oblivion should i join the blades

Oblivion: Should I Join the Blades?

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Call of Duty

The Legacy of the Blades: History and Purpose

The Path of the Agent: Joining and Early Missions

The Burden of the Dragonborn: A Unique Perspective

Weighing the Commitment: Benefits and Drawbacks

A Philosophical Choice: Duty, Freedom, and Identity

Conclusion: A Personal Covenant

The moment you emerge from the sewers into the vast world of Cyrodiil, you are presented with a pivotal question that defines your early journey: should you follow Jauffre’s directive and join the Blades? This ancient order, shrouded in secrecy and history, offers sanctuary and purpose. The decision to travel to Weynon Priory and pledge your service is not merely a gameplay checkbox; it is a narrative commitment that shapes your understanding of the Oblivion Crisis and your role within it. The choice intertwines personal ambition with imperial duty, forcing you to consider what kind of hero you will become.

The Blades are far more than imperial bodyguards. Their history stretches back to the Akaviri Dragonguard, sworn to serve and protect the Dragonborn Emperors of the Septim bloodline. By the time of Oblivion, they are a shadow of their former glory, a clandestine network operating from hidden chapels. Their primary purpose is the preservation of the Empire and its rightful ruler. With the assassination of Uriel Septim and the disappearance of his heirs, their mission becomes one of desperate reclamation. Joining them means becoming part of this legacy, a defender of a dying dynasty and a stabilising force against the chaos of Mehrunes Dagon’s invasion. You are not just joining a faction; you are linking your fate to the fate of Tamriel itself.

Formally joining the Blades is a straightforward process, yet it initiates a profound narrative arc. After delivering the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre, you are welcomed into the fold. Your initial missions involve investigating the Mythic Dawn and securing Cloud Ruler Temple, the ancient Blade stronghold. These tasks serve as an induction into their methods: intelligence gathering, direct confrontation with cultists, and the safeguarding of ancient traditions. The structure provided by the Blades’ questline offers a clear, urgent path through the main story, grounding your adventures in a central, world-saving narrative. For many players, this guidance is invaluable, providing context and momentum.

The relationship with the Blades takes on a deeper, more complex dimension if your character is revealed to be the Dragonborn. This lore concept, later central to Skyrim, is subtly present in Oblivion through the Blades’ reverence for the Dragonborn Emperors and the prophecy of the “Dragonborn Emperor” saving Tamriel. While your player character is never explicitly called Dragonborn in the game, the Blades treat you as the prophesied champion. This casts your membership not as mere employment, but as a fulfilment of destiny. You are the one they have waited for, making your commitment feel heavier and more significant than a simple alliance. Refusing them could be seen as a rejection of a pre-ordained role.

The practical benefits of joining the Blades are considerable. Cloud Ruler Temple becomes a safe haven, offering free beds, storage, and a steady supply of potent healing potions. The Blades’ trainers can enhance your combat skills, and the quests themselves yield substantial rewards and experience. Most importantly, membership unlocks the progression of the main story. However, the drawbacks are philosophical. Aligning with the Blades tethers your identity to the Empire and its traditions. It can feel restrictive for players wishing to roleplay as independent mercenaries, ruthless assassins, or apolitical mages. The Blades demand a certain level of heroic commitment that may clash with a desire for absolute freedom. Their resources, while useful, are not unique, and the same skills can be developed elsewhere.

Ultimately, the question of joining the Blades is a philosophical one about duty versus autonomy. Do you embrace the responsibility of defending the Empire, becoming a cog in a larger, ancient machine? Or do you pursue your own goals, believing that personal strength and choices matter more than oaths to a faded order? The game allows for a middle path—you can advance their cause without fully embracing their identity, but the emotional core of the narrative pushes you toward commitment. The Blades represent collective action and historical continuity; refusing them represents individualism and a new, uncertain future.

Whether to join the Blades in Oblivion remains one of the game’s defining choices. It is a decision that asks you to define your character’s relationship with power, history, and sacrifice. While the mechanical benefits are clear, the true weight of the choice lies in its roleplaying implications. To join is to accept a legacy and shoulder a burden for the greater good. To walk away is to declare your independence, for better or worse. In a world tearing itself apart through Oblivion Gates, the Blades offer a cause worth fighting for, but only you can decide if it is your cause. Your answer will shape not only the fate of Cyrodiil but the very nature of the hero who saves it.

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