Let's start with the basics. Firstly, like all skills in the game, magic is upgraded as you use it. Therefore, to improve your magical abilities, you need to use them as often as possible. It is also worth saying that magic will be pumped up a little bit if you interact with objects, for example, with coals, receiving damage from them. Some even used it to improve their skills without being in front of a computer.
Secondly, when using a destruction magic spell with two hands, you will receive a stronger version of it.
Thirdly, spells cost mana, but as you level up, this will become less of a problem. Moreover, thanks to some abilities and equipment, you can avoid wasting mana at all.
Now let's talk about the magic itself. Magic is divided into three elements.
Fire, Lightning and Ice
- Fire requires the least amount of mana and deals the most physical damage. The downside is that the speed of the spells is not high. This magic can also cause ongoing damage if the enemy is on fire.
- Lightning, on the other hand, requires the most mana from you, but it does not have a flight speed. So dealing damage is pretty easy. In addition, lightning also “eats” your opponent’s mana, so it is an excellent weapon against enemy magicians.
- Ice has the slowest projectiles, but also has a number of advantages. With the help of ice, you can not only slow down the enemy, but also deprive them of stamina.
Spells
NEWBY
Flame is a basic spell for all races. Deals only 8 damage per second, as well as ongoing burning damage. To maintain the spell, you must hold the attack button.
Frostbite - The principle is the same as the flame, but in addition to 8 units of damage per second, you also drain 8 units of stamina.
Sparks - again, work on the same principle as the previous ones. Deals 8 damage per second to an opponent's health and mana.
Vampire sucking- constantly drains the target's health and gives it to the caster. Requires continuous casting.
Arnel convection- deals 1 damage per second. An absolutely useless spell in battle, you need it to complete the Arnel Project quest.
STUDENT
Fire arrow - deals 25 units of damage one time.
Ignite - sets the enemy on fire and deals 4 damage once per second for 15 seconds (available with the Dragonborn add-on)
Ice Spike is a powerful spell that deals 25 damage and slows the target by 50%
Freeze - the enemy takes 20 cold damage and is slowed down for 15 seconds. (also available in Dragonborn)
Lightning - deals 25 damage to health and half of this damage to enemy magic.
The fire rune is something like a booby trap from the world of magic. The runes are placed on the surface, and if the enemy was careless to approach them, they explode and cause damage. The fire rune deals 50 points of damage to the enemy, and also deals area damage.
Frost rune - the enemy receives 50 units of health damage and the same amount of stamina. Anyone within the affected radius will be slowed by 50%
Thunder Rune - deals 50 damage to health and half as much mana.
ADEPT
Fireball - produces a fiery explosion that deals 40 damage over an area of 4.5 meters.
Ice storm - creates a whirlwind that deals 40 damage per second and also reduces stamina. Slows down anyone hit by 50%.
Chain lightning - takes away 40 units of health and 20 mana of the enemy. Can jump from target to target.
Fire Cloak - cast on yourself. For 60 seconds, everyone who is close to you will receive 8 units of damage per second.
Frosty cloak - works the same as the fiery one, but also takes away the enemy's stamina. And slows down by 50%
Lightning Cloak - 8 health damage and half mana.
Whirlwind Cloak - for a minute, all enemies who are close to you have a chance to be carried away by a whirlwind (available in the Dragonborn DLC).
EXPERT
Incinerate - deals 60 fire damage.
Ice spear - also deals 60 damage, but slows the target by 50% and takes away stamina.
Lightning bolt - deals 60 units of lightning damage to a single target.
Wall of Flame - applied to the ground. You gain a wall of flames that deals 50 damage per second. To increase the wall, you need to constantly maintain a charge.
The wall of frost is the same as with the wall of flame.
Storm Wall is exactly the same spell.
MASTER
Firestorm is a very powerful destruction spell that creates an explosion around you and deals 100 fire damage. The closer the target is, the more damage it will receive. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to cast and requires both hands.
Buran - unlike a firestorm, damage is dealt gradually, or rather 20 units of damage at once, and then 10 units per second. Also slows down enemies by 50%
Thunderstorm with lightning- this spell must be constantly maintained, but it deals as much as 75 units of damage per second.
