It was not too long ago when I found this little gold nugget. While rather famous, in theory, the group is not well known by the common TES player. Allow me to introduce you to them. They are a legendary fighting group based in Dwynnen, High Rock. Their purpose is to protect the region and the Baron of Dwynnen. They are most known for leading the battle against the Bosmer warmonger ‘Camoran Usurper’. This sparked my interest, and as I dug deeper into their lore, through various resources I found out, they were found of using… SPEARS. Something that I found extremely disappointing in Skyrim. I began using Greatswords instead of spears, to at least recreate the two-handed effect, but not have it something as crude as a warhammer or waraxe, something with more finesse. Afterwards, I began thinking, all I know is that they were a great group of knights, who used spears. Nothing of their combat style was known, thus I developed my own.
The Order Of The Raven
Who is this hidden knight, this unknown fighter of High Rock. He is one of the Order, the Order of the Raven. In the group’s political training, he honed his voice, he is not Dovahkiin, simply a talented user of the voice, though these religious Nords can’t see otherwise. H’s been spotted assisting those in need, riding by horse, using spells from afar, and slicing his enemies with his blade. He is a knight come to protect. Exiled from his group for murder, he seeks redemption by defending the innocent, and claiming the souls of the guilty.
Race: Breton (For roleplay reasons, the Order of the Ravens, was housed in High Rock, additionally their 25% resistance to magic helps out with standing stone choices)
Standing Stones: Lady and Lord (The Lady’s health and stamina regen. Bonuses are absolutely fantastic for a melee fighter, and the Lord’s magic resistance and armor bonus make it ideal for long and short range encounters)
Major Skills: Two-Handed, Alteration Restoration, Block
Minor Skills: Heavy Armor, Smithing, Speech (optional)
Follower: Celann (Dawnguard follower) Celann uses all knight-esque skills such as Heavy Armor, Block, etc. He is a Breton, which fits roleplay, as he could easily join your order. Additionally, he levels up to 81, she will be appropriately powerful the entire way through.
Armor: Aetherial Crown, Steel Plate armor/gauntlets/boots, Ahzidal’s Ring Of Arcana
(Before level 18, or when Steel Plate can be smithed, use Dawnguard Heavy Armor, as a knightly looking alternative)
Weapons: Ebony Blade, Ebony Greatsword: Ebony Greatsword MUST be unecnahnted in order to use ‘Elemental Fury’
Essential Quests: Main Questline, Dragonborn Questline, Lost To The Ages, Destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Unearthed, The Whispering Door
Shouts: Marked For Death, Unrelenting Force, Whirlwind Sprint, Elemental Fury, Storm Call
This build uses two forms of combat, and a mixture between the two as well. Based with long range magic and close range melee. I imagined to take down such powerful foes, they couldn’t be simple warriors, not mages, but perhaps had some knowledge that could turn the tide in their favor, they were Bretons after all, they did have some innate ability, and it wouldn’t be insane to believe they used some spells to tip the odds. The main skills, listed below, are those that are used by this chivalrous order.
Skills
Heavy Armor: A knight would be using heavy armor, allowing maximum protection from enemy attacks. The armor of choice is Steel Plate Armor, a strong defense, but it is still more capable of movement than others, making it a happy medium for all knights. (Juggernaut 5x)
Two-Handed: Wielding powerful Greatswords to demolish their foes, the Order is well trained in martial combat, and is also known for using their blades while mounted on a horse, for cavalry attacks. (Barbarian 5x, Deep Wounds 2x, Champion's Stance, Great Critical Charge, Devastating Blow, Sweep)
Alteration: Allowing for greater armor, through mystical means, as well as the ability to detect ones foes to begin tactical planning early, paralyze ones does. The flesh spells bolster our defense, and paralyze is used in long range offensive manuevers. (Novice-Expert, Dual Casting, Magic Resistance 3x, Stability)
Restoration: In order to be able to not fall prone to disease and injury, a knight must mater the Restoration skill. Allowing for healing effects that refill ones energy and survivability, including the abilities to apply this to fellow knights, or damage the undead, while protecting oneself. Additionally, this spell school is used for creating powerful traps in order to destroy ones enemies. (Novice-Expert, Dual Casting, Respite, Regeneration, Recovery 2x)
Block: Using well placed parries and the strength imbued within oneself and one’s blade, a knight must learn to block attacks with his blade, and reduce his damage intake to stay alive in rigorous battles. (Shield Wall 5x, Quick Reflexes, Power Bash, Deadly Bash, Disarming Bash)
Smithing: Any good knight must be able to create and temper his weapons and armor, this skill allows him to fortify defenses greatly. (Steel, Elven, Advanced, Arcane Smithing)
Speech: Speech is an optional skill used only for roleplay. Knights would be able to smoothly talk, as at times they may need to negotiate, charm, or intimidate certain people. While this is purely optional, it is understandable in RP.
