Update: added many details, but I've been unable to really play my character, so much of this build is theory. Who knew how long it takes for a detailed build? It's like writing a research paper! I'm recovering from major spinal surgery, 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. 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.
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 Nordic Souls. There are SEVERAL Simonrim setups available on Wabbajack, including Fahluaan, variations of The Phoenix Flavor, Winds of the North, Thuldor's Skyrim, and RO - A Graphics-Focused Modlist.
Using a setup like Nordic Souls 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 -- Balances racial passives and adds powerful gameplay options.
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 strengthen spells, 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.
Artificer - An Artifact Overhaul -- overhauls everything from thane weapons to black books to the most powerful Daedric items available.
Apothecary - An Alchemy Overhaul -- an overhaul of potions and poisons.
Optional:
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. Amergin will worship the ancient deity Y'ffre (Jephre), which increases his stamina and allows him to move faster when drawing a bow.
To improve my Bosmer's looks, I added several antler mods to character creation and NPC's. They are
Cuyi’s Bosmer Antlers-SSE, which adds antlers to wood elves during character creation, via the scars button; and NPC’s have antlers.
BUILD:
RACE: I chose Bosmer. With Aetherius, Amergin doesn't start with the best stats for a Druid starting with extra perks in archery, one-hand, security (lockpicking and pickpocketing combined), light armor and sneak. Amergin spends less stamina when sprinting and sneaking, and has 25% more damage with sneak attacks. You could argue that Bretons might be better for druids, lore and beginning stats-wise, but I felt the Valenwood setting, worship of Y'ffre, and partial adherence to the Green Pact was a better fit for my roleplay.
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/bardic/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, Archery, and 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:
The Blessings of Nature
The Main Quest
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, and prepare meals.
WEAKNESSES OF THE DRUID/BARD
MY THANKS
The Simonrim Suite
Aetherius - A Race Overhaul
Mundus - A Standing Stone Overhaul
Mysticism - A Magic Overhaul
Adamant - A Perk Overhaul
Hand to Hand - An Adamant Addon
Blade and Blunt - A Combat Overhaul
Arena - An Encounter Zone Overhaul
Scion - A Vampire Overhaul
Manbeast - A Werewolf Overhaul
Stormcrown - A Shout Overhaul
Pilgrim - A Religion Overhaul
Thaumaturgy - An Enchanting Overhaul
Artificer - An Artifact Overhaul
Sorcerer - A Staff and Scroll Overhaul
Apothecary - An Alchemy Overhaul
Gourmet - A Cooking Overhaul
Journeyman - A Fast Travel Overhaul
Candlehearth - An Inn Overhaul
Starfrost - A Survival Overhaul
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