In the vast and mysterious world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, players encounter many unique factions and hidden quests, but few are as intriguing and morally complex as the Order of the Virtuous Blood. Found in the Imperial City’s Temple District, this organization presents itself as a group of vampire hunters dedicated to protecting the people of Cyrodiil from the hidden menace of the undead. However, as the quest surrounding them unfolds, players quickly discover that the truth is not always what it seems. This side quest, known as Order of the Virtuous Blood, is a fascinating journey filled with deception, investigation, and unexpected revelations.
Introduction to the Order
Location and First Encounter
Players first come across the Order of the Virtuous Blood after speaking with Roland Jenseric in the Temple District. He approaches the player with a story about a vampire menace that recently murdered his close friend, Seridur. Roland claims to be part of a secretive but noble group the Order of the Virtuous Blood who are dedicated to tracking and destroying vampires across Cyrodiil.
The Order operates out of Seridur’s home, which acts as a base of operations and a front for their activities. To the uninitiated, they seem to be performing a public service. However, as with many things in Oblivion, there’s more beneath the surface than meets the eye.
Quest Trigger and Progression
This side quest becomes available after the player has progressed a bit into the main game, often after exploring the Imperial City. It provides a good change of pace from the primary storyline and serves as a showcase of how Oblivion handles morality, mystery, and player choice within its side quests.
The Vampire Investigation
Unearthing the Truth
Roland tasks the player with investigating the supposed vampire Seridur, who has allegedly fled into hiding after being accused of feeding on citizens. The player is instructed to search for clues in Seridur’s home and in the sewers beneath the city. As the investigation deepens, inconsistencies begin to appear in Roland’s story.
Eventually, the player discovers that Seridur is actually hiding in the Memorial Cave, located outside the city. Confronting him leads to a shocking revelation: Seridur is not the villain. In fact, Roland Jenseric is the true vampire, using the Order as a cover to eliminate those who could expose him. The organization that seemed so righteous is, in reality, a manipulation designed to protect Roland and deflect suspicion from his dark secret.
Choices and Consequences
At this point, the player is faced with a moral choice. Trust Seridur and eliminate Roland, or side with Roland and silence Seridur. The game doesn’t push the player toward one definitive path, allowing for roleplay freedom. However, siding with Seridur and defeating Roland reveals the truth and dismantles the corrupt Order of the Virtuous Blood.
Rewards and Outcomes
End of the Quest
If the player exposes Roland and puts an end to his scheme, the remnants of the Order honor the truth and offer their thanks. Though Seridur does not return to the city, peace is restored, and the player receives a modest gold reward and the gratitude of the surviving members. More importantly, the quest serves as a lesson in vigilance and the hidden darkness that can lurk behind noble masks.
Items and Recognition
While the quest rewards are not extravagant in terms of gameplay mechanics, the real reward lies in the narrative experience and character development. Players who appreciate the storytelling depth of Oblivion will find the quest satisfying and impactful. Additionally, it reinforces a core theme of the series: appearances are often deceiving, and moral ambiguity is a constant presence.
Deeper Lore and Themes
Vampires in Elder Scrolls Lore
The vampire threat is a recurring theme throughout The Elder Scrolls franchise. In Oblivion, vampires are both a gameplay mechanic and a narrative element. They exist in various forms and clans, some seeking power, others hiding in shame. The Order of the Virtuous Blood quest touches on the societal fear of vampires, as well as how easily that fear can be manipulated.
By turning a vampire into the leader of a vampire-hunting order, the game plays with player expectations and offers commentary on how power structures can be corrupted. It also highlights the role of misinformation and how individuals can shape public opinion to serve their personal agendas.
Moral Ambiguity and Player Agency
The Order of the Virtuous Blood is a prime example of Oblivion’s nuanced storytelling. Players are not given clear-cut villains or heroes. Instead, they are asked to observe, investigate, and make decisions based on evidence. This approach encourages critical thinking and reflects the game’s commitment to immersive roleplaying.
Gameplay Elements and Exploration
Combat and Dungeon Design
The quest involves exploration of several areas, including the Imperial City sewers and Memorial Cave. These locations are filled with undead, traps, and minor puzzles, offering a break from the surface-level activities of the city. Players who enjoy dungeon crawling will find satisfying combat encounters and opportunities to test their build against vampires and other creatures.
Stealth and Dialogue Skills
For players with a stealthy or persuasive playstyle, this quest allows the use of skills like Sneak, Speechcraft, and Illusion to uncover secrets. Dialogue options may vary depending on skill levels, and stealthier characters can bypass some combat scenarios. This flexibility in approach enhances the quest’s replayability and alignment with different character archetypes.
Legacy and Player Reception
Why It Stands Out
The Order of the Virtuous Blood is remembered by many players as one of Oblivion’s standout side quests. It combines detective-style gameplay with lore-rich storytelling and a twist that rewards attentive players. The mix of combat, investigation, and moral choice creates a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of the game’s open-ended design.
Impact on Future Playthroughs
After completing the quest, players often find themselves more skeptical of seemingly noble factions in future encounters. It encourages a more cautious and investigative playstyle, enriching the broader Oblivion experience. For those who love vampire lore, this quest adds another layer to the complex relationship between humans and vampires in the Elder Scrolls universe.
The Order of the Virtuous Blood quest in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is more than just a side mission it’s a deep dive into the themes of deception, morality, and trust. What begins as a straightforward vampire hunt evolves into a layered story of betrayal and hidden motives. For players who value narrative depth and meaningful choices, this quest remains one of the most memorable and impactful in the game. It’s a testament to Oblivion’s enduring legacy and the care put into crafting its world and characters.