Where To Buy Lockpicks in Oblivion: A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Master Thief
Introduction
In the vast world of Cyrodiil, a single lockpick can be the key to untold riches, hidden secrets, and perilous adventures. The thrill of circumventing a challenging lock, the satisfaction of uncovering a hidden cache, and the undeniable allure of a life less ordinary all hinge on this humble, yet essential, tool. But where do you find these essential tools of the trade? Lockpicking in Oblivion is an art form, a mini-game that tests your skill, patience, and often, your luck. As your Security skill increases, you’ll find yourself tackling increasingly complex locks, requiring a steady supply of lockpicks to fuel your larcenous endeavors. This guide provides a comprehensive list of merchants and locations where you can reliably purchase lockpicks throughout your Oblivion playthrough, from the early game to advanced levels, ensuring you’re never caught short on your quest to become a master thief.
Early Game Lockpick Sources: Before Joining Guilds
Venturing into the world of Oblivion for the first time can be daunting, especially when you’re itching to try your hand at lockpicking. Finding a reliable source of lockpicks early on is crucial for aspiring thieves and adventurers alike. Thankfully, Cyrodiil offers a few accessible options to get you started, even before you’ve considered joining any guilds.
General Goods Merchants: Your First Stop
The most straightforward way to acquire lockpicks early in Oblivion is to visit general goods merchants. These vendors typically stock a wide range of items, including the coveted lockpicks. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with a few reliable merchants in major cities to ensure a steady supply.
Jensine’s ‘Good as New’ Merchandise in the Imperial City Market District is an excellent starting point, especially for new characters. Jensine is generally open during daylight hours, making her easily accessible. She usually carries a small stock of lockpicks, often enough to get you started on your initial lockpicking adventures. Checking back with her every few days can help you maintain a consistent supply. Don’t be afraid to haggle a little; a few extra Septims saved can go a long way in the early game.
Edgar’s Discount Goods, also located in the Imperial City Market District, offers a budget-friendly alternative. Edgar’s prices are typically lower than Jensine’s, making him a viable option if you’re short on cash. However, his selection might be less consistent. Checking both stores is a good strategy to maximize your chances of finding a good stock of lockpicks.
Remember to always check back with these merchants regularly. Their inventories refresh periodically, so a merchant who was out of lockpicks yesterday might have a fresh supply today. Patience and persistence are key to maintaining a steady flow of these essential tools.
Mages Guild Halls: An Occasional Opportunity
While not as reliable as general goods merchants, some Mages Guild halls *might* offer lockpicks for sale. This depends on the specific mage within the hall and their individual inventory. However, it’s worth checking, especially if you’re already pursuing a magical path.
Typically, you’ll need to be a member of the Mages Guild to access their services, which requires completing the initial recommendation quests in each city. Once you’re a member, explore the guild halls and speak with the various mages; some might be willing to part with a few lockpicks. Don’t expect a huge selection, but every little bit helps, especially when you’re starting out.
Inns and Taverns: A Roll of the Dice
Similar to Mages Guild halls, Inns and Taverns sometimes offer lockpicks for sale, depending on the specific vendor. This is even less reliable than the Mages Guild, as the availability of lockpicks in these establishments is often random.
However, if you’re already visiting an inn or tavern for a quest or simply to rest, it doesn’t hurt to ask the innkeeper or any other vendors present if they have any lockpicks for sale. You might just get lucky and find a hidden stash of these essential tools.
Joining the Thieves Guild: Your Key to Unlimited Lockpicks
For aspiring thieves and lockpicking enthusiasts, joining the Thieves Guild in Oblivion is a game-changer. Not only does it provide access to lucrative quests and valuable skills, but it also unlocks a reliable source of lockpicks, effectively ensuring you’re never without the tools you need.
Embarking on a Life of Shadows: Joining the Thieves Guild
To join the Thieves Guild, you’ll need to find Armand Christophe in the Imperial City Waterfront District. You can usually find him near the docks, engaging in less-than-savory activities. Completing the “Finding the Thieves Guild” quest involves a bit of skullduggery and proving your worth to Armand. Once you’ve successfully completed the initiation, you’ll be welcomed into the ranks of the Thieves Guild, gaining access to a world of opportunities and, more importantly, a steady supply of lockpicks.
