This build was my first attempt at Skyrim character building, a prototype and experimental one. For some reason, I scrapped it, and the leftover ideas eventually gave birth to other builds of mine. And now, after months of sitting in a folder, I stumbled upon this build again and thought, “Eh, why not? Let’s try to finish this and give it a chance to shine.” Thus, I brought this build to see the light of day.
Perhaps more of a story than a traditional character build, this build follows the harsh journey of an old knight, a father who tries to save his daughter from an impending fate. Will he succeed? Or will he fail? What cost does the father have to pay? How much of the world will he trade for his loved one?
Song: Affection
Raining.
How long has it been since the last time rain feels this heavy?
The tears of the sky are pouring, washing my own tears.
I look upon the dark-starless night, nothing but the color of sorrow and pain.
I cannot bear myself to look down.
I cannot… look upon my own daughter.
Whose skin has turned cold as the winter snow.
Whose lips withered as fallen petals.
Whose eyes closed… and maybe… would never open again.
The smell of the rain slowly drifted. As the sun showed her face, the light revealed a knight holding a child dressed in a white gown, both bathed in the intimidating color of red, whether from the fallen crimson petals or the blood of the slain black-hooded groups of necromancers.
Divines… Stendarr… Why… WHY! WHY DID YOU BETRAY ME!?
I gave everything for You! I did everything for You! I sacrificed most of my life for You!
But why! Why wouldn’t You protect her? Why would You let her die!?
Were my services not good enough? Was my devotion not strong enough? ANSWER ME!
Why…
Why it has to be my daughter…
Why it has to be her…
She’s-… she’s the only one…
She’s the only one that I had…
She’s the only reason I could smile in this MISSARABLE DAMNED WORLD!
Gods… Why…
His right hand shivered, reaching to his daughter’s sliver hair, which now has been tainted by the crimson red of blood. Carefully caressing her, the knight hugged her close to his worn-out armor. With a soft yet trembling voice, the father spoke of his last goodbye to his daughter, who now sleeps in eternity. He spent the whole morning holding his late daughter, mourning and drowning himself in the sea of grief, a feeling for those who already experienced it is a curse that refuses to leave.
“The death of a loved one has been recognized as the greatest life stressor that we face as humans.” (O’Connor, 2019)
Enforced under the Temple of Stendarr in Daggerfall, little is known about The Crusaders, an order of the Knightly Templar of the God of Mercy. The chapters were mainly active during the second and third eras. It was very likely, however, that the Crusaders survived the Oblivion Crisis. They remained active, protecting the temples and venerating the will of Stendarr. But, this is not a story of a noble and righteous paladin bathed in golden shimmering light.
This is a tale of an old knight, a retired Crusader who has passed his prime. A knight who returned to his homeland, settled in, and started a family. Yet, just like how easily the snow melts, cruel fate entangled and robbed him of his once-long peace. This is the story of a heavily grieving parent who walks on a distorted path. This is the tale of The—
Version: Anniversary Edition
Difficulty: Expert/Master
Survival Mode: On
Skyrim is indeed a cold and harsh land, a place for no milk drinkers. Even so, on a seemingly treacherous road where one often reluctantly walks lies a hidden beauty waiting to be discovered. Tame and ride a trustworthy steed, eat regularly and get enough rest, wrap yourself in warm clothes, and prepare for the father’s painful and unforgiving journey.
Race: As the frozen stage is his birthplace, I played the Crusader with Nordic blood. The son and daughter of Skyrim are known for their resilience toward the coldest nights, and the Father’s Battle Cry shall make those who hinder his path tremble.
Sex: A parent is what, first and foremost, the Crusader ought to be. A mother who had a girl, a father who had a boy, and all the other ways around, it matters not. I chose to play the Crusader as a father who could not accept the loss of his daughter.
“I’m… truly sorry for what happened,” said Maramal after he handed a piece of letter, a letter on behalf of the Crusader’s wife before she left Skyrim in case something happened to her family.
