Well, my fellow readers, I have decided to post one of my more recent playthroughs. A wandering sellsword, assassin, and swordmaster, one who craves battle and death, welcome, one and all, to.....
Hitokiri Leitmotif
*Utilizes Dawnguard, Dragonborn, and Hearthfire content*
The Hitokiri, merciless killers descended from Akaviri warriors. During the Great War, the Empire contracted four members in order to aid them against the Thalmor, silently slaying high ranking officials, like a walking shadow. The deadliest of these was Battousai the Merslayer. With godlike speed and an unholy blade, the Battousai slew hundreds upon thousands of Dominion soldiers. When the War ended, the Merslayer vanished. Though many assume he either fell in battle or laid down his sword for peace, in truth, he took on work as a hired killer and mercenary. Rumors have abounded of a man matching his appearance heading to Skyrim....
With this build, while playing through Albino’s amazing Rurouni, I had the idea, upon remembering the Ebony Blade existed, to do a darker iteration of the famed Battousai. Still wearing (almost) no armor, he utilizes Mephala’s Ebony Blade, and enchanting to fuel his bloodstained clothes with unnatural power, craving war and bloodshed..
Race: There are a few races I considered while doing this.
Breton-The innate magic resistance and Dragonskin helps the build survive against mages and dragons, and a +5 to Enchanting
Redguard-Mainly for the usage of Adrenaline Rush, and a +5 to Block
Imperial-With a bonus to Restoration, and, according to the Pocket Guide to the Empire, volume 1: “Akaviri surnames are rare and prized possessions among the Cyrodilic citizenry of today, and there are trace facial features of the Akaviri in many distinguished Cyrodilic families. Some colonies of "true Akaviri" still exist in both the Empire and its border regions, but they are named so only for their practices and customs than for the purity of their blood.”
Standing Stone: The Lord, due to the low health of this build, and it being unarmored, you’ll want the extra magic defense and AR in case of hairy situations, like two dragons or a Dawnguard patrol.
Stat Spread-2/2/2, the Hitokiri seeked to have a balance of mind and body, never letting one supercede the other.
Major Skills: Two-Handed, Block, Enchanting, Alteration
Minor Skills: Restoration
Equipment: Redguard Clothes/Mythic Dawn Robes, Dunmer Shoes (If on PC, Moth Priest Sandals), Gold and Ruby Necklace, Gold and Emerald Ring, Fine Armguards, Ebony Blade.
Shouts: Slow Time, Marked for Death, Dragon Aspect, Cyclone, Drain Vitality, Whirlwind Sprint, Become Ethereal, Soul Tear,
The Hitokiri, with it being 99% unarmored (The Fine Armguards were the closest enchantable item resembling the wristguards pictured above), the emphasis is on speed. The Lord Stone adds (or boosts, if you play a Breton) 25% Magicka Resistance, and 50 AR. The Hitokiri is all about striking quick and fast, though, not so mercifully. He has adopted a corrupted form of Hitsen Mitsurugi-Ryu, an Akaviri swordstyle, known as Ketsueki riba, or Blood Reaver, created by a disgraced student of Hiten Mitsurugi. Whereas Hiten practitioners wield their blade in defense of their fellow man, without bias of nation or state, Ketsueki fighters relish in battle and blood, but both practice godlike speed. Ingesting a Fortify Alteration potion, plus Stability, activate Slow Time just as the slowdown effect of Quick Reflexes end, and you’ll extend the Shout past its cooldown rate (If you use only 1 word.), known as Shinshoku. While melee combatants can be taken care of easily with this technique, mages, archers, and most importantly, dragons can bring you down at range. With mages and archers, its best to either use Become Ethereal, or Whirlwind Sprint to close the gap. If you find yourself surrounded, and unable to use Shinshoku, use Cyclone to get some distance. Poison your blade when possible. Agility and timing your blocks are the key to surviving battles.
