Marksman (Oblivion)

For other uses, see Marksman.

The Marksman skill governs the effectiveness of using bow and arrow weapons. Higher Marksman skill results in increased damage for each attack. It is useful for taking out enemies that one might have to kill in stealth-like quests, or during combat if one is fast enough to avoid getting hit.

Governing attribute: Agility

Skill levels

• Novice (0–24): Loses Fatigue while holding the bow drawn back.
• Apprentice (25–49): No Fatigue cost while holding the bow drawn back.
• Journeyman (50–74): May zoom while holding the bow drawn back by pressing and holding block.
• Expert (75–99): Bow attacks have a chance of knocking the target down.
• Master (100): Bow attacks have a chance of paralyzing the target.

Classes and races

A Witchhunter using a bow against a Goblin Shaman.

Classes

Classes utilizing the Marksman skill:

• Acrobat
• Agent
• Archer
• Assassin
• Monk
• Thief
• Witchhunter

Races

Races granted a boost to Marksman:

• Bosmer – +10
• Dunmer – +5

Marksman trainers

Main article: Trainers (Oblivion)

Skill Books

Main article: Skill Books (Oblivion)

• A Dance in Fire, Book V
• The Gold Ribbon of Merit
• Vernaccus and Bourlor
• Father of the Niben
• The Black Arrow, v 2

Leveling text

Apprentice

The twang of the bow and the scraping of arrow fletchings are quite familiar to you. As a new Apprentice Marksman, holding the bowstring with a nocked arrow no longer fatigues you.

Journeyman

The twang of the bow and the scraping of arrow fletchings are quite familiar to you. As a new Journeyman Marksman, your vision focuses in on the target if you hold block with an arrow nocked.

Expert

The twang of the bow and the scraping of arrow fletchings are quite familiar to you. As a new Expert Marksman, your arrows now have a chance to knock down your opponent.

Master

The twang of the bow and the scraping of arrow fletchings are quite familiar to you. As a new Master Marksman, your arrows now have a chance to paralyze your opponent.

Character dialogue

• When one's Marksman skill is 70 or higher, characters will say: "You have the eyes of a trained marksman."

Relevance with other skills

• Marksman works well with Alchemy, as Marksman allows poisons to be used at a far greater range.
• Marksman also works well with Sneak, allowing for triple damage and eventually armor ignoring attacks at range.
• It is also advisable to use Acrobatics alongside Marksman, as jumping or rolling are efficient ways to evade melee-oriented enemies while firing.