Ah, the Grey Fox. A name whispered in taverns across Cyrodiil and beyond. You might wonder, “Who is this figure?”. Grab your ale, settle in. Let’s unravel the mysteries of the Grey Fox. This tale spans games, genres, and mediums. So buckle up.
The Enigmatic Grey Fox of Oblivion
Let’s start where the Grey Fox made his mark: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Forget your Stormcloaks and Imperials. We’re diving into a shadowy world of thieves and secrets.
Unmasking the Count: Corvus Umbranox
Ever heard of Corvus Umbranox, the Count of Anvil? Probably not much stir, right? But here’s the kicker: Corvus and the Grey Fox are one and the same. Mind blown.
The Grey Fox isn’t just a random rogue. He’s the guildmaster of the Thieves Guild in Oblivion. A noble by day, master thief by night. It’s a double life, managed with panache that only a Count could pull off.
Where to Find This Sly Fox
So, you’re in Anvil, walking through the main square, perhaps admiring the… Anvil-ness of it all. Look around. See that “Abandoned House” west of the Mages Guild? That’s your spot.
Don’t expect the Grey Fox lounging there all day, polishing his loot. You’ll mostly see him during Thieves Guild quests. But if you’re curious about his existence, that house is a good place to ponder.
Becoming the Grey Fox: A Tale of Stolen Identity
Want to be the next Grey Fox? Not a simple career change. In Oblivion, it involves an artifact: the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal.
Restoring What Was Lost
To don the cowl and inherit the mantle of the Grey Fox, you have a quest ahead. You must restore the identity of the cowl’s bearer. It’s not just about slipping on a mask and calling yourself the Grey Fox. It’s far more complicated and, dare I say, cursed.
The Grey Fox in Skyrim: A Non-Canonical Cameo?
Fast forward a few centuries north, we hear whispers of the Grey Fox in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Ah, Skyrim, land of dragons, Nords, and lingering legends.
Pjofr Ice-Blade: An Unexpected Reveal
In Skyrim’s snowy peaks and draugr-infested dungeons, the Grey Fox appears. He reveals himself as… Pjofr Ice-Blade. Sounds like someone who spends time in the freezer.
A Quest of Dubious Canon
Now things get murky. The Grey Fox’s quest in Skyrim isn’t exactly etched in official scrolls. Whether it’s part of the canon storyline is debatable. Think of it as a fan-fiction cameo. A fun nod, but not gospel truth.
The Cowl’s Journey Continues
Despite canonical confusion, the Grey Fox in Skyrim gifts the Dragonborn: the Gray Cowl itself. He hands it over with cryptic remarks, then vanishes into legend. Leaving you to ponder wearing a mask with such weighty history.
The Lore: Cursed Cowl and Stolen Identities
Let’s dive into the lore behind the Grey Fox. It’s not just about a mask; it involves a Daedric artifact and an age-old curse.
The Gray Cowl of Nocturnal: A Daedric Heist Gone Wrong
The whole Grey Fox persona comes from the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal. Nocturnal, a powerful Daedric Prince linked to shadows and secrets. The cowl wasn’t gifted by Nocturnal; it was stolen by Emer Dareloth. Bold move stealing from a Daedric Prince.
The Curse: Identity Theft, Daedric Style
Nocturnal was miffed about her stolen cowl. She cursed it. Not just any curse; this one is a doozy. Don the cowl, and BAM! You are the Grey Fox. Sounds cool? Wrong. The curse steals your identity. Poof! Gone. Everyone forgets you.
Once you wear that cowl, you are the Grey Fox. Nobody remembers who you were. It’s a potent curse, making him a compelling tragic figure. From Count of Anvil to merely… the Grey Fox. Responsibilities and self overwritten by a Daedric curse.
Beyond the Fox: Other Factions and Familiar Faces in Oblivion
Oblivion isn’t just about identity-stealing cowls. It’s a rich tapestry of factions, characters, and questionable organizations. Let’s explore some familiar faces in Cyrodiil.
The Dark Brotherhood: Sleep is for the Weak
Ever wanted contract killing? Oblivion has you covered. You can join the Dark Brotherhood. Think of them as Tamriel’s premier guild of assassins. They’re not subtle with whispers and black robes, but they get the job done.
Joining the Brotherhood: A Murderous Application Process
So, how do you join this esteemed organization? It involves… extracurricular activity. Specifically, killing someone innocent. Or ambitious? A bunch of thieves and marauders will do. All about proving your… commitment.
Cheydinhal: Home Sweet Hideout
Once you prove your homicidal tendencies are up to snuff, you’ll join the family. Where do they hang out? Cheydinhal. Nestled discreetly in this eastern town, you’ll find their hideout. Just look for the creepy house. A theme with these guilds, isn’t it?
