What Happens When Your Loyal Steed Bites the Dust in Oblivion?
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Let’s face it, adventuring in Cyrodiil can be a dangerous business. From goblins and highwaymen to scarier creatures lurking in the dark corners of caves, your faithful horse is often your fastest, and sometimes only, means of escape. But what happens when the unthinkable occurs, and your beloved companion meets an untimely end? The blunt truth is: when a horse dies in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, it’s gone for good (unless it’s Shadowmere, of course). Your horse disappears from your Horses Owned statistics listing. There’s no grand funeral, no somber gravesite to visit. Poof! It vanishes, leaving you stranded and horseless. Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics and cover everything you need to know about equine mortality in Oblivion.
Equine Mortality 101: Death and Disappearance
The reality of horse death in Oblivion is rather anticlimactic. Unlike some other games that offer elaborate systems for mourning or reviving fallen companions, Oblivion takes a more pragmatic approach.
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No Body: When a horse dies, its corpse vanishes instantly. There’s no lingering carcass to remind you of your loss, or, perhaps thankfully, to attract predators.
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Statistic Update: As mentioned, your overall horse ownership count is updated. If you owned three horses and one dies, your stats will now reflect two.
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The Walk of Shame: You’re now on foot. This can be particularly problematic if you’re over-encumbered or a long distance from civilization. Prepare for a slow and potentially perilous trek.
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No Insurance Payout: There’s no equivalent of horse insurance in Cyrodiil. Your investment in that fine Chestnut Mare is simply lost.
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Shadowmere Exception: Shadowmere, the unique and powerful horse acquired through the Dark Brotherhood questline, is an exception to this rule. She cannot permanently die. If Shadowmere falls in battle, she will simply collapse and become unconscious. After a short period, she will miraculously recover and be ready to ride again.
Avoiding Equine Tragedy: Tips for Horse Preservation
While death is inevitable in Oblivion, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk to your equine companion:
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Strategic Dismounting: Don’t leave your horse in harm’s way. When entering dungeons, bandit camps, or other dangerous locations, dismount and leave your horse in a relatively safe area.
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Combat Awareness: Be mindful of your horse’s health during combat. If your horse is taking too much damage, create distance between it and the enemy.
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Consider Horse Armor: Yes, even though the horse armor DLC was a bit of a meme, armor will increase your horse’s survivability, particularly against predators and weaker enemies.
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Fast Travel Wisely: Use fast travel strategically to avoid long, dangerous journeys across the Cyrodiilic landscape.
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Shadowmere Advantage: If you have access to Shadowmere, utilize her whenever possible. Her resilience makes her far more likely to survive dangerous encounters.
What Happens If You SAVE THE SACRIFICE in The Elder Scrolls Oblivion?
If you save the sacrifice during the Dark Brotherhood quest, you do not get Shadowmere immediately. Instead, the quest will be marked as failed, and you will have to deal with the consequences of your actions within the Dark Brotherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Horses in Oblivion
Here are some additional insights into the equine experience in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion:
1. Can you lose your horse in Oblivion?
Yes, though it’s more of a case of temporary displacement than permanent loss. If you simply abandon your horse, it will eventually return to the stable where you purchased it. If your horse gets lost, fast travel to the nearest city. Your horse usually will be stabled outside the city gates closest to your previous location.
2. Where do you store horses in Oblivion?
You don’t actively store horses. They automatically remain where you last left them or will be found in the stables of the city you fast travel to.
3. Which horse is fastest in Oblivion?
Shadowmere is generally considered the fastest, followed by the black horse from Cheydinhal.
4. Can you ride Daedric horse?
Yes, you can summon and ride a Daedric horse if you obtain the appropriate spell tome, which is typically found after defeating a Daedric horse and its master.
5. What happens if you ignore your horse?
If you ignore your horse(s), it will simply return to the stables at which you bought it, assuming it survives the trip.
6. How do you get a free horse in Oblivion?
During the main questline, after speaking with Jauffre at Weynon Priory, talk to Prior Maborel and ask for assistance; he may give you his horse for free.
7. How do you keep a horse in Oblivion?
Buy one or acquire Shadowmere. Purchased or quest-related horses will stay where you leave them and will be corralled when you enter a town. Stolen horses will eventually return to their original location.
8. Is there a difference in horses in Oblivion?
Yes. Different horses have different stats, like speed, health, and aggression. Shadowmere is unique due to her high health and ability to recover from unconsciousness.
9. Can you ride wild horses in Oblivion?
No, you cannot ride wild horses in Oblivion.
10. Can horses swim in Oblivion?
Yes, horses can swim, but they do so very slowly. It’s generally best to find fords or shallow areas to cross water.
11. How to get the immortal horse?
You can obtain Shadowmere, who is an essential character and does not die when his hit points reach zero, by completing “The Purification” Dark Brotherhood quest.
12. What is the best race in Oblivion?
The Breton is often considered a great choice due to their balanced attributes and magical resistance. However, the “best” race depends on your intended playstyle.
13. Will your horse follow you in Oblivion?
No, your horse will not actively follow you. It stays where you left it unless you fast travel.
14. Why has my horse died?
Horses can die from taking damage from enemies, falling from great heights, or drowning.
15. Where does my horse go when I fast travel?
If you fast travel to a city, your horse will be in the stable outside the city gate closest to your previous location. If you fast travel to a wilderness location, your horse will appear near you.
More Than Just a Mode of Transportation
Horses in Oblivion serve a purpose beyond mere transportation. They add a layer of realism and immersion to the game world. Caring for your horse, choosing the right breed, and strategizing its use all contribute to the overall gameplay experience. While the loss of a horse is a minor inconvenience, the tips in this article will help you prevent it and maintain your horsemanship skill. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate the world of Oblivion, leading to a more enjoyable and immersive experience.
Interested in learning more about the intersection of games and education? Check out Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for resources and research.