I have an idea for an non-modded build that utilizes only Alchemy and Restoration. I've played almost this exact build before, except with Alteration added into the skillset. I played it on both Master and Legendary to good effect, although it was a challenge to be sure. The character is supporter with some very effective offensive abilities. The build uses a few glitches, but they are ultimately balanced out by the high difficulty level and the character's lack of armor or enchanted items.
The backstory is of an individual who is obsessed with seemlessly channeling magicka to become a wellspring of strength, vitality, and power.
It took him some time to master it, visualizing magicka streaming through his body, pumping through the very fibers of his muscles for a time, giving him strength far beyond the puny power nature had intended. - The Four Suitors of Benitah
There are two basic paths for the character which can be changed over the course of the game if one so choses. The Path of Immortality (Vampire Lord through either the Dawnguard or Volkihar) and the Path of Brotherhood (Werewolf through the Companions). I suggest that Vampire Lord through the Dawnguard might be better as you gain access to Sunfire and Vampire's Bane. However, Volkihar is viable if you wait to complete Destroy the Dawnguard until after the mainquest of Dragonborn in order to get the Bend Will shout for Florentius Baenius.
The build makes use of the following Restoration spells:
Lesser Ward - this is really the only way you can survive dragons on Legendary and Master
Heal Other - this is going to be your main support spell to heal your companion or summon* (that is right, a summoned ally)
Repel Undead spells - these line of spells level Restoration very quickly because they hit multiple targets and it keeps you from being swarmed
Sunfire - this is your basic anti-undead attack
Vampire's Bane - this will turn you into an undead slaying beast when combined with a glitch to make magicka regenerate almost instantly
Poison Rune - this is an option to give you a bit of extra damage against living targets
These were my goto spells when playing the build. Having a companion was essential early on to survive and also to pick locks. While I did not wear armor or enchanted items (just an unenchanted black robe and boots), my companions were given the best items I could find on my adventures.
Glitches
This build uses the Fortify Restoration/Alchemy loop to make a couple of very powerful (2000-6000% depending on your preference) Fortify Restoration potions. These potions are going to be used only 2-3 in the playthough. One potion will be used just before selecting The Lady standing stone, the others will be just before selecting the Recovery perk in the Restoration tree. It might sound overpowered, but I had to be very careful about getting one-hit-killed or killcammed. Even with 150 - 300 - 100 you have to be careful about being hit even once by a Bandit Chief or Draugr Scourge or Scourge Lord. Sabercats, Frostbite Spiders, and pretty much everything else can kill you in seconds.
Summoning*
This can be accomplished using the Path of Immortality. With the Vampire Lord powers in Human Form glitch, you gain access to Summon Gargoyle spell (it doen't level Conjuration). The cool thing is that the Gargoyle can be healed with a normal Heal Other spell.
Other Vampire Powers
You can also make use of Vampiric Grip and Corpse Curse to further support a companion by knocking down enemies to get them out of the fight or paralyzing them so they can be easily slain by your companion. You also gain the Vampire Lord Raise Dead spell which levels along with your character (you can be a necromancer who doesn't even need Conjuration).
Conclusion
Even if I don't get around to posting this build, maybe someone else will want to test it out and have some fun. Any thoughts on a good name for the Character Build?
I have an idea for an non-modded build that utilizes only Alchemy and Restoration. I've played almost this exact build before, except with Alteration added into the skillset. I played it on both Master and Legendary to good effect, although it was a challenge to be sure. The character is supporter with some very effective offensive abilities. The build uses a few glitches, but they are ultimately balanced out by the high difficulty level and the character's lack of armor or enchanted items.
The backstory is of an individual who is obsessed with seemlessly channeling magicka to become a wellspring of strength, vitality, and power.
It took him some time to master it, visualizing magicka streaming through his body, pumping through the very fibers of his muscles for a time, giving him strength far beyond the puny power nature had intended. - The Four Suitors of Benitah
There are two basic paths for the character which can be changed over the course of the game if one so choses. The Path of Immortality (Vampire Lord through either the Dawnguard or Volkihar) and the Path of Brotherhood (Werewolf through the Companions). I suggest that Vampire Lord through the Dawnguard might be better as you gain access to Sunfire and Vampire's Bane. However, Volkihar is viable if you wait to complete Destroy the Dawnguard until after the mainquest of Dragonborn in order to get the Bend Will shout for Florentius Baenius.
The build makes use of the following Restoration spells:
Lesser Ward - this is really the only way you can survive dragons on Legendary and Master
Heal Other - this is going to be your main support spell to heal your companion or summon* (that is right, a summoned ally)
Repel Undead spells - these line of spells level Restoration very quickly because they hit multiple targets and it keeps you from being swarmed
Sunfire - this is your basic anti-undead attack
Vampire's Bane - this will turn you into an undead slaying beast when combined with a glitch to make magicka regenerate almost instantly
Poison Rune - this is an option to give you a bit of extra damage against living targets
These were my goto spells when playing the build. Having a companion was essential early on to survive and also to pick locks. While I did not wear armor or enchanted items (just an unenchanted black robe and boots), my companions were given the best items I could find on my adventures.
Glitches
This build uses the Fortify Restoration/Alchemy loop to make a couple of very powerful (2000-6000% depending on your preference) Fortify Restoration potions. These potions are going to be used only 2-3 in the playthough. One potion will be used just before selecting The Lady standing stone, the others will be just before selecting the Recovery perk in the Restoration tree. It might sound overpowered, but I had to be very careful about getting one-hit-killed or killcammed. Even with 150 - 300 - 100 you have to be careful about being hit even once by a Bandit Chief or Draugr Scourge or Scourge Lord. Sabercats, Frostbite Spiders, and pretty much everything else can kill you in seconds.
Summoning*
This can be accomplished using the Path of Immortality. With the Vampire Lord powers in Human Form glitch, you gain access to Summon Gargoyle spell (it doen't level Conjuration). The cool thing is that the Gargoyle can be healed with a normal Heal Other spell.
Other Vampire Powers
You can also make use of Vampiric Grip and Corpse Curse to further support a companion by knocking down enemies to get them out of the fight or paralyzing them so they can be easily slain by your companion. You also gain the Vampire Lord Raise Dead spell which levels along with your character (you can be a necromancer who doesn't even need Conjuration).
Conclusion
Even if I don't get around to posting this build, maybe someone else will want to test it out and have some fun. Any thoughts on a good name for the Character Build?
