The main questline in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion features several memorable milestones, but few demand as much strategic planning as the Blood of the Daedra mission. In this pivotal quest, Martin Septim tasks the Hero of Kvatch with obtaining a Daedric artifact to help open a portal to Camoran's Paradise. Because the chosen item is permanently consumed during the ritual, players must carefully weigh their options before parting with powerful relics.
How to Initiate and Progress the Quest
The quest automatically triggers immediately after completing the Spies mission at the Cloud Ruler Temple. Speak with Martin to learn that he needs the blood of a Daedra Lord, which manifests in the mortal realm as a Daedric artifact. Reading the nearby book titled Modern Heretics will point you toward the Shrine of Azura, though any of the fifteen Daedric shrines scattered across Cyrodiil will suffice.
To obtain an eligible item, you must travel to a chosen shrine, satisfy the specific level requirement, and offer the requested tribute to the Daedric Prince. Once you successfully complete their associated side quest, you will receive a unique reward. Bring this relic back to the Cloud Ruler Temple and present it to Martin to advance the main story line.
The Best Choices for Sacrifice
When selecting which artifact to surrender, the ideal candidates are those with weak enchantments or effects easily replaced by standard gear. The Ring of Namira and the Spellbreaker shield are excellent choices due to their situational usefulness. If your character does not utilize blunt combat styles, the Mace of Molag Bal or Volendrung serve as great sacrifices that will not impact your playstyle.
Another common choice among veteran players is the Wabbajack, received from the chaotic prince Sheogorath. While highly entertaining, its unpredictable nature makes it unreliable during difficult dungeon encounters. Sacrificing it allows you to preserve your more practical combat equipment for the challenging battles ahead.
Artifacts You Should Never Give Up
Certain Daedric rewards provide unparalleled utility throughout the game and should be kept in your inventory at all costs. The Skeleton Key, awarded by Nocturnal, is an unbreakable lockpick that grants a major permanent boost to your Security skill. Losing this item makes exploring ancient ruins significantly more tedious and expensive.
Azura's Star is another invaluable item that functions as a reusable grand soul gem for enchanting weapon gear. The Oghma Infinium should also be fiercely protected, as it provides substantial permanent increases to multiple character attributes and skills. If these are your only artifacts, it is highly recommended to seek out alternative shrines before speaking to Martin.
