The Artificer of Zenithar
From a young age you were taught to revere Zenithar, God of Commerce and Craftsmanship. Perhaps one of your parents was a Priest of Zenithar, perhaps while your Town Drunk father was busy your mother fed and clothed the family through her smithing business, her belief in Zenithar's blessing taught through each hammer swing, or perhaps even you were apprenticed to a Master Craftsman of the city and through him learned of the power of Zenithar and his presence in your everyday tasks as you learned to smelt the iron and steel and to cool the blades properly. No matter the story the result became the same, you became a blacksmith and a devout follower of Zenithar.You made your daily bread smithing, and then would go to the Temple and spend some few hours in prayer to the God, your master.
As time went by, your work became stronger, your weapons sharper, your armor tougher, but still you craved to find a way to further perfect your work. Somehow you were found by a Master Crafter, an Artificer of Zenithar, and in great consideration of your work, and after a few years, you became apprenticed, and became an Artificer yourself, a member of a secret society of artisans everywhere. Suddenly, as if by the Divine, your work became even greater, sought by Jarls, and Captains alike, praised for your skill, yet you yourself still gave thanks to your Mentor and Patron.
Then came the day that the horns of war were sounded, and your skills were needed on the battlefield. Serving in the Imperial Army, you forged weapons and armor for those who would fight in the Great War, making yourself a name amongst allies, and foes alike. Yet years later you find yourself in chains, on your way to the chopping block, along with former comrades in war. Was it the Thalmor who captured you for your war record as an Imperial, or did you leave the army alongside your fellows and were captured under Ulfric's banner? Or worse, did you forsake your fellow Artificers for greed?
Yet what is forged with strength is not easily broken...
Race: Human (Imperial or Nord)
Stone: Warrior (Leveling) Steed or Lord Stone (Level 25 or 50)
Stat Placement: 3 Health / 1 Stamina
Major Skills: Smithing, Enchanting, Speech
Minor Skills: Heavy Armor, Lockpicking
Weapons: Hammer (Mace), Pickaxe, or Hands (Gauntlets)
Armor: Nordic or Imperial Armor
Suggested Quests: The Companion's Questline (For Ancient Nordic Armor.) Unfathomable Depths, Retrieve the Ancient Nordic Pickaxe, A New Source of Stalhrim (For Stalhrim Armor.), The Black Star, Discerning the Transmundane
I also recommend any quests given by merchants, blacksmiths, enchanters, and smelters as they are the people whom you speak with and work with daily. And may be fellow Artificers.
The power of an Artificer of Zenithar comes not from his skill in arms, but their skill in crafting. No matter the challenge an Artificer can craft an armor to face it, and as time goes by, the strength of their hammer arm grows to match their strength to bear the armor. Not a warrior of great skill nor an assassin of any kind, an Artificer faces battle head on, not submitting themselves to dirty tactics, sometimes even facing an enemy with no weapons at all save their own strengthened body. Many Artificers prefer to take an enemy with their strength forged from the days of smithing weapons and armor, though others like to rely on their pickaxe they use to find the materials, their hammer used in their daily works, or in a pinch a mace, which mimics many of the qualities of a hammer.
An Artificer is a being of pure strength, yet not a dull one. They know all the modern secrets of Enchanting, able to imbue pieces with powers untold, and they know how to smelt and use every mineral and material known to man, in any form possible. They are also no fools to deals, as workers of the God, Zenithar, they understand business and will sell their goods, at fair prices, and will purchase what they need, at prices equal to its value rather than inflated. An Artificer may take up a simple life, living out their days as a local Blacksmith or Enchanter, filling in what needs a town may have, or may travel as a merchant, selling their unique wares to all who are in need, yet never forgetting who grants them such wisdom, nor forgetting their brothers and sisters, meeting for a drink or for a simple game, and yet sharing their wisdom amongst one another.
There are some who even whisper of meeting places across the land, where Enchanters and Blacksmiths who give homage to Zenithar, are known to convene and meet, sharing their secrets, raising their cups, and praying together, in his honor, in the hopes that they too shall find all the secrets of creation and forge great artifacts like those of old.
Level 50 Perk Spread
- Smithing: All Perks in the Tree
- Enchanting: All Perks except for Soul Squeezer and Soul Siphon
- Speech: Haggling, Allure, Merchant, Investor, Fence, and Master Trader
- Heavy Armor: All Perks in the Tree
- Lockpicking: Novice - Expert, Locksmith, Unbreakable
Recommended Gear (For Cities)
Head: Nothing
Jewelry: Amulet of Zenithar and Ring of Zenithar (Gold Diamond Ring Enchanted with Fortify Smithing and Fortify Carry Weight)
Chest: Blacksmith's Apron
Hands: Gloves
Feet: Boots (Style of your choice)
Weapon: Ancient Nordic Pickaxe
Gameplay
The best way to utilize this build is to focus crafting, disenchant anything you find, and spend time in the mines or with merchants to bring back your skills as an Artificer. As you progress you should be able to find an armor that suits you, and a particular weapon, be it a pickaxe, mace, or your fists and then using superior gear and strength to overpower any foe. The heavy armor and high amount of pain tolerance should handle any kind and any amount of foe, but should things be going badly one can always purchase a few health potions to add to your survival. And should you feel the call of the Dragonblood within you, Shouts make for a nice addition to a very basic pummeling fighting style. Mix and match enchantments to fit your particular style, as this build allows for a lot of creativity as far as armor and enchantments go.
Roleplay
As a Devout of Zenithar, you wear your Amulet everywhere you go signifying your allegiance, and with the Ring of Zenithar shows to other Artificers you are a member of the Order.
You are willing to help out any and all who fall under the guidance of Zenithar, miners, merchants, blacksmiths, and enchanters.
You are not a thief of murderer, you do not serve the Dark Brotherhood in any fashion, and the Thieves Guild steal from honest men and women of Zenithar, so neither guild is for you.
The Orcs know much of Steel and Smithing, they may be Malacath's children, but they are also blessed by Zenithar, to learn from them is an opportunity not to be missed.
You are a normal citizen (Unless you become Dragonborn) so pick a city near, get a house, and mine, and forge arms, armor, or even locks, make a life for yourself when you are not searching for artifacts or digging through old ruins for the knowledge of the past.
You are the Follower of an Aedra, and so Daedra are against what you believe, however their Artifacts may interest you greatly, and you may or may not overlook their darkness to learn of the Forbidden Knowledge they may have for you to learn.
Artifacts of Zenithar
The Forgemaster's Fingers
Forged by a Smith whose name was lost to memory, yet was believed to be Zenithar come to Tamriel. While over time the powers have lay dormant, they are still an artifact to behold that can aide even the lowliest smith temper the metals of the Mer with limited experience.
The Notched Pickaxe
Said to be held by the first Artificer, a combination of powerful smithing and enchanting technique went into the creation of this aged pickaxe, yet still it can smite enemies, empower craftsmanship, and mine ore, without ever once breaking.
Hoarfrost
Believed to be held by one of the first Priests of Zenithar, an Ancient Pickaxe of the Nords that can carve even into the deepest of Stalhrim, and yet it carries within it a powerful blessing of the cold winds of Atmora.
The Silver Blood Family Ring
While known to all as slavers and rich miners, this proud family once held the greatest artisans of Silver in the land. Some even whispered of members being a part of the Followers of Zenithar.
The Ring of Zenithar
(Gold Diamond Ring Enchanted with Fortify Smithing and Carry Weight)The rarest of rings, it is a representation of those who have become a true Artificer of Zenithar. A master piece of Jewelry it blesses one with the power of Commerce and Craftsmanship at a level that can only a true Artificer can craft.
The Amulet of Artificers
(Gold Diamond Amulet with Fortify Smithing and Bartering)
Another masterwork, when seen with the Ring of Zenithar, one has found a true Grand Artificer. One who is blessed by the Patron himself, this is proof of one who can craft wonders the world will never see again
The Majesty of Zenithar
There is a belief amongst the Artificers that the first to follow their path were the mighty Dwemer or Dwarves as they call them. Master crafters, whose inventions still stand the test of time. An artifact revered by the Artificers is the suit of armor believed to be held by a Dwemer ruler, and the first Artificer of history. A mighty piece, of which there is only one in existence. A piece that shows strength, honor, knowledge, and craftsmanship. The Majesty of Zenithar.
- Helmet of Wisdom: Water Breathing, Fortify Lockpicking
- Ageless Fortitude:Fortify Health and Healing
- Fists of Judgement: Fortify One Handed and Heavy Armor
- Steadfast Strength: Fortify Stamina and Stamina Regen
- Scepter of Rule: Notched Pickaxe and Paralyze
Last Thoughts
Again a simple build that can go just about any way you want, even the races aren't set in stone if you have a story in mind. Artificers are devout followers of Zenithar, not specific to any race on Tamriel. While magic is not suggested, Archery can be taken up in the form of a crossbow to allow for ranged attack. The lockpicking skill is there for both exploring ancient ruins, and for the "Locksmith" skill as a skilled Locksmith could in theory be a great Lockpick, but it is also not necessary to the build, but a fun addition that works with the skills in place flavor wise. Otherwise have fun Roleplaying and Playing this build, and come up with your own grand creation, to perhaps become a Grand Artificer and discover the truth of the Creation of Existence.
Again Comments and Critiques are helpful as always, thanks for reading.
