Skills (Oblivion)

A skill in Oblivion refers to a player's effectiveness in using the skill itself (i.e. points in Armorer lead to improved ability to repair armor), or in using spells associated with that skill (i.e. points in Conjuration improves effectiveness of Conjuration spells). A character chooses seven major skills, with the rest being minor skills. Each skill is governed by an attribute. There are three main schools of skills:


 * For a quick reference table of the skill bonuses for each race, see Skill bonuses quick reference.

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Combat Arts
Strength Endurance Speed
 * Blade
 * Blunt
 * Hand to Hand
 * Armorer
 * Block
 * Heavy Armor
 * Athletics


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Magic Arts
Willpower Intelligence Personality
 * Alteration
 * Destruction
 * Restoration
 * Alchemy
 * Conjuration
 * Mysticism
 * Illusion
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Stealth Arts
Agility Speed Personality
 * Security
 * Sneak
 * Marksman
 * Acrobatics
 * Light Armor
 * Mercantile
 * Speechcraft
 * }

Skills can be maxed out to 100. At certain points of increasing skill level, a player is given a rank to demonstrate their expertise. The ranks can't be reached by means that only last a limited time (through items, potions, or spells). The ranks are:
 * Novice (0-24)
 * Apprentice (25-49)
 * Journeyman (50-74)
 * Expert (75-99)
 * Master(Level 100)

Each rank in a particular skill grants the player a skill perk, which can provide a passive boost to something, provide a new attack, or make the skill more effective. Note that except for Athletics and Acrobatics, skills over 100 has no further effects. There are five ways to increase skills: Going to jail can lower skills till they're raised back up again.
 * Using the skill over and over.
 * Reading books to increase the skill.
 * Paying trainers to increase the skill.
 * As a quest reward or other special means (like watching the two people fight outside the Arena for a bit of time)
 * Through items, potions, and spells that increase the skill for a limited amount of time.