Disclaimer: Greetings and salutations to my June Contest build everypony. Combining semi-Alessian ideology, Crossworlds, and situational blade usage, plus some less than often used tricks, welcome to the tale of…
Out of Darkness
“You have heard the tale of Amakusa Shiro Tokisada? No? Well, it is in no part Wulfharth's fault that we of the Order of the Decemvirate-Gold were so lessened in numbers. Let me take you back, dear reader, to the 1st Era.
It was during Ysmir Wulfharth's fiery reinstatement of the Ancient Atmoran Pantheon that a young Prelate in our Order, one reknowned for working healing
magics so well many said he was touched by the Ten, rose up. Who are the Ten you ask? We of the Decemvirate-Gold are what one would consider a splinter group of the Alessian faith. We revere the Eight, but also honor Meridia, fallen child of Magnus, and Herma Mora, knowledge-kin to Sacred Julianos.
As the hoary Atmoran raiders sacked blessed Alessia's temples, it was Shiro, born from Akaviri who had fled from the conquering forces of the Tscacei, who rallied the faithful in defiance of Ysmir and his horde. Though the blessings of the Ten, victories turned in our favor where once it would have been impossible, given we were but simple peasants, priests, and the occasional despoiled sellsword. However, all good things must come to an end. With the aid of a traitorous Skeever, Yamajada, the Wulfarthian forces overwhelmed us, and noble Shiro was executed.
But all was not lost. Before his head was cleaved from his neck, Amakusa called out one last prayer:
“So, Akatosh. Give me another chance. Next time, I won’t lose sight of the bigger picture. I will eliminate all obstacles, enemies and hardships in my way. Next time, I will obtain all the good in the world. A world where everyone is happy, everyone is good, and everyone is perfect. I will exterminate all evil and create a new, pure world.”
And it seems the Ten have answered his prayer, for sightings of a priest bearing the visage of Shiro, a gem embedded in each palm, putting to death those who would infringe about the worship of the Ten, and those affiliated with the Ten, and healing the sick, have been spotted, heading towards Skyrim. While the main faith of the Nine, or Eight as they are now known, do not revere Amakusa Shiro Tokisada, we of the Decemvirate do, for he is our Apocryphal Saint.”
-The Tale of the Apocryphal Saint
BUILD OVERVIEW
Race: Imperial. Not only do the Nibenese half of Cyrodill have the most Akavrian influence, but also, the Voice of the Emperor power is good in a jam, and they gain a +10 Bonus to Restoration, and a +5 bonus to Destruction, Enchanting, and One-Handed.
Class: Cleric/Spellsword Hybrid
Inspiration: Amakusa Shiro Tokisada (Real Life/Fate Apocypha)
Appearance: Ponytail hairstyle, Golddir’s, colored white. Tan skin. Claw like tattoo, pale enough to look like an old burn scar or brand.
Stat Spread: 0/1/3 in Magicka, Health, and Stamina. As we are using the rarely used Ultimate Atronach Stone (which has been discovered by the legendary Mason and his Seraphim build, and used rarely afterwards), NO points can be put into Magicka. Stop perking Health at 170.
Standing Stone: The Mage to start with, followed by the Ultimate Atronach, and the Lord in the Aetherial Crown.
Primary Skills: Restoration, Speech, Destruction
Secondary Skills: Enchanting, Illusion
EQUIPMENT
*For those of you who don’t like the look of the Fine Clothes, don’t worry. Throughout the playthrough, I also used the Cultist Robes, as well as the Temple Priest Robes. (Mostly cause they actually have a stole, IE “of a strip of fabric used as an ecclesiastical vestment, worn over the shoulders and hanging down to the knee or below.” So feel free to replace them with that, especially if you have a mod that adds in craftable unenchanted versions.
GAMEPLAY
As you can guess from the overview, and the equipment, this character functions as the lovechild of a healing, buffing, and sun-slinging priest/cleric,think your Final Fantasy esque White Mage, and a Spellsword.
