ESO Scribing System Explained

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A masculine vampire in The Elder Scrolls Online looking down at a book they are holding in the left hand as they raise their right hand up, placed against a blurred image of four characters using scribing skills.
Credit: Bethesda/Zenimax. Image edited by GfinityEsports.

Scribing is one of the most exciting new additions to The Elder Scrolls Online in years, giving Gold Road a unique new gear chase for us all. This is especially true if you have an army of alt characters waiting on the sidelines. However, the ESO scribing system is far from simple. From Grimoire to various Scripts and resources like Luminous Ink, it’s hard to know where to start.

Well, you first have to know how to unlock scribing in ESO, as you won’t have it by default. Then, you need a solid understanding of the options available to you. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can craft the best scribing skills in ESO to make a brand-new skill for your build. Afterwards, check out the best MMOs to see what else you can dip your toes in.

How to Unlock Scribing in ESO

To unlock scribing in ESO, speak to Adept Irnard Rirnil outside any Mages Guild, including Skingrad, to begin The Second Era of Scribing quest. This can also be accessed by heading into the Collections menu and activating the scribing quest in the upgrades section.

This means you can start scribing immediately, without completing the full Gold Road story first. During this quest, you also unlock the Scholarium, some basic Grimoire and Scripts, and be introduced to the ESO scribing system.

From here, continue to complete the scribing questline to unlock additional features in this unique new feature:

  • The Wing of the Indrik quest unlocks an account upgrade called Sigil of the Luminary Indrik which allows the purchase of Grimoires and Scripts from Chronicler Firandil at the Scholarium, and enemies will begin to drop Luminous Ink.
  • The Wing of the Gryphon quest unlocks the Sigil of the Luminary Gryphon account upgrade, which makes Focus Scripts obtainable from daily Delves, PvP Rewards for the Worthy, and daily Mages Guild quests. This also includes vendors at the Scholarium and Infinite Archive.
  • The Wing of the Dragon quest unlocks the Sigil of the Luminary Dragon upgrade which makes Signature Scrips drop from daily world boss rewards, daily Cyrodiil rewards, and daily Fighters Guid rewards. This also includes vendors at the Scholarium and Infinite Archive. This unlocks subsidized Scrips at Mages Guilds.
  • The Wing of the Netch quest unlocks the Sigil of the Luminary Netch account upgrade. This makes Affix Scripts drop from daily world events, daily Imperial City rewards, and daily Undaunted quests. Likewise, this includes vendors at the Scholarium and Infinite Archive. This upgrade also makes it so Luminous Ink can be found when harvesting nodes.

Unlocking these additional features is key to making scribing easier and more powerful. Additionally, since these are account-wide upgrades, any alt characters you have will also have these unlocked. Check out our guide to the ESO scribing quests to find out more.

A khajit drawing blue energy from a vial while standing next to the scribing station in The Elder Scrolls Online.
click to enlarge
Credit: Bethesda/Zenimax.

How to Scribe in ESO

To scribe in ESO, head to the Scholarium and use the Scribing Altar. Here, you can select a Grimoire, add a Script, a Focus Script, and an Affix Script to change how your chosen scribing ability functions. This will cost three Luminous Ink for a brand-new Grimoire while changing a Script on a previously scribed skill will cost one Luminous Ink.

There are hundreds of different combinations you can create in this system, though it’s important to understand the basics. This begins with the four aspects that you can tweak while scribing:

  • Grimoire - The base skill that you will be customizing.
  • Focus Script - The main function of the skill.
  • Signature Script - Adds a unique additional effect.
  • Affix Script - Adds a Major or Minor buff or debuff to the skill.
  • Class Mastery/Mages Guild Scripts - Adds a unique class/Mages Guild effect.

All ESO Grimoires and How to Get Them

Each main skill line (weapons, Mages Guild, Fighters Guild, Assault, and Soul Magic) has a new skill, called Grimoire, which is used as a base when scribing. While some are unlocked by completing the scribing tutorial quests, most will need to be unlocked by leveling skill lines and then purchasing them from Chronicler Firandil at the Scholarium for 50,000 gold. This is lowered to 10,000 gold for alt characters.

