Skyrim Character Building » Discussions


Character Build: The Vancian Wizard

Tags: #Character Build Elementalist  #Character Build Illusionist  #Character Build Vampire  #Race:Dunmer  #Rank:Legendary 
  • Member
    April 8, 2015

    Update: now at level 14 and having some of the best fun I've had in Skyrim for a long time. Wish I could add more Likes...

    The playstyle continues to be extremely entertaining, and moreso as I unlock new powers. Vampirism is the next thing I'm shooting for, having now access to Mora's Agony and all the All-Maker Stones. Those are some beastly spells and definitely worth reclaiming after every dungeon.

    One weird thing I've noticed when using Bloodmoon Mantra is that nearly every time (9/10) the Werebear actually runs away and hides in a corner if the enemy is a Lurker. Why is that? Has anyone else had this happen? Usually this happens immediately, or after they are hit by the lurker - seems they are a werebeard's natural enemy.

    Questing through the Black Book to get Mora's Agony was an extremely rewarding adventure. I had to sneak past most of the enemies and finish the rest with my staff, flames and a spell I have jotted down below, but the last Lurker really got what he deserved, and burned to a crisp! After all that skulking and surviving by a hair's breadth, I felt I really deserved that new spell (and the goodies I picked up along the way).

    I have two new spells (names are again inspired by those of scrolls in Morrowind):

    Drathis' Soulrot: an incantation which saps the enemy's strength and leaves them weak to melee attacks by summoned pets. In a pinch, this could even be the wizard himself, if using the next spell I've given.
     (The Serpent Stone + Marked for Death + Soul Trap)

    Lord Mha's Vengeance: summons a magical battleaxe and wreathes the caster in a protective aura for a very short time - yet time enough to slice through the thickest of armors. Useful if melee is really the only option, or if you feel like it's berserk time! Recommend use of MfD or Drathis' Soulrot beforehand to augment damage. (Bound Battleaxe + Bones of the Earth + Mystic Binding perk)
  • Member
    April 8, 2015
    Aww, those spells are sick! And a very nice combo! I'm definitely gonna add a link to both of your comments with spells! You haven't gotten vampirism yet?! Dude, those greater powers are some of my favorite! And surprisingly I've never come across that Werebear glitch with the lurkers. I think I typically took em on with my stave and flames spells and the Mythal of Legend spell to supplement after Ahzidal.

    Btw, make sure you drink the redwater skooma in Redwater Den so you can nab a free tome of Telekinesis. Otherwise you won't be able to leap in levels without leveling Alteration to 40.
  • Member
    April 9, 2015

    I left vampirism this late because the racial fire resistance of the Dunmer is really, really convenient on Solstheim; no matter where I go, it seems I always run into those fire-wielding Ashspawn or Burnt Spriggans. Didn't want to give up that yet, because I knew I was going to be trekking all across Solstheim early on. But vampire lord is next up on the shopping list.

    For you convenience, I can at some point add another comment where I list again all of the spells, so you can make do with one link, if you like. It might take a while, though - with all the studying I have to do nearly every day I'm lucky to be able to dedicate an hour or two for Skyrim at most.

    But still, it's the least I can do to share the spells I come up with, because with this build you have really revitalized Skyrim as a relaxing pastime for me, and I am grateful for that

  • Member
    April 9, 2015

    True, but I do want that Mist Form

  • Member
    April 9, 2015
    Yeah, that'd help keep all your spells in one concise comment. Then if you had more in the future you could just add another reply to your "spell" comment to keep em together.

    I definitely understand the need for fire resistance! I took vampirism by level 3 and pretty much became ashes whenever a burnt Spriggan glanced my way lol. But that just added to the fun!

    @Ben You definitely could keep it at Lvl 1 vampirism early on. You'd lose out on Vampire's Seduction and Embrace of Shadows but you'd still bank on the sneak and illusion bonus as well as Vampire's Servant.
  • Member
    April 9, 2015
    Hey Al, Wasn't there a video lets play you were gonna do about this fella? I still have my save game, haven't gotten him past level 4 though. I know, I suck.
  • Member
    April 9, 2015

    Awesome! New spells are up thanks to Andy M! I really dig the Morrowind spell names and recreating them in Skyrim. You guys weave em and name em and I'll add them in. Get creative peeps!

  • Member
    April 9, 2015

    Yes! You do suck! Hahaha! I kid, I kid. I can't hate you after that amazing acapella throwback to the 90's we had in the dating discussion.

    Yeah I had every intention to record at least one or two episodes of a Let's Play for this guy but I don't have the equipment for it. I have to visit my bro to do it. Unfortunately, I only have Sundays off work and they're spent with my lady and planning this wedding. Two months away now and it's consuming me! AHHHHH! If people are still interested in two months, I may end up recording it in then. Though, I have to admit, my interest in Skyrim is waning. You guys keep dragging me back in lol!

  • Member
    April 9, 2015

    @Andy M I meant to ask you earlier but is your "Herald of Worms" spell more roleplay than mechanics? Isn't the familiar dispelled by the Ritual Stone? I like it either way, just curious. :)

  • Member
    April 9, 2015

    I'm glad you participated in the retro pop throwback. Its real lonely when you sing Brittney Spears and nobody else chimes in! xD

    Tying the knot are ya!? Precongrats! 

    I hear ya about the waning interest... In the instance of the Vancian Wizard, I was losing my feels to roleplay in Skyrim, so I just put him on pause. I won't play something so awesome for mechanics alone :D And I also agree this site keeps me hooked inadvertently heh. TSB continually makes Skyrim the best 60$ investment ever. 

    WhhHeellLp someone should make a build review video for ya. Ya know, to spare your lady such activities on your honeymooning xD