City Watch

“	Stop right there, criminal scum!	„
	~ Most famous quote.

The City Watch are the law enforcement in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Like all Imperial males, they were voiced by Wes Johnson, except the three female guards; Tierra was voiced by Gayle Jessup, whilst Viera and Caelia were voiced by Catherine Flye.

Overview[]

The Imperial Watch are members of the Imperial Legion who patrol the Imperial City and the rest of the province. They normally wear Legion Armor in the Imperial City, while other members of the Watch wear Imperial Horseman helmets. The Palace Guard wear a similar version called the Imperial Watch Armor.

This armor is different from the normal guard armor and it looks more like plate armor. A subcategory of the Imperial Watch are the Legion Battlemages, who guard the Arcane University. They wear the same plate armor as the regular Imperial Watch, but instead of the helmet, they wear a hood.

In combat, they will use both a silver longsword and Destruction magic. Furthermore, a different type of Imperial Watch can be found around the Imperial City Palace; Palace Guards. Members of the Palace Guard are clad in a suit similar to the regular Imperial Steel Armor, but colored silver, gold and red.

Every County in Cyrodiil has its own Guard. These guards enforce the law and protect the capital cities of each County and other villages or settlements within. City guards are all from the Imperial Legion, and are thus Imperial. They all perform the same duties and have the same dialogue, although it may differ depending on the faction they're a part of.

The guards are led by a captain, who reports to the local Count or Countess. Their duty is to uphold peace and order throughout the city and county, as well as ensuring justice is had in the event of a crime. Additionally, they are the last line of defense of their city in the event of assault or invasion.

Apparel[]

All city guards wear very similar armor sets, differences are normally just the color of the sash and material of the undershirt used, either steel or chain mail. They also wear the same helmets. City guards also carry a shield which varies in color, and typically displays the insignia of the County across the front.

Abilities[]

City Guards are always ten levels higher than the Champion of Cyrodiil. This means that at level fifty or higher, the City Guards are rather powerful, and have no problem fighting even the strongest of Daedra.

Crime[]

Within the walls of a city, and the surrounding countryside, any crime committed gains the attention of the guards; the nearest will move to the perpetrator, informing them that they have broken the law, and gives three options; pay the fine, resist arrest, or go to jail.

If the perpetrator chooses to pay the fine, the guard will take them to the nearest castle and take whatever bounty was placed on them as payment, as well as search them for all stolen item in their possession. If the fine cannot be paid, due to lack of gold, the option will not be given. If the perpetrator accepts the jail sentence, they will be sent to the nearest castle to serve their sentence, based on the size of the bounty; the larger the bounty, the longer the sentence.

If the perpetrator resists arrest, the entire guard will immediately engage them, attacking until yielded, or until the perpetrator is dead, or fled from the fight. If the guard has a disposition of 91 or more, they will not immediately react to a low and non violent crime, looking away as long as the crime is minor.

Quotes[]

