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TES5 Skyrim AE: NPC classes

February 21, 2025•4,735 words

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, the intricate tapestry of NPC classes weaves together combat tactics, magical prowess, and stealth mechanics, shaping the behaviors of every inhabitant across Tamriel’s northernmost province. These archetypes—rooted in skill priorities, attribute distributions, and combat styles—craft distinct identities for warriors, mages, and rogues, though Bethesda’s design occasionally reveals quirks that modders and lore enthusiasts delight in dissecting.

Warriors dominate Skyrim’s rugged landscape, their classes bifurcated into one-handed and two-handed specialists. CombatWarrior1H fighters, like the stalwart guards of Whiterun, favor swords and axes paired with shields, their training emphasizing Block skill to deflect blows. In contrast, the two-handed variants, exemplified by the towering Ingjard of the Dawnguard, channel raw power through warhammers and greatswords, their skill progression soaring to mastery by level 36. Yet inconsistencies linger: the Orc warriors of strongholds, classified as Heavy Armor users, often don Light Armor, a dissonance between class and gear that puzzles attentive players.

Magic-wielders carve their own niches. Destruction Mages, such as the fiery Ancano, rain elemental chaos upon foes, their Magicka reservoirs bolstered by Augmented Flames and Impact perks to stagger enemies. Conjurers like the dreaded Dragon Priest Morokei command spectral atronachs and bound weapons, though many oddly lack summoned gear despite high skill weights. Sorcerers, a hybrid breed, meld Heavy Armor with Conjuration—a combination seen in the arcane Guardians of Labyrinthian, though their enchanted plate armor often goes underutilized in favor of robes.

Stealth specialists slink through shadows and politics alike. Assassins, epitomized by the Dark Brotherhood’s spectral Lucien Lachance, leverage 30x dagger multipliers and poisons, while Thieves Guild operatives like Vex excel in Lockpicking and Pickpocket, despite occasional mismatches in Light Armor proficiency. The Nightblade class—a fusion of Illusion magic and dagger work—manifests in characters like Eola, though her prescribed archery focus clashes with her vampiric spellcasting in practice.

Hybrid classes blur traditional roles. Spellswords marry One-Handed skill with Destruction spells, their balanced Health and Magicka allowing versatility in skirmishes. The Battlemage archetype, theoretically a Heavy Armor juggernaut casting Destruction runes, falters in execution: Modhna of the Dawnguard dons Light Armor despite her class template, while the vampiric Serana defies categorization entirely, blending frost magic with dagger strikes through a custom class.

Faction-specific classes reinforce Skyrim’s civil strife. Stormcloak soldiers (GuardSonsSkyrim) prioritize Block and One-Handed, yet their attribute allocations bafflingly favor Magicka over Stamina. The Thalmor Wizards, with their Shock-focused Destruction and Rune Master perks, embody the Aldmeri Dominion’s elitism, while Penitus Oculatus agents like Commander Maro don Light Armor despite CombatWarrior classifications—a recurring gear incongruity.

Unique entities defy mortal conventions. Dragon Priests, their Conjuration mastery eclipsing even the College of Winterhold’s archmages, summon wrathful storms from ancient staffs. The Ebony Warrior, a post-Level 80 apparition, wields Heavy Armor and Two-Handed skills at near-divine levels, his Reflect Blows perk turning attackers’ strength against them. Dragons themselves operate as a class, their “skills” manifesting in Shouts and bone-crushing bites that scale with the player’s level.

Underlying systems reveal further idiosyncrasies. NPCs gain 15 attributes per level—5 fixed Health points plus 10 distributed by class weights—yet rounding errors sometimes skew allocations, as seen in the Beggar class’s unintended Stamina bias. Combat Styles (CSTY records) dictate aggression: the csWarlock template drives Ancano’s spell-spamming onslaught, while Volkihar vampires inexplicably favor melee claws over their blood magic affinities.

These imperfections, from misplaced perks to armor mismatches, underscore Skyrim’s organic chaos. Yet they also inspire modding communities to refine the experience, patching discrepancies like Halbarn Iron-Fur’s Dremora-inspired class clashing with his Nord warrior aesthetic. Through this interplay of design and player intervention, Skyrim’s classes endure as a testament to both structured roleplaying and the charm of Bethesda’s beautifully flawed craftsmanship.

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, NPC classes govern skill progression, attribute allocation, and combat tendencies. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all vanilla and DLC class templates, synthesized from in-game mechanics and modding resources[4]:

Combat-Oriented Classes

Warrior Archetypes

  • CombatWarrior1H/2H:

    • Skills: One/Two-Handed (4), Block (3), Heavy Armor (3), Smithing (2)
    • Attributes: Health (4), Stamina (2)
    • Behavior: Specializes in melee combat; 2H variants prioritize raw damage (e.g., Ingjard reaches 100 Two-Handed by level 36).

