Stealth (Oblivion)

Stealth in Oblivion, like in most games, can be used to sneak past enemies undetected, steal objects of value, murder the not-so-innocent (or the innocent) without ever being caught or just give you a buzz of adrenaline.

Stealth Skills

 * Security
 * Sneak
 * Acrobatics
 * Light Armor
 * Marksman
 * Mercantile
 * Speechcraft

Tips for Stealth
The most important rule to remember is: To an extent, the majority of rules that apply to not being seen in real life, apply in Oblivion

Many environmental factors influence your success at remaining an enigma in the eyes of your enemy:
 * The light in the area plays an important factor. Hiding in the shadows is obviously more advisable than standing right underneath a fully-lit chandelier.
 * If your stealth mission involves working outside, it is advisable to wait for night-fall when there are less citizens about to notice you and more shadow cover.
 * If you are unsure whether you can be seen, switch to third-person view and see how clearly you can see yourself. If you blend in relatively well, chances are the NPCs won't be able to see you, even if they walk directly past you.

The clothes you are wearing can also play an important part in your not being seen:
 * Whilst the colour of your clothes seem to make no difference, some items of clothing are enchanted with a Chameleon spell which can make it harder for guards to notice you. Whilst unconfirmed, there are rumours of an outfit that can turn you fully invisible.
 * If you have NOT reached the rank of Journeyman (Level 50) in Sneak, the weight of your boots impacts your stealth. Light Armor boots or no boots at all are quieter than Heavy Armor boots.

How you move will also make a difference:
 * Being stationary, sneaking, walking, running and jumping all have varying levels of noise.
 * Being stationary creates no noise at all and whilst not moving you are relatively safe from guards.
 * Sneaking and to some extent walking is perfectly safe providing the enemy is looking the other direction.
 * Running and jumping will normally cause an enemy to hear you which will immediately scupper your stealth attempts.

Uses
There are two primary uses for stealth.

Pick-pocketing
Steal goods from an NPCs body

Attacking
Receive bonus damage and critical attacks (Apprentice Mastery and above). Particularly effective when used with bows because the Marksman can sneak at a long distance and deal massive amounts of damage.

Miscellaneous
Move undetected while trespassing