Quote	Condition
"Speak."	General
"Tidings, citizen."
"What is it, citizen?"
"You have my ear, citizen."
"What do you need, citizen?"
"Is there a problem, citizen?"
"Hail, good citizen! How can I be of service?"
"Hail, citizen. I speak for the Emperor. Or... at least I did..."
"Keep moving, scum!"	High infamy
"By the Nine Divines! You're the Grand Champion of the Arena! This is such an honor!"	Killed Agronak
"It's... It's you! The Hero of Kvatch! This is truly an honor!"	After Kvatch
"Hail, Champion."	After main questline
"All hail the champion of Cyrodiil!"	After main questline
"Duty calls."	Greeting
"What is it, sir?"
"Speak, citizen."
"We're here to help."
"What do you need?"
"State your business, citizen."
"There's evil afoot, citizen, and I've little time for chatter. What is it?"
"The Imperial Legion is at your disposal, citizen. What seems to be the problem?"
"Carry on."	Goodbye
"Move along."
"Farewell, citizen."
"Long live the Empire!"
"Stay safe, citizen. These are dark times...."
"Make it fast, dreg! What little patience I have is wearing thin..."	Greeting (low disposition)
"You. I've seen your kind before. You've got blood on your hands. Keep your blade sheathed, you murdering bastard, or I'll put you down myself."	You're a murderer
"Emperors have been assassinated before, but this time... I don't know. It's different. Can't you feel it? A shadow has fallen across all of Tamriel."	Rumours
"The Emperor is dead, and so are his heirs. We're a Legion without a leader. The Blades were trusted with our Lord's protection... and they failed."
"Truth is, the Legion doesn't know who was behind the Emperor's murder. We've already ruled out the Dark Brotherhood. So is this something... worse?"
"If you've got to travel, by the Nine Divines, stay on the roads! The wilderness just isn't safe anymore. We've had sightings, you see. The Daedra..."
"Have you heard? Adamus Phillida has been killed! Murdered by the Dark Brotherhood!"
"Have you not heard? The Oblivion crisis has ended! Martin Septim gave his own life to destroy the Daedra horde! We are victorious!"
"Thank Akatosh the Oblivion Crisis is over! Although with no Emperor and no heir, I wonder what will happen to the Empire?"
"It's over, citizen. The crisis has ended. But at what cost? We are an Empire without an Emperor. The future is uncertain, at best."
"He's the Captain of the Guard in Anvil now. He used to be in the Imperial Watch until Countess Umbranox had him reassigned. He made things very difficult for the Thieves Guild for a while. I heard you were the one that made it all happen. Everyone in the Thieves Guild is grateful!"	On H. Lex
"He got reassigned, to Anvil I think. Without him around, all this hustle and bustle about the Gray Fox will go away. I never believed in the Gray Fox anyway. I think the Imperium just made him up as an excuse to raise our taxes."
"He's our new Captain. I've never met a finer man."
"He's that thief that the Imperial Watch are always going on about. He likes to steal from rich folk."	On Gray Fox
"He's just a thief. He's supposed to be the head of the Thieves Guild. What a joke! Can you imagine a bunch of thieves trying to form a guild? The nobility hate him, but the peasants and the beggars love him, especially in the Waterfront."	On Gray Fox
"You're wanted dead or alive, Gray Fox! This will be easier if you're dead."	Wearing Gray Cowl
"You're the Gray Fox! You're under arrest for... for... for all kinds of stuff! You're wanted dead or alive. I'm choosing dead. I'll make Captain for this!"	Wearing Gray Cowl
"It's all over, lawbreaker! Your spree is at an end. I'll take any stolen goods you have. The next move is yours. Pay your fine, or I'll haul you away!"	Arrest
"Stop right there, criminal scum! Nobody breaks the law on my watch! I'm confiscating your stolen goods, now pay your fine or it's off to jail."
"Stop! You violated the law! Pay the court a fine or serve your sentence. Your stolen goods are now forfeit."
"Stop! You violated the law. Since you lack the funds to pay the court, you must now serve out your sentence. Your stolen goods are now forfeit."
"Break the law on my watch, will ya? I'll be confiscating your stolen goods. Oh, and no gold to pay your fine, hmm? It's off to the lockup then!"
"Well now, what do we have here? Caught in the act and no gold to pay your fine? I'm confiscating your stolen goods. Now it's off to jail with ya!"
"Looks like you are in some trouble. Since we are friends, don't worry. I'll look the other way and take care of that fine for you."	Arrest (high disposition)
"Stop, criminal! I've heard of you. Your criminal exploits are well-known. Pay the fine or serve your sentence. Your stolen goods are forfeit."	Arrest (infamy)
"I don't usually take bribes, but I'll look the other way just this once. If I see you again though, I'll have to arrest you."	Bribe (cut)
"That's too bad. I was hoping you'd resist arrest. Okay. Here's the procedure. We go to the castle. First we search you, confiscate any stolen goods. Then you pay your fine, and we release you."	Pay the fine
"Hope you rot, criminal scum."	Come quietly
"Then pay with your blood!"	Resist arrest
"For the Empire!"	Combat
"To arms! To arms!"
"You... dare attack me?!"
"Why! Won't! You! Die?!"
"You won't get away with this!"
"You should have paid the fine!"
"What's the matter? Getting tired?!"
"I'm just warming up, you pathetic worm!"
"I've fought mudcrabs more fearsome than you!"
"You dare oppose the might of the Imperial Legion?!"
"This is the part where you fall down and bleed to death!"
"Feeding time is over, vampire! Go back to the grave that spawned you!"	You're a vampire
"I'm on your side!"	Friendly fire
"Hey! What did I ever do to you?"
"Hey, come on now! There's no need to get violent."
"Hey! What did you do that for? Are you some kind of maniac?"
"May you rest in peace."	Seeing a body
"Hmm... body's still warm. Looks like there's a killer about."	Seeing a body
"By the Nine Divines! Assault! Assault!"	Seeing assault
"Help! Murder!"	Seeing a murder
"Someone's been murdered!"
"By the gods, there's a psychopath on the loose!"
"Man down! Man down!"	Fellow guard killed
"You're trespassing here. You'll have to leave."	You're trespassing
"You're trespassing! Leave now, or I'll arrest you!"	You're trespassing
"Can you tell me where Armand Christophe is hiding?"	During "The Elven Maiden"
"Have you seen Armand Christophe?"
"Don't worry, we'll get him."
"I'm looking for the Gray Fox. What can you tell me?"	During "Misdirection"
"The Gray Fox is hiding nearby. What do you know about him?"
"I have an arrest warrant for the Gray Fox. Do you know where he is?"
"If you aren't going to tell me where to find the Gray Fox, I'm not interested."
"I'm here to relieve you."	Going on duty
"Good. I'm hungry."	Going off duty
"My feet are killing me."
"Another day, another septim."

