Let's Play Skyrim

[RK47]

I really dislike the Brotherhood questline.

Spoiler

The key plotpoints mostly happen outside of your control and without you present. And what about the Silver Hand? It's established a ton of werewolves go feral? How are they the bad guys? Why is this never explored?

(not very spoilerific but the kind of smug "I've played the game!" stuff you see in LPs too often so I put it in tags)

Sir, it's called the Companions.

 

[RK47]

Aela...is that?

The bastards...somehow they managed to kill Skjor.

LP Comment: Strangely, aside from Farkas, we will NEVER get the chance to witness another Companion transforming into a werewolf.

I'm sorry.

He was one of the strongest we had, but numbers can overwhelm. He should not have come without a Shield-Brother.

Shouldn't we take him back to the Jorvasskr?

No. Get out of here, I'm going to make sure we got the last of them, and see if there's any information to be gotten from the body.

But I can still help...

Yes, you have another work to do. The Silver Hand will tremble at your sight.

Shepard understood completely. His expression hardens as he awaits his next assignment.

What's my target?

I've been hearing rumors of Silver Hand activity. A group of them, holed up in Eastmarch. Here. *She marks a place on Shepard's map.* Kill them all, but above all, make sure you get their leader.

I'll make them pay.

Donning his armor, Shepard ascends from the fortress, ready to brave the challenge ahead of him.

Damn, Normandy's not with me. Where the fuck am I, anyway?

A little south...is the place I have to be.

Not so bad, let's get started.

Shepard takes a short rest before heading south. The sun rises as he begins his march.

Hm? Who's there?

Hello there, how can I help you, gentlemen?

What?

That's him alright. It's Shepard!

Get him!

The fuck is this about?

Combat is unavoidable.

Shepard took some hard knocks, the three of them form a good unit. Shepard decides to retreat to the fortress.

Nowhere to run, Shepard!

You guys sure can keep up...heh...well...this is it...

Boom.

What the-

A blast of energy flowed from Shepard's body...green, swirling light engulfed his surroundings, suddenly the dead Silver Hand soldiers rose back from the dead!

Nobody said he's a necromancer?

Doesn't matter, get him!

With the raised dead's help, the fight gets easier.

Shouldn't have taken the job, folks.

That's it. Time to find out who hired these thugs. And why.

Shepard rubs his chin for a moment. Moira?

Doesn't ring a bell. But calling me a thief? When was the last time I stole something?

Shepard thinks back....wayyyyy back.

In-fucking-credible. Too bad I don't know where this Moira is, else I get to axe her some questions..

Thanks a lot guys.

The undead grunted in reply.

Bye.

Hours later...

Damn, this is a long trip. I kinda miss Normandy already.

Carefully, Shepard descends the cliff and came across a small scenic lake.

Looks like a shrine of some sort....

Walking closer, Shepard finds several war instruments on the altar, as well as a few pieces of steel armor.

This is the shrine of Talos?

He bends over and picks up the Steel horned helmet.

Ahem, I bet Talos won't mind if a warrior like me borrows his helmet.

Paying his respect at the Shrine, Shepard mutters a quiet prayer, thanking the deity for the helm.

Don't worry, Mr. T. I'll kill those elves for you..then your worship won't be outlawed anymore.

Shepard never breaks promises.

 

[Multiple Sarcasm]

-.- God damn! One Hand - eh? I might work on those later, then. Thanks for the tip, bro!

Hmm, I might've spoken too soon. Judging by this page, one-handed does affect it: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Werewolf#Skyrim
But further investigation revealed this bit on the topic: http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:We ... difiers.3F

Through about an hour of research and testing, I have determined two things to be true. And one of the notes on the page to be false, specifically, the note that states that werewolf claw attacks are affected by one handed skill level and perks, including dual wielding. The two true things are werewolf armor rating IS affected by Light Armor skill level and the five ranks for the perk "Agile Defender". I have also determined the MAX attack and defense ratings werewolf. All of this I supply in a quote from a post I made in the Bethesda Skyrim forum earlier, complete with statistics and mathematical data, and steps to arrive at the same conclusions as I did.

