Where to Buy Spells in Oblivion: A Comprehensive Guide to Magic Merchants

General Spell Vendors Across Cyrodiil

The world of Cyrodiil is vast and filled with wonders, but for many adventurers, the true allure lies in the arcane arts. Magic is an integral part of *Oblivion*, allowing players to conjure powerful spells, manipulate reality, and ultimately shape their destiny. Whether you envision yourself as a fearsome battlemage, a stealthy assassin, or a benevolent healer, mastering spells is essential.

However, simply knowing *that* magic exists isn’t enough. You need to know *where* to acquire the spells to begin your magical journey. Finding the right vendors who offer the spells you need can be challenging, especially for newcomers to the game. That’s why this guide exists: to be your complete resource for uncovering every location where you can buy spells in *Oblivion*. Consider this your treasure map to magical knowledge, leading you to the right merchants to expand your spellbook and unlock your character’s full potential.

Many cities throughout Cyrodiil boast vendors who specialize in selling spells. These merchants are the most common way for players to acquire new magic abilities, and they typically offer a diverse range of spells spanning various schools of magic. Your journey to become a powerful mage almost certainly starts here.

The Arcane University Within the Imperial City

Located within the Imperial City, the Arcane University is the pinnacle of magical learning in Cyrodiil. However, gaining access to its inner sanctums and the valuable spell vendors within requires joining the Mages Guild and completing the necessary recommendation quests from each local guild chapter. While this may seem like a hurdle, the rewards are well worth the effort.

Once you’ve earned your place within the University, you’ll find multiple vendors, each specializing in different schools of magic. These experts can provide you with advanced spells that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Ita Rienus

A master of Destruction magic, Ita can teach you devastating spells to unleash fire, frost, and shock upon your enemies.

Delphine Jend

Her expertise lies in Illusion magic, allowing you to learn spells to manipulate minds, create illusions, and bend reality to your will.

Druja

If you’re interested in Mysticism, Druja is your go-to vendor. She offers spells to dispel magic, absorb magical energy, and manipulate souls.

Athragar

Specializing in Alteration magic, Athragar can teach you spells to manipulate the physical world, granting you the power to levitate, breathe underwater, and even protect yourself with magical armor.

Julienne Fanis

She is your source for Conjuration magic, allowing you to summon creatures and weapons to aid you in battle.

Raminus Polus

Raminus does not sell spells but provides quests related to the Mages Guild.

Skingrad’s Magical Offerings

In the city of Skingrad, you’ll find **Borissean**, a Breton mage who plies her trade in the city. She is located within the Mages Guild hall. She’s a reliable source for a variety of spells, particularly those related to Restoration and Mysticism.

Chorrol’s Arcane Merchant

Seed-Neeus, an Argonian mage, calls Chorrol home. You can find him in the local Mages Guild hall. Seed-Neeus specializes in Conjuration and Mysticism spells.

Bravil’s Source of Spells

Venture to Bravil, and you’ll find **Ardaline**, another spell vendor located within the local Mages Guild. She’s a key supplier of Illusion and Alteration spells.

Bruma’s Chilly Spell Selection

Bruma houses **J’skar**, also found in the Mages Guild. He is an Illusion and Mysticism magic vendor.

Cheydinhal’s Hidden Magical Talent

The Dunmer mage **Deetum-Jat** is found in Cheydinhal’s Mages Guild. He offers a broad selection of spell types.

Leyawiin’s Arcane Options

In Leyawiin, seek out **Alves Uvenim** at the Mages Guild. He sells a collection of Mysticism and Restoration spells.

Anvil’s Spell Merchant

Anvil has **Sulinus Vassinus**, also in the Mages Guild, who is an Alteration and Restoration vendor.

Specialized Spell Vendors: Factions and Guilds

Beyond the standard city vendors, certain factions and guilds offer access to specialized spell merchants. Joining these organizations can provide access to unique and powerful spells that are not available anywhere else.