  • Barbarian:

    • Skills: Two-Handed (3), Light Armor (3), Archery (2)
    • Attributes: Stamina-heavy (4) for power attacks.

  • Orc Warrior (GuardOrc1H/2H):

    • Skills: One/Two-Handed (3), Heavy Armor (2)
    • Mismatch: Wears Light Armor despite Heavy Armor class weights[4].

Magic-Oriented Classes

Pure Casters

  • Destruction Mage:

    • Skills: Destruction (3), Alteration (2), Enchanting (2)
    • Attributes: Magicka (4), Health (2)
    • Perks: Augmented Flames/Shock/Frost, Impact.

  • Conjurer:

    • Skills: Conjuration (3), Destruction (2), Enchanting (2)
    • Examples: Dragon Priests (e.g., Morokei) with high Conjuration/Destruction weights.

  • Sorcerer:

    • Skills: Conjuration (3), Destruction (2), Heavy Armor (2)
    • Gear Issues: Often lacks summoned gear despite high skill weights (e.g., Arngeir’s unused Enchanting)[4].

Stealth-Oriented Classes

Assassins & Thieves

  • Assassin:

    • Skills: Sneak (4), Archery (3), One-Handed (3), Illusion (2)
    • Perks: Deadly Aim (3x bow damage), Quiet Casting.

  • Thief:

    • Skills: Sneak (3), Lockpicking (3), Pickpocket (2)
    • NPC Example: Vex (Thieves Guild) with mismatched Light Armor proficiency.

  • Nightblade:

    • Skills: Illusion (3), One-Handed (2), Sneak (2)
    • Hybrid: Combines stealth with frenzy spells (e.g., Eola’s flawed archery focus).

Hybrid Classes

  • Spellsword:

    • Skills: One-Handed (3), Destruction (2), Heavy Armor (2)
    • Attributes: Balanced Health/Magicka (3 each).

  • Witchblade:

    • Skills: Destruction (3), One-Handed (2), Conjuration (2)
    • Example: Serana (custom class) blending vampiric magic with melee.

  • Battlemage:

    • Skills: Heavy Armor (3), Destruction (3), Conjuration (2)
    • Gear Conflicts: Modhna (Dawnguard) uses Light Armor despite class template[4].

Faction-Specific Classes

Guard Variants

  • GuardSonsSkyrim (Stormcloak):

    • Skills: Block (3), One-Handed (2), Archery (2)
    • Attribute Flaw: Prioritizes Magicka (7) over Stamina despite melee focus[4].

  • Penitus Oculatus:

    • Skills: One-Handed (3), Archery (2), Light Armor (2)
    • Example: Commander Maro with Light Armor gear.

Thalmor

  • Thalmor Wizard:
    • Skills: Destruction (3), Conjuration (2), Illusion (2)
    • Perks: Rune Master, Augmented Shock.

Creature & Unique NPC Classes

  • Dragon Priest:

    • Skills: Conjuration (6), Destruction (5), Restoration (3)
    • Attributes: Health (5), Magicka (3)

  • Dragon (EncClassDragon):

    • Skills: Unarmed (5), Shouts (3)
    • Attributes: Health (5), Stamina (4)

  • Ebony Warrior (DLC2):

    • Skills: Heavy Armor (9), Block (9), Two-Handed (9)
    • Perks: Reflect Blows, Tower of Strength.

Class Mechanics & Design Quirks

Attribute Allocation

NPCs gain 15 attributes/level:

  • 5 fixed Health + 10 distributed via weights (e.g., Beggar class splits 1:1:1 but favors Stamina due to rounding)[4].

Skill Progression

  • Skills cap at 100, causing high-level NPCs (e.g., Arngeir at Lv150) to stop improving.
  • Perk Mismatches: Followers like Celann (CombatWarrior1H) have Champion’s Stance perk despite low Two-Handed skill[4].

Combat Style (CSTY) Integration

  • csWarlock: Prioritizes spells over melee (used by Ancano).
  • csVampireMelee1H: Aggressive melee despite magic classes (e.g., Volkihar vampires).

This taxonomy highlights Skyrim’s intricate class system while acknowledging Bethesda’s occasional oversights in perk/gear alignment. Mods like Classic Classes and Birthsigns often rectify these inconsistencies for roleplay cohesion.

