Oblivion Remastered has reminded me how lucky we are to have an independent Elder Scrolls wiki in the hallowed UESP

In the immersive world of Oblivion Remastered, engaging with the main quest can often feel like just another chapter in a much larger narrative. After ascending to the esteemed position of head of the Fighter’s Guild, achieving accolades in the Imperial Arena, and even lending a hand to a few Daedric Princes, I finally turned my attention to the central storyline. Upon interacting with an NPC, I was struck by an unexpected depth of dialogue that seemed richer than I recalled. To confirm my suspicions, I navigated to the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) to investigate Ilav Dralgoner. To my delight, I discovered that this additional dialogue was part of the Deluxe Edition’s newly introduced quests.

What began as a simple inquiry quickly spiraled into a familiar UESP rabbit hole, reminiscent of my previous explorations in the Elder Scrolls universe. The site is a treasure trove of information, including a meticulously organized list of Oblivion’s NPCs who traverse the landscape on a schedule. For instance, Alval Uvani, the dark elf known for his brusque demeanor, flits between Leyawiin, Bravil, Skingrad, and Bruma. Then there’s Yngvar Doom-Sayer, who, clad only in his eternal shirtlessness, is scripted to traverse the vast Shivering Isles. The UESP even provides a detailed account of Kiara at the Brina Cross Inn, who, despite her stationary existence, is described as vigilantly overseeing a chunk of ham cooking on a grill.

Delving Deeper into the Lore

The UESP offers a wealth of quirky details, such as the comprehensive list of all 16 rat subtypes found in Oblivion, including the surprisingly peaceful rat residing in the Imperial Prison Sewer, which only reacts if provoked. It also highlights running gags, like M’aiq the Liar, who dashes across the landscape delivering meta-commentary about the series, embodying the essence of a literal running gag.

<pMoreover, the Unofficial Daggerfall FAQ on Usenet boasts over 100,000 pages, commemorating its milestone with a dedicated page on cheese. Beyond serving as a lore repository and NPC database, the UESP is an invaluable guide for mastering Oblivion's spellcrafting system, complete with a zoomable satellite map of every location. It also archives a wealth of material, including official wallpapers and concept art, which can transport one to a state of blissful nostalgia—much like the serene imagery I conjure when my therapist encourages me to visualize a happy place.

Ultimately, the UESP encapsulates everything one could desire from a wiki, enhancing the experience of navigating the Elder Scrolls universe. In an era where monetization has diluted the quality of many fan wikis, the UESP, alongside other dedicated platforms like the Team Fortress Wiki and Bulbapedia, remains a well-researched haven. It invites enthusiasts to lose themselves for hours, all sparked by a simple curiosity about The Lusty Argonian Maid or the opportunity to peruse every book in the Elder Scrolls series, conveniently located in one accessible space.

AppWizard
Oblivion Remastered has reminded me how lucky we are to have an independent Elder Scrolls wiki in the hallowed UESP