This document has been compiled from information revealed about the game through various interviews and previews, and postings on the
Elder Scrolls message boards. Its purpose is to introduce people to the features of the game, and give an overview of what to expect, as well as be an up-to-date list of what general knowledge is known about the game.. It is not meant to be a tutorial for any part of the game, nor is it meant to replace the game manual. If you have further questions about the game, visit the messageboard, and post your questions there. If Bethesda Staff doesn't respond directly to your questions, then one of the many frequent visitors to the messageboard likely will. As with any description about a work in progress, the information discussed within is subject to change, and could be inaccurate or incomplete. The mention of or reference to any company or product in this document should not be viewed as a challenge to the trademark or copyright concerned.
About this FAQ:
This document has been compiled by webmaster Striker for those who frequent the messageboards and Destination: Morrowind. Any corrections or additions can be forwarded to me, and appropriate changes will be made. Striker is the webmaster of Destination: Morrowind.
You can always find the latest version of this FAQ at Destination: Morrowind.
Section 1: The Elder Scrolls
1.1 What are the Elder Scrolls games?
The Elder Scrolls are a series of CRPG's set on the fantasy continent of Tamriel. The Elder Scrolls series basically introduced the idea of non-linearity to the gaming world. The first game in the series was Arena, winning several RPG of the year awards for its innovative design. Following Arena was Daggerfall, which expanded upon the base of Arena in virtually every way. Daggerfall had one of the largest worlds of any computer game to date. It also offered unparalleled free-form design, a non-linear quest, and tons of customization options. Two non-RPG spin offs included Battlespire and the 3rd person action/adventure game Redguard. Morrowind was the third game in the direct line of Elder Scrolls titles, with Oblivion being the fourth.
1.2 What are the features that are hallmarks of the Elder Scrolls games?
The first and foremost is non-linearity. Allowing the players to do what they want when they want. The goal of every Elder Scrolls game has been to create the experience of a pen & paper RPG on the computer, where a player is only limited by his or her imagination. The next, falling right alongside non-linearity, is detail. The worlds in the Elder Scrolls series are some of the most detailed in the industry, complete with histories, multiple cultures, and varied locales. This allows the player to feel as though their character is really a dynamic part of that world. There are always major quests in Elder Scroll games, but they are always able to be ignored. The primary goal is to simply allow the player to explore, roleplay, and be immersed in a grand, detailed environment.
1.3 Where does Oblivion take place?
Oblivion is set in the Imperial Capital of Cyrodiil. This has been the seat of power for the Emperors ruling over all of Tamriel since Tiber Septim united the kingdoms during the Second Era. The current Emperor is Uriel Septim VII.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
1.4 Will Cyrodill feature races other than the Imperials?
The Imperial seat of power appears quite diverse in it's inhabitants, so you will find all all races residing there. Of course, Slavery is outlawed this time around, so the beast races will be received better. Except perhaps Orcs, mainly because they have only become equals since the end of Daggerfall. But that remains to be seen.
1.5 Where can I go for more information on the history of the game world?
I would recommend The Imperial Library, a site featuring basically all the background info to all of the Elder Scroll series. All of the background info presented here was garnered from that site.
1.6 Where can I go for more information on the game?
For continuing coverage over the development of Oblivion, there exist a number of reputable sites. Destination: Morrowind, and the Official Elderscrolls.com site are all good sources of news. Bethesda generally releases screenshots to outside media sources before giving them to fansites or posting them on their own site, so also check out generic gaming news sites such as VoodooExtreme, Blue's News, Telefragged, and RPGVault.
Section 2: General Information
2.1 When will the game be released?
The only release date so far is Winter 2005, which translates to around the November and December months of 2005 (For those not in the US).
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
2.2 What are the minimum system requirements?
Currently there isn't any information on the minimum or required specifications to run Oblivion.
2.3 Is Oblivion a first-person game, a third-person game, an isometric view game, or what?
The views are the same as Morrowind; in other words, both First and Third person. (Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
2.4 Will the game feature full speech throughout?
Unknown, however, Oblivion will contain Characters that converse in free flowing non scripted discussions; probably unrelated to the playing character. These may be spoken, but that may just be optimism on my part.
2.5 What format is the game's music in?
Unknown, however, it will proabably be MP3 like Morrowind.
2.6 When will the beta test be?
Wouldn't have a clue or even if there is one. We will find out closer to the relase date. If there is one, the other Bethesda Beta tests tell us it will only be open to US residents and people over 18.
2.7 What format will the game be released on (CD, DVD, etc)?
Most likely CD. Other options have not been totally ruled out as of yet.
