Ahoy, fellow Dragonborn!
I remember the first time I stepped into the vast, snow-covered expanse of Skyrim. The thrill of adventure was palpable, but with it came an overwhelming question: “Who am I in this world?” I mean, sure, I could be the destined Dragonborn, but what if I wanted to be more than just a shouty hero? What if I wanted to be a Skooma-addicted rogue or a peace-loving monk? The possibilities seemed endless, and I felt like a kid in a candy store… or, more aptly, a gamer with a brand-new, unmodded game.
I bet you’ve asked yourself similar questions:
- How can I make my Skyrim experience unique?
- What if I don’t want to be the typical sword-swinging warrior?
- Can I play a character with a deep backstory and personal challenges?
- Are there mods that can enhance my role-playing experience?
I’ve been there, and after countless hours (and a few too many dragon encounters), I realized that many of us crave a guide to navigate these choices. A compass, if you will, in the vast sea of Skyrim’s possibilities. So, I’ve compiled this guide, a treasure map to help you discover the character archetype that resonates with you.
Ready to embark on a new quest? Dive in and let’s redefine your Skyrim saga together!
1. The Skooma Addict
Born into the hardships of life, your character develops an addiction to Skooma, a dangerous and highly addictive narcotic. The addiction soon becomes a vicious cycle, with your character constantly seeking out the drug in order to feel its euphoric effects.
This Skooma addiction means your character will be in a constant state of drunkenness, with all the benefits and negatives that come with it.
Pros:
- Unique challenges as you must always find or buy Skooma.
- Encounters with guards can be unpredictable.
- Adds emotional depth to the character’s story.
Cons:
- Can be a difficult playstyle, particularly at the start.
- Might limit interactions or quests due to the constant need for Skooma.
Tips:
- Start in Riften, as it’s a hub for shady activities.
- Invest in the Sneak skill to steal Skooma when necessary.
- Set a timer to make sure your character drinks often.
2. The Pacifist Monk
As a monk who believes in the sanctity of all life, you refuse to directly kill any living being. This may mean running away from a lot of fights, if you do get into one.
Another way to approach this is to consider alternatives to using deadly force, especially in a situation where you may find yourself in a physical altercation. One option to explore is to rely on your magical abilities to defend yourself.
This could potentially include using spells or charms to disarm an opponent or to create a protective shield around yourself. By tapping into your magical powers, you may be able to effectively defend yourself without resorting to violence.
It is important to remember, however, that every situation is different and that self-defense should always be approached with caution and a thorough understanding of the risks involved.
Pros:
- Creative use of Illusion and Alteration spells.
- A more challenging and thoughtful playstyle.
Cons:
- Some quests may be impossible to complete. But that’s part of the roleplaying experance.
- Combat can be frustrating.
Tips:
- Use spells like Calm, Paralyze, and Frenzy to control the battlefield.
- Rely on followers for tougher combat situations.
3. The Dwemer Archaeologist
My personal favourite as it makes me feel like Indiana Jones.
Obsessed with the lost Dwemer civilization, you’ve come to Skyrim to explore ruins and collect artifacts.
I love a bit of archaeology and history in real life, and this is one I’ve actually activly role played as for a while in Skyrim.
Venturing to Dwemer cities in search of Dwemer cogs, artifacts, and more is actually quite exelerating. espeshially when you consider that Dwemer runines are usually teeming with high level enamies.
Pros:
- Provides a focus on the rich lore of the Dwemer.
- Incentivizes exploring often-overlooked locations.
- Can be very lucrative.
- Still alows you to fight in anyway you like.
Cons:
- Can become repetitive.
- Limits interaction with the main storyline.
Tips:
- Start with the “Lost to the Ages” quest.
- Prioritize the Alteration skill for detecting items.
4. The Bard’s Journey
As a traveling bard, you aim to learn every song and story and perform in every tavern. I personally love playing as a bard in Skyrim. Plus, there huge pottential to play as a bard, and earn a living from it if your willing to entertain a mod or two.
Pros:
- Emphasizes social interaction and the game’s music.
- Can combine well with other playstyles.
Cons:
- Limited combat skills.
- Could become monotonous.
Tips:
- Join the Bard’s College in Solitude early on.
- Enhance your Speech skill to earn more from performances.
- Download the Bards Rebord mod from Nexus mods. It’ll make roleplaying as a bard an absolute joy.
5. The Forsworn Avenger
As a native of Reach, you’re determined to free it from both Nords and Imperials and return it to the Forsworn.
Pros:
- Unique political stance creates a fresh perspective.
- Offers new roleplay interactions with Markarth and its environs.