Conversations[]

Directions in Imperial City

Champion: I need directions.
Imperial Watch: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Imperial Watch: There are no guild halls in the City, but the Arcane University is on an island outside the walls, south of the Arboretum.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Imperial Watch: The Imperial Palace is at the center. The six districts are arranged around the Palace like spokes of a wheel. Starting in the northeast, moving clockwise, you have the Market, Arena, Arboretum, Temple, Talos Plaza, and Elven Gardens districts. The Waterfront is south of Temple District. The Arcane University is south of the Arboretum. The Imperial Prison is north of Market District.
Champion: Where are the services?
Imperial Watch: You'll find smiths, alchemists, booksellers, mage shops, clothiers, armorers, and general traders in the Market District.
Champion: Where can I sleep?
Imperial Watch: Merchant's Inn in the Market, King and Queen in Elven Gardens, the Tiber Septim in Talos Plaza, and All-Saints in Temple District. There's also the Bloated Float on the Waterfront, but that's not a very nice neighborhood.

Directions in Bravil

Champion: I need directions.
Bravil Guard: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Bravil Guard: The Fighters Guild is east, by the bridge to the castle. The Mages Guild is south, by the bridge to the port.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Bravil Guard: The castle is east. The chapel is northwest. The shops and guilds are mostly along the north wall and river. The port is over a bridge to the south.
Champion: Where are the services?
Bravil Guard: The smith is near the harbor. The general trader is to the east, by the river. The mage's shop is between the castle bridge and the harbor bridge.
Champion: Where can I sleep?
Bravil Guard: Silverhome-on-the-water is where the north wall meets the river. The Lonely Suitor Lodge is in the port, across the south bridge.

