Will-o-the-Wisp (Oblivion)

Will-o-the-Wisp (Oblivion)

For other uses, see Wisp.

Will-o-the-Wisp are glowing, ghost-like creatures that live throughout Cyrodiil.

Behavior

During battle, Will-o-the-Wisps become nearly invisible except when attacking. They can be detected by using a detect life spell or by equipping an item that has the ability to detect life, such as the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal. In addition, Will-o-the-Wisps are able to vanish and reappear at will, making them even harder to fight. Will-o-the-Wisps look similar to a cloud of shimmering dust, and are treated as ghosts in combat; only silver weapons, daedric weapons, enchanted weapons, the Honorblade of Chorrol, hand to hand combat (provided that the fighter is at least a journeyman), and magic can harm them.

Attacks

Will-o-the-Wisps use touch-based absorption spells, making them hard to kill for low-level players, especially when fighting a group of them. The player will need to be able to deal large amounts of damage quickly before the Wisp heals itself. One good option for a low-level player without any of the listed special weapons, is to cast a fire spell directly onto the Will-o-the-Wisps. A good enough strike should be enough to take one down. A tactic to get around their invisibility is to use a water-walking spell or item to lure them onto the water. Once on top of the water, the ripples denoting the locations of the Will-o-the-Wisps should become visible.

Habitats

Will-o-the-Wisps can be found in greater numbers at specific places in Cyrodiil (e.g., The Shrine of Azura) or on specific quests (e.g., Mystery at Harlun's Watch).

The Atronach

Will-o-the-Wisps can be used by players who chose The Atronach as their birthsign as a means of recharging magicka, as Will-o-the-Wisps only have a magical attack, which will be absorbed half the time.

Attributes

Drops

• Glow Dust
• Common level soul for a soul gem.

Strengths

• Immunity to disease, paralysis, poison and normal weapons; water walking.

Abilities

• Wrack — Lesser Power that absorbs 30 points of Health and Magicka on touch.
• Mind Numb — Lesser Power that absorbs 8 points of Health and Magicka for 5 seconds and damages 2. points of Intelligence and Willpower on touch.

Locations

• One outside Harlun's Watch
• One appears around midnight near the Shrine of Azura

Quests

• Azura
• Mystery at Harlun's Watch

Trivia

• Will-o-the-Wisps appear in the 2920 series, where they are described as "strange blue glows", and "a combination of swamp gas and spiritual energy".
• The name may be in reference to the "Will-O'-the-Wisp", a creature from European folklore, to which it bears a strong resemblance.
• Similar creatures known as Wisps appear in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Elder Scrolls Online.

Appearances

• The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (mentioned only)
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (mentioned only)