ESODecoded

The Imperfect Ring

Arcanist · Herald of the Tome · Active — base skill and all 2 morphs, exact values.

data retrieved 2026-08-23 · datamined via UESP

At a glance

Class / categoryArcanist
Skill lineHerald of the Tome
Skill typeActive
Morphs2
Base cost3510 Stamina
Unlocks atLevel 42

Base skill & morphs

BASE The Imperfect Ring3510 Stamina · unlocks lvl 42

Summon a flawed rune under an enemy that etches foes nearby with scrawled glyphs, dealing 4631 Magic Damage over 20 seconds. An ally near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

MORPH Fulminating Rune3510 Stamina · unlocks lvl 42

Summon an explosive rune under an enemy that etches foes nearby with scrawled glyphs, dealing 4642 Magic Damage over 20 seconds. The rune lingers on the initial target for 6 seconds before detonating, dealing 1438 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters. Rune detonation cannot be primed with Fulminating Rune again for 6 seconds. Up to 3 allies near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

MORPH Rune of Displacement3510 Stamina · unlocks lvl 42

Summon a discharging rune under an enemy. After 2 seconds the rune pulses, pulling in foes between 2 to 10 meters and etching them with scrawled glyphs that deal 4780 Magic Damage over 18 seconds. An ally near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

Morph differences

What each morph changes relative to the base skill — exact datamined text only, no recommendation of which to pick.

The Imperfect Ring BASE

Summon a flawed rune under an enemy that etches foes nearby with scrawled glyphs, dealing 4631 Magic Damage over 20 seconds. An ally near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

Fulminating Rune MORPH

Summon an explosive rune under an enemy that etches foes nearby with scrawled glyphs, dealing 4642 Magic Damage over 20 seconds. The rune lingers on the initial target for 6 seconds before detonating, dealing 1438 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters. Rune detonation cannot be primed with Fulminating Rune again for 6 seconds. Up to 3 allies near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

Rune of Displacement MORPH

Changes vs base: Summon a discharging rune under an enemy. After 2 seconds the rune pulses, pulling in foes between 2 to 10 meters and etching them with scrawled glyphs that deal 4780 Magic Damage over 18 seconds.

Champion Points that modify The Imperfect Ring (5)

Matched by us from the datamined text on both sides — the star's own condition and this skill's own damage — not a relationship the game ships. Universal stars (Precision, Piercing, Fighting Finesse, Backstabber) apply to every damaging ability and are left out on purpose.

StarWhenThe star saysMatches because this skill…
Thaumaturgeonly while slotteddamage done with damage over time effectsdeals damage over time
Master-at-Armsonly while slotteddamage done with direct damage attacksdeals direct damage
Biting Auraonly while slotteddamage done with area of effect attackscan hit more than one enemy
War Magealways activeWeapon and Spell Damage to Magical attacksdeals Frost, Magic Damage (Magical)
Wrathful Strikesonly while slottedWeapon and Spell Damage to your damaging abilitiesdeals damage

FAQ

What are the morphs of The Imperfect Ring?

The Imperfect Ring has 2 morphs: Fulminating Rune, Rune of Displacement.

What's the difference between the The Imperfect Ring morphs?

Fulminating Rune: Summon an explosive rune under an enemy that etches foes nearby with scrawled glyphs, dealing 4642 Magic Damage over 20 seconds. The rune lingers on the initial target for 6 seconds before detonating, dealing 1438 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters. Rune detonation cannot be primed with Fulminating Rune again for 6 seconds. Up to 3 allies near the initial target can activate the Runebreak synergy, dealing 2698 Frost Damage to enemies within 7 meters.

Rune of Displacement: Summon a discharging rune under an enemy. After 2 seconds the rune pulses, pulling in foes between 2 to 10 meters and etching them with scrawled glyphs that deal 4780 Magic Damage over 18 seconds.

How much does The Imperfect Ring cost?

3510 Stamina.

Where does The Imperfect Ring come from?

Arcanist · Herald of the Tome skill line.