Chasing Unicorns and Dodging Vampires: A Hilarious Hitchhiker’s Guide to Oblivion and Skyrim
So, you’ve found Tamriel, huh? You might be knee-deep in mudcrabs. Or maybe considering your choices after stealing a sweetroll. Let’s discuss the important things, like unicorns and pale creatures who prefer indoor sunsets. Can you catch a unicorn in Oblivion? Is there a similar pony in Skyrim? Let’s explore the fun world of vampirism. Everything connects in Elder Scrolls lore.
The Elusive Unicorn of Oblivion: Myth or Mount?
First, the unicorn in Cyrodiil. Yes, Virginia, there is a unicorn in Oblivion. And yes, you can keep it. But it isn’t as easy as offering it a carrot. This isn’t your regular pony; it’s linked to Daedric Prince Hircine, the master of the hunt.
Our single-horned friend is part of Hircine’s Daedric quest. You’ll hunt the unicorn. That’s pretty typical Daedric Prince business. Most quests in Oblivion are simple: go here, kill that, get the shiny thing. This one has a twist. Hircine wants you to handle the unicorn very permanently. Who’d want to kill a unicorn? Not us, and not you unless roleplaying a grumpy character with a vendetta against them.
Here’s the important tidbit: you can keep the unicorn. Just say ‘no’ to Hircine. No joke. When the Daedric Prince tells you what to do, tell him no. He won’t throw a tantrum. He will grumble and express displeasure, but then… poof! The unicorn is yours. Consider it a reward for defying a god, or maybe he respects your rebellious spirit. You get a unicorn.
So how do you tame this beast? It’s acquiring rather than taming. The game mechanics are simple. Approach the unicorn with holstered weapons. Unicorns are pacifists and spook easily. Hop on its back and ride off into the sunset. Congratulations! You own a unicorn. No need for fancy horse armor (though who doesn’t want to see a unicorn in horse armor?).
Before you gallop across Cyrodiil, know a few quirks. First, the Oblivion unicorn doesn’t come with a ‘Blood Pact’ spell like Shadowmere, the Dark Brotherhood’s demonic steed. You can’t summon it when surrounded by goblins and needing escape. Second, this unicorn is unique. There’s only one in the game. Cherish it, guard it, and avoid dungeons. Losing the only unicorn to a cave-in would be tragic.
Lastly, for safety: the unicorn is peaceful like a cow. Unless you draw a weapon. Or if others do, including NPCs who get trigger-happy. Drawing steel turns the unicorn from gentle herbivore to raging beast. It will attack, so keep peace, holster your swords, and tell those guards to chill near your special horse.
Skyrim’s Unicorn Situation: Where Did the Sparkle Go?
Now, let’s talk about Skyrim. If you’re expecting another unicorn-hunting adventure, prepare for disappointment. No wild unicorn prancing in Skyrim like in Oblivion. No Hircine quests and rewards for your horsey journey. Skyrim’s rugged glory lacks unicorns.
Fear not, unicorn fans! There’s hope, a glimmer of horn in the snowy winds. You can’t find a literal unicorn in Skyrim, but players report sightings of their Oblivion unicorn there. Sounds like fantasy fiction, right? Some players claim their beloved unicorn vanished but reappeared at the College of Winterhold.
One player shares a story of unicorn woes: they summoned Arvak, the skeletal horse from the Soul Cairn, and found their unicorn missing. Weeks passed, then BAM! A unicorn sighting at the College of Winterhold. Magic? Glitch? Or just Elder Scrolls being wonderfully weird?
This isn’t a guaranteed method for acquiring a unicorn in Skyrim. It sounds like a happy accident or a bug. But if you miss your Oblivion unicorn, visit Winterhold. Your sparkly friend might be there with the mages.
Skyrim lacks dedicated unicorn quests or wild encounters, but there’s plenty of horses. You can buy them or steal them (not recommended, guards get grumpy). You can even acquire a spectral horse from the Soul Cairn. The dream of unicorns might dimmed, but equestrian adventures continue with perhaps less… horn.