 

[RK47]

-.- God damn! One Hand - eh? I might work on those later, then. Thanks for the tip, bro!

Hmm, I might've spoken too soon. Judging by this page, one-handed does affect it: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Werewolf#Skyrim
But further investigation revealed this bit on the topic: http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:We ... difiers.3F

Through about an hour of research and testing, I have determined two things to be true. And one of the notes on the page to be false, specifically, the note that states that werewolf claw attacks are affected by one handed skill level and perks, including dual wielding. The two true things are werewolf armor rating IS affected by Light Armor skill level and the five ranks for the perk "Agile Defender". I have also determined the MAX attack and defense ratings werewolf. All of this I supply in a quote from a post I made in the Bethesda Skyrim forum earlier, complete with statistics and mathematical data, and steps to arrive at the same conclusions as I did.

They actually forgot one very important thing though: Werewolf combat never, ever raises your skills. Hence no level ups. If you actually go werewolf all the way - there would be no fucking way the mobs outscale the werewolf at level 10, from what I've seen anyway, since the knock around attacks and AoE fear is just broken.

 

[RK47]

Brothers, as you may know, our battle against the were-beasts in Skyrim...has been facing...difficulties of late.

You've asked for a full investigation, and I'm inclined to say, things don't look good.

The Companions have been capable foes, but they've opened up their recruitment of late.

Normally, I would dismiss those whelps as nothing more than fodders, but this latest...recruit...Shepard.

He seems to have been inducted into their inner circle...within days.

Remember the time when we used to wear down were-beasts? Even the experienced Skjor, fell to our combined efforts. But this one....

Is different.

I don't know what kind of training he's got, but he doesn't fight like a beast when transformed.

Cunning, calculative. He knew to avoid the wrong moves to make.

It's almost he retains his humanity while fighting in the beast form!

We have a real reason to be worried, he's now after our blood after we've killed Skjor, one of his Companions friends.

We need to act fast...if we want to survive this onslaught.

Scouts have lost contact with our secret hide out in the Lost Knife caves. Their last message was a lone adventurer assaulted their lair.

We know better.

It was Shepard.

Later scouts would find bodies torn apart within.

Not even the leader of our hideout survived.

His insatiable appetite for blood may prove to be his undoing, ...if only the foolish renegade mages in the fort next door are more capable! *Slams the table.*

If we don't act quickly, the Silver Hand will be no more!

Looks like the last of them...time for a well deserved meal...and some rest.

Licking the stew off his spoon, Shepard comes across an interesting book in the once-fortress of the renegade matches.

...Hmmm.

Julianos. These gods were, and are, worshipped throughout the Empire. And while some may have different names in the varying provinces (for example, Akatosh is known as "Auri-El" to the Aldmer; and Arkay is sometimes known as "Ar'Kay"), all are recognized and revered by all races and cultures of Tamriel.

But when Tiber Septim passed to Aetherius, there came to be a Ninth Divine - Talos, also called Ysmir, the "Dragon of the North." The man who was so loved in life became worshipped in death. Indeed, it can be argued that Talos, the Ninth Divine, became even more important than the Eight that had preceded him, at least to humans. For he was a god who was once just a man, and through great deeds actually managed to ascend to godhood. And if one human could achieve such a feat - couldn't it be done again? Couldn't all humans aspire to achieve divinity?

So we thought, we humans. And so we continued to worship Talos, and revere him as the ultimate hero-god. But that was then. This is now. And now, we know the truth:

We were wrong.

As citizens of the Empire, we all experienced the horrors of the Great War. And it was not until the signing of the White-Gold Concordat, the treaty between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion, that we once again knew peace. One of the most important stipulations of that treaty, as every Imperial citizen is well aware, is that Talos can no longer be worshipped as a god. This edict shook the very foundations of the Empire. There were those who rebelled against the law. Indeed, some still do.

