The First Empire made the Bretons fall into line and convert to the Eight Divines. And yet, even under the yoke of Imperial rule, lesser deities still hold significant sway over the more superstitious Bretons. Many Breton mages who emphasize their tainted Elven blood are proud to worship the hero-god Phynaster... ~ Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: High Rock.
Cleric by Josh Calloway
The Cleric of Phynaster belongs to the magical elite of High Rock who are proud of their Elven blood and magical aptitude. Because of this ancestral blessing, the Cleric reveres the Elven deity Phynaster, better known to the faithful as The Guardian, the hero-god of adventure and protection - a fitting deity in the quest-obsessed culture of the Bretons. Using her mace and shield and supported by her faith represented by the Restoration school, The Cleric of Phynaster strikes the perfect balance between priest and paladin.
In addition to her natural gifts, the Cleric further enhances her abilities with Alchemy. Attired in Breton lore-inspired Light Armour which hints at her Elven ancestry, the Cleric of Phynaster is an unstoppable, magic-resisting and undead-burning holy hero.
Race: Breton.
Standing Stone: The Lord.
Equipment: Red variant Dawnguard Light Armour, Elven Gauntlets, Elven Boots, Dawnguard Rune Shield and the Diadem of the Savant. Once unlocked, Glass Gauntlets, Glass Boots and the silver Dawnguard armour variant is another good-looking set which keeps the same Breton theme.
Weapons: Elven/Glass Mace.
Shouts: Dragonborn Flames, Become Ethereal.
Major Skills: Alchemy, Block, One Handed and Restoration.
Minor Skills: Light Armour and Destruction.
Blessing: Phynaster
Alchemy: Alchemist 5/5, Physician and Benefactor.
Alchemy, "the adventurer's best friend", is prized by Phyanaster's clergy for both it's curative benefits and the advantages it grants to the pious. The Cleric of Phynaster uses this skill to increase the might of her spells and to augment her physical and magical resistances. Potions of Fortify Destruction increase the effectiveness of her Flame Cloak and the Rune Shield's Holy Aura turning the Cleric into an active damage-dealer even when passively blocking.
Block: Shield Wall 3/5, Quick Reflexes, Deflect Arrows, Elemental Protection, Block Runner and Shield Charge.
The Block skill is this character's most important asset and represents the Guardian aspect of Phynaster's Sphere of influence. With a shield in hand, the cleric is able to go toe-to-toe with the toughest demons and undead Skyrim can throw at her. Yet she is no knight so without a shield she is much more vulnerable than a paladin. By focusing on the left side of the tree in order to reach those all-important Block Runner and Shield Charge perks, the cleric gains the Elemental Protection perk to further increase her already impressive Magic Resistance.
One Handed: Armsman 5/5, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike and Critical Charge.
The mace has become synonymous with the holy orders and Phynaster's clergy are no exception. Although trained in all one handed weapons, the mace remains the cleric's favoured tool. Enchanted maces found in Skyrim's crypts and caves will benefit from the Cleric's considerable skill in the alchemical arts. By combing a Mace of the Blaze, a potion of Fortify Destruction and a duel cast Flame Cloak stacked with the Rune Shield's holy aura, no Volkihar Vampire or Dragon Priest is safe from Phynaster's light.
Restoration: Novice to Master, Regeneration, Respite, Dual Casting, Recovery 2/2, Necromage and Avoid Death.
Restoration is the second most important skill for the cleric. As the primary means of healing and recovering lost stamina used in all that smiting, Restoration also provides the means of mastery over undead. Flinging sun spells and casting Guardian Circles in Phynaster's name, no abomination is safe from The Cleric. It's other function is in a support capacity when fighting living opponents. By bringing a companion along, the cleric can fulfill the role of Party Leader by healing her ally while still getting stuck in herself.
Light Armour: Agile Defender 5/5, Custom Fit, Unhindered.
Light armour is much more in keeping with the balance this build walks between the other divine caster roles. Not as durable as a paladin's full plate but offering significantly more protection than a priest's robes, the correct set of light armour allows the cleric to recreate the Elven-influenced style of High Rock equipment. The Custom Fit perk will give the freedom to portray that look, while the Unhindered perk renders the cleric more agile and frees up more space in her inventory.
Destruction: Novice - Adept, Dual Casting and Augmented Flames 2/2, Intense Flames.