Becoming a Creature of the Night: Vampirism 101 in Oblivion
Enough about unicorns for now. Let’s delve into something darker—vampirism in Oblivion. Who wouldn’t want to be a creature of the night, with cool powers and a dislike for sunlight? Becoming a vampire in Oblivion is simple, with several delightful ways to join the undead.
The most dramatic method is combat. Find a vampire den filled with those pale, pointy-toothed folks, and let them hit you with their melee attacks. Vampires happily share their Porphyric Hemophilia, your essential vampire starter pack.
Contracting Porphyric Hemophilia isn’t instant vampirism. It’s more like a three-day trial. If you don’t cure this disease in three days, by drinking a Cure Disease potion or visiting a temple, congratulations! You’re on the express train to vampiredom. Next time you sleep—BAM! Fangs, pale skin, and hunger for… well, you know.
If you prefer a narrative approach to vampirism, the Dark Brotherhood offers a stylish way. Finish the “Darkness Eternal” quest and meet Vicente Valtieri, a charming vampire. He offers you vampirism like a job perk. Accept his offer, and avoid the Porphyric Hemophilia hassle, becoming a vampire instantly. Stylish and efficient.
If you own the Mehrunes’ Razor DLC, there’s another *unique* way to become a vampire. It involves cannibalism, specifically eating the Beating Heart of Msirae Faythung. A delightful snack that infects you with both Cannibal’s Prion and Porphyric Hemophilia. Double disease, twice the fun! Not appetizing but certainly a variety.
And for ambitious alchemists, there’s brewing a Potion of Porphyric Hemophilia. If you’ve maxed Alchemy to 100 and have a Beating Heart (perhaps from your earlier snack adventure?), you can concoct your own vampirism potion. Talk about DIY transformation! It takes effort, but it’s worth it.
you bragging rights among your alchemist friends.
Life as a Vampire: Perks and Predicaments in Oblivion
So, you’re a vampire now. You have fangs and a taste for the night. Life as a vampire in Oblivion is a mix of awesome powers and some drawbacks. Let’s start with the perks. Vampires gain quite a few cool abilities. Invisibility? Check. Charm spells to talk your way out of trouble? You got it. Silence to sneak around? Absolutely. And night vision, because seeing in the dark is what you do. These powers are useful, making you a stealthy master of nighttime antics.
However, being a vampire isn’t all good… or rather, there’s no sunshine and only metaphorical roses. The biggest downside? Sunlight. Step into Cyrodiil’s sunshine, and you will take damage. Tick, tick, tick goes your health as the sun burns your undead skin. Not ideal for daytime adventures. Vampires in Oblivion are nocturnal creatures. Daytime is for sleeping in dark places, away from pesky sunlight.
Feeding is another aspect. As a vampire, you must feed on people. To maintain your powers and avoid worse sunlight effects, you’ll need to feed periodically. You can sneak into a house while someone sleeps and then you can feed. It’s creepy, but you must fuel your powers.
Oblivion vampirism has stages. Four stages exist. You advance by waiting or resting for 24 hours without feeding. Each stage offers increased power, but also more weaknesses. Stage 1 vampires are mild, while Stage 4 vampires are powerful but vulnerable to sunlight and largely hated. Think of it like a vampire difficulty setting. The hungrier you are, the more powerful you become, and the more socially awkward as well.
Saying Goodbye to the Fangs: Curing Vampirism in Oblivion
So, maybe being a vampire isn’t for you. Perhaps you miss sunshine, or you’re tired of sneaking and biting. Good news! Oblivion offers a cure for vampirism. It’s not instant, though. Curing it involves a long quest that includes a trip to the Arcane University and a chat with Raminus Polus, a mage with a solution.
The cure quest is quite involved. It sends you across Cyrodiil to fetch ingredients and chat with various NPCs for Raminus. It may not be thrilling, but it gets the job done. Be ready for this grind if you wish to ditch fangs.
If you’re impatient and own the Vile Lair DLC, there’s a faster cure. The Vile Lair DLC adds an underground lair with a Font of Renewal. Step into this font, and BAM! Vampirism gone! It’s quick, easy, and saves you from the lengthy quest. Think of it as fast food for vampiric cures.
