In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, you learn spells primarily by purchasing them from spell merchants found in Mages Guild halls and certain other locations across Cyrodiil. Each Mages Guild hall specializes in a particular school of magic, and you can buy spells corresponding to those schools there. For example:
- Cheydinhal specializes in Alteration spells
- Bruma offers all schools of magic
- Bravil specializes in Illusion
- Anvil specializes in Restoration
- Chorrol specializes in Conjuration
- Skingrad specializes in Destruction
- Leyawiin specializes in Mysticism
You interact with the spell merchant and select the "Purchase Spells" option to browse and buy spells, provided you meet the magicka and skill requirements for the spell
. Additionally, if you complete the Mages Guild questline up to gaining access to the Arcane University or have the Frostcrag Spire DLC, you can create your own custom spells at a spellmaking altar. To create a spell, you must already know at least one spell effect of the type you want to combine, and your skill level must be high enough to cast the spell you want to create
. You can also learn spells by reading spell tomes, which are found as random loot or purchased if you have the Spell Tomes add-on. Reading a tome instantly teaches you that spell. Some spells can only be learned this way
. In summary, to learn spells in Oblivion:
- Buy spells from spell merchants in Mages Guild halls and other vendors
- Read spell tomes found or bought in the world (if you have the add-on)
- Unlock spellmaking by progressing in the Mages Guild and create custom spells
You must have sufficient magicka and skill level to learn and cast the spells you buy or create