NOTE: The Skyrim Calculator perkspread is HERE
A full perkspread, (Such as one found on other builds, the perks listed on an image) shall be posted soon.
Gameplay
The Order of the Raven, is a legendary group. Known for leading one of the most significant battles in TES history. Their combat style is just as significant. Before a battle, a knight shall cast a flesh spell, to fortify their defenses. Depending on the situation at hand, the knight can opt for one of two paths of battle. While one is magic-oriented and focused on longer ranges, another is melee oriented and focused on closer ranges, unique tactics using a mixture of these skills, can be seen below in the ‘Battle Tactics’ section.
The Raven’s Wings
While your follower charges in, serving as a distraction, attacking from up close, you use powerful DoT spells, in order to quickly chip away at enemy defenses. Casting a flesh spell before beginning a battle, followed by using Poison Runes. Placing Poison Runes near enemies, each after they are used, stacks the poison damage, multiplying the once 90 poison damage, to much higher levels. This, coupled with the powerful spell Ignite, deals extreme damage (Which also stacks) If your follower is receiving too much damage, use a healing spell such as ‘Heal Other’. This allows you to deal major damage using spells from afar, and support your ally to keep them in the fight.
Transition to melee: When enemies come much closer to your position, and you must switch out to melee, use Freeze, to slow them down, THEN switch to your blade, this allows you to take out your weapon without fear of being charged in that brief moment.
The Raven’s Claws
This attack system is more similar to that of a common knight. In this martial style, you assist your follower in close combat. Using the Ebony Greatsword in combat with less or weaker enemies, this powerful blade makes short work of them, attacking with crushing force, and defending with masterful blocks. When there are many enemies crowding around you, and you are on low health, you quickly use ‘Unrelenting Force’ and switch to the Ebony Blade. While making quick attacks. (Swings as fast as a one-handed sword) the sword will constantly be absorbing the health from your enemy, and placing it in your own reserves, this does additional damage and heals you at the same time. This quickly cripples your enemy, and allows for you to heal up.
Transition to Spells: If you want to make distance between you and your targets and enter ranged combat, use ‘Whirlwind Sprint’ to a far away point, and begin using ‘The Raven’s Wings’.
Battle Tactics
Claustrophobia: They feel weakened beyond belief. Closing down your enemy’s ability to move, making them feel comfined, trapped and locked within their own body, poisonous substances begin flowing through them, then it becomes stronger, leaving the target confused and terrified that they can’t move, before their inevitable death
Weaken the enemy with ‘Marked for Death’. Paralyze him and while he is down attack with Poison Rune over and over.
Requires - Marked for Death + Paralyze + Poison rune
Unmatched Focus: The enemy watches you carefully, they finally have formulated the perfect form of murder to cast upon you. Suddenly, you disappear. The comrade of the enemy right next to him, suddenly falls, blood spilling from him. Then the one to the left. As if time itself is being altered. Then a chilling sensation covers them, slowing them, and they feel a final cut in their back, freeing them into Aetherium.
Use Freeze to slow your enemies dramatically, then ‘Slow Time’ to slow them even more. Use Great Critical Charge to deal massive damage in this time.
Requires – Ahzidal’s Ring Of Arcana + Slow Time + Great Critical Charge
Past Memory: You remember the great fight against ‘Camoran Usurper’ the strength with which swords were used, the finesse in which each strike contained, the thundering calls from above as war waged on. you gather past intellect and combine it all in one powerful moment.
Weaken enemies with ‘Marked For Death’, use ‘Elemental Fury’ to increase attack speed, to attack quicker and stronger.