However, one word of caution: the vampire cure quest in Oblivion is buggy. It may glitch out, break, or cause frustration. If you want to cure vampirism the traditional way, it’s best to play a patched version. Patches fix bugs and glitches to make your Oblivion experience smoother. Nobody wants their cure quest to break halfway through.
Oblivion and Skyrim Curiosities: A Quickfire Round of Questions
Oblivion and Skyrim are vast games filled with lore and secrets. Let’s tackle some burning questions quickly.
Can you keep the Necromancer’s Amulet in Oblivion? Yes! It’s a powerful item boosting Conjuration and Mysticism skills. Just be ready for consequences.
Can you get a wife in Oblivion? Not really. Oblivion lacks marriage mechanics like Skyrim. You can build relationships but no wedding bells or houses.
What does Hircine give you in Oblivion? If you follow his quest and slay the unicorn (you monster!), he rewards you with the Savior’s Hide, light armor with magical resistances. But who cares about that, right?
Can you become a werewolf in Oblivion? Nope. Werewolves belong to Skyrim. Oblivion focuses on vampires.
Is it possible to close all Oblivion Gates? Yes! It’s a monumental task, but you can close each gate across Cyrodiil.
Do you get anything for closing all Oblivion Gates? Bragging rights mostly and a slightly less apocalyptic Cyrodiil, but no grand reward.
How many Daedric quests are in Oblivion? There are 15 quests tied to different Daedric Princes. Plenty of chances to meddle with otherworldly beings.
Can you join the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion? Absolutely! This questline is iconic and considered one of the best.
Can you become a Blade in Oblivion? Yes, as part of the main questline. You work with the Blades to protect the Emperor.
Is there a dragon in Oblivion? Nope, dragons are not in Oblivion. The main enemies are Daedra and Oblivion Gates.
Why is there only one moon in Oblivion? Oblivion isn’t a celestial body with moons. Cyrodiil has two moons: Masser and Secunda.
Is there a Black Star in Oblivion? No Black Star here. Azura’s Star is from Skyrim. Oblivion has other Daedric artifacts.
Is there romance options in Oblivion? Not like Skyrim’s romance or marriage options. Oblivion is focused on quests and guilds instead.
Can you own a house in Oblivion? Yes, you can buy houses in many cities across Cyrodiil. Nice homes for your loot await.
What is the Molag Bal offering in Oblivion? Molag Bal’s quest rewards you with the Mace of Molag Bal; it drains magicka and traps enemies’ souls.
Does Oblivion horse armor do anything? Yes! The horse armor DLC boosts your horse’s health and armor rating. So it’s more than just cosmetic.
Can you complete every quest in Oblivion? Yes! Technically possible in one playthrough. It’s massive but doable for completionists.
What is the biggest house in Oblivion? Probably Benirus Manor in Anvil after removing ghostly tenants. It’s large with plenty of space for your treasures.
Is it bad to be a vampire in Oblivion? It’s a tradeoff. Vampirism has perks and drawbacks like sunlight vulnerability. Decide if perks are worth it or if you prefer being mortal.
What is the max level in Oblivion? The max level is limitless due to leveling mechanics, but it’s around level 50-60 where skills max out.
What is the number Oblivion?If you’re asking about a number associated with Oblivion… there isn’t one significant in lore, so maybe you’re thinking of another number related to the game.
Gates? Daedric Princes? Or how many hours players wander lost in Cyrodiil?
What is the best star to be born under in Oblivion? Star signs grant different bonuses. The best one fits your playstyle. The Thief suits stealth, the Warrior excels in combat, and the Mage is for magic users. Choose your star based on how you want to play.
Skyrim Shenanigans: More Questions from the North
Now, let’s switch back to Skyrim. We will answer more common questions that trouble Dragonborns everywhere.
Can you be a hybrid in Skyrim? Not really. You can be a vampire or werewolf, but not both in the base game. Mods may change that, but in vanilla Skyrim, only one at a time.