The Blades: Loyal Servants of the Dragonborn… Wait, Wrong Game
Let’s talk about the Blades. In Oblivion, they’re less about Dragonborn and more about… Martin Septim. Remember him? The reluctant heir to the throne? The Blades protect him and rekindle Dragonfires.
Becoming a Blade: A Royal Promotion
Joining the Blades in Oblivion is straightforward. Escort Brother Martin to Cloud Ruler Temple in the “Weynon Priory” quest. Jauffre, Grandmaster of the Blades, will offer you membership. No initiation rituals involving sacrifices.
Valen Dreth: The Dunmer Jailbird You Love to Hate
Ah, Valen Dreth. If you’ve played Oblivion, you remember him. He’s the charming Dunmer who greets you in prison. By “greets,” I mean insults and miserable experiences.
Eleven Years of Solitary Confinement
Turns out, Valen Dreth wasn’t random. He’d been in Imperial Jail for eleven years. Eleven years of his delightful banter. Imagine what crimes earned such a lengthy sentence—probably sarcasm and lack of respect.
Vampirism in Oblivion: Sunny Days are Overrated
Fancy immortality with photosensitivity? Oblivion offers becoming a vampire. But let’s save that for another time.
vampire. It’s not just gloom and blood. There are downsides. Oh, there are many.
Joining the Undead: Several Paths
How does one become undead in Oblivion? There are a few options, none of which are enjoyable.
Porphyric Hemophilia: The Common Route
The usual way to get vampirism is to get close to a vampire. Specifically, by being hit by their melee attacks. In Oblivion, vampires spread Porphyric Hemophilia, a disease. If untreated, it turns you into a bloodsucker within three days. It’s like a cold, but with blood cravings.
Dark Brotherhood’s “Darkness Eternal”: Vicente’s Gift
The Dark Brotherhood is back! Completing their questline, especially the “Darkness Eternal,” may lead to Vicente Valtieri offering you vampirism. Vicente sees it as a gift. Your opinion may vary depending on your sunlight sensitivity.
Mehrunes’ Razor DLC: Cannibalism and Vampirism
For those who like vampirism with cannibalism, the Mehrunes’ Razor DLC has a unique option. Eating the “Beating Heart” from Msirae Faythung gives you both Cannibal’s Prion and Porphyric Hemophilia. Two diseases at once! Plus, you get to eat a beating heart. Win-win?
Potion of Porphyric Hemophilia: Alchemy Effects
If you are a master alchemist (skill 100) and have a Beating Heart, you can make a “Potion of Porphyric Hemophilia.” Why get bitten by a vampire when you can drink the disease? Efficiency wins!
Stages of Vampirism: Hunger Meter
Vampirism in Oblivion is not static. You progress through four stages. Each is more vampiric than the last. You advance by not feeding for 24 hours. It resembles a hunger meter. Instead of grumpiness, you grow increasingly undead.
Curing Vampirism: A Quest
Regretting the decision to embrace the night? Oblivion offers a cure for vampirism. However, it’s not quick. Expect a lengthened quest involving Raminus Polus at the Arcane University. Old ingredients, convoluted dungeons, and hoops await you to regain mortality. Being a vampire? Not so bad?
Is Vampirism Bad? Player Experiences
Is being a vampire bad? It’s not all moonlight and roses. One player expressed, “I became a vampire in Oblivion and it ruined my playthrough.” Why? “Constant damage outside (no fast travel) if not fed is terrible.” Add a bounty, and the game becomes unplayable. Yes, there are downsides.
The Pale Lady: Another Vampire
One more vampire in Oblivion: the Pale Lady. She resides in Pale Pass (fitting name). A Dark Elf with a suitable nickname. She’s not a major player in vampires, but she lurks in the shadows, pale and lady-like (in a vampiric way).
Werewolves in Oblivion: Disappointment Awaits
Werewolves. The classic monster. Lycanthropy. Transforming under the full moon. Sounds cool, yes? If you’re hoping to be a werewolf in Oblivion… prepare for disappointment.
How to Become a Werewolf? Mods Needed
Can you become a werewolf in Oblivion? The short answer is no. Unless you mod the game. The vanilla version offers no lycanthropy experiences. If you want to howl at the moon and shred bandits, you need mods. Plenty exist out there.
Metal Gear Solid & Grey Fox: An Identity Crisis
Wait, “Grey Fox” is not just Elder Scrolls, right? It’s also in Metal Gear Solid.
Frank Jaeger: Many Layers
The Metal Gear Solid Grey Fox has the less grand name Frank Jaeger. But his story is just as layered and morally complex as his Oblivion namesake.