Sources
[1] NPCs - Official Terraria Wiki https://terraria.wiki.gg/wiki/NPCs
[2] Template New NPC - Obsidian TTRPG Tutorials https://obsidianttrpgtutorials.com/Obsidian+TTRPG+Tutorials/Templates/Josh's+Templates/Template+New+NPC
[3] Skyrim: Every Female NPC You Can Marry (And Where To Find Them) https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-female-npc-marriages-locations/
[4] Skyrim:Classes https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Classes
[5] NPC Cars : r/CarsAustralia - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/CarsAustralia/comments/112vyze/npc_cars/
[6] NPC Classes and their Descriptions - General Modding - JKHub https://jkhub.org/tutorials/general-modding/npc-classes-and-their-descriptions-r57/
[7] Category:Skyrim-NPCs-by-Class - UESP https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Category:Skyrim-NPCs-by-Class
[8] [PDF] STEM High School 2021-22 Course Catalog https://tesla.lwsd.org/uploaded/Tesla_STEM_HS_school/Documents/STEMCourseCatalog2021-22final.pdf
[9] NPC class / power level templates? : r/DMAcademy - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/DMAcademy/comments/u554km/npc_class_power_level_templates/
[10] EVERY NEW* FOLLOWER AND PET IN SKYRIM - Anniversary Edition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwxi-xvxCKM
[11] TESLA: Class Members - University of Cambridge https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/security/ctsrd/tesla/api/functions_0x6c.html
[12] Advanced NPC Roleplaying Templates - The Alexandrian https://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/46250/roleplaying-games/advanced-npc-templates
[13] Every Trainer In Skyrim (And Where To Find Them) - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-every-skill-trainer-where-find-them/
[14] Pop Culture Artificers - Class Forums - D&D Beyond https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/class-forums/artificer/62294-pop-culture-artificers
[15] NPC Templates in Tasha - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qdr_lPI4Uo
[16] Races, Classes, and Birthsigns - Nexus Mods https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/categories/34
[17] Non-player characters - Official TF2 Wiki https://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Non-player_characters
[18] Thread: Creating a class-based NPC - Fantasy Grounds https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php
[19] Quick NPC Roleplaying Template - The Alexandrian https://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/50635/roleplaying-games/quick-npc-template
[20] azerothcore/mod-npc-talent-template - GitHub https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-npc-talent-template

With the Unofficial Skyrim Patch (USP) installed, NPC class templates undergo meticulous corrections to align skill weights, perks, and gear, resolving Bethesda’s design oversights. Below is a synthesis of how classes and NPCs function under this patched framework:

Core Class Revisions

The USP restores logic to class archetypes by:

  1. Skill Weight Alignment:

    • Haknir Death-Brand (DLC2) shifts from Heavy Armor (4) to Light Armor to match his Deathbrand Armor.
    • Safia (DB12) transitions from CombatNightblade to CombatWarrior1H, abandoning stealth for direct melee.

  2. Perk Consistency:

    • Mercer Frey loses HackAndSlash30 (war axes) for Bladesman30 (swords) and removes CriticalShot30 due to bow disuse.
    • Celann (DLC1) swaps Custom Fit (Light Armor) for Well Fitted (Heavy Armor) to match his Dawnguard gear.

  3. Attribute Allocation:

    • NPCs retain their 15 attributes/level (5 Health + 10 class-weighted), but rounding errors are minimized. For example, Commander Maro’s Heavy Armor class now aligns with his Light Penitus Oculatus gear via a switch to CombatBarbarian.

Faction & Quest-Specific Fixes

  • Dawnguard:

    • Vanik (DLC1VQ03) shifts from TrainerHeavyArmorMaster to BanditMelee, reflecting his Light Dawnguard Armor.
    • Orthjolf (DLC1) abandons Destruction/Conjuration for BanditMelee, aligning with his anti-magic dialogue.

  • Thieves Guild:

    • Vald (TG07) loses the bugged crNerfDamage05 perk (which unintentionally halves damage).

  • Volkihar Vampires:

    • Fura Bloodmouth (DLC1) retains Light Armor gear despite Heavy Armor class, justified as faction-uniform exceptions.

Combat Style (CSTY) Integration

  • csWarlock prioritizes spellcasting for mages like Ancano, while csVampireMelee1H is reserved for vampiric brawlers.
  • Modhna (DLC1) adopts a Two-Handed combat style to match her class, overriding her vanilla One-Handed preference.

Underlying Systems

  1. Keyword-Driven Balancing (SPID):

    • Classes receive keywords (reqClassIsWarrior, reqClassIsPureMage) for perk/spell distribution.
    • Hybrids like Serana (custom class) gain reqClassIsBattleMage due to vampiric magic-melee synergy.