The Fence: A Gateway to Lockpick Abundance
The true value of joining the Thieves Guild lies in access to the Gray Fox’s Fence. This contact is the ultimate source of restocking lockpicks. You can speak to the Gray Fox directly and they will direct you to the Fence.
The Fence is a treasure. They carry a significant amount of lockpicks, and their inventory refreshes regularly. This means you can consistently purchase lockpicks whenever you need them, without having to rely on the limited stock of general goods merchants. This makes the Fence an invaluable resource for anyone serious about lockpicking.
Booty Share: Taking a Cut of the Spoils
In addition to purchasing lockpicks from the Fence, the Thieves Guild offers another avenue for acquiring these essential tools: the booty share. As you complete Thieves Guild quests, you’ll often receive a cut of the stolen goods. Keep an eye out for lockpicks within these shares. While not a consistent source, it’s a welcome bonus that can help supplement your lockpick supply.
Other Reliable Sources & Methods: Thinking Outside the Merchant Box
While merchants and the Thieves Guild provide convenient ways to acquire lockpicks, Cyrodiil offers other avenues for resourceful adventurers. Exploring dungeons, looting containers, and even engaging in a little theft can all contribute to your lockpick collection.
Dungeons and Ruins: The Treasure Trove of Forgotten Secrets
Dungeons and ruins throughout Cyrodiil are often teeming with containers, such as chests, crates, and sacks. These containers frequently hold lockpicks, making them a valuable source for those willing to explore the dangerous depths of these forgotten places.
Focus on areas known for having a high density of containers, such as bandit camps or ancient ruins. These locations are likely to yield a significant number of lockpicks, along with other valuable loot. Remember to be cautious, as these areas are often guarded by hostile creatures or bandits.
The Art of the Steal: Turning the Tables on Merchants
The irony isn’t lost on anyone: you can acquire lockpicks by *stealing* them from merchants, guards, and even other thieves. This requires a certain level of skill in Stealth and a willingness to risk getting caught.
To steal successfully, consider using Chameleon effects to make yourself harder to detect. Wait until night, when people are more likely to be asleep or less attentive. Pickpocket your target carefully, and be prepared to flee if you’re caught. While risky, stealing can be a quick and efficient way to acquire lockpicks, especially if you’re skilled in the arts of thievery.
Alchemy: Late-Game Lockpick Manufacturing
While there are no “make lockpicks” type recipes, the skill of Alchemy helps your success in acquiring lockpicks. It is important to improve your alchemy level so you can have better buffs that improve your lockpicking abilities.
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Lockpicking
Acquiring lockpicks is only half the battle. To truly become a master thief, you need to hone your lockpicking skills and learn strategies to maximize your chances of success.
Skill Training: Honing Your Craft
Leveling your Security skill is essential for efficient lockpicking. The higher your Security skill, the easier it will be to pick locks, and the fewer lockpicks you’ll waste in the process.
Seek out trainers who can help you improve your Security skill. Find them in dungeons and other locations. Investing in training will pay off in the long run, making you a more proficient and successful lockpicker.
Saving Before Attempting: A Thief’s Best Friend
Before attempting a particularly difficult lock, always save your game. This allows you to reload if you fail and waste a bunch of lockpicks. This simple trick can save you a lot of frustration and resources, especially when tackling master-level locks.
Patience is Key: A Virtue for Lockpickers
Lockpicking in Oblivion requires patience and a steady hand. Don’t rush the process. Take your time, carefully position the tumbler, and be prepared to adjust if necessary. Patience is especially important at lower skill levels when you’re more likely to break lockpicks.
Conclusion
From the bustling marketplaces of the Imperial City to the shadowy depths of the Thieves Guild, Cyrodiil offers a multitude of ways to acquire lockpicks. Whether you choose to purchase them from merchants, loot them from dungeons, or even steal them from unsuspecting victims, the key is to find a strategy that works best for you. The Gray Fox’s Fence is a guaranteed place to get restocking lockpicks. By combining these methods with smart lockpicking techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master thief in Oblivion, unlocking untold riches and uncovering hidden secrets along the way.
So, go forth, adventurer! Explore the world of Cyrodiil, master the art of lockpicking, and amass a fortune in stolen goods. Share your own favorite lockpick sources in the comments below! What are your most reliable places to purchase, find, or… “acquire” lockpicks in Oblivion? Let’s share our secrets and help each other become the ultimate thieves in the realm!
