The Morrowind Skill Guide

The location to come to for anyone interested in gaining skills.

Introduction

This guide will simply cover each skill in alphabetical order divided into the skills specialization. The individual skills will go over how they level, the best way to level them, their governing attribute (none of which are governed by luck), books that increase the skill, and notable trainers to reach the skill to untold heights.

Some things to note, this guide won't be going over how to min-max your character's stats as there are plenty of guides for that already and instead will focus more on each of the 27 skills.
Each character chooses 5 major and 5 minor skills. Major skills increase the skill by +25 points while minor skills are increased by +10 points. A skill can further receive +5 points if it falls under the character's chosen specialization, that being combat, stealth, or magic. On top of altering the allocation of attribute points, races vary on what skills they boost as well. Below is a chart overview of the races (Found on the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages).
Skills can be damaged while in jail but can be earned again. Trainers can be used to level up a skill in exchange for gold. Master trainers can level up to level 100 in a skill while there is generally someone who can level up to around 70 in each skill. A final note before continuing onto the skills, some trainers are hostile but can become passive with a Calm Humanoid spell, which would then allow you to train with them.

Combat

Armorer

• Attribute: Strength
  
• Increase: Successful repair +0.4
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Sirollus Saccus at the Hawkmoth Legion Garrison in Ebonheart (bugged and needs a patch installed). Another notable trainer is Avus Belvilo in the Storage Shack at Dren Plantation (up to 70).
  
• Books:
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 6
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 25
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 29
  The Armorer's Challenge
  Last Scabbard of Akrash

Buy considerable quantities of hammers and equip them to open a window that will allow you to repair gear. You're striving to get successful repairs and the chances increase as you level.

Athletics

• Attribute: Speed
  
• Increase: 1 second of swimming +0.03 and 1 second of running +0.02
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Adibael Hainnabibi at Kaushtababi Camp. Other notable trainers are any hostile vampire trainers in Aralen, Dulo, and Sarethi Ancestral Tomb (up to 76), Delyna Mandas at the Onyx Hall in Tel Fyr (up to 75), and Huleeya at the Black Shalk Cornerclub in Vivec's Foreign Quarter (up to 75).
  
• Books:
  The Ransom of Zarek
  A Dance in Fire, Chapter 3
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 1
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 8
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 31

AFK autorun into a corner or swim towards a wall. Alternatively, simply go about exploring and questing.

Axe

• Attribute: Strength
  
• Increase: Successful attack +1.2
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Alfhedil Elf-Hewer in the Upper Level of Falensarano. Another notable trainer is Eydis Fire-Eye at the Guild of Fighters in Balmora (up to 72).
  
• Books:
  The Third Door
  The Axe Man
  The Seed
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 5
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 16

Since it's based on landing strikes, some strategies include using a weak weapon just so there is more potential to land hits on enemies. A good spot to get respawning enemies is the storage room in the Vivec Arena. You would first have to head to the Lower Waistworks then the Canal Works and find the room with three rats. After they are slain and disposed, go through a trapdoor in another room that leads to the Morag Tong HQ and sleep. Upon coming back, the rats should respawn to keep a supply of enemies for leveling. This can also be applied to other weapon skills and all of the armored skills as well.

Block

• Attribute: Agility
  
• Increase: Successful block +2.5
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Shardie at Buckmoth Legion Fort. Another notable trainer is Khargol gro-Boguk in the Vacant Tower in Dagon Fel (up to 82).
  
• Books:
  Death Blow of Abernanit
  The Mirror
  A Dance in Fire, Chapter 2
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 7
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 32

Refer to the Axe skills strategy and just block the rats.

Blunt Weapons

• Attribute: Strength
  
• Increase: Successful attack +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Ernse Llervu at The Abbey of St. Delyn the Wise in Vivec. Other notable trainers are Alfhedil Elf-Hewer on the Upper Level of Falensarano (up to 78) and Eydis Fire-Eye at the Guild of Fighters in Balmora (up to 72).
  
• Books:
  The Hope of the Redoran
  The Importance of Where
  Night Falls On Sentinel
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 3
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 9

Refer to the Axe skills strategy.

Heavy Armor

• Attribute: Endurance
  
• Increase: Hit by opponent +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Seanwen at the Arena Fighters Training in Vivec. Another notable trainer is Shardie at Buckmoth Legion Fort (up to 76).
  
• Books:
  Hallgerd's Tale
  2920, MidYear
  Chimarvamidium
  How Orsinium Passed to the Orcs
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 12

Refer to the Axe skills strategy.

Long Blade

• Attribute: Strength
  
• Increase: Successful attack +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Ulms Drathen at the Armigers Stronghold in Molag Mar. Another notable trainer is Shardie at Buckmoth Legion Fort (up to 86).
  
• Books:
  Words and Philosophy
  2920, Morning Star
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 17
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 20
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 23

Refer to the Axe skills strategy.

