shadow lure
WORK IN PROGRESS
An assassin heavily inspired by Helgen Bear's Shock Shadowscale build. With some differences.
https://youtu.be/AlAC9bK9FTA
The Fishing Creation is required for this build, but substitutions can be made if you don't mind missing out of the roleplaying aspect.
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More: Beginner builds, Thief builds, Melee builds, Solo builds, Stealth builds
Those under the sign of the Thief will learn all stealth skills 20% faster.
Once a day, those under the sign of The Serpent can use a ranged paralyzing poison on opponents.
Choosing Argonian is pretty self explanatory, this is a Shadowscale build after all.
I recommend obtaining The Thief Stone right out of Helgen to aid in training Sneak, Pickpocket, Lockpicking, & Speech. Switching to The Serpent Stone can be done at any point in the playthrough, but it is heavily recommended as it fits with the theme and paralysis is quite useful when facing powerful foes.
I initially began with 2 points in Health & 2 in Stamina. As I continued leveling, I divided points by 2 Health & 3 Stamina until level 50.
If you play past level 50, I recommend putting all remaining points into Health.
If utilizing the Unofficial Skyrim Patch, I recommend completing Tending the Flames early in the playthrough to obtain the Gift of the Gab. Speech is very slow to level, and the +15% XP gain is quite useful.
Training in unused skills may be necessary to unlock additional skill points to complete this build. I purchased training in Archery & Alchemy due to the ease of accessing the Common trainers. Training beyond skill level 50 becomes exorbitantly expensive, it is not recommended.
If you desire to level past 50, I recommend focusing on Alchemy. This will greatly improve your combat power without altering the playstyle of the build. More perks in Lockpicking & expanding on Pickpocket are also good options.
If Alchemy is not utilized, poisons must be purchased from vendors. Ensure a good stock of the most powerful damaging & paralysis poisons you can find is kept in your inventory for the assassination of more powerful foes.
Condition
During my play though, I did not opt into becoming a werewolf or a vampire. But, as this is your game, play it however you'd prefer. Either option would thematically work with this build.
Loadout
Target takes 25 points of shock damage, and half as much Magicka damage.
Absorb 10 points of Health.
Target takes 30 points of frost damage.; Chance to paralyze the target for 2 seconds.
Prices are 20% better.
Double sneak attack damage with One-handed weapons.
Increases Poison Resistance by 100%.
Wearer is muffled and moves silently.
Resistance against fire, frost, and shock is improved by 20%.
Persuade checks in dialogue will almost always succeed and increases Speech skill by 35 points.
For roleplaying & power purposes, I recommend hard focusing the Fishing questline before moving on to The Dark Brotherhood, Thieves Guild, & any other side quests you wish to include. The Fang of Haynekhtnamet is the primary source of damage for the build & its aesthetic is the perfect fit for an Argonian assassin.
Torches can useful when sneaking is not needed or additional light is required.
Obtaining this amulet is bugged. It is intended to be a leveled item, but its stats are randomized. SAVE before turning in the quest Under New Management, and repeat the turn-in process until you obtain the strongest version.
If you have the Unofficial Skyrim Patch installed, this item will be assigned appropriate level requirements. I recommend being at least level 29 before completion of the quest.
If you are unsuccessful at obtaining Denstagmer's Ring in a timely manner, substitute with any ring you obtain that you feel would be useful for the build. The magic resistance from Denstagmer's Ring is useful, but not absolutely necessary for the build to be successful.
Powers
Your Argonian blood gives you 50% resistance to disease.
Your Argonian lungs can breathe underwater.
Invoke the power of the Hist to recover Health ten times faster for 60 seconds.
All stealth skills increase 20% faster.
Paralyzes and does 25 points of damage per second to the target for 5 seconds.
Increases Magic Resistance by 15%.
You do more combat damage to the opposite sex.
Instantly absorb 100 points of Health from the target.
Summons the ghost of the legendary assassin Lucien Lachance to fight by your side, until he's defeated.
Shouts
The Shadowscale is not Dragonborn and will never unlock dragons or shouts. But, this is your game, do whatever makes you happy.
If you do unlock shouts, I have included my recommendations below.
Your Voice is not a Shout, but a whisper, revealing the life forces of any and all.
The Thu'um is heard, but its source unknown, fooling those into seeking it out.
Speak, and let your Voice herald doom, as an opponent's armor and lifeforce are weakened.
And the weak shall fear the Thu'um, and flee in terror.
Shout defies steel, as you rip the weapon from an opponent's grasp.
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.