 The player 's effectiveness in combat relies on the use of weapons and armor , which may be bought , found and created at forges , and magic , which may be bought or unlocked by finding spell tomes . Weapons and magic are assigned to each hand , allowing for dual @-@ wielding , and can be swapped out through a quick @-@ access menu of favorite items . Shields can be used to fend off enemy attacks and reduce incurred damage , or offensively through bashing attacks . Blunt , bladed and hacking weapons can be used in close combat and each have specific advantages and roles ; for example , the player can perform power attacks with each weapon . Magic can be used in the form of spells , which have several functions , such as the regeneration of health or the depletion of enemy health . A bow and arrow may be utilized in long @-@ range combat , but the bow can be used as a defensive melee weapon in close combat , by " bashing " . The player can enter sneak mode and pickpocket , or deliver sneak attacks to unsuspecting enemies . 
