Ultimate Scribing Guide
What is Scribing?
Scribing was added to The Elder Scrolls Online with Update 42 and the Gold Road chapter. You must own the Gold Road chapter to use the scribing system.
Scribing allows players the ability to customize specific skills to enhance their own game role-playing or play style. The current scribing skill are all focused on combat.
With Update 42 and the Gold Road Chapter, 11 new unique customizable skills are available.
Contents
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How To Get Started
Outside of the Mages Guild in Skingrad (located in West Weald), you will meet Adept Irnard Rirnil. It is important to note that you must be at least a skill level of 30. After speaking with Irnard, you can begin the quest ‘The Second Era of Scribing’. This quest takes you beneath Eyevea to the Scholarium.
After you have completed the quest, you can begin scribing. Also take the time to explore the Scholarium. You can earn new skills, new scripts, new skill styles, and more.
Scribing Altar
Inside the Scholarium, you will find a Scribing Altar that allows you to scribe if you have the necessary components. You will need a Grimoire, a Focus Script, a Signature Script, an Affix Script, and Luminous Ink.
Grimoires
Grimoires contain the base behavior of a skill that you can ‘scribe’ to customize the skill for your gameplay. To utilize a Grimoire, you must rank at least 25 in the requisite weapon skill line. The current skills lines are:
- Vault (Bow)
- Shield Throw (One Hand and Shield)
- Smash (Two-Handed)
- Elemental Explosion (Destruction Staff)
- Mender’s Bond (Restoration Staff)
- Traveling Knife (Dual Wield)
There are two Grimoires in the Soul Magic skill line:
There are three Grimories in the Guilds and Assault skill lines:
- Ulfsild’s Contingency (Mages Guild must be at least rank 5)
- Trample (Assault must be at least rank 5)
- Torchbearer (Fighters Guild must be at least rank 5)
Focus Scripts
The second step to Scribing is to select a Focus Script. Focus Scripts will add the main function to the Grimoire’s base skill and determine the skill’s name, resource type, and resource cost. Focus Scripts will also determine if the ability is enemy-targeted or ally/self-targeted. Not all Scripts and Grimoires can be paired.
Focus Scripts can be acquired after completing the ‘Wing of the Gryphon’ quest. Daily coffers from daily delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy will start to contain Focus Scripts. You can find all of Tamriel’s Daily quest givers and locations by visiting any of the Ultimate Zone Guides including maps and mechanics.
Note that the drop rate from the first daily coffer of each type of daily quest is 100%! You can acquire 9 guaranteed Scripts per day by completing repeated daily quests. 3 of those 9 will be Focus Scripts.
Signature Scripts
The third step to Scribing is to select a Signature Script. A Signature Script will add unique effects to the skill. As with Focus Scripts, not all Signature Scripts can be paired. Signature Scripts function changes based on your Grimoire and Focus Script selection.
Signature Scripts can be acquired after completing the ‘Wing of the Dragon’ quest. Some are also hidden at some of the Mages Guilds in Tamriel. Daily coffers from daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests will start to contain Signature Scripts. You can find all of Tamriel’s Daily quest givers and locations by visiting any of the Ultimate Zone Guides including maps and mechanics.
Note that the drop rate from the first daily coffer of each type of daily quest is 100%! You can acquire 9 guaranteed Scripts per day by completing repeated daily quests. 3 of those 9 will be Signature Scripts.
Affix Scripts
The fourth step to Scribing is to select your Affix Script. The Affix Script is a final benefit to the skill. This is usually from the Major and Minor Buff and Debuff system. In general, single-target Grimoires have access to Major Buffs and Debuffs and area-of-effect Grimoires have access to Minor Buffs and Debuffs. The Affix Scripts function change depending on your prior selections.
Affix Scripts can be acquired after completing the ‘Wing of the Netch’ quest. Daily coffers from daily World Event quests, Daily Imperial City quests, and Daily Undaunted quests will start to contain Affix Scripts. You can find all of Tamriel’s Daily quest givers and locations by visiting any of the Ultimate Zone Guides including maps and mechanics.
Note that the drop rate from the first daily coffer of each type of daily quest is 100%! You can acquire 9 guaranteed Scripts per day by completing repeated daily quests. 3 of those 9 will be Affix Scritps.