Each blade (which you can, sans for Miike Tenta, replace with Silver Swords), is tailored for a different foe. Reptence, for instance, is used on weaker enemies you just want out of the way while you deal with frying the bigger fish.Exorcist is used on summoned Daedra and Raised Undead. Dawnbreaker is a general all purpose Undead killer, etc. A Staff of Paralysis can always be found within Snapleg Cave, a small mage filled dungeon on the road to Ivarstead.
Combat will generally start out with you first buffing your Servant/companion, in my case it was Jenassa, though if you have a mod that adds one, use an Altmer follower, preferably female, with Courage Spells. After that, switch to the blade appropriate to your situation, paralyzing weaker foes with your Staff, banishing one between the Oblivion and Mundus with Mora’s and focus on tougher enemies like Reaver Lords or Draugr Death Overlords. When facing undead, swapping between fire spells (and the occasional Chain Lightning) on the Destruction side, and Sun Spells on the Restoration side, the Apocryphal Saint is an undead’s worse nightmare. Focus on archers and mages first, as, with this character primarily being melee focused, will need to close the gap via Whirlwind Sprint or Become Ethereal. Dragons are easily dealt with via the 78% Spell Absorption and 50% Resist Magicka granted by both the Ultimate Atronach and the Lord Stone, which was primarily taken to shore up the relative lack of Armor Rating.
Now you may ask, how does one go about achieving the Ultimate Atronach, and what it does. Well, simply get ahold of two Philters of the Healer, and one Draught of the Healer, whether it be as random loot found in a chest, or through the good old save-punch-reload merchant glitch, particularly with apothecaries and general goods dealers. However, one Draught can be found in the cellar of Mor Khazgur. Now, without investing any points into Magicka, head on over to the Atronach Stone in Eastmarch. Once there, drink a Philter, then Draught, then Philter of the Healer before selecting the Atronach Stone. When this is accomplished you should now have A. 178 Magicka, and B. A 78% buff to Magicka. Aside from these little boosts you can also cast concentration spells, IE things like Flames, indefinitely. Alongside using Telekinesis for throwing daggers (I mainly stuck with Steel) at foes primed by Marked for Death, I used the little magic boost to, with the aid of Companion’s Insight, turn my follower into a living Tesla Coil via Chain Lightning doing fuck all to them, but then said spell bouncing off of Jenassa and onto any enemies.
Whenever things got serious and this character was being overwhelmed, if there was a body of water nearby, I’d slip on Ahdizal’s Boots of Waterwalking, run onto the water, and pelt them with Flames and Shock, laying down a Rune before stepping onto the water.
Also, as a little bit of a challenge, once you either A. Hit level 50 in both Destruction and Restoration or B. Achieved the Ultimate Atronach, you can only cast Destruction Spells with your right hand, and Restoration Spells with your left.
Rejoice, Tamriellites! Salvation has come.
SKILLS
Illusion-As one who wishes to bring peace to the world, Calm Spells allow the Apocryphal Saint to grant a brief vision of utopia to his foes, paralyzing them with bliss. Plus, courage spells work out well for buffing comrades.
Speech-What vicar, leader, or self-proclaimed savior isn’t gifted in the art of persuasion? Plus, Merchant and Haggling are both useful for trainer-merchants.
Enchanting-Having studied under the early Moth Priests for a time, Amakusa learned the art of weaving the fjyrons of a soul into his arms and armors.
Restoration-As a former priest and later commander, Amakusa learned the arts of healing magics, and his skill was said to rival that of miracles.
Destruction-With his right hand he casts forth purifying flames, Kyne’s lightning, and some even say sin devouring bursts of Magicka.
Face the wrath of Merid-Nunda, Ideal Master!
BAPTISMAL RITES
Through the use of his holy magics, combined with the power of the Decemvirate, the Apocryphal Saint is capable of performing Baptismal Rites, divine spells upon his foes.
