Far from where I wish to be, my steps walk the hall of a hidden barrow southeast of Windhelm. I have no prior knowledge of the place, yet somehow, I feel someone... or something... is waiting for me here.
๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ? ๐พ๐๐ ๐
๐๐
๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐?
Countless whispers sing through my mind as mysterious spheres of light greet me, guiding my path through the unusual barrow where none of the living dead guards the place.
"๐บ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐."
"๐ป๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
."
"๐ท๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐."
"๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐."
As my steps stop at the enormous chamber door, the light spheres vanish, and the whispers in my head go silent. My hands move to solve the door puzzle, and the dragon claw is the key to uncovering the mystery.
Once the sealed door opens, the one who awaited me appears. Cold air suddenly engulfs the room, and his battleaxe breathes the Northern chilling wind. There he sits on his dead-man throne, a shade-looking draugr of the fabled Atmoran warrior,
ย
"Upon the Sea, Ysgramor wrestled the sea-ghosts, and the storm carried him along the jagged coast. Two fortnights passed without relief, until finally the storm broke. Come the next dawn, Yngol's long-boat was found in the icy surf, but the vengeful sea-ghosts had already taken Yngol and his clansmen."
~ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐-๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐
ย
ย
Perhaps one of the most iconic helmets in vanilla Skyrim, the Helm of Yngol was my go-to-choice whenever I played a Nordic warrior. Many, however, did not pay much attention to the one who owned the helmet, the son of the fabled Ysgramor and the master blacksmith who forged the legendary Wuuthard, Yngol.
Not only is his existence in Skyrim wrapped by mystery, but his resting place also holds the same haunting charms. Why are there balls of light that guide our path? Why do we see Yngol in his shade form? Why is Yngol not present in the Hall of Valor alongside his father?
Attempting to answer these questions, this build interprets what little we know behind Yngol lore and weaves it to form a chilling yet heart-warming story. This is the tale of two opposing souls united by the pain of loss, thirst for vengeance, and the responsibility as the Northern children.
Version: Anniversary Edition
Suggested Difficulty: Expert/Master
Suggested Mods: SkyUI & Vokrii
ย
Theme:ย Logan
ย
ย
It was only a week ago since they proclaimed me the Dragonborn. I never asked for this power. All I wished was to hone my arcane talents, and just as I was about to reach the College ground, the damn thing cursed me, possessing my body as it pleased.
Born from patriotic parents of Stormcloaks sympathizers, Thyra was always burdened by her parents' expectations. While swordplay is not her calling, her arcane talents shine brightly, and becoming a battle-maiden for the Stormcloaks rank is what her parents always wished her to be. She, whoever, refused to walk on the path paved by them, and instead, left her home with a bitter departure to pursue the thing she adores the most - magic.
Wishing to join the College of Winterhold, the Mage Standing Stone will help Thyra hone her talents early. As her parents disapproved of her decision, the young mage needs to make her own way to Winterhold. Her goals drive Thyra's morality, yet she is still a respectable individual who does not wish to cause any unnecessary scenes. While she refuses to partake in the motherland liberation, Talos is a figure she still looks up to, and his blessing shall reveal Thyra's true destiny.
ย
Just as the Northern Mother often breathes the blizzard that hinders one's path, the young mage's road to Winterhold is not smooth-sailing. A vengeful spirit of a fabled Atmoran warrior watches Thyra's steps, waiting for her to enter the warrior's chamber to free him and his kinsmen from the sea-ghosts' curse.ย Deeming her as a suitable vessel, the vengeful spirit of Yngol takes an interest in Thyra's potential as the Dragonborn.ย
When the spirit enters Thyra's body, she morphs into a battleaxe-wielding warrior. Thus, the Lover's blessing helps to fasten the skill-leveling of the two opposing souls, and the Lord will guard the young Dragonborn on her later journey. No longer the same respectable mage Thyra always strives to be - the spirit has its own rules for when it leaves the mage's body, often resulting in bloody casualties of nearby Elves.
ย
ย
My disinterest in my culture seems to reflect my arcane talents. While I can learn many magic schools almost effortlessly, my Frost magic is the one I'm not confident of. It, however, does the exact opposite of me.
