Choosing Your Race
Introduction
The rolling hills of Cyrodiil beckon, the echoes of adventure ring in your ears. Before you step into the vibrant world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, a crucial first step awaits: the creation of your character. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about forging a digital persona, a hero (or villain!) who will experience the unfolding narrative, battle fearsome creatures, and ultimately, shape their destiny. This guide will serve as your map, helping you navigate the intricacies of character creation in *Oblivion* and building a character truly your own.
The Altmer (High Elves)
The Altmer, or High Elves, are renowned for their inherent magical aptitude. They boast significant bonuses to Intelligence and Willpower, vital for spellcasting. Their powerful special ability, Highborn, allows for rapid Magicka regeneration. Playstyle wise, they excel as spellcasters, conjurers, and magic-focused combatants.
Argonian
Argonians, the reptilian people of Black Marsh, are adaptable and hardy. They receive bonuses to Endurance and Agility, making them naturally resilient and nimble. Their unique ability, Water Breathing, grants underwater survival, a boon in exploration. Argonians are well-suited for rogues, stealthy characters, and those who prefer a more resourceful approach to combat.
Bosmer (Wood Elves)
Bosmer, or Wood Elves, possess a natural affinity for archery and stealth. They benefit from bonuses to Agility and Endurance. Their command over nature is evident through their special ability, Command Animals. This grants them the ability to control lower-level creatures. They thrive as archers, assassins, and rangers.
Bretons
Bretons are known for their resistance to magic and their aptitude for spellcasting. They gain bonuses to Intelligence, Willpower, and magic resistance, along with a specific spell resistance bonus. Their special ability is Dragonskin, which absorbs some of the enemy’s magic. They are the perfect choice for versatile magic users.
Dunmer (Dark Elves)
Dunmer, or Dark Elves, are a proud and resourceful race. They receive bonuses to Intelligence, Willpower, and Speed. Their special ability, Ancestor’s Wrath, imbues the player with a flame shield, dealing damage in close combat. They are adept at magic, swordplay, and a mix of both.
Imperials
Imperials, the dominant race of the Empire, are known for their diplomatic prowess and natural resilience. They boast bonuses to Endurance and Luck. Their special ability, Star of the West, allows them to regenerate the power of their character. They work best as knights, traders, and those who thrive on social interactions.
Khajiit
Khajiit, the feline-humanoids, are masters of stealth and agility. They receive bonuses to Agility and Speed. Their special ability, Night Eye, allows enhanced vision in darkness, a crucial advantage. They are natural-born rogues, thieves, and assassins.
Nords
Nords, hailing from the icy lands of Skyrim, are strong, hardy, and fierce warriors. They gain bonuses to Strength and Endurance. Their special ability, Resist Frost, grants protection against freezing attacks. Nords shine as frontline fighters, berserkers, and those who prefer a direct approach to combat.
Orcs
Orcs are renowned for their unparalleled strength and ferocity in battle. They receive bonuses to Strength and Endurance. Their special ability, Berserk, grants a burst of damage and resistance, for a short time. Orcs are the obvious choice for warriors, berserkers, and players who enjoy brutal combat.
Redguards
Redguards, skilled warriors and sailors from Hammerfell, are known for their stamina and proficiency with blades. They gain bonuses to Strength and Endurance. Their special ability, Adrenaline Rush, grants a temporary increase to speed and fatigue. Redguards excel as swordsmen, warriors, and those who favor close-quarters combat.
Which Race is Best?
What about the best race? There’s no single “best” race; it truly hinges on your intended playstyle. Do you envision a stealthy rogue? The Khajiit or Bosmer might appeal. Do you crave brute strength? The Orc or Nord could be your ideal match. Embrace the freedom to tailor your character to your aspirations.
Adjusting Your Attributes
Attribute Overview
Once you’ve chosen your race, it’s time to define your character’s core attributes. These stats influence everything from your health and stamina to your magic capacity and ability to persuade others. Understanding their function is vital for a successful journey.
- Strength dictates your carrying capacity and the power of your melee attacks.
- Intelligence governs your Magicka (magic points) pool.
- Willpower impacts Magicka regeneration and resistance to magical effects.
- Agility affects your dodging ability and your chance to successfully strike.
