Some of you may already know who Kyne is or know her by the name Kynareth, it matters not. Only those who have passed her sacred trails truly know her as the Mother of Men, goddess of Storms, and widow of Shor.
The Champion of Kyne combines the might of the power of storm with mastery of the bow and can unleash such deadly elemental devastation men, mer, and beast alike will tremble at their storm Thu'um! Make no mistake this is no ordinary archer build, Kyne’s Champion will knock enemies off their feet with whirlwind charges (whirlwind cloak spell + whirlwind sprint shout) and pick off enemies in midair who are suspended in cyclones. This warrior archer is very proficient at being up close and personal and has no problem smashing into a group of enemies only to send them scattered in random directions. The Champion's prowess with a bow is at such a high level of intensity even the Bosmer that have witnessed this spectacle are in awe. Faendal once wept.
Race: Nord (Lore)
Skills: Archery, Enchanting, Destruction, Heavy Armor, Smithing, Alchemy, and Alteration*.
Standing Stone: Steed Stone at lower levels until the conditioning perk is obtained. This is a great stone for lower level characters, it makes your heavy armor weightless and your unhindered which is important for dodging and moving fast. Once the conditioning perk is taken there are two great choices depending on your play style either the Atronach or Lord stone. I personally prefer the Atronach stone for this build for the ability to mostly nullify enemy shouts and magic, but if that is a bit too much for your taste the Lord stone is a choice option as well.
Shouts: Whirlwind Sprint, Cyclone, Storm Call, and Kyne's Peace
Spells: Whirlwind Cloak
Equipment: At lower levels Ancient Nord Armor and Dragonplate at higher levels. I like these two sets purely for aesthetics and I think they suit this character build very well. When you start to see how I piece together the "Armor of Qeth" and the "Storm Bow" hopefully you see what I'm trying to convey.
Kyne's Token: The enchantment on this is rather weak but is decent at low levels.
Amulet of Talos: Once you start to rely on shouts you will want to switch to the amulet and shrine of Talos.
Note: Ancient Nord Armor can be obtained at level 1 if you go to the Kjenstag Ruins (near Morthal) between 8:00pm and 4:00am, you have to kill the ghost that runs from the ruins before he disappears. Additionally you can obtain this set at Forelhost along with the first word of storm call.
The Storm Bow
The Champion of Kyne's greatest weapon is his Storm bow, a bow infused with the storm power of shock and ice which is augmented with the destruction perks.
This can even be fortified to a higher degree with the essence of strun or fortify destruction potions. Another great thing about destruction augmented frost and shock perks is they increase the damage of your shock and frost shouts by 50%. All three words Cyclone does 100 frost damage, with the augmented frost perks it boost it up to 150 damage.
Frost and Storm enchanter can boost this by a further 25% when creating your Storm Bow.
Fortify destruction magic enchantments are very useful for this build as they reduce the charges used and prolong the enchantments of the bow.
The Dagger of Nir
The dagger of Nir (Hunt) is a sacred dagger used by the Champion during Kyne's Sacrifice to obtain grand souls. Fiery soul trap is a good starter option, but Shock damage and soul trap may be additional options later on.
The Armor of Qeth
The Armor of Qeth "Bone" in the Dragon tongue was mainly inspired by the Bones of the Earth special ability. I don't improve my weapons or armor via smithing so I tend augment my armor rating with flesh spells on some characters. The chances are you will probably build several version of this armor as your skills increase. Here are some enchants I liked for this build:
Strun Du'ul (Storm Crown) This can be a circlet or the dragon plate helmet. Fortify Destruction or Fortify Destruction + Fortify Alteration if you have the extra effect perk.
Armor of Qeth (Bone) Fortify Alteration or Fortify Alteration + Fortify Health
Gauntlets of Grah (Battle) Fortify Archery or Fortify Archery + Fortify Magicka
Boots of Gaan (Stamina) Fortify Stamina or Fortify Stamina + Stamina Regeneration
Ring of Kein (War) Fortify Archery or Fortify Archery + Fortify Destruction
The Perks
Level 25
http://skyrimcalculator.com/350136
Level 55
http://skyrimcalculator.com/350135
Stats: 150:390:300 (if you go with Atronach stone you get +50 magicka) if not you may want to bump your base magicka to 200.
