should you join the blades in oblivion remastered

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Call of Duty
The Legacy of the Blades: History and Purpose
The Path of the Agent: Oblivion's Main Quest and Your Role
The Rewards of Service: Tangible and Intangible Benefits
The Costs of Commitment: Sacrifices and Moral Dilemmas
An Alternative Path: Roleplaying Outside the Order
Conclusion: To Swear the Oath or Forge Your Own Fate

The announcement of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered invites both nostalgic veterans and new adventurers to step once more into the verdant hills and treacherous dungeons of Cyrodiil. Among the many choices that define a player's journey, one of the earliest and most significant is the invitation to join the Blades. This ancient order, sworn to protect the Emperor and the Empire, extends its hand to you within the first hour of play. The question, "Should you join the Blades in Oblivion Remastered?" is not merely a gameplay consideration but a foundational roleplaying decision that shapes your identity in the world.

The Blades are far more than simple royal guards. Their history stretches back to the Akaviri Dragonguard, evolving into the Emperor's personal intelligence service and protectors. In the twilight of the Third Era, as depicted in Oblivion, they are a shadow of their former glory—disorganized, scattered, and desperate following the assassination of Uriel Septim VII. Their primary purpose shifts from guarding a ruler to fulfilling the ancient Prophecy of the Dragonborn, a role they believe you, the player character, are destined to fulfill. Joining them means aligning yourself with the last bastion of legitimate Imperial authority in a province descending into Daedric chaos and political intrigue. You are not just signing up with a faction; you are inheriting a legacy and a monumental, world-saving mission.

Your integration into the Blades is inextricably linked to Oblivion's main questline. Accepting their offer sets you on the path of the "Agent," tasked with closing the demonic Oblivion Gates and finding the lost heir to the Ruby Throne. The Blades, primarily represented by the stalwart Jauffre in Weynon Priory and the enigmatic Grandmaster in Cloud Ruler Temple, become your command center and sole source of guidance for this existential conflict. They provide critical intelligence, direct you to key artifacts like the Armor of the Crusader, and ultimately, bestow upon you the honor of aiding the new Emperor. To progress the central narrative of the game, membership is not optional; it is mandatory. The question, therefore, transforms from "if" to "when" and "how" you choose to engage with this destiny.

The practical benefits of joining the Blades are substantial. Cloud Ruler Temple becomes a safe haven, offering free beds, storage, and a constant supply of potions and repair hammers. Early access to this base is a significant logistical advantage. Furthermore, completing their quests yields powerful unique rewards. The most notable is the ability to wear the legendary Armor of the Crusader, a potent artifact set with its own intriguing quest. The Blades also train you in essential combat skills. Perhaps the most profound reward, however, is narrative immersion. Swearing the oath solidifies your character's place in Tamrielic history, transforming you from a bystander into the central hero of the Oblivion Crisis. The sense of purpose and belonging they provide is a unique intangible benefit.

However, swearing loyalty to the Blades carries inherent costs and constraints. It imposes a specific heroic identity that may clash with alternative roleplaying visions. If you envision your character as a self-serving rogue, a dedicated Mage's Guild scholar, or a Daedra-worshipping cultist, the Blades' rigid, empire-serving dogma creates narrative dissonance. Their quests are linear and directive, limiting a player's sense of open-ended exploration for a significant portion of the game. There are also moral quandaries; the Blades demand absolute loyalty to an Empire that may be seen as corrupt or failing. Their methods are secretive, and their history is checkered. For a player seeking moral ambiguity or personal freedom, the oath can feel like a chain.

It is entirely valid to delay or mentally reframe your membership. The game allows you to postpone the journey to Cloud Ruler Temple indefinitely. You can explore all other guilds, side quests, and the vast wilderness without formal induction. Some players roleplay that they are merely a reluctant ally or a mercenary working with the Blades out of necessity rather than sworn loyalty. This approach preserves narrative freedom while still engaging with the main quest. Oblivion's world is rich with alternative factions—the Dark Brotherhood, the Thieves Guild, the Arena—each offering a completely different identity and set of values. Choosing one of these paths first can make joining the Blades later feel like a character's redemption or a pragmatic shift in allegiance, adding depth to the story.

The decision to join the Blades in Oblivion Remastered ultimately rests on the kind of hero you wish to be. For players seeking a classic, focused heroic narrative with clear objectives, tangible rewards, and a profound connection to the game's central epic, swearing the oath is the definitive and rewarding path. It provides structure, purpose, and a deep sense of legacy. For those who prioritize unbridled freedom, moral complexity, or a specific roleplaying concept that conflicts with imperial service, hesitation or an alternative narrative approach is wise. Oblivion's greatest strength is its openness. Whether you embrace your destiny as the Agent of the Blades immediately, reluctantly, or not at all, the choice itself becomes a foundational part of your unique story in the remastered lands of Cyrodiil. Your answer defines not just your quest log, but your character's soul.

Gaza internet outage ends, killings of food-seeking civilians continue
Europe condemns Israel's Gaza takeover, warning of deepening crisis
Trump administration to partially fund SNAP benefits amid gov't shutdown
U.S. Fed makes first rate cut of this year amid employment concerns
Study says Trump administration's mass deportation policy to cost California dearly