Oblivion talk:Gaston Surilie

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You don't need to assault him in order for him to switch hoods. I reverse-pickpocketed an enchanted mages hood while he slept, then returned later in the day to find him wearing it while working in the fields. I believe all you have to do is make sure you give the hood a name that begins with the letter A. I believe NPCs are scripted to put on the first article of clothing listed in their inventory (which is sorted alphabetically). The hood is flagged as stolen, which can be removed by enchanting or fencing it (Inn of Ill Omen if you aren't in the Thieves Guild).

All you need is a regular Mage Hood, it doesn't need to be enchanted or anything.