Directions in Bruma

Champion: I need directions.
Bruma Guard: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Bruma Guard: The guilds are in a row, in the center of town below the terraces, north of the chapel.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Bruma Guard: The castle is to the west, the chapel and houses to the south, and guilds and shops to the north.
Champion: Where are the services?
Bruma Guard: The general trader and clothier and armorer are on the terraces to the west. The smith is north, next to the wall.
Champion: Where can I sleep?
Bruma Guard: The Jerall View is on the terraces, near the castle gate and facing the chapel. Olav's is next to the east gate.

Directions in Cheydinhal

Champion: I need directions.
Cheydinhal Guard: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Cheydinhal Guard: The guilds are west of the river, south of the west gate.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Cheydinhal Guard: The castle is north, on the hill. The guilds and shops are west of the river. The homes are east of the river.
Champion: Where are the services?
Cheydinhal Guard: A smith, book shop, and general trader are west of the river, near the west gate.
Champion: Where can I sleep?
Cheydinhal Guard: Both inns are next to the west gate.

Directions in Chorrol

Chorrol Guard: Welcome to Chorrol. Keep your nose clean, and we'll be good friends. Make a mistake, and the Chorrol Guard will be all over you like a cheap cuirass.
Champion: I need directions.
Chorrol Guard: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Chorrol Guard: The guilds are north, near the Great Oak.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Chorrol Guard: The castle is to the east. Inns are near the gate and fountain. Guilds are north, by the Great Oak. Shops are near the fountain and up the street west to the chapel. Weynon Priory is outside the south gate, just past the stables.
Champion: Where are the services?
Chorrol Guard: The general trader and smith are near the fountain. The book store is up the street towards the chapel.
Champion: Where can I sleep?
Chorrol Guard: The Oak and Crosier and the Grey Mare are near the gate and fountain.

Directions in Skingrad

Skingrad Guard: You're new here in Skingrad? Fine. I'll make sure the captain knows we have a stranger in town. Please keep your weapons sheathed, and use your best manners. We're a bit suspicious of strangers here. Don't give us anything to be suspicious about, will you, please?
Champion: I need directions.
Skingrad Guard: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Skingrad Guard: The guilds are inside the north walls, to the west.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Skingrad Guard: The castle is on a hill outside the walls, south of town. Shops and guilds are mostly inside the north walls, while the chapel, homes, and one inn are inside the south walls.
Champion: Where are the services?
Skingrad Guard: The smith, alchemist, and general trader are centrally located inside the north walls.
Champion: Where can I sleep?
Skingrad Guard: The West Weald Inn is across from the guilds inside the north walls. Two Sisters' Lodge is inside the south walls, in the west, near the gate.

Directions in Anvil

Anvil Guard: Welcome to Anvil. If you need a guard, just look around. That's why things are so peaceful here. Just look around... and there's town guard. Prevents all sorts of misunderstandings.
Champion: I need directions.
Anvil Guard: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Anvil Guard: The guilds are near the north wall. Fighters Guild west of the north gate, and Mages Guild to the east.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Anvil Guard: The docks, harbor, lighthouse, and castle are outside the walls to the south. Inside the walls, the chapel is in the east, the residences in the west, and the guilds in between.
Champion: Where are the services?
Anvil Guard: The smith is next to the north gate. The general trader is in Harborside, outside the wall.
Champion: Where can I sleep?
Anvil Guard: The Count's Arms is next to the north gate.

Directions in Leyawiin

Leyawiin Guard: You can speak to the Count near the throne weekdays between eight in the morning and four in the afternoon.
Champion: I need directions.
Leyawiin Guard: What are you looking for?
Champion: Where are the guilds?
Leyawiin Guard: The Mages Guild is south of the chapel, by the west wall. The Fighters Guild is across the street from the Mages Guild.
Champion: Tell me about landmarks.
Leyawiin Guard: The castle is to the east, and the chapel near the west gate. Shops, guilds, and inns are south of the chapel, and some shops are by the north wall.

"Taking Care of Lex"

Champion: Dairihill's Office?
Anvil Guard: Looking for the stewards, are you? Her office is in the private chambers. But she's not there much. You can find her in the audience chamber in the mornings. She dines with the Countess from evening's eighth bell until midnight.

