Alchemy allows you to create custom potions and poisons by combining ingredients. Each ingredient has four alchemical effects, which are discovered by eating the ingredient or by successfully combining it with others. A higher Alchemy skill increases the potency and duration of your creations, and allows you to discover more effects per ingredient. Alchemy is an excellent way to generate gold, create powerful buffs, and craft poisons to enhance your weapons. Essential equipment includes an Mortar & Pestle, Retort, Calcinator, and Alembic, which can be found or purchased.
Enchanting allows you to imbue weapons and armor with magical properties. To enchant an item, you need a filled Soul Gem (containing a soul), an item to enchant, and a spell effect you know. Enchanting can only be done at specific altars, primarily at the Arcane University's Altar of Enchanting (after joining the Mages Guild). Enchantments can be constant effect (for armor) or on-strike/on-use (for weapons). Enchanting is crucial for creating truly powerful gear tailored to your specific build, providing sificant boosts to combat, defense, and utility.