Cons:
- Makes many in-game factions hostile.
- Limited support in game mechanics for this allegiance.
Tips:
- Use Forsworn gear and focus on guerilla tactics.
- Camp in the Reach’s wilderness instead of staying in towns.
6. The Daedra Worshipper
You are committed to serving the Daedric Princes, seeking out their artifacts, and completing their quests.
To be honest with you, this has to be one of the most fun ways to roleplay in Skyrim because it involves essentially Skyrim’s equivalent of devil worship. And who doesn’t want to do that?
By completing quests and aiding the Daedric Gods, you can obtain outstandingly powerful artifacts, gear, weapons, and powers. Plus, being a worshiper of pure evil will give you the power, means, and motive to bring forth armageddon on the people of Skyrim.
Pros:
- Engages deeply with some of the game’s most intriguing quests.
- Access to powerful Daedric artifacts.
Cons:
- Morally gray or even dark character choices.
- Can be hunted or mistrusted by NPCs.
Tips:
- Begin with the Shrine of Azura quest.
- Use the Mace of Molag Bal and other Daedric items to enhance combat.
7. The Nature Druid
Living off the land, you protect Skyrim’s natural beauty from all threats, using magic and alchemy.
Another outstanding roleplaying style that fits perfectly with Skyrim’s new Survival mode is the wilderness wanderer. You can live off the land, wandering through forests and over tundra on your quest to free nature from the exploitative nature of humans and orcs alike.
Pros:
- Emphasizes the natural aspects of the game world.
- Rewards a non-conventional playstyle.
Cons:
- Can be difficult, especially in the beginning.
- Restricts certain questlines.
Tips:
- Invest in the Alchemy skill and create potions for every situation.
- Avoid large cities, embracing the life of a wanderer.
8. The Vigilant of Stendarr
You’re a member of the Vigilants, traveling Skyrim to eliminate Daedra, werewolves, and any unnatural beings.
This way you’ll be taking on some of the most fearsome being and beasts in Skyrim, while essentially making SKyrim a safer place for it’s people.
Pros:
- Clear enemies and objectives.
- Focused on the game’s supernatural side.
Cons:
- The world is a dangerous place with many threats.
- Limited interactions with Daedric quests.
Tips:
- Build Restoration skills for healing and anti-undead spells.
- Start with the Hall of the Vigilant and roleplay its fall due to vampires.
9. The Khajiit Caravanner
As a Khajiit trader, your primary objective is trade, whether it’s legal or not.
In other words, when I start a new Skyrim save, I tend to play as a stealthy character. I prefer to avoid direct conflict, and Skyrim accommodates this play style perfectly.
To this end, I often choose to play as a Khajiit, the best race for stealth in the game. From there, I focus on thieving to increase my wealth and status.
Pros:
- Encourages exploration of all cities and towns.
- Heavy emphasis on bartering, Speech and stealth skill.
Cons:
- Less emphasis on combat.
- Morally questionable, but, meh, it’s only a game after all.
Tips:
- Always carry a varied inventory for trade opportunities.
- Develop stealth skills for those… less than legal deals.
10. The Sea Pirate Raider
You’ve landed on Skyrim’s coast from a far-off land, raiding and exploring as a pirate or viking-esque character after your ship ran aground after a storm.
As a pirate, your main goal is to raid and pillage the land. In the past, I tried roleplaying as one and pretended that I had to save 100,000 gold to “buy” a new boat and sail home. So, I set out to steal and plunder every village in the northern territories of Skyrim. I never ventured further south than Whiterun.
However, I soon realized that saving 100,000 gold was rather easy when I was stealing everything I could get my hands on. So you may want to set your goal a little higher.
Pros:
- Offers a unique perspective on the landlocked province.
- Emphasizes coastal exploration.
Cons:
- Limited by the game’s naval mechanics.
- Can feel disconnected from the main quests.
Tips:
- Use the Northern coast as your main area of operation.
- Engage in piracy, raiding coastal settlements.
11. The Blind Seer
Cursed or gifted with blindness, you rely on your other senses and perhaps a touch of magic to see the world.
So how do you actually roleplay a blind seer in Skyrim? Well, in my opinion, this can be quite creative. When I say blind, I don’t mean completely blind; I mean very short-sighted.
Basically, you will need to run the game at the lowest resolution possible while still being able to read the HUD. It won’t be as easy to spot enemies as it usually would be, and you should roleplay as if you can’t actually see them. You can also use spells that highlight objects, enemies, and other important items in the world to help you navigate.
Pros:
- An entirely unique challenge.
- Roleplay opportunities with NPCs.