But the citizens of the Empire must know this: the Emperor did not agree to outlaw the worship of Talos because it was demanded by the Thalmor, the ruling body of the Aldmeri Dominion.

The Emperor agreed to the outlaw of the worship of Talos because it was the right thing to do.

Today, the Emperor, and indeed the Empire itself, recognizes that allowing the worship of Talos was a mistake. For by doing so, by allowing the worship of Talos as a Divine, the Empire actually did its people a great disservice: for this only succeeded in weakening the memory of the man Tiber Septim and his many

Horse-shit.

Shepard tosses the book into the fireplace...and closed his eyes.

 

[abnaxus]

Giants hit hard, eh?

Why did you pick axes, though? Aren't warhammers best choice for the perk that ignores 50% armour?

 

[RK47]

I can always just spend a perk on warhammer later on - it's pretty cheap IMO. It's kinda slow too, I find the timing quite hard to get used to.

 

[Krraloth]

I don;t know the actual level of writing or the story in the game, but the way you are putting the things togheter makes me want to play it, probably I would end up disappointed because the LARPing factor you put into the LP is very powerful.

Keep feeding us!

 

[anus_pounder]

For a second, I actually thought I was looking at a 3rd Person image of Shepard in some sort of bark-skin, like in DnD.

 

[Codexlurker]

Wow, I've never thought I'll see so much awesomeness in a Redguard(I always ignored them and played Dark Elves).

 

[Multiple Sarcasm]

Fuck yeah, RK, found an unarmed scaling mod. You should pick it up and go on an EXTREME collar-grabbin' spree. Shepard earns for it, I can see it in his eyes.
Bethesda was even nice enough to include unarmed collar-grabbing finishers in the game, too, in anticipation of this LP.

 

[Majestic47]

Fuck yeah, RK, found an unarmed scaling mod. You should pick it up and go on an EXTREME collar-grabbin' spree. Shepard earns for it, I can see it in his eyes.
Bethesda was even nice enough to include unarmed collar-grabbing finishers in the game, too, in anticipation of this LP.

 

[Codexlurker]

Wrong fist.

 

[RK47]

Shepard leaves the fort after a short rest and comes across a lone traveller.

Hail.

Your skin...Are you ill?

I am one of the Afflicted. I'd have been dead from this plague a year ago if not for Peryite's protection.

So, where are you going now?

Returning to High Rock. Our shepherd lost his way, and I fear Peryite's wrath may consume those who remain with him.

What happened?

Kesh could tell you more. I just want out of Skyrim as quickly as possible. Here, I'll point out the shrine on your map if you want to find him.

Safe travels, friend.

Shepard glances at the map and sighed.

It's too far from here. I've got business to settle. I need to make my way back to Whiterun from here.

Shepard continues his journey on foot, following the road towards the city of Windhelm.

Hey, what's...

Oof...goddamn cat!

Have a taste of this!

Cold, huh?

The mighty beast fell back from the onslaught and went limp.

Close one.

Finally, the walls of Windhelm greeted him

If I remember correctly, this is where the Stormcloaks' stronghold is located, I better take a carriage to Whiterun quickly.

The carriage master chat with Shepard on the way back to Whiterun. Mostly about the discrimination in Windhelm. Outsiders are generally not welcomed. The Dark elves are forced to live in a slum called the Gray Quarter. The Argonians can't even live inside the walls. Upon arrival, Shepard paid the remaining half of the fare and bid the carriage master farewell. Sun's up, and Normandy awaits him.

I miss you, girl.

Shepard rides into Whiterun. Stopping by the alchemist store on the way to Jorrvaskr.

I'm looking for something special...deadly special.

Fortunately, the storekeeper has some in stock. Deathbells they call it. Any venom mixture needs Deathbell as its base to be potent enough.

Once grounded, it's only a matter of finding the matching component to brew the venom.

Shepard made enough for several doses and leaves the shop satisfied. Aela awaits him in the Jorrvaskr.

Thanks. I took care of the Silver Hand you mentioned.

Excellent. Looks like you've really driven them into hiding. Keep this up. We'll wipe them out, yet.

