When Bethesda released The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion in 2006, the studio didn’t get around to adding every single aspect of the game they had originally planned. We all know about the cut content and half-finished mechanics, like the obscure goblin raiding feature.

However, there are also lore considerations that didn’t quite make it into the finished product. One of these was the idea of a divide between Imperials from Nibenay and Imperials from Colovia. Although regions of Tamriel can seem like monocultures at times, Bethesda intended to include smaller cultures within each region.

In Cyrodill, there is supposed to be a cultural divide between those from Nibenay, who consider themselves true subjects of the Empire, and those from Colovia, who have a more autonomous and aloof attitude towards the Empire. This wasn’t explicitly referenced in the original release of Oblivion, outside a couple of voice lines.

Origins Have Been Added

However, with Oblivion Remastered, each of the game’s races now has two distinct origins that you can choose between in the character creator. The origins options for Imperials? You guessed it: Nibenay and Colovia.

The description of Nibenay reads, “You are a true Imperial, born into the heart of the Empire. The number of cities and their size led you to travel hastily.” For Colovia, it reads, “Colovia inhabitants, such as yourself, are known for their autonomy, including toward the rest of the Empire. You inherited the willfulness of your forebears.” The full list of origins can be found below.

Argonian: Arnesia or Thornmarsh

Breton: Systres or High Rock

Dark Elf: Vvardenfell or Mainland [Morrowind]

High Elf: Auridon or Summerset Isle

Imperial: Nibenay or Colovia

Khajiit: Anequina or Pellitine

Nord: Western [Skyrim] or Eastern [Skyrim]

Orc: Stronghold or Orsinium

Redguard: Dragontain Mountains or Alik’r Desert

Wood Elf: Grahtwood or Reaper’s March

Each of these origins contains a lore tidbit about the area your character came from. It’s unknown if these origins have any other effect on gameplay, or are just a nice nod to something Bethesda wanted to do but didn’t have the time to complete in the original release of Oblivion. We know there are new voice lines, so there’s always a chance.

Oblivion Remastered is available now on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC.