Rumors (Oblivion)

Rumors are conversation topics accessed through a dialogue option. The person telling the rumor may often point the player towards a location in Cyrodiil, information that may start a quest, information about surrounding provinces, or comment on recent events. The "Rumors" dialogue option is never affected by the characters disposition toward the player. Every character has the ability of telling rumors, but asking inn keepers about recent rumors will often trigger quests. The main questline for can be started by the player hearing rumors about the attack on the Chapel of Dibella in Anvil.
==List of rumors==
Rumor 	Audio
"When S'drassa isn't teaching alchemy, he spends all of his time researching a cure for skooma addiction." 	
"Fighters Guild members have been going to Sherina to learn blade skills. She's good, and she'll be the first to tell you so." 	
"Sherina is good with a blade. She knows it, too." 	
"Bugok gro-Bol always seems ready for a fight. Seems odd for a bookseller." 	
"Witseidutsei runs a clean establishment. She really hates it when people mess up her place." 	
"Good thing we have the Black Horse Courier. I don't know how we'd get our news without it." 	
"Claudette Perrick runs a fine alchemy shop. You should check out The Gilded Carafe." 	
"I shopped at Three Brothers a couple of days ago. Not sure which one I talked to, though." 	
"The Feed Bag isn't fancy, but it fills you up." 	
"I understand money is tight, but buying discount spells seems like a bad idea." 	
"If you're looking for books, First Edition is the only place in the city to find them." 	
"The Tiber Septim Hotel is a nice place. It's not cheap, though." 	
"There's something strange about Ida Vlinorman. I heard she was climbing up the chapel, just so she could jump off." 	
"Irene Metrick moves with such grace. I wonder what it is she does." 	
"If I had a question about heavy armor, I'd probably ask Varnado at The Best Defense." 	
"Rohssan is a talented smith. One of the best around, if you ask me." 	
"There are rumors that there is a new Gray Fox. Nobody knows what happened to the old one." 	
"Did you hear that the Earl of Imbel's house was robbed?" 	
"Captain Lex blames the Gray Fox for stealing the tax collection. He wants a bounty put on the Gray Fox, but the Legion Commander has refused." 	
"Amantius Allectus was killed during a burglary. They say the house was ransacked." 	
"If you've got to travel, by the Nine Divines, stay on the roads! The wilderness just isn't safe anymore. We've had sightings, you see. The Daedra..." 	
"Truth is, the Legion doesn't know who was behind the Emperor's murder. We've already ruled out the Dark Brotherhood. So is this something... worse?" 	
"The Emperor is dead, and so are his heirs. We're a Legion without a leader. The Blades were trusted with our Lord's protection... and they failed." 	
"Have you not heard? The Oblivion crisis has ended! Martin Septim gave his own life to destroy the Daedra horde! We are victorious!" 	
"It's over, citizen. The crisis has ended. But at what cost? We are an Empire without an Emperor. The future is uncertain, at best." 	
"The tide is turning. Bruma has been saved, and Martin Septim has claimed his birthright! It's time for every citizen to do their part... even you." 	
"The tide is turning, my friend. Bruma has been saved, and Martin Septim has claimed his birthright! Soon, all of Oblivion will tremble in fear!" 	
"The Emperor's heir lives! The bloodline is unbroken! Long live Martin Septim!" 	
"Don't you even care what's happening? Bruma has been saved! The Great Gate has been closed! There is hope for us all, whether you like it or not." 	
"Bruma has been saved! It's true! Let's see how the Daedra do without their big Siege Machine, or their so-called "Great Gate"! Ha ha ha ha ha!" 	
"Have you heard? The Oblivion Gate at Bruma -- they've shut it down! The Daedra will never defeat the people of the Empire! Never! Ha ha!" 	
"Kvatch? Kvatch was just the beginning! Those damned Gates have opened up everywhere! Cheydinhal, Chorrol, Leyawiin -- no city is safe." 	
"The Mythic Dawn murdered the Emperor and led those damn Daedra right into the heart of the Empire! They'll pay for their treachery!" 	
"The Kvatch Oblivion Gate has been closed! Don't you understand what that means? We can beat the bastards!" 	
"It's true what everyone's saying -- Kvatch is lost. The Daedra, they swarmed in.... The Town Guard never had a chance." 	
"I was walking past Rosentia Gallenus' home the other day, and I heard these strange animal noises or something from inside... very odd." 	
"Have you been near Rosentia Gallenus's house recently? Smells horrible... like she left some meat out to spoil." 	
"I guess Rosentia Gallenus got rid of whatever barnyard animals she was keeping inside her house. Smells much better now." 	