What's the next target?

Good that you're so eager. I've caught wind that one of the brighter Silver Hand has been sniffing around Winterhold.

That's strange, Aela. The Companions only have one base of operations, here in Whiterun, what is there for them to sniff? Wolf's butt?

Aela ignored Shepard's query and continued with the briefing.

Sneak into their camp, and steal their plans, then we'll have the advantage. Fort Fellhammer is south of Dawnstar, good luck.

I don't like sneaking.

Aela shrugged and walked away.

Guess that means she's fine with anything.

Could use with some back up. Now that I'm a thane, might as well bring Lydia along.

Follow me.

Yes, my Thane.

Looks like you're properly outfitted, what about helmet?

I'm afraid I don't have any.

That won't do, let's make you one.

Within minutes, Shepard hammers his newest creation into shape, Lydia takes it gratefully.

Thank you, milord.

No big deal, come, we have to catch a carriage to Dawn Star.

The ride took half a day, it's night when they reached the remote village of Dawn Star. Shepard cursed when he realized the carriage trip is one way only.

Too late for regrets, let's go!

Fort Fellhammer beckons. A one way entry - Shepard draws his axe.

A shoot out occurs just within the walls. Too bad the Silver Hand are equipped with fur while Shepard is in steel. They'll never beat him at range.

Three dead guards later, and the way within the fort is clear. To Shepard's disappointment, it's just a small fortress, it took him seconds to find the leader's office.

Hey, so where's the location of the Halbech missiles?!

The Silver Hand leader rose from his seat to meet the challenge. Too late.
The poisoned arrow finds its mark, Shepard follows it up with his Cold Steel.

Sorry about this.

The book in hand, Shepard leaves the fort behind.

What's the closest major town from here? I need a carriage back to Whiterun.

That would be Solitude, far to the west.

Anything special I should know?

It's the Imperial Legion's headquarters. General Tulius leads the garrison there.

Excellent. Let's go.

And so the journey to the west begins...

A minor ambush dispatched.

And a hunt on the sides.

The tusk's gotta be valuable, right?

Yes, my thane, but the giants usually protect their flock.

I don't see any giant, open fire.

It was good practice. They feasted on the snout that night and carry the massive tusk in their pack.

Hours later, Solitude is in view.

We should find an inn.

Not yet. Give me a moment.

As you wish.

Shepard drew a deep breath as he admires the view. Looks like the preparation has come to an end. It's time to carry out his original mission.

Looks like it's time.

He rode into Solitude that night.

 

[Codexlurker]

I cannot wait for the update.

 

[Jaedar]

This LP is so bizarre.

 

[Wyrmlord]

Given that Redguards specialize in One Handed weapons, why did you choose Two Handed for him? Do you feel One Handed does not work well enough?

 

[anus_pounder]

Hey, so where's the location of the Halbech missiles?!

 

[Brother None]

Given that Redguards specialize in One Handed weapons, why did you choose Two Handed for him? Do you feel One Handed does not work well enough?

Two Handed is obviously much more Shepard.

 

[RK47]

Aside from taste, I guess the damage boost from the % bonuses are more massive when you wield two handers. I am aware of the Redguard starting point of +10 One hander , but the difference is so miniscule since they receive +5 bonus to Two Hander - a little bit negligible to be honest.

The only reason why you'd pick a race is probably due to looks or special ability - and I really think Redguard Adrenaline is shit while Poison resistance is negligible compared to Fire/Frost. Orc still has the best racial by far IMO. Ideally Redguards should move quicker than orcs, but since the 'setscale' bullshit was discovered (the taller you are, the faster and harder you move), Redguard is a VERY ordinary racial choice.

 

[abnaxus]

I think generally speaking, Bretons have it best.

Orcs and High Elves have great bonuses and powers, but one is geared for melee and the other for magic. Bretons' bonus and power is suited for everything.

 

[RK47]

I disagree. Orcs ability as follows:

You take half damage and do double damage for 60 seconds, once per day.

Berserker Rage doubles base weapon damage and stacks multiplicatively with other damage enhancements.

