General:Blackwood Preview—Oblivion Portals

Originally published May 13, 2021. The original article can be found here.

500px|thumb|center|Learn about the mysterious portals that now plague Blackwood and prepare for your own invasion of the Deadlands.

Gateways to Oblivion
Oblivion Portals are a new world event unique to the Blackwood zone that challenges you and your fellow players to battle your way though the Deadlands. Seeming to appear at random, these portals to Mehrunes Dagon's realm have begun surfacing throughout the region without warning, all in accordance with his dire plans.

"Mehrunes Dagon is trying to figure out a way to bridge a path between Nirn and the Deadlands to start his invasion, and these portals are early prototypes," explains Jason Barnes, Blackwood's Zone Lead. "His general, Havocrel Duke of Storms, is leading the effort from behind the scenes while protecting a mysterious device that might just be at the center of Mehrunes's future plans."

While similar world events, such as Dark Anchors, Harrowstorms, or Abyssal Geysers, are traditionally found in fixed locations, with Oblivion Portals, you must venture out to discover where they’re currently active, and a portal might not be in the same location twice.

"Oblivion Portals spawn in Blackwood's Western, Northern, and Southern regions," explains Brad Hoppenstein, the Encounter Designer behind these new events. "Each Oblivion Portal region will generate two active portals, for six total, that players must discover for themselves while adventuring through the zone."

300px|center|''Enter Mehrunes Dagon's realm''
"With Oblivion Portals, we wanted to try something new and different that was more exploratory," says Barnes. "Instead of just active prompts popping up over the map everywhere, we wanted the hunt to be part of the adventure. Then, once you found one, we wanted the experience to be less about standing in one general area and more about going on a mini-adventure with your friends."

Whatever Dagon's plans are for the people of Blackwood, they involve the Duke of Storms and a mysterious machine deep within his Deadlands fortress. It's up to you to enter the portal and confront whatever foes lay in wait on the other side—no easy task!  


Battle Through the Deadlands
"Once players have traveled through an Oblivion Portal, they'll randomly begin at one of three starting locations," explains Hoppenstein. "Each starting location has a different theme based on Mehrune's plans for invasion. My personal favorite is the Torture Wing of the Deadlands, where Dagon has lured mortals to experiment on and interrogate."

300px|center|Battle your way to the center
Once you've fought your way through one of these three wings, you’ll reach a shared central location, the Duke of Storm's fortress. However, standing in your way is no shortage of foes, including the Prince of Destruction's most elite soldiers.

"Mehrunes Dagons' invasion force consists of various humanoid and beast Daedra," says Hoppenstein. "The packs of enemies provide a more challenging experience than they would encounter in a Public Dungeon, so players might need to bring a friend (or a companion) to help clear a path. During the incursion, players will also face various champions of Mehrunes Dagon trying to stop them from advancing deeper." 

300px|center|Menacing bosses bar your path

These defenders include almost every variety of Daedric beast, including lowly scamps, loyal  , and even the hulking Ruinachs. In addition to these foot soldiers, there'll be powerful bosses standing in your way that may require allies to take down, and at the heart of it all the Duke of Storms awaits!

Relics of a Dire Realm
Should you brave Mehrunes Dagon's realm, fight your way through his minions, and confront the Duke of Storms, you'll have the opportunity to earn special rewards. These Oblivion-infused items can include Blackwood zone set items, potions, and mythic-quality Antiquity leads. These rewards can also include zone set jewelry items (rings and necklaces) and will be the only place in the game where you can find these powerful trinkets. In addition to these items, Oblivion Portals also have a chance to reward you with a series of Deadlands-themed furnishing patterns, including braziers, tables, a bookshelf, and more.

While entering a realm of Oblivion to plunder a Daedric stronghold might appear to be a daunting, if not crazy, endeavor, these unique, Deadlands-inspired items are well worth the risk. 

Oblivion Awaits
Are you brave (or foolish) enough to step into the new Oblivion Portal world events and fight your way through Mehrunes Dagon's army? Whether you're planning to go it alone or recruit some new allies to join you, a Daedric host stands in your way. When you're ready to begin your expedition into the Deadlands, let us know via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

''The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood arrives on PC/Mac and Stadia on June 1, and on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on June 8. Pre-purchase Blackwood now to receive unique bonus rewards and gain immediate access to the Nagahide Welwa Ravager mount. Don't miss out!''