Medium Armor

• Attribute: Endurance
  
• Increase: Hit by opponent +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Cinia Urtius but doesn't appear in-game and a patch needs installed. Another notable trainer is Khargol gro-Boguk in the Vacant Tower in Dagon Fel (up to 82).
  
• Books:
  Cherim's Heart of Anequina
  Bone, Part One
  Bone, Part Two
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 22
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 33

Refer to the Axe skills strategy.

Spear

• Attribute: Endurance
  
• Increase: Successful attack +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Mertis Falandas at the Tower of Dusk Lower Level in Ghostgate.
  
• Books:
  Smuggler's Island
  2920, First Seed
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 14
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 24
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 35

Refer to the Axe skills strategy.

Stealth

Acrobatics

• Attribute: Strength
  
• Increase: Fall +3.0 and Jump +0.15
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Senyndie at the Arena Fighters Quarters in Vivec. Other notable trainers are Aerin at the Andus Tradehouse in Maar Gan (up to 79) and Sugar-Lips Habasi, at the South Wall Cornerclub in Balmora (up to 77).
  
• Books:
  Realizations of Acrobacy
  A Dance in Fire, Chapter 1
  A Dance in Fire, Chapter 4
  The Black Arrow, Volume 1
  Mystery of Talara, Part 1

Simply jump everywhere or repeatedly fall off small distances where damage is taken. A good spot for this is the rock near the silt strider in Seyda Neen.

Hand-to-hand

• Attribute: Speed
  
• Increase: Successful attack +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Taren Omothan at Holamayan Monastery. Another notable trainer is Caius Cosades at his house in Balmora (up to 70).
  
• Books:
  The Prayers of Baranat
  The Wolf Queen, Book II
  Charwich-Koniinge, Volume 2
  Charwich-Koniinge, Volume 4
  Master Zoaraym's Tale

Refer to the Axe skills strategy

Light Armor

• Attribute: Agility
  
• Increase: Hit by opponent +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Aerin at the Andus Tradehouse in Maar Gan. Another notable trainer is Ruccia Conician at the Grand Council Chambers in Ebonheart (up to 70).
  
• Books:
  The Rear Guard
  Ice and Chitin
  Lord Jornibret's Last Dance
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 21
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 28

Refer to the Axe skills strategy

Marksman

• Attribute: Agility
  
• Increase: Successful attack +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Missun Akin at his hut at Falasmaryon.
  
• Books:
  The Gold Ribbon of Merit
  A Dance in Fire, Chapter 5
  Vernaccus and Bourlor
  The Marksmanship Lesson
  The Black Arrow, Volume II

Refer to the Axe skills strategy

Mercantile

• Attribute: Personality
  
• Increase: Successful bribe +1.0, successful bargain +0.3, and successful max bargain +30.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Ababael Timsar-Dadisun in his yurt at Zainab Camp.
  
• Books:
  The Buying Game
  The Wolf Queen, Book IV
  2920, Sun's Height
  A Dance in Fire, Chapter 6
  A Dance in Fire, Chapter 7

Sell many items individually rather than as a stack if possible. The increase in skill is proportional to the percentage bargained so buying low-value items for 50% less (3 gold to 2) will boost it most. The best way to level is by fortifying your mercantile skill for 1 second or your luck and buying a low-value item for 1 gold or selling an item for a lot more.

Security

• Attribute: Intelligence
  
• Increase: Disarm trap +3.0 and pick lock + 2.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Hecerinde who has a house in Balmora (must be a thieves guild member with at least the Operative rank). Another notable trainer is Nileno Dorvayn in Balmora's Hlaalu Council Manor (up to 64).
  
• Books:
  The Locked Room
  The Wolf Queen, Book I
  The Dowry
  Chance's Folly
  Surfeit of Thieves
  Bloody Note (BM)
  Thauraver's Orders (BM)

Buy lock picks from the South Wall Corner Club in Balmora and unlock doors then lock them again with a lock spell.

Short Blade

• Attribute: Speed
  
• Increase: Successful attack +0.75
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Todwendy at the Lucky Lockup in Balmora. Another notable trainer is Nileno Dorvayn at Hlaalu Council Manor in Balmora (up to 74).
  
• Books:
  Unnamed Book
  2920, Sun's Dusk
  2920, Evening Star
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 10
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 30

Refer to the Axe skills strategy

Sneak

• Attribute: Agility
  
• Increase: Successful pickpocket +2.0 and avoid notice +0.25
  
• Trainers: The master trainers are Ri'Shajirr at Shenk's Shovel in Caldera and Wadarkhu at Druegh-jigger's Rest in Gnaar Mok. Another notable trainer is Aerin at the Andus Tradehouse in Maar Gan (up to 84).
  
• Books:
  The Wolf Queen, Book VI
  2920, Last Seed
  Azura and the Box
  Trap
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 26

Autorun into a corner with a stationary NPC's back to you. Alternatively, use an invisibility or chameleon spell while sneaking around and train the skill a bit to make chances better.