"Fingers of the Mountain"

Champion: Earana?
Chorrol Guard: Haven't you seen her around town? She's either at the Grey Mare, or she is skulking around the Mages Guild, it seems.

"Ahdarji's Heirloom"

Champion: Amusei?
Leyawiin Guard: We arrested that miscreant. The stupid lizard tried to blackmail the Countess. I wouldn't waste much time thinking about him any more.

After talking to Amusei

Leyawiin Guard: You're not supposed to be down here.
Champion: Recovered Caro family ring.
Leyawiin Guard: I don't think it would be appropriate for me to talk about private family matters with a stranger. (If disposition is over 70): The Countess is very happy to have her ring back. I don't think she has taken it off for days. If you want to hear the whole story, talk to Hlidara.

"Ulterior Motives"

Champion: Janus Hassildor?
Skingrad Guard: All appointments to see the Count must go through Mercator Hosidus.

"Information at a Price"

Champion: Janus Hassildor?
Skingrad Guard: All appointments to see the Count must go through Hal-Liurz.

"Imperial Corruption"

Champion: Corrupt Imperial Watchman?
Imperial Watch: If you've got a complaint, tell it to the Watch Captain. I've got better things to do than listen to you whine.
Champion: Where can I find a Watch Captain?
Imperial Watch: Go see Hieronymus Lex. He's a pompous fool, just like you. He might listen to your complaint. / Go see Servatius Quintilius. He's new and might be stupid enough to try and do something about it.
Champion: Sorry to bother you.
Imperial Watch: Hmmph.

"Mazoga the Orc"

Leyawiin Guard: Orc named Mazoga say she's a knight. I doubt it. The Count wants it looked into. Why don't you talk to him. The Count appears for audiences in the County Hall near the throne weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM.
Champion: Leyawiin.
Leyawiin Guard: You can speak to the Count near the throne weekdays between eight in the morning and four in the afternoon.

"Pilgrimage"

Anvil Guard: I wouldn't go in there unless you have a strong stomach. We have orders to leave everything just the way it was until the investigation into the Chapel attack is finished.
Champion: Anvil Chapel attack?
Anvil Guard: It's baffling. How anyone could have gotten in and out of there without being seen by our patrols is beyond me. Maybe that Prophet is right. Some kind of unholy doom visited upon us.
Champion: Prophet?
Anvil Guard: He preaches most of the day across the street from the Chapel. I used to think he was crazy, but now he seems to be making some kind of sense. I hope that doesn't mean I'm going crazy now.

"Sanguine"

Leyawiin Guard: What're you doing here? You don't look like one of the party guests. I don't remember you on the list.
Champion: The dinner party.
Leyawiin Guard: (Disposition under 30 & not dressed properly): This is a classy event. I don't know you. I don't like you. And you're not dressed for it, anyway.
Leyawiin Guard: (Disposition above 30 & not dressed properly): Look, it's a fancy party. You seem a fine enough sort, but not so nice as I'm going to just let you in there. At least not dressed like that.
Leyawiin Guard: (Disposition above 50 & not dressed properly): Right. A big, fancy dinner party. You seem likeable, but not so much that I'd just let you in there. And not dressed like that.
Leyawiin Guard: (Disposition above 70 & not dressed properly): Hmmm... don't know that you're dressed for it, but you seem a really likeable sort. I'll let you in. I'd better not regret this.
Leyawiin Guard: (Disposition under 70 & are dressed properly): I don't know who you are, and I'm not all that sure about you. But, you're dressed for it. Can't imagine dressing up for any other reason. Go on in.
Leyawiin Guard: (Disposition above 70 & are dressed properly): Well, you're dressed for it, and you seem like a really good person. You can go in. Sorry to have bothered you.

"Spies"

Champion: Strangers in town?
Bruma Guard: Not on my watch. Captain Burd will know for sure, though. We all report to him.

