Originally published February 13, 2024. The original article can be found here.
Arriving March 11 for PC/Mac and March 26 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, the Oathsworn Pit is one of two all-new dungeons within the upcoming Scions of Ithelia dungeon DLC pack. A launch, you can take on this new challenge via ESO Plus™ membership or purchase it from the in-game Crown Store.
Agent of MalacathEdit
A training ground for Malacath’s most devoted followers, the Oathsworn Pit has recently been overrun by a mysterious new group of Wood Elves. The God of Curses demands retribution for his fallen warriors, and you and your party have been chosen to act in his name.
“The Oathsworn Pit is where Malacath’s devotees train in various combat styles and learn to follow the Code of Mauloch,” explains Helena Wachhaus, one of ESO’s Writer-Designers. “The Oathsworn recently welcomed a group of Wood Elves to the pit, but the newcomers betrayed their trust. It’s up to the players to deal out Malacath’s vengeance and rescue what remains of the Oathsworn before they’re all killed.”
(Embedded here is a kuula Virtual Tour of the Oathsworn Pit)
When writing the story for this dungeon, the team saw an opportunity to explore the many facets of an oft misunderstood and maligned Daedric Prince.
“Malacath’s an interesting prince. He’s the Lord of Ash and Bone, the Oathbreaker, and the God of Curses, but to Orcs, he’s Mauloch the Lord of the Sworn Oath—Defender of the Betrayed,” explains Wachhaus. “With this dungeon, we explore how Orcs view Mauloch. He might be a vengeful and bloody Daedric Prince—and the Oathsworn reflect this too—but when his followers’ trust is betrayed, he’ll make sure that dishonor is repaid.”
In addition to an exploration of Malacath and his cult, Oathsworn Pit also introduces one of the major factions you’ll encounter in the upcoming Gold Road Chapter, the Recollection.
“The group of Wood Elves who attack the pit play a major part in next Chapter’s story. I don’t want to give too much away, but the Recollection has a lot of schemes and plans that won’t be immediately apparent—something to look out for in this dungeon!”
Battle in the LodgesEdit
Saving the Oathsworn from the Recollection is no simple task, since any force able to overwhelm Malacath’s chosen is capable indeed. Thankfully, you are joined by the Orc Bazrag, who assists you in battling the invaders, avoiding their many traps, and uncovering the secrets of the Oathsworn. In addition to this powerful ally, cunning adventurers may find ways to use the environment to their advantage.
“The Oathsworn built their temple and all three of their lodges around an enormous pit,” explains Shane Slama, one of ESO’s Senior Content Designers. “The pit is featured throughout as you quest through the area, even allowing those who are sneaky to use it to their advantage to dispatch some overconfident Recollection members.”
Of course, you’ll need all the help you can get when it comes to the dungeon’s three challenging bosses.
“The first boss Rethelros blocks your path in the Lodge of the Fist and has a destructive bond with his wolf Malthil,” explains Slama. “Coordinated group positioning and combating this bond will be a top priority. Anthelmir and her construct are next in the Lodge of the Axe. Together they pack a fiery wallop, and you’ll want to mind your surroundings. You may just develop an unhealthy fear of wooden barrels!”
Should you make it past the first two lodges, the Oathsworn Pit’s final boss (and leader of the invading band) is Aradros the Awakened, who makes judicious use of fire magic to transform the floor into an inferno.
“You definitely don’t want to be caught flat-footed against Aradros,” warns Slama. “If you find a method to turn the tide and fight fire with fire, don’t hesitate!”
Vengeful RewardsEdit
If you enact Malacath’s will and cleanse the Oathsworn Pit of the usurpers, you’ll find no shortage of rewards for your deeds. This includes collectibles, achievements, and item sets, many unique to this dungeon.
For example, complete Oathsworn Pit on veteran difficulty and you’ll earn the Malacath's Dropped Helmet memento. Even better, complete both Oathsworn Pit and Bedlam Veil (the other Scions of Ithelia dungeon) on veteran difficulty and you’ll receive the Bloodmarks of Malacath skin.
Oathsworn Pit also holds three unique item sets and a new monster helm. These new item sets provide powerful boons, which you can experience by donning the Cinders of Anthelmir light set.
“Dealing damage to the foe while wearing this set creates a Cindermoth next to you who will chase your enemy,” explains Nadav Pechthold, one of ESO’s combat designers. “When your foe gets too close to a Cindermoth, the moth builds up energy before bursting into a large explosion, dealing Flame damage and applying the Burning status effect.”
With special collectibles, challenging achievements, and powerful item sets up for grabs, Malacath offers great boons to those strong enough to claim them.
The God of Curses Needs You!Edit
Take up arms against the enemies of Malacath and liberate the Oathsworn Pit from its Wood Elf invaders. A challenge worthy of the Lord of Monsters awaits in this new four-player dungeon, coming soon as part of the Scions of Ithelia DLC via ESO Plus membership or the Crown Store. Are you ready to answer the call to arms? Let us know via X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
The Scions of Ithelia dungeon DLC pack and Update 41 arrive March 11 on PC/Mac, and March 26 for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.