For this Celestials build, I wanted a truly dark character, a magical leech, that wore vampire armor, and was a creature of shadows, without sneak. I present....
Once, there was a gifted student of magic, an apprentice to Vanus Galerion himself, he mastered in weeks what would take most months or even years to master. That is, until being sent on a mission to some ancient Ayleid ruins in eastern Cyrodill. There, he encountered an artifact, a stone pyramid that whispered his name. Snatching the artifact, he studied it, learning lost dark magics. In the following days, he found himself growing stronger, while his peers appeared weaker every passing day, he had become a parasite, draining all magicka in his presence, and becoming more resistant to harmful spells. He was believed dead when Vanus collapsed the temple he was training in upon the drained mage. Unfortunately, what is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger.......
Race: Due to the fact that, after so many years of absorbing magicka, it is believed the Nihlus’ physical form faded, leaving him nothing but a ghost surviving through devouring magical artifacts, but, accounts from those who knew him said he was a Breton.
Standing Stone: It is believed, through some twist of fate, that the Nihlus was born to two stars (Aetherial Crown), that of the Lord, and The Atronach.
Stat Placement: 4/2/1 in Magicka, Health, and Stamina.
Skills: One Handed, Destruction, Conjuration, Enchanting.
The Nihlus, while being a creature of the shadows, does not use sneak. Scanning the area, I plotted out where the enemies where, what they’re wearing, etc. Mages, and dragon breath were no problem, using the 50% magicka resistance, alongside a short 100% spell absorption (Dragonskin+Atronach Stone), in order to combat their offensive spells. While armored Two-Handers and archers proved a problem, I utilized spells to soften them up a bit, before switching to my Bound Sword, or my physical sword, sometimes dual wielding them. This is a character that strides into an area with the regal walk of a lord, but the hunger of a void.
The undead did prove a problem when they ganged up on me. It was fun resurrecting any fallen foes, and then dispatching them when they no longer served a purpose.
Cloak of Reaving-The Nihlus wears the robes he wore in life, black as night, and as cold as steel. (Fortify Healing Rate and Conjuration. Dark Vampire Armor/Black Robes) (Optional: Ebony Mail)
Aethereal Crown-Some reports mention the Nihlus wearing a glowing crown, possibly of Dwemer craft.
Bound Sword-The Nihlus is able to focus the stolen magical energy into an ethereal blade, that passes through flesh and soul alike.
Boots of the Parasite-These boots, coated in the earth of Nirn, seem to increase the Nihlus’ capabilities. (Black/Ebony Boots enchanted with Resist Shock and Fortify One-Handed)
Claws of Coldharbour-These gauntlets, worn by the Nihlus in his later years, allow him to passively absorb magicka from those around him. (Vampire/Ebony Gauntlets enchanted with Fortify Magicka and Fortify One Handed)
Essence of the Soul Cairn-(Bone Hawk Amulet), 244 years after escaping his rubble tomb, the Nihlus ventured into the trepidatious Soul Cairn, to learn the intimate secrets of soul magic, managing to gather some power from it, feeding him. (Enchanted with Fortify Conjuration and Fortify Destruction/Magicka)
Ring of the Erudite-An ancient ring, rumored to have been worn by a legendary vampiric lord, has been whispered to be in the possession of the Nihlus, increasing his magical abilities.
The Soul Reaver-Rumored to have made a pact with Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of Domination gave his new champion this blade in order to give sacrifice to his dark master. (Daedric/Ebony Sword enchanted with Absorb Health/Magicka and Fiery Soul Trap/Chaos Damage)
The Staff of Magnus-The staff of an Aedra is the conduit for which the Nihlus increases his draining abilities.
One-Handed-Aside from his rumored weapon, the Nihlus, the son of a well-respected scholar, and a former mercenary, was taught swordplay from a young age.
Conjuration-The Nihlus, according to the few surviving records found, excelled at the school of Conjuration, quicker than your average Breton, and has been rumored to have utilized conjured weapons, the trapping of souls, and undead minions to slay his foes.
Destruction-The Nihlus utilizes the power of storm magic to drain his foes of their Magicka, as well as leaving them in agony.
Enchanting-Feeding the souls and magical essences of his victims into his arms and armor, the Nihlus gains more power over his foes.
Main Quest-Upon discovering his Dragonblood, the Nihlus will do slay Alduin, and Paarthunaxx, and their kin, not because it is right, but to gain the souls and power of dragons.
The College of Winterhold-Like a moth to flame, the Nihlus is compelled to the College, subtly draining from the magical artifacts and students, even moreso with the Staff of Magnus at his disposal.
Volikhar-Joining Harkon’s court to gain more power (Cure your vampirism, then trade half your soul to the Cairn), he gains mystical artifacts and abilities.
The Dark Brotherhood-A victim of the Void, the Nihlus follows the wills of Sithis in order to sow terror through the land, and to absorb more magicka.
The Black Star-Defying Azura, the Nihlus warps Azura’s Star, allowing him an eternal soul battery for his implements of devastation.
Boethiah’s Proving-The Nihlus slays one who trusted him. gaining an armor that matches his soul, shrouded in blackness.
