The Necessity of the Lockpick: Why You Need Them
Oblivion, the world of Cyrodiil, is a realm of both wonder and peril. Treasure chests, hidden doors, and locked cabinets tantalize with their promise of valuable loot and hidden secrets. But to unlock these treasures, one tool reigns supreme: the humble lockpick. Running out of these slender instruments can quickly bring your adventuring to a screeching halt. Fear not, aspiring adventurer, for this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about where to get lockpicks Oblivion, ensuring your quest for riches and knowledge never falters.
Before delving into the methods, let’s solidify why a steady supply of lockpicks in Oblivion is absolutely crucial. Imagine this: you’ve spent hours navigating a treacherous dungeon, battling fearsome creatures, and braving perilous traps. Finally, you reach the end, and before you lies a glimmering chest. Inside, potentially, is a priceless artifact, a unique weapon, or a fortune in gold. But alas, the lock stands between you and your reward. Without a lockpick, your efforts are for naught.
- Unlocking containers: This is the primary function of a lockpick. Chests, drawers, strongboxes, and various other containers are scattered throughout Cyrodiil, each holding treasures that can significantly enhance your character’s abilities and wealth.
- Accessing restricted areas: Many doors and gates are locked, guarding secrets, valuable items, or entire new areas to explore. Lockpicks in Oblivion provide the key to expanding your exploration.
- Completing quests: Numerous quests require you to open locked doors or containers to progress. Without lockpicks, these quests become impossible to complete.
- Gaining a tactical advantage: You can use your lockpicks to open doors during combat to strategically position yourself, or even to escape from dangerous situations.
- Unlocking the secrets of Cyrodiil: Oblivion is filled with mysteries and hidden lore, often locked away behind secure doors or chests.
In essence, a reliable supply of lockpicks is an investment in your character’s success and enjoyment in the game.
Acquiring Your First Picks: The Basics
Let’s begin with the fundamental ways of obtaining lockpicks in Oblivion. These are your go-to methods when starting out, or when you find yourself running low.
Buying From Merchants
The most straightforward method is to purchase lockpicks directly from merchants. Many vendors throughout Cyrodiil sell these essential tools. The key is knowing who and where to look.
- General Stores: General stores, like the ones found in Chorrol, Bravil, and the Imperial City, typically stock lockpicks. These merchants often have a wide range of goods, making them a convenient one-stop shop.
- Specialized Merchants: Some merchants specialize in certain wares. For example, you can sometimes find a better supply of lockpicks from merchants who sell more “rogue-ish” items.
- Check the stock: Merchant inventories are not static. They refresh periodically. You can “refresh” their inventories by resting for twenty-four hours. Alternatively, you can simply wait near the merchant for two game days to pass. This allows them to restock. You might also find it helpful to go through this process a few times until they have replenished their stock of lockpicks.
- The cost: Lockpicks are relatively inexpensive, usually costing a few gold pieces each. This makes them an accessible purchase even for low-level characters.
Looting
Another fundamental source of lockpicks is through looting. You’ll find them scattered throughout Cyrodiil, often in places where you’d expect to find them.
- Containers: Lockpicks frequently appear in containers. Explore every crate, barrel, sack, and chest you come across. You’ll increase your odds of finding lockpicks if you check every container.
- NPC Bodies: Lockpicks can also be found on the bodies of fallen enemies, particularly those who are known for their thieving tendencies. Keep an eye out for bandits, highwaymen, and other unsavory characters.
- Location, Location, Location: Certain locations are more likely to yield lockpicks than others. Dungeons, ruins, caves, and bandit hideouts are all prime locations to search. Don’t leave any stone unturned in these areas.
Elevating Your Acquisition: Advanced Strategies
Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to level up your lockpick procurement game.
Joining the Thieves Guild
The Thieves Guild is an organization dedicated to the art of thievery. Joining this guild offers significant benefits for acquiring lockpicks.
- Fences: Thieves Guild Fences are merchants who buy stolen goods. These individuals often have a substantial supply of lockpicks available for sale. The best part? Fences usually offer lockpicks for sale at all times.
- Training: The Thieves Guild offers training in the Lockpicking skill. Skilled instructors can accelerate your lockpicking abilities and improve your success rate.
- Consistent supply: This reliable source of lockpicks ensures you’ll never be caught short.
Leveling Up Your Lockpicking Skill
A higher Lockpicking skill dramatically improves your ability to pick locks. It reduces the likelihood of your lockpicks breaking and makes it easier to find the “sweet spot.”
- Practice makes perfect: The best way to level up Lockpicking is to practice. Start by picking easy locks on containers.
- Skill trainers: Seek out Lockpicking trainers. They can provide valuable lessons to improve your skill.
- Perks of high skill: As your Lockpicking skill increases, you’ll unlock perks such as the ability to pick more difficult locks and to make your lockpicks last longer.
Unbreakable Lockpicks (The Skeleton Key)
While normal lockpicks break after multiple attempts, one type of lockpick never does: the Skeleton Key.
- Quest related: The Skeleton Key is a unique, artifact-level lockpick that never breaks. It’s obtained through a specific quest.
- The Daedric artifact: The key is a reward from completing the “Azura” Daedric quest.
- Quest completion: The key remains with you throughout the rest of the game, making lockpicking a significantly easier task.
Utilizing Alchemy
Alchemy is a skill that allows you to brew potions with various effects. These potions can be incredibly helpful when you’re picking locks.
- Fortify Lockpicking potions: Create or find potions that temporarily increase your Lockpicking skill. This will significantly increase your success rate, especially on difficult locks.
- Potion use: Use these potions right before attempting to pick a lock for the best results.
Tips, Tricks, and Savvy Strategies
Beyond the core methods, here are some additional tips to help you keep a healthy supply of lockpicks:
Managing Your Supply
Smart resource management is key to never running out of lockpicks.
- Save often: Before attempting to pick a lock, save your game. If you break all your lockpicks, you can reload your save and try again.
- Repair or replace broken picks: If you are using the base lockpicks make sure you have a way to find more, so you can keep exploring and unlocking your way through the game.
Finding Easier Locks to Practice On
Practicing on easier locks is a great way to hone your skills and conserve your lockpicks.
- Apprentice locks: Start by picking locks labeled “Apprentice.” These are the easiest locks in the game, and they provide a safe environment to practice without losing too many picks.
- Low-value locks: Focus on picking locks on containers that hold low-value items. This reduces the risk of wasting lockpicks on locks that aren’t worth the trouble.
Avoiding the Auto-Attempt Feature
Some people prefer to use the auto-attempt feature. However, it’s recommended to manually pick locks instead.
- Increased chance of breakage: The auto-attempt feature will often result in lockpicks breaking faster.
- Limited practice: Manual lockpicking allows you to practice, which improves your skill.
Conclusion: The Key to a Successful Adventure
In conclusion, a steady supply of lockpicks is a cornerstone of any successful adventure in Oblivion. By understanding the various methods of acquiring these essential tools – buying from merchants, looting containers and enemies, joining the Thieves Guild, leveling your skill, and finding the Skeleton Key – you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of Cyrodiil. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to Tamriel, remember that a well-stocked inventory of lockpicks can make the difference between triumph and frustration. So go forth, explore, and unlock the secrets that await you!