Couple things to note is I don't improve my gear via smiting, however if you do you really don't need to put more then one perk into Juggernaut to reach the armor cap. I know some may think this is a little heavy on the crafting side which is fine, we are all here for ideas mostly anyways and can figure out ways to limit your play styles by not picking certain paths or perks. That said lets get into the good stuff!
Abilities
Whirlwind Charge (Whirlwind Cloak + Whirlwind Sprint)
It's amazing how effective this little combination can be, you become a vortex of wind that knocks everything out of your path and those who are left standing will feel the sting of your storm bow.
Cyclones Wake (Cyclone, Augment frost 2/2, Eagle Eye, Steady Hand 2/2)
This shout goes phenomenally well with this build, its as if Kyne herself was dangling your targets for you pluck out of the sky as if you were hunting fowl. Not to mention the frost damage and fall damage that can occur.
Storm Infusion (North Wind, Augment frost 2/2, Augment Shock 2/2, Storm Call, Essence of Strun/Fortify Destruction Potion.)
Beware this ability is over powered! Now that you have been warned this ability will kill all but who have braved the sacred trails including your horse. This is the ultimate power for you if you go Han soloing. You call down two massive storms simultaneously and infuse your storm bow with such power the Deadra only wished they possessed.
Kyne's Sacrifice (Kyne's Peace 3/3, Grand Soul Gem, Mammoth, and Dagger of Nir)
Dire times call for dire actions, Kyne's sacrifice is a ritual the first hunter of Kyne knows. This is a rite used to obtain filled grand soul gems for charging and maintaining the Storm bow. This ability may be used on lesser beast as well.
Bonus Ability (For those who play past level 55)
Essence of Tiid (Stability, Slow Time, and Essence of Tiid/Fortify Alteration Potion)
This is another ability the Champion of Kyne can call upon, you enter such a deep mental state of concentration you are able to loose a murderous storm of arrows. The question is do you have enough targets?
Auxiliary Abilities (optional)
All-Maker Stones (Solstheim) - These stones /abilities are very useful reserve powers and go well with the build. These are fantastic for lower level characters, the only downside is you have to pray at the stone again to get the ability back.
North Wind - This is a one time per day use master level blizzard spell that can be cast on the move.
Bones of the Earth - This is a one time per day use master level Dragon hide spell that can be cast on the move.
... I let you discover what the other ones do :P
Beast Form - I have always thought Beast form was such a redundant feature for melee characters. However that's not the case with this build, beast form actually can be a lifesaver in the lower levels since we don't focus on melee and plugs one of the weaknesses of this build. What more could Kyne's first hunter want then become the ultimate hunter, Kyne might not be too happy though Hircine will be on his knees to get your attention.
Alchemy
Alchemy for this build is mostly used to enhance the elemental power of the storm bow during crafting. Its rather easy to get the elemental damage pretty high which peaks somewhere around the 500 mark with forty destruction potions which isn't so bad if you play on legendary (125) and it's only temporary. Here are the main recipes I use:
Essence of Strun (Storm) Ectoplasm + Glowing Mushroom (Fortifies Destruction)
Essence of Tiid (Time) Grass Pod + River Betty (Fortifies Alteration)
Quest
- Kyne's Sacred Trials
- Angi's Camp (Archery training)
- The Companions
- Ill Met By Moonlight (if you embrace beast form to get Hircine's ring)
- Love Triangle (to get Faendal as a trainer)
- Lifting the Shroud (Kyne's Peace Word Wall)
- Siege on the Dragon Cult (Storm Call Word Wall)
- Main Quest
- Pilgrimage to the All-Maker Stones
- Unearthed (Cyclone Word Wall)
Training
This character is very easy to get started as far as archery is concerned, if you don't mind training for free in Riverwood you can get your archery up to 50 rather fast with Faendal. The goal is to get the ranger perk as soon as you can, it's a big part of this build so you can move while shooting and dodge easier. Also if you go to Angie's camp you can get 5 free boost from training with her. In addition to that I'll list the location of a few archery skill books.
Archery skill book locations
Froki's Shack, Aela the Huntress's room in the case, and on the table of Dashing Swordsman in Solitude.
Mastery of the Bow takes some practice especially when trying to hit moving targets flying through the air. Learning the arc of the arrow helps and learn where to aim the reticle for different distance is a big plus.
"Fletching suits me. It's difficult, and sometimes tedious. But a well made arrow strikes forth like the fury of a god."
Jawanan
Gameplay Demonstration
Thanks for taking the time to read this and look forward to any feedback.