The magical school of Destruction has ever been a skill of the holy crusader. Although the Cleric lacks the advanced training of her more militant brothers, she is particularly adept at close range spells such as cloaks and runes. Focussing on the purifying element of fire, she mainly uses her training to aid in melee combat, always augmented by a fortifying potion.
Crusader by Angevere
The gleaming heavy armor of a Breton knight is as tough and practical as that of a Nord housecarl, but its pleasing form exhibits a subtle sophistication that is reminiscent of Elven elegance. One sees the same influence in Breton weaponry, which is beautiful yet undeniably deadly. ~ Racial Motifs 5: The Bretons
The Cleric is a follower of the Elven hero-god Phynaster and as such views the practice of questing and exploring as a sacred duty. Using the magical items rewarded at the end of questlines or found during your adventures is an important part of this build, particularly those fortifying Alchemy.
In combat, the Cleric uses her holy mace and shield, knowing that her strengths lie in the purifying of unholy abominations that have ever been the enemy of adventurers. This creates a fairly straightforward yet versatile approach to combat by flinging sun spells at range and closing in with mace and shield, enhanced by two stacked cloaks like Henson's Sun Priest yet further buffed with a potion of fortify destruction.
Like Teccam's Montalion, The Cleric of Phynaster uses alchemy to push the destructive power of her Destruction skill's twin cloaks to amazing heights. Any undead enemy up to and including the level of Draugr Wight are barely worth smiting as they will burn in seconds with the Rune Shield raised, leaving the Cleric alone to face the biggest bad in the room. By following the straightforward and minor Rune Shield exploit, stamina drain needn't be a problem.
Against living opponents the Cleric is slightly more vulnerable. Without the extra power of the Rune Shield's holy aura to deal out passive damage and bereft of the benefits of sun spells, she makes use of her Fire Breath with the Fire Within meditation to help even the odds.
The Blessing of Phynaster, added by the mod Ruined Shrine of Phynaster (for PC, XB1 and PS4), adds a further 10% to the Cleric's Magic Resistance already bolstered by her Bretonic Blood. By taking the Lord Stone, the Blessing of Phynaster, and gaining the Agent of Mara perk, the MR of this character will reach a nice 75%. With a shield raised against oncoming elemental damage the resistance cap will be reached easilly. What's more, Phynaster's Blessing doesn't override that of another deity's so the other members of the Breton pantheon can also get a bit of veneration.
Charge of the Righteous
Potion of Aetherial Fire + Rune Shield + Duel Cast Flame Cloak + Shield Charge
Radiating heavenly light from her shield and purifying fire from her body, the Cleric of Phynaster slams into her undead foes like a holy fist, scattering and burning them as they fall.
In order to get the Dawnguard Rune Shield as soon as possible it is necessary to undergo a few of the Dawnguard main story quests and side missions until the quest Bolstering the Ranks becomes available. After Florentius Baenius has been recruited and one Ancient Technology mission has been completed, the Arkayn priest will send the Cleric on a retrieval quest to claim a Lost Relic, the first one being for the Rune Hammer.
These side missions are tied to the Dawnguard main quest, the Shield not available until after the Prophet quest has been completed as well as a number of tasks from Sorine and Gunmar. All these activities are worth your time, however, as they will allow you to hone your skills against undead enemies. Just be sure to brew a potion of Fortify Pickpocket just in case you need to prove anything to Skyrim's Jarls. The Dawnguard Main Quest is, of course, well worth completing.
The Main Quest is worth pursuing up until Throat of the World in order to learn the Fire Within meditation form Paarthurnax which will add to your fire damage. My Cleric didn't return to the MQ until very late in the game due to the epic Draugr bashing to be had at The World-Eater's Eyrie. The feel of this run is best suited to a high level character in my opinion.
The Man Who Cried Wolf and The Wolf Queen Awakened will give the Cleric another opportunity to combat undead show off her incredible magic resistance against evil wizards as she brings the light of Phynaster to the dark corners of Skyrim.
The Book of Love is a beautiful quest and well worth the Cleric's time for that extra 15% MR.
The Heart of Dibella is another holy quest with a useful reward and helping the priestesses find a new Sybil is a worthy goal.
Other than those, the Cleric should be honouring the Phynaster the Guardian by adventuring and spreading his holy word. Choose your own quests and create a narrative worthy of ballad in the castles of High Rock.
