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

Notable Side Quests

Undertake notable side quests in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, uncovering secrets, earning rewards from Daedric Princes, and facing unique challenges.

Notable Side Quests

Beyond the main quest and the major guild storylines, Cyrodiil is brimming with intriguing side quests that offer unique rewards, lore, and challenges. These often involve delving into forgotten ruins, assisting eccentric individuals, or uncovering hidden secrets. Some of the most memorable side quests are tied to the Daedric Princes, offering powerful artifacts and testing your moral compass. Others are smaller, self-contained stories that add depth to the world and its inhabitants.

One of the most iconic questlines not directly tied to a major faction is the pursuit of the Gray Fox, the legendary thief. To begin this quest, look for wanted posters scattered throughout the Imperial City. Inspecting one will give you a clue to seek out a beggar. Puny Ancus in the Waterfront District is a good starting point. You'll need to increase his disposition to over 70 through persuasion or bribery. Once he trusts you, he'll reveal the meeting place at the Garden of Dareloth, initiating your journey into the Thieves Guild.

Another notable set of side quests involves the various Daedric Shrines. Each Daedric Prince has a shrine somewhere in Cyrodiil, and approaching them often triggers a quest. These quests are usually morally ambiguous and test your willingness to perform questionable deeds for powerful rewards. For example, the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon requires a sificant act of destruction, while the Shrine of Azura involves a more personal and tragic tale. Completing these can grant you powerful Daedric artifacts like the Mace of Molag Bal or the Azura's Star.

Beyond these, many smaller, emergent quests can be found by simply exploring. Talking to NPCs, reading journals found in dungeons, or stumbling upon unusual locations can all lead to unique adventures. Keep an eye out for:

  • The Horror of Dive Rock: A quest involving a haunted cave and a vengeful spirit.
  • The Vile Lair: A plug-in that offers a unique, albeit dark, player home with a special upgrade.
  • Knights of the Nine: While technically a DLC, this questline feels like a massive side-adventure focused on a holy crusade.

These side quests are crucial for experiencing the full breadth of Oblivion's content, offering a break from the main narrative and enriching your understanding of the world and its inhabitants.