Rite of Purification-Binding the body of the Undead, the Apocryphal Saint seals the opponent in a circle of holy fire, before inscribing a rune of light beneath.
(Staff of Paralysis+Wall of Flames+Fire Rune or the excellent Sun Rune mod by the legendary modder Elianora)
Hymn of Valor-Ushering a melodic prayer for battle-prowess, the Apocryphal Saint fills his companion’s bodies and spirits with vigor and courage.
(Optional Fortify Destruction Potion+Battle Fury+Courage Spells+Bardic Knowledge)
Prayer of Wrath-Invoking the radiant light of both Mara and Merid-Nunda, the Apocryphal Saint sends forth a surging wave of burning light upon his foes.
(Optional Potion of Fortify Restoration+Dual Casting+Necromage+Stendarr’s Aura)
Causality Shatter-Overcharging the Divinely forged gems in both hands, the Apocryphal Saint explodes with an awesome burst of power.
(Dragon Aspect+Fortify Destruction Potion+Dual Cast Fire Cloak+Solar Flare)
Arise, my Servant,Semiramis, we have much work to do.
ROLEPLAY
-
Always try and Persuade, Bribe, or Intimidate in a conversation before resorting to violence.
-
Whenever entering a holy place, such as the Temple of the Nine in Solitude, remove your shoes, and put on either Monk Robes, or Hooded Monk Robes.
-
Aside from Meridia and Hermaeus Mora, foil any other Daedric Prince, whether it be simply taking their relics and tossing them, say, into the Aetherium Forge, or going against them, like letting Sindig live.
-
While many may find the pungent odor of Horker and Ash Yam stew repulsive, you however adore eat. Eat this brew of Horker Meat and Ash Yams often.
Closing Notes
I’d like Lee Friskilis for not only the great Perk and Equipment Spreads, but also the fantastic, and unmodded, screenshots. Also, as always, thank you, dear reader, for checking out the build.
Disclaimer: Greetings and salutations to my June Contest build everypony. Combining semi-Alessian ideology, Crossworlds, and situational blade usage, plus some less than often used tricks, welcome to the tale of…
Out of Darkness
“You have heard the tale of Amakusa Shiro Tokisada? No? Well, it is in no part Wulfharth's fault that we of the Order of the Decemvirate-Gold were so lessened in numbers. Let me take you back, dear reader, to the 1st Era.
It was during Ysmir Wulfharth's fiery reinstatement of the Ancient Atmoran Pantheon that a young Prelate in our Order, one reknowned for working healingmagics so well many said he was touched by the Ten, rose up. Who are the Ten you ask? We of the Decemvirate-Gold are what one would consider a splinter group of the Alessian faith. We revere the Eight, but also honor Meridia, fallen child of Magnus, and Herma Mora, knowledge-kin to Sacred Julianos.
As the hoary Atmoran raiders sacked blessed Alessia's temples, it was Shiro, born from Akaviri who had fled from the conquering forces of the Tscacei, who rallied the faithful in defiance of Ysmir and his horde. Though the blessings of the Ten, victories turned in our favor where once it would have been impossible, given we were but simple peasants, priests, and the occasional despoiled sellsword. However, all good things must come to an end. With the aid of a traitorous Skeever, Yamajada, the Wulfarthian forces overwhelmed us, and noble Shiro was executed.
But all was not lost. Before his head was cleaved from his neck, Amakusa called out one last prayer:
“So, Akatosh. Give me another chance. Next time, I won’t lose sight of the bigger picture. I will eliminate all obstacles, enemies and hardships in my way. Next time, I will obtain all the good in the world. A world where everyone is happy, everyone is good, and everyone is perfect. I will exterminate all evil and create a new, pure world.”
And it seems the Ten have answered his prayer, for sightings of a priest bearing the visage of Shiro, a gem embedded in each palm, putting to death those who would infringe about the worship of the Ten, and those affiliated with the Ten, and healing the sick, have been spotted, heading towards Skyrim. While the main faith of the Nine, or Eight as they are now known, do not revere Amakusa Shiro Tokisada, we of the Decemvirate do, for he is our Apocryphal Saint.”
-The Tale of the Apocryphal Saint
BUILD OVERVIEW
Race: Imperial. Not only do the Nibenese half of Cyrodill have the most Akavrian influence, but also, the Voice of the Emperor power is good in a jam, and they gain a +10 Bonus to Restoration, and a +5 bonus to Destruction, Enchanting, and One-Handed.
Class: Cleric/Spellsword Hybrid
Inspiration: Amakusa Shiro Tokisada (Real Life/Fate Apocypha)
Appearance: Ponytail hairstyle, Golddir’s, colored white. Tan skin. Claw like tattoo, pale enough to look like an old burn scar or brand.
Stat Spread: 0/1/3 in Magicka, Health, and Stamina. As we are using the rarely used Ultimate Atronach Stone (which has been discovered by the legendary Mason and his Seraphim build, and used rarely afterwards), NO points can be put into Magicka. Stop perking Health at 170.
Standing Stone: The Mage to start with, followed by the Ultimate Atronach, and the Lord in the Aetherial Crown.
Primary Skills: Restoration, Speech, Destruction
Secondary Skills: Enchanting, Illusion
EQUIPMENT
*For those of you who don’t like the look of the Fine Clothes, don’t worry. Throughout the playthrough, I also used the Cultist Robes, as well as the Temple Priest Robes. (Mostly cause they actually have a stole, IE “of a strip of fabric used as an ecclesiastical vestment, worn over the shoulders and hanging down to the knee or below.” So feel free to replace them with that, especially if you have a mod that adds in craftable unenchanted versions.
GAMEPLAY
As you can guess from the overview, and the equipment, this character functions as the lovechild of a healing, buffing, and sun-slinging priest/cleric,think your Final Fantasy esque White Mage, and a Spellsword.
Each blade (which you can, sans for Miike Tenta, replace with Silver Swords), is tailored for a different foe. Reptence, for instance, is used on weaker enemies you just want out of the way while you deal with frying the bigger fish.Exorcist is used on summoned Daedra and Raised Undead. Dawnbreaker is a general all purpose Undead killer, etc. A Staff of Paralysis can always be found within Snapleg Cave, a small mage filled dungeon on the road to Ivarstead.
Combat will generally start out with you first buffing your Servant/companion, in my case it was Jenassa, though if you have a mod that adds one, use an Altmer follower, preferably female, with Courage Spells. After that, switch to the blade appropriate to your situation, paralyzing weaker foes with your Staff, banishing one between the Oblivion and Mundus with Mora’s and focus on tougher enemies like Reaver Lords or Draugr Death Overlords. When facing undead, swapping between fire spells (and the occasional Chain Lightning) on the Destruction side, and Sun Spells on the Restoration side, the Apocryphal Saint is an undead’s worse nightmare. Focus on archers and mages first, as, with this character primarily being melee focused, will need to close the gap via Whirlwind Sprint or Become Ethereal. Dragons are easily dealt with via the 78% Spell Absorption and 50% Resist Magicka granted by both the Ultimate Atronach and the Lord Stone, which was primarily taken to shore up the relative lack of Armor Rating.
Now you may ask, how does one go about achieving the Ultimate Atronach, and what it does. Well, simply get ahold of two Philters of the Healer, and one Draught of the Healer, whether it be as random loot found in a chest, or through the good old save-punch-reload merchant glitch, particularly with apothecaries and general goods dealers. However, one Draught can be found in the cellar of Mor Khazgur. Now, without investing any points into Magicka, head on over to the Atronach Stone in Eastmarch. Once there, drink a Philter, then Draught, then Philter of the Healer before selecting the Atronach Stone. When this is accomplished you should now have A. 178 Magicka, and B. A 78% buff to Magicka. Aside from these little boosts you can also cast concentration spells, IE things like Flames, indefinitely. Alongside using Telekinesis for throwing daggers (I mainly stuck with Steel) at foes primed by Marked for Death, I used the little magic boost to, with the aid of Companion’s Insight, turn my follower into a living Tesla Coil via Chain Lightning doing fuck all to them, but then said spell bouncing off of Jenassa and onto any enemies.