Well, we've dealt with spells, now let's talk about passive abilities. You will receive them as you level up.
Capabilities
Newcomer to the School of Destruction- you spend half as much mana on spells of the corresponding level.
Double destruction- now, if you cast with two hands, you will get a stronger version of the spell. Requires skill level 20.
Student of the School of Destruction- the student's spells consume half as much mana. Requires skill level 25.
Enhanced flame - at level 30 of destruction, your fire spells will become 25% more powerful, and when you reach level 60 (not a character, but a skill - this is important) by 50%.
Enhanced Frost is exactly the same effect as Enhanced Flame.
Enhanced Lightning- all the same.
Shock wave - many spells, if used with both hands, have a chance to knock the enemy down. Requires skill level 40.
Rune Master - increases the distance at which you can place your runes by five times. Requires skill level 40.
Adept of the School of Destruction- according to the previous ones, the adept’s spells will become “cheaper” to use. Requires skill level 50.
Hot flame - if the enemy has low health, then fire damage will cause him to flee. Requires skill level 50.
Deep freeze- acts in a similar way to hot flame, but instead of running it paralyzes the enemy. Requires skill level 60.
Disintegration - when the enemy's level is low, lightning will disintegrate it. Requires skill level 70.
School of Destruction Expert- Expert magic will require less magic. Requires skill level 75.
Master of the School of Destruction- similar, but for a master-level spell. Requires skill level 100.
In addition to studying the magic of destruction in Skyrim on your own, you can turn to teachers. But get your money ready, learning something like magic won't come cheap.
- You will find an adept-level teacher in Windhelm, his name is Wunfert the Unliving.
- An expert teacher can be found in the Blue Palace. Look for Sibylla Sentor.
- The Master Teacher lives in the College of Winterhold. The name is Fara Ice.
Various mods for magic for Skyrim significantly expand the capabilities of players who prefer playing as wizards. The Grimoire collection introduces more than a hundred new spells that fit seamlessly into the existing magic system without disturbing the balance of the game. Moreover, each school (Restoration, Witchcraft, Destruction, etc.) with the addition of new spells only becomes more logical and complete.
Location of new spells
Dovahkiin will be able to diversify his magical abilities by turning to merchants and experienced magicians; Many spell books can be found in chests or on the corpses of strong opponents. The College of Winterhold is the first place to look in search of new knowledge. The power of found and purchased spells directly depends on the character's level.
Impact of the magic mod on Skyrim
In the original, as the level of a certain school of magic increases (from beginner to student, from student to adept, etc.), initial spells become useless. With the Grimoire installed, the spell never becomes obsolete. By using special abilities and using script bonuses, you can unlock new effects for your spells.
In addition, combinations of spells have appeared that strengthen each other when cast at the same time.
Previously, to play as a mage-assassin, it was necessary to pump up an, in general, unnecessary Illusion just for the sake of the “Silent Spells” perk. Now the School of Destruction has received a separate branch related to stealth. Other magical areas have not been left out; special bonuses have been introduced for fans of the stealth mode.
Thus, the Illusion, unloved by many, remains overboard.
Studying the various schools of magic in Skyrim only makes sense for certain purposes: Alteration helps strengthen your armor class, Restoration allows you to heal yourself without potions, etc. In this case, the battle mage will definitely need to master Destruction or Sorcery. Thanks to the Skyrim mod, the magic of each school allows you to inflict specific damage on enemies.
This way, it becomes possible to play as a real magician, and you can focus on your school without being distracted by unimportant ones.
Known conflicts
If modifications have been installed on the game that create an alternative to death, you should not use the Dark Crystal. Otherwise, neither the crystal nor the effect of another mod will work, and the character will still die.
Requirements
The official Dawnguard and Dragonborn addons must be installed.
Installation
Download the Grimoire magic mod for Skyrim;
Copy the archived files to Data;
Activate Grimoire.esp.
Removal
For this purpose it is better to use mod managers. Grimoire affects leveled lists, so a bashed patch should be created when removing it.