Requires - Marked For Death + Elemental Fury + Greatsword
The Raven’s Squawk: A secondary combat focus, trained by every single knight, the infamous horse riding attacks, charging past enemy fire, and swooping down from above with powerful sword sweeps, quickly annihilating all attackers outdoors.
Use your horse, when outdoors and charge enemies one at time, with a sweeping power attack, then turn around and head to another enemy. During this, use 'Storm Call' to give you an advantage as lightning decimates those that you don't.
Requires - Horse + Greatsword + Storm Call
Roleplay
Quests
You are a knight of the Order of the Raven, act as such. While you may have done some bad things in the past, you can redeem yourself now. Help those in need and do not let evil take over.
The list that follows are all recommended quests, that fit roleplay since you are helping others or improving skills: College Of Winterhold, Waking Nightmare, , Dawnguard, Blood on the Ice, The Book Of Love
RP Notes
Never steal from or kill the innocent, you are a knight, not a murderer or thief.
Never flee a fight, you have won much larger triumphs than most, and will do so again.
As a knight, you are proficient in cavalry attacks and equestrian skills, so USE a horse.
Bring a Breton follower with you, as a fellow knight of the Order. For armor, use the same that you use, Steel Plate, with no helm. If you find an enchanted circlet that can assist your ally, use that as a head piece, if not, leave him without a helm.
If possible create some kind of calling card of the Order, and leave it at the end of each dungeon cleared, or threat stopped. This will allow more people who find it, to realize how beneficial your order is, and spread its influence.
For more knightly RP rules, you can check out Percival Black's: Roleplaying as a Knight
Closing Notes
--‘The Raven’s Squawk’ is not so much a specific tactic, but can also be utilized as sub-paradigm of attack, a knightly application of ‘The Raven’s Claw’
--Thanks to patch 1.9, the Ebony Blade is now fully governed by the Two-Handed skill tree.
--I must thank Friezi for the beautiful aesthetic for this build, Steel Plate and Circlet.
--A HUGE thanks to Ben C. for looking over it and assisting where needed.
--A thanks to vazgen for supporting me with an image of the aesthetic, even though I ended up not using it, it was still helpful.
--Yet another thanks to Percival, for creating the "Roleplay for a Knight" which helped quite a bit.
Thank You
It was not too long ago when I found this little gold nugget. While rather famous, in theory, the group is not well known by the common TES player. Allow me to introduce you to them. They are a legendary fighting group based in Dwynnen, High Rock. Their purpose is to protect the region and the Baron of Dwynnen. They are most known for leading the battle against the Bosmer warmonger ‘Camoran Usurper’. This sparked my interest, and as I dug deeper into their lore, through various resources I found out, they were found of using… SPEARS. Something that I found extremely disappointing in Skyrim. I began using Greatswords instead of spears, to at least recreate the two-handed effect, but not have it something as crude as a warhammer or waraxe, something with more finesse. Afterwards, I began thinking, all I know is that they were a great group of knights, who used spears. Nothing of their combat style was known, thus I developed my own.
The Order Of The Raven
Who is this hidden knight, this unknown fighter of High Rock. He is one of the Order, the Order of the Raven. In the group’s political training, he honed his voice, he is not Dovahkiin, simply a talented user of the voice, though these religious Nords can’t see otherwise. H’s been spotted assisting those in need, riding by horse, using spells from afar, and slicing his enemies with his blade. He is a knight come to protect. Exiled from his group for murder, he seeks redemption by defending the innocent, and claiming the souls of the guilty.
Race: Breton (For roleplay reasons, the Order of the Ravens, was housed in High Rock, additionally their 25% resistance to magic helps out with standing stone choices)
Standing Stones: Lady and Lord (The Lady’s health and stamina regen. Bonuses are absolutely fantastic for a melee fighter, and the Lord’s magic resistance and armor bonus make it ideal for long and short range encounters)
Major Skills: Two-Handed, Alteration Restoration, Block
Minor Skills: Heavy Armor, Smithing, Speech (optional)
Follower: Celann (Dawnguard follower) Celann uses all knight-esque skills such as Heavy Armor, Block, etc. He is a Breton, which fits roleplay, as he could easily join your order. Additionally, he levels up to 81, she will be appropriately powerful the entire way through.
