30/11/2015
In the vast, sprawling world of Cyrodiil, amidst ancient ruins and bustling cities, there exists an order of individuals whose devotion to forbidden knowledge comes at a profound cost: the Blind Moth Priests. These enigmatic figures are not merely background characters but pivotal components of the realm's deepest lore and several critical questlines. Their unique condition, stemming from a lifetime of delving into the mystical Elder Scrolls, sets them apart, influencing not only their perception of the world but also how players must interact with them.
The very essence of a Blind Moth Priest is intertwined with the Elder Scrolls. These revered yet dangerous artefacts contain prophecies and truths so profound that merely reading them can exact a terrible toll. Over years, or perhaps even decades, the cumulative effect of deciphering these ancient texts causes these dedicated monks to gradually lose their eyesight, eventually rendering them completely blind. This sacrifice underscores the immense power and peril associated with the Elder Scrolls, elevating the Blind Moth Priests to a status of both reverence and pity within the lore.
The Peculiarities of Blindness: Gameplay Mechanics Explained
Unlike most non-player characters (NPCs) in Oblivion, Blind Moth Priests possess a unique 'Blindness' attribute set to 100. This hidden mechanic significantly alters how they detect and react to the player, offering both challenges and opportunities, especially for those inclined towards stealth. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating encounters with them successfully.
Detection and Stealth
The primary effect of their blindness is a 100% chance for the player to hide, even when standing directly in front of a priest, regardless of the player's sneak skill. This visual immunity makes them exceptionally vulnerable to stealth approaches. However, it's vital to remember that while they cannot see, their other senses remain intact. They can still hear. Therefore, moving while sneaking will still generate noise, potentially alerting them to your presence. For guaranteed undetectability, remaining completely still while in sneak mode is the safest bet, as they will have no visual or auditory cues to betray your position.
Despite their unique sensory limitations, Blind Moth Priests often behave like typical NPCs in certain scenarios. For instance, they might utter seemingly contradictory phrases such as, "Heh, I'd better cut down on the ale. Starting to see things, I am..." This quirk adds a layer of unexpected humour to their otherwise solemn existence. Furthermore, standard stealth spells like Chameleon and Invisibility retain their effectiveness against them, further reducing their ability to detect a hidden player.
Thefts and Pickpocketing
Another significant impact of their blindness relates to thievery. There is a 100% chance that a Blind Moth Priest will not notice when the player steals an item directly in front of them. This makes pilfering objects from their immediate vicinity remarkably easy, a boon for any aspiring thief. However, this leniency does not extend to pickpocketing. Attempting to pickpocket a Blind Moth Priest will still illicit a standard hostile response if detected, just as it would with any other NPC. This distinction is important for players planning their heists.
Blindness Effects on Player Interaction
| Action | Blind Moth Priest Reaction | Standard NPC Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Hiding (Sneak, Stationary) | 100% undetected (Visual & Auditory) | Depends on Sneak Skill & Line of Sight |
| Hiding (Sneak, Moving) | Detected by sound | Detected by sight & sound |
| Stealing Item (in front) | 100% unnoticed | Likely detected, hostile response |
| Pickpocketing | Standard detection & hostile response | Standard detection & hostile response |
| Chameleon/Invisibility | Effective as usual | Effective as usual |
Combat Prowess and Magical Abilities
Despite their visual impairment, Blind Moth Priests are far from defenceless. They are trained monks and possess a special 'Monk' birthsign, granting them a valuable 20% resistance to normal weapons. This makes them slightly tougher opponents than their appearance might suggest, requiring players to account for this inherent resilience in combat.
Beyond their physical resistance, these priests are adept in various schools of magic. Each Blind Moth Priest knows one spell from each of the Alteration, Mysticism, and Restoration magic schools. The specific effect of these spells is randomly determined from a predefined list, and their strength scales with the priest's individual skill level in that particular school. This variability means that encounters with different priests can present unique magical challenges, from protective wards to debilitating curses or healing spells.
