In the land of eternal winter
A woman will be bound to fate
An ancient legend will rise again
Once known as “The Carmine Blade”
Feared by the creatures of night and day
She is now unbound by the shackles of Death
Woe the creatures who don’t make way
As she will take their lives in one breathe
Having the power to doom or save the world
Fighting three ancient dangers by the Elder Scrolls foretold
And ultimately change the fate of all
In the land of eternal cold
Quintus Vintus couldn’t help but shake off the cold claws crawling up his back. 3 weeks ago he found a book containing this verse and after a long research he concluded this was a prophecy from the 2nd age. He found the book in the library of the College of Winterhold and after reading the prophecy he just couldn’t help but asking himself why this book was looked over for so many years. Even the library magister didn’t know of the book.
“I should report my findings to the arch mage”, Quintus thought, “This prophecy deserves more attention”.
Quintus set off to the arch mage’s study. He walked through the empty plaza of the College looking at the blue lights lighting up the mist that was setting in. Maybe he could even ask the arch mage if the rumours about dragons are true. Extinct for ages and now showing up again was fascinating, he could ask for permission to study dragons for a promotion, he had been an adept mage for long enough now. Quintus opened the large door to the Hall of Elements, walked in and turned right to get up the stairs to the arch mage’s study.
“Come in Quintus, I have been expecting you.”
“You’ve been expecting me, sir?”
“Yes my boy, for the last couple of weeks I have seen you studying in the library day after day. I am assuming you have found something interesting?”
“Y...yes sir, certainly sir. I discovered a particular verse in a book that I think deserves a closer look. I already found out it was written in the 2nd age by an unknown author. The most particular thing I found out is that this verse is a sort of prophecy.”
The arch mage’s eyes went wide and his grey Dunmer skin turned slightly pale. When Quintus offered him the notes he grabbed them hastily and read them through.
“Where did you get this? Was this in the library? What do you know of the Carmine Blade?”
Surprised by the flurry of questions Quintus stammered: “I have learned that the Carmine Blade was a Redguard woman, known as the mistress of the blade and a master duellist. She was the nightmare of the 2nd age Khulari vampire clan until she took her own life after having been bitten by a Khulari vampire during a fight. She promised that one day she would return to finish what she started. Arch mage, what is wrong?”
The arch mage rose from his chair and began to walk around his study, “do you know anything more about her, Quintus?”
“No sir, it sounds like she was an excellent vampire hunter? What’s wrong?”
“This legend is ancient and I am one of the few individuals in Tamriel who know about the Carmine Blade. She had a Redguard mother and a High Elf father, a rather complex family situation in that time. Her mixed legacy gave her the combat talents of the Redguards together with the talent for magic and elven reflexes from the High Elves. On the day she turned 13 her parents were killed during a Khulari raid on their house. She disappeared and reappeared again 5 years later as the Carmine Blade. During her lifetime she ravaged the lands of Hammerfell working as a mercenary, witch, vampire and werewolf hunter. She was arrogant and sadistic; people who didn’t treat her well could always count on a death threat or a sword in their abdomen, depending what her mood was for that day. She was feared throughout Hammerfell. The prophecy you discovered was written by an arch mage who witnessed her death.”
“Do you think the prophecy is already fulfilled, master?”
“I do think so my boy. Dragons have returned and may the Eight know what the other two ancient dangers are. Let we hope she is on our side and stays on or side as the ages pass.”
“Why do you say that master, she is a mortal like anyone of us.”
“No no, dear boy take a look again at the prophecy”
Quintus took a look at his own notes and saw the lines and read them aloud:
“Feared by creatures from day and night, she is now unbound by the shackles of Death.”
The arch mage stepped in front of Quintus and gave him a worrisome look.
“When she returns, dear Quintus, the Carmine Blade will be immortal.”
1.0 The Build
The Carmine Blade is a woman of Redguard/Altmer origins, who is an expert duellist with the sword and a more than capable spell caster. The build is slightly inspired by some female sword fighters of the game “Soul Calibur” and a couple of anime series. The build was originally The Blood Maiden, but as I was not completely satisfied with the build I decided to do an overhaul. The build is very versatile with a lot of skills to invest in, but a lot of skills are “specialised” and not completely maxed out for the sake of balance (I hate power builds). With the use of the “Necromage” and “Quick Reflexes” perks, I wanted to give this build a sense of ascension when becoming a vampire. Shouts do not play a major part in this build, it is completely vampire focussed. I present to you The Carmine Blade, have fun!
Race: Redguard
Lore and skill wise the Redguard is the most suitable option. Not much more to say.
Health/Magicka/Stamina: 2/1/2 (as a vampire 2/2/1)
In the beginning health and stamina play a bigger role in the build then magicka. The only thing you use your magicka for is healing and casting the armor spells. Once you become a vampire, magicka and health play a bigger role as your health will be your “secondary” magicka bar with the use of “Equilibrium”. Once you reach a base of 250-300 stamina, the points can be invested in a 3/2/0 spread.
Standing Stone: Lover Stone à Atronach Stone
The Carmine Blade has a wide arsenal of skills at her disposal. The Lover stone makes it easier to level and is relatively easy to get early on. Later on when protection becomes more important, the spell absorption and higher magicka pool of the Atronach Stone helps the Carmine Blade to tank magical attacks and use that magic against your enemies.
2.0 Skillset
Alteration: Sacrificing armour for mobility, the Carmine Blade weaves magical armour to protect herself from blows that come through her guard. She also uses Alteration magic to light up the path before her and to detect the living and the dead. As a vampire she gets the ability to fuel her spells with her own blood when she is short on magicka.
Block: Master in duelling, the Carmine Blade uses her sword to parry incoming attacks. She has better reflexes than the ordinary Redguard thanks to her elven/vampiric blood, what enables her to dodge attacks with amazing speed.
One Handed: the Carmine Blade uses a one handed sword to attack her enemies in a duellist combat style. She uses every sword she can find as she is the mistress of the blade. In combat you block and attack with your sword Nightingale style.
Conjuration: After ascending as Vampire, the Carmine Blade gains the ability to resurrect the dead. Being able to raise zombies she can lose some attention and cut down the enemies who turn their back to the Carmine Blade to face the new threat.
Destruction: As becoming a vampire the Carmine Blade finally knows the true weakness of the vampires and uses this aga inst them. Using “firebolt” based attacks in combination with light based spells, enables her to destroy undead, and vampires in particular, in a fraction of a second.
Restoration: the Carmine Blade uses standard healing magic to recover from wounds during and after battle before becoming vampire. As a vampire the combination of healing spells and “vampiric drain” gives her a very strong health recovery while sucking the life from her enemies at the same time.
Level 55 perk spread
2.1 Profession
I use a trait system to classify what profession a character does; the level of a profession has 4 levels to identify what the character can do.
Smithing III (Elven smith): the Carmine Bladeis able to forge her own swords and temper them. Having elven blood gives her the talent to forge her own elven weaponry, from ordinary orichalcum to exotic glass and ebony swords. As she was not further instructed in smithing by her father, she doesn’t know how to create elven armour, improve magical items or craft daedric and draconic weapons.
Enchanting II (Elementalist): As an apprentice enchanter, the Carmine Blade is able to imbue the power of elements in her weapons and armour. She is also able to enhance her vitality with various enchantments that boost her health, magicka and stamina on jewelry.
Merchant IV (Jeweller): The sands of Hammerfell hide all sorts of treasures when you learn where to look. The Carmine Blade’s mother was an accomplished jeweller and sold all sorts of jewelry across Tamriel. Having helped in the shop of her mother, the Carmine Blade knows a thing or two about gems and jewelry and specializes in these items to get her gold.
Mercenary: the Carmine Blade isn’t afraid to risk her life for gold, as gold is a small obsession of hers. Although she hates helping the lower people by killing bandits and other dangers, the gold makes it so she can live with it.
2.2 Speciality traits
Scavenger I: the Carmine Blade has limited respect for dead people, robbing her fallen enemies or discovered bodies from their most valuable possessions (jewellery, gems and gold).
Strategist II: although her hatred often clouds her good judgment, the Carmine Blade uses traps in dungeons to dispatch her enemies.
3.0 Roleplay
Before Vampirism
The Carmine Blade is a social lady before she turns into a creature of the night. Although she shares the same heritage as the original Carmine Blade she is nothing like her yet. She knows the moral rules of society, but breaks them once in a while for her own benefit. She is curious and isn’t afraid to explore dungeons thoroughly and investigate rumours. She knows that honesty is a better way to win people over when she needs something of them, but isn’t afraid to break an agreement if she benefits better for it. She is not a person with a goal and travels the land to help people out. Convincing people to do her bidding is really hard for her to do.
As a vampire
When the Carmine Blade ascends as a vampire, the personality of the original Carmine Blade takes over. Morality and honour are for the weak and she looks down upon the mortals and their ways. Her curiosity doesn’t change, but she now has a goal to strife for and the authority to convince people to do her bidding. If people stand in her way, they will pay with their lives or they can expect a visit at their homes in the middle of the night. Her obsession for wiping out the vampires often cloud her judgment and collateral damage is something people have to take into account when they hire her for killing bandits, vampires and other dangers.
3.1 Personality Traits
Traveller: the Carmine Blade constantly travels to hunt vampires, bandits, dragons and undead. As staying in one place for a long time has a high risk of attacks, she doesn’t settle down and thereby doesn’t own a house. She instead travels from inn to inn to recover from her journeys.
Intimidating: when given the choice, the Carmine Blade will always try to intimidate people to do her bidding. If that doesn’t work they will pay for their lives.
Bane of Vampires: if the Carmine Blade discovers a vampire hideout, she will clear it out immediately for any price.
4.0 Combat
The Carmine Blade destroys her enemies with a duellist combat stance, parrying and attacking with her sword. She uses the Alteration’s armour spells to compensate the light armour rating and light her way in dungeons.
Before being a vampire she doesn’t have any means to attack from a distance. Once she has ascended as a vampire she can soften up an enemy’s group by throwing fireballs and light spells to them. The “Quick Reflexes” perk gives her an edge in battle as she can dodge the attacks of her enemies and attack them in the back with a flurry of attacks.
Necromancy is used to take the attention away from the Carmine Blade when she is in a tight spot. And nothing is more fun than cutting down an enemy and let him rise again as an ally. Vampirism can be on any level, just be aware of her weakness in the sunlight.
4.1 Special Attacks
Meridia’s Blaze: Fireball + Vampire’s Bane
The Carmine Blade uses the power of Meridia to destroy vampires in mere seconds before engaging them in hand to hand combat.
Atronach’s Gift: Atronach Stone + Guardian Circle
Drawing a Guardian Circlet to protect herself from the undead, it gives the Carmine Blade time to recover magicka as long as the Circle is active.
5.0 Equipment
Chest, boots & gloves: Vampire armour set enchanted with fire resistance
Circlet: Gold ruby circlet enchanted with fortify health
Ring: Gold emerald ring enchanted with fortify stamina
Amulet: Gauldur’s Amulet
Weapon: “Dawnbreaker” or an ebony sword enchanted with fire damage
Thank you for reading the build. Have fun!
Other Builds:
The Valenwood Ranger
The Scarred Hero
In the land of eternal winter
A woman will be bound to fate
An ancient legend will rise again
Once known as “The Carmine Blade”
Feared by the creatures of night and day
She is now unbound by the shackles of Death
Woe the creatures who don’t make way
As she will take their lives in one breathe
Having the power to doom or save the world
Fighting three ancient dangers by the Elder Scrolls foretold
And ultimately change the fate of all
In the land of eternal cold
Quintus Vintus couldn’t help but shake off the cold claws crawling up his back. 3 weeks ago he found a book containing this verse and after a long research he concluded this was a prophecy from the 2nd age. He found the book in the library of the College of Winterhold and after reading the prophecy he just couldn’t help but asking himself why this book was looked over for so many years. Even the library magister didn’t know of the book.
“I should report my findings to the arch mage”, Quintus thought, “This prophecy deserves more attention”.
Quintus set off to the arch mage’s study. He walked through the empty plaza of the College looking at the blue lights lighting up the mist that was setting in. Maybe he could even ask the arch mage if the rumours about dragons are true. Extinct for ages and now showing up again was fascinating, he could ask for permission to study dragons for a promotion, he had been an adept mage for long enough now. Quintus opened the large door to the Hall of Elements, walked in and turned right to get up the stairs to the arch mage’s study.
“Come in Quintus, I have been expecting you.”
“You’ve been expecting me, sir?”
“Yes my boy, for the last couple of weeks I have seen you studying in the library day after day. I am assuming you have found something interesting?”
“Y...yes sir, certainly sir. I discovered a particular verse in a book that I think deserves a closer look. I already found out it was written in the 2nd age by an unknown author. The most particular thing I found out is that this verse is a sort of prophecy.”
The arch mage’s eyes went wide and his grey Dunmer skin turned slightly pale. When Quintus offered him the notes he grabbed them hastily and read them through.
“Where did you get this? Was this in the library? What do you know of the Carmine Blade?”
Surprised by the flurry of questions Quintus stammered: “I have learned that the Carmine Blade was a Redguard woman, known as the mistress of the blade and a master duellist. She was the nightmare of the 2nd age Khulari vampire clan until she took her own life after having been bitten by a Khulari vampire during a fight. She promised that one day she would return to finish what she started. Arch mage, what is wrong?”
The arch mage rose from his chair and began to walk around his study, “do you know anything more about her, Quintus?”
“No sir, it sounds like she was an excellent vampire hunter? What’s wrong?”
“This legend is ancient and I am one of the few individuals in Tamriel who know about the Carmine Blade. She had a Redguard mother and a High Elf father, a rather complex family situation in that time. Her mixed legacy gave her the combat talents of the Redguards together with the talent for magic and elven reflexes from the High Elves. On the day she turned 13 her parents were killed during a Khulari raid on their house. She disappeared and reappeared again 5 years later as the Carmine Blade. During her lifetime she ravaged the lands of Hammerfell working as a mercenary, witch, vampire and werewolf hunter. She was arrogant and sadistic; people who didn’t treat her well could always count on a death threat or a sword in their abdomen, depending what her mood was for that day. She was feared throughout Hammerfell. The prophecy you discovered was written by an arch mage who witnessed her death.”
“Do you think the prophecy is already fulfilled, master?”
“I do think so my boy. Dragons have returned and may the Eight know what the other two ancient dangers are. Let we hope she is on our side and stays on or side as the ages pass.”
“Why do you say that master, she is a mortal like anyone of us.”
“No no, dear boy take a look again at the prophecy”
Quintus took a look at his own notes and saw the lines and read them aloud:
“Feared by creatures from day and night, she is now unbound by the shackles of Death.”
The arch mage stepped in front of Quintus and gave him a worrisome look.
“When she returns, dear Quintus, the Carmine Blade will be immortal.”
1.0 The Build
The Carmine Blade is a woman of Redguard/Altmer origins, who is an expert duellist with the sword and a more than capable spell caster. The build is slightly inspired by some female sword fighters of the game “Soul Calibur” and a couple of anime series. The build was originally The Blood Maiden, but as I was not completely satisfied with the build I decided to do an overhaul. The build is very versatile with a lot of skills to invest in, but a lot of skills are “specialised” and not completely maxed out for the sake of balance (I hate power builds). With the use of the “Necromage” and “Quick Reflexes” perks, I wanted to give this build a sense of ascension when becoming a vampire. Shouts do not play a major part in this build, it is completely vampire focussed. I present to you The Carmine Blade, have fun!
Race: Redguard
Lore and skill wise the Redguard is the most suitable option. Not much more to say.
Health/Magicka/Stamina: 2/1/2 (as a vampire 2/2/1)
In the beginning health and stamina play a bigger role in the build then magicka. The only thing you use your magicka for is healing and casting the armor spells. Once you become a vampire, magicka and health play a bigger role as your health will be your “secondary” magicka bar with the use of “Equilibrium”. Once you reach a base of 250-300 stamina, the points can be invested in a 3/2/0 spread.
Standing Stone: Lover Stone à Atronach Stone
The Carmine Blade has a wide arsenal of skills at her disposal. The Lover stone makes it easier to level and is relatively easy to get early on. Later on when protection becomes more important, the spell absorption and higher magicka pool of the Atronach Stone helps the Carmine Blade to tank magical attacks and use that magic against your enemies.
2.0 Skillset
Alteration: Sacrificing armour for mobility, the Carmine Blade weaves magical armour to protect herself from blows that come through her guard. She also uses Alteration magic to light up the path before her and to detect the living and the dead. As a vampire she gets the ability to fuel her spells with her own blood when she is short on magicka.
Block: Master in duelling, the Carmine Blade uses her sword to parry incoming attacks. She has better reflexes than the ordinary Redguard thanks to her elven/vampiric blood, what enables her to dodge attacks with amazing speed.
One Handed: the Carmine Blade uses a one handed sword to attack her enemies in a duellist combat style. She uses every sword she can find as she is the mistress of the blade. In combat you block and attack with your sword Nightingale style.
Conjuration: After ascending as Vampire, the Carmine Blade gains the ability to resurrect the dead. Being able to raise zombies she can lose some attention and cut down the enemies who turn their back to the Carmine Blade to face the new threat.
Destruction: As becoming a vampire the Carmine Blade finally knows the true weakness of the vampires and uses this aga inst them. Using “firebolt” based attacks in combination with light based spells, enables her to destroy undead, and vampires in particular, in a fraction of a second.
Restoration: the Carmine Blade uses standard healing magic to recover from wounds during and after battle before becoming vampire. As a vampire the combination of healing spells and “vampiric drain” gives her a very strong health recovery while sucking the life from her enemies at the same time.
Level 55 perk spread
2.1 Profession
I use a trait system to classify what profession a character does; the level of a profession has 4 levels to identify what the character can do.
Smithing III (Elven smith): the Carmine Bladeis able to forge her own swords and temper them. Having elven blood gives her the talent to forge her own elven weaponry, from ordinary orichalcum to exotic glass and ebony swords. As she was not further instructed in smithing by her father, she doesn’t know how to create elven armour, improve magical items or craft daedric and draconic weapons.
Enchanting II (Elementalist): As an apprentice enchanter, the Carmine Blade is able to imbue the power of elements in her weapons and armour. She is also able to enhance her vitality with various enchantments that boost her health, magicka and stamina on jewelry.
Merchant IV (Jeweller): The sands of Hammerfell hide all sorts of treasures when you learn where to look. The Carmine Blade’s mother was an accomplished jeweller and sold all sorts of jewelry across Tamriel. Having helped in the shop of her mother, the Carmine Blade knows a thing or two about gems and jewelry and specializes in these items to get her gold.
Mercenary: the Carmine Blade isn’t afraid to risk her life for gold, as gold is a small obsession of hers. Although she hates helping the lower people by killing bandits and other dangers, the gold makes it so she can live with it.
2.2 Speciality traits
Scavenger I: the Carmine Blade has limited respect for dead people, robbing her fallen enemies or discovered bodies from their most valuable possessions (jewellery, gems and gold).
Strategist II: although her hatred often clouds her good judgment, the Carmine Blade uses traps in dungeons to dispatch her enemies.
3.0 Roleplay
Before Vampirism
The Carmine Blade is a social lady before she turns into a creature of the night. Although she shares the same heritage as the original Carmine Blade she is nothing like her yet. She knows the moral rules of society, but breaks them once in a while for her own benefit. She is curious and isn’t afraid to explore dungeons thoroughly and investigate rumours. She knows that honesty is a better way to win people over when she needs something of them, but isn’t afraid to break an agreement if she benefits better for it. She is not a person with a goal and travels the land to help people out. Convincing people to do her bidding is really hard for her to do.
As a vampire
When the Carmine Blade ascends as a vampire, the personality of the original Carmine Blade takes over. Morality and honour are for the weak and she looks down upon the mortals and their ways. Her curiosity doesn’t change, but she now has a goal to strife for and the authority to convince people to do her bidding. If people stand in her way, they will pay with their lives or they can expect a visit at their homes in the middle of the night. Her obsession for wiping out the vampires often cloud her judgment and collateral damage is something people have to take into account when they hire her for killing bandits, vampires and other dangers.
3.1 Personality Traits
Traveller: the Carmine Blade constantly travels to hunt vampires, bandits, dragons and undead. As staying in one place for a long time has a high risk of attacks, she doesn’t settle down and thereby doesn’t own a house. She instead travels from inn to inn to recover from her journeys.
Intimidating: when given the choice, the Carmine Blade will always try to intimidate people to do her bidding. If that doesn’t work they will pay for their lives.
Bane of Vampires: if the Carmine Blade discovers a vampire hideout, she will clear it out immediately for any price.
4.0 Combat
The Carmine Blade destroys her enemies with a duellist combat stance, parrying and attacking with her sword. She uses the Alteration’s armour spells to compensate the light armour rating and light her way in dungeons.
Before being a vampire she doesn’t have any means to attack from a distance. Once she has ascended as a vampire she can soften up an enemy’s group by throwing fireballs and light spells to them. The “Quick Reflexes” perk gives her an edge in battle as she can dodge the attacks of her enemies and attack them in the back with a flurry of attacks.
Necromancy is used to take the attention away from the Carmine Blade when she is in a tight spot. And nothing is more fun than cutting down an enemy and let him rise again as an ally. Vampirism can be on any level, just be aware of her weakness in the sunlight.
4.1 Special Attacks
Meridia’s Blaze: Fireball + Vampire’s Bane
The Carmine Blade uses the power of Meridia to destroy vampires in mere seconds before engaging them in hand to hand combat.
Atronach’s Gift: Atronach Stone + Guardian Circle
Drawing a Guardian Circlet to protect herself from the undead, it gives the Carmine Blade time to recover magicka as long as the Circle is active.
5.0 Equipment
Chest, boots & gloves: Vampire armour set enchanted with fire resistance
Circlet: Gold ruby circlet enchanted with fortify health
Ring: Gold emerald ring enchanted with fortify stamina
Amulet: Gauldur’s Amulet
Weapon: “Dawnbreaker” or an ebony sword enchanted with fire damage
Thank you for reading the build. Have fun!
Other Builds:
The Valenwood Ranger
The Scarred Hero
