***Important Notice - Dawnguard is required for this build!***
Big Thanks to Lanius for all the great screenshots of the Imperial Marine!!!
The Imperial Marine
Strike Hard, Strike Fast, No Prisoners.
Imperial Marines Motto
History of the Marines
The legends say that the Marines were born from the blood and fires of the Imperial City itself...
As Titus II fled the remnants of his army from the Imperial City, the Lord Naarifin was methodical in his efforts to purge the remaining military forces that had broken and scattered after Titus's army successfully retreated. All those discovered or Imperial Citizens that were suspected of helping or harboring such military personnel were ruthlessly executed for treason. The streets of the Imperial City wept with blood for months as mass executions of soldiers and innocents alike were carried out with cold efficiency. Hearts hardened like cold iron from the atrocities and executions forced upon them, a militia slowly formed as veterans and citizens secretly maintained contact with the Imperial Legions. As the Imperial Legions licked its wounds and prepared for the retaking of the Imperial City, weapons and light armor were slowly smuggled into the city itself and the inexperienced militia began arming itself for a very simple mission. Bleed the enemy from within the walls while the Imperial Legions recovered and find a way to retake the city.
As the militia carried out its raids and skirmishes within the city, it took heavy casualties as citizens and veterans, along with officers, were ruthlessly cut down and exectued by the experienced soldiers and battlemages of the Aldmeri Dominion. However, this only served to strengthen the resolve of the survivors and fuel recruitment for the militia as experience forged the citizens and soldiers alike into a brotherhood of not only survivors, but hardened fighters. As the militia transformed into a capable fighting force and slowly bled the Dominion from within, Titus's legions had recovered and moved into position to retake the city. Soon, the militia would play a key role in the Battle of the Red Ring; although historians tend to leave their role out since such glory apparently does not belong to militias.
As the Battle of Red Ring commenced, the militia attacked the Aldmeri Dominion from within the formidable walls of the Imperial City, taking heavy casualties as they paid in blood for every street won from the Dominion as Lord Naarifin was forced to divert and eventually split his forces when the militia began slowly retaking sections of the Imperial City, fighting with a determination and frenzy unlike he had seen from any militia, or even fighting force before. This splitting of Lord Naarifin's armies gave Titus II the upper hand as they broke through into the city trapping the majority of Lord Naarifin's forces. At the conclusion of the battle, both sides had taken heavy casualties and Lord Naarifin was captured although remnants of his armies escaped as defeat was apparent.
Although the militia were not formally recognized for their efforts, the Emperor offered to create a formal fighting force for the militia within the Imperial Legions, as reports of their effective fighting tactics and bravery were whispered within the Legions with awe and respect. Many stayed and few left as the militia fighting force were deemed as the Imperial Marines, a fighting force that was to serve as a highly mobile fighting force that would serve as the spearhead of the Imperial Legion. Soon the Marines proved their effectiveness as they carried out their mission of annihilating the remnants of Lord Naarifin's armies and liberating the captured cities of Cyrodiil. However, the Marines almost were destroyed as swiftly as they were created. Many of the veterans were outraged and deserted the Imperial Legion after the signing of the White-Gold Concordat, heading to Hammerfell to fight the Aldmeri Dominion with the Redguards; although there were rumors that Titus II himself suggested that the Marines head to Hammerfell to aid the province.
The Character
After the signing of the Second Treaty of Stros M'Kai, your character returned to his/her homeland to live a life of peace after the wars, unfortunately that changed as you were captured near the ambush of Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak and recognized as a Marine by an old veteran and assumed to be a deserter.
Race: Nord (Male or Female)
Name: A Nickname (The reasoning behind this is that many original Marines changed their names to protect their identities and therefore their families)
Stat Spread: 0 Magicka/2 Health/ 3 Stamina (Per 5 Levels)
Armor: Dawnguard Light Armor (Full Set is suggested) + Targe of the Blooded/Dawnguard Shield/Nordic Shield
*Note - Imperial Light Armor can be used until Dawnguard is unlocked*
Weapons: Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow + Nordic Grade Weapon
Major Skills
Archery: Although there are not too many perks invested in this skill, your crossbow will be your primary means of dealing damage to your enemies, coupled with poisons and specialized bolts as well as ignoring up to 50% of an opponents armor rating, you will be capable of dealing a lot of damage.
