Magic Skills (Arcane Arts)

Magic skills allow characters to manipulate the arcane forces of the universe. Each school of magic offers unique possibilities and can be mastered independently of the others.

Mastery of offensive spells and destructive elements. Includes elemental magic (casting flames, lightning, frost projectiles), energy discharges, and in general any spell aimed at harming, weakening or disintegrating the target. A Destruction mage can for example ignite a trail of oil on the ground or strike an enemy from a distance. The more powerful the spell, the higher the DD will be, but on success the damage inflicted can be devastating.

The art of healing wounds, purifying and fortifying. Restoration spells cover healing an ally's hit points, curing diseases or poisons, regeneration, as well as divine protection (blessings, protection circles against undead, etc.). In combat, a Restoration mage can close their companions' wounds or repel a necromantic creature with a holy gesture.

Magic of the mind and deception of the senses. Allows charming an individual, inspiring fear or anger, becoming invisible or mute, creating light shows or deceptive sounds. This skill is prized by spies and mystical assassins. For example, an Illusion spell can muffle the sound of the group's footsteps (Silence), illuminate a dark cave (Light), or induce a crowd into calm while a fight breaks out (Pacify).

The art of summoning creatures or weapons and manipulating souls. A Conjuration mage can call upon the planes of Oblivion to temporarily summon an elemental atronach, an undead (skeleton, zombie) or even a minor Daedra bound by contract. This skill also covers necromancy (reanimation of corpses) and the creation of bound magical weapons. Outside of combat, Conjuration is used for more advanced summoning rituals or to banish summoned creatures.

Magic altering the properties of matter and natural laws. Its spells allow, for example, to levitate or walk on water, magically open a lock (Lock Opening), transmute matter (transform base metal into gold, Transmutation), detect living beings at a distance, or protect oneself by hardening one's skin like stone (Oakflesh and its variants). Alteration also includes telekinesis spells (moving objects at a distance). It's a versatile discipline very useful in exploration.