Just what is the "Dispel" spell?

[PLG]

I've read a little about the Dispel spell but what does it do,
exactly? What conditions, on yourself or others, would you use it for?
What situations would you use it in? How is it different from other
spells? When would you *not* use it?

Thanks for helping me to understand.
PLG

[MJB]

Post by PLG
I've read a little about the Dispel spell but what does it do,
exactly? What conditions, on yourself or others, would you use it for?
What situations would you use it in? How is it different from other
spells? When would you *not* use it?
Thanks for helping me to understand.
PLG

Certain spells that can be applied to a character have residual or timed
effects - ie, they will burden the character for a period of time, lower a
characters attribute or will continue to cause elemental damage. In
Oblivion (which I am playing now) my character triggered a trap caused fire
damage reducing her to near death - and the fire continued to burn her. By
taking a dispel potion the continuing damage was ended immediately.

Hope that helps

MJB

[PLG]

Thanks, everyone! Since I read your answers, Dispel has saved my life
a few times - once when I was hit by a fireball that continued to
burn, and a couple of times in a single fight when I was paralyzed. I
understand now!

Gratefully, PLG