“It does not matter. She had no ill intention,”
A vague hint of vigilance was visible on the priest’s expression, “Then… why did you come here clothed in full steel?”
“That night, I saw one of those damned soul fled. She carried a soul gem.”
Sweats began to rush on Maramal’s face, “Then–! Could it be… the traces on her pale body… soul trapping!?”
No more words were said, only the Crusader’s frightening gaze on Maramal’s eyes, a gaze sharp enough to pierce the Aetherius.
Sheathing his old great sword, the Crusader left the temple and galloped to Mara’s Eye Pond.
“Lady Mara… please guard him,” prayed the temple priest in front of the golden statue.
The rain was heavy, and so was the father’s torn heart.
Objective: Go to Gallows Hall and Learn the Truth
Primary Quest: Dreams of the Dead
Song: Before Dawn
The father’s journey begins as he wishes to unravel the answer to his daughter’s misfortune. His first objective is to investigate the old fort near Mara’s Eye Pond mentioned in his wife’s letter, Gallows Hall. While his priority is set, The Crusader is never a man who would ignore those who need his aid.
Quests that concern with the safety of others and do not stray him from his path could be taken. However, trivial quests to fetch an item, like Lucan’s demand to retrieve his Golden Claw, should be ignored. Inquiries that directly relate to the Divines, like The Blessings of Nature, are also not an option, for the Crusader has lost the trust in the Gods and Goddesses.
The Crusader will embark on his journey alone. None could ease the pain that began to contaminate his soul. Not even the Divine’s blessings could soothe his sorrow and anger. Only the blessing of the Warrior Stone will guard the father’s early journey, for those blessed by the Warrior know no yield.
In Whiterun, the father sets his next steps, for the Jarl needs to know that the dawn of the dragons is coming. He will, however, refuse Farengar’s request to fetch the Dragonstone as the Companions are more suitable to fulfill such demand. Thus, the old knight denied his yet-to-be-revealed destiny. After finishing the Hold businesses, the Crusader continues his journey to Mara’s Eye Pond.
For the early arsenal, the Crusader’s choice of armor is what he could get his hands on. After escaping from Helgen’s dungeon, make a brief stop at Embershad mine to gather the necessary materials to craft the Iron Plate set. Whether looted from slain bandits or bought from vendors, Steel pieces are eventually the better answer.
At White River Watch Hajvarr Iron-Hand and his band called it their home. One might wonder how a mere bandit can be so skilled in heavy swordplay, and his Ironhand Gauntlets are the answer. Passing Valtheim Towers, should the goddess of fortune be watching, the Bandit Chief might “lend” a beautiful set of Steel Soldier Armor.
Both choice of armor looks absolutely astonishing when combined with a Novice Hood, an Adventurer or a Mage Backpack, and a Steel Great Sword.
The Crusader’s early skills primarily focus on his melee prowess, no godly artifacts, bewildering enchantments, or fancy magic tricks. He is an old, worn-out knight. His body shows its limit. As such, no points should be invested in Stamina. Should you face a hard encounter, Veggie soups could provide enough boost to keep on performing power attacks and block-bashing.
Combat starts by casting Oakflesh spell followed by sword-dancing. A rapid short burst from Flames spell is an effective method to balance the Stamina and Magicka consumption. Spark spell is quite costly, but it is valuable to silence mages. Since his bitter old days were spent fighting vile creatures, Turn Lesser Undead is the Crusader’s card to stagger most undead enemies.
Limited stamina hinders the old knight from performing effective attacks, and thus, Devastating Blows and Champion’s Stance are his priorities. Knowledge in Apprentice and Regeneration significantly increases the efficiency of healing spells, ensuring the old knight is always ready to jump back into action. The ability to stand like a Juggernaut will keep him safe from lethal blows.
The Crusader is indeed an old warrior. His weary body can no longer demonstrate prominent skills. The assistance of capable young warriors such as Vilkas and Farkas could help him to return his muscle memory. Joining the Companions is highly favored, yet none of the faction’s main quests are in his favor, for he only needs their training services.
