What happens if you don’t join the blades in Oblivion?

What Happens if You Don’t Join the Blades in Oblivion?

The Blades, a legendary group of warriors in the Elder Scrolls universe, play a crucial role in the story of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Throughout the game, players can choose to join the Blades, a secret society of assassins, and uncover their secrets. But, what happens if you choose not to join the Blades? In this article, we’ll explore the implications of not joining the Blades in Oblivion.

No Advancement, No Quests

Perhaps the most significant consequence of not joining the Blades is the lack of advancement. There are no new factions to join, no exclusive quests to complete, and no unique abilities to learn. The Blades are the only faction in the game that offers a unique Dragon-hunting quest, which is tied to their storyline and progression. Without joining, you’ll miss out on this exciting storyline and any subsequent benefits that come with it.

No Effect on the Main Quest

The main quest of the game, also known as the "Lost Prophecies," is not influenced by your decision to join the Blades or not. The story unfolds regardless of your choice, and the prophecy will still be revealed, regardless of whether or not you’ve joined the Blades.

No Dragon Hunting

As mentioned earlier, the Blades offer exclusive Dragon-hunting quests that reward unique rewards and treasures. Without joining the Blades, you won’t be able to participate in these quests, which can prove detrimental to your progress as a Dragon hunter.

Companions and Recruiting

Companions in Oblivion play a crucial role in assisting you in battle and provide additional skills and abilities to aid you in your travels. However, not joining the Blades means you’ll miss out on the recruitment of new companions. If you choose not to join, you won’t have access to new companions who join the Blades, resulting in a more limited companionship pool.

Rallis Sedarys Sacrifice

If you sacrifice Rallis Sedarys, a powerful follower with impressive combat skills, and do not join the Blades, you’ll miss an opportunity to receive a potentially game-changing item. In contrast, joining the Blades and sacrificing Rallis unlocks the "Eternal Machete," a powerful permanent item that grants increased enchantment and smithing efficiency.

Recruitment of other Factions

While there are other factions in Oblivion that offer allegiance, none offer the exclusivity and rewards that come with joining the Blades. Factions like the Mage Guild, the Fighter’s Guild, and the Mages Guild all have different requirements and benefits, so you may want to prioritize their recruitment if you find the Blades unsuitable or too demanding.

Loot and Drops

Earning loot and drops depends on various factors, such as your level, profession, and luck. Regardless of whether or not you join the Blades, loot and drops will still occur based on the game’s difficulty level and the enemies defeated.

Comparison Table: Joining vs. Not Joining the Blades

In conclusion, the choice to join or not join the Blades in Oblivion is a key decision that can impact gameplay significantly. While there may be some minor benefits for joining, such as a new storyline and unique loot, the main quest unfolds regardless of your choice. Without joining the Blades, players may miss out on potentially game-changing items, the opportunity to recruit new followers, and unique quests tied to the Dragon-hunting storyline.