Sneakery

[Robnark]

I've just started my second character, this time a monk. Thing is, I wasn't the most subtle of warriors last time, and gained possibly up to two levels in sneaking. now that it's a major class skill, I would quite like to know the way in which it is increased, and how to do it easily (and not by sticking down the sneak key for the duration of the game).

[Fer'or]

If you have the money, you could go and see a trainer.

[Robnark]

true, but I'm also a cheap bastard - despite the fact that, as a monk, it is entirely possible that I may never have to spend money, ever.

actually, that could be quite interesting - complete the game without ever spending money on anything...

[dragon wench]

Last night I enchanted an exquisite skirt with a 60 second invisibility spell. I progressed several levels in sneak simply by repeatedly making myself invisible while standing directly in front of somebody as I held down the sneak key

It helps to do this in a place with lots of bodies and a nearby bed you can use in order to recharge the enchanted item.

I don't think there is any way to really avoid holding down "Control," but I have discovered that if you hit the "Q" key once, it will automatically cause your character to move without stopping. Just hit "Q" again when you want to stop. This frees up your hand somewhat if you don't need to do lots of stopping and starting.

[Robnark]

that constant move key is very useful on those long treks, but the easiest method just involves finding a lone person, preferably indoors, and after getting them to face a certain direction, finding the right spot in the room and holding down sneak. easy, but a bit dull.

[dragon wench]

Yes, it is dull, which is why I enchanted the skirt, it speeds things up slightly... I find anyway

[Robnark]

wel, I've cracked the cheesy method, so, for those who want to know:

find a lone, stationary dude in a building where you won't be interrupted. move up to them, and they should respond, and face towards you if you move. get them facing in a direction that allows you to get behind them, back off, wait a bit, then get past without making the character turn round. get into a position that would make you entirely visible if they were facing you - no hiding - and hold sneak. the sneak icon should continually toggle on and off, although you might need to occasionally reposition. while the icon is flashing, you are levelling up your sneak skill.

[Idioteque]

I dont see why you have to use such cheesy methods. My highest skill right now is sneak at 92 because whenever I enter a cave, ruin ... I sneak around the whole time and pick off everyone one by one. You move slowly but its not as bad as building up your sneak by crouching behind people in a room as suggested above.

[Robnark]

yeah, I'll be doing that too, but there are a few problems with the non-cheese method:

-I'm a monk. sneaking up behind someone and then slowly battering them to death with my fists is not the slickest way to kill stuff - although fatigue-draining/absorbing spells and skills would help.

-it's bloody slow! I've always been annoyed at the sheer amount of trudging sometimes involved, and I draw the line at crawling everywhere.

[Moleman]

Here's an addition to Robnark's instructions, which will make it even more cheesy. Do as Robnark instructed, but when you find that spot where you start getting hide icon on and off, place a weight on you keyboard on the key that's bind to sneak. Then see a movie, get something to eat, go out to meet your friends (IF you have any left after playing Morrowind extensively) or make love to you your spouse (IF you have any left after playing Morrowind extensively).

When you get back you will have improved your sneak skill and, depending how long you were away, you may have gained levels (if sneak is your major or minor skill). You might even have gained many levels, if that is the case I would recommend trying to level up any skills between your sleeps, otherwise you wont get attribute multipliers.

If I have gained many levels I usually train some skill that is very poor but is governed by an attribute I want to improve. For example train short blade skills 8-10 points up, rest and will have nice multiplier of 5 for speed.

[Lelio]

Its a bit more risky - but try to backstab people. Sneak up behind them and stab them from behind. Every so often you will get a backstab hit and they often die in one hit. It takes your sneak level up quickly if you can do it succesfully a couple of times.

[Squee]

Just get behind a dude that doesn't move and then place a small rock on the Ctrl button and go see a movie or be with your friend for some hours. That way is easy!