LE Elite Troops of the 9 Holds

[skypiercers]

So, when I was recently playing Skyrim, I began to take a look at the guards of each city and realized something: when you get to a higher level, they really don't cut it when it comes to defending the populace. Bandits eventually get better weapons and armor than the guards are equipped with, and that means that they cannot effectively protect cities. So, I thought about this: Including elite troops that are unique to each hold. Elite troops would be in fewer number than the guards of each city, but they make up for this by being able to hold their own, even against a high level dragonborn/bandit/what have you.

 

For Whiterun, I thought it should be something related to horses, because of Whiterun's seal. However, I don't think mounted troops can fight in Skyrim, so I've decided to base it off of the royal guard of Rohan in Lord of the Rings, which I'm pretty sure Whiterun is based off of. Perhaps they would also be based off of the Swan Knights of Gondor in Lord of the Rings.

 

Whiterun's elite troops would be, if possible, mounted shock troops. They would have decent armor (perhaps plate armor?), a shield, and a sword. All of the equipment would be much higher tier than normal guards. Their specialty is that they are mounted (if possible), and that they are more numerous than any other hold's soldiers. However, they suffer in prolonged engagements, and thus are suited to hit and run attacks. I'm unsure what their title would be.

 

Windhelm's elite guards would be based off of Norse troops, so I'm thinking of calling them "Huscarls." They would have large shields, heavy armor, and axes. Their advantage is that they are protected from ranged attack, and fare decently in melee combat, but they are also the second slowest of the elite troops.

 

Solitude's elite troop would be the "Praetorian." In ancient Rome, the Praetorian Guard were the personal bodyguards of the emperor. Similar to Huscarls, they would also feature large shields and shortswords, while wearing heavy Imperial armor. Their advantage is that they are more likely to do a shield bash, and work in conjunction with other Praetorians. However, their armor is less protective than most other holds' guards.

 

Falkreath's guards would be based off of their "hunting" theme. Falkreath elite "Huntsmen" have light armor, but make up for it with deadly accuracy with a bow. They have high tier bows (perhaps ebony) and powerful arrows, and feature leather armor. They are the some of the best archers in the game, but suffer in melee combat.

 

Markarth and it's story almost reminds me of 1984, what with the guards trying to hide all the crime that happens in the city. Thus, their elite troops can be known as "Peacekeepers." They have the heaviest armor of all of the guards, a heavy shield, and a mace. However, they are the slowest of all of the holds' guards.

 

Riften is home to the thieves guild, and features 2 crossed swords on it's seal. Riften elite troops wield dual swords and carry decent armor. However, they are purely offensive, and suffer in a defensive fight. I'm unsure of their name.

 

For Winterhold, Dawnstar, and Morthal, I'm unsure of what their elite troops should be. Any suggestions?

 

 

Also, for a final, similar idea, why not include bandit raids? Towns are almost TOO safe, and having bandits or other creatures assault the cities every now and then gives guards more of a job than patrolling the safe streets and stopping you if you break the law.

[Sarus31]

Maybe the guards from Winterhold could be Battle mages. Think about it, they could wear heavy armor and fling spells all over the place.

 

Dawnstar you could probably go with a pirate/Viking raider look (as opposed to Windhelms heavy Norse troopers)

 

Now what for Morthal? Hmm.... Perhaps something alittle mysterious, like hooded spellswords/Nightblades Which have a cowl that covers most of their face (except the eyes maybe)

 

But yeah, these are my ideas. Your idea is an interesting one.

[MagnusMac]

This would be quite easy actually, maybe a day of work in the CK, I'll keep this idea on my radar and if no one picks this up I might.

[MagnusMac]

Correction, I've started work on it.

 

But I have added something people may not agree with. I've made it so you need Skyre. This is for many reasons, mainly

1. This I'd the only way to truly make each guards combat style unique

2. It's also the only way to make their weapons and armor unique.

 

I'll consider changing this and/or making a separate version without Skyre

[zigen1111]

This is an awesome idea that I am really interested in. Was trying to search for one too but no luck. Specially now that we have so many mods that adds tons of new monsters, bandits, spawns, patrols.

 

Most of the guard ideas are on point as well. Maybe add silver weapons/armor to Markarth's elite guards to tie in with their lore. For Riverwood and other smaller villages, you can add just 1 elite NPC. He/she could be a retired veteran warrior/mage/thief/vigilant, etc. that is just living their life in peace but would take up arms to protect their village when a threat should arrive. You can be more specific with them, maybe even make them a named NPC since only one is added. Maybe a former gladiator turned farmer hero or a drunkard unarmed hero perhaps?

 

Would also appreciate it if you could also make a version for us non Skyre users. Many thanks!

Edited January 25, 2014 by zigen1111

[skypiercers]

Alright, I'll make it a bit easier to read down here:

 

 

Whiterun - Knight

Full plate armor

Nordic Sword

Advantage: Great shock troop, possibly able to ride a horse

Disadvantage: Suffers in prolonged fighting due to the lack of a shield

 

Windhelm - Huscarl

Steel armor, with a standard helmet

Nordic Shield

Nordic War Axe

Advantage: Protected against ranged fire, good in prolonged engagements

Disadvantage: Slow

 

Solitude - Praetorian

Heavy Imperial armor, with an Imperial Officer's Helmet

Imperial Shield

Custom Imperial Sword (much higher damage compared to the standard)

Advantage: Shield can be used for bashing, works well with other Praetorians

Disadvantage: Weaker armor than most soldiers

 

Falkreath - Huntsman

Leather armor, with a hood if possible

Ebony bow, with high tier arrows (most likely ebony), Nordic dagger

Advantage: Deadly at long range, can easily take down melee fighters

Disadvantage: Extremely weak in close range

 

Markarth - Peacekeeper

Ebony armor

Large ebony shield

Nordic Mace

Advantage: High armor, health

Disadvantage: Slow, bulky

 

Riften - Sheriff

Orcish armor, with a hood

Dual Nordic Swords

Advantage: Two weapons, much better on the offensive

Disadvantage: Unable to block, weaker on the defensive

 

Winterhold - Battlemage

Dwarven armor, hood

Nordic Sword/dagger, and a powerful spell

Advantage: Able to use spells to deal damage from afar

Disadvantage: Spells can possible cause AOE damage, hurting allies

 

Dawnstar - Raider

Steel armor, with a horned helmet

Nordic Shield

Nordic Sword/War axe

Advantage: Able to quickly rush archers and mages by protecting themselves with their shield

Disadvantage: Armor isn't able to protect them in a prolonged engagement

 

I'm still unsure of a theme that fits Morthal.

 

As for the veteran NPC that lives in smaller towns, I like it.

[zigen1111]

Any updates with this? :)

[ArchangelZero7]

well based on the lore for Morthal, their group could specialize in combat with poison-coated weapons due to the fact that the only real group residing there is alchemists. So maybe something along the lines of small-time assassins or "battle alchemists"? What do you think?

[jdude97]

I can probably make this, as soon as I get a break from my other mods.

Edited January 29, 2014 by jdude97

[BloodBond76]

To whom this may concern here is maybe a good mod that replaces the guard meshes, maybe just use the meshes for the elite patrol?

 

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/2819/?