Unlocking the Wabbajack in Oblivion Remastered: A Quick Guide

The Wabbajack is undoubtedly one of the most eccentric items in Tamriel, and it makes a grand return in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. This Daedric Artifact, associated with Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness, has a rather unpredictable effect. While it may not be as chaotic as its version in Skyrim, it can still unleash significant chaos and has its practical applications in specific circumstances. However, it’s essential to grasp all its functionalities and limitations before using it indiscriminately on others.

To acquire the Wabbajack, you must complete Sheogorath’s personal quest, aptly titled “Sheogorath.” This quest is entirely distinct from the Shivering Isles DLC, which also prominently features the Daedric Prince. Some dialogue may vary depending on your progress in the DLC, but the procedure to obtain the Wabbajack remains unchanged. Here’s everything you need to know about tracking down this unusual artifact and using it to unleash mayhem across Cyrodiil.

How to Obtain the Wabbajack

An Offering for Sheogorath

You can start this quest as early as level two, but you’ll need to locate Sheogorath’s Shrine on your own. It’s positioned at the map marker located south of Bravil and north of Leyawiin, approximately halfway along the road that follows the western bank of the Lower Niben. Approach the Shrine and look for an NPC named Ferul Ravel. He will inform you that Sheogorath only interacts with mortals who bring him an offering. He asks for:

• A head of lettuce
• A ball of yarn
• A Lesser Soul Gem

You’ll need to gather all three items without any hints from the quest. The lettuce and yarn are generally easy to come by, as they can often be found in chests throughout the world. Check homes and inns in any city or even in the nearby town of Border Watch for these items. You can typically find Soul Gems at Mages Guild locations or in magic shops.

Once you have all three offerings, interact with the shrine to meet either Sheogorath or Haskill, depending on your progress in The Shivering Isles. After an introductory dialogue, they will inform you that Sheogorath finds Border Watch dull and wishes to inject some excitement into it. Your objective is to fulfill a peculiar prophecy known as the K’sharra. You’ll be responsible for the first two steps, while Sheogorath will complete the rest.

The K’sharra Prophecy

Head over to Border Watch and start inquiring about the K’sharra prophecy. Most locals will direct you to Ri’Bassa, the town’s shaman. He tends to roam the small town, so finding him might take some time. If you’re having difficulties, check the Border Watch Inn at 11 AM or 7 PM, or his home between 10 PM and 4 AM.

When you find Ri’Bassa, use a mix of bribery and Oblivion‘s persuasion minigame to increase his favor towards you (aim for at least 60). Ask him about the K’sharra, and he will tell you that the prophecy consists of three signs: the plague of vermin, the plague of famine, and the plague of fear, which he refuses to elaborate on.

Plague of Vermin

Go to the Border Watch Inn, where you’ll find two display cases filled with various cheeses. Look for the Olroy Cheese, which is isolated in the left showcase. You can either pick the lock (this is a Very Hard lock) using your Security skills or an Open spell, or you can steal the key from the innkeeper, S’thasa.

Take the Olroy Cheese and place it in the cooking pot just outside to the left. After a brief moment, a swarm of rats will emerge and gather around the pot. Ri’Bassa will arrive shortly after to sprinkle rat poison. Make sure to observe this, then speak with Ri’Bassa to confirm he has witnessed the first sign of the prophecy.

Plague of Famine

From the cooking pot, head south until you find a small pen containing sheep. You need to kill the sheep to convince Ri’Bassa that the second plague is occurring.

You can achieve this in two ways: use the rat poison Ri’Bassa left near the cooking pot and add it to the sheep’s feeding trough, or you can attack the sheep directly with weapons and spells. While poisoning is a quieter, more stealthy approach, just wait for the sheep to eat and they will drop dead all at once.

Plague of Fear

After you’ve completed this task, you will receive a telepathic message from Sheogorath instructing you to head to the town center. Stand near the stone stairs and watch as the sky turns crimson and flaming wolves rain down.

Once you receive the update to return to Sheogorath’s Shrine, do just that. Upon your arrival, either Sheogorath or Haskill will greet you, and you will be rewarded with the Wabbajack for your efforts in spreading chaos across the realm.

What the Wabbajack Does

Effects & Tips

The Wabbajack is a distinct staff that casts a magic effect on any creature (excluding humans): for ten seconds after activation, it randomly transforms the target into one of several creatures.

• Daedroth
• Deer
• Goblin
• Ogre
• Rat
• Sheep
• Skeleton
• Troll

There’s no way to predict which creature the Wabbajack will spawn; all of the options are equally likely and appear in no specific order. For example, you might try to turn a goblin into a sheep for an easier fight, only to end up with a Daedroth instead. Additionally, the transformed creature will have a full health bar, and when they revert back, the original target will heal completely.

Therefore, while the Wabbajack may not always turn foes into manageable sheep, it does have specialized uses. Creatures resistant to normal damage, like ghosts and will-o-the-wisps, can be transformed into living beings that are more vulnerable to physical attacks. Since using the Wabbajack spawns aggressive creatures, it offers clever opportunities to eliminate non-hostile NPCs without attracting a bounty or blood price.

In conclusion, while the Wabbajack may not be the most universally useful item in Cyrodiil, it provides an entertaining diversion and can be advantageous in certain scenarios. Completing the “Sheogorath” quest is certainly worthwhile as you explore The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.