*Utilisez Dragonborn and Dawnguard content*
With this build. I wanted to do a no-crafting build (Ok, its 99.99% non-crafting), a martial arts type build, and another build that uses the wooden sword. Well, this one uses FOUR! “Four wooden swords? Chris, are you insane?!”, well, to answer your question, yes I am! Anyway, this build came about while playing a having fun with staff bashing and wooden swords. On with the build.....
Es’Kriima, a fierce martial art created from a fusion of Khajiiti, Yokudan, Tango Mo, and Tsacei styles of combat. The practicers train for years using knives, quarterstaffs, hand-to-hand combat, whips, and other close quarters weapons, yet their most deadly, are twin, hand-carved, wooden rods. While not closely trained in the art of alchemy or smithing, they are masters at making several teas and oils to drink and coat their weapons in, and are able to keep them in shape. You are an initiate in Es’Kriima, and as your trial, have been sent to train in the harsh land of Skyrim.....
With this character, I have created my first 0 AR, non-perked crafting skill character. The ONLY way you can boost your crafting skills is with found Fortify Skill gear, Fortify Potions, and, if you have Dragonborn, Seeker of Sorcery/Shadows, alongside Ahzidal’s Relics for enchanting. Now, when I played this character, he himself was not Dragonborn per say, but chose to stop Alduin and spare Paarthurnaxx, because it was the noble thing to do. You may chose to be the Dragonborn if you desire.
Race: Any who make their way to a training center can learn the ways of Es’Kriima, though the most common races are:
Breton-With their boosts to Alchemy, Restoration, Speech, and Illusion, alongside an innate 25% Resistance to Magicka, and Dragonskin, which is great against mages and dragons.
Orc-As demonstrated by Zach’s Obliterator, and my own testing, Orcs, with Berzerker Rage, and either Bones of the Earth or Secret of Protection, they become not only near invincible to damage, but deal double.
Khajiit-With a bonus to unarmed damage from the get go, these kittens come with a bonus to alchemy and one-handed.
Redguard-My main race for this build, Adrenaline Rush, fused with a bonus to one-handed, block, smithing, and a 50% resistance to poison, plus, to paraphrase Alastor, they have the whole “spirit-warrior” vibe going on.
Though, whatever race you pick, you shall become a vampire at some point. I perceived it as the Fighter, in a moment of weakness and ambition, took on the power of Vampirsim, at least to get the Ring of the Beast.
Standing Stone: The Advanced Lady. The followers of Es’Krima have been known to have trained their bodies to heal faster than regular men. Utilizing found Elixirs of the Healrt, and a Philter of the Healer, you can get Healing and Stamina Regen to a decent level.
Major Skills: One-Handed, Block, Restoration,
Minor Skills: Speech, Archery, Sneak
“If I am to one day become a master, I must first master my fear....”
In the beginning of the build, leading up to level 32, the Fighter is but a humble initiate to the school. Seeking some training, after escaping Helgen (Or starting out in Whiterun with an Alternate Start mod), the Initiate seeks out adventure. Grabbing the Dragonstone and the Golden Claw, grab some iron or steel swords from the bandits. Once that is over with, head on over to Whiterun, and, after persuading the guards to let you in, join up with the Companions, a noble warrior guild. But, do not complete the quest line yet, stop after Proving Honour for now. Help out Amren by finding his father’s sword, and the Priest of Arkay recover his amulet.
In regards to combat as the Initiate, since you are more than likely to have a decent bow and some damaging and defense Shouts, as in Fire Breath, Become Ethereal, and the like, dragons, archers and mages can be dealt with if you keep manuvering, and know when to attack, and when to take cover and wait. If you must have a shield, I recommend the Hide, Light Imperial, or, if you have Dragonborn, Dented Iron.
Without the use of Flesh Spells, the Lord Stone, or armor of any kind, two-handers and dual-wielders, especially those of the heavy armored variety, you’ll have to either stun them with Unrelenting Force, Become Ethereal, or use Quick Reflexes to avoid their attacks, and either reposition, or counterattack.
