Character Build: The Keeper of the Dawn
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely…
I lost it. I lost it. How could I have lost it? For two hundred years my sires and grandsires and their forebears had kept it secret, had kept it safe, and now I have lost it. The scabbard of Mehrunes’ Razor. I trusted Silus. I thought we were friends. He razed my home, killed much of my family, all for an empty scabbard? No matter. If that fiend thought he could save himself by running, he was wrong. I tracked him. I have years and scars to show for it, but I have found him. He fled to Skyrim. I will go there as well. I will restore the honor of my family, of the Keepers of the Razor. I must get it back. I must…
Race: I chose Imperial, because it has all the major skill groups, but the Keepers of the Razor were a multi-national organization, so Redguard and Orc would also be fairly good choices. Altmer would not be out of place either, but magic skills are more support than a focus.
Stats: 2 Magicka, 3 Health, 2 Stamina. The emphasis in our spellcasting is on magicka regeneration, for healing in the heat of battle, not pure volume of magic, and the Keeper thus has no problem using his whole magicka pool to open a fight, as his combat prowess is enough to do the rest of the dirty work.
Stone: The Lord Stone is handy at lower levels, for the magic resist more than the armor, but it will become obsolete as our armor gets stronger. The Lady Stone or Steed Stone are good late-game choices.
Major Skills:
One Handed: Our main damage source, this tree can early on be limited to the Armsman perks, as our stamina usage will be low thanks to the use of Bound Swords. Don’t take any of the Bladesman perks though, as he will soon be using other weapons.
Restoration: This is a life-saver, especially on higher difficulty levels, and used in conjunction with shouts can give him a reprieve and a recharge even in the midst of battle. It also helps when dealing with the undead.
Destruction: Preferring cleansing fire, this is the Keeper’s ranged skill, but later in the game will become vital to his melee skills as well. The high amount of damage he can dish out with his fire spells is impressive, and he can unleash his full magicka pool without fear, thanks to his combat prowess.
Block: Massively important to the Keeper, his shield will be used to protect him from the attacks of not only weapons, but the spells of the conjurors he sets out to face, helping keep him alive despite his lack of inherent elemental resistance.
Minor Skills:
Heavy Armor: This is a minor skill only because of the low perk investment. Ranks in Juggernaut should be taken as soon as possible to keep the Keeper alive when he can’t quite block a strike.
Illusion: This will not be perked for a while, but the Muffle spell is handy for setting up a fight. Later, he will also begin to use Fear spells to rid himself of weaker foes in order to face a boss, as his sword and board character type excels at one-on-one combat, as well as to augment his Destruction.
Enchanting: Though much of his endgame apparel will be enchanted, this craft is helpful at low levels for this diverse character, and later will aid in weapon recharges.
Conjuration: Though it levels quickly, it is solely used for the Bound Sword perks, which will eventually allow us to dispel summons. At higher levels, we will also have enough skill to buy the tome for Command Daedra, in case you are caught using a different weapon.
Gameplay:
While he is beyond doubt a highly skilled battlemage, the Keeper's magic skills are largely in support of his martial prowess. Opening battle with Destruction and summoning his sword, he then swaps to his shield at close quarters, occasionally retreating slightly to heal. The Bound Sword is well known for being overpowered at low levels, and on Expert it was cleaning house. It is also a key part of the roleplay, and an effective high level situational weapon. Having hunted his prey for many years, the Keeper has naturally become acquainted with his foe, and has learned many of their powers and uses them to his advantage. By using Bound Weapons, traditionally the weapons of the Mythic Dawn, he learns to combat and banish Daedra, essential for this character. The really interesting thing about the early levels is the quests you choose to search for answers. Learning about a Daedric shrine in the eastern mountains, I sought out Azura’s priestess and ended up claiming the Black Star, defying the Daedra while completing her quest. Later, hearing whispers about a possible target in Dawnstar, I met Erandur, and helped him destroy the Skull of Corruption. I also worked with the Companions, did some of the main quest, and started the College of Winterhold, but this part of the build is very open. The Bards’ college would have been a good choice (who hears more rumors than a bard?). Your aim, of course, is to reach level 20, when you will be informed by courier that Vesuius has opened up a museum.
Level 21 Perk Build
Most of these perks are fairly self-explanatory. One Handed is limited to Armsman because the weightless Bound Sword reduces the stamina cost of power attacks anyway. A rank in Enchanter serves to aid you in your magic skills, as you can increase your magicka pool or decrease spell costs without separate perks, allowing you to more efficiently use unperked spells like Muffle or Firebolt. In Conjuration, you quickly ascend to the point of banishing Daedra simply and efficiently. And in Destruction, you begin the process of turning your fire spells into a true force.