"There's an Orc named Mazoga up at the castle claims she's a knight. Doesn't look like one to me." 	
"The Count's been asking questions about some Orc named Mazoga at the castle... she claims she's a knight." 	
"I hear the Count's got someone to sort out that business with Mazoga the so-called knight." 	
"The Count made that Orc, Mazoga, into a knight? Well, well. Next thing, we'll be making horses into knights." 	
"The Mages Guild seems more disorganized than usual lately." 	
"Hey, did you hear about that murder in the Talos Plaza District? I think the man's name was Draconis. Yeah, cut down in the prime of his life." 	
"Oh, how horrible! You know Caelia Draconis? That nice Watch officer stationed at the castle? She's been murdered!" 	
"So, Adamus Phillida is finally retiring from the Imperial Legion. Spent his life fighting the Dark Brotherhood. Time for a well-earned rest, I'd say."	
"Have you heard? Adamus Phillida has been killed! Murdered by the Dark Brotherhood!" 	
"A friend of mine is a member of the Legion. He said some Altmer nobleman was murdered, right here in the city! Faelian, I think his name was." 	
"Have you heard? That big galleon down at the Waterfront? Someone killed the captain! Right there on the ship!" 	
"Everyone's talking about the victory over Mehrunes Dagon! I can hardly believe that the great Oblivion Crisis is over." 	
"Have you heard "The Fall of Dagon" yet? "Take heart, the mighty hero cried! He looked up at Dagon and cursed his foul name...'" 	
"They say that when you murder someone, the Dark Brotherhood comes to you in your sleep. It's how they recruit new members." 	
"The Emperor and his three sons, dead, right under the noses of the Imperial Guard. It's a disgrace." 	
"Have you heard about Kvatch? They say that daedra came from Oblivion and burned the whole city to the ground!" 	
"Do you think what happened to Kvatch could happen here?" 	
"I heard that the Kvatch Guard is driving back the daedra! Maybe there's hope after all." 	
"Everybody's talking about the Hero of Kvatch! They say she actually went into an Oblivion Gate and destroyed it." 	
"Hey, you're the one they call the Hero of Kvatch, aren't you? The one that closed the Oblivion Gate and saved the city?" 	
"Good news from Kvatch for a change. The last of the daedra have been driven out." 	
"Do you believe any of that talk about more Oblivion Gates opening all over the place?" 	
"They say that Oblivion Gates have opened outside cities all across Tamriel! Gods preserve us!" 	
"They say a lost son of Uriel Septim has reappeared in Bruma. Troops are flocking to his banner from all over Cyrodiil!" 	
"I heard that some cult called the Mythic Dawn is behind the Emperor's assassination." 	
"Thank Akatosh the Oblivion Crisis is over! Although with no Emperor and no heir, I wonder what will happen to the Empire?" 	
"I plan to visit the Imperial City soon to pay my respects at the Temple of the One. They say the Dragon Statue is 100 feet high!" 	
"They say a thief actually stole one of the Elder Scrolls from the Imperial Library. Who would have thought it was even possible?" 	
"Ancient Wayshrines of the Nine are scattered through the wilderness. The righteous who pray there receive powerful divine blessings." 	
"If you've done good deeds, the Nine will bless you and cure diseases when you visit their wayshrines." 	
"Wayshrines of the Nine in the wilderness confer blessings on the righteous and faithful." 	
"Those famous for good deeds may receive Blessings of Intelligence and Magicka when they visit Wayshrines of Julianos." 	
"Virtuous visitors to Wayshrines of Kynareth may receive Blessings of Agility." 	
"When you visit a Wayshrine of Zenithar, and you've lived a good life by the Nine, you may receive a Blessing of Luck." 	
"Those who live by the Commands of the Nine receive Blessings of Strength when they visit Wayshrines of Tiber Septim." 	
"A good man who honors the Nine may visit the Wayshrines of Akatosh for Blessings of Speed and Magicka." 	
"If you've been good, Wayshrines of Dibella may bless your Personality." 	
"Wayshrines of Arkay confer Blessings of Health on those who've pleased the Nine by righteous acts." 	
"Please the Nine with good works, and visit Wayshrines of Stendarr for Blessings of Endurance." 	
"You've seen wayshrines in the wilderness? Those who've pleased the Nine may receive Blessings of Willpower at the Wayshrines of Mara." 	
"The Heartlands and Nibenean Valley are the agricultural breadbaskets of Cyrodiil." 	