How to get an immortal horse in Skyrim? Shadowmere, the Dark Brotherhood horse, is almost immortal. He regenerates health fast and is hard to kill. Arvak, from the Soul Cairn, is also unkillable because he is undead. Shadowmere and Arvak are your best options for an immortal horse.
Can you have a biological child in Skyrim? No, Skyrim does not offer biological children for the player. You can adopt, but no Dragonborn babies causing chaos.
Can you have two husbands in Skyrim? No, in vanilla Skyrim, you can only marry one person. Mods may allow multiple marriages, but the standard game is strictly monogamous.
Should I join vampires or Dawnguard? This is a major choice! Joining vampires (Volkihar Clan) gives you vampire lord transformations and dark magic. The Dawnguard gives crossbows and anti-vampire tools. It depends on your playstyle and morals. Vampire lord or hunter? It’s up to you.
How do you summon Shadowmere in Skyrim? After completing the Dark Brotherhood quest “The Cure for Madness,” Shadowmere is yours. Find him near the pool from the quest or he might randomly show up when you fast travel. He’s a loyal, slightly spooky steed.
Can you get Lydia back in Skyrim? If Lydia is missing, check Dragonsreach in Whiterun. She often returns there. If not, some followers may meet an unfortunate end. But Lydia usually reappears. She’s surprisingly resilient, given her habit of getting attacked by dragons.
Unicorns in the Real World: Rarer Than You Think
Let’s step away from Tamriel and discuss real creatures called unicorns. The saola, or “Asian unicorn,” is an endangered animal found in Vietnam and Laos. Despite the name, it has two horns, not one. It’s rare and elusive, one of the world’s most endangered large mammals. While sparkly unicorns aren’t real, we have creatures needing protection.
Unicorn Lore Tidbits: Blood Curses and Healing Hooves
Unicorns often symbolize magic, purity, and healing in folklore. Yet, there’s a darker side. Some legends say drinking unicorn blood brings a curse. You might gain a “half-life,” cursed existence, as you’ve harmed something pure to save yourself. It’s a heavy price for immortality!
On a lighter note, some games show unicorns as healers. In Clash of Clans, unicorns can heal heroes. If you send your Barbarian King or Archer Queen into battle, a unicorn may provide the needed support.
Blood Pacts and Vampire Quirks: More Lore Snippets
Blood pacts are common in fantasy lore. Breaking one usually brings bad outcomes. Often, it hurts your reputation, or causes supernatural harm. Think twice before signing in blood, especially with Daedric Princes or shady vampires.
Now, let’s explore more vampire questions. Can you turn people into vampires in Oblivion? No, as a player, you can’t. You can’t bite NPCs to make them undead. Vampirism only happens to the player character in Oblivion.
How many times can you cure vampirism in Oblivion? As many as you wish! You can become a vampire, cure yourself, repeat. Just note that the cure quest is lengthy unless you have the Vile Lair DLC.
What does becoming a vampire do in Oblivion? Along with powers and weaknesses, becoming a vampire changes your character’s appearance and alters NPC reactions. Some may be wary or hostile. It opens unique quests and dialogue. This shift is more than cosmetic.
How rare is clinical vampirism? In reality, clinical vampirism, or Renfield’s syndrome, is very rare. It involves an obsession with drinking blood. It does not link to mythical vampires but it’s an intriguing real-world phenomenon often mixed up with vampire myths.
Time Marches On: The Gap Between Oblivion and Skyrim
To put things in time context, Skyrim isn’t just Oblivion in the snow. It happens 200 years after Oblivion’s events. Two centuries have passed in Tamriel, empires have risen and fallen, and the world has evolved. When wandering Skyrim, note that significant in-game time has passed. It’s more than just a new landscape; it marks progression in Elder Scrolls history.
So that’s it! A swift journey through unicorns, vampires, and Elder Scrolls trivia. Whether chasing unicorns in Oblivion, avoiding sunlight as a vampire or pondering Tamriel’s mysteries, enjoy the adventure. Embrace the oddity, and keep a Cure Disease potion on hand, just in case you encounter friendly vampires.
