Elder Scrolls Oblivion Arvian Not Talking During Rat Problem Quest Fix

Hey guys! Are you diving into the awesome world of Elder Scrolls Oblivion and hit a snag with the pesky rat problem quest? Specifically, is Arvien giving you the silent treatment? Don't worry, you're not alone! This can be a tricky one, but we're going to break it down and get you back to slaying those rats (or whatever else your character is into!). This guide will help you troubleshoot the quest, understand potential causes for Arvien's silence, and provide you with several solutions to get him chatting and the quest moving forward. We'll cover everything from basic troubleshooting steps to more advanced fixes, ensuring you can successfully complete this early-game quest and continue your adventure in Cyrodiil. Let's get started and figure out why Arvien isn't talking and how to fix it!

Understanding the Rat Problem Quest in Oblivion

Before we dive into the specifics of why Arvien might be ignoring you, let's quickly recap the Rat Problem quest itself. This quest is typically one of the first you'll encounter in the game, usually found in the city of Skingrad. You'll likely hear rumors about a rat infestation in the local inn or tavern, prompting you to investigate. The quest giver, often the innkeeper or a concerned citizen, will task you with eliminating the rats that have been causing trouble. This quest serves as a great introduction to Oblivion's combat and exploration mechanics, allowing players to practice their skills and earn some early-game rewards. The Rat Problem quest is a classic early-game scenario in many RPGs, designed to introduce players to the game's mechanics and world. It's a relatively straightforward quest, involving basic combat and exploration, making it ideal for new players. The objective is simple: eliminate the rats that are infesting a particular location, usually a basement or cellar. However, despite its simplicity, the Rat Problem quest can sometimes present unexpected challenges, such as the issue we're addressing today – Arvien's reluctance to speak. This can be frustrating, but understanding the quest's context and potential triggers for this issue is the first step towards resolving it. The quest often involves navigating through confined spaces, engaging in melee combat with rats, and managing your character's health and resources. It also provides an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the game's user interface, inventory system, and quest log. Completing the quest usually involves returning to the quest giver to report your success and claim your reward, which might include gold, items, or experience points. By understanding the quest's objectives and mechanics, you'll be better equipped to troubleshoot any issues that arise, including those related to NPC interactions.

Why Won't Arvien Talk to Me? Potential Causes

Okay, so Arvien isn't exactly being the most chatty NPC in Cyrodiil. There could be a few reasons why he's giving you the cold shoulder. Let's explore some of the most common culprits: The first and most common reason is quest progression. Have you actually started the quest? Sometimes, you need to speak to a different NPC first, or read a specific note or journal entry, to officially activate the quest in your journal. Double-check your quest log and make sure the Rat Problem quest is actually listed and active. Another potential issue is your character's disposition towards Arvien. If your character has a low disposition, Arvien might be less inclined to talk to you or offer assistance. This can happen if you've accidentally angered him in the past (maybe you accidentally bumped into him one too many times!), or if your character's personality clashes with his. Disposition can be improved through various means, such as bribery or persuasion, which we'll discuss later. Game glitches are also a possibility, especially in a game as vast and complex as Oblivion. Sometimes, NPCs can get stuck in a certain state or dialogue loop, preventing them from interacting with you properly. This is where some of the more advanced troubleshooting steps, like reloading saves or using console commands, might come in handy. Another factor to consider is quest dependencies. It's possible that the Rat Problem quest is dependent on the completion of another quest, or on reaching a certain point in the main storyline. Check your quest log and any online resources to see if there are any prerequisites for this quest. Finally, there's the simple possibility of human error. Did you accidentally skip a dialogue option? Are you talking to the right Arvien (there might be more than one NPC with a similar name)? Sometimes, the solution is as simple as retracing your steps and carefully reviewing your interactions. By understanding these potential causes, we can start to narrow down the problem and find the right solution for you.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps: Let's Get Arvien Talking!

Alright, let's get down to business and try some simple fixes to get Arvien to open up. These are the