In the course of this article, we’re going to tackle a frustrating glitch that some players have encountered in the world of Oblivion, particularly if you’re diving back in or experiencing it for the first time with some of the unofficial visual enhancements floating around. We’re talking about the moment when Savlian Matius, during the quest involving Weynon Priory, just… doesn’t do his thing. He’s supposed to charge into the courtyard, ready for action, but sometimes he’s just a no-show, leaving you hanging and unable to progress. It’s like waiting for a friend who said they were five minutes away, and they never appear – only in this case, it can stop your entire adventure! Let’s break down how to get past this snag so you can continue your epic journey in Cyrodiil.
Troubleshooting Savlian Matius Charge the Courtyard Bug in Oblivion
Understanding the Savlian Matius Bug
Sometimes in games, especially big, sprawling ones like Oblivion, things don’t go exactly as planned. One of the more well-known issues that can pop up involves Savlian Matius during the main questline. For those unfamiliar, at a certain point, Weynon Priory comes under attack. Savlian is a guard there, and a crucial part of the sequence involves him charging into the courtyard to help defend the place. However, for some players, this just doesn’t happen. He might be stuck somewhere, or the game script might not be triggering correctly. Whatever the reason, it’s a roadblock that needs to be addressed to move forward.
Initial Steps to Resolve the Bug
When you first encounter this problem, don’t panic. There are a few simple things you can try that might just kick Savlian (or rather, the game) back into gear. Think of these as the first-aid steps for your Oblivion adventure.
Reloading a Previous Save
This is often the simplest and most effective fix for many in-game glitches. If you have a save from just before the attack on Weynon Priory begins, try loading it and playing through the sequence again. Sometimes, a temporary hiccup in the game’s processing can cause characters not to spawn or scripts not to run correctly. Reloading essentially resets the situation and gives the game a fresh chance to execute everything as it should. Make sure you’re reloading a save that’s as close as possible to the event, but not during the event itself, to ensure you catch the game in the right state.
Restarting Your Game and System
If reloading doesn’t work, the next thing to try is a full restart of your game and even your gaming system (whether that’s a PC or a console). This can clear any temporary files or processes that might be interfering with the game’s proper function. It’s like giving your computer or console a little breather. Close Oblivion completely, and if you’re on a console, try turning it off and then back on. If you’re on a PC, close the game and maybe even restart your computer for good measure. Once everything is back up, load your game and see if Savlian is now cooperating.
Checking for Game Updates or Patches
While the original Oblivion might not receive official patches anymore, if you are playing a version with community-made patches or enhancements, ensure these are up to date. Sometimes, bugs like this are identified and fixed by the modding community. Check the sources where you obtained these patches to see if there are any updates available. Applying the latest versions might resolve the issue you’re facing with Savlian Matius.
More Advanced Fixes for the Stubborn Bug
If the basic steps didn’t do the trick, it might be time to delve into some more specific solutions. These often involve understanding a bit more about how the game works or utilizing tools that might be available.
Using the Console Commands (PC Only)
For PC players, the Elder Scrolls series offers a powerful tool: the console command. This can be used to directly influence the game world, including moving characters or advancing quest stages. If Savlian is simply stuck somewhere or hasn’t spawned, you might be able to use the console to bring him to you or force the next stage of the quest.
Opening the Console
To access the console in Oblivion on PC, you’ll typically need to press the tilde key (~) on your keyboard. This will bring up a command prompt overlay in the game. Be cautious when using console commands, as they can sometimes have unintended consequences if used incorrectly. It’s always a good idea to save your game before trying any commands.
Identifying Savlian Matius’s RefID
To manipulate a specific character using the console, you’ll need their Reference ID (RefID). This is a unique identifier that the game uses to track every object and character in the world. You can find Savlian Matius’s RefID through various online Oblivion wikis or forums dedicated to the game. A common RefID for Savlian Matius is 000281DA. However, it’s always best to double-check this to ensure accuracy, especially if you’re playing with mods that might alter these IDs.
Commands to Try
Once you have Savlian’s RefID, you can try a few different commands to resolve the bug:
- player.moveto <RefID>: Replace <RefID> with Savlian’s actual RefID (e.g., player.moveto 000281DA). This command will teleport your character to Savlian’s current location. He might be stuck somewhere out of sight, and being near him could potentially trigger his charge into the courtyard.
- prid <RefID>: This stands for “PlayerReferenceID”. Using this command with Savlian’s RefID will select him in the game world, even if you can’t see him. For example, type prid 000281DA and press Enter. You should get a message in the console indicating that the actor has been selected.
- moveto player: After selecting Savlian with the prid command, you can then use moveto player. This will teleport Savlian to your current location. If he was stuck or hadn’t spawned, this should bring him into the courtyard with you, hopefully triggering the next part of the quest.