Grimoire Skill Line Description How to Get
Elemental ExplosionDestruction StaffChannel the power in your staff to fling a bolt of volatile magic, causing an elemental explosion at the target location.Complete Destruction Staff Apprentice (reach level 25)
Mender's BondRestoration StaffTether yourself to an ally, manifesting a life link between you and them.Complete Restoration Staff Apprentice (reach level 25)
Shield ThrowOne Hand and ShieldHurl your shield at an enemy, which then returns to you.Complete One Hand and Shield Apprentice (reach level 25)
SmashTwo-HandedDrag your weapon along the ground to smash a cone in front of you.Complete Two-Handed Apprentice (reach level 25)
Soul BurstSoul MagicUnleash a powerful burst of soul magic around you.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
Wield SoulSoul MagicLaunch a concentrated blast of soul magic at a target.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
TorchbearerFighters GuildConjure an imbued torch and sweep the area in front of you three times with its power.Complete Fighters Guild Skill Apprentice (reach level 5)
TrampleAssaultPierce 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.Complete Alliance War Skill Apprentice (reach level 5 in Assault and Support skill lines)
Traveling KnifeDual WieldTwirl and throw an enchanted dagger at an enemy, which returns to you after a short delay and hits additional enemies in the path.Complete Dual Wield Apprentice (reach level 25)
Ulfsild's ContingencyMages GuildImbue 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.Complete Mages Guild Skill Apprentice (reach level 5)
VaultBowFire a burst at your feet while flipping backwards 15 meters.Complete Bow Apprentice (reach level 25)

All ESO Focus Scripts and How to Get Them

Focus Scripts add an effect to your chosen skill in the ESO scribing system and are unlocked once you’ve acquired the Sigil of the Luminary Gryphon. From here, Focus Scripts can be earned from completing Daily Delve quests, Daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.

Focus Script Description How to Get
Bleed DamageAdds bleed damage.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Damage ShieldAdds a protective damage shield.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Davon's Watch, Stonefalls.
Disease DamageAdds disease damage.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
DispelAdds a dispel effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Flame DamageAdds flame damage.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Frost DamageAdds frost damage.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Generate UltimateAdds an ultimate generation effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
HealingAdds a healing effect.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
ImmobilizeAdds an immobilizing effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
KnockbackAdds a knockback effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Magic DamageAdds magic damage.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
MitigationAdds damage reduction.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Multi-TargetAdds a multi-target hit effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Physical DamageAdds physical damage.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Vulkhel Guard, Auridon.
Poison DamageAdds poison damageDaily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
PullAdds a pull effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Restore ResourcesAdds resource regeneration.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
Shock DamageAdds shock damage.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
StunAdds a stunning effect.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Daggerfall, Glenumbra.
TauntAdds a taunting effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.
TraumaAdds a healing absorption effect.Daily Delve quests, daily Mages Guild quests, and PvP Rewards for the Worthy.

All ESO Signature Scripts and How to Get Them

Signature Scripts enhance your scribed skill by adding an additional effect, which often ties into other class functions in combat. Once you’ve unlocked the Sigil of the Luminary Dragon account upgrade, Signature Scripts can be acquired by completing daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.

Signature Script Description How to Get
Anchorite's CrueltyAdds an effect to consume a soul gem to deal oblivion damage.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Anchorite's PotencyAdds an effect to consume a soul gem to grant ultimate.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Assassin's MiseryImproves status effects.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Cavalier's ChargeAdds increasing damage over the duration of the ability.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Crusader's DefianceAdds the effect to remove harmful status effects.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Druid's ResurgenceAdds resource regeneration.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Wayrest, Stormhaven.
Fencer's ParryAdds an effect to deflect direct damage attacks.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Gladiator's TenacityAdds a damage reduction effect.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Growing ImpactAdds an effect to enhance buff and debuff application.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Hunter's SnareAdds a slowing effect.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Mournhold, Deshaan.
Immobilizing StrikeAdds an immobilization effect.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Knight's ValorAdds an effect that improves bashing and blocking.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Leeching ThirstAdds a lifesteal effect that heals for a percentage of damage dealt.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Lingering TormentAdds a damage over time effect.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
Sage's RemedyAdds a healing over time effect.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
Thief's SwiftnessImproves your mobility.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Warmage's DefenseAdds a protective damage shield.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.
Warrior's OpportunityAdds an effect that improves the damage of your next direct attack.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Elden Root, Grahtwood.
Wayfarer's MasteryAdds an effect that enhances skill line passive bonuses.Daily World Boss quests, daily Cyrodiil quests, and daily Fighters Guild quests.

All ESO Affix Scripts and How to Get Them

Affix Scrips add a Major or Minor buff or debuff to your scribed skill, which is the final cherry on top of your chosen Grimoire. After unlocking the Sigil of the Luminary Netch upgrade, Affix Scripts can be earned by completing World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.