Alchemy: Quite possibly the most important skill within this class, the Marine uses his environment to his advantage and creates beneficial potions and deadly poisons to help give him a tactical advantage to his enemy as well as heightening his skills for short periods of times.
One-Hand: When an enemy or enemies closes in, the Marine is a capable fighter, able to use powerful strikes to break through an enemy's defense and finish him off with another savage strike.
Block: Sometimes the best offense is a great defense, the Marine is able to withstand even the most powerful blows when he is on his guard, as well as being able to use his shield as a deadly weapon with a shield bash, possibly disarming the opponent altogether.
Minor Skills
Smithing: Any soldier knows that your are only as good as the condition of your equipment, utilizing smithing to tempering your armor and sharpening your weapons is key to survival.
Sneak: The Marines utilize ambush tactics to help take down large groups as well as giving them an edge in the opening salvo of a particularly tough opponent.
Light Armor: This perk is to further boost your armor rating and help absorb damage
Gameplay
The Marine is a highly resilient class that heavily utilizes the crossbow and various poisons as well as specialized bolts to deal damage. Utilize your sneak to it's fullest advantage to scout enemy positions and to pick the best spot to start your ambush, you can generally pick off an entire group of enemies in dark areas such as caves and barrows. Although this can be fun, it can also get boring rather quickly, so luckily this build gives you a lot of flexibility as you will also be able to charge in as a warrior with your shield and weapon and still be effective in combat. The crossbow is also an effective weapon in combat when your enemy is charging at you, especially coupled with the Power Shot perk, you can either kill or seriously weaken your foe by the time he gets close. The melee side of this build is primarily staggering or disarming your enemies with your shield followed by a power attack as well as blocking/evading your enemy's power attacks.
Utilizing various poisons is also an extremely satisfying and fun gameplay mechanic, many times I will simply poison a bolt with a frenzy poison and infect an enemy and watch him attack his buddies, and with the Concentrated Poison perk, you can often turn whole groups of enemies on each other with a single frenzy and lingering damage health poison. Alchemy is an extremely underrated skill in that regard since poisons such as Frenzy, Fear, Slow, and Paralysis can all be made by fairly common ingredients. It's also a great idea to make a stock of stamina and health potions before quests as running out of those can be extremely bad.
For big battles whether it's against big bosses or large crowds, I always carry a stock of Exploding Bolts of Fire, Ice, and Shock, as well as weakness poisons to fire, ice, and shock as well. Couple those with an opening sneak attack salvo and you can gain a competitive advantage early. Also, don't forget to make plenty of stamina and health potions and it's probably easiest if you simply hot key/favorite them as well as a couple of your favorite poisons as well.
Also remember that it is extremely easily to not only make your own supply of bolts, but many Apothecaries sell fire, frost, and void salts that allow you to make exploding bolts!!! It's always a good idea to keep a stash of each type of bolt in case you're in a tight spot!
Gameplay/Roleplay Restrictions
- No Magic - You're a simple soldier and nothing more, so that means no magic... at all, no matter what.
- No Dragon Shouts - You're a simple soldier, not dragonborn therefore you cannot use dragon shouts... At least avoid using them unless required by a quest.
- Must Side with the Dawnguard - In order to gain access to the Dawnguard armor and to upgrade your crossbow.
- Must complete Ancient Technology Quests - In order to upgrade your Crossbow
Level 25 Perk Spread
Level 25
Archery: 4/5 Overdraw, Eagle Eye, Power Shot
One-Handed: 3/5 Armsman, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike, 2/3 Your preferred weapon (sword/mace/axe)
Blocking: 2/5 Shield Wall, Quick Reflexes, Power Bash
Smithing: Steel Smithing, Dwarven Smithing, Elven Smithing
Alchemy: 2/5 Alchemist, Physician, Poisoner
Level 55 Perk Spread
Level 55
Archery: 5/5 Overdraw, Eagle Eye, Power Shot
One-Handed: 5/5 Armsman, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike, Critical Charge, 3/3 Your preferred weapon (sword/mace/axe)
Blocking: 5/5 Shield Wall, Quick Reflexes, Power Bash, Deadly Bash, Disarming Bash, Shield Charge
Smithing: Steel Smithing, Dwarven Smithing, Elven Smithing, Advanced Armors
Alchemy: 5/5 Alchemist, Physician, Poisoner, Concentrated Poison, Snakeblood, Purity
Sneak: 3/5 Stealth, Muffled Movement, Backstab, Deadly Aim
Light Armor: 5/5 Agile Defender
***Important Notice - Dawnguard is required for this build!***
Big Thanks to Lanius for all the great screenshots of the Imperial Marine!!!
