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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion- Skills FAQ
Table of Contents
1) Introduction
a) Purpose
b) Legend
c) Ratings
2) Combat Skills
a) Block
b) Armorer
c) Heavy Armor
d) Blunt
e) Blade
f) Athletics
g) Hand-to-Hand
3) Magic Skills
a) Destruction
b) Alteration
c) Illusion
d) Conjuration
e) Mysticism
f) Restoration
g) Alchemy
4) Stealth Skills
a) Security
b) Sneak
c) Acrobatics
d) Light Armor
e) Marksman
f) Mercantile
g) Speechcraft
5) Conclusion
a) Legal Information
b) Contact Information
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INTRODUCTION
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Purpose: This FAQ was designed to give you an idea of all 21 skills, how to
upgrade them without trying, and which ones you should value, as well as a
second opinion on them.
This FAQ was written based on the assumption that you know what Skill Mastery
Levels are (Novice, Apprentice...Master). If you do not know what those are,
read p20 of your instruction booklet (X360). (Note: If you have the PC
version's instruction booklet...)
Legend: The 21 skills will be set up like so:
Name: The name of the skill.
Description: The manual's description.
Benefits: What you get for each mastery level.
Purpose: What this skill actually does.
Combat Rating: How useful this skill is in combat.
Magic Rating: How useful this skill is in magic.
Stealth Rating: How useful this skill is in stealth.
World Rating: How useful this skill is in daily activities.
Overall Rating: How useful this skill is overall.
Training Speed: How fast you can upgrade this skill.
Training Danger: How dangerous this skill is to train.
Training Effort: How easy this skill is to upgrade.
Training Method: How to upgrade this skill without giving it special treatment.
Speed Training: How to upgrade this skill as fast and effortless as possible.
Ratings: Ratings for Combat, Magic, Stealth, World, and Overall are as follows:
Essential- This skill is invaluable. Definitely invest in
this skill (or an equivalent).
Worthwhile- This skill will help greatly, but can be forgotten.
Useful- This skill can help, but don't overestimate it.
Forgettable- Don't bother using this skill. It's not worth it.
Unrated- This skill does nothing for this category.
Ratings for Training Speed are as follows:
Lightning- This skill upgrades almost too fast.
Fast- This skill won't require much time.
Slow- This skill will take some time to upgrade.
Sluggish- This skill takes forever...FOREVER!!!
Ratings for Training Danger are as follows:
Harmless- You can do this without fear of harm.
Risky- This skill can put you in danger.
Dangerous- You must put your life on the line.
Ratings for (Speed) Training Effort are as follows:
Automatic- Your presence is not required (You'll see what I mean).
Effortless- You'll have to do some repetitive task, but nothing hard.
Simple- You'll have to do some annoying chore, but the training is easy.
Variable- This could be easy or hard, depending on your own skill.
(Contributed by KDraven) When purchasing training for a skill, the price is
determined by your current skill level. For example, if your Sneak skill is
45, and you cast "Damage Skill 20 Points on Self," you will be charged as if
your Sneak Skill was 25.
Note: Raising the difficulty makes the enemies take longer to die, allowing you
to get more hits. Lowering the difficulty makes you take longer to die,
allowing the enemies to get more hits.
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Combat Skills
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Name: Block
Description: Parry weapon attacks with shields and weapons. Successful blocks
reduce damage.
Benefits:
Novice- Blocks cost fatigue, and hand-to-hand blocking does nothing.
Apprentice- blocks no longer cost fatigue.
Journeyman- Shields no longer take damage. Hand-to-hand blocks may cause
recoil, but prevent no damage.
Expert- Knockback counterattacks may follow successful blocks.
Master- Counterattacks may disarm opponent.
Purpose: This skill will increase the damage absorbed by a shield or weapon
(not hand blocking).
Combat Rating: Worthwhile- This skill, although not essential, is extremely
useful, and can even save you from certain death. Fighters should invest in
this skill.
Magic Rating: Forgettable- This skill will certainly help, but since mages can
attack from afar, you can get by without it.
Stealth Rating: Forgettable- Doesn't really help you as a thief, but isn't
completely useless.
World Rating: Unrated- Unless blocking gets you special discounts...
Overall Rating: Worthwhile- If you have space for it, make it a major skill.
Training Speed: Slow- Might take a while, but since blocking doesn't damage
enemies, it's easier. Just watch your health.
Training Danger: Dangerous- You will have to put your life on the line.
Training Effort: Effortless- I guess you could do it automatically, but that
is strongly discouraged.
Training Method: Try to block all enemy attacks. It may make battles last
longer, but it will certainly make you last longer.
Speed Training: Make sure to turn the difficulty to the minimum.
1) Go raid a fort, castle, or someplace (preferably indoors) with enemies.
Kill all but one enemy (so you don't get ambushed) and initiate combat with
the remaining enemy. It would help if that enemy uses a dagger or fists (those
weapons strike the fastest), but that is not required. Just block all of the
enemy’s attacks, and keep an eye on your health.
(Contributed by blood-bath) Guard Barracks are great places to find "enemies."
2) Buy a Summon Skeleton spell (I believe you can get one at Edgar's Discount
Spells). If you have access to the Arcane University, make a second version of
the spell with the duration set to maximum (or as high as you can). Go to an
empty room, summon the skeleton, and strike it three times. Then, just block
all of its attacks. (Note: This will also upgrade Conjuration)
3) (Contributed by Kazuya/Cris) Start the quest, "Whom Gods Annoy" (Leyawin).
