Update: added many details, but I've been unable to really play my character, so much of this build is theory. I'm having major surgery on 5/16/24, and I'm hoping I'll be back on my feet and will finish this build, slowly but surely. Constructive criticism is needed!
I am the wind on the sea;
I am the wave of the sea;
I am the stag of seven battles;
I am the eagle on the rock
I am a flash from the sun;
I am the most beautiful of plants;
I am a strong wild boar;
I am a salmon in the water;
I am a lake in the plain;
I am the word of knowledge;
I am the head of the spear in battle;
I am the god that puts fire in the head;
Who spreads light in the gathering on the hills?
Who can tell the ages of the moon?
Who can tell the place where the sun rests?
--translation of The Song of Amergin by Isabella Augusta, 1904
Amergin Gluingel was a druid, bard and judge who, with his brothers, helped to conquer and settle Ireland, driving out the Tuatha de Danann. I was first introduced to Amergin in the speculative fiction book Bard: The Odyssey of the Irish by Morgan LLywelyn in the 1980's. I couldn't seem to make my first event build character quite work, and while researching I suddenly I remembered the book I loved, and I found Amergin quite the suitable character for this event. This build is based loosely on both the Wiki article HERE on Amergin's life, as well as the book's depiction of his druidic abilities.
PROLOGUE:
Amergin had felt a connection with the earth for as long as he remembered. The earth spoke to him when he placed his hand on the ground, his heart beat to the tune of the birds' music, he could listen to to a tree's rustled leaves for news of the swamp he called home. As a wee one, he had been placed in the care of the village Druid, who recognized his abilities to communicate with nature shortly after hatching. Of course, every Argonian was connected to the Sith; Amergin had tasted the sap when he was of age and initiated as a Druid.
Lately, the lovely music Amergin was accustomed to hearing was becoming more dirge-like, full of somber warnings that Amergin didn't recognize. The messages about a sick tree, in a city far away, he could partially understand, but the shivering and dropping of leaves and the feeling of fear Amergin could grasp--made no sense to the young Argonian. He ingested a tiny amount of sap and laid his back against a Sith tree, slowly becoming one with the ancient being, and drifted into a trance. His dreams were vivid, of fire raging, from a powerful winged source--a dragon!
Amergin quickly awoke and packed what little belongings he had--he had faith that that Nature would protect him, as it always had. He conjured his wolf to accompany him, and quickly bid farewell to his egg-brothers; he felt that time was of the essence.
Slowly traveling by foot, Amergin crossed the Skyrim border from Hammerfell. He came across a group of rowdy Nords and was in the process of evading the group when he was struck from behind with a mighty blow to the head . . .
REQUIRED MODS:
I use a Simonrim setup, I love the synergy of the mods, from stones to perks to shouts to magic to enchanting and alchemy recipes. I downloaded a PC Wabbajack setup, a modlist called RO - A Graphics-Focused Modlist.
Using a setup like RO makes things easy; everything is neatly loaded, patched, and really, all you have to do is hit the start button. You do need a Nexus subscription, or it will take you days to download. However, Simonrim, as a whole, has mods very similar to vanilla, so I will try to keep the story and abilities accessible to all, no matter what platform you play.
Primary:
The Simonrim family of mods:
Aetherius - A Race Overhaul -- With this mod, Amergin the Argonian Druid starts with resistances to disease and poison increased by 50%, thanks to his deadly swamp environment. His potions last 50% longer, and he can breathe underwater. Amergin's main skill is alchemy, with minor skills in restoration, sneak, lockpick (security in my game), alteration, and illusion.
Adamant- A Perk Overhaul -- to me, the best perk overhaul available. Similar to vanilla, but streamlined and smoother, and better utilizes certain playstyles.
Mysticism - A Magic Overhaul--fixes bugs from the vanilla game, re-balances existing spells and adds new ones. I mainly used this for elemental (fire, frost, and lightning) spells.
Natura - Nature Themed Spellpack -- Your bread and butter. Please note I don't utilize the destruction spells, as it requires another mod to invest perks and not the regular destruction tree. (I'm sticking to basic elemental spells) The conjuration, alteration, restoration and illusion spells will be in rotation. There's also a Spriggan-themed mod to download as well.
