Character Build: The Stormrider (Original)

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Foreword: 

I would like to preface this build by saying it in no way represents my current skill level as a builder. This is a very, very old piece of work. I originally did this character way back in 2014 on the Skyrim Blog. At it's peak this build recieved over 60 likes (I know I don't believe it either). I've decided to keep it as close as I could to how it apeared orinally. That means i'm presenting it to you in all it's cringey generic glory and I can show (hopefully) how much growth my building and writing style has undergone since my first atempt. But also to emphasise just how good the community as a whole has gotten at building. I mean if this was able to get 60 +  likes back then I can only imagine the number of likes some of our new builders would have gotten. I dare say we would have more than a few Hall of Fame level builders in our midst. Any way thats enough out of me, read on if you dare.

275306573?profile=RESIZE_710x"Maw unleashing razor snow, Of dragons from the blue brought down, Births the walking winter's woe, The High King in his Jagged Crown." - Ancient Nord Verse

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 The legends tell of a time when Skyrim was thrown into darkness and the skies were torn asunder. The dead roamed the land in droves spreading famine plagues and death wherever they went. All at the behest of the one known only as the Stormrider.

The story of the Stormrider begins with a man who was betrayed by the priesthood of Talos when the White-Gold Concordat was signed. His fellow brothers at the temple bent knee to the Thalmor invaders and when he would not, they exiled him. In his anger he flew into a rage and slew them one by one for their treachery, leaving the temple in flames he headed north through the Jerall mountains to Skyrim. Upon reaching the border he was ambushed by the Imperial legion and ordered to be executed for his crimes. He prayed to Talos for help but there was no answer, and still closer he drew to the headsman's axe begging for mercy from any who would hear it. His answer came as dark whispers of Molag Bal who offered him vengeance if he would do his bidding and be his vessel to bring doom and destruction unto the lands of man and mer.  The Stormrider accepted Molag Bals terms and as he did his blood boiled, his consciousness waned and he felt the power inside him grow. When the Stormrider awoke, Helgen lay in smoke and ruins, he the only survivor with corpses piled around him and the taste of blood in his mouth…... 

The Stormrider is commanded to travel to the Island of Solstheim to seek out visions that will fulfil part of the pact he made with the Molag Bal and bring him closer to his vengeance. Molag Bal shows him the power that lies within the Black Books scattered across the island. He must steal the knowledge from another Daedric prince Hermaeus Mora, in Molag Bal’s name. The Stormrider then set forth to conquer this newfound power and crush all in his path. After conquering the final book he received another vision. He saw himself wearing the fabled Jagged Crown, leading an army of vampires and undead against the living. Feeling the power inside himself grow as well as his ambition he no longer just wanted revenge against the empire; he wanted all of Tamriel to know his wrath. 

Upon returning to the mainland he began his quest to divide and conquer the land, where he would rule with chaos and fury for several years under an apocalyptic darkness. With the land now in ruins and his quest for vengeance fulfilled, Molag Bal came to him one last time. With satisfaction he stated "I gave you what you wanted in your mortal life and your soul is now mine". Infuriated by the final betrayal the Stormrider tries to resist but is overwhelmed by Molag Bals power and he is dragged into Coldharbor for eternity. 

Overtime, order is returned to the land. The Stormrider is all but lost to history, save for a few who were touched by his evil and know of the cold-blooded legacy he left behind.... 3713418120?profile=RESIZE_710x

Nord Vampire -  As you need to have an influence of dread over your opponents the inborn trait of the Nords best fit this requirement (Battle Cry – Fear). And being a vampire suits the feel of the build.

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The Rider brings the wrath of the storm down unto his foes

3713432251?profile=RESIZE_710xDaedric Quests: Most are fine to do. Just role play that your'e working against the other Daedric Princes to steal the artifacts for Molag Bal. "House of Horror's" is an obvious one to do and good to pick up early on as the Mace of Molag Bal has some pretty powerful enchantments on it and looks pretty sinister to boot. You will not do Meridia's quest however as you are opposed to her ideals. 

The Jagged Crown: You infiltrate one of the two opposing factions and use their information to find the Jagged Crown for yourself. Once the crown has been found you should slaughter all who remain in the barrow, and leave Skyrim to it's infighting with the empire (The more chaos the better). The Jagged Crown will be a symbol of your dominance over the people of Skyrim. You can also obtain the first word to "Slow Time" on this quest. 

Lost to the Ages: You do this one basically to gain the Atherial Crown. The Atherial Crown lets you store a standing stone ability, for The Stormriders purpose it will be the the Ritual Stone. This will make a start to your un-dead army. 