Creaking, the sound of the wooden door meets the rusty metal of the fort entrance. Strange, indeed, for such a place left ungraded, left unsealed. From afar, the sight of a lifeless Mer is visible, the same Mer the father saw during that destined night, the one who fled and carried a soul gem.
As his steps echo throughout the main hall, a sudden omniscient presence of a malicious being can be sensed. Things that should not happen - happen. Things that could not possibly be real - are real. There, he stands in the realm of distorted dreams, Quagmire.
The sight before him bends and shifts, constantly changing into wicked sceneries. From the center citadel, a whisper is heard. Greeted with an enticing yet horrifying voice, she sits on her throne, the Daedric Lord of Dreamweaver, Ruler of Nightmare, Vaermina.
Congratulations.
You have come to see Me.
Perhaps, more accurately, you come seeking an answer.
An answer to the question, “Is my daughter here?”
Indeed.
That elf offered Me your daughter’s soul,
the soul of that heretic’s offspring.
She is now in My realm, wrapped in the blanket of endless nightmares.
Do you wish to save your daughter?
Of course, you do.
But everything comes to a price.
Be My champion, and I might consider your wish.
Go to Dawnstar.
Recover My temple from Mara’s impudence.
Retrieve My treasure, the Skull of Corruption.
Slay that other heretic who betrayed Me.
Objective: Retrieve the Skull of Corruption & Slay Erandur
Primary Quest: Waking Nightmare
The Crusader’s next objective is to retrieve Vaermina’s artifact and kill the other priest who fled the temple with his wife years ago. His doomed path starts in Dawnstar. Passing the Hall of Vigilants, a horrible sight is revealed before him. Even with his brethren’s corpses lying cold, the man has to turn a blind eye and continue his journey. He will sacrifice much of his morality starting from this point.
Once the father retrieve the Skull of Corruption and slay Casimir, you could stay a little longer in Dawnstar or immediately depart to Gallows Hall. Other radiant quests in Dawnstar that still adhere to the priorities mentioned earlier are viable options. Back in the nightmarish hall, the Crusader pleads before the Nightmare Mistress, all but for a single distorted hope.
Song: Ambition
Splendid.
Even while gritting your teeth and clenching your fists,
you manage to bring back my treasure and slay that heretic.
What a truly magnificent sight.
Please Me more, and I shall grant your wish.
I shall release your daughter’s soul from My grasp.
Pledge to Me your loyalty.
Heed My bids.
Bring to My enemies insolence: Peryite, Bhoetiah, Azura, and Hemaus Mora.
Bring to Me the hidden knowledge used to imitate My power.
Bring to Me the power of Magna Ge: the Staff and the Eye of Magnus.
Should you obey Me, then your daughter is yours.
But, with your weary body, you are little use to Me.
Seek the power of immortality.
Seek forbidden artifacts.
Use that necromancy helmet.
By My power, I name you the Accursed.
Holder of the Skull of Corruption.
Harbinger of the Nightmare.
Champion of Quagmire.
A dark red mark starts to show on the Crusader’s lips as he bites them. A tiny drip of blood starts to flow from his hands, where the nails pierce his palms. With reddish eyes and a heavy voice, the father says, “…yes.”
Objective: Heed Vaermina’s Biddings
This chapter offers more liberation in terms of the quest progression. The Crusader’s journey is now directed to complete Vaermina’s biddings, pleasing the sinister Mistress, all for an uncertain hope. Most notable among these biddings are dishonoring the other Daedric Princess and retrieving three particular artifacts: the Staff of Magnus, the Eye of Magnus, and the Black Book: Waking Dream.
However, before starting the doomed journey, gathering the necessary power to overcome the obstacles ahead is wiser. As the Mistress suggested, the power to rejuvenate the old knight’s worn-out body is indeed tempting. Two vampires at Mara’s Eye Den shall offer the Dark Knight their power. With the Coldharbour blood running in his veins, some points can now be invested in Stamina.
