Understanding the Oblivion Shopkeeper Economy
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, a sprawling world of breathtaking landscapes, treacherous dungeons, and captivating quests, offers more than just adventure. It provides a sandbox for those who aspire to more than mere heroism. Many players dream of accumulating vast wealth, becoming a force to be reckoned with not just with sword and spell, but with cold, hard gold. While looting dungeons and completing quests are reliable methods for acquiring septims, a more subtle approach exists: “investing” in shops. Now, this isn’t about buying shares or managing balance sheets. In Oblivion, “investment” means undertaking quests and actions that directly benefit local shopkeepers, leading to improved services, better inventory, and ultimately, a richer and more satisfying gameplay experience. This guide will delve into the art of shop “investment” in Oblivion, revealing the quests that matter most and strategies to maximize your returns, propelling you toward becoming a veritable Cyrodiil tycoon.
Forget Wall Street or the stock exchange. The economy of Cyrodiil is built on a foundation of hard work, local trade, and the occasional dragon attack. The concept of “investment” in Oblivion’s shops doesn’t involve financial transactions in the traditional sense. You won’t be purchasing ownership or receiving dividends. Instead, your “investment” takes the form of completing quests, performing favors, or assisting shopkeepers in overcoming obstacles that hinder their business. Successfully aiding these merchants unlocks a range of benefits, from increased disposition and improved inventory to exclusive discounts and access to unique items. This creates a symbiotic relationship where your actions directly influence the prosperity of the shop and, consequently, your own financial well-being. Think of it as a form of community engagement, where your good deeds are rewarded with tangible economic advantages. The satisfaction of helping a struggling merchant and seeing their business flourish is a reward in itself, adding another layer of depth to the Oblivion experience.
Key Quests for Cultivating Commerce: Shop Improvement Opportunities
Several quests throughout Cyrodiil offer unique opportunities to “invest” in local businesses and improve their fortunes. These quests are not always explicitly labeled as “investment” opportunities, requiring a keen eye and a willingness to lend a helping hand. Here are a few prominent examples:
Jensine’s Trade Secrets: Amelion’s Debt (Leyawiin)
In the southern city of Leyawiin, visit Jensine, the owner of Jensine’s “Good as New” Merchandise. She’s a bit stressed due to a sizable debt owed by a now-deceased local named Amelion. By investigating Amelion’s past and tracking down his hidden stash of valuables, you can recover the funds and return them to Jensine. This act of kindness and responsible finance resolves her debt, greatly improving her disposition towards you and unlocking access to a wider selection of goods in her store. To begin, speak to Jensine and inquire about her troubles. She will mention the debt, starting the quest. Follow the quest marker to discover the location of Amelion’s treasure, and then return the gold to Jensine.
Seed-Neeus’ Stock Solutions: Nothing You Can Possess (Leyawiin)
While in Leyawiin, pay a visit to Seed-Neeus at the nearby All Things Alchemical shop. He’s facing a different kind of problem – a mysterious thief has been stealing rare ingredients from his stock. By accepting the quest “Nothing You Can Possess,” you’ll be tasked with uncovering the identity of the culprit and putting an end to their pilfering activities. This quest involves some investigation and a bit of detective work. Successfully completing this quest leads to Seed-Neeus restocking his shelves with more valuable and rare alchemy ingredients. Speak to Seed-Neeus at his shop to start the quest, and follow the in-game prompts to discover the theif.
Tertia Umbranox and Rare Artifacts: The Collector (Imperial City, Market District)
Venture into the Imperial City’s bustling Market District and seek out Tertia Umbranox, the proprietor of a small curio shop. Tertia is a collector of rare and unique artifacts, and she’s willing to pay handsomely for any interesting items you might bring her way. However, she is often looking for specific items. This quest is radiant, meaning it can be repeated multiple times throughout the game. Each time you fulfill one of her requests and bring her a rare item, she will become more friendly and provide access to a wider array of unique items she has hidden away. Speaking with her will start the quest and lead to an adventure.
These are just a few examples of the opportunities available to you in Oblivion. As you explore the world and interact with its inhabitants, you’ll undoubtedly discover other situations where you can lend a helping hand and improve the fortunes of local shopkeepers.
Maximizing Returns on Your Oblivion Shop Investments
Simply completing quests is not enough to become a true Cyrodiil tycoon. To truly maximize the benefits of your shop “investments,” you need to employ a few key strategies:
The Art of Persuasion: Improving Disposition
A shopkeeper’s disposition towards you directly affects the prices they offer and the services they are willing to provide. The higher their disposition, the lower the prices you’ll pay for goods and the higher the prices you’ll receive when selling your own items. Improving disposition can be achieved through various methods, including speechcraft, bribery, and gift-giving. Investing in the speechcraft skill is highly recommended, as it allows you to persuade shopkeepers more easily and unlock more favorable trading terms. Remember, a friendly face goes a long way in the world of commerce.
Mastering the Market: Skill Levels and Trade
Your mercantile skill plays a crucial role in your ability to haggle and negotiate favorable prices. A high mercantile skill not only reduces the prices you pay but also increases the prices you receive when selling items. Investing in the mercantile skill early in the game can significantly boost your income and accelerate your journey to wealth. Furthermore, understanding the value of different items and knowing when to buy and sell can give you a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Building a Reputation: Reputation Management
Your overall reputation in Cyrodiil can also influence your interactions with shopkeepers. A positive reputation will generally lead to better deals and more favorable treatment, while a negative reputation can result in higher prices and limited access to services. Avoiding criminal activities and acting honorably will help you maintain a good reputation and foster positive relationships with the local merchants. Remember, a trustworthy reputation is an invaluable asset in the world of commerce.
Time Management and Shop Hours
It’s essential to remember that shopkeepers in Oblivion have schedules. They open and close their stores at specific times, and they may not be available at all hours of the day. Knowing their hours of operation and planning your visits accordingly will help you avoid wasting time and ensure that you can access their services when you need them. The “wait” function in the game can be useful for aligning your schedule with the shopkeeper’s.
Beyond Shops: Diversifying Your Oblivion Income Streams
While investing in shops can be a lucrative endeavor, it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the economic puzzle. To truly amass wealth and become a dominant force in Cyrodiil, you need to diversify your income streams. Consider exploring other avenues for generating revenue, such as:
Quest Rewards: Completing quests is a reliable way to earn gold and acquire valuable items. The rewards for completing certain quests can be substantial, providing a significant boost to your coffers.
Dungeon Delving and Looting: Exploring dungeons and looting their treasures is another excellent way to acquire valuable items and gold. The depths of Cyrodiil are filled with hidden riches just waiting to be discovered.
The Art of Alchemy: Alchemy is a powerful skill that allows you to create potent potions and poisons, which can be sold for a considerable profit. Mastering alchemy can be a highly rewarding and lucrative endeavor.
Strategic Selling: Learn which merchants offer the best prices for specific types of items. Some specialize in weapons, while others are better for selling potions or magical artifacts. Knowing where to sell your loot is crucial for maximizing your profits.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Cyrodiil Commerce King
“Investing” in shops in Oblivion is about more than just making money; it’s about building relationships, contributing to the community, and experiencing the world in a more meaningful way. By completing quests, improving your skills, and managing your reputation, you can unlock a wealth of opportunities and transform yourself from a simple adventurer into a prosperous Cyrodiil tycoon. Remember that the road to riches is paved with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to lend a helping hand. So, venture forth into the world of Oblivion, embrace the challenges that await you, and discover the economic opportunities that lie hidden beneath the surface. Become the merchant prince Cyrodiil desperately needs.