"Where does our food come from? The Heartlands. And the Nibenean Valley. And Skingrad? Great wines, cheeses, and tomatoes." 	
"I've been hearing disturbing tales about Oblivion Gates opening all across Cyrodiil. I hope it's just wild talk." 	
"With those Oblivion Gates opening everywhere, it's only a matter of time before another city goes the way of Kvatch." 	
"Did you hear? The lost heir of Uriel Septim rallied the Guard and smashed a horde of daedra outside Bruma!" 	
"They're saying some cult murdered the Emperor and are opening the Oblivion Gates. Do you think any of it's true?" 	
"I'm sure the Elder Council will find some way to hold the Empire together. At least the Oblivion invasion is over!" 	
"I heard that some of the provinces were talking about seceding from the Empire. Probably just talk though. Everything's a bit unsettled now." 	
"Those wanted posters of the Gray Fox are everywhere." 	
"Did you hear that someone broke into an Imperial Legion post and stole the taxes they collected from the Waterfront?" 	
"Captain Lex blames the Gray Fox for stealing the tax collection. He wants a bounty put on the Gray Fox, but the Legion Commander has refused." 	
"Have you heard? Someone desecrated the tomb of Llathasa. No wonder her ghost haunts that place." 	
"I heard that thieves broke into the Arcane University, the Imperial Legion Compound, and the Temple, all on the same night!" 	
"Someone told me that Hieronymus Lex is gone. Reassigned to Anvil. That can't be true!" 	
"The Earl of Imbel was attacked and killed in his own home. I heard the body burned in the sunlight." 	
"I don't know that anyone in Cyrodiil drives a harder bargain than Palonirya at Divine Elegance." 	
"The King and Queen Tavern isn't a bad place to stay if you're visiting the city." 	
"I understand old Dovyn Aren can still teach a bit about Alteration." 	
"Othrelos is a sneaky one. Kind of makes you wonder what he's up to." 	
"Samuel Bantien used to be a wild one. They say he used to be quite the "locksmith." 	
"A lot of mages swear by Rindir's Staffs." 	
"If you need to get rid of something quickly, check out the Copious Coinpurse." 	
"Ganredhel can teach you about Acrobatics, for a price. Of course, she'd rather be training her dogs." 	
"That Ra'qanar seems a bit shady to me. He does a good job on the horses at the castle, though." 	
"That Gruiand Garrana is really full of herself. She'll talk your ear off, if you let her." 	
"If you're looking for armor, you should speak with Tertia Viducia." 	
"There was a murder in the Chapel. It happened when a thief was caught trying to rob Llathasa's tomb." 	
"I understand the Fighters Guild is looking for new members. Seems a bit odd, but that's what I hear." 	
"Don't know why anyone would visit the other cities of Cyrodill. Chorrol has it all. And a fairly low murder rate!" 	
"Ah, Chorrol. Easy access to all the other cities of Cyrodiil." 	
"I'm sure you've heard that Glistel and Malintus Ancrus are living together. Simply shameful." 	
"Eugal Belette is an odd one... and I swear I heard strange noises coming from his basement not long ago." 	
"I wanted to get a little practice in with my sword, so I headed to the Fighters Guild. Turns out you have to be a member to train there." 	
"Northern Goods and Trade is an excellent place to buy supplies." 	
"I'm going over to Northern Goods and Trade. There's always something I need at that place." 	
"I sure am glad I don't live in Leyawiin. Too many foreigners." 	
"Can you believe that a thief broke into the Imperial Palace itself!" 	
"Vinivia Melissaeia takes all the merchant complaints in the city." 	
"If you need light armor, talk to Maro Rufus at The Best Defense." 	
"Calindil runs a nice place at the Mystic Emporium." 	
"I needed some cash, so I went to see Jensine." 	
"If you need to get rid of something quickly, check out the Copious Coinpurse." 	
"Ganredhel sure does have a knack for training dogs. I've heard that she will train people as well, for a price." 	
"Naspia Cosma is really skilled with her blade. It's a shame she doesn't compete in the Arena." 	
"Gruiand Garrana can talk her way out of anything. Of course, all she usually talks about is herself." 	
"There are some quality books at Mach-Na's. Just don't catch him when he's in a bad mood." 	
"Most people consider Martin's... transformation... a religious or political event, but what interests me is its metaphysical implications." 	
"Poor Tivela. I hear she is turning Cheydinhal inside out looking for her husband, Rythe. I hope nothing bad has happened to him." 	
"So, the mighty Ulrich Leland has fallen. Apparently Llevana Nedaren snapped and killed him. Good riddance I say." 	
