I think it has been a while since this question was asked! It's simple, what was the first build from The Tamriel Vault that you've played? Either from Elder Scrolls or Fallout, or even better, both! Did you play it as the author intended, or just borrow some elements from it and adapted it to your own preferences?
If possible, share a link of it. Let's bring some light to some forgotten gems!
Tell us! And you don't need to restrict yourself to only one build, should you choose to.
When I was writing this, two builds came to mind. I'll tell you about both of them, because, why not? And at some point, I mixed aspects of these two builds in one character. Both of these buildings make extensive use of or benefit directly from my favorite Skyrim DLC, "Dawnguard" (although they were both made before Dawnguard was released and were later updated, I only arrived at the Tamriel Vault - then known as The Skyrim Blog - after the DLCs release, so I never got to see those builds before they incorporated Dawnguard features, and Dragonborn, for the second build I'll tell you about).
So the first Vault build I ever played was "The Paladin" by Ponty. I had only just acquired Dawnguard, and lucky me, I chose a build that realized that DLC's potential masterfully. Of course, its focus is on the "light" or "good" side of the DLC, but that's still my favorite to this day. It was the build that made me fall in love with the school of Restoration and made me pursue what would become my favorite weapon in Skyrim - the Dawnbreaker. I think it is the build that I most closely followed the author's template and intentions, but I do remember that I did one change: I played as a Nord, not as an Imperial or Breton as is recommended by Ponty, depending on the path you choose (I followed the "Hero of the Divines"). It was mostly a cosmetic decision, as I never liked how the Imperials looked.
The second build I want to tell you about was "The Demonhunter" by No snakes aLive. I believe that at some point it was the most popular build in the site, back when we were still on the old platform. I loved the visuals, the concept and the extensive use of Restoration and Archery. I played it as a Khajiit, as I agree that it looks badass. I didn't spec two skills recommended by the author, however: Alchemy and Alteration. Come to think of it, these two skills, together with Lockpicking and Pickpocketing are probably the skills that I used the least in Skyrim. I also think that when I played it, I didn't have Dragonborn yet, so I didn't make use of any of the Dragonborn features presented in the build.
I must've started a 100 builds from here, many of them repeats, but restartitis sent them all to the void before even dragons were released upon the world. The only one I remember following very closely and playing for an extended period of time was Mason's Sorcerer. I played that exactly as he intended, but I've had many builds in the past that've borrowed a little from one build and a little from another.
Mason's Arcane Archer was the first build I played from here, even before I was a member. I remember being floored by the sheer wealth of information and tactics used in the build. After that, the Demon Hunter. The classics, obviously. Skyrim was still running full-steam ahead then.
Oomph...I'm certainly having trouble thinking back that far. First could be tough to recall.
Before I ever started contributing, I was lurking, looking for clever ways to replay Skyrim.
I do remember giving No Snakes The Demonhunter a pretty legit go.
I also loved the Twilight of Meridia playthrough.
There was an excellent experience from Henson's Sun Priest run.
But I always say my favorite play (of another author) is Legion's Curator. It's a proper trot across Skyrim.
I should add (being a Fallout CB host and all) that the only one I've tried was Mason's Domino.
Damn he was creative.
Oh no...I feel so bad because I'm the only person who's first build played is...well my own :( I made my own builds for at least a year before even touching someone else's and even then I can still count (on my hands) how many builds I've played that wasn't my own...
The Feral Orc was the name of the first build that I played on the Vault, and it's burnt with fire. As for my first build that wasn't mine, ShinJin's build - Dibella's Beautiful Blade which is also the only build I've played more than once.
I'm glad I got to know three builds I had skipped: The Curator, Twilight of Meridia and Dibella's Beautiful Blade. Will read through them right now!
Looking at Henson's Sun Priest, I think that I might have actually played it at some point, or at least used it as a template. After all, it does use both Restoration and the Dawnbreaker! However, I think that my favorite build from him is still the Camonna Tong, I came across it during a time where I was obsessed with all things related to Morrowind and the Dunmer, so it was a perfect fit.
I believe it was the Skystrider. Fairly standard spellsword. Enjoyed it.