Armor: Aetherial Crown, Steel Plate armor/gauntlets/boots, Ahzidal’s Ring Of Arcana
(Before level 18, or when Steel Plate can be smithed, use Dawnguard Heavy Armor, as a knightly looking alternative)
Weapons: Ebony Blade, Ebony Greatsword: Ebony Greatsword MUST be unecnahnted in order to use ‘Elemental Fury’
Essential Quests: Main Questline, Dragonborn Questline, Lost To The Ages, Destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Unearthed, The Whispering Door
Shouts: Marked For Death, Unrelenting Force, Whirlwind Sprint, Elemental Fury, Storm Call
This build uses two forms of combat, and a mixture between the two as well. Based with long range magic and close range melee. I imagined to take down such powerful foes, they couldn’t be simple warriors, not mages, but perhaps had some knowledge that could turn the tide in their favor, they were Bretons after all, they did have some innate ability, and it wouldn’t be insane to believe they used some spells to tip the odds. The main skills, listed below, are those that are used by this chivalrous order.
Skills
Heavy Armor: A knight would be using heavy armor, allowing maximum protection from enemy attacks. The armor of choice is Steel Plate Armor, a strong defense, but it is still more capable of movement than others, making it a happy medium for all knights. (Juggernaut 5x)
Two-Handed: Wielding powerful Greatswords to demolish their foes, the Order is well trained in martial combat, and is also known for using their blades while mounted on a horse, for cavalry attacks. (Barbarian 5x, Deep Wounds 2x, Champion's Stance, Great Critical Charge, Devastating Blow, Sweep)
Alteration: Allowing for greater armor, through mystical means, as well as the ability to detect ones foes to begin tactical planning early, paralyze ones does. The flesh spells bolster our defense, and paralyze is used in long range offensive manuevers. (Novice-Expert, Dual Casting, Magic Resistance 3x, Stability)
Restoration: In order to be able to not fall prone to disease and injury, a knight must mater the Restoration skill. Allowing for healing effects that refill ones energy and survivability, including the abilities to apply this to fellow knights, or damage the undead, while protecting oneself. Additionally, this spell school is used for creating powerful traps in order to destroy ones enemies. (Novice-Expert, Dual Casting, Respite, Regeneration, Recovery 2x)
Block: Using well placed parries and the strength imbued within oneself and one’s blade, a knight must learn to block attacks with his blade, and reduce his damage intake to stay alive in rigorous battles. (Shield Wall 5x, Quick Reflexes, Power Bash, Deadly Bash, Disarming Bash)
Smithing: Any good knight must be able to create and temper his weapons and armor, this skill allows him to fortify defenses greatly. (Steel, Elven, Advanced, Arcane Smithing)
Speech: Speech is an optional skill used only for roleplay. Knights would be able to smoothly talk, as at times they may need to negotiate, charm, or intimidate certain people. While this is purely optional, it is understandable in RP.
NOTE: The Skyrim Calculator perkspread is HERE
A full perkspread, (Such as one found on other builds, the perks listed on an image) shall be posted soon.
Gameplay
The Order of the Raven, is a legendary group. Known for leading one of the most significant battles in TES history. Their combat style is just as significant. Before a battle, a knight shall cast a flesh spell, to fortify their defenses. Depending on the situation at hand, the knight can opt for one of two paths of battle. While one is magic-oriented and focused on longer ranges, another is melee oriented and focused on closer ranges, unique tactics using a mixture of these skills, can be seen below in the ‘Battle Tactics’ section.
The Raven’s Wings
While your follower charges in, serving as a distraction, attacking from up close, you use powerful DoT spells, in order to quickly chip away at enemy defenses. Casting a flesh spell before beginning a battle, followed by using Poison Runes. Placing Poison Runes near enemies, each after they are used, stacks the poison damage, multiplying the once 90 poison damage, to much higher levels. This, coupled with the powerful spell Ignite, deals extreme damage (Which also stacks) If your follower is receiving too much damage, use a healing spell such as ‘Heal Other’. This allows you to deal major damage using spells from afar, and support your ally to keep them in the fight.
Transition to melee: When enemies come much closer to your position, and you must switch out to melee, use Freeze, to slow them down, THEN switch to your blade, this allows you to take out your weapon without fear of being charged in that brief moment.
