Skyrim Character Building » Discussions


Event Build: The Crystal Archer (الكريستال آرتشر)

Tags: #Character Build Archer  #Character Build Healer  #Character Build Alchemist  #Character Build Mods  #Race:Redguard  #Ordinator  #SE Rank:Adept  #Event:Crossworlds3  #Tysoyaha 
  • December 26, 2017

     

    Concept:

    The gameplay of this build is based around exploiting Companions Insight so that positive effect poisons will heal allies while still harming enemies. This is accomplished by creating poisons who's negative effects counteract or exceed any healing they would do, or by simply providing buffs that enemies wouldn't benefit from. For instance:

    Imp Stool+Crimson Nirnroot+Swamp Fungal Pod
    -Paralysis for 15 seconds.
    -91pts Health damage.
    +76pts Restore Health.

    Used on an enemy, this poison's health damage would surpass its own healing by 15pts and also cause paralysis. However, an ally protected by Companions Insight would not receive the paralysis or damage health effects, though they'd still be healed. So with the ability active, it would effectively be:

    Imp Stool+Crimson Nirnroot+Swamp Fungal Pod
    -15pts Health Damage and Paralysis for 15sec on enemies.
    +76pts Restore Health on allies.

    For a more in-depth look at this mechanic, feel free to check out my guide on Companions Insight and Alchemy. Oh, and let's not forget that the roleplay used here was inspired heavily by Teccams Crystallurgist, an absolutely fantastic build! (If you haven't checked it out yet, I encourage you to do so.) For this reason, poisons will here on out be referred to as Crystals, Gems and Ore.

     

     

    Background:

    The Oblivion Crisis inflicted a heavy toll on the Empire, and the Blades' depleted and undermanned forces began recruiting mages and archers for support. This eventually lead to Anweara D'urrn joining in 4E159, as one of the youngest Redguard to ever be welcomed into the Faction. Her superior marksmanship, tactical mind and inherent leadership abilities gained her the attention of Emperor Titus II. However, it was her studies in the field of Crystallurgy that solidified her as a valuable asset to the Empire.

    Impressed with her knowledge and abilities, Titus II decided to fund Anweara's research, providing her with anything she needed for her studies. This lead to a great many breakthroughs, including the ability forge crystalline arrowheads that could heal as effectively as they could harm. Despite these luxuries, Anweara refused to step away from her primary duties as a Blade. In fact, when more soldiers were needed to spy on the Aldmeri Dominion, she was among the first to volunteer.

    Of coarse, when an Aldmeri ambassador began the great war by presenting the Emperor with the severed heads of those very spies, it was assumed that Anweara's was among them. In truth, she and two Nord Blades survived their capture and continued to resist the Thalmor in Valenwood. Under her leadership, they fought valiantly for many years until retreating when Anweara finally succumbed to severe wounds and the loss of her right eye.

    During her recovery, she wrestled with the weight of a life spent in combat, and she chose to stay out of Nirn's growing conflicts. However, with the passing of the White Gold Concordat, Anweara realized she could not just sit on the sidelines while the Empire bent it's knee to the evil she knew the Thalmor was. With this, she made her way to Skyrim, determined to join the revolution, rebuild the Blades, and fight to protect Tamriel from the forces that would destabilize it. Most importantly she's vowed to keep the innocents and her closest allies safe.

    “Stick to the plan, and if you get into trouble, I'll bail you out.”

     

    Build:

    Race - Redguard
    Give her white hair, a sidehawk, and a scar across one eye with a missing pupil. If you like, one of the smaller more symbolic looking war paints also looks good in a subtle color.

    Standing Stone - The Steed/The Lord
    Maneuverability is key for this character, so weightless armor is a huge plus. However, if you're scraping enough to raise your light armor skill then there's a perk for that, and the Lord Stone will probably serve you better.

    Magic/Health/Stamina - 0/1/2
    Health investment should be based on how often you plan to really jump in the fray. Robed sniper's won't need much, but if your tactics are more close proximity, then a bit of Health will go a long way.

