"You fear me. This I know. You fear me because I do what you cannot. You huddle in your homes, squabbling among your clans, while I battle the darkness. Go ahead, Nord. Tuck yourself in, stay warm beneath your furs, and rest easy -- I will go to war for you."
I am back with another build. This 2H / conjuration build is the first in a series I'm calling my "Paradox" Builds, a group of anti-heroes who use well-known skill combinations in some abnormal ways.
The Bargainer makes heavy use of artifacts and unique items, particularly the Ebony Blade (which has been fixed -- see the notes below) to make up for his lack of crafting. Paired with Speechcraft and a questionable moral compass, you won't miss crafting at all.
And, yes, I finally purchased the DLC, so this build makes use of both DG and DB content. Proceed at your own risk.
They know not what awaits them. Let them sleep.
BACKGROUND
Good has always battled evil. Light has always fought dark. Right has always rejected wrong. And perhaps that is why the battle rages on without end.
Theodane Rostan saw a lifetime's worth of good and evil. He served as a footsoldier in the Imperial Army, out of a sense of obligation. The war with the Aldmeri Dominion had its share of vicious psychopaths and selfless heroes, some on both sides. Some worshiped the Divines, and gave their lives to protect what they believed in. Some worshiped the Daedric Princes, and gleefully tore the hearts from those who didn't.
In the years following the war, Theodane withdrew, angry and bitter. Hoping to understand how all had failed so completely, he studied the Daedric pacts of the psychopaths; he studied the Divine gifts of the heroes. He found power, but also failure. Years of bloodbath, followed by exploitative treaties and the seeds of further conflict. And for what? Was anyone at all better off? They all failed.
They failed to make the hard choices. They failed to save the things worth saving, because they failed to take the lives worth taking.
Now rumors of a new war are brewing in Skyrim. Theodane, too old to serve in the Army but well accustomed to conflict, heads north, almost out of a sense of obligation. Perhaps this time it will be different. But, if not, someone will have to make the hard choices.
BUILD
"Who am I? I am a soldier, and I fight for you. That is why you must die.
Race: Breton. (In theory, this build could be any man or mer -- although for a mer, the backstory would be on the side of the Aldmeri Dominion, most likely. I chose Breton for the symbolism of their dual heritage, straddling the line.)
Sex: I chose male, but it really doesn't matter.
Features: Fairly old, having served in the Great War. Prominent facial scars. I gave Theodane a purplish-blue facial tattoo to represent his dark bargains.
Stones: The Lord. Among other things, the Magic Resistance will give Theodane a better chance of surviving his encounters with the dark.
Stat Distribution: 1M/1H/0S until you get to 250 Magicka, then everything in Health. Yes, this is a 2H build with no Stamina investment.
Primary Skills:
Conjuration: This is your most important skill. After a lifetime of death and hard choices, Theodane considers himself the arbiter of who will live and who must die ... and what they will do after death. Perks: Novice through Master, Necromancy, Dark Souls, Twin Souls. Important spells: Raise Zombie, Revenant, Dead Thrall.
Two-Handed: Theodane has neither forgotten nor abandoned his martial training in the Imperial Army. Hidden in Skyrim are the tools to apply this training to terrible power. Perks: Barbarian (5/5), Deep Wounds (3/3). Don't take any of the power attack perks, since you won't be using them.
Heavy Armor: Thick steel will protect Theodane from the darkness he has to face. Things stolen from that darkness, however, may work even better. Perks: Juggernaut, Fists of Steel, Cushioned, Conditioning. If you have extra perks and find yourself dying too often, take the rest of the Juggernaut ranks, as well as Well Fitted and Tower of Strength. Don't take Matching Set, since you won't ever use one.
Secondary Skills:
Restoration: Power over life and death itself. Just as Theodane manipulates the dead, he manipulates the power of life to his own ends. Perks: Novice through Adept, Respite, Regeneration, Recovery. If your Restoration winds up high enough, also take the second level of Restoration and Avoid Death. Important Spells: Healing, Fast Healing, Close Wounds, Necromantic Healing (this spell can be found in Dimhollow Crypt, so it is not necessary to purchase it from the Volikhar).
Speech: Having seen many things and endured many trials, Theodane wields the power of persuasion -- and more than a little intimidation -- to put his choices into action. Perks: Haggling, Bribery, Persuasion, Intimidation.
There is easily room in this build for another secondary skill. Archery (since you will join the Dawnguard) would work if you find yourself wishing for a ranged combat option, otherwise I would suggest Lockpicking. Pickpocketing (for increased carry weight) or Block (for quick reflexes) would also be good places for a couple of perks.
Weapons: Greatswords. Very early in the game you can "borrow" Balgruuf's greatsword (your need is greater than his) until you find a better one. After level 20, you will use the Ebony Blade.
Armor:
Head: Start with any heavy helm. In the late game, if you are feeling adventurous, collect the Dragon Masks (Nahkriin, Otar, and, now that the cloak/summon bug is fixed, Konahrik are all useful -- and, with Dead Thrall, you will be able to re-raise your Thrall if it is dispelled by summoning Konahrik), or use the Atronach Forge to obtain a Daedric Helmet.
Body: Start with the best heavy armor you can find. When you can, seek out Ahzidal and take his Armor of Retribution. After level 30, you can also obtain the Ebony Mail.
Hands: Ironhand Gauntlets (you can get these very early, and they have a very powerful enchantment for such an accessible area), then Ahzidal's Gauntlets of Warding. (Even though you are using Restoration, you aren't using wards, so the gauntlets are only a bonus. Additionally, the absorption/summoning bug has been fixed.)
Feet: Any heavy boots. Later in the game, you can use the Atronach Forge to obtain Daedric Boots.
Jewelry: Necromancer's amulet; the Ring of Namira and Ahzidal's Ring of Necromancy make interesting choices for specific circumstances, but generally a ring of Health will be most useful.
Shouts: Drain Vitality, Marked for Death, Soul Tear. (Note that there's a glitch making Drain Vitality and Marked for Death conflict sometimes -- to be safe, collect all three words of Marked for Death before collecting any words of Drain Vitality.)
ROLEPLAY
"I honor the Divines, so they may allow us to prosper. I feed the Dark Princes, so they may be satisfied and not consume the world. It is no different: a megalomaniac, dark or light, must be satisfied. What's that? You think I am a megalomaniac myself? Perhaps. But I am satisfied, and you may yet live."
Theodane Rostan is not evil. At least, not the way he sees it. He wants what is best for the world. He wants men and mer to survive; he wants the Daedric Princes to be kept at bay; he wants peace in the Empire.
But someone has to make the hard choices. Someone has to walk the dark, so the dark does not conquer the world. If the tools of Oblivion are not wielded to safeguard men, they will be used by those who mean to destroy it. Life is important, but a single life is not; it may well be the price that needs to be paid. One life to save a hundred. A million lives to save an empire.
As a result, Theodane is not afraid to kill, steal, and strike bargains with evil -- whether that evil is a man with hate in his heart, or it is Mehrunes Dagon himself makes no difference, as long as the ends of protecting humanity are served. He does not kill for pleasure, and he doesn't kill for power -- at least, not power for power's sake. Rather, collecting power from men and gods is what will allow Theodane to fight the darkness, to be the blood-soaked barrier between Man and Oblivion.
Recommended quests:
[Should be done before collecting the Ebony Blade]
- Thieves Guild quests: Honor will get you killed. Gold will get you weapons.
- The Blessings of Nature: The people of Skyrim want hope. Let them have it. Perhaps it will distract them from what is to be done.
[Should be done after collecting the Ebony Blade, which occurs during the quest The Whispering Door]
- Dark Brotherhood quests (use the Ebony Blade as much as possible): These people do not deserve death; but neither do they deserve life, and their deaths will feed the blade that defends their children. (Note: Make sure to raise the disposition of targets before accepting the contracts to kill them.)
- Dawnguard quests (Dawnguard side): Turn the vampires' own powers against them. Steal their very unlife. (Yes, the Ebony Blade works against the undead.)
[Can be done at any time]
- College of Winterhold quests; Conjuration Ritual quest (to get the sigil stone): They do not fully understand the power they wield. I will wield it for them.
- Unearthed: This fool has no idea what he is standing atop. I do.
- Civil War quests (Imperial side): Another time, in other circumstances, Ulfric would make a worthy king. But he weakens the Empire at a time of impending darkness. Perhaps he does not deserve death, but he will have it nonetheless.
- Black Books quests: If you wish to stand in the darkness, you must understand it. You must wield it. (Go for Secret of Protection and Mora's Agony.)
BATTLE TACTICS
"Take comfort: Your death will be swift and merciful. And your blood will save the lives of thousands."
The Ebony Blade is the core of this build. Although it is a two-handed weapon, it has the weight and speed of a one-handed weapon. Combined with its Drain Life enchantment, which (when fed with the souls of your allies) maxes out at 30 health, it will provide for incredibly fast regeneration in combat if you keep swinging (and, of course, hitting). For this reason, it is not very useful to use power attacks with the Ebony Blade, since, although they deal more damage, they slow down your attack speed and thus the speed at which you drain life. Additionally, the 30 health stolen is so powerful that the lower-speed power attacks (which double base damage but not enchant damage) provide only a slight damage boost. If, on occasion, you require a power attack to break a block, the Ebony Sword is light enough to allow a couple during a fight even at base stamina -- and the Respite perk will recharge your stamina when you stop to heal.
The low-level necromancy spells are quick and cheap enough to cast in the heat of combat (if you can avoid enemy attacks), but long-lasting enough to make taking the undead from room to room a viable strategy. Once you max Conjuration, the Dead Thrall spell (which can be cast for 223 magicka with the Master Conjuration perk plus the Necromancer's Amulet) will virtually guarantee you a high-level ally in combat. If your Thralls fall in combat, take a moment to do a quick-and-dirty reanimate of a fallen enemy, and leave your Thrall where he is until the area is safe.
Since combat is fairly straightforward, there aren't a lot of "moves" to be explained. There are a few useful tactics, however, which merit a mention:
Life and Death: Healing + Raise Dead (or Revenant)
The right hand gives life; the sinister hand does as well, but tainted by death. Casting a one-off spell in your left hand will not interrupt a concentration spell being used in your right. Use this quick combo after defeating an enemy in a larger crowd, putting the body between you and your remaining enemies.
My Need is Greater: Ebony Blade + a Dead Thrall
I take from you, that I might take from the darkness. Because a Dead Thrall will not turn to ash upon death, they can be used as a quick mobile heal during combat if you do not have time to switch to a healing spell. If your Thrall is near death, you can also kill him with the Ebony Blade for the heal and then re-raise his body, which will not turn to ash.
NOTES
Bugs, bugs, and more bugs: Previously, this build was completely nonviable due to bugs. The Ebony Blade didn't work properly (it used 2H perks but leveled 1H), the Daedric Boots available from the Atronach Forge were unequippable, and cloaks (including the one from Konahrik) dispelled any summons you had. All of these bugs have been fixed in the unofficial patches, but they have all since been fixed in official patches as well. [Edit: According to Curse Never Dying, the Daedric Boots bug is not fixed. I play with the USKP, so I wasn't sure, but I had heard it was. If you can't use your Daedric Boots, you can use the random enchant recipe at the Atronach forge and save/reload for a pair of boots. Cheesing to get around something broken doesn't really seem like cheating.] If your game is up to date, you will be able to use this build with no problems. If it's not, make sure you have the latest official patches.
The Atronach Forge: The Atronach Forge is just plain fun as an alternative to smithing, and the ingredients aren't as hard to get as you think. The Ash Spawn in Solstheim sometimes drop Ebony Ore, and there are respawning Dremora in the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon. I actually enjoy using the random armor recipe (you can make your own Void Salts in the Forge) -- it's a very costly way to get what you want, but it's virtually the only way to get enchanted daedric gear without crafting. The high cost is one that Theodane would be willing to pay.
Recommended Mods: This build requires no mods whatsoever (although I recommend that anyone playing on PC use the unofficial patches for some bugfixes). However, I used Immersive Armors and Immersive Weapons just to add some variety. (In the screencap with the dragon, I am wearing Viking Heavy Armor, which is essentially just Steel Armor, but cooler looking.)
Thanks for reading! Questions and comments always welcome!
Check out my other RP build the Disgraced Matron. This master smith and clan matron lost her entire family to the Thalmor occupiers, and now she begins the long process of rebuilding -- and vengeance!.
Or my just-for-fun build the Dread Dragon, Smaug come to Skyrim!
"You fear me. This I know. You fear me because I do what you cannot. You huddle in your homes, squabbling among your clans, while I battle the darkness. Go ahead, Nord. Tuck yourself in, stay warm beneath your furs, and rest easy -- I will go to war for you."
I am back with another build. This 2H / conjuration build is the first in a series I'm calling my "Paradox" Builds, a group of anti-heroes who use well-known skill combinations in some abnormal ways.
The Bargainer makes heavy use of artifacts and unique items, particularly the Ebony Blade (which has been fixed -- see the notes below) to make up for his lack of crafting. Paired with Speechcraft and a questionable moral compass, you won't miss crafting at all.
And, yes, I finally purchased the DLC, so this build makes use of both DG and DB content. Proceed at your own risk.
They know not what awaits them. Let them sleep.
BACKGROUND
Good has always battled evil. Light has always fought dark. Right has always rejected wrong. And perhaps that is why the battle rages on without end.
Theodane Rostan saw a lifetime's worth of good and evil. He served as a footsoldier in the Imperial Army, out of a sense of obligation. The war with the Aldmeri Dominion had its share of vicious psychopaths and selfless heroes, some on both sides. Some worshiped the Divines, and gave their lives to protect what they believed in. Some worshiped the Daedric Princes, and gleefully tore the hearts from those who didn't.
In the years following the war, Theodane withdrew, angry and bitter. Hoping to understand how all had failed so completely, he studied the Daedric pacts of the psychopaths; he studied the Divine gifts of the heroes. He found power, but also failure. Years of bloodbath, followed by exploitative treaties and the seeds of further conflict. And for what? Was anyone at all better off? They all failed.
They failed to make the hard choices. They failed to save the things worth saving, because they failed to take the lives worth taking.
Now rumors of a new war are brewing in Skyrim. Theodane, too old to serve in the Army but well accustomed to conflict, heads north, almost out of a sense of obligation. Perhaps this time it will be different. But, if not, someone will have to make the hard choices.
BUILD
"Who am I? I am a soldier, and I fight for you. That is why you must die.
Race: Breton. (In theory, this build could be any man or mer -- although for a mer, the backstory would be on the side of the Aldmeri Dominion, most likely. I chose Breton for the symbolism of their dual heritage, straddling the line.)
Sex: I chose male, but it really doesn't matter.
Features: Fairly old, having served in the Great War. Prominent facial scars. I gave Theodane a purplish-blue facial tattoo to represent his dark bargains.
Stones: The Lord. Among other things, the Magic Resistance will give Theodane a better chance of surviving his encounters with the dark.
Stat Distribution: 1M/1H/0S until you get to 250 Magicka, then everything in Health. Yes, this is a 2H build with no Stamina investment.
Primary Skills:
Conjuration: This is your most important skill. After a lifetime of death and hard choices, Theodane considers himself the arbiter of who will live and who must die ... and what they will do after death. Perks: Novice through Master, Necromancy, Dark Souls, Twin Souls. Important spells: Raise Zombie, Revenant, Dead Thrall.
Two-Handed: Theodane has neither forgotten nor abandoned his martial training in the Imperial Army. Hidden in Skyrim are the tools to apply this training to terrible power. Perks: Barbarian (5/5), Deep Wounds (3/3). Don't take any of the power attack perks, since you won't be using them.
Heavy Armor: Thick steel will protect Theodane from the darkness he has to face. Things stolen from that darkness, however, may work even better. Perks: Juggernaut, Fists of Steel, Cushioned, Conditioning. If you have extra perks and find yourself dying too often, take the rest of the Juggernaut ranks, as well as Well Fitted and Tower of Strength. Don't take Matching Set, since you won't ever use one.
Secondary Skills:
Restoration: Power over life and death itself. Just as Theodane manipulates the dead, he manipulates the power of life to his own ends. Perks: Novice through Adept, Respite, Regeneration, Recovery. If your Restoration winds up high enough, also take the second level of Restoration and Avoid Death. Important Spells: Healing, Fast Healing, Close Wounds, Necromantic Healing (this spell can be found in Dimhollow Crypt, so it is not necessary to purchase it from the Volikhar).
Speech: Having seen many things and endured many trials, Theodane wields the power of persuasion -- and more than a little intimidation -- to put his choices into action. Perks: Haggling, Bribery, Persuasion, Intimidation.
