TES IV: Oblivion: Remastered
An unknown person clambers from the sewers and into the light of Cyrrodiil. In time, they will be known as the Hero of Kvatch - but their journey is just beginning.....
Lore:
The lore of the Elder Scrolls universe is deep - deeper than I can ever remember! I want to shout out the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages - the gaming wiki before gaming wikis were even a thing! Older than google, this is my go-to for all things Elder Scrolls, providing in-depth reading about every game and every aspect of the lore you see on the way!
Latest First
The Blades come in all sizes - big and small, tall and short, and everything inbetween!
The arrival of Brother Martin and Grandmaster Jauffre also brings news of the events that precede their arrival.
The Blades know their duty, but rumblings begin on if they'll be able to accomplish it against the forces of Oblivion!
The Blades know their duty, but rumblings begin on if they'll be able to accomplish it against the forces of Oblivion!
Addressing the assembled Blades, Jauffre reveals himself as the Grandmaster of the order - now proudly wielding his Katana, a symbol of his station.
Martin admires the quality of the armour The Blades wear. Decorated, polished and well maintained: this is a fighting force that holds its duties with reverence!
Brother Martin walks past The Blades assembled before him. "They expect an Emperor, but they get a man", he muses to himself - anxious about how The Blades will receive him.
A tall fortress nestled amongst the mountains, The Cloud Ruler Temple was designed to be a stronghold, but also a little out of the way, an effort to keep The Blade's work out of sight.
The Blades stand on parade at Cloud Ruler Temple, ready to welcome the Emperor apparent!
With its distinctive keep surrounded by a large ring of walls, Fort Nickel would have been an impressive defence structure in its prime!
Stopping to give the horses a rest, Alyssia heads to the edge of the hill and looks out towards the Imperial City.
Its rare to the ruling nobles away from their castles, but with aides and bodyguards in tow, Countess Alessia Caro makes the arduous trip from Leyawiin to Chorrol to visit family from time to time.
Alyssa has always hated riding horses, but for this journey, time is of the essence and the faster pace of the horse may make all the difference......
Talasma, the innkeeper of Chorrol's Oak and Crosier, offers a warm welcome to her establishment..... provided you're dressed well enough to be welcome, that is!
As the sun sets across Tamriel, the Legionaries duties continue! With a trusty torch to light the way, their patrols carry on.
The setting sun filters its way though the trees of The Great Forest, as The Black Road winds its way up the hills underneath.
The ruins of Fort Nickel make for a prominent landmark that sits just off the main road leading the Imperial City.
Its proximity to the city doesn't make it a safe place, however - and despite its ruined state, the Fort isn't entirely unoccupied!
Its proximity to the city doesn't make it a safe place, however - and despite its ruined state, the Fort isn't entirely unoccupied!
Shield at the ready, an Imperial Legionary scans the ruins for any sign of trouble hiding amongst the broken walls.
A muddy path cuts its way through The Great Forest - a dense forest that lies to the West of the Imperial City
A weary Legionary makes his way down a damp road through the forest - carrying out their duties no matter what the weather!
Although they normally patrol alone, the attack on Kvatch requires the Imperial Legion to step up its patrols!
News of events at Kvatch is slow to reach other provinces, where life continues as normal. Smiling traders go about their business, unaware of the dangers.
The Dining Hall of Castle Kvatch once held banquets and celebrations. Now, it lies in ruin following the Daedra attack on Kvatch
The face on an unknowing Emperor being told who he really is!
With an almighty roar, the Oblivion Gate he'd spent so long defending against closes.
Savlian Matius looks on in disbelief as the lone adventurer who he'd never thought he'd see again, stands before him - somehow still alive!
Savlian Matius looks on in disbelief as the lone adventurer who he'd never thought he'd see again, stands before him - somehow still alive!
A Dremora Mage in the Sigillum Sanguis. Reading spellbooks in the dim lights must be a headache!
A spiky staircase, leading up towards the top of the Sigillum Sanguis - an example of the 'spikey' motifs common to Daedric architecture.
Powered by the blood and essences "extracted" from captives taken to the Deadlands, blood fountains can be used to heal those fortunate enough to access them.
Even the buildings of The Deadlands aren't safe in The Deadlands: in the distance, a spire sinks slowly into the molten lava ocean.
Despite their lizard-like appearance, Daedroth are far from simple creatures. As well as their sharp claws and teeth, Daedroth can wield magic to both protect themselves and harm attackers!
The Sigil Keep boasts an immense beam of fire and energy, from deep within The Deadlands all the way upwards to the Sigillum Sanguis at the very top!