Train up block or one-handed with the Companions, then do the Main Quest. After Blade in the Dark, stop, and try and focus on finding Words of Power with the Greybeards. Once you feel satisfied, continue the Main Quest, occasionaly doing a side Quest. Try and steer clear of the Daedra, and, if you can’t (If you’re like me and can’t stand seeing an unfinished quest in your Journal, grr...), then try to screw them over if you can, except the Black Star, keep it a white soul gem. Another fitting quest to do is Blessings of Nature, for a “free” trainer, get the sapling. I also chose to join the College of Winterhold, and stopped it for a time after completing Hitting the Books.
Unless you have a mod that fixes it (Like I do), then certain shields and items will appear as invisible on vampires, which works well with this character. Stockpile any Fortify Alchemy and Smithing gear you find, as well as any potions that Fortify Restoration, or any of the three crafting skills.
Your next step before becoming a Master, is to dip into Dawnguard, save Serana, but do not return to Harkon yet. By level 32 or so, your skills should look like this:
Archery-Trained in the art of archery for ambushes, the Es’Kriima Fighter prefers to use the bow as a weapon of surprise, or to deal with threats his melee weapon cannot reach.
Sneak-Fleet of foot and quiet of step, the Initiate utilizes stealth to scout out the battlefield and to ambush his foes with a harsh blow to the back or a poisoned arrow to cripple them.
One-Handed-The majority of weapons Es’Kriima practitioners use are wielding with a single hand, and often lightweight.
Block-Fighters are trained in the use of simple leather or wooden shields, alongside blocking with both weapon and their hardened arms.
“The Student, has become the Master, as the night turns to day....”
By this point, you should have completed the Companions Questline, cured yourself, Farkas, and Vilkas of lycanthropy, and become Archmage of the College, and, if you have Dawnguard, visited the face sculptor and given yourself a few scars, some “mystic” looking blue warpaint, and a trim beard, something like the “old, wise masters” from martial arts films.
By this point, you should have obtained the Ring of the Beast. You should have enough Enchanting Experience from (dis)enchanting items for training and extra gold. Swallow a Fortify Enchanting Elixir before enchanting. To get Vaermina Robes, do the quest Waking Nightmares in Dawnstar, and help Erandur dispell the Skull of Corruption. You should have also joined the Civil War on the side of the Imperials, and slayed the Dark Brotherhood.
With your Fortify Alchemy Gear, and Fortify Alchemy potions, you should be able to craft some “teas” and “oils” which will help you in combat. One of these teas will allow you to enhance the Lady Stone so, while not OP, will still be viable. Fortify Enchanting and Smithing potions will help you boost your wooden swords effectiveness.
With this build, you will use the “dual wielding” block glitch, where you block with one weapon, go into your favorites, and, still blocking, equip the second weapon. During combat, you are not to be the aggressor. Let your foe come at you, then you may attack. Try and lure the melee enemies away from the ranged, and keep moving
With this character, once you complete the Volkihar questline, you must not do any quests that harm the innocent, and Dawnguard patrols provide great sparring partners.
With unenchanted staffs, as I found before reading the Oracle, if you have one in your offhand, you can block with them, and bash with them, which does quick bursts of damage.
With Marked for Death under your belt, a certain Tea, Ring of the Beast, and the enchantments, you can do some rather nice unarmed damage. I also recommend, Orc or otherwise, if you have Dragonborn, grab Secret of Protection or Bones of the Earth.
*Disclaimer: For those of you who do not wish to use archery, I found a mix of using ranged followers, scrolls, such as Spider Scrolls, Scrolls of Fireball, and uses of Dragonrend, Cyclone or Storm Call worked well for ranged enemies, such as mages and archers. Or, using Whirlwind Sprint/Become Ethereal to bridge the gap*
By the level I found this build (And a chunk of my other, non-Event builds), complete should be about level 64:
Speech-Es’Kriima Fighters are trained not just in the art of combat with weapons, but in combat with words. A few clinking Septims, a harsh word, or a calm voice allow the Fighter to gather supplies and information.
Restoration-Manipulating their bodies inner energies, and that of the air, Es’Kriima practitioners can heal their wounds, and that of others.
Roleplay:
Never slay an innocent individual unless you have no other choice.
If you use your wooden sword on someone, and it is not a kill cam, you are merely knocking them out.
Akaviri Ceremonial Tea-Special tea Akaviri nobles and soldiers would drink before battle, it increases their combat prowess.
