OK, so I am lookin at a "Nightblade" without Destruction. Here is what I am looking at so far as far as skills and perks:

One Handed: Armsman 5/5
Archery: Overdraw 5/5, Eagle Eye, Steady Hand 1/2
Sneak: Stealth 1/5, Everything Else
Illusion: Novice Illusion, Hypnotic Gaze, Aspect of Terror, Rage, Animage, Kindred Mage, Quiet Casting, Master of the Mind
Enchanting: Enchanter 5/5, Insightful Enchanter, Corpus Enchanter, Extra Effect

That alone gets the charcter to 38, debating adding in a smattering of Restoration and Smithing, Perhaps Light Armor... though the perks I would potentially look at would take the build to level 55.

Comments, thoughts, tips, constructive criticism always welcome.

Got a feeling I should drop my Stealth Mage build... But nah... people would say I'm spamming the forum . But if you want, just say it; it will kinda long though, but fun build nonetheless.


You're going in the right direction with Illusion by investing in Enchanting for no-cost and the "functional" right tree, potentially save you tons of perk. Using it though, is another art in itself. If you're going Sneak 1/5 you're doing yourself a disfavor if you're combining with Illusion. If you have (Shadow Warrior + 5/5 Stealth) synchronize with Invisibility you can literally disappear in front of an enemy without having to get out of his line of sight first.

Even though you SHOULD rarely need restoration spells, you will probably like to have necromage if you're becoming a vampire (increases in enchantment power, spell duration). And also because vampires have bonus to both Sneak and Illusion. But due to their weakness to fire and no regeneration at daylight, just make sure your enchantments make up for that; especially if you are actively engaging in combat.


But honestly... I would never understand why people would go for a nightblade build... Sneak itself is already quite overpowered; and to combine with armor, one-handed AND archery, with restoration; and hell, enchanting AND smithing? You're gonna end up being bored your skull out before you even reach level 50. And really... what's the point of making a "nightblade" semi-stealth build if you're running into combat chopping heads off? Better off just make a ranger build and eyeline yourself emo.

Took your advice, somewhat. I mean I do not look good rockin the emo look. Decided against adding the Light armor and have yet to do anything smithing oriented. I have primarily focused on Illusion and Sneak, which I must say I am having a blast with, and am avoiding destruction. I gotta say it is mad fun throwing a Frenzy spell on some wandering imperial guards escorting a Stormcloak and watching all four tear one another apart, then hanging back and picking off the remaining ones with a well placed arrow or bolt, or just going invisible and slittin some throats.

I doubt that I am gonna go the Vampire route, so I am kicking out Restoration as well. I seem to be doin ok crafting myself healing potions and sticking to the shadows.

I am making use of enchanting, and while I may ventuure into perks for smithing for arrows and bolts, I find that a flame enchantment and a ring and necklace seem to be enough at this point to give me some extra kick currently at level 23. And of course that sweet sweet Dark Brotherhood gear.

Should throw in Conjuration and use Bound Bow since you all ready have archery as a skill.