The Alchemist/Illusionist Build

[invertedpanda]

For those who want to get right to the stats, here's where you'll want to be at level 31.

 

Now, on to the general build and playstyle.

 

I played a poisonmancer build once, utilizing daggers as my primary method of attack, but.. well.. In the later levels it was just way too powerful, which gets boring :) So, here's something similar with a twist: No direct combat skills.

 

That's right - no bow, 1 handed, 2 handed, or destruction magic. Your offense will be predominantly reverse-pickpocketing poisons and frenzy spells. If you go with Khajit as a race, you can at least have some claw attacks early on that'll help you get through Helgen.

 

At the beginning, I just hung around Whiterun (WITHOUT talking to the Jarl), leveling my skills (muffle for illusion, sneaking around, pickpocketing people, and making lots of potions for profit). I brought my health to 200 first, and then upped magicka, putting some in health every so often. You'll want to get your hands on some staves for combat (there is one particular staff you can get in Dawnstar that works wonders; I'll leave it to you to figure it out :)), as you can't always pickpocket or frenzy/calm everybody.

 

Once you've got your staff (or staves), then you can continue on with the main quest if you so desire.

 

There are a few things you can do to boost the viability (and fun) of this character. One, become a vampire. It works exceptionally well with this build. Two, do the Dark Brotherhood (it'll give you something fun to do as well as some nice bonuses). Getting involved with the thieves guild is a smart idea, too, if only just for a fence. The College of Winterhold is important as you'll want to be able to buy your Illusion spells there (plus do some decent, but challenging quests).

 

Anyway, once you hit 30, I'd recommend focusing primarily on Illusion and Alchemy, maxing Illusion ASAP. Illusion is only useful if it's high. I tried to keep it above all my other skills through my entire progression. Enchanting would be 3rd on the list, mostly for + to alchemy gear. You also don't need to worry too much about perks outside of the ones that have a direct benefit to skill after level 30. It's all gravy, so get what you want after you max Illusion and your +% to skill perks (double effect is the only one I'd recommend 100% for any character with enchanting).

 

With this build, you can almost entirely avoid combat (aside from dragons). No need for a companion, either; they'll just mess with your stealth.