Character Build:
Ashlander Outcast
(Modded Build)
Concept:
This build is the Skyrim version of my build for TESIII: Morrowind, which can be read here.
The Ashlanders of Vvardenfell are the Dunmeri nomad-folk hailing from Morrowind's wilderness. Also known as the "Velothi," they roam the land, herding guar and hunting game wherever they set up camp. While most regard them as barbaric huntsmen, the Ashlanders do have respect and courtesy among their kin. However, they are generally a xenophobic people who behave with aggression towards outlanders - especially those who insult their clan culture.
The Ashlander Outcast is a Dunmer who disagrees with this prejudism and has left their ancestral homeland for Skyrim (something which most of their clansfolk frown down upon). It is here that the nomad continues their search for knowledge and wisdom of non-Ashlander culture.
Build
Note: To play this you will need Tentapalooza, Bonemold and Chitin Weapons and the Ashlander armor mod(s) of your choice.
I highly recommend Chitin Goggles and Morrowind Netch Leather Armor. For great variations on Bonemold, try Bonemold Expanded and if you really want to be true to Ashander culture, Spears By Spoolie is excellent. Scroll to "Optional Mods" for more suggestions.
Race: Dunmer.
Sign: The Warrior > The Lord.
Shout: None. You are an Ashlander of Morrowind, not Dragonborn.
Stats: 1/2/2 (M/H/S)
Major Skills: One Handed/Two Handed, Archery, Light Armor, Sneak.
Minor Skills: Smithing, Alchemy, Speech, Alteration/Conjuration.
Factions: None. Ashlanders rarely meddle with the affairs of outsiders. Even the Ashlander Outcast is wary of whom they offer aid.
Equipment: Chitin and/or Bonemold armors if playing vanilla. I go for Chitin Goggles paired with Netch Leather armor.
Weapons: TESV lacks spears and Chitin/Bonemold weaponry as they appeared in Morrowind. Luckily for us, we have mods. With the required/suggested mods installed, simply choose your weapon of choice.
Follower: Teldryn Sero if needed.
Major Skill Perks:
One Handed/Two Handed
Depending on your weapon preference, you'll want to advance in the appropriate skill tree. Armsman/Barbarian deserves all 5 ranks - Ashlanders are extremely proficient with weapons. Fighting Stance/Champion's stance are likewise well worth having, as their time spent in the harsh Ashlands has trained the Velothi people to not waste a single breath; to be agile and one with their weapons. Most people believe the Ashlanders to be a barbaric people. While not entirely accurate, there are reasons for this rumor. With Savage Strike/Devastating Blow, the Ashlanders are known to decapitate those who dare go against them, leaving behind mutilated corpses.
Archery
The Ashlanders are master huntsmen and as such, are well-versed in the art of the bow. They are able to move swiftly and shoot quickly, sniping targets from miles away. No arrow is wasted and an Ashlander never misses their mark.
You'll be wanting Overdraw (all 5 ranks), Eagle Eye, both ranks of Steady Hand, Power Shot, Quick Shot, (Critical Shot [1]), Hunters Discipline, and Ranger.
Light Armor
The Ashlander favors light armor over anything else, as they need to be quick on their feet in the wilds, while still being protected from the many dangerous beasts that roam Vvardenfell. Swiftness and agility are key to the Ashlander's survival. They are constantly dodging attacks and side-stepping opponents, striking while the enemy is exhausted and never letting anyone close enough to deal heavy damage.
You'll be wanting all ranks of Agile Defender, and all perks until Wind Walker.
Note: This build can also be done with Heavy Armor (since sadly Medium Armor doesn't exist anymore and Bonemold is classified as Heavy) - just be sure to get the Conditioning perk.
Sneak
A true hunter has also mastered the art of sneak, for it is a poor hunter who frightens away their prey before they are ready to strike.
The Ashlander build needs Stealth (all ranks), Muffled Movement and Silence. I've purposely left out Backstab and Deadly Aim to refrain from evolving this build into a Stealth Archer.
Minor Skill Perks:
Smithing
The Dunmeri nomads of Morrowind spend much of their time in the Ashlands, far away from society. As such, they are experts at tempering their own weapons and armor in order to keep them in working condition. Seing as your equipment will consist of Bonemold, Chitin and Netch Leather, you will need the Steel Smithing perk, as well as the Elven Smithing perk.
Alchemy
While the Ashlanders don't necesarrily avoid magic usage, they are still a culture that favors plants and herbs to treat their ailments. They are masters of their surroundings, able to use the local flora to their advantage.
