Unlocking Ebony: When Does This Darkly Desirable Gear Appear in Skyrim?

So, you’re diving deep into the frosty world of Skyrim, eager to clad yourself in the intimidating, sleek armor of ebony. The burning question on every adventurer’s mind: at what level does ebony gear start popping up in the world? The short answer: You’ll generally start seeing ebony weapons and armor become available around level 30. Ebony ingots become purchasable from vendors around level 25, and crafting ebony requires a Smithing skill of 80. This means that both the appearance of the gear and your ability to utilize it depend on different factors. Now, let’s delve into the details of obtaining this powerful equipment!

Ebony Availability: More Than Just a Level

It’s crucial to understand that level isn’t the only factor. Several elements interplay to determine when ebony gear graces your inventory:

• Character Level: As mentioned, level 30 is a crucial threshold. This is when you’ll begin to find ebony equipment as random loot in dungeons, and when NPCs are more likely to wield ebony weapons. However, it’s not a guarantee! You may see them show up in small amounts beginning around level 25, but level 30 makes them more common.

• Smithing Skill: Crafting ebony armor and weapons requires a Smithing skill of 80. You’ll also need the Ebony Smithing perk, which unlocks after acquiring a Smithing level of 80. If you’re focusing on a smithing-centric character, you can bypass the level requirement for finding it as loot altogether!

• Vendor Stock: While you might stumble upon ebony gear in the wild, reliable access comes through merchants. Vendors don’t consistently stock ebony ingots until you reach level 25. This allows you to begin purchasing them and working on your smithing skill.

• Location, Location, Location: Some locations are more likely to have ebony gear, regardless of your level (though low levels make it very unlikely). High-level dungeons and bandit camps are prime candidates. The Dragonborn DLC adds another layer, making ebony gear more prevalent on Solstheim.

The Dawnstar Chest Exploit: Ebony Early

A well-known exploit can bypass the usual level restrictions: the invisible chest in Dawnstar. If you travel to Dawnstar early in the game (via carriage from Whiterun, for example), you can find a hidden chest containing the vendor’s inventory. By repeatedly looting this chest and selling the items, you can quickly accumulate gold and level up your Smithing skill. You can then use this to smith your own ebony gear once you meet the other requirements. This method is considered by some to be cheating, so use at your own discretion.

Ebony Mail: A Special Case

The Ebony Mail, a unique piece of Daedric artifact armor, has its own specific acquisition method. You must complete the Daedric quest “Boethiah’s Calling,” which becomes available when you reach level 30. Look for the book “Boethiah’s Proving” in various locations around Skyrim to begin the quest. This quest requires you to sacrifice a follower, so choose wisely (or read the FAQs below!).

FAQs About Ebony Gear in Skyrim

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of obtaining ebony gear in Skyrim:

1. What’s the quickest way to reach a Smithing skill of 80?

Focus on crafting iron daggers early on, as they require minimal resources. Utilize the Warrior Stone early on to increase the rate at which you level smithing. Once you’ve increased your smithing significantly, consider crafting dwarven bows, as these are very efficient for leveling. Make use of Smithing skill trainers to accelerate your progress, specifically at the start.

2. Where can I find Ebony Ore?

Ebony Ore veins are primarily found in the Vindrel Hall in Markarth, and Gloombound Mine near Narzulbur. Bring a pickaxe and prepare for some mining!

3. Is ebony armor light or heavy armor?

Ebony armor is classified as heavy armor. This means your Heavy Armor skill will determine its effectiveness.

4. What armor should I aim for before I can get ebony?

If you’re focusing on heavy armor, steel plate armor or orcish armor are good mid-game options. For light armor users, elven armor or glass armor (if you’re lucky) can serve you well. Dwarven armor is also a decent choice at level 20 if you smith it yourself.

5. Is ebony armor the best armor in Skyrim?

Ebony armor is excellent, but not the absolute best. Daedric armor and Dragonplate armor offer slightly better protection, but ebony is still a very solid choice and easier to obtain.

6. Can I find ebony gear earlier than level 30 using mods?

Yes, numerous mods exist that alter the availability of items in Skyrim. Some mods make ebony gear more common at lower levels, while others may rebalance the entire loot system.

7. What are the benefits of wearing a full set of ebony armor?

A full set of ebony armor provides substantial physical protection. It also looks incredibly stylish! While there’s no inherent set bonus in the base game, some mods add set bonuses for wearing complete armor sets.

8. Is the Ebony Mail worth getting?

The Ebony Mail is unique and powerful, especially for stealth-oriented characters. Its constant poison aura can damage nearby enemies, and its muffle effect enhances sneaking. If you’re playing a stealthy character, it’s one of the best armors to get.

9. Who is a good follower to sacrifice for Boethiah’s Calling?

This is a morally complex question! If you’re looking for a “justifiable” sacrifice, consider a follower with a questionable past or morals. You can sacrifice anyone, but some popular (and ethically dubious) choices include:

• Ralis Sedarys: The Dunmer from the Kolbjorn Barrow excavation in Solstheim, who is heavily implied to be stealing funds.
• A mercenary: Hired mercenaries have no backstory and you’re just paying them to die, so it might be easier to not feel bad about it.

Ultimately, the choice is yours!

10. Is it possible to improve ebony gear?

Yes! You can improve ebony armor and weapons at a grindstone or workbench, respectively, using ebony ingots and the appropriate perks.

11. Does difficulty level affect the appearance of ebony gear?

No, the difficulty level doesn’t directly affect when ebony gear starts appearing. It mainly impacts enemy health, damage output, and the frequency of high-level loot within chests.

12. Are there any ebony weapons that are better than others?

The Ebony Blade (a Daedric artifact) is a unique ebony weapon with powerful enchantment capabilities. Otherwise, all ebony weapons within their given weapon class are equally powerful.

13. Can I find enchanted ebony gear?

Yes, you can find enchanted ebony armor and weapons as random loot. The enchantments will vary, so keep an eye out for items that complement your playstyle.

14. Is it better to smith ebony gear or buy it?

Smithing is generally more cost-effective, especially if you mine your own ebony ore. However, buying it is a faster option if you have the gold.

15. How does the Games Learning Society relate to gaming information?

The Games Learning Society explores the educational aspects of video games. While it might not directly offer gameplay guides, it provides valuable insights into the cognitive and learning processes involved in gaming, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the game world. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Embrace the Darkness: Go Forth and Conquer

Obtaining ebony gear in Skyrim is a rite of passage for any aspiring warrior. By understanding the level requirements, smithing skills, and potential exploits, you can equip yourself with this formidable armor and weapons, ready to face any challenge that comes your way. Now go out there and conquer the land, clad in the sleek darkness of ebony!