Roles in Key Quests
Blind Moth Priests are not merely ambient characters; they play significant roles in some of Oblivion's most memorable questlines, particularly within the Thieves Guild narrative. Their involvement ties directly into their guardianship of ancient artefacts and their connection to the Elder Scrolls.
Turning a Blind Eye
During the quest "Turning a Blind Eye," players will encounter Blind Moth Priests as guardians of Savilla's Stone. This is one of the first crucial items the Gray Fox requests during the elaborate Thieves Guild quest strand. Their presence here reinforces their role as custodians of powerful and sought-after relics, even if their blindness makes them less effective physical deterrents.
The Ultimate Heist
Perhaps their most iconic role comes during "The Ultimate Heist," the climactic quest of the Thieves Guild storyline. In this grand caper, players are tasked with stealing an Elder Scroll, and the Blind Moth Priests are the very individuals from whom this priceless artefact must be acquired. This quest often involves navigating their quarters within the Imperial Palace, making use of their unique blindness to bypass their senses and complete the daring theft.
Where to Find Them: Locations and Routines
Blind Moth Priests and their higher-ranking counterparts, the Blind Moth Prelates, can be found in two primary locations: the Temple of the Ancestor Moths and the Imperial Palace. Each individual priest has a meticulously detailed daily schedule, offering insights into their disciplined lives dedicated to the Elder Scrolls.
Temple of the Ancestor Moths
This ancient temple, dedicated to the sacred Ancestor Moths, serves as a significant hub for the order. Several priests and prelates reside here, each with their own routines:
- Moth Priest (on a break): This monk typically sleeps in the dormitory from 10 am to 4 pm, then spends time in the dining hall and a living area for contemplation. They carry an Akaviri Dai-Katana and the Ancestor Moth Key, and are hostile on sight.
- Moth Priest (contemplating his calling): Shares a similar sleep and contemplation schedule with the previous priest, also hostile, and carries an Ancestor Moth Key.
- Moth Priest (eating breakfast - female): Her schedule is slightly different, sleeping from 8 pm to 2 am, with breakfast and long periods of contemplation. She wields an Akaviri Katana and an Ancestor Moth Key, and is hostile.
- Moth Priest (eats breakfast - female): Another monk with a unique, though sometimes bugged, schedule involving sleep from 8 pm to 2 am and extensive contemplation. She also carries an Ancestor Moth Key and is hostile.
- Moth Priest (prays in the moth shrine): This monk spends all their time praying in a chamber filled with sacred moths. They are equipped with an Akaviri Dai-Katana and the standard monk attire.
Imperial Palace
Within the Imperial Palace, specifically in the Moth Priest's Quarters, reside several more priests and prelates, often linked to the Elder Scrolls Library:
- Moth Priest (takes a drink - female): A day-shift monk who sleeps from midnight to 8 am, then spends 12 hours diligently reading various books in the library (Arcana Restored, The Brothers of Darkness, Spirit of the Daedra). Her reading habits change based on "The Ultimate Heist" quest progression. She carries an Imperial Palace Key and copies of the books she reads.
- Moth Priest (heads downstairs into the library - female): A night-shift monk sleeping from midday to 8 pm, then reading different texts in the library (Glories and Laments, Cleansing of the Fane) for 12 hours. Her routine also adapts to "The Ultimate Heist." She carries an Imperial Palace Key and her read books.
- Blind Moth Priest (eats breakfast - male): Similar to the first Imperial Palace priest, he sleeps from midnight to 8 am and dedicates 12 hours to reading in the library (Children of the Sky, N'Gasta! Kvata! Kvakis!). His routine is also quest-dependent. He carries an Imperial Palace Key and his books.
- Blind Moth Priest (studies a rare text - male): A night-shift monk, sleeping from midday to 8 pm, then reading books like The Waters of Oblivion and Modern Heretics. His schedule, too, is influenced by "The Ultimate Heist." He carries an Imperial Palace Key and his books.