"Did you hear the news? Ulrich Leland was thrown in the dungeons for stealing money from the city coffers. Haha! Justice for the little guy!" 	
"Thank goodness the gate is gone. I couldn't get a good night's sleep knowing it was out there!" 	
"Rythe Lythandas seems to be back in town. Wonder where he was off to?" 	
"They charged me 5 gold for littering! Littering!! I barely make that in a year! These fines are ridiculous!" 	
"I can't believe the ridiculous new fines the guards are imposing. Ever since Ulrich took over as Captain of the Guard, this place is going downhill." 	
"I'd stay inside the city walls if I were you, there's no telling what's going to come out of that gate." 	
"Ever since that gate appeared, the city guards have been on alert. I hope they can protect us." 	
"We're all talking about the emperor's murder. We have no emperor. And no heir. That's never happened before. I suppose we should all be worried." 	
"It's said that eating taproot can bring you good luck." 	
"Make sure not to eat nightshade. It's very poisonous." 	
"You can find Cairn Bolete growing in caves. They're said to mark the place someone has died." 	
"Try combining aloe vera leaves with some venison. It's said to have some restorative properties." 	
"I don't like to think about zombies. Missing arms, legs, heads. They smell awful, and they're hard to kill." 	
"I don't even know what a will-o-the-wisp is, much less how to kill one. I think they're just swamp gas, myself." 	
"All that stuff about having to set trolls on fire is a bunch of hooey. They don't like fire, but a good sword will cut them up fine." 	
"Spriggans. "Nature's guardians" my foot! Mean things. They'll curse you, or they might call a bear to tear you apart." 	
"I might swim more if it weren't for the slaughterfish. Sharp teeth, and some carry disease." 	
"Best way to take out a skeleton is with a big weapon. Forget spells. Just smack them and watch the bones fly!" 	
"Is there anywhere in Tamriel you can avoid rats? Disease spreading little nuisances." 	
"Only thing worse than an ogre is two ogres. Tough bastards, and spells seem to bounce right off of 'em." 	
"Mudcrabs. What's the point? Annoying buggers, though the meat isn't bad." 	
"Watch for minotaurs in the forests. Aggressive beasts. They'll tear right through your armor, too." 	
"I ran across a ghost once. Seemed to suck the energy right out of me." 	
"Have you seen a land dreugh? We call them "Billies." Don't know why. Steer clear of them, though." 	
"I saw a wraith once. It threw a curse on me I'll never forget." 	
"Imps. I hate 'em. Little buggers flitting around, tossing fireballs at you!" 	
"Watch yourself around goblins. Some of the nastier ones will toss spells at you." 	
"You can't be too careful out in the wilderness. Almost any creature you find is liable to give you a disease." 	
"On Cyrodiil's northern border is the sparsely populated mountain wilderness called the Valus Mountains." 	
"The Nibenay Basin grades from rolling farmlands by the river east to the rugged uplands of the Valus Mountains." 	
"The lands surrounding Lake Rumare are studded with small settlements, farms, and woodland game reserves. " 	
"Take Cheydinhal, for example. Pretty little town. But the Count's a Dark Elf, and it's crawling with Orc thugs and gangsters." 	
"Orcs don't ride horses. They eat horses. And sometimes I think they're the smart ones. Wait, maybe it's Dunmer who eat horses." 	
"If you're on a road, you can usually outrun anything. If you're in good shape, and not wearing a tin suit." 	
"The Council runs the Arena to amuse the masses, and it pays for itself, with all the fools who lose their shirts gambling." 	
"Have you ever met anyone who got rich betting on the Arena? Didn't think so." 	
"The Arena's faked. You think those guys are getting killed? Really? It's just berry syrup and ham-acting." 	
"Fighting's easy. Just lead them out on the water and shoot them full of holes. If you've got a bow, of course, and can walk on water." 	
"If you're all alone in the woods and you see a troll coming, you run. Problem solved. Next question?" 	
"Well, it's no problem traveling from the Imperial City to Leyawiin... if you're a wizard and can walk on water. I'd stay off the roads, though." 	
"There's islands in Niben Bay no one has visited in a hundred years. No telling what you'll find." 	
"Blackwood isn't so bad, once you get used to the flies. And being lost all the time. And the zombies and will-o-the-wisps." 	
"Nobody goes into the mountains but hunters and thieves on the lam. Food and shelter is hard to come by." 	
"It's still pretty wild east of the Niben. Few people, except for bandits, but at least it hasn't been picked clean by treasure-hunters." 	
"I've seen plenty of Ayleid ruins. You'd think they'd be picked clean after 2000 years, but, no, there's still great treasures there." 	