Final Step
The final step to Scribing requires ‘payment’ in the form of Luminous Ink. After completing the quest ‘The Wing of the Indrick’, Luminous Ink will rarely drop from defeated enemies. After completing the quest ‘The Wing of the Netch’, Luminous Ink will rarely drop from harvesting crafting materials.
Note: Additional characters need only to complete the ‘Second Era of Scribing’ quest after the initial Scribing questline is complete on another character.
When you have completed three quests (‘Wing of the Gryphon’, ‘Wing of the Dragon’, and ‘Wing of the Netch’), you can earn scripts via daily coffers and/or purchase them from scribing vendors and Infinite Archive vendors.
A special Signature Script called the Class Mastery Script will allow access to special mechanics and passives unique to your class that is applicable on all Grimoires. You must first collect 50 Class Script scraps through in-game activities like Trials, Infinite Archive, Dungeons, Arenas, Master Writs, and more.
Elemental Explosion
Channel the power in your staff to fling a bolt of volatile magic, causing an elemental explosion at the target location. Elemental Explosion allows you to cast forth a ball of elemental energy that bursts in a flashy display of power.
The following Scripts are currently available for Elemental Explosion:
Mender’s Bond
Tether yourself to an ally, manifesting a life link between you and them. Mender’s Bond allows you to form a beneficial mystic tether between you and an allow.
The following Scripts are currently available for Mender’s Bond:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Shield Throw
Hurl your shield at an enemy, which then returns to you. Shield Throw allows you to toss your shield into the fray.
The following Scripts are currently available for Shield Throw:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Smash
Drag your weapon along the ground to smash a cone in front of you. Smash allows you to slash the air before you.
The following Scripts are currently available for Smash:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Soul Burst
Unleash a powerful burst of soul magic around you. Soul Burst allows you to harness the power of your soul and blast it outward in a circle around you.
The following Scripts are currently available for Soul Burst:
Torchbearer
Conjure an imbued torch and sweep the area in front of you three times with its power. Torchbearer allows you to brandish a torch before you, throwing back the darkness and striking any enemies nearby.
The following Scripts are currently available for Torchbearer:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Trample
Pierce the air with a shrill whistle, calling your mount forth to trample enemies in a line. This ability cannot be re-activated while your mount is already attacking. Trample allows you to summon your mount to battle, sending it dashing forth to strike your foes.
The following Scripts are currently available for Trample:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Traveling Knife
Twirl and throw an enchanted dagger at an enemy, which returns to you after a short delay and hits additional enemies in the path. Traveling Knife allows you to hurl a knife imbued with power, which strikes your target and unerringly returns to your hand.
The following Scripts are currently available for Traveling Knife:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Ulfsild’s Contingency
Imbue yourself with the magical runes of Ulfsild. These runes trigger when you cast an ability with a cost, causing a burst of magic around you. Ulfsild’s Contingency allow you to summon a nimbus of power that, after using another skill, triggers to enhance your combat prowess.
The following Scripts are currently available for Ulfsild’s Contingency:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Vault
Fire a burst at your feet while flipping backwards for 15 meters. Vault allows you to leap backwards away from your target.
The following Scripts are currently available for Vault:
- Focus Scripts
- Signature Scripts
- Affix Scripts
Wield Soul
Launch a concentrated blast of soul magic at a target.
The following Scripts are currently available for Wield Soul:
Scripts
Note: Some script values may change depending on the combinations.
Focus Scripts
Bleed Damage
Deals 4306 Bleed Damage to enemies. Beneficial Signature and Affix scripts only apply to you.
Damage Shield
Grants the ally and other allies in the link a damage shield that absorbs 985 damage every 1 second.
Disease Damage
Deals 3743 Disease Damage to enemies. Beneficial Signature and Affix scripts only apply to you.
Dispel
Removes up to 3 enemy area effect abilities.
Flame Damage
Deals 8203 Flame Damage to enemies.
Frost Damage
Deals 8203 Frost Damage to enemies.
Generate Ultimate
Transfers 1 Ultimate form you to the ally every 1 second.
