The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is filled with quests, dialogue options, and immersive moments that stick with players long after they’ve completed their journey through Tamriel. One such moment comes when players are confronted with the ominous phrase, Continue your penance. Though it might seem cryptic or even inconsequential at first glance, this line is deeply connected to the game’s mechanics and lore, particularly concerning the Nine Divines and the ways in which players interact with religious elements in the game world. Understanding what ‘Continue your penance’ means and how it affects gameplay can shed light on Oblivion’s deeper systems and help players avoid confusion or missed opportunities.
Understanding the Context of Continue Your Penance
The Role of the Nine Divines
In Oblivion, the Nine Divines represent the core pantheon of gods worshipped throughout Cyrodiil. These divine figures are central to many in-game mechanics, including shrines that offer blessings, restore attributes, and remove curses. Players often seek out these shrines to gain temporary buffs or cleanse themselves of diseases and debuffs.
However, to receive a blessing from a shrine of the Nine Divines, the player must be in good standing with the gods. This means avoiding criminal actions and maintaining a reputation that aligns with the ideals of the Divines. When a player has committed certain crimes or violated the tenets of the gods, the shrine will not grant a blessing. Instead, the message Continue your penance is displayed, indicating that the player must atone for their sins before receiving divine favor again.
When the Message Appears
The Continue your penance message typically appears when interacting with altars of the Nine Divines after the player has committed crimes or immoral acts. These actions can include:
- Theft
- Murder
- Assaulting non-hostile NPCs
- Joining the Dark Brotherhood
- Engaging in Daedric quests
The gods of the Nine Divines consider these actions unworthy of their blessings. When you approach one of their altars, instead of receiving help, you are told to Continue your penance, signaling that divine judgment is still upon you.
How to Remove the Penance Status
Understanding the Pilgrimage
The primary way to absolve yourself and restore favor with the gods is to undertake a pilgrimage. This involves visiting the Wayshrines of the Nine Divines scattered throughout Cyrodiil. Each shrine is dedicated to a specific god, such as Akatosh, Arkay, or Dibella. Interacting with all nine shrines restores the player’s status and allows access to blessings once again.
Steps to Complete the Pilgrimage
To properly continue your penance and complete it, follow these steps:
- Open your quest log and look for the quest titled Pilgrimage (part of the Knights of the Nine expansion, or can be manually started).
- Locate each Wayshrine on your map or use guides to find their general location in the wilderness.
- Activate each shrine by selecting the altar and praying.
- Once all nine have been visited, your infamy is forgiven by the gods, and you may once again receive their blessings.
Additional Notes
It’s important to understand that the penance status is closely tied to your infamy score. Infamy is a hidden stat that measures the player’s criminal and immoral actions. High infamy, especially when not counterbalanced by fame, can block access to many Divine-related interactions. Completing the pilgrimage reduces your infamy in relation to blessings, but it doesn’t erase your record with guards or bounty levels.
Knights of the Nine and Its Influence
Link to the Expansion
The phrase Continue your penance becomes even more significant in the Knights of the Nine expansion. In this DLC, players are required to undergo a pilgrimage as part of the main storyline. Without completing this pilgrimage and purifying themselves of past sins, they are barred from proceeding in the questline or using holy relics like the Crusader’s Armor.
The DLC deepens the meaning of penance in Oblivion, reinforcing the idea that true power through the Divines comes only to those who walk a righteous path. Players must not only complete the pilgrimage but also remain virtuous to continue progressing through the Knights of the Nine questline. Failing to do so can cause the player to lose access to the holy armor or be cursed until they undergo another round of atonement.
Maintaining Holiness
After regaining divine favor, it’s possible to lose it again by committing additional crimes. This forces players who rely heavily on Divine blessings or items to maintain clean gameplay. It also encourages moral roleplaying, as the game’s systems reward those who act in accordance with the gods’ values.
Gameplay Tips for Managing Penance
Track Your Infamy
Use the stats menu to keep an eye on your infamy rating. While minor crimes might seem insignificant, they can accumulate and impact your ability to receive blessings or complete Divine-related quests.
Save Before Crime-Related Quests
If you’re interested in doing Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild quests but still want access to Divine blessings, consider completing the Pilgrimage afterward. Alternatively, save your game before starting these quests so you can restore a clean state if needed.
Use Shrines Strategically
Divine shrines offer powerful benefits, such as curing disease, restoring attributes, or granting temporary buffs. If you’re about to enter a major battle or dungeon, ensuring you’re in good standing with the Divines beforehand can be a smart strategic move.
In-Game Roleplaying and Immersion
Moral Dilemmas
Oblivion doesn’t force morality upon the player, but it encourages it through mechanics like penance. The decision to pursue a life of virtue or a path of crime has tangible effects on the game world, reinforcing roleplaying immersion.
Consequences of Actions
Continue your penance acts as a soft punishment that encourages reflection. Instead of locking players out entirely, it offers a path to redemption. This design choice supports the idea that while mistakes have consequences, forgiveness is always possible with effort.
The phrase Continue your penance in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is more than just a line of dialogue it’s a reflection of the game’s deeper morality system and the player’s relationship with the Divines. Whether you’re aiming to cleanse your soul for practical benefits or as part of a roleplaying journey, understanding how penance works enhances your immersion and effectiveness in the game. From locating the Wayshrines to managing your infamy, the journey toward redemption is one of the more spiritually grounded aspects of Oblivion’s expansive world. Players who embrace the pilgrimage not only regain blessings but also deepen their connection with the lore and principles that shape Tamriel itself.