Magicka (Oblivion)

Magicka is the main component of those focused on magic arts, referred to as "mana" or "energy" in other games. It is used to cast spells and can naturally be restored by resting, by drinking magicka potions, or simply by not expending it for a time. Note that a character with The Atronach birthsign regains Magicka in a different fashion. The total amount of Magicka is determined by Intelligence plus any race and/or birthsign bonus. The recharge rate of Magicka is determined by Willpower. In the game of Morrowind, your Magicka regenerates only when you sleep, rest or travel by Silt Strider. In Oblivion, however, Magicka regeneration is practically instantaneous yielding use of magic much more appealing.


 * Magicka (mana) = ( Intelligence x 2 ) + (Any Bonuses or Signs)

How it works
Magicka is the total amount of 'magic points' or MP a character can spend to cast spells. Each spell requires a certain number of Magicka to cast. If the character has insufficient Magicka the spell icon is grayed out and cannot be cast. A character who runs out of Magicka is not adversely affected in any other way.

Raising magicka
The primary way to permanently raise Magicka is to raise the character's Intelligence score when leveling up. The primary way to permanently raise the regeneration rate of Magicka is to raise the character's Willpower score when leveling up.

There are numerous spells, potions, and items which can temporarily raise the Magicka total or increase a character's Intelligence and Willpower attributes and thus the Magicka maximum and regeneration rates, respectively.

You can also get items, with the Enchanting Profession, that will reduce the Magicka Requirement of your abilities. You can check out how it works here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cwNFvROcqA

Lowering Magicka
The primary way of losing Magicka is, of course, to use it. However, there are many effects which can temporarily reduce a character's Magicka total or regeneration rate, usually by targeting said character's Intelligence or Willpower. There are also some effects that drain Magicka points as if they had been spent. Character archetypes that have an extreme approach toward magic (either eschewing it completely, as with the pure melee fighter, or by specializing in having as much of it as possible, as with the pure spellcaster) often have the least trouble with Magicka-draining effects. Character archetypes that depend upon having Magicka for a key ability or concept (such as a Battlemage or any custom class that relies upon magic for a strong first or last strike) have much to fear from such effects. It is notable, however, in that a pack of monsters with Magicka-draining effects can be a deadly threat to any character build.

Birthsigns that affect Magicka

 * The Apprentice (+100, also a 100% weakness to magicka)
 * The Atronach (+150, unable to regenerate magicka, 50% Spell Absorption)
 * The Mage (+50)