Considering two handers does 50 damage at mid level. And noob enchantment gives 10 pts fire.

That's 120 dmg per swing. AND you resist half incoming damage, fire, frost, butthurt, whatever. That's insane.

Beth really fucked the balance due to no downside, I remember using it in Morrowind and got knocked down because my agility was zero while in Berserker Rage. In Skyrim, you're unstoppable.

 

[Wyrmlord]

120 damage is nothing for higher level enemies. They can stomach it easily.

I had a Daedric Warhammer with 200 damage, no enchantments. It still only slowed down the most dangerous high level Draugr enemies only a little.

I also had a Daedric Armour with 650 Armor rating. That reduces all damage to one-tenth.

Obviously, being an Orc would double those benefits, but a persistent player with high level crafting could meet the specifications of an Orc of the same level but not high crafting. In the long run of the game, all benefits are marginal and all lost benefits can be compensated.

 

[RK47]

At night, the gates of Solitude is closely guarded, but still lets travellers pass through.

Who's Roggvir?

He's the sorry bastard who's going to be executed.

For what crimes?

He let Ulfric Stormcloak escape the city, after he killed the High King.

I see.

Looks like it's starting.

By opening that gate for Ulfric you betrayed the people of Solitude.

The bound man shouted back in his defence, explaining that Ulfric's merely beaten the High King in fair combat, according to the ancient custom of Skyrim, and all Nords. The angry crowd boos and screams for his execution.

Challenging your king in personal combat is a fair practice? I mean, how can anyone rule like that? The moment someone steps in with a daedric daikatana, the course of the kingdom can change in a moment's thrust.

Lydia shrugged as the executioner's axe raised high above the prisoner's neck. The man prayed to Sovngarde as the axe landed.

Rest in peace.

Tired, Shepard decides to book an inn. The Winking Skeever, they call it.

Sure, tell me something I don't know.

Really? I'm sure that's very interesting. Now, how about a room for one night?

Shepard pays the fee as he rose from his seat.

As he pass the main dining hall, the bard broke into a pro-Empire song.

We drink to our youth, to days come and gone
for the Age of Aggression is just about done
We'll drive out the Stormcloaks and restore what we own
With our blood and our steel we'll take back our home
Down with Ulfric, the killer of kings
On the day of your death we'll drink and we'll sing
We're the children of Skyrim, and we fight all our lives
And when Sovngarde beckons everyone of us dies

Shepard shakes his head in wonderment.

You won't hear this kind of song in Windhelm's tavern...

They ...twisted the lyrics there. Something more pro-Stormcloak.

Everyone could use a little inspiration before shedding blood, no?

Thanks.

Shepard gets a good rest for the night and wake early the next morning, ready to sign up for the Empire.

While walking towards the Imperial Legion headquarters, Shepard spots a lone Argonian standing on a corner, trying to make a proposition to the passerbys.

Nothing is easy, friend. But gold is always welcome.

The lizard nodded as he continues.

It's easy to find things to sell. Things nobody will miss. Things from underground, or just left lying around in someone's house.

Sounds like stealing to me.

My sister Deeja and I are treasure hunters. We like to collect things.

Sure you are, I'm not a thief.

Of course not! Thieves take what is precious. Thieves steal.

And you collect?

We just take what will not be missed. What no one needs anymore. Maybe we take some weapons and stop a few deaths. Who would call that thievery?

I'm listening...

I knew you looked like a clever one. With the war, many more ships come through these docks.

Loaded with weapons and stuff, yeah. So?

With few people on board.

And?

They pass through dangerous waters. We have an interest in one of those boats, the Icerunner.

This is the part where you're going to collect things from the boat, right?

The Solitude Lighthouse will be guiding it in...but if its fire were to go out - the Icerunner would run aground.

So let the Redguard put out the fire while the Lizards swim and collect the spilled shit?

What an interesting idea. I think if somoene were to do something like that, there would definitely be a certain amount of loot to be shared...

Fuck you, lizard. I should kill you where you stand or turn you in to the guards...