Some of you may already know who Kyne is or know her by the name Kynareth, it matters not. Only those who have passed her sacred trails truly know her as the Mother of Men, goddess of Storms, and widow of Shor.
The Champion of Kyne combines the might of the power of storm with mastery of the bow and can unleash such deadly elemental devastation men, mer, and beast alike will tremble at their storm Thu'um! Make no mistake this is no ordinary archer build, Kyne’s Champion will knock enemies off their feet with whirlwind charges (whirlwind cloak spell + whirlwind sprint shout) and pick off enemies in midair who are suspended in cyclones. This warrior archer is very proficient at being up close and personal and has no problem smashing into a group of enemies only to send them scattered in random directions. The Champion's prowess with a bow is at such a high level of intensity even the Bosmer that have witnessed this spectacle are in awe. Faendal once wept.
Race: Nord (Lore)
Skills: Archery, Enchanting, Destruction, Heavy Armor, Smithing, Alchemy, and Alteration*.
Standing Stone: Steed Stone at lower levels until the conditioning perk is obtained. This is a great stone for lower level characters, it makes your heavy armor weightless and your unhindered which is important for dodging and moving fast. Once the conditioning perk is taken there are two great choices depending on your play style either the Atronach or Lord stone. I personally prefer the Atronach stone for this build for the ability to mostly nullify enemy shouts and magic, but if that is a bit too much for your taste the Lord stone is a choice option as well.
Shouts: Whirlwind Sprint, Cyclone, Storm Call, and Kyne's Peace
Spells: Whirlwind Cloak
Equipment: At lower levels Ancient Nord Armor and Dragonplate at higher levels. I like these two sets purely for aesthetics and I think they suit this character build very well. When you start to see how I piece together the "Armor of Qeth" and the "Storm Bow" hopefully you see what I'm trying to convey.
Kyne's Token: The enchantment on this is rather weak but is decent at low levels.
Amulet of Talos: Once you start to rely on shouts you will want to switch to the amulet and shrine of Talos.
Note: Ancient Nord Armor can be obtained at level 1 if you go to the Kjenstag Ruins (near Morthal) between 8:00pm and 4:00am, you have to kill the ghost that runs from the ruins before he disappears. Additionally you can obtain this set at Forelhost along with the first word of storm call.
The Storm Bow
The Champion of Kyne's greatest weapon is his Storm bow, a bow infused with the storm power of shock and ice which is augmented with the destruction perks.
This can even be fortified to a higher degree with the essence of strun or fortify destruction potions. Another great thing about destruction augmented frost and shock perks is they increase the damage of your shock and frost shouts by 50%. All three words Cyclone does 100 frost damage, with the augmented frost perks it boost it up to 150 damage.
Frost and Storm enchanter can boost this by a further 25% when creating your Storm Bow.
Fortify destruction magic enchantments are very useful for this build as they reduce the charges used and prolong the enchantments of the bow.
The Dagger of Nir
The dagger of Nir (Hunt) is a sacred dagger used by the Champion during Kyne's Sacrifice to obtain grand souls. Fiery soul trap is a good starter option, but Shock damage and soul trap may be additional options later on.
The Armor of Qeth
The Armor of Qeth "Bone" in the Dragon tongue was mainly inspired by the Bones of the Earth special ability. I don't improve my weapons or armor via smithing so I tend augment my armor rating with flesh spells on some characters. The chances are you will probably build several version of this armor as your skills increase. Here are some enchants I liked for this build:
Strun Du'ul (Storm Crown) This can be a circlet or the dragon plate helmet. Fortify Destruction or Fortify Destruction + Fortify Alteration if you have the extra effect perk.
Armor of Qeth (Bone) Fortify Alteration or Fortify Alteration + Fortify Health
Gauntlets of Grah (Battle) Fortify Archery or Fortify Archery + Fortify Magicka
Boots of Gaan (Stamina) Fortify Stamina or Fortify Stamina + Stamina Regeneration
Ring of Kein (War) Fortify Archery or Fortify Archery + Fortify Destruction
The Perks
Level 25
http://skyrimcalculator.com/350136
Level 55
http://skyrimcalculator.com/350135
Stats: 150:390:300 (if you go with Atronach stone you get +50 magicka) if not you may want to bump your base magicka to 200.
