The quest titled Allies for Bruma serves as a critical strategic junction in the main storyline of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. While technically categorized as an optional objective, its completion significantly dictates the difficulty curve of the subsequent "Defense of Bruma" and "Great Gate" segments. This mission tasks the Hero of Kvatch with traveling across the province of Cyrodiil to petition every major count and countess for military reinforcements to safeguard the city of Bruma against a full-scale Daedric invasion.

The Strategic Importance of Allies for Bruma

By default, the defense of Bruma relies on the local Bruma Militia. These units are statistically inferior in terms of health, armor quality, and offensive capabilities compared to the professional city guards and captains provided through recruitment. For players operating at high levels (Level 25 and above), the enemies emerging from the Great Gate—such as Dremora Markynaz and Xivilai—can decimate the default militia in seconds. Successfully completing the recruitment drive replaces these weak units with elite soldiers from Anvil, Chorrol, Cheydinhal, and other regions, providing a necessary meat shield for Martin Septim, whose survival is a mandatory fail-condition for the main quest.

Quest Initiation and Mechanics

The quest is triggered immediately following the closure of the first Bruma Gate. Upon returning to Cloud Ruler Temple and speaking with Jauffre, he expresses concern regarding the city's defenses. The journal entry for MQ11 is then added.

The core mechanic remains consistent across most cities: you arrive at the castle, speak with the ruler, and are told that aid cannot be sent because an Oblivion Gate has opened outside their own walls. You must enter the gate, retrieve the Sigil Stone to close it, and then return to claim your reward in the form of troops.

Comprehensive City-by-City Recruitment Guide

1. Anvil: The Countess’s Request

In Castle Anvil, speak with Countess Millona Umbranox. She is willing to assist but requires the closure of the gate located northwest of the city.

  • The Gate Layout: This specific gate often features the "Nether Tunnels" or "Red Gnash Channels." These are subterranean-style maps where navigating the verticality is more important than open field combat.
  • Strategy: Look for doors labeled "Oblivion Cave." To reach the Sigillum Sanguis (the top of the tower), you must often descend through the Nether Tunnels first before finding the path that leads to the main citadel's bridge.
  • Reward: Two Anvil Soldiers. These units use heavy armor and are excellent frontline tankers.

2. Bravil: Viera Lerus and the Count

Count Regulus Terentius, known for his personal distractions, delegates much of the city's defense to his guard captain.

  • The Gate Layout: The Bravil gate frequently presents the "Caverns of the Abused" or "Blood Well" configuration.
  • Strategy: This gate requires activating an "Ascension Call" (a lift system). Be prepared for tight corridors where area-of-effect spells like Fireball can inadvertently strike allies if you are traveling with followers.
  • Reward: One Bravil Viera Lerus (a high-level, unique Captain NPC) and one additional soldier. Viera is one of the strongest individual units you can recruit for the Bruma battle.

3. Cheydinhal: The Wayward Knight

This is the most complex recruitment mission, as it overlaps with the side quest "The Wayward Knight." Count Andel Indarys is distressed because his son, Farwil, has entered the gate with his "Knights of the Thorn."

  • The Mission: You must enter the gate and find Farwil and his companion Bremman. They are typically located deep within the Wastes of Oblivion, surrounded by enemies.
  • Strategy: Farwil Indarys has aggressive AI and very low survivability. The most effective way to ensure he lives is to use a high-magnitude "Heal Other" spell or a Command Humanoid spell to force him away from combat. If Farwil dies, you still get the troops by closing the gate, but you lose out on the unique rewards.
  • Reward: Two Cheydinhal Soldiers. If Farwil survives, you also receive either the Thornblade (leveled longsword with Disintegrate Armor) or the Staff of Indarys (Shock Damage and Silence).

4. Chorrol: Countess Arriana Valga

Located in the Jerall Mountains' foothills, Chorrol’s contribution is vital.

  • The Gate Layout: The Chorrol gate often uses the "Landslide" and "Hurricane" tower configurations. These require traversing external bridges between multiple towers to unlock the main gate (War Gate) to the Sigillum Sanguis.
  • Strategy: High-level Dremora archers often line the towers. Long-range destruction magic or a bow is recommended to clear the path before crossing the narrow bridges.
  • Reward: Two Chorrol Soldiers. Along with Anvil, Chorrol provides the largest numerical boost to the Bruma defense force.

5. Kvatch: Savlian Matius

Recruiting Kvatch is unique because the city has already been destroyed. There is no new gate to close specifically for this quest.