In the early levels leading to 30, you'll be gathering the gear and gold necessary to make this character. Ask at the Bannered Mare once you reach level 20 to grab the Ebony Blade. Before then, use any leveled greatsword you find. I took Mehrunes Razor (And hung it in a weapon rack), taking every Mythic Dawn item in Silas’ house. The Dark Brotherhood depends on how you wish to roleplay the Hitokiri. I contracted vampirism later on, signaling my Hitokiri’s fall into his own personal hell, and immortality.
Bloodstained Kimono/Mythic Dawn Robes-Bloodstained, weathered robes of Akaviri origins, these robes have served the Battousai for years. (Redguard Clothes enchanted with Fortify Healing Rate and Stamina Rate)/Mythic Dawn Robes (Unhooded)
Wanderer’s Kutsu-Shoes styled in the Akaviri fashion, these simple boots allow feet protection, as well as increased abilities. (Dunmer Shoes enchanted with Fortify Restoration and Stamina Regen)
*Dunmer Shoes are considered chest apparel when enchanting*
Hitokiri Tekubi Gado-Wrist guards based off Akaviri designs, they protect the wearer’s hands from incoming blows, and increase their strength. (Fine Armguards enchanted with Fortify Two Handed and Fortify Block)
Heart of the Warrior Soul-The Warrior Soul, the embodiment of a warrior’s will, courage, fury, and vitality are focused through Akaviri amulets that are given to members of the Hitokiri. (Gold and Ruby Necklace enchanted with Fortify Two Handed and Fortify Restoration)
Hachiman’s Blessing-Rings blessed by the Akaviri god of war, Hachiman grants the wearer strength and protection in battle. (Gold and Emerald Ring enchanted with Fortify Healing Rate and Fortify Alteration)
The Ebony Blade-While searching for more power, the Hitokiri came upon Mephala, known as Izanami in Akaviri lore. He replaced his blade for that of Ebony, feeding on the blood of deceit.
Alteration-The Hitokiri has trained for years, being able to harden his body at will.
Restoration-The Hitokiri has been seen apparently coming back from mortal wounds, and healing wounds quicker than normal men, creating rumors that Battousai the Merslayer wasn’t mortal.
Enchanting-Upon discovering the power of Enchanting, the Merslayer used the souls of those foes he considered worthy to empower his apparel and body.
Main Quest-Upon discovering he is Dragonborn, the Hitokiri relishes in the ability to slay dragons and absorb their souls, gaining more power.
Volkihar-Witnessing the power and immortality granted by vampirism, as well as their hunger for blood matching his own, he gives up the last vestiges of his humanity for the night’s power. Useful to gain Auriel’s Bow and Bloodcursed Arrows.
Dragonborn-After being attacked by Miraak’s Cultists, the Hitokiri travels to Solstheim to slay this new foe, Dragonborn like himself, gain forbidden powers and wisdom from Hermaeus Mora, and gain more power and renown.
Destroy the Dark Brotherhood/Dark Brotherhood Questline-The Hitokiri is a trained killer. He can either prove himself supreme by slaying this band of petty assassins, or join their ranks, gain more slaughter and Septims, and mold them into his own personal Hitokiri.
Civil War (Imperials)-Being a staunch supporter of the Empire, the Battousai has the goal to end this petty rebellion, slaying any that get in his way.
Missing in Action-A Stormcloak is held by the Thalmor. The Thalmor have placed him as Undesirable #1, and he will savor any chance to slay them.
The Forsworn Conspiracy/No One Escapes Cidnha Mine-Forsworn, bah, barbarians. The less of them that live, especially one of the leaders, the Empire will have an easier time taking back Skyrim.
The Ebony Warrior-So, another warrior seeks to challenge you, hmm? His blood shall feed your blade.-
-
When in dialogue, always choose either the Intimidate, or, if possible, an option that causes the opponent to attack.
-
If you know a quest has you slaying someone, especially for money or an enchanted item, do it.
-
Never talk to anyone unless they start the conversation, you need to for a quest, or for trade.
-
If you ever see a Wooden Sword in loot, take it, and cast it into the sea, or, if you decide to undertake the quest (I did in one playthrough), the Aetherium Forge. A wooden sword is a child’s toy, real swordsmen train with hardened steel blades.