The door to the Sigil Keep - even the rocks surrounding it emanate with the energy from the tower!
"I don't know what the writing means, but I'm pretty sure its a warning!"
If the lava, the flames, the spikes, and the hostile daedra don't make you reconsider your visit to Oblivion, there is at least plenty of reading to be had on the many pillars that make up The Deadlands!
Not quite the same as Infernace, but the Flame Atronach is quite at home with Oblivion's lava lakes!
Flanked by supporting towers, the Sigil Keep stand tall over the lava lakes of Oblivion - the power within keeping the gate to Mundus open.
The face of fear... Ilend Vonius went into the Oblivion gate hoping to close it. Now, as the last survivor still wielding a weapon, he tries to fight his way back out the gate!
Stare into the gates of Oblivion, but be ready for when Oblivion stares back......
Savlian Matius leads what remains of the Kvatch Guard, his face weary from holding back the tide of invaders from Oblivion
Savlian Matius surveys the damage after the recent wave of attacking daedra, from atop an alarmingly sturdy tent.
We don't know from which animal the leather was taken, but we can hypothesise it must be as strong as steel to support the weight of a fully armoured Guard Captain. (Yes, I know it's a bug, I'm just being silly)
We don't know from which animal the leather was taken, but we can hypothesise it must be as strong as steel to support the weight of a fully armoured Guard Captain. (Yes, I know it's a bug, I'm just being silly)
Kvatch is lost, but the battle is not over yet! A lone guardsman mans the makeshift defences, watching The Oblivion Gate, hoping and praying to the Nine that nothing else comes through the gates.......
One doesn't actually have to make it to Kvatch to get a sense of the situation there. Even climbing the road approaching town, the sky turns red!
A flame atronach floats across the grass, investigating a potential intruder - leaving a small trail of singed glass as it glides.
Native to a realm of Oblivion known as Infernace, these daedra are made entirely of fire and lava - but don't need either to survive, and so can be found across Mundus and many planes of Oblivion!
Can I just say this quote from UESP is iconic (given all the memes): "Similarly, it isn't unheard of for some conjurers to be attracted to Flame Atronachs."
Native to a realm of Oblivion known as Infernace, these daedra are made entirely of fire and lava - but don't need either to survive, and so can be found across Mundus and many planes of Oblivion!
Can I just say this quote from UESP is iconic (given all the memes): "Similarly, it isn't unheard of for some conjurers to be attracted to Flame Atronachs."
The sun lines up perfectly above the White Gold Tower - the most iconic landmark of the Imperial City.
Built sometime in the Merethic Era, centuries before recorded history even began, the White Gold tower is as old as it is magnificent, but these more to it than just a mighty monument. It is said that The Towers, of which the White Gold Tower is one, harbour powerful magic that stabilises reality to this plane of existence, stopping it slipping into Oblivion.
Built sometime in the Merethic Era, centuries before recorded history even began, the White Gold tower is as old as it is magnificent, but these more to it than just a mighty monument. It is said that The Towers, of which the White Gold Tower is one, harbour powerful magic that stabilises reality to this plane of existence, stopping it slipping into Oblivion.
The ruin of Fanacasecul sits opposite the shores of City Isle, the waters of Lake Rumare lapping against its walls.
Even the best mages keep a trusty sharp object to hard for if magic fails!
Through the trees, beyond the flowers, The Imperial City stands as a familiar beacon, visible to a large part of Cyrodiil - helping signpost travellers as they navigate across the province.
Spriggans can be found all throughout the forests of Tamriel, but most folks will never see one. When Spriggans choose to guard near busy roads, however, this presents a dangerous situation for unwary travellers!
Guided by the stars above, an old rope bridge stretches above a waterfall in the Cyrodiil countryside - even in the dark, the landscape is pretty!
In the dark of night, far from the light of the cities, the Legionaries patrolling the forests must be ever vigilant for what might be lurking behind the next tree!
Even away from the cities and towns, defence of the province is an important part of the Imperial Legion's duties. For more rural tasks, the Legion use horses to get about - providing an imposing presence as they conduct their patrols!
Being dead is absolutely no guarantee of your life being over in Tamriel..... Powerful magic, daedric influences - even deep seated grudges can be enough for your spirit to come back as a ghost!
The darkness of an ancient ruin is lit up by a magical fire, still lit after centuries!
A face only a mother could love..... but even then......
"Oh boy, I get to smash something on the head!" - an ogre runs along a mountain path, its eagerness for the flight pumping through its veins!
