Gray Guard

Imperial - Mace - Light - Shield - Knight

Background

The roads of Tamriel can be dangerous, but you are a tough traveller well versed in history and lore. Your adventures have made you skilled in combat and at conversing with others as you visit the holy places of Zenithar

Weapons

Any one-handed weapon at the start of the game and then a Steel Mace when you can get or make one.

The final weapon Crusader’s Mace which is available from Four Skulls Lookout. This weapon is one of the relics of the crusader and is associated with Zenithar. It’s a steel mace that has the same base damage as a Daedric mace and also does 15 fire damage.

Be warned that crimes committed will add a debuff of -300% Healh and Stamina regeneration when you have the mace. A quest to go on a pilgrimage removes the debuff. You have to wait until enemies are hostile towards you before you attack them otherwise the attack will count as an assault and that means that sleeping Draugr, for example, will count as being assaulted if you attack them when they are sleeping.

Armor

The Leather Scout set should be crafted as soon as you can, as it’s the best armour that uses just leather and it doesn’t require any smithing perks. Then gather a set of Scaled Armor which can be acquired for free with 3 items from the mudcrab infested area to the south east of Gjukar’s Monument and the helmet from Lost Echo Cave, which is west from Solitide, North past Statue of Meridia and then west along the road.

The final gear a Hide Helmet, Dawnguard Armor (one with a pauldron), Fur Boots and Gauntlets.

You can craft a Hide Helmet at any point as it doesn’t require smithing perks.

You can get Fur Boots and Gauntlets in Helgen if you side with Hadvar instead of Ralof. If you side with Ralof and attack the Stormcloaks to get these items then they will count as a crime and you will need to go on a pilgrimage to redeem yourself when you get the Mace of the Crusader.

The Dawnguard Armor can be bought from Gunmar once he has been recruited into the Dawnguard. Head to Fort Dawnguard and talk to Isran to get the quest to free Serana. Once she has been taken back home the next quest is to recruit Gunmar and Sorine.

An Amulet of Zenithar is also used and there is one at some ruins to the South East of Goldenhills Plantation. It is normally halfway embedded into the alter but by grabbing the book and flicking it sideways you can get it to land on the floor rather than sink into the Altar.

An adventurer’s Backpack with a bedroll is also used to give 75 carry weight and 20 Stamina. It can be crafted or bought from vendors at the start of the game.

Spells

Alteration for utility spells. Restoration for heals.

Standing Stones

The Atronach Stone once the Atronach perk has been acquired for 50% spell absorption, 50 Magicka but -50% magicka regeneration.

Shrines

Use a Shrine of Zenithar for 10% better prices.

Shouts

Character Creation

Female Imperial

Imperials are a very strong match with the skill set of this build with a 25/35 skill boost. This is joint top with Nords and Redguard. I went with Imperial for the initial boost to healing from the additional 10 points in Restoration as well as a boost in Block, One-handed, Enchanting.

Pick female as the sex for your character as there are more male humanoids than females to fight in Skyrim so the 10% damage bonus against the opposite sex from Agent of Dibella gets more use.

Attribute Distribution

Distribute attributes at a ratio of 0 / 2 / 1. At level 59 which is required for all the perks the attributes are:

Perk Point Distribution

The skill boosts for Imperials are marked in bold.

Skills and Perks

Mage Skills

Warrior Skills

Rogue Skills

Spells

Alteration

The Detect Life spellbook can be obtained in Whiterun by taking to the Steward in Dragonsreach and following the quest to the Stables. Cast this spell in the market to level Alterationearly in the game for slow and controlled levelling. The Dual Casting and Stability perks are intended for use with Candlelight to illuminate the dark tombs found in Skyrim for longer while you are adventuring.

Conjuration

Used to fill soul gems for enchanting.

Destruction

Destruction is not used in this build.

Illusion

Illusion is not used in this build.

Restoration

Restoration spells are used as a means to quickly restore both Health and Stamina.

Enchantments

The effects listed below are based upon 100 Enchanting skill, all the enchanting perks in the build and with a set of enchanted crafting gear. Read my guide on making crafting gear if you are not familiar with it.

With the Sallowed Regent Black Book the magnitude of all enchantments can be increased. Please note that Black Books can only be used on Solstheim.

The magnitude of the enchantments can be further increased by equipping 4 pieces of Azhidal's gear.

Alchemy

Potion of Fortify Health

You can get all the Blue Mountain Flowers you need in Whiterun. The two farms to the east of Whiterun also get you all the Wheat you need.

Potion of Fortify Destruction

Get 2 Glowing Mushrooms just inside Shimmermist Cave to the north east of Winterhold and the remaining 7 are in the secret lab at the farm. Go back to Helgen and take the path towards Ivarstead and gather all the Snowberries you need from there. Steel-Blue Entoloma are from Khajiit merchants

Potion of Fortify Enchanting

Dreugh Wax and Stoneflower Petals are only available from Khajiit caravans. Some travel between Whiterun and Markarth. Snowberries are abundant near Windhelm.

Potion of Fortify Smithing

Dreugh Wax and Gold Kanet are only available from Khajiit caravans. Some travel between Whiterun and Markarth. Glowing Mushrooms are in Falmer caves.

Farming

For more information on getting to and setting up your farm read my guide.

Main Area (27)

Side Area (11)

Planters (6)

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