The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Enchantment Effects & Costs

Learn about Morrowind's enchantment system, detailing effects like Fortify Attribute and Restore Health, and their associated Soul Gem costs.

Enchantment Effects & Costs

Enchanting is a powerful tool in Morrowind, allowing you to imbue items with magical properties that can aid you in combat, exploration, and daily life. Understanding the effects and costs associated with different enchantments is crucial for crafting potent gear.

Enchantments in Morrowind are applied to items using soul gems filled with the souls of slain creatures. The strength and type of soul gem used, along with the caster's Enchant skill and relevant attributes (Intelligence and Willpower), determine the success rate and power of the enchantment. Common enchantment effects include:

  • Fortify Attribute: Increases one of your character's attributes (e.g., Strength, Intelligence).
  • Fortify Skill: Increases a specific skill (e.g., Long Blade, Destruction).
  • Restore Health/Magicka/Fatigue: Replenishes your vital resources.
  • Absorb Health/Magicka/Fatigue: Drains resources from your target and adds them to yours.
  • Damage [Attribute/Skill]: Inflicts damage to an enemy's attribute or skill.
  • Resist [Element/Effect]: Provides resistance to specific damage types (e.g., Fire, Frost, Magicka).
  • Shield [Element/Effect]: Creates a magical shield that absorbs a percentage of incoming damage.
  • Light: Illuminates the area around the caster.
  • Invisibility: Renders the caster invisible.

The cost of an enchantment is determined by its magnitude, duration, and the skill of the enchanter. More powerful effects and longer durations naturally incur higher costs in terms of soul gem energy and gold if you are using an NPC enchanter. The Enchanting skill itself plays a sificant role; a higher skill level increases the chance of success and allows for more potent enchantments. Furthermore, certain Constellations, like The Mage or The Apprentice, can provide passive bonuses to magicka or spell effectiveness, indirectly influencing enchanting capabilities. When enchanting items yourself, it's beneficial to have a high Enchant skill and relevant attributes. For NPC enchanters, such as those found in the Mages Guild or major cities, the cost will be reflected in gold. Planning your enchantments strategically, focusing on effects that complement your character build and address your weaknesses, will greatly enhance your effectiveness in Vvardenfell.