(Fortify Archery) Canis Root+Juniper Berries. This handly little potion wont just boost your bow damage, but all weapon damage, yes, including your fists/claws. Throw in an Orc with Berserker Rage and Marked for Death, and you got a wrecking train of fists.
Alik’r Viper Venom-A paralyzing oil created from the venom of the feared Alik’r vipers.
(Parlysis+Lingering Damage Health) Canis Root+Imp Stool+Mora Tapinella
Flash Powder-An eye stinging powder mixed with some heated water and peppers.
(Damage Stamina and Paralyze) Canis Root+Bone Meal+Briar Heart)
Yokudan Healing Salve-A healing salve, created from the notes of an ancient Yokudan priest and alchemist.
(Fortify+Restore Health) Blue Mountain Flower+Wheat+Blisterwort
Fists of Oak, Mind of Steel-Downing twin tonics, the Orcish Es’Kriima Fighter becomes a nigh unstoppable force of nature.
(Akaviri Ceremonial Tea+Yokudan Healing Salve+Berzerker Rage+Bones of the Earth/Secret of Protection+Slow Time)
Aura of Protection-The Es’Kriima Fighter concentrates, entering a protective meditative state. His body heals as he waits.
(Potion of Fortify Destruction+Whirlwind Cloak+Become Ethereal+Ethereal Spirit)
Labai-Parrying an attack from a foe, the Es’Kriima Fighter disarms his enemy, then uses his opponent’s momentum to send them to the floor.
(Disarm+Quick Reflexes+Bash+Flash Powder+Power Attack)
Pamalut-The most powerful of an Es’Kriima Fighter’s move, the Fighter blocks a blow with an arm, delivers a blow to the opponents arm, then finishes it off with a heavy blow to the head, knocking them down)
(Shield+Vampire glitch+Power Bash+Pantutok+Alik’r Viper Venom)
Thanks to Golden Fool for the Perk and Equipment Spread, and Alastor (and to an extent Casey’s Abberant Blade) for inspiring me to make this build, as well as the real life martial art of Eskrima.)
*Utilisez Dragonborn and Dawnguard content*
With this build. I wanted to do a no-crafting build (Ok, its 99.99% non-crafting), a martial arts type build, and another build that uses the wooden sword. Well, this one uses FOUR! “Four wooden swords? Chris, are you insane?!”, well, to answer your question, yes I am! Anyway, this build came about while playing a having fun with staff bashing and wooden swords. On with the build.....
Es’Kriima, a fierce martial art created from a fusion of Khajiiti, Yokudan, Tango Mo, and Tsacei styles of combat. The practicers train for years using knives, quarterstaffs, hand-to-hand combat, whips, and other close quarters weapons, yet their most deadly, are twin, hand-carved, wooden rods. While not closely trained in the art of alchemy or smithing, they are masters at making several teas and oils to drink and coat their weapons in, and are able to keep them in shape. You are an initiate in Es’Kriima, and as your trial, have been sent to train in the harsh land of Skyrim.....
With this character, I have created my first 0 AR, non-perked crafting skill character. The ONLY way you can boost your crafting skills is with found Fortify Skill gear, Fortify Potions, and, if you have Dragonborn, Seeker of Sorcery/Shadows, alongside Ahzidal’s Relics for enchanting. Now, when I played this character, he himself was not Dragonborn per say, but chose to stop Alduin and spare Paarthurnaxx, because it was the noble thing to do. You may chose to be the Dragonborn if you desire.
Race: Any who make their way to a training center can learn the ways of Es’Kriima, though the most common races are:
Breton-With their boosts to Alchemy, Restoration, Speech, and Illusion, alongside an innate 25% Resistance to Magicka, and Dragonskin, which is great against mages and dragons.
Orc-As demonstrated by Zach’s Obliterator, and my own testing, Orcs, with Berzerker Rage, and either Bones of the Earth or Secret of Protection, they become not only near invincible to damage, but deal double.
Khajiit-With a bonus to unarmed damage from the get go, these kittens come with a bonus to alchemy and one-handed.
