!!This is a status I posted here as a discussion because it was to lengthy and in-depth to be posted as a status. I hope it is not deleted prematurely for not being a discussion. I appreciate if any feedback is given.!!
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I've been thinking, about taking a hiatus from the blog (for I don't know how long). My reason for this is that I need to find solace in myself and come up with an original, well-presented, and thorough Character Build. One with the kind of quality to be a Category 40 (or even 80) build. I'm distraught of how lackluster the builds I have are. Now, mind you it wont be a complete hiatus, as I will still check up from time to time and be in Blackwoods as well.
The first reason being, I have only posted three builds here, one of which I disowned, and the other two being Non-ES builds. I need to find an archetype niche somewhere that I can call my own, not only one that's good, but one that fits me perfectly. For example, here's the builds I have for example.My first build, The Jade Dragoon, was at least successful enough to reach Category 20. Despite pouring a portion of my soul into crafting it, fleshing it out, and updating and looking for ways to improve it constantly, remains as a Non-ES build. The idea didn't entirely come from me, which is why I'm both proud and sad that this was the most successful of my builds.My second build, The Recluse, was so bad I was ashamed of it and ordered it's beheading. The idea for this sorry excuse for an idea stemmed from tieing a few references together, that almost nobody recognized. The ones that I know about who did recognize the reference, didn't even think the build was good. I became ashamed of even posting this train wreck, and I can honestly say, that it was never playtested, and I am glad I didn't test it.My third build, The God of Destruction, hails from the same source as my first build. However, even him in his own game didn't provide me with enough background to make a build off of. I desired a rival to my first build, and I made one, but I'm completely lost as to where to improve it. And as a bonus, I recently learned (while searching through lore) that Mehrunes Dagon is referred to as the God of Destruction. I have no other name for this build and don't know how to incorporate Dagon, so I left it the way it is now.
I am by no means 'hating' my own builds. I still enjoy having them (well, besides the Recluse), but I just think I should be making better ones.
Now that that's off my chest, I wanted to say that this is more than just about creating a Category 80 build. This is about me making my own build that suits me well and is also a good representation of myself more than it is making a "Legendary" build. I'll be more than sure not to make mistakes when posting.
I've also looked at the Category 80 builds, and some of the Category 40 builds. Until now, I've looked but haven't truly seen what really makes them so popular and successful. So now I think I have a good understanding of what constitutes a great build.
If you're down to here, I take it that you have read my feelings about this. I want to make builds worthy of this site. If you have any thoughts about what I plan to do, please give me feedback. thank you for your time.
-C.H.
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Decision: I've decided not to go on a hiatus.
I don't think you should leave man. I remember when I first joined I waited 3-4 months to post. I got very frustrated because I could never come up with "the build".
My advice is to look at past playthroughs that you really liked the idea of but they never worked out. That is how things got started for me. I played a bard build I made but eventually ditched it for various reasons. A few months later I looked back at it and improved it, thus "giving birth" to the Songbird.
Also to me it sounds like you have writers block. That gets to me as well. Honestly, I just wait. Something will come eventually. A lot of the stuff I have done started as 2 or more different playthrough that only got to about level 20. Then as I said earlier I look back at them and improve taking the aspects from both.
Not sure if this is any help to you, but I hope it is
Good luck on your next build, but make sure you log in from time to time (no reason to go on a hiatus - unless you just need the 'away' time). And don't feel too bad about your builds (earning 20 likes is good). The Skyrim Blog has the best builds on the net, due to the higher standards expected of a build. Any build making the ranks is an accomplishment.
Take your time; I agree with what you are doing and I think it might even help out the way you "flesh out" a character. It seems that you are not just looking for a "build", but an actual living breathing fictional entity, and there is nothing wrong with that. While it's true that outside influences can incorrectly flavor your character build, the best advice I have with respect to that is to just take a piece from anything that inspires you. Not something that you think would inspire a character, but you personally. I wish you luck, and may the Muses gift you with inspiration worthy of your hard work.
Author's note: Lavitz freakin' rocks! lolz
Mate, everyone feels like beheading their first few builds (f*ck, if you remember mine, you'll know what I mean!)
Glad your trying to be open about trying to find inspiration and your feelings of trying to make a truly awesome build, and I feel the exact same way, maybe all the newbie CBer's probably do.
I'd recommend a hiatus, the influence of the same ideas rushing around your head all the time because of the blog, if you take a step back, you'll find new inspiration through wacky things, that may turn up a really good build.