Issues identified
The "Lady Veil" and "Winter's Fury" spells will not work correctly if the "Twin Souls" spellcasting ability was taken before installing the mod. The first spell will allow you to summon only one creature, and the second - only two ghosts (and not three or four, as is supposed). Similarly, difficulties arise with the destructive perk “Deep Freeze”: if you already have it before installing the mod on Skyrim, the magic of the “Winter’s Wrath” spell will not work correctly.
In order not to start a new game and bypass these difficulties, you can reset the points of the corresponding ability tree. This is done using a special Black Book in Apocrypha or using the Perk Reset mod. Afterwards, you can install the “Grimoire” and redistribute the skill points.
Everything will work as it should, and you won't need to start the game again. On the other hand, after such a global change in the magic system, starting from scratch will be even more interesting for some.
Mods for magicians in Skyrim significantly diversify the gameplay. They not only add new spells, but also allow you to use all sorts of unique items that have no analogues in the original version of the game. And the best of these modifications will be discussed further.
Enhanced weapons: Staves and Bombs
This Skyrim mod for magicians significantly expands the range of magical weapons. It adds 16 staves to the game, each with a unique enchantment. For example, you can summon Void Atronachs or powerful Thralls who can compete with even the most dangerous enemies.
In addition, the modification allows you to use new items - bombs. They will come in handy if you run out of mana. However, there are several types of bombs, so you will have a choice depending on the situation.
Battlemage Armor
An excellent armor mod for a mage in Skyrim. Suitable for those wizards who not only pelt enemies with spells from afar, but are also not afraid to engage them in close combat.
By installing all the files, you will receive a unique armor that reduces the mana cost of all spells by 15%. In addition, the armor doubles the speed of magic recovery and also adds 50 units of this resource to you.
Please note that after applying the modification, the armor will not appear in your inventory automatically. To get it, you will have to go to Labyrinthian, go to the Tribune location and search the ruins of the tower located there.
Battlemage Armor (Female)
And again, a mod for magicians in Skyrim that adds armor. True, this time exclusively for female characters. After installing the modification, you will have access to a set of stylish equipment in which you are not ashamed to appear in front of your enemies or colleagues.
The armor has four colors, and can be found in a chest located in (Hall of Achievements). In addition, you can craft armor yourself by first purchasing a book with a drawing from Farengar.
Phenderix Magic Evolved
This magic mod for Skyrim adds more than three hundred unique spells. At the same time, the author of the modification is constantly improving it, so there will be even more content in the future.
Another important point is that all the magic from the mod does not upset the balance of the game. Simply put, you won't be able to kill dangerous enemies by casting a single spell.
Elemental Destruction Magic
A modification for those who like to use destruction magic. Thus, the mod introduces three new types of magic of this school into the game: water, air and earth. Moreover, each of these elements has its own unique effects that will be useful to you in a given situation. Water, for example, slows down opponents, air pushes them a long distance, and earth disables health regeneration.
Mynitha Silverstorm
Well, and finally, a mod for magicians in Skyrim, which allows you to enlist the support of a new companion - a girl named Minita. This companion, despite her apparent fragility, will cover your back in battle and will cope with any possible opponent.
Minita has her own set of unique equipment and spells. In addition, the companion is leveled up at the same time as the main character, so she will not lag behind you in level. You can recruit Minita at the Laughing Rat tavern, which is located in Solitude.
Magic is an integral part of the world of Nirn, it allows you to control the elements, summon creatures, heal wounds, change matter and create illusions. All this is available for study in Skyrim.
To see the spells available to you, press Tab and go to the Magic section. Spells are packaged by school: Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction, Illusion and Restoration.
You can take 2 different spells in each hand and use them either simultaneously or in turn, or take one spell in both hands and (if you take the corresponding perk in each school) use its enhanced version. You can take a sword in one hand and a spell in the other.
Active Effects
In addition to spells, in the magic menu you can see what active effects affect you. In particular, the screenshot below shows the effect of activating the Thief Stone:
Talents
To use a pre-selected talent, press the Z key. Each race has its own unique talent from the very beginning, and you can acquire new talents as you travel. Only one talent can be marked at a time, and in most cases such talents can only be used once per day.
Skill Upgrades and Spell Levels
To increase your skill, use spells from the corresponding schools, but so that there is some effect. If you want to level up destruction, then throwing fire at a wall will not help level up the skill; you need to use the spell against your opponents.
