Unveiled: The Dark Past of Martin Septim in Oblivion Remastered

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In the primary campaign of Oblivion Remastered, gamers gradually bond with Martin Septim as they strive to thwart the Daedric onslaught. Quiet, reserved, and uncertain, Martin is starkly different from the daring Hero of Kvatch; however, as they collaborate, many players will grow fond of Martin.

Martin’s calm exterior masks a sharp intellect and resilient spirit. Faced with the unexpected responsibility of being the pivotal figure in the Empire, while also grieving for a family he hadn’t known existed, Martin remains steadfast on his duties – but this wasn’t always the case. Prior to the events depicted in Oblivion, Martin Septim led a life vastly different from the one he now inhabits.

Who Was Martin Septim Before the Oblivion Crisis?

Martin was born out of wedlock to Emperor Uriel Septim VII and an unidentified woman, yet he wasn’t acknowledged or brought into the imperial family. Instead, he was cast aside, blind to his royal lineage. He thought his parents were ordinary farmers, envisioning a common life for himself. However, occasionally, the emperor would have his trusted servant Jauffre keep tabs on Martin without revealing Uriel’s involvement.

Martin yearned for something beyond the ordinary, so he joined the Mages Guild. However, he quickly grew weary of the restrictions and routines imposed on apprentices. Together with some fellow students, Martin started looking for thrilling magic experiences, delving into forbidden magical knowledge that eventually led them towards Daedra worship. Martin was captivated by the Daedric Prince Sanguine, a favorite among young Daedra followers, as he could grant their most extravagant wishes. At one point, the Prince of Festivity bestowed upon Martin his artifact, Sanguine’s Rose, as a token of appreciation for Martin’s dedication to the Prince.

However, Sanguine appears deceptively lighter, hiding a deeper, darker side. The Prince doesn’t merely allow his followers to bask in idleness. Instead, each fresh quest for desire must plumb ever-greater depths of darkness. What started as amusement soon turned dire, and Martin learned this lesson harshly. As he was ensnared by Sanguine, his companions began to perish around him, a grim outcome of their escapades. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Martin knew he had to escape.

Martin abandoned his previous existence, instead immersing himself within the Chapel of Akatosh in Kvatch, where he assumed the role as a priest, caring for the townsfolk and contemplating his past errors. When a gateway to the Daedric realm was unleashed in the city, Martin orchestrated the fortification of the chapel, barricading himself and numerous locals within, shielding them from the Daedra until the Hero of Kvatch could save everyone.

Spoilers ahead for the main quest of Oblivion

Why Is Being a Septim So Important for Martin and the Fate of Tamriel?

The Mythic Dawn managed to create gateways to the realm of Oblivion due to a historic agreement between humans and Akatosh, the deity overseeing time, being breached. As long as a Dragonborn ruler reigns and the Dragonfires are kept burning, the inhabitants of Tamriel are protected from free access by the Daedra. The Amulet of Kings, worn exclusively by emperors, symbolizes this pact. With Uriel Septim’s demise and no successor to ascend the throne, the Dragonfires were extinguished, resulting in a rupture of the barrier separating the mortal world (Mundus) from Oblivion.

As a devoted follower, I’d rephrase it this way: I hail from the prestigious lineage of the Septim emperors, tracing my roots back to Tiber Septim, architect of the Third Empire. I stand as the lone beacon of hope for a Dragonborn monarch to ascend the throne. In the climactic events of the main quest, I was compelled by the extraordinary circumstances – the very being of Mehrunes Dagon invading Tamriel. Under normal circumstances, kindling the Dragonfires would suffice. Yet, with my transcendence into an avatar of Akatosh, the seal was forever fortified. However, the Empire, post this event, would never return to its original state again.

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2025-05-04 03:37