GameBanshee Forums

Hi guys, I'm totally new to the Elder Scrolls games and need some advice. I originally wanted to play a Paladin type character, (Heavy Armor, Longsword, Restoration) but after looking at some of the Dev Q&As I realize that if I didn't have some magic I'd be missing out on a lot of the complex and interesting systems the game can offer.

So, I've been narrowing down the field of skills to see what I can throw out, and I've got it almost done, but I need some help from people more experienced with the creation system to help me maximize my skill choices. Just a few notes though, I either want to play Imperian or Berton, and the character must be male. Also, I was first going to make a Paladin type with Sneak and Security for some Rogue type functionality, but instead now want to go with Illusion and Alteration for the same purpose. Is this viable?

Here are the primary skills I have chosen:

Long Blade - Strength
Heavy Armor - Endurance
Enchant - Intelligence
Athletics - Speed
Alteration - Alteration

Here are my secondary skills:

Restoration - Will Power
Alchemy - Intelligence
Speechcraft - Personality
Mysticism - Alteration
Illusion - Personality

Ii'm assuming that Speechcraft is a very important skill so I included it, I dropped Mercantile because I can survive without the best prices if I can do more of the fun things like Soul Trapping and Enchanting. I added Alchemy to supplement my healing with Restoration, but I can throw that out, I'm not really attached to it. I'd like to add Block, but not sure if I'll be using 1H weapons enough to warrant doing so. I have little interest in Conjuration or Destruction, and see no need to choose any other armor or weapon skills, except maybe Marksman. Do you need a ranged attack in this game, or can I survive in Heavy Plate and Longsword?

The main things I want are to be a Paladin type character, but also to have enough skill to play around with the Enchanted items. I believe I also need Mysticism to do the soultrapping needed for the Enchantments, which is why I added that skill. Alteration is mainly in there to open doors/chests that are locked, and Illusion for invisibility for traveling. I chose those over Sneak/Security because they seemed more well rounded and interesting.

Please comment and advise me, I don't really want to be a jack of all trades master of none, but I do want to experience a lot of the variety this game seems to offer. Thanks in advance!.

First off, Mysticism and Alteration don't build the stat known as Alteration, but Willpower. That in turn builds spell resistance and fatigue handling.

For what it's worth, I suggest dropping Enchantment. Sure, it sounds great, but it is a relatively late growing ability, which means you'll be wasting a vital primary/major slot in the meantime. Besides, you will find plenty of enchanted items in dungeons and for sale, and be able to use the services of an enchanter, if you really need a specific item. Within the first three levels of my first character, I found six enchanted weapons, and merchants who had another ten. Bought a ring with an Open up to 20 power enchantment on it.

I'd strongly suggest Block. With a longblade, you can use a shield, so why not get something extra out of it? Just my POV.

Not sure why I listed Alter instead of Will for those two, I did know that much hehe. The only reason I had Mysticism at all was to become a better Soultrapper which I believe is essential for Enchanting items. (Am I at all correct on this?) If I drop Enchantment I won't need Mysticism either, at least for the purpose I wanted it for.

I've always been facinated with the ability to make your own weapons/armor, and I thought that this combination would be fun. Is it possible for me to have the same things done for me at an NPC?

Also, what is your take on Illusion and Alteration instead of Sneak and Security. I read that Alteration (I think it was that skill) not only can pick locks but can also illuminate hidden items, so I thought that it would be much more versitile.

Finally, I had been considering Block, but wasn't sure where to fit it in. Maybe I don't need both Alchemy and Restoration, I was going to primarily use Alchemy for healing potions anyway. Would Block and Restoration be more effective as Primary skills, or would they be OK as secondary skills?

Thanks the the quick reply by the way, I'm going over all this in my head while I wait for MW to be delivered tomorrow.

I would think just Alchemy would be good. Learn how to make some temporary stat or semi-permanent (.....temporary) health boosts.