    Skills - Alchemy, Archery, Light Armor
    Light armor is an optional skill, making this potentially a two skill build. Don't worry though, the complexity of Ordinator means gameplay will still be diverse and interesting.

    Powers - Amplify Lethality

    Once a day, this power will allow you to debuff a target, increasing their weakness to poison by 250%

    Abilities - Companion's Insight, Sinderion's Serendipity

    Companion’s Insight negates negative effects and damage when your attacks and abilities strike allies. Companions Insight is the core component of the build, so immediately travel to Ravenrock Mine as soon as you feel that you and your companions are ready to face your first black book.

    Weapons - Nordic Bow, Stalhrim Arrows, Force Arrows, Grounding Arrows
    Trick Arrows are a great investment for this build. Stock up on materials and try to craft them as often as you can.

    Clothing/Armor - Adept Hood, Adept Robes/Stalhrim Armor, Stalhrim Gauntlets, Stalhrim Boots
    Robes fit the aesthetic better, and will serve a long range playstyle just fine. On the other hand, Stalhrim armor can be subbed in if you tend to get more up close and personal. This will also give you access to several useful perks you couldn't use with robes.


    Arrowheads:

    Duality Gems

    These arrowheads are designed to have beneficial effects when striking both friend and foe. They're great for close quarters when your intended target can can easily get blocked, or for taking full advantage of the Bottomless Cup perk.

     

    Quartz

    Eye of Sabre Cat+Imp Stool+Scathcraw
    -15pts Health damage for 10sec.
    -30pts Reduced Health.
    +45pts Restore Health.

    Jade

    Imp Stool+Crimson Nirnroot+Swamp Fungal Pod
    -Paralysis for 15 seconds.
    -91pts Health damage.
    +76pts Restore Health.


    Azurite

    Dwarven Oil+Creep Cluster
    -30% Weakness to Magic for 30 seconds.
    +76pts Restore Magicka.

    Amber

    DeathBell+Honeycomb+Pine Thrush Egg
    -30% weakness to poison for 30 seconds.
    -‎30pts Reduced Stamina.
    +76pts Restore Stamina.


    Energy Crystals

    Apply these to your arrows for more efficient healing and buffing of allies. They will also grant these buffs to enemies, and the negative effects don't do much to counteract that. So they're best used in open spaces when you know you can get a clear shot of your followers.

     

    Red Jasper

    Bear Claw+Eye of Sabre Cat+Blue Mountain Flower
    -100% Stunted Magicka Regen for 76secs.
    +48pts Fortify Health for 60secs.
    +‎76pts Restore Health.
    +76pts Restore Stamina.


    Opal

    Creep Cluster+Histcarp+Red Mountain Flower
    -100% Stunted Stamina Regen for 76secs.
    +‎48pts Fortify Magicka for 60secs.
    +76pts Restore Magicka.

     

    Toxic Ore

    These arrowheads are designed for enemies and not much else. Companion's Insight will remove all effects, so hitting an ally won't do anything but waste a usage. This combines well with Amplify Legality to severely weaken tough foes.

     

    Obsidian

    Abecean Longfin+Bleeding Crown+Ice Wraith Teeth
    -30% Weakness to Poison for 30secs.
    -45% Weakness to Frost for 30secs.
    -45% Weakness to Fire for 30secs.




    Teammates:

    “Know yourself in the face of death.”

    Belrand

    Belrand was once a member of Cyrodiil’s sect of the Dark Brotherhood, but as the secretive guild fell apart, internal struggles led to bloodshed. He never told the Blades who had left him for dead in the imperial waterfront, only that it was his “brother”. Regardless, Anweara managed to use the healing power of moonstone to save his life and he's been loyal to her ever since. Trained in the use of Akaviri swords by the Blades and skilled in the use of throwing knives he forms out of ice, Belrand fought alongside Anweara up until the day the Concordat was signed. Now he finds work in Skyrim as a mercenary.

    Spells - Ice Spike
    With the Extensible Follower Framework mod you can teach your companions spells. However, Belrand’s magicka pool is still mediocre at best, so keep an eye on it for him and Restore/Fortify as necessary.