Communicating with the Nightmare Lady requires one to pray at her shrine, entering the Dreamers’ realm. To report his success, the Dark Knight should abide by the same rule, bathing in Vaermina’s blessing, even if he desperately wishes not to. Her blessing opens a new path to conjure various nightmarish beings and allows the knight to travel between different places simply by dreaming.
Completing the first preparation, the father walks out of the old fort, hard-heartily meeting Vaermina’s expectations. He will first hunt strong artifacts and obtain more durable armor. No longer guarded by the Warrior, the father’s distorted ambition sets his eyes on the Atronach Stone. With his new power, the Stone blessing allows him to harness the power of Quagmire.
For this chapter, the Dark Knight wears a slightly more sinister-looking armor while still retaining his past knightly vibe. One important artifact you need to carry is the Bloodworm Helmet. Worn by a vampire, the helmet’s malevolent power acts as a second Necromage, corrupting the other equipment’s enchantments, significantly bolstering their effectiveness by 25%.
The helmet does look silly with the rest of the pieces. The Necromancer Hood offers a more suitable look, yet the pre-enchanted variants are, unfortunately, leveled items. The Bloodworm Helmet is still exceptionally powerful, as its enchantments complement the Dark Knight’s playstyle. If you choose not to wear the bone helmet, you can still apply the 25% boost.
The rest of the knight’s second arsenal are the pre-enchanted Orcish Plate Armor and Boots from the quest Smith ‘N Slash, the Fists of Randagulf by completing The Contest, the Warlock’s Mark and Sovereign Band from the Arms of Chaos, and Shaodwrend Greatsword obtained near the Atronach Stone. If you have the coins, you can wear a Ring of Sure Grip instead.
This chapter focuses on enhancing the knight’s new arcane prowess. Conjuration makes the stage and quickly rises as one of the most prominent skills. The Novice Conjuration perk to cut the cost of Conjure Familiar spell proves valuable. Fire-based spells are completely neglected to adhere to the roleplay of vampirism’s weakness against fire magic.
Restoration still shows its importance as Necromage synergizes with the Bloodworm Helmet, adding a total of 50%+ boost to enchanted items. Make sure to wear the helmet before activating Necromage. With Respite and some points put into Stamina, the knight can perform a longer chain of attacks. Expert Alteration hardens his skin as hard as an Ebony steel.
To speed up the leveling process, the lecturers of the College of Winterhold shall offer their training services to help the father pursue his distorted hope.
Putting the skills into practice, combat is fairly similar to the previous chapter. However, With the Nightmares Lady’s blessing and his new undead power, the Dark Knight is far more powerful and deadly. Vaermina bestowed three abilities on her new champion:
Giving Conjuration the spotlight, Conjure Familiar is your best tool to compensate for the Magicka Regen reduction. Thus, cutting the spell cost should be the early priority. Do note that you will not have a 100% Spell Absorption rate yet. Paired with the Undying Ghost as your best summon, who will drain all of your Magicka, managing the knight’s early summons is quite tricky.
To further enhance the roleplay, the Dark Knight has to maintain his Fatigue status carefully. As the realm of nightmare is his source of magical power, the longer he wanders without sleeping, the weaker the Mistress’ power becomes.
- Drained: Can no longer use Frost-based spells.
- Tired: Can no longer use Shock-based spells.
- Exhausted: Can no longer use Conjuration spells.
As the father works to please the Nightmare Mistress, there areas will be his next quest stages: Winterhold, Solestheim, and Markarth. Working on some radiant quests found along those stages are still viable options as long they adhere to the rules mentioned in the previous chapter. Varmina’s tasks entrusted upon her new champion are:
*Do not complete the quest after slaying Kesh.
*DB quests require you to embrace the Dragonborn identity. However, the father will still deny his destiny as the power is a blessing from Akatosh. Use Shouts only to progress the main DB quests.
