The Mages Guild is one of the most rewarding and lore-rich factions in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Whether you’re a seasoned spellcaster or just getting started with magic, joining the Mages Guild gives you access to powerful spells, enchanting altars, alchemy resources, and a full questline that leads to the Arcane University. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to join the Mages Guild in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion, including what you need to do at each guild hall and how to gain full access to the University.
Why Join the Mages Guild?
Joining the Mages Guild unlocks:
- Access to spellmaking and enchanting services
- Free alchemy equipment at guild halls
- A full questline that ends at the Arcane University
- Powerful spells and magical gear
- Guild-specific ranks and reputation
It’s also the only way to create custom spells and enchant gear, making it essential for any magic-focused build.
How to Start Joining the Mages Guild in Oblivion
Unlike other factions, you can’t just walk into one hall and join the guild. To officially join, you need to:
- Visit multiple Mages Guild halls across Cyrodiil
- Speak to the head of each guild to receive a recommendation
- Collect 7 recommendations in total
- Turn them in to gain full access to the Arcane University in the Imperial City
You can start visiting guild halls immediately after leaving the tutorial dungeon. You don’t need to be a mage—any character can join.
Locations That Offer Recommendations
You must visit these seven Mages Guild halls and complete a short quest for each:
- Anvil – Speak to Carahil
- Bravil – Speak to Kud-Ei
- Bruma – Speak to Jeanne Frasoric
- Cheydinhal – Speak to Falcar
- Chorrol – Speak to Teekeeus
- Leyawiin – Speak to Dagail
- Skingrad – Speak to Adrienne Berene
Each leader will ask you to complete a unique task or investigation. These quests are generally short but may involve travel, basic combat, or minor spellcasting.
Tips for Completing the Recommendation Quests
- Some quests involve magical creatures or puzzles, so keep a few scrolls or healing potions on hand
- If you’re not a magic user, having a basic spell like Flare or Heal Minor Wounds helps
- Save before starting each quest—some have choices that impact your reputation with the guild
- Completing all 7 recommendations will prompt a message instructing you to report to the Arcane University
Joining the Arcane University in Oblivion
Once you’ve collected all 7 recommendations, head to the Arcane University in the Imperial City. Speak to Raminus Polus, the guild steward. He’ll officially induct you into the guild and grant you the Apprentice rank, along with:
- Access to the Chironasium for enchanting items
- Access to the Lustratorium for alchemy
- Access to the Praxis Magicae for spellmaking
You’ll also gain access to the main Mages Guild questline, which involves a growing threat to the magical community and the rise of the villainous Necromancer’s cult.
What You Get as a Member
- Ability to create custom spells and enchantments
- Access to the best magical vendors in the game
- Opportunities to rise through the guild’s ranks
- Exclusive quests and magical rewards
- A base of operations with resources in every major city
Final Thoughts
Joining the Mages Guild in Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion is one of the best choices for any character who wants to dive into the arcane arts. With powerful tools, rich storylines, and the ability to craft your own spells, the guild provides unmatched magical utility and narrative depth. Collect your recommendations, earn your place at the Arcane University, and begin your rise as one of the most powerful mages in Cyrodiil.