Prime Locations to Acquire Lockpicks
Lockpicks in the world of Cyrodiil are more than just simple tools; they are keys to unlocking a world of hidden treasures, secret quests, and character building opportunities in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Whether you’re a budding thief seeking to make a name for yourself or simply a resourceful adventurer, mastering the art of lockpicking is essential. The ability to open locked doors and chests is a fundamental skill that can vastly improve your gameplay experience. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive look at the best locations to purchase lockpicks in Oblivion and offer expert tips on how to wield them effectively. If you are just starting the game, your need for these little tools might come sooner than you think.
To begin your journey as a lockpicking master, you’ll first need a steady supply of tools. Fortunately, Oblivion offers a multitude of merchants ready to sell you those tools, with some locations being more favorable than others, depending on your progress and character build.
Early Game Shopping Spots
At the start of your adventure, when resources are scarce, finding a reliable source of lockpicks can feel like a quest in itself. General goods stores offer a decent starting point.
General Merchandise Shops
These stores can be found in virtually every major city across Cyrodiil. For example, “The Best Defense” in the Imperial City Market District, known for its wide array of adventuring gear, also typically stocks a few lockpicks. Similarly, “All Things Alchemical” in Skingrad, although primarily focused on potions and ingredients, often carries a small supply of lockpicks to meet the needs of budding adventurers. The advantage of these stores is their accessibility; they are usually located in prominent areas and are easy to find. However, be prepared to pay a standard price, and do not expect to find a large quantity of lockpicks available. The cost of a lockpick will typically range between five and ten gold, depending on your bartering skills.
The Beggar Network
Don’t underestimate the resourcefulness of the less fortunate. In Oblivion, beggars are more than just street dwellers; they are part of an intricate information network. By increasing your disposition with a beggar, you can unlock valuable services, including information and sometimes, even the acquisition of goods. Some beggars might have a lockpick or two on hand, making them a very cheap, albeit unreliable, source. To increase your disposition, you’ll need to use the persuasion system, which involves a mini-game of adjusting your tone to match the beggar’s preferences. Remember, kindness and generosity can go a long way in Cyrodiil.
Mid-Game Purchasing Strategies
As you progress through Oblivion and delve deeper into the criminal underworld, new opportunities to acquire lockpicks will emerge. These options offer better stock and sometimes cheaper prices, but they require more effort to unlock.
Fences in the Thieves Guild
Joining the Thieves Guild opens up a whole new world of possibilities, not least of which is access to fences – specialized merchants who deal in stolen goods and, more importantly, provide a consistent supply of lockpicks. Fences like Ongar the World-Weary in Bruma or S’Krivva in Bravil are invaluable resources for any aspiring thief. To gain access to these fences, you must first join the Thieves Guild and progress through its questline. The more quests you complete, the more fences will become available, each offering a larger inventory of lockpicks and other useful items. Fences often offer lockpicks at a slightly discounted price compared to general goods stores, making them a cost-effective option for regular use.
Specialized Vendors
Keep an eye out for merchants who cater specifically to adventurers, hunters, or even those with more questionable professions. These merchants might carry a slightly higher number of lockpicks than your average store. Scouring shops in smaller towns or those located near dungeons could yield better results than sticking to the main cities. Investigating these niche vendors could turn up some hidden treasures of supplies.
Late-Game Supply Chains
By the time you reach the late game, you should have established a reliable network of lockpick suppliers. This involves maximizing your relationships with fences and potentially crafting your own lockpicks through magical means.
High-Level Fences
Advancing within the Thieves Guild is crucial for unlocking access to more experienced fences with larger inventories. These high-level fences not only offer a wider selection of lockpicks but also provide valuable information and quests that can further enhance your thieving skills. Building a strong rapport with these fences is essential for maintaining a steady supply of lockpicks throughout your adventures.
Magical Creation
For the magically inclined, Oblivion offers the potential to craft lockpicks through spells or enchantments. With a high enough Security skill and access to the necessary spells or enchantments, you can create your own lockpicks, eliminating the need to rely on merchants or scavenged supplies. This approach requires a significant investment in magic skills, but it can be a worthwhile endeavor for those who prefer a self-sufficient playstyle. Do some research and experimentation to see if you can master this useful ability.
Factors Affecting Lockpick Acquisition
Beyond simply knowing where to buy lockpicks, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence their cost and availability.
Merchant Disposition
Your relationship with a merchant directly impacts the prices they offer. A higher disposition leads to lower prices, while a lower disposition results in higher prices. To improve a merchant’s disposition, you can use the persuasion system or offer them bribes. Investing time in building relationships with key lockpick vendors can save you a significant amount of gold in the long run.
Restock Intervals
Merchants in Oblivion do not have an unlimited supply of goods. They periodically restock their inventory, so it’s important to know how often they do so. Most merchants restock their inventory every few days, allowing you to return regularly to replenish your lockpick supply. Monitoring the restock intervals of your preferred vendors will help you maintain a consistent supply of lockpicks without running dry.
Mastering the Art of Lockpicking
Acquiring lockpicks is only half the battle; you must also master the art of using them effectively. Oblivion’s lockpicking mechanic can be challenging at first, but with practice and patience, you can become a master thief.
Understanding the Interface
The lockpicking interface in Oblivion involves manipulating tumblers within a lock. Each tumbler must be raised to the correct height to unlock the lock. To do this, you must use a lockpick to probe each tumbler and determine the correct position. The interface provides visual and auditory cues to help you identify the correct height.
Beginner Strategies
Start with easier locks to hone your skills before tackling more challenging ones. Saving your game before attempting a difficult lock can prevent frustration and loss of valuable lockpicks. Using multiple lockpicks on a single lock is perfectly acceptable, especially when starting out. Listen carefully for the “click” sound, which indicates that a tumbler is in the correct position.
Security Skill Enhancement
Leveling up the Security skill is essential for improving your lockpicking abilities. The higher your Security skill, the easier it will be to pick locks and the fewer lockpicks you will break. To level up the Security skill, simply practice picking locks. You can also seek out trainers who can provide expert guidance and accelerate your skill progression. Skill books scattered throughout Cyrodiil can also provide a temporary boost to your Security skill.
Perks and Abilities
As you progress in the Security skill, you will unlock various perks and abilities that make lockpicking easier. These perks can include a better starting position for tumblers, slower tumbler speed, and even the ability to automatically unlock locks. Investing in these perks can significantly enhance your lockpicking abilities and make even the most challenging locks accessible.
Alternative Lock Acquisition Methods
While purchasing lockpicks is the most reliable method, there are alternative ways to acquire them, especially when you’re running low on funds.
Scavenging
Lockpicks can often be found as loot in dungeons, bandit camps, and other dangerous locations. Keep an eye out for containers such as chests, barrels, and even corpses, as they may contain lockpicks. Scavenging for lockpicks can be a risky but rewarding endeavor, especially when you’re in a pinch.
Magical Creation Revisited
As mentioned earlier, certain spells or enchantments might let you create your own lockpicks, reducing the need to purchase them. This is a good option if you want to dedicate yourself to magic-oriented character builds.
Conclusion
The ability to acquire and effectively use lockpicks is crucial for any aspiring adventurer or thief in Oblivion. Knowing where to buy lockpicks at different stages of the game, understanding the factors that influence their cost and availability, and mastering the art of lockpicking are all essential components of success. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can unlock a world of hidden treasures and secret quests and become a true master of unlocking in Cyrodiil. So grab your lockpicks, sharpen your skills, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey filled with locked doors, hidden treasures, and endless possibilities. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with patience and dedication, you can unlock any lock that stands in your way. Happy thieving!
