Hey guys! Ready to dive deep into the world of Oblivion Remastered and unlock the secrets of the Imperial race? You've come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we're going to break down everything you need to know about playing an Imperial, from their starting stats and skills to the best strategies for leveling up and dominating Cyrodiil. Whether you're a seasoned Oblivion veteran or a newbie just starting your adventure, this article will provide valuable insights to help you make the most of your Imperial character.

Understanding the Imperial Race

The Imperial race in Oblivion is based on the Roman Empire, renowned for their diplomacy, commerce, and military prowess. Imperials are the native people of Cyrodiil, the central province of Tamriel, and their culture reflects a blend of sophistication and pragmatism. Let's explore what makes Imperials unique and why they might be the perfect choice for your playthrough.

Key Attributes of Imperials

When you choose to play as an Imperial, you're not just picking a race; you're embracing a set of inherent strengths and weaknesses that will shape your gameplay experience. Understanding these attributes is crucial for building an effective character. First off, Imperials get a +10 bonus to the personality attribute, giving them a head start in speechcraft and making friends (or influencing people!). They also get a +5 bonus to blade, hand-to-hand, and mercantile skills. These bonuses make Imperials versatile characters, capable of excelling in combat, bartering, and social interactions.

But wait, there's more! Imperials possess the Voice of the Emperor ability, which is a once-per-day power that charms nearby humanoids. This can be a lifesaver in tricky situations, allowing you to defuse conflicts or gain a temporary advantage in negotiations. Additionally, Imperials have a natural resistance to shock damage, providing a bit of extra protection against mages and lightning-based attacks. These starting advantages make Imperials well-rounded characters suitable for various playstyles.

Why Choose an Imperial?

So, why should you pick an Imperial over other races like Nords, Bretons, or Dark Elves? The answer lies in their versatility. Imperials are not the absolute best at any single thing, but they are good at almost everything. This makes them ideal for players who like to dabble in different skills and playstyles. Are you thinking of being a charming merchant who can also hold their own in a fight? An Imperial is a perfect choice. Want to play a diplomatic character who can talk their way out of trouble but also knows how to swing a sword? An Imperial has you covered. Their balanced skillset allows for a flexible approach to the game, making them adaptable to various quests and challenges.

Furthermore, the Imperial’s starting bonuses in mercantile and personality mean you’ll be making more money and having an easier time persuading NPCs from the get-go. Who doesn't want to be rich and well-liked? These advantages can significantly ease your early game experience, allowing you to accumulate wealth and build relationships more quickly.

Optimizing Your Imperial Build

Now that you know what makes Imperials special, let's get into the nitty-gritty of building an optimized character. The beauty of Oblivion is that you can customize your character to fit your preferred playstyle. However, some strategies are more effective than others, especially when starting as an Imperial.

Choosing Your Class

The class you choose will further define your character's strengths and weaknesses. While Imperials are versatile, selecting a class that complements their natural abilities can make them even more effective. Here are a few class suggestions that work well with Imperials:

• Knight: With a focus on combat skills like blade, block, and heavy armor, combined with personality skills like mercantile and speechcraft, the Knight class is a natural fit for Imperials. You'll be a formidable warrior who can also charm their way through social situations.
• Agent: Emphasizing stealth, security, and speechcraft, the Agent class allows you to play a cunning and manipulative character. The Imperial's bonus to personality will make you even more persuasive, while your combat skills will keep you alive when things get dicey.
• Merchant: If you want to focus on making money and building a commercial empire, the Merchant class is the way to go. With skills like mercantile, speechcraft, and illusion, you'll be able to buy low, sell high, and influence the market to your advantage. The Imperial's natural aptitude for business will give you a significant edge.

Key Skills to Focus On

Regardless of the class you choose, there are certain skills that every Imperial should focus on to maximize their potential. These skills will not only enhance your character's abilities but also make your gameplay experience more enjoyable.

• Blade: As an Imperial, you'll want to master the art of swordplay. Invest in the Blade skill to increase your damage output and unlock powerful combat maneuvers. A skilled Imperial swordsman is a force to be reckoned with.
• Speechcraft: The Imperial's bonus to personality makes them natural diplomats. Maximize your Speechcraft skill to persuade NPCs, negotiate better deals, and avoid unnecessary conflicts. A silver tongue can be just as effective as a sharp sword.
• Mercantile: Making money is essential in Oblivion, and the Mercantile skill will help you do just that. Invest in this skill to buy items at lower prices and sell them at higher prices. A wealthy Imperial is a powerful Imperial.
• Heavy Armor: While Imperials are versatile, they are not particularly stealthy. Investing in Heavy Armor will provide you with the protection you need to survive tough battles. A well-armored Imperial is a resilient Imperial.

