I just discovered that the Oblivion Absorb Health spell, which is Touch Only, can work as an Area Effect. Whilst using the vanilla spellmaking I decided to give Blood Raven's latest Absorb Health spell a 10' area just to see what would happen. When she uses it on one target, it ends up effecting everyone within that area. Which is pretty cool. It even creates what looks like a big red explosion around them all.

Here is an example of it in action

Turns out, this works as a good crowd control spell for when you get mobbed by enemies.

I like to combine it with a mild absorb magicka. Since Absorb spells are pretty expensive to cast, it helps to have your magicka restored a bit quicker too. (Yep, I discovered it too! The only problem is that companions object when they get caught in the area... )

Have you tried Reanimate with an area effect? Admittedly, this has to be modded.

Nice discovery and it suits Blood Raven ever so well!

Blood Raven's sword does have a combination Absorb Health and Magicka for the very reasons you said. It helps to get a little back, given how expensive it is.

I don't use companions, so that is never an issue. I don't think I have ever had a character using a Reanimate spell either. The standard summoning of the undead sure, but not animating dead bodies like the Worm King's staff does.

You get a reanimate power (lesser power? don't remember) as a reward for doing an unmarked quest on the Shivering Isles. It's the same basic effect as with the staff. However, because it's a power, you cannot use it in spellmaking.

Blood Raven must be very skilled in Restoration if she can cast Absorb Health with an area effect!

Nice, that looks wicked. 👹 Totally fits her persona, too.

This is something Lothran has used for some time now too. He has Absorb Health as part of his crowd control spell that he uses very effectively against hordes of goblins, primarely in Plundered Mine during his raids there during winter time.


Very nifty