"Ayleid ruins? The big thing is to watch out for the traps. Thousands of years old, and still working. Amazing." 	
"My favorite town? Anvil. Lovely old stone buildings, and the harbor at sunset is beautiful." 	
"Where to buy weapons? Where to buy anything, if you can afford to travel, is the Market District in the Imperial City." 	
"The prettiest town in Cyrodiil? Don't know, but the ugliest is Bravil. Shabby, tumbledown shacks. They're big shacks, though." 	
"The Imperial City itself is a walled city, with separate inner walls protecting the Imperial palace." 	
"The Imperial City is densely urbanized, with a few large parks and waterside dock areas." 	
"The Imperial City is located on a large island surrounded by Lake Rumare." 	
"The Colovians are proud of their reputation for being independent, rough, and rebellious." 	
"No one wants to live in the Jerall Mountains. Well, maybe in Bruma, but they're like Nords. They don't feel the cold." 	
"Everyone's talking about the assassination, of course. Here. Take my copy of the new Black Horse Courier. Go ahead. Keep it." 	
"Picked up a good book at Renoit's this week. Sure wish I could read it." 	
"I'm not saying Colovians are dumb. They're just hard-headed." 	
"Half of the Council of Mages resigned when Traven took over the position of Arch-Mage." 	
"The people of Nibenay consider themselves to be more civilized and sophisticated than Colovians." 	
"There's islands in Niben Bay no one has visited in a hundred years. No telling what you'll find." 	
"The Colovian Highlands are barren wastelands along the border with Hammerfell." 	
"My favorite town? Anvil. Lovely old stone buildings, and the harbor at sunset is beautiful." 	
"If you're all alone in the woods and you see a troll coming, you run. Problem solved. Next question?" 	
"I've never heard the Countess mention her husband. I believe it is something of a sore point with Lady Millona." 	
"The Great Forest was cleared for agriculture around Lake Rumare, but it's mostly wilderness outside of that." 	
"The legions patrol the roads, and they've always been sufficient. I can't imagine we'll ever be at war with the provinces... not in my lifetime." 	
==Overheard rumors==
===Fort Swampmoth Legions===
Character 1: "What's new with you?"
Character 2: "I hear the legions have been recalled from Fort Swampmoth in Black Marsh, and many of the Argonian slaves have returned to their tribes."
Character 1: "I have heard Argonia is a strange and treacherous place. It is no wonder odd things are happening there."
Character 2: "Goodbye."
Character 1: "Take care."
===Slavery in Morrowind===
Character 1: "Hello."
Character 2: "Greetings."
Character 1: "What's new with you?"
Character 2: "They say that slavery has been abolished in Morrowind. House Dres and Hlaalu have renounced the slave trade, and freed the beastfolk from servitude."
Character 1: "It seems that these are turbulent times in the land of the Dunmer."
Character 2: "See you."
Character 1: "Farewell."
===Oblivion Hordes===
Character 1: "Hello."
Character 2: "Good day."
Character 1: "What's new with you?"
Character 2: "Many are dead in the land of the Dunmer. Even St. Jiub, who drove the cliffracers from Vvardenfell, has fallen to the daedra hordes."
Character 1: "Farewell"
Character 2: "Goodbye."
===Solstheim===
Character 1: "Hail."
Character 2: "Hello!"
Character 1: "What's new with you?"
Character 2: "There are rumors that the Nords are attempting to conquer the whole of Solstheim, and remove the Imperial fort on the island."
Character 1: "More fighting for the Nords? This is sad news."
Character 2: "Good day."
Character 1: "Farewell."
==Trivia==
*Some characters in Oblivion are set to have specific rumor dialogue that is not meant to change. Notable examples include:
**Lucien Lachance, who says he does not spread rumors, he creates them, or after Ungolim is killed, in which he scolds the Hero for wasting time when there is a traitor to be found.
**M'raaj-Dar is supposed to insult the Hero constantly until Lucien is talked to during The Purification.
**Arquen says that "this is no time for gossip mongering" when the Hero should be performing their duties as the new Listener.
**However, certain in-game events override these set dialogues, such as the completion of the main quest, in which many people will talk about "the great victory over Mehrunes Dagon," or the "Anvil Chapel attack" caused by the Knights of the Nine plug-in.
*Some rumors are not even rumors, but facts or simple statements.
*While in Oblivion, rumors can be accessed from any character, in , rumors can only be gained from innkeepers.
Category:Oblivion: Lists
Category:Oblivion: Gameplay
Category:Game Terms