- resurrect: If Savlian somehow died (though this is unlikely at this stage of the quest), selecting him with prid and then using the resurrect command might bring him back to life.
- setstage MS14 20: The attack on Weynon Priory is part of the quest “Weynon Priory.” Quest stages in Oblivion are numbered. Stage 20 is typically when Savlian is supposed to charge into the courtyard. If the above commands don’t work, you can try to force the quest to this stage using this command. Be very cautious with setstage commands, as they can sometimes break quests if used incorrectly or out of order. It’s generally a good idea to try the less invasive commands first.
Remember to close the console by pressing the tilde key again after trying these commands.
Investigating Potential Mod Conflicts
If you are playing Oblivion with mods installed, it’s quite possible that a conflict between two or more mods is causing the Savlian Matius bug. Mods can alter game scripts, character behaviors, or even the game world in ways that sometimes lead to unexpected issues.
Identifying Recently Installed or Updated Mods
Think back to the mods you’ve recently installed or updated just before you encountered this bug. A mod that changes anything related to quests, NPCs, or the Weynon Priory area is a prime suspect.
Temporarily Disabling Mods
The best way to check for mod conflicts is to temporarily disable your mods one by one (or in small groups) and then try playing through the Weynon Priory attack again. If the bug disappears after disabling a particular mod, then that mod is likely the culprit.
Checking Mod Load Order
Sometimes, the order in which your mods are loaded can also cause conflicts. Most mod managers (like LOOT for Oblivion) can help you automatically sort your load order to minimize conflicts. Ensure that you are using such a tool and that your load order is optimized according to its recommendations.
Seeking Information on Mod Forums or Communities
If you suspect a particular mod, try searching for it in online forums or communities dedicated to Oblivion modding. Other users might have encountered the same issue and might have found a solution or a specific conflict that you can address.
Verifying Game File Integrity (PC – Steam/GOG)
If you’re playing Oblivion on PC through platforms like Steam or GOG, these platforms often have a feature to verify the integrity of your game files. This process checks if any of the game’s core files are missing, corrupted, or have been altered, and it will redownload any problematic files. This can sometimes fix issues that are not necessarily mod-related but are due to problems with the game’s installation.
Steps to Verify on Steam
- Open your Steam library.
- Right-click on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Game of the Year Edition or similar).
- Select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Local Files” tab.
- Click on “Verify integrity of game files…”
- Steam will then start the verification process, which might take a few minutes.
Steps to Verify on GOG Galaxy
- Open GOG Galaxy.
- Select The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion from your games list.
- Click on the “More” button (usually three dots).
- Hover over “Manage Installation” and then click on “Verify / Repair.”
- GOG Galaxy will then check and repair your game files if necessary.
After the verification process is complete, try running Oblivion again and see if the Savlian Matius bug is still present.
Specific Scenarios and Solutions
Sometimes, the reason behind the bug might be related to specific player actions or the state of the game world. Here are a few more targeted scenarios and potential solutions:
If You Left Weynon Priory Before the Attack
The attack on Weynon Priory is triggered after you complete a certain stage in the main quest. If you initiated the attack by being present but then left the area (fast traveling or walking away) before Savlian could properly engage, this might have caused him to become stuck or the sequence to break. In this case, try fast traveling back to Weynon Priory and see if the situation resolves itself. If not, reloading a save from before you left might be necessary.
If Other NPCs Are Behaving Strangely
If you notice other non-player characters (NPCs) around Weynon Priory are also acting erratically or not following their usual routines, this could indicate a more general scripting issue. This might be due to a corrupted save file or a deeper mod conflict. Try reloading an older save, possibly even from before you arrived at Weynon Priory, to see if this helps.
Waiting for a Long Duration
In some instances, the game might just need a little time to process events. If Savlian hasn’t immediately charged in, try waiting in the courtyard for a few in-game hours. You can do this by pressing the “T” key (by default) to bring up the wait menu. Sometimes, this can allow the game’s scripts to catch up and trigger the next sequence.
Community Insights and Player-Reported Fixes
The Oblivion community is vast and has collectively encountered and solved many of the game’s quirks. Here are some additional insights and fixes that players have reported over the years:
- Ensuring you are at the right quest stage: Double-check that you have indeed progressed the main questline to the point where the attack on Weynon Priory is supposed to occur. Sometimes, players might think they are further along than they actually are. The quest “Weynon Priory” should be active in your journal, and you should have recently spoken with Jauffre.
- Avoiding interacting with Savlian directly before the charge: Some players have reported that talking to Savlian Matius just before the attack might, in some cases, prevent him from charging correctly. While this might not be a universal cause, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re repeatedly encountering the bug.
