Health (Oblivion)

Health represents the total amount of damage an entity can take before dying. Referred to as Hit Points (HP) in most games, it is vitally important for players to keep track of their health pool. Should the health pool reach zero or below, the entity is dead. Essential characters cannot be killed, so they become incapacitated when their health reaches zero or below.

Increasing health score
Health increases with each level gained, when certain items are equipped, and if certain spells are currently active. Non-player entities have Health equivalent to their level and items. The primary method for increasing Health stems from increasing the Endurance attribute at level up. Characters born under the Lady birthsign gain additional health points earlier in the game, and can exceed the attribute cap of 100, rendering these characters with the highest levels of hit points. Skills utilizing Endurance include armor skills, such as Heavy armor and Light armor; frequently raising these skills allow for the possibility of 5 point increases in hit points, allowing for a greater total health pool earlier.

Apparel enchanted with Fortify Health or Fortify Endurance increases the health reservoir as well. Spells that fortify health and endurance can be purchased from Spell Merchants. Spells containing these effects can be created at an Altar of Spellmaking, so long as access to the Arcane University and fortify spells has been granted.

Restoration
Health can be restored through magic, consumption of potions and beverages, or by leveling up. Fast traveling and waiting fully restores health. Resting in a bed or on a bench constitutes as waiting, thus producing the same vitalization effects. Unique to Oblivion are Blood Fountains. These devices exist on planes of Oblivion and restore health to 100% when activated. Each fountain can only be activated once.

Spells
Spells that restore health:

Alchemy
Various alchemical ingredients can restore or fortify health when consumed directly or when potions brewed from them are consumed. Certain ingredients do not innately restore health; conversely, their "Restore Health" properties must be unlocked by increasing the Alchemy level. One of four possible effects are Restore Health or Fortify Health.

Damaging health
Health can be damaged through a vast array of methods, ranging from magic to melee combat. Effects such as Damage Health and Drain Health alter health indirectly.