Special Move:
Exorcise: Requires: Oblivion Binding, Augmented Flames
This move is perfect for a mage-hunting warrior. When facing a powerful wizard, use cover to avoid Destruction spells while casting Bound Sword and banishing or turning their summon. Use a Fire spell to force them to keep up a ward. By doing this, they will drain their magicka pool very quickly. Once his ward falls, charge the defenseless mage and slay him without fear of reprisal.
The betrayer Silus is dead. He didn’t even recognize me. Yet I am now left with questions, not answers. All my life I have believed that the Daedra are evil, uncaring of humans, yet I have seen otherwise. In these past months, I have heard stories. A passerby chance met on the road was being kept alive against a terrible plague by the blessing of Peryite, while the priestess of Azura was saved by visions granted to her by the Prince. And I have been spoken to by the Daedra, commanding me, compelling me, never have I felt such power in my mind. I have prayed to the Divines for years, yet never have they spoken to me. I need answers. And I will keep the Razor. Surely in the right hands it can be used well…
The Turn:
Every good story has a twist, and that of the Keeper of the Dawn is no exception. Impressed by the power of the Daedra, he begins to use some of it for himself. He begins to see the power of fear and intimidation, like the Razor, as tools at his disposal, not solely weapons of evil. He thus begins a heavier focus on Illusion, specifically Fear. The aim is of course to eventually gain the Aspect of Terror perk, which will help not only his Fear spells but provide a boost to his Fire Destruction magic as well. Battle thus becomes slightly more tactical, and helps adjust at a higher level to the inherent weaknesses of a sword and board character. By using Muffle to move within range, the Keeper can then Fear the weaker minions (or turn them, if undead), leaving only the strongest and bravest to face him, generally one on one, which is the strength of this character. It also feels suitably epic to face off with the toughest foe in single combat while the weak flee in terror of your very presence. In terms of quests to pursue, continue investigating the Daedra with a lot of their questlines, but not the really brutal ones. The Keeper is still a noble man, but he has ignoble questions. I highly recommend Meridia’s quest, as Dawnbreaker will help as you begin to phase out the Bound Sword in favor of powerful higher level weapons, and it is affected by your Fire Destruction skill.
Level 36 Perk Build:
*Only new perks are shown
One Handed: Armsman x5, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike
Illusion: Novice, Apprentice, Hypnotic Gaze, Aspect of Terror
Destruction: Apprentice, Intense Flames, Adept
Restoration: Recovery x1, Respite
Heavy Armor: Juggernaut x4
Block: Elemental Protection
Enchanting: Soul Squeezer
Again, many of these perks speak for themselves. One Handed begins taking the stamina perks because the Bound Sword is being phased out for other weaponry. Restoration complements this by now restoring Stamina, helping the Keeper maintain the fight. Illusion takes a bigger role, and combined with the Destruction perks it serves to make your flame spells a serious threat.
Special Move:
Face Off: Requires: Fireball, Intense Flames, Aspect of Terror
Move into position near a group of targets with Muffle. Open combat with a pair of Fireballs cast at grouped foes, before Fearing any other eligible targets. This will leave you facing the boss, who has generally been weakened by your fire spells. Cast Flame Cloak and prove yourself the better fighter, and he will flee as well. But not very far.
I was so blind. But now I see. Good and evil are illusions. That which is right is judged so by the victor, and he deems his actions good while his foes were evil. There is only power. And the Daedra are power. Who are the weak to judge the mighty? 200 years ago the Mythic Dawn failed because there was one mightier than they. But there are none greater than I. With me as champion, the portals to Oblivion will open again, and Lord Dagon will be but the first of the Daedra that pour through. I just need more power...
The Conversion
The full might of the Keeper of the Dawn is now realized. With no restrictions on his actions any more, he can only grow more powerful. I had his exact moment of transformation occur around level 32, when he acquired the Mace of Molag Bal and the Ebony Mail. The great rewards he gained from the slaughter of those who trusted him finally broke down the last of his morals. Feel free now to begin the absolutely evil quests. Worship Sithis with the Dark Brotherhood and throw the Empire into chaos. Honor Namira by feasting on those you slay. Trade in your lycanthropy for vampirism and turn the skies a bloodshot red unseen for 200 years. Travel to Solstheim and eliminate the last real threat to your power. And begin full worship of the Daedra, in the form of sacrifices. Kill more followers at Boethiah's Shrine and Dagon's. Leave hides in the Underforge for Hircine, and Draugr weaponry in Mount Kilkreath for Meridia. You get the basic idea. Combat is much the same as earlier, but much more powerful. Trade Muffle in for Invisibility, and use Molag Bal's Mace as your weapon of choice, as its enchantments are also governed by your fire perks, but using Dawnbreaker for undead and a Bound Sword for Necromancers and Conjurors.
