Oblivion:Roderick

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Roderick

Roderick, a Redguard knight, is a warlord residing in Fort Sutch, northeast of Anvil past Lord Drad's Estate. He has recently become ill and lies in an eternal slumber, while his loyal mercenaries, Gerard Melie, Laenafil, Neesha and Ulmug gro-Cromgog, keep him alive with a daily administration of a powerful medicine.

Guarded by his faithful legion, the near-dying Roderick is unaware that someone has hired the Dark Brotherhood to help him along on his journey and will take advantage of his vital medicine to kill him once and for all. He can be found in the northern part of the fort, unconsciously fighting for his life in his bed with Neesha by his side. He wears nothing but a pair of tan linens and carries a small amount of gold.

He will not react when approached, but you will receive the following message: "Roderick's skin is pale and covered in a sheen of sweat. It's obvious he’s struggling for his life against whatever illness has claimed him."

When Ocheeva hands you the contract, she will not provide much information on the fierce warlord. However, after you have entered Fort Sutch and reached the large central room, you will overhear a conversation between Ulmug gro-Cromgog and Neesha, which will reveal quite a bit about Roderick and the dedication and loyalty of the mercenaries.

Ulmug: "I just don't know. Is the medicine sustaining Roderick's life, or just postponing his death? How can he survive for so long with a fever so high?"

Neesha: "Roderick's fever is in check, unlike your tongue! How can you think such things, after all he has done for us? For you? Have a little faith."

"Faith? Are you telling me we're supposed to rely on the good grace of the Divines to keep Roderick alive? Even he would laugh at such nonsense!"

"Then what would you propose? What more can we do? That medicine is keeping Roderick alive. For now, that’s the best we can hope for."

"I know, Neesha. And I meant no disrespect. It's just that... I hate waiting around like this, watching him suffer!"

"As do we all, dear friend. Do not fear, I have been assured that the medicine will restore our Roderick to full health. But it will take some time."

"Then let us trust a bit less to faith, and a bit more to our own strength. I shall guard the medicine cabinet myself. Just in case."

"And I shall continue my vigil at Roderick's side. It’s just a matter of time before our leader returns to us. I can feel it in my heart."

[edit] Related Quests

• Bad Medicine: Cure the sickly warlord Roderick at Fort Sutch: a spoonful of sugar, a pint of poison.

[edit] Notes

• Roderick doesn't take his medicine immediately; he only dies when the player starts the Permanent Retirement quest.