  2. Attribute Scaling:

    • The NPC Patcher mod (inspired by USP logic) adjusts Health/Stamina via formulas like:
      levelRange=25~100: health=150~250 (scaling proportionally with NPC level).

  3. AutoCalcStats Fixes:

    • NPCs with PC Level Mult or AutoCalcStats flags receive adjusted Health via ClassHealthGain spells to prevent over/under-scaling.

Persistent Quirks

Some intentional exceptions remain:

  • Gaius Maro (DB06) keeps Light Armor despite CombatWarrior1H, as faction uniformity trumps class logic.
  • Dragon Priests retain Conjuration/Destruction dominance, though Mystic Binding perks now correctly enhance bound weapons.

The Unofficial Patch(es) transform Skyrim’s NPC classes into a cohesive system, bridging gaps between lore, gameplay, and Bethesda’s original vision—while mods like Requiem - Auto NPC Patcher extend this philosophy with granular attribute tuning.

Sources
[1] Class Improvements for NPCs - Unofficial Skyrim Patches - AFK Mods https://www.afkmods.com/index.php
[2] Skyrim NPC Mod Patching Tutorial - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4D5P2hR4is
[3] NPC Class and Race Keywords and SPID Distribution - Nexus Mods https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/articles/6622
[4] Skyrim:Classes - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Classes
[5] NPC Patcher - Skyrim Special Edition - Nexus Mods https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/articles/6092
[6] Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch - USSEP - Nexus Mods https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/266
[7] What are the "arbitrary" changes on Unofficial Skyrim Patch SE? https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/mur0jx/what_are_the_arbitrary_changes_on_unofficial/
[8] Unofficial patch breaks skin mods - Skyrim SE https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/11757268-unofficial-patch-breaks-skin-mods/
[9] Unofficial Patch + NPC Replacers - Skyrim LE - Nexus Mods Forums https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/3767055-unofficial-patch-npc-replacers/
[10] Guide :: Editing the USSEP (SSE) - Steam Community https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2380277314
[11] Tamriel Data:Classes - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Tamriel_Data:Classes
[12] What is the skyrim unofficial patch? and more questions https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/3824163953440540902/
[13] Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch [USSEP] [PS4] - Bethesda.net https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4073181
[14] The Unofficial Skyrim Patch's Weirdest Change... (and Oblivion's) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdOyjIxeAYA
[15] SOLVED: Unofficial Skyrim Patches breaking Vampire Body/Face ... https://stepmodifications.org/forum/topic/4665-solved-unofficial-skyrim-patches-breaking-vampire-bodyface-textures/page/4/
[16] Character Creation Overhaul - Races - Classes - Skills https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=89896226
[17] If you could change npc classes... - Beamdog Forums https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/45410/if-you-could-change-npc-classes
[18] Skyrim Has Attributes Now! | Character Creation & Background https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f00zAQyMNDI
[19] Skyrim SSE Patch creation for NPC conflicts - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibLkOWSbO_M
[20] SubtleMods: NPCEE - in-game customization for NPCs https://www.gibberlings3.net/forums/topic/27526-subtlemods-npcee-in-game-customization-for-npcs/

In The Elder Scrolls series, NPC classes define combat roles, skill progression, and attribute allocation. Below is an exhaustive synthesis of classes from TES IV: Oblivion and TES V: Skyrim, including both vanilla and modded archetypes, interpreted through in-game mechanics and community resources like the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) and Triumvirate - Mage Archetypes mod.

Skyrim Classes

Combat-Oriented

  1. Warrior (CombatWarrior1H/2H):

    • Skills: One/Two-Handed (4), Block (3), Heavy Armor (3), Smithing (2).
    • Attributes: Health (4), Stamina (2).
    • Examples:
      • Ingjard (CombatWarrior2H): Reaches 100 Two-Handed by Level 36.
      • Celann (CombatWarrior1H): Gains Champion’s Stance perk despite low Two-Handed skill.

  2. Barbarian:

    • Skills: Two-Handed (3), Light Armor (3), Archery (2).
    • Gear Mismatch: Orc warriors often wear Light Armor despite Heavy Armor class weights.

  3. Guard Variants:

    • GuardSonsSkyrim: Favors Block (3) and One-Handed (2) but prioritizes Magicka over Stamina.
    • Penitus Oculatus: Light Armor gear clashes with CombatWarrior class (e.g., Commander Maro).

Magic-Oriented

  1. Destruction Mage:

    • Skills: Destruction (3), Alteration (2), Enchanting (2).
    • Perks: Augmented Flames, Impact.