Level 51 Perk Build
Behold. The full power of the Keeper of the Dawn, the Champion of Oblivion, is now realized. I began using Shock spells, both as a reference to their frequent use by the Mythic Dawn and because they were more effective against dragons than fire spells. Illusion becomes more effective to be able to affect higher level enemies, and while my armor becomes now nearly impenetrable, my shield becomes a weapon in its own right. I am also in perfect position to exploit the Necromage/Vampire combo, and the synergy on my fire spells is now complete.
Special Move:
Sacrifice: Requires: Face Off Special Move, Shield Charge, Mehrunes' Razor
This one is for the truly merciless. After you have forced your enemies to flee from your power, it is time to offer their cowardly souls to Lord Dagon in Oblivion. Swap your weapon to the Razor and chase down your fleeing foes, knocking them to the ground with Shield Charge. Then use quick slices with the Razor to finish them off as they crawl in fear. If any summon the courage to fight back, merely cast Fear or a strong Fire spell to send them running again.
Mythic Assassination: Requires: Invisibility, Shield Charge, Dragon Aspect (optional) My version of the classic Mythic Dawn agent attack. In a city, begin by wearing regular clothes before casting Invisibility. In a dungeon, just start out of sight. Swap to armor if necessary and approach the target. Use Dragon Aspect if you have it (represents the Conjured Armor, and looks really cool with your gear), then Shield Charge to render him defenseless. Slay him where he lies, then flee using Shield Charge if in a city, or go into combat mode in a dungeon.
Equipment:
While at earlier levels his gear will be simply the best heavy armor you can find, whether pre- or custom enchanted, I figured I would share my higher level gear.
I used Ebony Mail paired with the Masque of Clavicus Vile (similar to the "Daedric Shadow" by Salfordio from Nelaf's Official Armor Combo Catalogue), but in keeping with the Daedric theme I used Daedric Boots and Gauntlets I made at the Atronach forge (note; regular method of creating Daedric Boots won't work. check the link at the bottom of the paragraph for details), as well as wearing the Ring of Namira. I also used Spellbreaker as my main shield and had the Mace of Molag Bal, Dawnbreaker, and Mehrunes' Razor with me at all times, using the last as somewhat of a ritual weapon. The Ring of Arcana would be effective but almost brutally overpowered, especially if you prefer to use the Ahzidal mask rather than the Masque of Clavicus Vile to further heat the fires of Oblivion.
http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Atronach_Forge
Well that about wraps this build up. It has been a true pleasure playing through this build, and my greatest testament to it is that I'm still playing it after this contest is done. It has also been a great pleasure working with my partner, Chris Aaron. Much of this build was his brainchild, and he really saved it when our original idea fell through. His push to keep the build different was huge.
Huge thanks to Ponty for these screenshots. He clearly put a lot of effort into these and they look great. It means a lot, and really helps me show this character as it was meant to be. Thanks also to Zimbu for the screenshot of the armor. I didn't even have to ask him, he just went out of his way and gave it to me. It was really helpful for a group that plays only on console, and I really appreciate it.
I would also like to thank the Internet for the rest of these very cool pictures. I own none of them and am not an artist. I can provide any desired links.
I would like to thank a couple builds for inspiration. Though the turn to darkness really was organic, Mason's Fallen Hero showed us how cool that type of playthrough could be and gave us confidence to use it. Vix' Path of the Paladin The Exorcist of Ebonarm also inspired our idea of using the Bound Sword, not as the weapon of the Mythic Dawn, but a weapon against them.
Finally I want to thank the judges of this contest. Not trying to brown nose, but honestly thank y'all. The sense of competition has added an urgency to Skyrim that I haven't felt in a long time, and I have had a ton of fun with it. Even if we get last place, I still got that out of it.
Feel free to leave any constructive criticism, up to and including spelling or grammatical typos. I won't think you're nitpicking, I just want the build to look as good as possible.
As always, leave a like if you did, in fact, like it!
Character Build: The Keeper of the Dawn
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely…
I lost it. I lost it. How could I have lost it? For two hundred years my sires and grandsires and their forebears had kept it secret, had kept it safe, and now I have lost it. The scabbard of Mehrunes’ Razor. I trusted Silus. I thought we were friends. He razed my home, killed much of my family, all for an empty scabbard? No matter. If that fiend thought he could save himself by running, he was wrong. I tracked him. I have years and scars to show for it, but I have found him. He fled to Skyrim. I will go there as well. I will restore the honor of my family, of the Keepers of the Razor. I must get it back. I must…
Race: I chose Imperial, because it has all the major skill groups, but the Keepers of the Razor were a multi-national organization, so Redguard and Orc would also be fairly good choices. Altmer would not be out of place either, but magic skills are more support than a focus.
Stats: 2 Magicka, 3 Health, 2 Stamina. The emphasis in our spellcasting is on magicka regeneration, for healing in the heat of battle, not pure volume of magic, and the Keeper thus has no problem using his whole magicka pool to open a fight, as his combat prowess is enough to do the rest of the dirty work.
Stone: The Lord Stone is handy at lower levels, for the magic resist more than the armor, but it will become obsolete as our armor gets stronger. The Lady Stone or Steed Stone are good late-game choices.
Major Skills:
One Handed: Our main damage source, this tree can early on be limited to the Armsman perks, as our stamina usage will be low thanks to the use of Bound Swords. Don’t take any of the Bladesman perks though, as he will soon be using other weapons.
Restoration: This is a life-saver, especially on higher difficulty levels, and used in conjunction with shouts can give him a reprieve and a recharge even in the midst of battle. It also helps when dealing with the undead.
Destruction: Preferring cleansing fire, this is the Keeper’s ranged skill, but later in the game will become vital to his melee skills as well. The high amount of damage he can dish out with his fire spells is impressive, and he can unleash his full magicka pool without fear, thanks to his combat prowess.
Block: Massively important to the Keeper, his shield will be used to protect him from the attacks of not only weapons, but the spells of the conjurors he sets out to face, helping keep him alive despite his lack of inherent elemental resistance.
Minor Skills:
Heavy Armor: This is a minor skill only because of the low perk investment. Ranks in Juggernaut should be taken as soon as possible to keep the Keeper alive when he can’t quite block a strike.
Illusion: This will not be perked for a while, but the Muffle spell is handy for setting up a fight. Later, he will also begin to use Fear spells to rid himself of weaker foes in order to face a boss, as his sword and board character type excels at one-on-one combat, as well as to augment his Destruction.
Enchanting: Though much of his endgame apparel will be enchanted, this craft is helpful at low levels for this diverse character, and later will aid in weapon recharges.
Conjuration: Though it levels quickly, it is solely used for the Bound Sword perks, which will eventually allow us to dispel summons. At higher levels, we will also have enough skill to buy the tome for Command Daedra, in case you are caught using a different weapon.
Gameplay:
While he is beyond doubt a highly skilled battlemage, the Keeper's magic skills are largely in support of his martial prowess. Opening battle with Destruction and summoning his sword, he then swaps to his shield at close quarters, occasionally retreating slightly to heal. The Bound Sword is well known for being overpowered at low levels, and on Expert it was cleaning house. It is also a key part of the roleplay, and an effective high level situational weapon. Having hunted his prey for many years, the Keeper has naturally become acquainted with his foe, and has learned many of their powers and uses them to his advantage. By using Bound Weapons, traditionally the weapons of the Mythic Dawn, he learns to combat and banish Daedra, essential for this character. The really interesting thing about the early levels is the quests you choose to search for answers. Learning about a Daedric shrine in the eastern mountains, I sought out Azura’s priestess and ended up claiming the Black Star, defying the Daedra while completing her quest. Later, hearing whispers about a possible target in Dawnstar, I met Erandur, and helped him destroy the Skull of Corruption. I also worked with the Companions, did some of the main quest, and started the College of Winterhold, but this part of the build is very open. The Bards’ college would have been a good choice (who hears more rumors than a bard?). Your aim, of course, is to reach level 20, when you will be informed by courier that Vesuius has opened up a museum.
Level 21 Perk Build
Most of these perks are fairly self-explanatory. One Handed is limited to Armsman because the weightless Bound Sword reduces the stamina cost of power attacks anyway. A rank in Enchanter serves to aid you in your magic skills, as you can increase your magicka pool or decrease spell costs without separate perks, allowing you to more efficiently use unperked spells like Muffle or Firebolt. In Conjuration, you quickly ascend to the point of banishing Daedra simply and efficiently. And in Destruction, you begin the process of turning your fire spells into a true force.
Special Move:
Exorcise: Requires: Oblivion Binding, Augmented Flames
This move is perfect for a mage-hunting warrior. When facing a powerful wizard, use cover to avoid Destruction spells while casting Bound Sword and banishing or turning their summon. Use a Fire spell to force them to keep up a ward. By doing this, they will drain their magicka pool very quickly. Once his ward falls, charge the defenseless mage and slay him without fear of reprisal.
The betrayer Silus is dead. He didn’t even recognize me. Yet I am now left with questions, not answers. All my life I have believed that the Daedra are evil, uncaring of humans, yet I have seen otherwise. In these past months, I have heard stories. A passerby chance met on the road was being kept alive against a terrible plague by the blessing of Peryite, while the priestess of Azura was saved by visions granted to her by the Prince. And I have been spoken to by the Daedra, commanding me, compelling me, never have I felt such power in my mind. I have prayed to the Divines for years, yet never have they spoken to me. I need answers. And I will keep the Razor. Surely in the right hands it can be used well…
The Turn:
Every good story has a twist, and that of the Keeper of the Dawn is no exception. Impressed by the power of the Daedra, he begins to use some of it for himself. He begins to see the power of fear and intimidation, like the Razor, as tools at his disposal, not solely weapons of evil. He thus begins a heavier focus on Illusion, specifically Fear. The aim is of course to eventually gain the Aspect of Terror perk, which will help not only his Fear spells but provide a boost to his Fire Destruction magic as well. Battle thus becomes slightly more tactical, and helps adjust at a higher level to the inherent weaknesses of a sword and board character. By using Muffle to move within range, the Keeper can then Fear the weaker minions (or turn them, if undead), leaving only the strongest and bravest to face him, generally one on one, which is the strength of this character. It also feels suitably epic to face off with the toughest foe in single combat while the weak flee in terror of your very presence. In terms of quests to pursue, continue investigating the Daedra with a lot of their questlines, but not the really brutal ones. The Keeper is still a noble man, but he has ignoble questions. I highly recommend Meridia’s quest, as Dawnbreaker will help as you begin to phase out the Bound Sword in favor of powerful higher level weapons, and it is affected by your Fire Destruction skill.
Level 36 Perk Build:
*Only new perks are shown
One Handed: Armsman x5, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike
Illusion: Novice, Apprentice, Hypnotic Gaze, Aspect of Terror
Destruction: Apprentice, Intense Flames, Adept
Restoration: Recovery x1, Respite
Heavy Armor: Juggernaut x4
Block: Elemental Protection
Enchanting: Soul Squeezer
Again, many of these perks speak for themselves. One Handed begins taking the stamina perks because the Bound Sword is being phased out for other weaponry. Restoration complements this by now restoring Stamina, helping the Keeper maintain the fight. Illusion takes a bigger role, and combined with the Destruction perks it serves to make your flame spells a serious threat.
Special Move:
Face Off: Requires: Fireball, Intense Flames, Aspect of Terror
Move into position near a group of targets with Muffle. Open combat with a pair of Fireballs cast at grouped foes, before Fearing any other eligible targets. This will leave you facing the boss, who has generally been weakened by your fire spells. Cast Flame Cloak and prove yourself the better fighter, and he will flee as well. But not very far.
I was so blind. But now I see. Good and evil are illusions. That which is right is judged so by the victor, and he deems his actions good while his foes were evil. There is only power. And the Daedra are power. Who are the weak to judge the mighty? 200 years ago the Mythic Dawn failed because there was one mightier than they. But there are none greater than I. With me as champion, the portals to Oblivion will open again, and Lord Dagon will be but the first of the Daedra that pour through. I just need more power...
The Conversion
The full might of the Keeper of the Dawn is now realized. With no restrictions on his actions any more, he can only grow more powerful. I had his exact moment of transformation occur around level 32, when he acquired the Mace of Molag Bal and the Ebony Mail. The great rewards he gained from the slaughter of those who trusted him finally broke down the last of his morals. Feel free now to begin the absolutely evil quests. Worship Sithis with the Dark Brotherhood and throw the Empire into chaos. Honor Namira by feasting on those you slay. Trade in your lycanthropy for vampirism and turn the skies a bloodshot red unseen for 200 years. Travel to Solstheim and eliminate the last real threat to your power. And begin full worship of the Daedra, in the form of sacrifices. Kill more followers at Boethiah's Shrine and Dagon's. Leave hides in the Underforge for Hircine, and Draugr weaponry in Mount Kilkreath for Meridia. You get the basic idea. Combat is much the same as earlier, but much more powerful. Trade Muffle in for Invisibility, and use Molag Bal's Mace as your weapon of choice, as its enchantments are also governed by your fire perks, but using Dawnbreaker for undead and a Bound Sword for Necromancers and Conjurors.
Level 51 Perk Build
Behold. The full power of the Keeper of the Dawn, the Champion of Oblivion, is now realized. I began using Shock spells, both as a reference to their frequent use by the Mythic Dawn and because they were more effective against dragons than fire spells. Illusion becomes more effective to be able to affect higher level enemies, and while my armor becomes now nearly impenetrable, my shield becomes a weapon in its own right. I am also in perfect position to exploit the Necromage/Vampire combo, and the synergy on my fire spells is now complete.
Special Move:
Sacrifice: Requires: Face Off Special Move, Shield Charge, Mehrunes' Razor
This one is for the truly merciless. After you have forced your enemies to flee from your power, it is time to offer their cowardly souls to Lord Dagon in Oblivion. Swap your weapon to the Razor and chase down your fleeing foes, knocking them to the ground with Shield Charge. Then use quick slices with the Razor to finish them off as they crawl in fear. If any summon the courage to fight back, merely cast Fear or a strong Fire spell to send them running again.
Mythic Assassination: Requires: Invisibility, Shield Charge, Dragon Aspect (optional) My version of the classic Mythic Dawn agent attack. In a city, begin by wearing regular clothes before casting Invisibility. In a dungeon, just start out of sight. Swap to armor if necessary and approach the target. Use Dragon Aspect if you have it (represents the Conjured Armor, and looks really cool with your gear), then Shield Charge to render him defenseless. Slay him where he lies, then flee using Shield Charge if in a city, or go into combat mode in a dungeon.
Equipment:
While at earlier levels his gear will be simply the best heavy armor you can find, whether pre- or custom enchanted, I figured I would share my higher level gear.
I used Ebony Mail paired with the Masque of Clavicus Vile (similar to the "Daedric Shadow" by Salfordio from Nelaf's Official Armor Combo Catalogue), but in keeping with the Daedric theme I used Daedric Boots and Gauntlets I made at the Atronach forge (note; regular method of creating Daedric Boots won't work. check the link at the bottom of the paragraph for details), as well as wearing the Ring of Namira. I also used Spellbreaker as my main shield and had the Mace of Molag Bal, Dawnbreaker, and Mehrunes' Razor with me at all times, using the last as somewhat of a ritual weapon. The Ring of Arcana would be effective but almost brutally overpowered, especially if you prefer to use the Ahzidal mask rather than the Masque of Clavicus Vile to further heat the fires of Oblivion.
http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Atronach_Forge
Well that about wraps this build up. It has been a true pleasure playing through this build, and my greatest testament to it is that I'm still playing it after this contest is done. It has also been a great pleasure working with my partner, Chris Aaron. Much of this build was his brainchild, and he really saved it when our original idea fell through. His push to keep the build different was huge.
Huge thanks to Ponty for these screenshots. He clearly put a lot of effort into these and they look great. It means a lot, and really helps me show this character as it was meant to be. Thanks also to Zimbu for the screenshot of the armor. I didn't even have to ask him, he just went out of his way and gave it to me. It was really helpful for a group that plays only on console, and I really appreciate it.
I would also like to thank the Internet for the rest of these very cool pictures. I own none of them and am not an artist. I can provide any desired links.
I would like to thank a couple builds for inspiration. Though the turn to darkness really was organic, Mason's Fallen Hero showed us how cool that type of playthrough could be and gave us confidence to use it. Vix' Path of the Paladin The Exorcist of Ebonarm also inspired our idea of using the Bound Sword, not as the weapon of the Mythic Dawn, but a weapon against them.
Finally I want to thank the judges of this contest. Not trying to brown nose, but honestly thank y'all. The sense of competition has added an urgency to Skyrim that I haven't felt in a long time, and I have had a ton of fun with it. Even if we get last place, I still got that out of it.
Feel free to leave any constructive criticism, up to and including spelling or grammatical typos. I won't think you're nitpicking, I just want the build to look as good as possible.
As always, leave a like if you did, in fact, like it!
