argonian - THE SKY FORGE2024-03-29T08:45:40Zhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/feed/tag/argonianEvent Build: The Nuckelaveehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/event-build-the-nuckelavee2023-11-02T16:11:10.000Z2023-11-02T16:11:10.000ZHalkaunhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Halkaun<div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The nuckelavee is the most malevolent of demons...</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:right;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>...without any redeeming characteristics.</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:right;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12234327079,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}12234327079,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12234327079?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="970" height="358" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">This is my submission for the Ghouls & Ghosts character building event. The Nuckelavee.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"The nuckelavee is the most malevolent of the demons in and around the Scottish islands, without any redeeming characteristics. In summer months, it was restrained in the depths of the ocean by the deity known as The Mither O'the Sea. A unique and solitary creature possessing extensive evil powers, it can influence events throughout the islands. The nuckelavee's breath was toxic, and could wither crops, cause a drought, and cause disease and plague in livestock and humans."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">This build is heavily focused on mounted combat and all attempts should be made to be mounted on Arvak when out in the world.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12234329068,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12234329068,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12234329068?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Essential:</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">There are no essential mods for this build.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">It can be played on vanilla Skyrim if desired.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Recommended:</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/64339" target="_blank">Better Third Person Selection</a> </span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">This mod greatly improves interactions/looting while in third person, including while mounted.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">This allows you to easily interact with NPCs, loot corpses, and gather herbs while mounted.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12234330487,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}12234330487,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12234330487?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12234330677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}12234330677,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12234330677?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="976" height="356" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Name:</strong> Nucke'Lavee</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Age:</strong> Unknown</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Race:</strong> Argonian Vampire - as pale and skinny as possible</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone:</strong> The Lord Stone</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stat Distribution:</strong> 1/3/1</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12234331269,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12234331269,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12234331269?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">There are no questlines that specifially fit for this character, since he is a malevolent demon of drought and terror. That said, below are the questlines that I completed and utilized to complete the build and gain power.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Main Quest:</strong> Although he does not care about saving the world, the unlocking of dragon shouts and gathering of dragon souls allows him to hoard power and sew terror throughout Skyrim.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Dawnguard:</strong> Siding with the Volkihar Vampire Clan, Nucke'Lavee has enhanced his blood with vampirism as well as gained access to powerful shouts that can rend his victims' soul.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The Dark Brotherhood:</strong> This was only started to gain access to the Marked For Death shout. He has no desire to become an assassin.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The Forsworn Conspiracy/No One Escapes Cidhna Mine:</strong> These Forsworn savages have shown a brutality that appeals to the malevolent demon. Gaining the Helmet of the Old Gods is a happy bonus.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ill Met By Moonlight: </strong>A rogue werewolf makes a worthy oppenent. His hide will make an excellent garment to protect his scales from the cold Skyrim air.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The Taste of Death:</strong> These Daedric Princes are quite retched, the Nuckelavee feels drawn to them. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Through a Glass, Darkly:</strong> Nucke'Lavee discovered a dark pool, within it an ancient cursed blade. His flames have never been stronger.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Tilted Scales:</strong> Tales of dragon's scales? Excellent. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12234335657,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12234335657,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12234335657?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282145667,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282145667,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282145667?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="968" height="645" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12247091701,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12247091701,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12247091701?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Two-Handed</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">This is your bread and butter, your primary source of damage. You'll be swinging that blade from horseback, so make sure you throw points in this tree at every possible opportunity.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12247093496,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12247093496,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12247093496?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Destruction</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">As a malevolent demon of drought and famine, what better way to terrorize the people of Skyrim than by setting them and their crops ablaze.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12247093857,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12247093857,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12247093857?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Alchemy</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Toxic blood and toxic weapons. Not only will your blade rend their flesh, the toxins it's seeped in will taint their blood.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12247094058,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12247094058,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12247094058?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Restoration</strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Nuckelavee is a survivor, able to withstand the most brutal of onslaughts. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12247094265,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12247094265,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12247094265?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Light Armor</strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The hides of the Nuckelavee's victims serve as a protection for his aquatic hide as well as a warning to those in the rider's path.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12247094683,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12247094683,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12247094683?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Enchanting</strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">An ancient being with a connection to the darkest of realms, able to draw forth that power and imbue it into his weapons and armor.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282149893,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282149893,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282149893?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282157887,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282157887,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282157887?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="971" height="458" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Helmet of the Old Gods<br /> </strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">These brutal savages gifted you with a helmet adorned with horn and furs, the perfect aesthetic to sew fear throughout Skyrim.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Savior's Hide<br /> </strong></span><span style="font-size:16px;">What better cuirass to chase down your prey than furs blessed by the Lord of the Hunt?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Studded Dragonscale Gauntlets<br /> </strong></span><span style="font-size:16px;">Strong, rugged, daunting. Just what a malevolent scourge on the land requires.<br /> </span><span style="font-size:16px;">Enchanted with Fortify Two-Handed & Fortify Magicka</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Studded Dragonscale Boots<br /> </strong></span><span style="font-size:16px;">Enchanted with Fortify Two-Handed & Fortify Stamina</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Bone Hawk Amulet<br /> </strong></span><span style="font-size:16px;">The skulls of these risen raptors take to magical imbuement quite well.<br /> </span><span style="font-size:16px;">Enchanted with Fortify Destruction & Fortify Magicka</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Ring of Namira<br /> </strong></span><span style="font-size:16px;">Those who fall in your wake will make an excellent source of sustinance.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Honed Ancient Nord Greatsword</strong><br /> This ancient blade has felled many men and beasts, it is imbued with their will to resist.<br /> Enchanted with Firey Soul Trap & Absorb Stamina</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Shadowrend (Sword)</strong><br /> Flame and blade, none are safe.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282158495,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282158495,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282158495?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Shouts</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Drain Vitality</strong><br /> Sapping your victims of their ability to resist.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Marked for Death</strong><br /> No one can escape the swing of your blade.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Soul Tear</strong><br /> Your voice rends your victim's soul, binding it to you and forcing your will upon them.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Summon Durnehviir</strong><br /> Nucke'Lavee can draw the visage of another cursed being from the depths of the Soul Cairn.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Spells</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Fireball</strong><br /> Char your foes from a distance, if they're willing to advance, strike them down with your blade.<br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Flame Cloak</strong><br /> For those foolish enough to get close, they will find the very air they breath hot enough to scorch their lungs.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Fast Healing</strong><br /> Additional to the Nuckelavee's passive health regeneration, the being can draw magic into itself to heal wounds.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Greater/Lesser Powers</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Histskin</strong><br /> Reptilian blood can close wounds quickly, ensuring the Nuckelavee need not rest between felling victims.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Vampire Lord</strong><br /> Draw out your newly aquired vampiric powers to become the ultimate being of death.<br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Vampire's Sight</strong><br /> Nucke'Lavee can see all, even in the darkest night.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282170262,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282170262,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282170262?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282170090,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282181879,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282181879?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="319" height="479" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Potions</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Life's Breath</strong><br /> Fortify Health & Restore Health<br /> Blue Mountain Flower, Wheat</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Mage's Tonic</strong><br /> Fortify Magicka & Restore Magicka<br /> Creep Cluster, Red Mountain Flower, Tundra Cotton</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Unending Drought</strong><br /> Fortify Destruction<br /> Nightshade, Glowing Mushroom</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Poisons</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>The Chase</strong><br /> Damage Health & Slow<br /> Deathbell, River Betty</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Blood's Corruption</strong><br /> Damage Health, Ravage Health & Weakness to Poison<br /> Deathbell, Giant Lichen, Skeever Tail</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Tactics</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">As mentioned before, mounted combat is the primary focus of this build while in the open world. Nucke'Lavee thunders through the wold on his flaming steed, swinging his great blade at those who are unable to flee.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Indoors, Nucke'Lavee bombards those who stand in his way with a rain of flames, a swirling vortex of fire greeting those who come to close. If they do not secumb to the flames, his blades will finish the job.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">While traversing between locations, ensure you sew fear throughout the land. Any passers by on the roads will fall to your blade, leaving very few survivors to tell others of the horror they encountered.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282174501,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282174501,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282174501?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy the slaughter. I want to give a shoutout to <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/members/ChrisDiokno" target="_blank">Chris Diokno</a> for all of the assistance and encouragement. Also, I want to thank <a href="https://youtu.be/wD_TURElGBk?si=Z76HgENEp5hh6liq" target="_blank">Skypothesis</a> for the inspiration and ideas and lastly, <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/members/Saronis" target="_blank">Saronis</a> for the header images (that I shamelessly stole) and all of the other formatting and character building ideas.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">If you wish to take this character past level 40, I recommend expanding on the Light Armor tree and investing some time into Smithing to improve your armor. <a href="https://nukesdragons.com/skyrim/character?v=2&t=0t0a0a&s=1C00f00f01C00f00f01C00k00O00k01801C00f00f01C00Y00k01C0&r=9&p=th1tf1t51t05tg1l51l03ab1a61a51a05a71dc1d32d01db1d21d11q31q01q21q41ec1eb1e91e05m41m31m21m01m91m11l71l61&n=Nucke%27Lavee" target="_blank">See Here</a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Happy hunting!</span></p></div>Contest Build: The Lurcherhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-lurcher2020-03-13T23:01:47.000Z2020-03-13T23:01:47.000ZShadonhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Shadon<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>What have I done?</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Paces away, the Spriggan lies still, hacked apart by a rusty old blade. Its mutilated carapace oozes its life-sap onto the weeping ground beneath.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I had to! I-I tried to calm it, use the rites I had learned as a child, but it kept attacking!</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The forest is still, empty, dark. A dismayed breeze sighs between drooping branches.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I just wanted a closer look... to learn about these creatures...</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sorrow sets in, plucking at heartstrings and tugging at grief. The loss is maddening for the pious Argonian...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The deathly silence of the forest is broken as the Hist speaks. The Argonian listens eagerly, thirsting for redemption.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Hands trembling, guided by the Hist's wisdom, the Argonian holds the sword pointed inwards, the blade still sticky with sap. Past the scales, past the bone. The Hist ensures it reaches the heart. Then the taproot, taken from what was once the guardian. Wood replaces flesh as the taproot takes the heart's place. The Argonian falls, surrenders to the will of the Hist. Blood mixes with sap in perfect, vile harmony...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The creature rises, and the Argonian is no more.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;">***</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">In case it's not obvious, I'm taking this contest's theme of "returning to your roots" quite literally--get it, because trees? And nobody knows trees better than Spriggans, the mysterious woodland spirits that can turn a nice nature walk into a bee-filled nightmare in the blink of an eye. Not much is known about them, so I took this opportunity to explore their somewhat limited lore, and really challenge what a Vanilla Skyrim playthrough can be. For those of you who enjoy playing the nature-loving druid, be ready to take that to the extreme as you become...</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>The Lurcher</strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4087930608,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4087930608,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4087930608?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>~Build Overview~</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4087953789,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4087953789,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4087953789?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="357" height="491" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Difficulty</strong>: While this build works on a variety of difficulties, the one you choose will ultimately depend on your area of focus within the build. For those focusing more on the roleplaying and immersive experience, I recommend a lower difficulty. For the perhaps more intense, who want to push the build's combat to the limit and become a true force of nature, I recommend a higher difficulty.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Race</strong>: <strong>Argonian</strong>. Specifically, the Lurcher was a scholar of the Gee-Rusleel tribe, or the Miredancers. This tribe is defined by their piety and reverence towards the Hist, the sentient race of spore trees found in Black Marsh. It is this deep connection to the Hist that guides the rest of the build.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Your character's sex is mainly an aesthetic choice. Lurchers in TES lore are described as appearing to be more masculine variants of Spriggans, which appear to be feminine, so pick whatever feels right for you. When customizing the character, give them dark brown scales and vibrant green markings.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stats</strong>: <strong>2 Magicka</strong> / <strong>1 Health</strong> / <strong>0 Stamina</strong>. A high Magicka pool is crucial to casting various spells to keep you in (or out of) the fight. Stop perking Health at 200 and put the rest into Magicka.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone</strong>: <strong>Mage</strong>. The early stages of the game will see a magical development, hastened by the Mage Stone. Later on, it won't fit the build's roleplay to choose a different stone, so we'll stick with it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Blessings</strong>: <strong>None</strong>. There's no reason for a woodland spirit to pray at a shrine, so we won't.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Spells</strong>: Invisibility, Calm, Muffle, Fast Healing, Poison Rune</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shouts</strong>: Animal Allegiance</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Major</strong> <strong>Skills</strong>: Illusion, Restoration</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Minor</strong> <strong>Skills</strong>: Sneak, Light Armor*</span></p>
<p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>*May or may not be perked</em></span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Similarly to my last contest entry, this build will be split up--by necessity--into two acts. Due to the limitations of Vanilla progression, we can't quite get into the build's definining stage right out the gate. Instead, we need a steady introduction into and progression through the world, where we develop our skills, take our perks, and learn our spells.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><br /> <span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>~Act I - The Scholar~</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The Argonian arrives in Skyrim on a pilgrimage of sorts, sent by their tribe to visit and study a possible Hist tree. In the aftermath of Helgen, the scholar discovers their innate ability to use the Thu'um as well as the College of Winterhold, both of which demand further investigation.</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Weapons and Equipment-</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4137283570,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4137283570,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4137283570?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="358" height="463" /></a></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Imperial</strong> <strong>Sword</strong>. Hold onto the first sword you find in Helgen, and use it as a last-ditch effort in melee combat.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>This old blade got me through Helgen. Seemed prudent to hold onto it.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Staff of Jyrik Gauldurson</strong>. Staves are criminally underrated in general, and for this portion of the build they will be your main means of ranged damage. Use any other staves you like in addition to this heavy-hitting artifact.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Picked up this relic in Saarthal. Powerful old staff. It's gotten me out of trouble quite a few times.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Mage's Robes</strong>. These can be any robes you want, preferably with beneficial effects towards Restoration or Illusion. If the robes variant you wear doesn't have a hood, combine it with one that grants you Magicka, like the Novice/Apprentice Hood.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Leveled Light Bracers/Boots</strong>. This is mainly for a bit of extra protection starting out. Enchantments are optional and up to your preference.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Enchanted Jewelry</strong>. A necklace and ring can go a long way towards making your spells more effective. I personally took the <strong>Gauldur Amulet Fragment</strong> for the extra 30 Magicka, and a random enchanted ring. Use whatever you'd like.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Perks-</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">All of the necessary perks for this build will be taken fairly early on, eliminating the need to worry about leveling and perking for the rest of the build.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4098500738,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4098500738,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4098500738?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Restoration</strong>: Dusty old robes aren't much of a match against a draugr's axe or a dungeon's spike trap. Taking damage is inevitable, and the Restoration tree will help you mitigate it in times of need. This skill will see much more action in Act II, where it will be an integral part of your combat in the form of quick healing and poison spells.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Illusion</strong>: This skill has twofold use. On the one hand, you'll be using spells like Muffle and Invisibility to aid you in sneaking through crypts (later on, prowling through the forest); on the other hand, you'll use Calm spells to pacify your enemies (later on, to "charm" the creatures of the wilds).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Sneak</strong>: This is perhaps the most important skill for Act I. After all, why bother disturbing ancient bones when you can slip past them silently? Avoiding combat is crucial for Act I, and the Sneak skill will give you a massive advantage initiating it in Act II.</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Gameplay-</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">For the time being, combat is abhorrent to our pacifistic scholar. You will take great pains to avoid it, often by means of stealth and trickery. Thankfully, you are well-equipped to do so. The combination of very light apparel (mostly clothing), the Muffle spell, and a trained Sneak skill will make you just as ghostly as the inhabitants of the crypts you sneak through. Later, as you learn Invisibility, you will become nought but a breeze.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In the event of detection, you have several options:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">If the enemy is a human or animal, cast Calm. Your perks, combined with dual casting, should almost always be enough to end the fight peacefully.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Run away. Sure, it sounds cowardly, but you aren't really a fighter. If there's open space and a clear escape route, there's no shame in casting Invisibility and making a break for it. Alternatively, if you're stuck in a dungeon, you could try to lure your enemies into one of the traps lining the dungeon walls. Work smart, not hard.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Stand your ground. When push comes to shove, you have a few weapons at your disposal. Your collection of staves will have various utility, and your sword will provide adequate close-quarters defense. Damage taken will be mitigated by the generous use of Restoration spells.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Quests/Roleplay-</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Recommended Quests:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The Way of the Voice</strong>. The scholar will explore their newfound gift, intending to follow the Greybeards' appealing philosophy of peace.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The College Questline</strong>. The College of Winterhold will provide a variety of scholarly quests, as well as access to the Invisibility spell. Progress as far as you'd like.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The purpose of these quests is to acquire the magical knowledge you'll need for the build to achieve its full effect. The College will provide you with nearly all of the spells you'll be using, and exploring your Thu'um will let you acquire the Animal Allegiance Shout. You only need one Word of Power for this build; I learned mine in <strong>Angarvunde</strong>. Additionally, you'll need to take a ship to Solstheim to visit Tel Mithryn, where you'll acquire the Poison Rune spell. Ever the seeker of knowledge, the scholar will learn about the destructive side of Restoration in order to better grasp the school as a whole.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Beyond these recommended quests, feel free to take any other quests that take your fancy, within the confines of the character's roleplay, of course. Whether for leveling or immersion, do what you feel like, but remember: the taller you build your character up, the harder the fall will be.</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">I mentioned earlier that the scholar's original purpose in journeying to Skyrim was to investigate a potential Hist tree. What tree could this possibly be? Why, none other than...</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Sleeping Tree</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4087882456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4087882456,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4087882456?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">There are many legends surrounding the mysterious tree in the Whiterun plains. Some say that a piece of rock was blasted from Red Mountain during the Red Year and landed in Skyrim, and the Tree grew from the resulting crater. Others say that it grew from a spore which fell from a "floating island," referring to Umbriel, in which case the Tree is one of the Hist of Umbriel.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Seeking to determine the truth, the scholar will visit the giant-inhabited camp to study this mysterious tree. Be sure to check out this interesting location at least once in your playthrough. Fighting the giants and mammoths there is neither necessary nor recommended.</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Roleplay</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The roleplay for this section is fairly straightforward: you're a nature-loving scholar and pacifist. Avoid violence when you can, and never harm nature unless you absolutely have to. Cast your Calm spells or use your Animal Allegiance Shout on predators you encounter in your travels rather than taking their lives, and don't go gathering ingredients willy-nilly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Naturally the scholar will have a predisposition towards all things, well, scholarly. Choose dialogue options that lead to additional information, and try to appear as intelligent as possible in your conversations. If you really want to go the extra mile, keep some books in your inventory to entertain you on the road.</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">The shift into the main portion of the build is catalyzed by a rather dramatic event, which we'll call...</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><br /> <span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>~The Ritual~</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4087891908,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4087891908,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4087891908?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="220" height="220" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Lurchers in TES lore are described as the corrupted forms of Spriggans, often created through dark magic in mysterious rituals. The tortured spirit of the Spriggan is trapped inside the creature until it is slain. Lurchers can also be found naturally, in swamps, and are often used as guardians. They are often associated with the Hist, and are able to be calmed by Argonian rituals.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">So if Lurchers contain the spirit, or essence of a Spriggan, then where can this essence be found? The answer is in the roots--the <em>taproot</em> to be exact. Even resembling a heart, the taproot is the source of all of the Spriggan's magical energies.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">There is much speculation about exactly what would happen if someone replaced their heart with a taproot, similar to the processes involving Briarhearts and Heartstones. While there is no answer given explicitly in the lore, our character's connection to the Hist and nature coupled with a bit of luck makes it more than possible that they could survive.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In our character's case, doing this while under the Hist's trance will have... <em>interesting</em> consequences, to say the least. Don't tell me you thought they'd turn out just fine? No such luck. The ritual will leave our scholar permanently transformed, both physically and mentally. You will <em>become</em> a Spriggan, only darker, more twisted, and truly reflective of the build's namesake.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Playing the ritual out ingame is fairly simple. During your travels you will eventually encounter a Spriggan (my encounter was in <strong>Evergreen Grove</strong>). Unable to calm it, you will be forced to slay it. Driven mad with grief, you will remove its taproot, and consume it. Once the taproot is a part of you, your new life begins as the Lurcher.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><br /> <span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>~Act II - The Woodland Spirit~</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;">What was once an aspiring scholar is now a creature of the woods. All responsibility, all humanity has been forgotten and discarded in the face of the far nobler goal of protecting Skyrim's precious wilds. This is where the real fun begins.</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Weapons and Equipment-</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Claws</strong>. Drop your Imperial Sword once the ritual is complete. Argonians deal additional damage because of their beast status, making your fists an adequate melee choice.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The sword is thrown aside, its blade sullied forever. The primal fury of the claws will take its place.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Fur Armor/Bracers/Shoes.</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The creature wears the pelts of animals killed by long-dead hunters to aid it in killing those poachers who still taint the forest with their presence. In this way, the animals enact their vengeance.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Forsworn</strong> <strong>Headdress</strong>. This completes the Lurcher's terrifying aesthetic.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The Forsworn will know fear when they see the headdress of one of their own rise from the undergrowth.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After equipping just these things, drop <em>everything else</em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> in your inventory*; you won't need it anymore. This includes your gold, gems, staves, and any miscellaneous gear not mentioned above. Don't worry if you can't drop Quest Items, but you won't use them from here on out.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>*Save any lockpicks in your inventory; you may need them for an upcoming event.</em></span></p>
<p> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Gameplay-</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4087943331,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4087943331,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4087943331?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="310" /></a>The ultimate goal of this build is to replicate the experience of a Spriggan, from combat to roleplay. All of the skills and perks learned in Act I will now smoothly blend into new uses to make this possible without skipping a beat.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In a somewhat-meta twist of fate, I did some of my own <em>scholarly research</em> into the ingame behavior of Spriggans to better imitate their combat. If you find yourself interested in giving this build a go, I recommend you do the same for the most immersive gameplay.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fights should almost always start with a surprise attack. Spriggans are often found blending into their surroundings, easily mistaken for tree trunks or other foliage. You'll usually only spot them when they ambush you. Thus, make frequent use of your Invisibility/Muffle spells and Sneak skill to silently prowl through the forest towards your quarry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">To open up the fight, break your Invisibility by casting a Poison Rune or two at your prey's feet. Spriggans often use their bee swarms to poison their foes, and the Poison Rune is the next best thing. The poison damage will stack <em>and</em> ignore your opponent's armor, which makes the spell a devastating supplement to your claws.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The rest of the fight will follow a particular rhythm. Use your claws to quickly land hits on your opponent while dodging their strikes as best you can, and launch power attacks whenever they are vulnerable. Staying mobile is important to maintaining control of the fight as well as managing your Health.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In between claw strikes and dodges, keep an eye on your Magicka pool. When you have regenerated enough Magicka, cast another Poison Rune to stack poison damage and further weaken your opponent.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Alternatively, if you find yourself running low on Health, move back and cast your healing spells. Thanks to the <em>Respite</em> perk, you will have the added benefit of restoring your Stamina as well, allowing you to get back into the fight with a heavy-hitting power attack.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The icing on the sweetroll is the use of your Animal Allegiance Shout. Spriggans are well-known for their ability to charm the animals of the forest and call them to their aid in combat, and Animal Allegiance will let you do just that. Your claws will certainly feel much stronger when they're backed up by those of a sabre cat or bear.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Combat should have a distinctly primal feel to it. If you catch yourself resorting to any fancy combat tricks or finesse, simplify, simplify. This is probably one of the only builds you'll play that admonishes you for adopting a fighting style more intelligent than a deranged monster's, but that's basically what you are now, so fight like it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Note</strong>: Depending on the difficulty, you may find it wise to put some perks into Light Armor at this stage. If you do, focus solely on the perks that give you raw AR, nothing fancy.</span></p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Roleplay-</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4088040814,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4088040814,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4088040814?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="330" height="446" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sure, fighting like a Spriggan is nice, but it's what you do outside of combat that really ties the build together into an immersive and fresh experience.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Your time in Skyrim will henceforth be spent almost exclusively in nature, prowling through forests and groves in search of any who would disturb your serene home. Don't step foot in any city or initiate any dialogue for the rest of this playthrough. This is your opportunity to really explore Skyrim's wilds, to appreciate areas you would normally briefly pass through on your way to bigger things. Even without mods, Skyrim's nature is a beautiful place to be (though if you want to cheat a little, a few graphics mods will make you cry).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Your Calm spells will now be used to charm any animals you encounter into not fleeing or attacking, which will give a whole new atmosphere to the wilds. You'll truly start to feel like another creature of the forest, at home amongst the deer and bear alike.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">But you won't always encounter fellow creatures in the forest: Occasionally you'll find a stray wanderer, a farmer, a refugee, or a hunter. These men and mer are intruders on your sacred grounds, putrid defilers of nature, and are to be cut down without mercy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Depending on how and where you kill intruders, you may find that you develop a sizeable bounty. It's a nice touch to RP this as the Jarls placing bounties on your head as you gain infamy as a woodland spirit.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">There is one more lore detail about Spriggans that will drive much of your action from here on out, and it delves into another fascinating, yet overlooked subject:</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Forsworn</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4098693134,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4098693134,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4098693134?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="197" height="334" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spriggans and the Forsworn are undeniably connected in Skyrim. Ever wonder what those taproots are doing hanging in Forsworn camps?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I mentioned earlier that the taproot is the source of a Spriggan's energy. As such, Spriggans are drawn to them. Knowing this, Hagravens hang them in Forsworn camps to lure the creatures for their vile rituals, and in keeping with this build's roleplay, you too will be invariably drawn to Forsworn camps.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Your main targets in the camps will be the Hagravens themselves. Deep down, you know what horrors they have committed against your Spriggan brethren, and you will spare no savagery in ending them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This primal Forsworn vendetta will also give additional meaning to wearing the Forsworn Headdress. Everyone will fear the Lurcher's terrifying visage, but the Forsworn will know true horror when they see the headdress of one of their own appear to slaughter them.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">While the rest of the build is very freeform and has no recommended quests, the Lurcher will be drawn towards various locations due to their natural significance, on a sort of pilgrimage. These sanctuaries and groves are particularly beautiful, and practically radiate natural energy. To get started, here are a few amazing locations you should check out:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ancestor Glade. </strong>Fans of the Dawnguard DLC may remember this stunning location full of plant life and curious moth swarms. Visiting this beautiful sanctuary while not preoccupied by the impending vampire threat gives it a whole new light (especially without Serana's commentary).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Evergreen Grove. </strong>This ruined, flooded Nordic barrow is now a pond, fed by a stream. It represents nature's triumph over the artificial constructions of the Nords, a sign that nature will prevail above all else.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Bloated Man's Grotto. </strong>Hircine's disciples may recognize this as the final setting of the quest Ill Met by Moonlight. The scene is stunning when you aren't being threatened by a werewolf.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shadowgreen Cavern. </strong>This is definitely one of the prettier caves of Skyrim, and worth a tour if you aren't sure what else to do.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4108703454,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4108703454,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4108703454?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">You will likely find that other Spriggans already guard these sacred areas, and will initially try to attack you. Depending on where you want to take this build's roleplay, you have two options:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">First, you could use your Calm spells if they're strong enough. Spriggans have their own language, and scholars have been able to calm them by speaking it. You could RP this as the Lurcher communicating their intentions and establishing peace. Perhaps the Lurcher's twisted aura simply sent them a false alarm, and now all is well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Secondly, and more darkly, the Lurcher could see these Spriggans as unworthy of guarding these places, and kill them. This leans more towards the monstruous side of the build, and could perhaps indicate a worsening condition following the ritual. Ultimately the choice is yours on how to react, and it will largely be based on your previous actions and choices.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">In addition to the aforementioned locations, there is one more with special significance that the Lurcher will be drawn to:</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Snapleg Cave</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4098669034,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4098669034,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4098669034?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="208" height="394" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This is a tragically-overlooked location, being the source of no quests save a small chance for radiant ones. But inside lies a secret practically made for this build.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The cave initally seems fairly standard, but near the end you will encounter a truly unique sight: a Spriggan trapped in a rusty old cage. But this is no ordinary Spriggan--it is a non-hostile one. In fact, if you free it using either the lockpicks mentioned earlier (there are some in the cave itself as well) or console commands, it will assist you in killing the witches and Hagraven up ahead. After the battle, the Spriggan will exit the cave and run off.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you follow the Spriggan on its journey (it still won't attack you), it will lead you to the <strong>Eldergleam Sanctuary</strong>, easily one of the most beautiful places in Skyrim. It's a fitting end for an amazing adventure, made all the more special by the build's roleplay. After all, what's more beautiful than a true Spriggan team-up over the blood of a nature-hating Hagraven?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Feel free to visit the Eldergleam Sanctuary whenever you want. In fact, I heartily recommend it. You never know what adventurer might waltz in with some ancient dagger, just looking for trouble.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <span style="font-size:18pt;">***</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>~Closing Remarks~</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I hope you all found this build to be an interesting and fresh way to play Skyrim. As always I had a blast playing it, and I really did get a deeper appreciation of Skyrim's outdoors. Good luck on this contest to all of my fellow contestants, and here's to plenty more amazing contests! Happy building!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Credit to Ponty for suggesting the nature-site pilgramages.</em></span></p></div>Character Build: The Blackmarsh Doctorhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-blackmarsh-doctor2019-12-06T23:49:30.000Z2019-12-06T23:49:30.000ZJustJamhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/JustJam<div><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758412003,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758412003,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758412003?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="329" height="594" /></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“There’s something so beautiful about the swirling green hues of this toxin, isn’t there? How such deadliness can be held in but a small glass prison? It’s almost mesmerizing.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Yes yes, I can see the fear evident behind your eyes. You need not worry, dear, the process will be quick- like feeling the little pinch of a needle going into your arm.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Once this uncomfortable bit of business is over you will be brought back. Brought back without hunger, without thirst, without any mortality to drag you down. It sounds promising, doesn’t it? A world where Arkay’s laws need not exist, a paradise where we all live without this binding mortality.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">But I digress, no need to fear the sting, dear. You may wish to close your eyes- seeing your own surgery can cause unnecessary panic.”</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><em>(</em></strong><a href="https://youtu.be/JqHE9EeMKwE"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">https://youtu.be/JqHE9EeMKwE</span></em></a><em><span style="font-weight:400;"> some music to set the mood)</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Required Mods:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Vokrii - Minimalistic Perks of Skyrim</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Andromeda - Unique Standing Stones of Skyrim</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Wintersun - Faiths of Skyrim</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Alternate Start- Live Another Life</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Forgotten Magic Redone</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Path of the Revenant</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Undead FX</span></li></ul><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Race: </strong></span><span style="font-weight:400;">Argonian.