You will be given the Staff of the Everscamp. Do not do the quest, but keep
this staff. What it does, is summon four Everscamps, that will follow you
around, and always respawn. Simply attack them, and block their attacks. Be
sure to repair your shield, when you are done. (Note: This will also upgrade
Armorer) [Special Note: The reason this has two contributors, is because both
of them sent me this method, before I got a chance to update.]
(Contributed by death2humanity33) Arquen, of the Dark Brotherhood, cannot be
killed; use this to your advantage. (Note: You must complete the Dark
Brotherhood storyline.)
4) (Contributed by Gessie) "Simply drink 3 Shield potions to get your armor
rating near 85 (which is the cap. You'll need high Alchemy or good Alchemy
equipment, though anyone should get 100 Alchemy before reaching level 2 in my
opinion), then drink another restore health potion, and get beaten up by a
bunch of guards. BUT, instead of forcing them to melee you, let them shoot at
you using their bow from a distance. That way you can absorb all hits using
your shield, since the attacks come from one direction. Note that firing a bow
is a lot slower than hitting with a blade, so it'll still take some time. It's
a hundred times faster than summoning a skeleton or getting beaten up by
everscamps, though. The Imperial Prison and the barracks there are a good place
to find guards, since there won't be any other NPC's who will join the fight.
Imagine 8 guards constantly using bow attacks on you, meaning about 3 hits
every second, more if you stand in the right place.
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Name: Armorer
Description: Maintain weapons and armor at top efficiency. Damaged weapons and
armor are less effective.
Benefits:
Novice- Cannot repair enchanted items.
Apprentice- Chance of success doubles (I guess that's what it does, because
I've broken a hammer on the first try [Armorer=79]).
Journeyman- Can now repair enchanted items.
Expert- Can repair items to 125%.
Master- Hammers never break.
Purpose: Gives you a better chance of using a repair hammer without breaking
it. As far as I know, this does not affect how much health the hammer repairs.
Combat Rating: Worthwhile- I highly recommend investing in this skill
Magic Rating: Forgettable- You can't wear broken armor, which will prevent you
from wearing the +50 Magicka Helmet, but don't bother with this skill.
Stealth Rating: forgettable- Same idea as the Magic Rating.
World Rating: Forgettable- If you're a novice of mercantile, then Armorer will
help you sell weapons and armor for more. Other than that, I can't think of
anything.
Overall Rating: Worthwhile- Don't underestimate this skill.
Training Speed: Slow- The fact that you have to keep buying the hammers
doesn't help.
Training Danger: Harmless- I don't even think you can repair in a battle.
(Contributed by dragonwar343) Well, apparently you can.
Training Effort: Simple- Buying the hammers can get annoying, but there's no
real effort involved.
Training Method: Instead of blocking, just take the hit, and repair your own
armor, or use a melee weapon and repair the enemy's armor.
Speed Training:
1) Find an enemy, and have him/her/it beat you relentlessly until your armor
start to wear. Then, just repair it. (Note: This method will also upgrade
Light/Heavy Armor)
(Contributed by blood-bath) Guard Barracks are great places to find "enemies."
2) (You must have access to the Arcane University) Buy a Disintegrate Armor
spell, and make a 'Disintegrate Armor X Points on Self' spell. Just keep
casting it, and repair the damage you cause. (Note: This will also upgrade
Destruction)
3) Buy a Disintegrate Armor spell. Go find an enemy wearing armor, and kill
the enemy. DO NOT loot the corpse. Instead, keep casting the Disintegrate Armor
spell on the corpse, and the armor should still take damage. Keep casting until
you're satisfied. (Note: This will also upgrade Destruction)
4) Enchant a piece of armor with a Disintegrate Armor, and the armor should
destroy the rest of your armor.
(contributed by Ceewiz\Ceekur) Youmust constantly equip and unequip your armor
for this to work.
5) (Contributed by BrandanJ) Complete the quest "Secrets of the Ayleids"
(Umbaccano's quest about the crown of Nenalata) by giving Umbaccano the false
crown.  After Umbaccano dies, you can loot the false crown from his body.  It
will be permanantely broken, but will still appear in your repair box.  As long
as you have repair hammers, it can be "repaired" an infinite amount of times.
[Special Note: I have been told that this does not work. Perhaps, this glitch
was fixed in later versions. Any further information would be appreciated.]
7) (Contributed by kevin.teddybear) [Note: This may just be a glitch]
Completethe Arena quest, and fight one Land Dreugh, and two Ogres (You will
have to beat a certain level to be able to choose this battle.) Once you start,
the LandDreugh will come out, but the two Ogres will be stuck. Get a weapon
with a longrange, and keep attacking the ogres. Just be sure to repair. [Note:
This will also upgrade Armorer]
[Special Note: If you can confirm that is (or isn't) a random glitch, or, if
this happens with other monsters, I would like to hear from you.]
8) (Contributed by Kazuya/Cris) Start the quest, "Whom Gods Annoy" (Leyawin).
You will be given the Staff of the Everscamp. Do not do the quest, but keep
this staff. What it does, is summon four Everscamps, that will follow you
around, and always respawn. Simply attack them, take the damage, or block.
Whatever you do, just repair the dmaged equipment. (Note: This will also
upgrade Blade/Blunt, Light/Heavy Armor, and/or Block) [Special Note: The reason
this has two contributors, is because both of them sent me this method, before
I got a chance to update.]