Whenever you enter a town, do not actively initiate conversation with anyone, the Nihlus does not deal with petty mortals.
Whenever you are conducting a mission for the Dark Brotherhood, always choose to “Remain Silent”
The Nihlus traded his remaining humanity to the Ideal Masters when he entered the Soul Cairn. After curing your vampirism, have Serana soul trap part of your soul, and leave it there.
With Dead Thrall, only raise worthy foes, meaning Bandit Chiefs, Vampire Nightstalkers, Housecarls, etc.
Soul Flay-The Nihlus carves into his opponent, slowly draining away their magicka, life essence, and finally, resurrecting them as their thrall,
Soul Reaver+Lightning Bolt+Staff Of Magnus+Soul Tear
Possession-Dodging an attack, The Nihlus takes control of a number of enemies, alongside their dead. As his enemies fight ther resurrected and controlled foes, the Nihlus lets out an arc of mystic energy.
Bend Will+Resurrection Spell+Fortify Destruction potion+Lightning Storm
Ghostly Chill-The Nihlus momentarily leaves the physical world, before returning, moments later, unleashing a torrential blizzard/
Fortify Destruction Potion+Become Ethereal+Blizzard/Scroll of Blizzard
Conduit of Mana-The Nihlus concentrates, as his body begins to absorb the magicka, before he unleashes it in a burst at his foes.
Atronach Stone+Dragonskin+Chain Lightningx2
Void Storm-Cloaking himself in lightning, the Nihlus temporarily gives up his physical form, before returning in a blast of flame, finishing off the survivors in a flurry of bladed death and energy.
Lightning Cloak+Become Ethereal (1 word)+Ethereal Spirit+Sun Flare+Bound Sword w/ Soul Reaver.
I hope you have enjoyed the build folks, don’t forget to comment, constructively criticize, etc. More is on the way....
For this Celestials build, I wanted a truly dark character, a magical leech, that wore vampire armor, and was a creature of shadows, without sneak. I present....
Once, there was a gifted student of magic, an apprentice to Vanus Galerion himself, he mastered in weeks what would take most months or even years to master. That is, until being sent on a mission to some ancient Ayleid ruins in eastern Cyrodill. There, he encountered an artifact, a stone pyramid that whispered his name. Snatching the artifact, he studied it, learning lost dark magics. In the following days, he found himself growing stronger, while his peers appeared weaker every passing day, he had become a parasite, draining all magicka in his presence, and becoming more resistant to harmful spells. He was believed dead when Vanus collapsed the temple he was training in upon the drained mage. Unfortunately, what is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger.......
Race: Due to the fact that, after so many years of absorbing magicka, it is believed the Nihlus’ physical form faded, leaving him nothing but a ghost surviving through devouring magical artifacts, but, accounts from those who knew him said he was a Breton.
Standing Stone: It is believed, through some twist of fate, that the Nihlus was born to two stars (Aetherial Crown), that of the Lord, and The Atronach.
Stat Placement: 4/2/1 in Magicka, Health, and Stamina.
Skills: One Handed, Destruction, Conjuration, Enchanting.
The Nihlus, while being a creature of the shadows, does not use sneak. Scanning the area, I plotted out where the enemies where, what they’re wearing, etc. Mages, and dragon breath were no problem, using the 50% magicka resistance, alongside a short 100% spell absorption (Dragonskin+Atronach Stone), in order to combat their offensive spells. While armored Two-Handers and archers proved a problem, I utilized spells to soften them up a bit, before switching to my Bound Sword, or my physical sword, sometimes dual wielding them. This is a character that strides into an area with the regal walk of a lord, but the hunger of a void.
The undead did prove a problem when they ganged up on me. It was fun resurrecting any fallen foes, and then dispatching them when they no longer served a purpose.
Cloak of Reaving-The Nihlus wears the robes he wore in life, black as night, and as cold as steel. (Fortify Healing Rate and Conjuration. Dark Vampire Armor/Black Robes) (Optional: Ebony Mail)
Aethereal Crown-Some reports mention the Nihlus wearing a glowing crown, possibly of Dwemer craft.
Bound Sword-The Nihlus is able to focus the stolen magical energy into an ethereal blade, that passes through flesh and soul alike.
Boots of the Parasite-These boots, coated in the earth of Nirn, seem to increase the Nihlus’ capabilities. (Black/Ebony Boots enchanted with Resist Shock and Fortify One-Handed)
Claws of Coldharbour-These gauntlets, worn by the Nihlus in his later years, allow him to passively absorb magicka from those around him. (Vampire/Ebony Gauntlets enchanted with Fortify Magicka and Fortify One Handed)
Essence of the Soul Cairn-(Bone Hawk Amulet), 244 years after escaping his rubble tomb, the Nihlus ventured into the trepidatious Soul Cairn, to learn the intimate secrets of soul magic, managing to gather some power from it, feeding him. (Enchanted with Fortify Conjuration and Fortify Destruction/Magicka)
Ring of the Erudite-An ancient ring, rumored to have been worn by a legendary vampiric lord, has been whispered to be in the possession of the Nihlus, increasing his magical abilities.
