I don't really care about backstory in general, unless it affects gameplay. In that case, I like it to be very short and to the point (1-2 paragraphs) or else a link to a story/blog that details the character for anyone who is interested. For faction-based builds, I like a short explanation on the faction's purpose and philosophies, since that will usually help shape the gameplay/roleplay. But I could care less about individual character backstories; I'd rather create my own in most cases.
I prefer artwork to screenshots in general, but I do like to see at least one screenshot in every build, especially for builds that call for specific loadouts and/or armor combos.
Gameplay is where the meat of the build should exist, IMO. I like a fairly short RP section with only relevant and interesting RP elements that help shape the gameplay experience and reinforce the character's moral position. But gameplay, I like to be in-depth. This is where most builds are truly made to me. Playing a build to completion should be a 30-50 hour experience at minimum, and the gameplay is going to be far and away the most prevalent factor in keeping that playthrough fresh and engaging. RP and backstory can only make a character interesting for so long; if the gameplay is dull or stale, it's not going to work for me.
I don't generally care about the presented endgame level so much as the hours the build will require (which is hard to predict). That said, for the sake of convenience/practicality, I like to see builds presented around level 35-50. For builds that go to 50+, I like seeing a "mid-game perk spread" around level 25-30 so you get an idea of how to develop the character as you progress. And you'd better have a damn good reason for needing to go much further than level 50.
I don't care too much about how hard the endgame equipment is to come by as long as two conditions are met: (1) It adds something important to the build, and (2) There is an easily attainable substitute for the early/mid-game. For the Regulator, I started with Ancient Nord armor and crossbows, then transitioned to Ahzidal's armor and bound bows as they became readily available. The gear I started out with was easy to obtain and perfectly functional at lower levels, and it reinforced the style of the endgame equipment in both aesthetic and application.
I prefer perk spread images over links for sure. Especially if they are designed well. Something relatively minimal, easy to read, with a nice quality typeface and a bit of color. I almost never click links to sites like SkyrimCalculator.
Apart from gameplay and perk selection, I think it's really essential to have an equipment section. Even if it's just an image with the armor you used. I also think a brief introduction of some sort is important, i.e., explain what you were trying to accomplish with this build, why it stands out, etc. Special Moves are cool but can really detract from a build if they aren't actually special — that is, original, relevant, and effective. Race, stone, skills, and any other key information (passives, Shouts, spells, attributes, relevant quests, etc.) as needed. No need to include quests, Shouts, spells, and passives unless they are actually necessary to the core of gameplay/roleplay though.
I don't really care about backstory in general, unless it affects gameplay. In that case, I like it to be very short and to the point (1-2 paragraphs) or else a link to a story/blog that details the character for anyone who is interested. For faction-based builds, I like a short explanation on the faction's purpose and philosophies, since that will usually help shape the gameplay/roleplay. But I could care less about individual character backstories; I'd rather create my own in most cases.
I prefer artwork to screenshots in general, but I do like to see at least one screenshot in every build, especially for builds that call for specific loadouts and/or armor combos.
Gameplay is where the meat of the build should exist, IMO. I like a fairly short RP section with only relevant and interesting RP elements that help shape the gameplay experience and reinforce the character's moral position. But gameplay, I like to be in-depth. This is where most builds are truly made to me. Playing a build to completion should be a 30-50 hour experience at minimum, and the gameplay is going to be far and away the most prevalent factor in keeping that playthrough fresh and engaging. RP and backstory can only make a character interesting for so long; if the gameplay is dull or stale, it's not going to work for me.
I don't generally care about the presented endgame level so much as the hours the build will require (which is hard to predict). That said, for the sake of convenience/practicality, I like to see builds presented around level 35-50. For builds that go to 50+, I like seeing a "mid-game perk spread" around level 25-30 so you get an idea of how to develop the character as you progress. And you'd better have a damn good reason for needing to go much further than level 50.
I don't care too much about how hard the endgame equipment is to come by as long as two conditions are met: (1) It adds something important to the build, and (2) There is an easily attainable substitute for the early/mid-game. For the Regulator, I started with Ancient Nord armor and crossbows, then transitioned to Ahzidal's armor and bound bows as they became readily available. The gear I started out with was easy to obtain and perfectly functional at lower levels, and it reinforced the style of the endgame equipment in both aesthetic and application.
I prefer perk spread images over links for sure. Especially if they are designed well. Something relatively minimal, easy to read, with a nice quality typeface and a bit of color. I almost never click links to sites like SkyrimCalculator.
Apart from gameplay and perk selection, I think it's really essential to have an equipment section. Even if it's just an image with the armor you used. I also think a brief introduction of some sort is important, i.e., explain what you were trying to accomplish with this build, why it stands out, etc. Special Moves are cool but can really detract from a build if they aren't actually special — that is, original, relevant, and effective. Race, stone, skills, and any other key information (passives, Shouts, spells, attributes, relevant quests, etc.) as needed. No need to include quests, Shouts, spells, and passives unless they are actually necessary to the core of gameplay/roleplay though.
