rank:master - THE SKY FORGE2024-03-29T12:35:20Zhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/feed/tag/rank%3AmasterCharacter Build: The Skystriderhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-skystrider-12020-09-03T22:39:22.000Z2020-09-03T22:39:22.000ZSaronishttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Saronis<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7756320257,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7756320257,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7756320257?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p> <br /> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Everythin' alright in there milady ?" <em>Tedric asked from the other side of the door, as he'd heard a scream coming from princess Ariane's chambers.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Yes, thank you, Tedric. You may come in."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric was hesitant at first at the idea - he had known Lady Ariane since the both of them were kids ; his own father was serving as the head of Lord Montfaulcon's guard, and, naturally, when he came of age, he himself was assigned to the protection of his long-time friend. But never had he passed the door to her chambers ; etiquette was very strict in this regard.</em> "You sure, milady ?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Arkay's sake, Tedric, just come here !". <em>Lady Ariane's voice cracked a little. Something was wrong. Tedric opened the door and rushed in.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"What is it, milady ?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I... I don't know. I felt something. For a moment, it was like my spirit came out of my body. I saw myself in the Imperial City. There was a man by my side. A dangerous man, I could feel it. A fight broke out between us..."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Another vision ? Milady, I really am concerned about these. That ain't natural, seeing these things. Maybe one of them Daedra Princes is trying to get in your head or somethin'."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;">"Don't be ridiculous, Tedric", <em>she chuckled, </em>"and what would happen if what you said were true ?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric puffed out his chest. </em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I'd beat the living crap out of it, milady. Anythin' touches you, gets my fist. Man, Mer, God, whatever it is."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Ariane bursted out in sincere laughter. Tedric was two years older than she was, and had always been more protective towards her than anyone else, since they were but children. She slowly walked up to him in her night gown, a smile still drawn across her face.</em> "Tedric, don't."<em> he thought to himself. </em>"Don't tell her. Don't say a word.". <em>She laid a quick kiss on Tedric's cheek, so close to his mouth he felt the taste of her lips. Her hair tickled his ear and he could smell her perfume. Damn, her perfume...</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"What would I do without a hero like you by my side ?" <em>she said.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> <em><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The vision Ariane had earlier seemed to fade in her mind, as if she had awakened from a dream ; one moment, she could see the whole scene crystal clear, the next, it all seemed to disappear.</em> "I have to remember this man's face. For some reason, I feel like I do." <em>she thought to herself. </em></span><span style="font-size:16px;"><em>She peered through the window. The stars were shining bright in the dead of night. Tired as she was, though, she couldn't find sleep. She came up to her door and whispered : </em>"Tedric ?"</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><em>She met no answer but silence. </em>"Tedric, are you here ?"<em>. Silence again. She opened the door, only to see the corridor seemingly empty. </em>"He must have gone to the barracks for some rest," <em>she thought, </em>"or perhaps he was hungry ?".<em> In any case, the presence of her trusted friend would surely feel reassuring. She flicked her wrist, conjuring a small ball of light that hovered over her shoulder. The barracks were down five floors from her chambers. She pressed on to the staircase.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"... What's your point, father ?".<em> Ariane felt reassured hearing Tedric's voice through the door. </em>"Want to make me say out loud that I've been in love with her all my life ?". <em>Tedric had problems of his own, it would seem. He was a sweet and handsome young man, she thought. Whatever servant girl he was referring to would be lucky to have him.</em> "Alright then, aye, I love princess Ariane. Always have, always will. What of it ?"</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Ariane refrained a gasp as her cheeks turned crimson red. She could feel her heart beating faster. So much faster...</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Whatever happens between the two of you," <em>it was now the Knight-Captain's voice speaking. Tedric's father, and her own father's most trusted man. </em>"She mustn't know. Swear it."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em>...</em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Secrets ?</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Surely, Tedric wouldn't keep anything from her. She had known him too long. He was the only one she trusted - the only one she ever did trust, actually. She peeked through the judas. Both men were sitting face to face, and the Knight-Captain seemed to be waiting for an answer. Tedric looked hesitant, almost uneasy. </em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Yet, without breaking the silence, he looked at his father in the eye, and nodded. The Knight-Captain answered with an almost imperceptible smile.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Ariane couldn't believe her eyes. Was it a vision again ? Or did Tedric really just agree to hide the truth from her ? There was but only one way to know. She pushed the door open, as both men turned to her in surprise. </em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Must not know what, exactly, Knight-Captain ?"</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>They wouldn't tell her. Both Tedric and his father kept mumbling excuses. Tedric wouldn't even look at her in the eye, hanging his head in utter shame. It felt as though she was scolding servant boys for dropping a pile of plates.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"My Lady" <em>said the Knight-Captain, </em>"I swore an oath to your father, and so did my son. Neither of us can tell you more. I am sorry."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Well then, we shall see what he has to say about that." <em>she stoically replied. </em>"I am off to see him. And you're coming with me."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"My Lady, this late in the night... In your father's condition, surely, it would be best if..."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Out of sheer anger, Ariane sent a bolt of lightning at a vase, which loudly shattered upon impact. Tedric had never seen her like that. He didn't dare to speak, or to even look up. </em>"Did she hear all of it ?"<em> he wondered. </em>"Does she know I..."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Tedric !" <em>she yelled, </em>"get yourself and your father up and follow me. Father will hear of this."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric and the old soldier exchanged a worried look.</em> "Fair enough, My Lady", <em>said the Knight-Captain. </em>"But let me warn you, some truths are better left unknown."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I'll be the judge of that." <em>retorted Ariane. </em>"Let's go."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric was shuddering at the thought of awakening the King. As old age had started to take its toll upon Lord Montfaulcon, he had grown even more irascible. Especially should anyone disturb him in his sleep. </em>"Too late to back off now, I guess" <em>he thought, as the trio was making its way to the heights of the dungeon. </em><em>Yet, the prospect of facing His Lordship's wrath seemed feeble, somehow, compared to having to face Ariane's. And more than that, letting her down had the bitter taste of failure. Ariane sent away the two guardsmen barring the door with a swift gesture of the hand, opening the great gate to her father's chambers with a wave of magical energy. The deafening blast was enough to wake Lord Montfaulcon, who signified his annoyance with a growl.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Father !" <em>roared the young princess. </em>"We need to talk. Now."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Lord Montfaulcon sat up straight in his bed to face his daughter, the Knight-Captain, and the man's son. It took most of the strength he still had in him to do so. Did they let the truth slip out ? In any case, he knew it would come to this one day. He cleared his throat ; Ariane was seemingly ready to rant and rave. She always had his own temper.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Aldred, Tedric. Out." <em>inveighed the old Lord. </em>"I shall speak to my daughter alone."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p><em><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric and his father had obeyed their Lord's command, and had quickly withdrawn from the royal apartments. Without a word, they waited, at the end of the corridor, for the storm that was inexorably coming to finally be over. Lord Amaury de Montfaulcon, with great effort, had gotten out of his bed to sit by the fireplace. </em>"Come, Ariane. Sit by my side."<em> he calmly enjoined her.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I am in no mood for niceties, Father." <em>retorted the princess, who was perambulating across the room. </em>"What could it possibly be that you would tell the men, but keep from me ? I am your blood. Your only child. If mother were still alive, she..."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"She would have done exactly what I did, Ariane." <em>Lord Montfaulcon felt a pang in his heart, as his long-lost wife was evoked. Ariane looked so much like her. </em>"As a matter of fact, what I kept from you, I did because I promised her, on her deathbed, that I would never reveal it to you."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Why do Aldred and Tedric know about it, then ?" <em>Ariane's frustration was palpable.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Ariane. Look at me."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The young Lady kept looking away from the fireplace, even as Lord Montfaulcon laboriously stood up and turned around to face her, grasping the back of the chair to keep standing. In truth, speaking of her mother was as difficult for her as it was for the old King, and she feared she would burst into tears, should she obey his command.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Ariane !" <em>the King's voice was weak. Quivering. She found the courage to glance at her father. Tears were silently rolling on his wrinkled cheeks. </em>"Ariane, please. Do sit with me..." <em>His hand was shaking, and Ariane rushed in to support Lord Montfaulcon, as he almost fainted. </em>"Father !"<em>, she yelped, worried, </em>"There, there. Sit down. Sit down. I am here."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Senescence really is unbearable." <em>grumbled the King, as his daughter held his arm and sat him back down. </em>"Hopefully, it shall soon be over."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Don't talk like that..." <em>said Ariane in a tearful voice.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Don't presume to command me, child."<em>, sharply answered the old man. Ariane looked at him in shock, her eyes wide open. He sketched a cheeky smile, and the both of them laughed frankly. After this demonstration of complicity, Lord Montfaulcon harkened back to serious matters. </em>"Your mother would have hated me for this, Ariane. But you deserve to know."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"What do you mean, father ? Why would mother have..." <em>he interrupted her :</em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> "I think it would be best if you'd refrain from chiming in impertinently.". <em>She nodded without uttering a word. She knew not to cross the line with her father. The old man resumed his tirade.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I grow old and weary, child. In a moment of weakness, I opened up to Aldred, and Tedric happened to be there. I am sorry. If anyone is to blame for it, I am. Don't hold it against our men. Keeping a secret this heavy, for so many years... my heart could bear it no longer." <em>the old King</em><em> paused, exhausted. The simple action of talking for extended periods of time had become extremely trying in his twilight years. He let out a deep, long sigh before proceeding. </em>"You do know how your mother died ?" <em>he inquired.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"In childbirth, father." <em>murmured a seemingly very moved Ariane. </em>"She gave her life so that I may live."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Your mother was an extraordinary woman, Ariane. And with her last breath, she performed a true miracle. For she saved the both of you."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"The... both of us ?" <em>asked Ariane, visibly confused.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Lord Amaury de Montfaulcon paused again, looking her straight in the eye. </em>"Yes, the both of you."<em> he insisted.</em> "You have a twin sister, Ariane."</span></p><p><em><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The stable boy was adjusting the saddle, making sure every leather strip, every rivet, was exactly where it should be. He had just cleaned the horse's hooves and checked the horseshoes. A nail was missing, but it hadn't taken him too long to hammer a new one. Ariane was stamping with impatience as she was watching him. She wanted to leave as soon as possible. She had to. The day she and her sister were born, to avoid political instability in the realm - at least, that's what her father had said, but could she even believe his word anymore ? - it was decided that one of them would be raised as the princess, while the other would be sent away from the Court, to live as a commoner. And her existence would be kept secret from everyone, for her own safety.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>But not anymore. Lord Montfaulcon's confession provided Ariane with a name and a location. </em>"Will she even want to see me ?"<em> she kept asking herself. </em>"What if she rejects the truth I now hold ? What if... She rejects me ?"<em>. So many questions. And there was but only one way to find answers.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Are you sure you want to do this, milady ?" <em>Tedric's voice surprised her, as she hadn't realized his arrival. She was still angry at him. How could he have kept something of such paramount importance from her ? How long had he and his father known ? Weeks ? Months ? Years ? Her answer was sharp and concise. </em>"Why would you care ?"<em> she simply uttered between her teeth.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Milady, if you're going, then so am I." <em>said Tedric, ignoring his mistress' nasty rhetorical question. </em>"I failed you once already. Ain't failing you ever again."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Ariane was torn between smiling and crying over Tedric's shoulder. She had felt so betrayed. Of course, she knew he didn't mean to wrong her. And she also knew, now, that her feelings were shared. She would get to it. In time. </em>"Fine", <em>she sighed, feigning to be upset, </em>"Get another squire to saddle your horse then."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Well, where are we going, milady ?" <em>asked Tedric, making his best to hide his sheer joy and excitement. </em>"To Cyrodiil, Tedric. My sister is in the Imperial City." </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The Imperial City... Why did that ring a bell ? Tedric couldn't exactly remember. He was sure he and the princess had evoked it not too long ago...</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Suddenly it hit him.</em> "Milady, could that mean that, in your visions..."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Exactly."<em> she interrupted,</em> "It was not myself<em> </em>I was seeing. It was her. Is your horse ready yet ? We're leaving."</span></p><p> <em><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>It had taken Ariane and Tedric a full month to ride from Camlorn to the Imperial City ; finally, after a long and exhausting trip, strewn with occasional encounters with highwaymen and rogues of all kinds, the White-Gold Tower deigned to show itself in all its majesty. </em>"At bloody last," <em>thought Tedric, as he and his mistress handed over their horses' bridles to the stablemen, </em>"I'm sleeping in a real bed tonight."<em>. The journey had visibly affected Tedric more than it had the princess. His gaunted face now bore a fresh scar, from the edge of the brow to the bottom of the cheek, courtesy of a bandit met along the way. Thankfully enough, both him and Ariane had received paramount combat training since they were old enough to lift a blade ; while Tedric was undoubtedly stronger, and the better swordsman of the pair, Ariane had a natural affinity with magic. Their sparring sessions, as a result, often ended in a draw, with the both of them falling to the ground, exhausted, a smile of sheer satisfaction on their lips.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"You know," <em>Ariane had said, following their latest duel, </em>"That scar looks good on you, all things considered."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em><span style="font-size:12pt;">Tedric chuckled. Since they had departed Castle Montfaulcon, Ariane had never been in the mood for pleasantries. </span></em><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I sure didn't miss milady's cheeky tongue."<em>, he jokingly replied.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Ariane rolled over on her side, laying her head on Tedric's breastplate. The gesture startled Tedric, but he kept his composure. He put his arm around Ariane's shoulder, and the two remained in this tender embrace for what seemed to be a delightful eternity.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Tedric ! Let's get going !" <em>Ariane snapped her bodyguard out of his reverie, as the horses were being stabled. </em>"Come, let's find the nearest inn ; aren't you hungry, too ?"</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Of course, Tedric was sworn to obey his Lady's every command. But come now, he thought, couldn't they have afforded a nicer place ? He took another gulp of tepid ale.</em> "Damn, even the drinks are garbage here... Not to mention the stench. This shithole isn't worthy of your presence, milady.", <em>he grunted.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"In case you forgot, Tedric, we're not here on a vacation." <em>muttered Ariane. </em>"Quit your bellyaching and look around, will you ? We have a better chance of finding information in this slum than in the Elven Gardens."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric let out a frustrated snort. Of course, she was right again. But that didn't mean he had to like the situation. The idea of her among these ne'er-do-wells, in constant potential danger..."</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Thessia dear ! My, my, you've got some nerve showing your face in here, bitch !" <em>bawled Olrik, who had just entered the tavern, and laid his eyes on Ariane. </em><em>Tedric instinctively grasped the pommel of his sword, but the young Lady's hand on his arm made him let go.</em> "That's the man I saw in my vision." <em>she whispered in Tedric's ear. </em>"Don't kill him, he might know something. But don't go easy on him, either."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Well, milady, you won't have to ask me twice."<em>, he said, as he got up and stared at the scoundrel, cracking his fingers.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Had enough yet, lad ?" <em>asked Tedric to the broken man lying at his feet, on the muddy threshold of the inn. </em>"D'you want to call her names again now ?"</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Olrik grumbled weakly as a thick red stream was running from his broken nose. </em>"Look, I assure you, this is all a misunderstanding..."<em>, he managed to let out in a sigh. Tedric's boot crushed one of the rogue's ribs, and Olrik spat a tooth along with more blood. </em>"Where is the girl you thought was my mistress ? Where is Thessia ?" <em>Tedric insisted, threatening another kick.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I... I don't know... Please, don't..." - "Hit me again ?" <em>finish</em><em>ed Tedric, breaking yet another one of Olrik's bones. </em>"Too late, friend. Should've picked your enemies more carefully."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric turned to Lady Ariane, frowning in sincere concern.</em> "I hate to say it milady, but I think the bastard's tellin' the truth. He has no clue where she is.", <em>he apologized. Ariane didn't react in the slightest to the news, seemingly lost in thought. </em>"Milady ?" <em>asked a worried Tedric. "</em>Milady, are you alright ?". <em>He swifly grabbed her forearms, and she gasped as she regained consciousness. They exchanged a prolonged look, eyes deep into each other's, and Tedric could have sworn he saw her blushing for a second.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Forget that wretch. I know where she's headed." <em>said Ariane. She knelt next to Olrik, and calmly stated : </em>"You are a lucky man. I won't have Tedric here kill you. But be warned : if you ever try to lay hands on Thessia again, I will not be so merciful. Understood ?". <em>Olrik feebly nodded in relief. </em>"Good," <em>said Tedric, </em>"You've heard the Lady. Now sod off before she changes her mind."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Bolstering what little strength he still had left, Olrik stood up, moaning in pain. He rattled away weakly, cursing in a hushed voice the name of Thessia.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"What was that, milady ? Another one of them visions ?" <em>inquired Tedric. </em>"Tedric,"<em> said Ariane, eluding the question,</em> <em>"</em>what would you say is the most impressive scenery in all of High Rock ?"</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Direnni Tower. Thing's even older than Nirn, they say. Why ?" - "And in Cyrodiil ?". <em>H</em><em>e didn't see where the princess was going, but he answered nonetheless.</em> "White-Gold Tower, milady. I mean, it's right there !" <em>he said, pointing out at the ancient structure that majestically sat above</em><em> the Imperial City.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I had a vision indeed, Tedric. A mountain that pierced through the skies, with its summit shrouded in an unending blizzard. Wouldn't the Throat of the World be the most impressive sight to see in all of Skyrim ?" <em>pursued the princess. A spark was lighting her eyes ever so brightly, as the moons began to rose, and the shadow of the White-Gold Tower grew longer over the capital.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a></em></span> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Are you sure about this, milady ?" <em>Tedric was visibly preoccupied. He didn't like the thought of letting his mistress go on by herself in the slightest. </em>"I'll need a friendly face back home when I return. And I need you to watch over my father."<em> answered Ariane. If she left before dusk and rode swiftly, it would take her about a week to reach the northernmost province of the Empire. Tedric, in an unsual display of affection - and against all that was deemed suitable - grabbed Ariane's hands. The two took a step closer to one another ; so close, in fact, that their chests were almost touching.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric was breathing faster than usual. She could feel it. He anxiously cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and, at last, found it within himself to let go of the burden he had carried for so long.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Milady... I love you."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">"I know.", <em>she said, before pressing her lips against his. </em>"As do I. And when I bring my sister back, you and I will make up for all the time we lost. I promise."</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Tedric and Ariane exchanged a last look after mounting their horses.</em> "Go. I don't want you to watch me leave."<em> ordered the princess. Tedric silently nodded with a slight smile, and vigorously heeled his horse, which reared before galloping away towards the West. Ariane, heading North, didn't take long to act likewise.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlMPrBrMsyU/XRMFK7X6rQI/AAAAAAAAKVk/MDjsBRUnspITR_9W8S-RGLIQDjGpMw9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/154.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7828047098,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7828047098?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>If you wish to read the full backstory, click <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/the-story-corner/general-forum/the-skystrider-full-backstory?edited=1" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4417031809,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4417031809,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4417031809?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Before we delve deeper into Ariane's build, here are the essential, and recommended, mods used for the playthrough.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">ESSENTIAL MODS :</span></strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1137">Ordinator</a><br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1315?tab=files"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Imperious</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14910"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Andromeda</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6285?tab=description"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Summermyst</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4488/" target="_blank">All Armor - All Enchantments</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/29352" target="_blank">Cosmic Spells</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1090?tab=description"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Apocalypse</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/39170" target="_blank">Triumvirate</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21403?tab=description">Tomebound</a> <span style="font-size:10pt;">(Activate Ordinator compatibility patch in the installer)</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/272/"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Alternate Start </span></a>Start by arriving to Skyrim from Cyrodiil as a wandering mercenary if you wish to follow the backstory. </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>RECOMMENDED</strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> MODS :</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1368">Wildcat</a><br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17196"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ultimate Combat</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6843/?tab=description"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Advanced Adversary Encounters</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6331"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Skyshards</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4026054"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Perk points @ skill level</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/7842?tab=description"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Perk point awards</span></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">NB :</span> The latter three essentially act as a replacement for 20/50/100% more perk point mods that come with Ordinator. I prefer to play with these, as exploration (Skyshards), defeating epic enemies (PPA) and mastering more and more skills (PP@SL) make perk points feel like a reward for your acomplishments, rather that just something you get double every few levels. It is up to your preference, however, you could bypass these and just get any perk point modifier on the Ordinator page.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4416879077,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4416879077,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4416879077?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7756774298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7756774298,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7756774298?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a>"I am Lady Ariane Valentina Athénaïs de Montfaulcon, Princess and heir to the realm of Glenumbria. But you may simply call me Ariane."</p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Name : </strong>Lady Ariane Valentina Athénaïs de Montfaulcon</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Age : </strong>20</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Class archetype :</strong> Spellsword</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Race : </strong>Breton</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;">With Imperious installed, Bretons start with a base Health of <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">95</span></strong> </span>(regen rate 0.75%), base Magicka of <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#0000ff;">105</span></strong></span> (regen rate 3.125%) and base Stamina of <span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;"><strong>100</strong> </span>(regen rate 4.75%), and a carrying capacity of 300.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span style="font-size:10pt;">As for racial abilities, they have <span style="font-size:12pt;">Spell Mantle</span>, which increases magic resistance by 15%, and provides 25% spell absorption, doubled when Magicka is under 25%,<span style="font-size:12pt;"> Stones of Galen</span>, which makes each standing stone grant an extra passive ability, and<span style="font-size:12pt;"> Grail of Betony</span>, which gives a chance for an encounter - usually around level 35, with an adventurer carrying said Grail. Having it in your inventory as a Breton increases Magicka and Stamina regen by 50%.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Furthermore, their active ability, <span style="font-size:12pt;">Shared Ancestry</span>, is acquired by discovering 10 of the 13 total standing stones in Skyrim. It is a one use a day Power that allows you to mimic the racial ability of any human or elven target for 300 seconds.</span><strong><br /> </strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Standing Stone : </strong>The Lover</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">With Andromeda installed, the Lover Stone has two passive properties and one active ability.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">For passives, <span style="font-size:12pt;">Secret Admirer gives you a random enchanted item periodically</span>, while </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Undying Love</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> makes you come back to life when slain once every 15 minutes or once per in-game day, meaning fast travelling to the other side of the map essentially resets it. Be warned though, that when you resurrect with this ability, your left-hand spell and your selected Power both get unequipped.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">The active ability, <span style="font-size:12pt;">Lover's Kiss</span>, is unlocked through discovering every standing stone in Skyrim. It allows you to mark your target, providing you the ability to summon them to your location with the <span style="font-size:12pt;">Lover's Call power</span>, and is usable at will. For this specific build, this ability is largely irrelevant ; the Lover Stone was picked mainly for the <span style="font-size:12pt;">Stones of Galen</span> and <span style="font-size:12pt;">Undying Love</span> passives ; that being said, I won't deny that <span style="font-size:12pt;">Secret Admirer</span> helps a lot while leveling up Enchanting, and is a nice, steady source of gold later on in the game.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Being a Breton, you of course get another added benefit to your standing stone with<span style="font-size:12pt;"> Stones of Galen</span>. In the case of the Lover, it makes your weapon enchantments deplete 50% slower.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Stat Distribution : <span style="color:#0000ff;">1</span></strong>/<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">2</span></strong>/<strong><span style="color:#008000;">1 </span></strong><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#000000;">- <span style="font-size:10pt;">Stop perking Stamina at 150 and Magicka at 305. Put every further point into Health.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#000000;"><strong>Factions :</strong> College of Winterhold, Companions, Dawnguard, Thane of Haafingar<br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Alignment : </span></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Lawful Good<br /> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4416902613,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4416902613,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4416902613?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">These are examples of quests that make sense role-play wise for Ariane. Growing up a noble in a feudal system, Ariane will try to enforce her ideals of justice in her adventures ; defeating bandits, pirates and necromancer alike, she commits to bringing order and peace wherever she goes. Please note, these lists are non-exhaustive, in no particular order, and are overall just a way for you to get started into roleplaying the character.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>QUESTLINES : </strong>College of Winterhold questline, Dawnguard DLC (side with the Dawnguard), Companions questline (Ariane will cure her lycanthropy whenever she can), Served Cold questline (Solstheim, Dragonborn DLC)</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>MAIN QUESTS : </strong>Lights Out !, Rise in the East, Blood on the Ice, The Heart of Dibella, The Man Who Cried Wolf, The Wolf Queen Awakened, The Book of Love, Frostflow Abyss, Movarth's Lair</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> MISC QUESTS : </strong>Find all Standing Stones, Amren's Family Sword, Armor for Erik, Roggi's Ancestral Shield, Bounties from Court Stewar</span><span style="font-size:12pt;">ds, Dawnguard Radiant Quests</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4416916902,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4416916902,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4416916902?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7182324487,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7182324487,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7182324487?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">As a Spellsword, Ariane's main focuses are martial skills and combat-related magic, which encompasses both sheer damaging spells as well as a wide array of self-buffs. Let's review the key perks here.</span> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/b/ba/SkillAlteration.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120311101320" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/b/ba/SkillAlteration.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120311101320&profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="340?cb=20120311101320&profile=RESIZE_400x" width="236" /></a></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>ALTERATION </strong>- <em>The staple school of supportive magic, Ariane uses it to bolster her defenses and weaken her enemies.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Wild Shrines :</em> <span style="font-size:10pt;">You should look for the<strong> Alteration shrine (above Uttering Hills Cave)</strong>, <strong>Destruction shrine (in front of Halldir's Cairn)</strong>, and<strong> Restoration shrine (On a small patch of land in the river southeast of Old Hroldan)</strong>. Illusion and Conjuration are not used for this build.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Welloc's Dormant Arcana :</em><span style="font-size:10pt;"> You should bind <strong>Attack Damage</strong>, <strong>Spell Absorption</strong> and <strong>Destruction Magnitude</strong> to the <strong>Flesh</strong> spell type.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Alter Self : Resistances :</em> <span style="font-size:10pt;">You should choose to increase your <span style="color:#800080;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shock</strong></span> and <span style="color:#00ffff;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Frost</strong> </span>resistances.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Alter Self : Attributes :</em><em> </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">Your safest and best option here is to increase your <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Health</span></strong>.</span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/3/3a/250px-SkillDestruction.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20130216100124&path-prefix=fr" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9768687472,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9768687472?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="236" /></a></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>DESTRUCTION</strong> - <em>Spell Knights are as deadly with magic as they are with a blade ; Ariane has focused her study of Destruction into bending the sky energies to her will.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Destruction Dual Casting : </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">While we won't be dual-casting spells at all, given the bonuses we get from the Enchanting and Alteration trees when using both a weapon and a spell with each other, this perk is taken so we can make use of the Spellscribe power from the Enchanting tree.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Elemental Specialization :</em> <span style="font-size:10pt;">You should pick <span style="color:#800080;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shock</strong></span> as your specialization, as all of our offensive spells but one benefit from it. Furthermore, we won't be using another elemental damage type besides Sun damage, which doesn't have a connection to any of the three classic types - not even Fire, as one might initially think.</span></span></li></ul><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/2/2b/SkillSmithing.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120311101619" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/2/2b/SkillSmithing.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120311101619&profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="340?cb=20120311101619&profile=RESIZE_400x" width="236" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>SMITHING</strong> - <em>Ariane combines her extensive knowledge of Enchanting with some very basic Smithing notions in order to keep her gear in good condition.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Smithing Mastery 1/2 : </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">Simply take one rank of this perk to be able to craft and upgrade your desired armor. The second point is largely irrelevant if you're not using higher-end armors and don't have a very high Smithing skill level - you're better off using Blacksmithing potions you might find in your travels to temper your gear to Legendary quality.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Arcane Blacksmith :</em> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">A key perk that allows us to temper our enchanted gear.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/b/b5/SkillOnehanded.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120513065615" target="_blank"><img src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/b/b5/SkillOnehanded.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120513065615&profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="340?cb=20120513065615&profile=RESIZE_400x" width="236" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>ONE-HANDED</strong> - <em>Trained by some of the best swordsmen in High Rock, Ariane has developed a swift and deadly mastery of the blade.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Thundering Blow : </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">Given that you'll want to save your power attacks for Spellscribe procs, this perk is extremely useful to maximize damage output.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Aftershock :</em> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">Increased attack speed synergizes very well with an enchanted weapon ; besides, attacking more often increases your overall chance of getting the bonus damage from the Shock Damage Wild enchantment.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Overrun :</em> <span style="font-size:10pt;">Our only mobitity spell has a decently long channel time, and costs a good chunk of Magicka ; this perk is here as a cheaper way to gapclose on ranged enemies</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">.</span></li></ul><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/7/76/SkillRestoration.png/revision/latest?cb=20120311101602" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/7/76/SkillRestoration.png/revision/latest?cb=20120311101602&profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="latest?cb=20120311101602&profile=RESIZE_400x" width="236" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>RESTORATION</strong> - <em>Channelling the powers of the Sun, </em><em>Ariane uses her simple yet practical knowledge of the noble school of Restoration to sustain through fights.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Respite : </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">Stamina, while not invested into a lot when levelling up, and primarily boosted by enchantments, is still a very good resource to have for a build whose only melee defense option is to sprint out of incoming blows.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Warrior's Flame :</em> <span style="font-size:10pt;">A decent option that gives us passive secondary resource sustain</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">. The draining effect combined with the Nullifier perk from Alteration also makes elongated fights significantly easier.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Overflowing Cup :</em> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">A very nice way to get an additional buff to our tankiness, especially when combined with Ocato's Recital.</span></li></ul><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/b/b7/SkillHeavyarmor.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120513065610" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/b/b7/SkillHeavyarmor.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20120513065610&profile=RESIZE_400x" alt="340?cb=20120513065610&profile=RESIZE_400x" width="236" /></a></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>HEAVY ARMOR</strong> - <em>As for most Spell Knights, Ariane favors the higher protection of a Steel armor over lighter armor types. </em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Face of Death : </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">Usually a purely aesthetic perk, in this case, it is anything but. Having a point into Regalia from the Enchanting tree gives us better enchantments on a circlet than on a helmet, and this perk almost negates the loss of armor rating.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Born to Fight :</em> <span style="font-size:10pt;">Again, Ariane's best defense against hard-hitting melee enemies is mobility ; this perk gives us a bit more freedom of movement</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/elderscrolls/images/c/ce/SkillEnchanting.png/revision/latest?cb=20120513065603" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9768676063,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9768676063?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="236" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>ENCHANTING</strong> - <em>Ariane has learned to imbue her equipment with magical properties, as well as channel spells through her blade. </em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Gem Dust : </em><span style="font-size:10pt;">Destroy a <span style="color:#33cccc;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Diamond</strong> </span>for your jewelry, a <strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Sapphire</span></strong> for your boots and gloves, a, a <strong><span style="text-align:center;color:#800000;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;word-spacing:0px;display:inline;white-space:normal;float:none;background-color:transparent;">Garnet</span></strong> for your circlet, a<strong> <span style="text-align:center;color:#ff0000;text-transform:none;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;word-spacing:0px;display:inline;white-space:normal;float:none;background-color:transparent;">Ruby</span></strong> for your sword, an <strong><span style="color:#ff00ff;">Amethyst</span></strong> for your cuirass. Emeralds are used for shields, but Ariane doesn't carry one.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Spellscribe :</em> <span style="font-size:10pt;">While you can theoretically change which spell you release on power attacks between fights, I chose to mostly stick with Weakness to Shock, only swapping it out at early levels, which is before I got access to Shock Nova and the Stormblast perk, with a Turn Undead spell when fighting vampires or groups of draugr. I therefore did invest a point into Restoration Dual Casting, but didn't include it in the final build, as this swap can easily be foregone. Note that the released spell seems to apply before weapon enchantments from what I've seen, which is great considering our blade is enchanted with two instances of Shock damage</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4416936811,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4416936811,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4416936811?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Even though the look I went for uses the Spell Knight Armor pack, which is Creation Club content, it is purely for aesthetic reasons. Given that the Steel Spell Knight armor stats are identical to the vanilla Steel armor stats, feel free to use it, or any steel-level modded armor of your choice instead, should you not want to pay for this mod.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7170198665,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7170198665,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7170198665?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="390" /></a></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Helm : </strong>Crown of Montfaulcon</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14668?tab=description" target="_blank">Altmer Mage Circlet</a> enchanted with Fortify Magicka and Fortify Stamina</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Necklace : </strong>Shooting Star Amulet</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Silver Jeweled Necklace, enchanted with Fortify Health and Amplify Destruction</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ring : </strong>Royal Seal of Glenumbria</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Silver Ruby Ring, enchanted with Triptych : Attributes and Resist Magic</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Armor :</strong> Sunblessed Cuirass</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Spell_Knight_Armor" target="_blank">Steel Spell Knight Armor (CC content)</a> enchanted with Windfall and Resist Fire</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Gloves : </strong>Cosmic Knight Gauntlets</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Spell_Knight_Armor" target="_blank">Steel Spell Knight Gauntlets (CC content)</a> enchanted with Fortify One-Handed and Fortify Destruction</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Boots : </strong>Skystrider Greaves</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Spell_Knight_Armor" target="_blank">Steel Spell Knight Boots (CC content)</a> enchanted with Fortify Magicka and Fortify Magicka Regen</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Weapon : </strong>Procælla, Blade of the Storm-Singer</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5609" target="_blank">Skyforge Steel Sword</a> enchanted with <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/9138?tab=description" target="_blank">Sprite Damage</a> (or simply Shock Damage) and Shock Damage Wild </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Trinkets :</strong> The extra items you may find that can be of use to the build </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong> </strong>Grail of Betony, <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17809" target="_blank">Zahkriisos (Belt-strapped, right)</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Magical Effects :</strong> Bonuses gained from completing quests that can be of use to the build</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Agent of Dibella, Agent of Mara, Sailor's Repose</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Hidden Knowledge :</strong> Abilities granted by reaching the end of a Black Book area</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Secret of Protection, Mora's Boon, Seeker of Sorcery, Lover's Insight (Replace by Companion's Insight if you're using a follower)</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4420242804,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}4416965613,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4416965613?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>COMBAT SPELLS</strong></span></p><p> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Shocking Touch</span> - Replace whenever possible by <span style="font-size:12pt;">Lightning Grasp<span style="font-size:10pt;">, and finally Lightning Blow</span></span><strong>. </strong></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Azra's Wrath <span style="font-size:10pt;">- Replace whenever possible by </span>Shock Nova.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Lightspeed <span style="font-size:10pt;">- Note that despite using Shock-style animations, this spell is not considered Shock magic ; it is unaffected by your Shock-related perks, but doesnt suffer from the drawback of Elemental Specialization either. Its damage scales with your Destruction skill level.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Lightning Cloak</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Static Dome</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fast Healing <span style="font-size:10pt;">- Replace whenever possible with Close Wounds.</span></span></li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>UTILITY SPELLS</strong></span></p><p> </p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Lightning Form</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Visions of Opportunity</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Turn Undead</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Oakflesh</span> - replace whenever possible with <span style="font-size:12pt;">Stoneflesh</span>, later <span style="font-size:12pt;">Ironflesh</span>, and finally <span style="font-size:12pt;">Ebonyflesh.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Salve Self <span style="font-size:10pt;">- replace whenever possible with</span> Remedy Self<span style="font-size:10pt;">, later</span> Rejuvenate Self<span style="font-size:10pt;">, and finally</span> Revive Self.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Holy Shock</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ocato's Recital -</span> Link your strongest available <span style="font-size:12pt;">Flesh</span> spell, strongest periodic <span style="font-size:12pt;">Heal Self <span style="font-size:10pt;">spell </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">(to proc the Overflowing Cup perk as well as get some free sustain)</span></span>, and <span style="font-size:12pt;">Holy Shock.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spell Twine <span style="font-size:10pt;">- bind the Blood effect to Lightning Blow, the Haste effect to Lightspeed, and the Rock effect to Close Wounds.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Knowledge is Power - bind a spell with a slow cast time that can be of use in niche situations, to get it as a one-use-a-day power. I went with Static Dome.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Weakness to Shock <span style="font-size:10pt;">- This spell will be bound to your power attacks by Spellscribe.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Candlelight</span></li></ul><p> </p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7821269652,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7821269652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7821269652?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7821476093,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7821476093,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7821476093?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Light & Thunder (Passive) :</strong></span> Ocato's Recital (Flesh spell + Periodic Heal Self spell + Holy Shock) + Lightning Cloak + Visions of Opportunity</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Ariane readies herself for battle, drawing formidable powers from the sun and stars' energies.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7821554459,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7821554459,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7821554459?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Disintegrate :</strong></span> Lightning Blow + Spellscribe Power Attack + Lightning Blow</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Alternating between spell and blade, Ariane inflicts massive damage upon a single foe.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7821494690,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7821494690,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7821494690?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ride The Lightning :</strong></span> Lightspeed + Shock Nova + Stormblast</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Ariane blinks to an enemy, damaging and staggering all nearby opponents. Residual energies then radiate outward from her initial target.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://forum.lastepochgame.com/uploads/default/original/2X/8/86b731df8bd11b00e575a97be8dacceaa3eabca9.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://forum.lastepochgame.com/uploads/default/original/2X/8/86b731df8bd11b00e575a97be8dacceaa3eabca9.png?profile=RESIZE_180x180" alt="86b731df8bd11b00e575a97be8dacceaa3eabca9.png?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Crucible of Storms :</strong></span> The Power of Knowledge (Static Dome)/Regular cast Static Dome + Lightning Form + Fast Healing + Spell Twine Rock effect</p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Summoning a dome of pure lightning on the battlefield, Ariane replenishes her energies while rending her enemies' magical defenses.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4416978989,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4416978989,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4416978989?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qsD4xX6YfVA" width="1280" height="720" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>STRENGTHS : </strong>Very tanky against magic damage, decently so against physical damage, excellent against mages and lightly armed opponents, monstrous AOE damage, decent single-target, doesn't rely on high cooldowns, has both good burst and good sustained damage, great durability, amazing lategame scaling.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>WEAKNESSES :</strong> Only form of crowd control is unreliable, no blocking capabilities, making her naturally weak against two-handed wielders, bad against mechanical foes,<strong> </strong>mediocre early game.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7756758098,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7756758098,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="7756758098?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="693" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Ariane, the Skystrider</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ariane is a Spellsword, a class that mixes melee combat and magic, and is so close in nature to the Battlemage that both Bethesda and the player base have struggled to differentiate them from one another. I don't claim to know what makes which exactly - as a matter of fact, it seems no one does : in Morrowind, Spellswords wore Light or Medium armor, while battlemages wore Heavy ; in Oblivion, Spellswords wore Heavy armor while Battlemages didn't wear any armor per se, instead opting for conjured armor, which is no longer a feature in Skyrim. The only staple differences between these classes are the magic schools they use ; in the case of the Spellsword, it's always been Alteration, Destruction and Restoration. In the case of Ariane, Destruction is used to harness the powers of the Sky - therefore focusing on Shock spells - Alteration is used for self-buffing, and Restoration symbolizes the powers of the Sun, with healing spells being roleplayed as being tied to Sun magic. Besides, the Holy Shock spell does both Sun and Shock damage, which makes Ariane surprisingly effective against the undead - not to mention that Turn Undead spells are also a part o her arsenal. I didn't include them in the spells section, as they became irrelevant damage-wise compared to Shock spells later in the game, but I did use some pure Sun spells like Vampire's Bane at early levels, when facing draugr and vampires. Feel free to try your hand at some Sun magic if you wish !</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The way I see it, a Spellsword is a warrior that primarily uses magic in its more combat-oriented applications - be them self-buffs or simple damaging spells - in order to enhance their already impressive martial skills. By no means is a Spellsword a master arcanist, instead favoring a simple and straightforward use of their magical abilities over slow, concentrated spells, in order to stay mobile on the battlefield. To sum it up, I don't think what differentiates a Spellsword from a Battlemage is the type of armor they wear, or the schools of magic they use, for that matter (which goes against the only constant difference we've seen between these classes), but rather their intention, how they approach magic and melee combat. If a Battlemage is proficient with a weapon, they remain spellcasters at heart, often making use of Conjuration to summon a few minions to keep their opponents busy, blasting them from afar, and using their weapon not to rush into battle, but rather to defend themselves against an opponent that manages to come close. On the other hand, Spellswords rush into battle fully buffed up and with swords blazing, dispatching their enemies with an enchanted blade and sheer destructive powers.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Now, with this theorycrafting parenthesis being over, let's refocus on Ariane's gameplay ; as a Spellsword, her rule of thumb when engaging combat is full-on aggression. Upon seeing Ocato's Recital activate, you should quickly cast Lightning Cloak and Visions of Opportunity (unless active already), to make full use of <strong>Light & Thunder</strong>, which is our visible layer of buffs.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">With <strong>Light & Thunder</strong> up and rolling, it's time for Ariane to <strong>Ride the Lightning</strong> into battle. This technique in itself will take care of the weaker opponents, and stagger your main target long enough to finish it off with <strong>Disintegrate</strong>. Rinse and repeat the <strong>Ride the Lightning </strong>+ <strong>Disintegrate</strong> combo to blink around the battlefield, taking out priority targets while damaging the rest of the group - with a chance to CC them due to the Electroconvulsions perk. For extreme AOE situations, <strong>Crucible of Storms</strong> ensures your Magicka never runs low and you're able to spam Shock Nova, further empowered by the Shock resist reduction provided by Static Dome, while also reducing the weapon damage you may sustain. I would recommend using the Power version rather than the regular cast version of it in most cases, as you realistically won't be needing this technique too often ; keep the regular cast version only when you know you've got enough time to place your Static Dome without being disturbed. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Whenever Spellscribe is up, you should weave in a power attack, whether at a melee opponent or aiming at a distant target, to apply the Weakness to Shock debuff ; when Spellscribe is on cooldown, stick to regular attacks until you get a Thundering Blow proc.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">I mentioned a visible layer of buffs in the form of <strong>Light & Thunder </strong>earlier. It implies there is an invisible layer of buffs as well ; this one comes from Spell Twine, as well as a few key perk choices, most notably in the Alteration and Enchanting trees ; perks like Rend Resistances and Might & Magic increase our combat potency, provided we weave in a spellcast between sword strikes. A technique such as <strong>Disintegrate</strong> embodies this concept perfectly ; while it looks like a simple spell/strike/spell combo, the amount of buffs present in your Magic menu when using it makes for a very powerful strike - not to mention the Weakness to Shock spell bound to Spellscribe.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4416995241,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4416995241,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4416995241?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">This concludes the eighth build I'm posting on The SkyForge, namely my Spellsword build. This is a part of my Project 21 series of builds, which will be my own take on all 21 classes of the TES universe. Going over a third of the way already feels surreal, and I couldn't have done it without your support. Thank you guys so very much.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ariane has been my biggest time investment into a build ; I am currently 60+ hours deep in my playthrough, am still writing what has become a novella rather than a backstory at this point, and it's the most time I've ever put into crafting a character in general. I really hope this build sticks out for these reasons.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I would like to extend special thanks to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSGoIqGw7KyXOPOz7Zl15Q" target="_blank">Kruger</a>, first and foremost, for creating the gameplay video for this build, as well as for including it in his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4E-xd71NaE" target="_blank">Top 5 builds of 2020</a>. Thanks go out as well to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/EnaiSiaion">Enai Siaion</a>, creator of Ordinator, Andromeda, Wildcat, Imperious, and many more gameplay-enhancing mods, for making Skyrim an even more amazing game than Bethesda already had, and one I still enjoy playing after almost a decade, and finally, to <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/members/Furrion17">Furrion 17</a>. I tried all of his builds when I got into character building and really had a blast, and the dedication he shows in crafting a good backstory for a good build inspired me to try my hand at it as well. Since I joined this community, Furrion has given me nothing but constructive advice, words of encouragement, and sincere friendship, for which I am immensely grateful.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">That's all from me for now, expect more soon ! Don't hesitate to comment and share your experience playing Ariane, I hope you'll have as much fun playing her as I had creating, playing and writing the build she is the star of !</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><img style="display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;" src="https://cdn3.iconfinder.com/data/icons/brands-applications/512/Skyrim-512.png" alt="" width="328" height="328" /></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>MY OTHER BUILDS<br /> </strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4422427276,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4422427276,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4422427276?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">ARCHER : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-turncoat-1?edited=1" target="_blank">Kastav, the Turncoat</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">ASSASSIN : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-crimson-dirk?edited=1" target="_blank">Thogra gra-Karosh, the Crimson Dirk</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">BARBARIAN : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-lone-wolf" target="_blank">Ulfgar, the Lone Wolf</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">HEALER : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-she-of-the-wild?edited=1" target="_blank">Alska, She of the Wild</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">KNIGHT : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-alessia-s-chosen" target="_blank">Acilius, Alessia's Chosen</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">NIGHTBLADE : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-imperial-inquisitor?edited=1" target="_blank">Caesia Tremellius, the Imperial Inquisitor</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;">ROGUE : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-rascal" target="_blank">Thessia, the Rascal</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">SCOUT : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-wyrm-s-bane?edited=1" target="_blank">Taviah, the Wyrm's Bane</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">SORCERER : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-bloodsworn" target="_blank">Lanathel, the Bloodsworn</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">WARRIOR : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-lion-of-bangkorai" target="_blank">Kazan, the Lion of Bangkorai</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">WITCHHUNTER : <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-beckoner-of-retribution?edited=1" target="_blank">Taren Verelas, the Beckoner of Retribution</a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p></div>Character Build: The Infernal Huntress (Ordinator)https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-infernal-huntress-ordinator2020-07-15T07:45:53.000Z2020-07-15T07:45:53.000ZFurrion 17https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Furrion17<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3620711259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3620711259,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3620711259?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784335196,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784335196,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784335196?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="542" /></a></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Foreword:</span></span></span></strong></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#993300;"> </span></span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">This build came to fruition through my desire to create an antihero kind of character. A hunter turned vampire who fights both vampires and vampire hunters alike. Gwynn comes from a unique cabal inside the Montalion Clan who specialises in tracking and hunting down vampires of rival clans and any hunters who meddle in Montalion affairs. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Infernal Huntress herself is loosely based off of the Demon Hunter’s from the Diablo games and the Skyrim character build of the same name by “No Snakes Alive”. The Infernal Huntress is adept at hunting down the undead and other magical abnormalities and is deadly both from range and in close quarters. She wields specially enchanted crossbows and flame-based magic to give her an edge against her foes. This Huntress is sure to leave a scorched and bloody path in the wake of where ever her hunt takes her.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3628202291,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3628202291,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3628202291?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784348576,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784348576,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784348576?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" height="654" /></a>“</span></span></span><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;font-size:12pt;">Once, long ago, I was not unlike her, you know”. Gwynn paused, searching for the right word. “Gallant, righteous and noble. I was doing the work of the gods. I would have laid down my life for the gods. I did lay down my life for them….”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“You are nothing like her, fo-”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“Foul creature?” Gwynn finished the old man’s sentence. “Hmm, perhaps not,” she said her fiery eyes narrowing on him “But once, yes, we most certainly were”. The Huntress lazily stoked the fire with an old brass poker, turning a chunk of wood over, sending embers trailing into the air.</span></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“Would it amuse you to know I hunt more of my kind now than I ever did as a mortal?” The old steward was silent. “Yes, you see if my years as a member of The Order the Hour taught me one thing. It is that time is man’s greatest enemy. How ironic it is that all I have is time now. Do you know how many years I’ve hunted the enemies of the Montalion?”</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">The old man tried to prop himself against the table leg more comfortably. The exertion was clearly paining him. “Why are you telling me this?” The steward spoke through laboured breath. </span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">Why not? It’s not as if you’re going to be telling anyone my secrets. Either you die of blood loss from that bolt in your leg, or, I may yet decide I’m hungry”.</span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">How comforting”. The man coughed.</span></span></p><p style="margin:0cm 0cm .0001pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“Indeed”. Gwynn grinned menacingly at him.</span></span></p><p style="margin:0cm 0cm .0001pt;"> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“Kill me or free me vampire, but do not waste my time with talk”. The steward seethed.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“Stubborn old wretch, aren’t you? Very well then, enough talk.” Gwynn pulled the hot poker from the fireplace and held it close to his face. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“Where is she old man? Where is Alayne Montforte?”</span></span></p><p> “I’ll<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;"> never tell you”.</span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">Oh, I think you will see I can be very persuasive.” She touched the brand against his cheek, searing his flesh. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“Arghhh”! The frail old wretch cried at the touch of the hot metal.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">“The clan tires of her interfering in our business. Now, I’ll ask you again. Where is she?”</span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">Nooooo”! The steward cried as Gwynn thrust the poker into the wound on his leg.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">I can do this all night”.</span></span> </p><p style="margin:0cm 0cm .0001pt;" align="center"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">***</span></span> </p><p style="margin:0cm 0cm .0001pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">It was close to dawn before she got the answers she sought. In the end, it wasn’t pain that had got him to talk but the threat of turning him.</span></span></p><p style="margin:0cm 0cm .0001pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;"> </span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">Skyrim. My lady has gone to Skyrim”.</span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">Where in Skyrim”?!</span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">S-S-Solitude”. The broken steward wept, in a crumpled and bloodied mess on the floor “Please just leave me.”</span></span></p><p> “<span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">Go with your gods’ old man”. Gwynn lifted the wretch to his feet and sank her fangs into his neck.”</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;">Now sated she let his body fall to the floor once more. Grabbing her crossbow off of the table, she slung it over her shoulder. The vampire incanted a spell under her breath, and a stream of flames leapt forth from her free hand, engulfing the dead man’s body and setting the sitting room ablaze. You’ll</span><em><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;"> not have a home to return to now you little bitch</span><span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;">. </span></em> Gwynn smiled fiendishly as the flames danced behind her. </span></p><p style="margin:0cm 0cm .0001pt;"> <span style="font-family:'Book Antiqua', serif;color:#0e101a;font-size:12pt;">Her course was clear. She would make for Skyrim upon the setting of the sun.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3628200659,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3628200659,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3628200659?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;"><em>All of these mods are playable on Xbox One</em></span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784337210,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784337210,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784337210?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="320" height="461" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;">Essential Mods:</span></span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3186851">Sacrosanct</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2983497">Ordinator</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3001108">20 Percent More Perk Points</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3329619">Summermyst</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4052177">Andromeda Standing Stones</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/it/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2986039" target="_blank">Imperious:</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2978320">Apocalypse</a>: </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4028986" target="_blank">Crossbows of Skyrim</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2990780">Thunderchild</a></span> </li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Recommended Mods:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2918744">Alternate Start</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3035778">Enchantments unleashed</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2988366">Wildcat</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4092115" target="_blank">Wintersun:</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4041268">Mortal Enemies</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2991775">Rebalanced Encounter Zones</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/95545" target="_blank">Wintersun</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4022551" target="_blank">Dawnguard Hood</a></span></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Creation Club:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spell Knight Armour</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Expanded Crossbow Pack</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3628251807,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3628251807,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3628251807?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784338173,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784338173,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784338173?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="610" height="642" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Breton Vampire:</span></strong></span> As a Breton Gwynn will have several innate racial bonuses. Some of these traits she has been able to adapt, to greatly serve her atypical fighting style.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Grail of Betony</span>: A treasure hunter in Skyrim carries the mythical Grail of Betony. A Breton in possession of the Grail regenerates Magicka and Stamina 50% faster.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Spell Mantle:</span> Magic resistance increased by 15%. You also gain 25% spell absorption when Magicka is 25% or less.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Stones of Galen:</span> Each standing stone grants its own additional effect.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Dolmen Haunt (Vampire):</span> Can feed by activating a Standing Stone.</span> </li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Standing Stone:</span></strong></span> <strong>The Atronach - </strong>The Atronach stone paired with Gwynn’s Breton heritage allows for a massive 70% reduction in spell cost. Though she is more vulnerable when casting her spells, her heavy armour mitigates much of the extra damage received.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Corrupted Arcana:</span> Magicka does not regenerate. Each death within 50 feet restores Magicka equal to 25 times their level.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Oblivion Bound:</span> If you have Magicka remaining, spells are 25% more effective and cost 50% less Magicka</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Devour from Within:</span> Once a day<em> Paralyses</em> a living target, absorbing 50 Magicka for 10 seconds. When depleted, absorbs health instead.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Stones of Galen: </span>Spells cost 30% less Magicka, but you take 20% more damage from attacks while casting.</span></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Profile:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Name:</span> Gwynn Estwell</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Gender:</span> Female</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Age:</span> 219 (Appears to be in her late 20’s)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Religious Views:</span> Akatosh</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Affiliations:</span> Montalion Clan, Order of the Hour (Formerly)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Morality/Alignment:</span> <a href="http://easydamus.com/chaoticneutral.html" target="_blank">Chaotic Neutral</a>. Gwynn cares little for the laws of men and the wellbeing of others. She is self-serving and somewhat of a lone wolf. When hunting her quarries, Gwynn pays little mind for collateral damage and will seek the most efficient option to complete her task without regard for others. She will not actively seek to hurt people she encounters but will kill any who stand in her way without remorse. Unlike most vampires, she reviles the Daedra, necromancers and most other forms of undeath. A trait that has stuck with her since serving in The Order of The Hour.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631037974,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631037974,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631037974?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><br /> <span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:10pt;"><em><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Note: Modded and CC items are marked with *</span></strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:10pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784386146,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784386146,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784386146?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="367" height="476" /></a></em></span>Early Game Gear:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Iron Armor Set -</span> Common Armor found on bandits and highwaymen.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Novice Mage Hood</span> - Easily acquired from the corpses of wondering Vigilant’s.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">*Iron Crossbow</span> - Found as common loot in containers or on bandits.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">End Game Gear:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">*Demons Breath (Imperial Steel Crossbow) -</span> Can be Crafted or bought from the Fletcher shop in Solitude or the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun. Enchanted with <strong>Fire Damage</strong> and <strong>Absorb Health</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">*Desecrated Light (Silver Crossbow) - </span>Bought from the Fletcher shop in Solitude or the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun. Enchanted with <strong>Fiery Soul Trap</strong>, and <strong>Turn Undead</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">*Infernal Armor (Steel Spell Knight Armor) -</span> Found on Spell Knight Corpse. Gauntlets enchanted with <strong>Fortify Bashing</strong> and <strong>Force</strong>. Greaves enchanted with <strong>Fortify Destruction</strong> and <strong>Fortify Health</strong>. Torso enchanted with <strong>Resist Fire</strong> and <strong>Reactive Barrier</strong>.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">*Infernal Hood (Dawngaurd Hood) -<span style="color:#000000;"> Crafted. Enchanted with <strong>Fortify Magicka</strong> and <strong>Resist Magic</strong></span></span></span></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Accessories:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Air of Confidence (Gold Ring) -</span> Crafted or bought. Enchanted with <strong>Deadly Reach</strong> and <strong>Health Regeneration</strong>.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Amulet of Accord (Gold Necklace) -</span> Crafted or bought. Enchanted with Unbreakable and Health Regeneration.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631046231,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631046231,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631046231?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:10pt;"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Note: Modded and CC content is marked with *</span></em></span></span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784387735,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784387735,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784387735?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="351" height="492" /></a>Main Quest -</span></strong> Gwynn feels the call of Akatosh beckoning her. Will she choose to serve the dragon god of time once more, or use his power to her own end?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Purge Iron Bind Barrow -</span></strong> An ancient and powerful relic is said to be held within the dusty confines of this crypt. Gwynn seeks the power within.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">*Crypt of the Heart -</span></strong> A fallen Knight of High Rock lays in the crags of the Reach. His unique armour free for the taking.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Dawnguard (Volkihar) -</span></strong> Though a rival clan, Gwynn decides to ally herself with the Volkihar, albeit temporarily to further her agenda.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Destroy the Dawnguard -</span></strong> Gwynn seeks out what these would be hunters want. Upon gaining the information she needs, she ends their meddling.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood on the Ice -</span></strong> Necromancy is foul in the eyes of the Huntress. Gwynn hunts the would be defiler and foils his plans.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Wolf Queen Awakens -</span></strong> The Wolf Queen hopes to be reborn, see that she fails.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">*Undeath -</span></strong> A large force of Necromancers are said to be holed up in Scourg Barrow. End them before they grow too powerful.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Destroy Necromancers and Dragonpriests -</span></strong> The barrows of Skyrim are filled with Draugr and worse things. Gwynn hunts them in part due to an echo of an old life, and the threat necromancers pose to her own undeath.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Black Star -</span></strong> What better irony is there than to use souls of Necromancers, Dremora and the undead to power the very weapons that destroy them? Gwynn collects this artefact to dispense such a fate upon those she hunts.</span> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631052315,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631052315,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631052315?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6942203493,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6942203493,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6942203493?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="791" height="458" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Attributes</span> <span style="color:#0000ff;">1</span>:<span style="color:#ff0000;">3</span>:<span style="color:#339966;">2</span> </strong>(Stop perking Magicka at around <strong>150</strong> and Stamina at around <strong>250</strong>)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784339266,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784339266,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784339266?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="405" /></a></strong><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Major:</span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Destruction -</span></strong> With an envious understanding of fire magic. Gwynn is capable of hurling fireballs, setting magical traps and incinerating her foes with ease.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perks of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Scorched Earth - </span>Fire spells (barring concentration), turn corpses to ashes, leaving a burning pyre that deals powerful damage over time on contact.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Runecaster -</span> Allows runes to be cast at a greater distance. And three runes can now be cast at one time.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Combustion -</span> Fire Spells and effects become up to 30% more powerful based on the targets missing health.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Heavy Armor - </span></strong>Capable of shrugging off blows that would mortally wound most, Gwynn can stand stalwart against almost any foe.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perks of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Out of the Inferno -</span> Incoming elemental damage is reduced by 0.02% based on max armour value.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Never Kneel -</span> If Wearing all heavy armour, take 30% less damage from power attacks.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Heavy Armour Fit -</span> Increase total armour rating by 25% if wearing all heavy armour.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Archery -</span></strong> Gwynn is deadly and extremely proficient at any range wielding her crossbows.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perks of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Snipe -</span> Targets take a guaranteed critical hit worth three times critical damage, and any enchantments are twice as effective.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wingstrike -</span> Bashing target applies stagger, and any follow-up shots deal bonus damage for 10 seconds.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Focus on the Prey -</span> Cannot be staggered while holding a drawn bow or reloading a crossbow.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Restoration -</span> </strong>Her knowledge of the restorative arts allows Gwynn to mend her wounds, purge the undead with ease and even perform some skilled blood magic when the need arises.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perks of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Chalice of Tears -</span> Being a vampire allows Gwynn’s restoration spells to be much more effective, increasing their potency by 15% and duration by 50%.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wheel of Life - </span>Every 30 seconds, this effect heals Gwynn for 100 health points, so long as she has not been affected by another healing spell or effect during that time. Using a healing spell or effect will reset the cycle from the beginning.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Crusader’s Fire -</span> In combat any targets affected by a turning spell or effect are set aflame, taking 10 points of damage per second for 10 seconds. All attacks against targets under this effect deal an additional 25% damage.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Alteration -</span></strong> Gwynn has a keen understanding of the Alteration school of magic and uses her knowledge to empower her spells and fortify her resistances.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perks of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wellocs’ Dormant Arcana -</span> Choose a spell type (Armor, Cloak, Conjure Daedra, Conjure Undead, Invisibility) and 3 magic effects (Fortify, Regenerate, Waterwalking, etc.). The chosen magic effects will activate when you are affected by the selected spell type.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wild Shrines -</span> Five shrines dedicated to nature’s mysteries can be found in Skyrim. Each shrine grants a permanent bonus to one school of magic, making all spells from that school 15% more powerful or last 30% longer.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Alter Self: Attributes -</span> You can choose one attribute (Magicka, Health, Stamina) to increase by 50 points.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6831081271,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6831081271,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6831081271?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="405" /></a></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Minor:</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Enchanting -</span> </strong>Gwynn use’s the souls of the undead to fuel her enchantments. An irony her victims find out too late.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perks of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Regalia - </span>New Enchantments placed upon robes, circlets, hoods and necklaces are 30% stronger.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Twin Enchantment -</span> Can place up to two enchantments on the same item.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Block - </span></strong> Gwynn is more than capable of using her crossbow in close quarters and can bash enemies with deadly force.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perk of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Skull Rattler -</span> Bashing deals 3% more damage per point of Stamina.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Smithing -</span></strong> Gwynn has some rudimentary understanding of smithing, being able to care for the upkeep of crossbows. (<strong>Note I only invested in this perk to be able to craft the Dawnguard hood. I never used it to improve items once I’d</strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> met the minimum crafting requirement for the hood).</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Perk of Note:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Smithing Mastery 1/2 -</span> You can craft novice (Steel/Bonemold) items at a forge or anvil, and improve them twice as much.</span> </li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631058728,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631058728,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631058728?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Spells:</span></strong></span><em> <span style="color:#ff6600;">(Modded and CC content are marked with a *, note that vampiric related spells and powers will be covered in the vampirism section).</span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784341537,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784341537,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784341537?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="400" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">Restoration:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Close Wounds</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Turning Spells</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Guardian Circle</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">Circle of Protection</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">*Circle of the Strength</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;">*Blood Boil</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Alteration:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Flesh Spells</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Candle Light</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">* Ocatos’ Recital</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Destruction:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Flames</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Flame Cloak</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Wall of Flames</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Fireball</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Fire Storm</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">*Incendiary Flow</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Shouts:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Unrelenting Force</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Slow Time</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Fire Breath</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Become Ethereal</span></li><li><span style="font-size:16px;">*Armageddon</span></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Special Magical Effects, Spells, Powers and Perks:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">* Wellcoc’s Dormant Arcana -</span> </strong>With Welloc’s Dormant Arcana linked to a Flesh Spell, Gwynn gains a significant buff to her Restoration magic power (+10 %), a chance to absorb hostile spells (10%) and a buff to her total armour of (+ 50) whenever the said spell effects her.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wild Shrines -</span> </strong>There are several <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/5bv899/ordinator_wild_shrines_locations_xpost_from/" target="_blank">Wild Shrines</a> scattered around Skyrim. Each provides Gwynn with a particular buff to a school of magic. Alteration + 30% duration, Destruction + 15% Magnitude, Illusion + 15% Magnitude, Restoration + 15% Magnitude and Conjuration +30% Duration.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Ocatos’ Recital -</span></strong> Charged with Flame Cloak, Close Wounds and Flesh Spell.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Storm Crown -</span></strong> Shout cooldown is removed when you enter or leave combat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Thundering Echoes -</span></strong> The first shout you use in combat has no cooldown.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Way of Peace -</span></strong> Shouts have a greatly reduced cooldown out of combat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Unyielding Storm -</span></strong> This Tome of power is hidden within the High Hrothgar library. Using it refreshes any active shout cooldown.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Dragonborn Flame -</span> </strong>Upon killing a target with the Fire Breath shout, Fire Wyrms will spawn to aid Gwynn against any remaining foes. Ability is obtained from completing the Black Book: Epistolary Acumen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Secret of Arcana -</span> </strong>Gwynn is able to cast spells free of cost for 30 seconds. Ability is obtained from completing the Black Book: Filament and Filigree.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Fire Within -</span> </strong>Upon meditating on “Yol” with Paarthurnax, Gwynn’s Fire Breath shout becomes 25% more powerful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6828183894,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6828183894,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6828183894?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="405" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">Alter Self Attributes/Resistances -</span> </strong>Gwynn can alter her biology through her understanding of Alteration magic. This will allow her to gain a 25% Boost to both Fire and Shock Resistance as well as a permanent 50 point boost to health.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wheel of Life - </span></strong>A useful ability that allows Gwynn to be healed once every 30 seconds as long as she has not used a healing spell within those 30 seconds. This is a beneficial passive effect that allows you to focus on offensive means more often, rather than worrying about topping up Gwynn’s health pool.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Deadly Reach -</span></strong> This Summermyst enchantment coupled with the Sacrosanct ability <strong>Wicked Wind</strong>, allows Gwynn to deftly use the signature teleportation the Montalion clan is famed for, (from any distance) to close the gap or escape enemies as she wishes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Skull Rattler -</span> </strong>The bashing bonus of this perk does not only work for shields and melee weapons but also bows and crossbows. This allows Gwynn to deal out some severe damage with the butt of her crossbow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Snipe, Hallowed Burial and Crusaders Fire</span></strong><strong> - </strong>All of these effects combined with a Fiery Soul Trap and the Turn Undead enchantment on a Silver Crossbow, make for one hell of an undead killing machine. <strong>Snipe </strong>ensures any target struck by a bolt that has not been hit in the last 10 seconds receives double the effect from weapon enchantments. <strong>Hallowed Burial</strong> increases Gwynn’s attacks and all Restoration spell and effects (including weapon enchantments) by 30% against undead targets. <strong>Crusaders Fire </strong>is the icing on the cake. This allows Gwynn to set any undead foes under a turning effect alight with divine fire. They take constant damage over 10 seconds, and all attacks deal a further 25% damage to affected targets. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Overflowing cup -</span></strong> Because this ability only works when at full health, I found it was best used in tandem with Ocatos’ Recital. Linking a healing spell, like “Close Wounds” to Ocatos’ Recital will ensure Gwynn gets her health fortified by whatever her current Restoration skill level is whenever starting combat.</span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631071653,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631071653,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631071653?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6829757090,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}6829757090,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6829757090?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="632" height="274" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Below you will find all of the essential <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80159" target="_blank">Sacrosanct</a> perks you will need to play this build.</span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Vampire:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood Cauldron -</span></strong> (Power) Expend some of your Vampiric blood to replenish Health, Magicka and Stamina, becoming thirstier. (Only when sated).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Flaywind -</span> </strong>While blood starved, Gwynn can use this ability to unleash a swarm of vampire bats on her target. They will rapidly absorb health and apply fear to the target. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Vampires Seduction -</span></strong> Silently bewitches a person for a short time, allowing Gwynn to feed on them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784342612,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784342612,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784342612?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="330" height="483" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Vampiric Age:</span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood Knight - </span></strong>Able to feed on staggered enemies in combat for 50 points of Stamina.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wicked Wind <em>-</em></span> </strong>Dash instantly to a target location within 15 feet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">King Among Kine -</span></strong> Gwynn no longer loses any vampiric powers when feeding. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Oberon’s Grail-</span></strong> Reduces the chance to fall victim to <strong>Wassail</strong> in combat by <strong>75</strong>%.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Cauldron of Fire -</span></strong> After using <strong>Blood Cauldron</strong>, deal double attack damage and take half attack damage for <strong>30</strong> seconds.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Blue Blood Quest:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Potence -</span></strong> Gwynn's attack damage is increased substantially when fully fed.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Vampire Lord Form:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Starving Artist -</span></strong> In mortal form, Hemomancy spells used against people absorb Health equal to 25% of their base damage. Killing people with Hemomancy spells advances Gwynn's Vampire Lord perks. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Unearthly Will -</span></strong> Blood Magic, Night Powers, the Raze spell in Gwynn's right hand and Hemomancy in mortal form cost <strong>25</strong>% less. The Vampiric Drain spell in mortal form costs <strong>50</strong>% less.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood From a Stone -</span></strong> Gwynn's vampiric abilities now work on Dwemer Automatons and Daedra. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Exsanguinate -</span></strong> Gwynn's Vampiric Drain spell in mortal form deals bonus more damage when fighting only one enemy, and can be dual cast for a chance to stagger enemies.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">White Wolf -</span> </strong>Gwynn's Vampire Seduction power now works on higher-level targets, and she may drain people under its effect regardless of thirst level. Additionally, draining a sleeping or seduced victim advances Vampire Lord perks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Dragon at midnight -</span></strong></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Gwynn gets 4 perk points to spend in other perk trees. However, when Blood Starved, contact with Sunlight will instantly destroy her.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Amaranth -</span></strong> Vampire’s Seduction works on vampires. Able to Drain humanoid vampires to disintegrate them and absorb their power. Gwynn's reward for this depraved act is a <strong>30</strong>% bonus to combat and social skills while weaker vampires flee, for <strong>5</strong> minutes.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Hemomancy Spells:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood Seed -</span></strong> (Apprentice) Jagged bone shards grow in a living or undead target, dealing 6 magic damage for 10 seconds. <strong>(1 draining)</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood Brand -</span></strong> (Adept) Living or undead target takes 5 magic damage per second. After 10 seconds, detonates for 100 damage. <strong>(3 drainings) </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood Garden -</span></strong> (Adept) Casts <strong>Blood Seed</strong> on all targets (AOE), inflicting <strong>10</strong> magic damage for <strong>10</strong> seconds. (<strong>6 drainings)</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Blood Scourge -</span></strong> (Expert) Living or undead target takes <strong>20</strong> magic damage for <strong>15</strong> seconds. On death, spreads to all nearby targets. (<strong>10 drainings)</strong></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631076490,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631076490,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631076490?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><em><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6884866278,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6884866278,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6884866278?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="280" /></a>-The Infernal Litany -</span></strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#000000;">Purge through flames, the blood of the unworthy.</span></span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#000000;">Tainted is the heart, extinguisher of death and light.</span></span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#000000;">Renewed in the ashes, the abominations cut the wind.</span></span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#000000;">By precision and instinct, the bolt sends the message.</span></span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#000000;">Infernal are we, cursed to walk the middling ground.</span></span></em></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6867632686,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6867632686,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6867632686?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" height="75" /></a></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Shadow Form -</span> </strong>Deadly Reach + Wicked Wind</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">The blood of the Montalion Clan allows Gwynn to effortlessly teleport throughout the battlefield.</span> </li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6870762082,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6870762082,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6870762082?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" /></a></strong></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Smiting Lash -</span></strong> Skull Rattler + Wingstrike </span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Gwynn pommels her target with the butt of her crossbow, leaving them vulnerable to follow up attacks.</span> </li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6887757465,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6887757465,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6887757465?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Flames of Vigor -</span></strong> Welloc’s Dormant Arcana + Overflowing Cup + Ocatos’ Recital</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:16px;">Flames invigorate Gwynn with energy, readying her for the coming battle.<br /> <br /> <br /> </span> </li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6866806677,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6866806677,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6866806677?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" /></a></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Infernal Strike</span></strong> - Desecrated Light + Snipe + Hallowed Burial + Crusaders Fire</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Gwynn takes aim with <strong>Desecrated Light</strong>, unleashing a powerful shot that rips into undead targets.</span> </li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6884463461,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6884463461,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6884463461?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" height="75" /></a></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Unending Barrage -</span></strong> Hailstorm + Slow Time</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Gwynn uses her heightened vampiric reflexes to unleash a fusillade of bolts upon her target.</span> </li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028902,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028902,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028902?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" /></a></strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Fire and Blood -</span></strong> Secret of Arcana + Dual cast Fire Runes + Guardian Circle + Wall of Flames + Flame Cloak + Dual Cast Blood Boil</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">In a devastating amalgamation of blood and fire, Gwynn utterly eviscerates her foes.</span> </li></ul><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6870173456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6870173456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6870173456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" /></a></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rage and Ruin -</span> </strong>Armageddon (2nd word) + Thundering Echoes + Fire Breath + Unyielding Storm + Become Ethereal + Fire Storm</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Gwynn lays waste to all around her in a terrifying display of flames.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631105426,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631105426,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631105426?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784389538,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784389538?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="615" height="413" /></p><p> </p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Gameplay:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This build is made to be played aggressively. Promising, non-stop, face-melting action was at the forefront of my mind when crafting it. Gwynn excels at any range and can lay down both powerful single target, and area of effect damage. Unlike typical archers and mages, she is more than capable of standing her ground against numerous melee attackers. If the need arises, she can reposition herself effortlessly with the <strong>Shadow Form</strong> ability. Adept at beating down her targets with the butt of her bow or</span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> incinerating the masses, she is rarely found at a disadvantage.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784390820,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784390820,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784390820?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="410" height="391" /></a></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Combat:</span></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Initiating Combat -</span> </strong>Begining combat will always activate <strong>Flames of Vigor</strong> on Gwynn, bolstering her for the coming fight. Depending on the situation at hand either use “Shadow Form” to close the gap between you and the enemy or lay down some runes and stand your ground.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Melee Enemies -</span></strong> Most melee types are trivial to deal with, and the undead are child’s play. Lay down some Fire Runes and some Firewalls and pelt them with your crossbow. If they are in your space, you can easily reposition with <strong>Shadow Form</strong> or use <strong>Smiting Lash</strong> to beat them senseless. Larger groups can be managed with abilities like <strong>Unending Barrage</strong>, <strong>Fire and Blood</strong> and <strong>Rage and Ruin</strong>.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Magic-Users/Dragons -</span> </strong>These to enemy types can be dealt with similarly. Where possible close in on them with <strong>Shadow Form, </strong>interrupting their magic/Th’um with <strong>Smiting Lash. </strong>If they are in the air or otherwise inaccessible, generous use of the Become Ethereal shout and the <strong>Unending Barrage</strong> ability. Mages should be your number priority in a battle.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Archers -</span> </strong>As with mages, the best option is to close the distance with <strong>Shadow Form. </strong>Knocking them over with Unrelenting Force is also favourable. Archers should be dealt with quickly, as a stray arrow can be problematic for ones adventuring career.</span></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Dificulty:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I slowly ramped up the difficulty as I levelled, so as to keep the gameplay balanced.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This is how I used the difficulty. Levels 1 - 25 on Adept, levels 25 - 40 on Expert and level 40 - 50 on Master.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Gameplay Video:</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Below I have included a gameplay video to give a taste of what the Infernal Huntress plays like. (Note that the video is an early prototype of the build. Everything featured within the video the build is capable of. But there is still plenty more the Huntress can do that is not shown). I will be adding an updated video of gameplay as soon as I am able.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LFHGjRU6n6A?feature=oembed" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631111064,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631111064,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631111064?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3784343813,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3784343813,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3784343813?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;text-decoration:underline;">Thank You:</span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Well, what a long time coming this was. Almost a year in the making, The Infernal Huntress was a blast to make possible. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me along the way, I couldn’t have done without you!</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I sincerely hope that this build has done “No Snakes Alive’s” “<a href="https://www.tamrielvault.com/groups/topic/view/group_id/3/topic_id/997" target="_blank">Demon Hunter</a>” Justice. Without that build as a precursor for going off, I might never have had the opportunity to bring you the Infernal Huntress. I'll also take the chance to give NomadDashes build <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-lord-of-shadows" target="_blank">The Lord of Shadows</a> a shout out. He discovered the nifty trick with Wicked Wind and Deadly Reach.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Gwynn’s character was fun to write, and it was very rewarding coming up with a character who was the antithesis to Alayne, my <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-shadow-of-dawn?edited=1" target="_blank">Shadow of Dawn</a>. This may not be the last we see of Gwynn, so stay tuned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I’d also like to state that any art depicted in this work is not my own, and all credit should be given to their respected authors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Lastly thank you, the reader, I hope you have a blast playing The Infernal Huntress! Cheers Furrion.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">For more quality builds, follow the link below.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/furrion" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3573952626,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3573952626?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="648" /></a></p></div>Contest Build: The Lamp Descendanthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-lamp-descendant2020-02-22T06:28:13.000Z2020-02-22T06:28:13.000ZPontyhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Ponty<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">While it might have been over 5(!) years since I posted my last build, the announcement of the Back to Basics contest inspired me to dust off one of my old ideas, where the journey is just as important as the destination, and dive headfirst back into the Elder Scrolls community here. As part of this project, I’ve also written a <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/the-story-corner/general-forum/lamp-descendant-table-of-contents" target="_blank">multi-chapter backstory over in the Story Corner</a>; I’d recommend giving it a read first to get the most out of this build! It is with great pleasure that I present:<a href="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" alt="jM4fIu3.png" /></a><a href="https://imgur.com/Y1jKUvp.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/Y1jKUvp.png" alt="Y1jKUvp.png" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://imgur.com/w6cCuNi.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/w6cCuNi.jpg" alt="w6cCuNi.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Race:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> Hailing from the province of High Rock, the Lamp Descendant’s </span><strong>Breton</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> blood offers them significant protection against magic of all kinds.<br /></span><strong>Standing Stone:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> The Lamp Descendant utilises the Celestial energies of the </span><strong>Atronach Stone</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> to both enhance their Magicka and bolster their effectiveness against hostile spellcasters.<br /></span><strong>Major Skills:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> One-Handed, Alteration, Destruction, and Restoration<br /></span><strong>Minor Skills:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> Conjuration, Alchemy, Smithing, and Enchanting<br /></span><strong>Attributes:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> 2 Magicka | 2 Health | 1 Stamina<br /></span><strong>Major Quests:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> College of Winterhold, Dawnguard, Laid to Rest, March of the Dead, The Wolf Queen Awakened<br /></span><strong>Alignment: </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">Neutral Good</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Order of the Lamp, founded by Archmage Vanus Galerion back in the Second Era, were a group of knights who served as protectors of the Mages Guild. Only those both in good standing with the Guild and who could demonstrate skill in battle were permitted into their ranks. Since the dissolution of the Mages Guild at the beginning of the Fourth Era, many chapters across Tamriel have disbanded, while others have upheld their duty to protect others from magical threats.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">This build follows the last of the Lamp Knights from High Rock, pulled towards Skyrim by the threads of fate. Arming themselves with light weapons, a wide array of offensive, defensive, and utility spells, alchemical concoctions, and secret knowledge, the Lamp Descendant is well-equipped to tackle any foe; whether they be man, mage, or monster.</span> <a href="https://imgur.com/rnohTH8.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/rnohTH8.jpg" alt="rnohTH8.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Throughout the Lamp Descendant’s journey in Skyrim, their character development goals and roleplay-related objectives grow and evolve. I’ve organised these milestones into three distinct chapters. Each chapter introduces new gameplay elements, recommended quests and more.<a href="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" alt="jM4fIu3.png" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://imgur.com/wKnUaaK.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/wKnUaaK.png" alt="wKnUaaK.png" /></a></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">For centuries, my family protected High Rock as the leaders of the Order of the Lamp. During my tenure as the Palatinus of the Lamp Knights, however, things were rarely so simple. We sacrificed everything on our final mission, and the Order is no more. I was captured and sentenced to death, but fate decided that my work is not yet finished.</span></em></span> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">My saviour, a mysterious Mer in golden robes, warned me of events unfurling in Winterhold that could put all of Tamriel in danger. My abilities have undoubtedly suffered during my captivity, but I must do what I can to prevent disaster.</span></em></span> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">One of my old comrades, Teldryn Sero, used to live in the Gray Quarter in Windhelm. If this threat is as dangerous as I’m led to believe, I’ll likely need his help.</span></em></span></p><p> <a href="https://imgur.com/U8z8tSM.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/U8z8tSM.jpg" alt="U8z8tSM.jpg" /></a><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Estimated Levels:</strong> 1 - 20<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Quests:</strong> The Eye of Magnus, Dragon Rising, Bloodline<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Other Objectives:</strong> Receive the Atronach’s Blessing. Recruit Teldryn Sero.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">In this first chapter, the Lamp Descendant is a newcomer to Skyrim. Despite being charged with neutralising a threat in the College of Winterhold, they have few skills and fewer allies at their disposal, thanks to spending months, if not years, languishing in captivity. Nonetheless, they are willing to intervene and assist others when lives and livelihoods are at stake, especially when dangerous magic is involved.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Starting out, the Descendant’s weapon of choice will be the Bound Sword. Picking up Novice Conjuration and Mystic Binding early will ensure you have a reliable weapon that is not only weightless, but will also increase your Conjuration skill with use. Further arming yourself with shock magic, wards, healing and Alteration armour spells over mage’s robes rounds out the core playstyle, making you a nimble and versatile combatant.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">To get the most out of this skill set, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right tools at the right time. A ward will allow you to close the distance and cut down an enemy mage, while a warrior who could be dangerous in melee could be weakened from a distance before landing a decisive blow. Respite is a key perk here, allowing you to quickly regain Stamina mid-combat and make up for your relatively small Stamina pool.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://imgur.com/2lpOgTj.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/2lpOgTj.jpg" alt="2lpOgTj.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Along their journey to Winterhold, the Lamp Descendant is caught amidst the beginnings of the Dragon Crisis. With more than just Whiterun Hold in danger, they’re willing to step up and assist the Jarl with mounting a defense against the dragons. Once Whiterun is safe, it’s time to move on; there’s more pressing matters than visiting the Greybeards. </span> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">There is however, time for a brief detour in Eastmarch to obtain the blessing of the Atronach Stone, and to head to Raven Rock and recruit Teldryn Sero. The Atronach Stone’s boost to Magicka is vital in the early levels, not to mention the spell absorption component. This can be combined with the Breton Dragonskin ability for complete immunity to magic for a short time each day, making it invaluable when fighting powerful magic users. Teldryn, on the other hand, is a skilled spellsword who will be a steadfast ally and primary follower throughout the rest of your playthrough. Especially early on, his spells, starting equipment and Armsman perks make him a force to be reckoned with.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Once you arrive in Winterhold, you’ll want to focus your efforts on unraveling the secrets of the Eye of Magnus, and working with the Psijic Order to put a stop to the machinations of the Thalmor. As part of this questline you’ll pick up a number of items which will remain useful for the remainder of your playthrough, namely Savos Aren’s Amulet, the Staff of Magnus and the Archmage Robes. If you’re playing with the Unofficial Patch, I recommend wearing the hoodless variant of the Archmage Robes with the Apprentice Hood for an alternative look.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">I strongly suggest visiting trainers for some of the Lamp Descendant’s less used or more difficult to level skills, namely Restoration, Destruction, Conjuration, Smithing and Alchemy. These skills have certain perk milestones that we’re aiming for in later chapters, so it’s best to get a head start on them as soon as possible. On top of gold and treasure earned from questing, selling dragon parts and crafted jewelry is a great way to afford the often steep prices for training.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Finally, with their work at the College complete, the Lamp Descendant joins up with the Dawnguard. You’ve likely experienced vampire attacks first hand at this point, and it’s a great launching point into the next chapter.</span></p><p> <a href="https://imgur.com/867NlhQ.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/867NlhQ.jpg" alt="867NlhQ.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Stratagem - Marie’s Gambit</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">One of my former companions, Marie, was an archer and apothecary of some skill. Her potions and poisons were instrumental to many of my plans, not to mention saving our lives on more than a few occasions. I’m no master alchemist yet, but I’ve picked up a thing or two myself.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requires:</strong> Damage Magicka Regeneration poison, Crossbow, Staff of Magnus</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Using a Damage Magicka Regeneration poison in combination with the Staff of Magnus allows you to nullify the powers of enemy mages or dragons by draining their Magicka pools completely. Use a crossbow to deliver the poison from a distance, and then switch back to the Staff of Magnus; there’s no need to reload. Alternatively, following up with a second bolt coated in a Weakness to Magic poison will further improve the draining effect. The absorbed magicka can be put to use with a ward for defense or a shock spell to deal damage and further drain the target’s reserves.<a href="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" alt="jM4fIu3.png" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://imgur.com/joW0Sul.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/joW0Sul.png" alt="joW0Sul.png" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">I first came to Skyrim to put an end to the threat of the Eye of Magnus, but in my time here I’ve seen so much more. Vampires and Dragons terrorise the province. Raven Rock is beset by an unyielding army of ashen monsters, not to mention the influence of the strange shrines across Solstheim. It seems like almost every village and city is plagued by supernatural perils. I can protect these people, but I’m going to need help, and not just from the Dawnguard.</span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">I’ve encountered several competent spellswords and mages throughout my travels, and I’ve even heard that some of the Jarls are willing to sell land to those they hold in high esteem. Everything I need to rebuild the Order of the Lamp.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://imgur.com/rsWBQnq.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/rsWBQnq.jpg" alt="rsWBQnq.jpg" /></a></span></em></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Estimated Levels:</strong> 20 - 40<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Quests:</strong> Laid to Rest, Kindred Judgement (Dawnguard), March of the Dead<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Other Objectives:</strong> Find the Dawnguard Rune Axe. Rebuild the Order of the Lamp.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Chapter 2 is where the Lamp Descendant’s adventure really begins to open up. Now they have the opportunity to take on a wider range of missions, but still focused on protecting others from magical threats. The Dawnguard is a great place to start, but there’s no shortage of other appropriate quests throughout Skyrim and Solstheim, even beyond those I’ve listed here, that the Descendant is willing to undertake.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Throughout this chapter, you’ll also be looking to create a new home for the Order of the Lamp, using one of the homesteads available through Hearthfire. My top pick is Windstad Manor; not only does the fish hatchery give you further access to a range of Alchemy ingredients, but the Laid to Rest quest required to purchase the land is absolutely something the Lamp Descendant would involve themselves with. The Enchanter’s Tower, Library and Storage Room upgrades really let you dial in on the perfect look for the Hall of an order of spellswords and mages. Once built, it’s perfect for safekeeping any dangerous artifacts you find in your travels, and to create potions & poisons to both use and sell.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">While building your new Hall of the Lamp, you’ll also want to find recruits that you can trust to uphold the Order’s mission. Even without mods, you’ll be able to swell the ranks back up to 5 members, including yourself. Teldryn Sero, your follower, and Valdimar, your spellsword housecarl in Hjaalmarch, are both ideal members. You’ll also be able to recruit two more members via your spouse and steward. Here’s a list of my top picks for these last two slots:</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Brelyna Maryon, a Dunmer Mystic from the College (Marry, Steward)</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Onmund, a Nord Sorcerer from the College (Marry, Steward)</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Talvas Fathryon, a Dunmer Conjurer from Tel Mithryn (Steward, Conjuration Trainer)</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Illia, an Imperial Mage from Darklight Tower (Steward)</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Belrand, a Nord Spellsword in Solitude (Marry, Steward)</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Marcurio, an Imperial Mage in Riften (Marry, Steward)</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Dravynea the Stoneweaver, a Dunmer Mage in Kynesgrove (Marry, Alteration Trainer, Spell Merchant)</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Of course, you’re not limited only to these selections. If you have a favourite warrior follower for example, you could still arm them with a staff and recruit them to your cause. Rebuilding the Hall and the Order was one of my favourite parts of this build!</span></p><p><a href="https://imgur.com/zy5qYKe.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/zy5qYKe.jpg" alt="zy5qYKe.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">On the gameplay front, the Lamp Descendant spends this chapter really specialising and developing some of the synergies which make this playstyle so exciting. Firstly, you’ll pick up a new main weapon - the Dawnguard Rune Axe, obtained through radiant Dawnguard quests. On top of dealing bonus damage to the undead, making it perfect for dealing with necromancers, its enchantment lets it break through any ward spell with a single strike, truly allowing you to focus in on your mage hunter archetype. This allows the Bound Sword to become more of a utility weapon with the help of the Soul Stealer and Oblivion Binding perks. As for the rest of your equipment, you won’t need to be too picky; the Archmage Robes along with a ring and necklace to improve your weapon damage and spellcasting should suffice. For example, I spent much of this chapter with a Fortify Magicka Regeneration ring and Fortify One-Handed necklace.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">As for Destruction and Restoration, picking up the Shock-related perks and Ward Absorb respectively will further improve your capabilities against not only ordinary magic users but several types of monsters as well. Ward Absorb is especially invaluable as mitigates the high Magicka cost of the more powerful wards. Further specialising in Alteration’s Mage Armour perks and spells maxes out your physical defense with Ebonyflesh. I chose to avoid the Magic Resistance perks altogether, instead relying on my wards and the Atronach Stone’s spell absorption effect against magical attacks. I also found it worthwhile here to invest in some higher-level spells like Close Wounds and Thunderbolt; despite being less magicka-efficient, doing more damage or healing in a shorter window will allow you to get back to focusing on your weapons and footwork sooner.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://imgur.com/bffsh9x.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="https://imgur.com/bffsh9x.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="bffsh9x.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">You’ll also want to lightly perk Enchanting and Smithing. A single rank of Enchanter and the Soul Squeezer perk will increase the efficiency of your soul gems when recharging the Staff of Magnus or your followers’ weapons. Picking up Steel Smithing and Arcane Blacksmith will allow you to improve not only the Dawnguard Rune Axe, but all kinds of items that you come across, especially when aided by Fortify Smithing equipment and potions. I took advantage of this by improving my followers’ gear as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Stratagem - Calindil’s Disjunction</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Calindil, my mentor and advisor, was a spellsword of remarkable skill. I’d seen him do things with his magic that nobody else could, and it took more than a few of our enemies by surprise, throwing whatever advantages they thought they had into disarray. I’m fortunate enough to have learned some of these secrets; it’s time to give some of my foes the same rude awakening.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requires:</strong> Oblivion Binding, Disintegration</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">A Bound Sword with Oblivion Binding perk and Disintegrating shock spells are the bane of conjurers and necromancers alike. A single stroke from your Bound Sword is enough to banish conjured Daedra of any level, or turn undead raised by necromancy spells. Shock spells can be used when fighting necromancers and vampires, ensuring that no remains are left behind for them to reanimate. Lightning Cloak is of particular note here, as it will instantly disintegrate any enemy in melee range as soon as they fall below 15% health.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" alt="jM4fIu3.png" /></a><a href="https://imgur.com/IQIrsw9.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/IQIrsw9.png" alt="IQIrsw9.png" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">The Order of the Lamp is back in action, ready to safeguard Skyrim and her people from those who would wield magic to do them harm. Thanks to our hard work and that of our allies, we’ve dealt with many of the immediate dangers to the province. But it seems our work is never done. Dragons still roam the skies, and hidden threats stir beneath our very feet. We’ll hunt them down wherever they may hide, as long as they continue to menace the province.</span></em></span> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">The locals keep calling me Dragonborn, the legendary hero who will save them from the winged beasts; like many legends, there’s always a thread of truth to them. Could this be the real reason the Psijics sent me here? Either way, it seems it’s time to face my destiny.</span></em></span></p><p> <a href="https://imgur.com/UK7sEn1.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/UK7sEn1.jpg" alt="UK7sEn1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Estimated Levels:</strong> 40+<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Quests:</strong> Dragonslayer, At the Summit of Apocrypha, The Wolf Queen Awakened, Waking Nightmare<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Other Objectives:</strong> Achieve mastery. Continue building the Order. Neutralise radiant threats.</span></p><p> <span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">At the start of this final chapter, the Lamp Descendant has hit many of their gameplay and roleplay milestones. Now it’s time to finish off some remaining questlines, tie up loose ends, and achieve mastery in the Descendant’s core skills. There’s options here for continuing to play and develop your character well into the endgame.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">First off, it’s finally time for the Lamp Descendant to tackle the Dragon Crisis and Dragonborn questlines. Until now, your time could be better spent helping the people of Skyrim more directly rather than making the trek to visit the Greybeards. But it’s clear by now that the dragon attacks aren’t going to stop, and as the so-called Dragonborn, you may be the only one who can put an end to them. With no other options, you’ll have to see what the Greybeards have to say. Furthermore, recognition of your status as Dragonborn heralds the arrival of the Dragonborn Cult, drawing the Descendant further into the mysteries and threats surrounding the island of Solstheim, culminating in the cleansing of the Stones and a final battle against Miraak.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Wolf Queen Awakened quest line in and around Solitude, as well as the Waking Nightmare quest in Dawnstar (in Erandur’s favour, of course), absolutely epitomise what the Lamp Descendant and the Order of the Lamp is all about. They're a fantastic way to close out your playthrough, but there’s still more to do if you wish. Other quests where the Descendant can put their skills to use protecting others from supernatural dangers or to rediscover lost knowledge and relics are good options, such as the Dawnguard and Shalidor’s Insights radiant quests. The Cutting Room Floor mod even adds a repeatable quest from Tolfdir to track down and eliminate a rogue College mage.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Another option is to continue building the Order of the Lamp by founding new branches across Skyrim. Purchasing property and constructing new Halls in Falkreath and the Pale further extends the Order’s reach across across the province, and provides the opportunity to specialise them with other upgrades, such as the Greenhouse and Alchemy Laboratory, if you so choose. Don’t forget to recruit stewards skilled in the arcane arts to serve alongside your new housecarls. As always, any rare or dangerous items you recover should be taken back to one of your Halls for safekeeping.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://imgur.com/UBBmS5O.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/UBBmS5O.jpg" alt="UBBmS5O.jpg" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">As we approach the end of the Lamp Descendant’s character development, all that’s really left is to achieve mastery in their 4 major skills. Master-level Destruction and Restoration spells are invaluable, as you will see in this chapter’s Stratagem below, but in many cases Master Alteration spells like Dragonflesh can be overkill. Nonetheless, many of the utility perks in Restoration and Alteration, such as Avoid Death and Atronach, while not strictly necessary are excellent choices for some final perks. Specialising in the axe-specific perks completes our investment in the One-Handed skill as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">This chapter is where I suggest starting to perk Alchemy. Now that the Lamp Descendant’s other perk trees are finished, investing in a range of potions and poisons can really push the Descendant’s stats and abilities past their limits. Potions of Fortify Destruction, One-Handed, Smithing and Magicka can be used to improve the Descendant’s offensive power, while debilitating poisons are utilised to target enemy weaknesses. I’ll list some of my favourite recipes below; you’ll note that many of the ingredients can be grown in Hearthfire homes, obtained from the Archmage’s Quarters, or are otherwise readily available.</span></p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Nightshade + Hanging Moss + Chaurus Eggs: Damage Magicka & Magicka Regen</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Nightshade + Glowing Mushroom: Fortify Destruction</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Garlic + Jazbay Grapes + Tundra Cotton: Fortify Magicka & Fortify Magicka Regen</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Canis Root + Hanging Moss: Fortify One-Handed</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Glowing Mushroom + Blisterwort: Fortify Smithing</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Salt Pile + Yellow Mountain Flower: Fortify Restoration</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Canis Root + Imp Stool: Paralysis</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Jazbay Grapes + Torchbug Thorax + Wheat: Weakness to Magic & Lingering Damage Magicka</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">This isn’t to say that Alchemy can’t be used in earlier chapters, though here is where it really becomes a focus. The Shalidor’s Insights scrolls from the quest of the same name can also serve a similar purpose, further enhancing the Descendant’s magical capabilities.</span></p><p> <span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">You’ll probably have noticed by this stage that I haven’t made any mention of Shouts so far. I rarely found myself having need of them, instead focusing more on my weapons and spells. Up until this point, the Descendant has seldom had reason to delve into many of the places where the Words of Power are hidden. The only Shout of particular note is Slow Time, allowing a few extra moments to set up some of the Descendant’s Stratagems, such as Marie’s Gambit and Volnaro’s Retribution.</span></p><p> <a href="https://imgur.com/vfIPv3e.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/vfIPv3e.jpg" alt="vfIPv3e.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Stratagem - Volnaro’s Retribution</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“This is the end for you, Palatinus. The forgotten leader of a dead Order. It’s time to snuff out the Lamp for good.”</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">It’s been years since my battle with Volnaro, a formidable Thalmor Battlemage, but sometimes it feels like just yesterday. Volnaro, charged with the celestial energies of the Atronach and the magic of the Zero Stone, unleashed a ferocious lightning storm in our shared last stand. He was megalomaniac with delusions of godhood; it takes resolve and conviction to wield that kind of power responsibly. Power that I now possess.</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requires:</strong> Lightning Storm, Guardian Circle, Atronach Stone and/or Dragonskin</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The power of a Guardian Circle can be absorbed to provide near-limitless magicka, allowing the Descendant to channel a Lightning Storm and annihilate their enemies for the full duration and beyond. Using Dragonskin to achieve 100% Spell Absorption will make you completely invulnerable to magical attacks while channeling, or you can remain at 50% to still receive the healing benefits of the Guardian Circle. Due to the relatively low cost of Lightning Storm, this can be performed as soon as you hit 90 Destruction and complete the Destruction Ritual Spell quest. Until you master Restoration, the Guardian Circle can be cast from scrolls; alternatively you could perform a more complex setup using Circle of Protection as described in <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-force-adept" target="_blank">Curse’s Force Adept</a> build. Combining this Stratagem with Fortify Destruction potions and Shalidor’s Insights can make it devastatingly powerful, dealing upwards of 225 damage per tick.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><iframe style="width:100%;height:420px;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DlkXEt8PvLk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" alt="jM4fIu3.png" /></a></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://imgur.com/JTDzhmH.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/JTDzhmH.png" alt="JTDzhmH.png" /></a></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Just remember, little lamp, the brightest lights can cast the darkest shadows.”</span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">That’s what my father told me as we stood amongst the dead of a ruined city in Hammerfell during the Great War, but things have changed a lot since then. The Order’s numbers have dwindled from dozens to barely more than a handful. I’ve lost more friends, family and comrades than I can count. With everything going on in Skyrim, and indeed all Tamriel, it seems like circumstances are only getting worse. I need to do more. I need to *be* more.</span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">As long as I’m casting a shadow over my enemies, I think I can take that chance.</span></em></span></p><p> <a href="https://imgur.com/5kiXWcr.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/5kiXWcr.jpg" alt="5kiXWcr.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Estimated Levels:</strong> Ú͠n̡͝k͜ņ̛҉o̵̢͡wn̸<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Quests:</strong> The Black Star, The Break of Dawn, Black Books<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Other Objectives:</strong> Seek forbidden knowledge and power. Bargain with the Daedra. Tread the line between light and dark.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">As someone who has spent their life battling against malevolent forces such as necromancers, vampires, Daedric cults, and more, the Lamp Descendant is well aware of the dangers involved in such practices. But when thousands of lives hang in the balance, will they be able to resist reaching for these forbidden powers for the sake of others? In this optional chapter, I’m going to outline some options open to those looking for a darker tone to their playthrough. Most of these options are roleplay-related, so they can be slotted in amongst the other chapters at any point.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Descendant’s past is full of grief and loss, and such an event occurring during your playthrough would be a perfect launching point down this path. In my case, I encountered a pair of Frost Dragons attacking the settlement of Stonehills. Despite my best efforts to slay them while shielding the townspeople from their deadly breath weapons, very few of them survived. One of the townspeople approached me afterwards and said “My son died. Things will be different now.”</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://imgur.com/YN8ZJaz.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://imgur.com/YN8ZJaz.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="YN8ZJaz.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="400" /></a></span><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Some of the seemingly harmless Daedric quests, such as The Break of Dawn and The Black Star, pose quite a dilemma for the Lamp Descendant. In the Break of Dawn quest, you are cleansing the Kilkreath Temple of a vile necromancer, however doing so will empower Meridia. You could choose to defeat Malkoran and leave Dawnbreaker unclaimed, take the weapon and store it away, or wield it against your enemies, expanding Meridia’s influence in the process. A similar predicament is encountered during The Black Star. Both rewards are invaluable for maintaining the Staff of Magnus; but restoring Azura’s Star will once again empower a Daedric Prince, while cleansing it with Nelacar will create a dark object of necromantic power. It is ultimately up to you how your Lamp Descendant will resolve these conflicts, but consider just how far they are willing to go to obtain these artifacts.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">As the Lamp Descendant searches for sources of forbidden knowledge and power, they will likely end up scouring the endless halls of Apocrypha for dark secrets. Black Books are a great way to explore this side of the character and pick up some new abilities in the process. In other quests, you might be willing to make sacrifices in the name of a greater reward, or ignore someone’s plight altogether in favour of your own goals. Whether the Lamp Descendant can resist becoming warped by the influence of the Daedra and other entities is for you to decide; you might end up with a truly corrupted hero who seeks power for its own sake, paralysed by their fear of things to come.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">How far down this path the Lamp Descendant treads will ultimately determine the fate of the new Order as well. You could choose continue building the Order with a select group of close allies, sharing these dark secrets and trusting them to keep you in check should things go too far. Alternatively, seeking out new associates more understanding of you and your new abilities is another option; Eola, Aranea Ienith and Serana are good picks here. Finally, ashamed of what they have become, your Descendant might retreat to the shadows entirely, abandoning the Order but continuing their mission alone or with a close companion like Teldryn or Serana.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">This path also offers some additional gameplay options as well. First off, I would suggest trading out the Archmage’s Robes for the Robes of Miraak, providing a darker aesthetic. When combined with the Atronach perk, you’re able to still reach near-100% Spell Absorption while Dragonskin is active, even without the assistance of the Atronach Stone. You could instead seek the blessing of the Apprentice, representing a more volatile source of power, or the Ritual, should you choose to also venture in the Dark Practice of necromancy. Blood magic through Equilibrium and Daedric summoning are also solid options; for an especially corrupted Lamp Descendant, Vampirism might even be on the table. On top of its regular benefits, the Descendant’s investment into Restoration also provides access to the infamous Necromage Vampire exploit, allowing them to boost many of their active buffs. Lastly, the Black Book abilities Secret of Arcana and Seeker of Sorcery provide an alternative setup for the Volnaro’s Retribution Stratagem and an all-round boost to magic skills respectively.</span></p><p> <a href="https://imgur.com/aQXKvFq.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/aQXKvFq.jpg" alt="aQXKvFq.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Stratagem - Dark Eclipse</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Calindil always told me that no magic was inherently evil, and that it was only how it was used that matters. In recent times, I’ve found myself employing the Dark Practice for myself, defiling the corpses of my enemies, feasting upon their souls, and wielding the weapons of the Daedra. I’ve gained power beyond measure, but sometimes I wonder - do I still know which side I’m on?</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requires:</strong> Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy, Spell Absorption, Necromancy</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">With Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy, the Lamp Descendant is able to take advantage of their high Spell Absorption rating by channeling the explosive power of their raised dead. Absorbing the death explosion from one of your zombies, raised through ordinary Necromancy spells, the Ritual Stone power, or the Soul Tear shout, will restore a significant portion of your magicka. Especially when using the Ritual Stone power, striking down one of your zombies with Dawnbreaker can trigger a chain reaction, dealing massive damage to anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in the blast and almost certainly fully restoring your magicka reserves.</span></p><p><a href="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://imgur.com/jM4fIu3.png" alt="jM4fIu3.png" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">So much has happened in the few short years since I arrived in Skyrim. The Psijic Order and I foiled the Thalmor plot to abuse the Eye of Magnus; I worked with the Dawnguard to stop the Tyranny of the Sun; the Blades, Greybeards and I thwarted Alduin’s plot to devour the world, not to mention the First Dragonborn’s machinations on Solstheim, and dozens of other missions. The Order of the Lamp is thriving once again, with many of our knights and many more of our allies spread all across the province. Our vaults are full of rare and dangerous items, kept safe from those who would misuse them. It seems things are finally getting back to normal. Perhaps it’s even time for me to name a successor to my position as Palatinus.</span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">The Nords who call this province home are proud people, and despite their distrust of magic they seem to have welcomed the Order with open arms. I might have lived much of my life in High Rock, but once everything is said and done, I’ve nothing to return to there; Skyrim has become my home too. And the Order of the Lamp is here to stay.</span></em></span></p><p><a href="https://imgur.com/93VHu8x.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://imgur.com/93VHu8x.jpg" alt="93VHu8x.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Well, thank you so much for reading! It’s been a blast getting back into the community and working on the Lamp Descendant, from writing their tale in the Story Corner to actually playing and working on the build. I’d love to hear any feedback or questions in the comments below, and I’d be especially honored if you checked out <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/the-story-corner/general-forum/lamp-descendant-table-of-contents" target="_blank">the backstory</a> as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Best of luck to the rest of the participants of the contest, and a big thank you to the organisers and judges; I know firsthand that these aren’t easy to run. Regardless, I’m looking forward to seeing the results!</span> </span></p></div>Contest Build: The Twisted Jesterhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/S2020-02-18T23:14:24.000Z2020-02-18T23:14:24.000Znysteehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/nystee<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3958501669,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3958501669,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3958501669?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" /></a>Hello everyone and welcome to my second contest build. I have been enjoying vanilla Skyrim, learning a bunch of stuff and this contest seemed like the perfect time to finish something I had in mind for a few months. I've heard a lot of good stuff about the Necromage perk but I never used it, so I gave it a shot with this one. With that being said, let me introduce<br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3862862940,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3862862940,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3862862940?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="501" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3861270267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3861270267,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3861270267?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Screenshot by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/images/168752" target="_blank">Argonegei</a><br /> </em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Twisted Jester never knew his parents, his art was his life. He was born an entertainer and was destined to be the next court jester. His master, the closest thing to a father he had, taught him everything. Being talented never blinded him with ego, he worked diligently to be a worthy artist and he had the scars to prove it. His performances ranged from blade juggling to magic tricks and at last, it seemed the day he had waited all his life for was upon him. He would perform for the first time before the noblemen as the new court jester.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The banquet room was crowded and the merry ambiance was exhilarating, he could feel his heart pounding out of his chest. His master showed up with a flamboyant attire, he could not believe his eyes. The eccentric hat, the vivid colors, the odd lines, and shapes. The outfit was the embodiment of his craft. “You are now ready, go forth and mesmerize the audience” said the old man before leaving.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The time for the performance was nearing, while he was finishing his preparations, a hooded man entered the room “I have been keeping an eye on you for a long time and I wanted to salute you in person, I also have something that I need to deliver to you” the man said. As he turned to greet the man, The Twisted Jester was met with an odd feeling when the blade entered his guts and the whispering words “Hail Sithis, the Black Sacrament is fulfilled one last time” played into his ear. He watched as the crimson drops touched the floor right before collapsing. He could hear his name being called, the moment of his life was right there, the stage was calling him but his life force was leaving like a distant melody. The assassin then proceeded to remove his garb, ogling it as if it was his trophy. And at that very moment, The Twisted Jester’s mind broke, death was the least of his worry. He realized that he was being stripped away of his craft, the overwhelming emotions led to laughter, screams, cries, and laughter again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The stage caller was stunned speechless before the gruesome spectacle upon entering the room. He rushed him to the priest, but his state was dire. The caretaker emptied the room and asked with an intense gaze “Do you want to live?” she could see a light in his eyes that was refusing to fade. “Everything for my art” he gurgled with all he had left in him. </span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"> The Twisted Jester was then given a blessing or was it a curse? He could feel a gentle bite on his neck and his heartbeat going back up like a rapid drumbeat. This was his second chance, a chance to entertain the biggest audience and he will reserve a special performance for the one that stole everything from him…</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3958517527,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3958517527,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3958517527?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" /></a>A jester, court jester or fool was an entertainer by nature, most of them were integrated into noblemen court or households to amuse them and their guests. Some of them were wandering artists performing at fairs and markets. They were recognizable by their costumes with eccentric hats, bright colors and odd patterns. The first mentions of jesters come from ancient Egypt where they were known as "balatrones", (there is still a debate on the original meaning of the word) they were part of the few common folks that had access to an opulent environment.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I got inspired by the story of Cicero and the jester he killed as his last contract. His identity was never revealed and I always thought: "who was it and what if he was not dead?". I want to say, this turn of events might not be lore-friendly since Cicero wrote that "the jester lies dead" in his journal, but I think it is an interesting take on how this character could have been brought into the Skyrim universe. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3958543605,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3958543605,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3958543605?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Screenshot by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/images/399917" target="_blank">Novaren</a><br /> </em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3958501669,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3958501669,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3958501669?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Race: </strong>Imperial vampire</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Playstyle:</strong> Illusionist/Trickster</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone: </strong>The Shadow</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Blessing: </strong>Talos</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Weapons: </strong>Ebony Sword and dagger</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Armor and Apparel: </strong>Cicero's outfit and Amulet of Talos</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shouts: </strong>Disarm, Marked for Death, Throw voice, Elemental Fury</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Powers: </strong>Summon Spectral Assassin and Voice of the Emperor</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Spells: </strong>Flesh spells (up to Ebonyflesh), Invisibility, Frenzy, Pacify</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Factions:</strong> The Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves guild</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3862863546,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3862863546,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3862863546?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="225" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3977670559,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3977670559,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3977670559?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Screenshot by<strong> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/images/418787" target="_blank">ChaozhouTiger</a> </strong>and perk spread by Curse<br /> </em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stats:</strong> 2 Magicka/ 1 Health/ 1 Stamina. Stop Health and Stamina at 200, your Magicka will be 350 at LVL 46.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Major Skills</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">One-Handed- This is our damage dealing skill. Dual Savagery and Savage Strike will net you +75% damage while doing a standing power attack, and Dual Flurry lets you deliver this damage quickly. You will use the dagger in your offhand to swing as fast as possible.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Illusion- This will be the crowd control skill, you won't have a lot of armor rating so messing with your enemies' mind will help you with survivability. Dual Casting is not necessary because it would make this build overpowered and Champion of the Night will give you a head start early game allowing your illusions spells to be more effective.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Minor Skills</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sneak- It will be used in conjunction with Pickpocket. Nightstalker's Footsteps and Cicero's Hat already put you above Sneak 5/5, but I use two points for early game.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Pickpocket- You will rid people of their valuables and weapons. I used it to fight dirty against though foes like bandit chiefs and forsworn.<br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Alteration- Flesh spells are used to buff the Armor Rating preventing you to be one-shotted by every enemy in the game.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3862863247,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3862863247,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3862863247?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3999460888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3999460888,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3999460888?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Screenshot by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/images/134914" target="_blank">saraceni</a><br /> </em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Right off the start, you will need the Necromage perk. I picked up the Atronach Stone and use the fire traps in Ustengrav (you can also do it in Raldbthar) to power level Restoration, after that I contracted Vampirism in Shriekwind Bastion (Haemar's Shame is another alternative). I was able to finish the setup at LVL 15 but I am sure you can achieve it earlier. The Necromage perk will boost several aspects of this build:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Shadow is increased from 60 seconds to 90 seconds in duration</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">All your shouts will have 50% reduced cooldown</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Invisibility is increased from 30 seconds to 45 seconds in duration</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Dual Flurry is increased from 120/135% (in other words, 20/35% faster) to 150/168.75% (in other words, 50% to 68.75% faster)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Elemental Fury is increased from 130/150/170% weapon speed (in other words, 30/50/70% faster) to 162.5/187.5/212.5% weapon speed (in other words, 62.5/87.5/112.5% faster). The duration is also increased from 15 seconds to 22.5 seconds.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">This build is easy to start because you can level many of the skills easily. Sneak and One-Handed can be power level at the beginning of the game with Hadvar or Ralof, and Illusion can be brought to 100 by casting Courage and Muffle while doing the "Out of Balance" quest you get from Drevis Neloren at the College of Winterhold. I recommend pickpocketing jewelry and gold coupled with the trainers' help to raise the skill quickly. Keep in mind that those are suggestions and you don't necessarily need power leveling to play the build.<br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Twisted Jester is a glass cannon, (with 200 health and a little over 300 AR) and as such he fights "dirty" all the time. You should always open combat with a Frenzy spell followed by a couple of Marked for Death (1st word) when there is more than one target. It will keep the aggro off of you and leave the last target very weak. When you have to go one-on-one with an enemy remember your options:</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">You can pickpocket weapons to fight without danger. Most enemies have two weapons, always snatch the lighter weapon first and use the Disarm shout when you fail to steal the second one</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Mages will wipe the floor with you, you can identify them by the fact that they only have a dagger for physical damage. Some dual-wielding sneak attacks will take care of them optimally</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Archers can be distracted with the Summon Spectral Assassin power to close the distance</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">When your illusion spells are useless you will use the Spectral Assassin as a decoy, allowing you to make quick work of distracted enemies thanks to Elemental Fury and Dual Flurry.<br /> </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3999435343,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3999435343,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3999435343?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4020130548,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4020130548,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4020130548?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="https://imgur.com/a/NaKyU#mRMrPQj" target="_blank">original image</a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Twisted Jester is a deranged individual who thinks of Skyrim as his stage. Corrupted by madness he now delights in laughter, chaos, and murder. He believes his life is an endless performance and he will use everything he wants as his plaything. His desire to meet the one who was once his admirer will push him to journey through the whole province. I wanted to roleplay this build to the fullest, so I started doing things I usually don't.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I did my best to cycle through the different inns of the province, thinking of myself as a wandering artist amusing the people of Skyrim. In order to represent the duality of the character (the artistic side and the crazy one), I went out of my way to deceive and betray people whenever I could. In a sense, it has been refreshing because I rarely take the "bad" side of quests like betraying Sadia or misleading whoever you are helping in the love triangle of Riverwood. I also found myself killing for no real reason. Random citizens, beggars, bounty collectors, scavengers, or afflicted refugees, no one was safe. The Twisted Jester finds pleasure in people's misery and he will have no shame in shedding innocent blood.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Another thing I sure did was to play with my foes every time I could. Watching Draugr Deathlords swing at you (doing no damage) with their bare hands or Bandit Chiefs and Forsworns running around looking for a weapon to use was definitely fun.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">There are a few quests that you stumble upon when visiting some locations for the first time because everyone is mentioning them, such as Blood on the Ice or Waking Nightmare. The Twisted Jester will make sure to get to the root of those events, not out of kindness for the people of Skyrim but because those events/individuals are stealing the spotlight from him which is unacceptable.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The Dark Brotherhood Questline: </strong>While passing through Windhelm, The Twisted Jester hears that a child is trying to perform the Black Sacrament in the city. Those same words were spoken by the person that attempted to end his life. He follows up on the lead and finds himself joining the assassins' organization.<br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>You can decide if you want to rush the DB questline to retrieve your attire and kill Cicero early in your playthrough or leave this decisive meeting for the endgame.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The Thieves Guild Questline: </strong>During his visit to Riften, The Twisted Jester is approached by a man making a curious offer. He accepts it and sides with the group of thieves. He has no interest in gold and riches but will use this new connection to cause more mischiefs in the province.<br /> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3958501669,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3958501669,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3958501669?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3999443396,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3999443396,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3999443396?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="450" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4012553621,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4012553621,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4012553621?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="125" /></a> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Fadeaway: </strong><em>The Twisted Jester disappears from enemies' sight when things become too hectic.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Shadow Stone/Invisibility + Shadow Warrior</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">This move can be used when you find yourself in a tough spot and need some breathing room.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4012340345,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4012340345,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4012340345?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="125" /></a></strong><strong>Knife Tricks: </strong><em>Your handiness with blades is used for something far less entertaining...</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Necromage + Elemental Fury + Dual Flurry 2/2</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sometimes you will need to deal with foes head-on. You can use this to dispose of them very quickly because Necromage affects both the shout and the perk. This is very effective when enemies are distracted, if not, remember to cast a flesh spell before closing in on them. It is very useful against dragons, dwarven automatons, Falmer, and the like.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4012531084,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4012531084,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4012531084?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="125" /></a><strong>Grim performance: </strong><em>I</em><em>nduce your audience into a murderous dance </em><strong><br /> </strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Throw Voice + Frenzy + Multiple Marked for Death (1st word) <strong>OR</strong> ThrowVoice + Marked for Death (full shout) + Voice of The Emperor/Pacify</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Enemies will make your job easier with this, you can easily get 4-5 MFD (the 1st word of the shout will take 10 seconds to recharge) on them while they are fighting each other. The first version requires some Magicka while the second can be used for free once per day (keep in mind that Voice of the Emperor only works on people). Either way, you will enjoy the full effect of the shout since Frenzy, Pacify, and Voice of the Emperor last 60 seconds.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3999450491,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3999450491,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3999450491?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3999516889,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3999516889,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3999516889?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a>Screenshot by <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/images/107897" target="_blank">diederik</a></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Thank you very much for checking my build, I have had a lot of fun with this one and I hope you will consider trying it. I want to say good luck to all the participants, I'm very happy to see our ranks growing day after day. I'll encourage everyone to leave some criticism good or bad because I still have a lot to learn about Skyrim building. Also, I 'll be updating my profile if anyone wants to check my other builds.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p></div>Contest Build: Blacklionhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-blacklion2020-02-18T12:10:01.000Z2020-02-18T12:10:01.000ZTelbyhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Telby<div><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870654406?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="85" height="93" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Opening remarks:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">First off, I would like to thank those who have given me such warm welcomes when I rejoined the site. As someone who was rather active back in the day, it is nice to see that my love for Skyrim and character creating is matched by so many others, especially all of these years later. I have always loved the idea of character builds and have always done some of my own work but had never put anything out there. With a surge of confidence and a lot of inspiration, I thought that this build contest would be a great way to get myself started. I hadn't played vanilla Skyrim in some time but I enjoyed the experience nonetheless and I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. I hope everyone likes what I've made, and your feedback would be very appreciated! Now I'll get to what you're all here for so without further ado, I present:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870669594,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870669594,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870669594?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="701" height="82" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3866115157,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3866115157,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3866115157?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="664" height="528" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Once the surname of the most loyal servant to the Dominion, Blacklion has now become a title, a name that strikes fear into those whom he swore to serve.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870654406?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="85" height="93" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>From Royalty to Obscurity</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>4E 200:</strong> Twelve years I served the crown, never questioning my own loyalty, but always of those who my king was surrounded with. It was my job to protect him, and I had a purpose to fulfill. But now here I am. On the run from the Dominion I thought I would die in service to, never staying in one place too long and never speaking to anyone. Had I been better, had I not grown complacent in my ways, I could have uncovered the treachery before it was too late. The only dangers I concerned myself with were those concerning the King and not myself, however I was mistaken to believe that my own threats were threats to my king all the same. Being as it happened so fast, and I have had no connection to anyone since that night, I can only assume there was a larger conspiracy at work and that getting rid of me was the first step in their plot for... something. Control, influence, wealth, it does not matter. Now I am the most wanted man in the Summerset Isle, framed for conspiracy against my King and hunted by Thalmor agents to no end. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">It is a miracle I managed to escape Alinor alive, and even more so the Isle. Boarding a cargo ship and living in the cargo hold for weeks is not my ideal method for transportation, but when you're in a position such as I am, your choices are stretched thin. Sometimes I wonder if my efforts to fight death are even worth it anymore. What does a man do when his purpose has been stolen from him? But if being my King's protector has taught me anything, it is that if you think you're going to die, there is no point in holding back and going quietly. You fight the opposition until your dying breath. Until you have done as much damage as possible. However, I have lost everything, and my resources cease to exist.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>4E 201: </strong>I was finally captured. Not by my own, but by the Empire, no doubt operating with the Thalmor. I thought the cold, war ridden Skyrim would be safe from the reach of those bastards, but they are bolder than I thought. However, just when I accepted the fate of a brutal decapitation, my hands in bounds and all, a beast, greater than anything I have ever seen attacked the city. The rebels were trusting enough to help me escape with them, but now I am left once again with nothing. The Thalmor either presume me dead or escaped, and in the year I have been on the run I have gotten nowhere. I may be unable to deliver justice to those who have wronged me, but I certainly can to those who hunt me. My sovereignity is something I have control over, and it is something I <em>will </em>have.</span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870667328,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870667328,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870667328?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="468" height="54" /></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">This build attempts to combine the ruthless cunning of an Aldmeri warrior with the barbarity of the Nords. It is my take on a true dishonored warrior, stripped of all titles and notoriety, finding his way in the world and consumed by vengeance. Despite me referring to him as a warrior, he utilizes all sorts of methods to dispatch his foes, many of which are deceitful and cruel. After all, he is not an honorbound hero fighting for glory, but a pragmatist bent on revenge. To keep the theme of a bad*ss forsaken warrior, I decided to avoid stealth all together. I could not imagine this character skulking around in the shadows slitting throats, yet I still wanted him to feel like an assassin, because it <em>is </em>blood he is after. This build is viable on Master difficulty.</span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3865986911,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /> </a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3866543358,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3866543358,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3866543358?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="483" height="477" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Race: </strong><em>Altmer</em>. <span style="font-weight:400;">Essential for roleplay purposes, and stat allocation and enchantments will rely on the +50 magicka in order to cast certain spells.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Standing Stone: </strong><em>Warrior/Mage -> Lord</em>. Leveling your skills right off the bat will be important, and seeing as this build does not use any thief skills, the Warrior and Mage stones will be extremely useful. Once your final loadout is achieved and you feel proficient enough with your current level, the Lord stone offers that extra bump in armor and magic resistance that make mages and dragons more tolerable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Stats: </strong>Start by strictly investing in health up until level 35. From then on, invest in Stamina as we will have all of the Health we'll need. The +50 magicka coupled with enchanted gear will allow you to cast the Bound Bow early on, as well as all of your other spells in the late-game, so investing any points in Magicka is unnecessary.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Major Skills</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>One-Handed: </strong>The sword is Blacklion's main choice of weapon, and to increase his ferocity, he will be dual-wielding them. This build is all about taking out enemies quickly while sustaining the least amount of blows possible. Dual Flurry and Dual Savagery will allow you to make quick work of your opponents.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Illusion: </strong>With no perks being placed into armor, having no method to block, and also staying out of stealth mode, you will need a way of directing attention away from you. The Frenzy spell will become a staple as it allows you to rip open enemies as they tear each other apart. Other Illusion spells allow for increased crowd control.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Archery: </strong>The Bound Bow is a weightless, easily portable long ranged weapon that will become very deadly when combined with Quickdraw and a reserve of Paralysis poisons. When combined with a Frenzied group of opponents, it becomes almost unfair.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Minor Skills</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Enchanting: </strong>This is the only crafting skill that you'll be investing more than 1 perk in. It will allow you to become an effective spellcaster while only investing in health and stamina, and it will increase your damage outputs so you begin to feel like a real killer. It's also necessary as the aesthetic we are going for does not have enchanted versions. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Smithing: </strong>Taking the Steel Smithing perk will allow you to improve your Blades Swords and Wolf Armor pieces for that extra boost. Combining this with an enchanted set of Smithing/Alchemy gear will make a substantial difference in your survivability and efficiency.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Alchemy: </strong>The use of paralysis poisons is a great way to achieve additional crowd control and avoid damage. Combining this with dual-wield swords and illusion spells will make you untouchable by most enemies. Putting any perks in this tree is unnecessary as the outputs you will get from your crafting gear will be more than enough. </span></p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870654406?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="85" height="93" /></a></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Becoming the Lion</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Aesthetic is extremely important to me, especially since I prefer to play in third person most of the time. Being a vanilla build, our options are somewhat limited when it comes to finding the perfect look for our character. Despite this, I believe the combination of Morag Tong armor with the Companion's Wolf armor, and the use of the Akaviri style blades creates the dark warrior look we are going for. It captures the rugged barbarity of his nature, yet maintains a hint of nobility given his past, as well as his place as Dragonborn.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3866807517,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3866807517,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3866807517?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="436" height="393" /></a><span style="font-size:10pt;">Blacklion's Mane: </span></strong><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Wolf Helmet</em> (Fortify Illusion) Purchasable from Eorlund Gray-Mane after joining the Companions and completing Proving Honor.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blacklion's Cuirass:</strong> <em>Morag Tong Armor </em>(Fortify Magicka) Acquired in Solstheim during the quest Served Cold. Must complete March of the Dead and The Final Descent to unlock Served Cold.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blacklion's Gauntlets: </strong><em>Wolf Gauntlets </em>(Fortify Archery) Purchasable from Eorlund Gray-Mane after joining the Companions and completing Proving Honor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blacklion's Boots: </strong><em>Wolf Boots </em>(Fortify One-Handed) Purchasable from Eorlund Gray-Mane after joining the Companions and completing Proving Honor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Ring of the Pride: </strong><em>Gold Ring </em>(Resist Magic)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Amulet of Prowess: </strong><em>Gold Necklace </em>(Resist Magic)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Dual Blades Swords: </strong>Using enchanted blades is not this character's style, the idea of cutting someone down is good enough, and he does not require magical effects to assist his swords. Also, leaving them unenchanted will allow the use of Elemental Fury. Multiple swords can be found in Sky Haven Temple and one is found in Delphine's secret room.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Bound Bow:</strong> Spell tome found in Fort Amol, becomes castable with a Novice Hood at the least.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Level 38 Perk Spread</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}4482893744,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}4482893744,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="4482893744?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="752" height="422" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Once you have reached this point, the character becomes viable for the rest of the game on Master, yet feel free to invest in other trees such as Speech for extra roleplay opportunities or the main combat skills for added damage. Any additions could either subtract from the challenge or enhance it. I encourage you to take the build in any direction you want after all of these perks are obtained.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870654406?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="85" height="93" /></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a class="CID87ae469c-4bfc-4bbd-b7fe-2c586425514d"> </a><a class="CID30671b21-09f1-443a-b272-c936c1573c55"> </a></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870664714,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870664714,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870664714?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="826" height="56" /></a> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Blacklion takes himself extremely seriously and is a highly focused individual. To him, the end justifies the means, no matter the cost. He is at the center of his own world, and despite being egocentric, he does not parade around like some sort of arrogant a-hole. He understands the benefits of healthy relationships and rarely makes a fool of himself. Each action he takes has purpose, and until his goals are met, there is no greater concern to him. The questlines he pursues are representative of his endgame, which will be explained in detail below. This build manages to take multiple questlines and steers them in a direction to suit Blacklion and his intentions, which is a complete assault on the Thalmor and a sabotage of all of their political ambitions within Skyrim. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Building Bridges</strong></em></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3869118584,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3869118584,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3869118584?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="436" height="249" /></a></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">Thieves Guild. </span></strong>Blacklion is not a thief, yet as a wanted man on the run, finding protection through a band of misfits is not something he would pass up. He will run with the Guild until he has gathered enough resources and notoriety to pursue his own goals. Proving his usefulness to them will not take long as he is a much more capable man than most of their members. The cistern offers a place to sleep, safe storage, and is located near a court mage, blacksmith, and multiple vendors, making it the perfect place to level up Enchanting and accumulate wealth. When given the chance to keep the Skeleton Key, he will cut off all ties with them and use its powers to his own benefit. He has no respect for thieves and in his mind it will do the world a lot more good if he were in possession of it, as opposed to a daedric prince. Karliah's description of the Key's power to unlock unimaginable potential within a person makes it too good to pass up and serves as an explanation for Blacklion's ability to become Listener and Dragonborn, as his possession of the Key allows him to tap into the hidden wells of power within himself.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3869154832,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3869154832,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3869154832?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="483" height="371" /></a></strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Companions.<span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">Blacklion has likely heard of the Companions by now, revered in Skyrim as the greatest band of warriors in the land. Seeing this as an inlet to earn a positive reputation and garner some influence as a warrior, he decides to join up. The idea of fighting side by side with, what he would consider, a bunch of dumb hulking Nords does not necessarily appeal to him, but he slowly begins to take pleasure in being the only Altmer among them, and proves that he is not to be underestimated. When the gift of the beast blood is presented to him, he accepts reluctantly with the thought in mind that it will allow him to ascend to the Circle and gain respect among others. The gift is accepted out of desperation, and he is unable to fully accept the change that has been made to his body. He will embrace the gift for the time he needs it, but once his position in the world has been solidified and all of his goals have been met, he will perform the ritual to abandon the beast within. However, the acquisition of the beast blood is necessary, as it is symbolic to the development of the character. It represents his gradual shift towards a darker and more barbaric path, where the desire for revenge consumes him, and his power grows. I would like to think the beast blood affects his human form as well, making him more ferocious in battle and enhancing his senses. Lycanthropy is used as a roleplay device rather than a gameplay device and he relies very little on his werewolf transformations, if at all.</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3869728509,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /> <img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3869728509,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3869728509?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="432" height="393" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">Dark Brotherhood.</span> </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">On one of his Companion missions to Windhelm, Blacklion hears there is a boy trying to contact a group of assassins. Capitalizing on this opportunity, he speaks to this boy and accepts his contract, with the hopes that this will get the attention of the Brotherhood. His purpose for this is that with the Dark Brotherhood's resources, he will be able to fund his operations further. After his theft of the Skeleton Key, his connection to Skyrim's underworld is now murky, and he is unsure where he stands among the Guild. Now, with his connection to the Brotherhood, he will have a hidden base of operations and will soon find himself in a leadership position among them. His connection to Sithis grants him absolute loyalty from certain members of the group and having dangerous allies will be beneficial to his mission moving forward. He will spare Cicero, as mad as he is, because he is a loyal servant to the Brotherhood and to the Listener. His survival ensures the upkeep of the Night Mother, who is Blacklion's direct connection to the Dread Father, an important tie that he would not dare to cut. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">This questline also gives us access to the opportunity to assassinate the Emperor, Titus Mede II. Seizing this opportunity, from a roleplay perspective, grants us great political influence over the Empire as well as the Dominion. By removing the current Emperor, who serves as nothing more than a puppet to the Dominion will be our first step in our fight against them. His assassination will pave the way to a strengthened Empire and a weakened Thalmor presence in foreign provinces.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>The Night of the Lone Lion</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Every quest and action of Blacklion has led up to a single night, where specific quests will be progressed in a way that you can make an all out assault on the Thalmor in an attempt to devastate their political and diplomatic ambitions in Skyrim. This is the ultimate goal of our protagonist, and it is our best way of taking a fight to the Thalmor that the bounds of vanilla allow, but there is something rewarding about telling your own story through vanilla Skyrim rather than letting mods tell the story for you. The Night of the Lone Lion will go down in history as a the night a single man laid waste to the Thalmor power in Skyrim, eliminating the Emperor of Tamriel, assaulting the Thalmor Embassy, as well as Northwatch Keep all in one, long night.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><br /> </strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870080560,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870080560,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870080560?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="395" height="347" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Main Quest. </strong></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">Although he is not your traditional hero, Blacklion is still worthy of the blessing of Dragonborn. By making it his life goal to rooting out Thalmor control over Skyrim and freeing the people of their tyrannical grip, he is indirectly restoring the legacy of the Dragonborn before him, Tiber Septim, or Talos. The progression of this questline is also extremely important because it grants us access to two things: Blades Swords and the quest to infiltrate the Thalmor embassy. The Katariah, the ship on which the Emperor is located, is in close proximity to the carraige you will take to the Embassy, making the two quests completable in a single night. From a roleplay perspective, it will put a massive dent in any plans the Thalmor have in Skyrim and their politcal power in the province will diminish. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Your approach to the quest to infiltrate the embassy will be a loud one. The goal is to kill every single soldier and justicar, and that includes attacking Elenwyn herself. Although she is essential and is technically unkillable, we will make an attempt on her life, causing her to fall to the ground hurt, and we will run off before we have a chance to see her get back up. This part will take some imagination as we will pretend that she bled out right where we struck her down. The fact that she is unkillable is ludicrous, but the beauty of the Elder Scrolls is that it's a roleplaying game and reality can be whatever we make it. After every Thalmor in the Embassy is dead, you will grab whatever documents they had and will begin the final part of your attack.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">As for the rest of the main questline, it is entirely up to you on what you decide to do. It is not crucial to the story or the roleplay of this character, so I will leave it open-ended, leaving you to deciding how he will approach the prophecy and whether he will decide to take on Alduin or not.</span></p><p> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870254308,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870254308,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870254308?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="501" height="396" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Missing in Action. </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">What began as a simple favor for Eorlund Gray-Mane, a man you have come to respect during your time with the Companions, has resulted in the discovery of invaluable information... intelligence pinpointing the location of a Thalmor keep, located on the western shores of the Sea of Ghosts. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">The assault of Northwatch Keep will be the final act in our Night of the Lone Lion and will be the finale of our character's pursuit of revenge. The assault will be carried out with absolute predjudice, and he will leave no survivors, other than the prisoners that will be freed. The assassination of the Emperor, infiltration of the Thalmor embassy, and an assault on Northwatch Keep will deliver irreversible damage to all Dominion ambitions in Skyrim. Although the deed has been done to purge them from Skyrim, his plan is not over.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Civil War. </strong></span>Although Blacklion was suspicious of the Dominion's use of Ulfric Stormcloak and his rebellion as a tactic to weaken the Empire, the documents discovered inside the embassy only proved this hunch. It is clear to him that the only way to permanently cleanse the land of Thalmor control is by reestablishing the Empire's strength. By ending the civil war that plagues the land and killing Ulfric Stormcloak, he can ensure a powerful Empire.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Miscellaneous/Post-Game/Optional Quests</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Solstheim. </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">Travelling to Solstheim will be necessary in acquiring your Morag Tong Armor to complete your rugged assassin aesthetic. You will need to complete the March of the Dead quest as well as The Final Descent as a precursor to Served Cold, the quest where you can finally acquire the armor. I decided to travel to Solstheim during my time with the Companions. Having Beast Form as a backup is helpful, given the difficulty of the quests. I also brought along Uthgerd the Unbroken, who is found in The Bannered Mare. A companion can bring some extra firepower when you are not at the desired level.</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>College of Winterhold. </strong></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">Your only reasoning for trekking all the way up to this frozen wasteland will be to gain access to all the different amenities and vendors inside, and you'll be able to buy soul gems and spells. However, there is the issue of the Thalmor spy, Ancano, and the only way to kill him is by progessing the storyline and becoming the archmage. Being contacted by the Psijic Order will likely motivate Blacklion to further investigate the Eye of Magnus and quest to Labyrinithian. Here you will also be able to pick up a word in the Slow Time shout.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ondolemar. </strong></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">During the Dark Brotherhood questline, you'll be tasked with interrogating and killing the Markarth Keep cook. During this mission, you will notice the Thalmor justicar and soldiers patrolling the area. Blacklion will act on this and will do something to take care of them.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>In My Time of Need. </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">A fun little side quest where Blacklion will likely take pity for Saadia, for as far as he is concerned, her story about the Thalmor sending assassins after her is entirely believable. Not to mention, he would probably be fairly attracted to her. I can imagine him abandoning his intuition and following his feelings during this quest. Channeling his rage against the Alik'r Warriors out of an attraction for a woman.</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Dawnguard. </strong></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">It is perfectly viable for Blacklion to find himself amidst a second prophecy involving an Elder Scroll. First the Dragon scroll and now the Blood scroll. His alliance with these vampire-hunters begins simply out of hate for the fowl creatures that storm towns and murder innocents in cold blood. Although he is technically the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, since the Night of the Lone Lion, he has begun to walk a more noble path and no longer concerns himself with revenge and the darkness it entails. Also, armored trolls are bad*ss and something that he would definitely find some use in.</span></li></ul><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870654406?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="85" height="93" /></a></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870665922,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870665922,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870665922?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="514" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">This build is all about directing attention away from you and dispatching foes with lethality and precision. It is my attempt to create an assassin that does not use Sneak, but instead employs a variety of other tactics to be a deadly killer and to not sustain a major amount of blows during combat. If I could summarize the playstyle I would tell you to imagine Corvo Attano from Dishonored, but he's not allowed to crouch, and instead of one blade, he has two. This is our foundation, and our utilization of the Bound Bow will give us increased variety in our playstyle. Illusion spells such as Frenzy, Rout, and Pacify will allow us to maintain crowd control and choose our fights wisely. The main focus is to redirect damage away from us as much as possible using Illusion and Paralysis potions, while dealing out as much damage as possible with our dual-wielding and quickdraw bound bow. I wanted this character to feel seriously deadly. I want you to have the feeling of entering combat entirely confident, knowing you're about to mess up whoever stands in your way without feeling too overpowered and compromising the challenge that Skyrim combat can offer. It should be fast paced, but not so much to the point it becomes unenjoyable.</span> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Gear/Spells/Shouts</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Dual Blades Swords </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">(Sky Haven Temple)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Bound Bow </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">(Fort Amol)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Frenzy, Rout, Pacify </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">(Drevis Neloren, College of Winterhold)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Vegetable Soup </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">(Crafted at cooking stations with potatoes, cabbage, leeks, and tomatoes)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Paralysis Poisons </strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">(Canis Root + Imp Stool/Swamp Fungal Pod)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Unrelenting Force</strong> <span style="font-size:10pt;">(Acquired through main quest)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Whirlwind Sprint</strong> <span style="font-size:10pt;">(High Hrothgar, Dead Men's Respite, Volskygge)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Elemental Fury</strong> <span style="font-size:10pt;">(Dragontooth Crater, Shriekwind Bastion, Statue to Meridia)</span></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Slow Time</strong> <span style="font-size:10pt;">(Hag's End, Korvanjund, Labyrinthian)</span></span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Special Moves</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">I have created a list of special move combinations to help you get an idea of what this character is capable of and how he approaches fights. Of course, these moves can be mixed and matched to suit the moment, for example, Illusion spells will prove obsolete against dragons, but the rest of the move is still viable. I've tried to put together something utilizing each piece of his arsenal, and it can be up to you which methods you wish to employ and what you think will be the best one for each fight.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>“Into the Fray” </strong><strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870446412,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870446412,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870446412?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="335" height="368" /></a></span></em></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Dual Cast Frenzy + Vegetable Soup + Elemental Fury + Critical Charge + Dual Flurry</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:10pt;">A simple yet effective maneuver and the Blacklion’s go-to tactic. He charges into a hectic battle field, relentlessy slashing down enemies with lighting speed.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>“Stand Your Ground” </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Vegetable Soup + Potions + Poisons of Paralysis + Dual Flurry</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:10pt;">When your options have run dry and your enemies begin to surround you, you give death a quick finger before downing a few potions, somehow finishing an entire bowl of soup, and flailing your swords around in desperation. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>“Dishonorable Discharge”</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Summon Bound Bow + Quickdraw + Unrelenting Force + Poison of Paralysis</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:10pt;">While your opponent contends with a flurry of arrows as they close the distance, they will be displeased to find themselves flung back, losing all the ground they’ve covered in your pursuit. This move is a display of the sheer pettiness that Blacklion is capable of.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>“Arcane Rain” <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870450587,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870450587,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870450587?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="453" height="335" /></a></strong><em> </em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>High gro</em><em>und + Dual Cast Frenzy + Summon Bound Bow + Slow Time</em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:10pt;">Not only does this combo have a catchy name, but it's extremely effective and comparable to shooting fish in a barrel, except if you lose your footing you may fall into the barrel and realize you’re being eaten alive by very angry fish.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>“Ramsay’s Game”</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Dual Cast Rout + Summon Bound Bow + Poison of Paralysis </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">+ Critical Charge</span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:10pt;">This one is inspired by the Game of Thrones scene where Ramsay Bolton sets someone free of his bonds and fires arrows at him as he tries to run away. As twisted as it is, there is something satisfying about watching a poor little bandit flee in terror, only to be struck with a poison arrow that flings him face first into the dirt. Then, you can finish them off with a swift stab in the gut. Give them a bigger headstart for an extra challenge!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>"Down the Beast"</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Summon Bound Bow + Vegetable Soup + Elemental Fury + Dual Flurry</em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3871156443,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3871156443,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3871156443?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="416" height="317" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Although it is rather straight forward, this is the best way to deal with dragons, sending a barage of arrows to widdle them down and when they first land, you make sure they won't be getting back up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>"Tag"</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Dual Cast Frenzy + Dual Cast Rout + Critical Charge + Dual Flurry + Whirlwind Sprint + Dual Flurry</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">This tactic is not the most effective, but it is fun. Dual casting Frenzy will cause the opposition to weaken each other, making it easier for you to tag them. Before any of them can die, you'll cast Rout, causing them to run in all sorts of directions. You'll take the first enemy with a critical charge, finishing them off, then you turn to the other enemy trying to flee and Whirlwind Sprint right up to them, cutting them down with ease. After that, a critical charge or two will take care of whoever is left. Perhaps if one got away, you can conjure up the bow and pull a "Ramsay's Game". </span></p><p> </p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870654406,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870654406?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="85" height="93" /></a></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870609460,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /> </a></span></span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870666603,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870666603,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870666603?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="552" /></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:10pt;">I had so much fun putting this build together, and I am proud of what I was able to make with my low-end PC & limited graphic design skills. If you read the entire build, or even skimmed, thank you for giving it the time of day. Any feedback, comments, or questions are much appreciated as I spent a considerable amount of time on this project. I wish everyone else participating in the contest the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing what you all put together. </span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3870609460,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3870609460,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3870609460?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><strong>Optional Mods</strong></em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Although this is meant to be played on vanilla Skyrim, I can still reccomend mods to further enhance the build. Firstly, <strong>TK Dodge</strong> can really spice up combat and is very useful on solo opponents. It really makes you feel like a true martial combatant. There is a series of mods by <strong>MadFrenchie </strong>dedicated to rooting out Thalmor from the land and they play well into our characters motive and provide additional gameplay. If you use mods and haven't added <strong>Dual Sheathe Redux </strong>to your load order, you are seriously missing out. Having an actual draw animation for left-hand weapons and having them actually appear on your character can make a load of difference in immersion. The <strong>AmidianBorn</strong> armor retexures are great for our aesthetic and I am using them in the screenshots. I also am using <strong>Enhanced Blood Textures </strong>to give the character that extra feeling of ruthlessness and savagery. Purchasing property in major cities is not this character's style, seeing as he's a controversial figure and all, but <strong>The Legend of the Eagle's Nest </strong>provides a secluded mountain hideaway, centrally located in the mountains south of Whiterun. It suits his personality well and will still cost you a pretty penny to furnish, so it's not cheaty. Last, but certainly not least, is any killmove mod. I use <strong>The Dance of Death </strong>and jack up the killmove rate to 100% with no 'Last Enemy Restriction' for a truly cinematic and fun battle.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Note:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">This build has been modified as of 4/21/20. Enchanting has been moved to a minor skill to achieve balance, and Restoration has been dropped to incentivise smarter gameplay and achieve balance. The perk spread has been redone, credit to Ponty for the advice on making them, the Gameplay section received minor changes, and other minor changes have been made to the build in general.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Also, huge thanks to Teccam, Elysium, and Erinoth for providing contructive criticism as apart of the contest judging, which inspired me to make some much needed changes.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Congratulations to Ponty for placing 1st, Shadon on placing 2nd, and Asgard for tying with me for 3rd.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p></div>Character Build: The Chameleonhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-chameleon2019-12-14T18:50:05.000Z2019-12-14T18:50:05.000ZShadonhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Shadon<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>They draw closer every day. Every time I think I've shaken them, they somehow pick up my trail once more. I need to be more unpredictable, more untraceable. I've invented some new cocktails that should throw them off for a little while... assuming they don't get me killed. But I don't have a choice: I need to keep running, keep morphing, keep changing... Otherwise I'm through.</em></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><em>***</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The jack-of-all-trades is an alluring, yet elusive concept. Such a build can use any armor, any weapon, any spell or any skill with a certain degree of expertise, and is thus very versatile. The price these builds often require, however, is a ton of grinding and leveling. For each skill you use, you usually have to level and perk it first, and the result is that you don't really get to enjoy the versatility these builds offer until an outrageously high level, and much of your gameplay leading up to it is mind-numbing power-leveling.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This build seeks to find a way around this issue, putting perks into only <em>one</em> skill: Alchemy. Using this build, you will utilize specific cocktails of potions of various effects to imitate and seamlessly blend between any classes you want, constantly adapting and changing according to your immediate surroundings. In other words, you will become...</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>The Chameleon</strong></span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284423652,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284423652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284423652?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Note: This build makes use of the Ordinator perk overhaul for certain conveniences and boosts, though it should be relatively simple to convert it to Vanilla. I'll be explaining the reasoning behind my perk choices, so you should be able to translate the build fairly well.</em></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>~Build Overview~</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3770118449,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3770118449,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3770118449?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="371" height="531" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Race</strong>: Obviously the ideal race for a build named after a lizard is <span style="text-decoration:line-through;"><strong>Khajiit</strong> </span>I'm just kidding. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Honestly, the choice of race is up to you, since there are no real benefits to Alchemy from any of the Vanilla races. I went with <strong>Argonian</strong>, because chameleons.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stats</strong>: <strong>0 Magicka</strong> / <strong>1</strong> <strong>Health</strong> / <strong>3 Stamina</strong>. Fortification potions will mostly account for Health and Magicka pools. You'll want to invest a lot in Stamina because you'll be carrying around a bunch of potions, ingredients, and gear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone</strong>: <strong>Thief</strong> -> <strong>Choice</strong>. Use the Thief Stone to help with leveling Alchemy, then switch to whichever one you like. Heck, roll some dice and pick one randomly for a bit, then change it up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Spells: Any.</strong> As you play classes that use spells, you'll inevitably level up your magic skills, even though you won't be perking them. As a result, you'll still be able to purchase higher-level spells. The increased Magicka cost will be offset by potions and gear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shouts: Any.</strong> Whether or not the Chameleon is the Dragonborn is up to you, and whatever Shouts he may or may not use is also your choice. If you do decide to use Shouts, I recommend using the Shouts that synergize most with whatever class you're currently playing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Major Skills</strong>: Alchemy</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Minor Skills</strong>: None</span></p><p> </p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Equipment-</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>My back aches from lugging all this junk around. I've gotten better at changing in and out of clothes and weapons than I ever thought I'd need to be. But it's necessary to keep them guessing. Just wish I'd picked something lighter to wear...</em></span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Admittedly the gear for this build can get a bit hairy, as with most jack-of-all-trades builds. The fact is that you'll need to carry around everything a specific class may need, and since you'll be changing classes spontaneously, you need to carry everything all the time. This is why you'll be putting most of your points into Stamina. The payoff is completely worth it though, trust me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I also recommend some kind of inventory mod like SkyUI or iEquip to make managing your gear and potions more efficient.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Weapons</strong>:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">One-Handed weapon of choice</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Two-Handed weapon of choice</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Bow + arrows of choice</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Any staves you may want to use</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">For the weapons, you may want to consider using silver. The enemies that they are most effective against are often immune to poison, which this build uses to a large extent, so the extra damage will help balance things out.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Armor:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">One set of Light Armor + Shield</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">One set of Heavy Armor + Shield</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A set of clothing/mage garb</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">What your armor is and what enchantments (if any) it has is up to your preference. Ideally you'd pick something that works across a variety of classes and playstyles, for maximum compatibility. Examples would be enchantments along the lines of elemental resistances instead of fortifying a specific skill.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">You should also put together an "Alchemy outfit" for whenever you make batches of potions. Wear as much gear with the Fortify Alchemy enchantment as possible; this includes Circlets/Hoods/Helmets, Necklaces, Rings, and Gauntlets/Gloves. You can find these things around the world and in shops. Check out the Radiant Raiment in Solitude for some enchanted jewelry.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>~Gameplay and Perks~</strong></span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Perks-</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I'm nothing without my potions. They keep me safe, anonymous... deadly. The day I find myself without 'em is the day I get caught.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Chameleon is totally reliant on Alchemy, having no perks in any other skill. As a result, you can bet that this skill is well-developed for taking on nearly any situation. In other builds, the boosts and perks for Alchemy you'll be using here would certainly be overpowered, but for a build that relies so completely on potions, maximizing your effects is a must.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3770127688,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3770127688,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3770127688?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" /></a></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">The <em>Physician</em> perk allows you to choose between increasing the effect of potions that boost Health, Magicka, or Stamina. I recommend choosing Magicka, because you may find that potions of Fortify Magicka aren't enough without it when using higher-level spells.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ordinator's Advanced Lab offers you a +25% boost to the potions you make there. Taking the further perks will give you additional benefits, such as doubling your potion output, which is very handy when you use the rarer--and stronger--ingredients later on. Where you put the Advanced Lab is up to you, but since you can only have one at a time, you should choose someplace accessible. I personally had my Chameleon holed up at the <strong>Alchemist's Shack</strong>. The alchemy lab there is out in the open, amongst a pretty little garden. Seemed fitting.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">You'll also want to take the poison-related perks. The Chameleon will use lethal poisons to make up for any damage deficits. <em>Bottomless Cup</em> is a gods-send for poisoning your enemies, giving you one additional poisoned hit for every 10 levels. <em>Alkahest</em> lets you ignore some armor rating, and <em>Amplify</em> <em>Lethality</em> is perfect for dealing with particularly strong enemies or bosses.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Witchmaster</em> and <em>Chymical Wedding</em> both give you a chance for additional effects, which usually benefit your current class in some way. The rest of the perks are either for getting to later perks or provide helpful, but not crucial boosts to the Chameleon.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The last perk you'll want to acquire is <em>That Which Does Not Kill</em>. This perk gives you a huge bonus to potion making, but it'll make you work for it. Lots of preparation is needed for taking this perk: upon taking it, for 60 seconds, you'll take 150 damage per second, so having a full stock of restorative elixirs is key. The payoff is a massive boost to your potions and therefore your gameplay as a whole. Think of this as the Chameleon's final mastery of Alchemy.</span></p><p> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Gameplay-</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3770150662,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3770150662,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3770150662?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="182" height="579" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I'd like to see someone else who can sweep through the front lines with a greatsword and heavy armor, blast someone else apart with magic, then disappear into the shadows without a trace, all in the span of the same battle. Oh, and without any kind of training. I'd be the best alchemist in Tamriel if I wasn't constantly running for my life. What sick cards Fate has dealt me...</em></span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The gameplay for this build is as unlimited as your imagination. I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true. Once you finish the relatively brief process of leveling and perking Alchemy, as well as getting the necessary gear, you will be able to mimic nearly any class you want, with the right mixture of potions. These mixtures will be discussed further in the next section, along with some premade examples.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The classes you choose to imitate are entirely up to you, but I recommend choosing the class that most benefits you at a given moment. For example, dealing with a lot of ranged/magic enemies may encourage you to pick an archery or magic-based class, while dealing with a swarm of melee enemies might best be done with a tanky melee class. To get started, you may want to look at the premade classes from Oblivion, and work from there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Switching to a different class causes you to inherit that particular class's weaknesses as well, which adds a level of balance to this build that makes it all the more enjoyable. It further forces you to commit to that specific playstyle in order to stay alive, and thus strays from being overpowered.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">An apparent drawback to utilizing potions over developed skills is that most of the potions you'll be using only have a duration of about 60 seconds. But this is actually a blessing in disguise. Your cocktails will last roughly the duration of one or two battles, then you're given the opportunity to entirely change your effects and gear to become an entirely new class for the next battle or two. Essentially, you'll be constantly adapting to whatever your immediate situation is, blending seamlessly between classes of your choosing. This idea is where the build gets its name.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Cocktails of the Chameleon-</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Last week's creation was a disaster. Dunno what I was thinking, combining my potions like that. Nearly got myself killed. Bright side is that it must have thrown my pursuers for a spin. Lucky me.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Chameleon's versatility stems from its use of specific combinations of potions, which imitate the devlopment of certain skills otherwise achieved through leveling and perking. What these combinations are is entirely up to you, but this may seem a bit overwhelming at first. Below are some basic class templates--with potion effects and playstyles--for you to reference while you get the hang of juggling the moving parts of this build.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">For each class you use, you should poison its weapon, if it uses one. The damage boost from your poisons in combination with fortifying that particular weapon's corresponding skill should be enough to render you a deadly warrior.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Mixture of the Knight<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3770148595,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3770148595,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3770148595?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="133" height="231" /></a></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Block</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Heavy Armor</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Health</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Health Regen (optional but really nice)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify One-Handed</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">You probably know how to play this one. Your basic bash-and-whacker. Very noble.</span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3770148857,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3770148857,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3770148857?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="169" height="284" /></a></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Mixture of the Assassin</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Sneak</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify One-Handed</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Archery</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Light Armor</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This one's likely a fan-favorite of just about any game (P.S. It's mine too). You're a sneak archer until you get close enough to stabby stabby. This class also benefits greatly from potions of invisibility, so keep some of those handy, too.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3770149170,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3770149170,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3770149170?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="190" height="267" /></a></p><p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Mixture of the Spellsword</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify One-Handed</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Magicka</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Magicka Regen (optional)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Destruction/Other Magic Schools</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fortify Heavy/Light Armor (your choice)</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spellswords are a tad more complex, but come with a ton more versatility. You wield a blade in one hand and some kind of magic in the other, usually a Destruction spell. This is a great introduction to the complexity this build can achieve once you get the hang of things.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">These classes, along with the other premade classes from Oblivion, are great starting points. With these, you'll be able to handle just about anything that comes your way. But that's not where the fun stops: this build really shines when you mix and match different potions and gear, creating your own custom classes and playstyles. Sometimes you'll become an abomination, lacking any kind of synergy, but other times, you'll discover new playstyles that you may even want to explore further in a dedicated playthrough.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Some Notes-</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Alchemical Supplements -</strong> Most of your potions will go towards combining into certain classes. But there are many potions in the game that benefit you in a different way; elemental resistance and attribute regeneration most prominent among them. Feel free to sprinkle these kinds of supplemental potions into whatever class you see fit for an extra bit of survivability.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Master of None -</strong> Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that this build has some downsides. Because you aren't actually taking perks in any of the skills you're using in your classes, there's no way you'll achieve "completeness" in any of them. By that I mean you won't achieve the level of development and synergy that can only come by carefully selecting certain perks and unlocking new abilities. However, I feel that the versatility and low cost (time and effort) of this build more than makes up for it.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong style="font-size:18pt;">~Quests and Roleplay~</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Quests-</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I don't even know what I'm doing at this point. I'm just taking whatever comes my way, praying that it's enough to throw them off my trail. Slaying dragons one day and murdering emperors the next? That's gotta confuse 'em... Right?</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Recommended Quests</strong>: Any and all of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">With this build, all doors are open to you. You can join any and all Factions without worrying about whether or not they "support" a certain playstyle: You can simultaneously be the most fearsome warrior of the Companions, the most sly thief of the Thieves Guild, and the wisest wizard of the College, all without taking any perks in their respective skills. It's really quite liberating.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Stories will follow of the Chameleon's exploits, but each one will detail a seemingly entirely different person. No one will realize that the Chameleon is the one responsible for everything, and no one will be able to catch up with him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The aim of the game here is to mix up what the Chameleon does in order to throw off his pursuers; the more mis-matched the quests and Factions, the better. </span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>-Roleplay-</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Chameleon is a fugitive of his homeland with his pursuers hot on his heels, forced to constantly run, constantly change, constantly morph. His interactions with the people of Skyrim will be as unpredictable and varied as his gameplay, by necessity. Every time you talk to someone, adopt a different personality. At one time you'll be honest, wide-eyed, and innocent; another, you'll be a disillusioned, sarcastic jerk.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">You can take this further by having the Chameleon adopt the stereotypical personality traits of whatever class he imitates. For example, being a Knight would make him more noble and chivalrous, donating to the poor, while being a Mage could actually make him smarter, and being a Thief could make him more shifty and likely to steal things. Who knows how he'll act when morphed into one of your mashed-up<em> </em>classes?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Eventually all the changing and hiding is going to get to him. Will he even remember who he <em>really </em>is by the time this is through? That's for you to decide.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;">***</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><br /> <span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>~Closing Remarks~</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">And that's it! I figured that a shorter build would be a welcome change compared to my usual monsters. I hope that you found this concept interesting, and maybe even worthy of a playthrough. I certainly had a lot of fun with it. So long, and happy building!</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Credit to Curse for helping me figure out the writeup. And, you know, actually getting me to post this thing.</em></span></p><p> </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 Apotheotehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-apotheote2019-11-25T01:23:18.000Z2019-11-25T01:23:18.000ZTeccamhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Teccam<div><p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:500;">And we’re back.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">One of my favorite items in TES IV: Oblivion was a unique staff that could be purchased from a shopkeeper in the Imperial City. It dealt 33 points of damage from each of the three major elements, and while it was a bit pricey for a fresh character, it would prove invaluable for many early/mid-game encounters.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">This staff was called </span><em><strong><span style="color:#2c6ac7;">Apotheosis</span></strong></em><span style="font-weight:500;">, and it has long been a dream of mine to recreate it in Skyrim.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">As many regulars of the Forge are already aware, thanks to Blackblood’s excellent alchemist build, </span><em>apotheosis </em><span style="font-weight:500;">is a Greek word that describes the transcendence of a mortal into godhood. With this build, I wanted to bring balance and power to the elements in a way that does justice to that etymology. This one was a ton of fun to conceptualize, play, and write. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:500;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740025683,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740025683?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:500;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740025482,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740025482?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="550" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:500;">I am symbiosis. For two centuries have I lain, idle and neglected, deep in the wilderness of the Jerall Mountains. My last bearer performed many wonders while under my dominion. But we fulfilled our purpose long ago, and we parted ways: he to dwell in the Shivering Isles, and me to seek my next vessel in the realm of mortals. He was not the first. He will not be the last.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:500;">I am symbiosis. I hunger. How I hunger. But I cannot feed without a vessel. And through me, my vessel too will feast. He will grow fat from strength. And be he worthy, he too shall transcend his mortal shackles. He will not be the last.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:500;">I am symbiosis. My vessel approaches, drawn to the energy that radiates from my core. And I sense him, as I know he senses me.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:500;">I am symbiosis. And my long rest has ended.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740027091,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740027091?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="550" /></p>
<ul style="text-align:justify;">
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Race:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> Orc</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Alignment:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> Neutral Good (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">early game</span><span style="font-weight:500;">) → Chaotic Neutral (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">late game</span><span style="font-weight:500;">)</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Stone</strong><span style="font-weight:500;">: Atronach</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Attributes:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> All Magicka</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Major Skills:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> Alteration, Two-handed, Heavy Armor</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Minor Skills:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> Destruction, Block, Alchemy, Illusion, Smithing</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Key Passives:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> Seeker of Sorcery, Force Without Effort, Blessing of Stendarr</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Shouts:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> Bend Will, Become Ethereal</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740032120,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740032120?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3740033012,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" style="padding:2px;" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740033012,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740033012?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="275" /></a>The main feature of this build, as you should have already surmised, is </span><strong>Apotheosis</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> itself: a stalhrim warhammer enchanted with Chaos Damage. It can hit multiple enemies with a single blow (<a href="https://media1.tenor.com/images/9c1e1732b5281f99e4a3a7a8135cc4be/tenor.gif?itemid=4849903" target="_blank"><em><strong>sound familiar?</strong></em></a></span><span style="font-weight:500;">), it can push the block cap in the endgame, it can deal solid damage even while bashing (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">and incredible damage with an outright attack - refer below</span><span style="font-weight:500;">), and it will stagger virtually anything in its path. The feeling of a power attack from a warhammer is deliciously visceral, and it really lends the sense of weight and power that a demigod should possess.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">In terms of armor, the play here is a full set of tempered </span><strong>Nordic Carved</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> gear with the mask of </span><strong>Zahkriisos</strong><span style="font-weight:500;">. This is an awesome and imposing look, reminiscent of some of the great lords and demigods of mythology and fantasy (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">refer again to the gif linked in the prior paragraph</span><span style="font-weight:500;">). Even better, it provides quite strong protection, easily capable of hitting the cap in the endgame. And best of all, Zahkriisos allows us to untap the full potential of the Chaos Damage enchantment on our hammer! You may need to chuck on some Fortify Heavy Armor enchantments to truly maximize your defenses in the mid-game, but potions will be readily available.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">For jewelry, your standard fare will be the </span><strong>Ring of the Beast</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> and a </span><strong>Necklace of Peerless Blocking</strong><span style="font-weight:500;">. The former literally doubles your Health pool. Without this, even with this character’s heavy defenses, you may find that some enemies still hit impressively hard. The necklace further hedges against that risk, ensuring that your blocked damage pushes as close as possible to the cap -- and again, potions can make up any shortcomings in a pinch. You should also acquire the </span><strong>Amulet of Articulation</strong><span style="font-weight:500;">, which will allow you to properly remain in character when outside of combat. A nigh immortal demigod should be able to command and intimidate the mortal masses, don’t you think?</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740038127,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740038127?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">The Apotheote, being a seeker of godhood, is naturally very difficult to defeat. Indeed, this build can tank so much damage that it makes even <strong><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-undying" target="_blank">The Undying</a> </strong></span><span style="font-weight:500;">look vulnerable by comparison! Allow me to illustrate:</span></p>
<ul style="text-align:justify;">
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Worn Armor:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> 80% damage mitigation</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Dragonhide:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> 80% damage mitigation</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:500;"><strong>Blocking:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> 85% damage mitigation</span></li>
<li><strong>Grand Total:<span style="font-weight:500;"> 99.4% damage reduction !!!</span></strong></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3740045598,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" style="padding:2px;" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740045598,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740045598?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="275" /></a>That’s right: An attack that would normally hit for 100 damage will instead do </span><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>less than 1</strong></span><span style="font-weight:500;">! The really nice thing about these different defensive elements is that you can mix and match however you like -- if you want to preserve more Magicka for spells, you can skip Dragonhide for some encounters. Or if you want to forego blocking and feel like an unstoppable badass, you can just chuck on Dragonhide and swing away, with no need to block any attacks.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Dragonhide normally only lasts 30 seconds, but we can do much better. With Alteration Dual Casting, Stability, and a custom potion at 120% magnitude, we can get over 3.5 minutes from each cast! Do take heed, however: You </span><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">must not swap</span></strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> out any gear while Dragonhide is active, or else the effect will break (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">it is not meant to be used while armor is worn, but the game does not check whether armor is worn upon initial cast -- only once the spell is active</span><span style="font-weight:500;">). Also note that you will need either a Fortify Magicka potion, or else a Fortify Magicka and/or Fortify Alteration generic enchantment on an armor piece, in order to reliably dual cast Dragonhide.<br /> <br /> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Complementing the physical defense, the Apotheote absorbs 80% of all incoming spells, and resists more than half of the magical damage that does breach his initial defenses: Zahkriisos passively resists 50% of Shock spells, and Fire and Frost can be easily resisted with potions that use snowberries as a foundation. Keep a few of these on hand for dragons and enemy mages who dare to assault you. In the endgame, these can get up around 85%, which is the resistance cap.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">On the other end of the spectrum, this character can dish out some devastating damage via his wicked hammer. Throw in potions of Two-handed and/or Destruction, and you can see those numbers go through the roof: If all three elements proc, the magical and physical damage (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">fully buffed</span><span style="font-weight:500;">) will combine for </span><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>over 650 damage</strong></span><span style="font-weight:500;"> with those potions up, assuming you optimized your tempering, potions, and enchantments. Incredible, considering this character doesn’t even perk Enchanting.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Even a demigod needs to eat. I recommend keeping a stock -- no pun intended -- of </span><strong>vegetable soup</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> on hand before you enter a new dungeon. It lasts for 12 minutes, enough time to clear most dungeons, and is extremely cheap and accessible. Most cities have produce stalls, taverns, and general merchants, where you can buy the ingredients reliably for a few coins apiece. No reason not to use these liberally. They provide enough Stamina to get off a new power attack as quickly as our hammer can swing, and the health regen is actually enough to keep up with the damage you are likely to ever take too.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">The final element of gameplay to consider is Illusion. It’s a decidedly minor skill here, but I think it is extremely fitting for a demigod to be able to instill fear, panic, or other crippling effects on his lesser foes. The presence of such an imposing and powerful lord should be enough to cause most enemies to reconsider whether they dare challenge this figure. Apprentice spells should be sufficient for your needs, especially with perks like Aspect of Terror and the occasional Illusion potion. Illusion should be used somewhat sparingly, more as a change of pace to keep things fresh than as a constant primary tool.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740043699,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740043699?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">In order to balance out the frankly obscene defensive prowess this build offers, I advise playing this character on the “Adept-Plus” difficulty originally coined by </span><strong>asgard</strong><span style="font-weight:500;">. It’s an elegant, simple solution to a fundamental problem with Skyrim’s difficulty and level scaling systems: <strong><em><span style="color:#2c6ac7;">As you grow in level, your enemies gain more Health. As you increase difficulty, you deal less damage</span></em></strong></span><span style="font-weight:500;">. These two factors compound to make high level enemies feel like tedious bullet sponges on high difficulties, and it turns Skyrim into a slash-spamming simulator. Neither fun nor rewarding at all, in my opinion.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">The concept behind Adept-Plus is that you never spec into Health when leveling up, and rely instead upon a steadily improving armor base to counteract the progressively stronger incoming attacks you will receive as your enemies scale in power. It simulates the good part of Skyrim’s difficulty scaling -- that you receive relatively more incoming damage -- by virtue of a smaller Health pool. But without the annoying part: tedious spongey enemies. It works quite cleanly, creating a more natural difficulty curve than ramping up to Expert or Master as the playthrough develops. If you’ve never tried it, I definitely recommend it!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Do note that this character can survive on “Expert-Plus” or even “Master-Plus” if you find it to be too easy on Adept-Plus. Just keep base Health at 100, and adjust difficulty as you see fit. Or consider swapping out the Ring of the Beast for a different ring, which effectively doubles incoming damage. </span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Between the intentional Health limit and the endless Stamina from vegetable soup, there is no need to spec anywhere other than Magicka. You will find that you have more than you ever need in the mid/late game, allowing you to mix things up by dual casting spells to help keep combat a bit more dynamic. Or, if you find yourself taking more damage than a demigod tank should be receiving in your opinion, you can always tick a few level-ups into Health if you prefer. But I feel the build is very well balanced as presented on Adept-Plus, given the frame of feeling like a superhuman tank.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3740049478,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740049478,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740049478?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Bend Will</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> is great, both practically and thematically. Unlike any Illusion spells -- and at the expense of invoking the Wrath of Todd -- </span><em><span style="font-weight:500;">it just works</span></em><span style="font-weight:500;">. No buffs, no level caps, no aiming: Simply activate and sit back to watch as any NPCs and creatures it hits submit to your command. You can use them as temporary servants or thralls, or simply dispose of them if you prefer.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Become Ethereal</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> is a fantastic utility shout for movement, positioning, battlefield management, etc. In particular, it is best used by the Apotheote to set up power attack opportunities. The first attack to break ethereal form is free. And if you play your cards right, you can use a single sweep attack to smash several enemies at once, or perhaps a lucky backwards power attack to stun a boss type enemy. Note that the “paralysis” described in the Warmaster perk description is actually a knockdown, meaning enemies that resist the Paralyze effect can still be affected by backwards power attacks!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740050256,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740050256?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="550" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3740052530,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740052530,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740052530?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" /></a>Immovable Object:</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> Alteration Potion + Elemental Resistance Potion + Dual-cast Dragonhide + Block Potion</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:500;">As described above, this combination allows for the Apotheote to achieve a stunning 99.4% physical damage reduction, as well as 90% magical resistance (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">80% absorption + 50% to each element</span><span style="font-weight:500;">).<br /> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3740053315,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740053315,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740053315?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="75" /></a>Unstoppable Force:<span style="font-weight:500;"> Destruction Potion + Two-handed potion + Directional Power Attacks</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:500;">The potions allow for the Apotheote to elevate both the physical and magical damage of his attacks to terrifying levels, as discussed above. Sweep is ideal when facing a horde of mid/low level enemies, whereas Warmaster is for dispatching solitary boss type enemies.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Don’t forget that either of the above moves may be supplemented by <strong>Berserker Rage</strong> once per day, granting twice as much damage dealt or mitigated! Since the Apotheote’s defense is already so insane, I advise using Berserker Rage more for offensive displays.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740053796,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740053796?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Key potions for the Apotheote to brew include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fortify Alteration: </strong><span style="font-weight:500;">Grass Pod + River Betty</span>
<ul>
<li><em><span style="font-weight:500;">Note: Add Red Mountain Flower to get Restore Magicka as an extra effect</span></em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fortify Block: </strong><span style="font-weight:500;">Tundra Cotton + Bleeding Crown</span>
<ul>
<li><em><span style="font-weight:500;">Note: This also comes built-in with Resist Magic! Add Jazbay Grapes to get Fortify Magicka as well</span></em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fortify Destruction: </strong><span style="font-weight:500;">Glowing Mushroom + Nightshade</span>
<ul>
<li><em><span style="font-weight:500;">Note: Throw in Wheat to add a Fortify Health effect for even more survivability</span></em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fortify Two-handed: </strong><span style="font-weight:500;">Dragon’s Tongue + Fly Amanita</span>
<ul>
<li><em><span style="font-weight:500;">Note: Comes with built-in Fire Resistance. Add Mora Tapinella for Fortify Illusion</span></em></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resist Fire & Frost: </strong><span style="font-weight:500;">Snowberries + Fly Amanita + Thistle Branch</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">You may occasionally want to dabble with Fortify Heavy Armor in the mid-game, and perhaps Fortify Health Regen or other effects.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">I always recommend building at least one Hearthfire home for alchemist characters, and this is no exception. The garden and greenhouse are crucial to maintaining a passive supply of ingredients with minimal effort required. I also recommend keeping a full set of generic magic apparel with Fortify Alchemy enchantments next to your alchemy station. Rings are a bit harder to come by, but the </span><strong>Ring of Pure Mixtures</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> is a simple enough option. </span><strong>Muiri’s Ring</strong><span style="font-weight:500;"> is slightly better if you opt to join the Dark Brotherhood -- this is not essential to the character, but it would not be inappropriate to do.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740056734,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740056734?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3740054886,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3740054886?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">In your first few levels, focus on gathering a set of heavy armor and a two-handed weapon. You should be pretty well off on survivability from the get-go, with four pieces of heavy armor giving +100 hidden AR, as well as the ability to block at will. Grab Oakflesh as well for further defense and to begin leveling up your Alteration. Pick up Destruction Dual Casting early on, and swap freely between dual-cast spells and your hammer to keep both offensive options in line.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">I liked modeling this playthrough after the classic fall from grace: I started out as a journeyman Orc warrior seeking new challenges and testing his mettle. I ran through several standard adventuring quests in the early game, honing my skills and adding to my arsenal. However, after a chance encounter led to “discovering” Apotheosis around level 25, the seeds of conquest were planted. In roleplaying terms, I considered this discovery to be the encounter with the Champion’s Cudgel (</span><span style="font-weight:500;color:#5e5e5e;">perhaps named in honor of the staff’s previous wielder, the Champion of Cyrodiil, last known bearer of Apotheosis? Who’s to say, really?</span><span style="font-weight:500;">). Being a semi-sentient, semi-divine dark weapon, it is reasonable to me that it might be able to alter its form in subtle ways to best appeal to its vessel. In this manner, the Apotheote acquires the means to his Apotheosis: the stalhrim warhammer described above.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Yet as his power begins to grow, so too does his thirst to conquer. The Apotheote begins to see himself as superior, to seek out threats against his claims of dominion and dispatch them. With every foe vanquished, with every increase in strength, he grows ever darker, ever more distant and detached. This need not be a wholly evil character, but at a minimum, it warrants a cold and hard persona, especially toward the late game. Someone detached, unpredictable, ruthless. A loner whose only interaction with lesser men is to dominate, manipulate, or captivate.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">Eventually, the Apotheote will cease seeing himself as a mortal at all, and begin his final conquest -- </span><strong><em>death</em></strong><span style="font-weight:500;">. In so doing, he will push the boundaries of magic. He will journey to distant lands seeking unique powers and abilities, and he will obliterate some of the greatest powers in Tamriel: Alduin, Miraak, Harkon, a bevy of daedric princes, and more besides.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:500;">In your own playthrough, you may wish to go all-in on the evil shtick. You may even want to dabble in vampirism or lycanthropy for a time, or even permanently. These would not be inappropriate for this character. Indeed, joining the Volkihar to learn their secrets, claim their treasures (Ring of the Beast!), and overthrow their lord is a key part of the Apotheote’s power climb. Personally, I preferred to cure my vampirism fairly quickly, as it was tied to a sire, which made me feel less overtly powerful/controlling. Once my Apotheote got a taste of power, he began to want it all for himself, and to despise those who had their own.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:500;">Thanks for reading my build. Feedback and questions are eagerly welcomed.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"> </p></div>Character Build: The Sunder Mage (Ordinator)https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-sunder-mage-ordinator2019-10-31T08:08:05.000Z2019-10-31T08:08:05.000ZFurrion 17https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Furrion17<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3170150281,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3170150281,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3170150281?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006756685,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006756685,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="563" alt="10006756685?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a>Foreword: </span></span></strong></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Continuing on with my theme of Dragon Age Builds, I have decided to explore the classes of the <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Blood_Mage_(Dragon_Age_II)" target="_blank">Blood Mage</a>, <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Force_Mage" target="_blank">Force Mage</a> with a sprinkling of the <a href="https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Entropy_spells_(Dragon_Age_II)" target="_blank">Entropy</a> school as seen in Dragon Age 2.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The word "Sunder" means to rend, rip, sever, divide; Basically, to tear something to pieces in a very violent manner that is not necessarily limited to the physical sense. And that is exactly what this build excels at. If rending your foes apart body and soul, effortlessly tossing them around the battlefield, and opening up gravatic maelstroms to group them all together for devastating combos all without ever drawing a weapon sounds like your cup of tea then read on as I present to you... The Sunder Mage.</span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175690959,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175690959,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175690959?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3505215497,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3505215497,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3505215497?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" height="300" /></a></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Appologies:</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">I have hit a few rough patches recently and due to several difficult events and family commitments I have had to put the story on hold for the time being. Rest assured I'll get it done as soon as I can, and will have it added into this section of the build. You can expect a thrilling and engaging story which will delve into Imperial politics, The Cyrodiilic Vampyrum Orders heriachy, lots of deceit seduction and manipulation and all the other bells and whistles you might expect from the dark temptress this build revolves around. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"> There is still much to enjoy within and I appreciate your patience. I've worked painstakingly hard at the concept around this character and it was hard to come to the decision of postponing the story. I however wanted to give you something spooky to look at this Halloween, and The Sunder Mage fitted the bill perfectly. So, sit back relax grab some whiskey, wine or a soda and enjoy the ride dear reader.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175352205,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175352205,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175352205?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">All of these mods are available on PC and Xbox One</span></strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006772264,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006772264,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="353" height="515" alt="10006772264?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a>Essential Mods:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3186851">Sacrosanct</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2983497">Ordinator</a>: </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3001108">20 Percent More Perk Points</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3329619">Summermyst</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4052177">Andromeda Standing Stones</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/it/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2986039" target="_blank">Imperious:</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2978320">Apocalyspe</a>: </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4050375" target="_blank">Mage Grip:</a> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Reccomended Mods:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2918744">Alternate Start</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3035778">Enchantments unleashed</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2988366">Wildcat</a>: </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4092115" target="_blank">Wintersun:</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4041268">Mortal Enemies</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2991775">Rebalanced Encounter Zones</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2990780">Thunderchild</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4070068" target="_blank">TFM Armour Pack VI </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3020528" target="_blank">Witcher 3 Female Armors</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175446109,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175446109,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175446109?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3499014824,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3499014824,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3499014824?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="568" height="759" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Imperial Vampire:</span></strong></span> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">As an Imperial Ceryse will gain several passive abilities, some of which she has melded greatly to her advantage to empower her already terrifying grasp of Blood Magic even further.</span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#777777;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Discipline:</span></span></span></span></span> In combat, nearby allies gain bonus armor and attack damage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#777777;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">I</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">mperial Virtues:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Randomly gain bonus Health, Magicka or Stamina regeneration when entering combat. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#777777;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Human Spirit:</span></span></span></span></span> At levels 10/20/30, you may change your Attributes (Health +100, Stamina -50)/Resistances (Fire +50%, Poison -25%)/Skills (Restoration +20 and Conjuration - 20, Warrior skills do not matter, Speech +20 and Light Armor -20).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Colovian Star (Power):</span></span></span> Unlocked by completing 20 quests around Skyrim. Ceryse can use this to regain lost magicka and stamina and fortify them by the amount restored.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Cult of Shadows (Vampire):</span></span></span> Praying at a shrine will increase magicka and Stamina by 25 points, but the normal shrine effect is reversed. <br /> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Standing Stone:</span></strong></span> <strong>The Mage -</strong> The disciplined nature of this stone make it a great choice for Ceryse. The stone boasts a trio of magic focused effects.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Power of the Arcane:</span></span></span> Spells are 10% more effective. Scrolls are 20% more effective.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Mage's Path:</span></span></span> Learn all Mage skills 10% faster.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Ultimate Power (Unlockable):</span></span></span> After finding all 13 standing stones gain this once a day power. It will allow Ceryse to choose one of three random schools of magic. Spells are twice as effective and cost half as much for <strong>60</strong> seconds.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Name:</span></strong> Ceryse Vinicius</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Gender: </span></strong>Female</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Age:</span></strong> 427</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Religious Views:</span></strong> As a member of the Cyrodiilic Vampyrum Order, Ceryse worships both the Daedric Prince's Molag Bal and Clavicus Vile, as well as holding Lamae Bal in high esteem. <br /> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Affiliations:</span></strong> Cyrodiilic Vampyrum Order</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Morality/<span style="color:#ff0000;">Personality:</span></span></strong> <a href="http://easydamus.com/lawfulevil.html" target="_blank">Lawful Evil.</a> Ceryse is a calculated, manipulative socialite and provocateur. What others observe as a “warm and playful" personality is but a façade to hide her true self.Those she can’t manipulate through her allure or Illusions are met with the torturous and crushing pain of telekinetic and Blood magics.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175455619,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175455619,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175455619?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" height="105" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3570304789,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3570304789,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3570304789?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">Find All Standing Stones</span>: </strong>The Standing Stones of Skyrim are said to contain ancient and powerful magic. And ancient and powerful magic is undoubtably something The Vampyrum Order is interested in. Find them all.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Dawnguard (Volkihar):</span> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;">Ceryse’s main reason for coming to the Northern province. Harkon’s foolish blundering is putting vampire existence at risk. Infiltrate and assimilate into his court to put an end to his idiocy once and for all.</span></strong></span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Hunt down Feral Vampires:</span> </strong>By quelling the feral scum that hide in caves and ruins, Ceryse can assert The Orders supremacy over these lesser “creatures”.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Thane Quests:</span> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;">No stranger to courtly intrigue, Ceryse will gain the trust of those in power, coveting their knowledge and secrets for the betterment of The Order.</span></strong></span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">College of Winterhold:</span> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;">The mages of Skyrim harbour many intriguing curiosities from the arcane to the mundane. Ceryse “enrols” under the guise of a “Novice” to seek out what the college is hiding within its walls.</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Civil War (Imperial) -</span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A Stormcloak victory is ill advised, and should be avoided at all costs. The Order has considerable influence and sway within The Imperial Legion, see that they win this war no matter the cost.</span></span></strong> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">House of Horrors:</span> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;">As the patron father to all vampires, Ceryse will gladly aid Molag Bal in his desire.</span></strong></span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Main Quest (At least to Diplomatic Immunity): </span></strong>Ceryse finds herself caught up in an ancient and terrible prophecy. As fate would have it, it’s up to her - a vampire to save Nirn from imminent doom.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Quests for Master Neloth</span>: </strong><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;">The old wizard of House Telvani knows many things, aiding him with some of his research may prove to be mutually beneficial.</span></strong></span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Destroy the Dark Brotherhood:</span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;"> The Order has heard whispers that there is someone attempting to get the Dark Brotherhood to take a contract on the Emperor. The emperor’s death would bring too much instability to Cyrodiil, see that he lives. To get the brotherhoods attention all that stands in Ceryse’s way is an old hag. Kill her and the Brotherhood will soon reveal itself from the shadows, allowing Ceryse to strike the head off of the snake.</span></strong></span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bards College:</span> </strong><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;">The Bards out of Solitude are known for their silver tongues and quick wits. Ceryse joins to see if there is a thing or two she might be able to garner from the colleges library.</span></strong></span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Black Books:</span> </strong>There are rumoured to be several ancient tomes of eldritch power hidden away on the Island of Solstheim. Acquire their knowledge for the glory of The Order. </span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">A Daedra's Best Friend: </span></strong>As Clavicus Vile is a patron of The Vampyrum Order Ceryse will aid Barbus in returning to his side.</span> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175479603,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175479603,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175479603?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3499010482,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3499010482,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3499010482?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="320" height="407" /></a></span></span></strong></span><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Early Game Gear:</span></span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Black Mage Robes </span>- </span>Simple robes found commonly in mage camps.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Ring of Fortify Restoration/Destruction/Alteration or Illusion -</span></span> An easy to find trinket, found as loot or purchased from Radiant Raiment.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Amulet of Resist fire -</span></span> An essential enchantment to have early game, it is easily found as loot or is purchaseable from merchants.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Mid to End Game Gear:</span></span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Sunder Mage Robes (Enchanted) -</span></span> Necromage Robes enchanted with; Deep Breath (X % chance to reduce shout cool down to 3 seconds), and Fortify Health Regeneration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Sunder Mage Gloves (Enchanted) -</span></span> Necromage Gloves enchented with; Fortify Illusion and Destruction.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Sunder Mage Boots (Enchanted) -</span></span> Necromage boots enchanted with; Fortify Health Regeneration and Illusion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Life Drinker (Enchanted) -</span></span> Yennefer's Amulet Enchanted with; Fortify Restoration and Fortify Health Regeneration. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sanguine Circlet -</span> Gold Ruby Circlet enchanted with; Fortify Alteration and Health Regeneration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Blood Ring (Enchanted) - </span></span> Bone Hawk Ring enchanted with; Fortify Restoration and Influence: Fear (Enemies within X distance have a chance to flee in terror), or...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Ring of the Erudite -</span> A powerful vampiric trinket which greatly augments magicka and magic regenerarion, or...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Ring of the Beast -</span></span> An ancient vampiric artifact that raises health by 100 points. </span> <br /> <br />
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175582659,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175582659,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175582659?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006816485,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006816485,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="658" height="508" alt="10006816485?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong>Spells:</strong></span><em> (Modded and CC content are marked with a *, note that vampiric related spells and powers will be covered in the vampirism section).</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Restoration:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Welling Blood* </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Boil*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Close Wounds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Resurgence*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Natures Balance*</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3499026310,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3499026310,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3499026310?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Alteration:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Flesh Spells</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Equilibrium</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Paralyze</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ocato’s Recital*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spell Twine*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Knowledge is Power*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Paralysis Rune*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Tumble Magnet*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Mage Grip*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Malviser’s Gauntlet*</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Illusion:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Frenzy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fear</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Calm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Compelling Whispers*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood for Blood*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Shared Trauma*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Empathic Agony*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Enslave the Weak*</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Destruction:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Frost Rune</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Wall of Frost</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Whirlwind Cloak</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Conjuration: (</span></strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Conjuration is neither perked or trained)<br /> </span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Soul Trap</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Conjure Dremora Lord (Acquired from Soul Cairn merchant)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:16px;">Conjure Wrathman</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Shouts:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Unrelenting Force</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Cyclone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">King’s Bane*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Slow Time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Bend Will</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">become Ethereal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Dismay</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Special Magical Effects, Spells, Powers and Perks:</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Knowledge is Power -</span> </strong> This is a unique spell in that it allows any spell to be stored as a once a day power. For Ceryse this means she is able to "make a pact" to gain high level summons to use as fodder once a day.With the use of this power no time training Conjuration is needed. Both the Wrathman and Dremora Lord spell tomes can be acquired whilst in the Soul Cairn.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Spell Twine -</span> </strong>Spell Twine allows Ceryse to link certain effects to her spells when she casts them. <strong>Blood Boil</strong> should be linked with; <strong>Crystal: Magic Resist + 15% for 10 seconds. </strong>This will help mitigate the self inflicted damage that this spell incurrs. <strong>Equilibrium</strong> should be linked with; <strong>Rock: Weapon Damage taken - 15% for 5 seconds. </strong>This allows for safer casting reducing the chance of being felled by a stray arrow when Ceryse is low on health. <strong>Empathic Agony</strong> should be linked with<strong> Flow: Spells are 20% cheaper for 5 seconds. </strong>This makes any spells cast imediately after Empathic Agony such as Blood Boil to be cheaper to use.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3540584889,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3540584889,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3540584889?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">Ocatos Recital -</span> </strong>An extremely useful spell that allows 3 self cast spells to be linked and trigger when combat initates. <strong>Whirlwind Cloak, Ebonyflesh and Resurgence</strong> should all be selected as spells of choice. Being under the effect of a flesh spell not only will trigger Mage Armor but also any effects chosen from Welloc's Dormant Arcana and the Distorted Shape perk. Whirlwind Cloak will ensure enemies are kept at bay by routinely sending them reeling. Resurgence will trigger whenever Ceryse's health drops below 50% while it is active. When it triggers it will provide a surge of healing for the remainder of it's duration. Ceryse's fervent use of Equilibrium, Blood Boil and Blood Revel ensures that this effect triggers offten.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Wellcoc's Dormant Arcana -</span> </strong>With Welloc's Dormant Arcana linked to a Flesh Spell, Ceryse gains a significant buff to her Restoration and Destuction magic power (+10 %) and to her magicka pool (+ 50) whenever she is effected by said spell.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Wild Shrines -</span> </strong>There are several <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/5bv899/ordinator_wild_shrines_locations_xpost_from/" target="_blank">Wild Shrines</a> scattered around Skyrim. Each provides Ceryse a particular buff to a school of magic. Alteration + 30% duration, Destruction + 15% Magnitude, Illusion + 15% Magnitude, Restoration + 15% Magnitude and Conjuration +30% Duration. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Spirit Tutors -</span> </strong>Two Spirit Tutors roam Skyrim. When found they will each confer one blessing that will increaase the power of Ceryse's Restoration spells by 1% per 20 points of base magicka.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Arcane Thesis -</span> </strong>Obtaining this perk will allow Ceryse to push the power of her <strong>Blood Boil</strong> Spell even further. Obtaining a 20 % outgoing damage boost.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Alter Self Attribute/Resistances -</span> </strong>Ceryse is able to alter her biolgy through her understanding of Blood Magic. This will allow her to gain a 25% Boost to both Fire and Shock Resistance as well as a permenant 50 point boost to health.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Wheel of Life -</span> </strong>A useful abillity that allows Ceryse to be healed once every 30 seconds as long as she has not used a healing spell within those 30 seconds. Now this spell has saved my life a fair few times but it has one significant drawback you should be aware of before perking it. It very Ironicaly clasess Equilibrium as a healing spell. Which means if Ceryse has used Equilibrium in the last 30 seconds she will not be getting healed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Ethereal Spirit -</span></strong> Meditating on Feim (Become Ethereal) with Paarthurnax grants Ceryse a 25% bonus in health regeneration. The regeneration becomes particularly potent when coupled with her Fortify Health Regeneration enchantments, making it a very good option to use when she is running low on both health and magicka.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Human Spirit - </span></strong>This is arguably one of the most essential passives in this build. At levels 10, 20 and 30 Ceryse is able to select several game changing buffs. At level 10 you should choose <strong>+100 Health and - 50 Stamina</strong>. At level 20 you should choose <strong>+ 50% Fire Resist</strong> and <strong>- 25% Poison Resist. </strong>At level 30 - You should choose the following, Mage Skills:<strong> Restoration + 20 Conjuration - 20, </strong>Warrior skills are Irrelevent<strong>, </strong>Thief Skills:<strong> Speech + 20 Light Armor - 20.</strong></span> </p>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175589810,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175589810,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175589810?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3558564311,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3558564311,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3558564311?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="786" height="453" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Attributes:</span></strong><strong> <span style="color:#0000ff;">1</span>:<span style="color:#008000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">4</span></span>:<span style="color:#339966;">0</span></strong></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;">(Perk magicka until you reach around 220 points then focus solely on health)</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3176214525,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3176214525,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3176214525?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" /></a></span></span>Major:</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Alteration -</span> </strong>Through the use of Alteration and ancient rituals Ceryse has learned to alter her physiolgy to better accomodate her use of Blood Magic and Telekinetic abilities.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Perks of Note:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Geomancer -</span> If wearing robes and no armor, you take 30% less damage from attacks while charging or concentrating on a spell.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Alteration Dual Casting -</span> Dual casting an Alteration spell empowers it, increasing effectivness and cost. (Used for equilibrium).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Mage Armor -</span> Protection Spells like Stoneflesh are up to 200% stronger if wearing only robes.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Restoration -</span> </strong>Restoration can harm as well as heal. Ceryse has learned how to corrupt this noble school of magic and use it to stricken her enemies with potent curses and boil the blood within their veins.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Perks of Note:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Edge Walker -</span> Restoration spells are up to 30% more powerful if the recipient is bellow half health. The bonus increases as health decreases.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Chalice of Tears -</span> If you are diseased or undead, your Restoration spells are 15% stronger and last 50% longer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Restoration Dual Casting - </span>Dual casting a Restoration spel empowers it, increasing effectivness and cost.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Illusion -</span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></strong>Years upon years of making mortals her play things has given Ceryse an uncanny grasp of Illusion, that is only amplified by her vampiric blood. She can easily enthral or bend the will of even the most resilient of minds.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Perks of Note:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Soulcrusher -</span> Feast upon the minds of those affected by a Fear spell or effect within the radius of imposing presence, absorbing 25 points of magicka per second.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Nightfall -</span> Those affected by a Frenzy spell or effect within he radius of imposing presence are consumed by battle a hunger when there are no other enemies remainin taking 40 points of damage per second.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Dream Geas - </span>Activate sleeping victims to send a "dream" that compels them to fight at your side until released or they are slain. You can only have one dream thrall at a time. Chance to fail and wake up the victim based on Illusion skill.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Destruction - </span></strong>With a keen understanding of Frost and Blood Magic Ceryse can freeze the blood of her victims where they stand, or just as effortlessly rend them from the inside out, sometimes so violently they are torn asunder.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Perks of Note:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Robe of the Magi -</span> If wearing robes and no light or heavy armor, Destruction spells are 30% more powerful.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Elemental Specialization -</span> <strong>(Frost)</strong> You may choose one element. Spells and effects of that element are 15% more powerful, while spells and effects of the other two elements are 15% weaker.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Hypothermia -</span> Frost spells paralyze living targets below 25% health if they are not frost resistant.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006820898,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006820898,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="346" alt="10006820898?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Minor:</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Enchanting -</span></strong><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ceryse has a more than capable grasp in the art of enchanting. Easily able to imbue magical effects of her desire onto gear as she pleases.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Perks of Note:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Regalia -</span> New enchantments placed upon robes, circlets, hoods and necklaces are 30% more powerful.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Attunement -</span> All enchantments on equipped weapons and armor are 10% more powerful and last 10% longer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Twin Enchantment - </span>Can place two enchantments upon the same item.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Speech</span> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- </span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ceryse’s provocative charm and allure has granted her a very persuasive and alluring presence, not only that but she has learnt how to use the Th’um to great effect.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Perks of Note:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">And the Universe Listens -</span> Shouting restores points of Health, Magicka and Stamina equal to your shout cooldown in seconds. You gain Speech experience when shouting based on your shout cooldown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Force Redoubled 2/2 - </span>50% chance to reduce the cooldown of any shout to 3 seconds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Th'um of War -</span> Your shouts stagger nearby enemies within 25 feet, reducing armor rating by 300 points for 10 seconds and knocking enemies below 25% Health to the ground.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175620572,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175620572,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175620572?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3132523698,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3132523698,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3132523698?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a></span></em></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;">- Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum Order -</span></em></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">To you whom We have seen</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Stalking at night by eyes keen</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Transcendant of savages</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Sating thirst sans avarice</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Your coffers stay stuffed</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">By social graces robust</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">None know your nature;</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">save Us</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">None share your fate;</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">save Us</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">None welcome you as kin;</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">save Us</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Below you will find all of the essential Sacrosanct perks you will need to play this build</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Vampire:</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Wassail -</span> </strong></span>Lose humanity below 25% Health in combat, draining Health, Magicka and Stamina until combat ends. Also reduces them by 10 points until you feed.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Revel</span> </span></strong><em><strong><span style="color:#800000;">-</span></strong> </em>(Power)<em> </em>In combat, gain 25% bonus attack damage and spell effectiveness for 120 seconds or until combat ends, but activate Wassail. (Only when not sated, unless you have King among Kine).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Cauldron -</span></strong></span> <span style="color:#000000;">(Power) </span> Expend some of your Vampiric blood to replenish Health, Magicka and Stamina, becoming thirstier. (Only when sated).</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Flaywind -</span> </strong><span style="color:#000000;">(Greater Power) Target person within 10 feet flees while vampire bats absorb 25 Health per second for 30 seconds. If the target dies, counts as feeding. (Only while blood starved, unless you have King among Kine).</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Vampires Seduction -</span></strong> </span>(Greater Power) <em> </em>Silently bewitches a person up to level 10 for 30 seconds, calming them and allowing you to feed. (Can be used in combat).</span></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006826285,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006826285,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="325" alt="10006826285?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></span></span>Vampiric Age:</span></span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><strong> </strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">King Among Kine -</span></span></strong> You no longer lose any powers when feeding.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Oberon's Grail:</span></strong> Reduces the chance to fall victim to <strong>Wassail</strong> in combat by <strong>75</strong>%.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Vicissitude:</span></strong> Hemomancy spells other than <strong>Blood Seed</strong> do <strong>25</strong>% more damage to targets affected by <strong>Blood Seed</strong>.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Blue Blood Quest:</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Potence -</span></strong> <span style="color:#000000;">Vampiric strength grants 15% more attack damage, increased to 30% when Sated.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Tooth and Claw - </span></strong>Your attacks deal <strong>25</strong>% more damage to targets affected by a Hemomancy spell such as <strong>Blood Seed</strong>.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Vampire Lord Form:</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Starving Artist -</span></strong> I<span style="color:#000000;">n mortal form, Hemomancy spells used against people absorb Health equal to 25% of their base damage (dealing that much extra damage and healing the caster for the same amount). Killing people with Hemomancy spells advances your Vampire Lord perks.</span></span> </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Make Them Beautiful -</span></strong><span style="color:#000000;"> In mortal form, Hemomancy spells used against people have 25% chance to tear apart victims below 25% Health, instantly killing them.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood From a Stone -</span></strong> Blood Magic, the Raze spell in your right hand and Hemomancy in mortal form can now damage Daedra and automatons.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Curtain Call -</span> </strong>Hemomancy: Briefly pacifies people affected by a different Hemomancy spell before decapitating them, killing them instantly</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">White Wolf -</span> </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Your Vampire's Seduction power now works on targets 15 levels higher and you may Drain people under its effect regardless of how thirsty you are. Additionally, Draining a sleeping or seduced victim advances Vampire Lord perks.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Dragon at midnight</span></strong></span><span style="color:#800000;"> -</span> You gain 4 perk points to spend in your other perk trees. However, when you are Blood Starved, contact with Sunlight will instantly destroy you!</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Hemomancy Spells:</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Seed</span></span>:</strong> (Apprentice) Jagged bone shards grow in a living or undead target, dealing 6 magic damage for 10 seconds. (1 draining)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Brand:</span></span></strong> (Adept) Living or undead target takes 5 magic damage per second. After 10 seconds, detonates for 100 damage. (3 drainings)</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Garden:</span></strong> (Adept) Casts <strong>Blood Seed</strong> on all targets (AOE), inflicting <strong>10</strong> magic damage for <strong>10</strong> seconds. (<strong>6 drainings)</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Scourge:</span></strong> (Expert) Living or undead target takes <strong>20</strong> magic damage for <strong>15</strong> seconds. On death, spreads to all nearby targets. (<strong>10 drainings)</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Ankh:</span></strong> (Expert) Hexes the corpse of a living or undead being, causing it to levitate and explode for <strong>200</strong> magic damage. (<strong>15 drainings)</strong></span>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Profaned Sun:</span></strong> (Master) Flaming star that follows the target for <strong>20</strong> seconds, dealing <strong>25</strong> magic and fire damage to living targets near it. (<strong>21 drainings)</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3252766058,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3252766058,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3252766058?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006828261,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006828261,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="325" alt="10006828261?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>Blood Magic:</span></strong></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Nothing inspires as much wild-eyed terror as the Blood Mage. Mages of this type take the raw energy of life and twist it to their own purposes. They can corrupt and control, and sustain their power by consuming the health of others, willing or not. The effects can be vile, but this specialization isn't limited to madmen and monsters. Many see it as the only form of magic that is truly free, because it's tied to the physical, not favors to spirits or demons. It remains an undeniably violent and self-destructive discipline, however, the Blood Mage must be careful. The temptation to take just a little more is always there. - <em>Dragon Age 2 Blood Mage Specialization.</em></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253873068,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253873068,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253873068?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Dark Sustenance</span></strong> – Empathic Agony + Equilibrium</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Ceryse, creates a sinster psychic bond, allowing her blood fueled spells to tap into the life force of her enemies and restore her mana.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3254022781,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3254022781,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3254022781?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">He</span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">morrhage</span></strong></span> - Empathic Agony + Blooboil + Equilibrium</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A seductively powerful spell combo that tears enemies assunder but also rapidly drains Ceryse's own life force.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253428966,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253428966,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253428966?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Aura</span></strong> – Blood Revel + Wassail + Empathic Agony</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Ceryse's Blood Magic is so potent it harms any nearby.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253480466,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253480466,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253480466?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Death Hex</span></strong> – Welling Blood + Blood Brand</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Cursing her target with a powerful hex Ceryse, ensures her foes will fall swifly in a bloody explosion of gore.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253500313,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253500313,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253500313?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bloody Grasp</span></strong> – Mage Grip + Blood Boil or Malsiver’s Ga</span><span style="font-size:12pt;">untlet + Blood Boil</span></p>
<ul>
<li> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Enemies are held helplessly in a Deathgrip while Ceryse boils the blood in their veins.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253794717,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253794717,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253794717?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Thrall Plague</span></strong> – Calm + Compelling Whispers, Dream Thrall or Bend Will+ Blood Brand + Blood Scourge</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Ceryse enslaves the mind of an enemy or uses one of her thralls. She then imbues them with potent blood magic that will quickly obliterate them and any nearby foes.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253737597,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253737597?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Corpse Curse -</strong> </span> Dead Body + Tumble magnet+ Paralyisis Rune + Blood Ankh.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ceryse pulls enemies into the middle of a gravatic surge paralyzing them while a corpse is infected with a potent curse that explodes for high damage.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3574781138,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3574781138?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Deaths Finale -</strong> </span>Ring of the Erudite + Tumble Magnet + Blood Garden + Curtain Call</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ceryse tears her enemies into a vortex and corrupts them with an intense surge of Blood Magic, slaying them violently.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253474628,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253474628,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253474628?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Reign in Blood</span></strong> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">– Ultimate Power + Blood Revel + Dual Cast Blood Boil</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Tapping into the very darkest depths of her vampiric blood, Ceryse unleashes a devastating torrent of unbriddled blood magic.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253929527,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253929527,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253929527?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3570200409,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3570200409,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3570200409?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" /></a>Maelstrom of Chaos</span></strong> – Tumble Magnet + Frenzy or Frenzy Rune + AOE spell</span></p>
<ul>
<li> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Enemies are torn toward the centre of a gravatic maelstrom and are infected with mind bending blood magic, that forces them to fight one another. They are also left open to number of AOE spells like Blood Garden or Blood Scourge.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3253689470,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3253689470,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3253689470?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Telekinetic Barrier</span></strong> – Ocatos Recital (Loaded with Flesh Spell, Resurgence and Whirlwind Cloak).</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A powerful barrier envelopes Ceryse against incoming damage, and even has a chance of sending foes reeling.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3254000306,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3254000306,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3254000306?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" height="68" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Winters Ruin</span></strong> – Frost Runes (Ancient Seals) + Mage Grip</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ceryse rips an enemy across several frost runes and holds them while they ravaged by the bitter cold.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3574857748,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3574857748,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3574857748?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="68" /></a><br /> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Blood Pact -</span> </strong>Knowledge is Power + Conjure Dremora Lord or Wrathman</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Through the art of a dark ritual Ceryse is able to call upon a denizen of Oblivion to aid her in battle once a day.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175657067,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175657067,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175657067?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Gameplay:</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Takin</span><span style="font-size:12pt;">g direct inspiration from Dragon Age's Force and Blood Magic specializations, Ceryse is capable of of a myriad of devastatingly effective spell combinations, making her a true force to be reckoned with. Adept at crowd control, sustained damage and a slew of mitigating debuffs there is rarely a situation that her magic cannot handle. Able to easily switch between dealing heavy amounts damage and locking enemies down, her repertoire of skills makes for an exciting gameplay experience with a multitude of approaches to different combat scenarios. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3499032006,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3499032006?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="325" /></span></span></span>Fueled by Blood:</span></strong></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">With the inclusion of the Haemomancy spells from Sacrosanct and several spells fr</span><span style="font-size:12pt;">om Apocalypse and the base game there are plenty of Blood Magic themed spells for Ceryse to play with.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">At its heart there are four very essential spells and powers that make this build work. <strong>Equilibrium</strong>, <strong>Empathic Agony, Blood Revel and wassail</strong>. As you have well guessed by now everything The Sunder Mage is capable of relies on Blood Magic. Ceryse’s mana pool is very low by design, but her Health is extremely high thus she needs to replenish her mana regularly by sacrificing her life force with the use Equilibrium. Enter - Empathic Agony. With this awesome spell I have made a very effective way of making sure Ceryse’s enemies are always hurting. Empathic Agony is an AOE expert level Illusion spell added by Apocalypse. When cast on a target it will ensure that 40% of any damage felt by the caster is reflected back at the target. This is where the use Equilibruium and the power of Blood Revel to activate Wassail comes in handy, as they will act as a constant health drain on enemies so as long they are under the effect of Empathic Agony.Making this an extremely effective way to make the most out of Equilibrium's and Wassail's self harming effects.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">But the power of Blood Magic does not stop there. With the many buffs to Restoration, the “Arcane Thesis” perk, Blood Revel and the “Ultimate Power” power from the Mage Stone; Ceryse is capable of pushing her Blood Boil spell to the extreme. When the spell is dual cast it has the potential of reaching numbers that exceed more than 600 DPS and boasts an extremely wide area of effect. It is worth noting that this is only sustainable once a day and for a short period due to her low mana pool, though most things will have well and truly perished by then.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A note on the Equilibrium spell. If you have Console Commands or the Cheat Room mod it is highly recommended that you add this spell to your knowledge as soon as possible. Failing that, prioritize doing the College of Winterholds questline as early as possible so that you can obtain the spell from within Labyrinthian.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Force Unleashed:</span></strong></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The true capability of Telekinetic Force is fully realised and explored with this builds plethora of ways to slow, stagger, stun and send enemies flying in surges of raw telekinetic power. Ceryse has tapped into a truly unmatched and dark side of Force Magic that many mages only dream of weilding. With spells and shouts like Mage Grip, Tumble Magnet, Unrelenting Force and King’s Bane, Ceryse can rip foes off their feet with a powerful force choke, group them together to set up extremely effective and devastating combos or cast them aside like dust in the wind.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Complete Control:</span></strong></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Illusion magic and enchantments offer Ceryse the abilty to enrapture, terrorize or utterly unhinge her adversaries. She is capable of enthralling her targets to fight for her, turning foes on each other creating a psychic blood bond that ensures any pain she feels they do too. This school of magic ensures she remains in complete control of the battlefield at all times.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006830090,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006830090,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="325" alt="10006830090?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></span></span>Combat:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Initiating Combat:</span> Whenever entering combat “Telekinetic Barrier” will automatically activate granting Ceryse an instant buff. When facing a large group, it is optimal to open with casting Maelstrom of Chaos followed up by “Dark Sustenance” or “Hemorrhage”. If the group is full of particularly high-level adversaries “Deaths Finale” is preferential. Singular tough enemies are perfect targets for the “Thrall Plague” ability when they are backed by weaker allies. Lone enemies are prime targets for “Bloody Grasp”, Winters Ruin or “Death Hex”.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Melee Enemies:</span> Melee enemies are among the easiest for Ceryse to deal with. She has a number of very useful spells and abilities to ensure that they never get close enough to swing a blade at her. Try to group these types together or frenzy them they will fall quick and easy to any of Ceryse’s many talents.</span></li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Magic Users/Dragons:</span> With Ceryse’s high resistance to elemental damage Mages are seldom too much of an issue apart from Lightning Wielders. When facing such foes paralysis, fear and calm spells and the “Bloody Grasp” ability are quite useful at disabling them. When against dragons Ceryse can stand before most of their frost and Fire attacks and can engage them openly with powerful Hemomancy spells making the most of “Vicissitude’s” bonus and a liberal use of the Become Ethereal shout.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Archers:</span> Archers pose a relative hassle, though can be dealt with easily. Abilities like “Winters Ruin” and “Death Hex” are Perfect for taking them out of the picture.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Dwemer Automatons:</span> Dwemer machines are among the toughest bunch for Ceryse to deal with at low levels with many of her skills useless against them until later. It is advised to get the “Blood from a Stone” and “Master of the Mind” perks as soon as possible to overcome this weakness. Once these skills have been acquired they can be dealt with like most ranged or melee opponents.</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Gameplay Videos:</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Below I have two gameplay videos for you to view at your leisure. They show a fair bit but not all of what this character is capable of. Watch and Enjoy.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175657067,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /> <br /> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KUYA9g5jEck?feature=oembed" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VeAKyB-Lvgg?feature=oembed" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3175674761,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3175674761,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3175674761?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10006831060,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10006831060,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="652" height="407" alt="10006831060?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;text-decoration:underline;">Thank You:</span> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Firstly, I’d like to thank Lee and Kendrix for being awesome sounding boards throughout Ceryse’s journey I couldn’t have got here without you guys. A big thanks to Curse for designing the awesome “More Builds” banner and providing some great feed back throughout the making of this character. And thanks to everyone else who lent an ear or a word of wisdom, there truly are more than a few of you and you all have my sincere grattitude.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I’d like to state that the art used is not my own (Except for screen shots). Much of it was sourced from Pinterest. So, any accolades should be given to the respective authors of said art.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Lastly thanks to you reader. I sincerely hope you enjoyed the Sunder Mage. This won’t be the last you see of Ceryse so keep your eyes peeled!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you enjoyed the Sunder Mage I have more builds, just follow the banner below.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Thanks again guys - Furrion</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/furrion" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3573952626,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3573952626?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a></p>
<p> </p></div>Contest Build: The Blood and Moonlighthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-blood-and-moonlight2019-10-13T06:39:46.000Z2019-10-13T06:39:46.000ZKendrix Trixiehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/KendrixTrixie<div><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">“Think ya could get the drop on us, vampire?!” The bandit's question was rhetoric, dipped in venom and slurred by whiskey. My eyes settled on him as I leaned against the door frame, watching him sway back and forth slightly. Between his labored breathing I could hear the steady drip of blood hitting the floor as it slid off my dagger. “Ya' ain't that good of a thief, are ya'?” It was a pathetic sight. Beyond him, four equally drunk lowlifes grinned at me, anxiously waiting for their boss to order my slaughter. Further still, I saw what I came there for: a chest brimming with weapons and gemstones. The Silver-Hands needed the funds desperately, so naturally I just had to have it for myself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">I couldn't help the sly smile that tugged my lips. From the looks on their faces, I guessed my teeth still dripped with the mead-filled blood. “Oh trust me,” I purred to them. “If I didn't want you to know I was here, you wouldn't know.” It was amusing how quickly their confidence turned to fear.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">“What,” he stammered for words, “what are you doing then?”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">I twirled the dagger between my fingers, watching it idly as the sounds of heavy breathing and footsteps grew louder. Their eyes shifted past me to look expectantly down the hall as cries of their fellow doomed Silver-Hand tried to warn them of the coming danger. “Dahlia didn't want me to have all the fun,” I told them plainly, glancing up at them again. They couldn't draw their weapons fast enough as the beast barreled through the doorway.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Looming over even the tallest of men, the auburn-colored werewolf darted into the room, her vibrant eyes locked on the leader. He shrieked in fear as vainly raised his weapon against her. Her massive claws wrapped around his skull as if grabbing onto a sword. I audibly heard his neck crack before his skull collapsed, so at the very least he had a painless death.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">As the remaining four Silver-Hand found courage to stand against her, I summoned a spell in my freehand. The magic danced between my fingertips, tingling them in a sensation that was almost warmth. I snarled as I launched the red, pulsing magic past Dahlia, letting it find rest in the chest of a Redguard woman. Outwardly, she looked touched, but as her cries turned to screams, I could hear her bones twisting and breaking beneath her skin. Shards finally broke the skin as the woman gave up her soul to the afterlife.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Admiring by the beautiful tragedy of her death, I was unable to stop myself from getting hit with a rather blunt mace. Slammed against the wall, the air was forced out of my lungs. As my eyes tried desperately to adjust, I could taste my own blood mixing with those of the dead Silver-Hand two rooms over. The vile taste was almost distracting enough to ignore the man who lumbered over to me, silver weapon in hand. He sneered as he readied the mace over me, wanting nothing more than to bash my skull into the stone.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">My lycan savior wouldn't have it however. Regardless of how much of a pain she was, I had to give her points for keeping me alive. Her powerful arms crumpled the man to the ground as if he were made of sand. There were few sounds that could leave his lips before her massive jaws clamped around his neck, tearing and ripping flesh in a satisfying way. The Silver-Hand went motionless as she withdrew her teeth, and we were left in total silence.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Dahlia stared at me as I pulled myself to my feet again. I looked up at her as a soft growl left her lips. “What?” I asked, tilting my head. Without so much as a warning, her tongue shot from her mouth, licking the fresh blood from my face. I shoved her away as I tried to wipe the drool from my skin. It only drew a giggle-like noise from her throat. “You're disgusting,” I told her, walking towards the chest on the opposite end of the room.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Dahlia panted softly as her hide gave way to soft, freckled skin. Her hulking form shrank in size, but still stood taller than me. Her hair remained the same auburn and her eyes the same forest green. As the lycan returned to her human form, she looked around for clothes to hide her newly nude form. I busied myself examining the spoils of our hunt, only turning to look at her as she called out, “Is my armor still outside, Enoril?”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">“Unless someone stole it,” I teased her. She found a simple pair of workers clothes in one of the cabinets, but her body was still a bloodied mess. “You're going to need a bath before we get home. I'm not walking into town with you like that.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">“Aye?” she asked, looking herself over as if she just noticed the dripping crimson that stained her skin and new clothes. She frowned as she noticed my chuckling. “You're almost as bad as I am, with all that blood dripping down your nose.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">She walked over to me and I couldn't help but grin. “Oh, I didn't mean the blood. You smell like a wet dog.” Dahlia gasped, trying desperately to fight the smile that pulled on her lips. She playfully snarled at me before tackling me to the ground. Despite the Oblivion we had been through, we still managed to keep each other feeling like children. After years alone, there were few places I would rather be than alone with Dahlia, acting like childish idiots, bathed in Blood and Moonlight.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>To read the first part of this story, check out <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/the-story-corner/general-forum/blood-and-moonlight" target="_blank">Blood and Moonlight</a>.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Hey y'all!</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>I'm here with yet another build. It seems like with each story I write, more and more build ideas come to mind. It just so happened that one of my more recent stories perfectly coincided with the Sky Forge's newest contest, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">“Bloodlines”</span>. What better reason to get off my butt and actually post a build of these two lovely ladies! <span style="text-decoration:underline;">The Blood and Moonlight</span> build is unique for me as it includes not one but two different play-styles for one particular concept. The play-style and perks strongly depend on your initial choice of vampire or werewolf, but quests, factions, and even choices you make in the game stay true for both characters.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>I initially made The Blood and Moonlight with “Skyrim Together” in mind, so when/if the mod becomes viable and popularized, this build will be an excellent launching point to start playing with your friends! It has been tested as best I could- with in-game followers- and I've done my best to keep my mods “Skyrim Together” friendly (using their current compatibility modlist). If I ever get a hold of the actual mod however, I will definitely be retesting this!</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>Without further ado, please enjoy...</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659624902,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659624902,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659624902?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3397418281,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3397418281,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3397418281?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Never would one expect to find a pair so different yet compatible as The Blood and Moonlight. A sulking loner, The Blood was always used to depending on herself and making her own way in the world. She lived by the shadows, looting homes and picking pockets by night as her skin burned in the day. Years of practice kept her hunger for blood in check well enough, but every necessary feeding caused her guilt to grow. She lusted for the power Vampirism gave her but loathed the feeling of being labeled a monster. Because of this, she kept to herself, finding that allies of any kind muddied her emotions and weakened her resolve.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">By comparison, The Moonlight was a star among men, drawing everyone in by her kindness and charisma. A bard and a warrior, there was no question why so many flocked to see her. She lived selflessly, proclaiming herself a safeguard for the innocent. The laughter and joy of others was great payment in her eyes, but she couldn't turn down the offer of brotherhood found within the Companions. She rose among their ranks quickly, finding herself inducted into The Circle after just a few months. The gift they offered her however was something she never would have asked for. After a terrifying transformation, The Moonlight swore off Lycanthropy. The draw of power and bloodlust was too much for her kind heart to accept.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">While The Blood wandered the roads of Skyrim looking for a place to wait out the daylight and The Moonlight tried to distract herself from the Call of The Wolf with a hunt, bandit slavers were looking for easy coin. A blood-starved vampire and distracted werewolf didn't stand much of a chance against the hunters by themselves. Intending to sell them to the Dawnguard and Silver-Hand respectively, the bandits made off with the unlikely pair. It didn't take The Blood and Moonlight long to figure out they were much stronger than even an army of mortal men when they worked together. Finding solace in The Moonlight's company, The Blood found her drive stronger when she had someone to protect. Likewise, The Moonlight's beast blood seemed to quell when she reminded herself The Blood was close-by.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">The most unlikeliest of friendships, once formed by the primal desire to live, developed into an inseparable bond. They duo made each other stronger in ways they would never be on their own. Further, their need to exact revenge on the groups that hunted them added fuel to the flames. Taking them down in The Blood's subtle art of blackmail and thievery or The Moonlight's more proactive approach of combat and “Great Hunts”, they began to make a name for themselves. With the world full of gold to be had and lives to be protected, there was no telling what lied in store for the femme fatales. As long as they were together though, nothing could overtake them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659626888,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659626888,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659626888?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="351" /></a></u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Essential Mods:</u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/272/?" target="_blank">Alternate Start- Live Another Life</a>: Allows player to start the game in a different location than Helgen.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6656" target="_blank">Amazing Follower Tweaks</a>: Allows player to have multiple followers, edit follower armor and fighting style, and pose followers in different ways.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14910" target="_blank">Andromeda- Standing Stones of Skyrim</a>:Overhauls the Standing Stones in a lore-friendly way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11316" target="_blank">Classic Classes and Birthsigns</a>: Allows the player to choose a class and birthsign at the beginning of the game to help build the character early on.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3479" target="_blank">Immersive Armors:</a> Adds new, lore-friendly armors to the game as well as modifying some of the older models.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/16788" target="_blank">Immersive Weapons</a>: Adds new, lore-friendly weapons to the game as well as modifying some of the older models.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="http://https//www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1315" target="_blank">Imperious- Races of Skyrim</a>: Overhauls the racial perks and powers while remaining true to lore.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2803" target="_blank">Moonlight Tales Special Edition</a>: Overhauls the werewolves and werebear abilities to provide more perks and abilities to lycanthropes in beast and human form.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1137" target="_blank">Ordinator- Perks of Skyrim</a>: Overhauls the perk system to expand upon each skill tree in a more in-depth way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3928" target="_blank">Sacrosanct- Vampires of Skyrim</a>: Overhauls the abilities of all vampires in the game by adding new spells, powers, and quests, as well as improving and extending the abilities of the Vampire Lord skill tree.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22506" target="_blank">Wintersun- Faiths of Skyrim</a>: Adds a new system to the game that allows player to worship a deity, gain their favor, follow their tenets, and get new powers and abilities.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659633803,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659633803,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659633803?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="212" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3397427843,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3397427843,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3397427843?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">There has always been a rivalry between vampires and werewolves in all types of franchises and medias. Questions about the morality and strength of the races is always at the forefront of every movie: Who are the good guys and who are the bad ones? In a fight between the two, who would win?I wanted to take a much different approach, however. In the Elder Scrolls, both races are formidable opponents, making one wonder how strong they could possibly be together. I sought out to answer that question, in turn creating the beautiful blend that is The Blood and Moonlight.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">The vampires of the Elder Scrolls are terrifying and ancient beings, wielding manipulative illusion and profane destruction spells. They are a silent, relatively unseen presence in Skyrim, but when they do attack, the fear is widespread. Contrarily, the Lycanthropes seem to be a seen-yet-unseen danger. They walk among civilians freely, longing for or dreading the next time the call of the beast blood becomes too strong to resist. Their barbaric transformation leads them to pick up more warrior-like trades and lifestyles, ranging from mercenaries to simple hunters. On the surface, the two seem vastly too different to even consider a pair, but digging deeper there are reasons for them to be allied.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">As long as there has been fear of the supernatural, there have been groups to combat them. The Vigilants of Stendarr are among the best known fighters of “abominations”. Going after all forms of Daedra and Daedra-worshippers, they would have no problem killing vampires or lycans alike. Similar groups such as the Dawnguard and Silver-Hand specialize in killing the races respectively, but that doesn't mean they would necessarily turn a blind eye to any who threatened a “normal” way of life. Bearing in mind mortal men and women would likely attack supernaturals as well, it seems as though the entire world is unsafe for either group to exist.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">These mutual feelings of loneliness and fear of facing an entire world against them are the driving factors of the Blood and Moonlight build. While incredibly strong on their own ways, there are some battles that neither one can win alone. Attacked in the heat of the day, where will a vampire find strength when it's reserves are drained? Assaulted by mages from afar, how can a lycan find themselves on even ground? Together, the Blood and Moonlight bolster each others strengths and cover each others weaknesses. Drawing from strength from The Mage, The Thief, and The Warrior paths, the duo rarely has an enemy they cannot best, and if they fail, at least they fail together.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">For this build, I wanted to stay true to the stereotypes assigned to vampires and werewolves, but add my own twists along the way. The build is very open ended, meaning there are few quests that have to be completed. Roleplaying and charting your own course will take up a bulk of this build, making it both challenging and exciting. Regardless, I assigned myself some rules and missions to complete before I could call this build “done”:</span></p>
<ul><li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Maintain Vampirism/Lycanthropy. How can I sate my appetite or suppress my urges? Do I take my disease as a blessing or a curse?</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Always travel with allies. Who can I rely on to cover my weaknesses? Who knows my struggles?</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Support and encourage other “outcasts” of society. Are there other lycans or vampires who need aid? Are there mortals who have been labeled “outcast” and would help when needed?</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Take revenge against those who hunt you. What are the groups that harm supernaturals the most? Can you take them down with more ways than bloodshed?</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Finish Companions and Thieves' Guild questlines. What groups can tell me who my enemies are and where they are hiding? Who can support me in case I fail?</span></p>
</li>
</ul><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">As with most roleplay builds, these points can be interpreted as strict or as loose as you wish, so long as the general idea is maintained. I will elaborate more in the Gameplay and Roleplay section.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659634770,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659634770,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659634770?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="416" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659635037,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659635037,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659635037?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Race:</span> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Breton, Female.</strong> A beautiful mix of man and mer yet superior to both. The Blood has surpassed mortal races, but she still benefits from perks of her Aldmeri-Nedic heritage. A high regeneration of both Magicka and Stamina means she will never be without a way out of any fight. Her mixed blood also allows her to learn more from the Standing Stones than any other race giving her an extra bonus when she attunes to one. A deadly cocktail of mortal and immortal blood, she is definitely no one to trifle with.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Standing Stone:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Tower.</strong> Mysterious and full of riches, The Tower Stone represents everything The Blood wants in life. Attuning to this stone allows The Blood to open any lock up to Adept level easily with a chance to open an Expert level lock once a day. The Tower also reveals a mysterious cache of items sure to bring her fortune if she can attain it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***The Tower Stone was used a majority of the game, but during the early levels I alternated between <em>The Thief Stone</em> and <em>The Mage Stone</em> often to help boost my sneak and magic skills fairly quickly. If need be you can use one or both the stones throughout the entire game, but I found the Tower Stone to be much more fitting later on.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Birthsign:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Lady.</strong> Those born under the sign of The Lady are said to be kind and tolerant, though the mysterious Blood seems to be the exception. Regardless, she takes advantage of the perks given to her by her sign. A health boost as well as faster magicka regeneration gives The Blood a much needed cushion when fighting during daylight hours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***I selected 3<sup>rd</sup> Era Birthsign as it allowed The Blood to still have the perks of The Lady while attuning to whichever stone she chose.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Blessing/Divine:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Nocturnal.</strong> Despite being the creation of Molag Bal, The Blood finds herself drawing more strength from subtle crimes in the shadows rather than bloodied domination for all to see. For this reason, she has adopted Nocturnal, Lady Luck and Mistress of the Shadows, as her patron. As her follower, she can pray to her god to remove small bounties and become harder to detect. Also while in prayer, The Blood can scry on the nearest enemy within 300 feet, getting a better idea of her surroundings.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Supernaturals:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Vampire.</strong> Reborn a daughter of Coldharbor many decades ago, The Blood has the potential to be one of the most terrifying creatures to walk Nirn. Although susceptible to fire, she boosts amazing resistance to frost, poison, and disease- three of the most prevalent killers Skyrim's harsh landscape has to offer. Further, her nearly translucent skin makes her excellent at sneaking and outright disappearing when the need arises. This silent beauty hides in plain sight, able to act out the whims of her heart, and no one is the wiser.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Companions:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Yes.</strong> She has lived decades in solitude, so perhaps it's time to find someone to trust. While typically an introverted, lone wanderer, The Blood's mind changed when she realized there are people in the world that are open to her kind. While these people might be outcasts or Daedra-worshippers themselves, it doesn't change the fact they are still willing to serve and fight by her side. In addition to The Moonlight, potential followers include members of the Companions, mercenaries, Daedric priests, drunks, beggars, thieves, and lowly workers.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Factions:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Companions, Thieves' Guild. </strong>While the money the Companions pay is good, there's nothing wrong with picking up a few extra septims now and then. Other than assisting The Moonlight, the real reason The Blood sticks around the Companions is to track the movements of the Silver-Hands. She prefers the company of Riften's Thieves' Guild and will regularly pick up side missions from them to complete on her travels.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Archetype:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Nightblade.</strong> A master of the shadows and almost entirely unpredictable. The Blood cares little for rules that change so quickly over the years, but rather decides what's right and what's wrong by her own moral compass and the effects her decisions have on others. She also prefers sneaking and striking from the shadows, but isn't afraid to use her magic talents and aggressive strikes if discovered. This combination of muddied morality and shady fighting style makes The Blood as deadly as she is beautiful.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Class: <strong>Custom.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Specialization Bonus: Stamina</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Combat Skills: One-Handed</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Stealth Skills: Light Armor, Lockpicking, Pickpocket, Sneak</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Magic Skills: Destruction, Illusion</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Secondary Skill: Athletics</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">The Blood falls nearly in line with the Nightblade class, but has just enough differences to be in a class of her own. As a Nightblade, all three specialties (Combat, Stealth, and Magic) play a role in defining her class. The Thief skills keep her hidden from view while her Combat and Magic skills keep her alive if she is detected. An extra boost in Stamina along with Athletics (faster movement speed and quicker stamina regeneration) make sure The Blood has enough energy to power attack or run away in whatever situation she finds herself.</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659638941,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659638941,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659638941?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="405" /></a><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659640054,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659640054,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659640054?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Weapons:</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Skyforge Steel Dagger.</strong> Carry light, strike hard. The Blood relies mainly on her sneaking and magical prowess to keep herself alive but she knows there are limitations on her skill. Keeping herself lightly armed allows for plenty of inventory space for what's important. A fast striking weapon forged with the Nordic skill of Eorlund Gray-Mane is just what she needs to keep herself alive.</span></p>
<p> <span style="font-size:10pt;">***If using Immersive Weapons, I enjoyed the aesthetic of the Spearblade. The weapon was a somewhat rare find, however, so I kept the Skyforge Steel Dagger on me most of the time.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Armor:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Thieves Guild Armor set.</strong> Lightly armored makes sneaking much easier, even for a vampire. Adding in the enchantments from the Thieves Guild Armor set, The Blood becomes an even deadlier woman. She doesn't care if the guards recognize the set; they won't even see her coming when she actually wants to blend in.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***If using Immersive Armors, the Bosmer Engraved Hood and Boots made her attire blend even better. Additionally, in game armors such as Vampire set can be used as substitutes until retrieving the Thieves' Guild Armor. They usually have decent enchantments as well that help boost destruction magics.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Spells/Scrolls:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Destruction and Illusion.</strong> Master of clean getaways and violent ends, each fight depends on The Blood's mood. Proficient in the ancient blood magics, the vampire doesn't have a need for any elemental spells. Instead, she relies on using an enemies own body against them. In delicate situations, The Blood will resort to using a calm or fear spell to move her target where she wants them to go. With her back against the wall, she'll resort to a deadly cocktail of spells to essentially rip her enemies bodies' apart from the inside.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Destruction Spells:</u></span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Vampiric Drain- Novice.</strong> Sucks the life force from an opponent and uses it to fuel her own vitality.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blood Seed- Apprentice.</strong> Creates bone shards that grow and tear through a targets body until protruding through the skin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blood Brand- Adept.</strong> Marks a target and drains their magicka reserves for several moments before using their own magicka energy to explode and cause mass damage.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blood Scourge- Expert.</strong> Creates a disease similar that damages a target for a long period of time. If a target dies, it explodes and infects others in the area, causing a massive chain reaction.</span></li>
</ul><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Illusion Spells:</u></span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Calm- Apprentice.</strong> Fogs the mind of a target, lulling them into a state of peace.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Fear- Apprentice.</strong> Fills a targets mind with an overwhelming sense of dread, causing them to flee the area for a period of time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Pale Shadow- Novice.</strong> Creates a spectral image of a target with low health, but high damage output.</span></li>
</ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Powers:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Vampiric.</strong> Embracing her abilities as a Nightwalker, The Blood benefits from many intense powers, both actively and passively. Using abilities strategically, she is able to become one with the night, disappearing and reappearing as she pleases or attacking as an unseen force of darkness.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Active Powers:</u></span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Nightwalk</strong>- Able to turn into a fine mist, teleporting her a distance away from her original position.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Obfuscate</strong>- Able to turn invisible for an extended period of time without breaking invisibility with attacks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Vampire's Seduction</strong>- Bewitches a target to turn them non-hostile for a short while, enabling feeding.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Vampire's Will</strong>- Forces a target in combat to stop detecting her and return to whatever they were doing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Vampires Command</strong>- Imposes her will on unoccupied targets, forcing them to do whatever she commands.</span></li>
</ul><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Passive Powers:</u></span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blood Bond</strong>- After feeding on a sleeping target, they become an ally, willing to follow and marry her.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Dolmen Haun</strong>t- An additional vampire perk added by being a Breton. Allows her to get the effects of feeding by activating a standing stone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Dominate</strong>- Illusion spells are much stronger and last longer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Fortitude</strong>- When well-fed, allows her to come back to life if slain.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Night of the Wolf</strong>- Able to feed on targets who do not detect her, but makes them hostile after a few seconds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Presence</strong>- Intimidation attempts are more likely to succeed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Still Heart</strong>- Undeath makes her much harder to detect by the living.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Vicissitude</strong>- Blood spells are stronger if the spell “Blood Seed” is cast on them first.</span></li>
</ul><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***Note that the powers “Blood Bond”, “Night of the Wolf” and “Vissitude” are only available by ranking up as a vampire, or living so many day in game. They are much harder to achieve than any other powers, so make sure you choose their order wisely. To help with progression, I chose “Night of the Wolf” at my first rank, “Vissitude” at my second, and “Blood Bond” at my third. There are more available powers in the game, so be sure to cater addition progression perks to your needs.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Shouts:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>None.</strong> The Blood is not the Dragonborn and has much more important things on her mind than doing work without getting paid.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Accessories:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Masks. The Blood envies those that stand in the light of Mundus. At its touch, her skin boils. Her armor does well to keep most of her skin hidden, but masks are a much needed accessory to keep her from getting burned.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***Masks are added by a multitude of mods, but for this playthrough I went with the Bosmer Mask from Immersive Armors. Adding masks is purely for roleplay and aesthetic purposes, so choosing to omit this element of her inventory will not change the playthrough.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659644177,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659644177,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659644177?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Stat Placement: 2:2:1</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">The Blood will rely on a steady supply of Magicka for attacks, but it is always a good idea to have Stamina on hand for defense while her reserves replenish. For this reason, I leveled her up at a 2:2:1 ratio until she reached level 200 on Stamina. I then switched to a 1:2:0, making sure to keep bolstering her health, a much needed element for the lightly armored thief. I ended my playthrough around Level 45, but all perks become available around Level 40.</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3672373636,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3672373636,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3672373636?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Major Perks:</u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Light Armor-</strong> Light Armor provides a thief with everything they need for a defense- protection and a light weight. With luck, The Blood will be slipping in and out of situations without too much of a fight, but it never hurts to be prepared. Keen Senses allows her to benefit from the full effects of armor even without wearing a head piece, giving her a full range of vision to keep an eye out for danger. The effects of Annoying Mosquitoes increases resistance against opponents attacks as well. Further, Unhindered makes it feel as though she is wearing nothing at all, able to move freely in the shadows.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Sneak-</strong> The lifeblood of a thief is the shadows. Whether to steal some coins or have a quick snack, sneaking allows The Blood to get in extremely close to her enemies without being detected. Right Behind You improves her sneaking the closer she gets to someone, while Clean Escape promises a smooth get away as long as she stands still long enough. When needing to defend The Moonlight, she sneaking prowess is strengthened by Sneak Attack and Assassin's Blade, dealing more damage with daggers when unseen.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Pickpocket-</strong> The cities crawl with those that would kill to see The Blood or Moonlight's head on a pike. Pickpocketing subtly harms the wealthiest among them, taking their goods from beneath their noses and causing paranoia. While this tree doesn't have many perks, it is essential to get the perks in place as soon as possible. Thief's Eye allows The Blood to target those passive-aggressive enemies in the cities, marking them and singling out their goods. Additionally, Blood Money makes the more open enemies who fall to The Blood's violent attacks have more gold on them. Sometimes, murder pays in more ways than one.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Lockpicking-</strong> Similar to Pickpocket, Lockpicking gives The Blood a subtle way to take down her enemies. Breaking into their homes has a chance to activate Robber's Eye, marking containers of passive enemies who are hoarding great treasures. Her burglary doesn't have to stop with townsmen, however. Storming enemy dungeons such as bandit camps and Silver-Hand lairs can mark containers holding wealth. Next time the lowlifes try to move in, they'll have to start all over again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Minor Perks:</u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>One-Handed-</strong> When sneaking fails, The Blood has to switch to a defensive. One-Handed attacks are a last resort for her, but it is still a good idea to have some perks placed on the skill tree. Carrying only a dagger and relying more on magic, the only perks that need to be placed are on Mastery and Bite Marks. The perks ensure each attack with the dagger does enough damage to hold enemies at bay while her magicka reserves recharge.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Destruction-</strong> The Blood wields the power of Blood Magic, manipulating mortal bodies in painful, explosive ways. Despite being a destructive spell, there are very few perks that benefit her magic type. Dual Casting allows her spells to become more powerful when cost less magicka when cast in both hands, providing an almost endless stream of health when casting Vampiric Drain. Harsh Lesson allows her to interrupt others spells by casting her own, useful when up against Shock and Flame Mages.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Illusion-</strong> Vampires are known for their Illusion magic, but The Blood doesn't dabble in any of the advanced spells. With Fear and Calm spells being her allies, Imposing Presence and Wilting cause the affects of those spells to last even longer, possibly spreading to nearby enemies. Quiet Before the Storm allows The Blood to maintain her silence in the shadows, even when attacking with spells. With no sound to alert others, The Blood can make a kill and simply slip away.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659646289,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659646289,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659646289?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Magic:</u> As mentioned before, the main offense of this build is The Blood's various Blood Magic spells. As she progresses and learns more spells, she can experiment with ways to cast them. The goal is to deal the most damage with the least amount of magicka lost. When facing weaker enemies, Vampiric Drain is usually the only spell needed. Many times, low-level bandits cannot deal more damage than the Drain can reabsorb. Likewise, wolves and skeevers fall within moments under the affect of the spell. Higher level enemies require more planning. With the effects of “Vicissitude” active, all Blood spells become stronger with targets under the effect of Blood Seed. After unlocking the power, I got into the habit of always casting Blood Seed before choosing one of the other spells. Each combination of spells depends on the enemy. If fighting with allies who could turn against you, it would be unwise to cast a spell with explosion or spreading damage. When fighting multiple enemies, one of those spells could come in handy, however. As reserves run too low to cast any bigger spells, you can always resort back to Vampiric Drain, steadily sapping your enemies health and replenishing your own. Each battle requires quick reaction and knowledge of Destruction spells, so make sure to study up.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Remember, that offense is not always needed for The Blood. She likes to navigate the shadows, sneaking past most if not all of the enemies she comes in contact with. Sometimes, Illusion based spells can do a better job than Destruction. In situations were only one enemy has discovered you, casting Calm is a better option than triggering a fight with multiple enemies in the next room. Likewise, casting fear on a bandit guarding a door would be much easier than trying to combat him. There were times that I needed a simple distraction to get around an obstacle. Using Pale Shadow creates a “phantom” version of the target enemy, forcing them to go into combat. Even if they have low health, the distraction is enough to move an enemy from a location and allow The Moonlight to slip by.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Melee: </u>When magicka reserves run low, it sometimes requires switching a dagger. Used as a last resort, the blade will do little damage to enemies, making for a challenging endgame. To avoid this, it is best to keep an eye on your reserves and work around enemies. Contrarily, the dagger can be used to dispatch enemies who aren't detecting you with sneak attacks. “Sneak Tools SE” adds the option to “slit throats” of enemies when approaching from behind, a very overpowered tweak, but sometimes necessary. When The Moonlight or substitute companion becomes detected, The Blood can sneak to their aid to dispatch the enemy without them even knowing what hit them. This balance between seen and unseen makes The Blood and Moonlight a hightly compatible duo.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Range:</u> None.</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659647579,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659647579,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659647579?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Power Attacks:</span> </u></span></p>
<ul><li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>A Quick Bite- “Sneak Feed”+“Clean Escape”.</strong> Sometimes you need a light snack. Sneaking close to an enemy, The Blood can feel the lust for blood growing. Silent as ever, she can sneak feed off of a target and immediately return to sneaking again. Dazed, it take a target a few seconds to realize what has happened, giving The Blood a few moments to escape. As soon as she stands still however, she disappears again. Before long, the target will give up the pointless chase, letting paranoia set in.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Eyes of the Avenger- “Thief Eye”+“Robber Eye”. </strong>The city is flowing with gold and bad blood against Vampires and Lycans alike. It's time to put the mortals in their place. Entering a city highlights an individual set on destroying her kind. Picking his pocket and hurting his wallet privately warns him to watch his back. Further, breaking into homes and strongholds of her enemies leads to treasures untold. Breaking their wallets is just as fun as breaking their noses.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Boiling Blood- “Destruction Dual Casting”+“Blood Seed”+“Blood Brand”+“Blood Scourge”.</strong> Make them feel what it's like to burn. Using her knowledge of blood, The Blood knows just the right way to make mortals suffer. Casting first Blood Seed to break and shard their bones is only the first step in their torment. Slamming targets with a barrage of spreading, exploding plagues like Blood Scourge and Blood Brand deals massive amounts of pain over multiple parties. If they don't die, they'll wish they did.</span></p>
</li>
</ul><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659649042,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659649042,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659649042?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="619" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659649679,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659649679,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659649679?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Race:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Nord, Female.</strong> A race as old as the land itself. The Moonlight has become used to the harsh Skyrim landscape, giving her a high resistance to frost magic. Her Nordic tendencies also give her the ability to increase attack damage as her health depletes. It becomes increasingly useful when paired with her Avatar ability (fast regeneration of Stamina). Finally, at certain levels, she can choose certain races to do extra damage towards, a way to exact revenge on those who hunt her kind.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***When choosing the races, I went with Nord, Orc, and Redguard, as they were the most prevalent races I came across when fighting the Silver-Hands. You may choose whichever races you want however, as the race of bandits/Silver-Hands spawned changes from game to game.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Standing Stone:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Lady.</strong> Strong in spirit and heart, The Moonlight is the physical manifestation of The Lady Stone. Under the effects of this stone, The Moonlight is able to summon a Lunar Familiar whenever she enters combat, adding another member to her growing pack. Further, The Lady's gift of Premonition allows her to see which enemies can kill her within the next few strikes and act accordingly. Time slows for her during those moments and she feels as though she can rip through even the toughest of armors. Her blessing is a gift to the strongest of hunters.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>***The Shadow.</strong> I cycled through the Lady and the Shadow Stones often during this build. Since no perks are placed on sneak, I found the increased speed and sneak bonuses to be very helpful. For times that involve sneaking- hunting or following The Blood around- the Shadow stone will be invaluable.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Birthsign:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Warrior.</strong> A fierce, warrior spirit gifted to her by the Divines. The Moonlight has always been one to fight for what she believes in, and she accredits that to her Birthsign. Born in Last Seed, The Moonlight is granted a boost to damage performed with weapons. Whether with sword or bow, her ferocity is unmatched in combat.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Blessing/Divine:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Hircine. </strong>The Lord of The Hunt and Father of Manbeasts smiles upon The Moonlight and she delights in serving him. Although once seeing her beast blood as a curse, The Moonlight readily uses her power invoke hunts and, on rare occasions, purges in her patron's name. By fulfilling his tenets and wishes, her favor gains her double damage on opponents with weakening health. The combination of her Nordic and Lycan blood means The Moonlight becomes increasingly stronger as her opponents fall to her- the dream of a powerful hunter.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Supernaturals:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Werewolf.</strong> The Hunters shall become the Hunted. As Hircine's elite, The Moonlight possesses all the skills of the wolf- endurance, strength, camaraderie. With her gift, she is allowed to take the form of werewolf one per day if she pleases but is forced to turned on full moon nights. Her roars have the ability to call her allies, send enemies running, and even alert her to unseen dangers in the area. Feeding heals her and makes her more in-tune with her senses, unlocking even more deeper power. However, her bloodlust can become overwhelming and she can loose her self to the predator within. Despite the negative drawbacks, The Moonlight has learned to control her urges with the help of The Blood, turning what she has once seen as evil into a force of good.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Companions:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Yes.</strong> The Moonlight has always been able to persuade a crowd, making her many more allies than most. Still, with her new blessing, she wishes to keep her circle small, only selecting her traveling companions from her closest friends. Her fellow Companions make for great shield-siblings, but she prefers the company of The Blood above all others. Traversing the wilds may call for the aid of animals- wolves and dogs- to join the hunt with her as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***With “Amazing Follower Tweaks”, it is possible to have 3 dogs and one wolf companion with The Moonlight at any given time- Meeko, Vigilance, Stray Dog, and a wolf of your choice added by “Speak with Animals”. Add in the Spirit Wolf from the Lady Stone, you have a very intimidating pack. On missions requiring stealth, I left the pack at home, but on “Hunts” there was no greater team.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Factions:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Companions, Thieves' Guild.</strong> Honor among Thieves. While she doesn't necessarily agree with the lifestyle of the thieves, The Moonlight can't argue that some of their methods are a sound way to take down more docile enemies. Taking quests of blackmail and burglary are as deep as she is willing to go however, preferring the methods of her fellow Companions above the others. She will take any quest they offer, but is particularly fond of the Silver-Hand hunts.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Archetypes:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Scout.</strong> Sneaky enough to get in close, yet strong enough to take a few hits, The Moonlight is a very unique class. Finding herself wielding sword, shield, and bow, her fighting style is diverse yet refined. As a hunter, she finds herself needing to sneak just close enough to her enemies for a good shot but no closer. Her heavy armor ensures she stands a good chance in any fight. A true predator that never backs down.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Class: <strong>Custom.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Specialization Bonus: Stamina</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Combat Skills: One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Block, Smithing</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Stealth Skills: Archery, Speech, Sneak</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Magic Skills: None</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Secondary Skill: Athletics</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">A unique woman such as The Moonlight requires a unique class. Early on, her combat skills give her a nice advantage, putting her one step ahead of her opponents. Similarly, boosts from her Athletics and Stamina Specialization means she can move faster and strike harder. Her charisma is boosted by Speech as well, giving her the ability to talk her way out of any situation or persuade the furious of beasts to back down.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***”Classic Classes and Birthsigns” requires 7 skill trees to be selected. While no points are placed on Smithing or Sneak for this build, boosting them initially will help with improving armors and getting closer to enemies very early on.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></span></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Weapons:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Skyforge Steel Sword, Hunting Bow, Steel Arrows.</strong> Only the best steel for the Companions. The Moonlight takes pride in knowing her weapons are forged in the best forge in all of Tamriel by the best smithy. Her sword was gifted to her upon joining the Circle, so it holds a very special place in her heart. Her bow and arrows rarely leave her as well, though their use is for game rather than human flesh.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Armor:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Wolf Armor set.</strong> There are few armor sets as well crafted as the Companions' Wolf Armor. Protecting her from sword and mace alike, the set keeps her safe from outward danger while the engravings stand as a constant reminder of the danger within.</span><br /><span style="font-size:10pt;">***The Wolf Armor is the vanilla variant I chose for this particular build, though I played most of the game with my “Immersive Armors” substitutes. The Blood wore a Primative Nord Helm and Cuirass and a matching set of Dragonbone Ebonsteel Gauntlets and Boots. These armors allowed her to feel free to roam as a primal wolf, and helped maintain the aesthetic.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Spells/Scrolls:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>None.</strong> The Moonlight was never one to pick up magic, but her counterpart, The Blood, makes up for her shortcomings.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Powers:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Lycanthropic.</strong> A light in Hircine's eyes, The Moonlight's powers are drawn from the Prince himself. As a werewolf, she posesses extreme, primal powers and energies that effect not only her feral form, but her human one as well. As she grows in her new life, The Moonlight has to learn to use her gifts without losing herself in the process.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Active Powers:</u></span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Battle Cry</strong>- As a Nord, she can give a cry in the midst of battle, potentially scaring away enemies.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Beast Form</strong>- Invokes Hircine's gift, shifting her into a terrifying, awe-inspiring werewolf.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Hunter in the Night</strong>- Allows her to see all living creatures in her surrounding area while in human form.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Perform</strong>- Draws enemies and neutrals in, forcing them to stop attacking and listen her beautiful song and voice. Friendly characters pay for such a performance.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Roar of Terror</strong>- While in her Beast form, scares away enemies to invoke a true hunt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Roar of the Pack</strong>- While in her Beast form, calls wolf and werewolf allies to help her fight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Roar of the Predator</strong>- While in her Beast form, detects all life in the area to make planning attacks easier.</span></li>
</ul><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Passive Powers:</u></span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Bitter Mercy</strong>- Makes targets with a certain percentage of health fall victim to double damage from her attacks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Posting of the Hunt</strong>- While praying to Hircine, reveals a living target that she can hunt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Ring of Hircine</strong>- While wearing, it gives her the ability to shift one extra time per day.</span></li>
</ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Shouts:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>None.</strong> More concerned with the affairs of those around her, The Moonlight isn't the Dragonborn leaves their life behind to save Tamriel. Still, she won't turn her nose up at taking down a few dragons.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Accessories:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Shields.</strong> An essential to every great warrior. The Moonlight will use any heavy shield she can find, but is partial to the ones crafted and refined at the Skyforge. As a shield for others, it only makes sense that she should have a way to defend herself as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***Any heavy armor shield will work, but for those using “Immersive Armors”, I used the Nordic Ebony Shield. It gave her look a more rustic and ancient feel while the stats were a great boost to her rating.</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Stat Placement: 0:1:2</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Strong and resilient, The Moonlight requires a far less complicated stat placement than her counterpart. With the use of her heavy armor and shield, there is less of a need to put placement on Health allowing her to focus mostly on her Stamina reserves. Similarly to The Blood, I ended my playthrough at Level 45, but all available points can be achieved around Level 40.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Major Perks:</u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>One-Handed- </strong>One-Handed is the primary offense of The Moonlight. Wielding only a sword, there are not many perks what are placed on this tree. Still, most of these perks should be added as they become available as they help defeat enemies much more easily. Perks such as Disciplined Fighter reduce the stamina of power attacks, allotting a bigger reserve for power-bashes with the shield.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Heavy Armor-</strong> In the midst of a fight, The Moonlight needs the strongest protection. Heavy armor provides a tough barrier between her and the world, letting her take more hits than her light armored companion. Perks such as Born to Fight help reduce the heavy weight of the armor, and give her a better sneaking advantage when on a hunt, while Defiance grants additional protection and the chance to damage any enemy that strikes her.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Speech-</strong> Being a bard as well as a warrior means The Moonlight has to have a way with words. Her charm is expressed on both the Performer and Speak with Animals trees. Among people, she is able to play music and sing, collecting gold from those that listen, calling for an Encore that allows her to perform multiple times a day. Even on the battlefield her voice is strong enough to force all those in combat with her to become entranced. Among beasts, the Lycan is able to make friends with even the toughest of predators while the Gift of Kynareth strengthens the animal she chooses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Minor Perks:</u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Block-</strong> The main defense of The Moonlight, a shield in the midst of a fray. Still, the perks on the Block tree are not nearly as important as those listed above and should be added as needed. Deflect Arrows is one of the most important perks, allowing her to almost completely negate the damage dealt by pesky archers. It's rival, Block Runner, is a much harder perk to attain, but can be used to barrel into combat, knocking back and staggering opponents to give her allies a chance to recover and get on the offensive again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Archery-</strong> Archery is a staple of any hunter, but isn't necessary for the heat of battle. With perks focusing on refining a shot and killing quick, the uses of archery are primarily for downing game and other predators. Steady Hand allows shots to be taken at greater distance by focusing in on a target and slowing time. Clean Kill increases the damage dealt, ensuring targets go down quickly and easily. Calling her pack to her, The Moonlight can summon a spirit wolf to charge after a target with the Hunt Together perk. A pursuit until the end.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">Werewolf Tree Perks:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">In addition to the Skill Trees offered to The Moonlight in human form, she possesses entire new abilities under the influence of Hircine. These perks and powers require feeding on human corpses, and each point requires more and more feedings to reach the next level. For this reason, it's important to plan where to invest points and when. Ultimately, the goal would be to fill the entire tree and become the strongest predator, but I chose to keep it fairly simple.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3672374295,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3672374295,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3672374295?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Here are some of the more readily used perks:</span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Hircine's Blessing</strong>- Grants greater damage to enemies and health gained by eating.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Savage Feeding</strong>- Able to feed on animals to regain health and extend bloodlust, but doesn't help with perk point advancement.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Break Entry</strong>- Able to open doors and locks on chests, leaving no one safe from your bestial form.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Juggernaut</strong>- Additional armor in werewolf form.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Revert Form</strong>- Change back to human form at will.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Call of the Wild</strong>- Able to summon more wolf and werewolf allies in human form, strengthening your pack.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Dragon Bane</strong>- Roar becomes powerful enough to force a dragon to land.</span></li>
</ul><p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Magic:</u> None.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Melee:</u> Fighting comes as a second nature to The Moonlight. Her drive to defend others causes her to become a shield, taking most of the hits for her weaker armored companions. This is not to say she is a pushover, however. The Moonlight should be able to give as much as she takes. Her strikes should be given without prejudice, hitting any and every opponent rather that focusing on just one. If she can take attention off of her Companions, they will have time to heal and join the fight even stronger.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">The use of a shield is another key factor in her fighting style. With perks from the Block tree, she is able to deflect arrows and bolts that would otherwise wear her and her allies down. Further, The Moonlight has developed a method of Timed Bashing that staggers opponents right before their power attacks, making them extremely vulnerable to great amount of damage. The method has worked on everything from bandits to dragons, but it is up to you to study the fighting styles of each enemy and determine when and how their power attacks can be stopped.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">When the fighting gets too hot and even she needs a moment to catch her breath, The Moonlight can give an impromptu concert. While singing or playing her instruments, all hostile and neutral characters in the area have to stop and listen. Enthralled by her song, they refuse to fight, giving both The Moonlight and her allies a moment to regenerate health. So long as her allies are already in combat with the enemy, they won't give up their assault. The last thing some bandits hear is The Moonlight's music in their ears.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">In beast form, The Moonlight completely disregards her “shield” stance. While a much faster and stronger target, she lacks severely in armor and health. With regeneration out of the question as well, an easy fight with a bandit chief in human form could possibly turn into a life-or-death battle for the beast. Keeping this in mind, The Moonlight limits herself to taking targets out one by one. Using strategic power attacks to keep higher level enemies at bay, she can wear down weaker ones fairly quickly. The use of Roar of the Pack and Roar of Terror can be used as well to keep enemies occupied and even the odds. Saving the feeding until the end of a fight or when health begins running dangerously low is a something she has to be mindful of as well. Though she is a beast, she needs to keep her head about her.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u>Range:</u> The Moonlight's take on archery is a much less proactive one than for melee combat. In truth, her arrows rarely taste human flesh, instead finding rest in the game of the wilds. For roleplaying purposes, I made sure to give this hunter a life outside of skirmishes. Some evenings The Moonlight prefers peacefully hunting elk and deer in plains. The use of Hunterborn makes this pastime viable for both her and The Blood, yielding ingredients for blood potions and pelts for some quick coin. In fact, the only time ranged was used against a human opponent is when facing a group of mages. At a disadvantage against their ranged spells, arrows were used until The Moonlight got in close enough to switch over to melee weapons. She enjoys a fair, clean fight much more than her Blood counterpart.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><u><span style="font-size:14pt;">Power Attacks:</span> </u></span></p>
<ul><li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Song of the Defender- “Perform”+Companion.</strong> A voice as sweet as any songbirds, it compels the living to stop and listen. Her love of music takes to the battlefield when using her “Perform” ability. As she sings, men, elf, beast, and dead are entranced by her music, refusing to attack or flee. During this time, The Moonlight's allies can move in for the kill or take a moment to catch their breaths<em>.</em></span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Call of Sister Wolf- Meeko+Vigilance+Stray Dog+“Lunar Familiar”+“Speak With Animals”+“Hunt Together”+“Call of the Pack”.</strong> Blood on the wind today; a good hunt ahead of us. Taking down an entire fort of Silver-Hands will require the help of many. With a roar into the night, The Moonlight can call upon her pack to summon the strength needed for such a feat. With an additional 9 members joining the hunt, the Call of the Sister Wolf will have her enemies trembling in fear.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Tooth and Claw- Shield+“Block Runner”+Skyforge Steel Sword+“Premonition”.</strong> Canine reflexes can make for a savage attack. Charging into battle with her shield raised high, The Moonlight barrels into her opponents staggering them with her force. Each moment they recover they find death drawing nearer as her blade swipes tear through armor. If her enemies happen to take the advantage, Premonition allows her to attack far more quickly, bashing them again before allowing the blade to deliver a final bite.</span></p>
</li>
</ul><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">One of the biggest challenges in creating this build was trying make two vastly different characters and play-styles actually work well together. Without having my hands on Skyrim Together- and keeping in mind that many of you likely do not either- I had to rely on already established characters in the game to simulate either The Blood or the Moonlight respectively. Subbing in characters like Farkas or Aela in place of The Moonlight was an easy fix, but I struggled to find characters to put in place of The Blood. Without taking the Vampire Lord form from Harkon and unwilling to side with the Dawnguard, Serana didn't seem like quite the right fit. I ended up using Amazing Follower Tweaks to invite Hert/Hern on my travels with The Moonlight and they were a fairly easy fix. Any in-game vampire should do the trick, however. Should you choose to use Serana in your playthrough, nothing will change; it was just my personal preference.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Another issue I faced is trying to maintain vampirism and lycanthropy. For the latter, the fix was fairly simple: avoid populated areas on the nights of full moons. Transforming was often sudden and violent, and regardless of telling myself I wasn't going on killing sprees, I couldn't help it. Running around in werewolf form, feral and hungry for blood, it was near impossible to stop myself from raiding every bandit camp that I discovered. The thrill of the hunt, feasting on the dead, and additional transformations from Hircine's ring was enough to sate the Call of the Beast, but sussing out the whispers of Vampiric Bloodlust was a whole new struggle.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">I had three different methods to combat The Blood's hunger. First, I tried to only feed on and drain hostile or enemy NPCs. The land of Skyrim is full of those that would want to kill any supernatural they came across. It was a fun game to go on “hunts”, feeding on bandits, Vigilants, Dawnguard, and Silver-Hands that crossed my path. When The Blood had her fill on blood, the Moonlight allowed herself to charge in in Beast Mode, taking advantage of the weakened adversaries. The hunts often spanned over the course of the night as the duo jumped from stronghold to stronghold, slaughtering and feasting for hours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">In more desperate situations, I had feed on neutral or friendly NPCs. While running errands for the Guilds, there were nights I went without seeing a game-labeled enemy. The Blood's hunger grew regardless, meaning I had to occasionally take a bite out of whoever I was stealing from. I made it a rule to never drain or overfeed on those characters however, not wanting to kill anyone who wasn't outwardly against me. Feeding only when they were asleep and limiting myself to one feeding per night helped keep the bloodlust in check. Finally, I made sure to stock up on potions of blood every time I found them. They are extremely rare potions unless crafted or added into the game by mods, so be sure to use them sparingly or in extreme cases.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">I wanted to make sure to find allies in every city, giving The Blood and Moonlight a place to stay should one of their adventures go south. With nobles turning their noses up, I found acceptance in the ranks of other “outcasts”. Befriending the unwelcome- beggars, thieves, Elves, Argonians- proved to be the right choice, often placing me in situations where I could profit. Joining up with the Thieves Guild gave more reason to deal monetary and reputation damage to “enemies”, while the Companions paid me to go out and kill some of my more dangerous foes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">With The Blood and Moonlight being a strong roleplay build, many of the quests are up to you to determine. Will you be known for your deeds of valor, hearing your name in songs across Skyrim? Or will you be sitting upon piles of gold, saying yes only to the jobs that promise a good payoff? Regardless of your choices you make and the people you meet, here are some quests to get you started:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Main Questline (Unbound to Dragon Rising).</strong> Neither The Blood or Moonlight are Dragonborn, but completing the Main Quest until “Dragon Rising” allows the added challenge of Dragons in the game.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Thieves' Guild Questline.</strong> The Blood is valued, long standing member with the Thieves' Guild, so completing this storyline is a must. While The Moonlight is likely to do the bare minimum for the Guild, sticking more to a sense of honor, The Blood will delve deeply into the opportunities to pick up some extra gold and cause damage to those against her.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>The Companions Questline.</strong> As a member of the Circle, The Moonlight has an obligation to take on as many quests and opportunities for glory as the Companions have to offer. The Blood plays along, but prefers to take on jobs that require a more hands-off approach. Still, she won't turn down any of Aela's quests to hunt down the idiotic Silver-Hands.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***Note: Joining the Companions will remove Vampirism from The Blood when completing “The Silver Hand” quest. To bypass this, review the “Other Mods and Hints” section below.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Kyne's Trials.</strong> Becoming a true hunter has become a quest for The Moonlight, so a test as challenging as Kyne's Trials was right up her alley. While she enjoys the spiritual side of the hunt, The Blood takes advantage of the Trials to hone her skills.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Laid to Rest.</strong> The Blood found the Morthal murder super distasteful, especially when she learns how one of her own kind planned the entire event. Any nest of murderous, power-hungry vampires ruins the name of her kind, making her very presence less tolerated by the living. “Laid to Rest” is just one example of one of the various quests and dungeons The Blood can clear out to irradiate the more evil of her kind, making it easier for her to blend in among her true enemies.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Ill Met by Moonlight.</strong> The distress of any one who needs her aid always tugs on The Moonlight's heart, but others that share her wolf blood are at the forefront of her mind. Sinding and his unpredictable transformations immediately draws her attention and the lycan makes it her mission to help him in anyway she can. Completing the quest in his favor pays off in the end, giving her Hircine's Ring and extra transformations. Any mission involving lycanthropes will draw her in, so be on the lookout for any who need aid.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Blue Blood (The Blood Only).</strong> The Blue Blood quest is added by Sacrosanct and only available to The Blood. Upon feeding the first time, the quest will tempt you to feed upon powerful blood. This nagging desire will lead The Blood to travel all across the land in search for the strongest blood she can taste. It unlocks several powers with each feeding, making her even stronger than before.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">***Note: the Mytherceria added by this quest becomes incompatible to mods like AFT. I ended up disabling this ability through console commands, but not disabling the power is not game-crashing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Sommelier (The Blood Only).</strong> Sommelier is the other quest added by Sacrosanct and requires The Blood to drain victims in return for learning some intense spells. While The Blood finds draining sickeningly barbaric, the promise of being even stronger is a call she cannot resist. I opted to only drain “enemy” NPCs, finding them when they were asleep. It was a super long process, but if The Blood can stomach draining a few non-essential characters, the process speeds up significantly.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">In addition to the Essential Mods listed at the beginning of this build, I wanted to list some additional mods that you might consider playing with. While they don't dramatically change the overall gameplay of the build, they help with immersion and roleplay and I enjoyed having them on my list.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1925" target="_blank">Better Vampires</a>: Overhauls the vampire abilities of the player by allowing forced feeding, creation of thralls, turning of NPCs to vampires, and new and improved spells. I preferred using Sacrosanct over Better Vampires, but as of right now, only Better Vampires is compatible with “Skyrim Together”. Both mods work very similarly, but I noticed several problems with this particular mod. If choosing to run it over Sacrosanct, only enable this mod. DO NOT RUN BETTER VAMPIRES AND SACROSANCT TOGETHER.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2357" target="_blank">Enhanced Blood Textures SE</a>: Makes the blood from attacks have a more realistic look and splatter. It was used to help determine which dead had been fed on in both werewolf and vampire form. I do not recommend for those who don't like gore.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54509" target="_blank">Familiar Faces</a>: Makes created characters portable to a current playthrough. Using this mod, it is possible to port The Blood into The Moonlight's game as a follower and vice versa. While I never had a chance to test it out for myself, I want to give Curse-Never-Dying a big shout out for opening my eyes to this amazing mod.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/7900" target="_blank">Hunterborn SE</a>: Overhauls the hunting/harvesting system for creatures in the game to add realistic prepping (cleaning, skinning, harvesting) as well as scrimshaw (creation of tools from remains).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10510" target="_blank">Hunterborn- Animal Blood Potions for Vampires</a>: Allows player to create blood potions to use as a substitute for feeding on people.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1863" target="_blank">Sneak Tools SE</a>: Overhauls the sneaking elements of the game by adding in new sneak kills, craftable arrows, and escape routes.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><u>Bypassing Lycanthropy for The Blood</u></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">A major obstacle I encountered for keeping The Blood a Vampire but still having her work with the Companions was getting pass Lycanthropy. After several different methods, I have narrowed it down to two definite ways:</span></p>
<ol><li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">“Skyrim Companions No Werewolf Option” Mod- Allows you to refuse Lycanthropy and retain Vampirism while continuing in the quest like normal. This mod isn't available to everyone however.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Completing Companions before Contracting Lycanthropy- This method works 100% of the time, but is super immersion breaking. The Blood lives with Vampirism throughout the entire playthrough, so completing an essential part of the build with out the disease isn't a great option. Still, for those of you unable to get this mod and wanting to complete the Companions Questline, it might be the better option. No amount of console commands or spells/potions was able to completely remove Lycanthropy and add Vampirism without crashing the game.</span></p>
</li>
</ol><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659616845,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659616845?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="45" /></a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659665585,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659665585,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659665585?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3659666194,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3659666194,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3659666194?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>And so ends another build in my writing career. It was quite a long one, both writing and playing for two vastly different characters taking on the world together. I hope you enjoyed the read and will check out their origin story over in The Story Corner! I would like to give a massive thank you to <strong>Curse, </strong><strong>Lee</strong>, and <strong>Furrion</strong> for helping me out of some tough spots and providing amazing feedback throughout the entire building process. Most of the images used in the build were taken by <strong>Curse</strong> as well, so THANK YOU 1000 TIMES FOR THESE AMAZING SHOTS.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, let me know in the comments below. Let me know how your own builds are doing! Talos Guide You!</em></span></p></div>Contest Build: The Chimerahttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-chimera2019-09-27T04:35:25.000Z2019-09-27T04:35:25.000ZErinothhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Erinoth<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3633476629?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" /></a> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635391722,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3635391722,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3635391722?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><em>~A Path Paved by Blood~</em></strong></span></p>
<p>4E 176: As the last light of Magnus fell behind the mountains’ peaks, utterly swallowed by Nirn’s horizon, blazing beacons lit throughout the stone citadel, Markarth. Silently, a silhouette rose before the grandest pyre, which threatened to consume him within its conflagration. Thundering from the miniscule man, an impossibly deafening voice wracked the blood-soaked streets with sermon, “<em>The bear is but a cub, young, naïve, and ignorant of that which threatens it. His execution will be simple, Brothers and Sisters! Ulfric will fall to our blades today, and we will wear the Bear’s skin with pride!"</em> Shouts of agreement bellowed through the streets of Markarth, Madanach’s ire filling desolate hearts with unbound courage and might.</p>
<p>Beams of iridescent light seeped through the blood-splattered stained-glass windows of Talos’s temple, falling upon the crude guise of Hircine – a makeshift shrine erected to honor the Lord of the Hunt. Bone fragments and splintered skulls litter the floor, scattered in some incomprehensible arrangement. Roused from his rumination by the commotion outside, a solemn figure arose from the rubble. <em>Doom befalls the ignorant man; Ulfric’s forces are mightier than we know</em> – the thought permeated his mind. Despite his counsel, the Tribe refused to heed his warnings, instead following Madanach’s paradigm.</p>
<p>Pulling scraps of leathery parchment - transcribed with blood - from a deer-hide satchel, the figure began to execute a sacred ritual. Taking a wicked blade of twisted bone, he slit his hand and used the gushing wound to fill a wooden bowl, pausing for only a brief moment to revel in the glorious smell before placing the vessel at the shrine’s foot – an offering of crimson given painfully to the lord of the hunt. He took a bear’s claw and a boar’s tusk, grinding them together with a mortar and pestle, adding drops of blood as needed, and poured its contents into the bowl. Following, he crushed a clove of garlic with his cut left palm, allowing the amalgam to drip among the contents of the offering. Finally, taking the blessed bowl in his hands, he drank the concoction. Instantaneously, painfully, hair erupted from his back, while his jaw brandished a pair of bloodied iron tusks; Hircine’s blessing coursed through his veins. He gave the shrine one final nod before tossing his apothecary’s satchel over his shoulder and departing the temple, ready to face his fate at the gates of Markarth.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">***</p>
<p>4E 201: He gawked at the lone stone table, splattered with viscera and glass, remnants of his rage while awakening. Alone in an unknown Hagraven’s lair, he stood, contemplating why she would bring him back; Hagravens are characteristically egotistic, and he had never known of a matron going to such lengths to help another creature, much less restore them to life. Perhaps she foresaw something veiled to him.</p>
<p>Furthermore, he was aware a significant length of time passed since he last breathed. It struck him. The air tasted different, the ever-present smell of crisp vegetation no longer filled his nostrils, replaced by an unknown pungent odor that was revolting to behold.</p>
<p><em>Has the air changed, or have I?</em> he pondered, eyes fervently darting between the strange instruments strewn about the lab. Terrified of the implications of his situation, he attempted to beckon the beast from within. Desperation crossed his mind, followed by grief, as he concluded that the beast’s blood no longer flowed through his veins.</p>
<p>As his conscience faded momentarily, a new ire ignited within his desolate heart. With newfound passion and intent, he tore a few repulsive feathers from the Hag’s corpse, grabbed the briarheart from the table, and finally took his first steps outside the cave, resolute to reclaim his shifting powers and take his rightful place as head chieftain of the Reachmen. </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3633476629?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" /></a></p>
<p>After seeing this spectacular contest, I finally decided to join the site and formulate my first character build. From the looks of it, the competition is quite stiff, and all the builds I have seen so far are absolutely phenomenal, so I wish the other contestants the best of luck.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I absolutely adore the Forsworn in their entirety and was gravely disappointed when Skyrim failed to illustrate their story properly, giving us only a single questline to understand their place in Nirn. What information we are given of their people is brief and scattered throughout the province of Skyrim, bestowed unto us via book; however, we can draw further information through implied messages in their many dungeons, strongholds, and fortifications. Their religion is a largely an enigma, but a few traits can be discerned. Their pantheon differs from any other culture on Tamriel, consisting of an amalgamation of Aedric and Daedric spirits. Their pantheon also consists of the Et’Ada, or “original spirits.” Furthermore, the natural world - both plants and animals - play a large role in their society, seen through quests like <em>The Blessings of Nature</em>, where we retrieve Nettlebane, a dagger specifically forged to sacrifice Spriggans, from a Hagraven. The Reachmens' spiritualism largely reflects the real-world Celts, whose religious leaders, the Druids, communed with the spirits of the natural world and saw that all life was intertwined. Utilizing skills and techniques attributed to both the Forsworn and Celtic Druids, I sought to create a build that pays homage to the underappreciated Reachmen. This build applies alchemy and various magical skills to produce a compelling fanatic shaman of Hircine, whose reverence of the Lord of the Hunt is so zealous that he adopts the form of beasts to rip a bloody hole in the Reach, reclaiming his rightful home with claw, fang, and spell. Without further ado, I present the Chimera.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3638630234,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3638630234,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3638630234?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="794" height="794" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635407792,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3635407792,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3635407792?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Difficulty:</strong><span style="font-size:10pt;"> Master</span></p>
<p><strong>Race:</strong> Breton Werewolf – The Chimera is one of the Reachmen, and while Bretons are a separate race, they are the closest you can come to the Reachmen without mods. The extra magic resistance and dragonskin ability work quite well with the Chimera's werewolf form.</p>
<p><strong>Stats:</strong> 3/1/0, until base Magicka hits 250, then put every point into health. With all of the Chimera’s gear, he should have a max Magicka around 310, more than enough for his hybrid playstyle.</p>
<p><strong>Standing Stone: Lord >>> Lady; </strong>since the Chimera wields the ring of the hunt, he may benefit from the lady stone's regenerative properties, and coupled with his great knowledge of elixirs, the Chimera can augment his beast form to be incredibly durable. Use the Lord stone early on while the Chimera levels his Alteration skill.</p>
<p><strong>Shrine Blessing:</strong> Azura</p>
<p><strong>Black Books:</strong> Secret of Arcana, Seeker of Shadows</p>
<p><strong>Abilities:</strong> Most passive abilities transfer to Werewolf form, so the Chimera makes use of the following skills.</p>
<ul><li>Agent of Mara: 10% extra magic resistance for dealing with mages, especially while transformed, is quite useful.</li>
<li>Sinderion’s Serendipity: A 25% chance to create two potions helps cut back on potion making cost, especially useful for hard to acquire reagents like Spriggan Sap.</li>
<li>Dragon Infusion: 25% resistance to dragon melee attacks stacks quite well with the Chimera's already formidable defenses. Imperative for late game dragon slaughtering.</li>
<li>Ethereal Spirit: 25% more health regeneration while ethereal. A useful skill to have while in humanoid form. Step back, take a breath, and recover.</li>
<li>Totem of Brotherhood: Summoning two spiritual allies while in Werewolf form can quickly shift a battle to your favor or serve as an effective distraction if the Chimera needs to skulk away and heal.</li>
</ul><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635003207,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3650683170,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3650683170?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="1010" height="757" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>"You want to know who the Forsworn are? We are the people who must pillage our own land. Burn our own ground. We are the scourge of the Nords. The axe that falls in the dark. The scream before the gods claim your soul. We are the true sons and daughters of the Reach. The spirits and hags have lived here from the beginning, and they are on our side. Go back. Go back and tell your Empire that we will have our own kingdom again. And on that day, we will be the ones burying your dead in a land that is no longer yours."</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><em>-Cortoran, Consultant of the Chimera</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635409209,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3635409209,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3635409209?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Major Skills</span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635330119,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3635330119,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3635330119?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="532" height="689" /></a></strong></p>
<ul><li><strong>Lycanthropy:</strong> As one of Hircine’s gifted, the Chimera is bestowed with the boon of lycanthropy, which is used to take on the ultimate avatar of Hircine's bestial might. Take all perks from this tree, since there is no consequence for doing so. As the Chimera levels up, his claws do more damage and he gains an innate damage resistance while shifted.</li>
<li><strong>Alchemy:</strong> Prior to and during combat, the Chimera augments his physical form with elixirs made from the creatures of Skyrim, taking on bestial traits such as bear’s hide, eagle’s eyes, or boar’s strength. Alchemy is the one and only crafting skill used in the build as I wanted to maximize gameplay while minimizing grinding; let this skill develop naturally to enhance your gameplay experience. I have seen several builds that utilize alteration and destruction to enhance one’s werewolf form, but rarely have I seen alchemy included in the list, and never have I seen all three. I find it highly ironic that, despite lore stating otherwise, Werewolves are unable to heal naturally while transformed. Furthermore, most builds that utilize the Alchemy tree focus heavily upon the poisoner branch, while the Chimera devotes his practice exclusively to the beneficial draught branch. This skill, plus the ring of the hunt, enables you to achieve incredible levels of regeneration. When creating elixirs that fortify skills or stats, the Chimera will try to always use at least one animal material, which alters his transformation when consuming the concoction. For example, using chaurus eggs might cause him to grow chitinous plates, or utilizing salmon roe may cause him to grow gills along his neck. Snakeblood is an often overlooked perk which halves poison damage from not only outside sources, but the Chimera's own potions as well. It greatly expands his arsenal to include many elixirs with detrimental effects that would normally go ignored.</li>
<li><strong>Alteration:</strong> The Chimera is a skilled shaman of the Forsworn tribe and utilizes alteration to bolster his defenses, sprouting scales of stone, iron, or even ebony. The defensive properties bestowed by this tree are vital to making the build viable in later gameplay. While this skill and light armor may seem counter-intuitive, Werewolves are unarmored, so they benefit from mage armor. Additionally, the spell resistance perks of the tree, such as atronach and magic resistance, fill an important niche in the build.</li>
<li><strong>Destruction:</strong> The Chimera harnesses powerful elemental forces to weaken his foes, peppering them with bolts of fire and lightning before closing the distance to eliminate them in melee combat. Furthermore, the Chimera produces elemental cloaks that carry over into his savage werewolf form. In addition, the Chimera makes use of the formidable Whirlwind cloak.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Minor Skills</strong></span></p>
<ul><li><strong>One Handed:</strong> Avoid perking this too heavily, as the core of the Chimera’s gameplay is centered around his role as a shaman and bestial shifter; however, he is also an experienced combatant and can swing a sword quite well.</li>
<li><strong>Light Armor:</strong> Since this build does not utilize Hircine’s ring, the Chimera is limited to only a single transformation per day. He requires additional protection to increase his survivability.</li>
<li><strong>Enchanting:</strong> While the Chimera does not apply enchanting to his skills, he benefits greatly from taking the soul squeezer perk, which reduces the amount of soul gems he will need to purchase.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Shouts</strong></span></p>
<ul><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Dragon Aspect:</strong> Interestingly, Dragon Aspect still works after transforming into werewolf form, so this shout has a unique application for this build – buffing damage and effectiveness considerably.</li>
<li><strong>Become Ethereal:</strong> A great defensive shout for recuperating during a drawn-out fight; however, this may be turned offensive should the Chimera cast a cloak spell before becoming ethereal, as the cloak still functions as normal. When it becomes available, meditate on the word Feim, for 25% more health regeneration while ethereal.</li>
<li><strong>Dragonrend:</strong> A vital shout for later gameplay, since dragons boast huge health pools. Forcing them to land allows the Chimera to tear into them with his claws.</li>
<li><strong>Whirlwind Sprint:</strong> Applications for this often-overlooked shout are numerous. The Chimera can close distance between himself and enemies, flee quickly if he needs to recover, or hasten travel speeds. Overall, a great shout for a battlemage skirmisher.</li>
<li><strong>Marked for Death:</strong> A phenomenal shout that allows the Chimera to remain a skillful melee combatant throughout your playthrough. Furthermore, since the Chimera uses no companions, there is no need to worry about accidently striking them with the shout.</li>
<li><strong>Animal Allegiance:</strong> Never underestimate the power of turning a pack of animals on your foes. Especially useful in Falmer infested caves, since they keep powerful animal companions.</li>
<li><strong>Call Dragon:</strong> Summon the Chimera’s greatest bestial ally to lay waste to swaths of enemies. This shout is particularly useful for clearing outdoor areas quickly, and the only thing more fearsome than a mutated werewolf is a mutated werewolf with a dragon in his pocket. In use, serves a similar purpose as the Storm Call shout, but fits within the Chimera’s repertoire better.</li>
</ul><p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3633476629?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635409985,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3635409985,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3635409985?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Ring of the Hunt:</strong> Frostmoon Crag. Perhaps the most important item in this build, the ring of the hunt allows the chimera to heal while transformed. This is the primary mechanic exploited to produce a highly durable werewolf that excels in drawn-out combat; being able to flee and heal - rather than having to find humanoids to consume - augments werewolf combat into something unique.</p>
<p><strong>Ring of Namira:</strong> The Taste of Death. While the Chimera does not revere Namira, this artifact allows him to consume corpses while in his humanoid form. Additionally, since the ring’s regenerative traits remain even after unequipping it, they carry over into werewolf form, further bolstering the Chimera’s regenerative properties and allowing him to wield the powerful ring of the hunt.</p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635333759,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3635333759,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3635333759?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="414" height="559" /></a>Armor and Headdress of the Old Gods: </strong>The Forsworn Conspiracy.<strong> </strong>Since this build does not utilize enchanting, the Chimera requires a pre-enchanted set of light armor. No other set works quite as well as the Old Gods set, which not only provides significant enhancements to the Chimera’s arsenal but allows him to don the attire of a true Forsworn shaman. Replacing the gauntlets and boots with Forsworn counterparts seems to amend the bug that causes those items to disappear. The reverent silhouette of Hircine will be the last thing those Nord curs see before the Chimera sends them to the Hunting Grounds, destined to perish at the hands of ravenous beasts for all eternity.</p>
<p><strong>Predator’s Grace:</strong> Hag’s End. Predator’s Grace completely muffles the Chimera, making potions of invisibility a viable escape tactic mid-battle, since enemies will be unable to track his movement.</p>
<p><strong>Morokei:</strong> The Staff of Magnus. Useful for when the Chimera wishes to adopt a more magical approach to combat. Light armor status plus double Magicka regeneration provides significant support to the Chimera’s combative skills.</p>
<p><strong>Krosis:</strong> Shearpoint. The Chimera lacks the enchanting skill, and Krosis is a set item that allows him to bolster his alchemy skill. It also lets him focus on archery, if you wish to lean into that tree more heavily.</p>
<p><strong>The Gauldur Amulet:</strong> Forbidden Legend. An amulet that boasts a net stat upgrade of 90 points, or a full 9 levels of advancement? Perfect for the build, since the Chimera uses Magicka, health, and stamina. Additionally, the amulet’s aesthetic is perfect for the build’s theme.</p>
<p><strong>Staff of Hag’s Wrath:</strong> Repentance. A useful staff that punishes foes for approaching the Chimera; great for when he needs to take a moment to re-apply buffs or regenerate Magicka. Simply lay down a substantial wall of fire and take a moment to breathe.</p>
<p><strong>Eye of Melka: </strong>The Affairs of Hagravens. Great for when the Chimera runs low on Magicka and wishes to preserve his potions. Bombard his foes with destructive fireballs. Repeat as needed.</p>
<p><strong>Gauldur Blackblade:</strong> Forbidden Legend. Since this can be found on the same enemy which drops a quintessential piece of the Chimera’s amulet of choice, there is no reason to not use the sword. An absorb health enchantment works especially well when adopting an offensive stance.</p>
<p><strong>Red Eagle’s Bane:</strong> The Legend of Red Eagle. Thematically perfect for the Chimera, since he wishes to lead the Forsworn. Claiming this legendary weapon serves as a self-imposed rite of passage.</p>
<p><strong>The White Phial:</strong> The White Phial. An interesting trait of the White Phial is that its effects stack alongside potion buffs, which allows the Chimera to benefit from an additional source of Fortify One-Handed. When prompted, choose “I want to deal more damage in battle.”</p>
<p><strong>Nettlebane:</strong> The Blessings of Nature. While not particularly useful on its own, equipping it in the left hand hastens dual wielding attacks, letting the Chimera deal significantly more melee damage. Furthermore, It is thematic to the Chimera's character.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3635410947,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3635410947,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3635410947?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><em>~Distill Glory~</em></strong></span></p>
<p>Below are listed several alchemical formulas that the Chimera uses. Feel free to modify the list by adding to it during your playthrough. Rare Curios significantly increases the Chimera’s capabilities by adding a plethora of new reagents to his repertoire, which is why I recommend picking it up. For a one dollar investment, the payoff is remarkable.</p>
<ul><li><strong>Might of the Bear: </strong>Bear Claws, Hawk Feathers, Wheat. The Chimera’s musculature grows, granting him superior physical prowess. This potion of fortify health is highly useful for when the Chimera wishes to switch to melee combat, since it also fortifies one-handed for 60 seconds.</li>
<li><strong>Elixir of Shifting Tides: </strong>Creep Cluster, Grass Pod, River Betty. Minor burgundy scales emerge from the Chimera’s forearms, bestowing the ability to manipulate the physical world more adeptly. This Formula creates a potent concoction that increases the Chimera’s carrying capacity for 300 seconds, restores Magicka, and fortifies alteration for 60 seconds. This is a multi-use potion great for restoring Magicka reserves mid-fight or getting just enough to reapply a flesh spell.</li>
<li><strong>Quintessence of the Eldritch Boar: </strong>Boar Tusk, Glow Dust, Glowing Mushroom. Tusks of pure copper emerge from the Chimera’s jaw, while bristling fur, charged with arcane electricity, erupts from his flesh. This potion grants the Chimera a fortify health effect for 300 seconds. Furthermore, for 60 seconds, the Chimera has increased destruction magic capabilities and a potent resistance to shock damage.</li>
<li><strong>Sap of the Eldergleam: </strong>Red Mountain Flower, Salmon Roe, Taproot. This concoction is exceptionally potent, allowing the Chimera to momentarily bind his soul with a fragment of Aetherius, becoming one with the Et'Ada. When Imbibed, the sap fortifies Magicka by an incredible amount for 5 seconds, so use this to cast a devastating spell. Additionally, it restores expended Magicka, and provides hasted Magicka regeneration for 60 seconds.</li>
<li><strong>Avian Evasion: </strong>Hawk Feathers, Luna Moth Wing, Vampire Dust. Reserved as a last resort, the Chimera will consume this potion when he finds himself in a pinch. Donning the feathers of a bone-hawk, the Chimera can flee stealthily without retribution from his foes. When imbibed, the potion provides invisibility, fortifies his light armor skill for 60 seconds, cures all diseases, and increases his health regeneration for 300 seconds. The cure disease effect may seem useless, as werewolves gain disease immunity, but there is a bug where they may still contract ailments, so this tonic is designed to amend that.</li>
<li><strong>Essence of the Red Eagle: </strong>Ashen Grass Pod, Hawk Beak, Snowberries. Iridescent feathers erupt from the Chimera’s flesh, granting him a formidable buff to fire resistance while also bolstering both shock and frost resistance.</li>
<li><strong>Aquatic Adaptation: </strong>Garlic, Nordic Barnacle, Salmon Roe. This formula produces a potion that grants water breathing and fortifies both Magicka and Health regeneration for 300 seconds. If in a pinch, this brew allows the Chimera to retreat into a body of water, where he may heal and prepare for a counter.</li>
<li><strong>Carapace Coating: </strong>Chaurus Eggs, Garlic, Luna Moth Wing. A thin carapace of illusory plates forms over the Chimera’s skin, bestowing invisibility while his health recovers rapidly for 300 seconds. Additionally, the elixir fortifies stamina for 60 seconds. Carapace Coating also has a damage magicka effect which is halved by the snakeblood perk. Very useful alternative to Avian Evasion.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
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<p style="text-align:left;">The Chimera has several tactics that alter his form in unique ways, adapting to overcome the situation at hand. Below are detailed the techniques I found Particularly useful on my playthrough.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3634232729,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3634232729,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3634232729?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" /></a></p>
<ul><li><strong>Form of the Bear: </strong>Might of the Bear + Essence of the Red Eagle + The White Phial + Marked for Death + Red Eagle’s Bane. Sprouting Fur speckled with feathers, this transformation is highly durable and is the Chimera’s signature offensive stance, Useful for quelling irksome mages, since marked for death will eat away their loathsome armor quickly.</li>
<li><strong>Form of the Eldritch Boar: </strong>Quintessence of the Eldritch Boar + Secret of Arcana + Ebonyflesh + Lightning Cloak + Lightning Storm. The Chimera becomes a mote of incomprehensible arcane power, able to manipulate Aetherius unlike any mortal before him. After expending his temporary energy on fortifying his defenses, he lays waste to his foes with a singular beam of raw arcane power.</li>
<li><strong>Spirit Step: </strong>Morokei + Whirlwind Cloak + Aquatic Adaptation + Become Ethereal. The Chimera dissipates his physical form, temporarily merging his soul with Aetherius to recover Health and Magicka rapidly. Utilize the rift where he crossed planes to disorient foes and toss them aside.</li>
<li><strong>Ire of the Lord of the Hunt: </strong>Lady Stone + Namira’s Ring + The Ring of the Hunt + Dragon Aspect + Call Dragon + Elixir of Shifting Tides + Carapace Coating + Quintessence of the Eldritch Boar + Sap of the Eldergleam + Ebonyflesh + Fire/Lightning/Whirlwind Cloak + Beast Form. The Chimera fuses the entirety of his repertoire to transform into a primal locus of rage, a true monstrosity to behold. While complex, this transformation is well worth the cost. In this form, thanks to the ring of the hunt, health regenerates rapidly. Couple that with the formidable ebonyflesh spell and natural damage resistance, the Chimera becomes nigh-invincible. If facing magical enemies, such as dragons or mages, essence of the Red Eagle is recommended as well.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
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<p>The Chimera is forever changed by Hagraven experimentation; no longer is he a mere Breton, but an amalgamation of countless creatures. All it takes to instigate the beast within is the introduction of the Chimera’s peculiar elixirs. His intent is to restore order to the Forsworn, so that they may spread their influence over the Reach once more. After escaping Helgen, he immediately travels to the Reach, wishing to reunite with his fellow Reachmen. Realizing that they no longer recognize him, he enters Markarth and gets involved with the high tensions there, and reunites with his former leader, Madanach. Determined to ultimately unify the Reachmen tribes under his own banner as Red Eagle once did, the Chimera travels to acquire relics of great power, solidifying his position as leader of the Forsworn. Avoid fast travel and carriages, as the Chimera wishes to keep a low profile until the final steps of his journey.</p>
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<p>The Chimera's unique paradigm is shaped by seclusion, hardship, and his devotion to Hircine. Despite his eerie appearance, occult tactics, and hatred of the Stormcloaks, the Chimera behaves similarly to any man. Unlike many of his brethren, the Chimera separates the Stormcloaks from the rest of the Nordic people. He respects their traditions, beliefs, and legacies; after all, the Reachmen are an amalgamation of Breton and Nordic blood, a fusion of the two peoples’ ideals and culture. He is far more levelheaded than most other Reachmen, reserving his ire for only the most despicable. As such, the Chimera despises those who abuse their position, such as Ulfric, who uses his title as Jarl to avoid punishment for his crimes.</p>
<p>Quests to complete early in his journey include: Ill met by Moonlight - slaying Sinding since he defied Hircine, The College of Winterhold, <em>Forbidden Legend,</em> <em>The Legend of Red Eagle, </em>The Companions up until you receive Lycanthropy, The main questline to get the Call Dragon Shout, and any pertinent quest to obtain his necessary gear. Return to the Companions to get the powerful Werewolf Totems. After completing those lines, The Chimera is prepared to complete the first of his deeds as leader of the Forsworn; he aims to slay the Bear of Markarth, Ulfric Stormcloak. Strike a temporary alliance with the Imperial army, work your way through the ranks, and lead the siege of Windhelm, striking Ulfric down with your own hands. Afterwards, work towards fully uniting the Forsworn under your banner by clearing the Reach of threats. Seek out and wipe the Dark Brotherhood off the map as a statement of your will, since they have bastardized the worship of Sithis, one of the Et’Ada, forming a cult that has abandoned the Old Ways. Most importantly, take back Markarth by eliminating the Silver-Bloods in their entirety. By the time the Chimera’s journey ends, Jarl will simply be an honorary title, as he will be the true king of Markarth.</p>
<p>When first engaging in combat, the Chimera takes a cautious approach, utilizing guerrilla tactics to remain hidden while picking off stray enemies with devastating destruction spells. Once direct conflict is eminent, he swiftly shifts to an aggressive stance, donning a flesh spell and cloak of his choice while closing the distance between himself and the nearest foe, drawing his blade to engage in melee combat. This technique is less of a rage and more akin to a blood rush or extreme focus. Finally, if facing dire circumstances, the Chimera abandons any semblance of caution and takes on his potent beast form, augmented by spells and potions. Unlike other lycanthropes, the Chimera retains his grasp on reality, allowing him to act with intelligence during his transformation. This stance fuses the previous two styles, as the Chimera will both use hit-and-run tactics in conjunction with his now overwhelming offensive capabilities.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;">And Finally, one last tip. Adaptability is the name of the game when playing the Chimera, just be sure to maintain a decent stock of Elixirs before setting out on a quest. If played correctly, any situation should be a breeze. Remember, make use of your shamanic secrets, blast Nords with arcane power, and lead the Forsworn into a new era of authority as undisputed ruler of the Reachmen. </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p><em>I’ve led my people into a new age of prosperity. No longer must we pillage our own land, slaughter our own people. My pilgrimage in this inhospitable time is complete; boiling ire no longer pulses through my veins like a beast clawing to escape its cage – It and I are one, at peace for now. With our conflict in Skyrim resolved, I set my sight on the setting sun, on High Rock. To the kingships there, we are still but savages – I intend to prove them wrong. For now, though, the hunter rests.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><em>~Alter Reality~</em></strong></span></p>
<p>My focus was to create a build that did not rely on mods, rather relying on natural mechanics within the game to produce an effective, engaging build. Likewise, this build was created and tested in Vanilla. The build does use content from the Dragonborn, Dawnguard, and Hearthfire expansions to augment gameplay. While it is not detailed in this build, the Rare Curios creation is a helpful boon, since it adds a plethora of potent reagents to your playthrough.</p>
<p>That said, here is a short compilation of mods that can enhance gameplay:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/266" target="_blank">Unofficial Skyrim Patch</a> - A mod that needs no introduction, this patch amends several developer oversights while adding a handful of features back into the game. Of note, the patch adds Briarheart Geis, a unique forsworn axe that does extra damage to Nords, back into the game. Obtainable at Lost Valley Redoubt.</p>
<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10699" target="_blank">Portable Alchemy</a></strong></em> - The ability to craft elixirs without needing to locate an alchemy workbench makes gameplay more streamlined and enjoyable. Simply find or purchase a mortar and pestle. </p>
<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5209" target="_blank">Reach Magic</a> </em>- </strong>This mod adds a plethora of spells and abilities scattered across the Reach that all pertain to the Reachmens' unique magic. The spells are quite engaging and thematic for the Chimera, since they all fall under alteration. It also adds or alters the effects of several Reachmen artifacts. A list of improved artifacts can be found on the mod's page. Using the unique magics bequeathed to the Chimera via Reach Magic, several new techniques become viable in combat. While all the spells prove beneficial to the Chimera, here is a shortened list of recommended spells to utilize.</p>
<ul><li><strong>Briar Sapling:</strong> First and foremost is a spell that reduces the cost of the Chimera’s Reach magic spells by 35%. Paired with the appropriate alteration perks, that brings Magicka reduction for those spells to a total of 85%, allowing the Chimera to reserve the majority of his Magicka for destruction spells. A notable drawback of this spell is that it consumes a Briar heart from the Chimera’s inventory.</li>
<li><strong>Briar Thorns: </strong>A useful flesh spell that has a unique twist. In addition to matching stoneflesh’s armor rating boost of 60, the spell also reflects 15% of all damage dealt to you. While useful in humanoid form, this spell truly shines when used before activating beast form. With enhanced health and survivability, the Chimera begins to do even more passive damage – when stacked with cloak spells, enemies will drop with little effort. Since health becomes the Chimera’s primary stat in the late game, this spell continues to increase in potency throughout your playthrough.</li>
<li><strong>Harness Dead:</strong> Due to the Chimera’s relatively low Magicka pool, you will run out of fuel for your spells relatively early into the fight. Harness dead amends this issue, allowing the Chimera to boast more adept magical manipulation, since he can convert the flesh of his foes into Magicka. Consumed corpses turn to dust and can not be exploited again. An interesting consequence of this is that creatures disintegrated with shock spells can not be consumed, so prioritize fire damage when you plan to utilize the Harness dead ability.</li>
<li><strong>Healing Vines:</strong> Since the Chimera does not use restoration, he relies on his excellent passive regeneration and potions for healing. Healing Vines proves exceptionally useful when adopting a melee stance, since not only does it heal, it also bolsters the Chimera’s already exceptional stamina regeneration by 50% more, allowing for more power attacks.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
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<p>I’ve given it my all in formulating my first-ever Skyrim build, so I hope you derive a little bit of joy from it; I look forward to producing more content for the forge in the future. Before I go, I want to wish the best of luck to the other contestants and give proper thanks to those who have helped me both directly and indirectly. First, thanks to Lee and Curse for their input and recommendations on improving my visual assets. I also want to thank The Long-Chapper - your contest winning build, The Sea Ghost, greatly inspired the format I ended up using. Finally, I want to thank the entire community for welcoming me with open arms, I’ve never been part of a community with such a positive attitude.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3633476629,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3633476629?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" /></a></p>
<p> </p></div>Contest Build: The Sanguine Protectorhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-sanguine-protector2019-09-19T01:34:10.000Z2019-09-19T01:34:10.000ZJustJamhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/JustJam<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567675144,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567675144,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567675144?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="379" height="454" /></a></p><p><em style="font-size:12pt;">It didn’t take long for the corruption to take hold- my thoughts focused solely on the taste of sweet crimson. I was no more than a mere beast living off instinct and hunger: no free will to call my own.</em></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The musty cave was my refuge, my haven from the burning light of Aetherius. A haven, in which I needed not worry about the atrocities committed in my blood-starved frenzy. The dried red under my fingernails was all that remained to haunt me of my victims.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>This was my existence for years.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>When the nightmares started, I’d often be woken up by the sound of my own screams. They all revolved around the same themes- corruption, decay, helplessness. It was when I awoke- drenched in sweat- to a nightmare of me ripping out my own throat that reality finally struck me. It was as if I’d regained some semblance of sentience. I had a choice. I didn’t have to be ruled by blood.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I cannot atone for what I have done, that I understand- but perhaps I can do good. Perhaps I can use the powers this curse grants to rid this world of other abominations. Many will want to hunt me down for the monstrosity that I am, but this land needs those who will go to all lengths to protect it.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I may be cut off from the magic of Aetherius, but blood- blood is something I can grasp.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em> </em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Required Mods:</span> </strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ordinator- Perks of Skyrim<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567505777,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567505777,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567505777?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="304" height="385" /></a></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;">Sacrosanct- Vampires of Skyrim</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Race:</span> </strong>Breton Vampire.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Bretons start with three passives:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Grail of Betony: Find a lost artifact that grants magicka and stamina regen.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spell Mantle: Resistance to magic, and absorb most incoming spells at low magicka.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Stones of Galen: Each standing stone grants its own bonus effect.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After finding 10 of the 13 standing stones you’ll unlock:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Shared Ancestry: 1/day – temporarily gain the racial power of a target man or mer.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">While Grail of Betony’s boost to magicka regen will be nullified by the chosen standing stone, the added stamina regen will aid in throwing out some more shield bashes. Spell Mantle is the typical Breton magic resistance, but with the twist of allowing spells to be absorbed when low on magic. Stones of Galen is where the Sanguine Protector’s Breton heritage really shines, adding another effect to the chosen standing stone that synergizes with it perfectly. Shared Ancestry sees little use, but the racial power I’d recommend would be the Imperial’s Colovian Star, which replenishes the two attributes with the highest remaining percentage. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567516530,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567516530,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567516530?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="370" height="446" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Vampirism</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sacrosanct completely overhauls the vampire experience with new abilities, passives, a completely re-worked Vampire Lord perk tree, new quests, and all new ‘hemomancy’ spells.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Being a Breton, you’ll receive:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Dolmen Haunt: Can feed by activating a Standing Stone.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">There are four stages of hunger- sated, thirsty, parched, and blood starved. The longer you neglect to feed, the more beast-like you’ll become as Molag Bal’s influence grows. Feeding will bring you back up to sated, no matter what stage you were before. Important powers based on the hunger system are:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">(Sated) Fortitude: Vampiric blood makes you harder to kill. Upon taking fatal damage, you come back to life, becoming thirstier.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">(Sated) Blood Cauldron: At will - Expend some of your Vampiric blood to replenish Health, Magicka, and Stamina, becoming thirstier.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The longer you spend as a vampire and the more you feed, the more you’ll increase in ranks- from a mere Fledgling to a Nightmaster. Each rank you’ll be able to chose a new ability/ power. The abilities to look out for here are:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Vicissitude: Hemomancy spells other than Blood Seed do 25% more damage to targets affected by Blood Seed.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Knight: Able to feed on staggered enemies in combat for 50 points of stamina.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The other options are completely up to you!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Both Fortitude and Blood Cauldron cause you to go down a stage of thirst when used, removing both abilities. Blood Knight, however, allows you to feed on staggered targets, bringing you back up to sated and regaining both abilities. Being an offensive shield-mage, this build will be shield-bashing and stunning enemies constantly: if you’re fighting living foes who are able to be fed upon, you’re effectively invincible.</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 Atronach.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873710658,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873710658,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873710658?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="320" height="404" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">With Andromeda installed, the Atronach will give you: </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Corrupted Arcana: magicka does not regenerate. Each death within 50 feet restores magicka equal to 25 times their level.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Oblivion Bound: If you have magicka remaining, spells are 25% more effective and cost 50% less magicka.</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;">Devour from Within: 1/day paralyzes a living target, absorbing 50 magicka for 10 seconds. When depleted, absorbs health instead.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">With Stones of Galen, the Atronach will have a bonus effect:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spells cost 30% less magicka, but you take 20% more damage from attacks while casting.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Becoming a vampire means you are cut off from Aetherius, instead having your soul claimed by the daedra upon death. What better way to show this than having zero magicka regen, and having to absorb it from the death of your enemies! It’s not all doom and gloom however, as not only will your spells be stronger but they’ll cost much less. Combined with other spell-cost reducing perks, you’ll <em>rarely</em> ever run out of mana. Because of this, Devour from Within isn’t all too useful. I used it mostly as a paralysis rather than a way to gain magicka back. Keep in mind that magicka potions <strong>will not</strong> work if you have this stone active!</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, until you get around 150 stamina, then stick with an even split of 1 magicka / 1 health.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Higher amounts of magicka are needed at the beginning, as you won’t have all the perks to reduce the cost of spells. The Sanguine Protector is fairly aggressive in her playstyle, so a moderate amount of health will be needed to shrug off hits when on the front lines. While you’re going to be bashing and shield-charging around a lot, not much stamina will be needed because of high stamina regeneration from perks in the Light Armor skill tree.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Skills: </strong></span>Destruction, Block, Light Armor, Sneak, One-Handed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Equipment</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Predator’s Grace, Ring of the Beast, Ring of Erudite, Targe of the Blooded, and a dagger are all that’s required for equipment. Your necklace, chest piece, gloves, and helm are up to your preferences, as there are no unique pieces of light armor for those slots that are useful for this build.. Predator’s Grace are unique in that they muffle you <em>completely</em>, to allow for easy stalking of your enemies. Switch between the Ring of the Beast and Ring of Erudite depending on whether you need 100 health or magicka more, but remember- the regeneration from the Ring of Erudite is nullified by the Atronach stone. The Targe of the Blooded and a back-up dagger will allow for more bleed procs on top of your hemomancy spells.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Recommended enchantments to look out for would be resist magic, resist fire, stamina regen, and fortify magicka/health/stamina. Regenerate magicka enchants will not work because of the Atronach stone, so keep that in mind!</span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873715864,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873715864,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873715864?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Shouts/ Powers</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Become Ethereal, Dragonrend, Unrelenting Force, Whirlwind Sprint, Vampire Lord, Vampire’s Seduction, Blood Cauldron, Blood of the Ancients.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">For shouts, I never much found use for straight-up damage, relying more on utility/ support ones. Become ethereal is used for setting up a combo later in the abilities section, and the other ones were more for situational uses. Vampire Lord is needed to get perks relating to hemomancy, but once you get “Starving Artist”, you can progress your Vampire Lord tree in human form. It’s fun as an alternate form, and actually synergizes well with the Atronach stone- Sacrosanct, by default, disables magicka regen in magic form and stamina in melee form. The Atronach stone already disables mana regen, instead having you to kill enemies for mana. Just spam away with your Raze spell and not have to worry about switching to melee form to regain magicka! Vampire’s Seduction is used the same as in vanilla- to allow you to feed on non-sleeping targets, and Blood Cauldron is useful as a panic heal if your health gets too low. Blood of the Ancients is a vanilla effect that allows your Vampiric Drain to absorb both magicka and stamina alongside it’s default health drain. If you’re low on mana and aren’t able to kill an enemy, use this on them to regain it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Spells</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Seed, Blood Garden, Blood Brand, Blood Scourge, Blood Ankh, Profaned Sun, Borrowed Time, Curtain Call, Vampiric Drain.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Besides Vampiric Drain, all the spells you’ll be using come from Sacrosanct. Because most of them can be confusing due to their similar naming conventions, here’s a breakdown of what each spell does:<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567510835,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567510835,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567510835?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="361" height="455" /></a></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Seed: Deals 5 magic damage per second for 10 seconds. With the Vicissitude passive from ranking up as a vampire, all other hemomancy spells will deal 25% more damage while this spell affects them. Your go-to spell to apply on enemies first, until it’s replaced with:</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Garden: Applies Blood Seed in an area-of-effect. Has a higher base damage than Blood Seed at 10 magic damage over 10 seconds. This also activates Vicissitude, so when you’re comfortable with the amount of magicka you have, switch out Blood Seed for this spell.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Brand: Deals 5 magic damage per second. After 10 seconds, explodes for 100 magic damage.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Scourge: Deals 20 magic damage per second for 15 seconds. If the target dies while this spell is active on them, it spreads to other enemies in the area.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Blood Ankh: Used on a corpse, it causes it to levitate for a short time and explode for 200 magic damage in an area.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Profaned Sun: Flaming ball that deals 25 magic <em>and </em>fire damage per second for 20 seconds. It slowly follows its target, damaging all around it.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Borrowed Time: Deals 5 magic damage per second for 20 seconds. After the 20 seconds are up, deals all the health damage the target took during those 20 seconds back again.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Curtain Call: Briefly pacifies all enemies affected by a different hemomancy spell, before decapitating them and killing them instantly.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Hemomancy spells count as magic damage, so they are able to bypass elemental resistances. Fire dragon? Full damage. Dwarven automaton? No problem. Storm atronach? Doesn’t stand a chance.</span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3571758934,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3571758934,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3571758934?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873699807,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873699807,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873699807?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="220" height="191" /></a>Destruction- The Ancient Arcane</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The main skill used in this build, this tree is only need for the two points into Destruction Mastery- which will lower the cost of destruction spells by 50%, and increase their damage by 0.5% per level of destruction. The reason only two perks are taken is because hemomancy spells don’t fall under any of the elements, so these are the only perks that will affect them. Dual-Casting isn’t needed as you’ll constantly be wielding a shield in your off-hand.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873704187,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873704187,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873704187?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="220" height="191" /></a>Block- Bulwark of Crimson</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">You’re going to want to pick up most perks in this tree. Follow the left branch up until Apocalypse Proof. Go up the three middle branches getting Block Runner, Quick Reflexes, and Deflect Arrows. Then head up the right branch and get all perks from here except for Mocking Blow. Timed Block will make up for the low armor-rating of the Targe of the Blooded, Apocalypse proof will allow you to completely nullify any elemental damage coming your way- granted you get your timing down- and Deflect Arrows will deal with pesky high-damaging archers. Timed Block, Block Runner, and the entire right branch will allow for a fast-paced, aggressive style of shield mage. Your shield will become as valuable a weapon as your spells- allowing you to stun enemies, knock them around, and weave in and out of attacks with ease.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873707324,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873707324,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873707324?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="220" height="191" /></a>Light Armor- Unnatural Grace</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">In Ordinator, what light armor lacks in defense it makes up for in stamina recovery and speed. The tree has more paths-branching-off-paths, so explaining what to go up can get rather tangly. You’re going to want most everything in this tree, but ignore all the unarmed perks. Perks like Initiative and Fight or Flight will increase your stamina regen to the point where you won’t have to worry about investing into stamina itself, and perks such as Windrunner and Tempting Fate will boost up your movement speed. No need to worry about having to tank damage to level this skill- as the first perk, Light Armor Mastery, allows you gain experience simply by wearing at least two pieces of light armor in combat!</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873708383,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873708383,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873708383?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="220" height="191" /></a>Sneak- Tailing Shadows</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Sanguine Protector is not an assassin, and thus will not be taking any sneak-damage augmenting perks. Sneak is used to close the gap between you and your enemies, as well as scout out an area and plan your attack. You’re going to want to go up Fog of War and continue until you get Shadow Warrior, ignoring all the side perks of this branch. The last perk you’ll want is Silent Roll, which along with the Block skill, can allow for some fun combinations. When you do get spotted or decide to engage, Shadow Warrior can be used to cause ranged enemies to lose sight of you as you charge towards them.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873713138,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873713138,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873713138?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="220" height="191" /></a>One-Handed- Serrated Claws</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The only perks needed here are two perks into One-Handed Mastery and two perks into Bite Marks. The use of a dagger is mainly reserved for the early-game when you can’t use your spells effectively, which is why is isn’t invested into more. One-Handed Mastery will increase the damage of your dagger by 50%, and Bite Marks will deal 2 points of bleed damage per second for 45 seconds (the effect stacks). This synergizes nicely will your hemomancy spells to add on more bleed procs when you don’t yet have the out-right damage.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873714030,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873714030,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873714030?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="220" height="191" /></a>Vampire Lord- Bound by Blood</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">While you can and will eventually get all Vampire Lord perks, important ones lay here for the Sanguine Protector’s human form. Follow the middle-right branch until Blood from a Stone, then follow the branch to the right until Curtain Call, ignoring the side perk of Auspex. These perks will greatly enhance your hemomancy spells- allowing them to cost less, deal damage to automatons and daedra, absorb health equal to 25% of their base damage, instantly kill enemies under 25% health, cause your vampiric drain to be able to be dual-cast with increased damage again single enemies and with a chance to stagger them, and add the spell “Curtain Call”.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Quests</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Clan Volkihar</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The clans here in Cyrodil have eluded me thus far; I’d imagine the Vampyrum Order wouldn’t want anything to do with a feral like myself. I’ve heard, however, of the Volkihar clan- hiding up in their refuge in the north of Skyrim. Perhaps there they can teach me more about the powers of this ancient blood.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Sanguine Protector will join the Volkihar clan, believing they have the ability to help her learn about her vampiric powers. You’ll find them and end up becoming another one of their lackeys, doing side missions for the higher-ups in the court. However, as you progress through the story line it’ll become clear that Harkon is looking to fulfil an ancient prophecy, dooming all life to eternal darkness. Knowing that it’s going to spell disaster for everyone- vampires included- you’ll work with Serana to overthrow him. Becoming Lord of Castle Volkihar means you’ll have the power to influence your court, and steer them away from going after the innocents of the general populace. You’re going to want to start the Dawnguard questline as soon as you can, as the Vampire Lord form has important perks for your hemomancy spells. It’ll also allow access to the rings of blood magic, as well as the bloodstone chalice for the Blood of the Ancients passive. Some quests such as “Deceiving the Herd” can be hard to justify for this character, but I viewed it as a necessity in order to rank up in the court to overpower Harkon- “for the greater good”, if you will.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sommelier<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567757496,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567757496,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567757496?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="418" height="335" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The sweet crimson has such arcane powers I’d never once dreamed of.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Added by Sacrosanct, you’ll get this quest once you drain your first victim and unlock Blood Seed. You’ll gain each hemomancy spell in this order:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">1 draining: Blood Seed</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">3 drainings: Blood Brand</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">6 drainings: Blood Garden</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">10 drainings: Blood Scourge</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">15 drainings: Blood Ankh</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">21 drainings: Profaned Sun</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">28 drainings: Borrowed Time</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Main Quest</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>It seems to be no mere coincidence my travels have led me to Skyrim. “Dragonborn” they call me, prophesized as the Nord’s saviour. Why have I, above all holier than I, been chosen for such a task by Divine?</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Once it becomes apparent that she is the destined Dragonborn, the Sanguine Protector will seek out the Greybeards out of pure curiosity of the title. Starting through the quest, the Protector will be more prone to her bloodlust- seeking out dragons and Words of Power simply for the abilities they grant. As she learns to control herself through discipline and restraint, she will begin seeing her Dragonborn title as her duty- rather than a means to acquire strength for personal gain. Needless to say, her and Paarthurnax will get along quite well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">College of Winterhold</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I’ve heard that this is one of the few places of arcane learning unaffiliated with political scheming. They will not shun me for me for my… unusual studies.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Sanguine Protector will join the college to gain access to knowledge of the Elder Scrolls. She’ll take an interest in learning from the vast expanses Arcaneum, and join the College as an apprentice. She’ll quickly become suspicious of Ancano, and when the Eye is brought back to the college she’ll want to stick around to watch over it- knowing how such great power can be so easily corrupted. The College of Winterhold questline doesn’t offer much in terms of useful rewards or spells, but is great fun for roleplaying as researching blood magic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567817312,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567817312,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567817312?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="326" height="538" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Destroy the Dark Brotherhood</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>After hearing about the child in Windhelm I decided to scour the Arcaneum for any information on this guild of assassins, and have determined the best way to get in contact with them is to involve myself directly in this whole ordeal. Once I come face-to-face with them, they’ll be put out of their misery.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Grelod’s death is necessary to be able to come in contact with this shadowy organization. Once they show themselves, the world will be much better off without a group of fanatical cutthroats preying on innocents for gold and sadistic amusement.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Daedric Quests</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>The Daedra defile all that is good in this world. My research has proven to me that it is impossible for such beings to coexist with mortals. Even the Daedra considered “neutral” are not as they seem: Meridia, Prince of Life, Bane of Unlife, assisted the brutal slave-masters of the Ayleid against man- and Azura, Prince of Dusk and Dawn, Mother of the Rose, corrupted the entire Chimer people for the acts of few. Mortals cannot resist their power and temptation, and so they must be shut away from such evils.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Having broken free from Molag Bal’s bestial influence, the Sanguine Protector will take it upon herself to destroy, warp, or collect all Daedric artifacts for safe-keeping. If an innocent must die for her to gain the artifact, it is a necessary sacrifice to make for the protection of many. For example, she will allow Erandur to destroy the Skull of Corruption, but will kill someone who deems her an ally to obtain the Ebony Mail. While some of the artifacts may be tempting to use (looking at you Spellbreaker!), you’re going to want to avoid equipping them, lest you be corrupted by their power or spread the Daedra’s influence about the land.</span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Roleplay</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Starting off you’re going to be weak, you’re going to be alone, and you’re going to be hungry. The Sanguine Protector was only recently able to break out of her blood-trance, and needs to start from the ground up in advancing her powers and skills. While she has regained some free will, she’ll still have an insatiable thirst that needs to be tended to. Try to only drain sleeping enemies- but if things get dire, you can justify draining the occasional innocent to advance your knowledge in hemomancy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3873726681,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3873726681,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3873726681?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="328" height="360" /></a>Cut off from the light of the magical plane of Aetherius, she isn’t able to cast any spells besides the ones gained via vampirism. To compensate for this, she’ll pick up light armor, a shield, and a dagger.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Due to her vampirism, she will have a hard time empathizing with mortals and their humanity. Immortality has withered her sense of loss. Each mortal will age and decay, yet she will remain- same as before. Because of this she will have little trouble working towards “the greater good”, and will not let morality get in the way of the bigger picture.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">As the Sanguine Protector becomes more disciplined and learns to restrain her bloodlust, she will completely avoid feeding on innocent lives. She does not want to give in to the evils of the Daedra, and will feed only on the morally reprehensible. If none are around, she’ll seek out the Standing Stones as they are able to sate her thirst (you don’t need to accept their blessing, just activating it then hitting cancel will do).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">She’ll generally avoid fetch quests and simple bounty missions. While she isn’t against helping the common folk with their common problems, her talents can be best used elsewhere where a simple adventurer would not succeed. Thus, she’ll have more of an interest in dealing with supernatural and arcane threats- threats that will have disastrous consequences if left to fester.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">With how the Daedra have corrupted her thoughts and actions, she is steadfast in her opinion that the Daedra are vehemently evil. If she hadn’t learned to control herself, imagine what death and destruction her powers could bring under their influence. Unlike others who may find themselves in her place, she does not blame the Divines for what happened to her. She instead pities the powerlessness of the Divines against such forces of chaos, and will work to hinder the Daedra wherever she can; she will use her Daedra-given powers to defile those very beings.</span></p><p> </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}}3567471036,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567471036,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567471036?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="165" height="166" /></a>Blessed Blood: <em>The most primal form of the arcane- pure and potent. Who would’ve thought such power lay at the very essence of mortality?</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements – Destruction Mastery (2/2), Unearthly Will, Atronach Stone, Stones of Galen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Destruction Mastery (2/2) causes destruction spells to cost 50% less, Unearthly Will causes hemomancy spells to cost 25% less, the Atronach Stone’s ‘Oblivion Bound’ passive causes spells to cost 50% less, and the Stones of Galen passive causes spells to cost an addition 30% less. Combine these all together, and your spells will cost a ridiculously low amount. Take for example: Curtain Call. It has a base mana cost of 1500. With all these perks and passives, <em>it only costs 116.</em> Needless to say, you won’t need a high magicka pool to work with.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567472774,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567472774,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567472774?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="165" height="166" /></a>Sanguine Artistry: <em>A beautiful sight indeed- boiling blood before they paint the room in crimson art.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements – Blood Garden, Become Ethereal, Curtain Call</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Cast the area-of-effect spell Blood Garden, and try to hit as many people as you can. Use the first word of Become Ethereal, then begin the long charge-up time of Curtain Call. When released, all enemies affected by another hemomancy spell- in this case, Blood Garden- will become pacified for a brief duration, then be decapitated and killed instantly. This ability is great for a room clear or a single tough enemy that refuses to die.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567481442,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567481442,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567481442?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="165" height="165" /></a>Rushing Bulwark: <em>What strength can a mere shadow have? One moment it’s across the room, the next, you’re knocked to the floor and defenceless.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements: Sneak, Sneak Roll, Block Runner, Unstoppable Force</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I recently discovered the fun that is having Sneak and Block together. If you have Block Runner you can sneak at the same speed as running while holding up your shield, and if you have both Silent Roll and Unstoppable Force, you can sprint at people and knock them over while remaining in stealth. These two combinations put together means you can quickly advance on your unaware target, then hold down the sprint key and start charging at them as they remain clueless to the coming assault.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Combat Style<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567498653,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567498653,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567498653?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="317" height="436" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Combat will usually start with Rushing Bulwark on the toughest enemy, then casting Blood Garden to make use of the Vicissitude passive. If the enemy has lots of health, start stacking your different hemomancy spells and let their health tick down.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">When fighting living targets, the Sanguine Protector will completely dominate the battle. With Starving Artist from your Vampire Lord perk tree, your spells will absorb 25% of the base damage of your hemomancy spells as health, and deal that much damage as extra. Considering the number of area-of-effect spells and how they all stack with one another, you’ll have a constant stream of health coming towards you. Continue shield-bashing and charging your foes, and they’ll have little in the way of fighting back. If you do happen to get low on health, either let yourself die and use up Fortitude, or activate Blood Cauldron to gain regain all your stats. Stagger an enemy with a shield bash, then use combat feed to gain both Fortitude and Blood Cauldron back!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Fighting unliving targets can be a bit trickier. Starving Artist will not activate, and you will not be able to combat feed. To regain health, you’ll instead be relying on Vampiric Drain. With Exsanguinate from the Vampire Lord skill tree, your Vampiric Drain will be able to be dual-cast without the need for the destruction perk, and when dual-cast it will have a chance to stagger enemies. Against a single target it’ll also do 50% more damage. Along with the Blood of the Ancients passive gotten from the Bloodstone Chalice, this spell will be your go-to way to gain magicka back when you aren’t able to kill an enemy: because of low it costs due to Blessed Blood, you’ll actually end up absorbing more mana than you’ll be spending to cast it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Mages, especially those with fire, should be your first focus. Either shield charge at them to knock them away, or keep stunning them with shield bashes. If you get your timing down however, blocking just before the spell hits you will completely nullify its effect. If a ranged enemy is far away, momentarily crouch- activating Shadow Warrior- to get them off your tail as you close the distance. Undead such as draugr and vampires make use of frost magic, which as a vampire you are naturally resistant to, so not having all the health absorption won’t be too much of a hinderance against them.</span></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3567486069,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3567486069,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3567486069?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="313" height="401" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>A Vigil Now Complete</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>My destiny has been fulfilled. Countless monstrosities and evils have fallen before me: I am Skyrim’s hero. Yet I cannot rest. My mind is still a toy of the Daedra, their whispers becoming overwhelming to my psyche. A single drop of blood is enough to spiral my thoughts into depravity.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Falion claims to be able to end this corruption, to cleanse this evil from my very soul. The ritual will tear this affliction from my body piece by piece in a matter too painful to imagine. But then again, what pain has my existence not yet felt?</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I have forgotten what the warmth of Aetherius feels like. Will it restore my broken mind?</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I have forgotten what mortality feels like. Will it allow me to appreciate my existence?</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I have forgotten what love feels like. Will it allow me to finally be at peace?</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Only then, may I at last, rest.</em></span></p></div>Character Build: The Oblivion-Bound Bardhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-oblivion-bound-bard2019-08-20T03:37:19.000Z2019-08-20T03:37:19.000ZJustJamhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/JustJam<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436025820,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436025820,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436025820?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="295" height="523" /></a>In a jealous frenzy I prayed to the Divines one night for the most beautiful, enchanting voice known to man. It was such a stupid, selfish request, but becoming a bard meant the world to me.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>A whisper soon overwhelmed my thoughts, promising that which I was seeking. He called himself Clavicus Vile, and told me the Divines wouldn’t grant such a self-centred wish- but he would be willing to. I was skeptical of course, who could have such power other than the Divines? But he reassured me that no harm would befall me for this.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I was overjoyed, ecstatic- I mean, how could I resist such a gift?</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>*****</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Word had spread around town of “the girl with the voice of a Divine”, and many had shown for my performance at the tavern that night. I was nervous- as to be expected, but as soon as I grabbed hold of my lute and saw the eager patrons I was filled with excitement. Now was the time to prove myself and kickstart my career.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>*****</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>I remember the child standing in the back of the crowd, trying to see over the towering adults. I remember as her face lit up when I strung the chords of my lute and my voice pierced the silence. I remember the dark figure appearing behind her. I remember her cries as she was strung up onto a sword. No one turned, no one cared. I thought I was seeing things.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Then another dark figure. More people lifted with swords pierced through their backs. No one cared. They only cheered and clapped my performance. Blood spattered the walls. No one cared. </em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Bodies covered the floor. Blood on the ceiling. Blood on the walls. The room was red. The dark figures looked at me but did not attack. I could only flee.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>No harm came to me, but I performed red.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436067802,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436067802,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436067802?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="284" height="338" /></a>Required Mods: </strong></span></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ordinator- Perks of Skyrim</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Imperious- Races of Skyrim</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Andromeda- Standing Stones of Skyrim</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Apocalypse- Magic of Skyrim</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Zim’s Immersive Artifacts</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Alternate Start- Live Another Life</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Race: </strong></span>Breton.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">As a Breton you’ll start with three passives:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Grail of Betony: Find a lost artifact that grants magicka and stamina regen.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Spell Mantle: Resistance to magic, and absorb most incoming spells at low magicka.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Stones of Galen: Each standing stone grants its own bonus effect.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After finding 10 standing stones you’ll unlock:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Shared Ancestry: 1/day – temporarily gain the racial power of a target man or mer.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Being a Breton will gain you some minor protection against magic attacks, a bonus 100% regeneration rate to magicka and stamina once you come across the grail, and a nice added effect to our chosen standing stone. Some good choices for Shared Ancestry are Nord (1/day grants very fast magicka and stamina regen for a short time), and Imperial (1/day replenishes the two attributes with the highest remaining percentage).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Standing Stone: </strong></span>The Lover.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436032379,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436032379,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436032379?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="330" height="440" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Instead of simply helping you level faster, the Lover will grant you:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Secret Admirer: The Lover periodically gifts you a random enchanted weapon or armor.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Undying Love: Cheat death when slain, returning to life with full health. This effect has a 15-minute cooldown.</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;">Lover’s Kiss: At will – target is magically bonded to you and can be called to your location with the Lover’s Call power.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Lover’s passive effects are great for gameplay as well as roleplay. Secret Admirer will help you gain gold and level speechcraft, and Undying Love will allow you to make mistakes in combat with this squishy build. They also both fit with the “whoops I made a deal with the daedra” vibe, giving you mysterious positive benefits to counteract the curse this character received. With our Breton passive, The Lover with also cause all enchantments to drain 50% slower, allowing more uses for your dagger and staff. I didn’t find a use for the Lover’s Kiss power, but the passives of this stone are too good to pass up.</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>2 magicka / 1 health, until you get around 155 health, then the rest into magicka.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">High magicka is needed due to the lack of enchanting and use of 3 summons at a time. The low health is justifiable through the use of sneak, illusion, summons tanking for you, and the ability to cheat death through The Lover stone. If you feel you need more health, be sure to make up the lost magicka through items such as the Mage’s Circlet, and Savos Aren’s Amulet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Skills</span>: </strong>Speechcraft, Conjuration, Illusion, Sneak.</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;">The Archmage’s robes, Masque of Clavicus Vile, and Shrouded Shoes/Boots are all that’s needed for equipment. Zim’s Immersive Artifacts alters the Masque, making prices and bribes 35% better and causing almost all persuasion attempts to be successful- so you can get better prices when selling the enchanted gear and feel like a sweet-talking bard. The gloves/gauntlets, ring, and necklace are all dependent on how you prefer to play this character. Due to the amount of money you’ll be making through selling enchanted gear and performing for crowds, you can buy whichever enchanted trinkets suit your fancy. For a weapon you’ll be carrying around the Blade of Woe and Sanguine Rose. With Zim’s the dagger will absorb 25 points of health, and foes will flee for 3 seconds when first struck- useful in both regaining lost health, and as a defensive tool for enemies that get too close. The Sanguine Rose will permanently summon a dremora, but has few uses before needing to be recharged. Be sure to only bring it out when in a dire situation!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Shouts/Powers</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The only powers this character has are the passive Gift of the Gab, and the Perform ability made available by Ordinator’s speech tree. Because of the build’s background as a bard you can justify using any type of shout that the situation requires, but recommended ones are Throw Voice for getting enemies bundled together, Become Ethereal to escape dangerous situations, Aura Whisper for scouting out an area, and Dragonrend to get dragons in range of your angry dremora.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Spells</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">From illusion you’ll want Muffle, Ghostwalk, Fury, Frenzy, Invisibility, and Shroudwalk (master level). From conjuration you’ll want Conjure: Flame Atronach, Frost Atronach, Storm Atronach, Dremora Lord, Dremora Champion, Dremora Honor Guard, Xivilai Lord, and Dremora Assassin (master level).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Quests<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436034307,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436034307,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436034307?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="344" height="561" /></a></strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The College of Winterhold.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After her ‘incident’, the Oblivion-Bound Bard will immediately search for a place to learn to control her new powers. She will head to the College of Winterhold in Skyrim, believing it to be the safest place to learn without fear of persecution. She will leave the college for a while after discovering all she needed in order to contain her summons, but will come back after she’s toured around Skyrim. This questline will allow you the Archmage’s Robes, as well as other useful gear such as the Mage’s Circlet, Savos Aren’s Amulet, and Morokei. It’ll also give access to high level illusion and conjuration spells, and their respective master quests.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Bard’s College.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">After travelling around Skyrim, playing at all the inns she comes across, and drinking with all the patrons, she’ll eventually learn of the Bard’s College in Solitude. Saying goodbye to her new drinking buddies, she’ll head over to Solitude to learn more about her craft. Upon arriving, she’ll quickly realize that the bards here have no interest in teaching an outsider, but instead will gladly make use of her magical talent to fetch things for them. While you don’t actually do bard-like things, this questline is more for roleplay and getting access to Gift of the Gab, which will allow you to level speech faster.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A Night to Remember</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Bard is not one to turn down a drinking contest, let alone by one who doubts she can drink like the burliest of Nords. She’ll soon blackout, and awaken having to clean up a whole string of drunken messes. Completing this daedric quest will give access to the Sanguine Rose- a dremora-summoning staff useful for when you’re out of magicka.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">A Daedra’s Best Friend.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Upon The Bard’s arrival in Falkreath, she’ll hear gossip of the local blacksmith offering gold for the capturing of a stray dog. Thinking it’ll be some easy septims she’ll take the job, but as soon as she comes across Barbas she’ll feel an uncomfortable sense of familiarity. Knowing now how Clavicus Vile operates, The Bard will reject the Rueful Axe and instead get the Masque of Clavicus Vile.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Dark Brotherhood.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436048702,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436048702,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436048702?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="394" height="577" /></a></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">She will begin to fall from grace after becoming Archmage, after learning to summon dremora and twist the minds of others into a frenzy. The power will begin to get to her, and after hearing chanting coming from a house in Windhelm she’ll find herself in front of the Dark Brotherhood. Being offered all the chaos and gold she could ever ask for, The Bard will gladly join in with her new family.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Roleplay</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Oblivion-Bound Bard is horrified at her newfound “gift”, which will make her avoid being near people- fearing it’ll lash out again. Her main purpose in Skyrim is the College of Winterhold, and she will head there as soon as possible in hopes to control and learn about her new abilities. Once she learns to contain her summons, she will travel all across Skyrim- performing at the many inns and taverns, still being a bard at heart. She’ll meet with all the patrons, and drink with all the patrons. She’ll eventually learn of the Bard’s College, and travel to Solitude to hone her craft. While not “morally pure”, The Bard is a charismatic character, caring for and helping those she comes across.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">However, making a deal with a Daedra, willingly or unwillingly, is a corrupting force.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Her own desires will begin to take precedent over others’, and she will actively betray those who trust her if it means more benefit for herself. She’ll begin experimenting with her new powers, going out of her way to find wanderers or bandits to make use of in the wilderness. Playing the flute, infused with her talent in illusion will force enemies to dance endlessly. Playing the drum with the same melodic beat will cause madness and death to others. Coupled with her ability to summon demons, The Bard will begin to enjoy to ensuing chaos. This will lead her to the Dark Brotherhood, and all the death and gold and chaos her ever-increasing hedonistic desires could want.</span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436027650,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436027650,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436027650?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Speechcraft- The Irresistible Melody.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Speech is the main skill that sets this build apart from other stealth illusionists, giving access to the Perform power. All perks needed from this tree are found in the middle-left branch starting with Performer, and while fun for roleplaying, Serenade is the only perk in this branch that you won’t require. This tree will allow The Oblivion-Bound Bard to take a more prominent role in combat, either forcing up to 5 enemies to dance spellbound while her summons cut them down, or play a drum which damages enemies and heals her minions. When using ‘Perform’ in combat, you will get the option to either use Irresistible Dance or Earthquake Drum. When not in combat, you will instead pull out a lute and gain money from characters nearby.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Conjuration- A Tale Weaved to Reality.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Conjuration synergizes nicely with the chosen speech perks, acting as your main offence while you support with your instruments. With Apocalypse- Magic of Skyrim you’ll gain a whole new arsenal of daedra to summon, allowing for a more tactical approach than just spamming Dremora Lord (although that’s still quite valid). With March of Oblivion and Edge of Oblivion, you’ll have access to 3 summons at once, allowing for some fun with combinations. Unleash Hell will give even the less useful atronachs more of a purpose- flame ones will cause a fiery explosion, frost ones reduce armor and magic resistance, and storm ones will cause knockdown. Dremora still reign supreme however, gaining increased attack damage and movement speed.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Illusion- Songs of Madness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Illusion is used to compensate for the low number of sneak perks, allow your spells to be silently cast, and cause enemies to go mad- attacking anyone in sight. The two branches you’re going to want here are the middle one, avoiding all side perks in the branch except Shadow Refuge, and the right-most branch, splitting off at Fickle Fate and getting Master of the Mind. Also be sure to grab dual casting to allow frenzy spells to effect higher level enemies, and Quiet Before the Storm’s first point to make all spells silent. Invisibility spells are The Bard’s primary defence, and with Shadow Refuge they’ll cause you to sneak 15% better and take 35% less damage. Frenzy your foes, then hide back in the shadows as they tear themselves apart (with your daedra kindly helping them do so).</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sneak- The Moving Shadows.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">While your muffle boots and invisibility spells will be doing the heavy lifting, it doesn’t hurt to put two points into Sneak Mastery. You’ll have enough magicka to cast invisibility and ghostwalk frequently, so no more perks in this tree are needed in order to remain hidden.</span></p><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}}3436036319,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436036319,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436036319?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="171" /></a>An Unwitting Pact: <em>Would I take it all back if given the chance? I feel the pull of Oblivion every waking breath, yet I persevere.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements – Illusion, Conjuration, Signed in Blood, Edge of Oblivion.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">While not an active ability, An Unwitting Pact passively represents the curse laid upon The Oblivion-Bound Bard. Her instruments altering reality, her thoughts summoning demons- all for the amusement of the daedra. Signed in Blood and Edge of Oblivion come together to add a constant debuff to this character for the benefit of her summons- preventing health regeneration to give it to her daedra, and making her weaker when no daedra are summoned to allow for the conjuring of another.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436036929,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436036929,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436036929?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="171" /></a>Maddening Melody: <em>The methodical rhythm- driving sane men to bloodthirsty beasts as they tear one another asunder.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements – Earthquake Drum, Witching Rhythm, War Drummer, Frenzy, Pandemonium, Daedric Summons.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">With Witching Rhythm and War Drummer, your Earthquake Drum will deal 50% more damage, reduce the magic resistance of enemies by 200%, heal your daedra up to 20 points, and give them 100% increased attack damage just after every beat. Cast frenzy on your opponents, and while they focus each other with 50% more damage from Pandemonium, use your Earthquake Drum along with your daedra to aid them in the process of killing each other.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436037349,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436037349,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436037349?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="172" height="171" /></a>The Last Dance: <em>There is merriment, joy found in their faces as they gather ‘round and dance their last with the devil.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Requirements – Irresistible Dance, Lord of the Dance, Daedric Summons.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Forcing 5 nearby enemies to dance without any way of resisting it, while your daedra hack them away? What could be more fun! Summon your preferred team of daedra, then perform next to a group of enemies to force them into a trance- they’ll be unable to attack or run. You will be out of stealth and forced to stand still while you perform however, so make sure all ranged opponents are either dealt with, or close enough to become affected.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Combat Style<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436039703,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436039703,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436039703?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="304" height="430" /></a></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Oblivion-Bound Bard spends most of the time in the shadows, revealing herself on occasion to perform with her enchanted instruments. Always have the invisibility or ghostwalk spell in your hand, as getting caught off-guard can quickly result in death or Undying Love being used up. Ranged combatants and mages with area-of-effect spells are your weakest match-up, so either focus your summons on them, or lure them near other enemies with Throw Voice to set up for Maddening Melody or The Last Dance. If you do happen to get surprised, Become Ethereal can get you out of tricky situations. Out of all the creatures I encountered, none were resistant to Earthquake Drum, but dragons and dwarven automatons resisted ‘Irresistible’ Dance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">There are many different combinations to choose from with 3 summoning slots and 8 daedra, so here are some of my favourites:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Crowd-control: Storm Atronach, Frost Atronach, Dremora Champion. The Storm Atronach and Dremora Champion both have knockdown effects, while the Frost Atronach can tank hits and lower the resistances of nearby enemies.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sweet DPS: 2 Dremora Lords, Frost Atronach/ Dremora Assassin. Dremora Lords still are the go-to damage dealers. The Frost Atronach will reduce enemy armor and magic resistance, and the Dremora Assassin is an archer that will reduce the health of those under 250 to 1 for 10 seconds, so pick one depending on the situation.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Dragon-Slayer: Storm Atronach, 2 Flame Atronachs. If you don’t have access to Dragonrend this is the best combo for dragons that won’t land. The Storm Atronach is a solid stream of ranged damage, and the Flame Atronachs will cast a never-missing fiery explosion. If you have enough mana to support it, recast Flame Atronach to reset the 30 second timer on the explosion. Fire dragons will have a higher resistance to this, so you can swap out the Flame Atronachs for Xivilai Lords if it’s not doing enough damage.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;">Mage-Bane: Dremora Honor Guard, Storm Atronach, Xivilai Lord. The Dremora Honor Guard will lower the magic resistance of enemies by 25%, then your Storm Atronach and Xivilai Lord will zap away their mana and their life.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Besides Earthquake Drum, the only other direct-dealing offensive option is the Blade of Woe. Because of how squishy this character is- and with all the other options at your disposal- running in and stabbing your enemy should be a last-ditch effort for damage. The Blade of Woe, however, is great as a “oh hi I didn’t see you there” for enemies that get too close, causing them to run away when hit. It’s also the build’s only direct way of healing, so choose wisely where and when you stab.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3436040818,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3436040818,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3436040818?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></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 Weeping Angelhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-weeping-angel2019-07-14T08:03:46.000Z2019-07-14T08:03:46.000ZFishDouthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/FishDout<div><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> <strong><em>Don't blink. Don't even blink. Blink and you're dead. </em></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Too often, assassin characters end up following a very familiar pattern of gameplay: hide, kill once, hide again. Here, I attempt to deviate from that pattern without delving into dangerously enticing stealth-archer territory. Brutal efficiency is the goal, with a particular focus on cultivating the ability to kill well and often, and in the blink of an eye. The Slow Time shout is used extensively to perform stealth kill after stealth kill, assassinating the last person standing in a room full of baddies before the first body has even hit the floor. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As well as the shout, I've thrown in a few other gameplay mechanics to bring Doctor Who's Weeping Angels into Tamriel in a way that is as lore-friendly as possible, and good fun to play. </span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">But enough buildup, let's get to the build!</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280452630,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280452630,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280452630?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3E 241. The Dark Brotherhood was busy, their presence a looming shadow over Tamriel. When they aimed to spill blood, nobody stood in their way for very long.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Their secret to making a roaring trade out of death? An indifference to life, in the traditional sense, helped. Many of the Brotherhood's best assassins belonged to a clan of Dunmer vampires. Cold, brutal creatures that seemed to move and act outside of the constraints of conventional time.</em></span> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Such power instilled fear. Fear that even other members of the Dark Brotherhood were not immune to. It seemed an internal revolt was inevitable, and when it came the vampires were hunted to near extinction.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The Brotherhood fell from power.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280456911,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280456911,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280456911?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> <span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Race: </strong>Dunmer</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Stone: </strong>Mage, then the Atronach. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Skills:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Major</span> - One Handed, Conjuration, Sneak.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Minor</span> - Light Armour, Illusion.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Main Shouts: </strong>Slow Time, Soul Tear, Unrelenting Force, Bend Will. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Attributes:</strong> <br /> <span style="color:#000080;">1 Magicka</span> / <span style="color:#800000;">2 Health</span> / <span style="color:#008000;">2 Stamina</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><strong>Recommended Quests:</strong> </strong>The Dark Brotherhood, Dawnguard - Volkihar, Dragonborn, the College of Winterhold.</span></p><p> </p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3281542672,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3281542672,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3281542672?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280463672,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280463672,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280463672?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="639" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Angel is predominantly an assassin, and so we'll be trying our hardest to clear rooms quickly and without being detected. The Slow Time shout is central here, so I'd suggest going far enough through the College and Dark Brotherhood questlines early-ish to pick up the shout's words of power. Under the effects of Slow Time, we'll be able to move around quite freely, steadily picking off individuals with successive and oh-so-satisfying backstabs. Movement while time is slowed can be a bit sluggish, but I found that once I unlocked 'Silent Roll' from the sneak tree, I could jump between targets very quickly without jeopardising my stealth. Even if detected and placed in combat, at its peak the Angel can still crouch <em>in front of enemies</em> and sneak attack them, thanks to the 'Shadow Warrior' perk. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Cutting down an entire bandit camp and watching bodies slowly fall to the floor before anyone has been able to draw a weapon will give you tingles, I promise. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside of stealth, we're also far from helpless. Re-animated corpses (or summons, if that's more your flavour) keep the heat off of us in situations where sneaking isn't an option. Light armour keeps the Angel protected enough to chip away at enemies until either everyone's dead or our shout meter has cooled down enough to enter Slow Time. For a change of pace, if we have a few enemies lined up, the Soul Tear shout will devastate and/or kill multiple targets- and then re-animate them to fight for us! Further, we'll have the Vampire Lord form at our disposal. Summoned gargoyles are not to be sneezed at, and there are a whole host of other VL abilities and attributes that are helpful outside of stealth.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Notes</strong></span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Angels feed on energy. </em>Our magicka reserves are plentiful, and we'll have a passive spell absorption rate of 50% from the Atronach stone. Shouts, spells, diseases and poisons will only hurt us half the time- otherwise it's all just power waiting to be consumed. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Angels are made of stone. </em>Light armour will keep us protected enough to take a few hits. However, do not rush into combat if it can be avoided! Our real power relies on us not being detected. <br /> </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Angels are unseen.</em> 'Quiet Casting' is an essential perk, as without it using the Slow Time shout makes noise and will alert enemies. The Muffle spell is handy for the early-game, and frequent use will level up illusion quickly and make Invisibility available earlier. Invisibilty helps us with boss fights, where our priority is to sneak forward and take out the heaviest hitters (Draugr Death Overlords, Dragon Priests) before dealing with their minions. </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><strong>W</strong></strong></span><strong style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>eapons:</strong> </strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Dual bound daggers; the spell tome for the bound dagger can be bought off of Talvas Fathryon on Solstheim. If you hotkey the spell and tap it twice, you'll have a dagger in your right hand and your left for dual-wielding sneak attacks and combat. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Equipment:</strong></span></p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3281543665,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3281543665,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3281543665?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;">*Equipment Note: Player-enchanted muffle items always have a magnitude of 100% regardless of enchanting skill level. If you find disenchantable muffled equipment, enchanting the Vampire Boots can help with stealth before you can acquire the 'Silence' perk.</span></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em> </em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> <span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Perks</strong></span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3281544001,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3281544001,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3281544001?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br /> </span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Perk Notes:</span></strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Conjuration</em>: Necromancy felt like the more thematic choice, but you could just as (if not more) effectively use summons. 'Soul Stealer' and 'Oblivion Binding' for the bound daggers aren't necessary, but can be very useful if you want to go into enchanting or if you're up against summoned creatures. Seriously, 'Oblivion Binding' is a blessing when you're fighting a hulking frost atronach. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Illusion</em>: I didn't bother with calm or fury spells, but they could certainly add some flavour to gameplay. Along with the Bend Will shout, they could represent an Angel's ability to control its victims. </span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The </strong></span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>V</strong></span><strong style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ampire Lord Form<br /> </strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not overlook the Vampire Lord form. It's a great panic button, and good for intense, large-scale battles. Drain Life spells are fantastic at keeping us alive, and it's also a blast to power through enemies, ripping into them with claws. Certainly not stealthy, but sometimes subtlety isn't called for. These are some of the VL perks I'd suggest:</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280746665,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280746665,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280746665?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p> </p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3281545492,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3281545492,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3281545492?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280750369,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280750369,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280750369?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="90" /></a><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Blink<br /> </strong> <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Requires:</span> Slow Time, Silence, Assassin's Blade<br /> Impossible to defend against. Make every enemy in a room face away from you with a well-placed arrow, activate Slow Time, and roll between everybody, striking out as you pass. Use dual daggers for twice the damage if one isn't doing the trick. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280752271,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280752271,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280752271?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="90" /></a>A</strong><strong>id</strong></span> <br /> <span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Requires:</span> Vampire Lord form, Drain Life<br /> Used out of stealth, when health is low and there are numerous enemies. Weaken your foes and strengthen yourself with Drain Life projectiles. <br /> <br /> <br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280752439,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280752439,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280752439?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="90" /></a>Inhabit</strong> <br /> <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Requires:</span> Soul Tear/Bend Will, Quiet Casting.<br /> When hidden, use either shout on a large group of enemies if you can't position yourself for Blink. Either all of them are bent to your will, or only a few are and chaos ensues. Either way, you remain unseen. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280752912,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280752912,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280752912?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="90" /></a>Carve</strong><br /> <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Requires:</span> Re-animated corpses/summons, Elemental Fury, Twin Souls<br /> Desperate situations can call for desperate manouvers. Bring on your two strongest summons and ready your bound daggers. Activate Elemental Fury and cut through enemy ranks in an exceptionally bloody display of teamwork. Can also be used in Vampire Lord form, with summoned gargoyles. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3281547060,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3281547060,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3281547060?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The dissolution of the Weeping Angel clan in the 3rd Era leaves you with a wide open space for your own backstory and roleplay elements. There are plenty of things for an assassin to do in Skyrim, after all. Regardless, here are a few suggestions:</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3280772633,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3280772633,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3280772633?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"><em>Shhh... No tears, only sleep now.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Avenger</strong><br /> Maybe you've existed for eons - you were a part of the original Weeping Angel clan. You're hell-bent on revenge for what the Dark Brotherhood did to your clan, and it looks as though they've resurfaced after hundreds of years. Awaken your weary body from its slumber and kill the killers. Incidentally, the Falkreath Dark Brotherhood sanctuary is a great place to try 'Blink', as all members of the DB are relatively close together and in an enclosed space. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been at rest for such a prolonged period of time, your Angel will need to train to become the great assassin it once was. The Thieves guild can help those looking to be unseen, and there are plenty of mercenary jobs available to hone your combat skills. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Assassin-For-Hire<br /> </strong> Maybe the whole Dark Brotherhood betrayal is water under the bridge for you. You're in the business for the wealth, and the Brotherhood can certainly get you there. Take any paying job you can get - your loyalty lies with the highest bidder. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Aristocrat<br /> </strong> Or maybe you should do what you're best at - remain unseen. Keep up appearances by becoming a thane of every hold, save Tamriel; all the while secretly working at beating a vampire's biggest weakness: the sun. Eliminate anyone who gets in your way, take care not to get caught, and target influential people who, upon their demise, leave behind powerful positions ripe for the taking by yourself or your accomplices. When all's taken care of, wash your hands, and revert back to the innocent noble everyone thinks you are. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The Weeping Angel has gone through further changes. As many people - including myself - have started using the unofficial patches, I've taken away this build's previous reliance on several glitches. I've also altered its skillset and I feel it's now closer to what I've always envisioned my character being.</em></span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Thanks for reading!</span></p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Contest Build: The Sea Ghosthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-sea-ghost2019-06-27T03:20:38.000Z2019-06-27T03:20:38.000ZDr. Long-Chapperhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/TheLongChapper<div><p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3122771456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="124" /></a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3125440250,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3125440250,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3125440250?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="516" /></a>All the stories of my youth, of Yngol and the Sea Ghosts, I should have believed them</em>, she thought dully as she helplessly bobbed in the stormy water, watching it approach through half closed eyes. Semi-transparent, ethereal. The glowing form, like sea foam in the lightning's light. The eyes, a cold, blue death. Like Winter's ice. Clawed hands outstretched, reaching for her.</p>
<p>Stupid stories her grandda told her by the warm hearth of their seaside home, the smell of horker stew heavy. Safe from the gales of ice and storm.</p>
<p><em>"Be scared, for they are real"</em>, he had warned. And she thought it the ramblings of an old man, when she was about to set foot upon the deck of the merchant ship leaving from Danwstar, hand on the hilt of her blade, hearing the laugh of the sea birds, bidding her to the sea. To savor the salt air and the wind in her hair, restlessness personified.</p>
<p>A fool. She didn't listen to him. They are real...</p>
<p><em>I am real</em>, it echoed in her mind. <em>I was real to crew of the Harakk and its captain who is now sealed under the face of Hsariik Head. Two months is nothing to a ghost!</em></p>
<p>She had lied to her grandda, a final sin to seal her fate. A stain upon her soul. A merchant ship it was not, but the call to coin was loud enough to hide her secrets well. The hidden desire to plunder, to make coin. To do as the old Nords did in ages past. Take what was wanted from the weak, through strength and storm.</p>
<p><em>Did it know that</em>, she thought as the spectral form drew closer?</p>
<p><em>It did.</em></p>
<p>They <em>are</em> real, she acknowledged, now growing very sleepy, the screaming terror-sounds of her crew growing distance as she sank slowly into the black liquid depths. Weighed down, yet light. They were already dead. It killed them, a fierce squall of ice, wind, and lightning in its wake. Spewing from both hands and mouth as it splintered ship, dashing the bodies of men hard to the water as waves crash upon the rocks. Giant armored minions with eyes of eerie soul’s light were by its side, swinging great weapons of bone and men who were normally brave were then crushed.</p>
<p><em>But it spared me. Why?</em></p>
<p><em>You are mine now</em>, it whispered in her mind, the phosphorescent orbs that were its eyes dancing in the dark waters. Guiding her closer. Like a lure.</p>
<p><em>I am yours now</em>, she replied in her mind, entranced.</p>
<p><em>You will become my vessel. We will become one in the turning wheel of Fate.</em></p>
<p><em>I will become your vessel. We will become one in the turning wheel of Fate.</em></p>
<p>It was beautiful. She was then surrounded by the form, entwined in it, its soul becoming her soul. <em>Together, as one</em>, it said, the last lullaby she heard before she closed her eyes to forever-sleep, <em>we take our revenge on the children of Ysgramor, the children of Kyne, the children of Nirn, and pillage them of their souls, on both land... and sea.</em></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3122771456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="101" height="98" /></a>I’ve taken a nearly year and a half long break from Skyrim character building, but decided to come out of the woodwork when I heard about this contest and its great theme. Best of luck to all who have participated, and I am blown away by the creativity and quality of the builds I’ve seen so far.</p>
<p>I have always been fascinated by the in-game book, Yngol and the Sea Ghosts. It tells of the death of Yngol, Ysgramor’s son, to these creatures as the Five Hundred were heading back to Skyrim to battle the Snow Elves who sacked Saarthal. In the lore, Sea Ghosts are described as creatures who mislead sailors to their doom in the Sea of Ghosts. They are also associated with storms (Ysgramor battled them in a two-month long storm to seek his revenge) and in general, bad luck, along the lines of our own sirens. It is this Skyrim lore, along with inspirations from the legend of the Flying Dutchman, a ghost ship doomed to sail forever, and the Slavic myth of the Rusalka, a malicious female entity often associated with water, that led me to attempt to recreate the Sea Ghost in Skyrim. This build utilizes numerous ancient Nordic artifacts from the game and some under-utilized summons to create a potent ghostly spellsword that uses her power over the elements and her command of the undead to wreak havoc and pillage the souls of Skyrim, all without crafting a single item. Not your normal pirate seeking fame and fortune, but a much, much darker creature, a pirate of souls. I present to you, the Sea Ghost…</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3125372428,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3125372428,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3125372428?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="819" height="527" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3126747763,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3126747763,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3126747763?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="163" height="113" /></a>I have designed this build with a Vanilla game in mind. You can easily play it without mods with only some minor changes and none of them are perk-related. That being said, I do have some recommended mods to enhance the experience.</p>
<ul><li><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3273777" target="_blank">Standing Stone Tweaks</a> - Available only on ps4, but really all you need is a standing stone mod that gives you no regeneration in the atronach stone. It’s a small, but lore-friendly tweak that gives the standing stones, especially the Atronach more of an Oblivion feel. I like the Atronach stone, but in Vanilla, there is really very little cost in exchange for the magicka boost and the spell absorption. I usually like correcting this. In this mod, the Atronach gives a healthy 200+ boost to magicka and 50% spell absorption, but at the cost of zero magicka regeneration.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/13776" target="_blank">Awesome Artifacts</a> (available in all platforms) - A mod that overhauls many of the artifacts of the game in a lore-friendly way. Or <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3058" target="_blank">Morrowloot ultimate</a> as this also delevels the world.</li>
<li><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3053888" target="_blank">Spectral warhound follower</a> - More for the fun of it and to lend to the undead, spectral vibe of the Sea Ghost. He’s a pretty potent follower, so crank up the difficulty.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2824" target="_blank">Smilodon</a> – a combat overhaul available on all platforms. You can choose to add the realistic damage patch if you desire. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4239/?tab=logs" target="_blank">Northern Steel – Expanded</a> - This is a great mod that unlocks all standard enchantments for Ancient Nord weapons, because Ancient Nords didn’t just enchant things with frost. In addition, it rebalances Ancient Nord and Nord Hero armor and weapons to be a little bit more viable and offers missing tempering recipes.</li>
<li><a href="https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1677559" target="_blank">Sea of Ghosts by Thirteen Oranges</a> – Available on Steam workshop, xbox1 and ps4, it’s a quest mod that expands the area along the Sea of Ghosts. The ps4 version is missing SeaStone Manor, the player home, but it is still a wonderfully atmospheric mod to have. </li>
</ul><p>The rest is up to you. Like I said, mods are not crucial for this playthrough. Others I can name include the Dreamweaver; ports of call, Rustic Weathers and Lighting, Castle Volkihar Rebuilt, Whitewind Cabin, and cosmetic mods. </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3126741247,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3126741247,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3126741247?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Class:</strong> Spellsword + necromancer/summoner</p>
<p><strong>Difficulty:</strong> Master</p>
<p><strong>Crafting & Grinding:</strong> Absolutely none will be needed, I’d much rather play!</p>
<p><strong>Training:</strong> Minor training in Conjuration, Destruction, and Heavy Armor</p>
<p><strong>Race:</strong> Nord, though you can make a wonderful case for Altmer, knife-ears and all. Nords have 50% frost resistance, which allowed me to roleplay an undead without falling into the vampirism trap, boosts to Heavy Armor and One-handed and Battle Cry. Altmer have a +50 magicka bonus, boosts to all of the magic skills to be used, Highborn fixes a lot of the regeneration issues you will have in the game if you decide to play without magicka regeneration, and many of these ancient creatures of myth, frankly, have pointed ears. I played as a Nord, based on the backstory I had written, which portrays The Sea Ghost as a merger of the entity with a once-living Nord into something more sinister. I then used mods to make her look basically like a fleshed-out draugr.</p>
<p><strong>Dragonborn:</strong> Yes. The Sea Ghost knew the vessel would be selected for the task, that is why she was spared.</p>
<p><strong>Shrine Blessing:</strong> Talos</p>
<p><strong>Stats:</strong> All health if you are playing with an altered Atronach stone, 1:2 Magicka:Health if you are playing Vanilla.</p>
<p><strong>Standing Stone:</strong> Atronach + Ritual stored in the Aetherial Crown. If you want to go ahead and play with the advanced Atronach in order to achieve zero magicka regeneration, then go for it. Likewise, if you play on PC and have the unofficial patches installed, you can give yourself zero magicka regeneration if you give yourself both forms of Witbane via console commands.</p>
<p><strong>Black Books and Powers:</strong> Agent of Dibella, Lover’s Insight, Secret of Arcana, Seeker of Sorcery. I only picked up the Black Books that were associated with the Dragon priests the Sea Ghost was targetting. We are going for both boosts to damage against men and whatever cost reduction you obtain that does not involve enchanting gear.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3122771456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="124" /></a></p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129376194,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129376194,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129376194?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="577" height="135" /></a></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129406555,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129406555,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129406555?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="446" /></a>Conjuration:</strong> One of my main motivations for this build was to utilize the relatively under-used summons from the Soul Cairn, specifically the Wrathman, therefore, this was the only skill that was maxed out. It is an Expert level spell and the summons boasts the highest amount of health for a summons in the game at 800. Conjure Wrathman also benefits from the Necromancy branch of the Conjuration tree. The summons, along with Serana (when I was forced to use her as a follower), or the spectral hound, were the Sea Ghost’s first line of defense, allowing her time to prepare the victims for her elemental storms. I encourage you to obtain the Wrathman as soon as you are able, though until then, reanimating corpses with Raise Zombie, Reanimate Corpse, and Revenant is perfectly fine. I also perked the Bound Weapons branch (to add power and soul-stealing abilities to the bound sword) and the Conjuration cost reduction branch.</p>
<p><strong>Destruction:</strong> As I was roleplaying an entity that was ghostly and undead, I prohibited myself from using any fire-related spells, limiting myself to only frost, shock, and the Dragonborn dlc’s Whirlwind Cloak. Obtaining the cloak spells, adept level, proved to be a gamechanger, especially in conjunction with Shouts. By the end of the playtest, I was favoring Whirlwind Cloak + either Lightning Bolt or Freeze, depending on the enemy (frost for fire-based creatures and humanoids, shock for mages and anything immune to frost).</p>
<p><strong>Shouts:</strong> Frost Breath, Ice form, Soul Tear, Storm Call (two words), Become Ethereal, Unrelenting Force, Cyclone, and Whirlwind Sprint. It’s a relatively small shout repertoire, but an extremely strong one. After initially using Ice form and other easier to obtain shouts that fit the theme of the build, three shouts ended up standing out. Become Ethereal was used to recreate the Sea Ghost’s spectral form and create special tactics, at least for me (I know, finally!), that is the essence of this build. Storm Call was used to create a storm setting outdoors and lay waste to large groups of enemies. Finally, Soul Tear was used to focus on single powerful boss confrontations. I’d focus on obtaining Become Ethereal first, the first two words are relatively easy to obtain. Then obtain one word of Storm Call, which makes obtaining the last word of Become Ethereal, located in Lost Valley Redoubt, much easier to do. If you pursue the Main Quest through meeting Paarthurnax, I recommend meditation on Feim, as it will grant you 25% health regeneration while in your natural, spectral state.</p>
<p><strong>Restoration & Illusion:</strong> Minor magic skills, mostly taken for roleplaying purposes, to offset the lack of magicka regeneration, and supplement the non-crafting nature of the build. The sole purpose of perking Illusion was to cast Clairvoyance. In Yngol’s Barrow, you are guided by these tiny little orbs of light green light that I believe, are related to the Sea Ghosts. I roleplayed Clairvoyance as her way to navigate the world in a similar fashion, especially since I played with a limited HUD and compass. The Sea Ghost is fed by the souls of her victims and her spectral energy, so the only way she could cure herself was through found potions and restoration spells. Perking Recovery finally enabled the Sea Ghost to regenerate magicka.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129423171,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129423171,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129423171?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="469" height="129" /></a><strong>Heavy Armor:</strong> This was a very hard skill to level up, because the Sea Ghost was not getting hit. Unfortunately, because of the relatively low AR of Ancient Nord Armor and Master difficulty, it really hurt to be hit, so I ended up investing in some Heavy Armor training with Isran at Fort. Dawnguard. The right side of the tree was perked, though I avoided maxing out the tree and the left side of the tree to roleplay being physically slower like a draugr ghost would possibly be.</p>
<p><strong>One-handed:</strong> Perked primarily to give the Sea Ghost’s weapons some much needed damage boost due to not being able to invest in smithing perks. Blades and early on, axes, were used in conjunction with destruction magic and reanimations to give the Sea Ghost the maximum amount of damage for least amount of investment.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3122771456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="124" /></a></p>
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<p>Again, because of the non-crafting nature of the build, special attention had to be paid to what artifacts would best serve The Sea Ghost as she fulfills her mission to pillage the souls of Skyrim. I will list them in the order they were obtained.</p>
<p><strong>Ancient Nord Armor:</strong> Seige on the Dragon Cult. Acquired by killing the first dragon cultist at Forelhost, then leave. Let go once I acquired Ahzidal's gear.</p>
<p><strong>Necromancer’s Amulet:</strong> Blood on the Ice. This granted the Sea Ghost with the Gift of the Black Worm from Awesome Artifacts which boosts magicka by 50pts, reduces Conjuration costs by 25%, reanimation spells and risen undead are more powerful, and it makes spells against the undead 10% stronger. Of course, all this comes at the cost of a 75% reduction in health and stamina regeneration, which I roleplayed as her being essentially undead.</p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129508697,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129508697,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129508697?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="298" /></a>Staff of Jyrik Gauldurson:</strong> Under Saarthal. With the unofficial patches install, this staff becomes extremely useful for a build that has stunted magicka regen. Its shock damage was primarily utilized early on against dragons.</p>
<p><strong>Gauldur Amulet:</strong> Under Saarthal and later Lost Legends. The magicka portion of the amulet. With both the staff and the amulet portion, I was able to offset my lack of magicka regeneration very quickly. Awesome Artifacts grants each portion of the amulet a small boost in regeneration to the stat of the amulet fragment. It was later supplanted by Morokei and perks in Recovery. </p>
<p><strong>Helm of Yngol:</strong> Yngol Barrow. Grants 30% resistance to frost, which nearly put the Sea Ghost at the resistance cap for one element. Frost-based dragons were pretty much a joke after this.</p>
<p><strong>Ghostblade:</strong> Ansilvund Ruins. The Sea Ghost’s primary weapon for the first half of her mission in Skyrim. While it does limited damage, it boasts very small weight, which increases its swing speed significantly and its enchantment (3 points extra damage that ignores armor) doesn’t need to be recharged. This was a boon, as the Sea Ghost was saving soul gems for a very special purpose. </p>
<p><strong>Pale Blade:</strong> The Pale Lady. A supplementary weapon that enjoys some added benefits in Awesome Artifacts, including frost damage, stamina damage, and a weak fear enchantment. Found at Frostemere Crypt during the mentioned quest. Eventually put on display.</p>
<p><strong>Vokun:</strong> A Scroll for Anska. A dragon priest mask that grants its wearer 20% reduction in Conjuration, Alteration, and Illusion. Used early on until Conjuration was leveled to manage spell costs. </p>
<p><strong>Eduj & Okin:</strong> Silenced Tongues. A set of Ancient Nord weapons that do frost damage to Health and Stamina. Eduj was used more, especially when the Sea Ghost was implimenting The Ice Storm. </p>
<p><strong>Aetherial Crown:</strong> Lost to the Ages. Used to store the Ritual Standing Stone and be able to utilize it as a repeatable power, because who fights fair, right? Especially favored during the Soul Storm.</p>
<p><strong>The Relics of Ahzidal:</strong> Unearthed. The Sea Ghost did not utilize all of the relics, but several were key in her development as a build. First obtained were Ahzidal’s Boots of Waterwalking, which gave her the spectral ability to walk on water. Bandit chasing you? No problem, walk on water. It rendered her untouchable by most enemies if a body of water was nearby and at the same time, she was still able to engage in combat. I loved using this during gameplay because why not continue on our theme of unfair fighting? The next two items of importance were Ahzidal’s ring of Necromancy and Ring of Arcana. I used the Ring of Necromancy until taking Dark Souls rendered the ring’s special perk ineffective (Something about how the raised corpses are labeled, renders you having one or other), then I switched to the Ring of Arcana for Freeze, which is a cheap spell for the amount of damage it does. The Gauntlets of Warding were equipped but not really used during the playtest, though I could definitely see it helping the Sea Ghost replenish her magicka. The Armor of Retribution was useful for its paralyzing perk.</p>
<p><strong>Morokei:</strong> The Staff of Magnus. Once obtained, this became the Sea Ghost’s means of magicka regeneration, as it is the equivalent of taking an Elixir of Lasting Potency that is never consumed. The boost to shout cool downs (fixed from the Unofficial Patches) was also welcomed.</p>
<p><strong>Staff of Magnus:</strong> The Staff of Magnus. This staff, with its magicka and health drain and decent range, eventually supplanting The Staff of Jyrik Gauldurson. </p>
<p><strong>Dukaan:</strong> White Ridge Barrow. This dragon priest mask was useful in creating the Sea Ghost’s “Ice Storms”, a strategy she used against humanoid and creature enemies susceptible to stamina drain and frost damage (Large forsworn camps, manned ships, bandit camps). It grants a 50% resistance to frost and a 25% boost to all magical things frost-related, including spells, shouts, and frost enchantments for weapons.</p>
<p><strong>Zahkriisos:</strong> The Final Descent. This mask was used to help the Sea Ghost create her “Lightning Storms”, as it has a similar enchantment to Dukaan, only the benefits apply to shock magicks.</p>
<p>Surplus equipment was stored when not in use. In addition, because a part of the Sea Ghost's spectral mechanics included the liberal use of Fast Travel, I would often simply equip the items she needed for a specific mission, leaving the rest behind, or stored inside that trusty spectral warhound follower. So, actually, though I list a lot of equipment, it's actually far more manageable and really by the end, she just had her gear and a handful of spells, keeping the Sea Ghost's inventory nice and relatively clutter free.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129495401,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129495401,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129495401?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="758" height="428" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3122771456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="124" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129523441,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129523441,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129523441?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>Walk on water, let them be afraid… you are the Sea Ghost and all fear the stormy sea.</em></p>
<p>Four combinations were especially fun in giving the Sea Ghost some extra panache in combat. All of them revolve around using Whirlwind Cloak and other magical effects in different combinations. Whirlwind Cloak flings enemies within melee damage away from the player.</p>
<p><strong>Ice Storm:</strong> Dukaan + Whirlwind Cloak + Freeze + Frost Breath. I used this, again in places where the stamina draining properties of frost magic would be of greatest benefit.</p>
<p><strong>Lightning Storm:</strong> Zahkriisos + Whirlwind Cloak + Lightning Bolt + Storm Call. Unleash the fury of the Sea Ghost! This is one you do not do with followers around, but I did it anyway because she’s the Sea Ghost, she doesn’t give a damn about collateral damage. One extra soul to harvest.</p>
<p><strong>Soul Storm:</strong> Ritual Stone (Aetherial Crown) + Whirlwind Cloak + Mystic Sword (bound sword with mystic binding and soul stealer) + Soul Tear + Conjure Wrathman. You are a collector of souls, the wrath of the sea, scattering lost souls before you mercilessly collect them.</p>
<p><strong>The Eye of the Storm:</strong> Elixir of Regeneration + Whirlwind Cloak + Become Ethereal with Meditation on Feim. Being in corporal form is not the Sea Ghost’s natural state. She merged with a hapless mortal in order to fulfill her soul-harvesting mission, so therefore, when she is weak, she will revert to her spectral form in order to regenerate energy lost through combat.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129550078,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129550078,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129550078?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="576" height="107" /></a></p>
<p>The Sea Ghost’s mission is very simple, collect, pillage and pirate the souls of Skyrim, robbing bodies of their life force, being a terrible scourge, both in land and at sea. I saw her overall mission in two large sections. The first half of her adventure centered on her obtaining her endgame items and I started this early, acquiring several items while still in single digit levels. I treated this portion of her gameplay like a mad race to get these items, even using fast travel, which is something I never do in Skyrim. The justification? She is a ghost, and I saw the fast travel mechanic as a way to roleplay her traveling in her spectral form.</p>
<p>In addition, while I was playing the Sea Ghost, I was paying attention to amass in enough coin to harvest soul gems, of all types, but especially black soul gems. Questlines to complete during this phase are the Main quest through the <em>Horn of Jurgen Windcaller</em>, the College of Winterhold, <em>Unearthed</em>, <em>Lost to the Ages</em>, <em>Lost Legends</em>, and any of the quests that relate to the gear she needs to obtain. Her ultimate goals are the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood, and you can start them, but I would not do more than petty jobs for the Thieves Guild and <em>Bound until Death</em> for the Dark Brotherhood. Nope, no Companions, but she will defile the tombs of Ysgramor and Yngol! </p>
<p>The second phase for the Sea Ghost involves a weapon switch. The Ghostblade is abandoned in favor of a bound sword with soul-stealing capabilities. And then she roamed, completing the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves Guild, partly for the money, but also for the opportunity to wreak havoc in the high seas again. Both questlines offer the Sea Ghost opportunities to gut a ship or a pirate cove of their mortal crew, plundering not just riches, not just gold and jewels, but their very souls. Ships and pirate coves for the Sea Ghost to target include…</p>
<ul><li>The Katariah (Dark Brotherhood, Hail Sithis!)</li>
<li>East Empire Company & Brinewater Grotto (Thieves Guild, Scoundrel’s Folly)</li>
<li>Dainty Sload (Thieves Guild, Solitude Quest)</li>
<li>Wreck of the Pride of Tel Vos</li>
<li>Red Wave (Thieves Guild, then Dark Brotherhood contract)</li>
<li>Hela’s Folly (Dark Brotherhood contract)</li>
<li>Wreck of the Winter War</li>
<li>Wreck of the Ice Runner & Broken Oar Grotto (Light’s Out)</li>
<li>Japhet’s Folly (Rise in the East)</li>
</ul><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129604060,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129604060,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129604060?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p>While the Sea Ghost embarks in her soul plunder of Skyrim, several options are available to store her other-worldly booty, but it must fulfill only one requirement.</p>
<p>It must be by her beloved Sea of Ghosts.</p>
<p>Several options are available to you. Proudspire Manor, though pricy is the only actual purely vanilla offering, and when I say Vanilla, I mean no dlcs at all. If you have Hearthfire, Windstad manor is a great location, secluded and bleak. The Dawnguard Questline give you the option of living in Castle Volkihar whether you side with the Dawnguard or not. I sided with the Dawnguard to avoid Volkihar being populated when the Sea Ghost moved in, though you could argue that the Ring of the Erudite is a great choice for this build and I’d agree with you, but I chose roleplay in this instance and the Sea Ghost is alone, save her Wrathmen and her spectral dog. Installing The Sea of Ghosts by Thirteen Oranges gives you Seastone Manor to purchase. I personally opted for the Isolated Whitewind cabin, which has a view of the Sea of Ghosts. If you have another modded house that fits her sole requirement, then use that, by all means.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3129614376,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3129614376,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3129614376?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="290" height="85" /></a></p>
<p>And there you have it! My first Skyrim build in a very long, long time. I hope all of you enjoy it, I know, I'm behind the times, I think, and I sincerely look forward to perhaps building more in the future. Good luck to everyone in the contest and a hats off to the people who literally forced me to get off of my fat old keester and do this contest. You know who you are. Another shout to the amazing mod team and crew at Skyforge for hosting this great contest.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3122771456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3122771456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="124" /></a></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>Contest Build: The Cutthroathttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/contest-build-the-cutthroat2019-06-15T12:23:13.000Z2019-06-15T12:23:13.000ZLeehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/LeeFiskilisCarpenter<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Hey guys, welcome to my Contest Build for the Pirate Event. For a change, I wanted to stick to a cliche which surprisingly is hardly touched, as well as looting (and improving the chance to find more), gold in chests, urns, pockets etc. Instead of just madly looting everything. Onto the Build shall we...</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938440980,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2938440980,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2938440980?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="602" /></a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3404648507,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3404649815,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3404649815?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">That sly dog. <br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">All I wanted was out of piracy and the Blood Horkers. <br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Guess Haldyn didn’t like that idea.<br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">They snuck up on the Slinky Horker in a mist - Haldyn’s little magic trick.<br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">This time though, it was different. No hostages, no robbery, no nothing. <br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Didn’t even try to kill me - just in and out.<br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">They sunk the ship - with me in it.<br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Trying to make sure I don’t comeback I guess.<br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Guess you don’t really leave pirate life.<br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Well, you know what they say, you mess with the Khajiit and you get the claws.</span></em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938466861,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2938466861,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2938466861?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="318" /></a></span></em></p><p><strong>Ordinator:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">This mod is essential, once again to this Build, as it vastly opens up several pathways and options</span> <strong>but</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">this Build is playable without it.</span></p><p><strong>Andromeda Standing Stones:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Essential as it vastly overhauls every single Standing Stone and has synergy used in Imperious - in the Build.</span></p><p><strong>Imperious:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Combined with Andromeda, Imperious is the bread and butter of this Build and it’s gameplay.</span></p><p><strong>TK Dodge:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Not essential at all, but I highly recommend it, as I envisioned the Cutthroat (although temporary ‘retired’), an agile fighter - works wonders with combat mods.</span></p><p><strong>Honed Metal:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Not essential per say, but I highly recommend it. Allows you to get your Nordic Carved Sword (or any particular sword that you prefer), Early Game and tempered without having to rely on random drops.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938472631,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2938472631,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2938472631?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="291" /></a></span></p><p><strong>Race:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Khajiit</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">For the Cutthroat, I wanted to focus on two major things - one of which Khajiit are quite well known for - which just so happens to be included under the Khajiit race in</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Imperious</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Andromeda</span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">. Speed, both in and out of combat and being pickpockets (translated into the Skills).</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Starting off as a Khajiit with</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Imperious</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">(for those curious) will start off with,</span></p><p><strong>Health:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">90</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <strong>Magicka:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">105</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <strong>Stamina:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">105</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <strong>Health Regen:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">0.5%:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <strong>Magicka Regen:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">3.125%</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <strong>Stamina Regen:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">5.25%</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <strong>Carry weight:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">300</span></p><p><strong>Feline Agility:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Move faster, and sprint much faster at the cost of more Stamina</span></p><p><strong>Prowl:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Sneak silently and perform power leaps while sneaking.</span></p><p><strong>Kawlith Khaj:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Claw power attacks deal bonus damage based on your Stamina</span></p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Quest reward - Acquire 50,000 lifetime gold to unlock</span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span></em> <em><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></em><strong>Perception:</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">At will -</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Improves night vision and dampens non-essential sounds.</span></p><p><strong>Stone:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Shadow or the Thief</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Also to improve our speed in combat, the Shadow Stone from</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Andromeda</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">comes to mind. As does the Thief, whichever you choose is your choice. I personally stuck with the Shadow for the nice movement speed.</span></p><p><strong><em>The Shadow</em></strong></p><p><strong><em> Blur:</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">The Shadow increases movement speed by 20%, in combat</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;"> </span><strong><em>Hide in Shadows:</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">When near a wall or obstacle, sneaking and sneak attacks are 20% more effective.</span></p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Unlockable once you find all 13 Stones in Skyrim</span></em></p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></em><strong><em>Shadow Step:</em></strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">At will -</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Exped</span> <strong>50</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">points of Stamina to dash to a nearby target with</span> <strong>75</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">feet</span></p><p><strong><em>The Thief</em></strong></p><p><strong><em> Ambush:</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Sneaking and sneak attacks are 10% more effective</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;"> </span><strong><em>Thief's Path:</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Learn all Thief skills 10% faster.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Unlockable once you find all 13 Stones in Skyrim</span></em></p><p><strong><em> Pillage:</em></strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Once a day -</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Find more loot on enemies you kill within</span> <strong>30</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">seconds. Especially violent kills result in even more loot</span></p><p><strong>Stats:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">0/1/1</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">For the Cutthroat, Magicka is worthless. I stopped putting points in Stamina once I hit about 200, adding the rest to Health. Feel free to change it, to your playthrough.</span></p><p><strong>Quests</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">For the Cutthroat, quest wise, like the roleplay, it’s fairly simple and open to the player. The quests that I recommend are the <strong>Thieves Guild</strong> which is perfect for training our skills - feel free to go as far into the questline as you wish, <strong>Rise in the East</strong> which is perfect for taking revenge on the Blood Horkers and more importantly Halydn - and <strong>Bounty Quests</strong> is purely for gold and optional.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938472631,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><br /> </a> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938493642,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2938493642,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2938493642?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="504" /></a></span></p><p><strong>One Handed</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Rogue’s Parry:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">When wielding a one-handed weapon and an empty other hand, attacking with the weapon while the opponent is winding up their attack or drawing a bow deals 40% more damage and delivers a critical strike.</span></p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;"> -Overrun:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Can perform a one-handed power attack that deals up to 50% more damage and critical damage to a target above half Health. The higher its remaining Health percentage is, the more damage and critical damage is dealt.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> -<span style="font-size:small;"><em>Thundering Blow:</em> Whenever you perform a total of 8 or more one-handed regular attacks in combat, your next one-handed power attack is a Thundering Blow that deals double damage and costs no Stamina, resetting the counter.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:small;"> -<em>Aftershock</em><strong>: </strong>After a Thundering Blow, attack speed is increased by 75% for 3 seconds.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:small;"> -<em>Wandering Warrior:</em> Whenever you defeat at least 4 humanoids and/or animals in a single battle, you gain a permanent +1% bonus to one-handed damage. This effect stacks up to +20%.</span></span></p><p><strong>Sneak</strong></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Dynamic Entry:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Performing a silent roll increases your weapon damage by 40% and unarmed damage by 40 points for 3 seconds.</span></p><p><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Clean Escape:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">When you stand still for 8 seconds while sneaking, enemies within 150 feet no longer search for you.</span></p><p><strong>Lockpicking</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Golden Touch:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Find 20-100 more gold in any dungeon chests and 2-10 more gold in corpses, urns etc</span></p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;"> -Nose for Treasure:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">You may choose an item type (gold, jewelry, books, ingredients, potions, ingots, weapons, armor, scrolls). Containers illuminated by Robber’s Eye are three times more likely to contain items of your chosen type over other types.</span></p><p><strong>Pickpocket</strong></p><p><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Blood Money:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">You find 10-100 more gold when looting humanoid corpses slain in an especially violent fashion (with an attack that deals at least 100 more damage than their remaining Health or a killmove)</span></p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;"> -Lawless World:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Petty crimes are forgotten, allowing your bounties for non-violent crimes to decay at the rate of 50% if your Pickpocket Skill each day</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> -</span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Thief’s Luck:</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">You may choose an item type (gold, jewelry, books, ingredients, potions, ingots, scrolls). Those illuminated by Thief’s Eye are three times more likely to carry items of your selected type over other item types.<br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><em> -Doomed to Plunder:</em> Killing a victim in possession of the Death’s Emperor grants 100-300 more gold.</span></p><p><strong>Block</strong></p><p><strong> </strong>-<em>Quick Reflexes: </em><span style="font-size:small;">Time slows down if you are blocking during an enemy's power attack</span>.</p><p> -<span style="font-size:small;"><em>Power Bash:</em> Able to do a power bash by holding down Attack while blocking.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:small;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3404650156,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3404650156,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="3404650156?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3416813622,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3416813622,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="3416813622?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938522208,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2938522208,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2938522208?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="224" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">For once in my Builds, combat came rather simple (especially with TK Dodge) - hit hard, fast and dodge/stagger. Due to no Armor Skill, you end up with about 60 AR (give or take - depends on the Light Armor skill) at End Game. Meaning you cannot afford to get hit - especially on higher levels.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Using your wit - and let’s not forget Death’s Emperor - I recommend placing it on the toughest - if against melee opponents, place it on the opponent with the Two Handed weapon - and starting combat (either sneak attack or Overrun in Sneak Mode - a well known trick that I’ll explain at the end of this section) on the weakest or any other opponent in a group/two or more enemies. I did this to leave the strongest to be taken out in one hit - due to Death’s Emperor which</span> <strong>increases your damage by 200% on the holder of the coin (including Critical Attacks)</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- whereas others may require more of your attention.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">If an enemy is alone, you can place Death’s Emperor for</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Doomed to Plunder</span></em><span style="font-weight:400;">, or you can simply initiate a power attack.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">However, Mages are not so easily defeated. Similar to the above tactic - I can not stress enough to put Death’s Emperor in the strongest Mage in the group and singling them out. This is due to having</span> <strong>no</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Magic Resistance, meaning that you will take the full brunt of any and all spells. Even if a Mage is alone, I still recommend Death’s Emperor due to no Magic Resistance whatsoever.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>NOTE:</strong> For those who do not know, you are able to initiate a Critical Charge (perk name in Vanilla, in Ordinator it’s Overrun), <em>after</em> doing a Silent Roll. The result, at the end of the Silent Roll - if done correctly - changes the animation to the Critical Charge <strong>while</strong> doing the addition damage (see <em>Overrun</em> above). Using this trick in Ordinator with the addition of <em>Dynamic Entry</em> creates a rather powerful first attack that can either instantly kill (either from the hit itself or the ‘secondary’ effect of Overrun) or serious damage the target - provided you hit the target. <br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3404649214,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3404649214,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3404649214?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938539819,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2938539819,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2938539819?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="265" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">I roleplayed the Cutthroat as a thief/pickpocket first, and a tactician second. I also decided to keep the Roleplay rather open to the Player. Before taking on Haldyn, I focused on gathering as much gold as possible (what you decide to do with it is up to you - I chose to take up training to help speed up One Handed as it gets left behind by Pickpocket).</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">After exacting revenge on Haldyn and the Blood Horkers, what you choose to do is your choice. Do you create a Pirate Crew to loot and pillage Skyrim? Do you decide to become a Privateer for the East Empire Company after taking out Haldyn - the choice is entirely up to you.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">As the Cutthroat, both before and after Haldyn, I focused on robbing civilians - both rich and poor - blind of their gold. Not their jewelry or weapons, just their gold. I recommend focusing on pickpocketing</span> <strong>only</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">gold for two reasons: as a ex-retired Pirate wouldn’t exactly be able to sell their stolen items - especially one that was supposedly killed (hence not using Speech), another reason being, if an ex-retired Pirate found a merchant willing to buy stolen goods how much would they be both willing and able to pay for said items.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3404649500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3404649500,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="3404649500?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2938546923,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2938546923,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2938546923?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="222" /></a></span><span style="font-weight:400;">I’d like to thank:</span></p><p><strong><em>-Chris Dionko</em></strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;">,</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">for giving me some ideas for the Cutthroat</span></p><p><strong><em>-Furrion 17</em></strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;">,</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">for the images (found on Pinterest) as well as giving me some more ideas for the Cutthroat</span></p><p><strong><em>-Curse,</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">for holding the Sky Forge’s first ever Contest <em>as well as </em>the new screenshots, Perk Spread <strong><em>and </em></strong>Equipment Spread.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Don’t forget to hit that ‘like’ button, and drop a comment below if you want.</span></p></div>Character Build: The Witch Arrow (Ordinator)https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-witch-arrow2019-06-02T11:32:30.000Z2019-06-02T11:32:30.000ZFurrion 17https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Furrion17<div><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2691826429,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2691826429,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2691826429?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9939029476,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9939029476,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9939029476?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="450" height="592" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Foreword:</span></span> </strong>This build was born from my interest in the Dragon Age 2 Merrill specialisation "Elven Pariah" and the Rogue Specialization "Ranger" from Origins. My goal was to use the basis for these classes and meld them into a character that could fluidly embody both at once. I also pulled some inspiration from "<a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-viridian-witch">The Viridian Witch</a>" build by Oneness. It was one of the first nature builds I played in Skyrim and remains to be one of my favourites to this day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">The resulting outcome of the build is an archer who is capable of controlling and supporting multiple animal companions and summons whilst dealing out a devastating amount of poison damage be it from poisoned arrow or spell.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2691848276,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2691848276,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2691848276?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/the-story-corner/general-forum/ivriel-the-witch-arrow?context=tag-furrion" target="_blank">For the full backstory click here</a></strong></span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9939030888,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9939030888,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9939030888?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="403" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Moss green eyes locked in a mournful stare. A lingering kiss on the forehead. A scarlet red cloak fluttering in the wind amidst a wash of silver- gold locks.</em> Distant memories of a distant time.… </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel smothered the last smouldering embers and retired for the eve. Tomorrow would come too soon, and with it, the usual hapless villagers from Ivarstead, wanting her to cure their ailments, bless their crops, mix a tonic, or breathe new life into an overworked ox. Each day brought more of the same— linear, boring… everyday life. And yet, a thrill of excitement burned in her belly, one she couldn't explain. Ivriel closed her eyes and sent thoughts scrying out through the winds of change in the air… </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Another Autumn Rift morning dawned sharp and clear—a warm, amber sunrise and a chilling breeze and earth that crackled underfoot like shattered glass, shimmering with shades of liquid gold and ruby and topaz. Melting frost fell like raindrops on a nearby icy stream. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Moss-green eyes and tear-stained gloves, gentle hands pulling away from a chubby-fingered grasp. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel shook away the unwanted memory, and supplanted it, as she always did, with thoughts of Anise. Anise had found her, long ago, on such a morning, and taken her in. Raised her as her own, and Ivriel owed her life to the crafty Nord witch. From her, Ivriel learned the way of the land and the ways of magic. Of the balance inherent in the world – to save a life, one must understand how to take it. To understand Nirn, one must learn the ways of man and mer and beast. Of Divines and the Daedra, for even the Planes of Oblivion traversed the paths of life. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel offered up a murmur of thanks to Anise as she snipped sprigs of frost mirriam and wondered…what would she do if she found a babe on a cold morning, shivering and abandoned in an Autumn frost? Would she raise the babe as her own? Teach her, love her, as Anise had, so many years ago? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9939032298,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9939032298,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9939032298?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="341" /></a>-tap-tap-tap-</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A doe knocked its hoof against the ice-crusted stream. Ivriel blinked, Anise and the babe she'd once been finally fading into memory. The doe watched Ivriel with liquid black eyes and lowered its head in invitation. Ivriel approached – slowly, reverently – and took off her glove, stroking the doe's soft, brown neck. But the moment wasn't to last. A rush of wings and feathers shattered the quiet, and the doe scampered away. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel crouched – a predator? A hunter? No, something felt…wrong. The thrill of excitement burned in her belly again, and she swallowed it down, good sense winning over adventure. No adventure to be had these days, anyway, with Vigilants in town, thickening the air into a miasma of righteousness and hypocrisy. Dissatisfied with hunting Daedra worshippers, they'd turned their attention toward solitary mages – herbalists, alchemists. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Like Anise. Like her. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The peasants of Ivarstead might depend on her cures, but they did not trust outsiders or "knife-eared witches," as she'd heard herself described. And she didn't trust them to turn down a purse full of gold, or hold up under a Vigilant's thinly-veiled threat. The only certainty of life in Skyrim was violence – Stormcloaks and Imperials fighting on the roads, Thalmor justiciars sniffing out heresy. Bears. Wolves. No, they'd take the gold offered and tell the Vigilants what they wanted to hear.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel eased out of her crouch and started back toward her hut. She found the quiet of the woods no longer peaceful, but eerie and tight. Her very bones tingled with warning. A nearby bush rustled. She spun around, and purple mist between her fingers coalesced into an ethereal bow. Her breath came in short gasps as she scanned the woods – the empty woods. Shivers crept over her spine. Someone else was there, someone who shouldn't be. The animals of her forest knew her, accepted her, wouldn't run from her. But others? A few steps more, and she heard another rustle and a flash of blue. A bawdy laugh. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel let out a long exhale and relaxed her grip. Stormcloak soldiers, a pair of them. But they didn't bother her – she could sneak past them as easily as the mist, especially when they desired nothing more than ale and a bed of warm furs after a night's patrol.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9939039301,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9939039301,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9939039301?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="341" /></a>She smiled and watched them walk down to Ivarstead. She turned back toward her hut. Her smile faded. Smoke drifted from the chimney, yet she was certain she had smothered her fire before she left that morning. She edged closer, under the trees, and squinted through a window. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Two figures stood near the firepit – one wore a hood which obscured his face, but the other was a middle-aged Nord with a receding hairline, a great maul was slung over his shoulder. The thrill of excitement in her belly boiled over in fear and anger. The bow in her hand blinked back to Oblivion, and she crept closer, green light flashing at her fingertips "Not like this, Not now. I will not be snuffed out by zealots on a mad crusade.". </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The green light in Ivriel's hands flared, and a moment later the hut filled with a blast of poisonous magic. The Nord coughed and gagged. "Argh, Tolan! It's the knife-eared bitch, sh-" </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A shimmering arrow erupted through the back of his neck, and the Nord collapsed, clutching his ruined throat. Gouts of blood spilt out on the earthen floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"My earthen floor," she thought, and turned to flash her green eyes on the Nord's companion – the one he'd named Tolan – rushing from her hut. She ran after him and barely escaped the arc of his maul as he doubled back just outside the door. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">He screamed and struggled to regain his balance. "You'll pay for that, witch!" </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"Maybe. One day," Ivriel hissed, her throat tight with icy conviction. The ethereal bow faded once more, and she raised her hands, a green light shimmering around her palms. The ground trembled and cracked, and a dozen vines slithered free and wound around the Vigilant's chest. "But today, this is my forest, and you are not welcome. Leave now, and I will spare your life." </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Tolan gasped and spat at her feet. "This is not your forest elf. This is Nord land, and it is you who are unwelcome!" </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9994885690,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9994885690,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9994885690?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="284" height="491" /></a>Ivriel closed her fist and vines tightened around Tolan's throat. "So be it," she said grimly and motioned with her hand, purple mist wreathing her fingers. A great wolf padded to her side. Another gesture, and the wolf stepped closer to the Vigilant, until the two stood face to face. The wolf's breath steamed through bared teeth in the cold morning air. Slaver streamed from its jaws. Ivriel tilted her head and sneered. "You will die a fool. A fool who was given the chance to lea—" </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">-thrum- </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A crossbow quarrel whistled past and pierced the wolf's side. The beast yelped and sank to its knees. Ivriel spun on her heel and summoned her bow. Three hooded figures garbed in robes and mail strode toward the hut. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Tolan screamed through laboured breath and flung an arm toward Ivriel. "Kill her! Kill the witch!" </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This time, the quarrel missed its mark, finding purchase in the wall of her hut. She whispered a spell and her flesh turned to armour of stone. Her own arrow flew true, knocking the Vigilant bowman to the ground. Blood spurted through his fingers as he grasped at his chest. After that, everything blurred into fire spells and whizzing arrows and the smell of blood and burned cloth. In the midst of the confusion, Ivriel's wolf lunged at the Vigilant mage, savaging his arm in his jaws. With no flames to dodge, Ivriel took careful aim and took the mage down with an arrow to the throat. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A yelp sounded behind her, followed by a whoosh as her wolf collapsed into a purple mist. The third Vigilant held a bloody flanged mace, and grinned. "Give it up, knife-ear, you've lost!" </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel heard a rustling and turned, keeping one eye on the bloody mace. Tolan had freed himself from her vines, and the two Vigilants paced around her, tightening their circle with each turn. "I would advise you pray for mercy," seethed Tolan. "But Stendarr does not grant it to the likes of you, foul witch!" </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel wasted no time on prayer. She drew her bow and loosed. Her arrow pierced the maced Vigilant's shoulder. He screamed and staggered, but Tolan charged, sweeping Ivriel's legs out from beneath her. The Bosmers head crashed to the ground, and when her vision cleared, all she saw was the sky. "Beautiful and blue," she thought, "like winter roses." </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The maul crashed down on her chest. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel gasped and forced her eyes open. A sharp pain stabbed through her chest and she wheezed, blood dribbling from her mouth and down her chin. Ivriel struggled to rise, and her vision darkened again, the pain in her chest and head threatening to drag her back down. Eventually, she hobbled to her hut. Stoneware and broken glass littered the floor, and parchment soaked into a pool of fresh blood on the floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">"At least I gave as good as I got," she thought, remembering the old Nord she'd killed. "One shot, too." She winced, baring bloody teeth as another wave of pain nearly doubled her over. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Ivriel slapped a hand over her chest and sighed as a golden glow sank into her skin. "But that won't last long. I have to find herbs. Need something stronger." Her hand glowed golden over her chest once more, and she managed to stand. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The door clicked shut behind Ivriel. She took one step, then another, toward the forest. As she'd done hundreds of times before. But this time was different. This time she had a plan. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">This time…this time, she wouldn't stop. Not until she'd reached the Hall of the Vigilants. And left none alive.</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692036018,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692036018,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692036018?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#008000;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10014956076,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10014956076,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="340" alt="10014956076?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></span>Essential Mods:</strong></span></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2983497">Ordinator</a>: Ordinator completely revamps the perk system in the game and is an essential piece to the build</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Apocalypse: Apocalypse adds dozens and dozens of new spells to use in Skyrim. The poison spells are an essential part of Ivriel's arsenal.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4052177">Andromeda</a>: Overhauls vanilla Standing Stones allowing for all-new roleplaying options. Each stone feels genuinely unique and can't be replicated like most of the vanilla stones could.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/it/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2986039" target="_blank">Imperious:</a> Breathes new life into the racial system, including unique racial attributes, passives and unlockable abilities via a race-specific quest.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4092115">Wintersun</a>: Wintersun adds a complex religion system into the game, that allows you to meditate and worship a chosen deity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3001108">20 pct more Perk Points</a>: A well-balanced option in my opinion, when used with Ordinator installed. There are many new perks to choose, and having an extra skill point to spend every five levels helps to get those perks that would otherwise take a few more level-ups to get.</span></p>
<p> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2947804">USSEP:</a> Not a lot to say with this one. It fixes a lot of issues and also makes Miraaks's Robes, well robes, instead of light armour.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Recommended Mods:</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2918744">Alternate Start</a>: With this installed, you can pick one of several scenarios on how to start your character's story off in Skyrim. For Ivriel, I chose the "Attacked and left for dead" scenario, which fits in with her backstory, having been attacked by the Vigilants of Stendarr. Conveniently I started off in the Rift, but it is randomised so you may start anywhere. Alternatively, you could use the "Camping in the woods" start instead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://mods.bethesda.net/#en/workshop/skyrim/mod-detail/3256547">Hedge Mage Armor</a>: The Hedge Mage Armor, are great starting robes for Ivriel, and suits her rugged nature.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2988366">Wildcat</a>: Overhauls damage and many combat features and allows you to customise your combat experience.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4041268">Mortal Enemies</a>: Tweaks enemy AI and hitboxes, creating more fluent combat.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2991775">Rebalanced Encounter Zones</a>: Essentially this randomises enemy levelling, generally making most encounters much tougher.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2990780">Thunderchild</a>: Adds in 30 new shouts and several mini-quests that can unlock additional shout-related powers. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4043880">Awesome Artifacts</a>: Adds a little bit more oomph to some of the less appreciated items in Skyrim. </span> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2691996482,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2691996482,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2691996482?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692015524,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692015524,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692015524?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="599" height="537" /></a></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#008000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Bosmer:</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">With imperious races installed, Ivriel will start with several race-specific abilities. She will have a harrier hawk that will mark targets and weaken their armour in battle. It will also mark animals in the wild for Ivriel to hunt. As a Bosmer, she can detect moving targets whilst sneaking. And she can invoke the Green Pact to eat the corpses of slain humanoid NPCs. I'll note that I did not use the ability to eat corpses as in my playthrough she did not adhere to the Green Pact. Lastly, Ivriel will unlock the "Beast Tongue" ability after hunting ten marked animals that the harrier has revealed. This will allow her to permanently tame a nearby animal of her choosing until she releases it or it is slain.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Name:</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">Ivriel</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Gender:</span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;"> Female</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Age:</span> </strong>32</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Standing Stone:</span> </strong>The Apprentice - The unpredictable and turbulent nature of The Apprentice stone suits the unconventional ways Ivriel has learned to employ her magic. The stone grants the Prodigy passive effect, which lowers overall spell cost by 15% and enables free casting of novice spells. "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" passive ability gives the interesting effect of any spells cast being <strong>50</strong>% more effective or <strong>50</strong>% less effective than intended. (The former is more likely.)</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Religious Views:</span> </strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;">Being raised by the hermit Nord witch Anise</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;"><strong> </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Ivriel was taught to worship Hircine, Kyne and the Old Ways of the Nords</span><strong>.</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">This means she does</span><span style="color:#000000;"> not follow the Green Pact or Y'ffre's teachings, and in fact, knows very little of Bosmer culture. When it comes to choosing a religion from the Wintersun mod, Hircine or Kynareth are both an appropriate choice. Unfortunately, The Old Ways are locked to races who are not Nord or Breton; thus, this does not allow Ivriel to gain the full benefits of The Old Ways. She can still get the blessing from the shrine however.</span><br /> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Morality/Personality: </span></strong><a href="http://easydamus.com/trueneutral.html">True Neutral</a>. Ivriel tries not to involve herself with the matters of others, which often leads to her being labelled as indifferent. She enjoys her solitude and communing with the creatures of the forest. She will help those who come to her for aid but never for free. What that price entails is not necessarily always gold, but things she may need for her alchemical experiments or just general supplies. She will stand her ground when threatened or taken advantage of. If someone requires aid, she will often weigh whether helping them or the assailant will benefit her or others the most. She tries to stick to the belief that there is balance in all things and will try to keep the scales as even as possible so as not to disturb that balance.</span></span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692116321,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692116321,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692116321?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10014957690,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10014957690,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="340" alt="10014957690?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Destroy the Vigilants of Stendarr:</span></strong> After being attacked and left for dead Ivriel has decided to show no mercy to the vigil. Attack their hall (before the vampires), Stendarr's Beacon and any patrolling the roads of Skyrim.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">White Phial: </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;">The old Altmer in Windhelm is well known as a renowned alchemist, Ivriel makes the trip to see if she might learn more from him. She discovers the tale of an ancient alchemical artefact and helps him in recovering it.</span></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">A Return To Your Roots:</span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;"> As she was exploring the ancient ruins of Black Reach, Ivriel stumbled across a new and very unique specimen of Nirn Root. She strives to find out more of this intriguing plant.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Kynes Sacred Trials: </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;">Froki an elderly Nord hunter who lives near Ivriel's shack wishes to impart some knowledge of Kyne, Ivriel gladly accepts.</span></span></span> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Blessings of Nature: </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;">Ivriel reveres Kyne and upon finding out the fate of Gildergreen she seeks to help Danica restore it to its former glory.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Labyrinthian (Diadem of the Savant):</span> </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">While on one of her visits to the college Ivriel heard tell of a lost artefact in the ruins Labyrinthian. She seeks it out to claim for herself.</span></span> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Main Quest (At least to High Hrothgar): </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;color:#000000;">When Ivriel comes across the smouldering remains of Helgen she finds herself caught up in matters beyond simple wars but the literal fate of the Nirn itself.</span></span> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Dragon Born: </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;">When hired assassins ambush her, Ivriel seeks to learn who sent them and stop them by whatever means necessary. She finds more than she bargained for and learns some valuable new magic along the way.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">College of Winterhold: </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;color:#000000;">Ivriel will seek to join to gain access to some of the available tomes the college offers. She is not comfortable with all of the confinement and strict learning, so often will simply come and go as she pleases preferring the wide-open spaces of the wild to train her craft.</span></span><span style="color:#008000;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692558364,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692558364,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692558364?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><img style="float:right;" src="/public/album_photo/2c/3e/03/337f1_e3b8.jpg?c=0114" alt="" /></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9994901459,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9994901459,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="375" alt="9994901459?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#008000;"><strong>Early Game Gear:</strong></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#008000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#008000;">Hunting Bow:</span> </span></strong> <span style="color:#000000;">A common yet reliable bow, can be found on bandits or bought from a blacksmith.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#008000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Iron Dagger:</strong></span> A sturdy dagger suitable for rubbing with paralytic poisons when enemies get too close.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Worn Travelers Robes:</span></strong> A set of ragged hedge mage robes that can be easily crafted at a tanning rack with common components (leather, leather strips, iron ingots and a piece of linen wrap).</span></span> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Mid to End Game Gear:</strong></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Bound Bow:</span> </strong>Ivriel can conjure an ethereal bow from Oblivion to strike down any in her path. A spell tome for the bow can be acquired early on from the Fort Amol prison.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Hunting Bow:</span></strong> Used to deliver beneficial poisons to allied creatures.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Nettlebane:</span></strong> A crudely crafted dagger found on a hagraven. Ivriel rubs this with paralytic poisons for when enemies get too close.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Miraak's Staff:</span> </strong>The staff of a defeated dragon priest. Ivriel can use it to lay "vines" in the path of foes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Miraak's Robes:</span> </strong>The boots and gauntlets combined give Ivriel a 10% chance to absorb spells, and the robes cut the cost of all spells by 15% and give 100% increase to magic regeneration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Diadem of the Savant:</strong></span> This elusive circlet can be found in Shalidor's Maze and will grant Ivriel a 5% spell cost reduction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Kyne's Token:</span> </strong>An amulet gifted by the goddess Kynareth herself. Damage taken from animals is reduced by 10%. Bows now do 5% more damage.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Ring of Pure Mixtures:</span> </strong>A ring which grants a 12% boost in alchemy. Can be found by taking the quest from Frida in Dawnstar.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Other Items:</strong></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Black Book:</span></strong> Companions Insight - An essential item which benefits Ivriel greatly in being able to heal her wild companions.</span></li>
<li><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Black Book:</span></strong> Mora's Agony - An ability which allows Ivriel to conjure a nest of noxious vines on the ground.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>The White Phial:</strong> </span>A mystical artefact that will replenish itself daily. Ivriel has crafted it to resist magical damage.</span></span> </li>
</ul>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692608761,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692608761,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692608761?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Spells</span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#008000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> - </span></strong><em><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#008000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">(Apocalypse Spells and CC content are marked with *)</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6831840253,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6831840253,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6831840253?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="405" /></a></span>Restoration</span></span></span></span></span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Leech Seed*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Poison Rune</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Necroplague*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Decompose*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Tree Rings*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Healing Blossom*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Welling Blood*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Blood Boil*</span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Con</span><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">juration</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Conjure Familiar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Conjure Seeker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Conjure Cat Totem*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Conjure Bear Totem*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Pride of Hirrstaang*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Bound Bow</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Alteration</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Ocato's Recital*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Flesh Spells (Ironflesh etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Paralyse</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Paralysis Rune*</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Illusion</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Courage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Rally</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Destruction</span></span></strong></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">It is worth noting here that this schoolis trained and perked, but no spells are used.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Shouts</span></strong></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Animal Allegiance</span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Kyne's Peace</span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Bend Will</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="padding-left:30px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692744508,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692744508,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692744508?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9994912696,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9994912696,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9994912696?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="342" /></a> <strong style="color:#339966;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:14pt;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692763707,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Potions</span></strong></a></span></span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Dragon Spite:</span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> Fly Amanita, Snow Berries and Thistle Branch. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Resists Fire and Frost).</em></li>
<li><span style="color:#008000;"><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Healer's Tincture:</strong></span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> </em><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Blue Mountain Flower, Yellow Mountain Flower and Salt Pile. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Fortifies Health and Restoration).</em></li>
<li><span style="color:#008000;"><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Sorceress's Draught:</strong></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> Garlic, Salmon Roe and Red Mountain Flower. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Fortify and Regenerate Magicka).</em></li>
<li><span style="color:#008000;"><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Stalwart Medicament:</strong></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> Wheat and Blue Mountain Flower. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Fortify and Restore Health).</em></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Ranger's Heart:</span> </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Canis Root, Juniper Berries and Namira's Rot. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Fortify Marksman, Regenerate Health).</em></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Witch's Ward:</span> </strong></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Bone Meal, Lavender and Tundra Cotton.</span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;"> </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Fortify Conjuration and Resist Magic).</em></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Poisons</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color:#008000;"><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Torpor:</strong></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> Deathbell, Chaurus Eggs and River Betty. (</span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Slow, Weakness to Poison and Damage Health).</em></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Serpent's Kiss</span>: </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Mora Tapinella, Imp Stool and Canis Root. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Lingering damage health and Paralysis).</em></li>
<li><span style="color:#008000;"><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Magebane:</strong></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> Hanging Moss, Namira's Rot and Blue Butterfly Wing. (</span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Damage Magicka Regeneration and Magicka).</em></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Warlock's Ire:</span> </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Torchbug Thorax, Swamp Fungal Pod and Scaly Pholiota</span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">. (Lingering damage Magicka and Weakness to Magic).</em></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Warrior's End:</span> </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Wheat, Creep Cluster and Salt Pile. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Damage Stamina regeneration and Weakness to Magic).</em></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Ravager:</span> </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Spawn Ash, Scathcraw and Skeever Tail. </span><em style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">(Ravages Health, Magicka and Stamina).</em><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Special Poison</span></strong></span> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Lifestream:</strong></span> Blue Mountain Flower, Blisterwort and Hanging Moss. <em>(Decrease Magicka Regeneration, Restores and Fortifies Health). </em>Note this poison requires companions insight and a weak bow and arrow to deliver it, as it is meant for healing wild companions.</span> </li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692790848,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692790848,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692790848?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2692800236,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2692800236,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2692800236?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Attributes</span></span></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">: 2<span style="color:#000000;">:</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">1</span><span style="color:#000000;">:</span><span style="color:#0000ff;">2</span></span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Major Skills</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Alchemy</span> - </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Taught from a young age to use all that Nirn provided for her. Ivriel has been experimenting with alchemical reagents for years and has thus become a master alchemist in her own right.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of Note:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Lab Skeever -</span> For 20 seconds after using any alchemy lab, beneficial potions you drink last 15 times longer and are 25% stronger.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Maenad -</span> Magicka and Stamina are increased by 50 points when you are under the effect of a beneficial potion or ingredient, but reduced by 25 points when you are not.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Witchmaster -</span> When you use a beneficial potion or ingredient, 50% chance to receive a powerful side effect, randomly chosen from a range of 40 side effects.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9994913885,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9994913885,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9994913885?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="350" /></a>Conjuration</span></strong></span><span style="color:#008000;"> - <span style="color:#000000;">Being at one with the creatures of Nirn, Ivriel can summon powerful spirit animals to aid her in battle. She also can manifest an arcane bow to strike down those who would mean her harm.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of Note:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Mystic Binding -</span> Bound Weapon spells now summon Mystic Weapons which deal more damage.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Summon Resist -</strong></span> Friendly conjured Daedra, and other non-undead minions within 75 feet gain 50% magic resistance and 300 points of armour.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">March of Oblivion -</span><strong> </strong>You can summon or reanimate 1 additional minion per 250 points of base Magicka, up to 3 extra minions.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Archery</span></strong></span><strong><span style="color:#008000;"> - </span></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Ivriel taught herself to handle a bow from a young age. Her Bosmeri blood and keen eyes giving her a natural edge at marksmanship. Not only that, but she has also learned to bind her spells to the arrows she looses.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of Note:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Ranger -</span> Can move at full speed with a drawn bow.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Lions Arrow - </span> Grants the "Lion's Arrow" power: use it to store the spell Ivriel is dual casting. Shooting a fully drawn bow in combat also releases the stored spell in the direction of the crosshair. Only works with spells that affect other targets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Hailstorm -</span> Attack 8% faster with bows and crossbows for 10 seconds after shooting a fully drawn bow or crossbow in combat. This effect stacks.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Restoration</span> - </span></strong><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Taught to harness the essence of nature itself Ivriel can heal just as easily as she can harm. Knitting the wounds of those around her or subduing foes with potent toxins.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of Note:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Restoration Dual Casting -<strong> </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">Dual casting a Restoration spell empowers it, increasing effectiveness and cost.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Sacred Guardian -</span> Emanate a 20-foot aura of protection. Any of Ivriel's tamed allies within range who fall below 30% Health are automatically healed 150 points. This effect has a 30-second cooldown per target.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Plague Doctor</span><strong><span style="color:#000000;"> -</span> </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Radiate a zone of pestilent death that reduces the poison and disease resistance of enemies approaching within 40 feet by 50% for 30 seconds.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Minor Skills</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Speech</span></strong></span><span style="color:#008000;"> - <span style="color:#000000;">Growing up in the wilds Ivriel has a strong connection to all kinds of wildlife. She also can use the Thu'um to restore some vital energies when needed.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;">Perks of Note:</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">And the Universe Listens -</span> Shouting restores points of Health, Magicka and Stamina equal to your shout cooldown in seconds. You gain Speech experience when shouting based on your shout cooldown.<br /> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Speak with Animals -</span> Can Activate animals to tame them, forcing them to follow you anywhere you go and fight for you until released. You can only have one Wild Companion at a time. Use the "Release Companion" power to release your Wild Companion. (The Bosmer Racial power "Beast Tongue" allows you tame a second animal follower).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Gift of Kynareth -</span> Improves your Wild Companion. Wolves gain 100% extra attack damage. Spiders gain magic immunity. Bears gain 150 points of Health. Chaurus gain 300 points of armour. Sabre cats gain 40% movement speed and move silently.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Illusion</span></strong></span><span style="color:#008000;"> - <span style="color:#000000;">Ivriel can inspire her tamed animals to fight with greater tenacity and never flee.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of Note:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Commanding Presence -</span> In combat Ivriel radiates an aura of mystical nobility that touches all allied creatures and people within 40 feet. Those affected gain 20% attack damage and 20% chance of a critical strike.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9994917463,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9994917463,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9994917463?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="351" height="482" /></a></span></span>Crown of the False King -</span> Commanding Presence also increases armour by 80 points and magic resistance by 20%</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Alteration</span></strong></span><strong><span style="color:#008000;"> - </span></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Through the use of Alteration, Ivriel has learned to manipulate nature itself. She can turn her flesh hard as iron, and even use knowledge from the school to empower all other magics.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of Note:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Mage Armor - </span><span style="color:#000000;">Protection spells like Stoneflesh are 100/150/200% stronger if not wearing armour.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Wild Shrines - </span><span style="color:#000000;">Five shrines dedicated to nature's mysteries can be found in Skyrim. Each shrine grants a permanent bonus to one school of magic, making all spells from that school 15% more powerful or last 30% longer.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">Wellocs Dormant Arcana -</span><strong><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Choose a spell type (Armor, Cloak, Conjure Daedra, Conjure Undead, Invisibility) and 3 magic effects (Fortify, Regenerate, Waterwalking, etc.). The chosen magic effects will activate when you are affected by the selected spell type.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;text-decoration:underline;">Destruction</span></strong></span><span style="color:#008000;"> - <span style="color:#000000;">Having learned the basics of destruction magic Ivriel is able to inscribe multiple noxious poison runes further away.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perk of Note:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;">Runecaster -</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Can place runes 75 feet farther away, and place three times as many runes at a time.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2693092084,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2693092084,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2693092084?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#008000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9994918095,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9994918095,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9994918095?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="323" /></a></span></span>Way of the Witch Arrow:</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Light and dark.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Fire and ice.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Life and death.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">In all things, there is an antithesis.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">To heal, one must understand what ails.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">To take a life, one must first understand what gives it.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">This is</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> the way of the Witch Arrow.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Balance in all things.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">For without balance, there is an imbalance.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">And imbalance, whether for good or ill, serves the few, </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">whereas balance serves the many.</span> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2741512496,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2741512496,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2741512496?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="52" height="52" /></a>Bitter Mercy </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">-</span> </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Welling Blood + Lion's Arrow + Torpor (Poison)</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Striking her enemies with blood magic and poisoned arrows, Ivriel will often fell weaker foes with one loose of her bow.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2741516784,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2741516784,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2741516784?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="59" height="59" /></a>The Thorn Within -</span></strong> Wingstrike + Alkahest + Bottomless Cup</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Lashing out hard with her bow, Ivriel gains a damage boost against her target and also bypasses much of their armour with her corrosive poison.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2737430504,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2737430504,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2737430504?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="54" height="54" /></a>De</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;">ath Blooms Eternal - </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Decompose + Wild Companions.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Ivriel infects a target with potent toxins tha</span></span></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">t transfers the targets life force to herself and her tamed companions.</span> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2741525169,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2741525169,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2741525169?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="51" height="51" /></a></span></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Tooth and Claw - </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;">Paralysis (Rune, spell or Serpents kiss (poison) + Summons and Wild Companions</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Inducing her foe with paralysis, the victim is helpless to stop Ivriel's creatures tearing into them.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2741526471,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2741526471,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2741526471?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="49" height="49" /></a> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">The Wild Hunt</span></strong></span><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#008000;"> - </span></strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Fear Poison + Wild companions and Summons</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;">Ivriel laces her arrows with a concoction which sets foes fleeing. Her beasts then run the target down.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2741546181,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2741546181,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2741546181?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="59" height="59" /></a>Tears of the Fallen - </span></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Poison Runes +Paralysis (Rune, Spell or Poison) + Necroplague</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Carefully setting the field with well-placed runes, Ivriel can whittle the life force away from her enemies, while skirting them with her bow. Any who fall are then infected with a necrotic poison that passes on to other enemies who come near. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2741569878,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2741569878,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2741569878?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="59" height="59" /></a>Nature's Bulwark -</strong> Ocato's<span style="color:#000000;"> Recital (Flesh Spell, Tree Rings, </span></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Healing Blossom)+ Welloc's Dormant Arcana+Mage Armor</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;">Channelling the earth around her, Ivriel can use the essence of Nirn itself to form a robust protective layer around her body. Increasing vitality, regeneration, and armour rating.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2741572566,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2741572566,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2741572566?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="57" height="57" /></a>Nirn's Due - </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Healers Tincture (Potion) +</span><strong> </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Poison Runes + Miraak's Staff + Blood Boil</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Ivriel casts several poison runes in the path of advancing foes and then calls upon the roots of Nirn itself to hold and poison them while she unleashes a devastating display of blood magic.</span></span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2693180380,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2693180380,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2693180380?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#008000;font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}6831892671,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}6831892671,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="6831892671?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="410" /></a>Gameplay:</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">This build can be played in several ways, depending on the situation that arises. Ivriel can switch from an aggressive close quarters bow basher to </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">a supportive back ranks healer and buffer, or a devastating trap setter with the use of her runes, poisons, and necroplague. The main thing to be aware of here is unless you are trying to set up a trap, you've got to keep moving and skirting enemies with poisoned arrows. Ivriel is no sneak, so there is no hiding from your foes. You're facing them head-on with a pack of hungry familiars and wild animals at your side.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><strong>On Alchemy:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Potions: </strong></span>Certain perks in Alchemy make it extremely beneficial and easy for Ivriel to remain under the effects of her potions. Sorceress's Draught and Ranger's Heart are two potions in particular that can last a very long time when paired with the Lab Skeever perk. It is also worth noting that whenever combat starts, it is worthwhile to make to sure Ivriel is under the effect of a potion, so she is getting the full benefits from the Stimulants, Crimson Haze, Maenad, Witchmaster and Chymical wedding perks.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Poisons:</span> </strong>There are many useful poisons at Ivriel's disposal. From the paralytic and the flesh-devouring to stamina and magic halting concoctions. With perks like Bottomless Cup and Alkahest Ivriel can rend through the armour and apply an extreme amount of stacking poison damage, which can be especially deadly when used with the Torpor and Serpents Kiss poisons. Additionally, she has access to the unconventional Lifestream poison, which she can use to heal any of her tamed animals when paired with Companions Insight from the Black Book: Winds of Change.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">The Bound Bow and Poison Application:</span> </strong>Now switching between poisons on the fly can usually be a problem with the bottomless cup perk. But with the bound bow, you can sheath the spell, and it will remove any active poisons from it allowing Ivriel to apply a new poison the next time she summons the bow.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><strong>Magical effects and Perks:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Welloc's Dormant Arcana:</span> </strong>It is advisable to link this perk to a flesh spell. When selecting this perk in the Alteration tree, the buffs you will want to choose are 10% boost to physical damage, 10% magnitude increase in Restoration spells and lastly 50 armour.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Companions Insight:</strong></span> This ability removes the chance to harm allied followers (aka Wild Companions) when paired with the life Stream poison it is a very effective way to heal her animals without swapping out her bow.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Sinderion's Serendipity:</span> </strong>This is a beneficial effect to get as an alchemist and can be obtained by completing a return to your roots. The effect gives Ivriel a 25% chance to make an extra potion or poison whilst brewing.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Sacred Guardian:</span> </strong>This is a very effective skill when paired with the Illusion perks Commanding Presence and Crown of the False King. It is instrumental at buffing and keeping Ivriels wild companions alive, particularly when they have the Gift of Kynareth perk. </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9994919087,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9994920286,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9994920286?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="326" height="489" /></a>Combat:</span></strong><span style="color:#008000;"> </span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#008000;"><strong>Initiating Combat:</strong> </span>When entering combat Nature's Bulwark will always activate on Ivriel. Her tamed companions will be buffed and protected by Sacred Guardian, Commanding presence, Crown of the False King and Kynes Gift. But what of her summonable creatures you ask? Well, let me tell you what happens there friend. They are only buffed by the Summon Resist perk, and this is where the Power of the Master Spell comes in. It will allow Ivriel to cast any self-targeting spell on nearby conjured allies, enter Tree Rings and Flesh Spells. Now that her summons are armoured up and have a significant boost to health, she can go on the offence.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">Melee Enemies:</span> </strong>Warrior NPC's should only ever get close if you let them, for example, if you are using the Thorn Within Ability or Nirn's Due ability. Ivriel's wild companions will often do an excellent job at keeping the heat off her allowing her to pepper melee foes with poison arrows and set up poisonous traps for them to stumble into.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;">Magic User's and Dragons:</span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Mages should be dealt with as fast as possible. Firstly take a Witch's ward or Dragon Spite potion and then paralyse them with either a spell or poison. This will expose the mage to the Tooth and Claw Ability. While her animals are busy with the mage, Ivriel can follow up with the Mage Bane or Warlock's Ire poisons if the mage is still alive after the paralysis wears they will be forced into melee combat. When it comes to dragons, be sure to take a Dragon Spite potion and make plenty of use of the Become Ethereal shout. Use a generous amount of Mage Bane and Warlock's Ire poisons to prevent them from using their dragon breath when they have landed switch to Torpor poisons to finish them off.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;">Archers:</span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Archers are not very hard to deal with. Often Ivriel's animals will run them down, but if they don't the best thing to do to avoid their attacks is to keep moving and skirting the battlefield. A few well-placed arrows should be enough to put them down.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Below I have attached a gameplay video, courtesy of <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/members/Shepard494" target="_blank">Kruger</a>, that shows his playthrough of The Witch Arrow in action. Watch and enjoy, he's done a great job here!</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><br /> <br /> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OE1IDyZi4ak" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <br /> </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2693944677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2693944677,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2693944677?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">What can I say it's good to have finally finished this build, it has taken me nearly a full year, and it has been sidelined on and off more times than I care to count. I would like to thank all of you who have helped me along the way, whether that be proofreading, editing, providing me with some nifty ideas or simply taking the time to give it quick looking over. Ivriel would not have gotten here without your help, and I am in your debt for all the time you guys took to help me - Thank You a thousand, thousand times.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">I'd also like to state that any art depicted in this work is not my own, and all credit should be given to their respected authors.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Lastly thank you, the reader, I hope you have a blast playing The Witch Arrow. Cheers Furrion.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#008000;"><span style="color:#000000;">If you are interested in more of my builds, you can find them by following the build link bellow.</span></span></p>
<p><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/furrion" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3573952626,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3573952626?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a></p></div>Event Build: The Deathknightshttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/draft2019-04-12T08:43:26.000Z2019-04-12T08:43:26.000ZCursehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Hantz<div><p>A collaboration between Ben W & Curse...</p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> The builds you are about to read below require the mod <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/35339/" target="_blank">Forgotton Magic Redone</a>, a unique spell pack mod that offers 39 unique spells broken up into 8 different archetypes and categories. Each of the 39 spells level up as they are used, unlocking new perks to choose from, and up to 5 can be chosen for any given spell. In total there are hundreds of combinations at your disposal.</span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1955572254,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1955572254,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1955572254?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">In the Planemeld crisis of the Second Era, Mannimarco set forth to sacrifice enough souls to his Lord, Molag Bal, to set the Planemeld into motion. The King of Worms, however, had other ideas in mind. Some unlucky souls were not sent to Coldharbour like so many before. No, instead these poor souls were kept in soul gems for his own machinations at a later time. Some were powerful souls, unwilling to bend, while others broke like grass to a blade.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">When the time was right, Mannimarco, who had tortured the souls of each victim, placed them back into their original, well-preserved bodies. Only a select few ‘survived’ the process. Those that did not went mad only to be cut down by the Altmer’s powerful magics. But those that lived held their loyalty only to him. Their lich king. Their King of Worms.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">With powerful magics to bend the chilling frosts of the north, the blood magics of powerful vampires and deathly diseases, all who stood against these abominations quickly fell like wheat.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Molag Bal had always known what was taking place, biding his time to punish his foolish devotee for raising a legion of ‘death knights’ to usurp his role as the Daedric Prince of Domination. Whilst Mannimarco was dragged to the depths of Coldharbour to face his lord’s wrath, the God of Schemes placed all of the successful ‘death knights’ into stasis and scattered them to the winds of Tamriel.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Centuries later a death knight has awakened, free at last from eternal slumber. With the King of Worms gone from this world, none remain who can bind this death knight to their will….</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946432396,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946432396,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="769" height="314" alt="1946432396?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Knights Long Forgotten ….</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Welcome to the first, and hopefully not the last, collaboration between Ben W and Curse. You’ve probably already guessed the inspiration for this build, but for the uninitiated read on and we’ll tell you at the end. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">And as you’ve likely gleaned from the title of the build, this is not one build but rather three builds. Each death knight plays radically different from each other and each is incredibly powerful in their own way. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Scourge, death knight of frost, crushes enemies utterly with overwhelming physical damage enhanced even further by debilitating frost damage and effects. They are icy harbingers of doom, channeling merciless cold into every vicious strike.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Blight, death knight of the unholy, excels in dealing massive damage over time through unholy darkness and sickening disease, as well as afflicting enemies with numerous crippling status ailments. They are masters of death and decay and command the countless legions of dead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">And lastly, the Accursed, death knight of blood, trades offensive might in favor of survivability and nigh impenetrable defenses built on the blood bone and sinew of many an unworthy foe. They are dark guardians who twist the laws of mortality to sustain themselves in the face of enemy onslaughts. </span><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946737699,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946737699,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946737699?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1911213468,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1911213468,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="444" alt="1911213468?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></em> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2110942038,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2110942038,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="791" height="492" alt="2110942038?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">"Combining indomitable strength with supernatural cold, frost death knights leave their enemies chilled to their very bones— beaten, broke and devoid of the will to fight. The Scourge does not simply draw from Aetherius to conjure their frost magic. Rather, they are monsters born of winter, ice gripping their decaying hearts. These frozen abominations inflict their deathly cold upon anyone who would be so foolish as to stand against them."</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Scourge acts as a heavy armor clad DPS bruisers wreaking havoc on the front lines of battle. Their merciless offence is augmented by powerful frost enchantments and spells. Three powerful spells found within Forgotten Magic’s cryomancer category help bring the frozen ferocity that is the frost death knight to life in Skyrim.These spells offer both a small measure of protection but more importantly lay down some serious pain, and in the hands of this monster they're enough to chill even a Nord vampire to the bone.</span></p>
<p><strong>Race</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Orc Vampire. Deathknights are undead, and so within the limits of Skyrim’s character creation that means Vampirism. Frost Death knights are known for their crushing damage and no race does that better than Orcs. Berserk Rage will nearly double your potential damage output while halving the damage you receive.</span></p>
<p><strong>Stone</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Lady stone. </span></p>
<p><strong>Stats</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- 1 magicka, 1 health, 1 stamina. Cap magicka and stamina at 200 and distribute remaining points into health</span></p>
<p><strong>Major skills</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- One Handed, Destruction, Enchanting</span></p>
<p><strong>Minor skills</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Alteration, Heavy Armor</span></p>
<p><strong>Weapons</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Frigid Fangs - Twin Stalhrim swords enchanted with frost damage (both blades), Fear, and 1pt of stamina drain. Frost enchantments on Stalhrim weapons do enhanced damage. Fear has enhanced effectiveness when enchanted onto a Stahlrim weapon.</span></p>
<p><strong>Armor</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Dukaan, Talos Amulet, Modded heavy armor, boots and gauntlets of choice</span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Head - Dukaan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Torso - Fortify Health</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Pendant - Talos Amulet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Ring - Ring of One-Handed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Gauntlets/Boots - Fortify One-Handed</span></li>
</ul><p><strong>Shouts</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Become Ethereal, Frost Breath, Drain Vitality (glitches version learned with each word of Marked for Death)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Powers</strong> - Blessing of Talos, Berserk Rage</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2013613720,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2013613720,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="791" height="447" alt="2013613720?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>"A thousand atrocities are etched in the eyes of every death knight, and foes who gaze into them too long will feel the warmth pulled from their bodies, replaced with cold steel."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Forgotten Magic Spells -</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Frost Armor:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Alteration Apprentice</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Protects the caster with 100pt of Frost Armor for 60 sec.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Upgrades:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span></p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Winter’s Gift:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Increase your spell damage by 0.5% per level</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Synergize:</strong> Increases magicka by 3 per character level</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Arctic Chill:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Whenever hit by a spell, freezes the attacker for 5 sec.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Cold Touch:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Chance to slow attacker by 50% for 5 sec. when hit.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Frost Barrier:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">If your health drops below 15%, protects you with a shield that negates </span>all damage for 5sec. 30 sec. cooldown.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><strong>Winter Woe:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Destruction Expert</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Does 8pt/sec. frost damage for 12 sec., over a 40 ft area (like a weaker version of Blizzard).</span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Upgrades:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span></p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Exposure:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Reduce frost resistance for all targets by 50%</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Glacial Ice:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Applies Glacial Fortress to the caster</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Biting Cold:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Damage and casting cost increased by 25%</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Wind Caller:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Increases duration by 50%.</span></li>
<li><strong>Piercing Cold:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Physical attacks do 10pts of additional frost damage</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><strong>Glacial Fortress:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Alteration Expert (lesser power)</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Encases the caster in invulnerable (but immobile) ice for 10 sec., to provide a respite from combat while slow-acting spells or summoned allies wear down the opposition. Some upgrade effects linger for a while after the main effect wears off. There is a 3 min. cooldown.</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Upgrades:</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span></p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Recuperation:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Increases health recovery by 100% for the duration.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Crushing Ice:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Increase frost spell damage by 50% for 20 sec. afterwards.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Glacial Touch:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Applies Frost Cloak to the caster.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Arctic Roar:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Cut shout cool down time by half for the duration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Deep Winter</strong>: Reduces cooldown time to 2 minutes</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Special Tactics</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Scourge is meant to be played very aggressively, dual blades cleaving through enemies one by one with reckless abandon. Murderous Efficiency applies monstrous damage while hindering the enemy’s ability to retaliate in kind. Howling Blast will freeze enemies solid making it easier to set up Wrath of Winter, which has a long charge time. Wrath of Winter is your trump card and a great counter against large groups of enemies. It restores your health and stamina while greatly empowering your frost damage, damaging enemies and making them weaker to frost.</span></p>
<p>The Scourge is almost unbeatable against a single target but can have trouble against mobs. The Scourge pairs best with tanky warrior types. They can draw much of the mob away from you allowing you to more chances to attack uninterrupted. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946461519,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946461519,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946461519?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Murderous Efficiency</strong> <strong>-</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Relentlessly cleave through hordes of your enemies with deadly frozen blades. Your every strike robs your enemy of both their stamina and will to fight, and every successful power attack allows for yet more power attacks.</span></em></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Frigid Fangs + Dukaan + Drain Vitality + Blessing & Amulet of Talos + Frost Armor</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Twin blades with frost damage will rapidly tear through an enemy’s stamina. Drain vitality will ensure they never gain that stamina back while staggering anything it hits. Thanks to the single point stamina drain enchantment you’ll always be able to execute a dual wield power attack regardless of remaining stamina. So long as your power attacks are connecting you can keep mashing power attacks. The Fear enchantment will force enemies to flee while slowed by frost damage, making them easy defenseless targets. The Blessing and Amulet of Talos reduces shout cooldowns by 40% total, allowing for more frequent use of Drain Vitality. Lastly the Dukaan mask and Frost Armor spell will further increase the damage of your frost enchantments.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946469354,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946469354,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946469354?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Howling Blast -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Unleash a furious roar like a raging blizzard, freezing foes in their tracks</span></em></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Frost Breathe. Dragonborn Frost, Blessing & Amulet of Talos, Dukaan</span></p>
<p>This combination is meant to maximize the damage and utlility of Frost Breath. Dukaan will enhance the shout's damage over time by 25% while the Blessing and Amulet of Talos will reduce the shout's cool down by a total of 40%. The Dragonborn Frost power will allow Frost Breath to freeze opponents solid, rendering them unable to move. Unlike Ice Form, which renders enemies immobile but immune to further harm, you may still inflict damage against your frozen targets, although they will taken reduced damage until they unfreeze. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946482045,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946482045,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946482045?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Wrath of Winter -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Imprison yourself within an impenetrable tomb of ice as a furious blizzard rages around you, destroying all in its wake. You emerge from this frozen tomb restored and ever stronger.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Requires</strong> - Winter Woe + Frost Armor + Glacial Fortress + Augment Frost 2/2 + Deep Freeze</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Using Winter Woe will auto trigger Glacial Fortress unless the latter is on cool down. Enemies caught in the blizzard will take frost damage over time, and become more vulnerable to frost damage. While encased in ice you are invulnerable to damage and restore health at a much higher rate. Upon breaking free of the ice, Murderous Efficiency will deal significantly more frost damage for the next 20 seconds and you will also be granted a frost cloak for 60 seconds.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1911077653,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946490216,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946490216?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1913929145,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1913929145,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1913929145?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2013958914,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2013958914,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="791" height="451" alt="2013958914?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">While free from Mannimarco’s grasp, the Blight still embodies the ever-corrupting nature of the Worm King whose evil once threatened to consume all of Tamriel. No matter the knight’s allegiance or cause, they remain defilers of life; and nowhere is the blight’s callousness more on display than when threatened. </span></em><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Inflictor of the most aggressive of diseases—and, like his former master, adept at raising unhallowed minions from the ground—this unholy death knight is a vicious combatant, capable of striking with the force of an undead legion and unleashing pestilence that would bring even the mightiest of foes to ruin.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Blight is the embodiment of disease and pestilence. Whereas frost death knights favor powerful, heavy strikes, the unholy death knights prefer dealing damage over time through plagues and disease, watching their enemies literally rot and fester before their eyes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">To bring such horrors to life in Skyrim we’ve utilized three spells within the Warlock category and one spell from the Druid category of Forgotten Magic Redone. The spells chosen are meant to give the Blight access to powerful and unique undead minions and deadly damage over time effects and status ailments to inflict upon enemies.</span></p>
<p><strong>Race:</strong> <strong>High Elf</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">. The Blight is a more magically inclined than his blood and frost counterparts, so the extra 50 magicka helps.</span></p>
<p><strong>Stone</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">:</span> <strong>The Ritual Stone</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">. Unholy death knights are masters of the undead and can raise a legion at will to do their bidding. Minions raised by the ritual stone will not count against your summoning limit.</span></p>
<p><strong>Stats</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: 1 magicka, 1 health, 1 stamina. Cap stamina at 200 and place remaining points evenly between health and magicka.</span></p>
<p><strong>Major skills</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: One Handed, Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction</span></p>
<p><strong>Minor skills</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Enchanting, Restoration, Heavy Armor</span></p>
<p><strong>Weapon</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- The Festering Blade - An Orcish war axe enchanted with damage stamina.</span></p>
<p><strong>Armor</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Modded heavy armor of choice</span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Head - Fortify Destruction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Torso - Fortify Health</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Gauntlets - Fortify One Handed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Boots - Fortify One Handed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Ring - Ring of Erudite</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Pendant - Fortify One Handed</span></li>
</ul><p><strong>Shouts</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Drain Vitality (glitched version learned alongside Marked for Death)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Accessories</strong>: Ring of Erudite</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/oqFy_xruX_p5Mbhr_ILscB9otXEhsaOe-B9F7XYXQdJGc93TDG_9uIXlc2zmkCjfBFqMxHH6rCZme-OKLT-UvKjRKlljKWhnnPC201ud" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946530151,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="791" height="412" alt="1946530151?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><em>Despite the potential loss of free will, some powerful mortals, intrigued by the promise of immortality, pledged their souls freely to the Worm King to achieve it.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Forgotten Magic Spells -</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Blight Curse:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Destruction Apprentice</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Curses the target, causing 7pt of disease damage per sec for 12 sec</span></p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Lingering Pain:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">increases duration by 50%, casting cost by 25%.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Desecrate:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">infects living targets with Desecration, causing disease damage over 15 sec.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Mark of the Death:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">chance to stagger the target on each tick.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Soul Reaper:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">When targets dies under the effect of Blight Curse, increases spell damage by 10% for 10 min. Stacks up to 3 times.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Bond of Corruption:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">When targets dies under the effect of Blight Curse, spreads the curse to all nearby enemies.</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><strong>Summon Deathguard:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Conjuration Apprentice</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Summons a deathguard</span></p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Possession:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">increases your health by 100 while Deathguard is active.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Boethiah’s Embrace:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Grants Deathguards Poison Cloak spell</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Death’s Grasp:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Deathguards deal 50% more damage to feared targets.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Wrath of the Dead:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Increase Deathguard’s weapon damage by 1% per caster level</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Grim Fortitude:</strong> Increase Deathguard’s health by 3% per caster level</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Deathly Pall:</strong> Alteration Apprentice<br /> Casts an aura upon yourself that increases the damage of Blight Curse by 25%</span></p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Curse of Frailty:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Blight Curse applies the effect Curse of Frailty, which causes enemies to sustain extra disease damage based on their armor. Up to 50 damage/second.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Visions of Death:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Targets that come too close may panic and flee for 5 seconds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Puppet Master:</strong> Summon Deathguard costs nothing and lasts 50% longer so long as Deathly Pall is active.</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Veil of Nature:</strong> Alteration Adept<br /> Casts an aura upon yourself that reduces poison resistance of nearby enemies<br /></span></p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Poison Sting:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Deals 6-9 poison damage/sec to targets with negative poison resistance.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Wither:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Drains up to 10 stamina from targets with negative poison resistance. Drains health when targets have less than 10 remaining stamina</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Soporific Poison:</strong> Targets with negative poison resistance are paralyzed for 5 sec. 30 sec. Cooldown per each affected target.</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Special Tactics</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Blight brings many status ailments and damage over time sources to bear against enemies. Individually each source of damage over time deals decent damage, but together the total damage can only be described as monstrous. Virulent Plague allows the Blight to quickly spread disease among the ranks of his enemies, and each enemy that falls only makes the disease stronger. Army of the Dead introduces thralls that will empower you so long as they’re in play while spreading poison damage to any enemy close by. Festering Wounds allows the Blight to bleed his foes dry of both health and stamina and those who succumb to their wounds fall over, barely clinging to life.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946551714,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946551714,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946551714?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Virulent Plague</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">-</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Unleash a deadly contagious plague upon your enemies. As enemies fall to this plague, it grows stronger, spreads to others, and empowers the caster with each life claimed by the plague.</span></em></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Deathly Pall + Blight Curse + Ring of Erudite + Recovery 2/2</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Deathly Pall causes blight curse to deal 25% more damage in addition to extra damage over time based on its victim’s armor rating. Anything killed while blighted spreads this plague to nearby enemies while granting +10% spell damage. The Ring of Erudite greatly increases both total Magicka and Magicka Regen, making it easy to stack Blight Curse’s effect.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946553268,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946553268,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946553268?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Army of the Dead -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Summon up to two disease ridden skeletal soldiers to fight at your side. Both master and minions are empowered each other's foul presence.</span></em></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Deathly Pall + Veil of Nature + Death Guard + Twin Souls</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Deathly Pall allows Death Guard to be cast at no cost so long as deathly Pall is active. These skeletal soldiers grant their master bonus health and cause constant poison damage over time to enemies close by. Your Veil of Nature will reduce the poison resistance of nearby enemies, making your minions poison cloaks more effective. Deathly Pall will frequently afflict enemies with fear enabling your minions to deal bonus damage.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946554720,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946554720,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946554720?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Festering Wounds</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">-</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Every cut, every scrape, every gash leave behind bloody festering wounds that never heal. In short time your foes succumb to their wounds, lying helplessly as death inevitably claims them.</span></em></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">-Veil of Nature + Festering Blade + Hack and Slash 3/3 + Drain Vitality</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">This combination is designed to a rapidly drain stamina and health by way of constant bleeding and poison damage. Drain Vitality prevents your enemy from regenerating either. Veil of Nature deals will drop your foes’ poison damage into the negatives and deal constant poison damage. That damage is further intensified against any foe whose stamina drops below 10 points. A condition drastically hastened by the stamina damage damage enchantment of your weapon, which on its own deals significant bleed damage. As if all that wasn’t enough enemies with negative poison resistance may fall over paralyzed for several seconds.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ThJ3VfWwaRE" width="671" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1911077653,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946559771,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946559771?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1915798598,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1915798598,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="490" alt="1915798598?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1980867209,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1980867209,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="791" height="500" alt="1980867209?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em><span style="font-weight:400;">"In their eternal state of undeath, some death knights possess a special affinity for the blood and bone of the living. They carve into their enemies, sustaining themselves with deadly sanguine strikes, while using the bloody, shattered remains of the dead to further fortify their own defenses. These blood-soaked knights bend the very rules of mortality to command the frontlines of the battlefield"</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Blood death knights act as the tank role among the three death knight paths. They are possessed of powerful life stealing abilities that compliment what is already an impressive level of durability. Blood death knights wage a deadly war of attrition against their foes who will find themselves withering and dying as they try hopelessly to breach what is essentially an impenetrable wall.</span></p>
<p><strong>Race</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Breton. 25% magic resistance along all three perks of magic resistance is invaluable for tanking enemy magic attacks. Dragonskin synergizes well with a warlock spell which will be covered later.</span></p>
<p><strong>Stone</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Atronach Stone. The chance to absorb magicka pairs nicely with this build’s already high magic defense and certain warlock spell effects can be absorbed which helps to refill spent magicka.</span></p>
<p><strong>Stats</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- 1 magicka, 2 health, 1 stamina. The major focus is on health for tanking and survivability. Not a whole lot of magicka is needed since this build possesses means of replenishing it. Cap magicka and stamina at 200 and put all remaining points into health.</span></p>
<p><strong>Major skills</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Two Handed, Destruction, Enchanting, Block</span></p>
<p><strong>Minor skills</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Alteration, Heavy Armor, Illusion</span></p>
<p><strong>Weapons</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Bloodlust - Two handed sword of choice enchanted with absorb health.</span></p>
<p><strong>Armor</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Ebony Mail, Ebony Gauntlets + Boots , Heavy Helm of Choice</span></p>
<ul><li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Head - Fortify Illusion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Torso - Ebony Mail</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Gauntlets - Fortify Block</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Boots - Fire Resistance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Ring - Ring of the Beast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight:400;"> Pendant - Fortify Health</span></li>
</ul><p><strong>Shouts</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Drain Vitality (glitches version learned with each word of Marked for Death)</span></p>
<p><strong>Powers</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Dragonskin</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2861888030,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2861888030,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="829" height="433" alt="2861888030?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“All that I am I bestow upon you, my chosen knight. I have granted you power and immortality so that you may herald in a new dark age and bathe Tamriel red with the blood of the innocent." - Mannimarco, King of Worms</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Forgotten Magic Spells -</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Deathly Pall:</strong> Alteration Apprentice<br /> Increases damage of Blight Curse and Necrosis by 25%</p>
<ul><li><strong>Shadow Orb:</strong> Chance to spawn a shadow orb when hit. Shadow orb explodes 5 sec. later, restoring 50 health to you and all friendly targets in a 10ft radius.</li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><strong>Cursed Rune:</strong> Illusion Apprentice<br /> Places a Cursed Rune which deals some direct damage in addition to a variety of curses to weaken your opponents.</p>
<ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Mage Wreck:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">drains magicka in 10 ft.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Curse of Pain:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">+10 damage from any dot effect</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Curse of Weakness:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">reduced attack damage for 30 sec.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Curse of Susceptibility:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">weakness to magic for 30 sec.</span></li>
<li><strong>Tanglefoot Curse:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">slow movement by 50% for 30 sec.</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Special Tactics</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Accursed is all about survivability through heavy tanking and devouring massive amounts of health from enemies. Mark of Blood is meant to make health absorption much more effective by lowering enemy magic resistance. It also weakens enemy attack damage and slows them down making it easier to tank damage with Grim Bulwark. Speaking of which, Grim Bulwark is designed to reward you for focusing on tanking by granting a large chance to receive healing every time you take a hit from any source. Lastly Corrupted Vessel will see your enemies wither and die long before they’ve breached your nigh impenetrable self sustaining defenses. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">High defense and aggressive life stealing make the Accursed better equipped than the other death knights to fight solo. But should you desire a follower we suggest a strong aggressive mage type. The Cursed Rune severely weakens enemy magick resistance which will in turn make your ally more effective. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gjcR_ORFUKDD3Qg4O7qC1dF9VuF6xZdy3OjUPMoAkl1npJ1qNcJFeAZdPhiwyuvQ8kZW4XWqxcO1KevIlX6eesgfTsaGn1TLx0rNDvzD" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946567327,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946567327?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Mark of Blood</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- <em>Brand your foes with the accursed mark of blood. Those who have been marked are weakened and forfeit a lion's share health whenever struck by your weapon.</em></span></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Cursed Rune + Bloodlust + Sweep</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Cursed Rune will reduce a mob’s magic defense causing your absorb health enchantment to drain more health from each enemy. If the enemy clusters together use a two handed sweep attack to absorb health from multiple enemies in one swing. The end result is an absurd amount of health in one wide swing of your blade.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/WyhNPl0keRrnc3VGoJVJ3K0D86vbVzO3_nZ3hqEEZYFW3TM_ed_kCxPuq3SPgpizOP97YckCI6R_9tI-HobI_Icw4e_zpUWmYTAikg9n" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946568742,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946568742?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Corrupted Vessel</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- <em>Your mere presence befouls the blood within those around you, causing enemies in melee range to take continuous magic damage over time. Those cursed with the Mark of Blood suffer even greater damage. .</em></span></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Cursed Rune + Ebony Mail + Drain Vitality</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Enemies hit by cursed rune will take 10+ damage per second more on top of the base 5 damage per second from the ebony mail. This combination is a very powerful against large mobs of melee enemies. Drain Vitality ensures affected enemies cannot regenerate any health and adds additional damage over time as the ebony mail’s cloak slowly eats away at them.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOA-gtL0avWS58cYiLXo2QDL5ccZP5B3BN3YHL6ABvOzmmpXPo9d8ERyXNgrVNXk-ttNziA5-MlHW1wNL-Lr_iJ6lxVBpIUOQQvH525" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946570532,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946570532?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Grim Bulwark</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- <em>Your armor is a grim fortress built upon the backs of the weak. When struck by an attack of any kind you may spawn an orb of darkness which will burst and restore 50 pts to either health or magicka. Each burst may spawn a new orb.</em></span></p>
<p><strong>Requires</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Deathly Pall + Stability + Atronach Stone + Dragonskin (optional)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">When deathly pall is active, being struck from any source may produce an orb of darkness which will burst 5 seconds later, healing you and all allies within 10 ft by 50 health. This burst of healing may instead be absorbed by the atronach stone, restoring 50 magicka. Dragonskin can be used to increase the magic absorption rate of these orbs by 100% and also grant temporary immunity to magic damage at the cost of this method of healing having no effect on health restoration.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GOfia2-HEz4" width="670" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1946572894,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1946572894,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="150" alt="1946572894?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Roleplay & Recommended Quests</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">A deathknight’s personality is essentially what they were like before undeath had unwittingly consumed them. Were you a kind hearted farmhand who evolved into a murderous machine after your freedom was given back? Or were you a highwayman robbing passersby whenever possible?</span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Maybe you never were as crude as that. Perhaps a convicted serial killer that Mannimarco found intriguing. The perfect specimen that killed without remorse to begin with augmented by magics to give you strength and power beyond what you thought possible.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">As far as the source lore goes, deathknights don’t feel much emotion aside from those that are considered darker like anger and hatred. Much of the time it is directed at themselves over the horrible acts that they committed while dominated by the King of Worms. Positive emotions are as fleeting to a deathknight as they can come. Rarely do they feel such emotions and when achieving such a blessing it does not last very long.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Despite all that these knights are put through, hell and back and hell again, some are able to act as they did before becoming a soldier of death.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">But the most important question: What about you?</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:14pt;"><strong>Recommended Mods</strong> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/97107" target="_blank">Arvak Replacer</a>- Replaces that ugly plastic looking Arvak with a badass armor clad steed worthy of a death knight.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/87895" target="_blank">Floating Damage Numbers</a> - Gives the game a more MMO like feel by displaying damage and healing numbers for all combatants including yourself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25846" target="_blank">TERA Armors Collection</a> - WoW armors are known for their spectacular , over the top designs and no armor collection captures that better.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=144587974" target="_blank">Undead Races</a> - Undead Races adds a playable undead version of all existing playable races in skyrim. This mod uses the Undead FX visuals on the player in order to achieve a fairly unique and spectacular undead look. These races come with fitting attributes such as 100% immunity to poison and disease.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12933" target="_blank">Extensive Follower Framework (EFF)</a> - Overhauls the game's follower system enabling multiple followers among many other features.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Closing Remarks </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1955367328,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1955367328,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="86" height="182" alt="1955367328?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></strong><span style="font-size:10pt;">And finally we have arrived at the end of the build, or should I say 3 builds in 1. For those of you who've reached this point and are still unfamiliar with the source material, these 3 builds are based on the 3 seperate death knight paths found World of Warcraft. Using the Forgotten Magic Redone spell pack we sought to capture the feel of every death knight as best we could within the limits of Skyrim. These builds have been in the works for a long time and we hope we did the source material justice.</span></span></p>
<p> We cant thank you guys enough for taking the time to read this build and we hope you enjoyed it. </p>
<p> </p></div>Character Build: The Alchemist's Apotheosis (Ordinator)https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-alchemist-s-apotheosis-ordinator-12019-03-09T20:53:46.000Z2019-03-09T20:53:46.000ZSkull-Blackbloodhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/BlackBlood15532<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1281973833,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1281973833,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1281973833?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1281976753,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1281976753,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1281976753?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Apotheosis. Known also as divinitization or deification, it has long been the dream of many a reclusive Alchemist. Discovered by the legendary Alchemist Megistus, who advocated that the secret to divinity lay within the reagents of the world, and unlocked by Tiber Septim, founder of the Empire, and the god Talos. For millennia disciples of Megistus have sought the secrets to obtaining godhood, forging other creations and achievements as a result, and now the torch passes to me to succeed where thousands failed.</span></em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">With the divine blood of Akatosh flowing through my veins, I can achieve that which no mere mortal has ever been able to attain. Let the Thalmor try to stop me, arrogant as they are. Let the first Dragonborn, the king of Vampires, and the World-Eater themselves try to destroy me. They too will see. They will all see the truth.</span></em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">That even a mere mortal can achieve divinity.”</span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> Greetings, sera. Blackblood here to share one of my favorite build concepts. I’m sure most of you know what IRL alchemy is (and if you don’t, then click ></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy"><span style="font-weight:400;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">< for a link to the wiki). A sort of philosophical science, it focused on transmutation, purification and the creation of the philosopher’s stone. Many an alchemist studied this ancient branch of natural chemistry in the hopes of obtaining spiritual perfection and immortality, an undertaking that was known as the magnum opus, or the “Great Work”. In this build, we’ll be following our own Great Work, in our efforts to transcend humanity and become a literal God. This build has “heavy” roleplay aspects, as we attempt to emulate the process the alchemists used to pursue perfection, through our perks, enchantments, and our potions and poisons, but once we become divine it will all be worth it. So without further ado, let’s get started shall we?</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong>This Ordinator build also requires the following mods:</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16225"><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span></a> <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80918?tab=posts"><span style="font-weight:400;">Summermyst - Enchantments of Skyrim</span></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1282044968,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1282044968,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1282044968?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p><strong><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1281995352,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1281995352,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1281995352?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="245" height="352" /></a></em></strong></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">Race:</span></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Breton</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Mage > Lord</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Major Skills:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Alchemy, Enchanting</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Minor Skills:</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:16px;">Alteration, </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Restoration, Illusion</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Main Powers:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Aurification, Apotheosis</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shouts:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Any</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Att. Spread:</strong> <strong>3</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">/</span><strong>1</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">/</span><strong>0</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">, until you reach 150 base Health, then put the rest into Magicka.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1282006864,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1282006864,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1282006864?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>::Major::</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Alchemy-<br /> </span></em></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">For obvious reasons. Alchemy gives us some useful potions and a poison, detailed below. Our aim is to create a potion powerful enough to amplify our Enchanting to huge levels. Speaking of...</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Enchanting-<br /> </span></em></span> Kinda the main crux besides Alchemy. We need this to create both our Blades of the Alchemical Process (detailed below), and the actual Philosopher's Stone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Restoration-<br /> </span></em></span> This skill tree has a certain perk, "The Tome of Many Pages", which gives us two spells that will enhance both our Alchemy and our Enchanting. It also has Apotheosis, which is RPly tied to this build. More on that below.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:24pt;"><strong>::Minor::</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Alteration-<br /> </span></em></span> Absolutely necessary to emulate godly resistances. Even if you were only going for immortality, this tree is still necessary. It also includes the "Philosopher's Stone" perk, which is good for RP purposes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">-Illusion-<br /> </span></em></span> Not completely necessary, until we become a god, so do what you can to raise it until then. The perk "Protect Your God" is very fitting thematically in this build.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284171463,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284171463,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284171463?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>“Forty two. A number I’ve come across countless times in my equations. I surmise that it is paramount to the sequence I must unlock in order to achieve godhood, but as to why, well that’s anyone’s guess....”</em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1282036891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1282036891,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1282036891?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284423652,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284430281,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284430281?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>"I've spent years of study and research, pushing others away and immersing myself in my passion. All for the chance to discover the secrets of the alchemists of old. And by the gods, I've found it. The key to unlocking the divinity within me. Megistus watch over me, for I shall become the second mortal man to achieve apotheosis."</em></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> Alchemy in real history was focused on transmutation, immortality and spiritual perfection. It's no exaggeration to say it was less chemistry-based and more philosophical in nature. In Skyrim, however, Alchemy is more or less generalized as creating potions and poisons. That's not all that bad, but we can do more with it. Looking at various perks and enchantments from Ordinator and Summermyst respectively, I believed I could create an alchemist who used IRL European alchemy aspects and definitions to create my own variant. The aim for immortality can also be enhanced, thanks to the limitless potential of Enai mods, to become the aim for godhood. Thus, this build should strike the fancy of anyone who wants to become overpowered in a (somewhat) lore-friendly way.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> But enough of the introductions - lets get down to the actual play. The first thing's first: This build has heavy RP elements to emulate the path of the alchemist, and therefore certain perks, spells and enchantments are <span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOCKED</span> until you reach certain milestones: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>The "Philosopher's Stone" enchant and perk and the Transmute spell are locked until you create the Philosopher's Stone, and</strong></span><strong> "Vancian Magic", "Energy Shield", and the Dragonhide spell are locked until you take "Apotheosis"</strong>.</span><em> </em></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The first one should be pretty obvious (can't use Philosopher's Stone things if you don't "have" it), and the second one is because they are the key to your invulnerability as a god. As you progress down the build you'll begin unlocking various perks, spells and enchantments, giving you the feeling of going from an experimental alchemist, to a master, to a god.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> Now let's talk perks. Ordinator gives us some really interesting perks for roleplaying as an alchemist. Most of them are pretty self-explanatory, but I'll go over some just in case. The most important ones are the ones that improve our overall ability to create stronger enchantments in equipment. In the Alchemy tree, "<strong>Lab Skeever</strong>" is a really useful perk; with it, with 20 seconds after you've crafted a potion or poison and left the alchemy table, any beneficial potion you ingest is 25% stronger and last 15x longer. This takes Fortify Enchanting potions from 30 seconds to over 7 Minutes, giving us more time to get creative with our gear. Finally, should you survive "<strong>That Which Does Not Kill You...</strong>", you'll gain a 25% bonus to all crafted potions and poisons, as well as 3 free perk points to spend in other trees.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> Enchanting has "<strong>Regalia</strong>", which boosts the enchantment strength on hoods, circlets, robes (body clothing in general), and necklaces by 30%, which is good because the Philosopher's Stone is going to be an amulet, while "<strong>Attunement</strong>" increases the enchantment strength of any weapons and armor (including clothing) by 10%. "<strong>Miracle</strong>" is the absolute key to creating the Philosopher's Stone. It lets us create a piece of enchanted equipment with up to three enchantments that are 25% stronger. Do NOT take the perk until just after you are about to create the Philosopher's Stone, because you'll only be able to do so once. Restoration has a single perk to contribute, "<strong>Tome of Many Pages</strong>". This perk gives you 18 Restoration spells, each of which fortify a single skill by 15 for about 2 minutes, but we only care about two of those: Tome of Alchemy and Tome of Enchanting.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> Once you do create the Philosopher's Stone, a few skills begin to open up. The "<strong>Philosopher's Stone</strong>" perk gives you a set amount of gold based on your level. If mixed with the Philosopher's Stone enchantment, and the Transmute spell, you can get even more gold alongside your sold potions and enchanted jewelry, so money shouldn't be a problem. Once you become capable of divinity, that's were things get interesting. More over, it also unlocks "<strong>Aurification</strong>", a useful ability which lets you convert a paralyzed enemy at half or lower health into gold. Godhood is <span style="text-decoration:underline;">LOCKED</span> until you've both crafted the Philosopher's Stone AND taken the "<strong>Apotheosis</strong>" perk in Restoration. To get it, you have to go up the "Warrior's Flame" path in the tree. "<strong>Warrior's Flame</strong>"periodically touches anyone in combat, either restoring stamina or magicka for you and your allies, or draining the same amount for your enemies. "Apotheosis" is an ability that causes "Warrior's Flame" to touch ALL bodies in combat.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> As for your other godly abilites, the most necessary skill tree is Alteration. There is a useful combo with "Energy Shield" and "Vancian Magic". "<strong>Energy Shield</strong>" reduces physical and elemental damage by 35% while you wear robes but no armor, but takes the damage you would have taken out of your magicka instead, growing weaker as you fall below 50%. "<strong>Vancian Magic</strong>", however, changes how your magicka works. It gives you a set number of casts, and lets you cast any spell from any school for no cost up to the number of casts you have left</span><span style="font-size:16px;">, and at double the magnitude</span><span style="font-size:12pt;">. The important thing to note is that while you have casts, your magicka essentially becomes infinite, negating any lost magicka due to taking damage while "Energy Shield" is active, which gives you a permanent 35% damage reduction while unarmored. In order to achieve near immortality, we combine this with a few things. Dragonhide, a Master spell, gives us 80% physical damage reduction, covering that side. Breton blood (+25% Magic resist) and the Lord Stone (+25% Magic resist), combined with "Energy Shield" exactly hit the cap for Magic resistance. Finally, the "</span><strong style="font-size:12pt;">Commanding Presence</strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">" skill line is useful for fortifying your chosen followers, leading up to the "</span><strong style="font-size:12pt;">Protect Your God</strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">" perk, which fits so well with this type of build.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284235890,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284235890,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284235890?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284246357,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284246357,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284246357?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><br /> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Four weapons I need. Not for protection, however. The Alchemical Process requires four tuning weapons, each of a specific material and enchanted with specific enchantments. They will have the magic focused through them in order, eventually reaching the necessary conclusion.”</span></em></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> The first thing </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">you should focus on as the Alchemist is collect the necessary reagents needed to create your ultimate magnum opus: The Philosopher's Stone. It won't be easy though, since we're aiming for maxing out two crafting skills without much in the way of personal offense. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to have a follower who can protect you. A follower is also important, because we can use Courage and Healing spells on them, which helps us level Illusion and Restoration respectively. We can also enchant their equipment, which can help level Enchanting. Speaking of enchanting, we have a set of four weapons with varying materials and enchantments, based on the four stages of the magnum opus of alchemy:</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284319915,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284319915,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284319915?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">1st Process: Nigredo</span><br /> </strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Ancient Nord Sword</em><br /> [Soul Trap / Poison Damage]</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284328382,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284369811,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284369811?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">2nd Process: Albedo</span><br /> </strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Silver Sword</em><br /> [Silent Moons Enchant / Stamina Damage]</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284334881,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284334881,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284334881?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">3rd Process: Citrinitas</span><br /> </strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Elven Sword</em><br /> [Sun Damage / Paralysis]</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284375495,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284375495,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284375495?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="350" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">4th Process: Rubedo</span><br /> </strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Glass Sword</em><br /> [Fire Damage / Absorb Health]</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> Some of the enchantments don't look optimized (Sun Damage on the Elven Sword instead of the Silver Sword), but remember that this build has heavy RP elements. Each weapon was designed to represent each of the stages of the magnum opus: <em>Nigredo</em>, the blackening, represents chaos and putrefaction. Albedo, the whitening, represents purification, and is symbolized by the lunar soul. Citrinitas, the yellowing, represents transmutation of silver to gold, the conversion of the lunar spirit, to the solar spirit (I chose Paralysis since can be used with "Aurification"). Rubedo, the reddening, represents alchemical success, and the completion of the great work. One of the ways it can be symbolized is the phoenix, so I chose those enchantments to represent that, as they were both red in color.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"> And what would an alchemist build be without some potions and poisons? We have a few here that are based on some real life aims of alchemists of old:</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284207102,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284207102,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284207102?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">- Elixir of Life -<br /> </span></strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>(Fortify Health / Restore Health / Restore Stamina)<br /> </strong></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Wheat + Eye of Sabre Cat + Bear Claws</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284214758,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284214758,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284214758?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">- Panacea -<br /> </span></strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>(Cure Disease / Regenerate Health / Resist Poison)<br /> </strong></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Garlic + Charred Skeever Hide + Vampire Dust</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284217199,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284217199,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284217199?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">- Alkahest -</span><br /> </strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>(Dmg. Health / Lingering Dmg. Health / Ravage Health)<br /> </strong> <em>Imp Stool + Scathecraw + Skeever Tail</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> The Elixir of Life will keep you alive when you don't have time to heal yourself with Restoration, and can let you improve your health for extended battles. The Panacea can combat poisons used by enemies like the Falmer and such. The Alkahest, being a universal solvent, can become incredibly potent with enough points in Alchemy, burning through large chunks of health from even the most bulky foes.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284613033,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284613033,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284613033?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284649383,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284649383,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284649383?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" height="300" /></a>“The secrets to immortality lay further ahead, and with this jewel, I will attain that which none other have been able to achieve. This beautiful red jewel will be the guide to my true magnum opus.”</span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"> So now you've finally maxed out your Alchemy and Enchanting, and mastered Restoration too. Now comes the moment you've been waiting all those hours for: The magnum opus! In this stage, you'll need a few things from various sources to maximize the value you get from Alchemy and Enchanting:</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>:Alchemy:<br /> </strong> - Alchemy Mastery [<em>+40%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Advanced Lab [<em>+25%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Lab Skeever [<em>+25%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- That Which Does Not Kill You... [<em>+25%</em>]</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>:Enchanting:<br /> </strong> - Enchanting Mastery [<em>+40%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Gem Dust [<em>+25%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Regalia [<em>+30%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Attunement [<em>+10%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Arcane Nexus [<em>+25%</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Miracle [<em>+25%, </em></span><em style="font-size:16px;">+1 Enchantment</em><span style="font-size:12pt;">]</span> <strong style="font-size:12pt;">NOTE: Do NOT take the perk until you craft the stone!</strong></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>:Other:<br /> </strong> - Seeker of Sorcery [<em>+10% Enchanting</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Armor of Ahzidal [<em>+10 Enchanting Skill</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- Tome of Many Pages [<em>+15 Enchanting/Alchemy Skill</em>]</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">- A great deal of Grand Soul Gems and Flawless Gems</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The Flawless Gems you'll generally need are Garnet for headgear, Sapphire for the hands and Diamond for the necklace and ring. If you don't have enough Flawless Diamonds you're free to omit as many as you don't have, but you need at least ONE for the Philosopher's Stone.</span></p><p> </p><ul><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 01: Craft as many pieces of Fortify Alchemy gear possible.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 02: Cast “Tome of Alchemy” from the perk “Tome of Many Pages”.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 03: Craft a potion of Fortify Enchanting.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 04: Drink the potion within 20 seconds, triggering “Lab Skeever”.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 05: Equip 4 pieces of the Armor of Ahzidal, including the boots.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 06: Dual cast “Tome of Enchanting”.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 07: Craft as many pieces of Fortify Alchemy gear possible, destroying the necessary Flawless Gems.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 08: Repeat steps 2 through 7 until you can no longer make stronger enchanted equipment.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 09: Repeat steps 2 through 6.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 10: Take the “Miracle” perk and destroy a Flawless Diamond on the Arcane Nexus.</span></li><li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Step 11: Create the following piece of enchanted equipment:<br /> <br /> </span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284584326,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284584326,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284584326?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="183" /></a>Philosopher’s Stone<br /> </strong></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>(Gold Ruby Necklace)<br /> </strong></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Amplify Alteration / Fortify Alchemy / Fortify Health</span></em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">If you've made it this far then Congratulations! You've created that which many alchemists have spent their entire years trying to forge: The legendary Philosopher's Stone!! But we're not done yet, because we still have one final goal to accomplish.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284622171,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284622171,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284622171?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284644170,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284644170,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284644170?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a>“At last. My goal is within my hands. Everything I’ve done up until now has been for this moment.”</span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> Once you have the Philosopher's Stone, you can focus on leveling your Alteration to 90 and your Restoration to 100. Your Alteration needs to be at 90 so you can take the Alteration Ritual Spell quest to obtain the Dragonhide spell. Afterwards, once you reach level 100 in Restoration, you can take the "Apotheosis" perk, and then you can take the Vancian Magic and Energy Shield perks, so make sure you have some perks left over for those two!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> Once you've achieved all that, congratulations once again. You've essentially become a god. With the combination of Alteration perks and Dragonhide you are almost immortal, and with "Vancian Magic" doubling your magical magnitude, your spells are much more powerful. Another thing to keep in mind: With the Philosopher's Stone's enchantment fortifying your Alchemy even more, you can use it with your previous equipment and create even more powerful Fortify Alchemy equipment, which will in turn let you create stronger Fortify Enchanting potions, which will let you create even STRONGER enchanted gear than ever before. Powerful enchanted weapons and amazing enchanted apparel will make you even more powerful than ever before, which will let you cover... just about anything really. With all the enchants at your command there should be almost no limit to the potential you can unleash.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> So now that you've achieved divinity and unlocked all that limitless potential, what is there left to do? Well, whatever the hell you feel like! You're a god now; you do whatever you want. Become the type of god you'd like to be. Here's a tip: Illusion is non-vital to this build. If you want, you can trade it out for another skill to change what type you are. Take up Conjuration and become a death god. Take some sneaky skills and become the next Rajhin. Take One/Two-Handed and become a war god. Take Smithing and put Sotha Sil to shame. With the power of your Enchanting now reaching untold heights, there are a lot of possibilities!</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></span></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284626307,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284626307,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284626307?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284673435,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284673435,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284673435?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></a></span></strong></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>God Form</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Dragonhide spell <strong>+</strong> Energy Shield <strong>+</strong> Lord Stone <strong>+</strong> Breton Race</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><br /> <em>"The physical form of the god is near-invulnerable. Embodying the divinity of Akatosh himself, the god boasts immense resistances to nearly all forms of damage and magic. Any potential vulnerabilities can be fleshed out with the god's incredible magical potential."</em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284681691,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284681691,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284681691?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></a></strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Divine Power</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Vancian Magic <strong>+</strong> Wild Shrines <strong>+</strong> Amplify enchantments</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><br /> <em>"With the power of ancient magic, the god can tap into the force of Aetherius itself, allowing them to wield even the most costly spells without cost. Not only that, but his magical potency is amplified due to this connection, as well as any connections they chose to make. This power is necessary to properly reward one's own communicants that fight in the name of their god."</em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284684446,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284684446,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284684446?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100" /></a></strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Bless The Apostles</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Commanding Presence >><em>></em> Protect Your God <strong>+</strong> Warrior’s Flame >>> Apotheosis</span></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><br /> <em>"Those that follow this new god are not without boon. Those within his radius will find themselves empowered with his holy energy, with periodic bursts of strength an healing among random servants. Should the god see fit to do so, he may invoke his power to bless all allies and cripple his enemies."</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><em> </em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><em> </em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><em> </em></span><br /> <strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284629855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284629855,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284629855?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;">:Recommended Mods:</span></strong></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12235/" target="_blank">Wear Circlets with Hoods</a> - I HIGHLY recommend this mod, or any mod like it, as it adds a 2nd piece of apparel you can enchant with Fortify Alchemy, improving the strength of your Philosopher's Stone. </span></span><span style="font-size:16px;">Also it just makes sense. :/</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16225" target="_blank">Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim</a> - Adds an amazing number of spells, many of which are just plain useful for a god character, including Control Weather, Malviser's Gauntlet and Ocato's Recital. Ocato's Recital is useful if your Dragonhide spell is one-handed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60796/" target="_blank">Lost Grimoire of Skyrim</a> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Contains many potentially useful spells for a god, such as Greater Telekinesis, Resurrection and Stop Time.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64718/" target="_blank">Flying Mod Overhauled and Enhanced</a> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Because why not have a god who can fly?</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> I'd like to thank the guys over at the Discord for listening to me constantly talk about this build, as well as alchemy for existing in general. It really is an interesting concept. Most importantly, I'd like to that you, the reader, for making it this far. I had a blast playing through this character, and I hope you also enjoy it. Thanks for reading, and until next we meet.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1284635028,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1284635028,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1284635028?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a>“Space and time pass through my vision. I feel my mind expanding to the far reaches of Aetherius. The feeble struggles of mortalkind seem microcosmic in comparison to the machinations of existence itself. The Daedra watch me with guarded expressions, while the Aedra open their hands to me, as if accepting me into their new world.</span></em></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">So, this is divinity...”</span></em></p></div>Character Build: The Maleficarhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-maleficar2019-02-11T00:25:12.000Z2019-02-11T00:25:12.000ZCursehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Hantz<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">It's been awhile since I’ve put together a full fledged mage build, and given the huge success of the Force Adept build over the years, I’ve been eager to explore new ways to subvert the limits of Magick.</span></p>
<p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">This build requires the perk overhaul mod Ordinator in order to function as described below.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1022500631,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1022500631,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1022500631?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="509" /></a></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1022536743,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1022536743,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1022536743?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><em>Among scholars of magick, few are regarded with more fear and suspicion than those branded maleficarum. A maleficar is one who has wholly devoted themselves to the study of the dark arts, relentless in their pursuit of greater arcane power. Never will a maleficar burden themselves with concern over the moral quandaries nor dangers of forbidden magick - and for that, they are often reviled as evil or simply insane.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Build Basics -</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Great power comes at great cost. In keeping with that theme this build will grant the player some truly incredible powers, but for every power a terrible price must be paid in exchange. At the core of this build is blood magick by way of the Equilibrium spell, but this build is unlike any blood mage you've read before.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Many blood mage builds inevitably run into the problem of exhausting a finite supply of health to replenish and even more finite source of magicka. But this blood mage is different.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Through the Infinite Concentration Casting exploit, I've created a build that may cast concentration magick freely and always have the health available to sacrifice for spells with set costs. But therein lies the catch: your Health and Magicka resources are forever locked in a sordid tug-of-war where one must be depleted to replenish the other.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">But what would necessitate using anything but concentration magick? That’s where the Ordinator perk overhaul comes in. Within the conjuration tree is a special perk called ‘Edge of Oblivion’. It acts just like the vanilla perk Twin Souls with the added benefit of making summons last 50% longer, and it can be accessed much much earlier than its vanilla counterpart, but there’s a catch. Your armor rating will suffer a sharp decrease, even diving into the negatives, whenever you fail to have at least one summoned minion in play. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Concentration spells, while powerful, are not enough on their own, and you are at your stronger with your summons at your side than you are without them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Basically: The more you rely on your concentration spells the less magick you'll have available to summon minions. And you'll most certainly want your minions around. </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Race: Dunmer.</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">I chose to play a Dunmer mostly for their aptitude for Destruction magic, but members of any race who study magic can be tempted by the dark arts. If Dark Elves aren’t your thing Bretons make a solid choice due to their huge starting boost to conjuration.</span></p>
<p><strong>Stone: Lord Stone.</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">The extra 50 armor points and 25% magick resistance pairs well with what little armor is gained through the combination of armor and flesh spells, ensuring you aren't a completely soft target. The majority of your combat will be at close to mid range so that little bit of damage resistance might just save you.</span></p>
<p><strong>Stats: 0 Magicka, 1 Health, 0 Stamina</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">. We will be using the Infinite Concentration Casting glitch so do not place points into magicka and dump everything into health. Your health will act as a large resource to draw from via equilibrium.</span></p>
<p><strong>Skills:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Destruction, Enchanting, Conjuration, Illusion, Restoration</span></p>
<p><strong>Weapon</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Staff of Miraak</span></p>
<p><strong>Spells</strong><span style="font-weight:400;">: Wall of Storms, Healing, Greater Ward, Conjure Flame/Frost/Storm Atronach, Conjure Dremora Lord, Frenzy, Rally</span></p>
<p><strong>Shouts:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">None</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Powers:</strong> Secret of Arcana, Mora’s Boon</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Moral Alignment:</strong> Any non good alignment</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Gameplay -</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1022553754,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1022553754,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1022553754?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">“Within blood lies the power to subvert the limits of mortal magic.”</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">For the most part the Maleficar can be leveled up quite quickly and easily once you get the core exploit going. Until that level came what I did was hang around the College and the Winterhold area progressing through the College questline slowly until I acquired equilibrium. Invest in gear that boosts magicka and magicka regen, and keep a stock of useful staves scrolls and magicka potions. You'll likely have infinite concentration casting up and running by that point. My point is to take slow. The drastic jump in power is huge and well worth the wait.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Destruction and Restoration will level very quuckly since you'll be using their concentration spells a lot. Conjuration will also level very quickly as summon spells will be used very often. Enchanting will level up at a decent pace once you get a hold of the Staff of Miraak. Expect Illusion to trail behind the other skills as its only perked for its passive effects. Dont hesitate to invest in Illusion training. </span></p>
<p><strong>Destruction</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">-</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">For this build our attention will be focused exclusively on the perks that augment shock damage. Your only means of delivering direct damage comes by way of destruction concentration spells. Infinite concentration casting can be achieved as low as level 10 so expect to level up destruction fairly quickly. You’ll start out early on with the novice spell Sparks but you’ll switch to Wall of Storms as soon as you find/purchase it. Shock perks such as ‘Electro Convulsions’ and ‘Magnetization’ will make it a bit easier to keep enemies at a safe distance.</span></p>
<p><strong>Conjuration</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Concentrated destruction magic alone will not ensure victory. The perks within this tree will give you access to stronger and longer lasting minions to supplement your destruction damage. Be sure to join the college as early as possible to gain access to these summon spells. You’ll want to use them often as having the extra allies around gives enemies something to target other than you, which is fairly important given this build’s poor defense. Once this tree is mastered your minions will become stronger and gradually heal lost health whenever you are by their side casting concentration spells.</span></p>
<p><strong>Illusion</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Rather than a focus on messing with our enemies’ heads we’ll be focused on buffing minions, and this skill tree comes packed with a plethora of perks that do just that and quite well. ‘Commanding Presence’ alone grants your minions a 20% boost to both attack damage and critical strike chance. ‘Crown of the False King’ adds 80 armor and 20% magic resist to that mix. To top it off the perk ‘Imperious Splendor’ makes both previously mentioned perks twice as powerful so long as you remain above 75% health. The downside is you’ll need the ‘Master of the Mind’ perk before your summoned minions can enjoy any of these benefits. Frenzy can prove useful to set enemies against each other even without investment in illusion buffing perks. This can buy you valuable time to harness your blood magic in battle. You can use Rally to further bolster your minions' stats.</span></p>
<p><strong>Restoration</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Whenever equilibrium is used to build up magicka for summoning you’ll be using the novice ‘Healing’ spell to restore health. It may not seem like much but with the listed perks taken this low level spell can restore upwards to 35 health per second. Those same perks allow wards to block significantly more spell damage. Healing and wards are in constant use in battles so expect Restoration to level up very quickly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Enchanting</strong> - The Staff of Miraak is an invaluable tool for keeping aggressive enemies at bay while you balance out your health and magicka. The perks taken in this tree are designed to help staff charges last much longer and even allow staves to gradually regain soul energy over time.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Unshackled Power -</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The Maleficar draws most of her spell-casting prowess by way of the Infinite Concentration Casting Exploit. Through this her destructive capability becomes unbound from the natural limits of magicka, allowing her to cast concentration spells innately regardless of remaining Magicka.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The steps to completing this ritual, so to speak, are quite simple. This character is not an alchemist, nor does she have to be since the potions we need can be reliably found in any apothecary usually around level 20. The necessary accessory is even easier to find.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">1 X Draught of the Healer</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">2 X Philter of the Healer</span><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /> </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Ring or Pendant of Fortify Magicka +50</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Once the above items have been collected you need to consume the potions in the order listed below and then equip the accessory…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Philter + Draught + Philter -> Equip Accessory</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Source: <a href="https://tamrielvault.com/groups/topic/view/page/1/group_id/6/topic_id/4313" target="_blank">https://tamrielvault.com/groups/topic/view/page/1/group_id/6/topic_id/4313</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">If you did everything right you will be granted 78 extra magick on top of your base 100. But more importantly you'll now possess the ability to cast any concentration spell infinitely. This effect is permanent so long as that ring remains equipped. We will be using Wall of Storms, Greater Ward and Healing quite frequently in battle. The above combination grants you the most Magicka one can possibly possess while using infinite concentration casting.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The most wonderful thing about an everlasting Wall of Storms, aside from that Emperor Palpatine vibe, is how quickly debilitating effects and damage can pile up against a mob thanks to Ordinator’s unique array of shock damage effects.. The Vanilla Disintegrate perk may be missing entirely but what we get instead is far more powerful. Combined with the Staff of Miraak, the Maleficar is quite capable of keeping her enemies just out of melee range as her spells and minions make short work of them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Because Healing is a concentration spell you can freely restore health as needed after sacrificing it to cast normal spells. This circumvents a common problem found in most blood mage builds: Exhausting a finite supply of health after exhausting an even more finite supply of magick. The Maleficar instead can replenish either Health or Magicka at will and Equilibrium and Healing are the levers by which this twisted balance is controlled.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The last and arguably greatest boon offered by Infinite Concentration Magic comes in the form of a limitless Greater Ward. This prohibitively expensive spell can now be held as long as you wish, and with the right restoration perks can block well over 120 magic damage. You are essentially immune to magic damage so long as your ward blocks it.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Blood and Oblivion -</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}2097823726,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}2097823726,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="2097823726?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a>“A secret once scoured from the endless halls of Apocrypha, blood magic allows life to be offered in exchange for dominion over immensely powerful daedra”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The second major pillar of this build lies in the symbiotic relationship between the you and your summoned minions. From you they draw strength, gaining drastically increased stats and powerful new attacks when you remain close to them. Your survival in turn is quite literally dependent on their presence, for in exchange for the ability to summon more daedra you will suffer a MASSIVE drop in physical defense (-250 armor) when you have no daedra in play. With so little armor to begin with your total armor rating will likely dip into the negatives.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">With such a small amount of max magicka you will often find yourself sacrificing your own health to muster enough Magicka to summon your minions. It is imperative to keep at least one daedra active at all times in battle, and knowing which daedra to summon may be the difference between an easy or difficult battle. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The ‘Unleash Hell’ perk grants each summoned minion a unique special attack available to them upon being summoned and every 30 seconds thereafter.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Flame Atronach</strong> - Powerful but delicate. Flame atronachs deal good damage from afar, and their Flame explosion special attack possesses incredible range, damage, and accuracy. They are very cheap to cost so if tapping into blood ever gets risky you'll be thankful for these guys. Summon them behind you and use the Staff of Miraak to block the enemy off, allowing them to provide range support with impunity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Frost Atronach</strong> - Very useful for slowing enemies down and their special attack will temporarily freeze an enemy while reducing their defenses. Their heavy melee attack will stagger groups of enemies for several seconds and for that they make invaluable allies in close range encounters. Defensively they are weaker than Dremora Lords but far less costly to summon. They make excellent blockers given their massive size.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Storm Atronach</strong> - Their chain lightning spells make these daedra an invaluable ally against dragons. Their special ability will temporarily immobilize an enemy. They are about as sturdy as a Frost Atronach but it would be a waste to send these daedra to the front lines. Against normal enemies treat them as you would Flame Atronachs and keep them in the rear. These guys are especially helpful against dragons given the sheer range and speed of their chain lightning spells.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Dremora Lord</strong> - They are the ultimate front line soldiers, boasting massive attack damage and defense, but the cost of summoning even one is steep. You will be dipping into your health reserves guaranteed if the need arises to summon one of these guys. As with the Frost Atronach, summon these daedra to assist you on the front lines and stay close to them to maximize their power. Their special ability grants them increased attack damage for a short duration, which combined with your illusion perks make the Dremora Lord immensely powerful.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Forbidden Techniques -</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1022730865,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1022730865,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1022730865?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="133" /></a>Blood Magic</strong></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">-</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Barter with Oblivion itself, trading life essence in exchange for magick power, or magicka in exchange for life. Your life blood and Magicka are forever locked in a perverse cycle where one cannot be replenished without sacrificing the other.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Requires</strong> - Equilibrium, Healing, Infinite Concentration Casting, Edgewalker perk, Restoration Mastery (2/2)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">With infinite concentration casting your main damage dealing spell will be wall of storms, which while powerful comes at the cost of being able to cast anything with a set magic cost. Blood Magic counters that by letting you sacrifice health for more magicka. Coupled with the Healing concentration spell, you will always have the Magicka to cast your spells and the blood to sacrifice for summoning.. But do keep an eye on your health. Getting careless with this will kill you.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1022751618,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1022751618,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1022751618?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="133" /></a>Malevolent Storm</strong></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">-</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Sends forth a violent torrent of dark energy that decimates enemies as it surges through their ranks. But such overwhelming power completely suppresses your ability to cast normal spells.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Requires</strong> - Infinite Concentration Casting, Wall of Storms</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">With this we’re taking full advantage of the infinite concentration casting exploit by employing Wall of Storms, the second most costly concentration spell in the game, as our go-to standard attack. All shock effects will proc at near regular intervals making this quite a nasty combination particularly against mobs of enemies. Like with all concentration effects this is going to reduce your Magicka to nil preventing you from casting non concentration spells without first sacrificing blood.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1022799035,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1022799035,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1022799035?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="133" /></a>Bound Shield</strong></span> -</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Summons a powerful bound shield to block incoming hostile spells. The shield is impenetrable to all but the most powerful magick but the immense concentration required to hold its form suppresses your ability to cast normal spells.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Requires</strong> - Restoration Mastery (2/2), Greater Ward, Infinite Concentration Casting</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Again we’re taking advantage of infinite concentration casting, this time in the form of a perfect magick defense. Without the worry of magick costs Greater Ward becomes an invaluable tool against enemy mages, some of whom can dish out catastrophic damage thanks to Ordinator: Restoration Mastery enhances the power of all restoration spells allow Greater Ward to block an excess of 120 points of damage, and even more if you choose to dual cast it.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1022847243,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1022847243,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1022847243?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="133" /></a>Dark Symbiosis</strong></span> <span style="font-weight:400;">-</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Your pact with oblivion allows you to summon more daedra and bind them more permanently to your will, and both master and minions benefit from each others presence in perfect symbiosis. But beware the terms of this pact, for if ever there are no daedra at your side, you will be afflicted with a terrible curse.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Requires</strong> - Commanding Presence, Crown of the False King, Imperious Splendor, Master of the Mind, Edge of Oblivion, Signed in Blood, Unleash Hell, Pact Magic</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">This combination takes advantage of the incredible synergy between several Conjuration and Illusion perks to create summoned minions far more powerful than they’d normally be. Whenever you stand within range of your minions they enjoy drastically increased stats, gain new abilities and even heal lost health over time at the expense of your health regeneration. You in turn gain increased spell damage and staving off that nasty armor penalty brought on by ‘Edge of Oblivion’ is pretty important too.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Tactics -</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Make frequent use of your summoned minions. They will add tremendously to your damage potential but more importantly they’ll keep your enemies’ attention diverted, buying you time to replenish health or magicka with Blood Magic. </span>Don’t wait until you’ve lost both your summons in battle to sacrifice the health needed to summon more. If it’s clear your minions are losing, fall back while the enemy is occupied and apply Blood Magic as needed to summon new minions.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Any combination of Bound Shield, Malevolent Storm, or Blood Magic (healing only) can be used simultaneously. With that one can multitask attacking, defending, and recovery as needed. The Staff of Miraak may also be used simultaneously.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The easiest way to foil troublesome mages is to summon an atronach that matches the element they’re using against you. When pitted against an atronach immune to their spells they’ll resort to weak, pitiful physical attacks rendering them harmless to you and your minions. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Archers are your most dangerous threat. With little in the way of physical defense you won’t last long under fire, and if you’re caught without a minion summoned you almost certain to die in 1 or 2 shots. Counter archers by summoning a close range minion such as a frost atronach right on top of their position. They’ll be forced to switch to close range weapons to deal with the threat directly on top of them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Storm atronachs will be your best friend against dragons. Their attacks combined with your Malevolent Storm technique will sap a dragon’s magick entirely, preventing them from using breath attacks.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Staff of Miraak is an excellent territory denial tool. Use it to block off m avenues of approach, turn narrow paths into death traps, or buy time to restore health or magicka.</span> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>- Roleplay -</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>“</strong><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Common wisdom dictates there exists no benevolent means of wielding blood magic. Even the noblest of mages can feel the dark allure of power coursing through their veins with every use.” </span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Dangerous, reclusive, and perhaps even insane, those branded maleficar may occupy a variety of moral alignments, though seldom are their motives noble. Practitioners of foul arts most dare not even speak of, their work is at best viewed with suspicion, and the threat of persecution remains constant. With that in mind here are some roleplay ideas to consider.</span></p>
<p><strong>Malignant Evil-</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Knowledge is power and power is everything. Mages who live by this creed are rightfully shunned and feared. As a power hungry mage your interests in forbidden magick lie purely in furthering your own nefarious schemes. Be it utter destruction or total domination, whatever your machinations may be, no price is too high and no life is too precious to sacrifice to realize your ambitions. </span></p>
<p><strong>Seeker of Knowledge -</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Forbidden is not a warning, but rather, an invitation. Though your pursuit of the dark arts remains mostly academic, your disregard for morality and the ethics surrounding your experiments make you no more trustworthy than those who would use this knowledge for evil. You seek answers others run from in ignorance, willingly cohorting with the daedra to expand your own knowledge. </span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}1768875209,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}1768875209,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="1768875209?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>- Recommended Mods - </strong></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/33914/?" target="_blank">YY Animation Replacer - Mystic Knight</a> - An excellent animation pack geared towards mages and spell swords. Completely does away with the awkward cave man like stance of the vanilla game.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36849/?" target="_blank">Immersive College of Winterhold</a> - The ICoW mod completely revamps every aspect of the college from the ground up. Schedules are revamped, new rooms, exhibits and study areas have been added, and the senior professors have access to far more powerful spells - So they truly look and feel like masters of their chosen school of magic. All n' all, ICoW makes the College of Winterhold truly feel like an actual, serious college for magical study.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16225" target="_blank">Apocalypse Magic</a> - If you'd like to add more variety to your collection of summoned minions this mod is perfect. Apocalypse Magic adds over two dozen </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/77863/" target="_blank">Red Healing Magic</a> & <a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/77887/" target="_blank">Tinted Wards</a> - Changes up the color of your healing spells and Ward spells to better match the aesthetic of a blood mage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76752" target="_blank">Daedric Entitiy Restoration Project aka D.E.R.P</a> - Anyone whose played previous TES titles may notice Skyrim's woefully inadequet roster of summonable minions. D.E.R.P fixes this by reimplimenting, in painstaking detail, the many daedric entities featured in previous TES titles and even some found in Elder Scrolls Online!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3685603977,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3685603977?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="204" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p> Well, thanks for reading guys and I hope you liked it. If you have any questions about the build be sure to ask in the comments. </p>
<p><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/curse+never+dying" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/905267?profile=RESIZE_480x480" alt="905267?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="610" height="207" /></a></p></div>Character Build: The Pale Manehttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-pale-mane2019-01-24T09:03:36.000Z2019-01-24T09:03:36.000ZMarin the Foxhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/MarintheFox<div><p>Hey guys, so this is my first attempt at a build, I guess. I hope I do a good job !!</p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>These humans think themselves so superior to this one, no? This one yearns for the chance to show them the face of their arrogance, the face of the Pale Mane. They will learn.</em></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}868297869,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}868297869,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="868297869?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p>Before I begin, I think I should go over a few mods that are imperative to this build (well, maybe not so much, but I used them for this build; you could probably make do without them, but then it wouldn’t be my build anymore!)</p><p><strong>-Imperious: Races of Skyrim</strong></p><p> As a Khajiit, you can move faster, Sneaking is more effective, and you have night vision after you acquire 50,000 lifetime gold</p><p><strong>-Ordinator: Perks of Skyrim</strong> (my first time using Ordinator!)</p><p> This build is pretty much centered around what Ordinator enables you to do as far as being a thief/assassin is concerned, but that’s not entirely what this build is</p><p> <strong>-20% More Perk Points</strong></p><p><strong> </strong> I <strong>strongly</strong> suggest using this to help you reach your perk requirements faster</p><p><strong>-Wintersun: Faiths of Skyrim</strong></p><p> This mod certainly has its uses, particularly where a Rogue character is concerned</p><p><strong>-Apocalypse: Magic of Skyrim</strong></p><p> There are a few choice spells added by this that are irreplaceable to the build</p><p><strong>-Andromeda: Unique Standing Stones (optional)</strong></p><p> Several of the Stones altered by this mod provide the perfect benefits to your Pale Mane; though you don’t <em>need</em> them, they are definitely useful</p><p><strong>-Khajiit Speak – Complete Dialogue Overhaul (optional)</strong></p><p><strong> </strong> This <em>heavily</em> modifies the dialogue options you have in-game to better fit you playing as a Khajiit (note that this mod <strong>does not</strong> affect you when playing as races <em>other</em> than Khajiit, so you don’t need to disable it between files). Again, not necessary, but I find it makes the build more immersive</p><p><strong>-Dominions More Khajiit (optional)</strong></p><p> This is purely for entertainment; it simply adds roughly twenty new Khajiit NPCs into the game</p><p><strong>-Legacy of the Dragonborn (optional)</strong></p><p> You by no means need to use this mod. In fact, I <em>only</em> used it for the Forsworn Daggers that I used throughout most of the game</p><p> </p><p>First let’s make an introduction…</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Race:</strong></span> Khajiit. With Imperious active, Khajiit’s have a bonus to movement speed and Sneaking</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Deity:</strong></span> …levels 1 to 30… Kynareth <strong>OR</strong> Mephala …level 30+… Baan’Dar <strong>OR</strong> Sithis. Worshipping Kynareth boosts movement speed and stamina while Mephala grants a boost to poisons and Sneak attack power from behind. Baan’Dar boosts Pickpocketing and eventually allows you to place explosive bottles of skooma in people’s pockets while Sithis grants a boost to all Sneak attacks and greatly boosts Sneak effectivity (plus, the Call of the Void power is pretty neat)</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone:</strong></span> …levels 1 to 30… The Thief Stone …levels 30+… The Shadow Stone. The Thief Stone grants experience bonuses to all Thief Skills and boosts Sneaking and Sneak attacks. The Shadow Stone increases movement speed <em>in combat</em> and improves Sneaking when near a wall.</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">Stats</span>:</strong> 1…1…2. Considering much of your time as <strong>The Pale Mane</strong> will be spent running (whether you’re running to your target, or running from guards, or just running), you need a <strong>heavy</strong> focus in Stamina. I recommend that, once your Magicka reaches a base of 200, you switch to 0…1…2, so you can devote more of your attribute points into Stamina. Health you can keep leveling. You’re going to need it since this build’s focus is not combat, but everything else.</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Weapon:</strong></span> Anything that Poison can be applied to. I started with a Forsworn Bow but eventually swapped it out for dual-wielding daggers. I kept my base damage under 10, using Forsworn Daggers for most of the game (they have a base damage of 7).</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Armor:</strong></span> User’s Discretion, but keep it below an overall base (assuming you wear a full set of 4 pieces) of …60 for Light Armor… and 80 for Heavy Armor… I used Forsworn Armor for most of the game, but the beauty of this build is that, since combat has almost zero focus on this build, you don’t really need to worry about your armor.</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shouts:</strong></span> (Keep in mind that <strong>ALL OF THESE</strong> are optional; you’ll find it tough to kill Dragons with this build, so you may choose to skip most of these shouts, but I will list all the ones I found were incredibly useful to the build) <strong>Aura Whisper</strong> (so you can see where potential targets might be hiding), <strong>Become Ethereal</strong> (so if you need to, you can hide in plain sight and recover health and stamina), <strong>Bend Will</strong> (so you can control the minds of those around you and make it easier to steal from them), <strong>Disarm</strong> (to make it easier to take down challenging foes who fail to resist), <strong>Marked For Death</strong> (please see Disarm), <strong>Throw Voice</strong> (so you can direct your targets to where you want them to be before you strike from the shadows)</p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Spells:</strong></span> Though Magic is certainly not a focus, there are a few spells you will find irreplaceable.</p><ul><li>Muffle (self-explanatory, I think)</li><li>Invisibility (self-explanatory, I think)</li><li>Ghostwalk (a spell added by Apocalypse that renders you invisible for 12 seconds or until you activate an object/NPC; when the invisibility is broken, you teleport back to where you cast the spell; perfect for a thief)</li><li>Drop Zone (a spell added by Apocalypse that places a ring on the ground that, when you fall into it, regardless of the height of the fall, you sustain no falling damage)</li><li>Locate Object (a spell added by Apocalypse that allows you to locate the nearest object of your choice – such as Ore Vein or a Container – for X seconds, depending on your Alteration level)</li><li>Circle of the Moons (a spell added by Apocalypse that creates a ring where you cast it and it siphons magicka from all targets inside it, the perfect spell to combat mages for a kitty with little magic defense)</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p>So let’s begin with…</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}868304880,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}868304880,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="868304880?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Pale Mane</strong></span> is a Khajiit Rogue who specializes in stealth and chemical warfare. She uses a combination of shadows (Sneak) and Illusion magic to blend into her surroundings, effectively becoming invisible to her targets. Depending upon the target, she might choose to rob them blind, relieving them of their armor, weapons, and valuables, without them even noticing! Or she might stalk them silently from the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to plunge her blades into their backs. Also at her disposal is a slew of Dragon Shouts to make her job even easier. She is an agent of the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood, using her skills to make both clans wealthy beyond belief.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Kynareth guides this one. Mephala watches this one. Baan Dar instructs this one. Sithis hides this one. We are shadow incarnate, and if we set our sights upon you, there is no escape from our cold embrace.</em></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Pale Mane</strong></span> plays very similarly to a cutpurse, an assassin only working for the money, but with a slightly more religious goal. She steals and kills, all from the shadows, to appease the deities she worships. Kynareth, loosely, by being deft, adroit, and quick. Mephala, for using poison and backstabs. Baan Dar by picking the locks of doors and chests that stand in her way to steal from her enemies. Sithis by using the shadows to become invisible and strike her targets when they least expect it. In order to make these goals a reality, it might help to know what perks you will need…</p><p> </p><p>Which brings us to…</p><p> </p><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}868306408,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}868306408,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="868306408?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p>In order to stay as balanced as possible, while still maintaining maximum effectiveness, I’ve completely nixed all combat skills in favor of Illusion. The only crafting skill is Alchemy, which is useful enough in combat, unless encountering too strong a foe – they did invent <em>running away</em> for this purpose, you know. This build reaches maximum effectiveness at the tender level of 46 (57 if you ignored my advice and don’t use 20% More Perk Points; or, if you opted for 50% More Perk Points instead, you reach this at level 39).</p><p> </p><p>Instead, you will use your gifts of Illusion and Sneak to stick to the shadows and kill an enemy before they even notice you. Your odds at success will be <strong>heavily</strong> influenced by the poisons you mix and apply to your weapons, hence the need for Alchemy. Additionally, if you manage to fit the Shouts into this build, you become an effective weapon, maneuvering your targets closer to you, making it that much easier to strike them unawares.</p><p> </p><p>You also have Illusion and Sneak in order to escape from your foes – or that fool of a guard who chose to stick his face where it didn’t belong as you were about to rob the Jarl blind! Additionally, the Alteration Spell “Drop Zone” comes in particularly handy for quick getaways.</p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Stick to the shadows, my friend, and you will not easily miss. You will find your enemies…well, they come to you eventually. All meet their fate. It is inevitable.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><strong>Special Abilities</strong></p><p>Though I have little artistic talent and cannot make my own photos to accompany these skills, I can, at least, still try my hand at providing you with malicious and effective combos of your skills to give you an edge over your foes.</p><p> </p><p><em>Death’s Tincture (Jarrin Root + Crimson Nirnroot + Glow Dust)</em></p><p> A devastating poison you have crafted thanks to all the knowledge of alchemy you have. With your perkspread, this little vial will kill most characters – and even if it doesn’t, it leaves them weak, unable to regenerate, and in a wild bloodlusted frenzy.</p><p> </p><p><em>Touch of Death (Death’s Tincture + Brotherhood Cocktail)</em></p><p><em> </em> Using the gifts bestowed upon you by Lord Sithis, you place Death’s Tincture into the pocket of an unsuspecting target, knowing their life is now limited.</p><p> </p><p><em>What’s Mine is Mine, and What’s Yours is Also Mine (Potion of Fortify Pickpocket + Ghostwalk + Stalk the Prey)</em></p><p><em> </em> Using the gifts bestowed upon you by Lord Sithis, you ingest this useful potion, then cast Ghostwalk to sneak up on your target, steal all their belongings, then easily warp to safety and hiding.</p><p> </p><p><em>You Can’t See Me but I Can See You (Muffle + Invisibility + Aura Whisper)</em></p><p><em> </em> Using gifts stolen from Dragons, you melt into the shadows while your enemies are illuminated around you.</p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Fuse With Shadows (Silent Roll + Dodge Roll + Disengage)</em></p><p><em> </em> You melt into the shadows, forcing nearby enemies to lose sight of you.</p><p> </p><p><em>Sithis’ Blade (Stalk the Prey + Death’s Emperor + Quiet Before the Storm + Marked for Death + Backstab)</em></p><p><em> </em> You are hidden behind the enemy, placing Death’s Mark (Cursed Coin) into the pockets before using the knowledge of dragons to render their resistances to nothing before sticking Sithis’ Blade deep in their unprotected back, hopefully killing them instantly</p><p> </p><p><em>Mage's Bane (Circle of the Moons + Poison of Ravage Magicka)</em></p><p><em> </em> Using this Spell and Poison in tandem, you can quickly whittle through a tough mage's arsenal by destroying his magicka and preventing him from recovering it. Then he's yours to do with as you will.</p><p><em>Show Me Your Secrets... (Vision of the Tenth Eye + Ghost of the Tenth Eye)</em></p><p><em> </em> Using this invisible and disembodied eye...ghost...thing...you can find exactly where and what your targets are hiding. Pairs exceptionally well with <em>You Can't See Me But I Can See You</em></p><p> </p><p><em>What’s Mine is Mine, and What’s Yours Is Also Mine</em> will be used probably the most often, giving you a hefty advantage in stealing your mark’s possessions. Alternatively, the combination of <em>Sithis’ Blade</em> and <em>Fuse With Shadows</em> will ensure both an instant-kill and easy means of escape on the off chance someone sees you. <em>Touch of Death</em> should be reserved for enemies that you can’t kill otherwise – Jarrin Root is <strong>incredibly</strong> rare. <em>You Can’t See Me But I Can See You</em> is just one of many ways you can then combo with your other Dragon Shouts to set up some interesting scenarios. I am particularly fond of using it, then Throw Voice to put all my marks into position where I can easily strike them all quickly with <em>Sithis’ Blade</em>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>As for finding and choosing your marks…</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}868311693,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}868311693,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="868311693?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="540" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Innocent Lost</strong> – obviously, it will be difficult to be an agent of Sithis and the Night Mother without beginning the Dark Brotherhood Questline. You do <em>not</em> need to complete it, but if you do, you have an infinite supply of targets at your discretion.</p><p><strong>A Chance Arrangement</strong> – obviously, it will be difficult to be a successful thief if you don’t align yourself with the Thieves Guild. You do <em>not</em> need to complete it. In fact, becoming a Nightingale would require serving a different Daedra, potentially incurring Mephala’s wrath. All you need is access to Delvin Mallory and Vex and their infinite mark quest.</p><p><strong>The Whispering Door</strong> – in order to more effectively serve The Whispering Lady, you must retrieve her blade. Using it is up to you, just make sure you get it at some point.</p><p><strong>Return to Your Roots (optional)</strong> – the final reward for this quest allows you have a much larger supply of useful potions and debilitating poisons at your disposal, but it isn’t necessary.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}868312974,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}868312974,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="868312974?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p><p> </p><p>As far as gameplay is concerned…I think you know enough of the build at this point to be able to surmise that for yourself. Steal from everyone. Kill those who have earned it. Worship the Deities who favor the shadows. And have damn fun doing it.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Closing Comments</strong></p><p>I’d like to thank Curse-Never-Dying, Chris Diokno, Lee Fiskillis Carpenter, and Teccam for all their wonderful help and advice in how to construct my first build. (Though Curse did not help me directly, I modeled my build after some of his.) I’d also like to thank Fimvul for assistance with some of the more lore-oriented points of my build. Finally, I’d like to thank my cat, Sekhmet, for being a total pain in my ass and the inspiration for this sneaky cat build. Hope you guys enjoyed it, I might tackle another one sometime in the future.</p><p> </p><p>(fonts used in edited photos are: Ta'Agra - Langauge of the Khajiit; Torril Dragon Font; Type14 Druid; via daFont.com)</p></div>Character Build: The Stormriderhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-stormrider2018-12-08T09:51:27.000Z2018-12-08T09:51:27.000ZFurrion 17https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Furrion17<div><p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390900354,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390900354,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390900354?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390899228,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390899228,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390899228?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="564" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><em>"Maw unleashing razor snow, Of dragons from the blue brought down, Births the walking winter's woe, </em></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><em>t</em></span><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><em>he High King in his Jagged Crown." - Ancient Nord Verse</em></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390901767,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390901767,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390901767?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;">The legends tell of a time when Skyrim was thrown into darkness and the skies were torn asunder. The dead roamed the land in droves spreading famine plagues and death wherever they went. All at the behest of the one known only as the Stormrider. </span> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">The story of the Stormrider begins with a man who was betrayed by the priesthood of Talos when the White-Gold Concordat was signed. His fellow brothers at the temple bent knee to the Thalmor invaders and when he would not, they exiled him. In his anger he flew into a rage and slew them one by one for their treachery, leaving the temple in flames. He wondered aimless for years trading his help, his blade and spells for megor rewards. He never stayed in one place long, for fear of the thalmor who were certainly after him.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275386496,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275386496,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275386496?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="431" height="610" /></a>Many years later still bitter from the white gold concordat he decided to venture through the treacherous slopes of the Jerall mountains to Skyrim. After some days he reached the border and was caught in a skirmish between Stormcloak Rebels and the Imperial legion. The sound of a bugle in the distance echoed through the mountains "ahoooooooo". The air was bitter cold and the clang of steel and cries of dying men were carried on the wind. As he observed the battle he saw an imperial officer had impaled a Stormcloak on the end of his spear, the mans lifeblood was flooding out onto the snow where it steamed. To the right of that scene a Stormcloak caught an Imperial in the head with his mace sending her helmet and bits of gore flying before she crumpled. He had seen enough he unfastened his shield, drew his blade and charged into fray. He slew two Imperials before they knew what was happening the next saw him coming. The Imperial side stepped his strike and followed with a swing of his axe. He raised his shield just in time, the axe bounced off of the shield stagerring the imperial who had not anticipated the block. He took the oportunity to quickly thrust his sword into the imperials chest. Turning from the dying man he saw a monstrous Orc bringing down a war hammer towards him it was all he could do to move out the way, the blow glanced off his pauldron forcing him to drop his sword from the force. The Orc glowered at him menacingly thinking him to be without means of attack. He blocked one two and three swings of the war hammer with his shield and saw the orc drop his guard for an instant. Lashing out with his shield he sent the orc staggering a few steps back, enough time to charge up a bolt of lightnng and send it fourth exploding from his palm with an ear spliting "CRACK" the Orc wailed in pain and dropped his hammer. With smoking armor and the scent of singed flesh the Orc let out a bellow of pure rage and charged at him franticly tackling him to the ground, the Orcs strength was overpowering and soon he found the brutes hands about his neck. With his consciousness flagging he charged another bolt with the last of his strength and let it fly, the orcs body went limp forcing the last of the air from his lungs, turning the world around him into darkness..</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">When he came to he was bound and fettered in a carriage with some Stormcloak soldiers. He was to be executed at Helgen for aiding Stormcloak "traitors" he found out from one of the other prisoners. Soon they dismounted the carriage and were being read thier sentences. He prayed to Talos for help but there was no answer, an Imperial nudged him along with his spear. The headsman had just finished with one of the prisoners and now it was his turn, begging for mercy from any who would hear it. His answer came as dark whispers of Molag Bal who offered him the power to claim vengeance if he would do his bidding and be his vessel to bring doom and destruction unto the lands of man and mer. He accepted Molag Bals terms and as he did his blood boiled, his consciousness waned and he felt the power inside him grow. When he awoke, Helgen lay in smoke and ruins, he the only survivor with corpses piled around him and the taste of blood in his mouth…... </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390919385,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390919385,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390919385?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="320" /></a>He is commanded to travel to the Island of Solstheim to seek out visions that will fulfil part of the pact he made with Molag Bal and bring him closer to his vengeance. Molag Bal shows him the power that lies within the Black Books scattered across the island. He must steal the knowledge from another Daedric prince Hermaeus Mora, in Molag Bal’s name. He then set forth to conquer this new found power and crush all in his path. After conquering the final book and destroying Mora's champion he receives another vision. He saw himself wearing the fabled Jagged Crown, leading an army of vampires and undead against the living under a blood red sky. Feeling the power inside himself grow as well as his ambition he no longer just wanted revenge against the empire; he wanted all of Tamriel to know his wrath.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:terminal, monaco;font-size:12pt;">Upon returning to the mainland he began his quest to divide and conquer the land, where he would rule with chaos and fury for several years under an apocalyptic darkness. With the land now in ruins and his quest for vengeance fulfilled, Molag Bal came to him one last time. With satisfaction he stated "I gave you what you wanted in your mortal life and your soul is now mine". Infuriated by the final betrayal he tries to resist but is overwhelmed by Molag Bals power. Only then did he realise the true scope of what he had done and how the power he had taken had corrupted his very being. In a fit of melancholic anguish relents and resides himself to the fate of Coldharbor for eternity.</span><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Overtime, order is returned to the land. But None will forget the cold blooded legacy of the man who came known as The Stormrider.</span> <span style="font-size:24pt;font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"><br /> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390935784,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390935784,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390935784?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:18.6667px;"><em><span style="font-size:10pt;">All of the mods I am using here are availble on Xbox One and PC.</span></em></span></span><strong><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size:18.6667px;"><br /> </span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;color:#800080;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}276208357,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}276208357,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="276208357?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" height="374" /></a></span>Esential Mods</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2983497">Ordinator</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Imperious Races of Skyrim</span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4052177">Andromeda Standing Stones of Skyrim</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2978320">Apocalypse Magic of Skyrim</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3079512">Rotmulaag - Meditations on the Words of Power</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3001108">20 pct More Perk Points</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2990780">Thunderchild Epic Shouts</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/SKYRIM/mod-detail/3434817">Undeath Remastered</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3186851">Sacrosanct Vampires of Skyrim</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><strong style="font-size:18.6667px;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Optional Mods</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2918744">Alternate Start</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3329619">Summermyst Enchantments of Skyrim</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/SKYRIM/mod-detail/3382239">Dragonplate Crown</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/SKYRIM/mod-detail/4047551">Isilmeril's LOTR weapons</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/SKYRIM/mod-detail/3012873">Patron Gods of Skyrim</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3093882">Smilodon Combat of Skyrim</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><br /> </span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390936575,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390936575,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390936575?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390889330,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390889330,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390889330?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="533" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Nord Vampire</strong></span><span style="color:#800080;"> -</span> With Imperious races installed you will start out with a 25% resistance to frost. A pasive effect known as the "Purge" which you can choose a race to do bonus damage to at levels 10, 20 and 30. An innate ability to do more damage the lower your health gets. You also get an unlocable power called "Avatar" which you can use to regenenrate stamina and magicka once a day. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">With Sacrosanct installed being a vampire will allow you to reanimate one slain enemy per battle for free, using the power "From Ancient Soil",</span><span style="color:#800080;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> <img src="/public/album_photo/75/04/03/2fe74_1247.png?c=2cc6" alt="" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390963220,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390963220,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390963220?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Daedric Quests</strong>:</span> Most are fine to do. Just role play that your'e working against the other Daedric Princes to steal the artifacts for Molag Bal. "House of Horror's" is an obvious one to do and good to pick up early on as the Mace of Molag Bal has some pretty powerful enchantments on it and looks pretty sinister to boot. You will not do Meridia's quest however as you are opposed to her ideals.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong><img style="float:right;" src="/public/album_photo/20/26/03/31ffd_0cbe.jpg?c=e3b7" alt="" /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275592874,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275592874,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275592874?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="308" height="482" /></a>The Jagged Crown:</strong> </span>You infiltrate one of the two opposing factions and use their information to find the Jagged Crown for yourself. Once the crown has been found you should slaughter all who remain in the barrow, and leave Skyrim to it's infighting with the empire (The more chaos the better). The Jagged Crown will be a symbol of your dominance over the people of Skyrim. You can also obtain the first word to "Slow Time" on this quest.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Dragon Born Quest Line and Black Book Quests:</strong></span> At Molag Bals behest you set out to the island of Solstheim in search of the elusive Black Books, eliminating any opposition in your quest to domination. The forbidden knowledge in the Black Books are essential to gain as they will unlock true power and potential of the Stormrider</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Dawnguard Questline (Volkihar Side):</span> </strong>You hear whispers of vampire hunters banding together to deal with the growing menace. As a newly turned vampire yourself you are just gaining an appetite for the new powers you have inherited and have no want of any pesky humans foiling your plans of chaos. You go to their fortress to speak with their leader who does not seem to recognise you for the beast you are. He tells you to seek out Dimhollow Crypt and that the vampires seek something within. With a toothy grin you depart for the crypt, where you find Serana and learn of a prophecy to send the world into darkness.....</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Finding words of Power/ Thunderchild:</span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> The Stormrider will seek out and find as many words of power as he can to strengthen his th'um. Thunderchild is rewarding in that the more vanilla shouts you unlock, the more Thunderchild shouts you unlock whenever you meditate at the High Hrothgar Library. Pursue all of the Thunderchild quests to unlock powerful bonuses like; "Way of Peace" When out of combat shout cooldown reduced to 10 Seconds (unless it is above 60 seconds). "Thundering Echoes" First shout you use in combat has no cooldwn. "Storm Crown" When entering or leaving combat cancels any active shout cooldown. These are just a few of the unlockable abilties, there also over 20 new shouts learn as well, so embrace your dragon blood and get to shouting.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391099942,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391099942,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391099942?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391104889,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391104889,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391104889?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="360" height="434" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Dawnguard provides you with the ultimate line up of sinister looking characters to accompany the Stormrider on his quest to annihilate and dominate Skyrim.</span><em> </em></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong>Serana</strong></span> </span><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800080;">-</span> A daughter of Coldharbor, and talented Spell Blade.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Death Hounds -</strong></span> Loyal undead beasts that look too sinster to pass up. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Zombies/Thralls -</span> </strong>With the perks from ordinator you can even dress your thrall in whatever armor you want.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Arvak - </span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong> </strong>A Flaming Undead Horse, find him in the Soul Cairn.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Storm Atronach - </span></strong><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="color:#000000;">A poweful elental daedra, empowered with lightning.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3390977048,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3390977048,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3390977048?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391146323,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391146323,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391146323?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="479" height="476" /></a> <span style="color:#800080;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:18pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong>Armour</strong></span></span> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong> <span style="color:#800080;">Jagged Crown (Head) -</span></strong> You get this during the quest "The Jagged Crown". With the <em>dragonplate helm</em> mod installed you can craft your own with Dragon smithing perk after completing this quest.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Enchanted Ancient Nord Armor (Torso, Arms and legs) -</strong></span> You can find a few full sets of armour at Forelhost along with the first word to "Stormcall" Use the helm from this set until you get the Jagged Crown.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:18pt;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong>Weapons</strong></span></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Enchanted Iron Shield -</strong></span> You should be able to get a lot of armour points out of this if you buy some potions and use an enchantment to boost smithing skill.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Enchanted Honed Ancient Nord War Axe or Sword -</strong></span> I called mine Soul Storm (enchanted with lightning and soul trap). Or the Witch kings sword if you have </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><em>Isilmeril's LOTR weapons</em></span> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">installed, this sword looks bad ass.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Mace of Molag Bal -</span> </strong>Evil sinister and the artifact of your lord, it's a good option if you want to crush some skulls.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Auriel’s Bow -</strong></span> Obtained through the Dawnguard questline use this with 'Blood Cursed Arrows' to darken the skies.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong>Other</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Enchanted Necklaces -</strong></span> Used to supplement crafting, combat and magickal abilities.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Enchanted Rings -</strong></span> Same as above</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">The Atronach Stone -</span> </strong> This will make all spells you cast cost less and be more effective, But the only way to regen your magicka is by slaying foes. (Fun right your power is sustained by the blood of your enemies). Unlockable abilty "Devour From Within" Paralyze a living target absorbing 50 magicka per second for 10 swconds. When depleted absorbs health instead, (You must find all standing stones to get this ability).</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Hodir's Th'um Notes -</span> </strong>A detailed journal on all of the Thunderchild shouts. Can be found in meditation area in High Hrothgar library.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Unyielding Storm Power Tome -</span> </strong>Found in the High Hrothgar Library, this Tome will cancel any active shout cooldown once a day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Stormtuned</span> -</strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> Meditate on Strun (Stormcall) with Parthunax. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Dark Pact -</strong></span> If you have Undeath Remasterd you can recive this blessing from a shrine to Mannimarco, it allows you more undead summons at the expense of no daedra summons.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>The Black Star -</strong></span> Take every opportunity to send the souls of the vanquished screaming to the Soul cairn, letting their pain and agony fuel your enchantments.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Secret of Arcana -</strong></span> No Magicka costs for 30 seconds.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Mora's Boon -</strong></span> Fully restores health, magicka and stamina. Very useful in a pinch.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391127525,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391127525,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391127525?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391092693,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391092693,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391092693?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="385" /></a>There are a few shouts that are particualry useful for this build. But to really appreciate how awesome it can be I would highly reccomend using Thunderchild. Thunderchild unlocks many new shouts some of which go so well with the build it'd be hard to pass up. One example would be the "Stormblast" Shout, which imbues your weapon with lightning that is released on a power attack. And an ability to refresh active shout cooldown once a day. Thunder Child acompanied with ordinator truly makes you feel like a dragonborn, you can win entire fights with just your th'um.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Another mod "Rotmulaag" allows you to meditate on all of the shouts in vanilla Skyrim with Parthunax (Feim, Fus and Yol, are the only words you could meditate on in vanilla). The one to Call your attention to here however is "Strun" (Stormcall) which grants the "Stormtuned" passive that makes all Lightning spells and effects 25% more powerful in the rain. Rotmulaag is so lore friendly it litarally is a crime not to have it in your load order.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Stormcall</strong> -</span> Fun to use in densely populated forts or camps, synchronises great with a few perks from Ordinator and Rotmulaag.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Soul Tear</strong> -</span> Extremely High damage and you get a Zombie and Soul Gem.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Become Ethereal</strong> -</span> Very useful when fighting dragons. Or if you need to regen health.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Dragon Aspect</strong> -</span> Basically Super Saiyin for the dragonborn.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Dismay</strong> -</span> Actually becomes useful with ordinator installed.And makes you feel like a true terror.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Bend will</strong> -</span> Enslave and dominate mortals and even the dovah with mighty shout.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>Lightning Shield</strong> -</span> A lightning cloak that damages nearby enemies and can even cause shock explosions if they attack you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Stormblast -</span> </strong>Your th'um imbues your weapon with lightning striking down enemies on a power attack.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Kingsbane -</span> </strong>Launches enemies from all sides, great if your souronded.<br /> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Curse -</span> </strong>You reflect damage up to 7 times back at the attacker (you still take normal damage).</span> </li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391130707,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391130707,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391130707?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> </span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275741884,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}275741884,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275741884?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="640" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800080;">Final Stat Distribution:</span> <span style="color:#0000ff;">3:<span style="color:#ff0000;">4</span>:<span style="color:#339966;">2 <span style="background-color:#ffffff;color:#000000;">(</span></span></span></strong><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span style="color:#339966;"><span style="background-color:#ffffff;color:#000000;">When magicka reaches 300 divide stats into stamina and health as you see fit)</span></span></span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong>Major Skills:</strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Destruction:</span> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Destruction magick is the most outward way of channeling the Stormriders chaotic tendencies. His mastery over lightning shows his complete supremacy over the weather.</span> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275763565,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275763565,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275763565?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" height="750" /></a>Speech:</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">With the blood of the dragon the Stormrider can use the th'um to destroy his foes and even control the weather. None can match his th'um for shear power</span> </p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><strong style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Conjuration:</strong> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Able to raise powerful undead minions from from fallen enemies,which gain various buffs from his dark knowledge.</span><span style="text-align:center;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong> <span style="color:#800080;">Block:</span></strong></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">With this skill he can inflict grievous wounds with the his shield. defl</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">ect any arrows to mitigate damage taken and keenly defend himse</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">lf </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">from physical blows and charge down any enemies in</span><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"> his path.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong>Minor Skills:</strong></span></span> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;color:#800080;"><strong>Alteration:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Able to turn flesh as hard as iron or atune his natrual restances the study of alteratin help sthe stormrider dominate any scenario.</span><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong>One Handed:</strong></span> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">The Stormrider is quite competent in combat and can just as easily fell foes with a blade as he can with spell.</span> </p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800080;">Enchanting:</span> </span></strong> </p>
<p><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">This is how the Stormrider ensures that his victims can never find peace even in death, By banishing them for an eternity of pain and misery to the Soul Cairn he can use their agonized souls to fuel his own twisted venture for dominance.</span> </p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong>Heavy Armour:</strong></span> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">The Stormrider's vast experience of war has given him a few tricks on how to make better use of his armour.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;color:#800080;"><strong>Smithing:</strong></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Able to make armour tougher than dragons hide or a weapon sharper than the edge of a razor, he has no problem charging into the thick of battle<strong>.</strong></span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391134658,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391134658,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391134658?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391094715,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391094715,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391094715?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="563" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Some of these abilities seague really well together, for example I've used Charging Storm to finish an initial wave of enemies then used call of the abyss on them and then proceded with unholy terror on the next group. In some cases if your in an area that is heavily populated and you can find a choke point you can use this combo to great effect and maybe even get to throw Ascension into mix as well. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><span style="color:#800080;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275827700,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275827700,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275827700?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" height="51" /></a>Ascension </strong><strong>-</strong></span> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Dragon Aspect + Stormcall + Secret of Arcana + Storm Tuned and Lightning Storm.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">This is great for smiting dragons from the sky and often by the time they have landed you have depleted most of their health and magicka so they c</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">an be dispatched with relative ease.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> Or if your hanging back and letting your thralls distract enemies charge up lighting storm and give them a blast of it.</span> </p>
<p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275848933,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275848933,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275848933?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" height="50" /></a><span style="color:#800080;"><strong style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Charging </strong><strong style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Storm</strong> -</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> Lightning Cloak + Lightning Shield + Unstopable Force and Shock Nova</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Charge down your foes with your shield while cloaked in lightning and when your in the middle of the fray unleash a few blasts of shock nova.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;color:#800080;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275860753,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275860753,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275860753?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="51" height="51" /></a>Unholy Terror</strong></span><span style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#800080;"> -</span> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Marked for Death and Dismay</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong> </strong>Enemies flee in terror only to have their life force sapped away from them. Those who return will be scarred from the last conflict and will quickly fall to your relentless onslaught. Works best in cramped spaces.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> Can be acomplished by unlocking the Force redoubled perk.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275866165,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275866165,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275866165?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="50" height="50" /></a>Call of the Abyss</strong></span> -</span> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Dark Pact + Ravenous Dead + </span><span style="font-family:'times new roman', times;font-size:12pt;">Undead Crown + Shocked to Life + March of Oblivion and Necromancy spells</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Raise legions of powerful un-dead minions to sew destruction and disarray amongst your enemies.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> </span> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391136472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391136472,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391136472?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275882298,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275882298,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275882298?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="355" height="518" /></a>You will use a vast array in your arsenal to power you through your quest of destruction. Including the power of Lightning, whether it come from blade, spell or th'um (You are the Stormrider after all). The art of necromancy to raise the fallen to do your bidding, your understanding of lightning is such that you can even empower your thralls with the element. You know your way around the field of battle and thus have experience with martial combat, the upkeep of armours and use of heavy armors. Your dark grasp of forbidden arts allows you to use the souls of your enemies to weave magick into your weapons and armor making you a true force to be reckoned with. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">You will often use a shield in one arm and spell in the other. Charging into a group of bandits then hitting them with a blast of the shock nova spell is quite satisfying. and when your magicka is running dry you can always switch to your melee weapon or unleash the power of your th'um to loose even more elemental fury on your opponents. See a bunch of dead bodies on the ground? They're no use just laying there, hit them with a necromancy spell so they can be used as fodder against your foes. Remember you are inherently evil, your not here to coddle the people of Skyrim your here to enslave and destroy them. Part of the beauty of this build is that you can swap between a full on tank to hanging back as support for your minions semlesely so gameplay seldomly becomes repeatitve. Any opportunity to divide the land and sew the seeds of discord should be made paramount. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">This character has an insatiable lust for power and is never truly satisfied. Whether it be learning new shouts to increase the effectiveness of your Thu'um or searching Apocrypha for forbidden knowledge you will always lust for more.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3391139877,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3391139877,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3391139877?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}275896981,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}275896981,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="275896981?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="231" height="231" /></a>The story behind this character is largely based off of the album “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJBjRFoFeSU&list=PL87DA260FDCC5D0EF">Night of the Stormrider</a>" by the metal band “Iced Earth”.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">I'd like to thank Dragonborn 2021 for lending some helpful advice. The remaster of this for ordinator took awhile to do but was so very worth it. It is a blast (pun intended) to play and goes so well with mods. I'll also say thank you to Curse Never Dying for helping me with the original concept for this build way back in 2015. It was my first build and getting help from some of the vetran members of the Skyrim Blog really helped to shape my building style and make me feel welcome.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">Disclaimer: I take no credit for any of the art or pictures displayed in this build. All credit should be given to thier respective artits (except for the ingame screenshot that was me).</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;"> I hope you enjoy playing this as much as I did. Please feel free to leave a comment letting me know your thoughts.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">If you liked what you saw I have more builds. Just follow the link below.<a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/furrion" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3573952626,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3573952626?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><br /> </span></p>
<p> </p></div>Character Build: The Dreadnoughthttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-dreadnought2018-12-04T22:35:52.000Z2018-12-04T22:35:52.000ZKaiserhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Kaiser<div><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Character Build: The Dreadnought</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This build has been in my mind for a long time. I’ve always wanted to create a Death Knight character, but I felt it was so overdone and that I couldn’t come up with any way to make it unique. It always came out bland –just like every other death knight build on the internet. But I have finally come up with a product that I feel is unique and can be proud of. Please, enjoy:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}224573228,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224573228,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="709" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}224567989,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224567989,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="709" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Master of Undeath – Bloodlord – Frostfist</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Race:</strong> Khajiit Vampire</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone:</strong> Advanced Atronach + Ritual</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Major Skills:</strong> Two-Handed, Enchanting, Heavy Armor</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Minor Skills:</strong> Destruction, Smithing, Restoration</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Stats:</strong> 2 Magicka / 4 Health / 1 Stamina – I ended the playthrough with 270/ 390 / 140 (Includes Advanced Atronach Stone but not enchantments)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Shouts:</strong> Marked for Death, Soul Tear, Frost Breath</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Powers & Abilities:</strong> Claws, Dragonborn Frost, Seeker of Sorcery</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><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}224578756,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224578756,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="272" height="595" /></a>Head:</strong> Aetherial Crown</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Neck:</strong> Health/Health Regeneration</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Body:</strong> Ebony (Health/Health Regeneration)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Feet:</strong> Stalhrim Heavy Boots (Stamina/Two-Handed)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Hand:</strong> Daedric Heavy Gauntlets (Two-Handed/Unarmed)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Finger:</strong> Health Regeneration/Unarmed + Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Weapons:</strong> Stalhrim Battleaxe (Absorb Health, Fiery Soul Trap), Daedric Gauntlets</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This gear can all be crafted by around level 30. It takes some time but until then simply use the best gear you can craft. The key parts to this kit are the <em>Aetherial Crown</em> which you can pick up relatively early and <em>Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy</em> which can also be obtained easily. With those two pieces of equipment, this character can be played completely as intended. The rest of the equipment is for aesthetic/statistical bonuses. <strong>NOTE:</strong> You will need to complete the “Vampire Stacking Glitch” in order to wear both Ahzidal’s Ring & A self-enchanted ring. This is critical to the build’s success. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Notes about Enchanting</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Don’t forget to get the Seeker of Sorcery for a 12.5% boost to your enchantments</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Drink an Enchanter’s Elixir before finalizing your gear.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Perks & Gameplay</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}224631656,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224631656,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Look like a powerful perkspread? It is.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I’m going to start off with everyone’s concern. Yes, there are two crafting skills. Yes, they are both maxed out. Yes, this character is powerful. Yes, this character has weak points. Allow me to explain: this character is an offensive monster. Two-handed when fortified by Smithing and Enchanting runs through enemies, particularly when self-serving enchantments like two-handed are boosted by Necromage in the Restoration tree. Now I’ll ask you to look again at restoration. It is only perked to apprentice. Which means this character doesn’t really have much for a healing skill. Our healing is, you guessed it, Enchanting. We fortify our 3 pieces of gear available with fortify health regen (chest, finger, and neck slots).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}224907958,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224907958,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="383" height="296" /></a>You might also notice that we have Heavy Armor combined with Smithing. Greeeaaaat, more overpowered boredom. Or not…because after looking more closely you’ll notice that we do not perk block. Which means while you may have a high health pool, high defense, and rapid health regen…you’re still taking the FULL FORCE of EVERY SINGLE attack. That’s a lot to compensate for, particularly on higher difficulties.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Two-handed is pretty self-explanatory. It is your <em>primary</em> method of damage dealing, however, we do augment this with a few other styles. The first being Destruction. Destruction provides ranged damage opportunities, melee support in the form of cloaks, runes, and wall spells, and will paralyze low health enemies taking some of the pressure off of defense. This character was after all created to be a juggernaut of death.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A few oddities in (and not in) this perk spread: Fists of Steel and Conjuration. Every Death Knight needs to sow death so that he can raise up his foes right!? But we didn’t even perk conjuration. This isn’t a Death Knight! Well, we have to go deeper than perks for our undead army. Our undeath comes from two major parts of this build: Soul Tear and the Ritual Stone. Finally, Fists of Steel combos perfectly with Khajiit Claws, Enchanting to boost our unarmed damage and Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy. Intrigued? I’ll explain.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Standing Stones</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are two standing stones that are crucial for this build.</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Advanced Atronach</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To get the Advanced Atronach, one must simply become a Necromage Vampire and then consume an Elixir of the Healer before obtaining the Atronach Stone. Necromage boosts the effects of the potion and of the stone to give your character 100% spell absorption at the cost of a 100% reduction in Magicka regeneration. This will also eliminate a vampire’s natural weakness to fire.</span></p>
<ol start="2">
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ritual (stored in the Aetherial Crown)</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Ritual stone provides this character with the capability to raise multiple zombies at once. You can use this power once a day or unequip and re-equip the crown to gain the power back for unlimited uses. This is insanely broken but great for some good fun once in a while.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Of Fists & Frost</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now that we’ve got our standing stones locked and loaded, this character is ready to abuse Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy. You may ask the question: “Why bother using a ring that makes my zombies explode? Isn’t it more effective to have them be human meat shields and do more damage by fighting?” NO! As explained in the section above, we are no longer able to regenerate Magicka. However, we can also not be hurt by magick…are you seeing it yet? These exploding zombies will completely refill your Magicka bar when you are hit by one of the explosions (tested with ~300magicka). That is insane! If you used the ritual stone to raise them, they won’t even turn to ash and can be raised again by the ritual yet again. </span></p>
<p><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224886915,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="352" height="281" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">gives you essentially two full Magicka bars to do as much damage or preparing as possible for large fights while also damaging your opponents with the frost explosions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is one caveat: the explosions don’t always regenerate your Magicka bar. It is much more effective and likely when you are <em>really close</em> to the explosion which doesn’t happen with a two-handed battleaxe</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. So, what fighting style gets up close and personal? Hand-to-hand combat. Khajiit claws and unarmed enchantments when combined with marked for death and a frost cloak are extremely lethal. Furthermore, most conjurers need to be careful using marked for death because if they raise a zombie that was previously hit with marked for death, they will have an incredibly fragile bodyguard. That doesn’t matter for this kitten because his zombies will be exploding upon contact anyway!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>The Bloodlord</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The final piece of any good Death Knight is blood magic. Now, this is difficult to achieve in Skyrim and has been done by numerous builds but never quite flows right. If you recall, the Dreadnought has low restoration capabilities, only perking up to apprentice. Fast healing and Equilibrium (which scales with difficulty) essentially just offset each other at master and legendary difficulties since we don’t regenerate</span> Magicka <span style="font-size: 12pt;">anymore. That means it’s a very ineffective method for recovering Magicka</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Of course, we have our zombies, but that’s a once a day power with the ritual or oftentimes just one zombie with soul tear.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This means that we have to rely on our massive health pool, staggering health regen, and absorb health enchantment to provide the health necessary to “create” Magicka when we’re in a pinch by utilizing <em>Equilibrium</em>. All things said and done, my character had a health pool of 590 and a boosted regeneration rate of 144% and a weapon that absorbed about 20HP/hit (I reduced it down to 20 to increase charges). This means I was regenerating 42 HP/sec in combat and supplementing that with health from my battleaxe</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. This rate is reduced during the daytime due to vampirism.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}224925230,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224925230,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="700" /></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Special Tactics</strong></span></p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224863075,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="149" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Glacial Gauntlet</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This deathly combo gives your fists the power of frost. Your base unarmed damage with Necromage, Fists of Steel, and enchantments should be 70. Marked for death will increase this by 9% each second and frost cloak will add another 12 damage per second while any exploding zombies that get caught will add another 50 damage and restore your</span> magicka <span style="font-size: 12pt;">bar. Effective.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Requires: Fists of Steel, Unarmed Enchant, Frost Cloak, Necromage Vampire, Marked for Death, Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy</em></span></p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224866246,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="149" height="146" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Berserk</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Instead of using your zombies to fortify your damage, you use them to restore your health. Using sweep to hit multiple zombies and/or enemies directly will absorb health for each target. You will still absorb health from your zombies before they explode augmenting your damage output.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Requires: Absorb Health, Sweep, Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}224879318,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="149" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Time Bomb</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hit your zombie with ash shell as it is resurrecting. Enemies will be distracted and try to target it still while you regenerate health. Finally, when ash shell runs out they will hit your zombie which will finally explode on (a group of) your enemies.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Requires: Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy, Soul Tear, Ash Shell</em></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Final Words</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I want to extend a huge “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 all the artists for creating these images --none of these are mine (except the screenshots).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is a very powerful but thrilling character. Definitely got me back into Skyrim again for quite some time so I hope that anyone who plays this has as much fun with it as I did. Please leave constructive criticism or let me know if there are any errors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">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. Adios!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">- Kaiser</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
</div>Event Build: The Butcher (Ordinator)https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/or-event-build-the-butcher2018-10-30T22:45:50.000Z2018-10-30T22:45:50.000ZSkull-Blackbloodhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/BlackBlood15532<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131182568,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131182568,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="131182568?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131181535,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131181535,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="131181535?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"So, you wanna know about The Butcher? That guy in Windhelm, he's nothing but a fake. Some star-crossed widow trying </em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>to get back </em><em>what's already lost. Now, if you want to know about the 'real' Butcher, there's someone to be afraid</em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em> of. </em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Inhuman, no fear, hard to kill, like some god - or maybe even a devil - decided to </em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>channel Oblivion on Nirn into someone. That's the real menace, and if you've got the balls, I could tell you all I know about him..."</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Greetings, sera. Blackblood here with a Mini-Event Build for the Halloween event. This is an idea I've had in my cranium for about two months now: The concept of a serial killer in Skyrim, like the ones you see in those slasher movies. More speficifally the big three from Friday the 13th, Holloween and Nightmare on Elm Street. The murderers from these series were superhuman, unfeeling, and absolutely terrifying for their victims. In this build, I wanted to take something from these killers, throw them on a character in Skyrim and see what happens. This build is a resultant of that, so without further ado let's get started shall we?</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;">Keep in mind, this is an Ordinator build!</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </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;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131182572,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131182572,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="526" alt="131182572?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131186235,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131186235,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="294" height="436" alt="131186235?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>Race:</strong> Nord<br /><em> "He's probably a Nord, only type of person I know that can incite that blood-curdling fear on command are those guys. You know, when he gets surrounded they say he unleashes a burst of terror, and everyone just up and loses </em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>their guts. Just run away terrified. Only Nords can do that naturally."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Standing Stone:</strong> Lady<br /> <em>"There have been times when people got hits in on him. They never last though. He's got... something in him, makes him come back from some pretty auful wounds. No, nothing short of a good Destruction spell will finish him off."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Quests:</strong> "The Taste of Death"<br /> <em>"And now we got rumors that he eats people too. Figures himself some kind of chef, and us people are like cuts of meat to him. Makes me wonder if he's not in good with the Coven of Namira..."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Att. Spread:</strong> <strong>0/1/0</strong>.<br /> </span> <em style="font-size:16px;">"The bastard's hard as hell to kill too. It's not just the regen, tho that helps. It's his body. He's just a big, meaty bastard. He took an arrow to the face one time, shrugged it off, gutted the poor archer a few steps later."</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em style="font-size:16px;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131183419,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131183419,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="389" alt="131183419?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">One-Handed</span><br /></strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"The witnesses who survive an encounter with him all say the same thing, he always wields some axe or another. Differing accounts shift between either a basic Woodcutter's Axe or an Orcish War Axe, but it's always bloody in the end."</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Illusion</span><br /></strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"The fear this man exudes, it ain't normal. I've seen diehard guardsmen from Skyrim get sent fleeing. They shouldn't be scared of some punk with a sack over his face."</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Enchanting</span><br /></strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"Seriously, that's what he wears, along with a set of chef's clothing. No armor, no shield, just his axe. So what is it that makes him so powerful? Me, I think that his gear is more than meets the eye. Especially with that axe; from what I've heard, it's just as hungry as its owner."</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Alteration</span><br /></strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"There's also the fact that, despite wearing no protection, he's still hard to kill. Attacks that should cut through him end up losing their strength on him, like they were being repelled or something. I wonder what monster he sold his soul to for that kind of protection..."</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sneak</span><br /></strong> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"Of course, this all assumes you ever get a shot at him. A lot of people say they never hear him coming; that he just shows up and puts an axe through your skull. A guy that big, you wonder how he manages to sneak all over the place."</em></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><em>EXAMPLE PERKSPREAD</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131185173,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131186631,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="131186631?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131185312,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131185312,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="444" alt="131185312?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131185410,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131185410,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="131185410?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"How he fights? Hard to say. Most people who go against him in battle don't survive to tell the tale, and the few that do are too scarred<br /> to give any sort of useful information. Still, with enough hounding and by filling the blanks myself, I think I got a good idea of how the<br /> bastard likes to do his work. He'll usually try to sneak up on someone, get in as many kills as possible. He can use that stealthy magic from Illusion to make himself hard to get to, but eventually he'll slip up. When that happens you'd better run, cuz he's about to throw caution to the wind and put an axe through your head. And if you ain't afraid yet, he'll make sure you will be."</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> ...Built-in story aside, combat as The Butcher is very simple. Start out each conflict with stealth and aim to take out as many enemies as possible before being detected, at which point you go out and start chopping heads. Should you find yourself in danger in any way use Fear spells to relieve some of the pressure. With Lamb to the Slaughter, you can doom one enemy to certain death, and the others will be weaker due to Terror causing them to drop their weapons.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Your targets are humans, so try not to bother with anything else unless it's absolutely necessary (like in Namira's quest). Of course, as long as it's a human, it can be whatever you care to hunt, be it bandits or necromancers. And always remember to stalk your prey at night. You can be as mild-mannered as you'd like during the day, but when night falls you should be out in the darkness looking for your next victim.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Your survivability comes from three main sources: High health, high regen, and Energy Shield. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">You gain high health from putting all of your attribute points into health, as well as choosing health in Alter Self: Attributes.</span> <span style="font-size:12pt;">High regen comes from the Lady Stone, your enchanted gear, as well as feeding with the Ring of Namira. The Ring also gives you 50 extra points of health. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Energy Shield perk from Alteration will reduce damage by 35% while you're wearing chest clothing and no armor.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Energy Shield drains magicka equal to the damage that was reduced, and loses effectiveness past 50% of your base, but taking the Vancian Magic perk solves this. This perk causes your magicka to become effectively infinite, and allows you to cast "any' spell in the game for no magicka, but you will be restricted to a certain number of spells you can cast until you sleep in an owned bed or an inn, and if you run out your magicka will immediately hit zero. So don't use all of your Fear spells up too quickly, or you'll lose that 35% damage protection.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You'll want to put Fortify One-Handed on your gloves and boots, and fortify Health Regen on your chest and necklace. You can put whatever you'd like on your headgear. your axe will have an Absorb Health enchant, and that'll help with your regen. The headgear can be any clothing that completely obscures the face, but I recommend the tan Execution Hood, as seen in the screenshots.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131191272,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131191272,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="697" alt="131191272?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Here are some recommended mods (mostly for PC users) to help with the RP experience:<br /></span></p>
<ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19447/" target="_blank">Execution Hood Reskin</a></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">, </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/74186" target="_blank">Profane Hood</a> or </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/37132" target="_blank">Bloody Smile Execution Hood</a></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19447/" target="_blank">Sneak Tools</a> -</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;"> Enchant your chosen headwear so that your identity is hidden while you hunt.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12375" target="_blank">Boogeymans Lair - LFPHS</a> - A very nice home for a very brutal killer.</span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/78266" target="_blank">Clean Up Your Corpses</a> - Decorate your home with the bodies of the fallen.</span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> And that's the build ladies and gents!</span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> So glad to finally have posted another build. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Playing this myself, it was pretty fun to throw Fear spells at people and have them run away in terror, and should you decide to play this build yourself I hope you have as much fun letting out your inner psychopath!</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}131191243,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}131191243,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="131191243?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>"So there you have it. He sounds like quite the monster, doesn't he? Truth is, I've been hunting this man for </em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>years now, and I've tracked him down here in Skyrim. I've even found the location of his hideout. I plan on hitting him, but I'll need some backup. If you're interested, you should come by my base so we can discuss </em></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>a plan of action. It's in the swamp in Morthal, hidden in an old well surrounded by tall rocks.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Oh, and don't mind the blood and bones at the entrance... *smirk*"</em></span></p></div>Character Build: The Shadow of Dawn (Ordinator)https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-shadow-of-dawn2018-08-18T00:46:16.000Z2018-08-18T00:46:16.000ZFurrion 17https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Furrion17<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378795283,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378795283,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378795283?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img src="https://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/94/09/03/3038e_12a7.jpg?c=1530" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3133192109,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3133192109,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3133192109?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="659" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/the-story-corner/general-forum/the-shadow-of-dawn-a-full-backstory?edited=1" target="_blank">Click here for the full backstory</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3379045713,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3379045713,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3379045713?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="261" height="355" /></a></span><span style="color:#00ccff;"><span style="color:#000000;">(Sometime before 188 4E)</span></span></em></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Born into a minor noble house in Wayrest in the 178<sup>th</sup> year of the 4<sup>th</sup> Era, Alayne was the youngest child of two children. Her mother had died giving birth to her, a fact that her brother would never let her forget, even if his resentment was unspoken, she knew it was always there. Her brother Robert was 10 years her senior and was being groomed to inherit her father’s business and estate. She would be married off to some rich lord to curry favour with his family no doubt. She hated that idea, which often would annoy her father. Left to her own devices growing up, she would frequent the estate's library wing quite regularly, where she would read tales about famous adventurers and gallant knights; often ending with rescuing a beautiful lady or princess. She liked the idea of being a knight more than some swooning dolt. Sometimes she would play with the servant’s children, though she would never tell her father, he had strong opinions about mixing with peasants. Her father was a renowned merchant who had set his business up in the Wayrest docks. He had trade agreements with several notable houses from all over The Iliac Bay. Some ships would even go as far south as the Summerset Isles, or north to the frozen land of Skyrim. </span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><em>(13 years earlier: The Sacking of Wayrest)</em></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">The year 188 was the year that changed everything. It was the year she found out the truth and the lies…It was an unremarkable day as any to start with, she broke her fast with her father and brother before saying her goodbyes and seeing them off as they headed down to the docks toward father’s business. She then walked down to the west wing of the estate as she would oft do to read in the library. It was late in the afternoon and she was day dreaming about what her father was going to bring home that day. Sometimes, he’d have new books for her to read, or a new dress… she hoped it was the former. Her day dreaming was interrupted by the sudden ringing of bells. Strange, she remembered thinking, they never rang the bells at this time. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">She got up to walk over to the window, but before she could, her brother burst through the doors, the serving woman gasped and dropped the honeyed milk that she’d been bringing to Alayne. Her brother’s tunic was covered in blood and he was dirty and sweaty. He must have run the horse half ragged to be looking like that, she thought. Alayne opened her mouth to say something, but he cut her off, and grabbed her by the hand and said she had to hide and that they’d killed father and most everyone at the docks. The city was under attack by pirates and corsairs, she heard her brother saying while her head swam at the sudden shock of what was happening. He took her to her mother’s old study, why, she didn’t know. What was there that could possibly help them? He started at the book shelf and she yelled at Robert not understanding why he’d want to look for a book at a time like this. He turned and the look on his face was stone and solemn. She let him be after that and just watched in fearful silence. The bookshelf creaked and cracked and slowly began to open. Her brother grabbed her and told her that she had to go in there and not come out until he came back for her. He told her that she’d find things that wouldn’t make sense and he would tell her everything once the crisis was over. He shoved her into the darkness and the bookshelf swung shut.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378974153,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378974153,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378974153?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="376" height="517" /></a></em></strong></span></span>It was pitch black inside and she could hear the muffled sounds of bells ringing. She sobbed quietly, fumbling at the walls eventually finding perchance a lantern with some oil in it. She nearly knocked it over as her hand clumsily brushed over it. She grabbed it off the wall and used the flint that was strung on the side of it to light the oil within. When she had finally lit <br /> the lantern, she made her way slowly down the cold flagstone steps. The steps were full of dust and cobwebs and she heard a mouse scurry away as the light rounded the stairwell. A few moments later, the steps broke off into a small room. She lifted the lantern to get a better view and a sudden flash caught her eye as light reflected off a silver sword. She made her way over cautiously. The blade itself was rather plain, but it had an ornate cross guard with beautiful patterns and swirls, that met a fine leather grip dyed crimson red. At the top of the hilt, sat a round pommel with the knot of Arkay inscribed into it. She ran a finger along the blade and winced, the blade was still sharp and a red line of blood quickly formed across her finger.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Days passed before she plucked up enough courage to come out of the secret room. Alayne soon found why her brother hadn't returned. Robert lay lifeless in the passage, his head had been caved in and a knife had been plunged into his chest. The estate was deathly quiet as she sat with Robert's body weeping uncontrolably in anguish and grief.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">That day had changed her, she knew then. and as the years passed, she dedicated herself to learning her mother's trade. Her mother had been a vampire hunter, you see, and she had kept many tomes of research that Alayne read fervently over the years preceding Wayrest's sacking. She'd even managed to hunt a few vampires down from the Montalion clan which was no easy feat. It had taken her 10 years of honing her skills with blade, magick, and subterfuge to even think of taking on one of the beasts. But in the end, she rose to the challenge and emerged mostly unscathed, save for the scar that forked across her right brow.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><em>(Present day: Aboard a Merchant Vessel)</em></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Her voyage to Skyrim was twofold. She had learned through some contacts that there was a pirate who frequented Solitude's docks who would often boast of his exploits in the sacking of Wayrest, those exploits included running his cutlass through a certain noble merchant from Wayrest and plundering the goods from his warehouse at the docks. Alayne couldn’t let that stand, she settled any affairs she had the very next day and <span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71820082,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71820082,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71820082?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="304" height="412" /></a></em></strong></span></span>left the estate in the capable hands of her steward. There was also some research she'd found of her mother's some time ago that she intended on seeing to whilst in Skyrim. If the research was accurate, there was supposedly a legendary artifact there, located near the small town of Dragon Bridge. This artifact was said to be a sword of unmatched beauty that glowed with such power and splendour that any false life in its presence would be purged from exitance. A lead she thought well worth following up on.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">As the ship rounded the cove, she donned her cloak hiding her silver beneath it and pulled up the fur hood as she stepped out of the cabin into the bitter cold wind. The sounds of gulls and bells carried through the air and in the near distance, she saw the great arch of Solitude with the Blue Palace standing proudly upon it. They had arrived in Skyrim at last. The captain looked down to her from the ship's wheel, gesturing her to come see him. After concluding her affairs on the vessel and arranging for her belongings to be taken to Solitude's finest inn, she was set to depart when the captain asked her one final question. “What is it that you hope to accomplish my lady?"</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">"Vengeance." She simply replied, stepping off the ship onto the docks. </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378796197,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378796197,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378796197?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10393074701,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10393074701,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="703" alt="10393074701?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Breton:</strong> With Imperious races installed, Alayne will gain the passive effect "Spell Mantle" which grants a 15% bonus to magick resistance and a 25% chance to absorb spells at low magicka, the Stones of Galen passive effect which grants an extra effect to standing stones (the effect Alayne will gain is a 20% chance to do double sneak damage, from the shadow stone). There is also a random encounter event that allows you to find The Grail of Betony on a "Treasure Hunter" this will grant Alayne a 50% bonus to Magicka and Stamina regen. And lastly, there is an unlockable power that is completed by finding 10 standing Stones. This allows you to mimic your target's racial power once a day.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Name: </strong>Alayne</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Gender</strong>: Female</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Age:</strong> 23</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Standing Stone: </strong>With Andromeda Standing Stones installed the Shadow Stone will grant Alayne two passive effects and an unlockable power. The first effect is called Blur and grants 20% faster movement speed while in combat. The second is called Hide in Shadows and grants 20% better sneaking and sneak damage when close to a wall or structure. The unlockable power Shadow step allows you to blink a moderate distance to a target at the cost of 50 stamina. This is unlocked by finding all the Standing Stones in Skyrim.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Morality and Personality:</strong> <a href="http://easydamus.com/chaoticgood.html">Chaotic Good</a>. Alayne has a strong hatred for pirates and bandits and will actively seek to destabilize their activities in any way possible. She has no qualms with joining The Thieves Guild, but will not steal from the poor or infirm. She doesn't mind bending the rules if it helps bring about the greater good. She is very skepitical of Jarls and other leaders after Wayrest's own ruler King Barynia was found to have hired the corsairs who sacked her home to further his own agenda. She is free-spirited and is rather cocksure of her abilities.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378797198,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378797198,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378797198?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <em>All of these mods are available for Xbox and PC</em></p>
<p><img style="float:right;" src="https://tamrielvault.com/public/album_photo/8a/09/03/30384_6b19.jpg?c=1e38" alt="" width="271" height="371" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Esential Mods:</strong></span></p>
<ul style="text-align:left;">
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2983497">Ordinator</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2978320">Apocalypse</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2986039">Imperious Races</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4052177">Andromeda Standing Stones</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3001108">20 pct perk points</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2918744">Alternate start live another life</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4061682">Tomebound</a></span> </li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Recomeneded Mods:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2988366">Wildcat</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4041268">Mortal Enemies</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3070960">Heliomancy Spellpack</a> </span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3010954">Better Daedric Artifacts</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4032205">Divine Daedric Dawnbreaker</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3971896">Nightingale Prime Armor</a></span> </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3398242713,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3398242713,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3398242713?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3631155156,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3631155156,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3631155156?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" height="417" /></a></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Equipment:</span></strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Silver Sword</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - Find this by "visiting" Gallows Rock to see if the Silver Hand have any common ground with The Dawnguard.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Dawnbreaker</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - The ultimate vampire hunter's sword, this is one of the reasons Alayne came to Skyrim.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Nightingale Prime Armor (Mod)</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - Found outside Nightingale Hall. For immersion purposes I'd recommend only getting this once you gain entry to Nightingale Hall via Thieves Guild quest line. Alternately vanilla Nightingale Armor will suffice. </span><a style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;" href="https://tamrielvault.com/groups/topic/view/page/1/group_id/3/topic_id/9842">For early game options refer to level 20 version of build. </a></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Mage's Circlet </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">- Obtained during College of Winterhold quest line.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Savos Aren's Amulet</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - Obtained during College of Winterhold quest line.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Ring of Fortify Restoration</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - I got mine from Radiant Raiment.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong>Magick:</strong></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Ocato's Recital</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - You can load up to 3 self targeting spells, and they will activate when entering combat.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Shroud/Invisibility</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - Alayne can cloak her self by manipulating the light around her.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Muffle</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - Allows Alayne to move silently.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Flesh Spells</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - Alayne can reinforce her armor to better absorb damage.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Fireball </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">- Fireball allows Alayne to deal immense damage to close knit groups.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Runes</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - Alayne can use a variety of runes imbuing them with fire and sun based magicks.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Bolide</strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> - This fire spell will do more damage the further away Alayne is from a target, up to 5 times its base damage.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Vampire's Bane </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">- Alayne can hurl explosive balls of holy light to destroy the undead and vampires.</span></li>
<li><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Turn undead - </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">With a strong understanding of Restoration, Alayne's turning spells are much more effective than those of others.</span><span style="text-align:center;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378799671,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378799671,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378799671?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a>Find all Standing Stones: </strong>Not a quest per se, but finding all of the Standing Stones is essential in gaining the shadow Step ability from the Shadow Stone. And since questing for artifacts and mystical items is ingrained into Breton culture, it makes sense that Alayne would want to seek them all out.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Lights Out: </strong>One of the first quests Alayne will set upon doing after she's set herself up in Solitude. She will play along with the lizard's plan as it furthers her own investigation into tracking down the pirate who murdered her father. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}242934012,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}242934012,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="242934012?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" height="575" /></a>Rise in the East: </strong>Another worthy lead for Alayne to follow up on, she will gladly help the East Empire Company rid themselves of the "Bloodhorkers". </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Break of Dawn: </strong>Alayne will be a little hesitant of doing the bidding of a daedric prince, at first, but sees the good she can do if she is in possession of an artifact as powerful as Dawnbreaker. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Man Who Cried Wolf & The Wolf Queen Awakened: </strong>Helping Haafingar be rid of an ancient evil such as Potema and her undead minions is something Alayne will gladly offer her services to do. Feeling that she is far better equipped to take on such a task than anyone else with her set of skills. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Thieves Guild: </strong>Alayne will happily join the Thieves Guild, hoping that her morality of stealing only from the rich and helping those in need might rub off on guild members. She soon finds herself caught up in guild politics. Her jobs eventually lead her to the option of gaining more knowledge in shadow magick but at what price.... </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>College of Winterhold:</strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> The college harbors many secrets. Secrets that Alayne can use to further her knowledge in the Shadow Magick like abilities the Montalion Clan use. She can also gain further insight into the Restorative arts with the help of Colette Marence.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Dawnguard:</strong> One of the more obvious factions Alayne will find common ground with. Being a vampire hunter herself, she will gladly join them in their quest in ridding Skyrim of the Volkihar clan's threat. She will find it hard to work with Serana at first, but will seek to help her cure herself of her affliction. (Note that if you are too pushy with Serana about getting cured she will stonewall you and refuse to talk about it further. Be more tactful and coercive and she will eventually seek out Fallion).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Blood on the Ice: </strong>After hearing about a slew of recent murders plagueing the citizens of Windhelm, Alayne takes up the quest to track down the killer. She quickly learns that men can be just as depraved as vampires. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Laid to Rest: </strong>Alayne will look into Morthal's burnt down house upon passing through, as she notices there is somthing amiss in the town and wonders if it might have anything to do with Alva, who is suspiciously pale....</span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Vampire</strong><strong> Hunter</strong>: More of a personal quest, Alayne will take it upon herself to eradicate any vampires she meets. Some possible targets include; Sybille Stentor, Movarth Piquine, Laelette, Alva, Vighar, Hert, Hern, and the Volkihar Clan.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3398245335,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3398245335,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3398245335?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378843091,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378843091,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378843091?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Atributes: <span style="color:#0000ff;">1</span>:<span style="color:#ff0000;">2</span>:<span style="color:#008000;">1</span></strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> <em><span style="font-size:10pt;">(Stop perking magicka and stamina once you get to 250 on each, equipment used will buff them plenty)</span></em></span> </p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3379167207,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3379167207,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3379167207?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="370" height="517" /></a>Skills</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Major Skills:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Sneak:</strong> Alayne's skill in subterfuge is such that at times she can literally melt into the shadows, allowing her to move undetected and strike hard at unsuspecting foes with physical and Magickal damage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Light Armor:</strong> Alayne prioritises fast movement and finesse and thus favors light armor.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Restoration: </strong>Restoration is Alaynes primary form of offence and defence when it comes to facing the undead. Subsequenly all of her physical attacks and restoration effect's on them are more powerful due to her rigrous study of the art of Restoration.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Alteration:</strong> Through the study of alteration, Alayne has learned to better manipulate other schools of magicks, control the flow of her magicka to supplement her blade skill and alter her very person. A note on Alteration; </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Wild Shrines</strong> (For the locations of shrines click<strong> <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/5bv899/ordinator_wild_shrines_locations_xpost_from/">here</a></strong>), <strong>Welloc's Dormant Arcana</strong><strong> </strong>(Empower Restoration, Fortify Armor, Resist Magick - Linked to a Flesh Spell like Iron Flesh), <strong>Alter Self: Resistances </strong>(Resist Shock, Resist Fire) and <strong>Alter Self: Attributes </strong>(Fortify Magicka).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Minor Skills:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Destruction: </strong>Alayne has learned how to wield fire and inscribe multiple runes at a greater distance. She can take advantage of weakened enemies and do more damage to them with her flames and even cause some to flee the field.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>One Handed</strong>: Not afraid to get up close to her foes, Alayne can make good use of her silver blade with quick decisive cuts.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Enchanting:</span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> Alayne can use her knowledge of enchantments to imbue her blades with spells and empowers them further when wielding magick. A note on enchanting; <strong>Spellscribe </strong>(Turn Greater Undead).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Illusion:</strong> A cornerstone to Alayne's fighting style, she has learned to bend the light around her rendering her imperceptible at times. She can also conceal any audible noise from enemies allowing her to cast and strike with the element of suprise.</span> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378848043,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378848043,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378848043?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71821773,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71821807,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71821807?profile=original" width="500" height="564" /></a></span></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71821737,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71821737,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71821737?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="47" /></a></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Embrace Shadows</strong> - Ocato's Recital + muffle, flesh spell and invisibility</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> A simple yet essential ability for the build. With the use of Ocato's recital (loaded with a flesh spell, muffle, and invisibility), Alayne can instantly become intangible to the eye whenever a conflict begins.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71821812,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71821812,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71821812?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="47" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Shadow Strike</strong> - Shadow Warrior + Sneak attack or Shadow warrior + Shadow step + Sneak attack</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">When in open conflict Alayne can use a rare form of shadow magick becoming temporarily undetectable sometimes appearing across the field to slip her blade into an unwitting archer. The shadow warrior perk allows her to slip into the shadows and strike hard at foes who lost sight of her. For distant foes, this can be combined with shadow step to great effect if timed right.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71821853,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71821853,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71821853?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="47" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Hidden Flame</strong> - Shadow Stone (Stones of Galen, Hide in shadows) + Demolition Job + Fire Spell</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Alayne has mastered the art of surprise and thus she not only gains a bonus to physical attacks but also the arcane when hidden. She can place multiple fire runes around the field, snipe distant enemies with bolide, and throw explosive fireballs into unsuspecting groups to great effect. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71821940,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71821940,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71821940?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="47" /></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Ring of Fire</strong> - Circle of protection + Wall of flames + Crusaders fire</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">When surrounded by undead melee combatant's Alayne can lay down a holy ring imbued with powerful flames. Undead who cross the threshold flee and are smited with holy fire. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8407105654,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8407105654,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8407105654?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="47" height="47" /></a>Dust to Dust</strong> - Apotheosis + Dawnbreaker + Crusaders fire + Vampires bane</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">When in a situation where Alayne is faced with a particularly large group of powerful undead, she can channel the power of Dawnbreaker to burn away the corruption of false life, rapidly burning them and if one should fall while afflicted by Dawnbreaker's (Meridia's wrath) enchantment, the rest will flee becoming especially susceptible to further restoration spells, if they were not destroyed outright from the explosion. She then destroys any stragglers with the vampires' bane spell.</span> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378845186,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378845186,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378845186?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10393075272,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10393075272,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10393075272?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>Gameplay: </strong>First off, Alayne is not the Dragonborn so she will not pursue the main quest (however if you do wish to use the thu'um, you can, it is just not a major thing for the build). If you have Alternate Start installed I recommend starting Alayne off in Solitude by way of ship. Alayne will often approach combat quite tactically, choosing to eliminate troublesome enemies such as archers and mages first under the cover of stealth. Upon being detected, Ocato's Recital will activate granting her one more chance at a stealth kill after which she will switch into a fast-paced spell blade where she will hurl spells and skilfully dodge and slash at her enemies. The 20% boost to movement she gains from the Shadow Stone really is handy at becoming a blur on the battlefield and also allows for some devastating sneak attacks when hidden. Alayne is a bit of a lone wolf and will not recruit any followers, preferring to rely on her skills in subterfuge to see her through difficult battles. She will actively hunt down vampires, the undead Draugr, and Dragonpriests wherever she finds them. Any pirates or bandits she encounters, she will deal with swiftly and mercilessly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Combat: </strong>At its core this build plays like an aggressive Nightblade, easily switching to and from stealth as the need arises. Enemy types to be wary of are archers and spellcasters. Use abilities like shadow strike to deal with these targets. Enemies with two-handers are also problematic and should be taken care of at a distance where possible, though if you are good at reading their moves you can get a few quick strikes in after a missed power attack. When faced with groups of non-undead use guerilla tactics, using Shroud to break their line of sight, and taking them by surprise again. Whittle them down to a manageable number and then switch to a spell blade roll to take care of the remaining few. When faced with large groups of undead use spells like Repel Undead and Circle of Protection to rout them. Crusaders Fire will soften them up as well as Warriors Flame when it hits them. Take out draugr deathlords first by using stealth, as they can and will easily disarm you. Then focus on the other variants.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Alayne is a rogue class, not a warrior class, so this build is all about fighting smarter not harder. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">For a look into how combat runs, check out the video.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t14rSnSOAz0?feature=oembed" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378854844,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378854844,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378854844?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3378857507,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3378857507,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3378857507?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" height="456" /></a></span></strong>This build is the culmination of weeks of painstaking effort and coffee fueled evenings. I am so happy to be able to present it to you in it's entirety. It is the full realization of the earlier an earlier level 20 proto build I produced and so much more.</span> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">If you enjoyed reading the build and want more, I have <a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/the-story-corner/general-forum/the-shadow-of-dawn-a-full-backstory?edited=1">Alayne's full backstory</a> in the Story corner. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Credit where credit's due, so thanks to Tysoyaha for sharing some insight into the mechanics of Shadow Step. Props to Dean for using the Alignment system, I pinched that idea off him. Also, thank you to The Long-Chapper and Ilanisilver for proofreading and spell checking the build. And everyone else who helped me throughout the builds inception by providing opinions and ideas, couldn't have been what it is without you all!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">And a little disclaimer, the art, except for the first picture, is not done by me and <em>I do not</em> take credit for art I used. That should go to their respective artists. </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">And Lastly, thanks to you the reader, if you got this far it means I did a good job. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'times new roman', times;">If you liked what you saw I have more builds. Just follow the link below.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/furrion" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3573952626,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3573952626?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a></strong></span></p></div>Character Build: The Reaver (Ordinator)https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-reaver2018-08-06T23:08:43.000Z2018-08-06T23:08:43.000ZFurrion 17https://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Furrion17<div><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549840718,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549840718,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549840718?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Foreword:</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">As you may have guessed already by the name, this build is heavily inspired by the</span></span> Reaver specialization from the Dragon Age Series and seeks to replicate that playstyle as faithfully as possible in the world of the Elder Scrolls.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Reavers are warriors who have unlocked a new level of control over their bodies. They command this untapped energy from deep within blood and bone. The Reaver path however is a double edge sword. The Reaver specialization trades pain for strength, by channeling their own life force into raw power and stealing the life from their foes. Reavers terrorize their enemies, feast upon the souls of their opponents and become more powerful as they begin to die. It is not so easy, however, to learn this gift, as it comes from the ritually prepared blood of a dragon. - Dragon Age Reaver Specialization</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71024967,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}71024967,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71024967?profile=original" width="500" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549840440,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549840440,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549840440?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a> </span><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>(Unknown Year: The Crypt)</strong></span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8420216089,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8420216089,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="218" height="326" alt="8420216089?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a>Darkness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">She always woke to darkness, and even as she stirred, her fingers twitching at her sides, she wondered - was she even awake? How long had she slept? Was it light out, or dark?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">It was no use – Svarah’d lost all concept of time years ago. Decades? Centuries?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Longer?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Even her memories were fading away, and it grew ever harder to remember anything before the darkness. Before she was entombed in this sarcophagus, this…prison.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Now and then, she sensed the faintest hint of power, of blood, of…life, but it always faded as quickly as it had come. Devoted guards sacrificed a little of their life essence every day, but that didn’t compare to times when some foolish adventurer stumbled into her tomb seeking treasure. After quickly dispatching the unwitting intruder, her guards would drain his blood and let it slowly drip into the mouth of her sarcophagus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">But some time ago it had changed, the blood. Its taste was unlike that of men or mer or even dov. And it coursed through her veins with a seductive power that left her wanting more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Her guards’ life essence could no longer sustain her as it once had – her body cried only for blood. Subtly at first, it called to her, but soon the bloodlust grew insatiable, irresistible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Unbearable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">She burned within her crypt. Rarely, she was able to focus her mind, cast it back to before – before she was entombed. When she’d walked free under open skies. It became her solace, then, those hazy memories of a time when she’d had enough power to break out of her prison and crush those who had trapped her here.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong>(Late Merethic Era: Before the Dragon War)</strong> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71026763,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71026763,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71026763?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="195" height="327" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">The ground was slick with blood, the blood of the Snow Elves. Svarah’s warband had routed and slaughtered yet another pocket of the treacherous mer, once again earning her honor-name: Blood-Blade.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Svarah’s combat prowess was unmatched, and her mastery of the Arcane differed from that of other Clever Men. Her magick coursed within her armor, enhancing it, making it stronger. Bound magick coursed along the blade of her sword, releasing in waves of powerful blasts with each swing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">No one on the battlefield expected magick from a woman like Svarah – clad in heavy armor and wielding a great blade in both her hands. And Svarah used this eccentricity to her advantage, rarely failing to take her enemies by surprise.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Her efforts against the Elves had even gained the recognition of the Dragon Priesthood, who sought to test her abilities. Her trials were many, but after years fraught with hardship and war, the Dragon Priests called her to Bromjunaar.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71027304,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71027304,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71027304?profile=original" width="246" height="369" /></a>“There is power in Blood, but the greatest power comes from the blood of the dragon. Taking that blood into yourself unlocks your true potential as a Dragon Priest. How it manifests,” Nahkriin said, handing the Chalice to Svarah, “is up to you. Drinking of the Blood binds your destiny to the Dovah and will awaken the dragon inside you. You will serve the Dov and preside over the lands of man to ensure the small folk stay loyal. Do you accept this gift we offer you?”</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">“Yes,” Svarah replied, and drank deep of the chalice.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">“I now name you Konahrik, for your tireless campaigns in freeing the land of the Elven scum.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Svarah felt the power awaken within her body - a primal power. And with it, boundless knowledge of the Thu’um.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">“Here,” Rhagot said, handing her an intricately carved mask, “the mask of a Dragon Priest, forged by the dovah themselves. Wear it with pride.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">And Svarah did. In Atmora, the Dragon Priests had been lauded by the people for being fair and just rulers. They’d mete out just punishment to those who deserved it, but on the whole, they’d provided well for their subjects.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">But here, in their new homeland, cruelty and fanaticism began to take hold. Svarah slowly began to see a different picture unfold, and over time she became disillusioned with the with Dragon Priesthood.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;text-decoration:underline;"><strong>(Late Merethic Era: The Early Dragon War) </strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71027096,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71027096,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71027096?profile=original" width="215" height="287" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Rebellion had begun. Years of mistreatment and enslavement under Alduin’s Dragon Cult had broken man. They rebelled against their Dragon Masters, and the lands bled for it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">When the Dragon Priests convened a Summit to decide how to deal with the rebellion, Svarah rose, her hands trembling slightly at her sides.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">“What has befallen you, this rebellion,” Svarah said, in a strong and steady voice, “is on your heads. Your tyranny has led men to call for your blood. Just as you have made them bleed for too many years.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">The priests turned on her swiftly, capturing her and stripping her of her power and belongings, scattering them to different corners of the land. They entombed her in a crypt to await the judgement of Alduin.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">But judgement never came…</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">(Present Day: The Crypt)</span></span><span style="color:#800000;"> </span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71027589,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71027589,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71027589?profile=original" width="259" height="367" /></a>The blood stirred. Not her hunger, but something ancient. Something Svarah had not felt for eons. The dragon blood – the power of the dovah – coursed through her body once more. She was awake.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Whatever magick held the sarcophagus shut had weakened enough for her to break through the seal, and with an ear-splitting crack, the lid broke open and crashed to the floor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Svarah crumpled to the ground in agony, her muscles stiff and weak. Light shone through a crack in the ceiling and burned her eyes. Svarah curved a hand over her brow and looked around.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Shrivelled and desiccated bodies of her guards lay still on the crypt’s floor, and Svarah panicked, pulling her hands in front of her face and ignoring the painful sunlight’s glare. She’d feared the worst, but her body was…whole. Deathly pale and weak, but whole. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">More than alive, she thought, feeling the dragon blood surge through her veins. But did this mean…</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Yes, Alduin had finally come. Judgement had arrived. After an eternity of quiet, the World Eater had returned, but Svarah vowed then and there - she was not going to be taken without a fight….</span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549843063,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549843063,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549843063?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">All of these mods are playable on Xbox One</span></em></span></p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;text-decoration:underline;">Essential Mods:</span></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3186851">Sacrosanct</a> - Sacrosanct completely overhauls vampirism in Skyrim, adding in many different passive and active abilities as well as a few race specific traits and even a couple of small quests.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Ordinator - This mod does a total revamp of the Perk tree adding dozens of new skills to learn.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3001108">20 Percent More Perk Points</a> - A well-balanced option in my opinion when used with Ordinator installed. There are many new perks to choose, and having an extra skill point to spend every five levels helps to get those perks that would otherwise take a few more level ups to get.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3329619">Summermyst</a> - Fixes some vanilla enchantments but also adds in a plethora of new and interesting enchantments to learn.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4052177">Andromeda Standing Stones</a> - Overhauls vanilla Standing Stones allowing for all-new roleplaying options. Each stone feels truly unique and can't be replicated like the most vanilla stones could.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71027766,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71027766,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71027766?profile=original" width="366" height="549" /></a>Imperious Races - Breathes new life into the racial system, including new racial attributes, passives and unlockable abilities via a race specific quest.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2990780">Thunderchild</a> - Adds in 30 new shouts and several mini quests that can unlock additional shout-related powers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3261266">Volkihar Knight Armor</a> - Add three new vampire themed heavy armor sets, that each have a unique effect. We will be using the Royal Guard variant.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#800000;"><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Recommended Mods:</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2988366">Wildcat/</a><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3093882">Smilodon</a> - Overhauls damage and many combat features and allows you to customize your combat experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/4041268">Mortal Enemies</a> - Tweaks enemy AI and hitboxes creating more fluent combat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2991775">Rebalanced Encounter Zones</a> - Essentially this randomizes enemy leveling, generally making most encounters much tougher.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3079512">Rotmulaag</a> - Adds every vanilla shout as a meditateable word of power with Parthunaax. Fully voice acted and expertly crafted it fits seemlessly into the vanilla game.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3035778">Enchantments unleashed</a> - Essentially takes item restriction off all vanilla armor enchantments so you can place it where you want.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3876107">Better Bloodskal Blade</a> - Slightly tweaks The Bloodskal Blade's stats making it equivalent to ebony tier. The blast now does 70 points of damage. If you have all of the combat mods above installed you should find it is well balanced. If not wait until mid game before picking it up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/2918744">Alternate Start</a> - With this installed you can pick one of several scenarios on how to start your character's story off in Skyrim. For Svarah I had her start off as a vampire in a secluded lair. (Moldering Ruins above Rorikstead for me. But it just drops you off at a random vamp lair, so you may start elsewhere).</span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549844396,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549844396,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549844396?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028044,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028044,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028044?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></span></strong></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Nord Vampire:</span> </strong></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">With Imperious races installed Svarah will start out with a 25% resistance to frost. A passive effect known as the "Purge" which will allow Svarah to choose up to three races to do bonus damage to at levels 10, 20 and 30 (Altmer, Bosmer and Dunmer) and an innate ability to do more damage the lower her health gets. She also gets an unlockable power called "Avatar" which she can use to regenenrate stamina and magicka once a day.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">With Sacrosanct installed being a vampire will allow Svarah to reanimate one slain enemy per battle for free. The power is called "From Ancient Soil".</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Name: </span></strong>Svarah Blood-Blade</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Gender:</strong> </span>Female<br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800000;">Age:</span> </strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">4000 Years + (</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Magickally entombed from the early events of The Dragon war until 4th Era Skyrim)<br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Standing Stone:</span> </strong>Atronach - With the Atronach Stone Svarah can "Link" her Blood Magick to her blade with Spellscribe, because of the spell cost reduction. The unlockable ability "Devour From Within" is a very potent health absorbing ability that will paralyze a living target absorbing 50 magicka per second for 10 seconds, but will absorb health once the targets magicka depletes. This is important to note. For Svarah health absorption is key, so this will instantly be far more effective against non spell casting enemies i.e. warriors, archers and wild animals. Not to say it's ineffectual against mages, it can still be extremely useful at locking them down and helping Svarah finish them quickly. (You must find all standing stones to unlock Devour from Within). </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Morality/Personality: <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="http://easydamus.com/lawfulneutral.html">Lawful Neutral</a>.</span></span></strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;"> Svarah has a strong sense of honor for the better or for the worse. She will stand for what's right and tries more often than not to choose the decision that would bring about the most good, at the same time she feels a deep disconnect from the world she has awoken to and doesn't feel at all familiar with the peoples or their beliefs. Which at times can make her seem callous or careless to those around her. She respects her adversaries and would never cut down an enemy who is without means of defence or is too lame to fight back. She tries to help those in need where possible but only if they are unable to help themselves. She has extreme disdain for elves but can keep her rage in check due to her strong sense of self.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://easydamus.com/chaoticevil.html">Chaotic Evil</a>. As your journey with Svarah progresses, and she develops a taste for blood her honorable personality will begin to dissolve. Slowly at first but the more the urge to feed calls and the more she taps into the dark power of vampirism the faster she will become corrupted by the power at her finger tips. Always at odds with herself, fighting the primal urge of growing bloodlust it becomes even harder to resist the urge of being consumed by pure rage when in the presence of mer folk which she abhors with an almost religious fervor. It's like the darkness is always pulling at her trying to consume her leaving her teetering at the edge of a void there is no turning back from.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">You ultimately choose whether she is fully corrupted by vampirism like the priests she hunts were corrupted by power. Or if she is able to cling to a lingering sense of humanity...</span></span></span> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549853941,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549853941,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549853941?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028107,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028107,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028107?profile=original" width="238" height="543" /></a>Find All Standing Stones -</span></strong></span><strong> </strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">An untracked quest, but an integral ability to unlock. Svarah seeks the knowledge from the ancient stones of Skyrim to further enhance her powers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">The Final Descent -</span></strong><span style="color:#000000;"> The final resting place of the Bloodskal Blade is in Bloodskal Barrow. Svarah can sense the ancient blade's magickal properties and seeks to reunite with it once more.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Blue Blood - </span></strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">There is power in blood, and there is even more power in the blood of those who have achieved greatness. Drink of the blood of mortal leaders and unlock the power hidden within the essence of Svarah's immortal vampire blood.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Dragon Priest Quests -</span></strong><span style="color:#000000;"> A personal quest of vengence and retribution. Svarah seeks to destroy the priests who betrayed and entombed her to regain that which was taken from her<strong>.</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">College of Winterhold -</span> </strong>Now Svarah is no mage though she does know some magical applications, her power lies in binding magical energy into her blade and armor. Through her search for the Dragon Priests she has discovered that Morokei lies within Labrynthian and the mages have the key. They agree to allow her entry after she displays the power of her Thu'um. (You can gain entry this way when Parthunaax tells you that you need to find the elder scroll).</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Main Quest - </span></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Alduin has risen again and with him his priests and their servants. Svarah means to strike the first blow this time. Seek to end Alduin and exact revenge as soon as possible.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Dragon Born -</span></strong><span style="color:#800000;"> </span><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Mirrak an Ancient Priest who also defied the Dragon Cult is rumored to have returned as well but has been corrupted by Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. He seeks to enslave the island of Solstheim, Svarah cannot stand for the enslavemnt of the innocent and seeks to end his malice. (Or if Chaotic Evil she seeks to usurp his power).</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><strong>Dawnguard -</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">Upon meeting Serana, Svarah is intrigued to learn more about secrets of the vampire and if the power within can aid her in her quest to destroy Alduin and his Priests.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549855015,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549855015,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549855015?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a></span></span><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;color:#800000;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Early Game Gear:</span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Ancient Nord Armor Set: </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">This is the armor Svarah is the most familiar with as it is a product of her time. It c</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;">an be acquired relatively early in Forelhost during the Siege on the Dragon Cult quest. Just be prepared for a tough fight as this is one of the hardest dungeons in the game in my opinion.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Ancient Nord Great Sword: </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Found in most ancient nord tombs</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;text-decoration:underline;">Mid Game Gear:</span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Bloodskal Blade - </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Blade can be found in Bloodskal Barrow underneath Raven Rock. Svarah seeks to reunite herself with her ancient blade once more. (Funnily enough the Dragon Priest whom resides in the barrow is called Zahkriisos, which when translated from Dovahzul loosely means Bloody Sword. The blade will also do extra damage to this one Priest as well).<br /> </span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Volkihar Knight Set (Royal Gaurd Variant) -</span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">The Royal Guard variant of this armor is perfect for the Reaver archetype as it has an innate ability to absorb 20 points of health every second for 4 seconds, and also knocks the target down. (This is a 15 percent chance on being struck).</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;text-decoration:underline;">End Game Gear</span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Reaver's Totem (Enchanted) -</span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">The jarl of Falkreath hold is in posession of an Ancient Nordic amulet. Svarah "acquires" the amulet and enchants it with Influence: Fear (Summermyst - creatures and people flee from wearer within x radius depending on level) and Fire Resistance.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Blood Ring (Enchanted) - </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Plain gold ring (Silver hurts vampires) enchanted with Imminent Victory (Summeryst - take up to x% less damage from enemy attacks the further their health drops below 50%) and Regen Health.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Enchanted Volkihar Knight Set (Royal Gaurd Variant) </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Hood - Fortify Health and Stamina. Gauntlets - Fortify Stamina Regen and Resist Magic. Boots - Fortify Destruction and Fortify Stamina Regen. Cuirass - Cheat Death (Summermyst - Take x% less damage when health falls below 25%) and Regen Health.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;">Konhariik </span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#000000;">- Svarah's mask of power, her "Reward" for slaying all the Dragonpriests in mainland Skyrim. With all the masks in hand go to labyrinthian and equip the wooden mask to acquire Konhariik.</span> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549855569,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549855569,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549855569?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028141,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028141,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028141?profile=original" width="564" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">There are a few shouts that are particularly useful for this build. But to really appreciate how awesome it can be I would highly recommend using Thunderchild and Rotmulaag. Thunderchild unlocks many new shouts some of which go so well with the build it'd be hard to pass up. One example would be the "Kingsbane" Shout, which when used in the right scenario can completely turn the tide of a battle. And an ability to refresh active shout cooldown once a day. Thunder Child accompanied with Ordinator and Rotmulaag truly makes you feel like a dragonborn, you can win entire fights with just your Th'um.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Rotmulaag on the other hand does not add in any new shouts. It instead adds new words to meditate on with Parthunaax, in a fully voice acted experience. You can swap out the meditation at any time via a journal your character keeps, which means you don't have to visit Parthunaax every time you want somthing new. The word I chose was Gaan (Drain Vitality) which gives you a passive called Til the Last Drop, which makes all absorption effects 25% more effective.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><br /> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Dismay</span> -</strong> Svarah's voice is so powerful that none but the most mighty will stand and face her. (Fear Effect)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Dragon Aspect -</span></strong> The dragonblood runs hot within Svarah's veins and in times of need she can take on the very nature of a dovah, becoming terrifyingly powerful </span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Kingsbane -</span></strong> The voice brings all would be assailants to thier knees. (Knocks foes back or down in a radius around Svarah. At full power you can even "crush" launched enemies in a timed scenario).</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">War Cry -</span></strong> When battle fatigued or heavily wounded and out of options Svarah can use the voice to regain mortal energies.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Disarm -</span></strong> Svarah's voice rends the weapons from her foes grasp.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Curse - </strong></span>You reflect damage up to 7 times back at the attacker (still take normal damage).</span> </li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Become Ethereal -</strong></span> The voice protects Svarah from harm. This shout is very useful when facing mages and dragons. You can also get a free power attack and the Reaving Slash ability does not cancel the shout.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549856769,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549856769,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549856769?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549839228,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549839228,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549839228?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;">Attributes:</span> <span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;">1<span style="color:#000000;">:<span style="color:#ff0000;">2:<span style="color:#0000ff;">0</span></span></span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Major:</span></span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Two Handed</span> -</span><span style="color:#800000;"> </span></strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Svarah's main source damage she is a true force to be reckoned with when she has a great blade in her hands.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Perks of note:</span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Death or glory -</span> Two handed power attacks deal up to 100% more damage below half health. Damage bonus increases as health decreases.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Massacre -</span> In combat, Swinging a two handed weapon has 10% chance to increase attack speed by 175% for 3 seconds.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Slayer of a Thousand Sons -</span> In combat two handed weapons deal 5% more damage for each enemy you have slain in the previous battle up to 40%.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Heavy Armor</span> - </span></strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">The sight of Svarah clad in heavy armor is enough to break some enemies and send them fleeing from their ranks.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Perks of note:</span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Rise Above -</span> If wearing all heavy armor, you intmidate enemies within 15 feet, They lose 5%attack damage and you gain 5% attack damage for each enemy affected.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Primal Fear -</span> If wearing all heavy armor, walking (but not running) towards enemies within 30 feet in front of you may break their confidence, causing them to flee for 8 seconds.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Revel in Battle -</span> Whenever struck by an enemy your melee weapon damage increases by 3% for 10 seconds. This effect stacks.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong style="font-size:12pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Speech</span> - </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Svarah has learned to channel the Dragonblood within her to great effect. Her Th'um is so strong that not even a Dovah could match it for raw power.<strong> </strong></span></span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028236,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028236,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028236?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="344" height="611" /></a></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Perks of note:</span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Windborne -</span> Shouting summons up a divine wind, granting 30% extra attack damage and 15% increased movement speed for 15 seconds. This effect stacks.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Hurricane Force -</span> Shouts that affect others are 1% more powerful per level of speech.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Thu'um of War -</span> Your Shouts stagger nearby enemies within 25 feet, reducing armor rating by 300 points for 10 seconds. Enemies below 25% health are knocked down.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Enchanting</strong> </span></span><strong><span style="color:#800000;"> -</span> </strong>Svarah has learned to weave her magick into her gear and create a bond between spell and blade.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of note:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Thunder Struck -</span> Weapon enchantments are 25% more effective when delivered by a power attack (or 50% for a two handed power attack). This effects Bloodskal Blade.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Spellscribe -</span> Grants the 'Spellscribe" power: use it to store the spell you are dual casting. Your power attacks and power bashes unleash the stored spell for free, with a cooldown based on Enchanting skill. Use a hemomancy spell, it is also worth noting that this effects power attacks in Vampire Lord form.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Twin Enchantment -</span> Can place two enchantments on the same item.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#800000;font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Minor:</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Smithing</span> - </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Spending much time on the battle field Svarah has great knowledge in the upkeep and maintance of her armor.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of note:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Arcane Blacksmith -</span> You can improve enchanted weapons and armor.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Exotic Smithing (Crystaline) -</span> You can craft ebony tier gear and improve them twice as much. Volkihar Knight armor requires this perk.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Block</span> -</strong><span style="color:#000000;"> Svarah is very much an offence is the best type of defence kind of person, but knows that there are certain times when one must parry an attack.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Perks of note: </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Block Mastery 2/2 -</span> Block up to 20% more damage</span></li><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Power Bash -</span> Holding down bash will unleash a power bash that will do extra stagger to enemies. It will also activate Spellscribe.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Destruction </strong></span></span><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>- </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">Svarah uses her knowledge of Blood Magick to link it to her blade.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Perks of note:</span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Destruction Mastery 2/2 -</span> Destruction spells cost 50% less Magicka and are 0.5% more powerful per level of Destruction.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;">Destruction Dual Casting -</span> Dual Casting a Destruction spell empowers it, increasing effectiveness and cost. Needed to activate Spellscribe. Spellscribe also levels Destruction which will make Hemomancy Spalls more powerful.</span> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549857799,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549857799,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549857799?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;">The path of The Reaver is as much a quest in it self as any other. There is much power in the blood to be unlocked, but as always, power is not freely given; it must be earned. Are you worthy to take on the mantle of The Reaver or will the power corrupt you?</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Vampire: </strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Wassail - </span></strong><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;">Lose humanity below 25% Health in combat, draining Health, Magicka and Stamina until combat ends. Also reduces them by 10 points until you feed.</span></span><strong><span style="color:#800000;"><br /> </span></strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Blood Revel </span></strong><em><strong><span style="color:#800000;">-</span></strong> </em>(Power)<em> </em>In combat, gain 25% bonus attack damage and spell effectiveness for 120 seconds or until combat ends, but activate Wassail. (Only when not sated, unless you have King among Kine).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Blood Cauldron -</strong></span> <span style="color:#000000;">(Power) </span> Expend some of your Vampiric blood to replenish Health, Magicka and Stamina, becoming thirstier. (Only when sated).</span></p><p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Flaywind - </strong><span style="color:#000000;">(Greater Power) Target person within 10 feet flees while vampire bats absorb 25 Health per second for 30 seconds. If the target dies, counts as feeding. (Only while blood starved, unless you have King among Kine).</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Vampires Seduction -</strong> </span>(Greater Power) <em> </em>Silently bewitches a person up to level 10 for 30 seconds, calming them and allowing you to feed. (Can be used in combat).</span></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><img style="float:right;" src="/public/album_photo/7e/0f/03/30972_781f.jpg?c=8158" alt="" /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028811,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028811,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028811?profile=original" width="420" height="628" /></a>Vampiric Age:</span> </strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">King Among Kine -</span></strong> You no longer lose any powers when feeding.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Dance with the Beast -</span> </strong>Attack damage dealt doubled and attack damage taken halved while affected by Wassail, until combat ends.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Blood Knight - </strong></span>Able to feed on staggered enemies in combat for 50 points of Stamina.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:12pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Blue Blood Quest:</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Potence -</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">Vampiric strength grants 15% more attack damage, increased to 30% when Sated.</span></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;color:#800000;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Vampire Lord Form:</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Starving Artist -</strong> I<span style="color:#000000;">n mortal form, Hemomancy spells used against people absorb Health equal to 25% of their base damage (dealing that much extra damage and healing the caster for the same amount). Killing people with Hemomancy spells advances your Vampire Lord perks.</span></span> </span></p><p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Make Them Beautiful -</strong><span style="color:#000000;"> In mortal form, Hemomancy spells used against people have 25% chance to tear apart victims below 25% Health, instantly killing them.</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#800000;font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>White Wolf - </strong><span style="color:#000000;">Your Vampire's Seduction power now works on targets 15 levels higher and you may Drain people under its effect regardless of how thirsty you are. Additionally, Draining a sleeping or seduced victim advances Vampire Lord perks.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Dragon at midnight</strong></span><span style="color:#800000;"> -</span> You gain 4 perk points to spend in your other perk trees. However, when you are Blood Starved, contact with Sunlight will instantly destroy you!</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;color:#800000;font-size:14pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Hemomancy Spells:</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Blood Seed</span>:</strong> (Apprentice) Jagged bone shards grow in a living or undead target, dealing 6 magic damage for 10 seconds. (1 draining)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Blood Brand:</span></strong> (Adept) Living or undead target takes 5 magic damage per second. After 10 seconds, detonates for 100 damage. (3 drainings)</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549859489,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549859489,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549859489?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3542921669,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3542921669,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3542921669?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="210" /></a></span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;">The Reaver:</span></strong> <span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;">A true Reaver has tasted the ritually-prepared blood of a dragon. It is more than a state of mind. These fearsome warriors revel in death, regaining energy from the suffering of their foes. (Dragon Age 2 Reaver Specialization)</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028796,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028796,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028796?profile=original" width="68" height="68" /></a></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Reaving Slash -</span></strong> Bloodskal Blade + Spellscribe (Hemomancy Spell) + Starving Artist<strong> </strong>+ Make Them Beautiful</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">When Svarah power attacks with her sword she sends forth a wave of Blood Magick and psychic energy, rending into the flesh of her foes and replenishing her vitality. Weakened foes may even be torn to shreds by her power. </span> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028902,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028902,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028902?profile=original" width="60" height="60" /></a><span style="color:#800000;">Blood Frenzy - </span></strong>Warriors Heart + Death or Glory</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The more hits Svarah takes the deadlier she becomes.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028892,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028892,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028892?profile=original" width="61" height="61" /></a><span style="color:#800000;">Unleash the Beast - </span></strong>Blood Frenzy + Blood Revel + Dance with the Beast + Wassail </span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">When pressed Svarah taps into her own life force to enhance Blood Frenzy, cleaving a bloody swath through her foes, in an intense bloodlust.</span> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028899,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028899,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028899?profile=original" width="67" height="67" /></a><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Dovah Rage - </span></strong>Unleash the Beast + Dragon Aspect + Windborne + Thu'um of War</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">When surrounded by many powerful foes, Svarah calls upon the Dragon Blood to lay waste to those around her, staggering them and weakening their spirits, while simultaneously gaining a spur of immense power. This is the most powerful ability in her arsenal, calling on the strengths of several lesser abilities all at once.</span> </span></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71028967,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71028967,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71028967?profile=original" width="65" height="65" /></a><span style="color:#800000;">Consume - </span></strong>Blood Knight or Flaywind or Vampires Seduction (Buffed with White Wolf)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Embracing the beast can be taxing but the drawbacks need not be permanant. Svarah can draw power from the blood of her enemies to heal the effects of wassail.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71029452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71029452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71029452?profile=original" width="62" height="62" /></a><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Blood Tide - </span></strong>Blood Cauldron or Devour from Within</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">When Svarah teeters too close to the edge of her life force she can call on the blood of past feeding to replenish her health, or single out a target paralyzing it in fear and drawing in it's life force to heal herself. (Devour from Within works best on non mage classes).</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71029466,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71029466,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71029466?profile=original" width="64" height="66" /></a><span style="color:#800000;">Terrifying Presence (Passive Effect) - </span></strong>Rise Above + Influence: Fear Enchantment (Reavers Totem)</span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong>Svarah is fueled by the cowardice of her enemies, the more they fear her the stronger she becomes. Some will even flee the field at the very sight of her.</span> </span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549860028,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549860028,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549860028?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;background-color:#ffffff;color:#800000;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71029595,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71029595,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71029595?profile=original" width="386" height="560" /></a></span></span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="color:#800000;">Gameplay</span></span></strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> This build involves very aggressive gameplay. Offense is Svarah's best defence. Don't be afraid to let your health drop a bit. Your enemies will find that the more they hurt you the more fearsome you become much to thier dismay. Make the most out of the abilities above. They all help to optimise a playstyle that is focused around damage output and health management.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;"><strong><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;color:#800000;text-decoration:underline;">Combat</span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Melee enemies -</span></strong> Use heavy hitting power attacks to decimate groups of melee opponents and also to unleash the reaving slash ability on more distant targets. If faced with a particuarly large group use Dismay to rout the weaker enemies giving you time to focus on a single target.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Magic Users and Dragons -</strong></span> When facing mages and dragons Become Ethereal is your go to shout. Reading a dragons body language and carefully listening for when it's about to use it's Thu'um, you can easily make the most out of this shout. when faced with mages you can use this shout to close the distance with them particularly flame wielding adversaries. Once Dragonrend is unlocked dragons become much easier to deal with.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>Archers -</strong></span> With a high armor rating archers are not as much of an issue but a high level archer can still be quite damaging so Become Ethereal can be helpful with them as well. Or just the good ol' Fus Ro Dah tactic.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:14pt;color:#800000;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><strong>Difficulty</strong></span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;color:#000000;">I slowly ramped up the difficulty as I leveled to keep the gameplay balanced. One reason I did not use any enchantments or potions that buffed Two Handed damage was because Svarah is already insanely powerful. With an epic smithed Bloodskal Blade by end game I was doing 110 to 145 damage per swing depending on vampiric thirst. And thats before using abilties like Unleash the Beast.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">This is how I used the difficulty. Levels 1 - 25 on Adept, levels 25 - 40 on Expert and level 40 - 50 on Master.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"> Don't be afraid to cut loose with this character and overall just enjoy yourself. It's not everyday you get to be an all powerful Ancient Vampiric Dragon Priestess!</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MXXmEY0OjUI?feature=oembed" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549860546,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549860546,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549860546?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#800000;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71029922,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71029922,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="71029922?profile=original" width="389" height="594" /></a></span></strong><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Stay Hydrated –</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> </span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">This one is rather more important than you may first think. Especially when you consider effects like Potence, Blood Cauldron and Fortitude. Potence will give you a 30% damage boost while you are fully fed, that’s an insane boost and should be enough reason for you to want maintain satiation. But if it’s not; the Fortitude passive is only available while you are fully sated and will instantly heal your attributes should you take fatal damage lowering your thirst instead (Note this will briefly stop combat and put you in the recovery animation). If you’d rather keep the battle tempo raging, Blood Cauldron (also only available when fully sated) is an activatable power that can be used to heal all attributes when at low health but will cost one level of thirst.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>A Note on Unleash the Beast –</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"> </span><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;">Though this is an alluringly powerful ability, it must be used tactically and wisely. If you charge into a battle that looks to be lengthy and activate it straight off the gun in most instances you will kill yourself. Wassail is unforgiving. This is why under enchantments I have made Health, Stamina and their regeneration counterparts a priority on the gear set. Be aware of enemy positions and numbers as well as their health and your own. And take heed if you use this ability too much without feeding, you will weaken yourself. Wassail takes 10 points of each attribute with each use until you feed again. It will be especially crippling at lower levels there was a point where I was running around with 60 points of each attribute. This can be offset by the health and stamina enchantments previously mentioned and “Blood Healing” via The Consume ability.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">Shout! –</span> </strong>Seriously I can’t emphasize this more, you can shout your heart out with this build thanks to Ordinator and Thunderchild. Perks like Force Redoubled (50% chance to not activate a cooldown on your shouts), Merciless Storm (instantly reset, shout cooldown once a day) and passives from Thunderchild such as Storm Crown (cancel active shout cooldown when entering combat) and Thundering Echoes (First shout in combat is free) all combine to make one hell of Thu’um show case. Putting that together with perks such as Th’um of War and Windborne, you can keep the pain train rolling indefinitely.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">To Easy? Try only Using “Blood Healing” –</span></strong> So you can play on Master, or Legendary even and are finding it a cakewalk? Tweak the settings on Wild Cat. Turn on injuries make Stamina cost more per swing and use no healing potions. Yup you heard me use no healing potions. This will force you rely on the Blood Healing techniques in the talents section (Consume and Blood Tide). If you can come out of this unscathed you can call yourself a true Reaver. Father Kolgrim would be proud to count you among his disciples.<br /> </span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3549861102,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3549861102,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3549861102?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3542932504,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3542932504,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3542932504?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="402" height="337" /></a>Well shit what can I say this one took a while. What you see here is the end product of one hell of a drawn out process. I had a lot of fun creating the backstory to this character and then seeing how to fit it in with a Dragon Age specialization. And am really pleased with how it turned out. I am glad to be able to share this one with you all and hope you get as much fun out of playing Svarah as I did.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;">Lastly I'd like to put forth a little disclaimer. All the art (Not Screenshots or Banners) was done by other authors, and I do not take credit for their work. So a shout out to them for creating some awesome pictures.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size:16px;">So thanks for reading and hope have a blast playing The Reaver.</span></span> </p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">If you liked what you saw I have more builds. Just follow the link below.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/list/tag/furrion" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3573952626,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="3573952626?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="650" /></a></strong></span></p></div>Character Build: The Wardenhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/skyrim-build-the-warden2018-07-29T20:02:53.000Z2018-07-29T20:02:53.000ZPixelhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Pixel<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">As with most of my builds, this one requires several mods to work at its peak. You will need the following mods, all of which are available on both the PC and Xbox One Special Editions of Skyrim.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">*Ordinator: Perk Overhaul</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">*Andromeda: Standing Stones of Skyrim</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">*Imperious: Races of Skyrim</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">*Alternate Start: Live Another Life</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">To achieve the aesthetic shown here for this build, you’ll need these mods:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Of course, you can create your own aesthetic with vanilla stuff if you like, but this is what I used for my character.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">'Sup all? Welcome to yet another SE modded build. This is the first in a series of builds I will be doing here on the Forge that are based on the heroes from For Honor. For Honor is a medieval fighting game with three major factions: Knights, Vikings, and Samurai. Each faction currently has six heroes so it will be quite the long series of builds. This first one I have here is based on the Warden, a classic armored warrior with a sword from the Knights faction. With all of the series introduction stuff out of the way, let's dive on in!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55510803,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55510803,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="550" alt="55510803?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55509971,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55509971,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="55509971?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:10pt;"><span title="Source: Knights of the Dragon (Book)"><em>"I vow to serve the Dragon. I lay down my life, my gold, and my sacred honor for my King. His word is my order, my sword is his arm. Our lives are one."</em></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Wardens. Members of the ancient Knightly Orders of High Rock; orders that have crumbled into little more than dust. They have sworn solemn, unbreakable oaths to defend the weak and destroy those that would prey upon the innocent. They have mastered combat with the Longsword, a traditional weapon of their people. The origins of their orders are all but lost to history, and yet still, the Wardens fight for what is righteous, just, and holy. They are driven by an implacable devotion to their people. Many nobles and princes are awarded the once-esteemed position of knighthood, but only a few may join the the ranks of the Wardens.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>RACE</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Warden will be a Breton, raised within the strong stone keeps of High Rock. The Bretons are descended from the races of both men and mer, and are well known for the incredible resistance to all forms of magic. The Warden can be male or female, as the hero is not locked on a specific gender in For Honor.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">As a Breton, the Warden will start with:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Health:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">95</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Magicka:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">105</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stamina:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">100</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Health Regeneration:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">0.75%</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Magicka Regeneration:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">3.125%</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stamina Regeneration:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">4.75%</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Carry Weight:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">300</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">With the Imperious mod, Bretons are naturally gifted with three passive Abilities and one Racial Power unlockable through a quest given as soon as the playthrough begins:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Grail of Betony:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Find a lost artifact that grants Magicka and Stamina regen.</span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Spell Mantle:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Resistance to magic, and absorb most incoming spells at low Magicka.</span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stones of Galen:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Each standing stone grants its own bonus effect.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Quest reward - Discover 10 standing stones to unlock...</span></em></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Shared Ancestry:</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">1/day</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">- Temporarily gain the racial power of a target man or mer.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>STANDING STONE</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The Warden will make use out of the Lord Stone, one of the many arcane Standing Stones found throughout Skyrim. With the Andromeda mod, the Lord Stone grants two new passive abilities, and one new unlockable power:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Crown of Autumn:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Stamina does not regenerate in combat, but power attacks deal 20% more damage and stagger.</span></span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Old Stone:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">The Lord graciously allows you to power attack when out of Stamina, dealing 30% less damage and stagger.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Unlockable...</span></em></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Kneel or Be Knelt:</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">1/day -</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Throws targets to the ground, dealing 15 magic damage and absorbing that much Stamina for 10 seconds.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">This stone plays a key role in the Warden’s combat style. It’s not one of those stones that you accept and then don’t really notice for the rest of the game. No, the Lord Stone really defines the way the Warden plays while fighting. The main defining factor here is the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Crown of Autumn</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">ability. The benefits are very useful for the Warden, but the cost of no stamina regeneration in combat seems rather high. However, as you will see there are many ways that we will combat this significant debuff in order to make the playstyle not only viable, but even more powerful than your standard bash-and-whacker.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>STAT SPREAD:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Health: 30%</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Stamina: 60%</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Magicka: 10%</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>SPELLS:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Restoration</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Fast Healing</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Illusion</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Courage / Rally</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>SHOUTS:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Shouts are not exactly a necessity for this build. However, as you’ll see later on in the build, they can enhance a few of the Warden’s abilities. If you are interested, the ones to get your hands on are below:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Call of Valor</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Battle Fury</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>EQUIPMENT:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">All weapons and armor for the Warden are from the <em>Warden Armor - Blue and Silver </em>mod, and can be crafted at the Forge with the <em>Smithing Mastery </em>perk:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Grey Warden Greatsword</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Grey Warden Coif</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Grey Warden Cuirass</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Grey Warden Gauntlets</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">*Grey Warden Greaves</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>LORE:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">High Rock has always had a complicated and highly class-based society. Often those born on the top stay on the top, and those born on the bottom remain there. However, there is one way that a common citizen or peasant can elevate themselves above their station. That opportunity is presented by the famed Knightly Orders of High Rock.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55528086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55528086,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="55528086?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">There was once a time, long long ago when the Orders were first established, that being knighted and accepted into one of the ten Orders actually said something about the inductees’ prowess as a warrior and the strength of their character. That age is long since passed. As the political struggles of Breton society continued their winding and twisted path to the modern age, the titles granted by the Knightly Orders became just that: titles. They served to do nothing but boost a member’s reputation in the region; just another flashy title for a noble to flaunt for his Lord’s court.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Yet still, a small shell of resistance exists; a group that yet retains the core values upon which there Orders were founded. The Wardens still uphold the honor-code of a Knight. They train constantly in combat, honing their skills so that they are extremely effective defensive and offensive warriors. Through the Wardens, the values of justice, liberty, righteousness, and piety are yet preserved. Some of the Wardens are nobles that were practically born with the title, but humbled themselves and dedicated their lives to service. Others are lowly commoners who clawed their way up from the bottom to achieve their position, only arriving at their destination through constant focus and force of will.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Each of the ten Orders plays a different role in their region, and although each of them has many members, the Wardens are the ones that see the doctrines of their Order upheld.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Scattered across High Rock and the northern regions of Hammerfell, there are ten Orders. Each one is dedicated to the defense of their respective region. The Knights of the Dragon serve in the Daggerfall region. The Knights of the Owl protect Glenpoint. The Knights of the Flame owe fealty to the lord of Anticlere. Wayrest is staunchly defended by the Knights of the Rose. Dwynnen has been rescued from destructive danger multiple times by the Order of the Raven. The Order of the Candle defends the region of Sentinel. The Host of the Horn occupies Lainlyn. Headquartered in Santaki are the Knights of the Hawk. The Knights of the Wheel defend the region of Abibon-Gora. Finally, the famed Knights of the Scarab are bound to the service of the Totambu region.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Although Hammerfell (and thus it's Knightly Orders) have been estranged from the Empire due to the events of the Great War, High Rock still honors its allegiance to the Imperial Throne. Skyrim, perhaps the Empire’s last hope to stand against the Thalmor, is in a time of great strife. Rumors of Vampires and Dragons have reached the ears of even citizens of High Rock in addition to the widely known Civil War that the Stormcloak Rebellion wages against the Empire. Under instruction from the Lords and Ladies of their regions, each of the Knightly Orders in High Rock dispatch their greatest Wardens to aid the Empire in its effort to restabilize the province of their northern allies . . .</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55531488,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55531488,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="760" height="321" alt="55531488?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>SKILLS:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Two-Handed</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Block</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Heavy Armor</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Restoration</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Illusion</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">*Smithing</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>PERK SPREAD:</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55518796,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55518796,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="55518796?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>PERK REVIEW:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Although the Warden is at her core an armored warrior and thus fairly effective from the start of the game, the passive abilities and powers given to her as a benefit of her race and from the Lord Stone combined with the perks you will invest in culminate in a very neat and tidy symbiotic relationship.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Each perk, ability, and power has their own strengths and weaknesses, and the perks play off of those strengths and make up for the weaknesses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Here is a review of the perks taken from each tree and the reasoning behind some of the choices I’ve made. I’ll go in-depth into how the perks play off of one another and work together to give the Warden maximum benefit out of all her perk investments.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Two-Handed</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The use of a two-handed weapon is really the Warden’s bread and butter. The other skill trees have fairly low investments perk-wise, which allows us to go really deep into the Two-Handed skill tree.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Two-Handed Mastery</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">is very important for any warrior using heavy weaponry. At its second level it will increase the damage you deal with two-handed weapons by 50%, which is pretty powerful, especially considering that it can be unlocked at a rather low level. As will become more and more evident as you read more into the build, power attacks are a big part of the Warden’s playstyle.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Trained Fighter</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">allows the Warden to power attack more often by lowering the stamina cost of such attacks.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Ferocious Strength</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">increases the damage of those power attacks based on the Warden’s stamina level, and it will be taken full advantage of because of the Warden’s 60% stat investment in stamina. Several greatsword specific perks increase the effectiveness of power attacks through various buffs to the way they work, including</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Clash of Heroes, Maul, Breach the Wall, Subjugate,</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Humiliate.</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">The</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Overthrow</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk contributes to another important part of the Warden’s overall combat style: bashing. With the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Overthrow</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk, bashing an enemy to interrupt an attack before it hits you will allow you to get in a free power attack. So long as it is performed within 2 seconds of the bash, it will deal 3x critical damage and also disarm the targeted opponent, rendering them rather helpless and allowing you to easily finish them off. This perk will end up working rather well with the Block perks that she invests in.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Block</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The main purpose that the Block skill serves to the Warden is to increase the power of her bashes.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Block Mastery</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Timed Block</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">are the only perks taken to increase the defensive effectiveness of this skill.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Timed Block</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">rewards you for seeing an attack coming and reacting just before it hits. For 1 second after you assume your blocking guards stance you will block 30% more damage and will stagger the attacker, allowing you to get in a free hit. For those of you familiar with For Honor, you will see that this perk almost perfectly simulates the Perry system of blocking in the game, and thus you’ll see it used for most of the For Honor based characters I create. As to bashing,</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Power Bash</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">allows you to perform a more effective bash by holding down the attack button while in the blocking stance.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Skull Rattler</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">builds off of that by increasing the damage dealt by bashes by 3% per point of stamina. It seems that this damage buff has no cap, so this can be very</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">very</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">effective for the Warden, as she will invest 60% of her attribute points into stamina. While the main point of bashing for this character is to stagger the targeted opponent, the extra damage is always very useful.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Heavy Armor:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The original Warden hero in For Honor is a very well-balanced fighter that combines offense with defense, if used effectively. Therefore, it is important to also buff the Warden’s armor rating through Heavy Armor perks.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Heavy Armor Mastery, Heavy Armor Fit,</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Defiance</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">all increase the Warden’s defensive capabilities in some way or another.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Defiance</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">is a particularly interesting perk. What it does is buff the Warden with 15 points of armor rating every time she is attacked. The 15 points last for only ten seconds, but the effect sacks. Essentially, this means that the more the Warden gets hit, the better she is at deflecting future blows.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Revel in Battle</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">also adds a damage benefit to the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Defiance</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk. With</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Revel in Battle,</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">not only will the Warden get a defense boost when attacked, but she will also gain a stacking 3% damage boost. Heavy Armor also serves a purpose other than pure defense though. As you’ll see outlined in the Combat Style section below, the Warden really specializes in choosing a spot to defend and staying there, letting the enemies come on and never giving ground. The</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Rallying Standard</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk allows the Warden to do this very effectively. This grants a power that can be used once per day which places down a banner (with a faction symbol of your choosing once you take the perk) that lasts for 60 seconds and grants a 150 point armor buff and 25% melee damage buff to yourself and all allies within 25 feet of the banner. You and your allies must be wearing a full set of heavy armor in order to receive the benefits though, but that shouldn’t be a problem for this character. This is pretty useful, but it’s rather limited by the fact that it can only be used once a day. Thus, the Rallying Standard power really shines when it is buffed by the next perk,</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Warbringer. Warbringer</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will place a Rallying Standard banner at your position whenever you raise your weapon, and it will</span> <strong>not</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">count against your once per day limit. What’s more, this banner will last a full 120 seconds; much better than the 60 seconds of the regular Rallying Standard power.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Illusion</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The first of the Warden’s magic skills, Illusion really plays off of the potential of the Rallying Standard power. Although both of the Warden’s magic skills require minimal perk investments, they are still essential to her combat style. Illusion will serve mainly to add a bunch of passive buffs to the Warden’s allies. This relates to the Warden of For Honor because many of this hero’s feats are based off of team defense and damage buffs (i.e. Stalwart Banner, Morale Booster, Inspire, etc.). Two points in</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Illusion Mastery</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will decrease the magicka cost of the Warden’s</span> <strong>Courage</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <strong>Rally</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">spells. This means the Warden doesn’t need to invest too many points in magicka, while still being able to use the necessary spells. This perk will also increase the duration and effectiveness of these spells based on the Warden’s current Illusion skill level. The real key perks for this skill are</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Commanding Presence</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Imposing Presence.</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">Both add passive effects to the Warden that will buff their allies in combat.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Commanding Presence</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">passively gives allies within 40 feet of you a 20% damage buff and a 20% increased critical hit chance.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Imposing Presence</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">also affects allies within a 40 foot radius of you, and will increase the effectiveness of illusion spells you cast on them by 25%. It will also increase their duration by 30%.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Restoration</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Finally, the skill tree with the lowest perk investment for the Warden is Restoration. Despite the low perk investment, Restoration plays a very key role in the Warden’s combat style. Essentially what this skill does for the Warden is make the Lord Stone viable to use. As previously stated, the Lord Stone grants a passive ability called</span> <strong><em>Crown of Autumn</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">that increases the damage and stagger of power attacks by 20%. This is very good for the Warden considering that she will power attack very often. Several perks that were previously reviewed allow her to power attack more often and buff her power attacks in different ways. With all of those perks invested into buffing the Warden’s power attacks, buffing their damage is very useful. The bonus to stagger plays right into the Warden’s hands as well, considering that stagger is also important to the Block skill tree. However, this power comes at a rather heavy cost; the Warden’s stamina will not regenerate in combat at all. She can still power attack when out of stamina, but the effectiveness of these power attacks is debuffed by 30%. This is where the Restoration skill comes to the rescue.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Restoration Mastery</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will decrease the maicka cost of all Restoration spells, allowing the Warden to keep her investment into the magicka attribute on the down-low.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Edgewalker</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">is only slightly useful to the Warden, but it must be take in order to get to the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Respite</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Respite</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">makes all healing spells heal stamina equal to how much health it heals. This will be invaluable to the Warden in combat, allowing her to basically regenerate her stamina while still enjoying the benefits of the</span> <strong><em>Crown of Autumn</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">power from the Lord Stone.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Smithing</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The only point of investing anything into this skill tree is so that you can craft your Grey Warden armor set. You can go further into this skill tree if you wish to further improve your armor, but all that is necessary is one point into <em>Smithing Mastery.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">______________________________________</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>ABILITIES</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55520379,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55520379,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="124" alt="55520379?profile=original" /></a>Solidum Defensionem (“Stalwart Defense”) -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">It matters not how many meaningless soldiers the enemy hurls against your defenses; you will not give in. You are as an immovable wall, and your enemies will break upon you as they pointlessly throw themselves upon the hardened stones.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requirements:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Defiance perk + Revel in Battle perk + Rallying Standard power + Warbringer perk</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Representing the culmination of the Warden’s essential Heavy Armor perks, the</span> <strong><em>Stalwart Defense</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">ability is a staple of her playstyle. It is recommended to use this in pretty much any combat situation, but especially if you have time to make a plan of action for an upcoming fight. Placing the Rallying Standard banner with either the power or the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Warbringer</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk is the first step. Make sure you place your banner wisely. For example, if you are attacking or defending a fort, ensure that you scope out a defensible position, preferably having the high ground over your enemies. Once the banner is placed, stay as close to it as reasonably possible, allowing enemies to come at you and your allies once they have noticed you. Then cut them down, staying in position until every enemy is defeated. During your defense, the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Defiance</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Revel in Battle</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perks will make you more effective both defensively and offensively as you take damage. For every strike your enemies land, you gain power. As the old saying goes; “Cut off one head, and two will grow back in its place.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55521271,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55521271,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="124" alt="55521271?profile=original" /></a>Injicio (“Inspire”) -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">As battles wage and allies fall, the rallying strength of a Warden is often all it takes to encourage a final charge. A Warden’s mere presence on the battlefield has been known to fill the hearts of men with bravery and certainty, often meaning the difference between victory and defeat.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requirements:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Illusion Mastery, Commanding Presence and Imposing Presence perks + Rally spell</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">This ability revolves around allowing the Warden to cast the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Rally</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell at high effectiveness while still keeping it comfortably within her magicka range. Although the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Rally</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell costs 113 points of magicka to cast (a relatively high price for a build that only invests 10% of attribute points into magicka), two perk points in</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Illusion Mastery</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will half its magicka requirements, reducing it to a much more manageable 56.6 magicka cost. Once you cast the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Rally</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell on a targeted ally,</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Imposing Presence</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">goes to work. So long as the targeted ally is within 40 feet of the Warden, the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Rally</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell recieves a 25% buff to effectiveness and a 30% buff to duration. These two perks combined make the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Rally</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell much more affordable and effective to use in combat. Alongside that, all enemies within that 40 foot radius will also receive a boost to damage and critical hit chance thanks to the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Commanding Presence</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55521621,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55521621,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="124" alt="55521621?profile=original" /></a>Pugno Mortis (“Fist of Death”) -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Your immense strength rains down relentlessly upon your foes, constantly battering them with a torrent of extremely powerful attacks, breaking not only their bones, but also their will to fight.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requirements:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Power attacks + Crown of Autumn passive + Trained Fighter, Ferocious Strength, Clash of Heroes, Maul, Breach the Wall, Subjugate, and Humiliate perks</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Although this ability has a lot of requirements, they are all pretty much passive buffs. In fact, you don’t technically need all of them in order for this ability to work, but it is at its most effective when all perks are present. This ability serves as the Warden’s main method of attack. The main essential ones to have are</span> <strong><em>Crown of Autumn,</em></strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Trained Fighter,</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Ferocious Strength.</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">While</span> <strong><em>Crown of Autumn</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">boosts your power attack damage and stagger,</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Trained Fighter</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will lower the cost to perform them and</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Ferocious Strength</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will further increase their damage. Each of the other perks has its own special effect.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Clash of Heroes</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">reduces the target’s attack damage every time you land a strike with your longsword on them.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Maul</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">allows a power attack to destabilize a target, making your next regular attack on them deal more damage. Because of the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Maul</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk, it is best to alternate between power attacks and regular attacks to deal maximum damage and to use your stamina the most efficiently.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Breach the Wall</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">allows forward power attacks with your longsword to deal more damage to targets left above 60% health.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Subjugate</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">gives sideways power attacks the ability to hit all targets standing in front of you, and it will lower the attack speed of all affected targets. Finally,</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Humiliate</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">drains the stamina and magicka from an enemy hit with a stationary power attack. All of this sounds really complicated, but it’s rather easy to pull off if you have all the perks unlocked. To sum up what you have to do, just throw out a bunch of different types of power attacks, alternating between power attacks and regular attacks (i.e. standing power attack → regular attack → forward power attack → regular attack → sideways power attack → regular attack, etc.). Continue this chain until your stamina runs out.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55522302,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55522302,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="124" alt="55522302?profile=original" /></a>Fiat Lux (“Let There be Light”) -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">By the grace of your training and your gods, your will shall not be broken. Injury and fatigue mean nothing to you. Your sword shall not cease to swing until your opponent stands above your corpse.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requirements:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Low stamina/health, Fast Healing spell + Edgewalker and Respite perks</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">As explained above, the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Respite</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk makes the Lord Stone viable by essentially negating the debuff given by the</span> <strong><em>Crown of Autumn</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">passive ability. Although</span> <strong><em>Crown of Autumn</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">is not exactly required for the ability, it is in fact the main point of it. Essentially what this ability does is combine your Restoration perk effects and have them all working on a single spell. If you are below half health,</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Edgewalker</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will increase the effectiveness of</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Fast Healing. Respite</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">will also allow it to “heal” your stamina. The</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Fast Healing</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell is the best Restoration spell to use for this ability since it is quick and easy to cast at pretty much any point in battle, especially if you have set yourself up in a defensible position. The best time to use this ability is after running out of stamina from using the</span> <strong>Pugno Mortis</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">ability, especially if you are low on health as well. This will replenish and refresh the Warden, allowing her to quickly return to the heat of battle without hardly skipping a beat. I would also recommend favoriting or hot-keying the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Fast Healing</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell to make the use of this ability feel a bit more natural.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55522580,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55522580,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="124" alt="55522580?profile=original" /></a>Peritus Eludere (“Skilled Parry”) -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">You have not the need for a shield to defend yourself. The most skilled of warriors learn how to use their enemy’s momentum against them and not only block an oncoming strike but also to follow through with a strike of your own. Often this takes years of practice. It is but basic training for a Warden.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requirements:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Timed Block, Block Mastery (2/2), and Humiliate perks</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">This ability simulates the parrying system in For Honor extremely well. Use</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Timed Block</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">to assume a defensive position 1 second before an enemy attacks you. You will block 30% more damage than a standard block because of your insightful timing, but two perk points in</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Block Mastery</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">increases the damage negated by blocks by 20%. Thus, a timed block will negate 50% more damage than a standard block. Since a regular passive block will negate around 50% of damage naturally, a timed block will negate about 100% of the damage the original strike would have dealt. Not only that, but a timed block will also stagger the attacker, allowing you to get in a free stationary power attack. Per the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Humiliate</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk, the target hit by this power attack will also have their stamina and magicka drained and their regeneration of both stats will be stymied. Use this ability as often as possible: whenever you see an enemy attack coming, raise your weapon into a guard stance just before the attack hits and go from there.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55523031,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55523031,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="124" alt="55523031?profile=original" /></a>Virtus Vercundus (“Power Bash”) -</strong> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Throw the full might of your body and armor into a powerful blunt attack that will break bones and send enemies reeling. Those seeking to do injustice to the innocent deserve no better. They shall fall first by your might and then by your sword.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Requirements:</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">Power Bash and Skill Rattler perks</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Assuming a defensive position and hold down the attack button to initiate a power bash per the perk of the same name. This power bash will have stronger effects than a regular bash, but cost more stamina.</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Skull Rattler</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">buffs the damage dealt by a power bash by 3% per point of stamina. This may not sound all that great on the surface, but think about it: as a Breton, the Warden starts with 100 points in stamina. With 60% of your attribute points invested into stamina, your stamina by level 10 should be 170. This means that by level 10 your power bash damage will be buffed by 510% ! This is an insane damage buff. At first, power bashing is useful for staggering enemies to allow you to get in a power attack, but in late game when you have high stamina it can be quite a viable method of attack.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>COMBAT STYLE</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">The point of the Warden’s playstyle is to be accessible and adaptable. Although she has many abilities, the Warden’s combat style is quite simple once you have a handle on it. The Warden excels at establishing a spot on the battlefield as their own and holding it. Once you pick out your place on the battlefield with the</span> <strong>Solidum Defensionem</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">ability, stay there and let your other abilities go to work. It’s often best to throw a</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Rally</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">spell at your ally or allies fairly quickly. After that, combo bashes, power attacks, and timed blocks that form the meat of the Warden’s combat style. Once your stamina is completely drained, you will of course be unable to regenerate stamina due to the Lord Stone. At this point step back and take a moment to use the</span> <strong>Fiat Lux</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">ability to nourish yourself. Try to do this as quickly as possible and then reenter the fray. That’s basically all the Warden has to do.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-weight:400;">One small note, however. Because of the nature of the</span> <strong><em>Crown of Autumn</em></strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">passive ability, it is best not to accept the blessing of the Lord Stone until you have the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Respite</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk. Without the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Respite</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk,</span> <strong>Fiat Lux</strong> <span style="font-weight:400;">will be ineffective, leaving you pretty vulnerable once your stamina is gone. As soon as you have the</span> <em><span style="font-weight:400;">Respite</span></em> <span style="font-weight:400;">perk, make it a priority to find the Lord Stone and accept it’s blessing.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>ROLEPLAYING & QUESTLINES:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Of course, the roleplaying and questlines for your character are ultimately up to you, but there are still certain parameters that should be met in order to fit with the lore of this character.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">For any character, the core roleplaying element is their motivation. Why is the Warden in Skyrim? The Warden was charged by her Knightly Order (it is up to you what Order your character is from) to serve the Empire’s influence in Skyrim. Whether that be through directly aiding in the war effort, or more indirectly offering help to the citizens of Skyrim where Imperial troops cannot be spared. The Warden is a very serious character who puts the preservation of justice before anything else. Operating by a strict set of knightly moral codes, the Warden will not engage in any illicit or unethical activity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">As to actually interacting with the citizens of Skyrim, the Warden will be calm, polite, confident, and chivalrous. However, she deals with foes of righteousness very harshly, and has no tolerance for those who would seek to do the innocent harm. There are no strikes or warnings from the Warden. If you violate her code of honor, you will be dealt with most severely, without compromise.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Start your playthrough with the Alternate Start: Live Another Life mod, choosing the option to arrive on board a ship in Solitude. This will not start you with the necessary equioment, however, so pick up some heavy armor and a greatsword as soon as you can.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">The questlines for this character don’t need to be in any particular order. In fact, anything that would benefit the Empire’s control over Skyrim and peace within the province is easily justifiable. Dawnguard is certainly a viable questline for the character, as is fighting on the Imperial side of the Civil War. Other recommended quests include the Dragonborn DLC, the Main Story, and thane quests in Imperial-controlled holds.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">A note about the Main Story, however. If you decide to fulfill your destiny as Dragonborn, it's best to complete the Civil War first. If you don’t you will be required to negotiate a peace treaty between the Empire and the Stormcloak Rebellion, and that is not what the Warden is in Skyrim to do. The war must be ended quickly and decisively, and in favor of the Imperials, if the will of the Knightly Orders is to be done.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>EXTRAS:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">This brings us almost to the end of today’s build, but there’s still a few final things to cover concerning the Warden. Housing is not necessary for this character, although it could be fun to become the lady or lord of a castle through a housing mod like Castle Gonduin or Dovahkiin Keep.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">Followers are definitely a part of this build, as a fair part of the Warden’s playstyle revolves around buffing herself and her allies. I’d recommend downloading a mod like Imperial Followers to allow you to command actual soldiers. However, housecarls and other such companions will do fine, as long as you can outfit them with heavy armor.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;font-size:12pt;">A horse is not necessary, but certainly useful as a means of travel and definitely justifiable for the character should you choose to purchase one.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><em>GO FORTH!</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;">That just about covers all of it! Thanks for sticking around to the end of this one. I'd like to give a massive thanks to Mr. Curse Never Dying for providing the wonderful art for each of the abilties. It really adds to the presentation of the build, and they are always so well done. If you did indeed enjoy this one, leave behind a like and a comment with your feedback to let me know what you thought of it, and look forward to more For Honor based builds. Once again, thank you so much for reading through the build. Now go forth! Embrace the knightly values of justice and rigteoussness! Fight for High Rock, and fight for honor!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}55531507,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}55531507,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="55531507?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>For anyone who didn't know, I have a YouTube channel where I post builds like this one. If you want to see more, check it out here:</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="https://goo.gl/NfN91M">https://goo.gl/NfN91M</a></em></p>
<p> </p></div>Character Build: The Assassinihttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-assassini2018-07-19T10:47:45.000Z2018-07-19T10:47:45.000ZMarookhttps://TheSkyForge.ning.com/members/Marook<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}83619726,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}83619726,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="83619726?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><em>Those of the Assassini Brotherhood are members of a secret society hidden in plain sight. They alongside their eternal enemies have been responsible for or been participants in countless world events since at least the First Era. They are not berzerking warriors nor all-powerful mages cutting down swathes of enemies on the battlefield- they are a blade in the crowd, someone who doesn’t exist until the time comes that their blades must meet their targets throat. Once the deed is done, the Assassini fades from existence yet again, leaving no evidence of their presence. Many an evil ruler, a greedy noble, or a mere cowardly bandit have met their demise by Assassini hands…</em></p><p><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Build</strong></span></p><p><strong>Race:</strong> Imperial</p><p><strong>Standing Stone:</strong> Warrior -> Lord</p><p><strong>Stats:</strong> 1/1/1 Until Stamina reaches 200, then 1/1/0</p><p><strong>Major Skills:</strong> Illusion, Alteration, Sneak, One-Handed</p><p><strong>Minor Skills:</strong> Light Armor, Block, Smithing</p><p><strong>Powers:</strong> Agent of Mara, Ancient Knowledge, Mora’s Boon, Prowler’s Profit, Secret of Strength</p><p><strong>Shouts:</strong> Aura Whisper, Become Ethereal, Dragon Aspect, Dragonrend, Elemental Fury, Marked For Death, Throw Voice, Unrelenting Force, Whirlwind Sprint</p><p><br /><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Brotherhood</strong></span></p><p>The Assassini have not had a strong presence in Skyrim for nearly three decades. Nearly all members of the Nordic branch were killed or captured during the Great War, and the few who remained were subsequently dwindled down to the point of extinction by constant Thalmor raids. The ongoing Civil War between The Empire and Ulfric Stormcloak, as well as the strain on contacts left in the province have weakened the Brotherhood in its entirety. A talented Assassini has been sent to the region. They carry with them a list of targets, and the three tenets of their Creed:</p><ol><li>Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent</li><li>Hide in plain sight</li><li>Never compromise the Brotherhood</li></ol><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71284362,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71284362,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="71284362?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Targets</strong></span></p><p><strong>Harkon:</strong> The father of the Volkihar bloodline, and one of the oldest and most powerful vampires ever. The very nature of most vampires is in direct conflict with the Creed. His fortress has been well guarded by fog and gargoyle for millennia, but the mist has cleared up recently. He seems to be planning something big, and must be stopped before this plan can come to fruition. The death of him and his coven is of the utmost importance.</p><p><strong>Elenwen:</strong> The Thalmor have prosecuted the Brotherhood since their rise to power in the days following the Oblivion Crisis. The Summerset Isles sect of the Brotherhood was destroyed in its entirety nearly two centuries ago by their hand. While one should aim to end the life of as many of them as possible, a special case can be made for Elenwen. She is the First Emissary, and as such is the nominal figurehead for the Thalmor in Skyrim. Her death will carry with it a very important message.</p><p><strong>Miraak:</strong> There are rumors circulating of sleepwalkers roaming Solstheim chanting this long forgotten Dragon Priest’s name. They seem to be digging up a massive ruin in the center of the island, and most certainly are not doing so of their own free will. This Miraak may be the First Dragonborn, but having power does not excuse bringing harm to the innocent.</p><p><strong>Linwe:</strong> The last Assassini in Skyrim, Linwe turned to a life of notorious banditry upon becoming disillusioned with the Creed. He has broken all three tenets, and must die for his betrayal.</p><p><strong>Mercer Frey:</strong> On the surface Mercer seems to be just the grumpy leader of the rundown Thieves Guild in Riften, but this is only a part of the truth that calls for his demise. Mercer’s own greedy nature and lust for power led him to murder a close friend in cold blood many years ago, and subsequently pin the blame for it on an innocent Dunmer by the name of Karliah. Infiltration of the Thieves Guild, and attempts to gather proof of his misdeed are a priority.</p><p><strong>Ancano:</strong> Another member of the Thalmor, Ancano poses as an advisor for the Arch-Mage of Winterhold. Strangely he seems to have caused no harm to the College yet, and as such should not be killed immediately. Instead patience and careful investigation should precede an hostile actions.</p><p><strong>Astrid:</strong> Astrid leads one of the last chapters of the Dark Brotherhood, a group of sadistic contract killers who bring shame to what it means to be an Assassin. The only way to end their influence in Skyrim will be to find their sanctuary. The blind serial killing of others whether guilty or innocent is a crime that can only be repaid in blood.</p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>Skills</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}50595317,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}50595317,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="50595317?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Nothing is true...</em></p><p><strong>One-Handed:</strong> This is the build’s bread and butter, swords and daggers serve as the Assassini’s only conduits for reliable and persistent damage. All other skills are there to enhance the strength of one-handed weapons either in melee or in stealth. The Dual Wielding tree perks can be replaced with Bladesman perks if you’d rather go for crits over straight up damage increases.</p><p><strong>Illusion:</strong> The first of the “Wtf” skills added, Illusion serves a dual purpose by enhancing the Assassini’s stealth capabilities while also allowing them to force their enemies to flee, remain calm, or fight each other. The builds source material has a few key artifacts with abilities easily substituted with Skyrim’s magic and shouts, and Illusion is a perfect fit for just that.</p><p><strong>Alteration:</strong> Alteration is a great utility spell school, it increases armor, makes magic less effective, and gives you several spells to immobilize enemies with. The theme of controlling your enemies actions continues with this skill choice, and the additional defensive capabilities that come with it are definitely welcome.</p><p><strong>Sneak:</strong> What’s an Assassin type build without stealth? Remaining undetected and striking from out of nowhere are core elements that simply can’t be found through any other skill. When the going gets rough or a melee drags out too long a quick Ethereal Jump followed by a good hiding spot can be the difference between life or death.</p><p><strong>Light Armor:</strong> While lightly perked compared to this builds predecessor, Light Armor still plays a role. You can’t always fall back on sneaking, dodging, or blocking, and all those times enemies hits get through your armor will be there to soak up some of the damage for you.</p><p><strong>Block:</strong> Block maintains its old role entirely. Rather than carry around a big heavy shield the Assassini relies on their bashing and dodging abilities, usually leaving the offhand free to block with their weapon. Quick Reflexes is absolutely crucial, as it allows you to sidestep and counterattack when your enemy power attacks your block.</p><p><strong>Smithing:</strong> The most minor of the minors skills, Smithing is there to improve your equipment as needed and that’s it. While it is mandatory on higher difficulties in my opinion, anyone playing on the lower ones should be able to get by fine without it.</p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:18pt;"><strong>Equipment</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}50595563,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}50595563,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="50595563?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>Everything is permitted.</em></p><p>Where the Assassino was a no-crafting build the Assassini is what I’d like to call a “Lite” crafting build, taking the bare minimum smithing perks that are needed to improve their equipment and nothing else. This comes with the price of a little bit of a time spent grinding away at the forge, but adds a benefit in return by ensuring better viability on higher difficulties.</p><p>For weapons I followed a pattern of Steel -> Elven -> Skyforge Steel -> Nord Hero for Swords, and Steel -> Elven -> Nordic for Daggers. If you skip out on the Companions then you can swap the latter two swords with a Nordic one. The Nord Hero Sword is one of the lightest swords for it's damage, and is fits really well aesthetically with the build's look. The Nordic Dagger is easily one of the best looking daggers in the whole game, and also happens to fall under the same smithing perk that our armor does, speaking of...</p><p>I chose to replace the Grey Vampire Armor + Linwe’s with Grey Dawnguard Armor and an Apprentice Hood because I find the former to be too “bad guy” looking despite its traditional Assassin looks. It also helps that Vampire Armor isn’t flattering at all on female characters with regards to our source material here. You can pad out the remaining slots with a necklace and ring of your choosing, I went with a Resist Magic Necklace and Fortify One-Handed Ring.</p><p>If you find that you want the 10 extra magicka of the Adept Hood, you can swap to the Brown or Red Dawnguard for a better color match and a more robe-like feel as both of these versions have additional cloth draped over the legs.</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Lesser Tactics</strong></span></p><p><strong>Eagle Vision:</strong> Detect Life/Detect Dead -> Aura Whisper + Quiet Casting - Detect nearby enemies whether live, dead, immortal or machine, both useful and roleplay fuel.</p><p><strong>Leap of Faith:</strong> Become Ethereal - Survive a fall from any height, mostly roleplay, but has it’s uses.</p><p><strong>Rogue's Fortune:</strong> Prowler’s Profit - This one’s a bit tougher to get, but an hour or so spent gathering Barenziah’s Stones can guarantee thousands of extra gold in gemstones permanently.</p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Greater Tactics</strong></span></p><p><strong>Binded Deterioration:</strong> Marked For Death + Paralysis + Quiet Casting - <strong>The enemy is completely subdued for a small portion of time, and becomes progressively weaker over that time.</strong> Very useful during the builds weaker levels for isolating or outright disabling stronger enemies while you deal with the smaller guys.</p><p><strong>Murmur of Dismay:</strong> Frenzy Rune + Illusion Perks + Throw Voice - <em>A false voice calls your foes away, and after a magical explosion they are pushed to mass hysteria.</em> This one’s good in the same way as the previous ability, but is good for thinning out whole herds of enemies as well.</p><p><strong>Revitalizing Retreat:</strong> Voice of The Emperor + Mora’s Boon + Shadowcloak of Nocturnal/Invisibility - <em>The Assassini releases a torrent of calming magic over a wide area, reverses all damage they have taken, and retreats back to the shadows.</em> A fancier way to retreat back to the comfort of stealth when detected and caught in a bad situation, the “Oh shit!” button so to speak.</p><p><strong>Victory to the Assassini:</strong> Dragon Aspect + Dual Wield Sword and Dagger + Dual Flurry + Dual Savagery + Elemental Fury + Secret of Strength - <em>Though the name Assassini may imply an order of cowardly murderers, this is far from the truth. The Masters among their ranks are able to wield two blades with exceptional speed, and when a Master Assassini is the Dragonborn, the resulting combination is devastating.</em> This is the strongest possible combination of abilities this build can pull off. A flurry of maximum speed, maximum damage dual wielding power attacks at 0 stamina cost. I only recommend using this during tough high level enemies such as dragons and bosses.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71284666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71284666,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="71284666?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>We work in the dark...</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Roleplay</strong></span></p><ul><li>Apart from the Courage spell line, I recommend never using Illusion spells on Followers or non-hostile NPCs. One of The Assassini’s main aims is to protect the innocent, and that means no mind manipulation among them, including Bend Will. Hostile NPCs like Bandits or Dragons are fair game though.</li><li>When going after one of your targets, if you have the opportunity to sneak past all other hostiles to get to them, do so. Once the deed is done you should run, even if you think you can win in a fight against the odds. A core part of the way an Assassini takes down their target is the chase and subsequent escape afterwords.</li><li>Another note for the main targets is to try to take them out with your dagger, there isn’t really any weapon in Skyrim that “fits” into the Hidden Blade slot. The Shiv played a part in the old version, but it simply doesn’t hold up on higher difficulties compared to daggers that you can improve.</li><li>The Assassini is open to any factions and all questlines EXCEPT The Dark Brotherhood. They are the exact opposite of everything the Assassini stand for, and should be destroyed. The Volkihar side of Dawnguard really doesn’t fit well either, but any other multi-sided questline (Civil War, Thirsk Hall) doesn’t have a clear roleplay winner.</li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Recommended Mods</strong></span></p><p><strong>Mortal Enemies and TKDodge:</strong> Putting these two together because I feel they both enhance the combat of the build by letting you be much more agile vs just taking every hit or spamming Quick Reflexes.</p><p><strong>Pretty Combat and Jump Animations:</strong> These I really only recommend purely for aesthetics. They look WAY better and more role fitting than the vanilla animations.</p><p><strong>LeanWolf’s Better Shaped Weapons and Any Assassin’s Creed Robes mod:</strong> Entirely for better looking weapons and a more fitting set of armor if you don't want to go vanilla.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}71284606,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}71284606,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="71284606?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><em>To protect the light.</em></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Closing Notes</strong></span></p><p>PCOutcast has a full playthrough of the original Asasinni/Assassino build on his Youtube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2nJm4SDtUw&list=PLSyNz14wE4hBxxGx5485W0n81vTMhvaBQ" target="_blank">here’s a link</a> to that if you're interested in seeing the ancestor of the Assassini in action.</p><p>A gameplay video has also been featured on Skyforge TV, and the modded screenshots here were done by Curse.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/974qq_it6sg?wmode=opaque" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>It’s been ages since I’ve written a build from scratch, but I hope that this little rework/redux/reimaging/reeeee can live up to the hype of the OG.</p></div>