โป ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ย โบ
Mastery over the fire and lightning magic is Thyra's most valuable ace card. Perks that enhance these capabilities are her priority. Not only in Destruction, the young mage also prevails in Conjuration, Restoration, and Alteration magic where these schools guard Thyra's defenses. Summoning an Atronach to shield her, strengthening the body with Flesh spells, restoring her health, and effectively casting magical wardย are the other prowess of the young mage.
Opposing the young mage's traits, Yngol possesses the strength of a warrior and the ability to use passive magic. When the spirit possesses Thyra's body, she can effortlessly wield and swing a battleaxe, and thus, all Two-Handed perks except for Warmaster are chosen. As the possessed Thyra turns into a close combatant, moderate perking in Heavy Armor ensures her safety from lethal blows.
Summoning a Bound Battleaxe and the spirits of fellow slain Atmoran warriors is Yngol's Conjuration forte. Unlike Thyra's Atronaches that shield her from harm, Yngol's spirit summon functions only as a brief distraction. Thus, perks that strengthen reanimated summons are not necessary. Lastly, Yngol's destructive arcane prowess lies in his chilling magic as a passive ability that slows and freezes his preys.
ย
โปย ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ย โบ
Vokrii offers a great dynamic to master the two different playstyles simply with its first perk, Mastery, which strengthens the efficiency of the related skills following their levels. While remaining the same with the vanilla version, the prowess of the mage and the warrior is much better with Vokrii. Two-handed and Destruction skills receive the greatest buffs with many skills granting extra damage. The blessing of Talos is stronger with the Blessed Perk, and the Bound Battleaxe is deadlier with Oblivion and Hollow Binding perks.
ย
ย
When it entered me, my consciousness suddenly drifted into an empty void. I was there, alone, surrounded by darkness. Only a deceiving reflection of my body morphed into those of a dead Atmoran warrior was present.
Style and efficiency are the two things that Thyra values the most in her attire. Without the USSEP, the young mage may wear Vokun and Dismal Visage at the same time to optimize her Alteration and Conjuration spells efficiency. Combined with Warlock's Mark, the art of Atronach summoning is but a mere child play. The Robes of Destruction and Alteration paired with pre-enchanted Ebony Spell Knight Gauntlets and a Ring of Fortify Destruction fill the remaining slots to cut the spells cost of Thyra's most destructive talent. Any boots work wonders, yet the simplicity of the Silver Boots offers a charming look.
ย
An ancient Atmoran warrior wrapped in a sinister aura is how Thyra sees herself when Yngol possesses her. The Daedric Gauntlets and Boots are easily obtainable from the quest Beyond the Grave, yet their enchantments are unfortunately random. A more reliable alternative to obtain the Sure Grip enchantment is to hunt down the Dragonplate Insulated Gauntlets and Boots from the quest Bones for a Crow.
The Ancient Nordic or Drainblood Battleaxe may serve as Yngol's early fangs before wielding the Bound weapon. Finally,ย Philter of Phantom ties the look by turning the possessed mage into a menacing shade. Feel free to use duplication glitch or Console Commands to multiply the Philters should you adore the ghostly look.
To enhance the visual further, consider installing these retextures mods: Xavbio's retextures, Dragonpriest Retextures, Praedy's Staves AIO, JS Helm of Yngol, Xyn's Reworked Daedric Armors, Runed Nord Hero Arsenal, and Recolor Bound Weapons.
ย
ย
Many know me as a formidable and gifted mage. Flame and lightning are at my disposal. Few know me as a haunting and ominous warrior. Ice and shades are at his command.
Spells: All lightning and fire spells, CC Elemental spells, Conjure Flame and Lightning Atronach, Flesh spells, Paralysis Rune, Healing spells, and Ward spells
Shouts: All except the ones used by Yngol
Accounted to her roleplay as a green yet talented and determined mage, Thyra's combat approach offers the freedom and flexibility to explore numerous spells. One safe way to start the combat is by casting a flesh spell. Fire spells and theย Staff of Jyrik Gauldurson are a great way to maintain the Magicka. Lightning spells and the Staff of Magnus are effective when dealing with dragons and fellow mages. The CC Elemental are the rule-breaking spells should you prefer the dirty game.