Healing
Heals the ally and other allies in the link for 767 Health every 1 second.
Immobilize
Removes and grants immunity to snares and immobilizations for 1 second to the ally and other allies in the link.
Knockback
Knocks enemies back 12 meters.
Magic Damage
Deals 8203 Magic Damage to enemies.
Mitigation
Transfers 10% of the damage the allied player or companions and other allied players or companions in the link take to you.
Multi-Target
Deals 2246 Physical Damage to an enemy and bounces up to 2 times to random nearby enemies, dealing 2996 Physical Damage and 3743 Physical Damage.
Physical Damage
Deals 4493 Physical Damage to an enemy.
Poison Damage
Deals 1997 Physical Damage to an enemy and 2996 Poison Damage to enemies between you and them on return.
Pull
Deals 2246 Physical Damage to an enemy, pulls them to you, and taunts them for 15 seconds if they are not already taunted. This attack cannot be reflected.
Restore Resources
Restores 215 Magicka and 215 Stamina to the ally and other allies in the link every 1 second.
Shock Damage
Deals 8203 Shock Damage to enemies.
Stun
Stuns enemies for 5 seconds.
Taunt
Deals 2246 Physical Damage to an enemy and taunts them for 15 seconds.
Trauma
Afflicts enemies with 4101 Healing Absorption for 3 seconds.
Signature Scripts
Anchorite’s Cruelty
Consumes a Soul Gem to deal 2.8% of the enemy’s Max Health as Oblivion Damage every 2 seconds for 10 seconds, up to a maximum of 2800 damage. Deals up to 100% more damage to enemies under 50% Health, and can occur once every 10 seconds.
Anchorite’s Potency
Consumes a Soul Gem to generate 3 Ultimate, up to once every 5 seconds.
Assassin’s Misery
Afflicts enemies with Burning, Chill, and Concussion.
Cavalier’s Charge
Increases the damage done by this ability as it travels outwards, increasing by 20% every 0.5 seconds.
Class Mastery
Enchant your closest pet for 5 seconds to heal a nearby ally for 475 Health each time it deals damage, up to once a second. If you do not have a pet, you deal 1122 Shock Damage to enemies within 8 meters of your first target.
Crusader’s Defiance
Grants immunity to disabling effects for 3 seconds to the ally.
Druid’s Resurgence
Restores 441 Magicka to you per enemy hit.
Gladiator’s Tenacity
Reduces damage taken by 30% for 2.2 seconds.
Growing Impact
Creates a rune of power on the ground for 10 seconds which applies the Affix script in an area.
Fencer’s Parry
Deflects the next direct damage attack made against you within 3 seconds on return. This can occur once every 3 seconds.
Hunter’s Snare
Create a field of distortion under the first enemy hit for 6 seconds, reducing the Movement Speed of enemies inside by 40%.
Immobilizing Strike
Immobilizes enemies for 3 seconds.
Knight’s Valor
Increases Block amount by 8% and reduces Block cost by 8% for the ally and other allies in the link.
Leeching Thirst
Heals you for 33% of the damage done.
Lingering Torment
Deals 5930 Magic Damage over 20 seconds to enemies.
Sage’s Remedy
Heals the ally and other allies when they leave the link for 13284 Health over 5 seconds.
Thief’s Swiftness
Grants you the ability to pass through enemies for 5 seconds on return.
Warmage’s Defense
Grants you a damage shield that absorbs 3259 damage per enemy hit for 6 seconds.
Warrior’s Opportunity
Enemies hit take 8% more Martial damage for 5 seconds.
Wayfarer’s Mastery
Increases your Bash damage by 333 for 5 seconds on return.
Affix Scripts
Berserk
Grants Minor Berserk for 20 seconds, increasing damage done by 5%.
Breach
Afflicts Minor Breach to enemies in the link for 10 seconds, reducing Physical and Spell Resistance by 2974.
Brittle
Afflicts enemies with Minor Brittle for 20 seconds, increasing their Critical Damage taken by 10%.
Brutality and Sorcery
If an enemy was hit, grants you Major Brutality and Major Sorcery for 20 seconds, increasing Weapon and Spell Damage by 20%.
