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

Vampire & Lycanthropy Guide

Master vampire and lycanthropy transformations in Oblivion. Understand the advantages like attribute boosts and unique abilities, plus the drawbacks and cures.

Vampire & Lycanthropy Guide

Oblivion offers players the chance to contract vampirism or lycanthropy, transforming them into powerful, yet often ostracized, beings. These afflictions come with sificant advantages, such as enhanced attributes and unique abilities, but also come with severe drawbacks, including vulnerability to fire and sunlight, and social stigma. Deciding whether to embrace or cure these conditions is a major choice for many players.

Vampirism can be contracted through the bite of a vampire. Once infected, players will gradually transform over three in-game days. Vampires gain sificant boosts to attributes like Agility, Strength, and Speed, and develop powerful abilities such as invisibility and draining life. However, they also suffer from a weakness to fire and sunlight, which damages them and reduces their stats. To cure vampirism, players must undertake a specific questline involving finding a cure at a shrine.

Lycanthropy, or werewolfery, is less common and typically contracted through the bite of a werewolf. Similar to vampirism, it offers powerful combat bonuses, including increased strength and speed, and the ability to transform into a wolf form. However, werewolves also face challenges, such as increased aggression and potential hostility from NPCs. Curing lycanthropy also involves a dedicated quest.

Key aspects of Vampirism and Lycanthropy:

  • Contraction: Both are contracted through specific enemy attacks.
  • Benefits: Enhanced attributes, unique abilities (invisibility for vampires, transformation for werewolves).
  • Drawbacks: Vulnerability to fire/sunlight (vampires), social stigma, potential hostility.
  • Progression: Vampirism progresses over days, with increasing benefits and drawbacks.
  • Cures: Both conditions can be cured through specific, often lengthy, questlines.

Choosing to become a vampire or werewolf fundamentally changes how you play Oblivion, offering a unique experience with its own set of challenges and rewards. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before embracing these dark transformations.