The Lord
Once you were young, a young son or daughter of a great Lord, sent to the College to learn magic, and trained under a variety of personal trainers and teachers you were groomed to lead. As the horns of war sounded you were called to the battlefield to lead, and impressed recruit and officer alike. Earning your place, you returned home to lead as a Lord of a city, yet those days have passed. Yours hairs now grey and your bones now stiff you yourself and looking for someone to take your place as you find comfort in your family and friends, yet duty calls to rule and lead with honor yet again. No longer on the battlefields of old, now in the gilded halls of politics, yet not all that glitters is gold. A tiring business now that Elves rule the Empire of Man, and strut about arrogant and in charge, you wish for the days of old when men ruled the Empire. However wisely you realized that the Empire was not yet ready for a new war with this dark, shadowy, Empire of Elves. Not without allies that is...
In an effort to find friends, you traveled, accompanied by no less than your bodyguards and perhaps your personal "information acquirer." Yet nothing could prepare you for the war that came from the north. An uprising by the most powerful of the Empire's now lessened forces, and devout followers of Talos. These men needed to see that the Empire needed them now more than ever, to strengthen this Empire and prevent the Thalmor conquest. Despite their dislike of the Empire, they listened, and that is where you were ambushed, your men slaughtered, and you without proof of identity of your claim, you were sent to the chopping block, to end your life as a traitor.
Yet help always comes for those who seek it...
Race: Breton or Imperial
Stone: Mage (For Leveling) Lord or Atronach (Aetherial Crown for Both)
Stat Placement: 2 Magicka/ 1 Health/ 1 Stamina
Major Skills: Illusion, Speech, Alteration
Minor Skills: One Handed, Block, Destruction (If Imperial) or Conjuration (If Breton)
Weapons: A single forged sword, perhaps rare or enchanted, the symbol of your status
Suggested Quests: The Civil War on Imperial Side (Main Quest for you, try to do it as the "last"), Thieves Guild (More Allies), College of Winterhold (Title and Power), Dawnguard (More Allies), The Blades (Represent the Old Empire), Destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Lost to the Ages
Personal Quests: Gain as Many Allies as possible for the Upcoming War with the Aldmeri Dominion, Become Thane of all Holds allowing for more political sway, Help establish Order in Skyrim
As Nobility of the Empire you once served on the front lines as a younger noble, and gained sway over your allies as well as enemies. While more a commander than a fighter, you still retain some of those skills from days gone by, though you are not as young as you once were. Your mind however is sharp and therefore your skills in the Magical Arts are not quite lost to you, helping protect you, sway minds, and even combat foes.
You are not powerful enough on your own however, as a Lord is only as powerful as their influence holds. Find allies and let them do the fighting while you control the tide of the battle. Should you find yourself in dire straits either calm the enemy with your power, or send them running from a fearful visage from your former days. Above all, you are no craftsman, so you will be spending time bargaining with merchants for a replacement of your clothing, weapons, and for retraining in the arts of your youth.
Level 50 Perk Spread
- Illusion: All Perks except Quiet Casting
- Speech: All Except for Fence, Master Trader, Investor, and Merchant
- Alteration: Novice - Master, Mage Armor, Stability
- One Handed: (4/5) Armsman, (1/3) Bladesman, Fighting Stance
- Block: (4/5) Shield Wall
- Destruction: (If Imperial) Novice - Master, Augmented Flames, (1/2) Augmented Frost, (1/2) Augmented Shock
- Conjuration: (If Breton) Novice - Master, Summoner, Atromancy, Elemental Potency
I recommend wearing any Noble Clothes with Fine Boots, or Robes if you prefer. Always wear a sword, and a ring of office.
Gameplay
Find a follower as soon as possible Faendal (Archer), Janessa (Assassin), or Uthgerd (Bodyguard) are good starting companions, all bringing their own abilities to the table to aid you in your quest. In the end you will want to try and recruit all available, non-evil, followers so that you can finish one of your quests. Use your follower to either provide a target for your enemies, Bodyguard preferred, while you control the battle through Illusion, or you can use a follower to add more damage, Assasin, Mage, Archer, while you fight using your limited sword skills, and Alteration for protection. While you cannot craft, you have the ability to convince merchants to give much lower rates, and through your various contacts, no doubt find clothing, jewelry, and weapons to your liking. This build is not meant to fight on its own, so do not do so and expect the fight to go well, as well this build thrives on Calm and Peace for most encounters when a non-violent solution is available.
Roleplay
As a Lord, you are wealthy, but no craftsman, you wouldn't know the first thing about forging a sword, or enchanting a ring, even with your studies.
As an older member of Nobility, you enjoy comfort, and are no adventurer, you need sleep, food, and warmth otherwise you are more likely to die from environmental and mental effects than from an enemies sword or old age.
You are an Ambassador of the Empire, you seek for the Empire to be strengthened, but you are no longer a warrior, you will always try to find the peaceful solutions (Such as Favoring the Empire in Season Unending.)
You are trying to find allies by any means necessary, thievery is not below you, but murder is, do not steal except to aid the Thieves Guild, not your own pocket, and never kill anyone who is innocent (Innocent being largely subjective.)
Even currying favor with the Gods is a way of gaining allies, serve the Aedra and Daedra alike in order to gain favor for the Empire.
You may not support the Thalmor, but open warfare is unwise, always seek diplomacy when dealing with the Elven Overlords.
Above all, if you are Dragonborn, you are still older, and born noble, do not lower yourself to the status of a Grave Robber, unless it is for the gain of the Empire, gain of Allies, or the stabilization of the Province.
Again, you are noble, so dress as such, the garb of the commoner means you are not recognized, and will not do well on your quest, so dress appropriately.
Last Thoughts
My view on how the Lords of the Empire are, dabblers of magic, and masters of statecraft, with some having larger knowledge of warcraft, but no masters. While this build can be difficult at times, especially in the Civil War early on, it is a fun and challenging build to play. It allows again for a different view on Skyrim, yet placing one in the thick of the action. While there can be a Lord who is of the Nordic race, I see them more as Jarls having a more warlike and stronger build, though you can play a Nord, I find though that their personality deserves a separate build where Two Handed, Heavy Armor are major skills, and Magic and Crafting abilities are both non-existent. Feel free to come up with your own story, and again have fun Playing and Roleplaying this build. As always comments and critiques are helpful and welcome.
If you have the time I ask that you please read, comment, and play my other builds as well:
The Lord
Once you were young, a young son or daughter of a great Lord, sent to the College to learn magic, and trained under a variety of personal trainers and teachers you were groomed to lead. As the horns of war sounded you were called to the battlefield to lead, and impressed recruit and officer alike. Earning your place, you returned home to lead as a Lord of a city, yet those days have passed. Yours hairs now grey and your bones now stiff you yourself and looking for someone to take your place as you find comfort in your family and friends, yet duty calls to rule and lead with honor yet again. No longer on the battlefields of old, now in the gilded halls of politics, yet not all that glitters is gold. A tiring business now that Elves rule the Empire of Man, and strut about arrogant and in charge, you wish for the days of old when men ruled the Empire. However wisely you realized that the Empire was not yet ready for a new war with this dark, shadowy, Empire of Elves. Not without allies that is...
In an effort to find friends, you traveled, accompanied by no less than your bodyguards and perhaps your personal "information acquirer." Yet nothing could prepare you for the war that came from the north. An uprising by the most powerful of the Empire's now lessened forces, and devout followers of Talos. These men needed to see that the Empire needed them now more than ever, to strengthen this Empire and prevent the Thalmor conquest. Despite their dislike of the Empire, they listened, and that is where you were ambushed, your men slaughtered, and you without proof of identity of your claim, you were sent to the chopping block, to end your life as a traitor.
Yet help always comes for those who seek it...
Race: Breton or Imperial
Stone: Mage (For Leveling) Lord or Atronach (Aetherial Crown for Both)
Stat Placement: 2 Magicka/ 1 Health/ 1 Stamina
Major Skills: Illusion, Speech, Alteration
Minor Skills: One Handed, Block, Destruction (If Imperial) or Conjuration (If Breton)
Weapons: A single forged sword, perhaps rare or enchanted, the symbol of your status
Suggested Quests: The Civil War on Imperial Side (Main Quest for you, try to do it as the "last"), Thieves Guild (More Allies), College of Winterhold (Title and Power), Dawnguard (More Allies), The Blades (Represent the Old Empire), Destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Lost to the Ages
Personal Quests: Gain as Many Allies as possible for the Upcoming War with the Aldmeri Dominion, Become Thane of all Holds allowing for more political sway, Help establish Order in Skyrim
As Nobility of the Empire you once served on the front lines as a younger noble, and gained sway over your allies as well as enemies. While more a commander than a fighter, you still retain some of those skills from days gone by, though you are not as young as you once were. Your mind however is sharp and therefore your skills in the Magical Arts are not quite lost to you, helping protect you, sway minds, and even combat foes.