Cons:
- Gameplay can be extremely difficult.
- May need to rely heavily on followers.
Tips:
- Use audio cues extensively.
- Focus on magic, especially Illusion and Alteration.
12. The Arena Champion
Once a famed fighter in Cyrodiil’s arena, you’re in Skyrim seeking new challenges.
Basically, you are a warrior seeking new challenges. You are always on the lookout for specific high-level, uniquely named enemies. All you do is focus on these types of missions and challenges.
At the earliest opportunity, you will also buy a house to display the bounty of your travels.
Pros:
- Emphasizes combat skills.
- Always on the lookout for strong opponents.
Cons:
- Less engagement with non-combat quests.
- Can become repetitive.
Tips:
- Challenge every warrior you meet to a duel.
- Roleplay the establishment of a new arena in Skyrim.
13. The Necromancer Hermit
Shunned by society, you live in seclusion, raising the dead and honing dark arts.
Once again, one of my favorites, as I am an introvert. In this roleplay scenario, you are a necromancer who has very little contact with the towns and villages of Skyrim. Instead, you live off the land, growing in power and pursuing your own goals, goals that will further your dark arts.
Pros:
- Focus on Conjuration and dark magics.
- Unique interactions with the world and NPCs.
Cons:
- Many factions will be hostile.
- Can be a lonely playstyle.
Tips:
- Seek out secluded spots for your hideouts.
- Constantly be on the move to avoid angry mobs.
14. The Dragon Cultist
Believing that dragons are gods, you worship them and seek their return to power.
Roleplaying as a Dragon cultist is not easy because dragons will constantly try to kill you if you even dip your toe into the main quest. However, this can actually add an element of intrigue to the roleplay. I essentially played a psychopathic Dragon cultist. If a dragon attacked me and other NPCs attacked the dragon, I made it my mission to extinguish those non-believers who dared to attack a Dovah.
Pros:
- Completely alters the main storyline’s perspective.
- Unique interactions with dragons.
Cons:
- In direct opposition to many game objectives.
- Difficult to maintain allegiance.
Tips:
- Avoid killing dragons. Instead, serve or appease them.
- Collect dragon-related artifacts and relics.
15. The Vampire Hunter
With the Dawnguard or independently, you’ve dedicated your life to eradicating the vampire menace.
Again, one of my favorites as it means really focusing on what you’re trying to achieve in the game.
Pros:
- Clear combat objectives.
- Integrates well with the Dawnguard DLC.
Cons:
- Can become a one-dimensional playstyle.
- Limited nighttime activities due to hunting vampires.
Tips:
- Stock up on anti-vampire gear and potions.
- Roleplay a personal vendetta against a specific vampire clan.
16**. The Relic Hunter**
Akin to Indiana Jones, you’re in Skyrim to discover ancient relics and sell them to the highest bidder. A bit like the Dwemer artifact hunter, except you can cast your net a little wider.
Pros:
- Encourages exploration of tombs and ruins.
- Merges combat with treasure hunting.
Cons:
- Less focus on narrative quests.
- Reliance on merchants for income.
Tips:
- Use a mod like “Legacy of the Dragonborn” to enhance your experience.
- Always carry equipment for delving into ancient places.
Conclusion
Ah, what a journey we’ve embarked on together, fellow gamer! From the snowy peaks of Skyrim to its deepest dungeons, we’ve explored the myriad of ways to immerse ourselves in this epic world. Remember when I was lost, trying to find my identity in this vast realm? Well, thanks to this guide, we’ve both discovered paths less traveled. To recap:
- The Skooma Addict and the challenges of addiction in a fantasy world.
- The Pacifist Monk and the art of non-violence in a land of war.
- The Dwemer Archaeologist and the thrill of unearthing ancient secrets.
- The Bard’s Journey and the joy of serenading Skyrim’s inhabitants.
- The Vampire Hunter and the dedication to eradicating the undead menace.
- The Relic Hunter and the quest for treasures beyond imagination.
Feeling inspired? Don’t let the adventure end here. Dive into the “What Next?” section and keep the magic alive!
What Next?
I always believe in giving you something actionable to take away after diving deep into an article. So, here’s your quest log:
- Character Creation Challenge: Start a new game and immediately choose one of the archetypes we discussed. No second-guessing!
- Mod Exploration: Visit Nexus Mods and search for additional mods that can enhance your chosen playstyle.
- Journaling: Keep a diary of your character’s adventures, emotions, and challenges.
- Community Engagement: Share your unique character story on a Skyrim forum or subreddit.
- Roleplay Challenge: Spend a week in-game strictly adhering to your character’s archetype. No deviations!