To learn spells in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, follow these steps:
- Visit Mages Guilds or Magic Shops: The primary way to learn spells is to go to Mages Guild branches or magic shops located in major cities across Cyrodiil. Each Mages Guild specializes in different schools of magic, so visit the appropriate city for the type of spell you want:
- Cheydinhal: Alteration
- Bruma: All schools of magic
- Bravil: Illusion
- Anvil: Restoration
- Chorrol: Conjuration
- Skingrad: Destruction
- Leyawiin: Mysticism
You can interact with the spell merchant and select the "Purchasing Spells" icon to browse and buy spells
- Meet Skill and Magicka Requirements: Some spells require you to have a certain skill level in the relevant magic school and enough magicka to cast them. You may need to level up your magic skills to unlock more advanced spells for purchase
- Use Spell Tomes: In addition to buying spells, you can find Spell Tomes as loot in dungeons or from quests. Reading a Spell Tome will instantly teach you the spell contained within it
- Start with a Magic Class: When creating your character, choosing a class with magic as a major skill grants you some spells at the start, making it easier to advance in magic and learn more spells over time
- Practice Spells: Using spells frequently increases your skill in that magic school, which helps you meet requirements for buying stronger spells
- Additional Vendors: Besides Mages Guilds, some other locations like Great Chapels or the player home Dunbarrow Cove (with upgrades) also have spell vendors, though Mages Guilds remain the best source for a wide variety of spells
In summary, to learn spells in Oblivion, you primarily buy them from spell merchants in Mages Guilds across Cyrodiil, read Spell Tomes found during your adventures, and improve your magic skills by using spells regularly