9) (Contributed by ligthmere) "It only work training from expert to master,
after getting some crusaders relics go to the priory of the nine, and place
the relics on the armor stand, the armor health will be reset to 100%, since
only works from expert to master just repair the relics to 125% and place them
again on the armor stand to reset the healt to 100% and repeat, watch for the
#of repair hammers"
10) (Contributed by Cliffordex) "To level up armorer, get a bow, and arrow, and
lots of repair hammers. Fire the bow once, open up your inventory and repair
the bow. This may be tedious, but it is less 'risky' then rats (disease, plus,
you won't get hurt)."
(Contributed by death2humanity33) Arquen, of the Dark Brotherhood, cannot be
killed; use this to your advantage. (Note: You must complete the Dark
Brotherhood storyline.)
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Name: Heavy Armor
Description: Make more effective use of Iron, Steel, Dwarven, Orcish, Ebony,
and Daedric armors.
Benefits:
Novice- Armor degrades at +50%.
Apprentice- No degradation penalty.
Journeyman- Armor degrades at -50%.
Expert- Armor weighs 50% less when worn.
Master- Armor weighs nothing when worn.
Purpose: Increases the armor rating of heavy armor, which (if not Light Armor)
should be required as a major skill.
Combat Rating: Essential-  Unless you use light armor, you must invest in this.
Magic Rating: Unrated- The enchantments you can slap on armor do not require a
strong Heavy Armor skill.
Stealth Rating: Unrated- The enchantments you can slap on armor do not require
a strong Heavy Armor skill.
World Rating: Useful- The enchantments you can slap on armor can really help
you here. If you choose to do this, do not waste your primary set of armor
for this. Slap those enchantments on some fur/iron armor.
Overall Rating: Essential- Make this a major skill (or light armor).
Training Speed: Lightning- This skill soars if you know what you're doing.
Training Danger: Dangerous- Anybody have an idea?
Training Effort: Effortless- Just stand there, really. Just make sure to watch
your health.
Training Method: Simply take the hits.
Speed Training: Make sure to turn the difficulty to the minimum.
1) Just find an enemy, and have him attack you repeatedly. Fix the armor when
you're done. (Note: This will also upgrade Armorer)
(Contributed by blood-bath) Guard Barracks are great places to find "enemies."
2) Get a Summon Skeleton spell (it's easier if you make your own version which
lasts longer) and go to an empty room with a chair. Summon the skeleton, and
sit in the chair. Sitting ensures that you stay in one spot, making it easier
for the skeleton. Fix the armor when you're done. (Note: This will also upgrade
Conjuration and Armorer)
3) (Contributed by Kazuya/Cris) Start the quest, "Whom Gods Annoy" (Leyawin).
You will be given the Staff of the Everscamp. Do not do the quest, but keep
this staff. What it does, is summon four Everscamps, that will follow you
around, and always respawn. Simply attack them, and take the damage. Be sure to
repair your armor when you're done. (Note: This will also upgrade Armorer)
[Special Note: The reason this has two contributors, is because both of them
sent me this method, before I got a chance to update.]
(Contributed by death2humanity33) Arquen, of the Dark Brotherhood, cannot be
killed; use this to your advantage. (Note: You must complete the Dark
Brotherhood storyline.)
4) (Contributed by Gessie) "Simply drink 3 Shield potions to get your armor
rating near 85 (which is the cap. You'll need high Alchemy or
good Alchemy equipment, though anyone should get 100 Alchemy before reaching
level 2 in my opinion), then drink another restore health potion, and get
beaten up by a bunch of guards. Go close to them and they'll switch to melee,
meaning many more hits per second. The Imperial Prison and the barracks there
are a good place to find guards, since there won't be any other NPC's who will
join the fight. Imagine 8 guards constantly using swift blade attacks on you,
meaning about 6 hits every second, more if you stand in the right place."
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Name: Blunt
Description: Deliver the crushing blows of mace and axe weapons more
effectively.
Benefits:
Novice- Basic Power Attack (All Directions)
Apprentice- Master Power Attack (Still)
Journeyman- Master Power Attack (Sidestep) (+Disarm)
Expert- Master Power Attack (Backward) (+Knockdown)
Master- Master Power Attack (Forward) (+Paralyze)
Purpose: For those who like giant two-handed weapons for power, this is the
best choice. Not so good for one-handed fighting.
Combat Rating: Essential- There are three types of weapons. You should pick at
least one. For two-handed fighting, invest in this.
Magic Rating: Forgettable- You can enchant it to absorb magicka, or weaken the
enemy to magicka, which helps, but other than that...
Stealth Rating: Useful- People can't spot you when they're dead, but for
stealth, a dagger or short sword might be more prudent.
World Rating: Unrated- Anything you could accomplish with enchantments will be
negated by having to attack them in order to use the enchantment.
Overall Rating: Essential- Unless you pick a different weapon set.
Training Speed: Fast- You can get this upgraded reasonably quick, and since you
use it so often, you probably won't have to dedicate time to train it.
Training Danger: Dangerous- You figure it out.
Training Effort: Effortless- Just hit the attack button repeatedly. Just make
sure you're actually hitting someone.
Training Method: Use a blunt weapon as your primary means of attack, and it
will increase quickly enough.
Speed Training:
1) Find an enemy, preferably poorly armed with no training in magicka, and
pound the enemy mercilessly. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the
enemy last longer, but just make sure that you don't die.
