Jake Ludington's Digital Lifestyle

"How can I get lockpicks in Oblivion? I keep running into chests I can't unlock because I keep losing lockpicks. Is there a way to buy lockpicks or a secret stash somewhere?"

One key to making use of lockpicks is to boost your security skill whenever possible, because you'll gradually be able to open harder locks. Sometimes you can find lockpicks when you're looting dead monsters, but for the most part you really need to build up a stockpile by making a purchase here and there. There are two easy ways to track down lockpicks in Oblivion, with a cash transaction, of course.

One option is to track down the man in the robe and hood along the outside wall of the Imperial City near the stable. He sells lockpicks and can usually be found with a supply of about 30 lockpicks.

Purchasing a better unlock spell is a great method for getting through most locks. You just have to make sure your spell is at a level equivalent or higher than the lock you are trying to open The Mage guilds will have someone with a better spell you can buy.

Once you are at level 10 or higher, the skeleton key quest is an ideal solution to your problem. This is a Shrine of Nocture quest which results in having a skeleton key to open locks. It boosts your security level by 50 points as well.