-
Aside from slaughtering any Thalmor or Dawnguard, you won’t allow an enemy to escape. If an enemy pleads for mercy or runs, chase them down, and show them no quarter.
Kurimuzonmisutodansu-Swallowing a tonic, the Hitokiri hardens his body, before applying a toxin to his bladereadying himself for attack. His opponent seems to strike at nothingness, before a blow cuts across his body, draining him. (Potion of Blood+Flesh Spell+Damage Health Poison+Quick Reflexes+Attack from side of/behind enemy)
Boido Shishen-The Hitokiri takes on the appearance of an Akaviri dragon, his skin as hard a dragonscales, as he launches at an opponent, sending them to the Void (Dragon Aspect+Flesh Spell+Ebony Blade+Great Critical Charge+Poison)
Rakutentekina kaze no suraisu-The Hitokiri moves so fast he practically slices through the air. (Fortify Alteration potion+Slow Time+Great Critical Charge+Paralyzing Poison+Repeat)
Sen kyōfū surasshu-Surrounded by enemies, the Hitokiri blocks each strike, then slashing each of them. Moving away, he slices the very air, sending his opponents flying. (Quick Reflexes+Slow Time+Damage Health Poison+Sweep+Move back+Cyclone)
Bokyaku no Kage-The ultimate attack of Ketsueki Riba. The darkness within the Hitokiri seems to radiate from him, darkening the sun. The air ripples, as the Hitokiri attacks. (Flesh Spell+Bloodcursed Arrow+Damage Health Poison+Dragon Aspect+Whirlwind Cloak+Soul Tear)
With the sun Bloodcursed, the Hitokiri no longer suffers from Regen decreastion. The Flesh Spell and Dragon Aspect will grant increased protection from damage, damage output, and Shout power. Whirlwind Cloak will have a chance of knocking enemies back, and the Damage Health potion, plus the Ebony Blade’s Absorb Health enchantment, will deal with enemies.)
Thanks to Golden Fool for the Perk Spread, and you all for reading!
Well, my fellow readers, I have decided to post one of my more recent playthroughs. A wandering sellsword, assassin, and swordmaster, one who craves battle and death, welcome, one and all, to.....
Hitokiri Leitmotif
*Utilizes Dawnguard, Dragonborn, and Hearthfire content*
The Hitokiri, merciless killers descended from Akaviri warriors. During the Great War, the Empire contracted four members in order to aid them against the Thalmor, silently slaying high ranking officials, like a walking shadow. The deadliest of these was Battousai the Merslayer. With godlike speed and an unholy blade, the Battousai slew hundreds upon thousands of Dominion soldiers. When the War ended, the Merslayer vanished. Though many assume he either fell in battle or laid down his sword for peace, in truth, he took on work as a hired killer and mercenary. Rumors have abounded of a man matching his appearance heading to Skyrim....
With this build, while playing through Albino’s amazing Rurouni, I had the idea, upon remembering the Ebony Blade existed, to do a darker iteration of the famed Battousai. Still wearing (almost) no armor, he utilizes Mephala’s Ebony Blade, and enchanting to fuel his bloodstained clothes with unnatural power, craving war and bloodshed..
Race: There are a few races I considered while doing this.
Breton-The innate magic resistance and Dragonskin helps the build survive against mages and dragons, and a +5 to Enchanting
Redguard-Mainly for the usage of Adrenaline Rush, and a +5 to Block
Imperial-With a bonus to Restoration, and, according to the Pocket Guide to the Empire, volume 1: “Akaviri surnames are rare and prized possessions among the Cyrodilic citizenry of today, and there are trace facial features of the Akaviri in many distinguished Cyrodilic families. Some colonies of "true Akaviri" still exist in both the Empire and its border regions, but they are named so only for their practices and customs than for the purity of their blood.”
Standing Stone: The Lord, due to the low health of this build, and it being unarmored, you’ll want the extra magic defense and AR in case of hairy situations, like two dragons or a Dawnguard patrol.
Stat Spread-2/2/2, the Hitokiri seeked to have a balance of mind and body, never letting one supercede the other.
Major Skills: Two-Handed, Block, Enchanting, Alteration
Minor Skills: Restoration
Equipment: Redguard Clothes/Mythic Dawn Robes, Dunmer Shoes (If on PC, Moth Priest Sandals), Gold and Ruby Necklace, Gold and Emerald Ring, Fine Armguards, Ebony Blade.
Shouts: Slow Time, Marked for Death, Dragon Aspect, Cyclone, Drain Vitality, Whirlwind Sprint, Become Ethereal, Soul Tear,
The Hitokiri, with it being 99% unarmored (The Fine Armguards were the closest enchantable item resembling the wristguards pictured above), the emphasis is on speed. The Lord Stone adds (or boosts, if you play a Breton) 25% Magicka Resistance, and 50 AR. The Hitokiri is all about striking quick and fast, though, not so mercifully. He has adopted a corrupted form of Hitsen Mitsurugi-Ryu, an Akaviri swordstyle, known as Ketsueki riba, or Blood Reaver, created by a disgraced student of Hiten Mitsurugi. Whereas Hiten practitioners wield their blade in defense of their fellow man, without bias of nation or state, Ketsueki fighters relish in battle and blood, but both practice godlike speed. Ingesting a Fortify Alteration potion, plus Stability, activate Slow Time just as the slowdown effect of Quick Reflexes end, and you’ll extend the Shout past its cooldown rate (If you use only 1 word.), known as Shinshoku. While melee combatants can be taken care of easily with this technique, mages, archers, and most importantly, dragons can bring you down at range. With mages and archers, its best to either use Become Ethereal, or Whirlwind Sprint to close the gap. If you find yourself surrounded, and unable to use Shinshoku, use Cyclone to get some distance. Poison your blade when possible. Agility and timing your blocks are the key to surviving battles.
In the early levels leading to 30, you'll be gathering the gear and gold necessary to make this character. Ask at the Bannered Mare once you reach level 20 to grab the Ebony Blade. Before then, use any leveled greatsword you find. I took Mehrunes Razor (And hung it in a weapon rack), taking every Mythic Dawn item in Silas’ house. The Dark Brotherhood depends on how you wish to roleplay the Hitokiri. I contracted vampirism later on, signaling my Hitokiri’s fall into his own personal hell, and immortality.
Bloodstained Kimono/Mythic Dawn Robes-Bloodstained, weathered robes of Akaviri origins, these robes have served the Battousai for years. (Redguard Clothes enchanted with Fortify Healing Rate and Stamina Rate)/Mythic Dawn Robes (Unhooded)
Wanderer’s Kutsu-Shoes styled in the Akaviri fashion, these simple boots allow feet protection, as well as increased abilities. (Dunmer Shoes enchanted with Fortify Restoration and Stamina Regen)
*Dunmer Shoes are considered chest apparel when enchanting*
Hitokiri Tekubi Gado-Wrist guards based off Akaviri designs, they protect the wearer’s hands from incoming blows, and increase their strength. (Fine Armguards enchanted with Fortify Two Handed and Fortify Block)
Heart of the Warrior Soul-The Warrior Soul, the embodiment of a warrior’s will, courage, fury, and vitality are focused through Akaviri amulets that are given to members of the Hitokiri. (Gold and Ruby Necklace enchanted with Fortify Two Handed and Fortify Restoration)
Hachiman’s Blessing-Rings blessed by the Akaviri god of war, Hachiman grants the wearer strength and protection in battle. (Gold and Emerald Ring enchanted with Fortify Healing Rate and Fortify Alteration)
The Ebony Blade-While searching for more power, the Hitokiri came upon Mephala, known as Izanami in Akaviri lore. He replaced his blade for that of Ebony, feeding on the blood of deceit.
Alteration-The Hitokiri has trained for years, being able to harden his body at will.
Restoration-The Hitokiri has been seen apparently coming back from mortal wounds, and healing wounds quicker than normal men, creating rumors that Battousai the Merslayer wasn’t mortal.
