Arena
From the OblivioWiki – your guide to everything Oblivion
The Arena is the main form of entertainment in Imperial City. Located on the eastern side of the city, you have the option of betting on fighters in gladiator-style combat, or joining the Arena and fighting in it yourself. You gain one rank for every three fights you win. The Arena houses two teams, the Yellow Team and the Blue Team, pitted against one another in a never ending series of fights.
Contents |
[edit] History of the Arena
The Arena was founded by one of the greatest warriors known to Tamriel, Gaiden Shinji, during the First Era. There is no exact date, but the Arena was constructed sometime during the tenth century of the First Era before 1E 980, the year that marked the end of the 30-year siege of Orsinium that killed Gaiden Shinji and many other great heroes.
Gaiden Shinji was a member of the Order of Diagna. His most famous quote was "The best techniques are passed on by the survivors," which was made in 1E 947.
[edit] Description
The Arena consists of the Bloodworks (contains the Red Room and the practice room), and the Arena itself. The Arena Bloodworks is headed by Blademaster Owyn. Ysabel Andronicus is the Battle Matron and serves as the Grand Champion's trainer and manager. Grand Champion Agronak gro-Malog is practicing his swordsmanship skills. You'll also find a Blue Team Gladiator, who is either practicing archery or hand to hand and the Yellow Team Champion who is practicing melee.
There are various iron weapons scattered around the Bloodworks and four bedrolls on which to rest on. There are also two Raiment Cabinets which contain both the Arena Light Raiment and the Arena Heavy Raiment, should you lose track of your own.
To begin competing in the Arena, simply talk to Owyn and wear your chosen Arena Raiment. After you tell him you are prepared to battle, proceed through the Red Room to the Arena. When returning from battle, be sure to replenish your health, magicka, and fatigue at the Basin of Renewal.
[edit] Battle Rules
- You can fight in the Arena from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (actually, you can fight any time of day, but you can only register for a fight between 9 am and 9 pm. To fight in the middle of the night, ask for a match in the correct time, then wait until it is nighttime. You opponent will be there, waiting patiently for you)
- You must wear the provided armor while fighting in the arena until you become Champion rank. You can choose between a light or heavy raiment.
- You may choose any weapon, shield, helmet, rings, or amulets to wear in addition to the provided armor.
- You may use any spells you wish.
- You may take as much time as you wish between fights, but all fights are to the death.
- Switching the armor will end the battle (the only way to break a battle).
However, if you do this twice, you will be expelled from the Arena. - Your opponents' equipment is not lootable, with the exception of fired arrows, until the Grand Championship match.
- Prizes for each win range from 50 to 500 gold depending on your rank.
- you are allowed to use as many skills as you wish, including stealth and restoration.
[edit] Ranks
 Pit Dog |  Brawler |  Bloodletter |  Myrmidon |  Warrior |  Gladiator |  Hero |  Champion |  Grand Champion |
|---|
[edit] Opponents and Victory Rewards
"PC Level Offset" refers to how many levels higher the opponent will be compared to your level. Some of your opponents' weapons and armor will also be leveled appropriately to your level.
| Opponent | PC Level Offset | Description and Tips | Reward | Fame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Dog
| ||||
| Wood Elf | 3 | Standard blade and shield wielding opponent, Light Armor. | 50 
| 1 |
| Imperial | 3 | Standard blade and shield wielding opponent, Heavy Armor. | 50
| 1 |
| Argonian | 3 | Archer, Heavy Armor. | 100 and Brawler rank
| 1 |
| Brawler
| ||||
| Nord | 4 | War Axe, Light Armor. | 100
| 1 |
| Wood Elf Wood Elf | 3 3 | Dwarven Claymore, Heavy Armor, Fortify Strength potion Bow, Light Armor, chameleon potion | 100
| 1 |
| Khajiit | 3 | Silver Battle Axe, Heavy Armor | 150 and Bloodletter rank
| 1 |
| Bloodletter
| ||||
| Redguard | 3 | Heavy armor, Orcish Shield, Silver Mace | 150
| 1 |
| Breton | 3 | Silver Shortsword, Heavy Armor, shield | 150
| 1 |
| Dark Elf | 3 | Archer, Light Armor | 200 and Myrmidon rank
| 1 |
| Myrmidon
| ||||
| Wood Elf | 4 | Shimmerstrike dagger, Light Armor | 200
| 1 |
| High Elf | 4 | Longsword, shield, Light Armor | 200
| 1 |
| Orc | 4 | Silver Battle Axe, Heavy Armor | 250 and Warrior rank
| 1 |
| Warrior
| ||||
| Nord | 5 | Silver Longsword, Mithril Shield, Heavy Armor | 250
| 1 |
| High Elf | 6 | Silver Longsword, Light Armor, casts Destruction spells, particularly a shock spell | 250
| 1 |
| Orc | 5 | Orcish Helmet, Glass Warhammer, Heavy Armor | 300 and Gladiator rank
| 1 |
| Gladiator
| ||||
| Argonian prisoner Argonian prisoner (F) Argonian prisoner | 7 7 7 | Silver Shortsword, Light Armor Light Armor, Hand to Hand Light Armor, Hand to Hand Killing these prisoners is sometimes considered a murder by the Dark Brotherhood, so if you are not part of the faction yet, you'll get the message that you were seen by "unknown forces" | 300
| 1 |
| Khajiit | 7 | Elven Long Sword, Elven Shield, Heavy Armor | 300
| 1 |
| Breton | 6 | Long Sword and Heavy Armor | 350 and Hero rank
| 1 |
| Hero
| ||||
| Imperial (former Blades member) | 8 | AkaviriLongsword, Blades Helmet and Blades Shield, Heavy Armor | 350
| 1 |
| High Elf | 7 | Light Armor, The Gray Aegis shield that resists magic completely It's imperative that you use melee or ranged normal damage as he is immune to any sort of magical damage. | 350
| 1 |
| Nord Champion Bloodletter (Dark Elf) ally Pit Dog (Dark Elf) ally | 6 4 5 | Longsword, Orcish Shield, Heavy Armor Ebony Bow, Light Armor, elven helmet Destruction with minor health spell You have your own ally, Porkchop the Boar, to help distract your opponents. | 500 and Champion rank
| 1 |
| Champion
| ||||
| Orc (Grand Champion) | 10 |
Longsword, Heavy Armor and shield | 1000 , Grand Champion rank, Light or Heavy Raiment of Valor, Adoring Fan, Arena Title
| 10 |
| Totals: | 5650
| 31 | ||
[edit] Championship
Once you have achieved the rank of Champion, you are given the option of challenging Grand Champion Agronak gro-Malog. Speak to the battle matron, Ysabel, for more information. She will let you choose an Arena Title from a list from which people will then call you by this name after you become Grand Champion. The available names are as follows (some choices depend on your character's sex):
- The Spellslinger
- The Butcher
- Shadowstep
- The Black Arrow
- Skullcrusher
- The Divine Avenger
- The Messenger of Death
- The Crimson Blade
- The Iron Maiden (female only)
- Lady Luck (female only)
- Man o' War (male only)
- Sir Slaughter (male only)
- The Tamriel Terror
- Dragonheart
Unlike other fights, you are allowed to wear any equipment you wish, and upon victory, you can loot the longsword, shield, and heavily enchanted armor your opponent wears. To finish the quest, you must give gro-Malog's enchanted armor to Ysabel, who then rewards you with your own version with identical enchantments, again giving you the choice of a heavy or light version.
Although an uncommon issue, if you complete Origin of the Gray Prince for Grand Champion Agronak gro-Malog before you fight him, it might count as a murder. Many have asked why this is, and that is because he does not fight back because he wants to die. As a result, the Dark Brotherhood may visit you (if you are not already part of the faction) with the message: "Your murder has been seen by unknown forces". If you wish you can kill Agronak when he gives up via the console (see Cheats) and it will not count as a murder and the Dark Brotherhood will not visit you.
[edit] Life of the Grand Champion
After becoming the Grand Champion, you are given the option of fighting a selection of monsters gathered from around Cyrodiil once a week. The selection of monsters (and prize gold) depends on your level. Just like against Agronak, you may use whatever armor you want and loot any fallen monsters.
[edit] Monster selections
| Level | Monster selections |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | 1 Boar 1 Boar, 1 Wolf 2 Wolves, 1 Goblin Skirmisher |
| 6-8 | 1 Goblin Berserker 2 Trolls 2 Goblin Berserkers, 1 Troll |
| 9-11 | 1 Mountain Lion 2 Mountain Lions 2 Mountain Lions, 1 Spriggan |
| 12-14 | 1 Bear 2 Minotaurs 1 Bear 2 Minotaurs |
| 15-17 | 1 Ogre 2 Ogres 2 Ogres, 1 Land Dreugh |
| 18+ | 1 Minotaur Lord 2 Minotaur Lords 3 Minotaur Lords |
[edit] Tips for Arena Battles
[edit] Easy Arena fights
When the fight starts, run to the right side, where there is a gray pillar near the closed fence and hop up on to it, it might take a couple tries, but once you get on top of it, you can stand there without worrying about being hit. Sit there and simply use ranged attacks, such as spells at them.
While on top of the pillar explained above just go into sneaking mode and they will end up turning around and lose sight of you. This way, you can deal extra damage with stealthy attacks for easier killing.
For melee-focused characters, melee fighting is fairly straightforward. Just bring plenty of health potions.
For melee-focused characters wielding a two-handed sword, block and after you've deflected the blow, strike twice. Then repeat until dead.
For thieves and the stealthy-types, assuming you have points in Acrobatics and/or Athletics, a good tactic is to hit-and-run. This involves attacking with a few attacks and then stepping back to avoid the incoming enemy attack. If you're an archer, shooting a couple of arrows and then running when the opponent gets closer is also effective.