*Do not get tempted by Boethiah’s words after slaying her followers.
You have the freedom to choose which bidding to complete first. However, to represent the father’s morality degradation, the more he completes Vaermina’s wishes, the more selfish and ignorant the father becomes. As the chapter progresses, you should ignore more trivial and unrelated quests.
If the Dragonborn quest line is last in the order, the Dark Knight will not help the Raven Rock’s residents from the Ash Spawns’ threat. The father will only pursue the main Dragonborn quests, and this roleplay rule applies to the other biddings. The Boethia’s Calling will most likely be the last option, turning Markath into a blank quest canvas if you save Peryite’s quest as the second-to-last.
Witnessing the destructive power of the Eye of Magnus, he could not comprehend what would happen if such powerful artifact fell into Vaermina’s hands. Thus, after fulfilling the rest of the Dark Lady’s bidding, the father returns to Gallows Hall and enters the Dreamstride. There, the Nightmares Queen gazes at the man sharply, knowing that his champion meets her expectations, but for one thing.
Were my instructions hard to follow?
Obey my will, and I shall keep my words.
You did complete most of my bidding,
but you left the Eye of Magnus to those Psijic monks.
You have failed me.
Do you not wish to save your daughter?
How her screams still decorate my hall.
How her prayers still echo, waiting for salvation.
I was not pleased.
But discarding you now will not benefit me.
You have proven your worth still.
I will offer you one last opportunity.
This shall be your last chance to save your daughter.
Answer me, my champion.
Can you sacrifice the world for her?
Or will you fail me again?
The time to make the final decision is here, wrapping the father and daughter’s destiny. Which path will the father walk? Will he sacrifice the world to save his daughter? Or will he sacrifice his daughter to save the world from himself and Vaermina’s hunger?
Song: The Knight of Rebellion
Well answered.
As you fail to bring the Eye of Magnus,
You shall replace a fragment of its purposes.
Be my instrument to spread endless nightmares.
Go to all Holds.
Use the power I bestowed to you.
Blanket this frozen land with My gifts.
Make their sleep relentless.
Should you succeed,
I will release your daughter from my realm.
I will return her back to Mundus.
Four sacrificial souls are the pay for your daughter’s return.
Those who desire power,
those who enjoy their time as a parent,
those who grieve for their lost one,
and those who you betray.
Present the four souls on that altar,
and prepare a suitable vessel for your daughter’s soul.
Pray to my name, and I shall answer.
And you may once again reunite with your daughter.
Silence, not even his breathing makes a sound. At a moment’s notice, a smile that can only appear on a corrupted being decorates the father’s face. Blood-like tears flow from his crimson eyes. Without exchanging words, Vaermina knows the answer. The father leaves the hall. He leaves to fulfill his wish of meeting his daughter once again. He leaves to the shadowy path, to the damnation.
Objective: Prepare the Ritual and Complete Vaermina’s last Bidding
This route explores the decision the father made to save his daughter. Quest progression emphasizes a heavy roleplay restriction, yet freedom of self-interpretation is still explorable. The father will focus on gathering the four sacrificial souls, performing Vaermina’s dark ritual to bring his daughter back, and fulfilling Vaermina’s last wish to wrap Skyrim in endless nightmares.
There are no major changes in terms of status from the previous chapter. The Damned Knight is at his peak performance, the strongest he will ever become. After fully embracing the Mistress’ gift, the knight now excels at his swordsmanship and Quagmire’s magic mastery.
A demonic look is what the Damned Knight wraps himself in this route. Still with Shadowrend in his hands, the Damned now wears a Daedric Plate Armor obtained from Beyond the Grave quest and Dragonplate Insulated Helmet, Gloves, and Boots from the quest Bones for a Crow. Warlock’s Mark and a Ring of Sure Grip are his complementary arsenal.