The Imperial Marine
Strike Hard, Strike Fast, No Prisoners.
Imperial Marines Motto
History of the Marines
The legends say that the Marines were born from the blood and fires of the Imperial City itself...
As Titus II fled the remnants of his army from the Imperial City, the Lord Naarifin was methodical in his efforts to purge the remaining military forces that had broken and scattered after Titus's army successfully retreated. All those discovered or Imperial Citizens that were suspected of helping or harboring such military personnel were ruthlessly executed for treason. The streets of the Imperial City wept with blood for months as mass executions of soldiers and innocents alike were carried out with cold efficiency. Hearts hardened like cold iron from the atrocities and executions forced upon them, a militia slowly formed as veterans and citizens secretly maintained contact with the Imperial Legions. As the Imperial Legions licked its wounds and prepared for the retaking of the Imperial City, weapons and light armor were slowly smuggled into the city itself and the inexperienced militia began arming itself for a very simple mission. Bleed the enemy from within the walls while the Imperial Legions recovered and find a way to retake the city.
As the militia carried out its raids and skirmishes within the city, it took heavy casualties as citizens and veterans, along with officers, were ruthlessly cut down and exectued by the experienced soldiers and battlemages of the Aldmeri Dominion. However, this only served to strengthen the resolve of the survivors and fuel recruitment for the militia as experience forged the citizens and soldiers alike into a brotherhood of not only survivors, but hardened fighters. As the militia transformed into a capable fighting force and slowly bled the Dominion from within, Titus's legions had recovered and moved into position to retake the city. Soon, the militia would play a key role in the Battle of the Red Ring; although historians tend to leave their role out since such glory apparently does not belong to militias.
As the Battle of Red Ring commenced, the militia attacked the Aldmeri Dominion from within the formidable walls of the Imperial City, taking heavy casualties as they paid in blood for every street won from the Dominion as Lord Naarifin was forced to divert and eventually split his forces when the militia began slowly retaking sections of the Imperial City, fighting with a determination and frenzy unlike he had seen from any militia, or even fighting force before. This splitting of Lord Naarifin's armies gave Titus II the upper hand as they broke through into the city trapping the majority of Lord Naarifin's forces. At the conclusion of the battle, both sides had taken heavy casualties and Lord Naarifin was captured although remnants of his armies escaped as defeat was apparent.
Although the militia were not formally recognized for their efforts, the Emperor offered to create a formal fighting force for the militia within the Imperial Legions, as reports of their effective fighting tactics and bravery were whispered within the Legions with awe and respect. Many stayed and few left as the militia fighting force were deemed as the Imperial Marines, a fighting force that was to serve as a highly mobile fighting force that would serve as the spearhead of the Imperial Legion. Soon the Marines proved their effectiveness as they carried out their mission of annihilating the remnants of Lord Naarifin's armies and liberating the captured cities of Cyrodiil. However, the Marines almost were destroyed as swiftly as they were created. Many of the veterans were outraged and deserted the Imperial Legion after the signing of the White-Gold Concordat, heading to Hammerfell to fight the Aldmeri Dominion with the Redguards; although there were rumors that Titus II himself suggested that the Marines head to Hammerfell to aid the province.
The Character
After the signing of the Second Treaty of Stros M'Kai, your character returned to his/her homeland to live a life of peace after the wars, unfortunately that changed as you were captured near the ambush of Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak and recognized as a Marine by an old veteran and assumed to be a deserter.
Race: Nord (Male or Female)
Name: A Nickname (The reasoning behind this is that many original Marines changed their names to protect their identities and therefore their families)
Stat Spread: 0 Magicka/2 Health/ 3 Stamina (Per 5 Levels)
Armor: Dawnguard Light Armor (Full Set is suggested) + Targe of the Blooded/Dawnguard Shield/Nordic Shield
*Note - Imperial Light Armor can be used until Dawnguard is unlocked*
Weapons: Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow + Nordic Grade Weapon
Major Skills
Archery: Although there are not too many perks invested in this skill, your crossbow will be your primary means of dealing damage to your enemies, coupled with poisons and specialized bolts as well as ignoring up to 50% of an opponents armor rating, you will be capable of dealing a lot of damage.