Turn me in? For what? What crime's been committed? I'm just making idle talk about what would most undoubtedly be a tragic event..A tragic, and very, very profitable event.

Keep talking and I'll turn your whole life into tragedy, shit-scale.

He's not worth it-

Yeah. Why don't you find your butt-buddies from Black Marsh to help in this plan of yours, huh? I'm kinda busy doing shit that matters. Fuck off and don't wave your tongue in my face again unless you want your tail shoved down your windpipe.

Shepard ignored the Argonian's words and stepped into the alchemist shop.

This shops looks complete. Let's deal.

Actually, yes.

Wonderful. I hadn't really hoped to run into someone who had been there.

What is this about? You want something delivered? Your ex-husband beaten?

Shepard!

Sorry, I'm a little high-strung by that Argonian...please continue, old lady.

My daugther, Fura, was assigned to Whiterun after she joined the Imperial Army. I was hoping you might have met her.

Doesn't really ring a bell.

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Imperial soldiers in Whiterun.

I haven't heard from her lately. I've tried talking to Captain Aldis but he hasn't been any help.

I might not know her, but I can try speaking with Captain Aldis to try get more information.

Oh, that's very sweet of you. Anything you can find out from Captain Aldis would be welcome news. Now, is there anything you wish to purchase?

Deathbells. And other poisonous reagents you might have.

Satisfied with the poisons he brewed, stepped stepped into the Bits and Pieces, general store, where the storekeeper carried an enchanted ring said to improve his archery. The price is quite high, but ranged damage is a premium when dealing with future dragon attacks.

With that business settled, Shepard finally arrives on the front door of the Imperial HQ.

Well, I was one of the dragonslayers in Whiterun.

The guard stared in disbelief as Shepard entered the castle.

Hmmm. Akatosh banners. This is Empire's stronghold, alright.

Music: Heroes IV: Stronghold

Moving closer to the meeting room, Shepard can hear the conversation between General Tullius and a female Nord soldier.

That's not what my scouts report, sir. Every day more join his cause. Riften, Dawnstar, and Winterhold support him.

It's not a cause. It's a rebellion.

Call it whatever you like, General. The man's going to try to take Whiterun.

Jarl Balgruuf...

Balgruuf refused the Legion's right to garrison troops in his city. On the other hand, he also refuses to acknowledge Ulfric's claim.

Lydia raises her eyebrows, Shepard brings a finger to his lips to keep the silence.

General.

You people and your damn Jarls.

Sir? You can't force a Nord to accept help he hasn't asked for.

If Ulfric's making a move for Whiterun, then we need to be there to stop him.

Looks like Whiterun's the next point of conflict.

Draft another letter with the usual platitudes, but this time share some of your intelligence regarding Ulfric's plans. Embellish if you have to.

Shepard, that's-

Necessary. Keep quiet and listen.

We'll let it seem like it's his idea.

With a deep sigh, the general steps away from the table and concludes the meeting.

You Nords and your bloody sense of honor.

All done? Great, I'm here to sign up.

No, I'm not. I'm here to sign up with the Empire. General?

Do you have some reason to be here, citizen?

I believe we've already met.

Have we?

The General squints his eye at Shepard, attempting to discern any familiar features. Finally, a look of recognition comes to his face.

Oh. Of course.

Indeed.

You were at Helgen!

In the flesh.

One of the prisoners, if I recall correctly.

EX-prisoner. Hadvar said he'd vouch for me.

Hadvar's alive? I hope that's true. He's a damn good soldier. But he hasn't reported in yet, so he can't exactly confirm your story.

Right. And I must be stupid if I walk in here just to be imprisoned again.

Hmmm. Why don't we wait till he returns? In the meantime, go have a chat with Legate Rikke.

I'm not here to chat, General.

Yes, I suspect we might have use for someone resourceful like you. Not many survived Helgen. Besides, I'm sure your being imprisoned was all a terrible misunderstanding.

Really? Step in my shoes in Helgen, General. And we'll talk about misunderstanding as I oversee your execution.

