In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion , the spell effect Dispel is a Mysticism magic effect that removes active spell effects from the target, provided those effects come from spells. It does not remove curses, diseases, constant effect enchantments, or effects from potions, scrolls, weapons, staves, or powers
How Dispel Works
- Removes Magicka-based spell effects: Dispel cancels almost any magical effect with a duration that originates from a spell cast on the target
- Does not affect:
- Curses, diseases, or constant effect enchantments
- Effects from potions or scrolls
- Effects from weapons, apparel enchantments, or powers (lesser or greater)
- Magnitude and strength: The strength of a Dispel spell determines the maximum strength of the spell effects it can remove. For example, a Dispel spell with 50 points magnitude can remove spells with a strength up to 250 (strength is related to magicka cost adjusted by caster skill)
- All-or-nothing: Dispel removes all effects from a multi-effect spell simultaneously or none at all
- Useful in combat: It can remove enemy buffs like Shield spells, summoned creatures, bound weapons, and invisibility, making it effective against mages
- Can be used on self or enemies: On yourself, it can clear negative effects such as Absorb Attribute, Drain Health, Silence, and Weakness effects, but it will also remove beneficial effects like protective spells or summoned creatures
Practical Uses
- Removing enemy summoned creatures and bound weapons or armor to weaken spellcasters.
- Clearing negative spell effects on yourself, including Silence, which prevents casting spells.
- Removing beneficial buffs from enemies to reduce their defenses or stealth.
- Dispel potions are handy to remove spell effects when you cannot cast spells due to Silence or similar effects
Limitations
- Dispel does not remove permanent or innate abilities, diseases, curses, or damage already dealt.
- It is not "intelligent" and removes both positive and negative spell effects indiscriminately
- The effectiveness depends on the magnitude of the Dispel spell relative to the strength of the spell effects on the target
In summary, Dispel is a defensive and utility spell effect that cancels active spell effects from spells on a target, useful for both removing harmful effects on yourself and disrupting enemy magical buffs and summons in Oblivion