2.8 Will there be any OS or console ports of the game?
Other than the PC, it seems as though the Xbox 2 and PS3 are posibilities.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 3: Gameplay
3.1 Will the game's controls be customizeable?
I can't think of any reason why this wouldn't be the case.
3.2 Will the game be able to support other methods of control such as gamepads or joysticks?
Yes, Oblivion will utilize DirectInput and will presumably work with any DirectInput compatible device.
3.3 Will there be other modes of travel available in Oblivion besides walking?
Horses appear in the game, and they can be used as mounts. No mention of other modes of transport.
Section 4: Gameworld
4.1 Where does the Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion take place?
Oblivion, despite it's name, takes place in the Imperial Provence of Cyrodiil, which has been the seat of power for all of Tamriel since the Second Era. This is the description from the Pocket Guide to the Empire:
Indeed, if the history of the Nords is the history of humans on Tamriel, then Cyrodiil is the throne from which they will decide their destiny. It is the largest region of the continent, and most is endless jungle. Its center, the grassland of the Nibenay Valley, is enclosed by an equatorial rain forest and broken up by rivers. As one travels south along these rivers, the more subtropical it becomes, until finally the land gives way to the swamps of Argonia and the placid waters of the Topal Bay. The elevation rises gradually to the west and sharply to the north. Between its western coast and its central valley there are all manner of deciduous forest and mangroves, becoming sparser towards the ocean. The western coast is a wet-dry area, and from Rihad border to Anvil to the northernmost Valenwood villages forest fires are common in summer. There are a few major roads to the west, river paths to the north, and even a canopy tunnel to the Velothi Mountains, but most of Cyrodiil is a river-based society surrounded by jungle.
4.2 How big is the game world in Oblivion?
Currently, it's not known exactly how much of Cyrodiil will be covered, although, it may be smaller than Morrowind. However, it will still be the most expansive RPG for the 'next-gen' market.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
4.3 Will there be much variety in the landscaping?
It's hard to tell how varied the landscape will be, however, so far there appear to be grazelands, fairly dense forrests, mountains, subterranean dungeons, ancient ruins and cities/towns.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 5: Skills and Experience
5.1 How will the player's character grow and develop? Will it be a "leveling" system like most other CRPG's?
Yes, and will probably be similar to Morrowind.
5.2 Will the skills be the same as they were in Morrowind?
Probably, however, there may be a few adjustments.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
5.3 How many skills will be in the game?
The exact number isn't known, however, the 6 magic schools (Destruction, Mysticism, Restoration, Conjuration, Alteration and Illusion) will appear.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
5.4 What are a character's base attributes?
This will probably be similar to the attributes in Morrowind.
Section 6: NPC Interactions
6.1 Non Player Characters in Morrowind were an improvement on Daggerfall, however, they were still fairly bland. Will this be different in Oblivion?
Even though Morrowind's NPC's were an improvement over the Daggerfall ones, they still fell short of the mark. Oblivion has a smaller number of NPC's (Around 1000 or so, excluding monsters, I would imagine), and they are making each of them as unique as possible.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
6.2 Will NPC's have 24hr scheduling?
Yes, yes and yes! Because of the smaller number of NPCs this time around, and the enhancement to the Construction Set, each NPC will have their own life within the world. Their activities can include working, adventuring, shop and even steal!
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
6.3 Will I be able to kill any NPC's?
This will be similar to Morrowind, so you can kill anyone you want. That doesn't mean there won't be consequences!
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
6.4 Will there be any negative effects for murdering NPC's?
Yes. The guards will react slighty differently to the ones in Morrowind, but I doubt it's a good idea to get on their bad side! The guards will also attack NPCs that commit crimes.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
6.5 What kinds of NPC interactions can be expected?
NPCs will have full facial expressions this time around, so you can tell by looking if they like you or not.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
6.6 How many NPC's will be in the game?
There will be slightly over 1000 NPCs in Oblivion, excluding monsters and the like.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
6.7 What will the NPC's be like in Oblivion?
According to the article, NPC's will have a real goal-driven AI, that includes adventuring or stealing. The generic faces from Morrowind will also be changed, since there are now controls in the Construction Set that can be used to easily change the skin tone and age of any NPC, and quite possibly the PC.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 7: Factions
7.1 What exactly are factions?
Basically, factions are organizations to which your character can belong, and thereby benefit from relationships and items or quests gained through other faction members. These are similar to the Factions found in Morrowind.