Hero, Villain, or Something Else?
Is Frank Jaeger a hero or villain? That’s subjective and likely influenced by Metal Gear Solid plot confusion. He starts as Solid Snake’s ally, a fellow FOXHOUND agent. He seems good initially, but then complications arise.
He becomes an antagonist in Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. Oops. But later in Metal Gear Solid, he shifts towards an anti-hero role. A rollercoaster of moral alignments ensues for this Grey Fox.
Cyborg Ninja: Transformation via Science
Metal Gear Solid introduces cyborg ninjas to Grey Fox’s tale. After encountering Snake, Frank Jaeger wasn’t in peak form. Dr. Clark, known as Para-Medic, had ideas.
Unethical experiments took place, and voila! Grey Fox emerged as a cyborg ninja. This enhanced ninja then infiltrates Shadow Moses Island in Metal Gear Solid, wreaking havoc against Snake again. Quite the career change.
Oblivion (2013 Film): A Different Concept
Hey, there’s an Oblivion movie? Starring Tom Cruise? Sci-fi? Yes, while unrelated directly to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the 2013 film Oblivion exists, adding confusion to “Oblivion.”
Jack Harper: Different Role
Tom Cruise plays Jack Harper. A drone repairman on Earth in 2077. Not a count, thief, or cyborg ninja.
The Original Jack Harper: Commander Captured
The original Jack Harper led a mission to Titan. A big role, right? But he was captured and cloned by… the Tet. In sci-fi, the mysterious entity always appears.
Jack Clones: Lots of Copies
There were clones. Jack Harper—Tech 52 looks for Julia (his… wife? Clone-wife?). Jack 49 is another clone linked to the Tet and Human Resistance. Also a drone repairman. Drone repair must be in high demand for Jack clones.
Plot: Dystopian Elements
The plot of Oblivion (the movie) is sci-fi themed. It involves scavengers destroying the moon (oops), the Tet utilizing Jack Harper clones for energy extraction from oceans (classic alien strategy), and general dystopian vibes.
Sally (The Tet): Not Human
Sally, also The Tet, is the main antagonist. But Sally isn’t a human. She is an alien AI, voiced by Melissa Leo. Expect no witty banter from her.
The Twist: Clones and Lies
The plot twist in Oblivion (the film) reveals that Jack and Victoria (his… co-worker? Clone-co-worker?) are clones! This revelation is shocking. Beech, a resistance leader, unveils that the Tet is alien AI exploiting Earth for resources. Jack and Victoria exist as clones from the 2017 Odyssey mission.
Oblivion and Skyrim Details: Answering Questions
Let’s tackle lingering questions, those random inquiries that might arise after skimming this whirlwind tour of vampires and
sci-fi clones.
Marriage in Oblivion: Yes, You Can Say “I Do” (Eventually)
You can get married in Oblivion. It’s true. You can have a spouse in Cyrodiil. It isn’t the game’s main focus. Yet, it offers a taste of virtual wedded bliss despite Daedric invasions.
Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion: Still Stabbing After All These Years
Can you join the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion? Yes. Kill someone innocent or bandits, and you’re in. Happy assassinating!
Blades in Oblivion: Loyal Until the End of the World (or Game)
Can you become a Blade in Oblivion? You can! Assist Martin Septim. He will offer you membership. Simple.
Cyborg Fox Origin Story: Para-Medic’s Unethical Experiments
Who made Grey Fox a cyborg? Dr. Clark, aka Para-Medic from Metal Gear Solid 3, did. He’s a mad scientist. Unethical experiments abound in the Metal Gear universe.
Skyrim Factions: Civil War and Clan Gray-Mane
Switching back to The Elder Scrolls, let’s discuss Skyrim factions. We’ll focus on Stormcloaks, Imperials, and the Gray-Mane clan’s mixed stance.
Stormcloaks: Skyrim for the Nords! (and Independence!)
The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, fight for Skyrim’s independence. They cry out, “Skyrim for the Nords!” They can be quite nationalistic. Everyone has their ideals.
Gray-Mane Clan: Verbal Support, Not Exactly Frontline Fighters
The Gray-Mane clan from Whiterun supports the Stormcloaks. Verbally supportive, though. They don’t engage directly in battles with Ulfric. “The Gray-Mane clan supports them in words only.” Yet, some, like Thorald Gray-Mane, do join the fight.
Imperials: Order, Empire, and Probably Taxes
The Imperials represent stability and Empire rule in Skyrim. They might not be as thrilling as Stormcloaks, but they stand for order. And yes, likely taxes. Empires are big on taxes.