    Weapons - Dragonbane
    While any Blades Sword will do, the electrified enchantment of the Dragonbane best fits Belrand's own mystically enhanced nature.

    Armor - Dawnguard Heavy Helmet, Ancient Falmer Armor, Gauntlets and Boots

    Past injuries are starting to catch up to Belrand in his old age, though he's convinced that an entire armor of Moonstone will keep him fighting the good fight for years to come! Legends of Ancient Falmer armor still existing among vampires will eventually lead the team to join the Dawnguard...but until then, make sure to keep a bit of Moonstone ore in Belrand’s inventory to keep him healthy.

    “We shall prove ourselves in glorious combat!”

    Stenvar

    Stenvar is a true Nord and an undisputed son of Skyrim. He lives by the old ways and follows the knightly codes of valor, justice, and courage. As a Blade, his unique ethics and larger-than-life persona earned the admiration of his peers and superiors alike. Never afraid to speak his mind, he was the Emperor's most vocal supporter and, when necessary, his harshest critic. This propensity for honesty quickly gained him Titus II’s trust. So when Anweara left for Valenwood, Stenvar was tasked with her safety by the Emperor and fought valiantly by her side until their retreat. Now he gets by as hired muscle.

    Spells - Lesser Ward
    Even fortified, Stenvar’s sad magicka pool won't let him cast any spell for long. Though a quick lesser ward is sometimes all it takes to get within melee range.

    Weapons - Champion's Cudgel
    A relic from his time as part of the Empire, Stenvar still harbors a bit of nostalgia for simpler times.

    Armor - Nordic Carved Armor, Steel Plate Helmet, Gauntlets and Boots
    Nothing too special here, just some good old knightly armor.

     

     

    Perks:

    Archery - As primarily a support position, this character isn't exactly a powerhouse, but many of these perks are meant to make up the difference provided your aim is true. Hit your enemy often and from as far as possible and you'll gain the benefit of many different damage boosting effects.

    Alchemy - Your focus here should be on healing and providing buffs. With Duality Gems limiting your need to switch poisons between targeting allies and enemies, Bottomless Cup is an immediate priority. After which any strengthening or additional effects you can give your concoctions will be a huge help.

    Light Armor - You fill supporter and saboteur roll on your team. As such you're going want to be able to get into optimal positions as quickly as possible (as well as retreating from of suboptimal ones). Light armor does just that with several perks that grant stagger resistance and movement speed bonuses.

     

    Gameplay:

    You'll be crafting many poisons that also carry positive effects. Thanks to the seldom used power, Companions Insight, your concoctions will be able to distinguish between friend and foe. Your allies will enjoy all of the benefits and none of the ill effects of your poisons, while your enemies will be in for a world of hurt.

    Trick arrows are another critical item in this characters arsenal, with my personal favorites being force and grounding arrows. Force arrows will allow you to knock a troublesome enemy down and gain some time to plan your next move. While grounding arrows have a silence effect that hinders an enemy's ability to cast spells. This is a great way to grant you and your allies a temporary reprieve from a dragons breath attacks.

     

     

    Roleplay/Restrictions:

    Get in There, I'll Keep You Patched Up - Playing support to your teammates is an important game mechanic. Without it you're just an archer hiding behind two followers (and that's insanely boring). So don't undermine your own responsibility by loading your companions up with potions and enchanted gear. Keeping them safe is your job, and one you take a lot of pride in!

    My Shots Find Their Marks - One of the most fun aspects of this build is that Duality Gems give you the freedom to try taking much more creative shots with your bow. The character is an expert marksman, and accidently hitting an ally will just heal or buff them, so don't be afraid to try hitting that bandit’s knee through your followers legs if they're blocking your shot.

    Group Up With Me - These characters have worked together for a very long time and thoroughly enjoy each other's company. It wouldn't be a bad idea to RP some banter between them while playing. In fact, there are plenty of soundboard apps for the source material could use. My favorite was this one: Spoiler because it let you save a set of favorites. I wouldn't recommend trying to hit a button on your phone during combat, but there are some good quotes for just before battle or during killcams that are safe to use.