2) Get a Summon Zombie spell and a Paralyze spell. Increase the duration of the
spell effects if you can. Go to an empty room. Summon a zombie, cast a
paralyze spell on it, and keep attacking it. When the paralyze spell wears off,
recast it, if you can. This will ensure that the skeleton stays in one spot,
making it easier for you. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the enemy
last longer, but just make sure that you don't die. (Note: This will also
upgrade Conjuration and Illusion) [Do not use skeletons for this, for they are
immune to paralysis]
3) (Contributed by Talon CS13) Go to the Shrine of Peryite (Do not finish the
quest), and you will notice some frozen followers. The great thing about them
is that they never die, so strike them as often as you please, and be sure to
repair your weapon once you've had your fun. (Note: This will also upgrade
Armorer)
4) (Contributed by kevin.teddybear) [Note: This may just be a glitch] Complete
the Arena quest, and fight one Land Dreugh, and two Ogres (You will have to be
at a certain level to be able to choose this battle.) Once you start, the Land
Dreugh will come out, but the two Ogres will be stuck. Get a weapon with a long
range, and keep attacking the ogres. Just be sure to repair. [Note: This will
also upgrade Armorer]
[Special Note: If you can confirm that is (or isn't) a random glitch, or, if
this happens with other monsters, I would like to hear from you.]
5) (Contributed by Kazuya/Cris) Start the quest, "Whom Gods Annoy" (Leyawin).
You will be given the Staff of the Everscamp. Do not do the quest, but keep
this staff. What it does, is summon four Everscamps, that will follow you
around, and always respawn. Simply attack them repeatedly. Be sure to repair
your weapon when you're done. (Note: This will also upgrade Armorer)  [Special
Note: The reason this has two contributors, is because both of them sent me
this method, before I got a chance to update.]
(Contributed by death2humanity33) Arquen, of the Dark Brotherhood, cannot be
killed; use this to your advantage. (Note: You must complete the Dark
Brotherhood storyline.)
(Contributed by shultays) Shadowmere, the Dark Brotherhood gift horse, cannot
be killed; use this to your advantage. ((Contributed by
Minimexicanman52/milesdearman) Shadowmere is given to you as a reward for
completeing the Dark Brotherhood quest "Purification.")
(Contributed by Cunninngham) The stable lady at Weynon Priory (Eronor), as well
as the gift horse from Jauffre, cannot be killed; use this to your advantage.
(Contributed by seafoodgar): Weak weapons ensure the enemy survives longer, and
takes more hits.
(Contributed by Mark): If you have Chameleon 100%, enemies will not attack you.
Enchant all your equipment with Chameleon X%, and make a spell to bump it up
to 100%.
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Name: Blade
Description: Deliver the slashing and thrusting attacks of dagger and sword
weapons more effectively.
Benefits:
Novice- Basic Power Attack (All Directions)
Apprentice- Master Power Attack (Still)
Journeyman- Master Power Attack (Sidestep) (+Disarm)
Expert- Master Power Attack (Backward) (+Knockdown)
Master- Master Power Attack (Forward) (+Paralyze)
Purpose: For one-handed quick-attack weapons, this is the natural choice. If
you plan on using a shield, go with blade. For two-handed fighters, this skill
will give you some pretty good options, but you might want to consider blunt.
Combat Rating: Essential- There are three types of weapons. You should pick at
least one. For one-handed fighting, invest in this.
Magic Rating: Forgettable- You can enchant it to absorb magicka, or weaken the
enemy to magicka, which helps, but other than that...
Stealth Rating: Worthwhile- People can't spot you when they're dead, and the
light weight of daggers and short swords only help your cause.
World Rating: Unrated- Anything you could accomplish with enchantments will be
negated by having to attack them in order to use the enchantment.
Overall Rating: Essential- Unless you pick a different weapon set.
Training Speed: Fast- You can get this upgraded reasonably quick, and since you
use it so often, you probably won't have to dedicate time to train it.
Training Danger: Dangerous- You figure it out.
Training Effort: Effortless- Just hit the attack button repeatedly. Just make
sure you're actually hitting someone.
Training Method: Use a blade weapon as your primary means of attack, and it
will increase quickly enough.
Speed Training:
1) Find an enemy, preferably poorly armed with no training in magicka, and
pound the enemy mercilessly. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the
enemy last longer, but just make sure that you don't die.
2) Get a Summon Zombie spell and a Paralyze spell. Increase the duration of the
spell effects if you can. Go to an empty room. Summon a zombie, cast a
paralyze spell on it, and keep attacking it. When the paralyze spell wears off,
recast it, if you can. This will ensure that the skeleton stays in one spot,
making it easier for you. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the enemy
last longer, but just make sure that you don't die. (Note: this will also
upgrade Conjuration and Illusion) [Do not use skeletons for this, for they are
immune to paralysis]
3) (Contributed by Talon CS13) Go to the Shrine of Peryite (Do not finish the
quest), and you will notice some frozen followers. The great thing about them
is that they never die, so strike them as often as you please, and be sure to
repair your weapon once you've had your fun. (Note: This will also upgrade
Armorer)
4) (Contributed by kevin.teddybear) [Note: This may just be a glitch] Complete
the Arena quest, and fight one Land Dreugh, and two Ogres (You will have to be
at a certain level to be able to choose this battle.) Once you start, the Land
Dreugh will come out, but the two Ogres will be stuck. Get a weapon with a long
range, and keep attacking the ogres. Just be sure to repair. [Note: This will
also upgrade Armorer]
[Special Note: If you can confirm that is (or isn't) a random glitch, or, if
this happens with other monsters, I would like to hear from you.]
5) (Contributed by Kazuya/Cris) Start the quest, "Whom Gods Annoy" (Leyawin).