Perks: Alchemist (5/5), Physician, Benefactor, Experimenter (1/3).
Speech
Having spent most of their life living on the edges of Dunmer society, the Ashlanders learnt fairly quickly to be wary of city merchants who often take advantage of them and give them absurd prices.
The Ashlander will need Haggling (5/5), Allure and Merchant.
Alteration + Conjuration
Living in the harsh environments in Vvardenfel has granted the Ashlander a natural resistence to harm and an increased magic resistence. While the Ashlanders do not typically employ the use of magic, there are several who are gifted in it and are known to use ancient Ash spells to aid them in battle. For those who want their Ashlander Outcast to be well-versed in magic, the following perks are recommended:
Alteration Perks: Novice Alteration, Apprentice Alteration, Magic Resistence (3/3), Adept Alteration.
Conjuration Perks: Novice Conjuration, Apprentice Conjuration, Adept Conjuration.
Spells of the Ashlander: Ash Shell // Ash Rune // Conjure Ash Spawn // Conjure Ash Guardian.
Gameplay Style
Being a Dunmeri nomad, your home is your Ashlander Tent, a basic item which all kinsmen learn to craft back in Morrowind. The Ashlander Outcast travels around, setting up camp before spending the next few days scouting and hunting out the area - after which they pack up and leave for the next. Their lives revolve around constant motion, never staying in an area for too long once the local prey has dried out. This is the beauty of the build: wandering Skyrim and taking in the stunning landscapes, defending yourself from the dangers you come across on your travels.
While their kinsmen are generally aggressive towards anyone they encounter, the Ashlander Outcast recognizes the extremes of the Ashlander ways, instead opting to follow a friendlier path, even helping out the occasional lost traveler. In general, however, they prefer to not mix themselves in with issues not involving them.
They are known to explore lost ruins and loot what they find in their travels in order to sell them off to merchants in the cities they come across. Generally, however, the Ashlander Outcast lives on the edge of society and prefers to not stay in civilization for long periods at a time. They hunt and live off the lands and when needed, they visit the local settlements in order to stock up on supplies they can't find in the wilds or sell off their haul at the marketplace.
Optional Restrictions: Assuming you don't have a survival/needs mod installed, try to eat 2-3 times a day, whether that be meat from any animals you've slain or food bought from your last stop in town. Try not to spend too much time in civilization if you can and remember to catch enough sleep. The Ashlander starts their day at crack of dawn and sets up camp once the night is late.
Possible Quests:
The Black Star / Botheiah's Calling / The Whispering Door. Ashlanders worship the Good Daedra: Azura, Boethiah and Mephala.
Clean Sweep (DB). Ashlanders and Dunmer respect their dead very much. Clearing out the Ancestral Temple suits the beliefs of an Ashlander.
Paid in Full. Retrieve Glover Mallory's recipe for improved Bonemold.
... And various, various other quests which would take pages to list down. Trust your gut and do what seems right for the character.
Combat Style
The Ashlander is a quick and agile warrior combining properties of the scout with those of the barbarian. They keenly observe the situation, hiding in the shadows and using their marksmen skills to take out key opponents from a distance before rushing in with their blade. When overwhelmed, an Ashlander with a good sense for magic can be seen using Ash spells such as Ash Shell/Ash Rune to immobilize enemies while they take care of the rest, or summoning an Ash creature for aid in battle.
The Dunmeri nomads are fast and deadly opponents to face - never cornered and always moving out of striking distance, tiring their foes out and then going in for the kill.
Optional Mods
There are so many mods out there that can enhance and Ashlander-themed build. Aside from the ones mentioned in the introduction, below are some more of my recommendations:
Ashlander Camp New Zainab: By far one of my favorite Ashlander mods. Places an Ashlander settlement in Eastmarch - perfect for roleplaying, and even comes with an Ashkhan Yurt player home.
Beasts of Tamriel: Aside from adding dozens of lore-friendly creatures, the mod adds rideable Pack Guars.
Light Bonemold Armor: A light armor variation of the Bonemold armor.
Equipable Dunmer Lantern: A beautiful mod that lets you craft 3 different sets of Dunmer lanterns for your travels.
Rideable Netch: For everyone who's ever dreamed of riding a Netch.
Heavy Armory: Another great mod that adds a variety of weapons such as spears, halberds and short swords to the game
Credits:
Thanks to Plunders-The-Mountains for doing a quick proofread and suggesting the Heavy Armory mod!