    Essential mods:

    Ordinator - A complete overhaul of all skill trees in skyrim. Grants both player and enemies access to entirely new perks and abilities.

    Extensible Follower Framework - Allows you to have more than one follower at a time, as well as letting you choose their tactics, teach them spells, give them commands and see their attributes in combat.

     

    Closing Notes:

    Well, if it wasn't obvious already, this build is based off of Ana from the game Overwatch. Kudos to anyone who figured it out before now, I tried my best not to make it to obvious. Though a Biotic Rifle is admittedly a pretty unique and easily recognizable ability, even when it's disguised as a bow and arrows. At least I tried! Oh, and her companions were Genji and Reinhardt.

     

     

    I'd also like to thank Aysleph and Curse Never Dying for their help and support in making this character. Aysleph's unwavering encouragement, addictive energy and great advice made this one of the most fun I've had writing a build, and Curse playtesting the Ordinator Perks for me is basically the only way this sad little Xbox 360 player got to try making a modded build. His contributions were fundamental in the creation of this character. I can't thank either of you enough!

  • Member
    December 26, 2017

    Sweetness

  • December 26, 2017

    Tag police here. Quotted from the archives... 

    Playstyle Tags: A build can have up to three playstyle tags.

    All playstyle tags require "Character Build" at the beginning of them. For example, Character Build Thief is how you'd format the thief playstyle tag on your build.

    "Mods" is included under playstyle tag, so you'll need to get rid of one of the others seeing as you use Ordinator. 

    Thank you. 

  • December 26, 2017

    Chris said:

    Sweetness

     

    Lol. Thank you!

  • December 26, 2017

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tag police here.

     

    Ok, well that's hilarious.

     

    Anyway, I was concerned with that. This was both my first modded build and my first event build so I had the CB tags page and Shinjin's little Moro build open in septate tabs and just copied from both. Lol. I'm taking a second look now and he has "Ordinator" instead of "Mods", which makes sense.

    Since you're the police, and the author of the post I was trying to reference, let me ask:

    Should the Ordinator tag be "Character Build Ordinator" then? #Ordinator only has a handful of builds but I can't tell if that's because it's the incorrect tag it if it's just a relatively new thing to base a build around.

    Also, I copied "SE Rank:" from Shinjin, but honestly I don't know what SE stands for. Lol. Should it be "Event Rank:" instead?

    I'll clean up the gameplay tags now, key me know if any of that other stuff should be changed.

  • December 26, 2017

    Tysoyaha said:

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tag police here.

     

    Ok, well that's hilarious.

     

    Anyway, I was concerned with that. This was both my first modded build and my first event build so I had the CB tags page and Shinjin's little Moro build open in septate tabs and just copied from both. Lol. I'm taking a second look now and he has "Ordinator" instead of "Mods", which makes sense.

    Since you're the police, and the author of the post I was trying to reference, let me ask:

    Should the Ordinator tag be "Character Build Ordinator" then? #Ordinator only has a handful of builds but I can't tell if that's because it's the incorrect tag it if it's just a relatively new thing to base a build around.

    Also, I copied "SE Rank:" from Shinjin, but honestly I don't know what SE stands for. Lol. Should it be "Event Rank:" instead?

    I'll clean up the gameplay tags now, key me know if any of that other stuff should be changed.

    Hmm, mods tag is more generic, Ordinator is more specific. The reason I say "mods"is that we actually have a gameplay tag for Mods, but not yet for Ordinator, because like you state, building with it is still new. Heck I'm still finding new ways to mess around with Vanilla (my next build will even be pure vanilla because I'm using it for achievements and am honestly tired of dicking around with mod lists. :D) so there you have it. What I may suggest to the CB team down the road (As to why I 'tag police', I used to host this section) is that in addition to mods, we consider adding an "Ordinator" tag. But we need to pow wow about this first. The only problem with that if you do this for Ordinator now, then you need one for... Requiem, Smilodon, Morrowloot, etc, etc... You get my meaning? So until we get it sorted, add the "Mods" tag and then put in your tag after your title in parentheses "Ordinator". This will clarify what mod you are using, still slap you in the "mods" category (trust me, this will be important later) and at the same time, when people are sifting through the "mods" tag, they'll immediately see (Ordinator) in your build. I will advise Shin to do the same. 