Redguard-My main race for this build, Adrenaline Rush, fused with a bonus to one-handed, block, smithing, and a 50% resistance to poison, plus, to paraphrase Alastor, they have the whole “spirit-warrior” vibe going on.
Though, whatever race you pick, you shall become a vampire at some point. I perceived it as the Fighter, in a moment of weakness and ambition, took on the power of Vampirsim, at least to get the Ring of the Beast.
Standing Stone: The Advanced Lady. The followers of Es’Krima have been known to have trained their bodies to heal faster than regular men. Utilizing found Elixirs of the Healrt, and a Philter of the Healer, you can get Healing and Stamina Regen to a decent level.
Major Skills: One-Handed, Block, Restoration,
Minor Skills: Speech, Archery, Sneak
“If I am to one day become a master, I must first master my fear....”
In the beginning of the build, leading up to level 32, the Fighter is but a humble initiate to the school. Seeking some training, after escaping Helgen (Or starting out in Whiterun with an Alternate Start mod), the Initiate seeks out adventure. Grabbing the Dragonstone and the Golden Claw, grab some iron or steel swords from the bandits. Once that is over with, head on over to Whiterun, and, after persuading the guards to let you in, join up with the Companions, a noble warrior guild. But, do not complete the quest line yet, stop after Proving Honour for now. Help out Amren by finding his father’s sword, and the Priest of Arkay recover his amulet.
In regards to combat as the Initiate, since you are more than likely to have a decent bow and some damaging and defense Shouts, as in Fire Breath, Become Ethereal, and the like, dragons, archers and mages can be dealt with if you keep manuvering, and know when to attack, and when to take cover and wait. If you must have a shield, I recommend the Hide, Light Imperial, or, if you have Dragonborn, Dented Iron.
Without the use of Flesh Spells, the Lord Stone, or armor of any kind, two-handers and dual-wielders, especially those of the heavy armored variety, you’ll have to either stun them with Unrelenting Force, Become Ethereal, or use Quick Reflexes to avoid their attacks, and either reposition, or counterattack.
Train up block or one-handed with the Companions, then do the Main Quest. After Blade in the Dark, stop, and try and focus on finding Words of Power with the Greybeards. Once you feel satisfied, continue the Main Quest, occasionaly doing a side Quest. Try and steer clear of the Daedra, and, if you can’t (If you’re like me and can’t stand seeing an unfinished quest in your Journal, grr...), then try to screw them over if you can, except the Black Star, keep it a white soul gem. Another fitting quest to do is Blessings of Nature, for a “free” trainer, get the sapling. I also chose to join the College of Winterhold, and stopped it for a time after completing Hitting the Books.
Unless you have a mod that fixes it (Like I do), then certain shields and items will appear as invisible on vampires, which works well with this character. Stockpile any Fortify Alchemy and Smithing gear you find, as well as any potions that Fortify Restoration, or any of the three crafting skills.
Your next step before becoming a Master, is to dip into Dawnguard, save Serana, but do not return to Harkon yet. By level 32 or so, your skills should look like this:
Archery-Trained in the art of archery for ambushes, the Es’Kriima Fighter prefers to use the bow as a weapon of surprise, or to deal with threats his melee weapon cannot reach.
Sneak-Fleet of foot and quiet of step, the Initiate utilizes stealth to scout out the battlefield and to ambush his foes with a harsh blow to the back or a poisoned arrow to cripple them.
One-Handed-The majority of weapons Es’Kriima practitioners use are wielding with a single hand, and often lightweight.
Block-Fighters are trained in the use of simple leather or wooden shields, alongside blocking with both weapon and their hardened arms.
“The Student, has become the Master, as the night turns to day....”
By this point, you should have completed the Companions Questline, cured yourself, Farkas, and Vilkas of lycanthropy, and become Archmage of the College, and, if you have Dawnguard, visited the face sculptor and given yourself a few scars, some “mystic” looking blue warpaint, and a trim beard, something like the “old, wise masters” from martial arts films.
By this point, you should have obtained the Ring of the Beast. You should have enough Enchanting Experience from (dis)enchanting items for training and extra gold. Swallow a Fortify Enchanting Elixir before enchanting. To get Vaermina Robes, do the quest Waking Nightmares in Dawnstar, and help Erandur dispell the Skull of Corruption. You should have also joined the Civil War on the side of the Imperials, and slayed the Dark Brotherhood.
