Oblivion Blood Of The Daedra Quest Guide And Artifact Choice

In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the main questline eventually leads players to Cloud Ruler Temple for a critical task given by Martin Septim. To open a portal to Camoran's Paradise, Martin requires a powerful relic—specifically the blood of a Daedric Prince contained within a Daedric artifact. Navigating this stage requires careful consideration, as surrendering an artifact permanently removes a potentially irreplaceable item from your inventory.

Understanding the Blood of the Daedra Objective

The Blood of the Daedra quest initiates during the main story when Martin reveals his plan to confront Mankar Camoran. To complete the spell ritual, you must acquire at least one Daedric artifact by offering a specific sacrifice at a Daedric shrine throughout Cyrodiil. Once retrieved, handing the artifact over to Martin permanently consumes it, making your choice of item crucial for long-term gameplay.

Evaluating Which Artifacts Are Safe to Sacrifice

Not all Daedric artifacts are created equal, making some far more expendable than others depending on your character build. Items like Azura's Star or the Skeleton Key offer invaluable permanent utility that players should protect at all costs. On the other hand, items like Azura's Star alternatives, such as the Wabbajack, Masque of Clavicus Vile, or the Rose of Sanguine, are often considered prime candidates for sacrifice if their playstyle benefits do not fit your active strategy.

For players seeking a straightforward option, completing Sheogorath's quest yields the Wabbajack, an unpredictable staff that is rarely essential for core combat. Another popular choice is the Star of Azura if you prefer using standard Soul Gems, though keeping Azura's Star is generally recommended for heavy enchanters. Careful inventory planning ensures you sacrifice an item with minimal impact on your overall adventuring capabilities.

Best Practices Before Handing Over Your Artifact

Before confirming your decision with Martin, double-check that you have completed any relevant shrine quests and received their respective achievements or rewards. Once an artifact is consumed in the ritual fire, it cannot be recovered through normal gameplay means. Preparing a backup save before handing the relic over allows you to test alternative options if you regret your sacrifice later.

Completing the Ritual and Moving Forward

After giving Martin the chosen Daedric artifact, he begins analyzing its magical properties to prepare the final gate. This progress advances the main narrative, unlocking subsequent missions needed to resolve the Oblivion Crisis. Choosing the right item ensures a smooth transition into the late-game stages without sacrificing the best tools in your personal arsenal.