Build Theme
Somewhere in the dark corners of Black Marsh, the Argonians protect a grim secret. An army, specially bred by the Hist. Though the Hist trees are supposedly responsible for all the warriors of Black Marsh, none are quite like these. Hatched only once every few decades, they have never left the borders of Black Marsh...or died--only grown in numbers, bit by bit as the eras have passed. But their time has come. Chaos stirs behind the veil of calm that the other races work so hard to maintain. These ageless, oldblooded warriors will soon march to claim Tamriel for the Hist. The first of many has been sent to prepare the way.
"Amid the darkness and horror of a world splintering apart, the armies of the true creators, who were ancient at the dawn of time, will march forth once more. We shall sweep away all that is chaos and disorder, for ours is the true path, and none shall defy us." -- Argonian Warbringer
The Build
Welcome to my first Argonian build and final event build for Crossworlds! The Warbringer is a straightforward, sword-and-board warrior character who uses speed and tenacious health and defense to overcome enemies in battle. This Lizard is very pick-up-and-playable, but entertaining even in long playthroughs. I've also never found a really good reason to suit up in Dragon armor, but this fella's got it. His purpose is to test the strength of Skyrim and the Empire, which are both conveniently gathered together. Other Argonians will join the cause, and their strength as a people will grow until they are ready to make their move...
Race: Argonian
Stone: Warrior~> Steed or Lady
Key Shouts: Dismay, Whirlwind Sprint, Aura Whisper, Dragonrend, Call Dragon, Dragon Aspect, Slow Time, Kyne's Peace
Primary Skills: One Handed, Block, Smithing
Secondary Skills: Light/Heavy Armor, Sneak, Enchanting†
Abilities: Bones of the Earth, Fortify Unarmed, Mora's Agony, Bardic Knowledge, Seeker of Might, Lover's Insight, Dragonborn Force
Attribute Spread: 0/3/1
†Optional Skill
Level 25 Perks
Weapons and Equipment
The Warbringer's gear comes in two tiers for your choice of light or heavy armor, with a range of options between each.
~~Tier I~~
The Falmer Armor (left) can be found in Mzinchaleft, while the Scaled Horn Armor can be found on a select few NPCs or looted at random from level 19 onward.
~~Tier II~~
Options: Banded Iron, Bonemold, Chitin, or Daedric Shields, OR Targe of the Blooded. Any ring boosting your combat skills is good to hold onto.
Gameplay
Progressing: This character develops very freely, and benefits from ranging all across Skyrim in search of artifacts and materials. Dungeons of all kinds are good leveling opportunities, Dwemer ruins in particular for their Grade A smithing materials (just don't get too overzealous; even a Sphere can pose a threat at low levels). Because almost all your skills are combat centered, they level organically, without grinding. Simply join the fray and let the experience come. Getting some shouts early, like Whirlwind Sprint, Dismay, and Aura Whisper will be a big help. Likewise, rescuing Derkeethus early on will give you a valuable ally, distraction, and added carry weight early on. He specializes in Light Armor, so be sure to keep him well equipped alongside yourself.
Combat: This Warbringer's advantage in combat is frightening speed and a hide thick enough to shrug off all but the most devastating blows. This speed and endurance means very few enemies are ever beyond the reach of its blade. An effective strategy is to dodge ranged attacks, while drawing melee enemies away from the archers or mages. You can then either dismantle the melee threat, or Whirlwind Sprint past them and attack the exposed ranged enemies. The disadvantage there is that you begin combat with your shouts on cooldown. The danger can be reduced if you plan your attack using Aura Whisper to enhance your senses. Tactical use of shield charges and bashes (meaning not wasting stamina on power attacks) will limit the enemy's openings to fight back. Even dragons can be outmaneuvered with these techniques, particularly with support from Derkeethus.
Stealth is employed to get the drop on enemies, closing to a good range before initiating an ambush. The Warbringer is a soldier, a warrior, so kills from stealth aren't really his style. But using sneak to get a good view on priority targets or cornering lone enemies is very helpful for gaining the upper hand in combat.
Abilities
Histborn Resiliance
The Warbringer calls on gifts of the Hist to harden its scaly hide to the point that even grievous blows can barely scratch it.
Bones of the Earth + Secret of Protection (+ Histskin)
Marshcall
With the Hist's blessing, Black Marsh itself reaches out to aid the Warbringer in defeating its enemies, entangling and poisoning them while the Warbringer attacks freely.