Stormcloaks or Imperials? Pick Your Poison (or Faction)
Stormcloaks or Imperials? Which is “better”? There is no right answer. “Both factions have their motivations and flaws.” It’s up to you, Dragonborn, to choose based on your preferences. Or remain neutral and hoard sweet rolls.
Skyrim Specifics: Creatures, Characters, and Gray-Manes Again
Let’s explore more Skyrim details. Rare creatures, NPCs, and yes, Gray-Manes again.
Rarest Creatures: Dremora, Daedric Delights (or Nightmares)
The rarest creature in Skyrim? Dremora. They hail from the Oblivion plane. “Dremora show up when summoned or during Daedric quests.” Seek trouble if you want to encounter them.
Calixto Corrium: The Butcher of Windhelm (and Creepy Collector)
Calixto Corrium, known as “The Butcher,” is Windhelm’s antagonist in the “Blood on the Ice” quest. He kills and collects body parts. Charming, right?
Saadia: Redguard Woman, Tavern Owner, and Mystery Wrapped in Enigma
Saadia runs the Bannered Mare inn in Whiterun. She’s quite the enigma. There’s a quest involving her. Things may not be as they appear. “Saadia lives in The Bannered Mare.”
Olfina Gray-Mane: Strong Nord Woman, Marriage Material, and Battle Buddy
Olfina Gray-Mane is another strong Nord woman. She lives in Whiterun. You can marry her. She also fights alongside you. A strong partner indeed.
Marrying a Gray-Mane: Olfina, to Be Specific
Can you marry a Gray-Mane? Yes. Olfina Gray-Mane is the one. She is strong and ready for battle. If you like tough women, Olfina may be your match.
More Burning Questions Answered: Night Mother, Sally Again, and Grey Fox Predators
You still have questions? Of course, you do. Let’s quick-fire through these inquiries.
Rarest Animal in Skyrim: Dremora (Still Not Animals, Though)
The rarest animal? Technically Dremora. But really, they aren’t animals. They are Daedric beings. Rarest creature fits better. Dremora are still it.
The Night Mother: Ancient Assassin, Tomb in Bravil
The Night Mother is the leader of the Dark Brotherhood. When did she live? “She likely lived during the Second Era.” Where’s her tomb? “It’s beneath the Lucky Old Lady statue in Bravil.” Morbidly romantic, right?
Sally (Oblivion Film) Redux: Still the Tet, Still the Antagonist
Sally from the Oblivion film? Yes, still the Tet. Main antagonist remains the same.
Hircine’s Quest: Level 17 and Ready to Hunt
Play Hircine’s quest in Oblivion at level 17. Level up before seeking Hircine. Get ready for Daedra hunting.
Gray-Manes (Again): Just Verbal Support, Remember?
Gray-Mane clan supports Stormcloaks. Still just verbal support. Unless you are Thorald.
Predators of the Grey Fox (Animal Kind): Humans, Coyotes, Bobcats
Predators of the grey fox? “Humans, coyotes, and bobcats” are its main threats. Life goes on, even for foxes. Though, I doubt coyotes threaten the Count of Anvil much.
Betraying the Stormcloaks: Jagged Crown Treachery
Can you betray Stormcloaks? Certainly! During the civil war quest, take the Jagged Crown to Tullius and betray Ulfric. Just politics in Skyrim.
Hybrids in Skyrim: Vampire Lord, the Ultimate Undead Upgrade
Can you be a hybrid? Kind of. “You can become a Vampire Lord with Dawnguard DLC.” Not a true werewolf-vampire hybrid, but a huge upgrade.
Marriage in Oblivion (Again): Yes, Still Possible
Marriage in Oblivion? Yes! Just confirming you are paying attention.
Jack Harper’s Demise: Tet Did Him In
Is Jack Harper alive from Oblivion? No. He was killed by the Tet after capture. Poor Jack, cloned and killed by alien AI.
Dark Brotherhood and Blades (Oblivion, Redux): Yes and Yes
Can you join Dark Brotherhood and Blades in Oblivion? Yes to both!
Scar-Tail’s Fate: Spare or Slay, Your Choice
Scar-Tail the Argonian bandit? “Spare him or kill him for his secret.” Moral choices even with bandits.
Hircine’s Reward: Savior’s Hide, a Furry Vest of Protection
What does Hircine reward you with? “Hircine gives you the Savior’s Hide.” Great armor if you like furry gear.
Para-Medic After MGS3: Patriot Founding Member
What happened to Para-Medic post-MGS3? “Dr. Clark became a founding member of the Patriots.” He transitioned from medic to Patriot founder.
Lucien Lachance in Skyrim: Spectral Assassin from Oblivion
Characters from Oblivion appear in Skyrim? “Lucien Lachance returns as a spectral assassin.” The flamboyant Dark Brotherhood speaker is back.
