Mastering the Art of Conjuration in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you want to become a master of Conjuration in Skyrim, eh? Excellent choice! Few paths offer the sheer power and versatility of summoning creatures from Oblivion to aid you in battle. The core question is: How do you get the conjuring spell in Skyrim? The answer, like much in Skyrim, depends on what spell you seek. Generally, you acquire Conjuration spells primarily through three methods: purchasing them from spell vendors, finding them as loot within the world, or earning them as quest rewards. The College of Winterhold is a pivotal hub for this, with instructors like Phinis Gestor offering a wide range of spells as your skill increases. However, don’t limit yourself! Explore dungeons, tombs, and forgotten ruins, as many powerful spell tomes are hidden away waiting to be discovered.
Unlocking Conjuration Spells: A Detailed Breakdown
The path to becoming a master conjurer isn’t simply about finding a single spell; it’s about understanding the system and progressively acquiring more potent abilities.
Leveling Up Your Conjuration Skill
Your access to more advanced Conjuration spells is directly tied to your skill level in the Conjuration school of magic. As you cast Conjuration spells, your skill increases. Early on, spells like Conjure Familiar (a relatively weak but readily available spell) are excellent for leveling up.
A common strategy for power-leveling Conjuration is to repeatedly cast Soul Trap on a corpse or a readily available target like Shadowmere, the horse obtained through the Dark Brotherhood questline. This is because even failed casts still grant experience points toward your Conjuration skill.
Purchasing Spell Tomes
Once your Conjuration skill reaches certain thresholds, new spell tomes become available from vendors. As mentioned earlier, Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold is your primary contact for Conjuration spells. He stocks a variety of spells and, importantly, unlocks more powerful spells as your skill increases.
Finding Spell Tomes
The world of Skyrim is littered with secrets, and many powerful spell tomes are hidden within dungeons, tombs, and other locations. These are not always guaranteed spawns, so exploring thoroughly and checking chests and containers is crucial.
Earning Spell Tomes Through Quests
Some Conjuration spells are rewarded for completing specific quests. The Conjuration Ritual Spell quest, obtained from Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold once your Conjuration skill reaches level 90, is a prime example. Completing this quest rewards you with the Summon Unbound Dremora spell, which is necessary to obtain the Flame Thrall master-level spell.
Master-Level Conjuration Spells
Obtaining master-level Conjuration spells is a significant achievement. These spells, such as Flame Thrall, Frost Thrall, and Storm Thrall, allow you to summon incredibly powerful creatures that persist until they are killed or the spell expires.
To access these spells, you must first reach level 90 in Conjuration and complete the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest from Phinis Gestor. After completing this quest and retrieving a Sigil Stone from the Midden, you will be able to purchase the Thrall spells from him.
The College of Winterhold: Your Conjuration Hub
The College of Winterhold is arguably the single most important location for aspiring conjurers. It provides access to:
- Trainers: Phinis Gestor can train you up to the Expert level in Conjuration.
- Spell Vendors: He also sells a variety of Conjuration spell tomes that become available as your skill increases.
- Quests: He offers the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest, which is required to obtain master-level Conjuration spells.
- Research Opportunities: The College offers a safe environment to practice and experiment with your spells.
The Power of Dremora
The Conjure Dremora Lord spell is a favorite of many players due to the Dremora’s formidable combat prowess. To obtain this spell, you need to reach level 65 in Conjuration and then purchase the Conjure Dremora Lord spell tome from Phinis Gestor. Be prepared to pay a hefty price, but the investment is well worth it.
Conjuration for Roleplaying and Exploration
Beyond combat, Conjuration spells also open up unique possibilities for roleplaying and exploration. Spells like Bound Sword and Bound Bow provide readily available weapons, while spells like Summon Familiar offer companionship. Experiment with different spells and see how they can enhance your Skyrim experience. The skills you gain from playing video games and interacting with other players are valuable, and researchers at the Games Learning Society are studying how to use these interactions for educational purposes. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the best place to buy Conjuration spells early in the game?
Early in the game, the court wizard at Dragonsreach in Whiterun usually sells some basic Conjuration spells. However, Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold offers a much wider selection as you progress.
2. What is the fastest way to level up my Conjuration skill?
The fastest way to level up Conjuration is to repeatedly cast Soul Trap on a corpse or Shadowmere. You can also use the spell Bound Sword in a safe location.
3. At what Conjuration level can I buy the Conjure Dremora Lord spell?
You can buy the Conjure Dremora Lord spell from Phinis Gestor once your Conjuration skill reaches level 65.
4. Where can I find the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest?
The Conjuration Ritual Spell quest is given by Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold once your Conjuration skill reaches level 90.
5. What is the reward for completing the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest?
The reward for completing the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest is the Summon Unbound Dremora spell.
6. What are the master-level Conjuration spells in Skyrim?
The master-level Conjuration spells are Flame Thrall, Frost Thrall, and Storm Thrall.
7. How do I get the Flame Thrall spell?
To get the Flame Thrall spell, you must reach level 90 in Conjuration, complete the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest, and bring the Sigil Stone to Phinis Gestor, who will then give you the spell and allow you to buy the other master level spells.
8. Can I loot armor from summoned Dremora?
You cannot loot the standard Dremora armor from summoned Dremora. However, at higher levels, they may be equipped with Daedric armor, which can be looted.
9. What is the best Conjuration spell in Skyrim?
This is subjective, but many consider Dead Thrall to be the best Conjuration spell, as it allows you to permanently reanimate a powerful corpse.
10. What is the strongest creature I can conjure in Skyrim?
The strongest conjurable creature depends on which DLCs you have installed. Generally, Dead Thrall, Storm Thrall, and creatures from the Dragonborn DLC like Seekers are among the most powerful.
11. Can I summon multiple creatures at once?
Yes, with the Twin Souls perk in the Conjuration skill tree, you can summon two creatures simultaneously.
12. Are Bound Weapons considered Conjuration spells?
Yes, spells like Bound Sword and Bound Bow are Conjuration spells that summon magical weapons.
13. Where can I find the Bound Bow spell tome?
A Bound Bow spell tome can be found in the Fort Amol Prison, located east of High Hrothgar and southwest of Windhelm.
14. What race is best for a Conjuration-focused character?
Bretons, High Elves (Altmer), and Dark Elves (Dunmer) all have starting skill bonuses that make them good choices for a Conjuration-focused character.
15. How do Conjuration spells interact with the Atronach Stone?
The Atronach Stone grants increased Magicka, increased Magicka absorption, but also reduces Magicka regeneration. This can be beneficial for Conjuration as it provides more Magicka to cast spells, but the reduced regeneration means you’ll need to manage your Magicka carefully.
Becoming a master of Conjuration in Skyrim takes time, dedication, and a willingness to explore the world and experiment with different spells. By following this guide and consistently practicing your skills, you’ll be summoning hordes of powerful creatures in no time!