The Raven’s Claws
This attack system is more similar to that of a common knight. In this martial style, you assist your follower in close combat. Using the Ebony Greatsword in combat with less or weaker enemies, this powerful blade makes short work of them, attacking with crushing force, and defending with masterful blocks. When there are many enemies crowding around you, and you are on low health, you quickly use ‘Unrelenting Force’ and switch to the Ebony Blade. While making quick attacks. (Swings as fast as a one-handed sword) the sword will constantly be absorbing the health from your enemy, and placing it in your own reserves, this does additional damage and heals you at the same time. This quickly cripples your enemy, and allows for you to heal up.
Transition to Spells: If you want to make distance between you and your targets and enter ranged combat, use ‘Whirlwind Sprint’ to a far away point, and begin using ‘The Raven’s Wings’.
Battle Tactics
Claustrophobia: They feel weakened beyond belief. Closing down your enemy’s ability to move, making them feel comfined, trapped and locked within their own body, poisonous substances begin flowing through them, then it becomes stronger, leaving the target confused and terrified that they can’t move, before their inevitable death
Weaken the enemy with ‘Marked for Death’. Paralyze him and while he is down attack with Poison Rune over and over.
Requires - Marked for Death + Paralyze + Poison rune
Unmatched Focus: The enemy watches you carefully, they finally have formulated the perfect form of murder to cast upon you. Suddenly, you disappear. The comrade of the enemy right next to him, suddenly falls, blood spilling from him. Then the one to the left. As if time itself is being altered. Then a chilling sensation covers them, slowing them, and they feel a final cut in their back, freeing them into Aetherium.
Use Freeze to slow your enemies dramatically, then ‘Slow Time’ to slow them even more. Use Great Critical Charge to deal massive damage in this time.
Requires – Ahzidal’s Ring Of Arcana + Slow Time + Great Critical Charge
Past Memory: You remember the great fight against ‘Camoran Usurper’ the strength with which swords were used, the finesse in which each strike contained, the thundering calls from above as war waged on. you gather past intellect and combine it all in one powerful moment.
Weaken enemies with ‘Marked For Death’, use ‘Elemental Fury’ to increase attack speed, to attack quicker and stronger.
Requires - Marked For Death + Elemental Fury + Greatsword
The Raven’s Squawk: A secondary combat focus, trained by every single knight, the infamous horse riding attacks, charging past enemy fire, and swooping down from above with powerful sword sweeps, quickly annihilating all attackers outdoors.
Use your horse, when outdoors and charge enemies one at time, with a sweeping power attack, then turn around and head to another enemy. During this, use 'Storm Call' to give you an advantage as lightning decimates those that you don't.
Requires - Horse + Greatsword + Storm Call
Roleplay
Quests
You are a knight of the Order of the Raven, act as such. While you may have done some bad things in the past, you can redeem yourself now. Help those in need and do not let evil take over.
The list that follows are all recommended quests, that fit roleplay since you are helping others or improving skills: College Of Winterhold, Waking Nightmare, , Dawnguard, Blood on the Ice, The Book Of Love
RP Notes
Never steal from or kill the innocent, you are a knight, not a murderer or thief.
Never flee a fight, you have won much larger triumphs than most, and will do so again.
As a knight, you are proficient in cavalry attacks and equestrian skills, so USE a horse.
Bring a Breton follower with you, as a fellow knight of the Order. For armor, use the same that you use, Steel Plate, with no helm. If you find an enchanted circlet that can assist your ally, use that as a head piece, if not, leave him without a helm.
If possible create some kind of calling card of the Order, and leave it at the end of each dungeon cleared, or threat stopped. This will allow more people who find it, to realize how beneficial your order is, and spread its influence.
For more knightly RP rules, you can check out Percival Black's: Roleplaying as a Knight
Closing Notes
--‘The Raven’s Squawk’ is not so much a specific tactic, but can also be utilized as sub-paradigm of attack, a knightly application of ‘The Raven’s Claw’
--Thanks to patch 1.9, the Ebony Blade is now fully governed by the Two-Handed skill tree.
--I must thank Friezi for the beautiful aesthetic for this build, Steel Plate and Circlet.
--A HUGE thanks to Ben C. for looking over it and assisting where needed.
--A thanks to vazgen for supporting me with an image of the aesthetic, even though I ended up not using it, it was still helpful.
--Yet another thanks to Percival, for creating the "Roleplay for a Knight" which helped quite a bit.
Thank You