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758364800,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758364800,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758364800?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="308" height="280" /></a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Native to the swampy marshes of Blackmarsh, Argonians have the following abilities:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Resist Disease- Your Argonian blood is 50% resistant to disease.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Waterbreathing- Your Argonian Lungs can breathe underwater.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Histskin- (1/day) Invoke the power of the Hist to recover health 10 times faster for 60 seconds.</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Standing Stone: </strong></span><span style="font-weight:400;">The Ritual.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">With Andromeda, the Ritual Stone still remains the perfect choice for necromancers:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Mara’s Mercy: Approach a violently slain corpse to gather its memories, summoning it as a vengeful spirit in your next battle.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Mara’s Veil: Reanimation spells last 20% longer and work on targets up to 10 levels higher.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">After finding all 13 Standing Stones, you’ll unlock:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Requiem: 1/day - Vengeful spirits gain 1000 points of health. They move and attack 50% faster. Lasts 45 seconds.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">A basic run-down of this stone is that once you come near a corpse, the Ritual Stone will “memorize” it, and during the next battle you enter, the memorized corpses will appear as spirits that fight with you. For balancing reasons, these spirits have reduced stats. Be aware that on rare occasions, the Ritual Stone will not summon spirits during your battle.</span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758365288,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758365288,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758365288?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="264" height="361" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Deity:</span> </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">Mannimarco.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Trap souls in my name. Pray only at night. Never accept Arkay’s blessing. Those skilled in Conjuration are most deserving of my favor.”</span></em></span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Shrine Blessing - Amplify Conjuration: Conjuration spells are 10% more effective.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Follower - Dark Moon: Undead conjured at night last x% longer (based on favour with Mannimarco).</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Devotee - Nocturne: Allied conjured undead deal x% more damage and regenerate Health (based on favor with Mannimarco).</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Worshipping Mannimarco will make up for all the downsides found in necromancy: your minions will last longer, deal more damage, and regenerate health on their own.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Stat Spread:</span> </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">3 magicka / 1 health</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Being a pure mage, the Blackmarsh Doctor won’t be needing any investments into stamina. A nice 3:1 ratio will give ample amounts of mana to cast your spells, and enough health if you take a few hits.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Skills: </strong></span><span style="font-weight:400;">Conjuration, Alchemy, Enchanting, Destruction, Alteration</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Two crafting skills may look a little daunting, but Vokrii makes it so that wielding a staff in combat levels up enchanting.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Equipment<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758366053,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758366053,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758366053?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="318" height="447" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Custom enchanted gear, your “phylactery”, an enchanted dagger, Bloodworm Helm, Revenant Ring, Staff of Worms, and various other staves found in your journeys. The Bloodworm Helm and Staff of Worms are both found within Path of the Revenant. The helm will allow you to raise an infinite amount of undead but take 25% more damage, and the staff will raise an undead thrall permanently. The Revenant Ring is from Forgotten Magic, and when worn it gives 25 more health and magicka, and reanimates those killed with your Blight Curse. For my playthrough I wore Tribunal Unarmored Blue Robes, Hood, Gloves, and Boots from Immersive Armors (or as a standalone mod, Tribunal Robes and Masks).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Enchantments to look out for for your gear are soul trap, magicka regen, fortify magicka, destruction cost reduction, fortify alchemy, and magic resistance. After your transformation into a lich, you will be 70% resistant to physical damage, but take </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">twice as much </span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">magic damage. Pump as much fire, shock, frost, and magic resists into your gear as you can fit.</span></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Spells</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">From Vanilla Skyrim: Dread Zombie, Dead Thrall</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">From Forgotten Magic: Deathly Pall, Blight Curse, Necrosis.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Spells from Forgotten Magic level up as you use them, up to 5 times. Each time a spell levels up you can choose a new ‘talent’ to affect it, and each time a spell reaches its level cap, you can choose a magic affinity. Choose the death affinity, as the only spells used are from the warlock class. Here are some talents I recommend getting:</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Deathly Pall</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Puppetmaster: Your undead summons cost nothing, and last 100% longer (works with all reanimation spells).</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Ghost Form: Grants 70% resistance to physical damage, but magic attacks inflict double damage. While in Ghost Form, healing spells have no effect.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Visions of Death: Targets that come too close have a chance of panic for 5 seconds.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Blight Curse</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Siphon Vitality: Siphons 4-8 health from the target to the caster on each tick.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Desecrate: Infects living targets with Desecration, causing disease damage over 15 seconds.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Bond of Corruption: If the target dies under the effect of Blight Curse, spreads the curse to all nearby enemies. Secondary curse gains no experience and cannot spread further.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Necrosis</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Bane: deals addition damage of 3% of total magicka per tick.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Siphon Life: drains 8-12 health from the target on each tick.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Devouring Shadows: If target is infected by Blight Curse, instantly deals 33-45 damage and restores 16-25 health to the caster.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">With the lack of restoration, the siphoning effects from Blight Curse and Necrosis will be your go-to way to heal if you don’t want to use up potions.</span></p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758370285,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758370285,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758370285?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758386612,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758386612,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758386612?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="190" height="179" /></a>Conjuration- Perfection in Undeath.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Only 2/5 of Conjuration mastery is taken, as one of the talents available to Deathly Pall will cause all necromancy spells to cost no mana. 2 points are taken however to allow wiggle room in case you can’t find Deathly Pall or level it up as your conjuration increases. Following the necromancy path of this tree there are two types of buffs for your undead- short term, and long term. You will have to think about which matters more to you: picking and choosing undead thralls which you can equip with items, or weaker “in the moment” disposable minions which can burst out damage.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758387571,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758387571,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758387571?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="190" height="179" /></a>Alchemy- The Black Art.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">With poisons no longer lasting for only one hit, the poison-crafting side of this tree is a lot more enjoyable. You’re going to want to go up the middle branch until Green Thumb, and take all the perks from the poisons branch, including Purity. The beauty of this tree lies in the last two perks of the poisons branch, Plague Doctor and Gourmet. Plague Doctor will decrease the poison and disease resistance of nearby opponents by 25%, which will in turn increase the damage of your destruction spells, and Gourmet allows vendors of rare alchemical ingredients to sometimes stock Jarrin Root.</span></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758388545,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758388545,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758388545?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="190" height="179" /></a>Enchanting- The Ascension.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Enchanting not only levels by using staves in combat- it also has its own branch dedicated to them. Following the staff branch will make them stronger, cost less charge, make you take 25% less damage if you don’t have a shield equipped, and recharge by themselves without having to feed them the souls of an entire village. The armor-buffing branch will eventually get you to Extra Effect, which is extremely useful for creating your own gear.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758389103,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758389103,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758389103?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="190" height="179" /></a>Destruction- A Cure for all Ails.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Only Destruction Mastery 3/5 is needed, as the two spells you’ll be using- Blight Curse and Necrosis, are apprentice level and adept level respectively. They are classified as disease damage, so fire, frost, and shock perks will not buff them. Dual Casting isn’t needed as you’ll have a staff in your main hand.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758389350,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758389350,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758389350?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="190" height="179" /></a>Alteration- Undying Flesh</span><span style="font-weight:400;">.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Much like Destruction you’ll only need 2/5 of Alteration Mastery as the only alteration spell used, Deathly Pall, is apprentice level. If you have left over perk points or take this character beyond level 41, delving into magic resistance and mage armor would work well.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Roleplay</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“How could I have saved them? How could I have done better? Six patients, all afflicted with something I’ve never seen before, all expired within a week of contamination. I scoured through my tomes, I toiled over my alembic and nothing! How am I supposed to tell their loved ones? How am I supposed to face their despair? They trusted me with their care and I couldn’t save them!<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758371828,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758371828,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758371828?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" height="415" /></a></span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">No, I will not accept this failure. There must be something more I can still do.”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Arriving to Windhelm by ship, the Blackmarsh Doctor will want to seek out the Ritual Stone- having read about its ability to bring back the dead. With little in the way of physical strength or control over the elements, he will instead rely on his knowledge of diseases and toxins from his time as a doctor. You should pick up a follower as soon as you have the gold, to face-tank your enemies as you travel the land. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">After finding the Ritual Stone and studying necromancy and the undead, he’ll begin to believe that undeath is the perfect solution. No hunger, no thirst, no disease, no pain, no death. What could be more desirable to a doctor for his patients? He’ll come to the conclusion that undeath is the next step of evolution- that the Gods have limited the world’s potential by binding them to mortality. This naturally draws him to Mannimarco the God of Worms- the patron of necromancers and undead. As he delves further into necromancy- and thusly becoming further tainted by its profane nature- he becomes more “active” in his beliefs: going out of his way to kill priests of Arkay, and “mercy” killing the less fortunate citizens of Skyrim to send their souls to his Patron. He believes that the God of Worms will once again walk Nirn, and the souls sent to Him will be born anew in undeath along with His loyal followers. With vampirism being undesirable due to its affiliation with Molag Bal, The Doctor will turn to other means to achieve undeath for himself as he waits for His return…</span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758400302,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758400302,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758400302?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Fear not Cairine, for I can bring about an end to your suffering.”</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Quests</strong></span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">In Thy Name<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758377146,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758377146,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758377146?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="233" height="471" /></a></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“The amount of ignorance found in this land is disheartening. I cannot blame the masses, for they know not of their deception- or of a better path. I will seek out the forked-tongue priests of the God of Death, and bring about an end to their lies.”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Being a devout follower of the God of Worms, the Blackmarsh Doctor will hold a special disdain for Arkay and his priests. They infect the dead- allowing them to never be raised: those the priests grab a hold of are forever bound to mortality. Never accept their quests, and kill them whenever possible.</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">College of Winterhold</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“It so happens that my pilgrimage has brought me to the land wherein the magical institution has no qualms about darker arts. I must look into the Conjuration Master and see for myself his stance on the matter. If that fails, the Arcaneum must hold some secrets…”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Joining the College will grant access to Phinis Gestor, who will sell higher level Conjuration spells than Court Mages are able to. Once your Conjuration reaches 90 you will be able to complete the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest, allowing you to purchase Dead Thrall. Whether or not you complete the questline is up to you, but following through with it will grant you unique items with useful enchantments, such as the Staff of Jyrik Gaulderson, Staff of Magnus, and the Archmage’s Robes.</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">A Cure for your Mortality</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“It pains me to see the weak, the feeble, the ill wallowing in their suffering. Know they not of my Lord’s blessing? It’s understandable to fear it, to hate it, for they know nothing else but mortality. They may resist the Worm’s embrace, but in the end they’ll rejoice- as they walk once again by His side.”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">There are many throughout Skyrim who are on the edge of life, who are rife with disease or on the brink of starvation. The Blackmarsh Doctor sees these people of being most deserving of his “gift”- believing he is saving them. If you come across any beggars, or those on the cusp of death, send their souls to Mannimarco. A quest that falls under this is The Only Cure, wherein you come across a man stricken with a strange affliction. Spellbreaker isn’t used, but the quest fits the roleplay.</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Black Star</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“I finally got around to visiting the large shrine near Winterhold- Azura’s priestess claimed to have “visions” about me. Whether she’s manipulating me or not, Azura’s Star sounds like a perfect tool for my ascension.”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Betraying Azura will grant you the Black Star, a black soul gem which can be used indefinitely. It’s useful for recharging staves and enchanting your equipment. Along with a dagger enchanted with soul trap, your items should rarely run out of charge.</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Where the Dead Still Roam<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758378195,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758378195,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758378195?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="264" height="385" /></a></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“This province is no stranger to death- yet its people are completely backwards in relations to arcane teachings. It’s amusing in a way. I stopped by Windhelm after a pilgrimage to His shrine, and before I was even in the gates I could feel a necromantic aura shrouding the city. Even the Court Wizard seemed none the wiser. Perhaps this is a good thing- I know little in the way of Illusion.”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Seek out any necromancy related quests or locations, such as Blood on the Ice, The Man Who Cried Wolf/ The Wolf Queen Awakens, and Ansilvund. Rival necromancers usually hold useful materials such as soul gems, alchemy ingredients, and the occasional staff. If you decide to take part in the Dawnguard DLC, join up with the Dawnguard as lichdom is your goal- not vampirism.</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Path of the Revenant</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“I happened across the handiwork of a necromancer outside Dawnstar, seeming to want to stir up Vigilant activity. With power comes carelessness, it seems. The last thing this land needs is more divine missionaries and paladins. This Vantus Durgois needs to be eliminated.”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Just outside of Dawnstar you will see a lone skeleton standing over the body of a Vigilant of Stendarr. Take care of the skeleton, and loot the Vigilant to find two notes. Picking them up will start the quest added by The Path of the Revenant, and completing it will grant access to the Bloodworm Helm, Staff of Worms, and a player home. The boss fight here is quite hard, and once you enter the Crypt you can’t exit until the boss is dead, so I’d recommend being a higher level.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Path of Ascension</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">The path of ascension is one not often tread, and for good reason. A single misstep and death will be your only reward.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Requirements: 100 Enchanting, Deathly Pall talent: Ghost Form, Deathly Pall talent: Puppetmaster, unessential follower, Hackwing’s Beak (see alchemy section), the Black Star, soul trap spell, “lichdom” enchantment known (gotten from the MCM of Undead FX), resist poison enchantment known, unenchanted necklace.</span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758378751,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758378751,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758378751?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">From Ascendancy: A Pathway to Lichdom</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> (Elder Scrolls Online)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“The first element is the will to force your body into death and beyond. Without this ultimate power of mind over body, the transformation cannot begin…”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Given the strongest of wills, great necromantic knowledge is next required. Willpower provides the force but knowledge focuses the will and directs the glorious transformation…”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“A plentiful source of souls is needed as well. These must be wrenched from their owners, as painfully as possible. The higher the degree of torment among your sacrifices, the purer the ascent to lichhood, the greater the power gathered in undeath…”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Lastly, a mighty magical relic is needed. An evil-aligned relic will suffice, but a good-aligned artifact that can be perverted to this purpose is ideal. This relic is the casting focus for Urelu's Loathsome Coercion, the spell employed to wrench the required souls from their erstwhile owners. The more powerful the relic, the more painful the soul-rending…”</span></em></span></p><ol><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The first step in the path is to get a loved one, a trusted friend- someone close to you to sacrifice for your ascension. The more they care for you, the better.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Find a secluded place with a strong necrotic aura, such as Blood-Mane Crypt, a graveyard, or an ancient tomb.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Stab your chosen sacrifice with a dagger coated with Hackwing’s Beak. Once the poison wears off, reapply it. Do not kill them quickly by repeatedly stabbing them, the process has to be slow and painful for the victim.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Trap their soul inside of Azura’s Black Star, which has been perverted for this very purpose.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Use their soul to enchant your phylactery- a necklace with the Resist Poison and Lichdom enchantments.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Obtain the Deathly Pall talents Ghost Form and Puppetmaster, if you haven’t already.</span></li></ol><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758379135,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758379135,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758379135?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Effects of Lichdom:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Once you put on the amulet, your skin will begin to disappear and you’ll be left with either a skeleton or draugr appearance. I prefer the draugr appearance, as the eyes don’t float awkwardly like they do with the skeletal one.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Your lack of living body will cause all physical damage to deal less, while increasing your sensitivity to the arcane: resist 75% physical damage, but take 100% more damage from magic.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Your journey into undeath has opened your mind to necrotic energy- you effortlessly raise the dead to do your bidding: necromancy spells cost no mana, and last 100% longer.</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Alchemy</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">There are many combinations of ingredients to make use of. Some of note (with all chosen alchemy perks, but no other buffs) are:</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758379603,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758379603,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758379603?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="220" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Hackwing’s Beak</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">For when you need the target out of the way.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Canis Root + Imp Stool + Mora Tapinella</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Target is paralyzed for 15 seconds, and takes 15 points of damage per second for 10 seconds.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758379984,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758379984,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758379984?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="220" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Swamp Tonic</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">For the target that refuses to die.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Imp Stool + Scathecraw + Skeever Tail</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Does 15 points of damage per second for 10 seconds, reduces maximum health by 30 for 10 seconds, damages health by 30.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758380362,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758380362,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758380362?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="221" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Lich’s Blood</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">For when you want to nuke your target off the face of Nirn.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Jarrin Root + River Betty</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Damages health by 3000 (yes you read that right). </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758380695,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758380695,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758380695?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="221" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Murky Waters</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">For when you need a quick escape.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Vampire Dust + Luna Moth Wing</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Grants invisibility for 60 seconds, health regenerates 75% faster for 300 seconds.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758380914,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758380914,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758380914?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="221" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Resilient Scales</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">For the high level mage that shreds through your health.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Dragon’s Tongue + Hawk Beak + Snowberries</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Resist 45% of frost, fire, and shock damage for 60 seconds.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758381195,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758381195,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758381195?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="222" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Lich’s Intellect</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">For when you need mana and you need it now.</span></em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Jazbay Grapes + Moon Sugar + Red Mountain Flower</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Magicka regenerates 75% faster for 300 seconds, magicka is increased by 60 for 60 seconds, restore 75 magicka.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Your poisons will last on your weapon for an addition 6 hits, so you can be a bit more liberal with your use of them. A note to keep in mind about Murky Waters is that because this build has no points invested in sneak, it may take a second or two for the enemies to lose sight of you.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Combat Style<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758383658,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758383658,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758383658?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="315" height="296" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Upon entering combat, various spirits will be summoned by the Ritual Stone. Apply Deathly Pall, then stack Blight Curse first and Necrosis second on targets. If you don’t have any Thralls with you, wait until an enemy dies before you get too close. Raise them, and let them take all the damage. If your enemy has lots of health, apply your preferred poison to your dagger and whack away while blasting them with a staff. If you’re running low on mana or your spells are too weak to raise a certain enemy, use the Staff of Worms to reanimate the fallen foe. Your health shouldn’t fall too low with minions taking the damage for you and the siphoning effects of your spells, but if it does, the Necrosis talent Devouring Shadows will restore some health to you when cast on an enemy affected by Blight Curse. Just spam away and watch your health bar rise as the enemy’s depletes.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758384427,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758384427,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758384427?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="212" height="181" /></a>If you want to build yourself a huge army, put on the Bloodworm Helm and Revenant Ring. Targets killed with Blight Curse active will automatically be reanimated to fight for you with the ring on, and the Bloodworm Helm will allow an infinite number of corpses to be raised under your command. You just need one person with Blight Curse to die, then it will spread to nearby enemies because of the talent Bond of Corruption. Watch a domino effect of your minions killing enemies affected by Blight Curse, then watch that same enemy rise from the dead and attack its old friends who are now affected by Blight Curse, and so on. A minor note to keep in mind is that if you have the “lichdom” enchantment active and wear the Bloodworm Helm, the helm won’t fully cover your head- meaning you’ll look like a complete abomination of a troll skull mixed with the nose of a zombified Argonian.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">As mentioned earlier under the Skills section, there are two ways to use your necromancy: find powerful enemies to resurrect with dead thrall to gear up and bring into fights, or resurrect fallen enemies during a fight which have a strong 60 second buff- but you’re stuck with choosing from the corpses around you. Long-term minions are good for close quarter fights and brute force, as few can withstand a decked out thrall. Short-term minions are better for open-spaced fights, as two following thralls may be unable to spot the enemies at long range, or may just end up getting lost. Raising enemies that fall during the battle means you don’t have to worry about enchanting gear for them, and they’re likely to already be close to the enemies- instead of having to rely on follower AI.</span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3758384972,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3758384972,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3758384972?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Of course everyone thinks they’re the hero of their own story, dear. It’s rather unfortunate that you happen to be on the wrong side as I’ve quite enjoyed our chat. With His touch you will be reborn anew, and you will come to understand that I have saved you.”</span></em></span></p></div>Character Build: The Rotting Beasthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/the-rotting-beast2019-07-18T07:44:04.000Z2019-07-18T07:44:04.000ZJustJamhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/JustJam<div><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3323047240,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3348120445,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3348120445?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="389" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"She came to me that night as I lay rotting in the swamps, the hackwings circling above. Her words were the maggots eating away dead flesh from my wounds, the pus forming to fight my infection. She spoke the truths I was too afraid to see.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Perhaps there was a time when the Hist was good for us. A time before our race were used as common slaves. A time before we were taken from our own homes, growing old knowing nothing but chains and punishments. The Hist did nothing but watch. It’s only act? To protect itself from Oblivion, from the invading force. I see through it- we are no freer than under the Dunmer."</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Required Mo</strong><strong>ds:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ordinator- Perks of Skyrim</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Imperious- Races of Skyrim</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Andromeda- Standing Stones of Skyrim</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Apocalypse- Magic of Skyrim</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Wintersun- Faiths of Skyrim</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Recommended Mods:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">20% more perk points</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Better Claws and Gauntlets</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Organized Bandits of Skyrim</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Your preferred difficulty mod, as when this build is near completion it gets <em>a</em> <em>tad bit</em> strong</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Alternate Start- Live Another Life</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Race: </strong></span>Argonian Werewolf.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Argonians start with three passives:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Amphibious: Become harder to detect and move faster after swimming.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Histborn: Rapidly regenerate Health, Magicka, or Stamina below a threshold.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Marsh Dweller: Swim much faster and can breathe underwater.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After looting 4 underwater chests you’ll unlock:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Caustic Spit: 1/day spit a corrosive jet that reduces armor and magic resistance.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I always thought Argonians look the part of swampy witch doctor, and with Imperious installed you’ll be able to feel like one- getting a power to spit poison at your opponents and rend their resistances. Since it’s only a 1/day power, it’s recommended to save it for tough fights.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Standing Stone:</span> </strong>The Lady.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Instead of a meager 25% boost to health and stamina regeneration rates, the Lady Stone will give us:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Lunar Familiar: When entering combat, summons a Lunar Familiar under your control for 60 seconds.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Premonition: Pale light marks enemies who can kill you with their next strike, slowing them down and reducing armor by 500 points.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After finding all 13 Standing Stones, you’ll unlock:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Eclipse: 1/day command you Lunar Familiar to fight the target. It deals 300% more damage and takes 50% less damage.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Lunar Familiar takes the form of a saber cat, and is great for tanking melee fighters. Premonition acts as another debuff/curse to enemies, enabling you to run from their strike or retaliate with one of your own. I never much used Eclipse, but it pairs well with an enemy who’s effected by either Caustic Spit or Premonition.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Deity: </strong></span>Namira.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3323049904,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3323049904,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3323049904?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" height="481" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>“Murder the innocent. Poison your weapons. Eat the corpses of the dead with my Ring. Be generous to beggars.”</em></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Shrine Blessing- Resist Poison: Increases poison resistance by 50%</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Follower- Creeping Decay: Reduces poison resistance of all within 40 feet by X% (based on favour with Namira)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Devotee- Necrophages: Poisoning a person or putting a human heart or flesh into their inventory attracts insects, reducing armor by X% and dealing X disease damage (based on favour with Namira)</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Worshipping Namira with Wintersun not only fits the roleplay, but is perfect for The Rotting Beast’s skillset. While you won’t be pickpocketing human hearts/ flesh on people, your restoration spells and unarmed attacks will benefit from Creeping Decay stripping the poison resistances of your foes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Stat Spread: </strong></span>3 magicka / 2 health / 1 stamina, for 4 levels, then switch to 2 health / 1 stamina.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Because of enchanting we can have a fairly even stat spread- being able to sling spells and take a hit or two without armor. Stamina is needed as it’s what will be scaling our unarmed damage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Major Skills: </strong></span>Restoration, Light Armor, Enchanting.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Minor Skills: </strong></span>Conjuration, Alteration, Sneak (unperked).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Equipment</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ring of Namira and custom enchanted robes. I went with unarmored shaman robes and boots from Immersive Armors, arm bandages available through console, bonehawk amulet, and a falmer helm for aesthetic purposes. Enchantments can vary based on what playstyle you lean towards- whether you want to play a more active role, or throw out some alteration spells- but I’d recommend Fortify Health, Fortify Restoration, Fortify Magicka Regeneration, Fortify Unarmed, Fortify Alteration, and Resist Magic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Shouts/ Powers</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Beast Form, Marked for Death, Drain Vitality, Caustic Spit, Merciful King. Shouts and powers aren't overly important to The Rotting Beast, as most damage will be coming from restoration and light armor.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Spells</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Putrefy, Death Cloud, Carrion Wind, Horrid Wilting, Necroplague, Close Wounds, Life’s Finale, EbonyFlesh, Ocato’s Recital (some may consider this spell to be overpowered), Raise Zombie.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Quests<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3346086256,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3346086256,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3346086256?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="371" height="240" /></a></strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">College of Winterhold</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Beast had a newfound obsession with poison, and decides that the college in Winterhold is the safest place to study without persecution- the mages of Cyrodil care more for politics and flashy spectacles than the study of the unknown. This will give access to higher level alteration and restoration spells, as well as useful gear until you get your enchanting leveled up.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Companions</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Wanting to hone his unarmed skills, he’ll join up with The Companions. He doesn’t much care for their ‘death or glory’ attitude, but will feign the part in order to fund his research. You can either abandon the guild after getting beast form- seeing no more use for them, or continue forward- believing they will help your beast form grow.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A Taste of Death</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Rumours are circulating around about the Hall of the Dead in Markarth being cursed. Most rumours turn out to be nothing more than the exaggeration of a town gossip, but this will peak The Beast’s interest. Upon arriving he will feel the pull of his patron, guiding him to become Her champion. Namira’s Ring is both useful to the build- giving a nice boost to stamina, health, and health regen- and perfect for roleplaying as her chosen disciple.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Only Cure</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After finding the Afflicted Refugee among the roads of Skyrim, The Beast will immediately become interested- having never seen such disease before. While he doesn’t worship Peryite, he holds respect for the Daedric Prince of pestilence. The Only Cure is more for roleplay purposes, as Spellbreaker sees no use for this build.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Dark Brotherhood<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3323045545,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3323045545,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3323045545?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="282" height="282" /></a></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Beast will hear of a dark child in Windhelm, said to be preforming a ritual of death and despair. Investigating this, you will come across Aventus Aretino, attempting to summon the Dark Brotherhood to murder the headmistress of an orphanage. Knowing what it’s like to feel betrayed by those who are suppose to be your betters, The Beast will take the contract himself. He’ll eventually find himself face-to-face with the Dark Brotherhood, and will gladly join their ranks to bring about his decay to the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Roleplay</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Arriving in Skyrim, The Rotting Beast seeks to learn more about poison spells- hearing of the politics-neutral College of Winterhold. He either gets caught at the border, or arrives to his destination unscathed. He starts out as confused and angry. His whole world view has been flipped- realizing the very thing his people worship are uncaring, unloving, selfish beings. This will build in him resentment to his culture, and eventually his people- those too blind to see the truth. He will feel comfort with those ostracized and looked down upon by society, and begins seeing beauty in the grotesque. As Namira’s influence grows on him he will begin to lose any sense of morality, wanting to bring truth to the innocent through the very things they find revulsive. Insects. Rats. Pestilence and rot. The Great Darkness will be set upon the world, and he will be its carrier.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3346641191,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3346641191,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3346641191?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="663" height="425" /></a></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Restoration- The Cursed Healer.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Restoration is one of the two main sources of damage for The Rotting Beast. Following the left side to Necromanticon will allow you to access the spells Putrefy, Death Cloud (lvl 50), and Carrion Wind (lvl 75). Going up the adjacent branch will enable Under my Wings and Sacred Guardian to deal damage to enemies. Keep in mind that poison spells do not stack with themselves: 8 damage putrefy + 8 damage putrefy = 8 damage/second, but if you use a different poison spell the damage gets added on. This means you can use different restoration spells and keep stacking damage: 8 damage putrefy + 15 damage death cloud = 23 damage/second. With the different magic and poison resistance stripping tools at your disposal, these numbers can get <em>magnificently </em>high.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Light Armor- Claws of Decay.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The only branch we need here is the one starting with Iron Fist. The Beast’s claws deliver lethal toxins, which has their damage increased due to the restoration tree (when choosing Hissing Dragon, pick poison as the element). Be sure to only pick (1/2) of Light Armor Mastery as you don’t wear any light armor. This is one of the few sources of poison damage that <em>stacks with itself</em>, so the more you spam attacks the higher the poison dps. The main reason I chose this skill is because it synergizes nicely with your werewolf form, allowing you to feel like your claws are glazed with toxin. Remember that unarmed perks only work if both hands are free!</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Enchanting- Predator’s Gift.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Enchanting is for the typical buffing of our gear, but the fun of this tree is found with the Spellscribe perk. It’ll allow you to ‘store’ a dual-casted spell, which will be released when you power attack. I didn’t bother with Power Echoes, as Spellscribe’s cooldown is already quite low. If you’re out of magicka or are in werewolf form, a simple power attack will begin to wither down your foes alongside the poison from Hissing Dragon.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Conjuration- Creatures of The Scuttling Void.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Only get (1/2) of Conjuration Mastery, as the only spell of this school you’ll be using is the low-cost raise zombie. Pick up Rat-King, and go up the necromancer branch until you reach A Plague Upon Thee. Yep. There are 5 perks in conjuration and the only spell used is the <em>lowest tier </em>reanimation spell. I recently discovered that you can have quite a bit of fun reanimating a killed skeever alongside Necroplague and A Plague Upon Thee, but more of that in the Abilities section.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Alteration- Beast’s Protection.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you decide to use Ocato’s Recital, only pick up (2/2) Alteration Mastery and (3/3) Mage Armor. If you don’t plan on using it, also pick up dual casting so you’ll have longer-lasting flesh spells. Ocato’s recital allows you to store up to 3 spells, which are then cast automatically, free of charge once you enter combat. If you have left-over perk points, it never hurts to go into the Nullifier branch to add some passive boosts. I found I was getting one-shot a lot of the time, so I added this tree simply for flesh spells. If you’re feeling adventurous however, you can throw in a wither or paralysis here or there.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sneak- Stalking the Prey.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Due to the lovely thing that is Skyrim AI, I use sneak to get in closer to enemies before they spot me so my rats and lunar familiar were less likely to run off in a random direction. This isn’t a sneak build however, so I keep it unperked.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Special Abilities</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3323056444,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3323056444,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3323056444?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="296" /></a>Plague Carrier: <em>The unending horde- you kill one and another takes its place, deadlier than the last.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements - Rat King, Necroplague, Raise Zombie, A Plague Upon Thee.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In any necromancer build, I never found much use for A Plague Upon Thee. Why would I want my reanimation to die within 20 seconds? However, I recently realized that it synergizes very well with Rat King- the skeevers have very low health, but don’t despawn upon death- only when combat ends. This means you can reanimate them, and due to their low health an enemy will kill them quickly, triggering A Plague Upon Thee. Throw in a Necroplague just before your reanimation spell, and your skeevers have become ticking time bombs.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3323057294,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3323057294,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3323057294?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="296" /></a>Twisted Remedy - <em>How can that which is holy become blasphemous? How can such purity be twisted into horror? The magic- opening wounds, tearing apart flesh, corrupting organs. His power only grows as his enemies fall apart.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements: Restoration Dual Casting, Lightwielder, Sacred Guardian, Under my Wings, any non-concentration self-targeting healing spell.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sacred Guardian heals all allies within 20 feet by 150 points when they fall below 30% health, and Under my Wings will cause any dual-casted non-concentration restoration spell to be cast upon nonmechanical allies. The Rotting Beast twists these abilities with Lightwielder, enabling them to damage enemies when it would heal an ally. Sacred Guardian starts finishing off enemies at low health, and Under my Wings lashes out at enemies with the same energy used to heal yourself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3323058366,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3323058366,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3323058366?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="296" height="187" /></a>Namira’s Beast - <em>They say he was gifted by the darkness itself- granted a terrible form of tooth and claw. The beast’s mere presence wrenching stomachs, it’s sight too terrible to behold. But those are just tales, designed to be told around the campfire to scare the young’uns…</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements: Creeping Decay, Rushing Tide, Sweeping Wind, Hissing Dragon, Plague Doctor, Spellscribe, Beast Form, Howl of Terror.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Infused with Namira’s gifts, The Rotting Beast takes on the form from which he got his name. With Plague Doctor and Creeping Decay decreasing the poison resistance of your foes, the unarmed skill increasing your claw damage, and Hissing Dragon combined with Spellscribe coating your claws in decay, this is the ultimate power-up. Werewolves can chain attacks in quick succession, so Rushing Tide will increase your movement speed to insane levels, which in turn increases your power attack damage. This form is incredibly strong so I wouldn’t recommend using The Ring of Hircine, limiting this to 1/day. Hit enemies a few times as the poison from Hissing Dragon stacks up, power attack to unleash the poison spell of your choosing, and use Howl of Terror to watch your hapless opponents collapse to the ground as they try to flee.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Combat Style</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Rotting Beast opens up combat with 3 skeevers and a lunar familiar being summoned automatically. Start stacking different poison spells and either stand back as your enemies wither, or play a more active role using Twisted Remedy or stacking more poison with unarmed strikes. If you notice a skeever getting killed, use Plague Carrier to add <em>even more</em> DOT and another thing for your enemy to focus on besides you. Use Caustic Spit, Drain Vitality, and Marked for Death on boss battles that survive your initial onslaught. Namira’s Beast is incredibly fun, and useful for a Dark Brotherhood assassin that can’t stealth. Use this form when raiding a fort, don’t want your identity tied to a murder, or have a <em>very </em>tough battle ahead of you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Notes:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spellscribe doesn’t work with the werewolf sprinting power attack for whatever reason, so don’t worry if it doesn’t trigger!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Automatons are resistant to disease and poison, so allow your skeevers and lunar familiar to tank as you go in and claw them.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Vampires are a bit iffy. Sometimes my spells worked on them, other times it didn’t, and I don’t know why that is. You can rely on Twisted Remedy to kill them, or use the undead damaging side of restoration spells.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Followers are a no-go for this build. The Rotting Beast uses a lot of area-of-effect damage-over-time spells, and you <em>will </em>hit friendlies. If you get Companions Insight from the Dragonborn DLC feel free. On the same note- don’t worry if you hit your familiar or your skeevers with spells, there isn’t much avoiding it.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Life’s Finale is a master-level restoration spell added by Apocalypse. It causes 150 disease damage to enemies per second, and 75 to the caster. However, with our Beast Blood we get 100% immunity to disease, so the spells downsides are nullified. Use it to nuke rooms, but be warned as it has the long 2-handed casting animation.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3323060339,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3323060339,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3323060339?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Closing Remarks</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">About an hour after posting on The Welcome Thread about how I didn’t think I would be making any builds, my mind starting swarming with possibilities to the point where I couldn’t sleep the remainder of the night. This is my first build, so any recommendations on how to improve would be greatly appreciated :) This is probably the most fun I’ve had with Skyrim in a while, but remember to install a few difficulty mods to really feel the progress this character makes- from someone who can barely hold their own to Namira’s very own champion.</span></p></div>Character Build: The Insurgenthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-insurgent-12019-07-08T02:50:32.000Z2019-07-08T02:50:32.000ZRojerofrorikstedhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Rojerofroriksted<div><p> <em>hi I'm rojer my second build so all feedback is incredibly appreciated but anyways I hope you enjoy the build thanks.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3283725661,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3283725661,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3283725661?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="312" /></a><br /> </em></p><p> </p><p><strong><em>the insurgent grew up in the black marsh as part of a gorrila warfare group who would interrupt dark elvish slavers. He first killed a man when he was 11 years old. He was on the run after a failed slave camp raid in morrowind he narrowly escaped with his life but he managed to escape to the border of skyrim where he was caught in the aftermath of an imperial/stormcloak skirmish. And he's angry..........</em></strong></p><p><strong><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3214232278,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3214232278,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3214232278?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="312" /></a></em></strong></p><p>WEIGHT: I prefer aesthetically the slider to the very minimum</p><p>STAT INVESTMENT: magika:0 health: 3</p><p> stamina:2</p><p>STANDING STONE: lord stone because you have no armor you need all the protection you can get</p><p>MAJOR/MINOR SKILLS</p><p>MAJOR:stealth. as a user of gorilla warfare it was a necessary skill to know.get backstab and go up the left side to silent role.</p><p>One handed:go up the right side for the dual wielding perks</p><p>Archery:overdraw,eagle eye,steady hand</p><p>Smithing:advanced armors perk to smith your weapons</p><p> </p><p>EQUIPMENT: ARMOR fur bracers,ragged trousers and imperial boots</p><p> WEAPONS:Nordic sword and dagger or two Nordic swords and crossbow.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3214207094,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3214207094,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3214207094?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="312" /></a></p><p>A brutal dark elven slaver whipping an argonian slave</p><p>QUESTS:CIVILWAR:STORM CLOAK ROLE PLAY THAT ULFRIC AGREED TO GIVING YOU TROOPS TO CONTINUE LIBERATING ARGONIANS FROM SLAVE CAMPS AFTER SKYRIM IS LEBERATED FROM THE IMPERIALS.</p><p> THIEVES GUILD:HELPFUL FOR IMPROVING STEALTH AND TO MAKE MONEY.DO LOTS OF HIESTS AND JOBS.</p><p> DAWNGAURD:SIDE WITH DAWNGAURD THE INSURGENT CARES MOSTLY ABOUT ARGONIANS AND VAMPIRES TAKING OVER THE WORLD ISNT GOOD FOR ARGONIANS.</p><p> </p><p>GAMEPLAY:stealthily killing your targets and sneakily falling back into the shadows.the lack of high armor points is really fun to play with because you need to dispatch your enemy's quickly and quietly to avoid getting swarmed and being killed.</p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3214227225,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3214227225,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3214227225?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="312" /></a></p><p>BACKSTORY:The insurgent was five years old when the dark elves came to his village and captured every person there and loaded them up into wagons.the insurgents father did his best to defend his family but he was overpowered by the dark elves but not before killing three soilders. During the wagon ride through black marsh a group of ARGONIANS jumped out of the trees with spears and bows and swiftly killed every guard and opened up the cages. The villagers were thanking the leader of the group when the young insurgent ran up to the leader of the group and started crying saying that he had no family left the tall argonian pondered for a moment and said he did now. For the next 13 years he trained and liberated fellow ARGONIANS from the clutches of the dark elven slavers. When he was 18 years the group was going to go for a big raid on a slave camp deep into the heart of morrowwind. They hid in the hills and when they were making there strike a dark elven battle mage saw them and sent a fire ball hurtling into the group.suddenly a hord of elven arrows flew into the rest of the group the insurgent dived out of the way he turned back and saw his adoptive father dying.he ran over to him and with his last breath he said "free them" and died.the grip around his spear loosened and the insurgent understood. He picked up the spear and ran to the hills.he spent the night planning.in the morning the insurgent snuck into the camp and released the ARGONIANS and they ran to black marsh. The insurgent had heard of the stormcloak rebellion in skyrim the insurgent decided to ask for help of the stormcloak to help in the fight against the dark elves.as he was crossing the border the imperials assumed he was a scavenger and loaded him onto the carts with the stormcloaks. And now your adventure begins </p><p> </p><p>*DISCLAIMER* non of these artworks and images are owned or made by myself these are images I found on Google although the first drawing "Dindale" is my own drawing</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Contest Build: The Hafgufahttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-hafgufa2019-06-25T22:07:40.000Z2019-06-25T22:07:40.000Znysteehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/nystee<div><p><br /> <em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3110545242,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3110545242,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3110545242?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="165" height="188" /></a></span></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">You were the scout of your crew, following the orders of the captain you worked on operations behind the scenes. From gathering Intel, stealing specific valuables to neutralizing key targets, every shadow job was for you. You were skilled with a blade, quick on your feet and you knew how to remain unseen. Having spent a lot of time in enemy camps, you heard about a sea creature. A corsair was talking to the others:<br /> Below the thunders of the upper deep;<br /> Far far beneath in the abysmal sea,<br /> His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep<br /> The Kraken sleepeth: faintest sunlights flee<br /> About his shadowy sides; above him swell<br /> Huge sponges of millennial growth and height;<br /> And far away into the sickly light,<br /> From many a wondrous grot and secret cell<br /> Unnumber'd and enormous polypi<br /> Winnow with giant arms the slumbering green.<br /> There hath he lain for ages, and will lie<br /> Battening upon huge seaworms in his sleep,<br /> Until the latter fire shall heat the deep;<br /> Then once by man and angels to be seen,<br /> In roaring, he shall rise and on the surface die.<br /> </span></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-“The Kraken by Alfred Tennyson, 1830”<br /> </span></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">You never paid too much attention to it, saying to yourself: “after all, pirates are all tale-tellers...”<br /> </span></em></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Hey everyone, this is my first build ever, I always wanted to play a pirate and this event seemed like the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. This is also my first time to play a beast race and using the sneak skill. I have used several mods for this build and they will be mentioned in their own section. Enough talking I present to you</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>THE HAFGUFA</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138355043,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138355043,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138355043?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">You grew up into a strong and capable warrior in Argonia, but you always wanted to see the outside world. Knowing that opportunities would not come to you due to the harshness of your province, you traveled to Morrowind. You quickly found a ship captain that turned you down stating that you would need to prove your skills to be part of his crew. A series of three duels against his best men and a challenge to snatch the first mate's hat without being noticed. The men were utterly defeated and the item recovered in a blink of an eye. The crew was speechless, the trials were a mere way to test the heart of the aspirants, nobody ever passed it, but you did.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">It was the beginning of countless adventures. You plundered, fought, ate and drank with the crew, they were your family now.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Sailing on the sea of ghosts was never easy but that day was like no other. A rainstorm caught the ship and the whole crew was fighting nature's wrath. Lifting and dragging the sail, you noticed a shadow in the sea. In a split second the ship was shaking, the whole crew assumed combat formation. Something emerged from the water, the beast of the tale was right before you with gigantic tentacles climbing on the ship. You fought with your brothers in arms but nothing seemed to hurt the monster; swords, pistols, canons, and magic were all useless. As you watched the carnage, wounds all over your body you remembered the corsair saying that the beast's heart was its only weakness. You jumped into its belly, pressed on in this "black as pitch" place, soon you stumbled upon a mass that was beating. Only thinking about your companions you stabbed it countless times, the monstrosity ejected you and you woke up ashore covered in blood but your wounds were healed, the blood was not yours, you felt different as if something was living inside of you. The landwalkers are afraid of the water you call home and you are about to know why...</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>Lore</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Scandinavian folklore identifies the Kraken as a legendary </span><span style="font-weight:400;">cephalopode-like </span><span style="font-weight:400;">sea monster of giant size. Most of the representations picture it as a giant squid but it can be an octopus or even a nautilus as the word Kraken is the definite form of Krake meaning a “hideous animal”. The real name of the sea monster is “Hafgufa” as stated in the earliest </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Norwegian books. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">My goal for this build was to show the influence of the sea creature on the character by using different elements of the game.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5IZCWBveZU04UUvw0yHf2IKqHo11R0sXlpt7uDe2loe8MHKzvvYNBPn7POTaQtO6PTEwq5h7uJG_tJzU0wMnsq6IY5dqtEiAgUpDeLCSGqff70-IAs6nmwtYktpLEvlu4t9wsE5x" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5IZCWBveZU04UUvw0yHf2IKqHo11R0sXlpt7uDe2loe8MHKzvvYNBPn7POTaQtO6PTEwq5h7uJG_tJzU0wMnsq6IY5dqtEiAgUpDeLCSGqff70-IAs6nmwtYktpLEvlu4t9wsE5x?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="5IZCWBveZU04UUvw0yHf2IKqHo11R0sXlpt7uDe2loe8MHKzvvYNBPn7POTaQtO6PTEwq5h7uJG_tJzU0wMnsq6IY5dqtEiAgUpDeLCSGqff70-IAs6nmwtYktpLEvlu4t9wsE5x?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3110545242,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3110545242,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3110545242?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="165" /></a></span></p><p><strong>Race</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Argonian. The water has always been your home and you can use it to boost your metabolism.</span></p><p><strong>Standing Stone: </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">The Warrior.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">You are a capable warrior and your connection to the Hist aids you when in danger. The stone lets you deal more damage with power attacks and regenerate health and stamina at will once per day.</span></p><p><strong>Factions</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: The Thieves’ Guild. You are a pirate in your soul, stealing is your lifestyle and killing is justifiable if it is for the loot.</span></p><p><strong>Playstyle: </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">Spellsword.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">The swordsmanship of the Hafgufa is coupled with the abilities granted by the Kraken’s Blood.</span></p><p><strong>Weapon</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Boarding Knife.</span></p><p><strong>Armor and Apparel</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Guild Master’s Armor, Hood, Boots, Nightingale Gloves and two rings of Fortify Destruction (50%). I wore an unenchanted version of the Guild Master’s Armor and the enchanting on the rings are done by NPC.</span></p><p><strong>Spells:</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Alteration:</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Ocato’s Recital, Flesh spells (according to your Alteration level), Paralyze</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Destruction: </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Frost Rune, Geyser, Torrent and Tidal Wave.</span></p><p><strong>Powers and Shouts: </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">Unrelenting Force,</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Nightingale Strife, Become Ethereal, Elemental Fury, Star of the West, Storm Call and Mora’s Boon.</span></p><p><strong>Enchantments:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> I did not add any other enchantments during my playthrough but here are my suggestions if you want to.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Fortify Health, Fortify Stamina and Fortify Sneak. From Summermyst mod you can use Amplify Destruction (stronger spells), Fortify Speed (move faster) and Shalidor’s Shield (take less damage while casting a spell).</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>Perks and Leveling</strong></span></p><p><strong>Stats:</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">2 Magicka/ 2 Health/ 1 Stamina</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Hafgufa’s offense relies on the combination of his swordsmanship and his magic abilities, we will need a decent magicka pool and enough health to survive a few hits as we cannot block. My final stats at level 50 were 400 Health/ 215 Magicka/ 225 Stamina. You can definitely go beyond that for endgame but I had every perk I wanted at that level. You should maintain Magicka at 215 as it is just enough to cast our master spell. The goal is to use the right spell at the right moment.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3149828999,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3149828999,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3149828999?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><strong>Major Skills</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">One-Handed</span><span style="font-weight:400;">- The primary way of dealing damage, you will always have a spell in the other hand. Thundering Blow and Aftershock are the stars here, the former makes a power attack deal double damage after 8 regular attacks and the latter increases our attack speed by 75% for 3 seconds after a Thundering Blow. Those perks allow us to deliver some big damage very quickly.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Alteration</span><span style="font-weight:400;">- The damage synergy comes from this skill too. While we buff ourselves with Alter Self: Resistances and Attributes, casting a spell increases our weapon damage by 20% and decreases our foe’s armor by 150 with Spellblade and Energy Roil. Render Resistances decrease our target’s magic resistance when we do damage with our sword.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">With all the skills previously mentioned our magic damage and weapon damage are constantly boosting each other.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Light Armor-</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> The Guild Master’s Armor cannot be improved past flawless with zero investment in Smithing. We will not have a high armor rate, we need to dodge hits. Windrunner and Tempting Fate help us move faster but our best tool is Evasion Leap, all attacks miss you for 1 second when we jump and it has a 5 seconds cooldown! Coupled with Become Ethereal shout and TK dodge mod we can avoid a lot of damage.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Enchanting-</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> It complements both magic and physical damage through Might and Magic. The icing on the cake is Spellscribe, it boosts our damage further by storing the spell we dual cast and releasing it through our power attacks for free, it has a very low cooldown when you get Enchanting at 100 and Power Echoes let us use it twice before going off.</span></p><p><strong>Minor Skills</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Destruction- </span><span style="font-weight:400;">We use it to boost our Water spells and the Frost rune.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Sneak- </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Like I said in the beginning it was my first time trying the sneak skill so I went with baby steps. Surprisingly it was very effective with only three skills perked. Sneak attack for the damage and Infiltrator for the stealth missions.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>Gameplay</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138512222,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138512222,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138512222?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="767" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Geyser should be your go-to spell as the area of effect makes it easy to hit people with. If the enemy is coming at you, use your spell and then your sword for higher damage. Spellscribe is used to store Torrent in your sword as soon as you can dual cast it. Melee opponents should be fought by alternating between main and offhand, you close the distance with Become Ethereal to murder ranged foes. If you cannot go to them you go back to using Geyser to deal with them. Those tactics are good for any “trash” mob. Higher level opponents deserve a special course, that’s where the Thundering Blow perk comes in. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">You are not allowed to power attack unless the skill is ready</span><span style="font-weight:400;">, meaning that you have to land at least 8 regular attacks and then go for the BIG DAMAGE . If you have to take on multiple opponents try taking out the most troublesome with your sneak attacks, never forget that you know how to work in the shadows.The Hafgufa is a careful warrior that waits for the right moment to deal the killing blow. Avoiding damage is done with the help of Evasion Leap, Become Etheral and roll dodge. Mages were quite troublesome because of their backpedaling AI, I was often unable to hit them enough to use my power attacks and that’s where Paralyze comes into play (more on that in the Special Moves section).</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Roleplay-wise you start in the Thieves Guild, you steal anything valuable to increase your wealth, the guild will never replace your crew but you share the same appetite for goods and valuables. You will take every burglary, sweep, heist and bedlam offered to you. After meeting Enthir during the quest “Hard Answers” you join the College of Winterhold and train under Faralda to understand how to control your new powers. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">After reaching 100 in Destruction</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> your training is done. Remember those two rings of Fortify Destruction? You can now equip them, you will now be able to cast the master water spell with the 50% reduction cost.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3110545242,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3110545242,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3110545242?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="165" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>Special Moves</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">With the Kraken’s blood, you can now control water and blood to a certain extent (blood has very high water content)</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138514947,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138514947,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138514947?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="88" /></a>Vicious Blow</span><span style="font-weight:400;">: Cross Cut + Thundering Blow</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">A boosted Thundering Blow, few foes can withstand the power of this precise strike.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138517709,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138517709,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138517709?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="88" /></a>Thousand Cuts</span><span style="font-weight:400;">: Elemental Fury + Thundering Blow + Aftershock + 2</span><span style="font-weight:400;">nd</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Thundering Blow</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">By increasing your own blood flow you swing your weapon at incredible speed dealing two mortal blows.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138520026,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138520026,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138520026?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="88" /></a>Last Word</span><span style="font-weight:400;">: Nightingale Strife + Paralyze</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">By suddenly decreasing the blood flow of your enemies, they slowly faint, powerless and at your mercy (was used intensively on powerful mages like Hamelyn)</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138522582,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138522582,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138522582?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="88" /></a>Frostbite:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> 3x Dual Casted Frost Runes + Ancient Seals</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The only spell you were able to learn under Faralda after learning that you had an affinity for Ice magic.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138525488,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138525488,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138525488?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="88" /></a>Torrent:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Unrelenting Force + Geyser multiple times</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">A rush of water crushes your foes.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138528523,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138528523,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138528523?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="88" /></a>Ravage:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Storm Call + Unrelenting Force + Tidal Wave</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The full extent of your abyssal abilities.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3138531544,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3138531544,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3138531544?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="88" /></a>Hist Call: </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Histborn + Star of the West OR Mora’s Boon (You can use them alone too)</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">You call upon your connection to your homeland, rapidly regenerating yourself.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>QUESTS</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Many quests were completed during my playthrough, I will list the most important in my opinion. Do not forget that you are motivated by the coin and the valuables, you are not a Good Samaritan. You will help every Argonians though.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Thieves Guild Questline: You like valuables, they help you get some. What’s more to say?</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Dragonborn Questline up to Diplomatic Immunity: you will infiltrate the Thalmor Embassy and free Etienne Rarnis.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Rise in the East: The</span><a href="https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Blood_Horker"><span style="font-weight:400;"> Blood Horkers</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> must be eliminated as they prove to be a threat for the Guild’s influence.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Lights Out: You smelled profit...</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Larceny Targets and Trophies: The vault must be filled again and you will personally take care of it.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">No stone Unturned: A potential reward is always worth the effort.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>MODS</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64905"><span style="font-weight:400;">AddItMenuLE</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">: </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Mandatory to get the unenchanted version of the Guild Master’s Armor.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/9557"><span style="font-weight:400;">Alternate Start - Live Another Life</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Optional,</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">used to start in the Thieves Guild.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/89219"><span style="font-weight:400;">Andromeda - Unique Standing Stones of Skyrim</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">: </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Mandatory to get the Stone power.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16225"><span style="font-weight:400;">Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">: </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Mandatory to get new spells.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69474"><span style="font-weight:400;">Elemental Destruction Magic</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Mandatory for the water spells.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51024"><span style="font-weight:400;">Honed Metal -NPC Crafting and Enchanting services-</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Mandatory. NPC will enchant, temper and honed your gear.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/61218"><span style="font-weight:400;">Imperious - Races of Skyrim</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Mandatory for new racial bonuses.</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1002"><span style="font-weight:400;">JaySuS Swords</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Mandatory to get the Boarding Knife</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/21720"><span style="font-weight:400;">Left Hand Rings</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Mandatory to wear a second ring</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73921"><span style="font-weight:400;">Mortal Enemies - De-aimbot Your Foes</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Optional, stop the aimbot of enemies</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/68425"><span style="font-weight:400;">Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Mandatory adds new perks</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/33395"><span style="font-weight:400;">SkyTweak</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">: </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Optional, I used it with Destruction Scaled Magnitude on 200% at the beginning of my playthrough</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80918"><span style="font-weight:400;">Summermyst - Enchantments of Skyrim</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">: </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Optional if you want to use new enchantments</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/20923"><span style="font-weight:400;">TK Dodge</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Optional, adds dodge animations</span></li><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/81036"><span style="font-weight:400;">Zim's Immersive Artifacts</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"> Mandatory, changes the Nightingale gloves’ enchantment</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">First build done! I want to thank Curse, BlackBlood, Furion and Kendrix for their help on the forge and the discord. Also a big thank you to all the people supporting this community.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Let me know what you think, I look forward to the comments as I want to become better at making builds. Thank you guys and set sail pirates of Tamriel!</span></p></div>Contest Build: The Kraken-Bornhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/wip-the-kraken-born2019-06-21T04:01:43.000Z2019-06-21T04:01:43.000ZRaikagehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Raikage<div><p><em>The swashbuckling adventurer reaches into the burned remains of her adversary - Miraak. But when she irresistably pulls the dead rebellious dragonborn's sword out, the worst occurs. The laughter of Hermaus Mora echoes in her mind as tendrils from the sword slowly start creeping over the skin of her arm. The adventurer attempts to discard the sword but the worst occurs. Horribly, her idividuality is soon lost as the tendrils enact their horrible vengeance, completely controlling the maiden from their source in the sword. From this point onward, the sword and the argonian woman are inseperable.</em></p>
<p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3046617349,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3046617349,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3046617349?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:24pt;"><em>The Kraken-Born <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3046687729,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3046687729,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3046687729?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="340" /></a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Race: Argonain</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Gender: Female</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Stone: The Atronach / The Lord (with the Aetherial Crown)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Playstyle: Spell-sword, Juggernaut, Mage</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Stat Ditribution: Health/Stamina/Magicka 1/1/1</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Apparance: Light green skin, horns only on head, blue eyes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Backstory</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Her name is lost to her own memory, but Hands-of-Gold was the most powerful Pirate Lord of the North before she met her fate. Lightly armoured, with her rapier and buckler in hands, she had gone from an escaped runaway prisoner to the Dragonborn of Skyrim. She had assumed that there was some Dragon in her Argonian heritage, explaining why she only had horns on her head instead of feathers, and a Dragon's soul. But just as inexorably as she was drawn to the island of Solstheim, she would learn her true heritage. Through some awful union as one of her ancestors swam deep in the sea of Tarmiel, it was actually the Kraken, a draconic relative of the Lurker, whose genes had passed on to her. Thus Hermaeus Mora hoped, as it actually came to pass, that the Dragon blood would arise again in mortals and raise for him a new, and far more obedient, champion.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Equipment</strong></span></p>
<p>Early game (lvl 1-30): Scimitar (with fire damage), hide shield (with fortify block), leather armour (with fortify destruction), leather boots, gauntlets, ring, and necklace (with fortify one-handed), and a circlet (forty destruction)</p>
<p>Mid-Game (lvl 31-60): Windshear, Shield of Solitude, Scaled Armour (fortify destruction), Predator's Grace or Movarth's Boots, Shrouded Gauntets or Shrouded Hand Wraps, Ring of Namira, Amulet of Talos, and a circlet (fortify destruction) or later Zahkriisos.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Late Game (lvl 61-81): Miraak's Sword, Orcish Shield (fortify block, magic resistance), Miraak mask or Aetherial Crown, Miraak's Robes, Gauntlets and Boots, Ring and Necklace (Fortify One-Handed/Sneak) or Ring of the Erudite, Amulet of Talos. This may put you past 100% magic absorbtion in which case you may take some Cultist Gauntlets and Boots, improve the gauntlets with smithing, and enchant (fortify one handed, fortify sneak).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Alternatively, one could do Dragonborn right away and ignore the swashbuckling leveling, but Miraaks' equipment would become much weaker. Or, if using console commands, you could cheat the sword into your inventory (PC only) and start out the playthrough in service to Hermaus Mora.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Perks</strong></span></p>
<p>One-Handed, take the the center lines and the Bladesman perks. Alteration: Everything but the Master alteration perk is useful. Sneak: Two perks, Sneak 1/5 and Assassin's blade. In using bucklers the Block perks seem somewhat overpowered and break immersion, but you may take Quick Reflexes and possibly the right side of the tree.</p>
<p>As far as crafting goes Daedric smithing and arcane enchanter will allow us to upgrade Miraaks sword. Grinding crafting is useful for powerleveling, and goes much easier if we invest perks in it, but we can reset these perks with the power of the Black Book: The Winds of Change. We may also want to use the atronach forge to create some daedra hearts from human hearts and black soul gems in order to smith up the sword, but we would have to be conjuration level 90. From the enchanting tree it may be useful to keep one rank in Enchanter and the Soul Siphon and Soul Squeezer perks to keep Miraak's Sword topped up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You will have lots of spare perks in this build after you have maxed crafting and reset the trees. Spend them on the other magic schools.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Playstyle</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3046719097,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3046719097,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3046719097?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="260" /></a></p>
<p>This build plays as a normal warrior/spellsword until level 60. That said, there is basically one way of dealing with nearly everything. With your scimitar in your right hand, you will cast sparks, lightning bolt, and thunderbolt from your left to deal with mages and dragons. This is why the fortify destruction enchantments are so useful on your chest armour and headgear. </p>
<p>Lightning cloak and lightning staves are also effective choices for certain sitations, and a staff of the storm atronach from the atronach forge can be a lifesaver. As far as shouts go Unrelenting Force is the way to go. Meditate upon it, and Dragonborn Force it, and use it against those pesky archers if you cannot close the gap with Whirlwind Sprint.</p>
<p>Finally, with any spare magicka cast level appropriate flesh spells to up my armour rating before entering combat. If there is water nearby, use the Argonian waterbreathing to sneak/swim into an ambush position.</p>
<p>To obrain the early Scimitars do In My Time of Need and side with Saadia.</p>
<p>Do the Taste of Death quest to roleplay the fact that one time, your marooned swashbuckler tuned cannibal.</p>
<p>Do the main quest at least until after the Party at the Thalmor embassy. Same goes for the No One Escapes Cidna Mine quest, just to roleplay having Miraak's Sword attached to the hand and (never being forced removed by gameplay or quests).</p>
<p>Enter the Companions but eventually cure your lycanthropy, nothing can come between you and service to Hermaus Mora.</p>
<p>Enter the Thieves Guild in order to make a tidy profit in Skyrim, but you may not wish to become a Nightingale and thus serve Nocturnal in Death.</p>
<p>Entry into the Dark Brotherhood is a must, at least get as far as when the Katariah spawns for Windshear (which is found on the bowsprit).</p>
<p>It also may seem a bit wierd, but she also joined up wth Ralof in the beginning and sided with the Stormcloaks.</p>
<p>Do the quest Lights Out! and make Broken Oar Grotto your new home. This is your key quest and why you are flavored so anti-imperially. You don't need to bother with Rise in the East - the Blood Horkers are on your side, though they do work for Tolbjorn Shatter-Shield and he abuses his Argonian Dock-Workers...</p>
<p>As far as Dawnguard goes she has no desire to owe her soul to Molag Bal either so whichever side she picks, be sure to cure your Vampirism at the end. Siding with the Volkihar, however, offers you a chance at the Ring of the Erudite, though you likely enchant your own better gear by level 60+.</p>
<p>Curing both Lucanthropy and Vampire Lord before doing Dragonborn makes the roleplay of this build more believeable. Transformations remove the sword from you hand, after all.</p>
<p>You may also wish to use mind-control spider scrolls and roleplay this as throwing squid spawn on your enemies past level 60.</p>
<p>After level 60 also stop summoning Storm Atronachs and instead summon a Seeker (possibly creating a Staff at Tel Mithryn for doing so). There is an exploit wherein at, say, 95% magic absorbtion, a seeker will not likely summon, but it will refill the magicka bar allowing you to cast more thunderbolts. Keep the staff and spell hotkeyed to make this easier.</p>
<p>At level 60+ play through the Mages College. This makes it much more difficult and makes roleplaying a swachbuckler turned Seeker easier.</p>
<p>After level 60 things are more different. Consumed by the deisre to possess knowledge, play proceeds in largely the same way, except in picking up every book you find everywhere that you go. You may take a housecarl along in order to load them up with books. You will finish the Dawnguard if you haven't already and keep the Elder Scrolls. You will complete Lost to the Ages and Unfathomable Depths. All the books in Skyrim will find their way into chests in your homes, and you will buy every spell tome as you can from the mages at the college and the Dunmer apprentice in Tel Mithryn. It may be most flavourful to keep every book in the chest in the home on Solstheim. Finally, you will carry all the Black Books you have collected on your person (and you will succeed in collecting them all!)</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3046847999,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3046847999,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3046847999?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="186" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Mods: </strong></p>
<p>There are several mods on the nexus that provide rapiers. With an animation mod they can be fun to use for the swashbuckling.</p>
<p>There is also the Immersive Weapons and Armours mods which provide Bucklers as well as the light Seadog Armour and a huge assortments of Cutlasses and Scimitars.</p>
<p>For those who use body mods, there is also another way to play this: you can wear a C5Kev's Animated Living Armour mod (from his patreon) and simply cheat your way to 100% spell absorbtion by using an Elixir of the Healer before taking the Atronach Stone and the Atronach perk. This way you will be able to see the tentacles wrapping your character, if you're into that sort of twisted thing. It is a little cleaner with the Argonain Race though than it would be with other races and the body mods. But it is a little tricky to set up all the requisite mods, such as HDT, heels sounds, XP32 maxium Skeleton, SkyUI, skse, and HDT Physics Extensions., so it very much may not be worth.</p>
<p><strong>Notes:</strong></p>
<p>100% spell absorbtion is a goal of this build so that Miraaks' sword will never be disarmed by a Draugr Deathlord.</p>
<p>This is a very high level build. It may be advantageous to power level you way to 60, getting as much training as you can and ignoring the equipment suggestions and some questlines. There are tips and tricks for powerlevelling everywhere, so I won't go into detail here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3046811403,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3046811403,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3046811403?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="205" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Enjoy!</strong></p>
<p> </p></div>Contest Build: The Sea of Ghost Sirenhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-sea-of-ghost-siren2019-06-18T07:49:03.000Z2019-06-18T07:49:03.000ZKendrix Trixiehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/KendrixTrixie<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><em>The Hist Never Forgets... Not when we were taken from our home or shoved in the Dunmer ships. Not when we were paraded in the streets and sold for shiny gems. Not when we were beaten and starved and forced to toil under Morrowind's sun. The Hist Remembers and So Shall I.</em></p><p><em>The Hist Never Forgets the day we were taken so far north the water from the sea froze onto my scales. It will remember the chains that bore us to the floor as the Dumner sailors ran to the deck above to climb into their lifeboats. It trembled when it felt the icy water that rushed into the hold, sapping the heat from our blood and bones. It knew that the plea of our hears was to have our story told, to be remembered, to be avenged. The Hist Remembers and So Will I.</em></p><p><em>The Hist Never Forgets the way we begged to be set free as the water grew colder and the light got dimmer. It tried to comfort us when we realized our fates were sealed beneath Nordic seas and Elven binds. It cried as it watched us die one by one, succumbing to the cold and giving our souls to a place far from home. It wailed when it couldn't take us home; we died too far from its reach. The Hist Remembers because So Do I.</em></p><p><em>The Hist Never Forgets that I was the last to die. It watched when my muscles stiffened and my lungs and gills slowed down. It promised me revenge as I sank to the bottom of an endless ocean, and that was enough to comfort me to give into the sleep. The Hist Remembers and It Awakens The Void.</em></p><p><em>The Hist Never Forgets the way my bodied stirred to life after eras of frozen stillness. It grinned as my heart growled in hunger, longing for something food would never satisfy. It whispered my new name into the darkness to beckon me into a new light. It cheered as my eyes broke the waves, staring into a land changed by time but a people who had not. The Hist Remembers and I was not Forgotten.</em></p><p><em>A new voice called me to act. “Revenge is yours. Go. Steal and kill. Massacre the men and the mer and all that dare stand in your way! Remind them what they did to you! Remind them who they killed beneath frozen waves and blood-mined iron! Send them to me! Send them to the Void!”</em></p><p><em>The Hist Never Forgets and I am its Vengeance.</em></p><p style="text-align:center;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~</p><p>Hey y'all!</p><p>Here is my submission for the first ever contest The Sky Forge has hosted! This build has been a long time in the making since I had a very rough layout of her character long before the contest was announced. Luckily I remembered her in the shadows of my mind and was able to rework and salvage a very basic build and turn it into probably one of the darkest playthroughs I have ever done. This build is going to rely on several mods but I have listed which ones you need and which ones you can overlook.</p><p>Without further ado, let's meet...</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983031161,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983031161,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983031161?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="660" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983040969,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983040969,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983040969?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p>The Sea of Ghosts Siren was hatched under the limbs of a Hist tree and cradled in its roots as she tasted its sap. It was The Hist that gave her a name, a soul, and a purpose. Argonia was still reeling from war and it needed warriors more than ever. She was just a hatchling, but as she grew, The Hist promised to teach her the ways of the Saxheel. She would stand in defense of her home, kill for her home, and when the time came she would die for it. It wasn't an end, The Hist promised, as her soul would return and teach the next generation how to do the same. The Siren agreed that there was no greater end.</p><p>Unfortunately, not even The Hist could stop what was to come. The Siren found herself one of the many Argonians kidnapped and enslaved by the Dunmer during the First and Second Eras. Her small amount of training did little against the elves as they assaulted and ransacked any Argonian settlement in their wake before retreating with their bounty back into Morrowind. As she was drug across the horrid landscape, she was exposed to all the horrors they could inflict on her kind: beatings, starvation, abuse, torture, murder... It wasn't the life, or death, the noble Saxheel deserved. They were out of The Hist's reach in the foreign land. The Siren decided that if The Hist couldn't reach them there, she would have to remember the souls until she returned home. She wouldn't let them be lost forever.</p><p>The years of being sold from one owner to another only strengthened The Siren's hatred for all races. Even if Dunmer's created their bondage, there was no greater atrocity than turning a blind eye. To everyone else, Argonians were mere property. This was further resolved in her mind when dozens of her kind were piled into a boat to be shipped to the neighboring Skyrim. Their slavery was being spread, but the proud Saxheel were too broken to stop it and it seemed like no one else cared.</p><p>The slavers took them into the cold sea where they would inadvertently meet their end. The careless marauders ran into one of the many icebergs that littered the ocean and thought only to sail themselves to safety. The Siren and her fellow cargo sank with the vessel, but it was the cold that killed them. She wasn't scared of dying, but angry that all those lives would be forgotten. She wanted revenge on those that lived. Her final plea was heard by The Hist in her dying moments, and she was at peace when she heard its reply.</p><p>The Siren slept for centuries in her underwater fortress until The Hist called her to wake again. Her body was dead, but her soul and mind had never been more alive. The Hist gave her a new name, a new soul, and a new purpose. She was The Sea of Ghost Siren: a haunting memory of a time not fully avenged in the eyes of The Hist. She was to inflict the fear and pain of those souls she harbored onto the people who let it happened.</p><p>The Hist remembers. It's time for the world to remember as well...</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983109644,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983109644,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983109644?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="211" /></a></p><p>Mythology holds that a “siren” is a woman-like creature that lured pirates and unwary sailors to an untimely death at sea. These creatures were said to sing or preform dangerously close to rocks and shallows forcing their unsuspecting victims to run aground and sink their boats. Once the vessel submerged, the surviving crew were drowned or eaten by the sirens, leaving no survivors.</p><p>Most reports pin sirens as evil and opportunistic, but there are alternative pirate tales explaining their origins. After pillaging a town or vessel, pirates would often kidnap women for- let's simply put it as- a night of entertainment. Seeing as it was bad luck to have a woman aboard your ship however, they would need to get rid of her as soon as they all had their fun. These women were usually tossed overboard to avoid making unnecessary stops and clean ups, so they met their end beneath sea waves. Legend holds however that the women lost at sea were salvaged by the ocean itself in their dying moments. They were turned into sirens and their seductive charm would help them get the revenge they were so desperate to deal.</p><p>Oblivion hath no fury like a woman scorned, and The Siren is looking for something to unlease her fury upon. While our Sea of Ghost Siren is not nearly as seductive as Pirate Lore Sirens, I wanted to let them be the inspiration for the Build. I tried to incorporate as many similarities as I could while blending in the fascinating lore of the Saxheel. I've listed a few key points to keep in mind when playing this character:</p><ul><li><p>Revenge is a fuel. Anyone who wrongs you deserves to die. The Dunmer are a scourge upon the world and must be eliminated.</p></li><li><p>Devour the enemies flesh. There's no sweeter taste than the flesh of those you slaughter. Let their allies know their fate.</p></li><li><p>Return to the sea often. Your new body was forged in the sea so to the sea it must return.</p></li><li><p>Dominate the world with fear and intimidation. Let those who once oppressed you become oppressed. Let them beg for your mercy and let the whims of your heart decide their fate.</p></li><li><p>Remember The Hist and The Void. You owe all to them. Though you may not return to The Hist's embrace, let yourself be a vessel in which it exacts its own revenge into the world.</p></li><li><p>Take what you need without fear of consequence. If you want it, take it. The world owes you for years of suffering in silence. If anyone cares what you steal, kill them or force them to silence.</p></li></ul><p>The Siren has many more dynamics than those listed, but I decided to keep the list shorter and give more details in the “Gameplay/Roleplay” section. A couple of the points are made accessible in game with the help of mods, but they are not necessary to play the build. I've included those in the “Mods” section.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983131661,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983131661,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983131661?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Race:</span></p><p><strong>Argonian.</strong> Born in Black Marsh during the First Era, The Siren is proud to call herself an Argonian. Her gills grant her the ability to breath in the waters that would drown a lesser race. Further, her strong tail and webbed digits give her a deadly speed when swimming, making it impossible for her enemies to outrun her in the waves.</p><ul><li><p>Sirens are female, but should you choose to play as a male, it will not affect the build. The Hist cares not about gender, only about avenging the dead.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Standing Stone:</span></p><p><strong>The Lover.</strong> An ironic stone, but who's going to tell The Siren that? The Siren has a job to do and her devotion is so strong even death cannot stop it. The Lover Stone gives her a second chance to finish those who would have ended her, reviving her with full health once a day if she manages to fall. Through the stone, The Hist can periodically deliver gifts to her as well, to serve as payment between ransacking villages.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Birthsign*:</span></p><p><strong>The Serpent.</strong> Deadly as a snake but without fear of being trodded over. Born under the sign of The Serpent, The Siren is gifted with abilities unlike any other. With a single spell, all poison in her system becomes ineffective. A welcome side effect of the purging makes her toxic to the touch. Those without the ability to resist it can fall to a simple poisonous touch of her hand. It doesn't bother The Siren though. She doesn't need anyone getting too close.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Blessing/Divine:</span></p><p><strong>N/A.</strong> There were no gods of man or elf who saved her from the seas. There was only The Hist and there was only The Void.</p><ul><li><p>If choosing to use Wintersun, you can accept the blessings of The Hist or Sithis, but it is advisable to avoid doing so. Any diseases contracted help buff restoration spells as explained in “Perks and Leveling”.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Supernaturals:</span></p><p><strong>Undead.</strong> Eras have passed since The Siren has seen the world above the waves, but that cold water did wonders for her skin.</p><ul><li><p>The Siren is Undead, but there are no vanilla ways to incorporate that into the character. For the textural look and general feel of being “dead” I used Undead FX. It doesn't add any mechanics to the game for an Undead character, but perks and roleplay make up for that issue.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Companions:</span></p><p><strong>N/A.</strong> The Siren died alone, therefore The Siren fights alone. The Hist is her strength, so she would not need another. If you must include a companion, it has to be an Argonian, as no one else would understand the true reason she fights.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Factions:</span></p><p><strong>Dark Brotherhood.</strong> The Void and The Hist are all that are and all that should be. The Siren would have considered herself lucky to kill for Sithis as a Shadowscale, but joining him in her second life is still ideal. Even if The Brotherhood is ran by men, getting paid to kill those she likely already would isn't a bad deal. They may not agree with her tactics of killing in view of others, but at least she gets the job done.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Archetype:</span></p><p><strong>Spellsword.</strong> Mysticism and Raw Power meet in a deadly display. The Siren wields both magic and might. While this makes it impossible to defend herself, ripping through enemies with disease and poison at a distance make the odds tip in her favor.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Class*:</span></p><p><strong>Custom Class.</strong></p><ul><li><p>Specialization Bonus: +20 Stamina</p></li><li><p>Combat Skills: Heavy Armor, One-Handed, Smithing</p></li><li><p>Stealth Skills: Alchemy, Speech</p></li><li><p>Magic Skills: Restoration, Alteration</p></li><li><p>Secondary Skills: Athletics</p></li></ul><p>The Siren falls into a class of her own with an emphasis on Combat and Magic Skills. All perks but Smithing play a crucial part in the making of this build, but I will elaborate more on that in the “Perks and Leveling Section”. Athletics gives The Siren a nice stamina regeneration boost while increasing her speed on foot. The combination of speed on land and on sea make for a terrifying combination for anyone in her sights.</p><p><strong><em>*Note: Birthsign and Class are added by a mod and are necessary only for having both The Serpent Stone and The Lover Stone active. While it is highly recommended you include the mod for both stones and a building framework, it is not required.</em></strong></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983274931,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983274931,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983274931?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="287" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Weapons:</span></p><p><strong>War Axe.</strong> The slice of a blade meets the bludgeoning of a mace. The war axe is the perfect weapon for The Siren as it combines beauty with fatality. With perks from Ordinator, the War Axe becomes a deadly weapon for those who fail to fall to your offensive spells. After awakening, The Siren will find any War Axe to work in a pinch, but overtime it is necessary to craft and sharpen the weapon into a much deadlier form.</p><ul><li><p>Ebony, Daedric, and Dragonbone Axes are ideal for this build, as their high damage stacks with bleeding effects to achieve a quicker kill for even the strongest of enemies. I chose to give The Siren the Dragonsteel War Axe (from Immersive Weapons), as it killed lower level enemies easily but gave a good challenge against those at higher level.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Armors:</span></p><p><strong>Heavy</strong>. The weight of heavy armor is nothing compared to the pressures of the deep sea. The Siren doesn't care for the weight of armor. The armor serves only to protect her scales as she adjusts to life outside the waves. She chooses to leave her helm off, however, giving her full view of her surroundings and letting her victims know exactly who is sending them to the Void. The more terrifying the armor the better. If mortals choose to bend to her will, she might spare them.</p><ul><li><p>Ironically, The Siren uses the heavy armor variation of Morrowind's Chitin Armor, added in by Immersive Armors. Another possible choice of armor, one that The Siren chose to use when killing for Sithis, is the Ebony Mage Armor. It is not necessary to to include the mod however and the armors can be substituted by Ebony or Daedric.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Spells:</span></p><p><strong>Restoration and Alteration.</strong> The normally docile schools of magic have been turned upside down. Rather than focus on buffing herself, The Siren focuses on tearing her enemies down. While she will use the occasional Stoneflesh or Fast Healing, most of her Magicka output is dedicated to disease and sapping away her enemies' armor, health, and regeneration. The Hist has even taught her how to infect the dead, killing those who wish to retrieve their fallen. The Saxheel had no such luxury. Why should the Nords?</p><ul><li><p>Restoration: Circle of Strength, Fast Healing, Necroplague, Putrefy/Death Cloud/Carrion Wind</p></li><li><p>Alteration: Stoneflesh, Ebonyflesh, Wither</p></li><li><p>*Note: Most of the spells have been added by the Apocalypse mod and buffed by the Ordinator mod, thus both mods are essential for this build.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Powers:</span></p><p><strong>Caustic Spit, Serpent's Sting.</strong> Like a spitting cobra. The Siren's bloodlust may extend far beyond her capabilities. The Hist knows that even the elite have limitations and has blessed its chosen with the power of Caustic Spit. The acidic venom errodes a targets armor making them much easier to take down for several seconds. Paired with The Siren's poisonous touch, even the strongest will find themselves begging on their knees.</p><ul><li><p>Caustic Spit is a super useful power that is added by Imperious to all Argonians. The power blended in well enough with the build that I chose to include it. The Siren doesn't care who get's in the way of her venom, so take caution if including followers.</p></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Shouts:</span></p><p><strong>Become Ethereal, Bend Will, Disarm, Dismay, Drain Vitality, Marked for Death.</strong> It came as an annoying surprise when the Nords started calling her Dragonborn, but The Siren doesn't mind the perks that come with it. All of The Siren's shouts revolve around terrifying or disadvantaging opponents. Cycling through different shouts becomes a necessity when fighting multiple high level enemies. Those that don't flee in fear must find themselves being drained. Those that survive can become subjugated. It doesn't matter to The Siren as long as someone is suffering.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Accessories:</span></p><p><strong>Shroud of Boethiah, Enchantments.</strong> While The Siren isn't outright looking to enchant her armor, she'll take what The Hist provides. Enchantments discovered by disenchanting the gifts given by The Lover Stone are usually enough to give The Siren some nice perks. Similarly the Shroud of Boethiah adds to her menacing appearance without taking the slot of armor already in place. Neither enchantments or the Shroud are required, but The Siren won't turn down a chance to further intimidate her enemies if given the chance.</p><ul><li><p>Should you choose to enchant, below is a list of enchantments that could be used. The skill is not included in the actual build since it is non-essential, but perks should go all the way to Twin Enchantment. Summermyst was used to choose the enchantments.</p></li><li><p><em>Deadly Reach</em> (Cast spells from any distance), <em>Death Shroud</em> (Kill those too close), <em>Siphon Health</em> (Absorb Health), <em>Siphon Stamina</em> (Absorb Stamina)</p></li></ul><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983386728,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983386728,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983386728?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="570" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Stat Placement:</span></p><p><strong>2 Magicka:2 Health:1 Stamina</strong></p><p>The Siren's main offense for the majority of the build is her Disease and Poison. Since she will rely so heavily on her Magicka and Health, perks should be placed mainly on those areas until Magicka reaches around 200. At that time, the Alteration and Restoration trees should be filled enough that the spells don't require too much Magicka to cast, so stats can focus mainly on catching Stamina up at a <strong>0 Magicka:1 Health:2 Stamina</strong> ratio. Uncapping perk trees or making them legendary will help raise The Siren up to an even higher level, but I found that every perk became unlocked around Level 50.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983404036,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983404036,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983404036?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Major Perk Placement:</span></p><p><strong>Restoration.</strong> There's not much to heal when you're dead. As an Undead character, restoration seems like a redundant skill tree, but for The Siren it is the life blood of the build. Using the perks to Plague Doctor, sapping health rather than replenishing it becomes much easier. The Siren focuses on reducing all of the enemies stats before first physical contact, making them an easy kill or a fleeing target. When paired with perks like Warrior's Flame and Ashes to Ashes, there's a further chance enemies will be drained of vitality, even when not engaged in direct combat. Catching and holding diseases benefits the perks on this tree as well, adding an interesting roleplaying element.</p><p><strong>Heavy Armor.</strong> A strong defense to a steady offense. In addition to providing strong protection from attacks, heavy armor aids in intimidation. There is hardly anything more terrifying than a heavily clad, undead Argonian walking towards you in pure rage. With Rise Above and Primal Fear, walking towards an enemy has a chance to intimidate them and make them flee from The Siren's wake. She need not worry if they run too far. With Cushioned, fall damage is negated greatly, meaning chasing a bandit down a mountain has never been more safe. Finally, The Siren can look her enemies in the eye so they can truly see the Face of Death I know what terrors they had wrought on her kind.</p><p><strong>Alteration.</strong> Be the change in the world, for good or for evil. While very few Alteration spells are used by The Siren, the tree is a good investment. Perks like Spellblade and Energy Roil benefit the use of both spell and axe, while Rend Resistance aids in weakening closer opponents for an easier kill. To make up for the lack of self-regeneration and buffing, the Alter Self perks and Welloc's Dormant Arcana provide some much needed help in the areas that are lacking. Finally, Nullifier creates a dampening field around The Siren, making enemies of all types feel as powerless as she did those eons ago.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;">Minor Perk Placement:</span></p><p><strong>One-handed.</strong> The axe is the secondary offense, but it might be The Siren's favorite. A hit from the maxed out Bleed Like a Lamb perk creates a massive damage over time effect. Attacking a target already damaged by one of the disease spells almost feels like an overkill, but it sure is nice to watch them bleed out.</p><p><strong>Speech.</strong> The Thu'um is powerful, but can it be stronger? She might not like being called Dragonborn, but The Siren takes full advantage of the more sinister shouts. Buffed by perks on the Speech tree, shouting becomes more effective, lasts longer, and has a shorter cooldown time. And the Universe Listens can be used to help regenerate some lost Health and Stamina as well, making up for a lack of self-regeneration.</p><p><strong>Alchemy.</strong> Disease and poison make a terribly brew. While not directly interested in Alchemy, The Siren may find poisons to be a delightful addition to her attacks. Following the tree to Alkahest invests just enough points to make some deadly brews while not focusing too much time or energy on getting the mixture just right.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983479423,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983479423,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983479423?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="426" /></a></p><p><strong>Magic:</strong> The use of ranged magic, powers, shouts, and dampening spells are the main form of offense in this build. It is important to assess each conflict quickly as The Siren never runs from a fight. Having a good layout of favorite spells and shouts is essential as you begin to face higher level enemies. More times than not, I found myself cycling through a combination of three spells (Death Cloud, Wither, Necroplague) and two shouts (Marked for Death, Dismay). For the random run-of-the-mill bandits you encounter throughout Skyrim, the combination worked well. When I advanced to dragons and giants however, I found myself having to try out new spell and power combinations.</p><p>The general rule for The Siren's build is to strike first and strike last. The first attack should be a decent disease spell that can be cast at a good distance (if using Deadly Reach, distance doesn't become an issue). You want to take away a massive amount of health and leave those unable to resist steadily draining. If they make the mistake of refusing to run away, using a debuffing shout or power such as Caustic Spit or Drain Vitality puts you at an even greater advantage. Before they enter melee range, cast the disease spell as many times as you'd like. Watch them suffer from afar before moving in for the kill.</p><p><strong>Melee:</strong> Attack those still reeling from your disease spells without prejudice. The fight should always end up close and personal and with both of you covered in blood. A good method for fighting the diseased is to use quick strikes to stack the bleed damage and drain their health even faster. Power attacks are too easy and should only be used to end a fight. The point of the axe is to make the opponent suffer, so why would you end a fight so quickly? Using looted and created poisons adds to the fun of watching the light leave their eyes. Be sure to poison the weapon before the fight as not to distract yourself from the slaughter. The Siren isn't afraid of death, so she will never retreat or pull away to recover her health. Instead, if she falls in battle the effects of The Lady Stone will bring her right back into the fight. As opponents fall, you may switch back to Magic tactics until they get into Melee range again. The Siren should be able to switch between these tactics quickly.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983563590,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983563590,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983563590?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="674" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983581292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983581292,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983581292?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p>Unlike most evil-aligned characters, The Sea of Ghost Siren is driven by something more than her own self interest. She believes she is destined to avenge the fallen Argonians who died in lands so far from their own that even their souls couldn't return home. Her dedication to The Hist paired with the bloodlust of revenge makes for a deadly combination, one that will ultimately bring an end to herself or all of Tamriel. To play this build to the fullest, I had to do a lot of things I normally wouldn't do in a playthrough.</p><p>For instance, I had to learn to steal and kill without sneaking. Stealing from Belethor is one thing. Stealing from Belethor while looking him dead in the eye with a Go-To-Oblivion look is entirely different. Large sums of gold and intimidation work well to get out of a tough spot, but early in the game I had to learn to fight my way out or deal with the consequences. Similarly, I found myself killing people I normally wouldn't, even as an Assassin. Old ladies, children, the occasional guard who said, “What do you want, lizard?”... No one was off limits. It was an odd adjustment to be sure. The Siren justifies herself when she remembers all the Argonians lost. What's a couple septims? What's a couple children to The Void.</p><p>The Hist and Sithis are the two main deities in Argonian religion, therefore The Siren is going to have a close connection to them both. Anyplace where one of the two might be should be considered sacred. Any whims or wishes of the two should be carried out. Should Sithis declare someone to die, do it. Should The Hist command you spare someone's life, it shall be done. The balance and direction comes from these two forces to enact full revenge on the world. Those that survive will merely be subjugates when all is said and done.</p><p>To fully consider herself a Siren, I created a couple self-imposed rules for the Build. The Siren had to return to the sea periodically. It didn't matter what part of the sea, be it Solitude or Windhelm, but she had to return every few days to “replenish” herself. Eons under the waves made her dependent on the cold sea. Further, she had to eat some of the carcasses of those she killed in the name of revenge. This was a fairly difficult rule to pin down, but with aid from Namira, I was able to figure out how to accomplish the task. Namira isn't important to The Siren at all, but The Ring was highly important to this element of roleplay. Finally, she couldn't call herself a Siren if she didn't kill some pirates. I made it a mission to seek out every shipwreck in game as well as those added with “Tamrielic Culture”, and clear them of pirates and booty. The Siren enjoyed both the riches and bounty of meat so much that she could hardly wait for the dungeons to respawn. To pass the time, I traveled the coast attacking travelers, settlements, and cities I came across, only to retreat back into the sea. The Hist wants revenge, but we can still have a little fun.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983608439,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983608439,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983608439?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="222" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983646798,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983646798,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983646798?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p>There were several quests I ended up completing throughout the build, but I've decided to take the most relevant ones and elaborate on them. For quests not mentions or those with multiple endings, choose the option your Siren would most likely do. Do not side with Dark Elves. Help all Argonians. Kill and steal to your hearts desire. If you want it, take it by any means necessary.</p><p><strong>The Dark Brotherhood Questline.</strong> To serve Sithis and The Hist is a dream come true. On the track for revenge The Siren can pick up some extra septims and slaughter any witnesses along the way. Meeting the Shadowscale Veezara is a massive plus.</p><p><strong>The Dragonborn Questline.</strong> The Siren isn't going to pass up the opportunity to return to Morrowind and exact her revenge directly on those who oppressed her. Killing Miraak and completing the missions there can be considered a side quest to killing any Dunmer who has something to say against her.</p><p><strong>The Main Questline.</strong> As much as she doesn't want to help the Nords, the dragons are becoming a nuissance. If she could kill them, that would be alright. If she could use them to fight for her, the revenge would be even deadlier.</p><p><strong>Daedric Missions.</strong> There are a variety of Daedric Cults scattered around Skyrim, but The Siren cares little about them. If she catches word of them, she may use the artifacts but there are only a few she would readily seek out: Peryite, Boethiah, Vaermina, Namira, Mephala.</p><p><strong>Pirate/Sea Related Quests.</strong> While exploring the shipwrecks and sea caves, The Siren is bound to catch word of some trouble at sea. It doesn't matter who delivers the quest as long as there is a promise of gold and blood, The Siren will be there.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983700315,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983700315,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983700315?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="295" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/272" target="_blank">Alternate Start</a>:</strong> Suggested. Adds the option to choose where to start the character off. For this build I chose “Shipwrecked off the Coast”.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14910" target="_blank">Andromeda</a>:</strong> Necessary. Overhauls the Standing Stones while remaining lore friendly.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1090" target="_blank">Apocalypse</a>:</strong> Necessary. Adds new spells to the game.</p><p><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11316" target="_blank"><strong>Classic Classes and Birthsigns</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Suggested. Allows you to choose a Birthsign and Class for your character.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/7770" target="_blank">Dominion's More Argonians</a>:</strong> Suggested. Adds more Argonians around Skyrim. Use only if you plan on having followers.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3479" target="_blank">Immersive Armors</a>:</strong> Suggested. Adds new, lore friendly armors to the game and retextures vanilla ones.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/16788" target="_blank">Immersive Weapons</a>:</strong> Suggested. Adds new, lore friendly weapons to the game and retextures vanilla ones.</p><p><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1315" target="_blank"><strong>Imperious</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Necessary. Overhauls the vanilla races in the game to give them lore friendly abilities and powers.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1137" target="_blank">Ordinator</a>:</strong> Necessary. Overhauls the perk system in the game to allow more complex builds.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6285" target="_blank">Summermyst</a>:</strong> Suggested. Adds new, lore friendly enchantments to the game. Use only if you plan on enchanting weapons and armor.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11418" target="_blank">Tamrielic Culture</a>:</strong> Suggested. Adds multiple new items, dungeons, and encounters to the game to make the land feel more in touch with the rest of Tamriel. Highly suggested if you want more pirate-themed elements.</p><p><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5197" target="_blank"><strong>Undead FX</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Suggested. Adds an disenchantable amulet to the game that decays the player's skin and makes them appear more undead. Highly suggested to give a visual element to an otherwise normal looking character.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4284" target="_blank">Veezara Alive</a>:</strong> Suggested. Prevents Veezara from dying during The Dark Brotherhood Questline. Use only if you plan to use followers.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11591" target="_blank">Walks-In-Shadows</a>:</strong> Suggested. Adds a fully functional Argonian follower to the game. Use only if you plan to use followers.</p><p><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22506" target="_blank"><strong>Wintersun</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Suggested. Overhauls the blessing system and adds new gods and worship to Skyrim.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/9138" target="_blank">Zim's Immersive Artifacts</a>:</strong> Suggested. Overhauls unique artifacts found in the game to have a better look and enchantment.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2982962995,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2982962995?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2983768629,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2983768629,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2983768629?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="526" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;">Well that was a bit of a long build, yeah? The Sea of Ghost Siren was a very difficult build for me but I am overall excited by the way she turned out. I would like to give a special thanks to <strong>Curse-Never-Dying</strong> for hosting the contest, <strong>Lee (Fiskill)</strong> for taking the time to put together an amazing <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/modding/forum/the-pirate-modding-guide" target="_blank">pirate modding guide</a>, and <strong>Pixel</strong> for his work on the <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/the-builder-s-college" target="_blank">Builder's College</a> and build section of our Discord. There are a lot of you guys out there who give me constant reassurance and support so a big thank you to you too!</p><p style="text-align:center;">As always, let me know what you think about the build in the comments and if you have any questions feel free to ask!</p><p style="text-align:center;">Talos Guide You!</p></div>Event Build: The Voidgazerhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/event-build-the-voidgazer2019-04-15T04:17:49.000Z2019-04-15T04:17:49.000ZChris Dioknohttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/ChrisDiokno<div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">Greetings and salutations everypony! Welcome to my final non-collab build for Crossworlds 2019! Wanting to buck the stereotypes of Argonian thieves, I’ve decided to harness some lore, a bit of CC content, and the fact I haven’t played an Argonian in ages, welcome to the….</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/L4T6ALyLRDi2Qc0cglS06707ystxTc5OhvTPt7nFBqw5GfsDr4GnCeSQICt7Ut7jRPfah8UL4VZvqgn_pgibSLhk_BwbOr9qKHLGL1QfjAZftsRJ0yCauisvBTvGLqbY2203fok6" alt="" width="475" height="88" /></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kEMzXw7P2A">Into The Void</a></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1WbHVG30PLIIASowJNTinR-eOK61xk4zNrnOl7YQ_Ag2Ez6o3e0oOe_ma26T6zflzxk6VK9_duXazFYUlUepJq0dA48Gl87yWNMe3NhNXJ0RA0UL1NxDKmRL2UjlpwtNm4ASa02" alt="" width="605" height="370" /></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em>Pandomay. Sithis. The Void. These are all names for the primordial darkness that surrounds the Aurbis. Shadow Magic, that which can be used to view parallel worlds, and even travel therein.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em>We, the Voidgazers,or Voidstriders as some know us, understand the connection between the two. For what is Shadow Magic, but manipulating the primordial shadows that overlap with reality. It is in gazing into the void that our founder, former Shadow Legionnaire Strides-Through-Shadows, fused the two together into what is known as Void Magic, a thaumaturgy that harnesses both Shadow Magic, and the latent energies of Pandomay’s darkened light, to sunder our foes, absorbing their life forces. Though, as we tell all who wish to walk our umbral path, remember thus: Beware, for if thou gaze into The Void….</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em>The Void may gaze back.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">Character Overview</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/pX06Cd0MZzK0NG3aqllMDorbRrFuHb6gAjvbKH-FStfh22oS7Ed6HDujNNL-mu_BEr-5_qyFFAYrJHeh1PGUXFoFswufDGcgUTkXDdBD9eba9xGQeK6fq5zJzEQlnknkwGJlleMC" alt="" width="185" height="242" /></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Race</em></strong>: Argonian Vampire. Not only do these scaly swagboys have the most connection, culture wise, but also have a few other benefits. Innate Waterbreathing and Resist Disease allow easy aquatic escapes, as well as helping before you become a vampire. Alongside this, they gain a +5 bonus to unarmed damage, and +10 to Lockpicking. Plus, Histborn’s regen is wonderful during tough fights.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Stat Spread:</em> </strong>2/1/3 in Magicka, Health, and Stamina. Stop perking Magicka at about 270, and Health at 170</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Standing Stone</em></strong>: The Mage or Thief to start off with, for leveling purposes, then swap over to The Atronach, boosted with a Fortify Restoration potion or two, not quite an Advanced Atronach, but boosted.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Primary Skills</em></strong>: Destruction, Archery, Enchanting</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Secondary Skills</em></strong>: Alchemy, Speech, Heavy Armor</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Skills</em></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_yd_zppUZ7p_MeonaJZq16oTBsSpT5qVQ1D3lREm6jj0n10qgOaf6KnmcRBE3M0omorvmAsQjcrNZkLh9y-ODCpU2KT-xiFUBDGWNNoqsKGeP9dqqWUY7v_00M-2E7ImGz2UJKx7" alt="" width="624" height="351" /></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Destruction</strong></em>-Primarily used to boost your drain spells, whether they be the vanilla Vampiric Drain, or the ones added by the Arcane Accessories Creation Club content.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Heavy Armor</strong></em>-As three pieces of our apparel are Heavy Armor, this will add in a bit more AR to our squishy scale sorcerer, and also boost unarmed damage if we run out of bolts/Magicka.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Lockpicking-</em></strong>Tinkering with our Dwemeri crossbows and also the usage of Void Magic allows this Black Marsh born adventurer to pick any lock with ease.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Enchanting</strong></em>-Channeling the energy of the soul, letting the soul itself ascend to wherever it is bound, the Voidgazer channels this energy into his or her arms and armor.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Archery</strong></em>-When Magicka runs dry, then switching to the trusty Enhanced Dwemer Crossbow works wonders, especially with its stagger effect.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Alchemy</strong></em>-Used for healing, as well as buffing, particularly your absorb spells.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Speech</strong></em>-Useful for speech checks, as well as haggling down the prices of Soul Gems, enchanted items for disenchantment, as well as raising the prices of your items sold.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/pmRDE_oJY4AQShQkUk74qXt-stR3dDT55soq5TR83QR9e7NOAFcBDKHuL-2756Xo48A6Z7aAnu4E6EVZqJeqi-7MAdEKmbdh5X5F4GneIkC3D_cz8OSSNwvvDYMrGPoGakpW7t4K" alt="" width="624" height="351" /></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em>Taste the Void’s power, Enthir!</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Gamplay</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">Gameplay as the Voidgazer was quite challenging at first, as the only spells used were quite small, in this case, drain spells, don’t have much in the way of range. Thus, you’ll have to rely on maneuverability and arrows/bolts to deal with ranged threats.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">Basically put, combat is simple, but fun. First off, chug your fortify potions, and then equip your drain spells. You’ll want to keep moving, especially useful as, since there is no Master-level drain spell, then there’s little reason to not be on the move. Simply kite your enemies, refilling your health with your drain spells until you run out of Magicka. After that, use either Unrelenting Force or Whirlwind Sprint to give yourself some breathing room, then swap to your trusty crossbow.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">For dragons and mages, the Atronach will help, in part, defense wise, and to keep your Magicka filling. Also, without any Magicka, dragons will be forced to land, allowing you to blast them with Vampiric Drains, Touches of Death, etc, as well as poisoned Crossbow bolts. Archers can simply be beaten with the stronger punching power of a Crossbow. Simply sniper duel them to death. Focus on the ranged enemies above all else.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">Follower wise, I went with Mjoll the Lioness. This tanky titan of a Nordess is beastly with a two-hander, and will always have your back (Though beware, as Aerin may tag along for the ride). I chose to equip her with full Steel Plate, enchanting as much as I could with Fortify Health, Heavy Armor, and Resist Magic as I could, and equipping her with the Longhammer. Alongisde this, with the help of some choice poisons with positive effects, Plus, even if this character doesn’t perk into Restoration and the like, I did, on occasion, use spells like Guardian Circle (Mostly through Scrolls) as a way to create a temporary safe haven wherein I could ping my enemies with ranged bolts and spells, while also healing.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">While this build doesn’t really have any “special moves” per say, one such move I did use as a sort of AOE “fuck you” was such, which I called the Void Nuke. Simply put, first chug down a Varlaic Vulnerary, then charge and cast a Drain spell, followed by Soul Tear. In essence, you not only have boosted the effects of both, but you have drained their health thrice over, two times with your drain, and once more from Soul Tear, potentially Soul Traps them, but also. Ah, “Summons forth Shadows of them where they are your allies” IE resurrects them.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">If you don’t have the Arcane Accessories Creation Club content, then feel free to use goold old Vampiric Drain!</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Void Shards</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">These crystalline capsules, said to be fragments of fallen stars, imbued with the energies of Pandomay, grant buffs and debuffs to those which the Voidgazer wishes.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/r4RLOV7bIhFO9pZqcSPyJ0CeoFibU28zohIOgQQDD0xQvOvrnIDok49WH7FQ7a3x1l12P6-g68OckLCeVkTL8uMI-wKpxh22RaJSzYvkilah6U4yRy0sBzoXcPYB5dqFfMg79rQh" alt="" width="272" height="162" /></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Essence of the Void</strong></em>-A pure, potent collection of Void energies, not only restoring the imbiber’s magicka reservers, but bolstering them too, even if the taste is bitter.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">(Briar Heart+Ectoplasm+Elf Ear: Fortify+Restore Magic+Damage Health)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0G_GV4BsaoDDRQwTNlTXuDi0cVOQIaU0koEsQ-hDzb9vN0E_vJV0hD7PgZZt3jXicd7sAqwRqnnWQbTRp58xsTShhCpL4M0xZdwnmp5_BzcMUD5HGwZF84wwjhsjFbRQRi4C5EYC" alt="" width="239" height="144" /><strong><br /><br /></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Dusklight Drops</em></strong>-The sanguine light within is siad to invigorate the vitality and stamina of all who ingest its contents. (Boar Tusk+Lavender+Blue Mountain Flower: Fortify Health+Stamina+Fortify Conjuration)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TAAHSOl1v7J5cDFJiFPZlRmyybxxDgfbKHuFskBVyEZEUAEh7uA0ksWT_UPe7G43UrN7fW-6JZf4yX_HS22wEyMjNt4es3aD_kxF2UvFXo-0ResXoDsR2krdlGzr8ecj3apC-ro-" alt="" width="281" height="169" /></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Void Dragon’s Essence</strong></em>-To some, Sithis is said to manifest in the form of an ethereal black dragon, and grant to those his essence. This may be that, or it may be a useful simulant, good for followers of the Voidgazer</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/KEGOiwuuFyHIfFaaeEoph6SH5MF5_G-S0HQmPJXbLb5wbO93c0XVQUi_ctpEXklEfT8hWlgPIMnlkRkh_uVN81vZndyWRb9243HdwdaQkY0r1FnhfhvlYAWT6af7L28g0NNGv3jO" alt="" width="314" height="189" /></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>Varlaic Vulnerary</em></strong>-Forged from Meteoric Glass, similar to the Ayelidic Varla Stones, this crystalline mote hums with the darkened light of the Shadows.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">(Ectoplasm+Elves Ear+Glowing Mushroom: Restore Magicka+Fortify Destruction)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">Equipment</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jW3Sk91tXbaNUWF2fH90YpKdxTt5disl9AZNhq4OEvQpyprJw8sg0czIEK0PwFqa4rbk5WCA2RXQaZz4G7VLb9v6RKpl0Conov77MNpo-wW20VZHolI69Bwhf05oCCWGacx8RS_3" alt="" width="624" height="351" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>Roleplay</strong></em></p>
<ul style="text-align:center;"><li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr">The battlemages of the Voidgazers are scholars at heart. Collect books, especially those about magic or Sithis, and store them in your home(s).</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr">Never drink blood from the innocent, only, on, say, sleeping Bandits, as well as Potions of Blood (Use any duplication glitch as needed).</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr">Always go for persuasion based options over just resorting straight to violence. You think with your mind more than your fists.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr">Whenever you use a Void Shard, you MUST either drop a filled Soul Gem, or use it to refill Thorn.</p>
</li>
</ul><p style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/FzScLcBamlPw8--dkSp-sxyRp_nwgbKb-awB_xEYT5Q8e5sS1lLAc_4spITI0MwwxVTCd-DYjhgAYoSgkJotu9rQrCHaE3_Iym7Saq7c2nBdCDVBvreiaGJmkh2v-VCZkSy8m6LK" alt="" width="582" height="351" /></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em>The laws of reality hold no sway over those that wield the Void’s darkened light.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;"><em>Conclusion</em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center;">Well, there you have it, my attempt to bring in Destiny’s Voidwalker into Skyrim. Thanks again to Lee for the spreads and screenshots. In truth, this build, at the start, was a fun challenge, as I originally could not think of how to replicate the health draining effects of the Voidwalkers, until I stumbled across something I rarely took much look at, the tomes in Arcane Accessories. Well, that’s a wrap!</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-91ab0a66-7fff-8040-3324-a5841a7f8886"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></strong></p></div>Character Build: The Blackmarsh Crimelordhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-blackmash-crimelord2019-03-20T05:01:22.000Z2019-03-20T05:01:22.000ZCasual gamerhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Casualgamer<div><p><strong>A sneaky and lethal character build where you will end up having more money than you know what to do with </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Race:Argonian </strong></p>
<p>The reason this is that Argonians started out with a 25 lockpicking skill and if a fight gets intense you can activate histskin and run while your health recovers or just escape a situation completely by jumping in the nearest river Argonians are also good in fist fights.</p>
<p><strong>Gender:Female </strong></p>
<p>This is for roleplay reasons </p>
<p><strong>Stat spread: </strong>1/3/2 (Magicka,health,stamina)Stop leveling magicka at 130</p>
<p><strong>Equipment (At level 30):</strong> Eduj,Dawnbreaker,Mehrune's razor,Nighingale bow,crossbow (fine),Sanguine rose,Wabbajack,Any piece of apparel that increases alchemy,Amulet of dibella,Masque of clavicus vile (optional),Full nightingale armor,Ring of major deft hands,skeleton key,and of course have plenty of poisons and potions </p>
<p><strong>Skills(at level</strong> <strong>30)</strong>:<strong> </strong></p>
<p>Light Armor:</p>
<p>Agile defender 4/5</p>
<p>Custom fit</p>
<p>Unhindered </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sneak:</p>
<p>Stealth 3/5</p>
<p>Backstab </p>
<p>Muffled movement</p>
<p>Assassin's blade </p>
<p>Deadly aim </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lockpicking:</p>
<p>Novice locks </p>
<p>Apprentice locks </p>
<p>Quick hands </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Pickpocketing:</p>
<p>Light fingers 2/5 </p>
<p>Night thief </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Speech:</p>
<p>Haggling 1/5</p>
<p>Allure</p>
<p>Bribery </p>
<p> </p>
<p>One handed:</p>
<p>Arms man 3/5</p>
<p>Dual flurry 1/2</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Archery:</p>
<p>Overdraw 1/5</p>
<p>Eagle eye</p>
<p>Steady hand 1/2</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Gameplay:</strong>The blackmarsh crimelord is a naturaly sneaky combatant so use classic bow and arrow stealth tactics or if you need to do some hefty damage from your hiding spot use your trusty crossbow also make sure to use mehrune's razor for close up stealth kills,a great way to disrupt an enemy camp is to summon a dremora from a enclosed position and wach the chaos ensue.</p>
<p>As for direct melee combat you can still hold your own by using duel wielded weapons for high lethality your histskin ability will also be useful if you're in a fight you just can't win another useful thing to do is to drop a dremora down and run while your health recovers or to summon one during a mini boss or boss fight,this allows for the high damage required to defeat said enemies,however you cannot just stand there and fight it out be sure to do a fair amount of side stepping and dodging since this is duel wield build and you have no block.Make use of health potions and restoration spells aswell.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Questing:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Required quests</strong></p>
<p>A night to remember:Do this early on to get the sanguine rose,an item that will be crucial in many scenarios throughout the game </p>
<p>Pieces of the past:Do this as soon as you hit level 20,this is how you get mehrune's razor </p>
<p>At the break of dawn:Do this between levels 15-20,this is how you get dawnbreaker</p>
<p>In the mind of madness:This is how you acquire the wabbajack and it's just plain fun </p>
<p>Dark brotherhood questline:Not only is this completely in character for the Blackmarsh crimelord it is also a phenomenal source of money and a great way to level up sneak skills before doing theif's guild quests </p>
<p>Theif's guild:Do this questline until you get nightingale gear and the skeleton key,then stop</p>
<p>Companions:Do this at the begining of the game for a boosted start </p>
<p>Dawngaurd:You need this for the crossbow,but make sure you complete the questline </p>
<p><strong>Other questing </strong></p>
<p>civil war stormcloak side(optional):The only real reason for this is that after the empire burned down the sanctuary our crimelord would harbor alot off anger for the empire </p>
<p>Main storyline:only go as far as bleak falls burrow as this character is simply not the Dragon slaying type </p>
<p>Civil war imperial side(forbidden):I'm pretty sure you can already tell why this is forbidden </p>
<p> The rest is up to you, but don't help anyone just to be helpful,do it either for gold or some other kind of personal gain,also any anti thalmor action is encouraged.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>character backstory</strong></p>
<p>As you know no one is born evil,this is true for the blackmarsh crimelord.</p>
<p>Her early childhood was fairly normal,she had a loving mother and her father was a scholar,she herself was a mistivious child but hadn't seemed evil.Her father wrote most of his papers and books on the daedra and his most recent project was the corruption the thalmor had planted into the empire.During her teenage years she was a trouble maker and one day her father suddenly disappeared,she was stricken by grief and began stealing more,drinking more,and fighting more as a way to cope.In her latter teenage years she was attacked by a theif with a knife,she drew her own and stabbed him repeatedly and watched him bleed out with a sadistic enjoyment in her eyes.She returned home to find her mother dead on the floor with several skooma bottles next to her corpse,she simply narrowed her eyes at it and turned her gaze toward the open door to her father's office.She read through some of his papers about the thalmor,then she connected the dots in her head <em>My father was killed by the thalmor </em>She growled and stuffed the papers into her satchel.She grew more violent and sadistic as she grew older and by the time she was an adult she got involved in organized crime and quickly climbed the power latter,this is when her crimelord days begin.Eventually the criminal organization she was apart of got overambitious which led to its downfall.The blackmarsh crimelord sat on a fallen tree thinking of what to do next,then she remembered about the Daedric artifacts her father studied,many of which where in skyrim.The crimelord set out for skyrim but was caught up in an imperial ambush along with some stormcloaks.</p>
<p> <strong>Mods</strong></p>
<p>The Old kingdom weapon overhaul </p>
<p>The Old kingdom armor overhaul </p>
<p>Immersive citizens mod</p>
<p><strong>So that's it for this build,make sure to give feedback in the comments below </strong></p></div>Character Build: Terror of the Tideshttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/event-build-terror-of-the-tides2018-03-22T09:51:28.000Z2018-03-22T09:51:28.000ZDocPGBhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/DocPGB<div><p>Pickpocket is quite the oddball skill which might find itself in the arsenal of an average Thief, Assassin or Alchemist-type build. All of these classes would also practice Sneak to facilitate the subterfuge and sabotage, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it felt oppressive that I had to perk both skills to use one of them against hostiles. But this Argonian breaks the mold; where others nab their opponent’s arms from the shadows, he simply yanks it out of their hands when they’re down in the dirt.</p><p style="text-align:center;">Hide your gold, women and children, and grip your blades tight,</p><p style="text-align:center;">For the Terror of the Tides is upon us tonight!</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/14178878?profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="14178878?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="393" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/14178907?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="14178907?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;">It was unusual for an Argonian child to be seen outside Black Marsh, and stranger yet, to have been born and raised in an Imperial city. Not too long ago, he had been scraping by with his mother, but an unfortunate horse-carriage accident had robbed him of his only parent. Alone in a cruel world, he relieved fat nobles of their fatter-yet purses for a living.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;">But the nobles eventually noticed, and the guards took unusually drastic measures to apprehend him. With nagging thoughts about the circumstances of his mother’s death and his birth, the Argonian knew that staying there meant suicide. Stowing away on a merchant ship, he left for unknown lands. But as fate would have it, one thing lead to another, and the young Argonian found himself scrubbing the deck of a Pirate ship to save his neck.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;">To his surprise, life at sea was almost natural to him. Catching bits of swordsmanship and sailing techniques from the crew, the Argonian became an expert swashbuckler and navigator at an unnatural pace, earning him a reputation as a prodigy of slaughter and pillaging. Eventually succeeding his captain, he led the crew to wealth and infamy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;">But once again, the law caught onto him. The pirates veered well off the merchant ship route in pursuit of their quarry when they found themselves surrounded by the Imperial Armada. Some of the crew fought and were felled by Imperial Steel, while the Argonian and some others tried their luck with the unforgiving Ghost Sea. Holding onto an old plank for dear life, the Argonian drifted in the rough seas for several days before washing up on foreign, icy shores.</span></p><p><strong>Race:</strong> Argonian</p><p><strong>Archetype:</strong> Thief, Duelist, Ruthless Cutthroat</p><p><strong>Skills:</strong> One-handed, Block, Light Armor, Speech, Pickpocket</p><p><strong>Shout</strong>s<strong>:</strong> Cyclone, Unrelenting Force</p><p><strong>Stats:</strong> 0/1/1 until health hits 200. Then go full stamina. 200 is a good amount of health for Legendary difficulty, and the Stamina investment gives you more bashes/power attacks. Ordinator introduces perks which improve weapon damage based on max stamina, so the stamina investment isn’t just dead weight.</p><p><strong>Apparel:</strong> Skaal Hat/Diadem of the Savant/Assorted circlets, Dawnguard Armor (Brown), Leather bracers, Thieves guild boots, Amulet of Talos, Assortment of rings and amulets.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/14178914?profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="14178914?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="250" /></p><p>Here’s a fun mod which I got into a short while ago, but it has been an absolute bomb, more so than any other perk overhaul mod. The perks incentivize stamina investment and synergize well with other perks from different skill trees (which have branches with one theme each). Another great thing about it is that there are reduced perk redundancies (read 5/5 Armsman), letting us drop all those excess points into the cool new perks. Not to say that this build can’t be played on vanilla Skyrim, but I <em>highly</em> recommend this mod to breathe new life into an old game.</p><p><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/14178938?profile=RESIZE_930x" alt="14178938?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;">One-handed: Armsman 5/5, Fighting Stance, Critical Charge, Savage Strike,</span><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Block: Shield Wall 1/5, Quick Reflexes, Power Bash, Deadly Bash, Disarming Bash, Shield Charge</span><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Speech: Haggling 3/5, Bribery, Allure, Merchant, Investor, Fence</span><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Pickpocket: Light Fingers 3/5, Night Thief, Poisoned, Cutpurse, Misdirection, Perfect Touch</span><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Light Armor: Agile Defender 3/5, Custom Fit</span></p><p>One-handed and Block are your basic combat skills, with a focus on power attacks and bashing with the high stamina investment. Rogue’s Parry works well with Quick Reflexes and rewards the use of sword-and-empty-hand stance, while Furious Strength translates your stamina pool into damage. Timed Block rewards skillful combat and Apocalypse-Proof negates magical damage if you time it right. Light armor provides a modest compromise between defense and mobility.</p><p>Speech is one of the trees changed greatly in Ordinator, with several new branches featuring Instruments, animal-taming, and Shouts. The Red Bramman will make generous use of the latter branch, with perks which give a chance to have no cooldown when Shouting, or weakening enemies and buffing yourself when you Shout.</p><p>Pickpocket has also had an overhaul, with a new branch featuring the Cursed Septim, an item which amplifies the damage taken by the NPC in possession of it. Luckily, this is something the Bramman can easily ensure. The final perk in the pickpocket tree lets you trade 50,000 gold for a perk point, which finally gives us a reason to keep amassing wealth and grants access to more perks, letting you fill up every perk tree.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/14178946?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="14178946?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="130" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8254321100,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8254321100?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></p><p>Now, before I go into the specifics, there’s one nifty trick I need to go over that the Red Bramman employs.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><u>The Ragdoll Pickpocket Exploit</u></strong></p><p>You might have heard of, seen or done this before: pay for the services of a trainer, Ice Form them, and pickpocket the gold when they’re getting back up. This works on the basis that NPCs standing up after a fall can be have their pockets picked with a <u>100% chance of success</u> for the thief.</p><p>I realized during a nightblade playthrough that I could pickpocket enemies recovering from paralysis DURING BATTLE. This adds a whole new dynamic to a one-off gold-saving trick, turning it into a lethal disarming technique for combat use. And it’s all the more deadly when wielded by a cold-blooded pirate who won’t hesitate to hit the enemy when they’re down.</p><p><em>Disclaimer: this doesn’t work 100% of the time. If the target becomes aggressive after witnessing your crime/being assaulted, you won’t be able to pick their pockets. There are some other cases which restrict pickpocket, too, but they are infrequent.</em></p><p style="text-align:center;">---</p><p>Bramman lives by the blade, capable of settling most quarrels by intimidation or with a cutlass. He can evade heavy attacks and block weaker hits with ease, allowing him to come out on top in any one-on-one engagement. When there are too many foes to handle, he unleashes a powerful gust of wind, knocking most foes to the ground and leaving them open to the vices of his greasy fingers. Most of them will return to the fight with only their bare fists, and one lucky customer gets to briefly hold the Cursed Septim.</p><p>Foes that rely on their arms, like most melee foes and bowmen, are Bramman’s most relished prey, for they are helpless without their arms. However, Magic users are quite a headache, since they can negate the gust of wind with their wards, and the armor Bramman wears provides little defense against raging flames and shattering frost. Against these foes, Bramman would cut through the magic with his sword, rendering him Apocalypse-proof, but if he lacks the ability to do so, proactive combat, supported by stolen potions and enchanted jewelry, would suffice. Dragons will be a challenge to take down, but with prudent use of bashing to silence their elemental Shouts and evading their melee strikes with quick reflexes, not to mention using lingering poisons, the fights will be long but in favor of Bramman.</p><p>And you might wonder: for all the hoo-ha about the Red Bramman, he doesn’t have particularly strong offenses or defenses. That is to be expected, from a man who used intimidation and strength in numbers as his main tools to raid weak settlements. The Red Bramman would still pilfer and murder in Skyrim, but with the consideration that he has little or no backup to deal with the backlash. He might, however, invite some kindred souls to join him in his endeavors (usually by enticing them with coin).</p><p>Lone or poorly-guarded travellers, war camps and other (needless to say, vastly inferior) brigandines are plenty in Skyrim, and plenty enough to sate the Red Bramman’s thirst for blood and hunger for coin. The many long-lost barrows and ruins in Skyrim house exotic treasures ripe for plunder. Even the roads hold plenty of encounters worthy of a tale each, and no sailor would pass up such a chance.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/14178986?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="14178986?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="140" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/14178995?profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="14178995?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="200" /></p><p>Though I haven’t played Skyrim in a while, this Character Building event rekindled my long-forgotten love for the game. I had always been very interested in Red Bramman as a figure, especially because there is a lot of mystery and contradiction in the few texts featuring him, and I hope I've done him justice. Big thanks to CND for setting the event up, and thank you for taking the time to read this. </p></div>Character Build: The Witch Doctorhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-witch-doctor2018-02-03T02:14:17.000Z2018-02-03T02:14:17.000ZKaiserhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Kaiser<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Welcome one and all to my newest creation! This is my attempt at the nightblade archetype. The archetype is so fun but the crazy powerful stealth modifiers in Skyrim combined with Illusion often make the game way too easy regardless of difficulty. The Witch Doctor is my version of the nightblade that allows for a stealthy, magical playthrough while avoiding the overpowered modifiers and still retaining the style and strength the archetype is known for…introducing the</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906890?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906890?profile=original" alt="906890?profile=original" width="709" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906967?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906967?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt="906967?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Silent Killer. Practitioner of Black Magic. Master of Fire and Fumes. Harbinger of Corruption. Spirit Walker. Daedric Adherent. Abomination of Argonia.</em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Witch Doctor is an Argonian Vampire with an interest in the occult. Death is at the center of their every focus -- either preventing it, or creating it. To them, people are their playthings. They choose who lives and who dies. They choose how they die and when they die; defilers and seemingly gods of death. It is not surprising that very few accept them. Instead they live as outcasts practicing their hexes and magic in isolation. They are able to walk the thin line between Nirn and Oblivion. Constantly searching for doorways and access to other realms of destruction, these Witch Doctors often ally themselves with Daedric Princes to gain their favor in an attempt to learn their secrets. Their obsession with Daedra only drives them further from society.</span></p>
<p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Race:</strong> Argonian Vampire</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone:</strong> Ritual</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Major Skills:</strong> Alchemy, Pickpocket, Conjuration, Destruction</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Minor Skills:</strong> Sneak, Illusion, Restoration</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stats:</strong> 3 Magicka / 1 Health / 0 Stamina – I ended the playthrough (not including equipment) with about 430 magicka and 190 health.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shouts:</strong> Marked for Death, Become Ethereal, Soul Tear, Bend Will, Aura Whisper, Throw Voice, Dismay</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Powers & Abilities:</strong> Histskin, All-Maker Stones, Vampiric Powers, Mora’s Agony, Nightingale Subterfuge, Secret of Arcana, Seeker of Shadows, Companion’s Insight</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Spells:</strong> Flames, Firebolt, Fireball, Wall of Flames, Flaming Familiar, Dread Zombie, Muffle, (Bound Sword)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>Equipment</strong></span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size:16px;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906995?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906995?profile=original" alt="906995?profile=original" width="173" height="380" /></a></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Head:</strong> Cultist Mask</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Neck:</strong> Neckless of Peerless Destruction</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Body:</strong> Savior’s Hide</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Feet:</strong> Self Enchanted Forsworn Boots of Fire Resistance</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Hand:</strong> Stormcloak Officer Gauntlets</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Finger:</strong> Ring of the Erudite</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Weapons:</strong> Dragon Priest Dagger, Miraak’s Staff, Sanguine Rose</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">All of this equipment can be obtained very early. The mask can be obtained when the cultists first attack you (after completing “The Way of the Voice”), the Savior’s Hide can be obtained straight away by completing “Ill Met by Moonlight”, Forsworn Boots can of course be picked up by killing any forsworn and running away if you need to and the gauntlets can be picked up by killing Captain Valmir outside of Forelhost. A Dragon Priest Dagger can be stolen from Colette’s room in the Mage’s College at any level and the Sanguine Rose can be obtained as early as level 14. <strong>Note:</strong> you must kill Captain Valmir before completing the dungeon or he will change equipment.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>Perks & Gameplay</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2nixr15" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}907035,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="907035?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="596" /></a></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>A pretty standard looking perkspread for a nightblade at first glance…let’s take a deeper look…</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This is <strong>NOT</strong> your standard nightblade. Your primary method of killing comes from <em>Alchemy</em> and <em>Pickpocket</em>. These two skills level very quickly and it is easy to get the perks to begin planting poisons on enemies effectively very early in a playthrough. This character is first and foremost an alchemist. Powerful poisons and potent potions make this otherwise frail, weak character insanely powerful. If you pick up the extra pockets perk after getting necromage (and becoming a vampire) it will provide a very nice +125 carrying capacity to carry your potions and ingredients with.</span></p>
<p><a style="font-size:16px;" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907085?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907085?profile=RESIZE_480x480" alt="907085?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">There are however quite a few enemies resistant or immune to poison. This is where <em>Destruction</em> comes in to play.</span></p>
<p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Destruction is a cheap, powerful, magical option. When combined with destruction potions, quiet casting, and necromage, your enemies will be obliterated with exploding fireballs without knowing where they’re coming from. If you do get caught always fall back on alchemy. Fortify your spells with fortify destruction potions and restore your magicka when necessary. Just be aware of archers – one arrow could be the end of you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Alright, so you’ve got some dead enemies now. What’s next? <em>Conjuration</em>. Large groups and open combat are very dangerous for a character with no armor skill investment and a low health pool. You must be strategic. Take out the biggest threat with a poison/spell and raise him. From here you will be sneaking around launching fireballs at distracted enemies and stealthy planting poisons on them. It’s very simple, enjoyable gameplay.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Sneak</em> is very lightly perked and it is arguable that the one perk is unneeded but it’s helpful early game to get that boost to sneaking. <em>Restoration</em> and <em>Illusion</em> are rarely used. Both will be mostly trained either by hurting and healing yourself, spamming muffle, or buying it from trainers. This character is never short on cash thanks to the incredible profit to be had from selling potions! Although unused, these skills are detrimental to the success of this build. Restoration holds everyone’s favorite Necromage perk which not only allows us to decimate the undead that resist our poisons but also fortify ourselves as we are counted as undead. This makes potions and powers even stronger and last 50% longer. Illusion on the other hand has both Aspect of Terror and Quiet Casting. If you get Augmented Flames (2/2) before picking up the Aspect of Terror perk it will boost all fire spells by 15 damage. This is HUGE for spells like flame cloak, firebolt, and flames which all have relatively low base damage. And of course Quiet Casting is what allows this character to be a nightblade: silently killing enemies with spells all while going unnoticed.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong> <br /> The Puppetmaster</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Although powerful in his own right, the Witch Doctor does not need to dirty his hands himself. With control over the undead, the ability to heal, and multiple powers that allow his minions to do the dirty work while he himself plays a support role orchestrating the destruction and chaos in the mortal realm.</span></p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907123?profile=original" alt="907123?profile=original" width="180" /></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Necromantic healing and heal undead allow the Witch Doctor to keep his minions alive. Powers like Nightingale Subterfuge, Bend Will, </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Marked for Death, Dismay, Throw Voice, the Ritual Stone, and Invisibility are perfect examples. Foes will fight each other while they become weaker and weaker due to Marked for Death.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You can take control of your enemies minds with Bend Will or send them fleeing with Dismay while your poisons slow them down and steal their life from them one second </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">at a time. </span></p>
<p> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Even the flames of a Witch Doctor are so terrifying their enemies flee allowing for greater control over the battlefield. In certain cases, it may simply be easier to avoid conflict altogether. In that situation a muffle spell and invisibility potion with boosted duration (about 4 minutes!) thanks to Necromage let the Witch Doctor run through a dungeon unseen and unheard so that he may grab his prize at the end. Options are limitless.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Staves also play an awesome role in being able to control the battlefield. Sanguine's Rose is an obviously overpowered staff particularly early game. I do advise against abusing it as it will result in a much slower levelling pace and probably a more boring (easy) playthrough early on. End game however the Dremora Lord loses its OPness a little bit. The cool thing is staves can summon anywhere even without the "Summoner" perks. This lets you conjure up a dremora lord for no cost in the back lines right behind their archer/mages after which you can use The Staff of Miraak (which is insane in it's own right) to block off melee attackers from going back and saving their companion! Miraak's Staff is so perfect for this build for a few reasons. It lets you block melee attackers from getting to you, it does poison damage and gives you complete control of the battlefield and environment. You can create a "hallway" filled with a dremora lord and a wall of flames + poison rune or perhaps entrap your enemy in a circle of poisonous tentacles turning them into a live sacrifice for your ritual!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907143?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907143?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt="907143?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>Alchemy</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">And it all comes back to alchemy. It’s become clear to me that Alchemy is the most powerful skill in the game and I hope this section shows you why.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>**As always with alchemy builds, hearthfire is highly suggested. Windstad Manor allows for a garden, greenhouse, and fishery which can all help with obtaining ingredients and making the playthrough that much more enjoyable**</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907187?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907187?profile=RESIZE_480x480" alt="907187?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="330" /></a>Alchemy is exactly what makes this character so potent. Of course you can use “basic” potions to heal or fortify your health and magicka allowing you to cast spells you don’t have the magicka for or survive hits you don’t have the health for. You can plant poisons on your enemies paralyzing them and doing 340 damage rendering them useless or dead, you can fortify your destruction spells by over 200% making flames and flame cloak do a whopping 52 dps while also increasing the radius of flame cloak to fill an entire room. At maximum strength Vampiric drain now does 33dps when dual cast while only costing 31 magicka per second making it cost less than nothing when combined with the Blood of the Ancients.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">When caught in open combat, you have options. Not only can you obliterate your foes with destruction spells, you can simply muffle yourself and down an invisibility potion and hide, resetting the battle and allowing you to place another poison, raise another zombie (or 2), and get back to work! There is so much fun to be had.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you notice in the perkspread, the conjuration tree includes mystic binding with no mention of bound weaponry. Here is that mention: By making a powerful One-handed/Marksman potion you can make an unperked, unused bound sword do 102 damage per swing...</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Perhaps the HIGHLIGHT of my playthrough was 1-shotting Miraak on <em>Legendary</em> difficulty by using a poison consisting of: Jarrin Root, Human Flesh, and a River Betty. With all my perks and equipment <strong>this poison did 6,889 damage!</strong> This is not a typo! Of course you can only create 1 such poison so use it wisely.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">All magnitudes listed are from using: Necklace of Peerless Alchemy, Circlet of Peerless Alchemy, Ebony Gauntlets of Extreme Alchemy, Muiri's Ring, Seeker of Shadows, and Necromage. Necromage's power is applied twice to potions (and this is reflected in the values listed) because: 1.) Necromage boosts the power of fortify alchemy apparel and 2.) Necromage boosts the effects of potions when consumed. This allows for some incredible figures...</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907216?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907216?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="907216?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="82" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Kiss of Death</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> Canis Root + Imp Stool + Mora Tapinella</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Effects:</strong> Paralyze for 34s, Damage health 34 points for 10 seconds (340 total damage)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907237?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907237?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="907237?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="82" /></a>Doctor's Order</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> Imp Stool + Mora Tapinella + River Betty</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Effects:</strong> Damage health 34 points for 10 seconds, 172 damage (512 total damage)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907250?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907250?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="907250?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="82" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Frostbite</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> Deathbell + River Betty</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Effects:</strong> Slow 50% for 172 seconds, 172 damage</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907263?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907263?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="907263?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="82" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><em>Blood of the Prince</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> Canis Root + Juniper Berries + Hanging Moss</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Effects:</strong> Fortify One-Handed 629% (the fortify marksman effect also fortifies one-handed damage)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907277?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907277?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="907277?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="82" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Demon's Draught</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> Glowing Mushroom, Nightshade, Wheat</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Effects:</strong> Fortify Destruction 215%, Fortify Health 172 points</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Other noteworthy potions: Invisibility, restore magicka, restore health</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>Special Tactics</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Although you have gotten a hint of some of the many possible combinations throughout the build, here are a few of my personal favorites! If you do decide to play this build, please share some of your own!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907302?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907302?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="907302?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="65" height="90" /></a>Battle Royale<br /></strong> Your foes become your playthings. They fight to please you while their bodies break due to your powerful hexes. The final champion will be so weak after combat you can finish him with a swing of your dagger.<br /></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Nightingale Subterfuge + Marked for Death</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907322?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907322?profile=original" alt="907322?profile=original" width="90" height="91" /></a>Burning</strong> <strong>Sacrifice </strong><br /> Drawn to a sound but finding nothing the weakest enemies drop dead instantly to a massive explosion of flames while the strongest stagger through the burning haze only to see the corpses of their dead friends rising to kill them.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Throw Voice + Invisibility + Sun Flare + Ritual Stone + Become Ethereal</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907341?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907341?profile=original" alt="907341?profile=original" width="90" height="91" /></a>Daedric Manifest </strong><br /> You allow the spirit of a daedra to enter your body. For a short period both your and the daedra's spirit are occupying it until you lost control and expunge the daedra from your body. During that time you have the immense power associated with the Daedra.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>(Mystic) Bound Sword x2 + Bones of the Earth + Histskin + Blood of the Prince (custom potion) + Necromage</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>*This is a once a day power on a character that does not use weapons. I was able to kill two giants on legendary difficulty in the 45 seconds that Bones of the Earth lasts. Use it once a day, it is SO FUN!</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><em><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907357?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/907357?profile=original" alt="907357?profile=original" width="90" height="93" /></a>Paralytic Terror <br /></em></strong> Fear overtakes your enemies causing them to flee, only then realizing that their body is slow --as if their veins are freezing from the inside --and there is nowhere to run.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Frostbite (custom poison) + Dismay + Staff of Miraak</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>Final Words</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;">First and foremost, thank you to everyone who read this and enjoyed it. I hope anyone who plays this build has as good of a time as I did. Thank you to Curse Never Dying for messaging with me during the development stages to help me from making this too cluttered. And finally, thank you to all the artists for creating these images --none of these are mine.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">I had more fun creating and putting together this build than I have had playing a video game in a long time and I hope it shows. Some things may be added for a little bit here as I realize things I missed. If you notice any errors please let me know!</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">As always, don't forget to leave a like if you enjoyed it and please comment so I know if people are still enjoying the character. Peace out</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">- Kaiser</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p></div>Character Build: The Regeneratorhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-regenerator2018-01-04T04:21:49.000Z2018-01-04T04:21:49.000ZAlbinohttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Albino<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347787689,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347787689?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>The Regenerator</strong></span></p>
<p>The trend in character builds nowadays is towards complexity. Be it through in-depth gameplay mechanics or intricate roleplay, builds have become increasingly multifaceted. Not so with this character, however. This is a build that is single-mindedly focused on one thing and one thing only: Health Regeneration. Now then, let's get on with the build!</p>
<p><strong>Race:</strong> Only one proper choice here: Argonian. Histskin is the best power this build could ask for. No useful skill boosts here but the 50% Disease Resistance and Waterbreathing are decent added bonuses. Also, Tae-Rai told me to make more Argonian builds so there’s that too. :P</p>
<p><strong>Stone:</strong> While the Lady gives a boost to health regeneration, I found the Lord to be a more practical choice. Both the AR and Magic Resistance boosts are quite helpful.</p>
<p><strong>Stats: <span style="color:#3366ff;">0</span>/<span style="color:#ff0000;">1</span>/<span style="color:#008000;">0</span></strong>. That’s right; everything goes into Health. Magicka is entirely unnecessary, and Stamina is covered through enchantments.</p>
<p><strong>Shouts:</strong> Become Ethereal to safely close in on ranged opponents, Marked For Death for general damage-boosting, and Unrelenting Force for crowd control. You’ll also want to pick up the word for Slow Time found in Hag’s End, as it’s used for a particular combo.</p>
<p><strong>Quests:</strong> The Whispering Door (to get the Ebony Blade), The Man Who Cried Wolf and The Wolf Queen Awakened (to get the Shield of Solitude), Unfathomable Depths (to get the Ancient Knowledge ability), Destroy The Dark Brotherhood (for charging the Ebony Blade and getting a word for Marked For Death), and the Main Quest up to the completion of The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller (for some useful shouts).</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347788865,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347788865?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>Skills</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Two-Handed:</strong> The Regenerator’s weapon of choice is the Ebony Blade, so perking this skill is a necessity to deal adequate damage. Grab all of the perks in this tree except for the battleaxe and warhammer ones. In particular, the Sweep perk is nice for absorbing health from multiple foes simultaneously.</p>
<p><strong>Block:</strong> This skill isn’t strictly necessary, but it does help to make combat more interesting than simply swinging your sword like a madman. Perk Quick Reflexes and up the right side of the tree to Shield Charge, only grabbing the first rank in Shield Wall. While perking Shield Charge with a build that doesn’t use a shield may seem counterintuitive, it’s still possible to use it by sprinting into an enemy and pressing the block button the moment you make contact.</p>
<p><strong>Heavy Armor:</strong> All the health regeneration in the world won’t do you much good if you’re taking damage faster than you can regenerate it. Thus, a suit of heavy armor is essential for reducing incoming damage. Grab all of the perks in this tree. Also, note that due to a glitch, Ancient Knowledge boosts the effectiveness of all non-Dwarven heavy armors by 25%.</p>
<p><strong>Enchanting:</strong> This skill is essential for shoring up some weak spots (magic resistance, the Ebony Blade’s low base damage) and further bolstering health regeneration. Perk your way up the center tree to Extra Effect.</p>
<p align="center">You should be at <a href="http://skyrimcalculator.com/build/399284/the-regenerator/perks" target="_blank">level 40</a> once the build is completed.</p>
<p align="center"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347789078,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347789078?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>Equipment</strong></span></p>
<p>Let’s talk a little about the Ebony Blade. As of the 1.9 Patch, it operates solely off the Two-Handed skill, but it still has the speed and reach of a one-handed sword. The faster swing speed is particularly useful for making the most out of the Ebony Blade’s enchantment (30 points of Absorb Health once fully powered), and better yet, it doesn’t need to be recharged. Take a look at <a href="http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Ebony_Blade_Victims" target="_blank">this UESP page</a> for some suggestions on powering it up. The low base damage and inability to be smithed is a bit of a letdown, but nothing that some fortify two-handed enchantments can take care of. Speaking of which, here are my recommendations for armor enchantments:</p>
<p><strong>Rahgot</strong> (Pre-enchanted with 70 Stamina)</p>
<p><strong>Regenerator’s Necklace</strong> (Magic Resistance/Health Regen)</p>
<p><strong>Regenerator’s Armor</strong> (Health Regen/Stamina)</p>
<p><strong>Regenerator’s Gauntlets</strong> (Two-Handed/Block)</p>
<p><strong>Regenerator’s Ring</strong> (Magic Resistance/Health Regen)</p>
<p><strong>Regenerator’s Boots</strong> (Two-Handed/Stamina)</p>
<p>The heavy armor set that you choose to enchant is up to you; I went with Orcish Armor (since I think it looks good with Rahgot) and Bone Hawk Jewelry. I do advising disenchanting the Shield of Solitude though for its more powerful version of the Magic Resistance enchantment. Finally, I’d like to make a quick note regarding the Ring of Namira; while its boosts, particularly its health regeneration boost, are useful for the build, by endgame I found the self-enchanted ring to be more useful. Feel free to use it before you get Extra Effect though.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12347789262,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12347789262?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>Gameplay</strong></span></p>
<p>Combat with the Regenerator begins and ends with the Ebony Blade, so basic two-handed fighting strategies apply here. There are, however, some specific tactics to keep in mind, namely the Quick Reflexes + Slow Time combo which I have become very fond of as of late. By using one word of Slow Time immediately after the slowdown effect of Quick Reflexes ends, Slow Time’s duration is extended significantly. This is particularly useful for the Regenerator since the Ebony Blade can’t be used with Elemental Fury.</p>
<p>Quick Reflexes also works nicely for dodging too; since its slowdown effect lingers a little after disengaging block, with good timing, you can disengage the block and use the lingering slowdown effect to dodge the power attack instead by sidestepping it, or better yet, circling around to the enemy’s back. This is particularly easy to do against opponents performing a charging power attack. Once you’ve dodged the attack, you can easily launch into the aforementioned Slow Time combo.</p>
<p>I'd also like to make a note regarding health regeneration potions. I actually almost perked Alchemy because of them, but decided it was a little too superfluous. Regardless, health regeneration is the name of the game, so be sure to pick up any you find, or purchase them in apothecaries.</p>
<p>As you might've noticed, I didn't mention anything about roleplaying. That's because, to put it simply, I didn't really roleplay this build. For me, going from dungeon to dungeon slaying things with the Ebony Blade was enough. If you are looking for roleplay though, usage of the Ebony Blade lends this build nicely to a more villainous sort of character.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/albino+skyrim+build" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:36pt;"><strong>Click Here For More Builds!</strong></span></a></p></div>Character Build: The Thrafeyhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-thrafey2017-12-09T22:49:50.000Z2017-12-09T22:49:50.000ZHensonhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Henson919<div><p><span>I absolutely love the Elder Scrolls vampire bloodlines. Given that I definitely needed some boosting in the "Argonian build" department, I thought that the power of the Thrafey from the Iliac Bay would best be suited for a healing warrior. The Thrafey, as you will see, have the power to restore damaged tissue. With reading this lore, I knew I could interpret this power into a few cool ways that fit this build nicely.</span></p>
<p><span>***Big, big thanks to Vazgen yet again for the awesome pics! Sweet artistic take on the shots!***</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><strong>The Thrafey</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906583?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906583?profile=original" width="720" class="align-center"></a></strong></span></p>
<p><img src="/public/album_photo/75/15/02/21162_e320.jpg?c=e800" alt=""></p>
<p><span>The Thrafey vampire bloodline is found in the Iliac Bay, most notably the regions of Daenia, Dwynnen, Ykalon, and Urvaius. Ykalon, a region known to house an ancient stronghold of the Blades, is where this particular vampire comes from. This specific region plays a bit into the equipment choice to which this Argonian uses as you will see with the use of katana and dai-katana weapons.</span></p>
<p><span>The Thrafey are gifted with the power to restore damaged tissue. At first thought, I knew that the <em>Histskin </em>power fits absolutely perfectly with this build. It provides extreme health regeneration for 60s, making an Argonian a near invincible warrior for a short period of time. Given the Thrafey can heal and restore tissue, I decided to take on some other aspects I knew would fit very well, some coming from the DLC Dawnguard, as some of those spells get overlooked at times:</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906615?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906615?profile=original" width="720" class="align-center"></a></span></p>
<p><span><img src="/public/album_photo/77/15/02/21164_b970.jpg?c=fb6e" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>- <em>Restoration - </em>Healing spells, protection from the undead, and heal other spells are a key player for the Thrafey. Not only do healing spells restore tissue over time or immediately, they also can heal others AND the undead thanks to Necromantic Healing and Heal Undead. Utilizing these spells, the Thrafey can restore the tissue of not only his own body, but the body of his raised, undead allies, making necromancy a suitable path of magic for this build.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906641?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906641?profile=original" width="720" class="align-center"></a></span></p>
<p><span><img src="/public/album_photo/79/15/02/21166_520e.jpg?c=356b" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>- <em>Conjuration - </em>You guessed it. Restoration spells from Dawnguard can heal undead, so we need some zombies! Raising temporary zombies from slain enemies, your new undead allies provide a sense of "defense" and "shield" effect that is extremely effective. Having 2 powerful Revenants lead into battle to take the heat while you constantly heal them makes for effective battle planning and takes the difficulty off of you. I decided not to take Dead Thralls as they are not even needed. Strong Revenants doing your bidding for a boosted time due to dual casting and Necromage make for formidable warriors for more than enough time.</span></p>
<p><span>- <em>Enchanting - </em>The coolest skill in the game. Take any effects and customize gear to your specific playstyle. Fortify health and health regeneration rates are key here. The ratio I tried to stay close to was a 1/4/0, giving most of my attention to my health pool. This not only makes us even more steadfast in battle, but increases our base regeneration a bit more in terms of numbers. Constantly healing with an extremely large health pool creates a very strong defense when we are not blocking.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Build</strong></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Race: </strong>Argonian Vampire</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Stone:</strong> The Lady - Added regeneration rates</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Major Skills: </strong>Restoration, One Handed, Two Handed (Yes, two handed!), Enchanting</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Minor Skills: </strong>Conjuration, Smithing, Light Armor</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Dragon Shouts: </strong>Marked for Death, Drain Vitality, Aura Whisper, Dragon Aspect</span></p>
<p><span>Perks -<a href="https://skyrimcalculator.com/build/283142/legacy-build/perks" target="_blank">Level 61</a></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Apparel:</strong></span></p>
<p><span><strong>- Head - </strong>Diadem of the Savant. Sometimes overlooked, but provides the "Light Armor" slot as a circlet, making the Light Armor perks worth it.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>- Chest -</strong> Red Vampire Armor. Fortify Health/Health Regen</span></p>
<p><span><strong>- Hands -</strong> Vampire Gauntlets. Fortify One Handed</span></p>
<p><span><strong>- Feet -</strong> Vampire Boots. Fortify Stamina</span></p>
<p><span><strong>- Ring/Amulet - </strong>Ring of Erudite/Enchanted Ring. Fortify (Magic School)/Health/Health Regen</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906664?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906664?profile=original" width="720" class="align-center"></a></span></p>
<p><img src="/public/album_photo/7b/15/02/21168_d3dc.jpg?c=ce99" alt=""></p>
<p><span><strong>- Weapons -</strong></span></p>
<p><span><strong>- Blades Sword - </strong>Enchanted with Absorb Health and Absorb Stamina/Magicka</span></p>
<p><span><strong>- Harkon's Sword -</strong> Awesome sword to use for this build. Will steal Health, Stamina, and Magicka as a vampire, yet the charges run out quickly. Keeping a large amount of soul gems on hand help with this!</span></p>
<p><span><strong>- <em>Ebony Blade -</em></strong> One HELL of a doomsday weapon. This bad boy not only fits in with the Blades sword theme, but is absolutely ridiculous. Given the new patch update, the Ebony Blade will now be governed solely on Two Handed perks, meaning it will work as intended. Going through the process of upgrading this monster, it will steal <em><strong>30hp per hit.</strong></em> As you will see in the gameplay, it plays a key endgame role to the seemingly unusual choice to perk both one handed and two handed trees.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906688?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906688?profile=original" width="720" class="align-center"></a></span></p>
<p><img src="/public/album_photo/7d/15/02/2116a_6641.jpg?c=8010" alt=""></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>Gameplay and Tactics</strong></span></p>
<p><span>The Thrafey thrives off of healing himself at all times during combat. This is achieved in multiple ways through a myriad of methods which synergies to bring your character to full health even in the harshest of environments.</span></p>
<p><span>- <em>Blades sword + Healing spell - </em>This is your go-to offensive/defensive tactic. Constantly having your healing spell in your left hand (Healing -> Fast Healing -> Close Wounds -> Grand Healing) keeps you in the fray at all times, never having to pop potions or pause the game. It is extremely fast paced and is thrilling to take hits left and right and barely feel a thing after healing.</span></p>
<p><span>- <em>Ebony Blade + Histskin - </em>This is your Argonian berserk mode. Histskin makes your healing rate shoot up like crazy, and combined with a fast attacking health absorbing sword with sweep like the Ebony Blade, it makes you an absolute tank. Before attaining the Ebony Blade, it is extremely satisfying to change up playstyles, fire up Histskin, and conquer with spinning power attacks all over your foes, decimating everything in your path.</span></p>
<p><span>- <em>Guardian Circle + Ebony Blade + Histskin - </em>Pretty much pure invincibility. Histskin plus the 20hp/sec from Guardian Circle on top of Ebony Blade absorb? Intense...<em><br></em></span></p>
<p><span>- <em>Revenant + Necromantic Healing/Heal Undead - </em>Making your raised dead tanking shields of restored tissue is a great strategy. If you are coming down off of your berserk and want to cool off and hang back, let your strong summons charge in with support.</span></p>
<p><span>On top of everything else, it is good to note the Turn Undead spells (single target) and Repel Undead spells (area target) will <em><strong>stun</strong></em><strong> </strong>any undead, no matter how strong. This is effectively a spell-based shield bash against even the toughest of undead opponents. It is a fantastic tactic to stun enemy targets as your zombies go to town.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906705?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906705?profile=original" width="720" class="align-center"></a></span></p>
<p><img src="/public/album_photo/7f/15/02/2116c_b960.jpg?c=0e18" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Light armor and smithing are easy choices. Light on your feet and a great aesthetic with the red armor, giving your Thrafey an even more "bloodthirsty" look. Smithing allows you to sharpen your blades sword, but unfortunately, the Ebony Blade cannot be smithed due to its magical properties. The blade gets it power from its intense life absorb.</span></p>
<p><span>Restoration and Conjuration are the basis for the build. Necromage, as with any vampire, makes your skills and spells much more powerful for maximizing effectiveness. As a Thrafey, any boost to healing is welcome and summons will last longer. The decision to use both one handed and two handed perks came from the unnecessarily annoying glitch with the Ebony Blade, but thankfully this is fixed with the 1.9 patch, meaning the perk trees will benefit you in both sword spell and berserk modes, giving the playstyle a refreshing feel when you may get bored of the hack n' slash ways of any warrior.</span></p>
<p><span>I hope you enjoy this build. It is such a pleasure to try and capture lore into a build and I think I nailed one of my favorite styles as a vampire. The Thrafey is just another bloodline of many I hope to make into a build!</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906721?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/906721?profile=original" width="720" class="align-center"></a></span></p>
<p><img src="/public/album_photo/81/15/02/2116e_4f2d.jpg?c=34b9" alt=""></p>
<p><span>- H</span></p></div>Character Build: The Saxhleel Trapperhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-saxhleel-trapper2017-12-09T22:45:08.000Z2017-12-09T22:45:08.000ZHensonhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Henson919<div><p>Well, I guess it is about time I finally finish out an Argonian build so here it is. The inspiration comes from a mixture of a lot of builds seen on here, and some of my builds as well. I wanted to revisit the crossbow, search out the power of frost magic, and take advantage of alchemy. The resulting character concept is such a cool hybrid that I am truly proud of this build. Argonians have such great racial abilities to be an agent of stealth yet powerful to withstand an oncoming onslaught of enemies. This build fills both of these rolls very well. Let's take a look...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <strong style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">The Saxhleel Trapper</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/29/52/02/24dd9_5eba.png?c=1756" target="_blank"><img src="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/29/52/02/24dd9_5eba.png?c=1756" class="align-center" /></a></p>
<p>The Saxhleel Trapper is a hybrid of all 3 skill paths: mage, thief, and warrior. The goal of this build was to not rely on any 100 skill perks in any tree while still being extremely effective, giving the build a flexible feel in all situations. The character concept is built around sabotaging enemies from afar using a combination of archery + poisons and then delivering the finishing blow with either more deadly bolts or exposing targets to rune traps and/or debilitating frost destruction spells. The Saxhleel's intelligent battle tactics are what make the character shine in correct combinations of spells and a well tuned battlefield set up.</p>
<p><em><strong>As a mage</strong></em> - frost spells, most notably runes, allow for enemies to be slowed in powerful AoE, giving the Saxhleel time to fire off more spells or deliver bolts from his crossbow.</p>
<p><em><strong>As a warrior</strong></em> - the Saxhleel does wear heavy armor (sneaking capable of illusion) which allows him to become a hulking tank of archery/destruction when out in the open or when battling tough enemies.</p>
<p><em><strong>As a thief</strong></em> - the term "thief" may not apply as we will not be stealing, but using the sneak and alchemy skills provide for tactical gameplay while boosting skills/resistances/damage with potions</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><strong>Build</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/2d/52/02/24ddd_b993.png?c=b7b6" target="_blank"><img src="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/2d/52/02/24ddd_b993.png?c=b7b6" class="align-left" /></a></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Race:</strong> Argonian</p>
<p><strong>Stone: </strong>The Lover - Great for a 3 tiered build. I eventually moved onto The Serpent for an added "trap"</p>
<p><strong>Major Skills: </strong>Archery, Destruction, Alchemy, Sneak</p>
<p><strong>Minor Skills: </strong>Illusion, Heavy Armor, Smithing</p>
<p><strong>Gear: </strong>Complete set of Heavy Falmer Armor - Head, Chest, Hands, and Feet</p>
<p><strong>Weapons: </strong>Enchanced Dwarven Crossbow</p>
<p><strong>Dragon Shouts: </strong>Aura Whisper, Disarm, Frost Breath, Ice Form, Throw Voice</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<p><span><strong>Skills and Perks</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Archery: </strong><em>Overdraw 5/5, Eagle Eye, Steady Hand 1/2, Power Shot, Quick Shot</em><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Destruction: </strong><em>Novice - Adept, Augmented Frost 2/2, Dual Cast, Impact, <strong>Rune Master</strong>, Deep Freeze</em></p>
<p><strong>Alchemy: </strong><em>Alchemist 5/5, Physician, Benefactor, <strong>Poisoner</strong>, <strong>Concentrated Poison</strong></em><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Sneak: </strong><em>Stealth 1/5, Backstab, Deadly Aim, Muffled Movement, Light Foot, Silent Roll, Silence</em></p>
<p><strong>Illusion: </strong><em>Novice - Apprentice, Animage, Kindred Mage, Quiet Casting</em></p>
<p><strong>Heavy Armor: </strong><em>Juggernaut 3/5, Well Fitted, Tower of Strength</em><em><br /></em></p>
<p><em>Visual of Perk Trees <a rel="nofollow" href="http://skyrimcalculator.com/#205180" target="_blank">Here</a><br /></em></p>
<p><a href="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/25/52/02/24dd5_b822.jpg?c=70ee" target="_blank"><img src="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/25/52/02/24dd5_b822.jpg?c=70ee" class="align-center" /></a></p>
<p> <strong>Gameplay</strong></p>
<p>This character build is ALL about the gameplay. It is centered around being a stealthy agent of expert marksmanship and magical tactics/spells. The Saxhleel Trapper knows how to manipulate the battlefield to enhance his chances of survival and to be lethal in all situations. Before anything else, knowing you will be wearing heavy armor means a dedication to utilizing the Muffle spell to move silently through caves.</p>
<p><a href="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/21/52/02/24dd1_927e.jpg?c=4c27" target="_blank"><img src="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/21/52/02/24dd1_927e.jpg?c=4c27" class="align-right" /></a>The first goal that I set out for the character build was to build up Destruction. Once you hit Apprentice spells, the Frost Rune will make your skill rise very quickly. This will depend on a big investment into magicka early on. Fortify Magicka potions and especially Elsweyr Fondue will play a big role when you start out, allowing you to cast more spells as well as expensive frost rune spells. Knowing you always have a strong base of destruction damage, then you can begin to perk out what you think is needed most as you have a bit of ground to cover. (As mentioned earlier, no perk tree goes extremely high, meaning you will be effective as you progress and nothing seems to "lag behind" so to speak when leveling.)</p>
<p>Illusion's quiet casting is an ESSENTIAL perk (until Silence is taken) which will be easily attained because of the Muffle spell. Being that you need to cast it to stay silent = fast leveling. Quiet casting plays a pivotal role in laying Frost Runes, one of your main sources of elemental damage and slow effect which helps with charging enemies. Along with illusion, sneak is obviously also an important skill to perk out. Deadly Aim allows for stronger enemies to take a big whopping crossbow bolt to the face before any of your frost spells have to go off, making tougher battles a bit easier.</p>
<p>Heavy Armor and Archery can be perked out later on, as you will be in the front lines for most of the beginning. The stagger perk and quick reload perks of the archery tree will make for an almost constant staggering, which allows for you to switch to destruction spells for swift, frozen justice.</p>
<p><span><em><strong>Alchemy</strong></em></span> is your ultimate power and should be leveled accordingly. Potions not only serve as a source of healing and magicka, but also for POISONS. Poisons applied to crossbow bolts will be your best friend as they can aid in many ways:</p>
<p>-Weakness to Frost<br />
-Weakness to Poison<br />
-Slow<br />
-Paralyze</p>
<p>Along with many other effects, alchemy will be your "spell book" of sorts, as I did not choose to utilize Alteration for Paralyze since it can be a bit overpowering.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><strong>Battle Tactics</strong></span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/31/52/02/24de1_823b.jpg?c=a940" target="_blank"><img src="http://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/31/52/02/24de1_823b.jpg?c=a940" class="align-left" /></a>Ice Trap -</strong> <em>Dual Cast </em><em>Frost Rune (Silent Casting) -> Throw Voice - </em>Lead your enemies right into a powerful icy explosion.</p>
<p><strong>Frost Fall - </strong><em>Dual Cast Frost Rune (Silent Casting) -> Weakness to Frost poison + Exploding Ice Bolt -> Throw Voice - </em>The added weakness to frost boosts the rune's damage and the stealth critical from Deadly Aim x3 archery damage isn't bad either!</p>
<p><strong>Frozen Fools - </strong><em>Weakness to Frost + Poison tipped Exploding Frost Bolt (Multiple) -> Ice Storm -</em> After pelting a group of enemies with weakness to frost poisoned exploding frost bolts, right BEFORE they reach you, unleash dual casted Ice Storm to blow them away which will stagger them in a powerful AoE.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well I could ramble on and on about how much fun I have had with this build. Having such a versatile character is outstanding and a real eye opener to the world of Skyrim. From Mage to Warrior to Thief, The Saxhleel Trapper will deliver on all fronts.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>Character Build: The Lusty Argonian Maidhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-lusty-argonian-maid2017-07-13T22:05:25.000Z2017-07-13T22:05:25.000ZCursehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Hantz<div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">Ah, coin… Was there anything better in this world? Gleaming, glinting, shiny gold coins…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“My name? Oh, don’t worry about that, darling,  just sit back and relax.  I promise this night will be unforgettable…” I purred in the ear of the fat noble. A fool, just like all Nords, always with his mind in his pants. His stomach jiggled as he grew excited, all the while I slipped my tail into his pocket and extracted his safe key. Magicka appeared in my hand behind his skull and I weaved a spell, soothing the man and filling his mind with all manner of erotic illusions...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It seems my time at this place has come to an end. Cyrodiil had run it’s course and where else was there to go next but Skyrim? The Nord fell asleep in his chair, thanks to the poisoned drink I slipped him earlier, and I left the tavern, my tail flicking as I descended into the dark streets. A knight was passing by, riding upon a horse and he looked down at me with interest.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Bit late for a lady to be walkin’ about… Where you headed?”</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I didn’t answer him, but merely put an arrow through his knee. “Sorry dear, but I need to borrow your horse…” I smirked before mounting the beast and heading off.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hmph. Men. All fools.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yYB7FD_V-6ArZwCmMrXepwQgHyyR28xpIFmevv4lr_HASukI0QTC-GR0Uczryz2S1jvWYCdRhWq53xKCgzTvAxZcaMgRYeuvSAGukFk4fao6aqAjFVFVYZCY18a8DbuA_CFPS3U" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yYB7FD_V-6ArZwCmMrXepwQgHyyR28xpIFmevv4lr_HASukI0QTC-GR0Uczryz2S1jvWYCdRhWq53xKCgzTvAxZcaMgRYeuvSAGukFk4fao6aqAjFVFVYZCY18a8DbuA_CFPS3U?width=624" width="624" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905098?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905098?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a></p>
<p>One of the most interesting challenges of bringing what was originally a joke build (because that’s how all the best builds start) to life in Skyrim was deciding what archetype fit the Lusty Argonian Maid best. Sure, there's plenty of suggestive references to spears in the books, but we just couldn't imagine Lifts-Her-Tail swinging around a hefty, blood stained pole-arm and getting up close and personal against Skyrim’s toughest bruisers.</p>
<p>With that being said, our rendition of the Lusty Argonian Maid is a seductive and charming maid by day and daring master thief by night. With nothing but her wits and charm our lusty lizard is constantly a step ahead of both her enemies and admirers. And really, who can honestly bring themselves to fight back against such a beautiful maiden, hmm?</p>
<p>As you may have guessed by now,  Speech is the centerpiece of this build and it proves itself to be far more than just some throwaway skill most builds only use for RP. Its greatest quality is eliminating the need for crafting, and who doesn’t love a no crafting build? Stores often sell items that would require heavy crafting investment to match and they tend to cost more than a house! Literally. Speech perks drastically drop the cost of all items and increases the worth of everything you sell. The end result is walking away with exceptionally powerful trinkets  with no training and no need to empty out your wallet!</p>
<p>Exotic scrolls, staves, concoctions and more can all be added to your bag of tricks, and all you have to do is sweet talk a few shopkeepers. With such a wide range of possibilities at her disposal, the Lusty Argonian Maid can become among the most versatile and deviously unpredictable build to ever tread the roads of Skyrim!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905107?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905107?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>The Basics</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Race:</strong> Female Argonian (duh). Argonians get a great boost to Sneak and can recover health in a pinch. We will be playing an argonian female, unless you choose to play as the Sultry Argonian bard ;)</p>
<p><strong>Stone:</strong> Lady Stone. You’ll be rolling and maneuvering a lot so naturally the improved stamina regen will come in handy.</p>
<p><strong>Stat Distribution: 1M 1H 1S</strong>. Once health & stamina reach 200, place all points into magicka from then on out.  Your goal is to avoid damage so health isn't so important here. Magicka is key especially with dual casted illusions.</p>
<p><strong>Shouts:</strong> Lusty maid, master thief, and hero of Nordic legend?!? I think not. Lifts-Her-Tail just isn’t the heroic, dragon slaying type, thus she uses no shouts.</p>
<p><strong>Powers:</strong> Lover’s Insight, Gift of Charity, Agent of Dibella</p>
<p><strong>Blessing:</strong> Dibella’s Blessing</p>
<p><strong>Equipment: </strong></p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><strong>Weapon - </strong>Any bow of choice enchanted with Paralysis ( 1 second duration)</li>
<li><strong>Clothes</strong> - Tavern Cloths</li>
<li><strong>Boots</strong> - Any boots you want enchanted with Muffle</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>This is technically a no crafting build because not a single perk is invested into a crafting skill. But a select few enchantments maintain the same potency regardless of your enchanting level ... So we're gonna cheat a lil' bit. Paralysis is an invaluable enchantment for your bow. Even a duration of 1 second will knock an enemy down, forcing them to waste several seconds getting back up. Muffle, along with the Silence and Light-foot perk will make you much better at sneaking around, so be sure to acquire that enchantment as soon as possible. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905127?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905127?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <em>One-Handed is also an option, if you know what we mean... ^_^</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Speech</strong> - The silver tongue is mightier than the sword, as they say, and  you’ll easily see the truth behind the phrase soon enough. Speech is such a powerful skill tree, that does SO much more than just liven up one’s role-play experience. And it’s made even stronger when paired with its partner in crime, Pickpocketing. With those two skills in hand, every city becomes a sprawling five-finger discount store, and the guards will happily let you carry on once buttered up with a few honeyed words.</p>
<p><strong>Pickpocketing</strong> - The jelly to speech’s peanut butter. As it turns out, the most precious valuables aren’t locked away in safe boxes, but rather stored in pockets. Watch and be amazed and how fast pickpocket allows you to amass both levels and gold. The pace gets even more ludicrous once you get into pickpocketing money back from trainers. Sweet talk a guard and throw some septims his way, and then pick the gold right back out of his pockets.</p>
<p><strong>Archery</strong> - Lifts-Her-Tail prefers to keep her distance from her enemies, thus she prefers bows. It’s a wise choice, given her rather meager health and defense. Fortify Archery accessories are very common in stores, and our sweet talking argonian will be flush with enough septims to buy these very early in her adventure. In the end you’ll be able to deal respectable damage with a bow without any crafting necessary.</p>
<p><strong>Sneak</strong> - Quite an important skill for the Maid, especially considering the fact that this build plays it rather dangerously with zero armor.  Remaining unseen when needed is critical in battle, and fortunately the Maid is quite adept at doing just that. Light clothing, combined with various sneak perks make the Maid exceedingly difficult to detect.</p>
<p><strong>Illusion</strong> - Lifts-Her-Tail is a master of manipulation, addling the minds of men from the safety of the shadows like a master puppeteer. Quiet casting is critical, allowing her to use all manner of spells and magical items in complete silence. Illusion is an invaluable third partner to the dynamic duo of speech and pickpocketing. For a calmed enemy cannot report crimes and can do not but blissfully watch as that pretty argonian makes off with all their valuables.</p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905107?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" /></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Gameplay</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr">As soon as you leave Helgen, head to Riverwood and Whiterun pickpocketing along the way. Sell everything you steal to raise speech to level 30 for the bribe perk, Speech and pickpocket can be leveled in tandem by bribing guards and pickpocketing the money back from them. At level 50 speech you can grab the persuade perk which will make pickpocketing even easier to get away with. Once you’ve gained a few thousand septims, head to Radiant Raiments in Solitude. It’s the easiest place to find an Amulet of Dibella early on (before you grab the Amulet of Articulation, course) and to find a nice enchanted Circlet too!</p>
<p dir="ltr">We highly recommend joining the Thieves Guild as soon as you can. It is a phenomenal source of money, and a great opportunity to level up all of your thief skills, especially sneak and pickpocket. Archery will level up naturally as you progress. The best way to get a head start on it is to complete the love letter quest in Faendel’s favor and take him on as a follower. You will be able to trade back any money you give Faendel towards archery training. Illusion will also be a fast leveling skill, considering you will start off most of your bouts with some illusion spells.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you’re the highly impatient type, you can take advantage of the Mystic Tuning Glove exploit to max out illusion in mere minutes. All you have to do is accept the quest to cleanse the magick focal points from Drevis Neloran of the College of Winterhold. The second focal point bestows a unique buff that boosts magicka regeneration through the roof. Take advantage of this by spamming muffle in both hands. You’ll never run out of magicka to cast it. Be advised that this buff only lasts two real time hours.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905157?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905157?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>What a lovely night for larceny.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>So, what’s a girl to do with all this money?</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr">One of the more vexing concerns that come about with a speech and pickpocket heavy builds is what to do with all those ill-gotten septims. Well, money is meant to be spent as the saying goes. Scrolls, staves, potions, poisons, you name it. Anything goes when money's no object. Store bought goodies open up a wide range of powerful options and offer a level of variety you couldn’t even scratch the surface of.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The best part of all this is unloading all of these powerful toys in battle with no training at all. Merchants sell goodies that often rival what a master craftsman could make. Here’s a few shopping suggestions for you. These are what we used, but don’t be afraid to buy and try what you want. The sky’s the limit here.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Staves</strong> - Your top choices here are going to be the staff of chain lightning, ice storm, and staffs of storm atronach. Pretty much anything that can slow down or pre-occupy a group of aggressors in a pinch. Staff of chain lightning staggers enemies and the staff of ice storm has a chance of slowing enemies to a crawl.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Scrolls</strong> - Lots of potent options here! Scrolls of Mass Paralysis will incapacitate an entire room while you run off with everything not bolted to the floor. Scrolls of Guardian Circle will help tremendously should your adventures in larceny and seduction happen lead you to any of the deadly Nordic crypts that dot Skyrim’s landscape.</p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Potions & Poisons</strong> - The best potions to buy are ones that boost your  bow  damage, as well as the potency of your illusion spells. Be on the lookout for fortify illusion, and marksman potions. Invisibility potions invaluable when you need a quick get-away. Other useful concoctions to consider  include fortify speech, magicka and stamina. And As far as poisons go, you can't go wrong with paralysis.</p>
<p dir="ltr">-</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Tricks of the Trade</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905272?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905175?profile=original" width="100" /></a>Lusty yet Deadly</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Requires: Agent of dibella + Lover’s Insight + Allure perk</p>
<p><em>Why are the pretty ones always so dangerous? The men in your life just can't seem to stay focused around you and take 20% extra damage from all of your bow attacks. You’ll also find male shopkeepers to be 20% more generous with their prices.</em></p>
<p><em>-</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905289?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905187?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></a></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Dead in Their Tracks</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Requires:  Bow w/ Paralysis Enchantment + Bulls Eye Perk + Powershot + Quickshot</p>
<p><em>Most thieves prefer not to kill if it can be helped. It’s bad for business after-all. When faced with a pursuing aggressor our lovely maiden can stop them dead in their tracks with one well placed shot. Each attack has a very high chance of stunning or outright paralyzing an enemy for several seconds.</em></p>
<p><em>-</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905204?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905204?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></a>Escape Artist</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Requires: Histskin +  Shadow Warrior + Invisibility Potion</p>
<p><em>Even the best thieves need a proper exit strategy, and when the best of plans go awry our lusty friend prefers flight over fight. Escape any dicey situation in a snap and rapidly replenish any lost health.</em></p>
<p><em>-</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905219?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Strip Tease</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Requires: Pacify/Calm + Misdirection + Perfect Touch + Extra Pockets, Dual-casting (optional), Illusion Potion (optional)</p>
<p><em>Help your enemies slip into something a little more...comfortable,  if you know what we mean. Your dexterous yet sensual touch can strip the armor and weapons right off a man’s back before he even notices, and your sultry charm will leave him unwilling to stop you even if you’re caught.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905107?profile=RESIZE_180x180" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905107?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" /></a></p>
<p>  </p>
<ul>
<li>Thieves generally dont enjoy leaving a messy trail of dead bodies, and Lifts-Her-Tail is no different. These tricks of the trade are designed to render enemies harmless or enable a fast getaway if all else fails. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>'<strong>Lusty yet Deadly</strong>' takes advantage of the fact that the majority of enemy NPCs encountered are men. Multiple passive abilities are combined to make male enemies more susceptible to physical damage. And as an added bonus male shop keepers are even easier to butter up. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>'<strong>Dead in Their Tracks</strong>' is a passive combo that makes it much easier to escape pursuers since each shot will have a very high chance of staggering or paralyzing an enemy for several seconds. By the time the enemy has recovered from paralysis, Lifts-Her-Tail will be long gone.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>'<strong>Escape Artist</strong>' is best used in dire emergencies where a fast getaway and some healing is required. While you're invisible you will have ample time to assess your current predicament. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sometimes the best strategy is to render enemies harmless from the start. <strong>'Striptease'</strong> is a devious combination that lets you strip and enemy of all their equipped weapons and armor and get off scott free even if your pickpocketing fails. Casting calm on an enemy before pickpocketing them renders them unable to retaliate even if they catch you pickpocketing. This is a pretty useful combination should you find yourself having to sneak past multiple enemies or want to keep a particularly strong enemy from being a threat. Dual casting and illusion potions will give your calm spells a much needed boost against higher level enemies.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You're by no means limited to just the tactics and combinations above. Shop often for powerful staves, scrolls, and concoctions and you will be well prepared to handle any situation. </li>
</ul>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905255?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905255?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a></p>
<p><em><strong>Role-play & Quests</strong></em></p>
<p>With her sultry charms acting as a cover for larceny, one of the easiest agreements we came to was joining the Thieves Guild. The many guards and mercenaries guarding the prize behind every major heist prove, in many cases, to be an overwhelming challenge to those lacking the wit and guile to evade them. Luckily those happen to be this character's specialty, and the quest-line leaves no shortage of opportunities to apply said specialties. </p>
<p>While you're out there pilfering everything of value, resist the urge present in most pickpocketing builds to reset your game when pickpocketing fails. Just roll with it, and sweet talk the authorities into letting it slide. Apply your calming charm to your mark prior to picking their pockets and they wont even bother alerting the guards if you're caught red handed. </p>
<p>Despite the Thieves Guilds rather lax attitude toward killing everyone that stands between you and the prize, do try your best not to. Its a greater test of ones skill as a player to complete a heist with as few deaths as possible, and it fits better with the character as well. </p>
<p>And lastly. Try befriending NPCs by performing quests on their behalf. Many of them will welcome you into their home as a result, and make them much easier to rob blind. </p>
<p>-</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>Recommended Mods</strong></em></p>
<p>This build was tested on Vanilla Skyrim, but if you're lucky enough to have access to the game on PC consider using these mods to enhance your gameplay experience. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/29624/?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Racemenu</a> - The difficult challenge for some may be creating an attractive female argonian. Racemenu opens up countless additional customizatio options  </p>
<p><a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/61361/?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sadistic Mage Mash-up Outfit</a> - Adds a beautifully rendered light armor set that almost resembles the Lusty Argonian Maids trademark french maid outfit, but with a fitting roguish upgrade. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63874/?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Immersive Speechcraft</a> - A simple mod that add some much needed value to the Speech skill and give the player the ability to interact with NPCs in interesting ways. With a high enough speech level, one can convince an NPC to do all sorts of things. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73236/?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simply Knock</a> - A simple mod that allows you to knock on doors and potentially be invited into homes, if your speech levels are high enough.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/15703/?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pretty Combat Animations</a>- A fully customizable pack of animation geared towards making combat animations less clunky and more graceful. </p>
<p>-</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>Closing Remarks & Credits</strong></em></p>
<p>As always we hope you enjoy this build as much as we enjoyed making it. I'd like to thank Tae-Rai who has been an invaluable partner throughout the collaborative process. </p>
<p> </p>
</div>Character Build: The An-Xileel Agenthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-an-xileel-agent2017-06-26T02:49:57.000Z2017-06-26T02:49:57.000ZTae-Raihttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/TaeRai<div><p align="center"><span><em>Builder's Note: Regarding the contest, it is currently 12am Australian Eastern Standard Time so this build may one of the first ones up due to commitments I have tomorrow and as of now we are unaware of any conditions regarding tags and build names.</em></span></p>
<p align="center"><em>Anyway, without further ado, Nebula and I are proud to present...</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830844865?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830844865?profile=original" width="750" alt="830844865?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><span><em>After the battle of the alliances in the Second Era, the Ebonheart Pact emerged victorious, destined to rule in a new Empire over Tamriel. At first things were well, the people of Skyrim, Morrowind and Argonia could not be more pleased with their new leaders.</em></span></p>
<p><span><em>However, the Great House of Telvanni opposed the unity of the three races and began to spend its influence in Morrowind and started uprooting the other houses territory in order to prove a point to those who supported the Ebonheart Pact. As a result, the other Great Houses of Morrowind withdrew most of its Ebonheart soldiers to help restore order to their land.</em></span></p>
<p><span><em>And so, only the Nords and Argonians remained. While once allies, they grew untrusting of another, and both races began to secretly plot to uproot the other in order for them and them alone to guide Tamriel’s new empire. As they were doing so, spies from the fallen Imperial nation began to scout out both their activities and secretly rebuilt their army. They stormed Solitude, the centre point of the Ebonheart Pacts activities, and a great battle was fought on the marshes and mountainside around the city. Both sides suffered heavy losses, but it was the Imperials who won and restored what they called order to Tamriel and have been in power ever since.<br /><br /> But the Argonians of Black Marsh knew they would seek revenge. The great political party of the An-Xileel formed and soon influence the majority of Argonia to despise the Empire. As time went on, they managed to root out all influence of the Empire from their homeland. They wanted revenge, yes, but they knew they must wait…<br /><br /> And that time is now. A young agent, but one of strong mind and soul, was assigned the task of rekindling the Nordic and Dunmeri relations of the fallen Ebonheart Pact so the An-Xileel can lead them all to victory and to crush the Empire, once and for all!<br /><br /> Along the way, the young agent will locate powerful artifacts for the An-Xileel, kill supporters of the Empire and restore the Ebonheart Pact to their former glory.<br /><br /> For the An-Xileel! For the Ebonheart Pact! For Argonia!</em></span></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830845964?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830845964?profile=original" width="277" alt="830845964?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847081?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847081?profile=original" width="750" alt="830847081?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p><span>The An-Xileel is probably one of the most powerful political and militia factions in all of Tamriel. Not only have they united the majority of Black Marsh to keep the Empire and pretty much every other army out, they also managed to force Methrunes Dagon to close his Oblivions gates in Black Marsh due to the Argonian armies storming them and overwhelming the Daedra. They are cunning, discreet, immensely powerful, and surprisingly have very little lore about them. Luckily, all three of us love these badass lizard folk, so we saw past that and began to work probably what is our favourite Argonian playthrough to date.</span><br /><br /><span>Like we mentioned earlier, the lack of lore on the An-Xileel was a bit of a worry. Were they warriors, battlemages, pilgrims or spellswords? In the end, we decided to portray our agent as a typical politician-like and higher-class Argonian, a silver-tongued combatant who fools his foes with words (Illusion) while buffing his armor with magic (Alteration). He is well-versed with sword-play (One Hand), the art of tonic crafting (Alchemy) and is not afraid to sneak and lie to get his own way (Sneak and Speech). Overall, this build is a gem to play, great for roleplayers and perfect for fans of the true master race – Argonians.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Race:</strong> Argonian – What else?</span><br /><br /><span><strong>Stats:</strong> <span>2</span>/<span>1</span>/<span>1</span> Magicka will be used for casting illusion and alteration spells, and stamina will only be needed for power attacks and sprinting.</span><br /><br /><span><strong>Major Skills:</strong> Illusion, Sneak, Speech</span><br /><br /><span><strong>Minor Skills:</strong> Alchemy, One Hand, Alteration</span><br /><br /><span><strong>Stone:</strong> Any of the guardian stones at first (really, take your pick!), then either the Lord or the Shadow. The Lord provides a helpful AR boost while the Shadow is a useful get-away tool.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Shout:</strong> Aura Whisper, Elemental Fury, Dismay, Slow Time, Become Ethereal, Kyne’s Peace, and Animal Allegiance</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Follower:</strong> Derkeethus is perfect, but any Dunmer or Nordic follower will also suit this build.</span><br /><br /><span><strong>Powers and Abilities:</strong> Mora’s Boon, Sinderion's Serendipity, Agent of Subterfuge, Ethereal Spirit, Secret of Arcana, Root of Power, Seeker of Sorcery, Lover’s Insight</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Notable Spells:</strong> Invisibility, Muffle, <span>Hyst</span></span><span>eria, Pacify, Mayhem, Paralyse, Equilibrium, Ebony Flesh, Detect Life and Dead, Telekinesis, Ash Rune</span></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847094?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847094?profile=original" width="149" alt="830847094?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847274?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847274?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" alt="830847274?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></p>
<p><span><strong><br /> Illusion:</strong> As a member of a political party, manipulating the mind of your opponents is an important skill to have. Likewise, bending the minds and will of your enemies will allow you to slip past them easily, turn friends against one another or even put a knife in their back.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Sneak:</strong> You can’t win every fight, so when the time calls; you must revert to slipping past unseen or slowly stalk your opponent, slitting their throat when they least expect it. Besides, it’s backstabbing a normal thing in politics?</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Speech:</strong> Explanation really not need here, basically the same as Illusion but used outside of combat to influence the common folk of Skyrim. It also benefits in roleplay, when you influence potential followers to rejoin the Ebonheart Pact.</span><br /><span><strong><br /> Alchemy:</strong> The majority of Argonians know a thing or two about whipping up a good poison and the An-Xileel are no exception. Our agent knows how to whip up crippling potions to damage his foes before they even know he is there, cure his ailments and to even become invisible mid-fight. We saw our potions and poisons as Hist Sap, something that only the Argonians can consume without horrible side effects. Thus, they make great poisons.</span><br /><span><strong><br /> One Hand:</strong> When combined with the poisons of Alchemy and the offensive Alteration spells, the seemingly simple swordsmanship of the An-Xileel agent becomes a formidable force in battle. While not perked, dual-wielding your swords in a fight is perfectly acceptable, especially when your blades are laced with a poison.<strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830881264?profile=original"><br /></a></strong> <strong><br /> Alteration:</strong> Argonians have a natural talent for the art of Alteration and thus, the An-Xileel choose to perfect this talent rather than worry about what sort of armor they wear. Therefore, they can wear any combination of heavy and light armor without worrying about how much protection they have. As seen below, however, we chose to stick to Light Armor for simplicity’s sake.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830848538?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830848538?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" alt="830848538?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830849898?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830849898?profile=original" width="257" alt="830849898?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830850943?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830850943?profile=original" width="416" height="647" alt="830850943?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><span>Linwe’s Hood</span><br /><span>The Gauldur Amulet</span><br /><span>Morag Tong Armor (Fortify Magicka Regen)</span><br /><span>Ring of Peerless Magicka</span><br /><span>Stormcloak Officer Gauntlets (Fortify One Hand)</span><br /><span>Morag Tong Boots (Muffle)</span><br /><span>Nightingale Blade + Blade of Woe</span><br /><span>Unenchanted Nordic Carved Swords</span><br /><span>Nightingale Bow</span></p>
<p><span>After forming an alliance with both the Nords and Dunmer of Skyrim and Solstheim, reforming the disbanded Ebonheart Pact, the An-Xileel have formed a versatile selection of gear made up with influences from all three races.</span><br /><br /><span>Linwe’s Hood will require you to progress a bit through the Thieves Guild questline and complete the quest <em>The Summerset Shadows</em>, but it is well worth it as the enchantment is much better than any other hood in the games. If you quicksave before Delvin or Vex give you your radiant quests, you can quickload and change the location until you get Windhelm, allowing you to do the five quests early on.</span></p>
<p><span>Likewise, the Nightingale weapons can be acquired through the same questline (see <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150902131948/http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Leveled_Items" target="_blank">here</a>for the levelled stats). I picked mine up around Level 30 which made it strong, but not overpowered for the rest of my</span> <br /><span>playthrough.)<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852096?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852096?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="424" alt="830852096?profile=RESIZE_480x480" /></a><br /></span><br /><br /><span>The Morag Tong armor can be acquired in one of two ways – By joining the Brotherhood and looting it off the random Morag Tong encounters, or by acquiring it through the quest,<em>Served Cold</em>.</span></p>
<p><span>You can also gain your Stormcloak Officer Gauntlets in a few ways – By killing Captain Valmir when you first meet him during the quest, <em>Siege on the Dragon Cult</em> (but only if you followed Ralof during Unbound) or by killing him after said quest if you did not follow Ralof, or by going through the Civil War questline and earning it as you progress up the ranks. Any of these ways would be suitable, depending on when you want your final armor set.</span></p>
<p><span>The machete-like Nordic Swords can be acquired from any of the smiths on Solstheim or in random loot around Level 28. Acquire the Blade of Woe in any way you desire, by pickpocketing it early on or by looting it off Astrid’s dead body (more of that later).</span> <br /><br /><span>Finally, your Ring of Peerless Magicka can be acquired through dungeon boss chests or bought in stores, and the Gauldar Amulet can be acquired through the quest, <em>Forbidden Legend,</em> which can be started at any time after beginning the game</span>.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852328?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852328?profile=original" width="247" alt="830852328?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852372?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852372?profile=original" width="750" alt="830852372?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p><span>Combat can get a bit tricky but as you go along, you will begin to form a routine and gain synergy with it. Fighting your enemies requires subtlety, trickery and deceit, something this agent is all too happy to commit to. You are not an evil being, oh no, you are simply here to achieve your own goals and desires. The agent is just a typical Argonian, not quite evil, but not an advocate of holy goodness either.</span><br /><br /><span>When entering a new area, either use your natural Alteration abilities (<em>Detect Life and Dead</em>) or the power of the Voice (<em>Aura Whisper</em>) to locate your enemies and then quickly cast\a flesh spell on yourself. From there, you can plan your attack and gain an advantage. Once you get <em>Quiet Casting</em>, you can lay down a Frenzy or Ash Rune to set a trap for your enemies, while you head off in another direction to pick off stragglers with your poisoned bow or to use arrows to draw them into your trap. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830853777?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830853777?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="354" alt="830853777?profile=RESIZE_480x480" /></a><br /></span><br /><br /><span>The Illusion school is a wondrous thing, isn’t it? You can calm down the most furious of opponents while infuriating the whelps, nudge your companion to charge bravely into battle and even turn yourself invisible. Illusion spells, combined with Alteration spells, are the bread and butter of the build, the main focus of the An-Xileel. He’ll calm someone down, only to sneak up behind them and slice their throat in one fluid motion with his Blade of Woe.</span></p>
<p><span>Sneaking is second-nature to you, and thus you should always be dropped into a crouch and stalking about, exploring out the environment and plotting your next move. When you spot a lone enemy patrolling, have some fun with him. If he’s close to a group, scare him off into the room with a Fear spell and create a panic spree. While they’re searching for you, frenzy them one by one and watch the madness unfold…</span><br /><br /><span>If you happen to get stuck in open combat, draw one of your two pairs of weapons to wreak havoc on your enemies. With your ‘machetes’ (Nordic Carved Swords) and Elemental Fury, you can cut through weak hoards enemies with a deadly speed, while your dagger and sword combination of the Blade of Woe and Nightingale Blade can quickly overwhelm even the strongest of bosses.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830855912?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830855912?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" height="180" alt="830855912?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a>If you find yourself getting injured and overwhelmed, paralyse the foe/s and drop into a crouch and either activate your Shadow Stone power (if you have it) or down an invisibility potion. From there, you can retreat and replan your approach. Remember, retreating does not make you a coward, but rather makes you much more intelligent than your enemies.</span><br /><br /><span>Overall, there are many different ways to approach combat with the An-Xileel as every situation calls for different tactics. Sometimes you need to be sneaky and play dirty, sometimes you need to hit hard and fast, with the intent of inflicting of much pain and torture as possible. The best advice we can give is to experiment and find which way suits your situation and go from there!</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830856084?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830856084?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" alt="830856084?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830856231?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830856231?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="508" alt="830856231?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></p>
<p><span>The An-Xileel have provided their agent in Skyrim with the secrets of crafting the most powerful elixirs and toxins that they have code-named ‘ The Hist Sap’, after the liquid which the hatchlings of Argonia ingest on their traditional Naming Day. Below are some of the most powerful brews the An-Xileel will use.</span><br /><br /><span>The following are just some of the many potions and poisons we used in game, and we encourage you to experiment and find more to play with! Alchemy is an overlooked skill and can be game-changing if used right.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Potions</strong></span></p>
<p><span><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830857478?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830857478?profile=original" width="64" alt="830857478?profile=original" /></a>Hist Reserve</strong></span></p>
<p><span><em>Effects ~</em> Fortify Health + Fortify Archery</span></p>
<p><span><em>Ingredients ~</em> Canis Root + Juniper Berries + Namira's Rot</span></p>
<p><span><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830858793?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830858793?profile=original" width="64" alt="830858793?profile=original" /></a>Font of Healing</strong></span></p>
<p><span><em>Effects ~</em> Fortify Health + Restore Health</span></p>
<p><span><em>Ingredients ~</em> Blue Mountain Flower + Wheat</span><br /><br /><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830858960?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830858960?profile=original" width="64" alt="830858960?profile=original" /></a><strong>Shadowscale Tonic</strong></span></p>
<p><span><em>Effects ~</em> Regenerate health + Invisibility</span></p>
<p><span><em>Ingredients ~</em> Luna Moth Wing + Vampire Dust</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Poisons<br /><br /><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830860340?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830860340?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="64" alt="830860340?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Brew of Ruin</strong></span></p>
<p><span><em>Effects ~</em> Ravage Magicka + Ravage Stamina + Ravage Health</span></p>
<p><span><em>Ingredients ~</em> Jazbay Grapes + Scathecraw + Spawn Ash</span></p>
<p><span><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830861578?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830861578?profile=original" width="64" alt="830861578?profile=original" /></a>Bottled Rage</strong></span></p>
<p><span><em>Effects ~</em> Damage Health + Damage Magicka + Damage Magicka Regen + Frenzy</span></p>
<p><span><em>Ingredients ~</em> Falmer Ear + Hanging Moss + Human Heart</span></p>
<p><span><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830862591?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830862591?profile=original" width="64" alt="830862591?profile=original" /></a>Draught of Death</strong><em><br /><br /> Effects ~</em> Damage Health + Lingering Damage Health + Paralyse</span><br /><span><em>Ingredients ~</em> Human Flesh + Imp Stool + Slaughterfish Egg</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830862717?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830862717?profile=original" width="227" alt="830862717?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830864146?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830864146?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="508" alt="830864146?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></p>
<ul><li><span>Avoid random killings. If somebody has wronged you, then your Illusion spells are certainly a way to do it without getting your hands dirty. Unless you are attacked directly, try to keep your hands clean.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span>The An-Xileel has already shown the Empire why going to Black Marsh isn't a good idea, so why not give them a reminder? As if siding with the Stormcloaks wasn't enough, you should kill all Imperial soldiers you see, before AND after the civil war questline. You should also slay the Penitus Octulatus in Dragon Bridge as well.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830866048?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830866048?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" height="184" alt="830866048?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span>While the Argonians in Windhelm would be better off if you choose to side with the Imperials, you unfortunately cannot do that. So, do what you can to help them out without killing Ulfric (resisting the temptation is hard, I know!). This includes finding Shahvee's amulet and beating the crap out of Torbjorn Shatter-Shield.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span>When in a settlement, wear proper clothes and hide your weapons to disguise yourself as an An-Xileel to the common citizens of Skyrim. It also helps cover the fact that you are a terrifying murderer and it makes more sense when persuading somebody.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span>Another way to influence the Nords of Skyrim is to become a Thane in the Holds and put on a façade of a wealthy but secretive Argonian merchant. You should also gain the home in Raven Rock in order to spread your influence there as well.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span>The An-Xileel are also seeking powerful new weapons and artifacts to combat the Empire and expel them from Black Marsh, such as items gifted from the Daedra themselves. Perhaps their agent in Skyrim will come across some such items…</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span>If you have Hearthfire, I recommend grabbing the home at Morthal as it is very close to the marsh and almost mimics the Argonian homeland. You can also have a fish hatchery, greenhouse and a garden to grow potion ingredients.</span></li>
</ul><p align="center"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830867426?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830867426?profile=original" width="159" alt="830867426?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p align="center"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830869963?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830869963?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" alt="830869963?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></span></p>
<p><span>The most difficult part of the build was deciding what quests and factions suited the An-Xileel the most. Our agent in Skyrim is sneaky, manipulative, cocky, and prefers to work alone. He does not care for most other people, only working to form alliances and to create good appearances. His allies are the Nords and Dunmer of both Skyrim and Solsthium and he dislikes the majority of the other races, especially Imperials.</span></p>
<p><span>Going off this, we completed many quests that revolve around assisting the Dunmer or Nords, while<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830872128?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830872128?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" height="187" alt="830872128?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a>backstabbing or ignoring the other races. We completed a wide variety of different quests, but the following are essential or partially important.</span> <br /><br /><span>Civil War – Stormcloaks, All Raven Rock quests, Thieves Guild questline, Forbidden Legend, Main Questline (completion optional, at least finish up to <em>The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller</em> to gain hints to Word Walls), Forbidden Legend, College of Winterhold questline (completion optional, only needed really for the Gauldar Amulet and access to merchants), Dark Brotherhood (see the section below for more details).</span><br /><br /><span>One other unique thing we found with the build was how we approached the Daedric quests (among other quests that reward you with similar powerful relics). While we did not seek them actively, but if we came across them accidently, we played as though the An-Xileel’s greed and hunger will lure him towards their power to finish the quest and gain the artifact.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830873552?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830873552?profile=original" width="590" alt="830873552?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p align="center"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830874418?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830874418?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" alt="830874418?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></span></p>
<p><span>Choosing whether or not to take part in the Dark Brotherhood was a very difficult decision for us to make when creating this build. The An-Xileel are known to have the Shadowscales in their service, though the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim is a dismal shell of what it should be. Because of this dilemma, we figured it would be best to leave the final decision up to you, the players. Below are both positive and negative argument for each side, but both choices will not affect the build too much.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Hail, Sithis!</strong></span></p>
<p><span>If you choose to play though the Dark Brotherhood questline, then you will earn quite a few bonuses for the character, both gameplay-wise and roleplay-wise.</span></p>
<p><span>Gameplay-wise, you will have access to a pair of Dark Brotherhood Initiates who will follow you and do your bidding, you will have the Blade of Woe (which you can also pickpocket from Astrid and have two of the blades), several unique quest rewards, and you will be given an option to earn 20,000 septims for either personal use or Dark Brotherhood use (which, as a politician, should be a no-brainer).</span> <br /><br /><span>With rolepaying, you will weaken the Empire extremely so by killing the Emperor, you cam started restoring the Dark Brotherhood (which should, in time, allow more Shadowscale camps to be built), you will eliminate many potential threats in Skyrim, and you will have accumulated a fair bit of gold in the process (and hasn’t it always been about the money?)</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830877758?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830877758?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" alt="830877758?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!</strong></span></p>
<p><span> If you chose to exterminate the Dark Brotherhood, then there are also a number of potential benefits to be gained as well.</span></p>
<p><span>Benefits to the gameplay are pretty simple, you will be able to obtain the Blade of Woe much quicker than you normally would, you can easily gain 3,000 Septims as the reward for killing the assassins, and you will still have access to many sets of Shrouded Armor (should you wish to use it).</span></p>
<p><span>And with the roleplay, you will have gained positive publicity for the An-Xileel (who WOULDN’T want to say that their government eliminated one of the most notorious groups of assassins on Tamriel?), you will have put an end to the bastardization of the once-great Dark Brotherhood, and you will have given the Shadowscales a fresh start, all while earning a decent amount of gold and loot.</span></p>
<p><span>Regardless of your choice, both options have a number of positive benefits to them.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830880172?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830880172?profile=original" width="372" alt="830880172?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830880498?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830880498?profile=original" width="750" alt="830880498?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p><span>And there you have it, the An-Xileel! This truly is a blast to play and this build is perfect for anyone wanting to try an Argonian for the first time or for those who wish to have a tough Argonian warrior with a rich roleplay. With that being said, we all hope you enjoy the build!</span><br /><br /><span>We would like to thank Teecam for his guide, ‘<a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150902131948/http://theskyrimblog.ning.com/group/glitches/forum/topics/hearthfire-an-alchemist-s-dream">Hearthfire: An Alchemist’s Dream</a>’ and give him credit for two of our Hist Sap potions. We also like to thank Vazgen for his guide, ‘<a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150902131948/http://theskyrimblog.ning.com/group/glitches/forum/topics/useful-potions-with-dlc-ingredients">Useful recipes with DLC ingredients</a>’. Both guides were a big help to us!</span></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"> </p></div>Character Build: The Hist Magehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-hist-mage2017-05-29T21:52:14.000Z2017-05-29T21:52:14.000ZBen Chttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/BenC<div><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6c906092-562e-f9d7-9ac4-ac0c96423b7e">Communication with the Hist has sent our mage all over the continent. They directed him to Skyrim where he is to find and help restore one of their own, the Eldergleam. Once he made his way to Skyrim he discovered it needed more help than he could imagine.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-65wqUaod0ucG4IA_bXWgAVZ2Xkgp753qDWN2S-Lq7ReFe5Q47N9pxmH_M-vsRvf3x37UL00Z7Uiz_FmEqG4gsu79OJeRYLfkvWgC70vHdjntOcgFbY-7BmtJb2B2KvVVXJy02k" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-65wqUaod0ucG4IA_bXWgAVZ2Xkgp753qDWN2S-Lq7ReFe5Q47N9pxmH_M-vsRvf3x37UL00Z7Uiz_FmEqG4gsu79OJeRYLfkvWgC70vHdjntOcgFbY-7BmtJb2B2KvVVXJy02k?width=600" width="600" class="align-center" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">The Hist Mage can handle any combat situation well. He has limited but effective melee skills that can stand up to most enemies even though he wears clothing. His magic is the star of the show and will weaken then destroy all who oppose him. Poison, elemental magic and a giant two handed sword - this guy is a real badass!</p>
<p dir="ltr">When playing this character you MUST stick to the role play. Make sure you check your environment for sources to draw from. Do not use a spell without a source being present.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Race: Argonian</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stone: Mage Stone early then Lord Stone</p>
<p dir="ltr">Magic Skills: Destruction, Restoration, Conjuration, Alteration, Enchanting</p>
<p dir="ltr">Melee Skills: Two Handed, Block</p>
<p dir="ltr">Shouts: Fire Breath, Frost Breath, Cyclone, Unrelenting Force, Dismaying Shout, Animal Allegiance, Aura Whisper, Become Ethereal, Clear Skies, Storm Call, Dragonrend, Call Dragon, Whirlwind Sprint</p>
<p dir="ltr">Powers: Histskin, Mora's Agony, Waters of Life, Secret of Arcana, Summon Karstaag, Sun Flare, Dragonborn Frost</p>
<p dir="ltr">Suggested Quests: Skyrim Main Quest, Mage College Ritual Quests (not illusion), Dragonborn's (DLC) Tel Mythrin quests</p>
<p dir="ltr">Items and their Enchantments</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ebony Greatsword: Drain Health + Fiery Soul Trap</p>
<p dir="ltr">Copper and Onyx Circlet: Fortify Destruction + Fortify Restoration</p>
<p dir="ltr">Thalmor Gloves: Fortify Magicka + Fortify Two Handed</p>
<p dir="ltr">Thalmor Boots: Fortify Two Handed + Fortify Stamina</p>
<p dir="ltr">Belted Tunic: Fortify Destruction + Fortify Magicka Regeneration</p>
<p dir="ltr">Gold Diamond Ring: Fortify Magicka + Fortify Magicka Regeneration</p>
<p dir="ltr">Gold Diamond Necklace: Fortify Magicka + Resist Magic</p>
<p dir="ltr">Control of Fire: Whenever fire is nearby you can turn it into powerful fire spells. You are able to use anything from Flames to Summons to Fire Storm to Fire Breath. Meditate on Yol (main quest) to make Fire Breath a dominant shout. You will be surprised how there is fire almost everywhere in every dungeon!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JVTMgNFr90C-MJUmaXD8sJJJh_5ETIf_CdhbO8gkEQSed4ARNA9fopDotqPBQiTbXvSSFvPiZ5-DSWdbkCRdLqEM5ZEBPY4w_QFWlP2HEtMti7lVTcsxmxFp4p3ZhQ_dlE22iUk" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JVTMgNFr90C-MJUmaXD8sJJJh_5ETIf_CdhbO8gkEQSed4ARNA9fopDotqPBQiTbXvSSFvPiZ5-DSWdbkCRdLqEM5ZEBPY4w_QFWlP2HEtMti7lVTcsxmxFp4p3ZhQ_dlE22iUk?width=100" width="100" class="align-left" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Control of Water: The presence of water, in any form, allows you to use your ice spells with deadly effect. Frost Atronachs are great warriors that take the attention from you and deplete the enemy's stamina. Use Waters of Life to heal yourself and your allies or cast Ice spells to end the battle. Find the power Dragonborn Frost to turn upgrade your Frost Breath to match your Fire Breath. The ultimate show of control will result in summoning a gigantic monster, Karstaag, to fight your battle for you!</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/n1r7Z0CvcTI2P5RcWTDpiLsJK9Kn4CXZq7X0RAfATuPJIiahGbs5hI55BKFeuVAt1NjVdont8p4XBA395nJiXl7X-b64vLzdSEtjqyCETPhqDx1cSh7jvH3rouzs3bGHNEX5xC4" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/n1r7Z0CvcTI2P5RcWTDpiLsJK9Kn4CXZq7X0RAfATuPJIiahGbs5hI55BKFeuVAt1NjVdont8p4XBA395nJiXl7X-b64vLzdSEtjqyCETPhqDx1cSh7jvH3rouzs3bGHNEX5xC4?width=133" width="133" class="align-left" /></a>Control of Ground: Above ground or below, you can make use it to defend yourself or to attack the enemy. These spells are available at any time since there is always dirt and rocks nearby. Flesh spells (Stoneflesh, Ebonyflesh) are available whenever you need some defense. Ash spells can turn the tides of combat. Ash summons (Guardian or Spawn)  will defend you with their lives. Ash Shell or Ash Rune can give you breathing room in combat.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Ok-h9gfxBo8pVi1dAVjieeqdm6i31oIUGMNCpZNujU7zYUWq4kFZ9iYyTnYU-IFBCFA5xTo2SHWAW80IOTjQtH6yQqQqVkz222VblmqjC4agrQOYr-2d-kq8m1gVPzJtidS_234" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Ok-h9gfxBo8pVi1dAVjieeqdm6i31oIUGMNCpZNujU7zYUWq4kFZ9iYyTnYU-IFBCFA5xTo2SHWAW80IOTjQtH6yQqQqVkz222VblmqjC4agrQOYr-2d-kq8m1gVPzJtidS_234?width=100" width="100" class="align-left" /></a>Control of Air: The air you breathe is also capable of becoming an ally. You can manipulate it to move you quickly across the battlefield (Whirlwind Sprint) or send nearby enemies flying (Whirlwind Cloak, Cyclone and Unrelenting Force). North Wind will deal a great amount of damage to any who threaten you. One word of Cyclone will topple foes and let you come in close to finish them off. Control the sky (Clear Skies and Storm Call) unlike any other in the land.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ma6GiqDfEsNgk5RxeHumJbYW5oZ670Bn6eaPPIDqxA2dyhpkWOLEO6PaxSVipRQsmMgvQSsEFMJMQArqv25fVENGssIqhxwKEdLSJP9a7mk0K3dpRpuIyEdF50N3G2goh1kILFM" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ma6GiqDfEsNgk5RxeHumJbYW5oZ670Bn6eaPPIDqxA2dyhpkWOLEO6PaxSVipRQsmMgvQSsEFMJMQArqv25fVENGssIqhxwKEdLSJP9a7mk0K3dpRpuIyEdF50N3G2goh1kILFM?width=100" width="100" class="align-left" /></a>Control of Poison: Whenever poison is near, through the poisoned weapons of an enemy or just with harvestable ingredients, you can use them for combat purposes. While you do not have alchemical poisons you do have spells. Poison Rune will stack with itself and drain the enemy's life force quickly when you pile 4 or 5 of them on him. Mora's Agony is a poison power that staggers and harms your foes.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/YEJ9sKMbsgIKR6u3yqoOJDOBi9lM_GgMdoJjRetA6BpB-v8kYU9uvDwB4YFdiTXEGtLLBYEJSy-bj-3fsUIO3vHvsQpsLqW9ehQucAAHpnLrLAa5q2vyvrkCXg8JnlpXLE2nsQ0" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/YEJ9sKMbsgIKR6u3yqoOJDOBi9lM_GgMdoJjRetA6BpB-v8kYU9uvDwB4YFdiTXEGtLLBYEJSy-bj-3fsUIO3vHvsQpsLqW9ehQucAAHpnLrLAa5q2vyvrkCXg8JnlpXLE2nsQ0?width=100" width="100" class="align-left" /></a>Control of Blood: Blood is all around, wherever you go your blood goes with you. Use Equilibrium to replenish your magicka. Heal yourself and your allies with Restoration spells. Control the enemy's blood to send him fleeing (Dismaying Shout) and send him on a "wild goose chase" (Throw Voice). You can sense the blood of anything around (Detect Life) and even the dead (Detect Dead). The Hist Mage can harden his own body, making him invulnerable for a short time (Become Ethereal) and can control the blood of lesser beings (Animal Allegiance) and even control greater beings (Dragonrend and Call Dragon).</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fPQACPRuCqBXl6y3EkzAjVbXPb0toMye2EWQ0_sQjajrp2f9gchejrRGY8bVHN6ognVeHJhg0kjrsG7VlRjHh05s5ngi596SBKmdrpGkK0TGVtIrIn7vgjUHawoVqGYRmwqWIYs" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fPQACPRuCqBXl6y3EkzAjVbXPb0toMye2EWQ0_sQjajrp2f9gchejrRGY8bVHN6ognVeHJhg0kjrsG7VlRjHh05s5ngi596SBKmdrpGkK0TGVtIrIn7vgjUHawoVqGYRmwqWIYs?width=584" width="584" class="align-center" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/NxNl3LMlHi7k8vTZACdxbNMs6fyvCRTZKuXGNOHwKKP3e3Ti0gShq1V2bSgF7DM8LM8XZYmdD8dyYFv9iel9_mRkXWCXRns6nSyW5ef8DFqF05q5gZ7LGaDPjAYga2LjUFaoh1M" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/NxNl3LMlHi7k8vTZACdxbNMs6fyvCRTZKuXGNOHwKKP3e3Ti0gShq1V2bSgF7DM8LM8XZYmdD8dyYFv9iel9_mRkXWCXRns6nSyW5ef8DFqF05q5gZ7LGaDPjAYga2LjUFaoh1M?width=584" width="584" class="align-center" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">You are entirely dependent upon your surroundings. When an element is present you can use any spells, shouts or powers that "control" this element. You can use your Control of Ground, Control of Air and Control of Blood at anytime because these things are always nearby. You can control Fire and Water only when those elements are present...</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Master Hist Mage can use Secret of Arcana to cast two summons, a Flame Thrall and Frost Thrall. This moves your Control of Fire and Control of Water from situational abilities to full time abilities. Your thralls will be your source of magic and you can now control those magics whenever you need them.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Special Moves</p>
<p dir="ltr">Become Ethereal + Great Critical Charge: Use Become Ethereal to negate the cost of Great Critical Charge. You will still lose stamina because you run for a step after contact but it will cost roughly 1/3 of the stamina as it would without Become Ethereal. This lets you continue with another power attack or another critical charge.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jToKQ-C6JD5qV0pLRxH9RGCpaIamQ7XWdyDKUg7J6fUBvXeQv9QZ5WBL9BVk8lvl5-DCK6S8xhcdf4Fx5MrY1W43zj8c10PrCG2u1gponVI-z5_cHeBbVqqq9RZC49m9TTjLEWQ" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jToKQ-C6JD5qV0pLRxH9RGCpaIamQ7XWdyDKUg7J6fUBvXeQv9QZ5WBL9BVk8lvl5-DCK6S8xhcdf4Fx5MrY1W43zj8c10PrCG2u1gponVI-z5_cHeBbVqqq9RZC49m9TTjLEWQ?width=123" width="123" class="align-left" /></a>Secret of Arcana + Poison Rune + Fire Breath: Use Fire Breath to stagger and severely damage your enemies. Switch to Secret of Arcana and spam Poison Runes. When done properly you can kill 3 or 4 enemies before they have a chance to counterattack.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/iU_ufC65ZY-EBr3-niZ_bV6zNOu5goyCV41S8mNr7TLdXoWBZbR9YwZux01KgHkxv9JwB375Tu0FBF978kZ0fGxyxlNBHEHtYdlDIFfEL0dm4wXecopseMLwdcXXtE-1IwwMOIM" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/iU_ufC65ZY-EBr3-niZ_bV6zNOu5goyCV41S8mNr7TLdXoWBZbR9YwZux01KgHkxv9JwB375Tu0FBF978kZ0fGxyxlNBHEHtYdlDIFfEL0dm4wXecopseMLwdcXXtE-1IwwMOIM?width=123" width="123" class="align-left" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Secret of Arcana + Flame Thrall + Frost Thrall: As mentioned above, use thralls to create a permanent source of elemental magic. This takes your Hist Mage to a whole new level, making him able to use fire and frost magic at any time.</p>
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<p>Mora's Agony + Poison Rune + 2 Handed: Stagger and damage an enemy with Mora's Agony then pound him with Poison Runes. Finish him off with your melee skills.</p>
</div>Character Build: The Bloodclawhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-bloodclaw2017-05-28T10:23:53.000Z2017-05-28T10:23:53.000ZTae-Raihttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/TaeRai<div><p dir="ltr">If you’re reading this and don’t already know why you’re here, this build is a collaboration between myself, Teccam, and SkallyV, and our entry for the latest building contest. We chose Falkreath for our hold, as will — we hope — be made clear as you read on. This build was a blast to write and play: streamlined, visceral, and versatile are the keys here. Enjoy, and be sure to check out <a rel="nofollow" href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150828213117/http://tamrielvault.com/group/character-building/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=Contest3" target="_self">the other contest entries</a> too!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150828213117/http://orig13.deviantart.net/2499/f/2011/161/a/8/werewolf_by_wert23-d3ij2i4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://web.archive.org/web/20150828213117im_/http://orig13.deviantart.net/2499/f/2011/161/a/8/werewolf_by_wert23-d3ij2i4.jpg?width=525" width="525" class="align-center"></a></p>
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<p align="center"><em><strong>THE BLOODCLAW</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>The Shadow-Scales are the most deadly and secretive assassins in Tamriel. Without their influence, the Dark Brotherhood would be but a fraction of what it has become. Yet even among this powerful organization of reptilian assassins, not all are equal. Within their ranks lurk a select few members of an exclusives caste. The best of the Shadow-Scales, the elite of the elite ... The Bloodclaws.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>This much is true: All Shadow-Scales are swift as wind and silent as stone, and all Shadow-Scales can kill a man in a thousand different ways without being detected. Yet only the Bloodclaws are entrusted with their most advanced techniques. They forge a deep connection between the Hunt and the Hist to gain powers other assassins cannot even imagine!</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>The Bloodclaw is a blade in the shadows. He is a knife in the dark, and the unending void. He is death.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>When death comes, none escape.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Race</strong> » Argonian Werewolf</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Stone</strong> » The Lady</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Attributes</strong> » All Health, all the time!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Skills</strong> » One-handed, Alchemy, Sneak, Light Armor, (Lycanthropy)</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Shouts</strong> » Elemental Fury, Throw Voice, Dragonrend, Whirlwind Sprint</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Passives</strong> » Blessing of Arkay, Seeker of Shadows, Force Without Effort</p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830844311?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830844311?profile=original" width="630" class="align-center"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><em><strong>THE BUILD</strong></em></p>
<p dir="ltr">You may be wondering ... <em>This build has only four skills perked; won’t it get repetitive?</em> Well, if you are, you’re wrong! (Now don’t you feel silly?) These skills support each other wonderfully. And don’t forget that with our investment in lycanthropy, we effectively have a fifth skill perked and actively used. To keep things from growing stagnant, we focused on three very different styles of combat for the Bloodclaw to master:</p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Servant of the Void</strong><strong>.</strong> Stealth is the bread and butter here. Be in sneak mode virtually non-stop, with Silent Roll and ultimately Shadow Warrior allowing you to flit in and out of the shadows at full speed, severing arteries and slitting throats, like the master assassin you are! Dual Ebony Daggers (unenchanted and tempered) with Ancient Shrouded Gloves and Assassin’s Blade will rip enemies to ribbons before they ever know you’re behind them. This is classic stealth at its most lethal and efficient. No sniping from the shadows though — this is all about getting up close and personal with your marks. Throw Voice is the best shout here, so use it liberally.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Servant of Blood</strong><strong>.</strong> For when you want to play with your food, or prove that your might is not limited to the shadows. Here, we employ massive Health Regen (100% from enchants, 150% from potions, 25% from the Lady, and of course, Histskin) with high bleeding DOT (dual Orcish War Axes, Lingering Damage Health poisons) to tear our enemies down while preserving our own life force. Elemental Fury is used to expedite power attacks, stacking bleeding damage and stun-locking opponents. Be sure to keep your left-hand axe unenchanted! Absorb Stamina in the right hand allows us to power attack almost endlessly, and Absorb Health is also an option which allows you to optimize survivability even more. So pick your poison there (pun shamelessly intended — don’t forget those DOT brews). Save Histskin for when you really need it but do know that you can use it more than once per day — simply transform to Beast Form via the Ring of Hircine, and Histskin’s cooldown will be cleared!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Servant of the Hunt</strong><strong>.</strong> Your ultimate form, an evolution of the previous style, and a tenuous bridge between two of the greatest forces that govern Falkreath (and indeed, Tamriel and beyond): Sithis andHircine. This is all about Beast Form, buffed by even more massive Health Regen than before (the Ring of the Hunt, potions, and the Lady, plus a higher base Health pool via Werewolf perks). As mentioned before, you can use the Ring of Hircine to transform more than once per day, and reset Histskin’s cooldown. That offers tremendous synergy between this style and the previous one. Take advantage! Gorge on fallen foes to further sustain your transformation and your life force, and you will be virtually untouchable with that massive Health Regen — <a rel="nofollow" href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150828213117/http://tamrielvault.com/group/glitches/forum/topics/let-s-investigate-the-ring-of-the-hunt" target="_self">dozens of Health per second</a> — and your ragdolling claw attacks. Howl of Terror can be used to intimidate weaker opponents into submission. Especially helpful for the first 15-20 levels. Don’t forget it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830844934?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830844934?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="633" class="align-center"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Getting Started</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Shrouded Armor should be your first gear set, and can be picked up right at level 1 when you join the Dark Brotherhood. If you don’t like its appearance, Linwe’s Armor and the Blackguard’s Armor are suitable alternatives, both of which can be obtained with minimal investment in the Thieves Guild line (we’ll also recommend a few mod alternatives later on). But that 2x backstab damage from the Shrouded Gloves is very hard to pass up! Also note that the Ancient Shrouded Cowl is bugged for Argonians, so consider holding onto the normal [unmasked] Shrouded Cowl if you do opt to use the Brotherhood gear.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Join the Companions early, and stick around just long enough to be bitten. This character has no need to remain in Jorrvaskr beyond that point, and would not join the Companions at all if there were any other way to acquire lycanthropy.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830846361?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830846361?profile=original" width="280" class="align-left"></a>Become thane of Falkreath, and buy Lakeview Manor ASAP to start growing ingredients. The Ring of Hircine should be obtained only after you’ve bought the Ring of the Hunt: Equip the latter prior to beginning Ill Met By Moonlight, and attempt to re-equip it when it is forcibly removed by the Cursed Ring during that quest. This will let you passively keep the Ring of the Hunt’s power whenever you enter Beast Form, allowing its use multiple times per day and minimizing the need to swap gear. Win-win-win! Note: Do NOT attempt to equip any of the other Frostmoon rings after you’ve done that, or it will overwrite the Ring of the Hunt effect!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Orcish War Axes can be obtained very early on, and you can simply make your way through better daggers and Health Regen jewelry as you level up. Be sure to temper your unenchanted weapons for a damage boost, it’ll add up quickly with backstab multipliers. Stealth (“Servant of the Void”) should be your main focus at first, with Beast Form (“Servant of the Hunt”) acting as your “oh shit button” or your boss battle tactic.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Begin to integrate the in-your-face “Servant of Blood” style in the mid-game, when you have access to decent Health Regen jewelry and potions, and the bleeding damage perks from One-handed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Ring of Revival will be used almost exclusively in human [lizard] form in the endgame, exceptwhen you want to transform to Beast Form and the power hasn’t cooled down yet (in which case, you will need the Ring of Hircine to transform). And again, as mentioned previously, it’s ideal to equip the Ring of the Hunt during Ill Met By Moonlight to acquire its benefits passively and permanently, so you never need to think about it again.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And seriously, the Ring of the Hunt is <strong>essential</strong> here. It will allows you to tank against giants, dragons, etc. and never drop below 80% Health, because you'll be recovering around 35-40+ Health per second if you optimize everything! This is one of the build's biggest selling points, and also one of the most fun ways to play Skyrim you will ever experience. Honestly, try it and see for yourself.</p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr">Dragons are one opponent that you may want to plan for in advance. Craft a few potions with elemental resistance (particularly fire and frost) to help mitigate their breath attacks. You can also use Dragonrend to ground them, but that prevents you from using Elemental Fury when they do land, so use temperately. Just wail at them with all you’ve got when they land, and duck away when they fly off, healing with potions if necessary. Histskin should also make dragons very easy to deal with.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You may want to keep Whirlwind Sprint on hand as well, as a gap closer when dealing with enemy archers and mages. They become far less dangerous when you can attack them at melee range. Though often, you can simply sneak up on them before they’ve noticed you.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lastly, note that the perks spread calls for a level 45 character. With only four “leveling skills”, you willneed to make one skill Legendary to hit 45. We highly recommend Alchemy, as you can stockpile ingredients by the hundreds for quick re-leveling. Mora Tapinella, Creep Cluster, and Scaly Pholiota combine for the best potion if you want to level quickly using growable ingredients. You can easily harvest 30+ of each every 2-3 days with the garden and greenhouse for super-quick leveling.</p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/kC6fnIi.jpg"></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>M</strong></em><em><strong>ASTER OF FALKREATH</strong></em></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7652056?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7652056?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="226" class="align-left"></a>As this is a submission for the holds contest, we’ll give a quick rundown/recap of why this build represents our chosen hold, Falkreath.</p>
<p dir="ltr">First off, obviously, the Bloodclaw is a master assassin for the Dark Brotherhood. The Shadow-Scales have been supplying the Brotherhood with elite assassins for centuries. The Brotherhood is, of course, based in Falkreath (until the Sanctuary is infiltrated late in the storyline, at least).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Falkreath is also associated with death in general — as is the Brotherhood, and our character. To further cement this connection, you should regularly refill your Blessing of Arkay (who is associated with death, funerals, etc.) at the Falkreath graveyard (oh, hey, more death! It’s almost like we’ve got a theme here).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Falkreath is heavily associated with hunting as well. Assassination is itself a form of hunting, of course, but we also have the greatest forest in Skyrim, teeming with fauna and hunters. And the ultimate hunt, as seen in Ill Met By Moonlight, is also held here and will be mandatory for this playthrough. So the Bloodclaw is a hunter of man, mer, and beast alike, in all three combat styles as well as at the very core of the character.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Furthermore, this character makes heavy use of several assets in Falkreath. In addition to the Shrine of Arkay, Lady stone, and various Brotherhood gear, Lakeview Manor is a huge help for all things Alchemical. Between the garden and greenhouse, as well as access to the lake for fishing and other ingredients, it’s an alchemist’s paradise. You will need to become thane of Falkreath to purchase it, meaning your character may want to live a double life by day as a peaceful hunter of local wildlife to further build a connection to the hold.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><em><strong>HERBLORE</strong></em></p>
<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847467?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847467?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="64" class="align-left"></a></b><b><br> Effects</b> » Fortify Health Regen & Fortify Marksman</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong> » Juniper Berries + Canis Root + Namira’s Rot</p>
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<p><span style="color: #c0c0c0;">-</span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847508?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847508?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="64" class="align-left"></a><br> Effects</strong> » Fortify Health & Restore Health</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong> » Blue Mountain Flower + Wheat</p>
<p><br> <br> <strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847530?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830847530?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="64" class="align-left"></a><br> Effects</strong> » Fortify Sneak & Resist Frost</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong> » Purple Mountain Flower + Thistle Branch</p>
<p><br> <br> <strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830848768?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830848768?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="64" class="align-left"></a><br> Effects</strong> » Resist Fire & Resist Shock</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong> » Fly Amanita + Snowberries + Swamp Fungal Pod</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="color: #c0c0c0;">-</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830848820?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830848820?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="64" class="align-left"></a><strong><br> Effects</strong> » Lingering Damage Health</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients</strong> » Imp Stool + Mora Tapinella</p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr">Also familiarize yourself with <a rel="nofollow" href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150828213117/http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Invisibility_(effect)" target="_blank">the ingredients that have Invisibility</a>. They can’t be grown in your garden, but it’s nice to have a few Invisibility potions on hand for emergencies</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/juyOuTE.jpg"></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><em><strong>ROLEPLAY NOTES</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">One of our favourite things with this character was how we were able to play around with having almost no morality. You are a hunter, the apex predator and you will hunt, kill and consume whoever, whenever you like!</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">With that being said, however, you need to form a guise when you are in town or are not hunting your targets. An Argonian hunter in simple furs and with a hunting bow? Nothing new there and nothing to see here!</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Become a beast at least once every few nights and send some souls to Sithis/Hircine to appease your lords.</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr">Lakeview Manor will become your main alchemist home, but employ more… Secretive places for your main house (such as the Dawnstar Sanctuary!)</p> </li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><em><strong>RECOMMENDED MODS</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Sicarius: Masters of Death</strong> — Gorgeous, lore-friendly replacer for Dark Brotherhood gear.</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Shadow Scale Armor</strong> — Looks awesome and is obviously relevant, thematically.</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Rough Leather Armor</strong> — One more alternative armor set for those who prefer subtlety.</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Lakeview Extended</strong> — Greatly expands the functionality and influence of your holdings.</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>More Plants and Recipes for Hearthfire</strong> — For the discerning alchemist.</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>FAR</strong> or <strong>Drachis</strong> — Awesome body textures for Argonians.</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Heart of the Beast</strong> — For the sounds (I highly recommend the most aggressive option).</p> </li>
<li dir="ltr"> <p dir="ltr"><strong>HD Werewolves</strong> — Excellent fur, eyes, and teeth textures all in a single mod.</p> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><em>Cannot thank Tae and Skally enough for working with me on this one. It was great coming together with you two and making this happen. I couldn’t be more proud to have my name alongside yours. Team Taecum V will go down as one of the greats!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Credit to wert23 on DeviantArt for <a rel="nofollow" href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150828213117/http://bobkehl.deviantart.com/art/werewolf-212521324" target="_blank">the header art</a>!</em> </p></div>Character Build: The Healerhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-healer2017-04-28T03:00:01.000Z2017-04-28T03:00:01.000ZCursehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Hantz<div><p style="text-align:left;">This build is a collaboration between Curse Never Dying. Shin Jin, and Lozhar</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~<br /> <em>Just as the roots of the Hist are all interconnected, so also are all living things—the suffering of one sends out ripples that affect many. Perhaps this is why I have always felt compelled to share my gift. I didn’t choose to be a healer; it’s just who I am. So I was hardly surprised as I sat among my hatch-mates on our day of naming when the tribal elders gave me mine. You would never be able to pronounce it, but the Cyrodilic equivalent of my name is ‘Heals-Hurts.’ It makes sense… it’s what I do. But as I looked at the elders around me I detected faint traces of amused, ironic, and knowing smiles—never a good sign. First exposure to Hist sap is an overwhelming experience and leaves events… hazy. Because you remember so little, the elders relish the opportunity to share embarrassing anecdotes that occurred while under the sap’s sway. These stories are shared frequently in large gatherings and tend to follow you the rest of your life (and possibly into the next one). I groaned inwardly… what in the name of the Hist had I done?</em></p>
<div align="center">~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~</div>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7651931?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7651931?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt="7651931?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a></p>
<div class="size_fullsize" style="text-align:center;"> </div>
<p><br /> Typically you don’t think of a kick-butt-and-take-names character when you think of healers. Perhaps it is because healers… well, heal. UESP’s description perpetuates this further: When threatened, (healers) defend themselves with reason and disabling attacks and magic, relying on deadly force only in extremity.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">But the elements are there: in addition to their knowledge of Restoration, healers are well versed in the arts of Alchemy, Illusion, Alteration, and One-handed—a combination with some major potential for bringing the pain. Now consider that UESP also says this of the Morrowind healer class:</p>
<p dir="ltr">They have also learned that preventing harm to others often requires a more active opposition to monsters and malefactors, so they have studied both the unarmed, unarmored martial arts of the Khajiit and the light armored and blunt weapon styles of the Imperial West, both for self-defense and for disabling or killing dangerous opponents.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The upswing, ladies and gentlemen, is that healers <strong>BRING IT!</strong></p>
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<div align="center">~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~</div>
<p>…It wasn’t until the night before my departure from Argonia that Jeetum-Ja, one of the tribal elders, finally shared my story:<br /> <br /> “As the effects of the Hist sap set in, one of your hatch mates got up and started flinging elbows into the faces of the others. He would drop them, and you would heal them… both of you moving in a circle. But as his frenzy increased you started to fall behind. Finally, after reviving a hatch mate with a particularly nasty cut over the eye, Iron-In-His-Elbows made his way back around the circle and dropped her to the ground again. Evidently you reached your limit. You picked up a stick about as round as my upper arm and relieved him of the burden of consciousness—then you healed him.<br /> <br /> Hence your name: you have always healed hurts and afflictions, but now the Hist has taught you how to inflict them as well… and blessed you with the wisdom to know when. Remember this in your travels: sometimes the best way to heal wounds is to eradicate the cause of them…”</p>
<div align="center">~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~</div>
<p><br /> <strong>Race</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Argonian—we’re usually all about choice when it comes to race in our builds, but for this one we wanted a healer straight out of Blackmarsh whose intimate connection with the Hist has directed him to where his gift is needed most… Skyrim.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Stone</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Mage—go ahead and grab it when you roll out of Helgen. It will help level Restoration, but…</li>
<li>Atronach—you’ll want this one as soon as you can get it. Offers serious protection against magical threats, gives you a quick-and-easy +50 to magicka, and has some serious synergism with Restoration once you master the school (more on this later)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Stats</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>1 magicka/1 health/</strong><strong>0 stamina</strong> —your typical entrance to conflict will entail flesh spells, Illusion to manage threats, and Restoration to minimize damage for you and your follower… you’ll need that magicka. The health will help you get in there and tank when you have a hankering to mix it up</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Major Skills</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Restoration</strong><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8563385253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8563385253,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8563385253?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><br /> Any healer’s main focus. The Respite perk combined with Close Wounds let’s you pile on power attacks (should you feel so inclined), and Bane of the Undead is just plain awesome when you’re delving draugr dungeons. The real fun, however, lies in the power of the Atronach Stone and Guardian Circle spell (GC)… anytime you are within the circle the Atronach Stone starts absorbing magicka. Imagine this scenario:<br /> <br /> You enter a cave and immediately notice two Falmer Nightprowlers, a Shadowmaster, and two or three charus reapers—there’s gonna be some melee going on for sure. Dragonhide would be helpful here, but that leaves you very little left for Frenzy, Calm, and Heal Other. Cast GC and watch your magicka fill up. Next, cast Dragonhide and watch your magicka fill up yet again. Now you’re ready… protected and with a full tank of magicka. Concerned about your ward spells draining you dry? You aren't when you're in the circle! As a sidenote: this will work with Circle of Protection (CoP) as well, but CoP is a glitchy glitch and will eventually break on you... Guardian Circle doesn’t.<br /> <br /> <strong>Useful spells:</strong> Poison Rune, All Healing Spells, Turn Undead.<br /> <br /> <img class="bbcode-attachment align-center" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/1lR_xbWJey-oFwv3I2R6eZV_rSrMfXtLmuV45kRcvlFn1Z90wMKcAtAfrcoPdX9EcwAiR_RiBjdWTdr_YpIXGFqFwVKUweXOnjNp8dCPpT89Ywl0dxRBch9rlKNcvPHd0A" alt="" border="0" /><br /> <em>Healing it and bringing it!</em><br /> <br /> <strong>One-handed</strong><br /> <br /> As difficult as it is to believe…Healers. Smash. Faces. While there isn’t technically a Blunt skill in Skyrim, the Bonebreaker perks serve that function nicely… we perked all three, but found that with Alchemy, Alteration and Restoration you really only need 3 of the 5 Armsman perks to keep you dangerous.<br /> <br /> <strong>Alchemy</strong><br /> <br /> Good healers know their way around an alchemy table… it makes you healthy, makes you fearsome, and makes you money. If you are one of those people who has been putting off Alchemy (like me two or three months ago) you really ought to get over that—Alchemy lets you do just about anything! Here are a few of the alchemical creations we found helpful:<br /> <br /> <strong>Heals:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Intensity: Fortify One-handed + Fortify Marksman (Elves Ear + Canis Root + Hanging Moss)
<ul>
<li>It probably comes as no surprise that Fortify One-handed fortifies your One-handed skills, but Fortify Marksman fortifies any melee damage… including One-handed. In essence, you get a potion that stacks Fortify One-handed twice—bad news for the malignant things of Skyrim</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Spirit Healing: Fortify Restoration (Salt Pile + Yellow Mountain Flower/Abcean Longfin )
<ul>
<li>Heal an entire health bar in seconds! Burn the undead with a double-powered blast of sun rays! Poison your enemies twice as much with the Poison Rune! Just plain awesome</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ultimate Defense: Fortify Alteration (River Betty + Grass Pod)
<ul>
<li>There are situations when you just don't have time to keep refreshing Dragonhide, or when enemies need to be frozen for more than 10 seconds while you take care of their friends. When those times arrive, this is the potion for you!</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Hurts:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Final Stages: Ravage Stamina + Ravage Magicka + Damage Health (Jazbay Grapes + Scathecraw+ Spawn Ash)
<ul>
<li>A great all-purpose poison that hurts and weakens at every level... doesn't matter if you're up against a warrior, thief, or mage—it'll have at least two things in there that they're gonna hate</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>No Cure: Damage/Ravage Health + Weakness to Poison (Deathbell + Giant Lichen + Skeever Tail)
<ul>
<li>For difficult enemies, stack this on… problem solved!</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Minor Skills</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Alteration</strong></p>
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<p><br /> Flesh spells are handy, but not always necessary (unless you want to barrel in full tank-style). But Paralysis is glorious. Add a Lingering Damage Health poison or Marked for Death, and let time do the work for you while you take care of other business.<br /> <br /> Useful spells: Flesh Spells, Paralysis<br /> <br /> <strong>Illusion</strong><br /> <br /> This school is all about enemy management, and you really don’t need to go any further than Adept to do it. Too many red dots on your HUD? Some dual cast Frenzy spells will get them working for you, and Calm takes many high-level enemies right out of the action so you can deal with the riffraff.<br /> <br /> Useful spells: Boosts (Courage, Rally & etc), Fear, Fury and Calm.<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Speech</strong><br /> <br /> I was happy to see this as part of the character class… all those high-end potions and poisons, and you can only unload them on Alchemists and general goods mechants? That's just not right. Hello Merchant perk, goodbye potions and poisons, hello gold (and training).<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Followers</strong><br /> <br /> In the beginning you really want to focus on bringing your Restoration up because (a) it’s what healers are all about, and (b) it actually makes you pretty powerful once you hit Adept. But that makes you awfully squishy in the early game, so you’ll want someone to help out (and someone you can heal) as soon as possible.<br /> <br /> Good news! You can get a decent follower right out of Helgen and get 100 septims for doing it! Go to the Bannered Mare in Whiterun and strike up a conversation with Uthgerd. If you don't take any guff from her she'll eventually challenge you to a fistfight... your unarmed bonus as an Argonian insures an easy win, and she'll pony up the 100 gold and offer to follow you in your adventures. Not bad for a septim-less drifter out of Helgen!<br /> <br /> <strong>Whomever</strong><br /> <br /> Afterwards, feel free to pick up any follower you like. I grabbed Lydia a few levels later, and if you can get past the diva attitude she’s not so bad—we got separated outside one of the Forsworn redoubts; I walked in and no Lydia (turns out she entered an upper level), but I met her somewhere in between… we passed quite a few slaughtered forsworn on the way out (she must have been VERY busy <img class="inlineimg" title="Big Grin" src="https://www.nuka-scrolls.com/core/images/smilies/biggrin.png" alt="" border="0" />)<br /> <br /> <strong>Shouts</strong><br /> <br /> Drain Vitality, Marked for Death, Slow Time, Battle Fury, Become Ethereal<br /> <br /> <strong>Powers</strong><br /> <br /> Companion’s Insight</p>
<div align="center">
<div class="size_fullsize"> </div>
</div>
<p><strong>Gear</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8563386870,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8563386870,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8563386870?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><br /> <br /> For our late-game setup, we felt the Temple Priest robes and hood with Thalmor boots was a great look for a Grand Healer. An alternative for those too cheap to get the excellent DLC Bethesda has available (ShinJin, I'm looking at you) is the Archmage Robes. The quest to get the Gauldur Amulet is a perfect fit for a Healer, and the amulet itself is a decent reward: +30 to health, magicka, and stamina... booyah! We chose the Ring of Regeneration because (a) we found it, and (b) it fits the roleplay rather nicely, but just about any ring with a buff you like will do.<br /> <br /> For early and mid-level gear we suggest Tavern Clothes + Brown Boots + Gloves—a combo we call “The Humble Pilgrim,” but you can go with just about any combo you find aesthetically pleasing. ShinJin, for example, opted for Farmer Clothes + Thalmor Boots and Gauntlets… really, the goal here is a simple, but cool, look.<br /> <br /> <strong>Weapon</strong><br /> <br /> We worked our way up with maces as we found them until we got a hold of an ebony mace. Enchantments are not absolutely required but some useful ones include Stamina Absorb or Paralysis. A useful combo you might consider would be Staff of Paralysis paired with an Ebony Mace with just a single point of Absorb Stamina. You'll always have something in the tank for power attacks so long as your hits connect, and you'll have access to paralysis at no cost to your magicka pool. <br /> <br /> <strong>Combat</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Spell-mace</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Skilled with the mace and an ability to heal almost instantly, Healers aren’t afraid to let followers follow...</em></p>
<p><br /> Mace in one hand, Healing, Wards, Illusions and Flesh spells in the other. This the "aggressive support" style in which you jump out in front of your follower and smash some faces yourself (she’s not going to steal all the fun)! Remember to change your tactics against whatever you’re facing: when faced with many weak enemies, healing is a great way to keep the ass-kicking going, but against one stronger opponent you may want to debuff him with multiple poisons, spells and shouts (MfD, DV, Paralysis, Poison Rune and your wide array of Poisons) and then smash whatever is still alive when you’re done.<br /> <br /> <strong>Full Support</strong></p>
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<p><br /> ...but they are equally dangerous behind the scenes: manipulating enemies, supplying allies with a constant stream of health and morale… if you are one of the malignant folk of Tamriel, pray you never run across a Healer!<br /> <br /> Keep followers alive and strong, boost them before going into battle, use Fear in weaker enemies and let followers battle the stronger one. Enemies locked on to your follower will ignore you entirely, so you can continuously heal your follower without reprisal whenever she/he takes damage. It’s a good move against groups of strong enemies and against that Dwarven Centurion that you will surely find someday. Remember that using Fear spells can alert enemies in near rooms, if you don’t want to take that risk, Calm works equally well (and you don't have to chase anyone down).<br /> <br /> Although not listed, carrying a long bow may prove useful for hitting enemies with a poisoned arrow when the situation calls for it (like a Slow poison on fleeing bandit, or Ravage Magicka on a powerful spell-caster to start draining his magicka reserves from a distance). Again, not necessary, but a potential option for those lovers of archery with an itch to fling the occasional arrow... think of it as a long-range hypodermic needle.<br /> <br /> Special Tactics—Necromancers and Minions: Against powerful necromancers and their minions, make sure that the most powerful servant(s) die while affected by Paralysis, so when the necromancers try to reanimate them they will be raised permanently immobile and unable to attack you, providing the Necromancer with just a frozen minion who will be banished back to the depths of oblivion when his master dies.</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">Necromancers beware: your strongest minions aren’t going anywhere!</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br /> Dragons—You can stop a Dragon’s fire and frost breath by Draining all of their Magicka, Drain Vitality and a poisoned strike of Ravage Magicka (be it with a bow or with your mace) will make sure that he drops to the ground soon (it’s like a free Dragonrend!) With Lesser Ward you can block the breath of any dragon, so take advantage of that! You can use it as a way to hold your ground while your debuffs take effect. Become Ethereal is also a great option when the magicka runs out.<br /> <br /> <strong>Perk Spread</strong></p>
<div align="center"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8563386261,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8563386261?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" />~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~</div>
<p><em>We ran across a bandit camp today... it ended quickly. As I looked around at the bodies of the innocent people they looted, a thought occurred to me: in just under three minutes we put an end to a lifetime of misery and suffering. I dislike killing—but that doesn't mean I won't...</em></p>
<div align="center">~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~</div>
<p><br /> <strong>Roleplay</strong><br /> <br /> As an Argonian born with a strong affinity to the Hist, a strong feeling of connectedness to all races, and the good will to spread healing to the world, the Healer has left Argonia, wandering the land as a humble pilgrim, helping those who deserve it and removing those who would destroy that work. Heals still feels a strong tie to the Hist, and can call upon his power when needed. He’s a kind soul and will always search for a non-violent way out, but he also knows that the end of one corrupt soul often ensures that dozens of pure ones will live.<br /> <br /> Heals is not concerned with the civil war, fearing that his involvement may worsen the suffering he seeks to alleviate. Thus, he feels it is not a conflict in which he should take part. Nor will he destroy the Dark Brotherhood, for he holds a respect to the Hist, and by extension, to Sithis. But he will not join them either, for he knows that’s not something that he was meant for. He will not join the Companions either. Money and glory aren’t what he’s searching for, and he feels something... unnatural... coming from them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Special Techniques</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150319170726/https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1fYcOVnWfegwxnyoaDAs2NnHTUYQT7m41kS0NKznn7gpUuMv6wapFMad9z4ihmInTb_SGuXs2UYCVjCndKwJm3nH9VkRCpz1PXYNhfc3c74GDcrovcQEfmI73DtWpCfFhQ" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7652167?profile=original" alt="7652167?profile=original" width="117" height="117" /></a></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Crippling Blow -</strong> The healer strikes a glancing blow against an opponent that sharply reduces stamina /magicka and temporarily prevents stamina/magicka from regenerating.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Requires</strong>: Final Stages Poison, Basic attack, Drain vitality</p>
<p dir="ltr">A quick and effective way to shut down a troublesome opponent and turn the tables in favor of your follower.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150319170726/https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/uj6YC0IwOpG0JWkFYzNyxECdj69K0FFL6zfXpyOwE148S8A8iODQSsnwovJF8oTKOXiFuniT3ghnXdmlKtZVa3OwSvjJ2Ssev8QbKYFfrybPexHKwH9HZDuUnWcM0oc-Pw" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7652177?profile=original" alt="7652177?profile=original" width="118" height="118" /></a></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hero's Charge:</strong> The healer blesses an ally improving their health, attack power, attack speed. These effects stack making allies super powerful! Effected allies are also more courageous and will not run from the enemy.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Requires:</strong> Courage, Rally, Call to Arms, Battle Fury</p>
<p dir="ltr">Word of warning: because allies feel no fear, they don’t take a knee when they have nothing left in them… this hightened courage could lead to a follower’s death if you aren’t careful</p>
<p dir="ltr">-</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Rejuvenation</strong><strong>:</strong> The Healer converts the life energy of the hist into magickal energy, allowing him to replenish his magicka reserves.</p>
<p>Requires: Equilibrium and Hist Skin or Close Wounds</p>
<p dir="ltr">A fast and effective way to replenish magicka whenever needed. Don't over do it with this technique. Equilibrium will kill you if you get carried away. </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">-</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Tree of Life<a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150319170726/https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wiBWr8jzzowULtI1lLwFzSy7ZxwmGZJpIMmX-8chNBXItSR5BMUzQrtAkNtiDeu_06W0gB-8d7YMbIFR0oT735GMowKkPbpeNF2cp7SWkdbuhluzMB-r5TAO_DLOhzFJnA" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7652195?profile=original" alt="7652195?profile=original" width="121" /></a></strong><strong>:</strong> The healer becomes a living conduit of self sustaining healing energy, transferring the rejuvenating power of the hist to an ally.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Requires: </strong>Atronach stone, Become Ethereal, Guardian Circle (Spell or Scroll), Heal Other, Secret of Protection (optional)</p>
<p dir="ltr">A powerful option for full support. Tree of life allows you to do what a lot of healer builds have a hard time doing, which is keeping an ally effectively healed. The healing is amplified if the target is within the circle as well.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">-</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20150319170726/https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Ryp444bjE-rInztSl6MxmtHLcsdVei5l5bkNLskv5pIBDhz-84X6oFX3umyINx9UGARXecYtIwjcQrJYacZjFgfeglofKIknILORcd-oqfafyJ8Ihz0iU_OnfcTHamfA2w" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7652204?profile=original" alt="7652204?profile=original" width="121" /></a></strong><strong>Wither & Decay:</strong> The healer traps an enemy within a powerful binding spell that slowly tears and eats away at the body, gradually reducing both health and armor over time.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Requires:</strong> Marked for Death + Multiple Poison Runes + Paralysis </p>
<p dir="ltr">A powerful offensive tool that wrecks enemy defenses and stacks deadly poison damage over time debuffs. Consume a Spirit Healing potion before hand to deal even heavier damage over time. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>-</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~</em></p>
<p><em>There is a saying amongst the people of my tribe... "Home is where the Hist is." It is a message the elders tell the young people, a way of saying, "The world is wide, but an Argonian is at peace only in Argonia."</em><br /> <br /> <em>It's true that I miss my homeland and my people, but the Hist is in my heart. All places are home to me so long as I am true to the Hist... and the Hist would have me here.</em></p>
<div align="center">~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~:~: ~</div>
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<div align="center"><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/curse+never+dying" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7651984,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7651984?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></div>
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<div align="center"> </div></div>Character Build: The Brutehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-brute2017-04-22T17:59:59.000Z2017-04-22T17:59:59.000ZCursehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Hantz<div><p>I've wanted to revamp this creation a bit for quite some time. There were 4 major areas I focused on with this revamp: I trimmed a lot of fat from the build making this character build much easier to level and thus more accessible to players. I shed away what I felt were needless aspects of the build. What was once a level 54 character build now maxes out at a much more accessible 43. Things were added and changed to further emphasis what makes the Brute stand out. Lastly, I gave the build a slight format and visual update as well. </p>
<p>All the core components you know and love about this build are still intact. You'll still tear through the enemy like a force of nature, and you'll be able to enjoy that power much sooner than ever before. Overall, I'm quite proud with how this revamp came out and I'm happy to present once again...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}50705900,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}50705900,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="376" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852930?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830852930?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" /></a>        <em>"Brutes rely on their immense strength and relentless fury to overwhelm their enemies. Regardless of the injuries they suffer, they battle on. They are like avalanches or onrushing floods in battle, veritable forces of nature that cannot be stopped, merely endured until they have vented their boundless rage. Easily a match for ten of any hold’s best soldiers, a single colossal blow from a brute’s war hammer is enough to outright kill or grievously injure anyone caught in its path."</em></p>
<p>The brute is a different take on playing a warrior. Rather than taking defensive measures to ensure survival in battle, the brute prevents his enemies from mounting a decent attack to begin with. With the constant threat of being scattered like weakling rag dolls, the brute is able bully his enemies and utterly crush them. Enemies face an uphill battle against a veritable monster, whose health regenerates faster than they can deplete it.</p>
<p> If you’re not afraid to throw down, fight dirty, and crush your opponents into a fine bloody paste as they lie battered and beaten in the dirt, begging for mercy, then look no further than the build that puts the brute in brutality.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Build</strong></p>
<p><strong>Race:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Argonian</strong> works best for this build. They make capable warriors and their Histskin ability compliments the brute’s already impressive regenerative capability.</p>
<p><strong>Orcs </strong>are another awesome choice for this build. Their racial ability, berserk rage, allows them to push the brute's offensive capabilities to ungodly levels.</p>
<p><strong>Nords</strong> are another solid choice. Although they lack the survivabiity of the argonian, or the terrifying strength of the orc, nords get a nice starting boost to many warrior skills. Battle cry can prove useful early on and it just makes sense for enemies to turn tail and run from a maniac wielding a 50lbs sledge hammer.</p>
<p><strong>Stats: <span style="color: #ff0000;">Health 4</span>/ <span style="color: #339966;">Stamina 1</span>/ <span style="color: #000080;">Magicka 0</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Stone:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Lady</strong> <strong>Stone</strong>. The Brute is all about maintaining offensive momentum above all else. The Lady stone offers an increased 25% regeneration rate to both health and stamina, which compliment the enhanced regeneration from skills and enchantments quite well.  </p>
<p><strong>Skills: </strong></p>
<p><strong>Two Handed:</strong> The main damage dealer. The immense damage dealt by your hammer will enable you to overwhelm blockers, stagger enemies, and penetrate defenses.</p>
<p><strong>Block:</strong> Keeping opponents off balance, scattered, and otherwise unable to attack is a vital. Bashing and shield charging enable you to do just that.</p>
<p><strong>Smithing:</strong> Strong weapons are essential. A strong enough damage rating enables you to take a sizeable chunk out of an enemy’s health bar, blocking or not.</p>
<p><strong>Enchanting:</strong> Provides powerful health regenerating enchantments, which will be your only source of healing other than potions you may find along the way. Don’t underestimate how quickly a brute can recover health in combat</p>
<p><strong>Light Armor:</strong> Invested into solely for the wind walker. Without stamina regeneration, your offensive momentum will run out very quickly. Coupled with the Lady stone and the Bardic Knowledge skill, you will have an impressive 125% stamina regeneration rate. Feel free to go nuts with the power attacks!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Equipment & Enchantments:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Armor - Dragon scale helm, boots & gauntlets, Forsworn Armor</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>     <strong>Armor:</strong> Fortify Health & Health Regeneration<br />
<strong>     Boots:</strong> Fortify Stamina & Two-Handed Damage<br />
<strong>     Gloves:</strong> Two-Handed Damage <br />
<strong>     Helmet:</strong> N/A</p>
<ul>
<li>A brute always dresses to intimidate, and nothing screams intimidation more than wearing a suit of armor made from the carcasses of your slain enemies. The enchantments used focus on maximizing damage and health regeneration. The dragon scale armor pieces and the extra effect perk take a bit of time to obtain, but are well worth the effort. In the meantime you should focus on enchanting armors with health regeneration and boots and gauntlets with two handed damage.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Weapon: Dragon Bone Warhammer</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You'd be hard pressed to find a more fitting weapon. There's simply nothing more brutal than beating the ever living shit out of a dragon with the bones of his own brethren. Elemental fury is the reason you shouldn't enchant your warhammer. Health absorb might be tempting, but its not worth it. Health regeneration is more than enough and warhammers swing way too slowly to gain much from absorption enchantments.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ring/Pendant - Two Handed Damage & Health Regeneration</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Go for health regeneration over two handed damage until you get the extra effect perk. Amulets and rings pre enchanted with health regeneration are relatively common random loot in dungeons. If you find them, keep them until your enchanting levels are high enough to craft better ones.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>The Bottom Line</strong>
<ul>
<li>To recap: 100%+ health regen from enchantments (I've gone a high as 33% per item), and 25% from the Lady Stone = approx. <strong>125% health regeneration at all times</strong>.</li>
<li>Wind Walker perk and the Lady Stone = <strong>75% constant stamina regen</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Spells, Powers & Shouts:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dragon Aspect:</strong> A brute's rage and intensity in the heat of battle is enough to give even dragons pause.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Become Ethereal:</strong> When the going gets tough, a brute is able to buckle down and summon the will power to endure their opponents' blows, no matter how vicious the attacks.</li>
<li><strong>Elemental Fury:</strong> When coupled with Dragon Aspect, a powerful and fast offensive combo is created.</li>
<li><strong>Powers:</strong> Seeker of Might</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55286084,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55286084,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Most of your stats will be invested into HP to compensate for your low defenses. With the lady stone and wind walker, a constant 75% stamina regeneration rate is possible. You'll also be enchanting for extra stamina so large investments into stamina are unnecessary. Two Handed and Blocking are your first priority. The sooner you're able to shield charge, the much safer combat against large groups will be. During your early levels your priority enchantment should be health regeneration and two handed damage, be it from accessories you find or craft yourself.</p>
<p>If you're looking to get those two skills out of the way as quickly as possible, take advantage of the Hadvar exploit while escaping Helgen to level up two handed. Just keep smashing him with a two handed weapon repeatedly when he stops to point out the sleeping bear in the caves. Block can be leveled up from 15 to 100 in about an hour by taking advantage of the giants by Whiterun. Simply lower your game difficulty to Novice and equip your best shield. Allow the giants to wail on you as you block. You'll gain about a full level for every single attack up until about 60 or so.</p>
<p>Dont let yourself get discouraged by the need for dragon smithing. Smithing is a fairly manageable skill to level up. Take advantage of the warrior stone you start out with as well as the easily attainable dwarven smithing perk. Many dwarven ruins house tons and tons of dwarven ingots as well as scraps that can be melted down into more ingots. Use those in conjunction with iron ingots to make mass amounts of dwarven bows. You'll hit level 100 easy and come away with a decent chunk of change to boot.</p>
<p><strong>**Improving your armor at a forge is not necessary as keeping enemies from attacking to begin with is the point of this build. Low armor and high attack power is more in keeping with what this build is about**</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Special Combos:</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830854204?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830854204?profile=original" width="135" /></a><strong>Rampage:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Requires:</strong> Shield Charge </p>
<p><em>The Brute charges full steam ahead into enemy ranks, scattering everyone and everything in the way like a rag doll</em></p>
<p>As you know by now Shield Charge can be done without a shield by simply mashing the block button while sprinting. Its a simple and very effective tool for bullying your enemies and keeping them too scattered to mount a credible offense. Use it whenever enemies are crowding you and you'll take most of them out of the fight for several seconds. </p>
<p> -</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830854317?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830854317?profile=original" width="136" /></a><strong>Unbreakable:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Requires:</strong> Become Ethereal + Become Ethereal Meditation + Health regen enchantments + Lady Stone</p>
<p><em>Through shear force of will the Brute is able withstand all manner of attacks, becoming invulnerable to damage for a brief duration. Unbreakable also grants a bonus to health regeneration and plenty of time for it to take effect.</em></p>
<p>This combo takes advantage of your incredible health and stamina recovery speeds, allowing you to recharge a sizable portion of health while immune to harm. You can easily replenish over 50% of your health over time. While bidding your time, you can toss enemies around with Rampage and it wont cost an ounce of stamina nor break the ethereal effect. </p>
<p>-</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830854289?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/830854289?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="135" /></a><strong>Unstoppable:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Requires:</strong> Dragon Aspect + Histskin + Seeker of Might + Elemental Fury</p>
<p><em>The Brute flies into a blind rage, becoming an unstoppable force of destruction. Unstoppable Force grants massive bonuses to health/stamina regen, attack speed and attack damage.</em></p>
<p>Once the brute gains momentum, he cannot be stopped. This combo pushes your offensive and regenerative capability to the limit. It's best saved as a last resort against very powerful bosses, as it is a combination of 3 once-a-day skills. Substitute histskin for health regeneration potion and throw in Berserk Rage if you're using an Orc.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Strategy:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Your goal in every battle is to bully your enemies by keeping them scattered and on flat on their backs, and then hit them hard while they’re vulnerable. Your survival depends on disrupting enemy action, as brutes lacks the armor rating to tank repeated blows. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Don't hold back on power attacks. With such a high stamina regen rate feel free to slam down power attacks with reckless abandon. Damage output is far more important than conserving stamina. Most enemies don't last very long against the full might of the Brute. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Shield Charging with a Two handed weapon can be done by running while repeatedly tapping the block button. The knock down chance is calculated every time your "shield" is raised or lowered.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You will want to be wary of archers. If present, take them out first. Dont hesitate to use Unbreakable and walk right up to them and crush them. Apply this same tactic against mages.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Use Rampage to throw enemies off ledges. It doesn't take much distance to kill enemies through fall damage.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If the enemy manages to deplete more than 50% of your health, use Unbreakable. With 150% health regeneration, and 3 word 'Become Ethereal', you can restore over 50% of your total health easily.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Closing Remarks</strong></p>
<p>Its been a blast creating this build. I hope you guys will give it a try and enjoy it as much as I have. As always, thanks for the continued support.</p>
<p><a href="http://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/curse+never+dying" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7652008?profile=original" width="622" height="211" /></a></p>
</div>Character Build: The Hist Wraithhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-hist-wraith2017-04-21T23:24:07.000Z2017-04-21T23:24:07.000ZTae-Raihttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/TaeRai<div><p><em>As many of you may know, I love my Argonians. Something about them is just fascinating them to me. Is it because they resemble dragons, which I love to death? Is it because of their lore and history? Or is it because they make such diverse and interesting characters?</em><br /><br /><em>All three answers are correct, and I now I figured it was time for a break from my Big Cats and create another assassin and thief character for me to play with. But I needed something new and edgy, to break this one apart from the rest. Originally this build was just going to use the skills Argonians had bonuses in, but it wasn’t fun and too difficult. So I asked myself… What else can I do? And that’s when I made this guy.</em></p>
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<div align="center"><em>From the heart of the Black Marsh, legends from a local village tell of an undead creature, who hunts those who choose to invade an area that is sacred to a family whose ancestors date back to the first Argonians to settle on Tamriel. Little do they know though, the Hist Wraith is just a simple Argonian, one who is chosen by his tribe to protect their land and is sworn to their service until his death.<br /><br /> That is the legend at least. Was it true? We may never know. The tale has been passed down from generation to generation of hatchlings and then, in this current day, one decides that his people's oppression in Skyrim is enough and thus, he rises to the challenge...</em></div>
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<p><br /> The Hist Wraith is a strange combination of warrior, mage and thief, combining aspects of all three to create a powerful build. He sneaks from the shadows, watching his prey with hungry eyes, before bursting forth and using his mace to wield excessive damage. He will happily go face-to-face with anything or anyone that threatens him or those he knows, using spells to gain more</p>
<div class="size_fullsize"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/903838?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/903838?profile=original" width="220" alt="903838?profile=original" /></a></div>
<p><br /> protection for his armor, a shield to block and bash and, most importantly, light armor to nip in between enemies as fast as he can. He is a master of disguise, the slitter of throats, the crusher of heads and the cleverest Argonian to come out of the Black Marsh since the last Shadowscale.<br /><br /><em>((Disclaimer: This build is designed to be playable on vanilla Skyrim, however, it was tested on PC with many mods installed. If I have missed something, please let me know!))</em><br /><br /><strong>Race:</strong> Argonian. Argonians are good all rounders in general, with boosts to Sneak, Alteration and Light Armor, so this builds uses that to our advantage. And using underwater escapes without the risk of drowning is also handy.<br /><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 1/1/1<br /><br /><strong>Major Skills:</strong> One Hand, Block, Light Armor, Alteration<br /><br /><strong>Minor Skills:</strong> Sneak, Smithing, Enchanting (optional!)<br /><br /><strong>Stone:</strong> The Thief stone at first; after that, go with the Serpent for the poison effect.<br /><br /><strong>Shouts:</strong> Whirlwind Sprint, Marked For Death, Aura Whisper, Throw Voice, Ice Form.<br /><br /> The Whirlwind Sprint will be our favored shout, using it to speed in and out of combat, representing the Hist Wraith’s true speed. Marked For Death can be an very damaging shout once we get all three words, just look at James’ guide for full details why. Aura Whisper is good for scouting out the area. And finally, Ice Form, for an offensive shout.<br /><br /><strong>Follower:</strong> Lucien LaChance, the spectral assassin.</p>
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<p><strong>One Hand:</strong> Maces are slightly slower then swords and war axes, but they have a much higher chance to stagger than any other one handed weapon. Maces aren’t a very common weapons for an assassin to wield, but the Hist Wraith does and he<br /> does so with skill.<br /><br /><strong>Block:</strong> If One Hand is the skin of this build, then Block is the core. Good for extra protection when Alteration or Light Armor just doesn’t cut it, as well as for bashing and disarming.<br /><br /><strong>Light Armor:</strong> Argonians gain a bonus in this so why not use it? Along with our shield and Alteration as a main skill, we won’t have to worry about being killed too easily with this guy.<br /><br /><strong>Sneak:</strong> When there are a too many enemies, scout around to find a better opening. This will be a minor skill, but a good one to have in case things go bad. Plus Argonians get a nice +5 bonus.<br /><br /><strong>Alteration:</strong> Another bonus for the Argonian race. One thing this build sets out to achieve is becoming a complete TANK, absorbing anything that can be thrown at him. Alteration helps this.<br /><br /><strong>Smithing:</strong> Go all the way to Dragon smithing, including Arcane Blacksmith. We don't have many cool-looking maces to use in Skyrim so I was okay with using a Dragonbone one. This is optional if you want an extra challenge, go with another skill instead.<br /><br /><strong>Enchanting:</strong> This is purely an optional skill, merely for enchanting our mace and jewelry, so feel free to drop this and put the perks elsewhere.</p>
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<div align="center"><em>Blackguard’s Hood<br /> Silver Emerald Necklace – Enchanted with Fortify Light Armor and One Hand<br /> Nightingale Gloves<br /> Silver Ruby Ring – Enchanted with Fortify Block and Fortify Magicka<br /> Blackguard’s Armor<br /> Nightingale Boots<br /> Dragonbone Mace – Enchanted with Chaos Damage and Soul Trap<br /> Spellbreaker<br /> Aetherial Shield<br /> Targe of the Blooded</em></div>
<p><br /> This armor is mostly for aesthetics but most of the enchantments suit the Hist Wraith’s skills. Nightingale Boots have Muffle, always necessary for a sneaky character. As for the gauntlets, the Lockpicking enchantment isn’t very useful but still a decent enchantment and the dark colour scheme matches our amour set. The other fortify one hand enchantment is also pretty nice too. The only drawback is the armor is levelled, so wait until Level 32+ before you grab the set.<br /><br /><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/904196?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/904196?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="224" alt="904196?profile=RESIZE_320x320" /></a></p>
<p>Combat with the Hist Wraith isn’t complicated or fancy, which is something I love about my melee builds. It’s just good ol’ fashioned sneaky-sneaky, break-your-neck-y with my mace-y combat. Think of it as the usual sword-and-board warrior, but sneaking almost non-stop and with Alteration magic thrown in. <br /><br /> Start off by sneaking the minute you get unbound during Helgen and don’t stop. Ever. Doing this will level up your sneak <em>very</em> quickly, I quickly got into the thirties by the time I was in Whiterun (mind you, I had done some radiant quests and cleared a far few dungeons prior to this). Cast Alteration at every single opportunity, especially if you know there are enemies are around. Some may consider this grinding, I call it free training. I had to learn to keep my Flesh spell ready, instead of my weapon, to get the proper skill usage from it. Speaking of training, with all the gold I earned from the Guild, I used a vast majority of it on training and I highly recommend you do the same.<br /><br /> If a lone foe is around, just rush in and smack him about with your mace. Always cast a flesh spells before doing so, even if he can hear you. Block and bash, whack with mace, sidestep, kill. Groups require a bit more work, but keep to the shadows and sneak kill before launching <em>Throw Voice</em> to attract foes towards you. Slip around in the chaos or lure enemies to corners and attack around them after seeing them with <em>Aura Whisper</em>.<br /><br /> Make sure to cast other Alteration spells such as Ash Shell, Ash Rune, Paralyse and Mass Paralysis for crowd control. All four of these spells can take out harder enemies to level the playing field when tough bosses are causing too many problems. Either take them out then and there or focus on their minions.<br /><br /> Mages can cause trouble, but like many other sword and board builds, utilise your bashing techniques to stagger them down before quickly poisoning your blade with drain magicka potions to force them to revert to their daggers to fight. Once you get the <em>Elemental Resistance </em>perk for your shield, mages will fall like dominos to your power. Spellbreaker will a wonderful shield to use against them, as the ward can even stand against an Ancient Dragon’s shouts. That’s right; Spellbreaker can protect you from the strongest dragon’s shouts. You would be a fool not to use it.</p>
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<p><br /><strong>Ultimate Recovery</strong></p>
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<p>When in need of more magicka, but with no health to spare, the Hist Wraith calls on the power of the Hist to recover, all while using the rare spell Equilibrium, to convert recovering health to precious magicka. Be warned though – This can kill the user.<br /><br /><em>Histskin Racial Power + Equilibrium</em></p>
<p><br /><br /><strong>Wraith’s Fury</strong></p>
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<p>The Hist Wraith lets out a piercing shriek, one that seemed to melt away his opponent’s life force, before he launches a Paralysis spell at his enemy. As his foe lies helpless, he is slaughtered and struck with no power to repel the Hist Wraith.<br /><br /><em>Marked for Death + Paralysis Spell + Attack</em></p>
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<ul><li>The Hist Wraith does not love nor care about anyone but himself. Even the feared assassins of the Dark Brotherhood worry that he could turn on them. And don’t worry about <a href="https://www.nuka-scrolls.com/filedata/fetch?id=1252&d=1474240732" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/904346?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" alt="904346?profile=RESIZE_320x320" /></a>completing their questline first – The Hist Wraith only obeys orders from himself. He will also create his own ‘targets’ as unofficial contracts.</li>
</ul><ul><li>He’ll even betray a person if it means more gold and respect from the enemy. He will switch sides in the Civil War by taking the Jagged Crown to the Ulfric Stormcloak instead of General Tullies.</li>
</ul><ul><li>The Hist Wraith is not evil, but he will do almost anything to get what he wants. But what is that exactly? He is not a ‘kill everyone’ psychopath however, and appreciates the art of subtly and fighting from the shadows. Not only is he a cruel assassin, he is a master criminal, using thieving to get by.</li>
</ul><ul><li>“Alduin’s going to destroy the world? Ha, what a joke!” The Hist Wraith will only challenge and destroy the World Eater at Level 50, to prove that he is even greater than even the mightiest of dragons.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Despite being said to be undead Argonians, the Hist Wraiths are not vampires. However, during the vampire crisis in Skyrim, this one may choose to change that…</li>
</ul><ul><li>The Hist Wraith might not have any morals, but he isn’t stupid. A surprisingly intelligent scholar, he will attend the College of Winterhold to learn their secrets and steal most of their hidden research materials. He will also somewhat befriend the wizard of Tel Mithryn in Solesthium.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Bounties mean nothing to the Hist Wraith. He’ll just slay those who get in his way, no matter who they are. He’ll often assume a disguise of a rich merchant when in town, to fool his enemies further (purely for roleplaying fun only!)</li>
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<p>The Hist Wraith is a scheming, manipulative, somewhat evil-orientated character who won’t care that someone lost their shield in a cave and won’t agree to rescue it, unless he’s doing it to get on someone’s good side. He hates the divines, worships some (but not all) Daedric Princes and likes screwing people over for his own needs and desires. Make sure to join the Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild as soon as possible. He also joins in with the Civil War to get on Ulfric’s good side and to have a powerful ally for his own nefarious schemes.<br /><br /> The Dark Brotherhood, Thieves Guild, College of Winterhold, Main Quest (late-game only!), Civil War – Stormcloaks, The Only Cure, Delayed Burial, Dawnguard questline (either side), Dragonborn questline, Tel Mithryn quests, Lost to the Ages, Served Cold, Promises To Keep, The Forsworn Conspiracy, The One Escapes Cidna Mine, Paid In Full, and anything else that you feel suits the Hist Wraith.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.nuka-scrolls.com/filedata/fetch?id=1254&d=1474240781" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/904488?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" alt="904488?profile=RESIZE_480x480" /></a>These people do not deserve to live for the crimes they have committed against the land of Tamriel and the Hist Wraith takes it upon himself to stop them continuing to live. Why he kills these people is a mystery, but he seems to have reasons.<br /><br /> Elenwen - The First Emissary of the Thalmor and the ambassador in Skyrim. After finally defeating Alduin, the Hist Wraith decides that she must be killed to allow peace to return to Tamriel. (Essential until the end of Season Unending)<br /><br /> Silus Vesusius – A known Daedric worshipper of Methrunes Dagon and a supporter of the Mythic Dawn. He should be stopped before he causes another Oblivion Crisis. (Kill during Pieces of the Past)<br /><br /> Sinding – A werewolf who knew of his disease and yet still thought it was fine to enter Falkreath, where he murdered a child in cold blood. (Kill during Ill Met By Moonlight)<br /><br /> Harkon – This power-hungry vampire wants to plunge the world into darkness and allow vampires to rule over all mortals. The Dawnguard wants him dead, and the Hist Wraith fully agrees with them. (Kill at the end of Dawnguard questline)<br /><br /> Madanach – A Forsworn currently being held captive in Markarth. Infiltrate the prison and slay him. (Kill doing No One Escapes Cidna Mine)<br /><br /> Thonar Silver Blood – The head of the Silver-Blood family who is corrupting Markarth. Earn his trust before killing him. (Kill after No One Escapes Cidna Mine)<br /><br /> Sibbi Black-Briar – A murderer who will walk free with thanks to his mother’s influence in Riften. Do whatever he takes to earn his trust before killing him. (Essential till the end of Promises to Keep)</p>
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<div class="size_fullsize"><em>Taking a break, after a killing spree...</em></div>
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<p><br /> I’d like to give a big shout out to Nebula, for his constant support through my builds (even if he called this one a mess!), Vazgen, for giving the name, Jo’daro, for the perk spreads, and every single person who likes and comments on my builds. Thanks for all the support and keeping me going!</p>
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<p>Unenchanted Uniques: <a href="http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/47149/?" target="_blank">http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/47149/?</a><br /> Nightingale Prime HD: <a href="http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/28899/?" target="_blank">http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/28899/?</a><br /> Thieves Guild Armor HD: <a href="http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/46873/?" target="_blank">http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/46873/?</a><br /> Thieves Guild Quicker Entrance and Exit: <a href="http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16638/?" target="_blank">http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16638/</a>?</p>
<p><a href="http://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/tae-rai+build" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/904603?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" alt="904603?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" /></a></p></div>