Other choices of fitting headgear include the Helm of Yngol and the Bloodworm Helmet, which surprisingly complements the gloves and boots sinisterly. Make sure to apply the Bloodworm Helmet effect before cloaking the knight in his new demonic gears.
Two-Handed and Heavy Armor are optimized to present the Damned Knight with an astounding physical capability. With the Atronach perk, he now possesses a 100% Spell Absorption rate and will synergize with the Master level Restoration perk, corrupting one of its strongest spells. Destruction Dual Casting and Conjuration Twin Souls are the Damned’s secrets to master Quagmire’s magic.
With Vaermina’s blessing and Warlock Mark augmented by Necromage and the helmet, progressing the right side of Conjuration skill tree is unnecessary. Accepting his destiny as Vaermina’s champion, the knight morphs into an unstoppable chariot carrying the Mistress’ will across the battlefield. Combat remains the same, but his strong connection to Quagmire grants him two new abilities:
With the Gate to Quagmire opened, several possibilities to wreak havoc are at your luxury. Yet, the wicked of all is to release Vaermina’s strongest Omens: Omen of the Night Terror (Ancient Deathpriest) and Omen of a Hundred Prophecies (Bone Colossus). Topped with the Necromantic Ritual spell, one can only wonder why the Damned never tires himself after showing such prowess.
While the two Master class summon spell tomes will appear on random loots starting from level 32, Phinis Gestor will only sell them at level 46 (damn you, Phinis). I highly suggest using Console Commands or Cheat Room to instantly get the tomes once you unlock the Twin Souls perk.
Before working on Vaermina’s last bidding, it is wiser to collect the four sacrificial souls and prepare a suitable vessel. You have the luxury of choosing whose adopted child should serve as the vessel, whose soul you should sacrifice, and what quests you should complete.
To prepare the vessel, the father has to build upon the adopted child’s trustworthiness, sinisterly manipulating them with his façade. Offering the vessel a comforting yet isolated place to stay (Hearthfire, Tundra Homestead, or Hendraheim) and periodically gifting them should do the trick.
The sacrificial souls can be whoever you deem fulfilling the criteria. You may also do the target’s quest(s) before trapping their soul in a Grand Soul Gem, governing the quest selection of this chapter.
- Those who desire power can include Ulfric, Astrid (Both Ulfric and Astrid cannot be soul-trapped; thus, we will cast Soul Trap on their corpses and roleplay that the Soul Gem is filled), Harkon (roleplayed with the Balck Soul Gem in his inventory), Sibil Stentor, etc.
- Those who enjoy their time as a parent can include Carlotta Valentina, Fralia Graymane, etc.
- Those who grieve for their lost one can include Nura Snowshod, Torbjorn Shatter-Shield, etc.
- Those who you betray suit a follower you bring along this damned route.
After all preparations are ready, time for the final eerie showdown.
*Even Essential NPCs are susceptible to the paralysis effect, thus locking you out of almost all quests. Only heed Vearmina’s last bidding after completing everything you deem necessary.
Once everything is done, the time to fulfill the father’s only wish is near. Bring the four Soul Gems and the vessel to Gallows Hall. Put the vessel to sleep and place the Soul Gems on the Altar of Revenant. Pray to Vaermina’s shrine and activate the Altar.
Song: Savior
“Papa! Welcome Back!” The silver-haired girl stood on the balcony of that wooden house, waving at her father, who rode a white mane horse. It was a bright and colorful evening. The sun shone dimly at the cherished moment of the little family. The moon rose and bided them a good night’s rest.
“Can you tell me again about your adventures before we go to sleep? Please?”
“Well, should I?” Smiled the father as he told the story of his youth.
None of the tales he told were those of bitter and painful ones. He desired to inspire his daughter, not as a knight, but as a father who hoped to see his daughter nurture into a brave, strong, and good-hearted person.
“I must be nice to see the world… I want to go adventuring too!”
The father’s soft laugh decorated the small room, “Do you, now? Then, do you want to become an adventurer? To wander the land and see its beauty?”