The Mages Guild: Your Magical Home

As mentioned previously, joining the Mages Guild is crucial for any aspiring mage. Not only does it grant access to the Arcane University, but it also provides access to spell vendors in every city’s Mages Guild hall. These vendors often offer a wider selection of spells and better prices compared to independent merchants. To join the Mages Guild, you must obtain recommendations from each local guild chapter, which involves completing a small quest for each guild leader. This might require gathering rare ingredients, retrieving stolen artifacts, or assisting with magical experiments. While these quests can be challenging, they are a great way to learn more about the world and hone your skills as a mage.

Most city branches of the Mages Guild have a vendor for spells, as listed previously.

The Dark Brotherhood: Spells for Assassins

If you prefer a more subtle approach to magic, consider joining the Dark Brotherhood. This shadowy organization offers access to spells that are perfect for assassins, such as invisibility spells, silence spells, and spells that inflict poison damage. While the Dark Brotherhood doesn’t have dedicated spell vendors, some of its members may offer unique spells as rewards for completing certain contracts. To join the Dark Brotherhood, you must commit a murder and sleep in a bed. This will trigger a visit from a Dark Brotherhood recruiter, who will invite you to join their ranks.

The Fighters Guild: Magic for Warriors

Even warriors can benefit from the use of magic. The Fighters Guild offers access to spells that enhance combat abilities, such as shield spells, healing spells, and spells that increase strength and stamina. While the Fighters Guild primarily focuses on physical combat, some of its members may have knowledge of useful spells for warriors. To join the Fighters Guild, simply visit any Fighters Guild hall and speak to the guild leader.

Knights of the White Stallion: Justice-Focused Magic

This faction’s focus is on good and protecting the innocent. Their spells will generally align with these values, giving players a source of spells if this is the type of character they are role playing.

Unique or Rare Spells: Discovering Hidden Knowledge

While most spells can be purchased from vendors, some spells are only available from specific vendors or obtained as rewards for completing certain quests. These unique spells are often incredibly powerful or have unusual effects, making them highly sought after by experienced mages.

Certain spells are exclusively sold by a particular vendor. For instance, you may find a specific spell only available within the Arcane University after completing a particular questline, or a unique Alteration spell sold only by a reclusive mage in a remote location. These spells often have unique effects or are significantly more powerful than their counterparts. Keep an eye out for rumors and hints about these rare spells, and don’t be afraid to explore every corner of Cyrodiil in search of hidden magical knowledge.

Other spells are obtained as rewards for completing quests. The Mages Guild questline, in particular, offers several unique spells as rewards for completing various tasks. These spells often reflect the specific nature of the quest, such as spells that manipulate souls or spells that protect against magical attacks.

Tips for Buying Spells: Becoming a Savvy Shopper

Buying spells can be expensive, especially if you’re trying to build a diverse spellbook. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the cost of spells and make the most of your hard-earned gold.

Improving your Mercantile skill is one of the most effective ways to lower spell prices. A higher Mercantile skill allows you to haggle more effectively with vendors, resulting in significant discounts. You can improve your Mercantile skill by successfully haggling with vendors, selling items at a profit, and investing in businesses.

Joining the Mages Guild also provides access to better prices on spells. Mages Guild members often receive discounts from spell vendors, making it easier to acquire new spells.

Furthermore, don’t underestimate the power of alchemy. Creating potions that fortify magicka can make spellcasting easier and more efficient. By increasing your maximum magicka, you’ll be able to cast more spells before running out of magical energy.

Conclusion: Embracing the Arcane Arts

Cyrodiil is a world brimming with magical potential, and the ability to cast spells is a powerful tool in any adventurer’s arsenal. By knowing where to buy spells and how to make the most of your purchases, you can unlock your character’s full magical potential and become a force to be reckoned with.

Remember to explore different locations, talk to various NPCs, and experiment with different spells to find the magical style that suits you best. The path to becoming a master mage is long and arduous, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Now go forth and master the arcane arts!