Aetherial Fire
Fortify Destruction and Resist Shock uses Glowing Mushroom, Nightshade and Snowberries.
The Cleric of Phynaster takes a swig of this tonic before confronting storm wizards and when fighting undead to strengthen the destructive power of her cloaks.
Divine Infusion
Fortify Restoration and Magicka Regeneration uses Cyrodiilic Spadetail, Salt Pile and Garlic.
This potion enhances the strength and transfer speed of Phynaster's divine radiance as it is channelled through his champion.
Solution of The Guardian
Fortify Block and Resist Magic uses Tundra Cotton and Bleeding Crown.
With a swift drink the Cleric gains insight into Phynaster's sphere. With both physical and magical defences enhanced the Cleric wades into the fray.
Art by Michael Komarck
It's fair to say that this build wouldn't have even have started without all those who took the time to comment and give their advice when it was still a WiP in the Workshop. Unfortunately the number of people who advised, commented or otherwise showed their support is far too long to list here - the WiP ran for 14 pages and just as many likes - but I want you all to know I appreciate all the attention you gave this build, it wouldn't have survived without you.
Of particular note is Golden Fool for going above and beyond the call of duty by taking hundreds of screenshots of the cleric in various poses and scenes. Thanks Golden! That was then. This time around he has let me know of the Ruined Shrine of Phynaster mod which inspired a return to this old build in addition to the wonderful screenshots above and here. Thank you, Goldie :)
Vazgen for finally convincing me to pursue Alchemy instead of Enchanting to see if the elixirs would boost the power of the Rune Shield. Thanksa Vaz! Sadly it meant I wasn't able to pursue Henson's idea of a true smiting mace of banishing and turning.
Borommakot for writing Those Consumed by Order, a spectacular scene describing a face off between Magda the Cleric of Phynaster and his own Castigator.
As is the case with all my builds this one is blatantly a poor imitation of those who have come before, in particular No Snakes' The War Priest , Ponty's The Priest and Henson's The Sun Priest were a huge inspiration. Check all these priests out - they're awesome!
Very special thanks to someone special for their encouragement, confidence boosts and an excellent PowerPoint tutorial :)
Last but by no means least, thank you for reading!
The First Empire made the Bretons fall into line and convert to the Eight Divines. And yet, even under the yoke of Imperial rule, lesser deities still hold significant sway over the more superstitious Bretons. Many Breton mages who emphasize their tainted Elven blood are proud to worship the hero-god Phynaster... ~ Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: High Rock.
Cleric by Josh Calloway
The Cleric of Phynaster belongs to the magical elite of High Rock who are proud of their Elven blood and magical aptitude. Because of this ancestral blessing, the Cleric reveres the Elven deity Phynaster, better known to the faithful as The Guardian, the hero-god of adventure and protection - a fitting deity in the quest-obsessed culture of the Bretons. Using her mace and shield and supported by her faith represented by the Restoration school, The Cleric of Phynaster strikes the perfect balance between priest and paladin.
In addition to her natural gifts, the Cleric further enhances her abilities with Alchemy. Attired in Breton lore-inspired Light Armour which hints at her Elven ancestry, the Cleric of Phynaster is an unstoppable, magic-resisting and undead-burning holy hero.
Race: Breton.
Standing Stone: The Lord.
Equipment: Red variant Dawnguard Light Armour, Elven Gauntlets, Elven Boots, Dawnguard Rune Shield and the Diadem of the Savant. Once unlocked, Glass Gauntlets, Glass Boots and the silver Dawnguard armour variant is another good-looking set which keeps the same Breton theme.
Weapons: Elven/Glass Mace.
Shouts: Dragonborn Flames, Become Ethereal.
Major Skills: Alchemy, Block, One Handed and Restoration.
Minor Skills: Light Armour and Destruction.
Blessing: Phynaster
Alchemy: Alchemist 5/5, Physician and Benefactor.
Alchemy, "the adventurer's best friend", is prized by Phyanaster's clergy for both it's curative benefits and the advantages it grants to the pious. The Cleric of Phynaster uses this skill to increase the might of her spells and to augment her physical and magical resistances. Potions of Fortify Destruction increase the effectiveness of her Flame Cloak and the Rune Shield's Holy Aura turning the Cleric into an active damage-dealer even when passively blocking.
Block: Shield Wall 3/5, Quick Reflexes, Deflect Arrows, Elemental Protection, Block Runner and Shield Charge.