Whenever things got serious and this character was being overwhelmed, if there was a body of water nearby, I’d slip on Ahdizal’s Boots of Waterwalking, run onto the water, and pelt them with Flames and Shock, laying down a Rune before stepping onto the water.
Also, as a little bit of a challenge, once you either A. Hit level 50 in both Destruction and Restoration or B. Achieved the Ultimate Atronach, you can only cast Destruction Spells with your right hand, and Restoration Spells with your left.
Rejoice, Tamriellites! Salvation has come.
SKILLS
Illusion-As one who wishes to bring peace to the world, Calm Spells allow the Apocryphal Saint to grant a brief vision of utopia to his foes, paralyzing them with bliss. Plus, courage spells work out well for buffing comrades.
Speech-What vicar, leader, or self-proclaimed savior isn’t gifted in the art of persuasion? Plus, Merchant and Haggling are both useful for trainer-merchants.
Enchanting-Having studied under the early Moth Priests for a time, Amakusa learned the art of weaving the fjyrons of a soul into his arms and armors.
Restoration-As a former priest and later commander, Amakusa learned the arts of healing magics, and his skill was said to rival that of miracles.
Destruction-With his right hand he casts forth purifying flames, Kyne’s lightning, and some even say sin devouring bursts of Magicka.
Face the wrath of Merid-Nunda, Ideal Master!
BAPTISMAL RITES
Through the use of his holy magics, combined with the power of the Decemvirate, the Apocryphal Saint is capable of performing Baptismal Rites, divine spells upon his foes.
Rite of Purification-Binding the body of the Undead, the Apocryphal Saint seals the opponent in a circle of holy fire, before inscribing a rune of light beneath.
(Staff of Paralysis+Wall of Flames+Fire Rune or the excellent Sun Rune mod by the legendary modder Elianora)
Hymn of Valor-Ushering a melodic prayer for battle-prowess, the Apocryphal Saint fills his companion’s bodies and spirits with vigor and courage.
(Optional Fortify Destruction Potion+Battle Fury+Courage Spells+Bardic Knowledge)
Prayer of Wrath-Invoking the radiant light of both Mara and Merid-Nunda, the Apocryphal Saint sends forth a surging wave of burning light upon his foes.
(Optional Potion of Fortify Restoration+Dual Casting+Necromage+Stendarr’s Aura)
Causality Shatter-Overcharging the Divinely forged gems in both hands, the Apocryphal Saint explodes with an awesome burst of power.
(Dragon Aspect+Fortify Destruction Potion+Dual Cast Fire Cloak+Solar Flare)
Arise, my Servant,Semiramis, we have much work to do.
ROLEPLAY
-
Always try and Persuade, Bribe, or Intimidate in a conversation before resorting to violence.
-
Whenever entering a holy place, such as the Temple of the Nine in Solitude, remove your shoes, and put on either Monk Robes, or Hooded Monk Robes.
-
Aside from Meridia and Hermaeus Mora, foil any other Daedric Prince, whether it be simply taking their relics and tossing them, say, into the Aetherium Forge, or going against them, like letting Sindig live.
-
While many may find the pungent odor of Horker and Ash Yam stew repulsive, you however adore eat. Eat this brew of Horker Meat and Ash Yams often.
Closing Notes
I’d like Lee Friskilis for not only the great Perk and Equipment Spreads, but also the fantastic, and unmodded, screenshots. Also, as always, thank you, dear reader, for checking out the build.