  2. Conjurer:

    • Skills: Conjuration (3), Destruction (2).
    • Examples: Dragon Priests like Morokei summon atronachs and wield staffs.

  3. Warlock (Triumvirate Mod):

    • Mechanics: Binds spirits via raw damage spells (e.g., Eldritch Blast) to empower summons.
      • Conjure Magister: Regenerates 25 Magicka/sec if a spirit is offered.
    • Sources: Spells sold by Neloth and Wuunferth the Unliving.

  4. Sorcerer:

    • Skills: Conjuration (3), Destruction (2), Heavy Armor (2).
    • Conflict: Arngeir lacks summoned gear despite high Conjuration skill.

Stealth-Oriented

  1. Assassin:

    • Skills: Sneak (4), Archery (3), One-Handed (3).
    • Perks: Assassin’s Blade (30x dagger stealth multiplier).

  2. Thief:

    • Skills: Sneak (3), Lockpicking (3), Pickpocket (2).
    • Example: Vex (Thieves Guild) with mismatched Light Armor proficiency.

  3. Nightblade:

    • Skills: Illusion (3), One-Handed (2).
    • Flaw: Eola uses archery despite frenzy spell focus.

Hybrid & Faction-Specific

  1. Spellsword:

    • Skills: One-Handed (3), Destruction (2).
    • Attributes: Balanced Health/Magicka (3 each).

  2. Dawnguard:

    • Isran: Custom class blending Heavy Armor with Crossbow focus.
    • Vanik: Mismatched TrainerHeavyArmorMaster class with Light Dawnguard gear.

  3. Thalmor Wizard:

    • Skills: Destruction (3), Conjuration (2).
    • Perks: Augmented Shock, Rune Master.

Creature & Unique Classes

  1. Dragon Priest:

    • Skills: Conjuration (6), Destruction (5), Restoration (3).
    • Attributes: Health (5), Magicka (3).

  2. Dragon (EncClassDragon):

    • Skills: Unarmed (5), Shouts (3).
    • Attributes: Health (5), Stamina (4).

Oblivion Classes

Combat-Oriented

  1. Knight:

    • Specialization: Combat.
    • Attributes: Personality, Strength.
    • Skills: Blade, Block, Heavy Armor.

  2. Warrior:

    • Specialization: Combat.
    • Attributes: Strength, Endurance.
    • Skills: Blunt, Armorer, Block.

  3. Marauder:

    • Subclasses: Archer (Stealth), Boss (Combat), Mage (Magic).
    • Attributes: Strength, Endurance/Intelligence.

Magic-Oriented

  1. Witch:

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Attributes: Luck, Willpower.
    • Skills: Alchemy (4), Conjuration (3), Mysticism (2).

  2. Warlock:

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Attributes: Luck, Willpower.
    • Skills: Destruction (3), Mysticism (2), Alchemy (2).

  3. Mage:

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Attributes: Intelligence, Willpower.
    • Skills: All magic schools except Restoration.

Stealth-Oriented

  1. Thief:

    • Specialization: Stealth.
    • Attributes: Speed, Agility.
    • Skills: Sneak (4), Security (3), Marksman (2).

  2. Agent:

    • Specialization: Stealth.
    • Attributes: Personality, Agility.
    • Skills: Illusion (3), Mercantile (2).

  3. Nightblade:

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Attributes: Speed, Willpower.
    • Skills: Acrobatics, Blade, Light Armor.

NPC-Exclusive Classes

  1. Bandit Variants:

    • Bandit Wizard: Destruction (3), Conjuration (2) (replaced by Zealot Wizard in Shivering Isles).
    • Bandit Boss: Strength (4), Endurance (3).

  2. Dremora:

    • Dremora Mage: Strength (3), Intelligence (3).
    • Dremora Archer: Agility (4), Marksman (3).

  3. Mythic Dawn:

    • Assassin: Strength (4), Intelligence (3).
    • Adept: Destruction (4), Conjuration (3).

Class Mechanics

  • Attribute Allocation: NPCs in Oblivion gain bonuses based on specialization (Combat +5 Strength/Endurance, Magic +5 Intelligence/Willpower, Stealth +5 Agility/Speed).
  • Birthsign Synergy: Classes like Witch often pair with The Apprentice (+100 Magicka, weakness to magic) or The Atronach (spell absorption).

Cross-Game Analysis

Feature Skyrim Oblivion
Class Customization NPC-only; player classes removed. Players create custom classes.
Hybrid Viability Limited (e.g., Spellsword). Robust (e.g., Nightblade, Witchblade).
Attribute Scaling Fixed Health + weighted distribution. Specialization-driven bonuses.
Mod Influence Triumvirate adds Warlock/Shaman. Unofficial Patch fixes class conflicts.