- Doorkeeper of the Elder Scrolls Library: Before a certain stage of "The Ultimate Heist," this monk guards the library door. After the quest progresses, he retires to the dormitory. He carries an Imperial Palace Key.
- Blind Moth Priest (on the prowl - female): This unique priest patrols the Moth Priest's Quarters, often found in the dormitory or outer corridor. Unusually for a Moth Priest, she wears a standard monk robe instead of the white one, and carries an Akaviri Dai-Katana and an Imperial Palace Key.
Blind Moth Prelates: The Higher Echelon
Beyond the common Blind Moth Priests are the Prelates, who hold a higher rank within the order. They too are found in both the Temple of the Ancestor Moths and the Imperial Palace, often with more varied and complex routines, reflecting their increased responsibilities.
Temple of the Ancestor Moths Prelates
- Blind Moth Prelate (leaving the sleeping area): This prelate has a detailed schedule involving sleep (4 am-10 am), meals, prayer, inventory checks in the storeroom, and harvesting fungi. He carries an Ancestor Moth Key.
- A Blind Moth Prelate (praying - female): Her routine includes sleep (4 pm-10 pm), meals, prayer, storeroom inventories, meditation, and fungi harvesting. She wields an Akaviri Dai-Katana and an Ancestor Moth Key.
- A Blind Moth Prelate (guards Savilla's Stone): This prelate is particularly noteworthy as he stands guard over Savilla's Stone and does not move from his position. He carries an Akaviri Dai-Katana and, crucially, a leveled magical item of jewellery. This can be any of the most powerful rings or necklaces in the game. Due to his respawning nature, he can be a highly sought-after source for acquiring powerful magical items repeatedly.
Imperial Palace Prelates
- Blind Moth Prelate (eats breakfast - male): He sleeps from midnight to 8 am, then oversees the lower-ranked monks in the library for 12 hours. He carries an Akaviri Dai-Katana and an Imperial Palace Key.
- Blind Moth Prelate (attacks - male): This prelate's schedule involves sleep (midday-6 pm), pacing, meals, and 12 hours overseeing monks in the library. He also carries an Akaviri Dai-Katana and an Imperial Palace Key.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blind Moth Priests
Players often have questions about these unique characters. Here are some common inquiries:
Why are the Moth Priests blind?
The Blind Moth Priests lose their sight as a direct consequence of reading the Elder Scrolls over long periods. The immense power and complexity of these ancient artefacts exact a heavy toll on those who attempt to decipher them, with blindness being the ultimate sacrifice.
Can Blind Moth Priests detect me if I'm sneaking?
They are completely blind and cannot detect you visually. However, they can still hear. If you move while sneaking, they may detect you by sound. To remain completely undetected, you must be stationary while sneaking.
Where can I find Blind Moth Priests in Oblivion?
Blind Moth Priests and Prelates are primarily found in two locations: the Temple of the Ancestor Moths and the Moth Priest's Quarters within the Imperial Palace. Each location houses several individuals with distinct routines.
What is the significance of Savilla's Stone?
Savilla's Stone is a key item required during the Thieves Guild quest "Turning a Blind Eye." It is guarded by a Blind Moth Prelate in the Temple of the Ancestor Moths, highlighting the priests' role as guardians of powerful artefacts.
Are there any unique items associated with Blind Moth Priests?
Yes, particularly the Blind Moth Prelate who guards Savilla's Stone. This prelate uniquely carries a leveled magical item of jewellery, which can be any of the game's most powerful rings or necklaces. As he respawns, he can be used as a recurring source of these valuable magical items.
The Blind Moth Priests are more than just obstacles or quest-givers; they are a fascinating embodiment of the arcane dangers and profound knowledge that permeate the world of Oblivion. Their unique condition and behaviour add depth to the game's mechanics and lore, making every encounter with them a memorable experience.
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