SureAI

Sorry for the newbie question, but I didn't play Oblivion much, and I am not even sure if the skills and attributes are used in the same way in Nehrim.
I have a few questions:
1. What counts in a melee battle? The skills, the attributes, or both? If both, which counts more?
2. What do you need to increase in order to have access to higher ranking spells? Skills or attributes?
3. If you have a high blocking skill, do you need to actively block hits, or will the character be harder to hit as a result even if you don't try to block?

1. Not sure. There are some formulas, but essentially strength + blade counts toward damage or agility + ranged counts toward bow damage.
2. Character level unlock higher tiered spells every 7 levels. Thus level 7 character can cast tier 2 spells, level 14 character can cast tier 3, etc. However for some higher tiered spell you also require a certain amount of skill in that school of magic, in orders of 25 (thus 25, 50, 75 and 100).
3. You still need to block, but the damage received from blocks are reduced with higher skill.

All skills receive a "perk" at intervals of 25. I am not sure what they all are for each skill, but for instance for blade you receive a new attack for every 25 points of skill you have.

A good idea would be to go search on www.gamefaqs.com for oblivion faqs that describe skills, especially if you haven't played oblivion before. There you would get all kinds of formulas for damage and exactly what each skill does.

Thanks, found this very useful FAQ: http://www.gamefaqs.com/pc/924363-the-e ... faqs/44290

Is there a similar fac for Nerhim that tells me about some of the changes like how do you use the runes or even what thay are for so far Iv'e jus tbeen collecting them. Is there an english manual anywhere? or has anyone started a wiki? dont get me wrong I'm still mightily enjoying the game

1. Damage is proportional to both, but I'd say go for the skills with trainers since you will automatically get a higher stat bonus proportional to what skills you trained upon levelling.
imo The blade, block, and light/heavy armor skills are the most important skills for melee, in that order. Strength, endurance and agility being the most important attributes. Don't underestimate agility and speed by the way, stamina and maneuverability are precious during a fight, since if you run out of stamina you take a sharp hit to your melee and magical damage. It's also a wise idea to simply dodge some more powerful attacks (you will usually see them coming since they're slow), rather than block them.

2. You gain access to higher tier spells as you level. It's related to neither skills nor attributes. You gain access to the spells through levelling, and gain the ability to cast the spells you have access to by training the skill.

3. Blocking skill means you take less damage proportionally when you successfully block an attack, plus some minor improvements as you reach higher skill levels. If you don't actively block an attack with your weapon or shield, you still get hit and take damage normally, regardless of your blocking skill.