Thanks for the feedback, Olaf. I don't relly feel like beheading my first builds (well, besides the Recluse, if you remember it you'd know how awful it turned out), and I don't actually remember your first build. I assumed your first was the Ridnen Rider, and that one turned out pretty well in my opinion.
And who doesn't want to make epic builds? Honestly it's not even for the amount of 'likes' it will give me or how high up in the Categories it gets. It's more personal than that, I want to make something I can be proud of, one that would be a great representation of me. Sorry if this comes off as selfish, but I think I need to do this.
Haha, even more LoD fans! I didn't think I'd find very many here. LoD isn't the only thing I like but it has grown too accustomed to being the center of my preferences.
The playstyle could come easy to me, as I favor Warrior-mages and pure warriors. I just need to find a character that can fit as many of my preferences as possible then ramp it up as far as I can. I think that since this build should be so important to me, I will test only on Master or Legendary rather than starting on Adept and (usually) sticking to Expert.
And, Luck to you should you ever decide to post a build, Robert. Hopefully it will turn out better than a couple of the other ones I've posted!
You have cool build ideas, and you should continue to work with others to flesh out ideas. Staying away from helpful hints, helpful site members, and healthy discussions would be detrimental to builds. For awhile now, I always message other members or chat with them about ideas, especially Ben or sometimes some other people, and it helps me hone in my thoughts.
A big thing I try to do is focus on that one cool element of gameplay for game mechanics that fits a certain roleplay, whether it's a brand new discovery or something known, not try to spread myself too thin. Builds are attention grabbing to me when it is simple in concept and simple in execution but also leaves imagination run a bit with lore/backstory/gameplay. My Tang Mo is a stealthy warrior same as anything else, but simplifying the idea into a concept of "Slow Time" makes it what it is, a speed driven monkey. I am not saying you have done this yet, but in my eyes, builds that try to be an overpowered master of all things are not fun. Restriction and specific skill synergies are what makes me keep going.
I really hope to see more builds from you. Take your time and I suggest reading Elder Scrolls lore to get inspiration or look at art as well. A few of my builds (I can only speak about what I have done because, well, that's what I have done lol) were created just by stumbling upon a cool picture.
Let me know what you decide to do. I am always up for character discussions either in a thread or in PM.
I have the same problem, without the capability of actually creating a build worthy of this site yet. Yes, I've tried helping others with recommendations and such, but I feel the need to be able to contribute more to the site. I want to be able to make people actually want to play a build I put up here. I know it seems kinda greedy in a way, but I just want people to have some faith in me and such. So far, I haven't even gotten much of an idea, and those that I have have burned out or been created already. So, in all honesty, what would you say to teaming up for a few more builds, like we did (in a small portion) with your God of Destruction build?
I understand completely the desire to create a build that just screams "you". Believe me, I do.
I can see what you mean by the missing components for the God of Destruction, and we can kick around a couple ideas in the future... Maybe Vampire Lord Melbu Frahma? Unleash that upon Skyrim?
And I have no idea where to begin with Blackwoods either. I'm always glad to help others wherever and whenever I can. As for my build, I'm currently toying with the idea of a heavily-armed and armored warrior that uses Lightning magic. The Lightning Emperor. Thank you for the blessing my friend.
Aww mate! That's a crushing career story! I genuinely felt bad for you reading that!
Damned hosts! Oh, hang on...
@Chris
Sometimes it's best not to wait for that 'original concept' to arrive or try and force one out. Every now and again someone innocently posts up a simple barbarian build and presents it in such an attractive way that people are lining up to give it a go...
Try and shift your mind a gear and instead of trying to create a mechanical 'build' make a character 'walkthrough'. Explain how your character deals with things and how the perks worked with each other. You can even explain the weaknesses of your character in an exciting way if you give it enough thought...
Good luck mate!
Oh, Lightning Emperor. I think I have an Idea of what it's like, or completely not! I don't know what this might become, so I'll just maybe see sometime.
And by the way, I don't think the God of Destruction build was really bad, I just think it's... unfinished, I guess. I think it actually mentioned VL form in the build, though perhaps only briefly.
As for Blackwoods, you could probably ask one (or two) of the hosts or one of the players where to start. I posted my character but that's all I've done so far, lol
That's... actually what I want to do for it Mason, show how all the skills and perks 'flow' in together. I want it to seem like more than just a regular build (which is probably what some people think of my other builds), I want it to feel truly like a 'character'. Problem is I'd probably need some help doing that.
As for the first part of your reply, I don't think I want just some simple build, but I do understand that presentation is a large key factor in a build's success, so I'll be sure to make it at least 'look' the part of a great build.
Thanks for your thoughts on this matter, Mason :)