With your Fortify Alchemy Gear, and Fortify Alchemy potions, you should be able to craft some “teas” and “oils” which will help you in combat. One of these teas will allow you to enhance the Lady Stone so, while not OP, will still be viable. Fortify Enchanting and Smithing potions will help you boost your wooden swords effectiveness.
With this build, you will use the “dual wielding” block glitch, where you block with one weapon, go into your favorites, and, still blocking, equip the second weapon. During combat, you are not to be the aggressor. Let your foe come at you, then you may attack. Try and lure the melee enemies away from the ranged, and keep moving
With this character, once you complete the Volkihar questline, you must not do any quests that harm the innocent, and Dawnguard patrols provide great sparring partners.
With unenchanted staffs, as I found before reading the Oracle, if you have one in your offhand, you can block with them, and bash with them, which does quick bursts of damage.
With Marked for Death under your belt, a certain Tea, Ring of the Beast, and the enchantments, you can do some rather nice unarmed damage. I also recommend, Orc or otherwise, if you have Dragonborn, grab Secret of Protection or Bones of the Earth.
*Disclaimer: For those of you who do not wish to use archery, I found a mix of using ranged followers, scrolls, such as Spider Scrolls, Scrolls of Fireball, and uses of Dragonrend, Cyclone or Storm Call worked well for ranged enemies, such as mages and archers. Or, using Whirlwind Sprint/Become Ethereal to bridge the gap*
By the level I found this build (And a chunk of my other, non-Event builds), complete should be about level 64:
Speech-Es’Kriima Fighters are trained not just in the art of combat with weapons, but in combat with words. A few clinking Septims, a harsh word, or a calm voice allow the Fighter to gather supplies and information.
Restoration-Manipulating their bodies inner energies, and that of the air, Es’Kriima practitioners can heal their wounds, and that of others.
Roleplay:
Never slay an innocent individual unless you have no other choice.
If you use your wooden sword on someone, and it is not a kill cam, you are merely knocking them out.
Akaviri Ceremonial Tea-Special tea Akaviri nobles and soldiers would drink before battle, it increases their combat prowess.
(Fortify Archery) Canis Root+Juniper Berries. This handly little potion wont just boost your bow damage, but all weapon damage, yes, including your fists/claws. Throw in an Orc with Berserker Rage and Marked for Death, and you got a wrecking train of fists.
Alik’r Viper Venom-A paralyzing oil created from the venom of the feared Alik’r vipers.
(Parlysis+Lingering Damage Health) Canis Root+Imp Stool+Mora Tapinella
Flash Powder-An eye stinging powder mixed with some heated water and peppers.
(Damage Stamina and Paralyze) Canis Root+Bone Meal+Briar Heart)
Yokudan Healing Salve-A healing salve, created from the notes of an ancient Yokudan priest and alchemist.
(Fortify+Restore Health) Blue Mountain Flower+Wheat+Blisterwort
Fists of Oak, Mind of Steel-Downing twin tonics, the Orcish Es’Kriima Fighter becomes a nigh unstoppable force of nature.
(Akaviri Ceremonial Tea+Yokudan Healing Salve+Berzerker Rage+Bones of the Earth/Secret of Protection+Slow Time)
Aura of Protection-The Es’Kriima Fighter concentrates, entering a protective meditative state. His body heals as he waits.
(Potion of Fortify Destruction+Whirlwind Cloak+Become Ethereal+Ethereal Spirit)
Labai-Parrying an attack from a foe, the Es’Kriima Fighter disarms his enemy, then uses his opponent’s momentum to send them to the floor.
(Disarm+Quick Reflexes+Bash+Flash Powder+Power Attack)
Pamalut-The most powerful of an Es’Kriima Fighter’s move, the Fighter blocks a blow with an arm, delivers a blow to the opponents arm, then finishes it off with a heavy blow to the head, knocking them down)
(Shield+Vampire glitch+Power Bash+Pantutok+Alik’r Viper Venom)
Thanks to Golden Fool for the Perk and Equipment Spread, and Alastor (and to an extent Casey’s Abberant Blade) for inspiring me to make this build, as well as the real life martial art of Eskrima.)
