Do All Oblivion Gates Close After Main Quest
Ever wondered what happens to all those swirling, demonic portals after you, the mighty hero, save the day in the land of Oblivion? You know, those big, nasty rips in reality that spew out all sorts of nasties? It’s a question that’s probably tickled the back of many a gamer’s mind.
So, do they all just pack up their pointy horns and disappear once the main storyline is wrapped up? Well, buckle up, because the answer is a little more… interesting than a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s like asking if your messy teenager cleans their room after you threaten them with no Wi-Fi. Maybe, but probably not entirely.
Let’s talk about the big ones first. The main Oblivion Gates, the ones that were the really big deal in the story? Those major gateways that threatened to swallow Tamriel whole? Those tend to be dealt with. You, the hero, you go in, you do your thing, and usually, by the end of the main quest, these colossal rifts are sealed shut.
Think of it like this: your town is under siege by a horde of angry goblins. You, brave adventurer, go to the goblin king’s main fort, fight him, and convince him to pack up his goblin army. The main invasion route? Closed. Phew! You can finally get some peace and quiet, right?
However, the world of Oblivion, much like a poorly managed fantasy kingdom, is a bit… sprawling. And sometimes, things get left behind. Or forgotten. Or just decided to hang around because they liked the decor.
You see, while the major portals are dealt with, the story doesn't always account for every single minor tear in reality that popped up. It’s like that time you cleaned out your garage and found three old, half-empty paint cans. You dealt with the big mess, but there are still little bits and bobs left.
So, if you’re wandering around the countryside, feeling all heroic and powerful after defeating the big bad, you might still stumble upon a smaller, less threatening (but still potentially annoying) Oblivion Gate. They’re like the forgotten socks in the laundry – they’re still there, even if they’re not the main event anymore.
These lingering gates are often the remnants of smaller skirmishes or areas where the forces of Oblivion made a less impactful, but still persistent, entrance. They’re the echoes of a larger conflict, the lingering whispers of danger.
And honestly, there’s a bit of a humorous charm to it. Imagine you’ve just saved the world, and you’re enjoying a well-deserved ale at the local tavern. Then, some farmer bursts in, panicking about a “tiny portal” in his backyard that’s letting out grumpy imps. It’s the real-life equivalent of saying, “Sure, I saved the planet, but can you please deal with this mouse problem?”
These smaller gates are often where the true lingering threat lies, or at least, the lingering annoyances. They’re the little inconveniences that remind you that even after the grand finale, the world still needs a bit of tidying up.
Sometimes, you might even find a gate that seems to have been… forgotten. Like it was supposed to be closed, but the quest giver got distracted by a shiny object, or a dragon decided to have a nap on top of it. It’s these little quirks that make the world feel alive, even if it’s a little messy.
Think of the poor Daedra who might have been on their way to the big invasion. They’re marching along, ready to conquer, and suddenly, their portal slams shut behind them. They’re stranded! It’s like arriving at a party and finding out you’re the only one who got the memo about it being cancelled.
Then there’s the heartwarming aspect. You, the hero, can choose to deal with these smaller gates. It’s not just about the main quest anymore. It’s about being a good neighbor, a diligent protector, even when no one is specifically telling you to.
It shows that the hero’s journey doesn’t end with the credits. It continues in the smaller acts of bravery, in the continued defense of the realm, even against minor threats. It's the quiet work of a true hero, cleaning up the mess so others can live in peace.
So, while the world-ending, epic Oblivion Gates are typically sealed away after the main story, don’t expect the entire Daedric threat to vanish into thin air. The land of Oblivion is vast, and its influence can linger in unexpected places, like that one persistent weed in your perfectly manicured garden.
It’s a testament to the enduring nature of the conflict, and a reminder that vigilance is always necessary. Even after saving the world, there are always more imps to vanquish and more portals to close.
And if you’re lucky, some of these leftover gates might even lead to some interesting loot, or a particularly grumpy but ultimately harmless Daedric prince who just wants to go home. You never know what you’ll find when you’re tidying up the multiverse.
Ultimately, the world of Oblivion isn’t just a quest to be completed; it’s a world to be lived in and protected. And that protection extends beyond the main storyline, into the quieter corners and the forgotten pathways. It's a place where even a small, forgotten portal can be a new adventure.
So next time you’re exploring, keep an eye out. You might just find a little piece of a past conflict, waiting for a hero to finally put it to rest. It’s the little things that make a world feel truly saved, after all.
The lingering gates are like the forgotten toys in a child's room. They might not be the most exciting, but they're still part of the landscape, waiting for a gentle hand to put them away.
It’s a subtle reminder that the fight for good is often a continuous effort, not a one-time spectacular event. You’ve dealt with the dragons, but now it’s time to deal with the troublesome squirrels that keep raiding the bird feeder.
And who knows, maybe some of those smaller gates are just lonely. They’ve been shut off from their homeland, and perhaps, in a strange, Daedric way, they’re just looking for a bit of company. A twisted, demonic kind of companionship, but company nonetheless.
The beauty of Oblivion is in its details, and the fact that not every single tear in reality is perfectly mended is one of those delightful, slightly chaotic details. It leaves room for continued exploration, for further acts of heroism, and for some truly unexpected encounters.
So, to answer the burning question: no, not all Oblivion Gates close after the main quest. The big, world-ending ones? Yes, thankfully. But the smaller, more persistent ones? They might just be out there, waiting for you to discover them, and perhaps, to finally send them packing. It's a world that keeps on giving, one little portal at a time.
It's a testament to the ongoing struggle between order and chaos. Even when the main battle is won, the skirmishes continue on the fringes, reminding us that peace is a precious commodity, always worth defending, one severed link to Oblivion at a time.
And in the end, isn’t that what makes the world of Oblivion so captivating? It’s not just the epic battles, but the persistent challenges, the unexpected discoveries, and the chance to be a hero, even when the main quest is long over.