Say what you will about Hermaeus Mora, but honestly, if THAT THING suddenly appeared before me - I'd start worshiping it too!
Native to the countryside of Cyrrodiil, Minotaurs are primitive, tribal creatures that prefer to make their homes in ruins where other races have abandoned long ago. Despite their primitive nature, they are dangerous opponents, able to wield large weapons with ease!
When unarmed, however, they just look so derpy when milling around. Very "he's just a lil' guy" vibes!
When unarmed, however, they just look so derpy when milling around. Very "he's just a lil' guy" vibes!
A Clannfear stands tall atop a mountain, looking for its next prey. An unusual daedra, Clannfear can be found across the planes of Oblivion - but some can find there way to Tamriel, posing an unusual threat to travellers and wanders!
Pouring into the dark lake below, the roar of a waterfall breaks the quiet of the tranquil countryside.
Spriggans are curious guardian's of the forest. No-one quite knows why they chose one site over another to protect, but once they start protecting a place, they will do so with ferocity - calling on powerful natural magic to heal themselves and have nearby animals join their fight!
In the dark of a dimly lit room, a friendly face appears! Teekeeus: the leader of the Chorrol Mages Guild!
Brother Jauffre - to most, a quiet monk going about his duties and prayers at the Priory. But those who know.......
The Weynon Priory sits just off the Black Road, and near to Chorrol. But despite it's busy surroundings, the priory is a place of quiet reflection, tended to by the priests and monks that live there.
Weynon House: the residences of the priors, the brothers and the sisters that tend the chapel of Weynon Priory.
The main gate into Chorrol, with the Chapel of Stendarr towering above the city walls. The North Country Stables sit just outside of the Gate Tower, providing a convenient place for travellers to stable their horses while they visit the town.
Tucked against the southern wall of Chorrol, obscured from the street by trees, lies the Grey Mere inn - a small, unassuming place to eat and sleep missed by many travellers!
In the waning light of dusk, the streets of Chorrol look quite monotone compared with some other cities in Cyrrodiil (thinking of you Cheydinhal!).
The Saint of Sancre Tor: Immediately on the other side of Chorrol's main gates, visitors to the city are met with a poignant statue - a commemoration those those who fell in the Battle of Sancre Tor
The Gate Tower of Chorrol. Draped in the flag of Chorrol, this imposing tower welcomes visitors through the city's main gates - a symbol of safety for most, but also a warning for those up to no good!
Cheydinhal in the morning sun. One of the prettiest views in Cyrodiil!
The sun sets at the end of another day in Tamriel, its light filtering through the trees, casting rays of lights on the hills.
With the setting sun, the water of a lake turns from a clear and welcoming white, to a deep, dark blue...
At the edges of The Heartlands of Cyrodiil, a waterfall roars - casting meltwater from the Jerall Mountains into the lake.
The path up to Cheydinhal Castle
Cheydinhal's Church of Arkay with the Valus Mountains towering behind.
Cheydinhal's picturesque little bridges.
Cheydinhal's picturesque little bridges.
Cheydinhal might just be my favourite town in Oblivion - and this screenshot is my favourite so far! The funny thing is, I actually don't remember Cheydinhal at all from when I last played the game in 2011 (before the remaster) so this has been like exploring the town new!
The walls of Cheydinhal: built to let the water run in and out of the city, without allowing potential intruders to do the same!
With its unique architectural style, heavily influenced by its close proximity to Morrowind, Cheydinhal is a very unique and aesthetic town.
The main street, looking at Cheydinhal's West Gate.
An ornate bridge across the river in Cheydinhal.
A statue atop an Ayleid ruin, its wings still soaring even millennia after the Ayleid Empire collapsed.
The morning sun peeks between the ridges of Cyrodiil's Valus Mountains.
Cut into the mountains in a far and seldom visited corner of Cyrodiil lies a curious church.
The chapel of the Temple of Ancestor Moths: a cold but peaceful chapel situated well out of the way in the Jerall Mountains.
For those that don't want to be found, some people leave no trace to avoid the attention of passers by.
Others, however, leave a mark to tell what happened to those went looking before.
Others, however, leave a mark to tell what happened to those went looking before.
While exploring the mountains, Alyssa spends a minute with a deer that doesn't seem too bothered by human company.
"You're lucky I'm not hungry", she says to the deer, before continuing along her part Westward.
"You're lucky I'm not hungry", she says to the deer, before continuing along her part Westward.
Kyne's Lights dance in the skies above the Jerall Mountains. Also known as "the aurora", Kyne's Lights can be seen across Skyrim and northern parts of Cyrodiil.
The sun filters between the walls and buildings on a bright morning in the Imperial City's Market District.
The Imperial Arboretum at night.
A bridge in the mountains: even the most unsuspecting trails in Cyrodiil have good infrastructure. After all - if you don't want to get caught by the legion, why would you take the main roads?
In a world where a simple scroll can make a man walk on water or heal wounds, where a tome can teach the most powerful spells, words are treasured!
Books are often bound with intricate adornments, and are displayed in fancy display cases (which are often very much locked)!
Books are often bound with intricate adornments, and are displayed in fancy display cases (which are often very much locked)!
Bruma in the snow!
Looking back towards the Imperial City from the north side of the Red Road.
Narrator: "Sitting in the shadow of the Jerall Mou--"
*tired man trying to enjoy a drink at the bar* "Yeah, yeah, this is Cyrodiil- EVERYTHING sits in the shadow of the Jerall Mountains"
*tired man trying to enjoy a drink at the bar* "Yeah, yeah, this is Cyrodiil- EVERYTHING sits in the shadow of the Jerall Mountains"
"Its a quiet life", the farmer thinks to himself as he tends his fields. Aleswell sits off the main road just far enough that most travellers along the Red Road pass it by. To those that do stop, the Aleswell Inn provides the local amenities.
Deep within a long-abandoned ruin, long after the last lantern burned out, a magical fire gives off the only source of light in a passageway, almost lost to time.
Seeing trouble approaching, Alyssa readies her bow!
The ruins of Fort Empire sit alongside the Red Road. Now a shell of its former self, the fort was one of many, helping guard travellers coming to and from the Imperial City.
*personal note* - this is my favourite screenshot of Oblivion so far, I just loved the way this turned out!
*personal note* - this is my favourite screenshot of Oblivion so far, I just loved the way this turned out!
Weye is also home to the Wawnet Inn - a cosy little in for those that want to visit the Imperial City, but lay there head down somewhere quieter during the night!
Barely a few minutes outside of the Imperial City lies the tiny village of Weye. With its picturesque views, you'd never tell it was literally just on the other side from the Imperial City!
The Arcane University as seen from the gate into the Imperial City.
Captain Lex - a Watch Captain of the Imperial Guard within the Imperial City. Dedicated to his work, he develops a noticeable scowl when speaking to him (thus delaying his attempts to catch criminals).
A statue of Talos stands proudly as the centrepiece of the Imperial City's arboretum.
The various districts of the Imperial City are adorned by the long, red banners of the Third Empire. On a windy day like today, they flutter proudly in the wind.
As the sun comes up and the city begins to wake, rain begins to fall across the Imperial City.
As the sun sets, the light within The Merchants Inn becomes gloomy - but the cheers and chattering from those enjoying a drink at the bar bring life to the place!
Thoronir: "Hmmm, I've the strangest feeling I'm being watched......"
Alyssa Malene stops off at an inn the Imperial City, enjoying a light meal of bread and cheese. She holds a bottle of ale close, but don't drink from it - she has ulterior motives for her presence in this particular inn......
Death by misadventure: an errant goblin getting past the lock to the alcohol supplies rarely ends well.......
Flanked on all sides by the Jerall Mountains, Bruma sits within a valley. Atop a terrace within the city, the Bruma Mages Guild gets stunning views of the surrounding mountains!
Alyssa Malene stands at the Altar of the Nine, hoping to receive a blessing.
The nine divines may not be corporeal anymore, but their power can still be felt - and their blessings have been known to heal the sick, power the meek, and guide the worthy.
The nine divines may not be corporeal anymore, but their power can still be felt - and their blessings have been known to heal the sick, power the meek, and guide the worthy.
Talos' stained glass window within The Great Chapel of Talos. A small detail lies at the top of the window: the Seal of Akatosh - a homage to him being dragonborn.
Before ascending to godhood, Tiber Septim could wield the voice of the dragons, and was proclaimed "Ysmir, The Dragon of the North".
Before ascending to godhood, Tiber Septim could wield the voice of the dragons, and was proclaimed "Ysmir, The Dragon of the North".
Despite the name, The Great Chapel of Talos pays homage to all nine of the gods of Tamriel - each having their own stained glass window adorning the chapel.
Tolgan, Countess Carvain's herald, discusses the upcoming itinerary as the day gets underway in Bruma.
Countess Narina Carvain sits on her throne within Castle Bruma. Affairs of the province keep her quite bust, thus she can be quite cold to outsiders.
