The world of Morrowind offers a plethora of ways to overcome challenges, from brute force to cunning spellcasting. This guide focuses on a particularly potent, and often overlooked, method: Enchanting. While direct combat spells and summoned minions have their place, strategically utilizing enchanted items can turn the tide of battle and provide unparalleled utility. This exploration delves into the types of enchantments available and provides examples of powerful, pre-made items that can be found within the game. Looking for a practical guide to dragon magic in PDF form might lead you to explore the intricate enchanting system of Morrowind, where you can imbue items with magical properties and unleash powerful effects.
Understanding Enchanted Items
Morrowind features three distinct types of enchanted items: Constant Effect, Cast On Strike, and Cast When Used. Each type offers unique advantages and caters to different playstyles.
-
Constant Effect: As the name implies, these items provide a continuous magical effect. They require powerful souls (400 charge or higher), typically from Golden Saints, Ascended Sleepers, or even “Tribunal Gods.” These effects are always active, offering passive bonuses or persistent abilities.
-
Cast On Strike: These enchantments are applied exclusively to weapons and trigger when the weapon strikes an opponent. They function similarly to Cast When Used items but are limited to melee combat.
-
Cast When Used: Unique to Morrowind, these items allow players to cast On Touch or On Target spells. Each use depletes the item’s charge, which regenerates over time at a rate of approximately 3 charge points per minute. This regeneration mechanic provides a sustainable source of magical power.
Why Choose Enchanted Items?
Cast When Used items offer several quality-of-life advantages over traditional spellcasting. They require no skill training to use, making them accessible to any character regardless of their magical aptitude. While this guide has previously treated enchanted items with some disdain, high Enchant skill does reduce the charge cost of using Cast When Used and Cast On Strike items. Reaching 110 Enchant skill ensures that all such items, regardless of their power, consume only 1 charge per cast. Training the Enchant skill can be beneficial, and trainers like Ajira (up to 48 skill) and Qorwynn (Master trainer, requires Calm spell/item due to hostility) can assist in this endeavor.
Powerful Enchanted Items to Seek Out
Many powerful Cast When Used items are scattered throughout Morrowind, often as rewards for completing quests, particularly those associated with House Telvanni. Here are some notable examples:
-
Ring of Fire Storm: Deals 1-50 fire damage points for 10 seconds in a 20ft radius on touch (approx. 5 uses). Found in Bandit Caves as random loot, and as a reward for the Slave Rebellion quest (if you choose to kill the slave leader). Reflect can negate this.
-
Ring of Toxic Cloud: Deals 2-60 poison damage points for 10 seconds in a 20ft radius on touch (approx. 5 uses). Similar to the Ring of Fire Storm, it can be found in Bandit Caves and as a reward for the Slave Rebellion quest (if you kill ALL the slaves). Reflect can negate this.
-
Vampiric Ring: Absorbs 20-30 health and fatigue points for 10 seconds on touch (approx. 2 uses). Found on the Skeleton War Wizard at the top of Ald Redaynia, next to the Bittercup.
-
Amulet of Admonition: Paralyzes the target for 30 seconds and deals 1-2 frost damage points for 30 seconds on target (approx. 5 uses). A reward for the ‘find me 3 books’ quest from Baladas Demnevanni.
-
Amulet of Shadows + Ring of Surroundings: Together, these items provide 100% chameleon through Cast When Used. The Amulet of Shadows (80% Chameleon for 60 seconds) is found southwest of Ald Velothi, while the Ring of Surroundings (20-30% Chameleon for 30 seconds) is a reward for Larrius Varro’s quest or found in a locked chest at the Dren Plantation.
-
Aryon’s Dominator: Commands creatures and humanoids (15 points for 120 seconds on target/touch, approx. 2 uses). A reward for the Mages Guild Monopoly quest from Master Aryon.
-
Aryon’s Helper: Summons Flame, Frost, and Storm Atronachs for varying durations (approx. 5 uses). A reward for the ‘Recruit a Mouth’ quest from Master Aryon.
-
Ring of Equity: Provides 100% Spell Absorption and 70% Reflect for 30 seconds (approx. 2 uses). Obtained as a reward for the ‘Ring of Equity’ quest from Fast Eddie within House Telvanni.
High-Level Base Game Cast On Strike Items
-
Black Hands Dagger: Absorbs 10-25 health points and blinds the target by 10-50% for 30 seconds on strike (approx. 10 uses). A reward for executing Severia Magia for Eno Hlaalu.
-
Mace of Molag Bal: Absorbs 1-15 strength points and 1-20 magicka points for 30 seconds on strike (approx. 10 uses). Acquired by killing Menta Na in Kora Dur for the Daedric prince Molag Bal.
Conclusion
Enchanting offers a powerful and versatile method for enhancing your character’s capabilities in Morrowind. Whether you prefer the consistent benefits of Constant Effect items or the tactical flexibility of Cast When Used and Cast On Strike enchantments, mastering this system can significantly impact your gameplay experience. By seeking out the powerful pre-made items detailed above or creating your own custom enchantments, you can tailor your character to overcome any challenge that Morrowind throws your way. So, embark on your adventure, experiment with different enchantments, and discover the boundless possibilities that await you.
