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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Hints
What all skill-practicing bonuses can I get?
1 of 9: The best ones are available from the three standing stones at the Guardian Stones location, which you'll discover near the beginning of the second main quest.
2 of 9: Each stone's blessing will cause your skill-practicing progress for all the skills in one category (combat, stealth, magic) to go 20% faster.
3 of 9: The blessings don't ever wear off, but you can only have one on you at a time. You can always change which one you have by using another standing stone.
4 of 9: Whenever you're wanting to practice some particular skill, fast-travel back to the Guardian Stones and get the appropriate blessing. That way, your skill practice will be 20% more effective.
5 of 9: Some of the skill categorizations can be a little confusing. In particular, the Light Armor, Speech, and Alchemy skills are categorized as stealth skills, and Smithing is a combat skill. If you're not sure about some of the others, check the skill practice methods listed below this question to see which category each skill goes in.
6 of 9: There's another standing stone with a blessing that'll add 15% to skill practice. That's less than 20%, but it applies to all skills, not just one category. However, you can't get an additional bed-rest bonus (mentioned below) with this blessing. It would be a good one to have when you're not focusing on skill practice, but still want to get more than regular practice credit for every skill-related thing that you do.
7 of 9: The other type of skill-practicing bonus comes from sleeping in a bed. It'll only last eight game hours, but it applies to all skills, not just one particular category.
8 of 9: The bed-rest bonus will be 5% if the bed is unowned or in a friend's house (such as Alvor's or Gerdur's in Riverwood), 10% if it's in a house you own or a rented bed in an inn, and 15% if someone you're married to sleeps in the same bed. (See the "Speak to Maramal about arranging your wedding" Riften miscellaneous quest to learn about marriage in Skyrim.)
9 of 9: Since the bed-rest bonus wears off over time, you'll want to get it as close as possible to the location(s) you plan to do your skill practicing in. If you're wanting to know whether it's worn off yet or not, check the "Active Effects" section of the Spells menu.