Leveling Up Strategies

Leveling up is a crucial aspect of Oblivion, and it's important to have a strategy in place to ensure that you're progressing efficiently. Here are some tips for leveling up your Imperial character:

• Focus on Your Major Skills: Your major skills are the skills that contribute to your character's level progression. Choose your major skills wisely and focus on leveling them up as quickly as possible. The more you use these skills, the faster you'll level up.
• Train Your Skills: Don't be afraid to spend some gold to train your skills with trainers. This is a quick and easy way to boost your skill levels, especially in the early game. Find trainers who specialize in the skills you want to improve and invest in their services.
• Complete Quests: Completing quests is a great way to earn experience and level up your character. Focus on completing quests that align with your character's skills and playstyle. The more quests you complete, the faster you'll level up.
• Explore and Discover: Oblivion is a vast and beautiful world, and there's always something new to discover. Explore the world, find hidden locations, and complete side quests to earn extra experience and level up your character. The more you explore, the more opportunities you'll find to grow.

Mastering Combat with an Imperial

Combat is an inevitable part of Oblivion, and knowing how to fight effectively is essential for survival. As an Imperial, you'll want to develop a combat style that leverages your strengths and mitigates your weaknesses.

Choosing Your Weapons and Armor

The weapons and armor you choose will greatly impact your combat effectiveness. Here are some recommendations for Imperial characters:

• Swords: As mentioned earlier, Imperials have a bonus to the Blade skill, making swords a natural choice. Longswords, broadswords, and katanas are all viable options. Experiment with different types of swords to find the one that suits your style.
• Heavy Armor: Heavy Armor provides the best protection against physical attacks, making it an excellent choice for Imperials who want to be resilient in combat. Invest in a full set of heavy armor to maximize your defense.
• Shields: A shield can be a lifesaver in tough battles. Use a shield to block incoming attacks and create openings for counterattacks. A skilled Imperial can use a shield to control the flow of combat.

Combat Tactics and Strategies

In addition to choosing the right equipment, it's important to develop effective combat tactics and strategies. Here are some tips for fighting as an Imperial:

• Use Your Voice of the Emperor Ability: Don't forget about your racial ability. The Voice of the Emperor can charm nearby humanoids, giving you a temporary advantage in combat. Use this ability strategically to turn the tide of battle.
• Block and Counterattack: Blocking is an essential skill in Oblivion. Use your shield to block incoming attacks, and then counterattack when your opponent is vulnerable. A well-timed block can save your life.
• Use Potions and Spells: Potions and spells can provide you with additional buffs and abilities in combat. Use potions to restore your health, stamina, or magicka, and use spells to deal extra damage or control your enemies.
• Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Every enemy in Oblivion has its own strengths and weaknesses. Learn to identify these weaknesses and exploit them to your advantage. For example, some enemies are weak to fire, while others are weak to frost.

Roleplaying as an Imperial

Finally, let's talk about roleplaying as an Imperial. Oblivion is a roleplaying game, and the choices you make will shape your character's story and destiny. Here are some tips for roleplaying as an Imperial:

Embrace Your Cultural Heritage

Imperials are known for their diplomacy, commerce, and military prowess. Embrace these traits when roleplaying your character. Be polite and respectful to others, negotiate fair deals, and stand up for what you believe in.

Make Meaningful Choices

The choices you make in Oblivion have consequences. Think carefully about your decisions and choose the path that aligns with your character's values and goals. The more meaningful your choices are, the more immersive your roleplaying experience will be.

Interact with the World

Oblivion is a living, breathing world. Interact with the world around you, talk to NPCs, explore new locations, and uncover hidden secrets. The more you immerse yourself in the world, the more rewarding your roleplaying experience will be.

Develop Your Character's Backstory

Create a backstory for your Imperial character. Where did they come from? What are their motivations? What are their hopes and dreams? The more detailed your character's backstory is, the more compelling your roleplaying experience will be.

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide to mastering Imperial stats in Oblivion Remastered. With the right build, skills, and strategies, you'll be well on your way to conquering Cyrodiil and becoming a legendary hero. Now go forth, embrace your Imperial heritage, and create your own epic adventure! Good luck, and have fun!