In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, ectoplasm is primarily obtained from Ethereal Undead creatures such as ghosts and wraiths. These enemies drop ectoplasm when defeated, but they are immune to normal weapons, so you need to use silver or enchanted weapons, or magic spells to damage them
Where to Get Ectoplasm in Oblivion:
- Ghosts and Wraiths in Dungeons: You can find ghosts and wraiths in various dungeons and forts. A reliable dungeon to farm ectoplasm is Rielle , which contains 6 ghosts in the crypt area that drop ectoplasm consistently
- Great Chapel Undercrofts: Many cities have chapels with undercrofts containing Sanctified Dead (a type of ethereal undead). These undercrofts are usually locked, but you can pick locks or obtain keys by pickpocketing the head priest. Cities with such chapels include:
- Anvil
- Bruma
- Bravil
- Leyawiin
- Skingrad
- Cheydinhal (Great Chapel of Arkay) These locations guarantee 3 to 5 ethereal undead, making them good farming spots
- Special Locations with Guaranteed Ethereal Undead:
- Sancre Tor (requires starting the quest Blood of the Divines)
- Vahtacen (requires starting the quest Vahtacen's Secret)
- Rielle
- Wendir
- Malada
- Alchemy Shops: Ectoplasm can sometimes be purchased from alchemy merchants, though it is rare. Shops like "All Things Alchemical" in Skingrad and "The Main Ingredient" in Imperial City Market District occasionally stock ectoplasm. Resting for 72 hours may refresh their inventory
- Static Loot: There is a static ectoplasm sample on a table in "All Things Alchemical" in Skingrad. Previously, ectoplasm was also found behind a bench at Meridia's Shrine, but this is no longer present in recent versions
Tips for Farming Ectoplasm:
- Use silver or enchanted weapons or magic to damage ethereal undead, as they are immune to normal weapons, frost, poison, and silence spells
- The Rielle dungeon is one of the easiest and quickest places to farm ectoplasm early in the game
- The Great Chapel undercrofts are good for repeated farming due to respawning enemies
Summary
To get ectoplasm in Oblivion, kill ghosts, wraiths, or other ethereal undead in dungeons like Rielle or in chapel undercrofts in major cities. Use silver or enchanted weapons or magic to damage them. You can also buy ectoplasm occasionally from alchemy shops or find static samples in specific locations like "All Things Alchemical" in Skingrad