“Well… umm… I guess not?”
“What do you want to be then?” The father asked.
“Of course, I want to be a knight!”
Surprised, his eyebrows lifted slightly, “A knight?”
“Yes! Just like you! I want to be a big and strong knight who helps and protects people!”
Those distant memories shift back to the horrible sight of the father in Gallows Hall. A knight? He is a vampire. A knight that helps and protects others? He has claimed souls since he pleaded to the Dark Queen. What has the father become? How far has he walked the shadowy path?
Breaking the silence, Vaermina asks once again.
Will you sacrifice the world for her?
Uttering not a single word, the father’s legs go limp. The man breaks down, leaning on the hall’s stony floor. The father starts to cry.
Vaermina’s patience runs out. She knows that her new champion is a failed one. With an angered tone, the Mistress speaks for the last time.
Very well.
I take it that you declined my offer.
If that is your answer, then your daughter is mine.
Forevermore.
Hearing those last words, the father’s soul breaks apart. He shouts as loud as he can. The man’s cry turns the mannequins surrounding the hall into living figures, sensing his sorrow and pain. The rain is loud, and so are the father’s agonizing screams.
Objective: Atone for Your Sins
Quests: Any good-morality quests
This route explores the father’s hard decision to sacrifice his daughter. No longer wishing to revive his precious one, the father has accepted the daughter’s fate. He now simply wishes to find a way to save his daughter’s soul from Vaermina’s grasp without spreading the Dark Queen’s influences. The father’s journey is now to redeem himself, and the route “renews” his story.
Regaining his senses, the man dismantles all the sinister artifacts he carries and locks them inside a container. Upon exiting the nightmarish fort, casting a Rune spell on the entrance door can represent the wish to seal the dark temptation. In Morthal the father walks his next steps, cleansing his soul from the Couldharbor grasp. Falion shall grant him his wish.
No longer gifted with immortality, the old man’s Stamina reverts to its stagnant state. Even so, he who wishes to return to Stendarr’s path is graced with the God of Mercy’s blessing, embracing his past call as the Crusader and his destiny as the Dragonborn. Slowly opening his heart to others, many wish to accompany the father. Any honorable companion he could welcome.
Starting his redemption journey, helping a slain knight reunite with his loved one and cleanse his soul under Mara’s grace is an admirable deed. The blessed Ebony Spell Knight Armor and Boots are the slain knight’s gratitude. The new Crusader’s attire reflects the stylized look of the first Chapter, and the Fists of Randagulf and the Necromancer Hood still make fitting complements.
The Redeemed Knight’s fang in this route is Chrysamere, the Paladin Sword, an artifact that reflects the opposite side of Shadowrend, granting the wielder immunity toward hostile spells. The Fastened Shield of the Crusader is another valuable Divine artifact, offering a great roleplay opportunity.
Another fitting boot is the Ebony Plate Boots, rewarded after granting Tyra’s final request. Both Ebony Boots help the Crusader to ease his punishments slightly. The Amulet of Stendarr on his chest represents the God of Mercy’s promise, and the Ring of Sure Grip completes the look.
No longer chained by Vaermina’s influence, Conjuration and Quagmire’s Frost and Lightning magic left the stage. Thus, before embracing this route, using the Black Book: Waking Dream to rearrange his skills slightly is necessary. Block is introduced, and Fire spells make a return. With the Impact perk, the Crusader can stagger most enemies from afar with his blazing light.
Again, the core combat mechanics remain the same, yet he is weaker than his damned version, most notably due to the absence of Necromage and Bloodworm Helmet effect. To compensate for the disadvantages, the Divines grant him two new abilities:
While Vaermina’s Omens no longer shield him, with Chrysamere in his hands and Atronach Perk and Stone, the Crusader still retains a high Spell Absorption rate of 90%. His Ebony Spell Knight Armor strengthened with Ebonyflesh spell grants the Crusader a reliable defense against physical attacks. With Quick Reflexes, incoming power attacks are avoidable and can be counter-attacked.