The Block skill is this character's most important asset and represents the Guardian aspect of Phynaster's Sphere of influence. With a shield in hand, the cleric is able to go toe-to-toe with the toughest demons and undead Skyrim can throw at her. Yet she is no knight so without a shield she is much more vulnerable than a paladin. By focusing on the left side of the tree in order to reach those all-important Block Runner and Shield Charge perks, the cleric gains the Elemental Protection perk to further increase her already impressive Magic Resistance.
One Handed: Armsman 5/5, Fighting Stance, Savage Strike and Critical Charge.
The mace has become synonymous with the holy orders and Phynaster's clergy are no exception. Although trained in all one handed weapons, the mace remains the cleric's favoured tool. Enchanted maces found in Skyrim's crypts and caves will benefit from the Cleric's considerable skill in the alchemical arts. By combing a Mace of the Blaze, a potion of Fortify Destruction and a duel cast Flame Cloak stacked with the Rune Shield's holy aura, no Volkihar Vampire or Dragon Priest is safe from Phynaster's light.
Restoration: Novice to Master, Regeneration, Respite, Dual Casting, Recovery 2/2, Necromage and Avoid Death.
Restoration is the second most important skill for the cleric. As the primary means of healing and recovering lost stamina used in all that smiting, Restoration also provides the means of mastery over undead. Flinging sun spells and casting Guardian Circles in Phynaster's name, no abomination is safe from The Cleric. It's other function is in a support capacity when fighting living opponents. By bringing a companion along, the cleric can fulfill the role of Party Leader by healing her ally while still getting stuck in herself.
Light Armour: Agile Defender 5/5, Custom Fit, Unhindered.
Light armour is much more in keeping with the balance this build walks between the other divine caster roles. Not as durable as a paladin's full plate but offering significantly more protection than a priest's robes, the correct set of light armour allows the cleric to recreate the Elven-influenced style of High Rock equipment. The Custom Fit perk will give the freedom to portray that look, while the Unhindered perk renders the cleric more agile and frees up more space in her inventory.
Destruction: Novice - Adept, Dual Casting and Augmented Flames 2/2, Intense Flames.
The magical school of Destruction has ever been a skill of the holy crusader. Although the Cleric lacks the advanced training of her more militant brothers, she is particularly adept at close range spells such as cloaks and runes. Focussing on the purifying element of fire, she mainly uses her training to aid in melee combat, always augmented by a fortifying potion.
Crusader by Angevere
The gleaming heavy armor of a Breton knight is as tough and practical as that of a Nord housecarl, but its pleasing form exhibits a subtle sophistication that is reminiscent of Elven elegance. One sees the same influence in Breton weaponry, which is beautiful yet undeniably deadly. ~ Racial Motifs 5: The Bretons
The Cleric is a follower of the Elven hero-god Phynaster and as such views the practice of questing and exploring as a sacred duty. Using the magical items rewarded at the end of questlines or found during your adventures is an important part of this build, particularly those fortifying Alchemy.
In combat, the Cleric uses her holy mace and shield, knowing that her strengths lie in the purifying of unholy abominations that have ever been the enemy of adventurers. This creates a fairly straightforward yet versatile approach to combat by flinging sun spells at range and closing in with mace and shield, enhanced by two stacked cloaks like Henson's Sun Priest yet further buffed with a potion of fortify destruction.
Like Teccam's Montalion, The Cleric of Phynaster uses alchemy to push the destructive power of her Destruction skill's twin cloaks to amazing heights. Any undead enemy up to and including the level of Draugr Wight are barely worth smiting as they will burn in seconds with the Rune Shield raised, leaving the Cleric alone to face the biggest bad in the room. By following the straightforward and minor Rune Shield exploit, stamina drain needn't be a problem.
Against living opponents the Cleric is slightly more vulnerable. Without the extra power of the Rune Shield's holy aura to deal out passive damage and bereft of the benefits of sun spells, she makes use of her Fire Breath with the Fire Within meditation to help even the odds.
The Blessing of Phynaster, added by the mod Ruined Shrine of Phynaster (for PC, XB1 and PS4), adds a further 10% to the Cleric's Magic Resistance already bolstered by her Bretonic Blood. By taking the Lord Stone, the Blessing of Phynaster, and gaining the Agent of Mara perk, the MR of this character will reach a nice 75%. With a shield raised against oncoming elemental damage the resistance cap will be reached easilly. What's more, Phynaster's Blessing doesn't override that of another deity's so the other members of the Breton pantheon can also get a bit of veneration.
