There are 21 skills in Oblivion. Each of them can be leveled up by either repeatedly using it, by purchasing training from an NPC, or by finding and reading special books. For each skill, you are rated as either a Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, Expert, or Master. These are based on your level and you'll get new bonus maneuvers and attributes when you attain a new ranking.

Skill Level - Level Range
Novice - 0 to 24
Apprentice - 25 to 49
Journeyman - 50 to 74
Expert - 75 to 99
Master - 100

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Combat Skills

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Armourer

Armourer is a useful skill for those who want to keep one piece of equipment in top condition. As a piece of armour absorbs damage or a weapon is repeatedly swung into an enemy's body, they will take damage and not work quite as well as they once did. By using Armourer, which requires repair hammers, players can maintain their equipment at its peak performance levels. This is a difficult skill to level up and is very time consuming. We don't recommend choosing this as a Major Skill for novices.

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Athletics

Those with a high level in athletics will be able to run and swim faster as well as regenerate lost fatigue at a faster clip. This is a great skill to have if you enjoy running around exploring or want to power-level your character. Running and swimming will help you to level this skill up.

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Blade

This skill governs the use of daggers and swords and can be leveled up by successfully attacking with those weapons.

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Block

The block skill is useful for characters who plan on entering into a lot of melee fights. Blocking will reduce the amount of damage your character takes when he or she gets hit. This skill will be leveled up by successfully blocking enemy attacks.

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Blunt

The blunt skill governs your ability to effectively wield and attack with mace and axe weapons. If you choose to use this skill, ignore swords and daggers to improve the skill the fastest. This skill can be leveled up by attacking enemies with mace or axe weapons.

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Hand-to-Hand

This skill allows you to fight without weapons. Novices should ignore this skill and take the extra damage you get from wielding a weapon. This skill is useful for role-players and for those who don't want to be encumbered by carrying around a heavy weapon. By punching enemies, you will level the skill up.

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Heavy Armour

Heavy armour will absorb the most damage but it also requires some extreme strength to lift it. This armour will over-encumber weak users, so only choose it if you plan on playing a melee expert. This skill can be leveled up by engaging in combat while wearing heavy armour.

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Magic Skills

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Alchemy

Experts in alchemy can effectively combine ingredients into potions and will get a greater benefit from Alchemical Ingredients. This skill can be leveled up by eating alchemical ingredients or successfully creating potions.

When beginning, you can mix two of random ingredients to make potions. Search barrels or pick ingredients all over Cyrodiil. Each time you create a potion, your Alchemy level will increase. Selling the potions will then increase your Mercantile skill. Use all four Alchemic Items to increase the potency of your potions. Once you build up your Alchemy Skill, you will be able to see the alchemical properties for more ingredients. Mix and match to make stronger, more useful potions.

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Alteration

Alteration spells will allow you to open locks, breath or walk on water, create shields, and boost your encumbrance. Each spell's power and effects are based upon which level of mastery your have with the skill. You can't cast a spell above your current Mastery Level. These are great spells to have if you plan on thieving. Repeatedly using these spells will level up the skill.

Conjuration

Conjuration spells allow you to summon creatures, weapons, armor, and command the undead. Each spell's power and effects are based upon which level of mastery your have with the skill. You can't cast a spell above your current Mastery Level. These spells will bolster a Spellsword's combat effectiveness nicely. Repeatedly using these spells will level up the skill.

Destruction

Destruction spells will inflict fire, frost, and shock damage, or lower resistances to magic attacks. Each spell's power and effects are based upon which level of mastery your have with the skill. You can't cast a spell above your current Mastery Level. Every magician should have a high level for this skill. Repeatedly using these spells will level up the skill.

Illusion

Illusion spells allow you to charm, conceal, create light, and otherwise alter other people's behavior. Each spell's power and effects are based upon which level of mastery your have with the skill. You can't cast a spell above your current Mastery Level. Thieves should look to pick up a few of these spells. Repeatedly using these spells will level up the skill.

Mysticism

Mysticism spells will allow you to absorb, reflect, and dispel magic. You can also sense enemies, move objects remotely and bind souls into soul gems. Each spell's power and effects are based upon which level of mastery your have with the skill. You can't cast a spell above your current Mastery Level. This powerful class of spells is important to anyone interested in enchantment. Repeatedly using these spells will level up the skill.

Restoration

These spells restore life, fortify stats, and absorb damage. Each spell's power and effects are based upon which level of mastery your have with the skill. You can't cast a spell above your current Mastery Level. Everyone will need at least one restoration spell to keep themselves alive when the damage comes in. Repeatedly using these spells will level up the skill.

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Stealth Skills

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Acrobatics

Those skilled in acrobatics will be able to jump long distances and will not incur any damage when falling great distances. This is useful for reaching high perches where you can attack with magic or arrows and is also useful when making escapes. Jump around constantly to level this skill up.

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Light Armour

Light armour experts can effectively use Furs, Leather, Chainmail, Mithril, Elven, and Glass armor. This skill will naturally be leveled up if you wear light armor during battle.

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Marksman

A marksman expert can fire his bow with precision and power. This a great skill for those who prefer to travel with minimal armor because it lets you stay away from the danger. Keep firing arrows to level this skill up.

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Mercantile

If you like to buy and sell merchandise, you'll need this skill. It allows you to get better prices for goods and allows you to sell items at a higher cost. Bartering will increase the level of this skill.

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Security

The security skill will enable you to unlock doors and containers. This is useful for everyone as it gives you access to hidden items and will allow you to steal your way to a comfortable lifestyle. Successfully opening locks will improve your level in this skill.

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Sneak

The sneak skill will enable you to pick pockets and move around unnoticed by observers. Moving around in sneak mode without being discovered or successfully picking a pocket will help you to level this skill up. You can easily increase this skill by sneaking around a sleeping NPC.

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Speechcraft

Those with a high level of speechcraft will be able to persuade other people to like and trust you. With this skill, you'll get better information and will have less difficulty convincing others to help you. Successfully Persuading people will boost the level of this skill.

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