The Guardian Circle spell still functions as the most reliable stance. Rather than corrupting it, the Crusader uses the circle to maximize the gifts the Divines bestowed him, blanketing himself in Stendarr’s Aura or Mara’s Wrath and firing endless Elemental Blasts until the circle disappears.
As previously mentioned, this route “renews” the Crusader’s journey. He who once lost has found his path back in Stendarr’s mercy. No longer restricted by restraining rules, the only roleplay in this route is to atone for the father’s past actions. Any good morality quests are now open for you to explore. Any quests that help and protect others are the father’s way to redeem himself.
While it seems the daughter’s whereabouts are no longer heard in this route, worry not - the father still searches for a way to save his daughter’s soul, for she is the dearest thing he carries in his heart. But what other means will the father take to save his daughter? Will he succeed? The answers are yet to be revealed. Those are stories of the father’s other journey.
Well, thank you very much for reading this story build! This build is my personal interpretation of how it feels to lose the dearest one, whether to dwell in the past and outcast oneself from the outside world or try to move on while retaining a hole in the heart that refuses to heal. But enough blabbering; credit goes to WLOP for the amazing pictures and The Elder Scrolls: Legends and The Elder Scrolls: Online for the lovely arts. Feel free to drop any comment, and see you on the next adventure!
Several days have passed since I sealed that cursed place. I found myself in this place again after Maramal informed me that someone wished to see me. Looking at the Mother of Love statue, my heart still aches painfully, the pain caused by my decision to abandon my daughter.
“She’s here,” Maramal waves, welcoming the person who enters the temple.
Song: Where It Begins
A small figure stands near the fire brazier, a short Breton, a female knight. Her full heavy armor seems to weigh nothing to her. Approaching me, the female knight does not waste a moment to utter her reasoning.
“Words flew from the Dwanstar citizens that the priest of Mara, who promised to end their nightmares, had gone missing. The innkeeper and the locals witnessed the priest hiking the snowy hill that leads to an old fort. But he was not alone. A middle-aged man with grey hair and beard, crystal blue eyes, and scars on his left cheek accompanied him before the priest was never seen again.”
The female knight gazes at my face, knowing the person she was talking stands before her, “Care to explain?”
With a heavy breath, I slowly tell what had happened, how I lost my daughter that night, and how I almost became Vaermina’s instrument.
“I see. That priest, Erandur, was our informant. When our Patriarch lost contact with the priest and knew this land was in turmoil, the Order sent me here. I already purified the place and gave the priest a proper burial.”
“I’m terribly sorry… I don’t know how I could ever repent myself,” another of my heavy sighs echoes.
A brief silence before the female knight’s voice startled me, “Join me.”
Looking at her, I throw a confused expression at her words.
“My duty here is not merely to solve the Dawnstar nightmares but to establish a chapter to help and protect the people. You have witnessed firsthand how the Daedric lords can corrupt our souls. And now, with the civil war and dragons roaming around, this land needs a protector.”
Unsure how to answer her expectations, I look down, avoiding her eyes, “Why are you asking me this..? You know I had done something horrible…”
“Yes. Your sins are indeed something to be regretted. It will be up to the Gods whether you will be forgiven. You have to atone for your past actions.”
Still with no answer, the female knight continues to convince me, “Maramal informed me that you were the Crusaders, yes? Our ranks had a good relationship back in Anticlere. I could use someone of your skills. Join me in this fight, and we will find a way to save your daughter’s soul together.”
Her hand reaches to me, and her palm opens, hoping me to welcome it, “May I know your name?”
I answer with a slightly hesitant tone, “Trygve. Trygve Shattered-Wind.”
“Pleased to meet you, Sir Trygve. My name is Jeanne, Jeanne of the Maran Knights. But you may call me La Pucelle, the Maiden.”
Replies
Excellent work as always Jazzy. Presentation is top notch as always
Thanks, man! Appreciate it.