"The Wayward Knight"

Cheydinhal Guard: Count Indarys has ordered us to hold our positions until Farwil returns from inside that accursed Oblivion Gate.
Champion: Oblivion Gate?
Cheydinhal Guard: I don't know where it came from, but a mysterious gate appeared outside the walls of our city. The way the guards are reacting, it must be a threat. They're massing as if bracing for an attack. The portal is just outside the city walls through the west gates if you want to see for yourself. Be careful, some say the gate leads to the realm of Oblivion itself! [...] If the guards don't do something about the Oblivion Gate soon, I'm leaving town. It's not safe here!

"Corruption and Conscience"

Cheydinhal Guard: Stand clear! [...] I'm sorry, no one except for Cheydinhal City Guard are allowed inside this home. Due to outstanding fines owed to the city, Aldos Othran's property has been seized and is now sealed until further notice. Good day.
Aldos Othran: This is my house! Get out of the way... move, I say!
Cheydinhal Guard: Sir, this property has been seized by his lordship, the Count of Cheydinhal. Leave immediately.
Aldos Othran: I said move! Or by my ancestors I'll put you on the ground with a split lip!
Cheydinhal Guard: Sir, I must warn you that threatening a city guardsman is an offense punishable by a fine of no less than 50 gold. Pay or be jailed.
Aldos Othran: You s'wit! How dare you! Ulrich be damned! He can take his fine and stuff it up his backside!
Cheydinhal Guard: You've been warned. You are now under arrest. Please, come with me.
Aldos Othran: I'll go nowhere with you, fetcher! Nowhere!
Cheydinhal Guard: Move along, citizen. There's nothing to be done here.
Champion: Aldos Othran...
Cheydinhal Guard: You saw what happened, I had no choice. Aldos attacked first, and I had to defend myself. If you don't like it, take it up with Ulrich.

Imperial Watch

Guard Captain: How goes it, friend? Keeping the killers and cutpurses at bay?
Imperial Watch: Got called in on a murder. There's been some talk. Some of the men think it was... You know... the Dark Brotherhood!
Guard Captain: No heroics now, all right? Remember your training and do what you have to do, but don't take any unnecessary risks.
Imperial Watch: Just remember, my sword's here if you need it. You run into any trouble, just holler.

Imperial Watch

Guard Captain: You look tired, my friend. I hope you're holding up all right.
Imperial Watch: The Gray Fox has been spotted! Some of the men gave chase, but he eluded them. Don't worry, we'll bring that scoundrel in, no matter what it takes!
Guard Captain: Don't forget, my friend - you and I are what stand between order and chaos. Without us, the Empire would crumble.
Imperial Watch: All right. The pickpockets and pilferers ain't going to catch themselves. We'd best be off.

Imperial Watch

Guard Captain: So? What do you have to report?
Imperial Watch: Had something of a false alarm earlier. Some Khajiit, acting suspicious. Turns out he was just grooming his tail.
Guard Captain: You're a good man. We could use more like you, that's for damned sure. You ask me, you'll be getting that promotion in no time.
Imperial Watch: Just remember, my sword's here if you need it. You run into any trouble, just holler.

Gallery[]

Guard Types[]

Individuals[]

Trivia[]

Guards will recognize the Hero even if their face is concealed.
Guards are not fooled by the invisibility spell when attempting an arrest.
Guards are not fooled by non-guards wearing guard armor, regardless of reputation, skills, or armor faction.
Resurrected guards (through the Staff of Worms for instance) will attack the Hero if living guards do the same.
Sometimes, even if a criminal act takes place outside the city walls without witnesses, guards may attempt to arrest the Hero anyway. They will also say their according lines to it occasionally.
Wearing the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal will cause City Guards and Imperial Watchmen to automatically attempt an arrest on sight. However, removing the Cowl will remove the bounty. The guards will no longer attempt an arrest, even if the Cowl was removed in plain sight. They will attempt an arrest when the Cowl is equipped again.