Game Overview & Lore of Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is set in the year 3E 433, a time of great turmoil for the province of Cyrodiil and the entire Tamrielic Empire. The game begins shortly after the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII and the subsequent disappearance of his heirs, plunging the Empire into a succession crisis. This power vacuum allows the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon to launch his invasion.
The core of Oblivion's narrative revolves around the Oblivion Crisis, a cataclysmic event where fiery gates to the Daedric realm of Oblivion tear open across Cyrodiil, unleashing demonic creatures and devastating the land. The player, an escaped prisoner with a mysterious destiny, is tasked with finding the last surviving heir of Uriel Septim VII and closing the Oblivion gates to prevent the complete destruction of Tamriel.
The World of Tamriel and Cyrodiil
Oblivion takes place on the continent of Tamriel, specifically within the province of Cyrodiil, the heartland of the Septim Empire. Cyrodiil is a diverse land, featuring varied climates and terrains, from the temperate forests and plains of the central regions to the mountainous north and the humid swamps of the south. The province is divided into nine counties, each with its own distinct culture and capital city.
Key Lore Elements
- The Daedric Princes: Powerful, immortal beings who rule over realms of Oblivion. Mehrunes Dagon is the primary antagonist, seeking to conquer Mundus (the mortal plane).
- The Septim Dynasty: The ruling imperial family, whose lineage is central to the game's plot. The assassination of Uriel Septim VII triggers the main quest.
- The Elder Scrolls: Ancient, prophetic artifacts that hold immense power and knowledge. The player's destiny is tied to their interpretation.
- The Oblivion Gates: Portals that connect Mundus to the Daedric realms, spewing forth demons and causing destruction.
- Races of Tamriel: The game features various playable and non-playable races, including Humans (Imperials, Nords, Bretons, Redguards), Elves (High Elves, Dark Elves, Wood Elves), Beastfolk (Argonians, Khajiit), and Orcs.
Factions and Organizations
Cyrodiil is home to several influential factions, including the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, Thieves Guild, and the Dark Brotherhood. These organizations offer extensive questlines that delve into the political intrigue and social dynamics of the province.
Gameplay Pillars
- Exploration: A vast open world with numerous dungeons, cities, and wilderness areas to discover.
- Combat: Real-time combat utilizing melee weapons, bows, magic, and stealth.
- Character Progression: A flexible skill-based system where using skills increases their proficiency, leading to character level-ups.
- Questing: A multitude of main quests, guild quests, faction quests, and miscellaneous side quests.
Oblivion offers a rich and immersive experience, blending a compelling narrative with a vast open world and deep character customization. The lore is extensive, providing a backdrop for a grand adventure against overwhelming odds.