Bloodskal Blade Build

Here will be a nord warrior who sets out to obtain the legendary Bloodskal Blade as soon as he can get away from the imperials and Helgen. I've never actually used this weapon (except for the puzzle door by where it's found), so I've decided to build a character who'll use it solely, and from the beginning.

My plan is to make my way to Bloodskal Barrow straight away to obtain the blade. I've no doubt that I'll get there, but will it even be possible to escape that treacherous place while still at a single-digit level? We shall soon find out.

Interesting indeed. At high levels this place is swarming with Deathlords. What difficulty are you planning on playing it? Will you read the Black Book?

Not to mention having to fight Zahkriisos in the final chamber. Get the best follower you can mate haha.

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So the update is as follows.

I made my way to Windhelm straight away. Once I got there I discovered that I hadn't the funds to book passage to Solstheim. I raided a nearby bandit camp which supplied enough gold and goods to book passage, as well as hire the mercenary Stenvar. I entered Bloodskal Barrow at level one.

The difficulty was left at the default setting. My worst fears were confirmed upon entering one particular room: a draugr scourge and TWO deathlords were awaiting my arrival. I lured them out one at a time. The scourge was difficult enough, with his damn frost atronach and all, but in the end he did fall. Not so for the Deathlords. I couldn't even withstand one hit, so I ended up using the old Dark Souls tactic known as, "Running straight through!" A powerfully shocking soulgem trap in the next room prevented the draugr from persuing me effectively.

Stenvar caught up to me right before Zahkriisos' chamber. He'd been disarmed, of course. Tis a good thing I'd picked up a spare ancient nord greatsword. Yet now I'm afraid I must keep you all in suspense for a bit longer. I saved and quit the game mid-fight with Zahk. Back in real life, company had arrived and it was time to go. I don't yet know if the fight is winnable. Two of Zahk's lightning blasts from across the screen drain my life to a mere smidge, and I'm out of health potions. Strategic use of the room's two pillars will be the key to my survival.

Arnjolf the Red has his Bloodskal Blade. If he wins this battle, his efforts will be validated. Then perhaps he'll read the black book.

I leveled up only so that I could heal in the absence of potions. When Zahkriisos fell I was level 4. I owe my victory to the Bloodskal Blade. The energy wave was able to hit Zahk from a position his lightning bolt couldn't hit me. The Dragon Priest seemed to eventually run out of magic and with little health left, Stenvar sent him to Oblivion. My own health went to single digits multiple times.

Arnjolf then read the Black Book, and survived to the end. The Lurker was difficult; once again the Bloodskal Blade was the decider. Due to it's size, the Lurker couldn't pursue me far beyond it's lair. Dodging it's toxic-noodle projectiles, the unlimited energy wave precipitated Arnjolf's victory.

Where does Arnjolf the Red go from here? First off, a place called Fort Frostmoth needs to be investigated. Then perhaps some kinship will be renewed in Skaal Villiage.

Arnjolf is now level 5.

Nice!

Fort Frostmoth has fallen. Stenvar now wields the Champion's Cudgel formerly held by Falx Carius. Once again, the Bloodskal Blade aided the victory tremendously. I take no shame in admitting that much of this battle was fought while backing up. The energy wave hits multiple targets in a row, making hallways handy.

After some quick research though, I discover that I cannot initiate the Miraak questline without first learning the way of the voice. So that is what shall be done. Thirsk Mead Hall has been liberated, and thanks to an ill-conceived hunt I now wear the coat of the Skaal people.

Arnjolf is now level 7.

Isn't that the place where one of the obtainable perks is followers are immune to recieving your damage?

I think its a really handy perk early on if you use a bit of destruction magic

limping adventurer said:

Isn't that the place where one of the obtainable perks is followers are immune to recieving your damage?

I think its a really handy perk early on if you use a bit of destruction magic

Click to expand...

Indeed. Tis the perk that I picked. I've since nailed Stenvar with the energy wave many times... He still complains and tells me to "watch it," but I know it's just his dry sense of humor talking.

Arnjolf's next move is the black book contained within Nchardak. With the help of Stenvar and a rather eccentric Dunmer fellow named Neloth, the book has been liberated from it's enclosure.

Arnjolf is not looking forward to this, but it must be done in order to liberate his new Skaal friends and to repay Miraak for the vicious shocking. Tis a good thing that he packed plenty of food and ale.

When you're with Neloth, it might amuse you to know that his voice is none other than that of Howling Mad Murdock, from the original A-team.

Is there shame in running from battle? Depends on one's perspective I suppose. And so it came to be that Arnjolf the Red bit off more than he could chew, as the saying goes, quickly exhausting his supply of healing potions in his second foray into Apocrypha. At level 11, being surrounded by Seekers whilst pursued by lurkers, it became rather quickly apparent that Arnjolf's only option was to run, or die. So he ran.

I've no shame in admitting it either, as it seems exactly what these black book levels are designed to make you do. One shouldn't be able to simply walk in and dominate the domain of Mr. Mora, yet that's exactly what I've done on prior playthroughs, due to my level being around 30 or so.

It's almost time to face Miraak himself. There will be no running from that fight.

Just face the music and dance! Giving up is for quitters!