You will be given the Staff of the Everscamp. Do not do the quest, but keep
this staff. What it does, is summon four Everscamps, that will follow you
around, and always respawn. Simply attack them repeatedly. Be sure to repair
your weapon when you're done. (Note: This will also upgrade Armorer)  [Special
Note: The reason this has two contributors, is because both of them sent me
this method, before I got a chance to update.]
(Contributed by death2humanity33) Arquen, of the Dark Brotherhood, cannot be
killed; use this to your advantage. (Note: You must complete the Dark
Brotherhood storyline.)
(Contributed by shultays) Shadowmere, the Dark Brotherhood gift horse, cannot
be killed; use this to your advantage. ((Contributed by
Minimexicanman52/milesdearman) Shadowmere is given to you as a reward for
completeing the Dark Brotherhood quest "Purification.")
(Contributed by Cunninngham) The stable lady at Weynon Priory (Eronor), as well
as the gift horse from Jauffre, cannot be killed; use this to your advantage.
(Contributed by seafoodgar): Weak weapons ensure the enemy survives longer, and
takes more hits.
(Contributed by Mark): If you have Chameleon 100%, enemies will not attack you.
Enchant all your equipment with Chameleon X%, and make a spell to bump it up
to 100%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Athletics
Description: Run and swim faster, and regenerate lost fatigue faster.
Benefits:
Novice- Fatigue Regeneration Rate (FRR) penalty when running.
Apprentice- Running FRR penalty -25%.
Journeyman- Running FRR penalty -50% (relative to novice penalty).
Expert- Running FRR penalty -75% (relative to novice penalty).
Master- No running FRR penalty.
Purpose: If you fight from a distance, and like to keep your distance, or just
like to run away, then you should consider this skill.
Combat Rating: Useful- Do not underestimate the decreased running FRR penalty.
Also, this can help get you out of a tight spot.
Magic Rating: Unrated- I got nothing.
Stealth Rating: Unrated- I don't believe this skill affects sneaking.
World Rating: Useful- Trust me, this game is a lot more fun when you can move
faster.
Overall Rating: Useful- The speed increase is why I like it so much. If you
don't think it's this good, try moving around after casting a -100 Athletics on
yourself.
Training Speed: Sluggish- I found 160 locations, beat all four guild stories,
beat the main quest, several side quests, all Arena battles, and my athletics
was  only 42. This skill is quite possibly the slowest-upgrading skill in this
game.
Training Danger: Harmless- You don't need anyone else to run.
Training Effort: Automatic- No effort required.
Training Method: It's simple really, MOVE!
Speed Training:
1) Find an empty room, find a corner, and run straight into that corner. I
believe the PC version has an auto-run key. For X360 users like myself, I find
that a rubber band does the job. Once you set everything up, go find something
else to do for about 4 days (96 hours).
2) (Contributed by BrandanJ) Obtain a piece of equipment with a Water Breathing
enchantment. Wear it, and find a body of water. Just keep swimming into a wall,
and it that should knock 24 hours off your time.
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Name: Hand-to-Hand
Description: Attack without weapons to damage and fatigue opponents.
Benefits:
Novice- Basic Power Attack (All Directions)
Apprentice- Master Power Attack (Still)
Journeyman- Master Power Attack (Sidestep) (+Disarm)
Expert- Master Power Attack (Backward) (+Knockdown)
Upgraded block (+Knockback)
Master- Master Power Attack (Forward) (+Paralyze)
Upgraded block (+Disarm)
Purpose: If your ONLY concern is carrying as much loot from the dungeon as you
possibly can (as mine is), then you should consider this skill.
Combat Rating: Forgettable- The maximum damage you can do with Hand-to-Hand is
11, which, if you're a veteran of Oblivion, you should find to be horrible.
This should never be used to replace Blade or Blunt, unless cargo space is that
important to you (It was to me).
Magic Rating: Unrated- I can't find anything.
Stealth Rating: Worthwhile- I love the unarmed sneak attack animation. That
alone is worth the damage loss. However, if you don't love it, then stick with
blade.
World Rating: Unrated- I'm drawing a blank.
Overall Rating: Forgettable- Let me put it bluntly (get it?), Hand-to-Hand is
a WASTE...OF...TIME!
Training Speed: Slow- Although, the lack of damage helps in training it.
Training Danger: Dangerous- Do I have to tell you?
Training Effort: Effortless- It's tedious, but effortless.
Training Method: Use Hand-to-Hand as your primary "weapon," and you should be
fine.
1) Find an enemy, preferably poorly armed with no training in magicka, and
pound the enemy mercilessly. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the
enemy last longer, but just make sure that you don't die.
2) Get a Summon Zombie spell and a Paralyze spell. Increase the duration of the
spell effects if you can. Go to an empty room. Summon a zombie, cast a
paralyze spell on it, and keep attacking it. When the paralyze spell wears off,
recast it, if you can. This will ensure that the skeleton stays in one spot,
making it easier for you. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the enemy
last longer, but just make sure that you don't die. (Note: this will also
upgrade Conjuration and Illusion) [Do not use skeletons for this, for they are
immune to paralysis]
3) (Contributed by Talon CS13) Go to the Shrine of Peryite (Do not finish the
quest), and you will notice some frozen followers. The great thing about them
is that they never die, so strike them as often as you please.