If you're low on arrows, wait for a fight with a single archer enemy. Begin the fight and walk backwards down the hallway you entered from. The enemy will follow you down and attempt to shoot you repeatedly with his/her bow. The enemy will never run out of leveled arrows and when you see one coming, sidestep slightly, letting it stick into the wooden door behind you. After a while, turn and collect the 50 or so arrows that have built up. Repeat as desired. This is a fairly easy technique when coupled with even the very first healing spell in the game as you may take a hit or two when collecting arrows. 200 arrows can be gathered in a short time using this technique.
If you have high points in Acrobatics, it is also possible to jump up on the walls and behind the fences (it may take an extra nudge by your opponent to get you up there) around the arena, where most enemies will be unable to reach you. Simply shoot them down with bow and arrow, or use magic to take enemies down. Enemy archers and spellcasters may be a bit more difficult to fight this way, since they are ranged and can shoot you. It is best to simply rush them. When you become Grand Champion the fences in the arena open, so you can no longer hide behind them. Use the fences as a good time to heal yourself, it will help conserve healing potions, and increase your restoration skill. You can also aim through the crack between the wall and the fence, safe out of harms way. Its actually really hard to hit your opponent throught the crack between the wall and fence, and unless you master it or have a high acrobatics, you're stuck.
For mages and thief/mages, a good combination is to use Conjuration to summon a monster and then use Invisibility (or Chameleon if your stealth is reasonably good) to skulk around in stealth mode. Summoning in conjunction with Illusion can even be used to train your stealth and backstab skills. Combatants rarely pay any attention to conjured monsters so in general you can just sit back and re-summon, re-invisible as needed. Best of all, stealth, conjuration, and illusion are skills that are quickly trainable, the former by sneaking behind friendlies (do it with a summon, for instance) and the latter with simple spells. It is possible to beat the three-on-one fights without taking a hit using this method.
Some spells, such as Black Winter (Frost Damage + Paralyze), can be very useful against single opponents. Just paralyze them and then rush. For multiple enemies, use Fireball, or other splash-damage spells.
Some of the staves found around Cyrodiil provide potent effects. However, be sure to check that your opponent isn't resistant to the staff's effects.
You are allowed to do pretty much anything. Fight dirty. If you have an invisibility spell/potion/power, use it and hit your opponent from behind. Use poisons to drain his attributes, or use spells to desintegrate his armour. Use whatever resources you have at your disposal.
[edit] Fighting in the Arena at low levels
Strangely, it is entirely possible to become Grand Champion as low as level 1, though the fight against three simultaneous opponents can be very difficult. Against the Champion at low character levels, Porkchop may end up dealing a lot more damage than you. The Grand Champion, and nearly all other single opponents, can be defeated with a simple block and swing strategy.
Another easy way to defeat opponents, is simply staying put and sneak attacking with a bow. If you have a stealthy character, this will make arena fights very easy, as you never have to do any actual fighting. This requires a very high sneak skill, though, so don't expect to win any fights with a low level character this way.
After becoming Grand Champion at a low level, the enemy monsters will be scaled to your level, including your reward for defeating them.
A way to defeat Minotaur Lords (as Grand Champion) - Since the Minotaur Lords are so tall (especially due to the length of their horns), an easy way to defeat them is to simply retreat back down the stairs of your team entrance after the gate opens and wait for the Minotaur Lords to attack. Due to their size, they will not be able to get down the stairs and you will be able to use any ranged attack to defeat them. This allows you to fight 3 Minotaur Lords at once and get more money and experience as well as the possibility of acquiring their Grand Souls.
[edit] Betting at the Arena
Besides fighting in the Arena for yourself, there is also the option of betting on daily fights between the two teams, the Yellow Team and the Blue Team. Regardless of whether or not you have fought any fights in the Arena, you are able to bet on either team. To bet, you must speak to the gatekeeper Hundolin, a Wood Elf, at the entrance to the Arena. Speak with him between 9am and 9pm in order to place a bet of 25, 50 or 100 gold. After that, enter either of the doors to his left and watch the fight. Your luck plays a small part in the outcome of the bet. At least one of the effects luck has is to modify the health of your chosen combatant upward.
- For luck 50-59, health is increased by 5.
- For luck 60-69, health is increased by 10.
- For luck 70-79, health is increased by 15.
- For luck 80-89, health is increased by 20.
- For luck 90-99, health is increased by 25.
- For luck 100, health is increased by 30.
- For luck greater than 100, health is unmodified (bug).
If you win, you win double the amount of what you bet.
You can neither fight in an Arena match while you have an outstanding bet nor can you bet on your own match.
If you have over 400 acrobatics, you can jump over the invisible wall and kill the enemy combatant yourself.
If you steal the contents of his takings chest,he will attack you every time he sees you. This means you can no longer bet on the fights as he will not talk to you. However if you steal the contents while nobody is watching you can still bet on the fights. The chest has 500 gold in it when no bets are placed in it, but the contents never respawn even if you bet more and lose.