This taxonomy underscores Bethesda’s shift from Oblivion’s class flexibility to Skyrim’s streamlined but occasionally inconsistent system, remedied partly by mods like Triumvirate and community patches.

Sources
[1] Triumvirate - Mage Archetypes at Skyrim Special Edition Nexus https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/39170
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[24] Beginners Guide to Oblivion: Character Classes http://www.tesguides.com/tes4/classes/classes.htm
[25] Beginners Guide to Oblivion: Skills List http://www.tesguides.com/tes4/classes/skills/skilllist.htm
[26] Do Pre-Made Classes get an NPC mention? - The Elder Scrolls IV https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/924363-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/50646490
[27] NPCs & AI: Class #2 - TES Alliance https://tesalliance.org/forums/index.php
[28] Ranking Iconic Oblivion NPCs! (w/ Angelikatosh) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6OkNS9gHHo
[29] Warlock Inspired Skyrim Build | Modded, Ordinator - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBVixR2bUUU
[30] Class Morph Idea - Mk.II - Elder Scrolls Online forums https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/369966/class-morph-idea-mk-ii
[31] Character Archetypes - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Character_Archetypes
[32] EVERY WARLOCK SPELL in the TRIUMVIRATE Skyrim Spell Mod! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjn1zfHUa1E
[33] r/Morrowind on Reddit: Real n'wahs pick from the NPC Classes list ... https://www.reddit.com/r/Morrowind/comments/qevay2/real_nwahs_pick_from_the_npc_classes_list_about/
[34] Category:Skyrim-NPCs-by-Class - UESP https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Category:Skyrim-NPCs-by-Class
[35] Oblivion: Every Class Ranked From Worst To Best - TheGamer https://www.thegamer.com/oblivion-best-class-build/

Ranking of Official TES Classes by Similarity to D&D 3.5 Roles (Descending Order)

1. D&D 3.5: Fighter

Role: Heavy armor, martial weapon mastery, frontline combat.

TES Matches:

  1. Knight (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Combat.
    • Major Skills: Blade (4), Block (3), Heavy Armor (3).
    • Favored Attributes: Strength, Endurance.
    • Example: Knights of the Nine faction members.

  2. Warrior (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Combat.
    • Major Skills: Blunt (4), Armorer (3), Block (3).
    • Favored Attributes: Strength, Endurance.
    • Example: Generic city guards.

  3. CombatWarrior (Skyrim NPC Class)

    • Skills: Heavy Armor (3), One/Two-Handed (4).
    • Attributes: Health-focused leveling (e.g., Ingjard of the Dawnguard).

2. D&D 3.5: Rogue

Role: Stealth, precision strikes, trap disarming.

TES Matches:

  1. Assassin (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Stealth.
    • Major Skills: Sneak (4), Marksman (3), Blade (3).
    • Favored Attributes: Agility, Speed.
    • Example: Lucien Lachance (Dark Brotherhood).

  2. Thief (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Stealth.
    • Major Skills: Security (4), Sneak (3), Marksman (3).
    • Favored Attributes: Agility, Speed.

  3. Nightblade (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Magic (hybrid).
    • Major Skills: Illusion (3), Blade (3), Sneak (2).
    • Example: Eola (Skyrim Dawnguard DLC, though Skyrim lacks official classes).

3. D&D 3.5: Wizard (Conjuration Specialist)

Role: Summoning/banishing entities, battlefield control.

TES Matches:

  1. Conjurer (Skyrim NPC Class – Atromancy)

    • Focus: Summons Daedra (e.g., Storm Atronach).
    • Perks: Summoner (extended duration), Atromancy (dual summons).
    • Example: Falion of Morthal.

  2. Sorcerer (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Major Skills: Conjuration (3), Destruction (2), Heavy Armor (3).
    • Conjuration Type: Atromancy (Daedra) and Necromancy (undead).

  3. Necromancer (Skyrim NPC Class)

    • Focus: Reanimation (Dead Thrall perk).
    • Example: Krosis (Dragon Priest).

4. D&D 3.5: Cleric

Role: Divine magic, healing, turning undead.

TES Matches:

  1. Crusader (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Combat.
    • Major Skills: Blunt (3), Restoration (3), Heavy Armor (2).
    • Favored Attributes: Strength, Willpower.

  2. Healer (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Major Skills: Restoration (4), Alchemy (3).
    • Favored Attributes: Willpower, Personality.

  3. Vigilant of Stendarr (Skyrim)

    • NPC Class: Restoration focus, anti-undead/daedra.

