Oblivion’s “Find the Heir” Mystery Solved: Uncovering the True Successor
So, Who’s the Poor Soul Stuck With the Dragonfire Crown?
After decades of heated tavern debates, spilled mead, and at least one “accidental” sweetroll theft, we’ve cracked Oblivion’s juiciest royal whodunit. The heir isn’t hiding in a dank cave, a Daedric shrine, or even your weird uncle’s basement. Nope. The true successor is… *Martin Septim*, the unassuming monk-turned-reluctant-hero. Shock! Awe! Mild indigestion! Turns out, the “blood of a Septim” wasn’t a metaphor for “good at yelling about taxes” – it’s literal. Who knew?
Why Martin? Let’s Break It Down Like a Pickpocketed Lock
- Evidence A: The Amulet of Kings only works for someone with Septim DNA. Martin’s got it. You? Probably not (unless your lineage includes “fell into a Oblivion gate on a dare”).
- Evidence B: He can light the Dragonfires. You know, that thing that literally saves the world? Meanwhile, your character’s biggest achievement is hoarding 47 wheels of cheese.
- Evidence C: The game’s plot says so. Look, we don’t make the rules. Blame the Moth Priests and their *elderly scroll-related shenanigans*.
But Wait—What About the *Other* “Heirs”?
Let’s address the mudcrab in the room. Yes, there were *allegedly* other candidates, like the “Mysterious Benefactor” (turned out to be a Daedra’s prank call) and that one NPC who claimed, “My great-grandpappy knew a Septim once!” Spoiler: They were lying for free ale. Martin’s legitimacy boils down to divine plot armor, a conveniently timed prophecy, and the fact that Uriel Septim *literally points at him* in a vision. Subtlety? Never heard of her.
The Amulet of Kings: Not Just a Fancy Necklace
This bling isn’t your grandma’s heirloom. It’s a world-saving battery pack that only works if you’ve got the right bloodline. Martin’s got it. You? You’ve got a 10% discount at the Skingrad merchant. The game’s biggest twist isn’t that Martin’s the heir—it’s that he *survives long enough* to become a literal fire dragon. Take notes, Shakespeare.
Why Players Struggle to Find the Heir in Oblivion: Common Mistakes and Hidden Clues
Mistake #1: Ignoring the “Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It” Dialogue
Ah, the classic Oblivion experience: mashing through NPC dialogue like it’s a piñata full of existential dread. Jauffre *literally* tells you the heir’s identity early on, but players often skip it while distracted by the siren song of stealing cheese wheels. Pro tip: When a monk with a beard longer than a Telvanni’s grocery list says, “Martin is in Kvatch”, maybe write that down? Or at least stop looting his cabbages.
Hidden Clue: The Painting That Screams “I’m Important, You N’wah!”
In Cloud Ruler Temple, there’s a portrait of Martin’s ancestor, Uriel VII, hanging like a forgotten meme. Inspect it, and you’ll find a hidden journal behind it. But no—players are too busy rearranging potions or arguing with Baurus about his “stealth” skills. The game practically winks at you with this clue, but you’re too busy trying to ride a painted horse. Priorities!
Mistake #2: Assuming the Heir is Hiding in a Oblivion Gate (Spoiler: He’s Not)
Look, we get it. Oblivion gates are like interdimensional Taco Trucks: chaotic, fiery, and weirdly tempting. But Martin isn’t chilling with Dremora waitstaff. He’s in Kvatch’s chapel, probably questioning his life choices. Common errors include:
- Fighting 47 clannfears “just in case”
- Assuming the heir is a Daedra in a wig
- Getting lost in the planes of Oblivion because “that one rock looked familiar”
Hidden Clue: The Bloodline Breadcrumbs in Books You’ve Never Read
Books in Oblivion aren’t just for stacking to reach forbidden shelves. Titles like “The Dragonfires Rekindled” or “The Septim Dynasty” spill the tea on Martin’s lineage. But let’s be real—you’re too busy reading “The Lusty Argonian Maid” for the 12th time. The game hides lore in plain sight, like your mom hiding broccoli in your mac and cheese. Sneaky, Bethesda. Sneaky.
Mistake #3: Overcomplicating the “It’s Always the Last Place You Look” Rule
Players will turn Cyrodiil upside down, interrogate every crab, and accuse the Gray Fox of royal blood… instead of just talking to Martin after saving Kvatch. The quest marker isn’t a suggestion—it’s a neon sign yelling, “HE’S LITERALLY RIGHT HERE.” But sure, keep searching the Imperial City sewers. Maybe the heir’s a rat. A *very* fancy rat.