Thyra does not possess high defense, and thus, direct hits should be avoided. An Atronach and the ward from the Restoration spell and Staff of Hasedoki shall act as her shields. The Paralysis Rune spell and the projectiles from the Staff of Hasedoki are both valuable crowd-controls when the situation calls for them. Feel free to incorporate spells mods such as Arcanum or Apocalypse should you fancy them as they still befit Thyra's roleplay.
ย
Spells:ย Conjure Bound Battleaxe,ย Frost Cloak, Unbounded Freezing, Conjure Undying Ghost & Tomb Guardian, Detect Life/Death, and CC Drain Health spells
Shouts: Slow Time (1-3 Words), Frost Breath (1 Word), andย Become Ethereal (1 Word)
No longer casting spells from a safe distance, the possessed mage now simply cloaks herself with a Frost Cloak spell and calls the aid of a fellow slain Atmoran spirit; the Undying Ghost and the Tomb Guardian, before marching into the battlefield, tearing the enemies apart with her ghostly battleaxe. The ace card to control the combat flow is the use ofย Slow Time shout aided with the Detect Life/Death spell to observe the enemies' number priory.
โปย 1st Word of Slow Time: 1 enemy is at your mercy.
โปย 2nd Word of Slow Time: 2 to 3 enemies will fall before you.
โปย 3rd Word of Slow Time: A group of enemies or the strongest prey does not stand a chance.
The Stability perk and Talos' blessing and hisย Amulet augment the Slow Time efficiency, allowing the possessed mage to bend the time with a short cool-down. As each Word of Slow Time is obtainable from different locations, the Unbounded Freezing spell and the 1st Word of Frost Breath shout may act as alternative crowd controls before fully unlocking the Slow Time potential. The CC Drain Health spells and Become Ethereal are the only methods of healing when Yngol takes over Thyra's body.
ย
โปย ๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ญย โบ
To present a balanced yet engaging dynamic between the two souls, Yngol may take control over Thyra's body when one of these conditions is fulfilled;
โปย when she faces an aggressive elf (including Falmer and Orsimer),
โปย when she ventures into Nordic tombs,
โปย or when she is in a critical condition.
If swapping between the two characters every so often is not to your liking, you may choose whether Yngol will possess Thyra or let her handle the business herself even if the criteria is met. Things to be taken into account, however, is when Yngol leaves Thyra's body as this affects the roleplay greatly;
โปย when the Nordic tomb is cleared,
โปย and when all nearby elves are dead.
As you might have noticed, shifting between the two playstyles requires browsing the Favorites menu quite extensively. SkyUI solves this issue by allowing us to organize favourite items into different Tabs, offering a swift and fluid shifting experience.
ย
ย
While my heart still aches from our bitter departure, this is the path that I chose. I will prove my worth and pave my path to the position of the Archmage. I will not regret it.
Primary Quests:ย Dragon Rising, Yngol's Barrow, and College quests
Thyra's journey began as she left her parents' house to join the College of Winterhold. The first objectives are simple: gather enough coins, prepareย necessary supplies, and learn a few basic spells to make a safe way to Winterhold. Early arms and armor are as humble as the Novice Hood and Robesย obtainable in Helgen Dungeon paired with any gauntlets and boots you fancy and a Mage Backpack.
Return Lucan's Golden Claw and assist the Whiterun Guards in defending their Hold, as the rewards from the pawnbroker and the Jarl make for generous coins. Revealing Thyra's destiny early by slaying Mirmulnir is crucial for the roleplay and gameplay. All side quests around the Hold that reward accordingly are also a great opportunity to prepare the young mage. After ensuring Thyra is ready to explore the Northern region, hire a carriage to Winterhold.
ย
Arriving in the frozen Hold, Thyra overhears an argument between a pair of siblings, Birna and Ranmir. As the pawnbroker approaches her and offers the Coral Dragon Claw, the young mage's ears catch vague and subtle whispers escaping from the Claw. Enticed by the sounds for an uncertain reason, Thyra feels the immediate urge to turn her steps back toward the Southeast region of Windhelm, even when the College entrance is already in front of her.
Guided by the mysterious voices, the young mage enters a Nordic barrow near the Sea of Ghosts, where mysterious shimmering spheres greet her and light the path toward a dark chamber. There, she encounters the lingering spirit of the fabled son of Ysgramor, Yngol. After "defeating" the Shade, the young mage suddenly collapses and wakes up outside the barrow. Unsure of what had invaded her mind, Thyra decides to shrug the unexplainable event and retrace her path back to the College.
