The Elder Scrolls IV : Oblivion The Elder Scrolls IV : Oblivion is a single - player role - playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks . It is the fourth installment of series and is set in the province of Cyrodiil , the heart of the Septim Empire , during the Oblivion Crisis . Story . The plot begins six years after the events of in 3E 433 . Emperor Uriel Septim VII is assassinated as he attempts to flee from the Imperial City after learning that assassins have killed his sons . However , before his death , he hands the Amulet of Kings over to the person who would become the Hero of Kvatch , a lowly prisoner which Uriel had seen in his dreams , with instructions to " close shut the jaws of Oblivion . " The adventure begins after a prison escape and with a quest to find a man named Jauffre - and eventually the illegitimate son of Uriel , the last surviving heir to the Septim throne , hidden away for protection since his birth . Ultimately , the Hero must stop the invasion from Oblivion and stand between the future of Tamriel and the Prince of Destruction himself . World and setting . Oblivion is set in Cyrodiil on the continent of Tamriel . Cyrodiil , due to its proximity to all of the other provinces of Tamriel , is a varying land with the geography being swampy marsh - lands , snowy mountains , and mountainous forests and green fields . The province has nine counties and nine regions : Anvil in the Gold Coast , Bravil in the Nibenay Valley , Bruma in the Jerall Mountains , Cheydinhal in the Valus Mountains , Chorrol in the Colovian Highlands , the Imperial City in the Heartlands , Kvatch in the Gold Coast , Leyawiin in Blackwood , and Skingrad in the West Weald , each with a capital of the same name as the county . Gameplay . The " Elder Scrolls IV : Oblivion " takes place in Cyrodiil , the province in the center of Tamriel . The player is able to choose from 10 races at the beginning of the game . The player can customize them in many ways , including age , appearance , complexion , and even eye color ( for certain races ) . They can ignore the Main Quest completely , and simply do Side Quests and kill many creatures in the 100 + dungeons in the game . The player can be a warrior , mage , thief ( stealth ) , or any combination of the three . Cyrodiil has many wild animals , fabulous beasts and lawless bandits for the player to the fight . There are wolves and bears , but also goblins and minotaurs , and many other creatures throughout the world . The player is able to participate in combat with these enemies by wielding blade or blunt weapons ( hand to hand is also available ) , using magic , or a bow and arrow . The player can also equip many types of armor which increase the players defense , or stick to clothing , or wear nothing at all . When given access to the Arcane University the player can also enchant his or her armor and weapons ( or use Frostcrag Spire if the DLC has been purchased ) , which depending on the strength of the soul given , gives a certain strength enchantment . The player can also make his or her own spells in a similar fashion . The player has complete control over how they want to play the game . Skills . The player also picks a birthsign and a class , with 7 major skills , and 14 minor skills , totaling to 21 skills , which fall under Combat , Magic , or Stealth : In order to level up , the player must increase major skills a total of 10 times , in any order . The player can level up his or her minor skills through repeated use . Travel . The player can travel on foot , speed up the process of travel and exploration by buying a horse by any stable or stealing one , and by fast - travelling . Upon exiting the sewers all cities are available for fast - travel , but all other locations must be discovered first . Factions . There are many joinable factions for the player to join , though only 5 have questlines associated to them : These five have conditions for joining and also rules which must be abided by , else the player can be expelled temporarily or permanently . Official plug - ins . In total , " Oblivion " has ten official plug - ins ; two major campaigns and eight minor add - ons . Editions . Collector ' s Edition . A Collector ' s Edition was also released for ten U . S . dollars more than the standard retail game . The game packaging itself is unique and the box contains : Game of The Year Edition . A " Game of The Year Edition " was released that included the original game , as well as a bonus disc including Knights of the Nine and the Shivering Isles expansions . Additionally , a 380 - page full - color paper Official Game Guide published by Prima Games was also released to stores alongside the game . 5th Anniversary Edition . A 5th Anniversary Edition was released on July 12th , 2011 for USA $ 29 . 99 , and on September 23rd for the United Kingdom ( U . K . ) £19 . 99 as a " complete collection of the original award - winning game " and more . Content of this edition includes :