The growth of any skill somehow improves the character's abilities. The higher your stealth, the quieter you walk, the higher your skill with a bow, the higher the damage from bows. In any school of magic, the bonus from increasing skill is the same - spells cost less magic. But how then to increase the power of spells?
Firstly - perks. As with any skill, by investing perks into the school you're interested in, you can significantly increase the effectiveness of spells... and lower their cost. The first perk of the school is always to reduce the cost of beginner-level spells. Next, you can invest perks to reduce the cost of apprentice, adept, expert, and master level spells. We'll talk more about levels a little later.
Secondly, new spells. You can buy or find spells that are stronger than the ones you currently have. Books of spells are purchased from court magicians and the magicians' guild. But they won’t immediately sell you the most powerful spells; for this you need to achieve the appropriate level of skill.
There are 5 spell levels (or mastery levels):
- Beginner: 0 skill;
- Apprentice: 25 skill;
- Adept: 50 skill;
- Expert: 75 skill;
- Master: 100 skill.
Novice and Apprentice level spells can be purchased without reaching the appropriate level
To purchase adept and expert level spells, you must reach the appropriate skill level.
You can also find spell books while wandering through dungeons. New levels of spells will open depending on your character’s level (and your magic school skill does not play a role in this case):
- Beginner: level 1 and above;
- Student: level 11 and above;
- Adept: level 23 and above;
- Expert: level 35 and above.
Some spells cannot be purchased. You can find a book while wandering around the world (such books are located in a certain place), or receive a spell on a mission.
Master level spells
To purchase master-level spells, you must complete the task, which is taken from the teacher of the corresponding school in the College of Winterhold upon reaching skill level 90:
- Illusion: Drevis Neloren (ritual illusion spell);
- Witchcraft: Finis Gestor (ritual spell of witchcraft);
- Destruction: Faralda (ritual destruction spell);
- Restoration: Colette Marens (ritual restoration spell);
- Alteration: Tolfdir (ritual alteration spell).
Master level spells differ from lower level spells:
- To prepare a spell, both hands are used (hence, you cannot take 2 different spells in your hands).
- You cannot move while preparing a spell.
- Spell preparation can be interrupted.
Acquiring Spells
A small supply of initial spells can be bought from the Rivenwood merchant, novice and apprentice level spells can be bought from any of the court magicians, and the magician can also sell spells to an adept of a certain school (upon achieving the appropriate skill).
Spells of higher levels are purchased from the College of Winterhold.
Details in the table:
| Change | Witchcraft | Destruction | Illusion | Recovery | |
| Rivenwood Merchant | Bark leather | Raise a Zombie | Frostbite | Clairvoyance Fury |
Small amulet |
| Waylandria (Court Mage of Riften) |
Newbie Student Adept * |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
| Falion (Court Mage of Morthal) |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student Adept * |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
| Colcelmo (court magician of Markarth) |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student Adept * |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
| Farengar Secret Fire (Court Mage of Whiterun) |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student Adept * |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
| Madena (Court Mage of Dawnstar) |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student Adept * |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
| Wunfert the Unliving (Court Mage of Windhelm) |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student Adept * |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
| Sibylla Stentor (Court Mage of Solitude) |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student |
Newbie Student Adept * |
Newbie Student |
| Nelasar** ("Frozen Hearth" in Winterhold) |
Newbie | Newbie Student |
Newbie | Newbie | Newbie Student |
| Tolfdir (College of Winterhold) |
Newbie Student Adept * Expert * Master * |
||||
| Finis Gestor (College of Winterhold) |
Newbie Student Adept * Expert * Master * |
||||
| Faralda (College of Winterhold) |
Newbie Student Adept * Expert * Master * |
||||
| Entir (College of Winterhold) |
Newbie Student Adept * Expert * |
||||
| Drevis Neloren (College of Winterhold) |
Newbie Student Adept * Expert * Master * |
||||
| Coletta Marens (College of Winterhold) |
Newbie Student Adept * Expert * Master * |
* Spells at the adept and expert level are purchased only upon reaching the corresponding skill level, and for the master level, in addition to the skill level, you must complete a task.
** Gives you the opportunity to trade only after receiving a task from Azura.