Affix Script Description How to Get
BerserkAdds the Berserk buff which increases damage dealt.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
BreachAdds the Breach debuff which reduces physical and spell resistance on hit.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
BrittleAdds the Brittle debuff which increases the critical damage taken by enemies hit.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
Brutality and SorceryAdds Brutality and Sorcery buffs to increase weapon and spell damage respectively.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
CourageAdds the Courage buff which increases weapon and spell damage.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
CowardiceAdds the Cowardice debuff which reduces the weapon and spell damage of enemies.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
DefileAdds the Defile debuff which reduces the healing received by enemies.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
EmpowerAdds the Empower buff which increases heavy attack damage.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
EnervationAdds the Enervation debuff which reduces the critical damage dealt by enemies.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
EvasionAdds the Evasion buff which reduces the damage taken from area of effect attacks.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
ExpeditionAdds the Expedition buff which increases movement speed.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
ForceAdds the Force buff which increases critical damage dealt.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
HeroismAdds the Heroism buff which increases ultimate generation.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
Intellect and EnduranceAdds the Intellect and Endurance buffs which increase magicka and stamina regeneration respectively.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
InterruptAdds the interruption effect to disrupt enemy attacks.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
LifestealAdds the Lifesteal debuff which grants you healing based on the damage you deal.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
MagickastealAdds the Magickasteal debuff which drains the magicka of an enemy and returns it to you.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
MaimAdds the Maim debuff which reduces the damage dealt by the enemy.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Riften, The Rift.
MangleAdds the Mangle debuff which reduces the target's max health.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
Off BalanceAdds the off balance effect.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
ProtectionAdds the Protection buff which reduces your damage taken.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
ResolveAdds the Resolve buff which increases your physical and spell resistance.Unlocked via the scribing questline.
Savagery and ProphecyAdds the Savagery and Prophecy buffs which increase weapon and spell critical chance respectively.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
UncertaintyAdds the Uncertainty debuff which reduces the target's weapon critical damage.Daily World Event quests, daily Imperial City quests, and daily Undaunted quests.
VitalityAdds the Vitality buff which increases your healing received.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Rawl'kha, Reaper's March.
VulnerabilityAdds the Vulnerability debuff which increases the target's damage taken.Located in the Mages Guild Hall in Evermore, Bangkorai.

ESO Script Chases

On top of the basic Grimoire and Scripts are Script Chases, which add powerful unique bonuses. These Script Chases are Class Mastery Scripts and Mages Guild Focus Scripts.

ESO Mages Guild Script Chase

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Once you’ve completed The Wing of the Dragon quest, you can begin hunting for the Mages Guild Scripts:

Mages Guild Scripts Type Location - Mages Guild Hall
Damage ShieldFocus ScriptDavon's Watch, Stonefalls
Physical DamageFocus ScriptVulkhel Guard, Auridon
StunFocus ScriptDaggerfall, Glenumbra
Druid's ResurgenceSignature ScriptWayrest, Stormhaven
Hunter's SnareSignature ScriptMournhold, Deshaan
Warrior's OpportunitySignature ScriptElden Root, Grahtwood
MaimAffix ScriptRiften, The Rift
VitalityAffix ScriptRawl'kha, Reaper's March
VulnerabilityAffix ScriptEvermore, Bangkorai

ESO Class Mastery Script Chase

After you’ve completed The Wing of the Dragon quest, you can get Class Mastery Scripts to use in the ESO scribing system by combining 50 Class Script Scraps, found by completing Trials, daily dungeons, Infinite Archive, Arenas, and PvP. Once you’ve acquired enough Class Script Scraps, you can purchase these Class Mastery Scripts from Chronicler Firandil at the Scholarium.

Class Class Mastery Description
ArcanistCreate a Crux on activation.
DragonknightFor each enemy within eight meters, up to a maximum of six enemies, gain 50 weapon and spell damage and reduce your damage taken by 2% plus 1% per enemy for five seconds.
NecromancerOnce every three seconds, increase your health, magicka, and stamina by 2% for ten seconds for each corpse within 12 meters, up to ten times. If no corpses are nearby, create a corpse.
NightbladeRestore 333 magicka and stamina if your target is above 50% health. Increase your critical chance by 10% for five seconds if your target is at or below 50% health.
SorcererEnchant your closest pet for five 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 eight meters of your first target.
TemplarFor five seconds, you gain 1320 armor and 150 weapon and spell damage. If Sacred Ground is active on you, these values are increased by 50%.
WardenCreate an eight-meter area for two seconds under your target once every eight seconds that snares enemies by 70%, and charms them for three seconds when it expires. If no enemies are charmed, you restore 1000 magicka and stamina.

How to Get Luminous Ink in ESO

Luminous Ink can be found by defeating enemies and harvesting resource nodes.

As a requirement in the ESO scribing system, you’ll need as much Luminous Ink as you can get, which does involve some grinding if you’re trying to unlock all the features of scribing right away. Otherwise, you will naturally come across them as you complete activities and the like.

That covers all there is to know about the complex ESO scribing system and how to use it to your advantage while exploring Tamriel. While it’s great fun to test scribed skills in the Gold Road expansion, you can take these skills anywhere, including dungeons and PvP. If you're late to the party, consider checking out our ESO Blackwood review to see if this older expansion is worth your time.

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