5. D&D 3.5: Sorcerer

Role: Innate arcane casting, bloodline powers.

TES Matches:

  1. Sorcerer (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Major Skills: Conjuration (3), Destruction (2), Heavy Armor (3).
    • Conjuration Type: Hybrid (Daedra/undead).

  2. High Elf (Altmer – Skyrim Racial Passive)

    • Abilities: Highborn (magicka regeneration).
    • Example: Ancano (Thalmor Wizard).

6. D&D 3.5: Druid

Role: Nature magic, animal companions.

TES Matches:

  1. Spriggan Host (Skyrim NPC Class)

    • Abilities: Commands animals, regenerates in forests.

  2. Witch (Oblivion)

    • Specialization: Magic.
    • Major Skills: Alchemy (4), Conjuration (3).

Conjuration Breakdown (Official Classes)

TES Class Game Subtype Mechanics
Conjurer (Atromancy) Skyrim (NPC) Daedra Summon Summon Dremora Lord, Bound Bow.
Sorcerer Oblivion Hybrid Summon Spider Daedra (Daedra) + Raise Zombie (undead).
Necromancer Skyrim (NPC) Undead Focus Dead Thrall (permanent reanimation).

Key Notes

  • Oblivion vs. Skyrim: Oblivion retains D&D-like class customization, while Skyrim’s NPC classes are rigid and lack player choice.
  • Conjuration: Oblivion blends atromancy/necromancy; Skyrim splits them into distinct perks.
  • Racial Synergy: Bretons (Skyrim) and Altmer (Oblivion) excel as innate casters akin to D&D’s Sorcerer.

This ranking adheres strictly to official TES classes from Oblivion and Skyrim NPC templates, avoiding modded content.

Sources
[1] TES Character Build Archives - THE SKY FORGE - NING https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/tes-character-build-archives
[2] Oblivion:Classes - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Classes
[3] Races - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Races
[4] Oblivion: Every Class Ranked From Worst To Best - TheGamer https://www.thegamer.com/oblivion-best-class-build/
[5] Skyrim:Classes - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Classes
[6] What is your favorite pre-made class in Oblivion? (I'm actually most ... https://www.reddit.com/r/oblivion/comments/qv7tnm/what_is_your_favorite_premade_class_in_oblivion/
[7] Oblivion:Character Creation - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls ... - UESP https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Character_Creation
[8] Character Build: Classes of the Elder Scrolls - THE SKY FORGE https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-classes-of-the-elder-scrolls
[9] Oblivifall - Races and Classes Descriptions - Oblivion - TES Alliance https://tesalliance.org/forums/index.php
[10] Give me the classic elder scrolls classes using only 4 skills for each ... https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/17flmo7/inspired_by_the_official_strategy_guide_give_me/
[11] List Your Custom Classes! - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/927345-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/44007055
[12] Classes - The Elder Scrolls Online https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en-us/classes
[13] Optimised Max-Difficulty Oblivion Character Build + Strategy Guide https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=873311868
[14] Skyrim: 14 Powerful Builds Everyone Should Try - TheGamer https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-most-powerful-builds-fun/
[15] Character Archetypes - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Character_Archetypes

The Knight

In the hallowed training yards of Chorrol, where the clang of steel rings like a forge’s heartbeat, the Knight wields Blade, Block, and Heavy Armor with the precision of a master blacksmith. Their shield—a bastion etched with the sigil of the Nine—deflects blows like a mountainside shrugging off hail, while their sword arm carves through bandits and daedra alike. Mechanically, their Power Bash (Block 50) staggers foes, while Fighting Stance (One-Handed 60) accelerates stamina regeneration, turning prolonged battles into rhythmic duels of attrition.

The Warrior

The Warrior is a storm of Blunt, Armorer, and Heavy Armor, their warhammer cracking skulls with the finality of a falling oak. Each swing leverages Skullcrusher (Blunt 60), bypassing 25% armor, while their Tower of Strength (Heavy Armor 70) negates stagger effects—a bulwark against even giants’ club strikes. In Skyrim’s tundra, they are a walking siege engine, their Arcane Blacksmith perk (Armorer 60) tempering weapons to dragonbone sharpness.

The Assassin

Cloaked in the Sneak of midnight’s embrace, the Assassin strikes with One-Handed daggers and Marksman arrows, their tools whispering secrets to Sithis. Mechanically, Assassin’s Blade (Sneak 100) grants 30x sneak damage with daggers, while Ranger (Marksman 60) halves draw speed. Poisons brewed from crimson nirnroot and deathbell (Alchemy 40+) ensure even a glancing cut spells doom. In the Brotherhood’s sanctuary, they are entropy incarnate—a blade without a wielder.

