How does enchanting work in Skyrim?

[SpellAndShield]

Or does it work some other way?

 

In theory you would need to invest some energy into magika to cast certain spells, right?

[Ghogiel]

yes: you disenchant an enchanted item to learn that base enchantment. item is destroyed in the process, so do it with those crappy iron daggers of burning and cheap armor.

[happycamper265]

please excuse the newb question..... its there any reason why i shouldnt train enchanting on my thief/stealthy character?

 

there isnt a set number of skills you are allowed leveling or that?

[vorius]

I have a question related to enchanting as well...

 

I picked up an item which said something along the lines of: "Restoration spells cost 20% less to cast"

 

I disenchant the item and learn that trait.

 

Then I try to create my own, I browse the list of enchantments, and found that one but it now says "Restoration spells cost 10% less to cast". Hmm, I figure its because of my low enchanting skill.

 

Then when I actually select the item, even before choosing a soul gem, it finally says "Restoration spells cost 1% less to cast".

 

WTF?

 

Why?

 

One of those drops I am sure is due to my skill, but why did it drop a second time down to a laughable 1%???

[borge12]

I had the same problem. You essentially have to use a grand soul stone to get decent enchants early on. Once you level enchanting a bit, it will get better.

[dlight]

From my experience, enchanting works by:-

 

1st - Disenchant - you will lose the item but learn the effect. This need only be done once per effect. Take note some mages robes offer a combo effect; IE. Alteration costs xx% less AND Magicka Regens xx% faster

2nd - Select item to enchant - different types of items will have different enchantments available to it.

3rd - Select effect - Based on effects you've already learned.

4th - Select Soul Gem (filled) - The better the quality of gem, the better the effect. A Grand Soul Gem will give a better effect over a Petty Soul Gem

 

Lastly your own Enchantment skill & perks will determine how great the effect is.

 

So;

 

One of those drops I am sure is due to my skill, but why did it drop a second time down to a laughable 1%???

 

It's because you used a low quality gem and/or have low enchantment skills. When you beef your skill up you'll notice an improvement in your enchantments.

Edited November 15, 2011 by dlight

[Lyanheart]

Like the smithing skill, once you increase your enchanting and start to fill in its perk tree you will be able to put very powerful effects on your items. Save all the Grand soul gems with Grand souls you can gather to make your "keeper" equiment later on, while practicing your enchanting skill on cheap looted gear with pretty and other small soul gems.

[saldu]

I was suprised at first too when the 40 magicka enchant turned out to be like +2 for me.

But it always displays how high the enchant would turn out with your current highest possible soul stone.

So you probably had only the smallest ones when it displayed 1% for you, and no perk points in the first enchanting perk.

[Ghogiel]

I have found some strong enchant bonus potions.... Use them, it's what they are for.