Enchanting-Upon discovering the power of Enchanting, the Merslayer used the souls of those foes he considered worthy to empower his apparel and body.
Main Quest-Upon discovering he is Dragonborn, the Hitokiri relishes in the ability to slay dragons and absorb their souls, gaining more power.
Volkihar-Witnessing the power and immortality granted by vampirism, as well as their hunger for blood matching his own, he gives up the last vestiges of his humanity for the night’s power. Useful to gain Auriel’s Bow and Bloodcursed Arrows.
Dragonborn-After being attacked by Miraak’s Cultists, the Hitokiri travels to Solstheim to slay this new foe, Dragonborn like himself, gain forbidden powers and wisdom from Hermaeus Mora, and gain more power and renown.
Destroy the Dark Brotherhood/Dark Brotherhood Questline-The Hitokiri is a trained killer. He can either prove himself supreme by slaying this band of petty assassins, or join their ranks, gain more slaughter and Septims, and mold them into his own personal Hitokiri.
Civil War (Imperials)-Being a staunch supporter of the Empire, the Battousai has the goal to end this petty rebellion, slaying any that get in his way.
Missing in Action-A Stormcloak is held by the Thalmor. The Thalmor have placed him as Undesirable #1, and he will savor any chance to slay them.
The Forsworn Conspiracy/No One Escapes Cidnha Mine-Forsworn, bah, barbarians. The less of them that live, especially one of the leaders, the Empire will have an easier time taking back Skyrim.
The Ebony Warrior-So, another warrior seeks to challenge you, hmm? His blood shall feed your blade.-
-
When in dialogue, always choose either the Intimidate, or, if possible, an option that causes the opponent to attack.
-
If you know a quest has you slaying someone, especially for money or an enchanted item, do it.
-
Never talk to anyone unless they start the conversation, you need to for a quest, or for trade.
-
If you ever see a Wooden Sword in loot, take it, and cast it into the sea, or, if you decide to undertake the quest (I did in one playthrough), the Aetherium Forge. A wooden sword is a child’s toy, real swordsmen train with hardened steel blades.
-
Aside from slaughtering any Thalmor or Dawnguard, you won’t allow an enemy to escape. If an enemy pleads for mercy or runs, chase them down, and show them no quarter.
Kurimuzonmisutodansu-Swallowing a tonic, the Hitokiri hardens his body, before applying a toxin to his bladereadying himself for attack. His opponent seems to strike at nothingness, before a blow cuts across his body, draining him. (Potion of Blood+Flesh Spell+Damage Health Poison+Quick Reflexes+Attack from side of/behind enemy)
Boido Shishen-The Hitokiri takes on the appearance of an Akaviri dragon, his skin as hard a dragonscales, as he launches at an opponent, sending them to the Void (Dragon Aspect+Flesh Spell+Ebony Blade+Great Critical Charge+Poison)
Rakutentekina kaze no suraisu-The Hitokiri moves so fast he practically slices through the air. (Fortify Alteration potion+Slow Time+Great Critical Charge+Paralyzing Poison+Repeat)
Sen kyōfū surasshu-Surrounded by enemies, the Hitokiri blocks each strike, then slashing each of them. Moving away, he slices the very air, sending his opponents flying. (Quick Reflexes+Slow Time+Damage Health Poison+Sweep+Move back+Cyclone)
Bokyaku no Kage-The ultimate attack of Ketsueki Riba. The darkness within the Hitokiri seems to radiate from him, darkening the sun. The air ripples, as the Hitokiri attacks. (Flesh Spell+Bloodcursed Arrow+Damage Health Poison+Dragon Aspect+Whirlwind Cloak+Soul Tear)
With the sun Bloodcursed, the Hitokiri no longer suffers from Regen decreastion. The Flesh Spell and Dragon Aspect will grant increased protection from damage, damage output, and Shout power. Whirlwind Cloak will have a chance of knocking enemies back, and the Damage Health potion, plus the Ebony Blade’s Absorb Health enchantment, will deal with enemies.)
Thanks to Golden Fool for the Perk Spread, and you all for reading!