The Artificer of Zenithar
From a young age you were taught to revere Zenithar, God of Commerce and Craftsmanship. Perhaps one of your parents was a Priest of Zenithar, perhaps while your Town Drunk father was busy your mother fed and clothed the family through her smithing business, her belief in Zenithar's blessing taught through each hammer swing, or perhaps even you were apprenticed to a Master Craftsman of the city and through him learned of the power of Zenithar and his presence in your everyday tasks as you learned to smelt the iron and steel and to cool the blades properly. No matter the story the result became the same, you became a blacksmith and a devout follower of Zenithar.You made your daily bread smithing, and then would go to the Temple and spend some few hours in prayer to the God, your master.
As time went by, your work became stronger, your weapons sharper, your armor tougher, but still you craved to find a way to further perfect your work. Somehow you were found by a Master Crafter, an Artificer of Zenithar, and in great consideration of your work, and after a few years, you became apprenticed, and became an Artificer yourself, a member of a secret society of artisans everywhere. Suddenly, as if by the Divine, your work became even greater, sought by Jarls, and Captains alike, praised for your skill, yet you yourself still gave thanks to your Mentor and Patron.
Then came the day that the horns of war were sounded, and your skills were needed on the battlefield. Serving in the Imperial Army, you forged weapons and armor for those who would fight in the Great War, making yourself a name amongst allies, and foes alike. Yet years later you find yourself in chains, on your way to the chopping block, along with former comrades in war. Was it the Thalmor who captured you for your war record as an Imperial, or did you leave the army alongside your fellows and were captured under Ulfric's banner? Or worse, did you forsake your fellow Artificers for greed?
Yet what is forged with strength is not easily broken...
Race: Human (Imperial or Nord)
Stone: Warrior (Leveling) Steed or Lord Stone (Level 25 or 50)
Stat Placement: 3 Health / 1 Stamina
Major Skills: Smithing, Enchanting, Speech
Minor Skills: Heavy Armor, Lockpicking
Weapons: Hammer (Mace), Pickaxe, or Hands (Gauntlets)
Armor: Nordic or Imperial Armor
Suggested Quests: The Companion's Questline (For Ancient Nordic Armor.) Unfathomable Depths, Retrieve the Ancient Nordic Pickaxe, A New Source of Stalhrim (For Stalhrim Armor.), The Black Star, Discerning the Transmundane
I also recommend any quests given by merchants, blacksmiths, enchanters, and smelters as they are the people whom you speak with and work with daily. And may be fellow Artificers.
The power of an Artificer of Zenithar comes not from his skill in arms, but their skill in crafting. No matter the challenge an Artificer can craft an armor to face it, and as time goes by, the strength of their hammer arm grows to match their strength to bear the armor. Not a warrior of great skill nor an assassin of any kind, an Artificer faces battle head on, not submitting themselves to dirty tactics, sometimes even facing an enemy with no weapons at all save their own strengthened body. Many Artificers prefer to take an enemy with their strength forged from the days of smithing weapons and armor, though others like to rely on their pickaxe they use to find the materials, their hammer used in their daily works, or in a pinch a mace, which mimics many of the qualities of a hammer.
An Artificer is a being of pure strength, yet not a dull one. They know all the modern secrets of Enchanting, able to imbue pieces with powers untold, and they know how to smelt and use every mineral and material known to man, in any form possible. They are also no fools to deals, as workers of the God, Zenithar, they understand business and will sell their goods, at fair prices, and will purchase what they need, at prices equal to its value rather than inflated. An Artificer may take up a simple life, living out their days as a local Blacksmith or Enchanter, filling in what needs a town may have, or may travel as a merchant, selling their unique wares to all who are in need, yet never forgetting who grants them such wisdom, nor forgetting their brothers and sisters, meeting for a drink or for a simple game, and yet sharing their wisdom amongst one another.
There are some who even whisper of meeting places across the land, where Enchanters and Blacksmiths who give homage to Zenithar, are known to convene and meet, sharing their secrets, raising their cups, and praying together, in his honor, in the hopes that they too shall find all the secrets of creation and forge great artifacts like those of old.
Level 50 Perk Spread
- Smithing: All Perks in the Tree
- Enchanting: All Perks except for Soul Squeezer and Soul Siphon
- Speech: Haggling, Allure, Merchant, Investor, Fence, and Master Trader
- Heavy Armor: All Perks in the Tree
- Lockpicking: Novice - Expert, Locksmith, Unbreakable
Recommended Gear (For Cities)
Head: Nothing
Jewelry: Amulet of Zenithar and Ring of Zenithar (Gold Diamond Ring Enchanted with Fortify Smithing and Fortify Carry Weight)
Chest: Blacksmith's Apron
Hands: Gloves
Feet: Boots (Style of your choice)
Weapon: Ancient Nordic Pickaxe
Gameplay
The best way to utilize this build is to focus crafting, disenchant anything you find, and spend time in the mines or with merchants to bring back your skills as an Artificer. As you progress you should be able to find an armor that suits you, and a particular weapon, be it a pickaxe, mace, or your fists and then using superior gear and strength to overpower any foe. The heavy armor and high amount of pain tolerance should handle any kind and any amount of foe, but should things be going badly one can always purchase a few health potions to add to your survival. And should you feel the call of the Dragonblood within you, Shouts make for a nice addition to a very basic pummeling fighting style. Mix and match enchantments to fit your particular style, as this build allows for a lot of creativity as far as armor and enchantments go.
Roleplay
As a Devout of Zenithar, you wear your Amulet everywhere you go signifying your allegiance, and with the Ring of Zenithar shows to other Artificers you are a member of the Order.
You are willing to help out any and all who fall under the guidance of Zenithar, miners, merchants, blacksmiths, and enchanters.
You are not a thief of murderer, you do not serve the Dark Brotherhood in any fashion, and the Thieves Guild steal from honest men and women of Zenithar, so neither guild is for you.
The Orcs know much of Steel and Smithing, they may be Malacath's children, but they are also blessed by Zenithar, to learn from them is an opportunity not to be missed.
You are a normal citizen (Unless you become Dragonborn) so pick a city near, get a house, and mine, and forge arms, armor, or even locks, make a life for yourself when you are not searching for artifacts or digging through old ruins for the knowledge of the past.
You are the Follower of an Aedra, and so Daedra are against what you believe, however their Artifacts may interest you greatly, and you may or may not overlook their darkness to learn of the Forbidden Knowledge they may have for you to learn.
Artifacts of Zenithar
The Forgemaster's Fingers
Forged by a Smith whose name was lost to memory, yet was believed to be Zenithar come to Tamriel. While over time the powers have lay dormant, they are still an artifact to behold that can aide even the lowliest smith temper the metals of the Mer with limited experience.
The Notched Pickaxe
Said to be held by the first Artificer, a combination of powerful smithing and enchanting technique went into the creation of this aged pickaxe, yet still it can smite enemies, empower craftsmanship, and mine ore, without ever once breaking.
Hoarfrost
Believed to be held by one of the first Priests of Zenithar, an Ancient Pickaxe of the Nords that can carve even into the deepest of Stalhrim, and yet it carries within it a powerful blessing of the cold winds of Atmora.
The Silver Blood Family Ring
While known to all as slavers and rich miners, this proud family once held the greatest artisans of Silver in the land. Some even whispered of members being a part of the Followers of Zenithar.
The Ring of Zenithar
(Gold Diamond Ring Enchanted with Fortify Smithing and Carry Weight)The rarest of rings, it is a representation of those who have become a true Artificer of Zenithar. A master piece of Jewelry it blesses one with the power of Commerce and Craftsmanship at a level that can only a true Artificer can craft.
The Amulet of Artificers
(Gold Diamond Amulet with Fortify Smithing and Bartering)
Another masterwork, when seen with the Ring of Zenithar, one has found a true Grand Artificer. One who is blessed by the Patron himself, this is proof of one who can craft wonders the world will never see again
The Majesty of Zenithar
There is a belief amongst the Artificers that the first to follow their path were the mighty Dwemer or Dwarves as they call them. Master crafters, whose inventions still stand the test of time. An artifact revered by the Artificers is the suit of armor believed to be held by a Dwemer ruler, and the first Artificer of history. A mighty piece, of which there is only one in existence. A piece that shows strength, honor, knowledge, and craftsmanship. The Majesty of Zenithar.
- Helmet of Wisdom: Water Breathing, Fortify Lockpicking
- Ageless Fortitude:Fortify Health and Healing
- Fists of Judgement: Fortify One Handed and Heavy Armor
- Steadfast Strength: Fortify Stamina and Stamina Regen
- Scepter of Rule: Notched Pickaxe and Paralyze
Last Thoughts
Again a simple build that can go just about any way you want, even the races aren't set in stone if you have a story in mind. Artificers are devout followers of Zenithar, not specific to any race on Tamriel. While magic is not suggested, Archery can be taken up in the form of a crossbow to allow for ranged attack. The lockpicking skill is there for both exploring ancient ruins, and for the "Locksmith" skill as a skilled Locksmith could in theory be a great Lockpick, but it is also not necessary to the build, but a fun addition that works with the skills in place flavor wise. Otherwise have fun Roleplaying and Playing this build, and come up with your own grand creation, to perhaps become a Grand Artificer and discover the truth of the Creation of Existence.
Again Comments and Critiques are helpful as always, thanks for reading.
My only complaint (and it really is a small one) is that I'd have liked to have seen the Enchanting and Smithing skills being the crutch this character leans on. For example, reduce the amount of perks put into one handed because the Legendary smithed sword and Fortify One Handed enchantment would pick up the slack, thus pushing the value of those two crafts.