Secondary:
Mundus - A Standing Stone Overhaul -- designed to balance the game’s stone bonuses and add powerful new gameplay options.
Stormcrown - A Shout Overhaul -- Amergin will utilize shouts, it's part of his bardic training (in my roleplay, anyway). Stormcrown not only balances and adds additional shouts, but provides a new tree to invest in for more powerful shouting. (requires additional mods).
Artificer - An Artifact Overhaul -- overhauls everything from thane weapons to black books to the most powerful Daedric items available.
Optional:
Paradigm - A Quick Start Overhaul - a quick start mod, allowing you to start your game without having to go through the vanilla starting quest. You will begin the game outside the Helgen Cave exit after creating your character (thereby avoiding the buggy wagon ride and near execution). It also offers a one-time choice to pick your class archetype (there are 20). The class you choose will determine your starting weapons, armor, spells, items, and gold. As a druid, I started with a robe, dagger, and spells like conjure familiar, healing and Oakflesh. (I hate starting a character with absolutely nothing like some modlists seem to favor). I chose Hadvar for my initial companion, I like the access to the blacksmith and his ingots.
Pilgrim - A Religion Overhaul - SimonMagus' overhaul of Skyrim’s religion system that adds dozens of new deities and with powerful shrine effects to the game.
Beast HHBB - Argonian and Khajiit cosmetic replacer -- simply overhauls your character to look absolutely awesome during character creation. Can't recommend it enough for the coolness factor.
BUILD:
RACE: I chose Argonian for the race's starting stats and it just has a great feel to it. Any race will work; Bretons and Bosmer have their connection with nature as well. I do want to note that I'm not going for an old, bearded guy during character creation, but more of a young spellsword. Amergin according to historical accounts fought side by side with his family in combat.
CLASS ARCHETYPE: Druid with shouts (for that bard feeling). With spells from the mod Natura, Amergin will be able to conjure animals to his side, root his enemies, heal and shield himself.
STONE:
SHOUTS: So many to choose from. Amergin will definitely be utilizing shouts for that druidic/baric/warrior feel. For starters, Animal Ally, Clear Skies, Storm Call, Fire/Frost/Lightning Breath.
STAT DISTRIBUTION: 2M/1H/1ST
SKILL DISTRIBUTION: Major - Restoration, Alteration, Conjuration
Minor - Destruction, Alchemy, Illusion, One-Handed, a few in Sneak (Quiet casting is in the sneak tree, not the illusion tree, with Adamant perks). Yes, I need to streamline my perks as I play.
EQUIPMENT: Probably enchanted robes and heavy gauntlets and boots. Adamant allows a better mix of robes, light and heavy armor, similar to what a Vigilant would wear. Will update to specifics as I play.
QUESTS:
PERK DISTRIBUTION: (will add table soon)
ABILITIES:
COMBAT MOVES:
PASSIVE MOVES:
SPELLS: I will add specific spells soon, just listing my thought process
Destruction - Elemental spells, not Natura spells. Will probably invest only to adept-expert level.
Conjuration - Master level summon spells of creatures (not undead). Amergin will start with his conjuring of wolves, deer, and mudcrabs, but toward the end will enlist the help of Spriggan earth mothers and stone monarchs.
Restoration - Poison your foes with deadly bugs! Heal yourself with fountain of life spells, and rejuvenate followers with a simple touch.
Alteration - Protect yourself with roots, vines, and thorns! Feel that druidic power!
Illusion - Natura has good spells for avoidance (elusive), and truly buffing your allies (swift chase).
ROLEPLAY SUGGESTIONS
I don't believe that a druid would ever soul trap or enchant an item. Investing in the stave or scroll line would be okay.
Amergin understands that hunting elk and fishing is necessary for survival. I did carry and use a bow to hunt wildlife.
WEAKNESSES OF THE DRUID/BARD
MY THANKS
Replies
Interesting you have my interest
Thanks, Chris! Consider this my entry into the event. 😁
Yesterday, I really fleshed out the build, but didn't save my work. Sigh. Starting over . ..
I don't feel like I'm making sense with the prologue and getting the background of an Argonian correctly.
Maybe go with Breton or Bosmer instead