The Soul Reaver-Rumored to have made a pact with Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of Domination gave his new champion this blade in order to give sacrifice to his dark master. (Daedric/Ebony Sword enchanted with Absorb Health/Magicka and Fiery Soul Trap/Chaos Damage)
The Staff of Magnus-The staff of an Aedra is the conduit for which the Nihlus increases his draining abilities.
One-Handed-Aside from his rumored weapon, the Nihlus, the son of a well-respected scholar, and a former mercenary, was taught swordplay from a young age.
Conjuration-The Nihlus, according to the few surviving records found, excelled at the school of Conjuration, quicker than your average Breton, and has been rumored to have utilized conjured weapons, the trapping of souls, and undead minions to slay his foes.
Destruction-The Nihlus utilizes the power of storm magic to drain his foes of their Magicka, as well as leaving them in agony.
Enchanting-Feeding the souls and magical essences of his victims into his arms and armor, the Nihlus gains more power over his foes.
Main Quest-Upon discovering his Dragonblood, the Nihlus will do slay Alduin, and Paarthunaxx, and their kin, not because it is right, but to gain the souls and power of dragons.
The College of Winterhold-Like a moth to flame, the Nihlus is compelled to the College, subtly draining from the magical artifacts and students, even moreso with the Staff of Magnus at his disposal.
Volikhar-Joining Harkon’s court to gain more power (Cure your vampirism, then trade half your soul to the Cairn), he gains mystical artifacts and abilities.
The Dark Brotherhood-A victim of the Void, the Nihlus follows the wills of Sithis in order to sow terror through the land, and to absorb more magicka.
The Black Star-Defying Azura, the Nihlus warps Azura’s Star, allowing him an eternal soul battery for his implements of devastation.
Boethiah’s Proving-The Nihlus slays one who trusted him. gaining an armor that matches his soul, shrouded in blackness.
Whenever you enter a town, do not actively initiate conversation with anyone, the Nihlus does not deal with petty mortals.
Whenever you are conducting a mission for the Dark Brotherhood, always choose to “Remain Silent”
The Nihlus traded his remaining humanity to the Ideal Masters when he entered the Soul Cairn. After curing your vampirism, have Serana soul trap part of your soul, and leave it there.
With Dead Thrall, only raise worthy foes, meaning Bandit Chiefs, Vampire Nightstalkers, Housecarls, etc.
Soul Flay-The Nihlus carves into his opponent, slowly draining away their magicka, life essence, and finally, resurrecting them as their thrall,
Soul Reaver+Lightning Bolt+Staff Of Magnus+Soul Tear
Possession-Dodging an attack, The Nihlus takes control of a number of enemies, alongside their dead. As his enemies fight ther resurrected and controlled foes, the Nihlus lets out an arc of mystic energy.
Bend Will+Resurrection Spell+Fortify Destruction potion+Lightning Storm
Ghostly Chill-The Nihlus momentarily leaves the physical world, before returning, moments later, unleashing a torrential blizzard/
Fortify Destruction Potion+Become Ethereal+Blizzard/Scroll of Blizzard
Conduit of Mana-The Nihlus concentrates, as his body begins to absorb the magicka, before he unleashes it in a burst at his foes.
Atronach Stone+Dragonskin+Chain Lightningx2
Void Storm-Cloaking himself in lightning, the Nihlus temporarily gives up his physical form, before returning in a blast of flame, finishing off the survivors in a flurry of bladed death and energy.
Lightning Cloak+Become Ethereal (1 word)+Ethereal Spirit+Sun Flare+Bound Sword w/ Soul Reaver.
I hope you have enjoyed the build folks, don’t forget to comment, constructively criticize, etc. More is on the way....
I'm a sucker for Star Wars builds. My first KotOR 2 character was a badass Sith. I was a bit frustrated that I could not wear Nihilus' mask...
I'm a sucker for Star Wars builds. My first KotOR 2 character was a badass Sith. I was a bit frustrated that I could not wear Nihilus' mask...
Nice job on this one, Chris! You keep cranking out great builds :)
Builds based around the absorb concept are super cool, and a vampire that feeds off of health, magicka, and stamina really is a perfect fit. And kudos to you for avoiding Sneak vampirism for this one... keeps it interesting.
Again, nice job!
Nice job on this one, Chris! You keep cranking out great builds :)
Builds based around the absorb concept are super cool, and a vampire that feeds off of health, magicka, and stamina really is a perfect fit. And kudos to you for avoiding Sneak vampirism for this one... keeps it interesting.
Again, nice job!
I just want to point out that it's spelled "Nihilus ".
Pronounced Nie-eel-us
I still play that game all the time.
The only "Nihlus" I know of is this guy: http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Nihlus_Kryik
I just want to point out that it's spelled "Nihilus ".
Pronounced Nie-eel-us
I still play that game all the time.
The only "Nihlus" I know of is this guy: http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Nihlus_Kryik
I think he was going for Darth Nihilus http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Darth_Nihilus
I think he was going for Darth Nihilus http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Darth_Nihilus