Character Build:
Ashlander Outcast
(Modded Build)
Concept:
This build is the Skyrim version of my build for TESIII: Morrowind, which can be read here.
The Ashlanders of Vvardenfell are the Dunmeri nomad-folk hailing from Morrowind's wilderness. Also known as the "Velothi," they roam the land, herding guar and hunting game wherever they set up camp. While most regard them as barbaric huntsmen, the Ashlanders do have respect and courtesy among their kin. However, they are generally a xenophobic people who behave with aggression towards outlanders - especially those who insult their clan culture.
The Ashlander Outcast is a Dunmer who disagrees with this prejudism and has left their ancestral homeland for Skyrim (something which most of their clansfolk frown down upon). It is here that the nomad continues their search for knowledge and wisdom of non-Ashlander culture.
Build
Note: To play this you will need Tentapalooza, Bonemold and Chitin Weapons and the Ashlander armor mod(s) of your choice.
I highly recommend Chitin Goggles and Morrowind Netch Leather Armor. For great variations on Bonemold, try Bonemold Expanded and if you really want to be true to Ashander culture, Spears By Spoolie is excellent. Scroll to "Optional Mods" for more suggestions.
Race: Dunmer.
Sign: The Warrior > The Lord.
Shout: None. You are an Ashlander of Morrowind, not Dragonborn.
Stats: 1/2/2 (M/H/S)
Major Skills: One Handed/Two Handed, Archery, Light Armor, Sneak.
Minor Skills: Smithing, Alchemy, Speech, Alteration/Conjuration.
Factions: None. Ashlanders rarely meddle with the affairs of outsiders. Even the Ashlander Outcast is wary of whom they offer aid.
Equipment: Chitin and/or Bonemold armors if playing vanilla. I go for Chitin Goggles paired with Netch Leather armor.
Weapons: TESV lacks spears and Chitin/Bonemold weaponry as they appeared in Morrowind. Luckily for us, we have mods. With the required/suggested mods installed, simply choose your weapon of choice.
Follower: Teldryn Sero if needed.
Major Skill Perks:
One Handed/Two Handed
Depending on your weapon preference, you'll want to advance in the appropriate skill tree. Armsman/Barbarian deserves all 5 ranks - Ashlanders are extremely proficient with weapons. Fighting Stance/Champion's stance are likewise well worth having, as their time spent in the harsh Ashlands has trained the Velothi people to not waste a single breath; to be agile and one with their weapons. Most people believe the Ashlanders to be a barbaric people. While not entirely accurate, there are reasons for this rumor. With Savage Strike/Devastating Blow, the Ashlanders are known to decapitate those who dare go against them, leaving behind mutilated corpses.
Archery
The Ashlanders are master huntsmen and as such, are well-versed in the art of the bow. They are able to move swiftly and shoot quickly, sniping targets from miles away. No arrow is wasted and an Ashlander never misses their mark.
You'll be wanting Overdraw (all 5 ranks), Eagle Eye, both ranks of Steady Hand, Power Shot, Quick Shot, (Critical Shot [1]), Hunters Discipline, and Ranger.
Light Armor
The Ashlander favors light armor over anything else, as they need to be quick on their feet in the wilds, while still being protected from the many dangerous beasts that roam Vvardenfell. Swiftness and agility are key to the Ashlander's survival. They are constantly dodging attacks and side-stepping opponents, striking while the enemy is exhausted and never letting anyone close enough to deal heavy damage.
You'll be wanting all ranks of Agile Defender, and all perks until Wind Walker.
Note: This build can also be done with Heavy Armor (since sadly Medium Armor doesn't exist anymore and Bonemold is classified as Heavy) - just be sure to get the Conditioning perk.
Sneak
A true hunter has also mastered the art of sneak, for it is a poor hunter who frightens away their prey before they are ready to strike.
The Ashlander build needs Stealth (all ranks), Muffled Movement and Silence. I've purposely left out Backstab and Deadly Aim to refrain from evolving this build into a Stealth Archer.
Minor Skill Perks:
Smithing
The Dunmeri nomads of Morrowind spend much of their time in the Ashlands, far away from society. As such, they are experts at tempering their own weapons and armor in order to keep them in working condition. Seing as your equipment will consist of Bonemold, Chitin and Netch Leather, you will need the Steel Smithing perk, as well as the Elven Smithing perk.
Alchemy
While the Ashlanders don't necesarrily avoid magic usage, they are still a culture that favors plants and herbs to treat their ailments. They are masters of their surroundings, able to use the local flora to their advantage.