- Using alternative console commands (as a last resort): If the moveto player or setstage commands for stage 20 don’t work, some players have had success with slightly different setstage commands for the quest “Weynon Priory” (quest ID MS14). You could try setstage MS14 15 (which is slightly before the charge) or setstage MS14 25 (slightly after). However, use these with extreme caution and always backup your save. Another command some have used is sqo MS14, which shows the current quest objectives for “Weynon Priory,” which might give you a clue about which stage is expected next.
Console-Specific Solutions (if applicable)
While console commands are not available on console versions of Oblivion, there are still a few things console players can try:
- Clear your console’s cache: Sometimes, temporary data stored by your console can cause issues in games. Try clearing the cache of your PlayStation or Xbox. The exact steps for this vary depending on your console model, so you’ll need to look up the instructions for your specific device.
- Reinstall the game: As a more drastic measure, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling Oblivion on your console. This can help if there was an issue during the initial installation of the game. Remember that if you have any save data you want to keep, you should ensure it’s backed up before uninstalling.
FAQ: Troubleshooting Savlian Matius Charge the Courtyard Bug
What is the Savlian Matius bug in Oblivion?
The Savlian Matius bug refers to an issue during the attack on Weynon Priory in the main questline of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Savlian Matius, a guard at the priory, is supposed to charge into the courtyard to help defend it, but sometimes he fails to do so, halting the player’s progress in the quest.
Why is Savlian Matius not charging the courtyard?
There can be several reasons for this bug, including temporary game glitches, script errors, mod conflicts (for PC players), corrupted save files, or even issues with the game’s installation.
Will reloading a previous save always fix the Savlian Matius bug?
Reloading a save from just before the attack on Weynon Priory can often resolve the bug, as it gives the game a fresh chance to execute the sequence correctly. However, if the issue is due to a persistent problem like a mod conflict or a corrupted game file, reloading might not be a permanent solution.
I’m playing on PC. How can console commands help with the Savlian Matius bug?
PC players can use console commands to directly interact with the game world. By opening the console, you can use commands to move your character to Savlian, move Savlian to you, or even try to force the quest to the next stage. These commands require you to know Savlian’s Reference ID (RefID) and understand the specific commands like player.moveto, prid, moveto player, and setstage.
I’m playing with mods. Could this be causing the bug?
Yes, if you have mods installed on your PC version of Oblivion, a conflict between mods is a likely cause of the Savlian Matius bug. Mods can alter game scripts and character behaviors, leading to unexpected issues. Temporarily disabling your mods or optimizing your load order can help identify if a mod conflict is the problem.
Is there a specific console command to fix the Savlian Matius bug?
Several console commands might help. The most commonly suggested are:
- player.moveto 000281DA (teleports you to Savlian)
- prid 000281DA followed by moveto player (teleports Savlian to you)
- setstage MS14 20 (attempts to set the quest to the stage where Savlian charges). However, remember to use setstage commands with caution and always save your game first.
I’m playing on a console (PlayStation/Xbox). What can I do since I don’t have console commands?
Console players have fewer direct options but can try:
- Reloading a previous save.
- Restarting their game and console.
- Clearing the console’s system cache.
- Reinstalling the game as a last resort.
Could leaving Weynon Priory before the attack be the issue?
If you were present when the attack on Weynon Priory started but then left the area before Savlian could engage, this might have caused him to become stuck. Try fast traveling back to the priory or reloading a save from before you left.
Where can I find Savlian Matius’s Reference ID (RefID) for console commands?
The common RefID for Savlian Matius in Oblivion is 000281DA. However, it’s always a good idea to verify this on an Oblivion wiki or forum, especially if you are playing with mods that might alter these IDs.
What does the console command setstage MS14 20 do?
The command setstage MS14 20 attempts to set the main quest “Weynon Priory” (which has a quest ID of MS14) to stage 20. Stage 20 is typically when Savlian Matius is supposed to charge into the courtyard during the attack. Using this command can sometimes force the quest to progress, but it should be used cautiously as it might have unintended consequences if the quest is not in the expected state.
Conclusion: Getting Back to Your Adventure
The Savlian Matius bug in Oblivion can be a frustrating obstacle, especially when you’re eager to continue the main questline. However, as we’ve explored, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue. Whether it’s as simple as reloading a previous save or diving into the world of PC console commands and mod management, the goal is to get Savlian moving and the attack on Weynon Priory underway. Remember to be patient, try the solutions methodically, and don’t hesitate to consult the vast resources and communities dedicated to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. With a little perseverance, you’ll be back to exploring the wilds of Cyrodiil and fulfilling your destiny as the Hero of Kvatch in no time! Happy adventuring