ย
The journey continues as Thyra is now admitted as the College student. Yngol's roleplay, however, makes the stage at the Ruins of Saarthal after the unexpected event upon meeting the Psijic Monk. Yngol will take control for the first time after the appearance of the first Draugr until the possessed mage defeats the chamber guardian, Jyrik, and unearths the Eye of Magnus. Thyra returns to her senses and vaguely remembers what had happened when the vengeful spirit entered her body.
A more sinister roleplay moment happens during the quest Hitting the Books, where we may ask Brelyna Maryon to accompany the young mage. As the two mages encounter other aggressive elves in Fellglow Keep, Yngol makes another entrance. For Yngol to leave Thyra's body - all living elves around should be dead, and thus, the possessed mage slaughters her Dark Elf friend. Returning to her senses with her classmate's blood coloring her hands, Thyra realizes a horrifying fact that whatever has happened to her is not a trivial matter. Something sinister is within her.
ย
The College events continue with the young mage trying to mask her horrible deeds by becoming an aspiring student. Helping Urag to expand his collections is a great chance to explore the outside world while hunting the armor pieces and useful Shouts (get the Slow Time at Hag's End). The two playstyles are now explorable as the College's main quests require you to delve into ancient Nordic ruins and Falmer liars.
The first chapter ends with the completion of the College quests after securing the Eye of Magnus, the cause of the Atmoran genocide during the Night of Tears. As the guilt of murdering her classmate still haunts Thyra, she will not accept the Archmage position. Feel free to take the roleplay liberty of appointing Onmund or Jzargo as the new Archmage simply by asking them to accompany the young mage in defeating Ancano and presenting them the Archmage's Robes.
ย
Throughout the Northern Mother, I alone am the wyrm-slayer. Throughout the sea of sinking souls, he alone is the elf-slayer. This pain connects our twisted desires.
Primary Quests: The Civil War (Stormcloaks side), The Companions, and The Pale Lady
This chapter is where the young mage explores the land, opening new possibilities for many activities. After the College events ended, Thyra wished to leave the College, searching for a way to free herself from the vengeful spirit. She will, however, make a brief detour to visit her parents' house. We will roleplay that Thyra's home is the unmarked location of the so-called Prospector's Shack. Upon arriving at her parents' residence, the young mage's legs suddenly limp as she witnesses the horrible scenery before her. Her house is now nothing but a pile of burnt woods.
Inside the house, the reflection of two deteriorated burnt corpses on the floor is visible in her eyes. Indeed, the two corpses are her parents. It appears when Thyra was attending her studies, a dragon made a lair near Bear's Cave Mill. When the creature spotted the couple, it spared them no mercy. Gone is the young mage's longing to meet her parents after the series of bloody incidents at the College, now replaced by the shock of unexplainable emotions.
ย
While her tears wet the burnt-marked wooden floor, the young mage mutters to herself, speaking to the dark spirit that resides within her. She accepts the curse Yngol placed upon her. In return of lending her body to fulfill the vengeful spirit's thirst for vengeance, Thyra pleads to the warrior to lend her his power to hunt down the wyrms. The two opposing souls now slowly understand each other's pain of losing their dearest ones while retaining a deep hatred and a hunger for revenge.
This marks two new side objectives for this chapter: hunting down the dragons and the Falmers - to satisfy the bloodthirst of the two souls. Yongol may now lend his power when Thyra faces a dragon. While fulfilling their twisted desires, the young mage still searches for a way to end Yngol's curse. A hypothesis to realize this is to trace Yngol's existence and demise: the Night of Tears, the Companions, and the sea-ghosts that wrecked his ship. Thus, the Stormcloaks Civil War, the Companions, and the Pale Lady are the primary quests as they seem to imitate Yngol's unfulfilled desires.
ย
Other radiant quests you find along the way, especially those that relate to Nordic customs and heritages, are great opportunities to enhance the immersion. Should you wish to progress the main quest, The World-Eater's Eyrieย is a great stopping point, for Thyra also needs to master her new power to slay the wyrms. The Blades' main quests offer another unique dilemma. You may fulfill Thyra's hatred by slaying Paathrunax or letting her reason with what she despises the most. This chapter ends after the young mage liberates the Motherland and restores the Companions' honor.
