Skyrim Character Building » Discussions


Character Build: The Shadowmancer

Tags: #Character Build Necromancer  #Character Build Nightblade  #Character Build Assassin  #Rank:Legendary 
  • Member
    May 8, 2013

    I tried once; worked like a dream since you're not in face-to-face combat much anyway. Makes some bosses a bit more challenging as well. Only problem is that, in my opinion, Mage Armor shuts you off from some cool items.

    Not to intrude, I just thought that I'd reply since I tried the same back awhile ago. Awesome build btw snakes Can't believe I forgot to like this...

  • May 8, 2013
    Thanks, Andy! I definitely have no issue with other people chiming in about their own experiences! As for my own personal opinion on the question at hand: I'd say its a viable alternative if not entirely optimal. I, myself, would prefer to simply put a significant portion of my funds towards Light Armor training than rely on Mage Armor for a few reasons: first and foremost, to aesthetically distinguish the class as more of a Necromancer/Assassin hybrid than straight up Necromancer, and in terms of gameplay, because there's already often a fine line between survival and death (which is part of the thrill) due to the time it takes to resurrect fallen foes while their comrades barrel down on you, and having to cast yet another spell in that tiny window of opportunity instead of being able to take a hit or two right off the bat will likely push you towards the reload-your-last-save side of that line. And you actually do engage in face to face combat a significant amount with this guy as long as you've got some zombies to fall back behind when the going gets rough. Being able to stand in there with them and take a few hits while you and your minions dish it out together is also part of what separates him from your average Necromancer. If you think you can make it work, go for it though! Just a recommendation but in the end your playthroughs are yours and yours alone!
  • May 8, 2013

    Great minds think alike no?

  • May 8, 2013
    Actually, his is the first, you posted yours in June, his in February
  • May 10, 2013
    Considering one of my favorite playthroughs was a Berserker of my own and this build here shares a penchant for the same sort of assassinating/zombie-raising good fun your self-titled build is so awesome at? I'd say so! Unless your remark was meant as a jab of some sort, in which case: what Bryn said! :P
  • Member
    May 12, 2013

    I wasn't terribly thrilled with the build when it was first posted (though I thought it was based on a solid concept) but I'm really liking the revamp. It's a little weird seeing it called "The Nightblade" when it doesn't really seem to be like a traditional Nightblade, though it matches the basic concept (a sneaky mage that uses daggers/short blades). My one question is with the Swift Death special move. Considering that you're using Assassin's Blade, the Ancient Shrouded Gloves, and a dagger the does the same damage as a Daedric one, is it really necessary to use to do a power attack for Critical Charge instead of a basic attack?

  • May 14, 2013
    I really don't mean to bump my own build again, especially since its over 80 likes now anyway, but I finally decided to change the name to avoid all the confusion since it wasn't a typical Noghtblade build and that's what so many were expecting to find when they clocked on it. Dumb it took me so long but it's been nagging me nonetheless and now someone can feel free to create a more authentic Nightblade build (thinking about it myself even!) now that the name is freed up.

    Now here's hoping this name doesn't pose any issues of its own!
  • Member
    May 14, 2013

    Heh, I was thinking about the name myself as well after some guy asked in the recommendations thread about a traditional Oblivion Nightblade and this wasn't really much like it at all

  • May 14, 2013
    What sucks is that this game doesn't cater to a traditional Nightblade very well at all. If only offensive spells could receive sneak bonuses lol. Though with a little creativity and the Quiet Casting perk, that one line from the in-game description about how they're adept at getting places nobody else can could make for a potentially fun approach to utilizing the Thief half of the build to set up the Mage half. As it stands I'd say your Witch is as close as anyone's come to making an effective Nightblade in this game so far, tbh.
  • Member
    May 14, 2013
    My Shadowflame Phoenix is nightblade based and focuses more on destruction while sneaking. Granted I had to use aspect of terror & fire spells (especially ignite), but quiet casting makes it viable. Your use of melee sneak attacks with necromancy is every fun. The archer approach can get very boring after a while, but melee keeps it interesting and more tactical. I also like the name change as it sounds more appropriate.