Skills & Character Development
Oblivion's character development system is built around a set of distinct skills that improve through use. As you use a skill, it gains experience, contributing to your overall character level. Leveling up allows you to increase your core attributes and gain perk points, which are crucial for shaping your character's strengths and playstyle.
There are 21 skills in Oblivion, divided into three categories: Combat, Magic, and Stealth. Each skill is associated with one or more primary attributes. For example, Blade, Blunt, and Hand to Hand are Combat skills that increase the Strength attribute, while Destruction and Mysticism are Magic skills that increase Willpower and Intelligence, respectively.
| Skill Category | Skills | Associated Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Combat | Blade | Strength, Agility |
| Blunt | Strength, Endurance | |
| Hand to Hand | Strength, Agility | |
| Archery | Agility, Perception | |
| Heavy Armor | Endurance, Strength | |
| Block | Agility, Strength | |
| Light Armor | Agility, Endurance | |
| Magic | Destruction | Intelligence, Willpower |
| Alteration | Intelligence, Willpower | |
| Illusion | Willpower, Charisma | |
| Restoration | Willpower, Endurance | |
| Conjuration | Intelligence, Willpower | |
| Mysticism | Intelligence, Willpower | |
| Alchemy | Intelligence, Willpower | |
| Stealth | Sneak | Agility, Perception |
| Lockpicking | Agility, Perception | |
| Pickpocket | Agility, Charisma | |
| Speechcraft | Charisma, Willpower | |
| Athletics | Endurance, Strength | |
| Mercantile | Charisma, Perception | |
| Security | Agility, Perception |
When you level up, you can increase up to three attributes. The bonus you receive for each attribute depends on how many skills associated with that attribute you improved since your last level-up. For example, if you improved five Blade skills and two Strength skills, your Strength attribute will receive a larger bonus than if you only improved one Blade skill and one Strength skill.
Choosing your Major Skills during character creation is crucial, as these skills level up faster and contribute more sificantly to your attribute bonuses. A balanced build often involves selecting a mix of skills from different categories to create a versatile character. Experiment with different skill combinations to find a playstyle that suits you best.