Understanding Armor in Oblivion
Armor Types
Have you ever dreamt of forging your own impenetrable suit of armor, a testament to your skill and dedication, as you roam the war-torn landscape of Cyrodiil? Perhaps you’ve envisioned a custom-designed set, perfectly tailored to your warrior’s physique, gleaming under the twin suns of Tamriel. In the vast world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, where danger lurks around every corner, the quality and protection of your armor are paramount. But the question remains: can you craft armor in Oblivion? This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the nuances of armor acquisition and improvement in this beloved RPG, providing everything you need to understand the intricacies of protecting yourself in the face of dragons, daedra, and other formidable foes.
Oblivion transports players to the province of Cyrodiil, a land teeming with adventure, political intrigue, and, of course, perilous encounters. From humble beginnings as a prisoner, you are thrust into a desperate struggle to save the world from the invading forces of Oblivion, the realm of the Daedric Prince, Mehrunes Dagon. Along your journey, you’ll face countless enemies, explore treacherous dungeons, and unearth powerful artifacts. Central to your survival is the armor you wear, the shield that stands between you and certain doom.
Understanding the different types of armor is crucial for any aspiring adventurer. Oblivion features three primary armor types: light, medium, and heavy. Each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Light armor excels in offering mobility, ideal for agile characters such as archers and spellcasters. It often weighs less, minimizing encumbrance, and its lower skill requirement enables its use earlier in the game. Medium armor strikes a balance, providing decent protection while allowing for moderate movement. It’s a solid choice for versatile builds that prioritize both defense and agility. Heavy armor provides the highest level of protection, absorbing significant damage. However, it restricts movement and requires a higher skill level to utilize effectively. Characters specializing in heavy armor are typically the stalwart defenders of the battlefield, such as knights and warriors.
Armor Sets
Beyond the armor types, a vast array of individual armor sets are available in Oblivion. From the humble leather armor of a beginner to the legendary Daedric Armor forged in the fires of Oblivion, the choices are numerous. Each set provides a unique appearance and, more importantly, varying levels of protection. The quality of armor dramatically affects a character’s ability to survive encounters. A poorly equipped character is easily overwhelmed, whereas a well-armored warrior can withstand a barrage of attacks. The choice of armor significantly influences the gameplay experience and the character build you ultimately create.
The Absence of Direct Armor Crafting
So, back to our central question: can you craft armor in Oblivion? Unfortunately, the answer, at least in the conventional sense of directly creating armor from raw materials, is no. Unlike some later installments in The Elder Scrolls series, such as Skyrim, Oblivion does not feature a dedicated armor crafting skill that allows you to smelt ingots, hammer out plates, and fashion your own suits from scratch. The game’s developers opted for a different approach to armor acquisition and enhancement. You won’t be able to sit down at a forge and construct your own customized set of Ebony armor.
However, while a direct crafting system is absent, it doesn’t mean that you are without ways to enhance your protective gear. The game instead provides mechanisms for improving the quality of armor and modifying it to better suit your needs. The focus shifts from direct creation to refining and tailoring. It is possible to make your armor stronger.
Ways to Improve Armor (Enhancement)
Although you can’t build armor directly, you can enhance its capabilities using various methods. One key skill in this process is Smithing. Smithing in Oblivion, primarily governed by the Armorer skill, determines your ability to improve armor at grindstones and armor tables. These locations allow you to sharpen and polish your armor, increasing its effectiveness.
Using grindstones for weapons and armor tables to treat your armor is a core mechanic for keeping your gear effective. The higher your Armorer skill, the more you can improve the armor’s quality, increasing its armor rating and overall defense. The skill level is a key factor in the enhancement’s magnitude. Novices will find the improvements small, while experts can make significant changes. The materials needed, such as metal ingots, leather, or other special components, vary depending on the armor’s type.
Materials Needed
Obtaining the right components to improve your armor is essential to making those improvements a reality. These components are also a valuable commodity to have on hand. Having those materials available for improvement is crucial. For heavy armor, you’ll need things like iron, steel, ebony, or even Daedric ingots. Light armor may require leather or other lighter materials. The type of material used also affects the armor’s final effectiveness. The quality of these components is reflected in the end result.
The Improvement Process
The process for improving armor is generally straightforward: locate a grindstone for weapons or an armor table for armor, select the item you want to improve, and provided you have the necessary materials, watch as your armor’s statistics increase. This provides the means of maximizing the effectiveness of the gear you are wearing.
