The Mages Guild is a central pillar of magical development in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, offering a wealth of resources to those who choose to align themselves with its scholars. While it caters especially to spellcasters, even non-magic users will find value in its amenities, including safe lodging, potion-making tools, and exclusive quests that lead to the prestigious Arcane University. Gaining entry into the Guild is refreshingly straightforward, making it one of the easiest factions to join early in the game.
What Makes Joining the Guild Worthwhile?
Becoming part of the Mages Guild opens the door to a range of benefits. Every hall provides access to alchemical equipment, ingredients, and safe resting spots. More importantly, advancing within the Guild unlocks deeper gameplay elements, such as spell crafting and enchantment at the Arcane University. Even characters who lean toward melee or stealth can benefit from the Guild’s resources, using them to create support potions or earn coin through alchemy.
Where to Start: The Guild’s Open-Door Policy
Unlike some of the more secretive or morally gray factions in Cyrodiil, the Mages Guild takes a much more open approach to recruitment. To begin your journey, simply fast travel to any major city—aside from the Imperial City or Kvatch. The Imperial City is home only to the Arcane University, which remains off-limits at first, while Kvatch lies in ruins due to the Oblivion Crisis.
Once inside a city like Bruma, Anvil, or Chorrol, seek out the local Mages Guild Hall. These buildings are typically easy to spot and located near other guild headquarters. Inside, you’ll need to speak with the resident guild leader. If it’s nighttime, the leader may be asleep, so using the wait function until morning will make things easier. Be sure to settle any active bounty before applying, as a criminal record will hinder your acceptance.
After a brief conversation, you’ll be welcomed as an Associate—the Guild’s entry-level rank. No long-winded initiation ceremony, no need for persuasion checks—just a simple agreement to follow the Guild’s code of conduct.
A City-by-City Guide to Guild Leaders
Cyrodiil houses seven Mages Guild Halls (excluding the capital and Kvatch), and each one is led by a distinct character. Any of them can grant you membership, and later, each will provide one of the essential recommendation quests needed to advance. Here’s a breakdown of the cities and their corresponding leaders:
- Anvil – Carahil
- Bravil – Kud-Ei
- Bruma – Jeanne Frasoric
- Cheydinhal – Falcar
- Chorrol – Teekeeus
- Leyawiin – Dagail
- Skingrad – Adrienne Berene
You only need to speak with one leader to join initially, but you’ll need all seven on your side to progress further within the Guild.
The Road to the Arcane University
The Arcane University, located in the Imperial City, is the apex of magical education in Oblivion. While any player can stroll through the lobby, full access is restricted to those who have proven their worth. To gain entry, a member must complete recommendation quests from all seven Guild leaders across Cyrodiil.
These recommendation tasks range from locating stolen items to resolving local disturbances caused by rogue mages. While each mission is unique to its city and leader, they generally remain accessible even to lower-level characters. Completion of all seven unlocks full membership and entrance to the University.
Inside the Arcane University, advanced facilities become available—spell crafting, enchantment altars, and further Guild-specific quests that allow for even greater advancement, potentially reaching the esteemed title of Arch-Mage.
Advancing Through the Ranks
Progression within the Mages Guild doesn’t stop at gaining access to the Arcane University. Continued involvement in guild quests will see a character rise through the ranks, opening up even more influence and magical potential. With dedication, it’s entirely possible to climb to the very top and take over leadership of the Guild itself.
This journey is not just about power, but also about deepening one’s connection with Oblivion’s rich magical lore and the characters who embody it.
Final Thoughts
Joining the Mages Guild is an excellent early-game objective in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, offering tangible benefits and long-term goals that keep players engaged. Whether focused on sorcery or simply interested in expanding their options, anyone can find a place within the Guild’s halls. And with the Arcane University waiting at the end of the road, the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.
Also read our The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion review,