Spellcasting Mechanics

[Zero_The_Dark]

I realize that at this point we probably do not have too much information on how spell casting will work in Skyrim, but I'm just curious of based off information in hands on previews or videos if anyone has some ideas of how it might work. So as many people may be aware of, if you equip the same spell in both hands you can cast a stronger version of the spell. What I want to know is if anyone knows any more details about this such as: Is the spell simply more powerful? How is magicka cost effected by doing this? I'm sorry if this has been discussed somewhere else, I tried to do a search and didn't find anything. I'd also like to apologize if this is too speculation based, I don't know how much information there is out there about the spell casting system.

[soda popinski]

From what I understand we know:

1) you have to unlock a perk in each school to allow you to cast the same spell in both hands.

2) They haven't said whether dual casting the same spell saves you any magika compared to the cost of casting the same spell in one hand only but for 2x as long. I assume dual casting drains your magika twice as fast as casting it with one hand only.

3) Many, or possibly most, spells require you to continuously cast it for it to keep working. Like we saw with the detect life, healing and fire spells. Certain spells are fire and forget, however, such as Frenzy and I assume Conjuration spells.

4) Speaking of Conjuration, in my mind, this is the school that has the most to still learn about. We do know that you can cast 2 different creatures (perk required to do so however), but we do not know how dual casting the same spell works. It might be the one creature, only stronger and/or longer duration, or it might be two creatures at normal strength. I would guess dual casting Conjuration results in one beefed up creature.

5) Keep in mind that the previewers all had a short time to play, but it does sound to me like spells are much harder to find, and one essentially has to go to the College to learn new spells. We also know that there are skill requirements involved with the College


Others probably have much to add, but those are the things that stand out to me.

[SuperNull]

I realize that at this point we probably do not have too much information on how spell casting will work in Skyrim, but I'm just curious of based off information in hands on previews or videos if anyone has some ideas of how it might work. So as many people may be aware of, if you equip the same spell in both hands you can cast a stronger version of the spell. What I want to know is if anyone knows any more details about this such as: Is the spell simply more powerful? How is magicka cost effected by doing this? I'm sorry if this has been discussed somewhere else, I tried to do a search and didn't find anything. I'd also like to apologize if this is too speculation based, I don't know how much information there is out there about the spell casting system.

Lets see... Disregarding the boost you get from enchantned items There appear to be 4 variables for each spell.

1. How long you push the button.
Some spells have a continues cast (flame-thrower), some charge up higher before release when you push the button for longer.

2.With how many hands you cast it.
Casting the same spell with 2 hands creates a stronger effect.

3.What perks you have.
Read up on the known perks for the schools of magic here: http://uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Skills
Some perks boost damage, reduce mana cost, reduce cast-time,.........

4.How high you trained the skill
I assume damage, duration, or likelihood of success scale with how high the skill is levelled.

[The Tom]

I can point out that Conjuration in terms of bound equipment works in exactly the same way as Oblivion. Beyond that I've noticed nothing other than what has already been pointed out. There are spell tomes, though. I saw someone learn a ranged fire spell much like Flare from Oblivion.

[Zero_The_Dark]

Ok, thanks guys. The more I play TES games the more I realize that each subsequent character has become more and more magicka based. So I figured, I just might as well make an all out mage for Skyrim. This information will really help me understand how the system works.

[Spartacus]

Does anyone know if wearing any kind of armor in Skyrim will still have an effect on the spells you cast?

[SuperNull]

I do not think we have seen any kind of list of what enchantments are possible.
I guess if it is useful to boost skills above 100 (like in Morrowind, unlike Oblivion) then a Fortify Destruction enchant on an item will be a great way to boost magic damage.

[xopsi]

When dual casting two spells without the perk that lets you join the spell, it takes alot more magicka as opposed to dual casting the spell with the perk.

When you don't have the perk it's two spells, one in each hand, but with the perk it's just one spell, joined together for a stronger effect.


Also, there's no confirmation that "most" of the spells are the"hold down the trigger for continuous use" kind. We've seen about four or five of those spells. There are over 85 spells in the game.

That is just pure speculation. Just because there is one detect life spell that requires the continuous use, doesn't mean it's like for every detect life spells. Same goes for restoration spells. We've seen one healing spell being used. Only one. So don't neccessarily jump to conclusions on the magicka just yet.


But damn does magicka look nice. Probably their greatest improvement. That and the dual wielding mechanic.

[SpikeSpeigel]

This answers some questions in that other thread about necromancy (chicken) in the footage

[La-Paloma]

Not sure if it has been ever discussed but what about spells vs shouts.
Does Fire Inferno Sun shout do greater damage than your fire destruction spell?
Or can you combine them eg, breathe fire while shooting your fire spell with your hand? haha

[Farlace]

Not sure if it has been ever discussed but what about spells vs shouts.
Does Fire Inferno Sun shout do greater damage than your fire destruction spell?
Or can you combine them eg, breathe fire while shooting your fire spell with your hand? haha

Shouts and spells are two different ballparks.

But I do see what you are asking. For shouts, it depends what tier you have unlocked (rank 1, rank 2, rank 3, etc.), and depends how powerful the spell is.