Obtaining Armor
While you can’t directly craft armor, you’re certainly not left defenseless. There are many methods available to acquire armor in Oblivion. This ranges from purchasing it to obtaining it through quests, exploring dungeons, and defeating enemies. Let’s break down some of the primary methods.
Buying Armor
Vendors across Cyrodiil offer a selection of armor for sale. Shops in cities and towns, such as the Imperial City’s Market District, the Bravil’s local shops or Skingrad, carry various armor sets. The types of armor offered depend on the vendor, your level, and the vendor’s stock. The higher your level, the more likely vendors are to stock higher-quality gear. Keep an eye on your gold reserves, as quality armor can be expensive, though you can always haggle and drive down the price. Exploring shops is a great means of getting started with your armor journey.
Looting
Dungeons and other dangerous locations are treasure troves for armor. Exploring these areas often reveals chests, containers, and, occasionally, even whole armor sets. These can be found in ruins, caves, forts, and any place that once saw habitation. Dungeons also provide the chance to battle enemies who may be wearing armor. Defeating them allows you to loot their remains. The quality of the armor you find is often tied to your level and the difficulty of the area you’re exploring.
Quest Rewards
Quests are a reliable source of armor rewards. Many quests throughout Oblivion offer armor as a reward for completing objectives. These can range from simple tasks, such as delivering a message, to complex investigations involving perilous encounters. Some quests provide unique armor sets that cannot be found anywhere else. Pay attention to quest descriptions and reward previews to identify opportunities to obtain armor.
Armor from the Arcane University
For members of the Mages Guild, the Arcane University offers a unique method of obtaining armor. By completing certain quests or achieving specific ranks, you gain access to powerful artifacts or are able to commission armor. This can be a valuable source of advanced gear.
Repairing Armor
Regardless of how you acquire your armor, you’ll need to maintain it in good condition. Over time, armor takes damage during combat, reducing its effectiveness. Fortunately, Oblivion has a repair system that allows you to restore armor to its original state. You can visit blacksmiths to repair the armor. Armorer skill impacts repair efficiency. Repairing armor is vital for maintaining its defensive capabilities and ensuring its effectiveness in combat.
Armor Modification: Enchanting
Beyond merely improving the basic stats of armor, you can modify it further by using enchantments. Enchanting is a skill that lets you imbue armor with magical properties. Enchanting can add effects, such as increased health, resistance to magic, or enhanced skills, enhancing the utility of armor.
You enchant armor at an Enchanting Altar, which can be found in the Imperial City and the Mages Guild. To enchant an item, you’ll need an empty soul gem, a filled soul gem containing the soul of a creature, and the item you want to enchant. The more powerful the soul gem, the more powerful the enchantment you can apply.
There is a wide variety of possible enchantments. These are only limited by the available soul gems. The power of the enchantment also depends on your Enchanting skill. A high Enchanting skill allows you to create enchantments that can radically transform the way you play the game.
Armor and Character Builds
The choice of armor is an integral part of character development. The right selection can optimize your character’s abilities and the play style. Armor selection is crucial for a character’s survivability and effectiveness in combat.
Armor Selection Based on Build
For a warrior who focuses on close-quarters combat, a heavy armor set is ideal, absorbing significant damage. A stealthy character may choose light armor for improved agility and reduced noise. A character who uses a combination of skills, such as a battlemage, might opt for medium armor to provide a balance between protection and mobility.
Your armor selection should always complement your primary skills and the way you play. Armor should enhance your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses. This allows you to create a character that is both powerful and fun to play.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
The world of Oblivion is filled with hidden techniques and strategies for getting the most out of your armor.
Finding Hidden Armor Sets
One trick is to identify armor sets that are hidden. Some sets are only found in specific locations or obtained as rewards. Doing this can give you access to armor you may never have found otherwise.
Importance of Skill Level
Another is to constantly improve your Armorer skill. This makes upgrades to your armor more substantial. Also, remember to keep all armor types on you and use them based on your skills and the kind of challenge you face.
Armor Maintenance
Finally, always repair your armor after combat. Damaged armor is useless and a waste of valuable resources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you can’t craft armor in Oblivion in the traditional sense, you are far from defenseless. Through skillful use of the Armorer and Enchanting skills, and through diligent acquisition of armor through quests, merchants, and exploration, you can forge a formidable defense. This, combined with the ability to improve and enchant your armor, ensures your character’s survival in the face of any threat. The journey to acquire the perfect armor is an essential aspect of your adventure in Cyrodiil. So, go forth, equip yourself wisely, and face the challenges that await you!
By following these guidelines and maximizing your understanding of armor in Oblivion, you can create a resilient character that will be able to withstand the most challenging trials.