The Great Chapel of Talos stands proudly as one the most iconic features of the Bruma skyline.
The Jerall Mountains
The view east from Frostcrag Spire on a sunny morning!
Stowing her weapon on her belt, the blue team contestant takes a moment to look over her defeated challenger. The money might be good, but winning weighs on the consciousness for some......
An Argonian sits with his cup of wine as he watches the games at the arena.
Alyssa, invited out to the Arena, wears a blue outfit in support of the team they were rooting for. Seeing the blue, the blue team contestant looks up at the crowd after her victory.
In stark contrast to civilised life throughout the Imperial City, the Arena offers entertainment much more primitive: A gladiatorial fight (often the death) between two teams of competitors!
Masser seen in the skies above the Arcane University. One of two moons that orbit Nirn, Masser is recognisable by its redder hue compared the much paler Secunda.
The Arcane University at night: who needs oil lanterns and torches when you can light the way with MAGIC!
Cyrodiil: a bold landscape, dotted by the works who are here now, the ruins of those who came before, and the ruins of who came before them.
Come rain or snow, a busy day in the city or quiet, the Imperial Guard is there on every corner, diligently watching over the city.
Today, the Market District of the Imperial City has an unsettling look about it - the sun is up, but not a single shopper is in sight on the main street!
City Isle rises out of pleasant waves of
Lake Rumare. Containing the iconic Imperial City at its
heart, the rest of the City Isle is green and sometimes
wild place, criss-crossed by footpaths.
Just because the Imperial City is the heart of the
Tamrielic Empire doesn't mean the caves and caverns
that dot the edge of the City Isle are safe to explore.....
Lake Rumare. Containing the iconic Imperial City at its
heart, the rest of the City Isle is green and sometimes
wild place, criss-crossed by footpaths.
Just because the Imperial City is the heart of the
Tamrielic Empire doesn't mean the caves and caverns
that dot the edge of the City Isle are safe to explore.....
*silly post* "Awww man, it's you??? That means I have to die today" - The Emperor's internal monologue at seeing the player, probably 😂
The Seal of Akatosh makes for a strange adornment to the grate which marks the entrance to the Imperial City's sewers - used here in the capacity of its adoption by the Empire of Tamriel, rather than marking a specific reverence to Akatosh.
Under the entirety of the Imperial City lies the series of surprisingly large, twisting, winding and suspiciously smelling passageways that make up the sewers of the city.
"We've failed. I've failed... The Blades are sworn to protect the Emperor, and now he and all his heirs are dead." - a fate foretold or not, Baurus' and the Blades' failure to save the emperor weighs heavily on his conscious.
The death of an emperor
"The hour of my fate is upon me, perhaps even the minute"
*Assassin in the shadows*: "You have no idea"
*Assassin in the shadows*: "You have no idea"
Lacking significant infrastructure, Goblins often rely on what weapons, armour and trinkets they can recover on their hunts - often using bones and bodyparts to fashion into grizzly apparel!
A Goblin Shaman smiles, realising another unsuspecting victim has stumbled into their lair! Boasting a grizzly looking staff, the shaman's small but capable repertoire of spells can make them a challenging foe!
Not much goes through a goblin's head, but that smile gives away its probably thinking about food.....
Sworn to protect the Emperor, the Blades escort Emperor Uriel Septim out of the Imperial City, and out of harms way - they hope.
Valen Dreth...... It doesn't matter who you are or where you came from, he has something to say about you - and his words aren't kind!
"Stand by the window, prisoner!" The guards yell - it seems they have need of your cell.....
For those who do find themselves in the cells, those who behave get to enjoy the monotony of the bleak walls, even bleaker food and the absence of anything to do. But for those who don't behave - well, the cells are ready for that too.....
The dungeon of the Imperial City: dimly lit, small cells, little food or water - this is a not a place any citizen of Tamriel wants to see. The good, need not worry. The bad - well, it depends on their skill.....
"He said the hour of his fate was upon us, I could see the fear in his eyes"
Emperor Uriel Septim VII looks down, holding the Amulet of Kings - the powerful artefact that forms one of the Crown Jewels of the Empire of Tamriel.
The importance of its journey is about to begin.....
The importance of its journey is about to begin.....
The world wasn't ready for the gates to open...... Yet Oblivion waits for no-one!
Stepping into the light as a free person for first time you can remember. You don't remember why you were in prison, yet fate has set you free. And fate, has need of you yet...
It always starts with a prisoner, a prison, and a way out..... The gods have guided your hand to this point - the rest, is up to you.....
Oldest First