7.2 How many factions are in the game?
The exact number isn't known, however, there will be atleast 6. These are the Fighters' Guild, the Mages' Guild, Thieves' Guild, The Dark Brotherhood, the Arena Guild and The Nine Divines Temple. You will be able to join all of them at the same time.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 8: Races and Classes
8.1 How does the character selection process work?
This hasn't been specified, however, it appears as though you start as a prisoner of some kind.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 9: Graphics Engine
9.1 What engine will Bethesda be using to develop Oblivion? Will it be a licensed product or an inhouse developed engine?
It seems as though a highly modified Havok Physics engine will be used. At any rate, the pictures that appear in the Game Informer magazine are completely mind blowing.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
9.2 Does the engine support effects such as "paper-dolling" your character (i.e. changing clothing)?
Yes, there will be paper-dolling supported in the engine. Armor and weapons will be visible on your character.
9.3 What about NPC lip movement?
Yes, the engine features full facial expressions and lip synching.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 10: Relationship to Previous ES Games
10.1 Will the potion maker/spell maker/item enchantings be included?
Atleast some of these features will reappear in Oblivion, however, they are slightly different. This time around, they will be in the form of mini-games. The exact nature of these haven't been revealed.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
10.2 A cool feature of Morrowind and Daggerfall was the "ability" to get turned into a vampire or werewolf. Will this also be in Oblivion?
Unknown at this time.
10.3 Will there be horses or other rideable mounts?
Yes, both ridable mounts and mounted combat will re-appear in Oblivion.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 11: Plot
11.1 What is the starting premise of your character in Oblivion?
Not much is known about the plot, however, you begin life as a prisoner in an Imperial dungeon. An assassination attempt on the Emperor Uriel Septim VII forces him through the prison you are being held in. The assassin catches up, and after taking the armour from a dead guard, you defend the Emperor. The mortally wounded Emperor gives you the fabled "Amulet of Kings" and charges you to find the one that can close the Gate to Oblivion.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
11.2 So what will the main plot specifically deal with? What will be the overarching issue?
The main quest appears to be finding the person that will "close shut the marble jaws of Oblivion". Then, well, closing them, I would imagine.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
11.3 What themes from past Elder Scroll games will Oblivion explore?
It looks as though the main thrust is related to the possible fall of the Empire, hinted at in previous games.
Section 12: Quests
12.1 With the tremendous emphasis on the free-form exploration nature of the game, will there be any formalized quests to undertake?
Yes - there will be many quests available from the joinable factions, as well as the main quest and side quests.
Section 13: Multiplayer
13.1 Will Oblivion feature a multiplayer component?
No, Oblivion will be a single player only game.
Section 14: Combat
14.1 What are the team's major design goals for combat?
Combat looks as though it will be completely changed this time around. Combat will be "visceral and bloody" and be more like LotR or Braveheart fights. "The combat will be every bit exiting as a FPS". Opponents will also block and dodge your attacks.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
14.2 What kind of control scheme will combat use? Will it be like Morrowind where you move in the direction you want to attack?
There will be a button for attacking, and one for blocking. Pressing the attack button will perform simple swipes, while holding the button and pressing a direction causes a more powerful attack. There will also be special attack abilities.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
14.3 How will weapons and stats affect combat?
Combat this time will be unlike conventional RPG because the outcome does not depend on the luck of dice rolls. The damage you cause will be determined by your strength, , the weapon used, your opponent’s armor, and the attack type.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
14.4 How many weapons will be in the game?
Currently there are Swords, Axes, Maces, Daggers, and Bows.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
14.5 Are missile weapons in?
Yes, missile weapons are in.
14.6 How many creatures will there be?
There are approximatley 40 different types of creature ranging from horses, to skeletons, to various kinds of Daedra.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 15: Magic15.1 Will Oblivion feature the same schools of magic as found in Morrowind?
Yes.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
15.3 Will I be able to create my own spells, just like in Daggerfall and Morrowind?
You will be able to create your own spells and combine different spell schools.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
Section 16: The Editor
16.1 What is the Construction Set?
The Construction Set is the very same tool that the game designers at Bethesda are using to build the world of Oblivion. It is a game editor designed to allow the user almost complete control over the game world.
16.2 Will the Construction Set differ from the Morrowind one? What are the main changes?
The Construction Set has been greatly improved for Oblivion. The main enhancements are the ability to give NPC's schedules easily and assign unique dialog to NPC's. You can also change the age of an NPC easily. In addtion to this, exterior landscapes can also be generated automatically based on parameters.
(Reference: Game Informer Magazine, October 2004 issue)