4) (Contributed by kevin.teddybear) [Note: This may just be a glitch] Complete
the Arena quest, and fight one Land Dreugh, and two Ogres (You will have to be
at a certain level to be able to choose this battle.) Once you start, the Land
Dreugh will come out, but the two Ogres will be stuck. Get a weapon with a long
range, and keep attacking the ogres. Just be sure to repair. [Note: This will
also upgrade Armorer]
[Special Note: If you can confirm that is (or isn't) a random glitch, or, if
this happens with other monsters, I would like to hear from you.]
[Special Note: Your range may not be enough to keep you from harm. If you can
confirm if it is (or isn't), I would like to hear from you.]
(Contributed by death2humanity33) Arquen, of the Dark Brotherhood, cannot be
killed; use this to your advantage. (Note: You must complete the Dark
Brotherhood storyline.)
(Contributed by shultays) Shadowmere, the Dark Brotherhood gift horse, cannot
be killed; use this to your advantage. ((Contributed by
Minimexicanman52/milesdearman) Shadowmere is given to you as a reward for
completeing the Dark Brotherhood quest "Purification.")
(Contributed by Cunninngham) The stable lady at Weynon Priory (Eronor), as well
as the gift horse from Jauffre, cannot be killed; use this to your advantage.
(Contributed by Mark): If you have Chameleon 100%, enemies will not attack you.
Enchant all your equipment with Chameleon X%, and make a spell to bump it up
to 100%.
(Contributed by Andrew) "I noticed that when I was punching a summoned Xivilai,
he'd fall down and had no chance to fight back. This is a good way to level up
Hand to Hand, but you have to have a Conjuration level of 100 before you can do
it."
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Magic Skills
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Name: Destruction
Description: Cast spells to inflict magical fire, frost, and shock damage, or
reduce resistances to magic attacks.
Benefits:
Novice- No benefits.
Apprentice- Cast Apprentice level spells of this school.
Journeyman- Cast Journeyman level spells of this school.
Expert- Cast Expert level spells of this school.
Master- All spells of this school are castable.
Purpose: You will have access to some powerful spells. To utilize this skill's
effectiveness, I present to you this analogy: Blade/Blunt is to Shotgun as
Destruction is to Bazooka.
(Conributed by Cheese) As your skill in any school of magic goes up, the
cost of casting a spell of that school goes down.
Combat Rating: Forgettable- You can always disintegrate the enemy's armor,
will help you deal more damage.
Magic Rating: Essential- What kind of mage would you be without at least a
fireball spell?
Stealth Rating: Unrated- Destruction spells can be seen and heard.
World Rating: Unrated- I imagine people get upset when you damage their
attributes.
Overall Rating: Worthwhile- You really should invest in this, even if you're
not a mage. Just think of it as a bazooka, and use it to deal heavy damage.
Training Speed: Lightning- Almost all magic skills upgrade this fast.
Training Danger: Harmless- You can always cast spells on yourself.
Training Effort: Effortless- How hard is it to press one button?
Training Method: Use destruction spells often to defeat or weaken enemies.
Speed Training:
1) Cast any spell of this school repeatedly.
2) (You must have access to the Arcane University) Buy a Disintegrate Armor
spell, and make a 'Disintegrate Armor X Points on Self' spell. Just keep
casting it, and repair the damage you cause. (Note: This will also upgrade
Armorer)
3) Buy a Disintegrate Armor spell. Go find an enemy wearing armor, and kill
the enemy. DO NOT loot the corpse. Instead, keep casting the Disintegrate Armor
spell on the corpse, and the armor should still take damage. Keep casting until
you're satisfied. Then, repair the armor. (Note: This will also upgrade
Armorer)
4) (Contributed by spekbert) Engage in an arena fight, and as soon as the gates
open, run to the right, and jump on the stones right next to the gate. Your
opponent will not be able to hit you. Turn the difficulty all the way up, so
your enemy won't die, and just keep casting weak destruction spells.
(Contributed by Destragan): Holding the block button, while equipped with a
shield (and only a shield) will increase cast time.
(Contributed by Grendel): The strength and cost of a spell will NOT affect the
experience points earned from casting it.
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Name: Alteration
Description: Cast spells to breathe or walk on water, open locks, shield from
physical or magical damage, and alter encumbrance.
Benefits:
Novice- No benefits.
Apprentice- Cast Apprentice level spells of this school.
Journeyman- Cast Journeyman level spells of this school.
Expert- Cast Expert level spells of this school.
Master- All spells of this school are castable.
Purpose: The only real reason to upgrade this skill is Feather. The other
spells are okay, but Feather is probably the greatest spell ever.
(Conributed by Cheese) As your skill in any school of magic goes up, the
cost of casting a spell of that school goes down.
(Conributed by Cheese) Open Lock is an extremely useful spell, although,
it can get annoying trying to unlock a gate.
Combat Rating: Forgettable- The shield spells can help, but I don't use them
often, since I've reached the AC cap of 85.
Magic Rating: Forgettable- Magic resistance can help, but can also be
overlooked.
Stealth Rating: Forgettable- Opening locks can reveal hidden passages, which
can help you get to your target without being seen, but there really aren't
that many of them.
World Rating: Essential- One word: Feather.
Overall Rating: Essential- Feather, feather, feather.
Training Speed: Lightning- Almost all magic skills upgrade this fast.
Training Danger: Harmless- Find an empty room.
Training Effort: Effortless- The same button, over and over again.
Training Method: I say it again: Feather.
Speed Training:
1) Cast any spell of this school repeatedly.
2) (Contributed by BrandanJ) Obtain an Open Very Easy Lock spell, and cast it
repeatedly on any openable container, whether it is locked or not.
(Contributed by Destragan): Holding the block button, while equipped with a
shield (and only a shield) will increase cast time.
