Illusion (Skyrim)

For other uses, see Illusion.

Illusion is one of the six skills that fall under The Mage play-style. Targeted Illusion spells include Calm, Frenzy, Fear, or Courage and spells cast on one's self such as Muffle or Invisibility. Casting Illusion spells raise the corresponding skill. Casting Illusion spells consumes Magicka. The effectiveness of Illusion spells depends on the caster's skill and the foe's resistance to the spells or spells in general. Some beings are entirely immune to Illusion magic. Only one race begins the game with an Illusion spell; an Altmer Dragonborn, with the rage-inducing spell Fury. Those of mer blood excel at Illusion and begin the game with increased ranks in the skill. Altmer begin with 25, while Bretons and Dunmer begin with 20.

Illusion can be advanced by casting spells governed by the school, by reading books associated with the topic, performing certain quests or services for others, or by employing a teacher proficient in the field such as Drevis Neloren, a professor of Illusion at the College of Winterhold. Illusion is used to avoid confrontations with law enforcement or hostile beings, evade battles, and also buy time in battle for further maneuvering. This magic group is more commonly used by the stealthy characters in Skyrim.

Changes from previous game (Oblivion)[]

Light (Magelight and Candlelight) and Paralyze have been moved to the Alteration school. Command Daedra is now the only command type spell and is in the conjuration school. Fear has replaced Demoralize but both have the same effect.

Nighteye is now only a racial power of the Khajiit.

Charm, Silence and Chameleon are entirely absent.

Skill Books[]

Main article: Skill Books (Skyrim)

• 2920, Sun's Dawn, v2
• Before the Ages of Man
• Incident at Necrom
• Mystery of Talara, Part 4
• The Black Arts on Trial

The Daedric artifact Oghma Infinium raises Illusion and all other magicka-based skills by 5, if the "path of the Mage" is taken.

Quests[]

• Defeat the Master Vampire for Sybille Stentor in Solitude.
• Find Pantea's Flute for Pantea Ateia in the Bards College in Solitude to raise Illusion and all other magicka-based skills.

Spells[]

The following is a complete list of Illusion spells:

Novice (skill level 0)[]

Apprentice (skill level 25)[]

Adept (skill level 50)[]

Expert (skill level 75)[]

Master (skill level 100)[]

Master spells cannot be purchased initially. To unlock Master Illusion spells, the "Illusion Ritual Spell" quest must be completed upon reaching level 100 Illusion.

Starting spells[]

Altmer start the game with Fury.

Perks[]

The following are perks that become available to select as the skill is leveled up:

Trainers[]

• Atub (Expert): Largashbur in the Rift.
• Drevis Neloren (Master): College of Winterhold.

Trivia[]

• The Quiet Casting perk affects Dragon Shouts.
• When casting spells such as Courage or Calm, those that are affected may be heard saying, "Hey, I didn't ask you to magic me."
• Dual Casting can make most Illusion spells more powerful than Master Illusion spells.
• Despite not doing any actual damage, most Illusion spells can kill Hawks, Bone Hawks, Felsaad Terns, birds and Salmon in a single hit.
• Using Illusion spells (such as Courage) on Roggvir before he is executed in Solitude may cause him to attack the guards who will in turn attack the Dragonborn despite the action not generating hold bounty.
• In a loading screen quote about Illusion, it mentions that Illusion is used to cast "Charm," however this spell does not make an appearance in Skyrim.

Appearances[]

• The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
• An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
• The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim