Skyrim Character Building » Discussions


Character Build: The Wildfoot

Tags: #Character Build Archer  #Character Build Acrobat  #Character Build Hero  #Race:Bosmer  #Rank:Recognized 
  • Member
    October 17, 2016

      

     

     The Wildfoot 

     

     Wildfoot [why-ld-foot]

     Class Type: A mix between a Druid, a Ranger, a Shield-Mage and an Earthbender.

     Inspired by: Toph Beifong (Avatar) and Windranger (DotA 2).

     Meet the Wildfoot, a devilish pesky ranger who's as likely to headbutt any opponent as well as rock him like a hurricane from afar. The idea of this build came to me shortly after I realized that the plant like tentacles sprayed on whichever surface with Miraak's Staff can push back even the toughest enemies for at least two or three times! With a bit of awareness of the present surroundings and careful spraying, one can create an impassable wall of vines that also deals a fair amount of damage. Now, the Wildfoot is primarily an archer but, when you start using this technique in combination with summons like Ash Spawns, occasional shield blocks, seldom uses of a paralysis staff and shouts like Unrelenting Force or Cyclone, you get a ranger type character capable of holding her literal ground in just about any situation. The more enclosed a battleground is, the more deadly this build becomes. When other rangers normally seek to tactically retreat and put some much needed distance between them and their opponents, the Wildfoot is throwing remarks like "There's nowhere left for you to run, bastards!". I remember this time in my playthrough when I entered a very small circular chamber in a dungeon on Solstheim. I think it was one with a dragon priest at the end. The gate behind me closed shut and a lot of coffins started popping in all directions with many Draugr Overlords emerging. In many of my other previous archer playthroughs I would have quickly looked around for a lever to get the hell out of there, but not this time. I sprayed a wall of vines around me, paralyzed a couple Draugr, summoned my faithul Ash guardians and rained hell on any who would dare do me harm. It was an exciting session of target practice!

      

     

     Gameplay 

           The Wildfoot combines combat strategies commonly found in a Druid's, a Ranger's and even a Shield Mage's gameplay. Although archery is her main type of offence, supportive tactics play a crucial role in the day-to-day survival. With a bow in her hand, she often charges head first into battle seeking to enclose the distance towards any hostile. Once in melee range, the Wildfoot is pretty hard to be taken down. Her damage resistance is boosted by flesh spells, a modest level of light armor rating and improvements applied on gear via just a bit of smithing. This build is centered around dungeon delving and what I mean is ranged combat in tight spots. As the battleground gets smaller and more crowded, the Wildfoot becomes deadlier. On top of being a very resiliant ranger, she effectively controls the battlefield. By using Miraak's Staff, this archer creates temporary impassable walls of poisonous vines. Spraying on the ground requires a bit of an opening and this is where a shield comes in handy. Bash an npc, use the Quick Reflexes' slow motion to plan future moves and in the process reshape the surroundings by applying venomous thorny vines. Add to the mix some fire runes or an Ash Spawn - Guardian pair and the Wildfoot becomes a power house. This is awesome, sure, but it will take some time until Miraak's Staff becomes available. That is why I suggest getting the Staff of Paralysis found in Snapleg Cave from the start. It's only guarded by a couple low level Hagravens. The staff is a nice stepping stone towards Miraak's since it allows the Wildfoot to control her opponents.

     

     Archery & Staves Mastery

     Tools: Staff of Paralysis, Miraak's Staff, Auriel's Bow (Optional).

     Description: As I said, archery is the main form of offence. Aim in slow motion, pick the closest targets, shoot and occasionally bash. Since this build is partly a druid, I chose to use Auriel's Bow as my main weapon. Druids are known to not only channel the power of nature, but also that of the moon and sun. Therefore the Nightingale Bow could work too. The Staff of Paralysis proved to be a life saver more than once in my early playthrough even though I had to keep an eye on its charge. And of course, there was Miraak's Staff which I loved using. Either by creating a circular wall around me or pushing an npc into a corner and imprisoning it there with vines, the staff was awesome! 

     If at first you don't succeed, stand closer, shoot again!

     Conjuration

     Spells: Familiar, Flaming Familiar, Ash Spawn, Ash Guardian, Soul Trap (via Azura's Star).

     Description: The druid theme of this build allowed for a natural progression of conjuration. Having a look at the used spells it all becomes obvious. I treated the familiar and flaming familiar as the spirits of the forest. Sure, even if a familiar would get killed in one two-handed axe swing, it provided a much appreciated distraction. But hey, once I got my hands on the ash summons, earthbending got real. It's so awesome that a spawn and a guardian can be summoned at the same time without perking Twin Souls. I also opted to get my hands on Azura's Star for weapons recharging. Since I roleplayed a vigilante adventurer, I settled for capturing only the souls of the undead.  

     One of me ain't enough!

     Destruction

     Spells: Fire Rune, Whirlwind Cloak

     Description: Of all the skills, destruction took the most to level up. Due to the fact that the only spells I occasionally used were of apprentice and adept level I had to resort to training. Fortunately, this was not a problem. I spent much of my time delving into dungeons in search of precious items which I'd sell afterwards or I earned my share as a bounty hunter. Money was never a problem. Since the Wildfoot is inspired by DotA 2's Windranger, I found the Whirlwind Cloak quite fitting, especially since I engaged my opponents at close range. Fire Rune on the other hand started out as a stepping stone towards the cloak. In time though I came to see it as a way of channeling the power of the sun.  

     Reap the whirlwind!

     Block

     Tools: Dawnguard Rune Shield (Optional).

     Description: While playing I came up with this nice little trick to quickly block an opponent's attack. I hotkeyed my bow, then I equipped a staff in my right hand and a shield in the other. I hit the hotkey which switched me to the bow. Then, upon pressing the same hotkey again and immediately activating block, my character instantly switched to the shield blocking stance, effectively avoiding the entire unsheathe animation. This, coupled with Quick Reflexes, enabled me to enter slow motion in a flash if an opponent tried to catch me offguard with a power attack. So, so awesome! Even though block got to level up faster than destruction, I also bought training on more than a couple occasions.

     Pain, meet Ugly. Ugly, pain.

     Alteration

     Spells: Oakflesh, Stoneflesh, Detect Life / Dead, Candlelight, Magelight.

     Description: Aside from conjuration's ash spawns, I mimiced Avatar's earthbending through flesh and detect spells. I chose to use Stoneflesh as the most advanced flesh spell because it, in combination with a fully skill boosted light armor set, was more than enough protection. On the other hand, if you know your Avatar characters, you're aware that Toph is blind and feels the world around her through the vibrations in the earth. That's what Detect Life and Dead are for. They're extremely helpful in dungeons if you want to know who's awaiting for you in the next chamber. Finally, since I raided every dungeon I came across, I found Candlelight and Magelight to be very useful in those darkened areas.

     I now pronounce you man and tree.

     Smithing (Optional) & Light Armor

     Equipment: Any full light armor set, Bosmer Armor Pack - Mod (Optional).

     Description: DotA 2's Windranger is known for her speed and that's why I wanted my character to wear a full set of light armor; specifically for the Wind Walker perk. This, coupled with Bardic Knowledge, provides an excellent boost to stamina regeneration which in my opinion is much need for a character who often makes use of sprinting and bashing. For roleplaying purposes and a minor boost to my character's armor rating / damage output, I chose to spend points in smithing. Since I played the Wildfoot as a Wood Elf, I found it fitting to craft my own arrows. I think the best armor sets for this build are Chitin or Scaled, though if you have access to mods, I recommend getting the Bosmer Armor Pack!

     I'll hang my enemies' armor like windchimes.

      

     Character Customization 

    Race: Bosmer. A short girl wearing a healthy coating of earth; sounds familiar? 

    Stone: Since the Wildfoot puts quite a bit of emphasis on magic, I think the Mage stone is the best in the beginning. Although the Lover works too. However, starting with levels 15 - 20, I recommend picking the Lady stone. It gives a nice boost to stamina regeneration.

    Stats: I'd say 3 Magicka | 4 Health | 2 Stamina with a bit more emphasis on magicka when there's need of it. Luckily with all the stamina regeneration boosts, the Wildfoot does not need more than 190 stamina. I strongly advise buying a magicka boost ring.

    Shouts: Unrelenting Force, Cyclone, Aura Whisper, Whirlwind Sprint and, my favourite, Throw Voice. Think of Unrelenting Force and Cyclone as much more potent versions of shield bashes. Aura Whisper requires no explanation. Instead of using Whirlwind Sprint to escape, charge in with it or just avoid traps. And finally, Throw Voice: march into a bandit camp like you own the place and taunt everyone with a melon nose joke; time for target practice!

    Powers: Bardic Knowledge, Voice of the Sky, Beast Form (Optional).

    Animal Followers: While it may sound good in theory, I don't know if having an animal companion would be wise. I fear it might get way too crowded in a small area. 

    What To Do: The Wildfoot is an adventurous hero. Pick a direction and start running!

     One more for my quiver!

     

     

     Abilities 

    Taunt

    Requires: Throw Voice.

    Description: Instead of using the shout to distract npcs, walk into a place full of hostiles and alert everyone to your presence. They'll know exactly what hit 'em!

     Ooh, now I get to shoot stuff! 

    Windrun

    Requires: The Lady Stone, Wind Walker, Bardic Knowledge.

    Description: With the wind in your back, nothing can outrun you! Use this to rapidly close the gap between you and your opponent in exchange for a very small amount of stamina!

     My feet fly!

    Rooted

    Requires: Miraak's Staff.

    Description: With Miraak's Staff, summon a wall of impassable thorny vines from the ground beneath you. Make your stand or entangle any evil doer!

     You're not going anywhere!

     

     Closing Notes 
     
           Bear in mind that I have no drawing skills. I just know a bit of photoshop. Therefore I want to credit the original authors of the objects and art pieces found in all these pictures. If you like the art I used, please visit every link found below and if possible show your support to these artists by liking / commenting on their work. Without them, my content would be just a big wall of text.

    http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=12418374&postcount=2; 
    http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/19994176/hearthstone; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/RDVmD; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/QWZ6x; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/RDZWA; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/BvYmr; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/vEQAx; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/1wxaq; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/5KgdJ; 
    http://helmuttt.deviantart.com/art/Turik-and-the-Elven-Queen-569508006; 
    https://www.artstation.com/artwork/xJNQ1; 
    http://carolina-eade.deviantart.com/art/Deepwood-Librarian-340012106; 
    http://artofedge.deviantart.com/art/Sketch-263-207497538; 
    http://yamaorce.deviantart.com/art/Forest-Keeper-332687325; 
    http://www.deviantart.com/art/Dalish-Mage-560839385; 
    http://dota2.gamepedia.com/File:Windrun_icon.png; 
    http://dota2.gamepedia.com/File:Entangling_Claws_(Spirit_Bear)_icon.png; 
    http://dota2.gamepedia.com/File:Song_of_the_Siren_icon.png; 
    https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/File:Denravi_concept_art_4.jpg; 
    http://www.funnyjunk.com/channel/wallpapers/Earthbender/cbfkGpo/; 

     

    Special Edition Gameplay

     

    If you want to check out my Fallout 4 character builds, click on any of the posters below!

          

          

    If you want to check out my Skyrim character builds, click on any of the posters below! 

        

          

        

           

     

  • October 17, 2016

    Neat build, Noodles. I love archery. It always makes me smile.  Would you believe though that I almost never use Eagle Eye or Steady Hand perks in gameplay? 