You are not powerful enough on your own however, as a Lord is only as powerful as their influence holds. Find allies and let them do the fighting while you control the tide of the battle. Should you find yourself in dire straits either calm the enemy with your power, or send them running from a fearful visage from your former days. Above all, you are no craftsman, so you will be spending time bargaining with merchants for a replacement of your clothing, weapons, and for retraining in the arts of your youth.
Level 50 Perk Spread
- Illusion: All Perks except Quiet Casting
- Speech: All Except for Fence, Master Trader, Investor, and Merchant
- Alteration: Novice - Master, Mage Armor, Stability
- One Handed: (4/5) Armsman, (1/3) Bladesman, Fighting Stance
- Block: (4/5) Shield Wall
- Destruction: (If Imperial) Novice - Master, Augmented Flames, (1/2) Augmented Frost, (1/2) Augmented Shock
- Conjuration: (If Breton) Novice - Master, Summoner, Atromancy, Elemental Potency
I recommend wearing any Noble Clothes with Fine Boots, or Robes if you prefer. Always wear a sword, and a ring of office.
Gameplay
Find a follower as soon as possible Faendal (Archer), Janessa (Assassin), or Uthgerd (Bodyguard) are good starting companions, all bringing their own abilities to the table to aid you in your quest. In the end you will want to try and recruit all available, non-evil, followers so that you can finish one of your quests. Use your follower to either provide a target for your enemies, Bodyguard preferred, while you control the battle through Illusion, or you can use a follower to add more damage, Assasin, Mage, Archer, while you fight using your limited sword skills, and Alteration for protection. While you cannot craft, you have the ability to convince merchants to give much lower rates, and through your various contacts, no doubt find clothing, jewelry, and weapons to your liking. This build is not meant to fight on its own, so do not do so and expect the fight to go well, as well this build thrives on Calm and Peace for most encounters when a non-violent solution is available.
Roleplay
As a Lord, you are wealthy, but no craftsman, you wouldn't know the first thing about forging a sword, or enchanting a ring, even with your studies.
As an older member of Nobility, you enjoy comfort, and are no adventurer, you need sleep, food, and warmth otherwise you are more likely to die from environmental and mental effects than from an enemies sword or old age.
You are an Ambassador of the Empire, you seek for the Empire to be strengthened, but you are no longer a warrior, you will always try to find the peaceful solutions (Such as Favoring the Empire in Season Unending.)
You are trying to find allies by any means necessary, thievery is not below you, but murder is, do not steal except to aid the Thieves Guild, not your own pocket, and never kill anyone who is innocent (Innocent being largely subjective.)
Even currying favor with the Gods is a way of gaining allies, serve the Aedra and Daedra alike in order to gain favor for the Empire.
You may not support the Thalmor, but open warfare is unwise, always seek diplomacy when dealing with the Elven Overlords.
Above all, if you are Dragonborn, you are still older, and born noble, do not lower yourself to the status of a Grave Robber, unless it is for the gain of the Empire, gain of Allies, or the stabilization of the Province.
Again, you are noble, so dress as such, the garb of the commoner means you are not recognized, and will not do well on your quest, so dress appropriately.
Last Thoughts
My view on how the Lords of the Empire are, dabblers of magic, and masters of statecraft, with some having larger knowledge of warcraft, but no masters. While this build can be difficult at times, especially in the Civil War early on, it is a fun and challenging build to play. It allows again for a different view on Skyrim, yet placing one in the thick of the action. While there can be a Lord who is of the Nordic race, I see them more as Jarls having a more warlike and stronger build, though you can play a Nord, I find though that their personality deserves a separate build where Two Handed, Heavy Armor are major skills, and Magic and Crafting abilities are both non-existent. Feel free to come up with your own story, and again have fun Playing and Roleplaying this build. As always comments and critiques are helpful and welcome.
If you have the time I ask that you please read, comment, and play my other builds as well:
