Calm & Backstab
Vanilla Illusion Assassin with infinite Dual-Cast Calm/Pacify, max One-Handed & Magic Resistance. Daggers for stealth and Archery for Dragons, where stealth attacks are ineffective.
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More: Meta builds, Mind Control builds, Solo builds, Stealth builds
Altmer is the race I recommend for this build. The +50 Magicka, +10 Illusion and +5 Enchanting/Alteration help reach the build's key milestones at a lower level, especially before 100% Illusion cost reduction is available. Highborn provides a strong emergency Magicka recovery option during difficult fights. In the late game, the extra Magicka becomes less valuable, so Imperial (Voice of the Emperor) and Orc (Berserker Rage) are also strong alternatives.
Those under the sign of The Lord are more resistant to both Magicka and physical damage.
The goal is to reach 100% Illusion cost reduction while maximizing One-Handed and Archery. Early on, prioritize Illusion and collect any Fortify Illusion gear you can find, as Dual-Cast Calm can become expensive when controlling multiple enemies.
Vokun Mask is an excellent early option, providing 20% Illusion cost reduction. It can be obtained relatively early from High Gate Ruins during “A Scroll for Anska.” Also check merchants for enchanted rings, necklaces, robes, and headgear with Fortify Illusion.
As Enchanting improves, replace weaker gear with stronger pieces. At Enchanting 100, four pieces with 25% Fortify Illusion reach the final 100% cost reduction without Alchemy exploits, allowing unlimited Dual-Cast Calm.
Once the final Illusion setup is complete, the remaining enchantment slots can focus on maximizing One-Handed and Archery, with Archery serving primarily as the ranged option against Dragons.
Condition
Loadout
Chance to paralyze the target for 2 seconds.
Target takes 25 points of frost damage to Health and Stamina.
Creatures and people up to level 9 won't fight for 30 seconds.
Creatures and people up to level 20 won't fight for 60 seconds.
Nearby living creatures, but not undead, machines, or Daedra, can be seen through walls.
Burns the target for 25 points. Targets on fire take extra damage.
Target takes 25 points of shock damage, and half as much Magicka damage.
Summons a Storm Atronach for 60 seconds wherever the caster is pointing.
Creatures and people up to level 9 won't fight for 30 seconds.
Creatures and people up to level 20 won't fight for 60 seconds.
Can pull an object to you from a distance, add it to your inventory, or throw it.
Improves the caster's armor rating by 80 points for 60 seconds.
Illusion spells cost 25% less to cast.
Alteration spells cost 25% less to cast.
One-handed attacks do 40% more damage.
Bows do 40% more damage.
Alteration spells cost 25% less to cast.
Illusion spells cost 25% less to cast.
Wearer is muffled and moves silently.
One-handed attacks do 40% more damage.
Bows do 40% more damage.
Illusion spells cost 25% less to cast.
Illusion spells cost 25% less to cast.
One-handed attacks do 40% more damage.
Powers
High Elves are born with 50 extra Magicka.
Regenerate Magicka faster for 60 seconds.
Increases Armor Rating by 50 points and increases Magic Resistance by 25%.
Increases Magic Resistance by 15%.
You do more combat damage to the opposite sex.
Do 10% more damage to and get 10% better prices from people of the opposite sex.
Combat skills are all 10% more effective.
You take half damage for 30 seconds from all physical attacks and most magical attacks.
While Ethereal, you recover Health 25% faster.
Dragons do 25% less melee damage.
Shouts
The Thu'um reaches out to the Void, changing your form to one that cannot harm, or be harmed.
Shout defies steel, as you rip the weapon from an opponent's grasp.
Your Thu'um creates a whirling cyclone that sows chaos among your enemies.
Consumables
Potions, food and drink you find or buy. Their buffs are counted into your stats.
For potions you plan to brew yourself, just pick the effects you want. Their strength follows this build's Alchemy skill, perks and gear. For the actual ingredients and bottles, use the Alchemy calculator below.