Speechcraft

• Attribute: Personality
  
• Increase: Successful persuasion +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Skink-in-Tree's-Shade at the Mages' Guild in Wolverine Hall (must be a mages guild member). Another notable trainer is Ruccia Conician in the Grand Council Chambers in Ebonheart (up to 75)
  
• Books:
  Biography of the Wolf Queen
  The Wolf Queen, Book V
  2920, Second Seed
  The Wolf Queen, Book VII
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 27

Persuade NPCs with low personality and intimidate NPCs with a low speechcraft level.

Magic

Alchemy

• Attribute: Intelligence
  
• Increase: Create potion +2.0 and use ingredient +0.5
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Abelle Chriditte in the Propylon Chamber at Valenvaryon.
  
• Books:
  A Game at Dinner
  The Cake and the Diamond
  Song of the Alchemists
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 2
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 18
  The Song of Uncle Sweetshare (BM)

Buy cheap ingredients from a merchant and craft potions on mass with them.

Alteration

• Attribute: Willpower
  
• Increase: Successful cast +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Seryne Relas who has a house in Tel Branora. Another notable trainer is Ardarume at the Gateway Inn: West Wing in Sadrith Mora (up to 76).
  
• Books:
  Breathing Water
  The Dragon Break Re-Examined
  Sithis
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 13
  The Lunar Lorkhan

Create spells with minimum effects to get it to cost only 1 magicka and repeatedly cast the spell.

Conjuration

• Attribute: Intelligence
  
• Increase: Successful cast +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Methal Seran at the Temple in Ald'ruhn (must be a temple member with at least adept rank). Another notable trainer is Abelle Chriditte in the Propylon Chamber at Valenvaryon (up to 81).
  
• Books:
  Feyfolken II
  Feyfolken III
  2920, Hearth Fire
  2920, FrostFall
  The Warrior's Charge

Refer to the Alteration skills strategy.

Destruction

• Attribute: Willpower
  
• Increase: Successful cast +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Leles Birian outside Piernette's Farmhouse in the Ascadian Isles Region. Other notable trainers are Ardarume at the Gateway Inn: West Wing in Sadrith Mora (up to 81), Erer Darothril at Dirty Muriel's Cornerclub in Sadrith Mora (up to 81), and Seryne Relas at her house in Tel Branora (up to 81).
  
• Books:
  The Horror of Castle Xyr
  Response to Bero's Speech
  A Hypothetical Treachery
  The Art of War Magic
  Mystery of Talara, Part 3

Refer to the Alteration skills strategy.

Enchant

• Attribute: Intelligence
  
• Increase: Recharge item +5.0, create magic item +5.0, and use magic item +0.1.
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Qorwynn in Indoranyon, who is hostile.
  
• Books:
  Feyfolken I
  The Wolf Queen, Book VIII
  Palla, Book II
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 19
  The Final Lesson

The best way to level is by recharging with many petty soul gems.

Illusion

• Attribute: Personality
  
• Increase: Successful cast +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Erer Darothril at Dirty Muriel's Cornerclub in Sadrith Mora.
  
• Books:
  The Wolf Queen, Book III
  Silence
  Incident in Necrom
  Palla, Book I
  Mystery of Talara, Part 4

Refer to the Alteration skills strategy.

Mysticism

• Attribute: Willpower
  
• Increase: Successful cast +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Ardarume at the Gateway Inn: West Wing in Sadrith Mora. Other notable trainers are Abelle Chriditte in the Propylon Chamber at Valenvaryon (up to 81) and Leles Birian outside Piernette's Farmhouse in the Ascadian Isles Region (up to 81).
  
• Books:
  The Firsthold Revolt
  2920, Sun's Dawn
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 4
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 36
  Charwich-Koniinge, Volume 3

Refer to the Alteration skills strategy.

Restoration

• Attribute: Willpower
  
• Increase: Successful cast +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Yakin Bael at Vos Chapel in Vos. Other notable trainers are Leles Birian, near Piernette's Farmhouse in the Ascadian Isles Region (up to 81) and any of the vampire trainers located in Aralen, Dulo, and Sarethi Ancestral Tomb (up to 80).
  
• Books:
  Withershins
  Notes on Racial Phylogeny
  The Four Suitors of Benitah
  2920, Rain's Hand
  Mystery of Talara, Part 2

Refer to the Alteration skills strategy.

Unarmored

• Attribute: Speed
  
• Increase: Hit by opponent +1.0
  
• Trainers: The master trainer is Khargol gro-Boguk at the Vacant Tower in Dagon Fel. Another notable trainer is Caius Cosades at his house in Balmora (up to 70).
  
• Books:
  The Wraith's Wedding Dowry
  Charwich-Koniinge, Volume 1
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 11
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 15
  36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 34

Refer to the Axe skills strategy.