Dragon Born Quest Line and Black Book Quests: At Molag Bals behest you set out to the island of Solstheim in search of the elusive Black Books, eliminating any opposition in your quest to domination. The forbidden knowledge in the Black Books are essential to gain as they will unlock true  power and potential of the Stormrider. 

Dawnguard Questline (Volkihar Side): You hear whispers of vampire hunters banding together to deal with the growing menace. As a newly turned vampire yourself you are just gaining an appetite for the new powers you have inherited and have no want of any pesky humans foiling your plans of chaos. You go to their fortress to speak with their leader who does not seem to recognise you for the beast you are. He tells you to seek out Dimhollow Crypt and that the vampires seek something within. With a toothy grin you depart for the crypt, where you find Serana and learn of a prophecy to send the world into darkness.....

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 Taste my Lightning f***er  3713440997?profile=RESIZE_710x

 You will use a vast array in your arsenal to power you through your quest of destruction. Including the power of Lightning and Frost (You are the Stormrider after all), the art of necromancy to raise the fallen to do your bidding. You know your way around the field of battle and thus have experience with martial combat, the upkeep of armours and how to brew healing potions and other helpful concoctions. Your dark grasp of forbidden arts allows you to use the souls of your enemies to enchant your weapons and armor making you a true force to be reckoned with. 

You will often use a shield in one arm and spell in the other. Power bashing a charging bandit then hitting him and his comrades with a bolt chain lightning is quite satisfying. and when your magicka is running dry you can always switch to your melee weapon or guzzle  back a couple of magicka potions to loose even more elemental fury on your opponents. See a bunch of dead bodies on the ground? They're no use just laying there, hit them with the ritual stone so they can be used as fodder against your foes. Remember you are inherently evil, your not here to coddle the people of Skyrim your here to enslave and destroy them. Any opportunity to divide the land and sew the seeds of discord should be made paramount.

This character has an insatiable hunger for power and is never truly satisfied. Whether it be learning new shouts to increase the effectiveness of your Thu'um or searching Apocrypha for forbidden knowledge you are never truly satisfied.

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Dawnguard provides you with the ultimate line up of sinister looking characters to accompany the Stormrider on his quest to annihilate and dominate Skyrim. 

  • Serana 
  • Death Hound 
  • Zombies/Thralls 
  • Arvak  

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The Stormrider makes good use of all those bodies left lying around 

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 Armour: 

 Jagged Crown  (Head) - You get this during the quest "The Jagged Crown". 

Aetherial Crown – With Ritual Stone. Obtained by completing Lost to the ages quest. You can start the quest by reading Aetherium Wars book.

Enchanted Ancient Nord Armor (Torso, Arms and legs) -  You can find a few full sets of armour at Forelhost along with the first word to "Stormcall". 

Weapons: 

Enchanted  Iron Shield/Targe of the Blooded - You should be able to get a lot of armour points out of these if you use potions and enchantments to boost smithing skill). 

Enchanted Honed Ancient Nord War Axe or Sword -  I called mine Soul Storm (enchanted with lightning and soul trap).  

Mace of Molag Bal - Evil sinister and the artifact of your lord, it's a good option if you want to crush some skulls. 

Auriel’s Bow - Obtained through the Dawnguard questline use this with 'Blood Cursed Arrows' to darken the skies. 

Other: 

Talos Blessing and Amulet - A trinket of a simpler time, The Stormrider keeps this to remind that what was can never be again. 

Enchanted Necklaces - Used to supplement crafting, combat and magickal abilities. 

Enchanted Rings - Same as above 

Mage Stone - This will help to level magickal skills faster. 

The Lord Stone - This will further help to supplement armour as well as a descent boost to magick resistance. I used this one after reaching level 20. 

Ritual Stone - Used in Conjunction with Aetherial Crown. 

The Black Star -  Take every opportunity to send the souls of the vanquished screaming to the Soul cairn, letting their pain and agony fuel your enchantments. 

Secret of Arcana - No Magicka costs for 30 seconds. 

Mora's Boon - Fully restores health, magicka and stamina. Very useful in a pinch.

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3713462275?profile=RESIZE_710xWill of the Fallen - Luna Moth Wing, Salt Pile and Garlic (Regenerate Health and Magicka).

Will of the Fallen is best utilized before going into a battle, to ensure a steady regen is in effect from start to finish.

Torpor - Large antlers, Deathbell and Skeever tail. (Slow, Damage Health and Damage Stamina Regeneration).

Torpor is good to use against high level warriors ensuring that they will run out of stamina quickly. 

Mage Bane - Trama Root, Hagraven Feather's and Salt pile (Weakness to Shock, Damage Magicka and Slow). 

This potion syncs very well if you enchant your weapon with lightning, ensuring you decimate wizards or dragons mana pools stopping from being able to use spells or thier breathe.

Stalwart Medicament - Wheat and Blue Mountain Flower (Fortify Health and Restore Health).

Good to use in any situatiuon where your health needs supplementing

Dragons Spite - Snowberries, Fly Amantia and Thistle Branch (Resist Fire and Frost).

This is a very important potion to be aware of. The Stormrider is a powerful character but must be wary of fire-wielding adversaries as he has  a strong weakness to fire. High-level dragons and wizards can prove fatal if unprepared.

These are just a few potions and poisons that I found useful, as you become more familiar with ingredients you'll be able to start crafting some of your own unique concoctions. If you have Hearth Fire installed I highly recommend building the Hjaalmarch homestead as it has the potential to be an alchemist's dream home. 3713464931?profile=RESIZE_710x

  •   Storm Call
  •  Marked for Death
  • Slow Time
  • Drain Vitality
  • Soul Tear
  • Summon Durnehviir
  • Cyclone
  • Unrelenting Force
  • Dragon Aspect
  • Bend Will

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3713466631?profile=RESIZE_710xFinal Stat Distribution: 3:4:2 (When magicka reaches 300 divide stats into stamina and health as you see fit)

 Major Skills 

Destruction: 

 Destruction magick is the most outward way of channeling the Stormriders chaotic tendencies. His mastery over lightning and Frost  shows his complete supremacy over the weather. 

One Handed: 

 The Stormrider is quite competent in combat and can just as easily fell foes with a blade as he can with spell.  

Enchanting: 

This is how the Stormrider ensures that his victims can never find peace even in death. By banishing them for an eternity of pain and misery to the Soul Cairn he can use their agonized souls to fuel his own twisted venture for dominance.

Block: 

With this skill he can inflict grievous wounds with the his shield. Deflect any arrows to mitigate damage taken and keenly defend himself from physical blows. 

Minor Skills: 

 Conjuration:   

Able to raise powerful undead minions from from fallen enemies which gain various buffs from his dark knowledge. 

Heavy Armour: 

The Stormrider's vast experience of war has given him a few tricks on how to make better use of his armour. 

Smithing: 

Able to make armour tougher than dragons hide or a weapon sharper than the edge of a razor, he has no problem charging into the thick of battle. 

Alchemy: 

Through the study of alchemy he has found he can unlock even more power, greatly boosting his combat prowess. 

3713471964?profile=RESIZE_710x Death comes with the cold breath of winter's winds

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 3713474547?profile=RESIZE_180x180Storm's Fury 

Fortify Destruction potion, Stormcall, Secret of Arcana and Lightning Storm. 

This is great for smiting dragons from the sky and often by the time they have landed you have depleted most of their health and magicka so they can be dispatched with relative ease. 

 

3713475687?profile=RESIZE_180x180 Winter's Wrath 

Fortify Alteration potion,  Fortify destruction potion, Amulet of Talos, Blessing of Talos,  Frost Cloak, Deep Freeze, Slow Time, Ice Storm cast in several volleys, closely followed by your axe. 

Send Storms of bitter ice hurtling towards your helpless foes. Any who escape or survive the initial volley of ice will soon fall to your axe.

 

3713477107?profile=RESIZE_180x180Unholy Terror 

Marked for Death and Battle cry. 

 Enemies flee in terror only to have their life force sapped away from them. Those who return will be scarred from the last conflict and will quickly fall to your relentless onslaught.  Works best in cramped spaces. 

 

3713478017?profile=RESIZE_180x180Call of the Abyss 

Dark Souls, Aetherial Crown, Ritual Stone.

Raise legions of powerful un-dead minions to sew destruction and disarray amongst your enemies.  3713479507?profile=RESIZE_710x The story behind this character is largely based off of the album “Night of the Stormrider" by “Iced Earth”. 

I'd like to thank Dragonborn1721 for designing the banners for my build as well Curse Never Dying for that sick perk spread and lending some helpful advice . Also thanks to Albino, Borromakot, Shin Jin and many more of you for providing me with some good feedback and tips throughout The Stormriders creation you guys were awesome!! 

So If you got this far, I take my hat off to you.  Again this was my first build from way back in 2014. I uploaded this as kind of an exercise to show how much not just myself but the Character Building community as a whole has grown and improved since the early days. I am of no illusion it is a very generic build what with the 3 crafting skills and using more than one element. But if you feel the need, your more than welcome to leave you're critiscims or thoughts below.

I have redone this build in Ordinator (I swear it is 1000 times better than this). Ordinator has allowed me to transform this into the build it was always meant to be, so I'd encourage you to check that out by following the link to my works below.

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