Looting

Many treasures will be locked away in chests, behind doors, or in strong boxes. Being able to pick a lock is very important, although there are alternative methods. 

• • Scrolls of knock can be used to open a majority of locks and they can be found on spell vendors, or you can buy the tome of knock if you’re able to cast it. 

  • Master keys can be used to open a majority of locks and can be found on blacksmiths, or made yourself with the proper smithing perk.

  • Locks on wooden objects, like chests or doors, can be broken into using brute force. Metal locks cannot be broken in this manner. Only novice, apprentice, and adept locks can be broken into this way. The formula for successfully bashing locks is as follows:

    1. Novice locks: (2 x (Current health)) + (Current stamina) > 450

    2. Apprentice locks: (2 x (Current health)) + (Current stamina) > 550

    3. Adept locks:(2 x (Current health)) + (Current stamina) > 650

    4. Temporary bonuses to health and stamina are considered for this calculation. Keep in mind that this is current health and stamina. You’ll most likely want to be at full health and stamina when bashing. The unlocking occurs at the point of impact of the weapon, which by that point some stamina has already drained. If you think that a chest should’ve been unlocked and you’re very close to the threshold, you might be slightly too low stamina.

  • Master level locks are intended to only be accessible by those with high lockpicking expertise. There is no scroll or master key that will open them for you. Additionally, you will likely need a high lockpicking level to avoid being kicked out of the menu too early (See Lockpicking for details). All of the master level chests have unique loot.