Couple things to note is I don't improve my gear via smiting, however if you do you really don't need to put more then one perk into Juggernaut to reach the armor cap. I know some may think this is a little heavy on the crafting side which is fine, we are all here for ideas mostly anyways and can figure out ways to limit your play styles by not picking certain paths or perks. That said lets get into the good stuff!
Abilities
Whirlwind Charge (Whirlwind Cloak + Whirlwind Sprint)
It's amazing how effective this little combination can be, you become a vortex of wind that knocks everything out of your path and those who are left standing will feel the sting of your storm bow.
Cyclones Wake (Cyclone, Augment frost 2/2, Eagle Eye, Steady Hand 2/2)
This shout goes phenomenally well with this build, its as if Kyne herself was dangling your targets for you pluck out of the sky as if you were hunting fowl. Not to mention the frost damage and fall damage that can occur.
Storm Infusion (North Wind, Augment frost 2/2, Augment Shock 2/2, Storm Call, Essence of Strun/Fortify Destruction Potion.)
Beware this ability is over powered! Now that you have been warned this ability will kill all but who have braved the sacred trails including your horse. This is the ultimate power for you if you go Han soloing. You call down two massive storms simultaneously and infuse your storm bow with such power the Deadra only wished they possessed.
Kyne's Sacrifice (Kyne's Peace 3/3, Grand Soul Gem, Mammoth, and Dagger of Nir)
Dire times call for dire actions, Kyne's sacrifice is a ritual the first hunter of Kyne knows. This is a rite used to obtain filled grand soul gems for charging and maintaining the Storm bow. This ability may be used on lesser beast as well.
Bonus Ability (For those who play past level 55)
Essence of Tiid (Stability, Slow Time, and Essence of Tiid/Fortify Alteration Potion)
This is another ability the Champion of Kyne can call upon, you enter such a deep mental state of concentration you are able to loose a murderous storm of arrows. The question is do you have enough targets?
Auxiliary Abilities (optional)
All-Maker Stones (Solstheim) - These stones /abilities are very useful reserve powers and go well with the build. These are fantastic for lower level characters, the only downside is you have to pray at the stone again to get the ability back.
North Wind - This is a one time per day use master level blizzard spell that can be cast on the move.
Bones of the Earth - This is a one time per day use master level Dragon hide spell that can be cast on the move.
... I let you discover what the other ones do :P
Beast Form - I have always thought Beast form was such a redundant feature for melee characters. However that's not the case with this build, beast form actually can be a lifesaver in the lower levels since we don't focus on melee and plugs one of the weaknesses of this build. What more could Kyne's first hunter want then become the ultimate hunter, Kyne might not be too happy though Hircine will be on his knees to get your attention.
Alchemy
Alchemy for this build is mostly used to enhance the elemental power of the storm bow during crafting. Its rather easy to get the elemental damage pretty high which peaks somewhere around the 500 mark with forty destruction potions which isn't so bad if you play on legendary (125) and it's only temporary. Here are the main recipes I use:
Essence of Strun (Storm) Ectoplasm + Glowing Mushroom (Fortifies Destruction)
Essence of Tiid (Time) Grass Pod + River Betty (Fortifies Alteration)
Quest
- Kyne's Sacred Trials
- Angi's Camp (Archery training)
- The Companions
- Ill Met By Moonlight (if you embrace beast form to get Hircine's ring)
- Love Triangle (to get Faendal as a trainer)
- Lifting the Shroud (Kyne's Peace Word Wall)
- Siege on the Dragon Cult (Storm Call Word Wall)
- Main Quest
- Pilgrimage to the All-Maker Stones
- Unearthed (Cyclone Word Wall)
Training
This character is very easy to get started as far as archery is concerned, if you don't mind training for free in Riverwood you can get your archery up to 50 rather fast with Faendal. The goal is to get the ranger perk as soon as you can, it's a big part of this build so you can move while shooting and dodge easier. Also if you go to Angie's camp you can get 5 free boost from training with her. In addition to that I'll list the location of a few archery skill books.
Archery skill book locations
Froki's Shack, Aela the Huntress's room in the case, and on the table of Dashing Swordsman in Solitude.
Mastery of the Bow takes some practice especially when trying to hit moving targets flying through the air. Learning the arc of the arrow helps and learn where to aim the reticle for different distance is a big plus.
"Fletching suits me. It's difficult, and sometimes tedious. But a well made arrow strikes forth like the fury of a god."
Jawanan
Gameplay Demonstration
Thanks for taking the time to read this and look forward to any feedback.
+1
