Cyrodiil | The Darkened Path | Oghma Infinium (skill book, not in Oblivion) - *Note: This is from Skyrim, Oblivion rewards vary.* |
| Hircine | Western Cyrodiil | The Hunt | Ring of Hircine (werewolf transformation, not in Oblivion) - *Note: This is from Skyrim, Oblivion rewards vary.* |
| Malacath | Northern Cyrodiil | The Cursed Tribe | Volendrung (unique hammer) |
| Mehrunes Dagon | Various Oblivion Gates | Main Quest related | Various Daedric artifacts |
| Mephala | Northern Cyrodiil | The Whispering Door | Wabbajack (unique staff) |
| Meridia | Northern Cyrodiil | Thezneim's Light | Ring of Khajiit (fortify agility/speed) |
| Molag Bal | Western Cyrodiil | The Collector of the Dead | Mace of Molag Bal (enchanted mace) |
| Namira | Southern Cyrodiil | The Taste of Death | Ring of Namira (fortify illusion/stamina) |
| Nocturnal | Northern Cyrodiil | Nocturnal's Quest | Jewel of Nocturnal (fortify luck) |
| Peryite | Southern Cyrodiil | The Rite of Ascension | Spell Breaker (shield) |
| Sanguine | Southern Cyrodiil | A Night to Remember | Sanguine Rose (summoned staff) |
| Sheogorath | Northern Cyrodiil | The Mind of Madness | Wabbajack (unique staff) |
| Vaermina | Northern Cyrodiil | Night Terrors | Staff of Tears (illusion damage) |
Tips for Daedric Quests:
- Be Prepared: Daedric quests can be challenging and often involve combat.
- Consider Your Morals: Many Daedric Princes are capricious and demand morally questionable actions. Decide if the reward is worth the cost.
- Save Before Committing: Some choices have permanent consequences.