There is easily room in this build for another secondary skill. Archery (since you will join the Dawnguard) would work if you find yourself wishing for a ranged combat option, otherwise I would suggest Lockpicking. Pickpocketing (for increased carry weight) or Block (for quick reflexes) would also be good places for a couple of perks.
Weapons: Greatswords. Very early in the game you can "borrow" Balgruuf's greatsword (your need is greater than his) until you find a better one. After level 20, you will use the Ebony Blade.
Armor:
Head: Start with any heavy helm. In the late game, if you are feeling adventurous, collect the Dragon Masks (Nahkriin, Otar, and, now that the cloak/summon bug is fixed, Konahrik are all useful -- and, with Dead Thrall, you will be able to re-raise your Thrall if it is dispelled by summoning Konahrik), or use the Atronach Forge to obtain a Daedric Helmet.
Body: Start with the best heavy armor you can find. When you can, seek out Ahzidal and take his Armor of Retribution. After level 30, you can also obtain the Ebony Mail.
Hands: Ironhand Gauntlets (you can get these very early, and they have a very powerful enchantment for such an accessible area), then Ahzidal's Gauntlets of Warding. (Even though you are using Restoration, you aren't using wards, so the gauntlets are only a bonus. Additionally, the absorption/summoning bug has been fixed.)
Feet: Any heavy boots. Later in the game, you can use the Atronach Forge to obtain Daedric Boots.
Jewelry: Necromancer's amulet; the Ring of Namira and Ahzidal's Ring of Necromancy make interesting choices for specific circumstances, but generally a ring of Health will be most useful.
Shouts: Drain Vitality, Marked for Death, Soul Tear. (Note that there's a glitch making Drain Vitality and Marked for Death conflict sometimes -- to be safe, collect all three words of Marked for Death before collecting any words of Drain Vitality.)
ROLEPLAY
"I honor the Divines, so they may allow us to prosper. I feed the Dark Princes, so they may be satisfied and not consume the world. It is no different: a megalomaniac, dark or light, must be satisfied. What's that? You think I am a megalomaniac myself? Perhaps. But I am satisfied, and you may yet live."
Theodane Rostan is not evil. At least, not the way he sees it. He wants what is best for the world. He wants men and mer to survive; he wants the Daedric Princes to be kept at bay; he wants peace in the Empire.
But someone has to make the hard choices. Someone has to walk the dark, so the dark does not conquer the world. If the tools of Oblivion are not wielded to safeguard men, they will be used by those who mean to destroy it. Life is important, but a single life is not; it may well be the price that needs to be paid. One life to save a hundred. A million lives to save an empire.
As a result, Theodane is not afraid to kill, steal, and strike bargains with evil -- whether that evil is a man with hate in his heart, or it is Mehrunes Dagon himself makes no difference, as long as the ends of protecting humanity are served. He does not kill for pleasure, and he doesn't kill for power -- at least, not power for power's sake. Rather, collecting power from men and gods is what will allow Theodane to fight the darkness, to be the blood-soaked barrier between Man and Oblivion.
Recommended quests:
[Should be done before collecting the Ebony Blade]
- Thieves Guild quests: Honor will get you killed. Gold will get you weapons.
- The Blessings of Nature: The people of Skyrim want hope. Let them have it. Perhaps it will distract them from what is to be done.
[Should be done after collecting the Ebony Blade, which occurs during the quest The Whispering Door]
- Dark Brotherhood quests (use the Ebony Blade as much as possible): These people do not deserve death; but neither do they deserve life, and their deaths will feed the blade that defends their children. (Note: Make sure to raise the disposition of targets before accepting the contracts to kill them.)
- Dawnguard quests (Dawnguard side): Turn the vampires' own powers against them. Steal their very unlife. (Yes, the Ebony Blade works against the undead.)
[Can be done at any time]
- College of Winterhold quests; Conjuration Ritual quest (to get the sigil stone): They do not fully understand the power they wield. I will wield it for them.
- Unearthed: This fool has no idea what he is standing atop. I do.
- Civil War quests (Imperial side): Another time, in other circumstances, Ulfric would make a worthy king. But he weakens the Empire at a time of impending darkness. Perhaps he does not deserve death, but he will have it nonetheless.