The general gave a short chuckle.

Speak with Legate Rikke, she'll determine if you're Legion material.

Before I go, how's the war?

Well, controlling the Pale gives Ulfric a port town, and takes the pressure off Windhelm. But it's only a matter of time before it's back in our hands.

What will it take to end it?

Ulfric's Stormcloak's head rolling away from his lifeless body.

How long has the Legion been posted here?

We've always been here. Without us to keep order, the provinces would fall into barbarism and lawlessness. Especially Skyrim.

I think you're exaggerating.

Am I? Well take for example Ulfric Stormcloak and his little 'rebellion.'

Point taken.

Rest assured, his days are numbered.

What about you, General? Have you always lived in Skyrim?

I'm originally from Cyrodiil, sent here at the request of the Emperor himself. I'm often ordered to places with problems that need fixing. Now, while I'm certain this is all terribly interesting to you, I have important matters to attend.

Understood, sir.

Shepard salutes the General and walks towards the woman next to him.

The General told me to speak with you.

I've got a good feeling about you. And I don't often get good feelings about anything. A warrior knows to her gut...

So, I'm in?

Not yet. I'm not going to go through the normal process with you. I've got a little test lined up. Pass that, and we'll talk about you joining he Legion.

Anything but punching women in the face is fine.

Is that confidence, or bravado? Confidence I can use. Bravado gets soldiers killed.

I've survived a dragon attack, killed a fortress full of mages, and survived a tavern assault by a bitch in full steel plate armor...I can take on anything.

We'll soon find out. I'm sending you to clear out Fort Hraagstad. If you survive, you'll pass. If you die,-

Then I eat dirt. I'm ready. Anything else I should know?

Most of the forts in the wild have fallen into disrepair, and nearly all have been overrun with bandits. We're going to install a garrison there, but first, you're going to clean out the bandits that have moved in.

Consider it done.

Good, that's what I want to hear. Now make it happen, soldier.

Legate Rikke points at Shepard's map to indicate the fort's location.

Shepard sets off without delay.

Time to kick ass. Stand back, Normandy.

Not gonna waste any ti----RAAARRRRGHH!

The fuck was that? Sounds too loud to be a wolf? Guys, did you hear that?

The bandit landed with a thud on the center courtyard. Shepard's were-form landed on his still-warm body and gorged on it. The rest of the bandits

It's a werewolf, kill it! Kill it!

A piercing roar shook their very hearts and they fled in all directions!

Shepard rampage was unstoppable.

Brutally short, the fortress was cleansed of all life in matter of minutes. Only Shepard and Lydia stood in the courtyard when it was all over.

Shepard, that was -

EXTREME?

Shepard grinned and puts on his steel armor as he casually walks back to Normandy.

Job's done. Let's head back to Solitude.

A loud whoosh overhead interrupted the casual pace.

A dragon!

Fuck.

Knew it was too easy...

Shepard draws his bow as he dismounts from Normandy, hoping his steed doesn't get between the crossfire.

Keep it distracted, I'm going to poison my arrow!

Alright!

Shepard tosses the empty vial aside as the arrow tip gets soaked by the venom. He notches the arrow and takes a deep breath.

Time to bag another dragon.

 

[RK47]

120 damage is nothing for higher level enemies. They can stomach it easily.

I had a Daedric Warhammer with 200 damage, no enchantments. It still only slowed down the most dangerous high level Draugr enemies only a little.

I also had a Daedric Armour with 650 Armor rating. That reduces all damage to one-tenth.

Obviously, being an Orc would double those benefits, but a persistent player with high level crafting could meet the specifications of an Orc of the same level but not high crafting. In the long run of the game, all benefits are marginal and all lost benefits can be compensated.

Double benefit for casual players are already enough proof it's too strong with no drawback.

Not saying you're wrong, but assuming you're running an orc at level 20ish with 80% damage bonus perk from skill and +30% from worn enchanted gear off store, that orc is going to blow shit away way before the HP bloat at level 40 even become noticeable.