Alchemy: Quite possibly the most important skill within this class, the Marine uses his environment to his advantage and creates beneficial potions and deadly poisons to help give him a tactical advantage to his enemy as well as heightening his skills for short periods of times.
One-Hand: When an enemy or enemies closes in, the Marine is a capable fighter, able to use powerful strikes to break through an enemy's defense and finish him off with another savage strike.
Block: Sometimes the best offense is a great defense, the Marine is able to withstand even the most powerful blows when he is on his guard, as well as being able to use his shield as a deadly weapon with a shield bash, possibly disarming the opponent altogether.
Minor Skills
Smithing: Any soldier knows that your are only as good as the condition of your equipment, utilizing smithing to tempering your armor and sharpening your weapons is key to survival.
Sneak: The Marines utilize ambush tactics to help take down large groups as well as giving them an edge in the opening salvo of a particularly tough opponent.
Light Armor: This perk is to further boost your armor rating and help absorb damage
Gameplay
The Marine is a highly resilient class that heavily utilizes the crossbow and various poisons as well as specialized bolts to deal damage. Utilize your sneak to it's fullest advantage to scout enemy positions and to pick the best spot to start your ambush, you can generally pick off an entire group of enemies in dark areas such as caves and barrows. Although this can be fun, it can also get boring rather quickly, so luckily this build gives you a lot of flexibility as you will also be able to charge in as a warrior with your shield and weapon and still be effective in combat. The crossbow is also an effective weapon in combat when your enemy is charging at you, especially coupled with the Power Shot perk, you can either kill or seriously weaken your foe by the time he gets close. The melee side of this build is primarily staggering or disarming your enemies with your shield followed by a power attack as well as blocking/evading your enemy's power attacks.
Utilizing various poisons is also an extremely satisfying and fun gameplay mechanic, many times I will simply poison a bolt with a frenzy poison and infect an enemy and watch him attack his buddies, and with the Concentrated Poison perk, you can often turn whole groups of enemies on each other with a single frenzy and lingering damage health poison. Alchemy is an extremely underrated skill in that regard since poisons such as Frenzy, Fear, Slow, and Paralysis can all be made by fairly common ingredients. It's also a great idea to make a stock of stamina and health potions before quests as running out of those can be extremely bad.
For big battles whether it's against big bosses or large crowds, I always carry a stock of Exploding Bolts of Fire, Ice, and Shock, as well as weakness poisons to fire, ice, and shock as well. Couple those with an opening sneak attack salvo and you can gain a competitive advantage early. Also, don't forget to make plenty of stamina and health potions and it's probably easiest if you simply hot key/favorite them as well as a couple of your favorite poisons as well.
Also remember that it is extremely easily to not only make your own supply of bolts, but many Apothecaries sell fire, frost, and void salts that allow you to make exploding bolts!!! It's always a good idea to keep a stash of each type of bolt in case you're in a tight spot!
Gameplay/Roleplay Restrictions
- No Magic - You're a simple soldier and nothing more, so that means no magic... at all, no matter what.
- No Dragon Shouts - You're a simple soldier, not dragonborn therefore you cannot use dragon shouts... At least avoid using them unless required by a quest.
- Must Side with the Dawnguard - In order to gain access to the Dawnguard armor and to upgrade your crossbow.
- Must complete Ancient Technology Quests - In order to upgrade your Crossbow
Level 25 Perk Spread
Level 25
Archery: 4/5 Overdraw, Eagle Eye, Power Shot
One-Handed: 3/5 Armsman, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike, 2/3 Your preferred weapon (sword/mace/axe)
Blocking: 2/5 Shield Wall, Quick Reflexes, Power Bash
Smithing: Steel Smithing, Dwarven Smithing, Elven Smithing
Alchemy: 2/5 Alchemist, Physician, Poisoner
Level 55 Perk Spread
Level 55
Archery: 5/5 Overdraw, Eagle Eye, Power Shot
One-Handed: 5/5 Armsman, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike, Critical Charge, 3/3 Your preferred weapon (sword/mace/axe)
Blocking: 5/5 Shield Wall, Quick Reflexes, Power Bash, Deadly Bash, Disarming Bash, Shield Charge
Smithing: Steel Smithing, Dwarven Smithing, Elven Smithing, Advanced Armors
Alchemy: 5/5 Alchemist, Physician, Poisoner, Concentrated Poison, Snakeblood, Purity
Sneak: 3/5 Stealth, Muffled Movement, Backstab, Deadly Aim
Light Armor: 5/5 Agile Defender
