Thinking of working through a new build that seems a bit non-standard and could be fun: running a mage that wears a shield with spells. Block perks like slow time/bash were an awesome mechanic on my previous battlemage, but that one got pretty OP with all the smithing going on. So figured lets try again, but with spells for attacking.

I should also mention I found this insanely awesome little mod on Steam Workshop, Enhanced Novice Spells: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=12229

This one basically gives you App/Adept/Exp/Master level versions of the starter Flames/Sparks/Frostbite spells so you can keep them viable all game if you like. And I do! Seems to fit well with the block mechanic since I'll need to be up in their faces. Block arrows on advance, flamethrower, shield bash stagger, more flamethrower, etc.

What do you think? Although it can be fun, I'm not a huge fan of straight fireballs all day from a distance, so this seems like a nice compromise for a new character. Has anyone done a shield mage before?

-- KhorneDeth

Just started playing this type of mage myself. I will have to look up that mod as flamethrower spells are fairly weak one handed.

That's exactly why I was so thrilled to find that mod. I enjoyed the Flames mechanic, but not the ages it took to kill something, even dual-casted, once you're higher up. This mod makes it possible.

Add in the shield Block mechanics (which IMO are some of the best implemented perks in Skyrim) and I think it will be loads of fun and nowhere close to OP. Maybe long range spells for dragons in flight would be necessary, but otherwise, Flames/Sparks/Frostbite all the way?

-- KhorneDeth

Shield Mage? I like the name. I just finished a Battlemage playthrough directly after I'd finished a robed mage. At first it felt just like a robed mage but in heavy armour, so I took Block to change it up a little. Worked out quite well - I was using the cloak spells quite often and bash too. I also put a lot into Restoration so I was able to face all comers. Made a couple of vids around the mid 30's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-nZ9A3JSDM&context=C4cda796ADvjVQa1PpcFMOtn5E1y6ALiJX-yazSxfA5f8Tl6960wU=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOk4fKgtYmQ&context=C4aa252aADvjVQa1PpcFMOtn5E1y6ALu2oH6O5eUtQwiSiRg6Sog8=

and took some pics towards the end

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6940401119_ff10bc72b5.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6806032982_1d7efb5e72.jpg

Thanks for the vids, nice seeing the shield in action. How'd the shield bash mechanic work with the spells for you? Looked like a run in and bash, back up and fireball kinda thing.

Yours seemed to have more attack diversity than my idea; saw some bow, sword and staves in there.

Update, I'm up to Lvl 6-7 on my new Shield Mage with novice spells mod -- basically just Bleak Falls and a few surrounding caves -- and I'm having a ROARING good time with it! Decided to try things this way:

Destruction
Block
Conjuration
Alchemy
Enchanting
....not sure what else, maybe Rest or Alt?

I'm thinking, perk the hell out of Dest/Block, go up the Atronach side of Conj for doubles (no Dremoras... not fun having them tank/kill entire legions duoing).
Alchemy for the potions to heal/recharge/etc. Hitting a Fortify Dest boost for tough fights seems smart.
Only some basic Ench, enough to bring costs down for Dest on preferred gear -- there are some sick armor mods I wanna use for looks, but may need the lower costs a bit. Not going near 0% though, that's just no fun anymore.
Haven't given thought to the armor though -- will probably go light, heavy, or none depending on which armor mod I settle on.

What am I missing? So far the mechanics have been block, bash, counter with flamethrower while staggered, summon in there too (flame atro), then pot/heal when needed. It's been great fun since Helgen, but am I missing the long view? I have yet to do MQ, DB, Thieves, Mage questlines on any character so far, fyi. Hopefully no spoilers, lol.

-- KhorneDeth