In the bustling realm of Leyawiin, a series of misadventures unfolds as I embark on a mission to pilfer keys from local merchants. My plans, however, take an unexpected turn when I mistakenly don my Grey Fox mask—a notorious piece of armor that instantly brands me a wanted criminal in the eyes of every guard I encounter. After a brief wardrobe adjustment, I find myself inside Southern Books, only to be met with the relentless vigilance of shopkeeper Bugak gro-Bol, who, despite the late hour, is determined to eject me from his establishment. My appearance, reminiscent of a shadowy figure intent on thievery, does little to assuage his suspicions.
These escapades echo the whimsical adventures I experienced in Oblivion, yet this time, my Khajiit character is not acting under the auspices of Cyrodiil’s Thieves Guild. Having ascended to the rank of the Grey Fox, I now find myself at the grassroots level, working for a nascent guild nestled within the modded territory of Elsweyr.
Khajiit has quests
The journey into Elsweyr is a nostalgic one, reminiscent of the awe-inspiring moments that greeted players upon the original release of Oblivion in 2006. Elsweyr The Deserts of Anequina, a mod crafted by Nexus Mods user Iliana and a collaborative effort from numerous modders, offers a vast open expanse filled with diverse NPCs and quests. As I delve into this new territory, a guidebook materializes in my inventory, detailing the cities and quests awaiting my exploration. With the default borders of Oblivion disabled, I traverse the southern edge of the world, crossing a bridge west of Bravil and stepping into the sun-soaked sands of Elsweyr.
Amidst my escapades, I encounter oversized arachnids and the unique architectural styles of Anequina’s towns. Dune boasts camels for sale and towering golden structures reminiscent of mosques, while Riverhold presents a treetop city adorned with wooden homes cascading down a waterfall. Corinthe, a labyrinth of narrow streets, serves as a playground for the local Thieves Guild, its rooftops connected by makeshift bridges, perfect for stealthy pursuits.
In contrast to the Elsweyr depicted in The Elder Scrolls Online, Anequina offers a refreshing variety of architectural influences, thanks to the contributions of various modders. The distinct designs breathe life into the landscape, providing a rich tapestry of exploration.
As I navigate this vibrant world, I discover a plethora of new quests and guilds to join. In Riverhold, my first task involves aiding a distressed father in search of his lost child, a quest that requires engaging with townsfolk and utilizing Oblivion’s quirky speechcraft minigame to glean vital information. Outside the town, I encounter a highwayman who, lacking conviction, abandons his demands when I refuse to part with my gold. Further into the desert, I stumble upon a Khajiit’s lifeless body beside a golden lamp, leading to an unexpected encounter with a dremora genie offering a wish. In a moment of whimsical folly, I wish for love, only to find myself facing an irate genie once my request is granted.
With my earlier mishaps behind me, I consult my Anequina guidebook once more, recalling the mention of the local Thieves Guild. As the Grey Fox of Cyrodiil, it feels only fitting to investigate the guild’s activities and engage in the dark tasks that await. Thus begins my earnest endeavor to lift keys from the pockets of Leyawiin’s merchants. Despite my previous exploits, I find myself struggling to reclaim my former thieving prowess. Eventually, I succeed in acquiring all three keys and return them to my new contact, Jinsiraga, in Corinthe. Naturally, my next objective involves the theft of horses, as my adventures in the Oblivion version of Elsweyr continue to unfold.
Anequina embraces the playful spirit of Oblivion, filled with quirky characters and whimsical scenarios. Had it not been for the installation of this mod, I might have never realized that such a vibrant world existed beyond the original confines of Oblivion.