- Black Books quests: If you wish to stand in the darkness, you must understand it. You must wield it. (Go for Secret of Protection and Mora's Agony.)
BATTLE TACTICS
"Take comfort: Your death will be swift and merciful. And your blood will save the lives of thousands."
The Ebony Blade is the core of this build. Although it is a two-handed weapon, it has the weight and speed of a one-handed weapon. Combined with its Drain Life enchantment, which (when fed with the souls of your allies) maxes out at 30 health, it will provide for incredibly fast regeneration in combat if you keep swinging (and, of course, hitting). For this reason, it is not very useful to use power attacks with the Ebony Blade, since, although they deal more damage, they slow down your attack speed and thus the speed at which you drain life. Additionally, the 30 health stolen is so powerful that the lower-speed power attacks (which double base damage but not enchant damage) provide only a slight damage boost. If, on occasion, you require a power attack to break a block, the Ebony Sword is light enough to allow a couple during a fight even at base stamina -- and the Respite perk will recharge your stamina when you stop to heal.
The low-level necromancy spells are quick and cheap enough to cast in the heat of combat (if you can avoid enemy attacks), but long-lasting enough to make taking the undead from room to room a viable strategy. Once you max Conjuration, the Dead Thrall spell (which can be cast for 223 magicka with the Master Conjuration perk plus the Necromancer's Amulet) will virtually guarantee you a high-level ally in combat. If your Thralls fall in combat, take a moment to do a quick-and-dirty reanimate of a fallen enemy, and leave your Thrall where he is until the area is safe.
Since combat is fairly straightforward, there aren't a lot of "moves" to be explained. There are a few useful tactics, however, which merit a mention:
Life and Death: Healing + Raise Dead (or Revenant)
The right hand gives life; the sinister hand does as well, but tainted by death. Casting a one-off spell in your left hand will not interrupt a concentration spell being used in your right. Use this quick combo after defeating an enemy in a larger crowd, putting the body between you and your remaining enemies.
My Need is Greater: Ebony Blade + a Dead Thrall
I take from you, that I might take from the darkness. Because a Dead Thrall will not turn to ash upon death, they can be used as a quick mobile heal during combat if you do not have time to switch to a healing spell. If your Thrall is near death, you can also kill him with the Ebony Blade for the heal and then re-raise his body, which will not turn to ash.
NOTES
Bugs, bugs, and more bugs: Previously, this build was completely nonviable due to bugs. The Ebony Blade didn't work properly (it used 2H perks but leveled 1H), the Daedric Boots available from the Atronach Forge were unequippable, and cloaks (including the one from Konahrik) dispelled any summons you had. All of these bugs have been fixed in the unofficial patches, but they have all since been fixed in official patches as well. [Edit: According to Curse Never Dying, the Daedric Boots bug is not fixed. I play with the USKP, so I wasn't sure, but I had heard it was. If you can't use your Daedric Boots, you can use the random enchant recipe at the Atronach forge and save/reload for a pair of boots. Cheesing to get around something broken doesn't really seem like cheating.] If your game is up to date, you will be able to use this build with no problems. If it's not, make sure you have the latest official patches.
The Atronach Forge: The Atronach Forge is just plain fun as an alternative to smithing, and the ingredients aren't as hard to get as you think. The Ash Spawn in Solstheim sometimes drop Ebony Ore, and there are respawning Dremora in the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon. I actually enjoy using the random armor recipe (you can make your own Void Salts in the Forge) -- it's a very costly way to get what you want, but it's virtually the only way to get enchanted daedric gear without crafting. The high cost is one that Theodane would be willing to pay.
Recommended Mods: This build requires no mods whatsoever (although I recommend that anyone playing on PC use the unofficial patches for some bugfixes). However, I used Immersive Armors and Immersive Weapons just to add some variety. (In the screencap with the dragon, I am wearing Viking Heavy Armor, which is essentially just Steel Armor, but cooler looking.)
Thanks for reading! Questions and comments always welcome!
Check out my other RP build the Disgraced Matron. This master smith and clan matron lost her entire family to the Thalmor occupiers, and now she begins the long process of rebuilding -- and vengeance!.
Or my just-for-fun build the Dread Dragon, Smaug come to Skyrim!