- Speed is crucial for movement speed and overall gameplay efficiency.
- Endurance influences your maximum health and fatigue.
- Personality affects your success when interacting with NPCs and how others view you.
- Luck, while not directly boosting any one attribute, improves all other skills.
Attribute Importance
The ideal distribution of attributes directly correlates to your desired playstyle. Magic users will prioritize Intelligence and Willpower. Melee fighters will favor Strength and Endurance. Stealthy characters might value Agility and Speed. The character creation process allows you to start allocating more points to the areas that align with how you wish to play the game.
Selecting Your Birthsign
Introduction
Next comes the choice of your birthsign, a celestial influence that bestows upon your character a unique power. The birthsign offers an additional layer of customization, further shaping your character’s role in the game.
Birthsign Details
The Apprentice bestows a considerable Magicka bonus but renders you vulnerable to magic. The Atronach grants immense Magicka and magic absorption, but severely limits Magicka regeneration. The Lady grants health and endurance regeneration. The Lord is immune to disease. The Lover gives a constant bonus to agility.
The Mage increases your Intelligence and Willpower. The Ritual provides a spell to heal. The Shadow grants the ability to become invisible. The Steed increases speed and carrying weight. The Thief improves your luck and your stealth abilities. The Tower provides a free lock pick at the beginning. The Warrior is a fantastic class for those wishing to use weapons. The Serpent grants a poison spell to the user.
Birthsign Recommendations
Choosing a birthsign will depend on how you are going to play.
Defining Your Class
Premade Classes
Now, it’s time to define your character’s class. Oblivion offers the choice of a premade class or allows you to create a custom class. Premade classes provide a balanced skill set and a starting point, while the custom class allows for specific control over your character’s skills.
For players seeking a straightforward experience, pre-made classes offer a convenient entry point. The Warrior is focused on melee combat, the Mage on spellcasting, and the Thief on stealth and thievery. Classes such as the Crusader or Battlemage balance combat and magic, while others like the Nightblade or Assassin specialize in stealth and trickery.
Custom Class Creation
Creating a custom class empowers you to tailor your character precisely to your vision. You’ll choose seven major skills that define your character’s focus and growth. These skills level up faster than minor skills. In addition to defining your major skills, the process involves choosing your character’s class. For example, if you’re crafting a spellsword, you might choose Blade, Destruction, and Alteration as key skills, along with armor. If you’re building a custom class, understanding how various skills interact and complement each other is key to building something truly unique. A custom class lets you build the exact gameplay experience you envision.
Appearance Customization
Introduction
While gameplay defines how you play, appearance is the first impression you make in Tamriel. Oblivion provides a surprisingly deep character face customization system.
Key Features
The tools allow you to fine-tune facial structures, hairstyles, facial features, and colors. The character creator features choices for your character’s facial structure, letting you change features like the shape of the jaw or the brow. A variety of hairstyles, ranging from the elegant to the rugged, offer a means of personal expression. You can change the shape and placement of facial features, like the eyes, nose, and mouth, allowing for fine-tuned control. Colors and textures help your character stand out in the game world. Spend time creating the character who you want to play as.
Tips for Appearance
(Optional) Consider checking online for character appearance guides and tutorials.
Tips and Tricks for Character Creation
General Advice
Beyond specific choices, there are some general tips to ensure you’re satisfied with your character.
- Consider your role-playing aspirations. What kind of character do you envision? A noble paladin? A cunning rogue? Your choices should align with your desired roleplaying experience.
- Plan for the long game. Think about how your character will evolve. What skills do you want to master? How will your attribute build affect your long-term development?
- Consider making a character you will enjoy playing.
Conclusion
Summary
Oblivion’s character creation is more than just a preliminary step. It’s a foundational element that defines your adventure in Cyrodiil. From selecting your race and attributes to choosing your birthsign and class, the decisions you make now will shape your experience in the game. Embrace the freedom, experiment with different combinations, and don’t be afraid to refine your choices.
Final Thoughts
Whether you dream of wielding powerful magic, mastering the blade, or navigating the shadows, the possibilities are truly limitless. Craft your unique legend and forge your path in the world of Tamriel.
Call to Action
What is your favorite race or build in *Oblivion*? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