Courage
Grants Minor Courage to the ally and allies in the link for 10 seconds, increasing Weapon and Spell Damage by 215.
Cowardice
Afflicts enemies with Minor Cowardice for 20 seconds, reducing Weapon and Spell Damage by 215.
Defile
Afflicts enemies with Minor Defile, which reduces healing received and damage shield strength by 6% for 20 seconds.
Empower
Grants Empower to the ally and allies in the link for 10 seconds, increasing the damage of Heavy Attacks against monsters by 70%.
Enervation
Afflicts enemies with Minor Enervation for 20 seconds, reducing Critical Damage by 10%.
Evasion
Grants you Major Evasion for 10 seconds on return, reducing damage from area attacks by 20%.
Expedition
Grants Minor Expedition for 20 seconds, increasing Movement Speed by 15%.
Force
Grants Minor Force for 20 seconds, increasing Critical Damage by 10%.
Heroism
Grants Minor Heroism to the ally and allies in the link for 10 seconds, generating 1 Ultimate every 1.5 seconds.
Intellect and Endurance
Grants Minor Intellect and Minor Endurance to the ally and allies in the link for 10 seconds, increasing Magicka and Stamina Recovery by 15%.
Interrupt
Interrupts enemies that are casting.
Lifesteal
Afflicts enemies with Minor Lifesteal for 20 seconds, healing attackers for 600 Health every 1 second.
Magickasteal
Afflicts enemies with Minor Magickasteal for 20 seconds, restoring 168 Magicka to attackers every 1 second.
Maim
Afflicts Minor Main to enemies in the link for 10 seconds, reducing damage done by 5%.
Mangle
Afflicts enemies with Minor Mangle for 20 seconds, reducing Max Health by 10%.
Off Balance
Sets enemies Off Balance for 7 seconds.
Protection
Grants Minor Protection to the ally and allies in the link for 10 seconds, reducing damage taken by 5%.
Resolve
Grants you Major Resolve for 10 seconds on return, increasing Physical and Spell Resistance by 5948.
Savagery and Prophecy
Grants you Major Savagery and Major Prophecy for 20 seconds, increasing Weapon and Spell Critical rating by 2629.
Uncertainty
Afflicts enemies with Minor Uncertainty for 20 seconds, reducing their Weapon and Spell Critical rating by 1320.
Vitality
Grants Minor Vitality to the ally and allies in the link for 10 seconds, increasing healing received by 6%.
Vulnerability
Afflicts enemies with Minor Vulnerability for 20 seconds, increasing damage taken by 5%.
Overland Scripts
Currently, there are a total of 9 free scripts that you can acquire by visiting Mages Guilds throughout Tamriel. You must first complete ‘The Wing of the Dragon’ in the Scholarium before these become visible.
Signature Script: Opportunism can be found in Grahtwood. Travel to Elden Root and enter the Mages Guild inside the big tree. On the ground near rocks and glowing mushrooms, you will find this Script. Consuming this bound script will grant you Warrior’s Opportunity.
Affix Script: Vitality can be found in Reaper’s March. Travel to Rawl’kha and pass the Mages Guild. On a rock ledge, you will find this Script. Consuming this bound script will grant you Vitality.
Focus Script: Physical Damage can be found in Auridon. Travel to Vulkhel Guard and enter the Mages Guild. On a table on the second floor, you will find this Script. Consuming this bound script will grant you Physical Damage.
Affix Script: Vulnerability can be found in Bangkorai. Travel to Evermore and enter the Mages Guild. On the floor near a brazier, you will find this Script. Consuming this bound script will grant you Vulnerability.
Signature Script: Resource Restore can be found in Stormhaven. Travel to Wayrest and enter the Mages Guild. On a small bookshelf on the second floor, you will find this Script. Consuming this bound script will grant you Druid’s Resurgence.
Focus Script: Damage Shield can be found in Stonefalls. Travel to Daven’s Watch and enter the Mages Guild. On a small table in a side room on the lower level, you will find this Script. Consuming this bound script will grant you Damage Shield.
Signature Script: Snare can be found in Deshaan. Travel to Mournhold and enter the Mages Guild. On a small table, you will find this Script. Consuming this bound script will grant you Hunter’s Snare.
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