GR: In the previous Elder Scrolls games, players could literally spends hours and a ton of money creating and upgrading spells and items. In Oblivion is that still true? Are there still certain items and spells that can only be obtained with perseverance and hard work? On the other hand are there still spells and items that will be available to players who do not wish to spend many hours and much money that will be just as useful?

PH: Yes, you can still spend lots of time doing that sort of thing, but much of it requires you to spend time and effort improving the skills related to that skill, whether it be enchanting, alchemy, armorer, destruction magic, or whatever. As you improve each of your skills you’ll reach different levels of ability that will unlock new things you can do with that skill, such as the ability to repair magic armor and weapons or to create new spells. Or, as you say, you can simply go and buy new spells or items from vendors, or you’ll find scrolls in the world that allow you to cast different spells. And you’ll always be finding new types of armor, weapons, and different items as you explore the world, and these items will level with you so that as your character gets better, so does the loot you find.