    I do really like the photoshop work you've done. Really lovely. Phil will love the Bosmer build. He loves Bosmers with a passion. :D

  • October 17, 2016

    Saw the video. Now I know why it's Wildfoot. xD

    Anyway, good blast as always, Noodles. The art is perfect and I wouldn´t expect anything else. Gameplay definitely seems like fun, though Auriel Bow and Miraak's Staff are quite...deep in big questlines. What is your recommendation before you get those? 

  • Member
    October 17, 2016

    Karver said:

    Saw the video. Now I know why it's Wildfoot. xD

    Anyway, good blast as always, Noodles. The art is perfect and I wouldn´t expect anything else. Gameplay definitely seems like fun, though Auriel Bow and Miraak's Staff are quite...deep in big questlines. What is your recommendation before you get those? 

    Thanks! :D The art is one of the best I've photoshopped so far. :D As I said, the Staff of Paralysis is the stepping stone towards Miraak's and it can be acquired at level 1. Auriel's Bow is optional. Any bow works!

  • Member
    October 17, 2016

    Lissette Long-Chapper said:

    Neat build, Noodles. I love archery. It always makes me smile.  Would you believe though that I almost never use Eagle Eye or Steady Hand perks in gameplay? 

    I do really like the photoshop work you've done. Really lovely. Phil will love the Bosmer build. He loves Bosmers with a passion. :D

    Ah, Phil, the one who gave me my powers. Now every time I see a comment I must resist the urge to click "Edit" :)). Anyhow, thanks Lis! :) I would've waited for the character building event, but since this isn't Against Type, I decided to post it now. :P

    I honestly don't know how come you don't use the perks too often. They're always the first I take. 

  • Member
    October 17, 2016

    Wow, this is certainly a very interesting buil, Noodles. Not to mention, aesthetically pleasing :) I love the mix of combat and magic withoutjust being some kind of spellsword. This might just have to be the first character I play when remastered comes out! One question, though. On the old site, I could always put text next to pictures, it was easy, but now I can't. It places the text at the bottom of the picture. How'd you do it? (maybe I'm just missing something though)

  • Member
    October 17, 2016

    Blooded said:

    Wow, this is certainly a very interesting buil, Noodles. Not to mention, aesthetically pleasing :) I love the mix of combat and magic withoutjust being some kind of spellsword. This might just have to be the first character I play when remastered comes out! One question, though. On the old site, I could always put text next to pictures, it was easy, but now I can't. It places the text at the bottom of the picture. How'd you do it? (maybe I'm just missing something though)

    Thanks man! It's a simple build, but should you run into trouble, you know where to find me!

    Once you've loaded the picture in the editor, click on it to select it. Then click any of the text aligning buttons. You can now also resize pictures by dragging their borders with the mouse.

  • Member
    October 17, 2016

    Noodles said:

    Once you've loaded the picture in the editor, click on it to select it. Then click any of the text aligning buttons. You can now also resize pictures by dragging their borders with the mouse.

    Oh my gosh, thank you! I struggled with that forever trying to figure it out. It's so simple that I feel kinda dumb. It was easier on the old site, but at least I know how to do it now. 

     

  • October 17, 2016

    This would be a pretty great build for anybody wanting to RP a Vinedusk Ranger.

  • Member
    October 17, 2016

    This must be unofficial Glade Goblin week. We've seen the return of Dave Okine's wonderful Glaenriel Greenleaf with her rivetting mosquito nets and now we are treated with this pixie with wild feet. I am at risk of losing my identity in the face of such lovliness :p

    Noodles, this is a sumptuous build. I love the use of Miraak's Staff in conjunction with the bow, runes and Whirlwind Cloak. Your video is one of the few I have seen which actually use the staff properly.

    In terms of theme you, along with Okine, have stirred something in me. I feel a little loring coming on... In any event, this is fantastic and a pleasure to read. :)