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Name: Illusion
Description: Cast spells to charm, conceal, create light, silence, paralyze,
ommand or affect morale or aggressiveness.
Benefits:
Novice- No benefits.
Apprentice- Cast Apprentice level spells of this school.
Journeyman- Cast Journeyman level spells of this school.
Expert- Cast Expert level spells of this school.
Master- All spells of this school are castable.
Purpose: Containing the Night-Eye, Charm, and Invisibility spells, this skill
is my personal favorite. Although it does not contain any useful battle spell,
it can help make the game less annoying.
(Conributed by Cheese) As your skill in any school of magic goes up, the
cost of casting a spell of that school goes down.
Combat Rating: Forgettable- You can command your enemies to fight for you, but
I've never done this, and the chameleon spell gets extremely annoying in a
fight.
(Conributed by Cheese) Worthwhile- Command, Demoralize, Frenzy, and
Paralyze work well in combat.
(Contributed by KDraven) Worthwhile- Paralyze: Enemies are easier to fight
when they can't move.
Magic Rating: Forgettable- If you have spell absorption, you can get a fleeing
mage to attack you with magic and refill your Magicka, but these spells don't
really help.
(Conributed by Cheese) Worthwhile- Using touch spells can get annoying,
since you have to stand next to your enemy, which can be dangerous. Unless, of
course, you're invisible.
Stealth Rating: Worthwhile- Chameleon and Invisibility spells were specially
designed just for thieves. Enjoy.
World Rating: Essential- Trust me, exploring is more fun when you can actually
see what's in front of you, and is a great replacement for a torch. Charm is
also a useful spell, as it can increase disposition further than persuasion.
Overall Rating: Essential- Charm can help you get better deals, which everyone
can enjoy.
Training Speed: Lightning- Almost all magic skills upgrade this fast.
Training Danger: Harmless- Find an empty room.
Training Effort: Effortless- The same button, over and over again.
Training Method: Before you barter, use Charm to increase disposition even
more to get better deals. When you're exploring a dungeon, cave, or other dark
place, use Night-Eye.
Speed Training:
1) Cast any spell of this school repeatedly.
2) Get a Summon Zombie spell and a Paralyze spell. Increase the duration of the
spell effects if you can. Go to an empty room. Summon a zombie, cast a
paralyze spell on it, and keep attacking it. When the paralyze spell wears off,
recast it, if you can. This will ensure that the skeleton stays in one spot,
making it easier for you. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the enemy
last longer, but just make sure that you don't die. (Note: this will also
upgrade Conjuration and Blade/Blunt/Hand-to-Hand/Marksman) [Do not use
skeletons for this, for they are immune to paralysis.]
(Contributed by Destragan): Holding the block button, while equipped with a
shield (and only a shield) will increase cast time.
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Name: Conjuration
Description: Cast spells to summon otherworldly creatures, summon magical
weapons and armor, and turn the undead.
Benefits:
Novice- No benefits.
Apprentice- Cast Apprentice level spells of this school.
Journeyman- Cast Journeyman level spells of this school.
Expert- Cast Expert level spells of this school.
Master- All spells of this school are castable.
Purpose: Bound equipment doesn't weigh anything, which helps those who need
more space. The fact that you can summon your own monsters can help in battles,
but are really useful in training.
(Conributed by Cheese) As your skill in any school of magic goes up, the
cost of casting a spell of that school goes down.
(Conributed by Cheese) Conjuration is useful for escaping. Summon a
creature and stand your ground for a second until the enemy attacks a creature
and then run.
Combat Rating: Worthwhile- Bound weapons are of the highest quality, and
can give you the extra jump you need in a fight.
Magic Rating: Unrated- Doesn't help this field.
Stealth Rating: Forgettable- People can't see you when they're dead, but the
cast can give you away.
World Rating: Unrated- I don't see anything.
Overall Rating: Worthwhile- Used a lot in training.
Training Speed: Lightning- Almost all magic skills upgrade this fast.
Training Danger: Harmless- Find an empty room.
Training Effort: Effortless- The same button, over and over again.
Training Method: Use bound weapons or summon allies during fights.
Speed Training:
1) Cast any spell of this school repeatedly.
2) Buy a Summon Skeleton spell (I believe you can get one at Edgar's Discount
Spells). If you have access to the Arcane University, make a second version of
the spell with the duration set to maximum (or as high as you can). Go to an
empty room, summon the skeleton, and strike it three times. Then, just block
all of its attacks. (Note: This will also upgrade Block)
3) Get a Summon Skeleton spell (it's easier if you make your own version which
lasts longer) and go to an empty room with a chair. Summon the skeleton, and
sit in the chair. Sitting ensures that you stay in one spot, making it easier
for the skeleton. Fix the armor when you're done. (Note: This will also upgrade
Light/Heavy Armor and Armorer)
4) Get a Summon Zombie spell and a Paralyze spell. Increase the duration of the
spell effects if you can. Go to an empty room. Summon a zombie, cast a
paralyze spell on it, and keep attacking it. When the paralyze spell wears off,
recast it, if you can. This will ensure that the zombie stays in one spot,
making it easier for you. You can turn the difficulty higher to make the enemy
last longer, but just make sure that you don't die. (Note: this will also
upgrade illusion and Blade/Blunt/Hand-to-Hand/Marksman) [Do not use skeletons
for this, for they are immune to paralysis.]
(Contributed by Destragan): Holding the block button, while equipped with a
shield (and only a shield) will increase cast time.