  • Requirement: You must have completed the side quest "The Battle for Castle Kvatch." This involves retaking the castle from the Daedra and discovering the fate of the Count.
  • Strategy: Once the castle is secured and Savlian Matius is standing in the Great Hall, simply speak to him about "Allies for Bruma." He will immediately pledge his support.
  • Reward: One Kvatch Soldier. Despite their small numbers, the Kvatch survivors have the highest emotional stake in the battle and provide solid support.

6. Leyawiin: Count Marius Caro

Count Caro is hesitant to leave his city vulnerable. The gate is situated to the east of the city.

  • The Gate Layout: Typically involves the "Spindle Shrine" or "Corridors of Dark Salvation." These maps are notorious for traps—specifically swinging blades and falling spikes.
  • Strategy: Utilize the "Detect Life" effect to spot Dremora hiding behind the fleshy pillars within the tower.
  • Reward: One Leyawiin Soldier.

7. Skingrad: Janus Hassildor

The vampire Count of Skingrad is perhaps the most competent ruler in Cyrodiil, but he is equally pragmatic. He demands the gate outside Skingrad be closed immediately.

  • The Gate Layout: Skingrad’s gates often feature the "Wastes of Oblivion" with significant lava hazards.
  • Strategy: Ensure you have high Fire Resistance or Water Walking (which works on lava in certain game versions/mods).
  • Reward: One Skingrad Soldier. While only one soldier is sent, they are generally higher-statted than the average city guard.

8. The Imperial City: High Chancellor Ocato

Traveling to the Elder Council Chambers in the Imperial City is a requirement for the quest log, but the outcome is always the same. High Chancellor Ocato will refuse to send any legions. He explains that the provinces (Morrowind, Elsweyr, etc.) are under heavy attack and the legions are stretched too thin to protect a single city like Bruma. While frustrating, this dialogue provides essential lore regarding the scope of the Oblivion Crisis across Tamriel.

Advanced Tactics for Closing Gates Fast

Since "Allies for Bruma" can involve closing up to seven Oblivion Gates, player fatigue is a common issue. To expedite this process, consider the following "Speedrun" methods:

  1. Invisible Sprint: Using a 100% Chameleon suit (achieved through Sigil Stone enchanting) or high-level Invisibility spells allows you to run past every enemy directly to the Sigillum Sanguis. This can reduce a 30-minute dungeon crawl to 3 minutes.
  2. Acrobatics Bypass: If your Acrobatics skill is high (80+), you can often jump over the jagged terrain in the Wastes of Oblivion to bypass the cave systems entirely, reaching the main tower's door from the outside.
  3. Sigil Stone Farming: Do not immediately grab the Sigil Stone. Save your game while standing in front of it. The Stone’s enchantment is randomized upon pickup. Since you are closing multiple gates, this is your best opportunity to farm "Transcendent" level stones for Fortify Magicka, Reflect Damage, or Elemental Shields.

Impact on the Battle of Bruma

Once all allies are recruited, you will see a makeshift military camp established outside Bruma's walls. The presence of these professional soldiers changes the "Defense of Bruma" quest in three ways:

  • The Holding Line: The allies form a semi-circle around the portal. This keeps the Daedra concentrated in a "kill zone," preventing them from flanking Martin Septim or the player.
  • Survival Rates: Each allied captain (like Viera Lerus) has significantly more hit points than a standard guard. They can survive multiple hits from a Daedroth or a Spider Daedra, allowing the player to focus on closing the Great Gate rather than babysitting the NPCs.
  • Visual Scale: The battle feels significantly more like a "World War" event with the various city colors (the red of Skingrad, the white of Anvil, the blue of Chorrol) represented on the field.

Potential Bugs and Fixes

  • NPC Travel Delay: Occasionally, after closing a gate, the Count/Countess might not immediately offer the dialogue option to send troops. Waiting 24 in-game hours or reloading the cell (exiting and re-entering the castle) usually resolves this.
  • Farwil’s Aggro: In the Cheydinhal gate, Farwil Indarys may sometimes attack the player if a stray hit lands on him. It is highly recommended to use a "Calm" spell to reset his hostility rather than killing him, as his death reduces the reward potential.
  • Ocato's Dialogue: Ensure you speak to Ocato before the final stage of the Bruma questline. While his refusal doesn't prevent progress, failing to speak to him can sometimes lead to a non-completion marker in the quest log for perfectionist players.

Conclusion

The "Allies for Bruma" quest is a testament to the classic RPG philosophy of "preparation equals success." While the prospect of closing seven nearly identical gates might seem repetitive, the tactical advantage gained for the endgame is indispensable. By securing the aid of every city from the Gold Coast to the Nibenay Valley, you ensure that when the Great Gate finally opens, the forces of Tamriel stand ready to meet the Prince of Destruction's minions with steel and courage.