Update: Since this file still gets the occasional comment, I should say that the project has been long since canceled.

The upcoming Spellcraft mod adds dozens of new spells and enchantments (balanced against existing content), craftable staffs and magic arrows, and a lore-friendly research system for acquiring them. We've selected nine of the most useful spells and five enchantments for a special sneak preview.

===So what are the spells?===

-Daylight: An improvement on the Candlelight spell, Daylight lasts five minutes and makes dank tombs bright as day!
-Bound Chest: This special chest summoned from Oblivion can store up to 200 pounds of valuables. Great for long dungeon treks.
-Giantmight: Grow to the size of a giant and crush your foes with +40 melee and unarmed damage!
-River of Flame: Ever want to set fire to... well, everything? This channeled Master-level Destruction spell torches everything in its path and leaves behind Walls of Fire.
-Diminuation: Wouldn't bandits look so much cuter if they were half their size? (They'd probably also be less capable of murdering you) Find out with this nifty Alteration spell!
-Consumptive Ward: Suck half the Magicka out of spells negated by this special ward.
-Celerity: Skyrim is... big. Make those miles just fly by with this 50% speed boost! Also useful for fleeing from rampaging giants, dragons, and spouses.
-Shadow Image: Weave a shadowy humanoid image to distract foes - it can't fight and is destroyed if struck, but it might just be the edge a stealthy character needs.
-Reverse Gravity: Magic and physics unite to throw nearby foes into the atmosphere. Hit airborne targets with Unrelenting Force for extra fun!

===And the enchantments?===
The preview includes Fortify Duration/Power enchantments for each school. Ever wanted a hat that makes your fireballs burn hotter?

===So what is this research system?===
Head to your fancy Archmage's Quarters and you'll notice a new research desk. From here, you can choose a spell to work on; each spell requires a certain skill level, prior knowledge, and research components. Luckily, for the purposes of this preview there's a Cheater's Chest nearby that contains all necessary components and pre-enchanted rings.

===What can I look forward to in the full version?===
The main attraction is a list of 30+ new spells - including Mental Domination, Starfall, Wall of Ice, Animate Skeletal Dragon, Ball Lightning, and more. Don't overlook the new enchantments, either - you'll be able to craft boots that let you walk on water and run like the wind, or perhaps a ring that heals you when you're on the brink of death. Also included will be the ability to craft the Staff of (your favorite spell here) and magic arrows - haven't you always wanted an arrow that draws a bolt of lightning to whatever it strikes?

The research system will also be significantly deeper in the full version - in addition to materials and prior knowledge, you'll need to consult with powerful mages, assign tasks to apprentices, acquire live test subjects, and even interrogate summoned Daedra for their secrets!

===Sounds wonderful! When can I expect the full version?===
Current estimates put the release in late February or early March. I'm a graduate student, though, so nuclear physics may take precedence over Skyrim!

===I'm a 3D modeler/texture artist and I want to contribute. Are you looking for help with Spellcraft?===
A thousand times yes! You can contact me on the Nexus as Kentington.