Charge of the Righteous
Potion of Aetherial Fire + Rune Shield + Duel Cast Flame Cloak + Shield Charge
Radiating heavenly light from her shield and purifying fire from her body, the Cleric of Phynaster slams into her undead foes like a holy fist, scattering and burning them as they fall.
In order to get the Dawnguard Rune Shield as soon as possible it is necessary to undergo a few of the Dawnguard main story quests and side missions until the quest Bolstering the Ranks becomes available. After Florentius Baenius has been recruited and one Ancient Technology mission has been completed, the Arkayn priest will send the Cleric on a retrieval quest to claim a Lost Relic, the first one being for the Rune Hammer.
These side missions are tied to the Dawnguard main quest, the Shield not available until after the Prophet quest has been completed as well as a number of tasks from Sorine and Gunmar. All these activities are worth your time, however, as they will allow you to hone your skills against undead enemies. Just be sure to brew a potion of Fortify Pickpocket just in case you need to prove anything to Skyrim's Jarls. The Dawnguard Main Quest is, of course, well worth completing.
The Main Quest is worth pursuing up until Throat of the World in order to learn the Fire Within meditation form Paarthurnax which will add to your fire damage. My Cleric didn't return to the MQ until very late in the game due to the epic Draugr bashing to be had at The World-Eater's Eyrie. The feel of this run is best suited to a high level character in my opinion.
The Man Who Cried Wolf and The Wolf Queen Awakened will give the Cleric another opportunity to combat undead show off her incredible magic resistance against evil wizards as she brings the light of Phynaster to the dark corners of Skyrim.
The Book of Love is a beautiful quest and well worth the Cleric's time for that extra 15% MR.
The Heart of Dibella is another holy quest with a useful reward and helping the priestesses find a new Sybil is a worthy goal.
Other than those, the Cleric should be honouring the Phynaster the Guardian by adventuring and spreading his holy word. Choose your own quests and create a narrative worthy of ballad in the castles of High Rock.
Aetherial Fire
Fortify Destruction and Resist Shock uses Glowing Mushroom, Nightshade and Snowberries.
The Cleric of Phynaster takes a swig of this tonic before confronting storm wizards and when fighting undead to strengthen the destructive power of her cloaks.
Divine Infusion
Fortify Restoration and Magicka Regeneration uses Cyrodiilic Spadetail, Salt Pile and Garlic.
This potion enhances the strength and transfer speed of Phynaster's divine radiance as it is channelled through his champion.
Solution of The Guardian
Fortify Block and Resist Magic uses Tundra Cotton and Bleeding Crown.
With a swift drink the Cleric gains insight into Phynaster's sphere. With both physical and magical defences enhanced the Cleric wades into the fray.
Art by Michael Komarck
It's fair to say that this build wouldn't have even have started without all those who took the time to comment and give their advice when it was still a WiP in the Workshop. Unfortunately the number of people who advised, commented or otherwise showed their support is far too long to list here - the WiP ran for 14 pages and just as many likes - but I want you all to know I appreciate all the attention you gave this build, it wouldn't have survived without you.
Of particular note is Golden Fool for going above and beyond the call of duty by taking hundreds of screenshots of the cleric in various poses and scenes. Thanks Golden! That was then. This time around he has let me know of the Ruined Shrine of Phynaster mod which inspired a return to this old build in addition to the wonderful screenshots above and here. Thank you, Goldie :)
Vazgen for finally convincing me to pursue Alchemy instead of Enchanting to see if the elixirs would boost the power of the Rune Shield. Thanksa Vaz! Sadly it meant I wasn't able to pursue Henson's idea of a true smiting mace of banishing and turning.
Borommakot for writing Those Consumed by Order, a spectacular scene describing a face off between Magda the Cleric of Phynaster and his own Castigator.
As is the case with all my builds this one is blatantly a poor imitation of those who have come before, in particular No Snakes' The War Priest , Ponty's The Priest and Henson's The Sun Priest were a huge inspiration. Check all these priests out - they're awesome!
Very special thanks to someone special for their encouragement, confidence boosts and an excellent PowerPoint tutorial :)
Last but by no means least, thank you for reading!