(Contributed by Cliffordex): If you're going to repeatedly cast a bound
weapon spell, sheathe the weapon to dispel it.
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Name: Mysticism
Description: Cast spells that absorb, reflect, and dispel magic, move objects,
sense life, and bind souls.
Benefits:
Novice- No benefits.
Apprentice- Cast Apprentice level spells of this school.
Journeyman- Cast Journeyman level spells of this school.
Expert- Cast Expert level spells of this school.
Master- All spells of this school are castable.
Purpose: It comes with some powerful spells, and Soul Trap is a must for
enchanters.
(Conributed by Cheese) As your skill in any school of magic goes up, the
cost of casting a spell of that school goes down.
Combat Rating: Unrated- Unless Reflect Damage is a buyable spell...
Magic Rating: Useful- Absorb Spell can help refill your Magicka, which everyone
can enjoy.
Stealth Rating: Useful- Detect Life can help you spot that one annoying
guard that you otherwise would have missed. Telekinesis can also be useful.
World Rating: Unrated- Yup.
Overall Rating: Useful- Detect Life is always helpful, and the Soul Trap spell
will fill your soul gems, which you need to enchant.
Training Speed: Lightning- Almost all magic skills upgrade this fast.
Training Danger: Harmless- Find an empty room.
Training Effort: Effortless- The same button, over and over again.
Training Method: Use Detect Life when you are sneaking, and Soul Trap as many
creatures as you can.
Speed Training:
1) Cast any spell of this school repeatedly.
(Contributed by Destragan): Holding the block button, while equipped with a
shield (and only a shield) will increase cast time.
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Name: Restoration
Description: Cast spells to restore, fortify, or absorb physical and magical
attributes, cure disease, and resist magical attacks.
Benefits:
Novice- No benefits.
Apprentice- Cast Apprentice level spells of this school.
Journeyman- Cast Journeyman level spells of this school.
Expert- Cast Expert level spells of this school.
Master- All spells of this school are castable.
Purpose: Almost any situation can be helped with a Restoration spell.
(Conributed by Cheese) As your skill in any school of magic goes up, the
cost of casting a spell of that school goes down.
Combat Rating: Useful- Boost the correct attribute or skill to give you the
edge in combat. Healing helps too.
Magic Rating: Useful- Fortifying magicka is a great way to help you cast more
spells, and the magicka resistance helps too.
Stealth Rating: Useful- Boost the correct attribute or skill to keep you hidden
for even a second longer.
World Rating: Essential- Boost Armorer to save hammers, Security to save
lockpicks, mercantile, to get a better deal, and so many more possibilities.
Overall Rating:
Training Speed: Sluggish- Unlike the other schools, this one takes a long, LONG
time to increase. I don't know why.
Training Danger: Harmless- Find an empty room.
Training Effort: Effortless- The same button, over and over again.
Training Method: Before you rest, heal yourself, and cure your own diseases.
Speed Training:
1) Cast any spell of this school repeatedly.
(Contributed by Destragan): Holding the block button, while equipped with a
shield (and only a shield) will increase cast time.
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Name: Alchemy
Description: Create potions and gain benefits from alchemical ingredients more
effectively.
Benefits:
Novice- The first ingredient effect is visible.
Apprentice- The second effect is visible.
Journeyman- The third effect is visible.
Expert- All effects are visible.
Master- One-ingredient potions.
Purpose: With the right potion, you can defeat any enemy, overcome any
obstacle, and anything else you thought you couldn't do.
Combat Rating: Useful- Use poisons to destroy your enemies even faster, and
potions to turn you into a warrior.
Magic Rating: Useful- Restore necessary magicka when you don't have time to
wait.
Stealth Rating: Useful- Use potions to completely remove you from sight, and
poisons, because people can't see you when you're dead.
World Rating: Essential- Turn those worthless ingredients into rare and
expensive potions and watch your account soar.
Overall Rating: Essential- Any situation can be helped with a simple potion or
poison, and it's a great way to multiply your funds.
Training Speed: Lightning- Just like the other magic skills.
Training Danger: Harmless- Find an empty room.
Training Effort: Simple- Gathering ingredients can get annoying.
Training Method: Make potions whenever you can to help you on your quest that
someone else told you to do.
Speed Training:
1) Go to a shop that sells ingredients, buy all the cheap ingredients (-5G),
and get all four alchemical tools (the better they are, the more money you
make). make as many potions as you can with the ingredients, and sell the
potions/poisons you just made. You can keep repeating until you have enough
money, or you can just go to as many ingredient shops as you can find first.
(Note: This will also upgrade Mercantile)
2) (Contributed by Gessie) "Pay a little visit to the the part of Cyrodiil
which borders the Black Marsh (I go East of Leyawiin, usually). You'll find
mushrooms all over the place, 20 minutes of picking will result in hundreds
of shrooms. That translates to hundreds of potions, and each will be worth
30 - 60 gold, depending on your alchemy equipment. So, this is also a great
way to make money, especially when you hit 100 Alchemy (twice as many potions,
since they'll need only one ingredient)."
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Stealth Skills
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Name: Security
Description: Use lockpicks to open locked doors and containers.
Benefits:
Novice- No benefits.
Apprentice- First tumbler locks on success.
Journeyman- First two tumblers lock on success.
Expert- First three tumblers lock on success
Master- All tumblers lock on success.
Purpose: It's useful if you are bad at this, but you will probably master it
before this skill starts to help.
Combat Rating: Forgettable- It can unlock the chest with the weapon you need.
Magic Rating: Forgettable- It can unlock the chest with the scroll you need.