The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion features a rich collection of side quests scattered across the province of Cyrodiil. Among these unique standalone encounters, When the Vow Breaks presents players with a personal storyline involving family obligations and moral decisions. Understanding how to initiate the quest and navigate its objectives ensures a smooth experience for any adventurer exploring the region.
How to Start the Quest
To begin When the Vow Breaks, travel to Whitmond Farm, which is situated just north of the coastal city of Anvil. Upon arriving, speak with Maeva the Buxom to learn about her troubled marital situation and missing family heirloom. She explains that her husband, Bjalfi the Contemptible, fled the residence after stealing her precious family mace, Rockshatter.
Maeva requests your assistance in tracking down her estranged husband and retrieving the stolen weapon. Accepting her plea updates your quest log and places a map marker pointing toward Bjalfi's current hideout. Preparing your equipment beforehand is recommended, as the task leads into dangerous territory filled with hostile enemies.
Locating Bjalfi the Contemptible
Following the quest marker will guide you toward Rock Bottom Cavern, located south of Cheydinhal. The interior of the cave is inhabited by various hostile creatures, including goblins and wilderness beasts, which must be dealt with as you navigate the narrow passages. Proceed deeper into the cavern system until you discover the chamber where Bjalfi is hiding.
When you confront Bjalfi, he will be hostile toward your presence and refuse to return the stolen heirloom willingly. Engaging him in combat is necessary to fulfill Maeva's request and recover the weapon. Once you defeat Bjalfi, inspect his body to claim Rockshatter along with any additional loot he carries.
Quest Choices and Outcomes
After acquiring Rockshatter, you face a decision regarding how to conclude the quest line. The primary path involves returning directly to Whitmond Farm to deliver the mace back to Maeva as promised. Handing over the weapon grants you a gold reward that scales based on your character's current level.
Alternatively, players may choose to keep Rockshatter due to its unique enchantment, which inflicts Frost Damage and lowers the target's Weakness to Frost. However, keeping the weapon leaves the quest uncompleted in your active journal. Delivering the mace remains the standard route for players aiming to complete every quest in Cyrodiil.
Rewards and Key Takeaways
Completing the quest by returning the mace provides both a financial payout and a bump toward total quest progression. Maeva expresses deep gratitude for resolving her domestic troubles and retrieving her ancestral property. For completionists, resolving this dispute offers a simple yet satisfying diversion from the main storyline obligations.