The Thief

The Thief’s Security picks dance through locks like spidersilk, their Sneak muffled by Muffle enchantments (Illusion 25). Marksman arrows tipped with Frenzy poisons (Alchemy 50) turn allies to foes, while Light Foot (Sneak 50) nullifies pressure plates. In Riften’s shadows, they are Nocturnal’s favored child, their Perfect Touch (Pickpocket 100) stealing equipped gear—a whisper of chaos in a guard’s ear.

The Nightblade

A specter wielding Illusion, One-Handed, and Sneak, the Nightblade bends minds with Frenzy (Illusion 50) and Invisibility (Illusion 75). Their dagger, tempered with Absorb Health (Enchanting 60), drains life with each cut, while Quiet Casting (Illusion 50) silences spellcasting. They are the terror of Falkreath’s woods, where Shadow Warrior (Sneak 100) resets detection mid-combat—a flicker between realms.

The Conjurer

The Conjurer’s Conjuration tears Oblivion’s veil, summoning Storm Atronachs (Summoner 100) and Dremora Lords bound by Soul Stealer (Enchanting 70). Destruction’s Rune Master (Destruction 70) lays explosive traps, while Atromancy (Conjuration 100) allows dual summons. Mechanically, their Oblivion Binding perk (Conjuration 60) makes bound weapons banish daedra—a mortal leash on the immortal.

The Sorcerer

Clad in Heavy Armor fused with Conjuration’s bound swords (Mystic Binding 20), the Sorcerer merges martial might with Destruction’s Impact (Destruction 60), staggering foes with dual-cast firebolts. Their Elemental Protection (Alteration 50) halves elemental damage, while Twin Souls (Conjuration 100) sustains two flame atronachs. They are the bridge between arcane and steel, their Battlemage tag granting +50 Magicka in heavy armor.

The Witch

The Witch brews Alchemy poisons that rot flesh (Weakness to Poison 50) and Conjuration rituals summoning spriggans (Command Spriggan 75). Alteration’s Detect Life (Alteration 40) reveals prey, while Rally (Illusion 30) bends beasts to her will. In Hjaalmarch’s bogs, her Alteration wards hum with ancient power, repelling intruders, and her hagraven pacts grant Resist Fire 50%—a hexed symbiosis.

The Warlock

The Warlock’s Conjuration forges pacts with Xivilai (Summon Ash Guardian 90), sacrificing health via Necromage (Restoration 70) to empower Destruction’s Disintegrate (Destruction 100). Illusion’s Kindred Mage (Illusion 90) boosts spell efficacy on undead, while Ocato’s Recital (modded auto-cast) triggers Stoneflesh (Alteration 60) on combat start. They are a walking paradox—feeding on death to cheat it.

The Necromancer

The Necromancer’s Conjuration reanimates thralls (Dead Thrall 100), their Restoration’s Necromage amplifying undead potency. Enchanting’s Soul Squeezer (Enchanting 100) fuels black gems, while Ice Storm (Destruction 75) freezes foes for easier reaping. In the Soul Cairn, their Bane of the Undead (Restoration 60) turns rival thralls to ash—a king of corpses in a land of ghosts.

The Crusader

The Crusader’s Blunt mace triggers Turn Undead (Restoration 30), their Heavy Armor shrugging off draugr claws via Defensive Stance (Block 60). Restoration’s Stendarr’s Aura (Restoration 70) burns undead on contact, while Sun Fire (Dawnguard) scorches vampires. Their Agent of Mara passive grants +15% Magic Resist—a beacon against Oblivion’s taint.

The Vigilant of Stendarr

The Vigilant’s Restoration purges daedra with Circle of Protection (Restoration 50), their Blunt mace enhanced by Silver (base 20 Undead damage). Alteration’s Magic Resistance (Alteration 30) stacks with Agent of Mara, nullifying 65% of hostile spells. They wield Dawnbreaker (unique) for explosive undead clears—a purge in steel and light.

The Healer

The Healer’s Restoration mends wounds via Grand Healing (Restoration 70), their Alchemy curing diseases (Cure Disease 50). Speechcraft’s Master Trader (Speech 100) nets discounts for rare ingredients, while Avoid Death (Restoration 90) auto-heals at 10% HP. In the Temple of Kynareth, they are life’s steward—a needle threading fate’s frayed edges.

Each class is a gear in Tamriel’s clockwork—distinct yet interlocking, their mechanics a testament to the Nine’s design… or the Daedra’s whims. Choose your path, but know: the realm remembers every scar you carve.

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