Perks: Alchemist (5/5), Physician, Benefactor, Experimenter (1/3).
Speech
Having spent most of their life living on the edges of Dunmer society, the Ashlanders learnt fairly quickly to be wary of city merchants who often take advantage of them and give them absurd prices.
The Ashlander will need Haggling (5/5), Allure and Merchant.
Alteration + Conjuration
Living in the harsh environments in Vvardenfel has granted the Ashlander a natural resistence to harm and an increased magic resistence. While the Ashlanders do not typically employ the use of magic, there are several who are gifted in it and are known to use ancient Ash spells to aid them in battle. For those who want their Ashlander Outcast to be well-versed in magic, the following perks are recommended:
Alteration Perks: Novice Alteration, Apprentice Alteration, Magic Resistence (3/3), Adept Alteration.
Conjuration Perks: Novice Conjuration, Apprentice Conjuration, Adept Conjuration.
Spells of the Ashlander: Ash Shell // Ash Rune // Conjure Ash Spawn // Conjure Ash Guardian.
Gameplay Style
Being a Dunmeri nomad, your home is your Ashlander Tent, a basic item which all kinsmen learn to craft back in Morrowind. The Ashlander Outcast travels around, setting up camp before spending the next few days scouting and hunting out the area - after which they pack up and leave for the next. Their lives revolve around constant motion, never staying in an area for too long once the local prey has dried out. This is the beauty of the build: wandering Skyrim and taking in the stunning landscapes, defending yourself from the dangers you come across on your travels.
While their kinsmen are generally aggressive towards anyone they encounter, the Ashlander Outcast recognizes the extremes of the Ashlander ways, instead opting to follow a friendlier path, even helping out the occasional lost traveler. In general, however, they prefer to not mix themselves in with issues not involving them.
They are known to explore lost ruins and loot what they find in their travels in order to sell them off to merchants in the cities they come across. Generally, however, the Ashlander Outcast lives on the edge of society and prefers to not stay in civilization for long periods at a time. They hunt and live off the lands and when needed, they visit the local settlements in order to stock up on supplies they can't find in the wilds or sell off their haul at the marketplace.
Optional Restrictions: Assuming you don't have a survival/needs mod installed, try to eat 2-3 times a day, whether that be meat from any animals you've slain or food bought from your last stop in town. Try not to spend too much time in civilization if you can and remember to catch enough sleep. The Ashlander starts their day at crack of dawn and sets up camp once the night is late.
Possible Quests:
The Black Star / Botheiah's Calling / The Whispering Door. Ashlanders worship the Good Daedra: Azura, Boethiah and Mephala.
Clean Sweep (DB). Ashlanders and Dunmer respect their dead very much. Clearing out the Ancestral Temple suits the beliefs of an Ashlander.
Paid in Full. Retrieve Glover Mallory's recipe for improved Bonemold.
... And various, various other quests which would take pages to list down. Trust your gut and do what seems right for the character.
Combat Style
The Ashlander is a quick and agile warrior combining properties of the scout with those of the barbarian. They keenly observe the situation, hiding in the shadows and using their marksmen skills to take out key opponents from a distance before rushing in with their blade. When overwhelmed, an Ashlander with a good sense for magic can be seen using Ash spells such as Ash Shell/Ash Rune to immobilize enemies while they take care of the rest, or summoning an Ash creature for aid in battle.
The Dunmeri nomads are fast and deadly opponents to face - never cornered and always moving out of striking distance, tiring their foes out and then going in for the kill.
Optional Mods
There are so many mods out there that can enhance and Ashlander-themed build. Aside from the ones mentioned in the introduction, below are some more of my recommendations:
Ashlander Camp New Zainab: By far one of my favorite Ashlander mods. Places an Ashlander settlement in Eastmarch - perfect for roleplaying, and even comes with an Ashkhan Yurt player home.
Beasts of Tamriel: Aside from adding dozens of lore-friendly creatures, the mod adds rideable Pack Guars.
Light Bonemold Armor: A light armor variation of the Bonemold armor.
Equipable Dunmer Lantern: A beautiful mod that lets you craft 3 different sets of Dunmer lanterns for your travels.
Rideable Netch: For everyone who's ever dreamed of riding a Netch.
Heavy Armory: Another great mod that adds a variety of weapons such as spears, halberds and short swords to the game
Credits:
Thanks to Plunders-The-Mountains for doing a quick proofread and suggesting the Heavy Armory mod!