ย
While I have done everything that I could think of for him to leave my body, I have forgotten the most important thing. He loves his father dearly. Both of us miss our parents dearly.
Primary Quests: Main quests
The young mage now understands why Yngol possessed her. It seems fulfilling the spirit's desire for vengeance is not the only reason. Did the sea-ghosts that wrecked Yngol's ship ensnare his soul alongside his kinsmen? Were the voices, the spheres of light, and the spirits Yngol summoned his clansmen all along? Were they asking for Thyra's help to aid them in finding the warrior's final peace?
This final chapter continues the main quests where the young Dragonborn finds a way to enter the Nordic afterlife through Skuldafn Gate. After entering Shor's Promised Hall, we will roleplay that Yngol's spirit finally leaves Thyra's body to reunite with his father, Ysgramor. Not only did the young mage who once refused his kin's traditions manage to liberate the land and recover the Companions' honor, but the young Dragonborn also accompanied Yngol back to his father's embrace, taking him and his clansmen to the place where the heroes belong.
ย
While all seems to end pleasantly for Yngol and his clansmen, one problem still remains, the World-Eater terrorizes Sovngarde. The time for the young Dragonborn to fulfill her destiny draws near, the final vengeance for Thyra that started the chain of her misfortunes. As a sign of gratitude, Yngol bestows his knowledge of battleaxe and blacksmithing arts to the young Dragonborn. Now, Thyra can swing a Battleaxe expertly similar to when Yngol possessed her.
For the final attire, you may trade Vokun for Nahkriinย - the mask of Vengence - to further cut the cost of Thyra's main spells. Fists of Randagulf are an option should you wish to increase the battleaxe efficiency. With a plethora of spells and the mastery over the battleaxe-play and Slow Time shout, the young Dragonborn morphs into a deadly battlemage. Thyra also obtains the proficiency to cast frost spells, and while the Atmoran spirit summons will not aid her, she gains the ability to call upon Frost Atronach, a summon most suitable to shield her.
ย
The curtain closes this final chapter with the scene where the three Ancient Tongues aid the young Dragonborn in slaying the World-Eater. She, who once rejected her kin's traditions, is now regarded as the hero among the Northern warriors, the savior of Sovngarde. The blood of the Northern children still runs true in her veins. Her tale is sung by the heroes of Shor's Golden Hall as they cherish their victory, and her name is praised by the Harbinger and his son as they celebrate their reunion.
ย
The journey to discover who I truly am is still a long one. No matter what, I will not run away anymore. I will not dissapoint them anymore. I will have many stories to tell once we meet again.
Primary Quests: Your choice
This extra chapter offers you the freedom to determine Thyra's next story. While the journey thus far seems like a long one, the major quests you have completed are notably the College, the Civil War, the Companions, and the main story. There are still plenty of quests the Northern Mistress offers to explore, and the threats of the Volkihar and the First Dragonborn still await the young Dragonborn.
To present one last parting gift from Yngol, we will implement his astounding blacksmithing skills by crafting and tempering Thyra the most formidable Nord Hero Battleaxe at the Skyforge. We will simply power level Smithing by crafting Dwarven bows and tempering them with the help of the Warrior Stone, Ancient Knowledge, and Well-Rested bonus. You might be wondering how we will acquire enough materials to smith the necessary Dwarven Bows, and this is where the Falmer hunting in the second chapter comes to fruition.
ย
The majority of Falmers made their lairs inside Dwarven ruins, and thus, it makes a perfect opportunity to gather plenty of resources to smith Dwarven bows and fly the Smithing skill to 100. Now, wield your new axe and stand proudly, young hero. The motherland still calls for your aid, and your deeds shall forge your path forward. Your true journey begins now.
ย
ย
As always, my gratitude for taking the time to check this build. Any comments and suggestions are always appreciated. Credits also go to Long-Chapper's The Sea Ghost, as her build inspired the starting point of Thyra's story, and, of course, to the mod authors who keep breathing new lives into this game. Until we meet on another journey,
Replies
Thanks for this really cool build , i like the two aspects of this character.
ย
Thank you for the kind words as well!
Excellent work as always Jazz
Thanks, man! Appreciate it.