Slow Time + Mora's Agony
Roleplay
The Saxhleel Warbringer is part of an army kept secret even from leaders among the Argonians. They are chosen by the Hist, minds branded from birth with the deadly art of war and granted longevity; they shall never die unless on the field of battle.
These warriors are gifted with highly predatory minds, and every fight is really a hunt for them. They approach each new situation with caution, and consider choices tactically, weighing costs and benefits rather than right or wrong.
- Use Aura Whisper often to remain aware of your surroundings.
- Live up to the "cold-blooded" stereotype perpetuated by non-Argonians. Do not respond to pleas for pity or mercy.
They avoid any close association or relation with non-Argonians, but for their egg-brethren they will make great sacrifices. Do whatever quests you can for the Argonians in the game. When beginning the Theives Guild questline (you don't need to go far into it) brawl with Bersi and Haelga, so you don't have to punish Keerava. A very good move is taking Derkeethus as a companion as mentioned above. He is not only skilled, but also hardy.
Follow any leads on artifacts or sources of power that would benefit the Argonians when they are ready to move on Tamriel. Investigate Dwemer ruins in particular, one of the few races that could have matched the Saxhleel. Their fortifications could be of use to Black Marsh, and the more of them are cleared, the better. Likewise, give dissidents like the Forsworn aid, to further weaken Skyrim.
Fearsome as the dragons may be, nothing deters these warriors, and as the Warbringer's strength grows, it will find the power to bend even these great 'lizards' to the Argonian cause. Summon or ride dragons at every opportunity, overkill be damned.
This character doesn't actually complete a lot of the big quests and questlines, as most of them benefit the non-Argonians of Skyrim. The notable exceptions are the DLC quests and Dark Brotherhood. Simply use your good judgement to choose quests that will ultimately benefit "your people".
Closing Note: For anyone unfamiliar with the source material, this character is based on the Saurus warriors from the Lizardmen faction of Warhammer, the first and last pieces of artwork coming from the actual rulebook. Have fun being a cold blooded boss!
Recommended Quests: Sources of Power, Forsworn Conspiracy, Dawnguard, Dragonborn, Dwemer Ruins, Main Quest, Loud and Clear, Dark Brotherhood
Thanks for reading!
Build Theme
Somewhere in the dark corners of Black Marsh, the Argonians protect a grim secret. An army, specially bred by the Hist. Though the Hist trees are supposedly responsible for all the warriors of Black Marsh, none are quite like these. Hatched only once every few decades, they have never left the borders of Black Marsh...or died--only grown in numbers, bit by bit as the eras have passed. But their time has come. Chaos stirs behind the veil of calm that the other races work so hard to maintain. These ageless, oldblooded warriors will soon march to claim Tamriel for the Hist. The first of many has been sent to prepare the way.
"Amid the darkness and horror of a world splintering apart, the armies of the true creators, who were ancient at the dawn of time, will march forth once more. We shall sweep away all that is chaos and disorder, for ours is the true path, and none shall defy us." -- Argonian Warbringer
The Build
Welcome to my first Argonian build and final event build for Crossworlds! The Warbringer is a straightforward, sword-and-board warrior character who uses speed and tenacious health and defense to overcome enemies in battle. This Lizard is very pick-up-and-playable, but entertaining even in long playthroughs. I've also never found a really good reason to suit up in Dragon armor, but this fella's got it. His purpose is to test the strength of Skyrim and the Empire, which are both conveniently gathered together. Other Argonians will join the cause, and their strength as a people will grow until they are ready to make their move...
Race: Argonian
Stone: Warrior~> Steed or Lady
Key Shouts: Dismay, Whirlwind Sprint, Aura Whisper, Dragonrend, Call Dragon, Dragon Aspect, Slow Time, Kyne's Peace
Primary Skills: One Handed, Block, Smithing
Secondary Skills: Light/Heavy Armor, Sneak, Enchanting†
Abilities: Bones of the Earth, Fortify Unarmed, Mora's Agony, Bardic Knowledge, Seeker of Might, Lover's Insight, Dragonborn Force
Attribute Spread: 0/3/1
†Optional Skill
Level 25 Perks
Weapons and Equipment
The Warbringer's gear comes in two tiers for your choice of light or heavy armor, with a range of options between each.
~~Tier I~~
The Falmer Armor (left) can be found in Mzinchaleft, while the Scaled Horn Armor can be found on a select few NPCs or looted at random from level 19 onward.
~~Tier II~~
Options: Banded Iron, Bonemold, Chitin, or Daedric Shields, OR Targe of the Blooded. Any ring boosting your combat skills is good to hold onto.
Gameplay
Progressing: This character develops very freely, and benefits from ranging all across Skyrim in search of artifacts and materials. Dungeons of all kinds are good leveling opportunities, Dwemer ruins in particular for their Grade A smithing materials (just don't get too overzealous; even a Sphere can pose a threat at low levels). Because almost all your skills are combat centered, they level organically, without grinding. Simply join the fray and let the experience come. Getting some shouts early, like Whirlwind Sprint, Dismay, and Aura Whisper will be a big help. Likewise, rescuing Derkeethus early on will give you a valuable ally, distraction, and added carry weight early on. He specializes in Light Armor, so be sure to keep him well equipped alongside yourself.
Combat: This Warbringer's advantage in combat is frightening speed and a hide thick enough to shrug off all but the most devastating blows. This speed and endurance means very few enemies are ever beyond the reach of its blade. An effective strategy is to dodge ranged attacks, while drawing melee enemies away from the archers or mages. You can then either dismantle the melee threat, or Whirlwind Sprint past them and attack the exposed ranged enemies. The disadvantage there is that you begin combat with your shouts on cooldown. The danger can be reduced if you plan your attack using Aura Whisper to enhance your senses. Tactical use of shield charges and bashes (meaning not wasting stamina on power attacks) will limit the enemy's openings to fight back. Even dragons can be outmaneuvered with these techniques, particularly with support from Derkeethus.
Stealth is employed to get the drop on enemies, closing to a good range before initiating an ambush. The Warbringer is a soldier, a warrior, so kills from stealth aren't really his style. But using sneak to get a good view on priority targets or cornering lone enemies is very helpful for gaining the upper hand in combat.
Abilities
Histborn Resiliance
The Warbringer calls on gifts of the Hist to harden its scaly hide to the point that even grievous blows can barely scratch it.
Bones of the Earth + Secret of Protection (+ Histskin)
Marshcall
With the Hist's blessing, Black Marsh itself reaches out to aid the Warbringer in defeating its enemies, entangling and poisoning them while the Warbringer attacks freely.
Slow Time + Mora's Agony
Roleplay
The Saxhleel Warbringer is part of an army kept secret even from leaders among the Argonians. They are chosen by the Hist, minds branded from birth with the deadly art of war and granted longevity; they shall never die unless on the field of battle.
These warriors are gifted with highly predatory minds, and every fight is really a hunt for them. They approach each new situation with caution, and consider choices tactically, weighing costs and benefits rather than right or wrong.
- Use Aura Whisper often to remain aware of your surroundings.
- Live up to the "cold-blooded" stereotype perpetuated by non-Argonians. Do not respond to pleas for pity or mercy.
They avoid any close association or relation with non-Argonians, but for their egg-brethren they will make great sacrifices. Do whatever quests you can for the Argonians in the game. When beginning the Theives Guild questline (you don't need to go far into it) brawl with Bersi and Haelga, so you don't have to punish Keerava. A very good move is taking Derkeethus as a companion as mentioned above. He is not only skilled, but also hardy.
Follow any leads on artifacts or sources of power that would benefit the Argonians when they are ready to move on Tamriel. Investigate Dwemer ruins in particular, one of the few races that could have matched the Saxhleel. Their fortifications could be of use to Black Marsh, and the more of them are cleared, the better. Likewise, give dissidents like the Forsworn aid, to further weaken Skyrim.
Fearsome as the dragons may be, nothing deters these warriors, and as the Warbringer's strength grows, it will find the power to bend even these great 'lizards' to the Argonian cause. Summon or ride dragons at every opportunity, overkill be damned.
This character doesn't actually complete a lot of the big quests and questlines, as most of them benefit the non-Argonians of Skyrim. The notable exceptions are the DLC quests and Dark Brotherhood. Simply use your good judgement to choose quests that will ultimately benefit "your people".
Closing Note: For anyone unfamiliar with the source material, this character is based on the Saurus warriors from the Lizardmen faction of Warhammer, the first and last pieces of artwork coming from the actual rulebook. Have fun being a cold blooded boss!
Recommended Quests: Sources of Power, Forsworn Conspiracy, Dawnguard, Dragonborn, Dwemer Ruins, Main Quest, Loud and Clear, Dark Brotherhood
Thanks for reading!
And I'm just OCD about having my three archive tags.