Decoding Cyrodiil’s Penal System: What Happens When You Go to Jail in Oblivion?

So, you’ve found yourself on the wrong side of the law in Cyrodiil, huh? Maybe you “accidentally” relieved a wealthy merchant of their jewels, or perhaps a guard just really didn’t appreciate your “enthusiastic” use of destruction magic. Whatever the reason, the cold iron bars of a Cyrodiilic prison now loom large. But what exactly does going to jail do in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion? The short answer is this: when you’re incarcerated in Oblivion, you lose skill progress. The length of your sentence, determined by the severity of your crime, dictates how much progress you’ll forfeit in your skills and attributes. You also get to experience a rather bleak (but thankfully brief) cinematic and potentially interesting escape mechanics.

The Nitty-Gritty: Imprisonment Mechanics in Oblivion

Unlike some modern RPGs, Oblivion’s prison system is fairly straightforward. When apprehended, you are presented with the option to pay the fine (if you have the gold and haven’t resisted arrest too vehemently), resist arrest (which usually results in a battle to the death or surrender), or submit to the law and be hauled off to jail.

Once imprisoned, a short cinematic plays, showing you being led through the prison and into your cell. You’ll be stripped of your belongings, which are stored in a nearby evidence chest. Here’s what happens next:

• Skill and Attribute Loss: This is the most significant consequence. A percentage of your progress toward the next skill level is deducted. The amount lost depends on the length of your sentence and the skills you use frequently. Think of it as your character forgetting parts of their training due to the monotony of prison life. This can also affect your attributes tied to those skills.
• Sentence Length: The length of your sentence is determined by your crime. Minor offenses result in shorter sentences, while more serious crimes (like murder) will land you behind bars for a longer period.
• Escape Option: While serving your time, you’ll occasionally be presented with opportunities to escape. This usually involves navigating a small dungeon filled with traps, guards, and maybe even some fellow inmates. Success means freedom, but failure adds time to your sentence.
• Release: Once your sentence is served, you are released from prison, your belongings returned (hopefully!), and you are free to re-enter society (though perhaps with a slightly tarnished reputation).
• No Leveling Down: Importantly, you cannot lose entire skill levels or attribute points by going to jail. The loss only affects progress towards the next level.

Avoiding the Iron Gates: Prevention is Key

Of course, the best way to avoid the negative consequences of imprisonment is to simply avoid committing crimes in the first place. But where’s the fun in that? If you’re going to engage in illicit activities, consider these tips:

• Stealth: Sneaking is your friend. Maximize your Sneak skill and use invisibility spells or potions to avoid detection.
• Pickpocketing with Caution: When pickpocketing, save frequently. If you get caught, reload the save.
• Pay the Fine: If caught and the fine is reasonable, just pay it. It’s almost always cheaper and less time-consuming than serving a prison sentence.
• Blade of Woe: If you are a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you can use the Blade of Woe to kill witnesses without acquiring bounty, thus avoiding jail time altogether.
• Charm: If you have high enough Personality Skill you can charm the guards to reduce your bounty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oblivion’s Jail System

Here are some common questions players have about the consequences of getting arrested in Oblivion:

FAQ 1: Does my infamy affect my prison sentence?

Yes, your infamy plays a role. A higher infamy score will often result in harsher sentences for the same crime. If you are notorious in Cyrodiil, the guards will be less lenient.

FAQ 2: What happens if I die in prison?

If you die while attempting to escape or from other hazards within the prison, you simply reload your last save.

FAQ 3: Can I bribe guards to let me out of prison?

No, you cannot directly bribe guards to release you early from jail. Your only options are to serve your time or attempt to escape.

FAQ 4: Do I lose fame or infamy when I go to jail?

No, your fame and infamy scores remain unchanged when you are imprisoned.

FAQ 5: Are all prisons the same in Oblivion?

No, prisons vary slightly in layout and the challenges they present. Larger cities tend to have more complex prison facilities, offering more escape opportunities.

FAQ 6: Does the Thieves Guild offer any benefits regarding arrests?

While not directly related to escaping jail, the Thieves Guild provides access to fences where you can sell stolen goods. They can also help clear your bounty (resetting your crime status).

FAQ 7: Can I get arrested for trespassing?

Yes, trespassing in a private residence or restricted area can lead to arrest, especially if you are discovered by a guard or the homeowner.

FAQ 8: Does my race affect my chances of being caught or the severity of my sentence?

No, your race does not inherently affect your likelihood of being caught or the length of your prison sentence. However, racial skills may make it easier to avoid getting caught in the first place.

FAQ 9: What’s the best way to escape from prison?

There’s no single “best” way, as it depends on your character’s skills and the layout of the prison. Focusing on Sneak, Acrobatics, and Security is generally helpful. Look for loose stones, hidden passages, and opportunities to disarm traps.

FAQ 10: Can I retrieve my stolen items if I pay the fine instead of going to jail?

Yes, if you pay the fine instead of going to jail, your stolen items will still be stored in the evidence chest. You can retrieve them from there after paying your debt to society.

FAQ 11: How do I find the evidence chest to retrieve my belongings?

The evidence chest is usually located within the prison or the guard barracks. Look for a chest labeled “Evidence” or “Confiscated Items.” It may require a lockpick to open.

FAQ 12: Does using console commands affect my prison sentence or the consequences of getting arrested?

Using console commands can circumvent the normal prison mechanics. For example, you could use a command to clear your bounty or teleport out of prison. However, this can be considered cheating and may detract from the intended gameplay experience.

FAQ 13: What are the unique items that I can find in Prison?

In prison, there are no unique items that you can typically find. However, it’s worth noting that sometimes, depending on the setup of a quest, you may be incarcerated as a part of the storyline. This can allow for the possibility of finding important quest-related items, but nothing specific that is consistently found across all prisons.

FAQ 14: How does the skill loss work when I get arrested?

Your character has spent valuable time training a certain skill before their incarceration. Upon their time in jail, the repetitive nothingness slowly degrades the skills. Upon release, the progress made towards the skill has degraded back. This affects all skills in the game.

FAQ 15: What is the difference between fame and infamy?

Fame represents your character’s positive reputation. Completing good deeds such as doing quests for townspeople and helping other people in need can increase Fame. Having a high fame score increases the likelihood that townspeople will give you better deals at stores and show you kindness.

Infamy represents your character’s negative reputation. Committing crimes such as murder, stealing, assault, and many other illegal acts can increase your Infamy. Having a high infamy score will make guards want to fine you and townspeople more cautious around you. If you are studying games and how they effect learning, make sure to visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

The Final Verdict: To Serve or To Escape?

Ultimately, going to jail in Oblivion is a consequence to be avoided if possible. The skill loss can be frustrating, especially for characters focused on specific builds. However, the escape sequences can offer engaging gameplay challenges, and the experience can add a layer of depth to your character’s story. Whether you choose to serve your time or plot your escape, remember that every action has consequences in the world of Cyrodiil.

Happy adventuring (and try to stay out of trouble… mostly)!