    This clarify things? 

     

  • Member
    December 26, 2017

    Holy crap... this is actually one of the most pleasing builds that I have seen that's not made by Lis or Noodles in months. 

    I like that you're focusing on exploiting Companion's Insight for this build. Not many people would use that passive power, and I feel like it's underrated. Poisons based on crystals/arrowheads, now that's something unique and very creative, and only using three perk trees? That's a +1 from me.

    Overall, great build, cool concept, and simple. 

  • December 27, 2017

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tysoyaha said:

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tag police here.

    Should the Ordinator tag be "Character Build Ordinator" then? 

    Add the "Mods" tag and then put in your tag after your title in parentheses "Ordinator". This will clarify what mod you are using, still slap you in the "mods" category (trust me, this will be important later) and at the same time, when people are sifting through the "mods" tag, they'll immediately see (Ordinator) in your build. I will advise Shin to do the same. 

    This clarify things? 

     

    distinction

     

    I think so. You're saying that the tag "#Character Build Mods (Ordinator)" will  still show up with the other mods, just with the distinction of having ordinator on the end. If that's the case, then I'll be vote one for that becoming an official format. You're right, otherwise having a tag for each mod would be excessive. Thank you for the clarification.

    EDIT: Oh wait, the "SE Rank:" tag is appropriate here, right? Like I said, I don't know what SE stands for, but I've been copying off the smart kids. Lol.

  • December 27, 2017

    Tysoyaha said:

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tysoyaha said:

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tag police here.

    Should the Ordinator tag be "Character Build Ordinator" then? 

    SAdd the "Mods" tag and then put in your tag after your title in parentheses "Ordinator". This will clarify what mod you are using, still slap you in the "mods" category (trust me, this will be important later) and at the same time, when people are sifting through the "mods" tag, they'll immediately see (Ordinator) in your build. I will advise Shin to do the same. 

    This clarify things? 

     

    distinction

     

    I think so. You're saying that the tag "#Character Build Mods (Ordinator)" will  still show up with the other mods, just with the distinction of having ordinator on the end. If that's the case, then I'll be vote one for that becoming an official format. You're right, otherwise having a tag for each mod would be excessive. Thank you for the clarification.

     

    Sorry, you are probably misunderstanding me and that's probably my fault.

    Use the tag #Character Build Mods in addition to two other playstyle tags.

    Then title your build Character Build: The Crystal Archer (Ordinator)

  • December 27, 2017

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tysoyaha said:

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tysoyaha said:

    The Long-Chapper said:

    Tag police here.

    Should the Ordinator tag be "Character Build Ordinator" then? 

    SAdd the "Mods" tag and then put in your tag after your title in parentheses "Ordinator". This will clarify what mod you are using, still slap you in the "mods" category (trust me, this will be important later) and at the same time, when people are sifting through the "mods" tag, they'll immediately see (Ordinator) in your build. I will advise Shin to do the same. 

    This clarify things? 

     

    distinction

     

    I think so. You're saying that the tag "#Character Build Mods (Ordinator)" will  still show up with the other mods, just with the distinction of having ordinator on the end. If that's the case, then I'll be vote one for that becoming an official format. You're right, otherwise having a tag for each mod would be excessive. Thank you for the clarification.

     

    Sorry, you are probably misunderstanding me and that's probably my fault.

    Use the tag #Character Build Mods in addition to two other playstyle tags.

    Then title your build Character Build: The Crystal Archer (Ordinator)

     

    Oh! No, that's most likely my fault...but I get it now, and feel like a fool. That makes more sense than anything I was thinking. Lol.