To do alchemy in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, follow these steps:
- Get a Mortar and Pestle
You need a Mortar and Pestle to start alchemy. You can find one early in the game, such as in the tutorial dungeon, or buy one from alchemy shops in the Imperial City Market District. Once you have it, select it in your inventory and use it to open the alchemy interface
- Collect Ingredients
Gather alchemical ingredients from plants, creatures, and containers throughout the world. Ingredients have up to four effects, which you will discover as your Alchemy skill improves
- Mix Ingredients to Create Potions
In the alchemy interface, select at least two ingredients that share at least one common effect to create a potion. For example, combining two ingredients that both restore fatigue will create a Restore Fatigue potion. As your skill increases, you can combine more ingredients and eventually make potions from a single ingredient at Alchemy skill 100
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Use Alchemy Apparatus for Better Potions
Besides the Mortar and Pestle, there are three other apparatus that improve potion quality:- Retort: Increases magnitude and duration of positive effects
- Calcinator: Increases magnitude and duration of all effects (positive and negative)
- Alembic: Decreases magnitude and duration of negative effects
Having these in your inventory while making potions enhances the results. Each apparatus has levels from Novice to Master, affecting how much they improve potions
- Level Up Your Alchemy Skill
You gain Alchemy experience by successfully creating potions and by consuming raw ingredients. The higher your skill, the more effects you can see on ingredients and the better potions you can craft. Using ingredients from places like Frostcrag Spire’s Alchemy Garden helps level Alchemy quickly
- Use Potions in Gameplay
Potions can restore health, magicka, stamina, and provide buffs or damage effects. They are especially useful at higher difficulty levels to enhance your character's performance
In summary, alchemy in Oblivion involves acquiring a Mortar and Pestle, collecting ingredients, mixing them based on shared effects, using apparatus to improve potions, and leveling your skill by crafting and consuming ingredients. This system allows you to create a wide range of useful potions and poisons to aid your adventure
