The Apprentice
A Nord of less than Adequate ability. Ice magic to keep bruisers away. Lightning to drain Mages. A Bound Sword and Board for when magic runs out. Best to keep to Apprentice difficulty, if not for balance, then for thematics.
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More: Budget builds, Challenge builds, Mage builds
Those under the sign of The Apprentice recover Magicka faster, but are more susceptible to Magicka damage.
Condition
Loadout
A bolt of lightning that does 25 points of shock damage to Health and half that to Magicka.
Cast on a nearby surface, it explodes for 50 points of frost damage when enemies come near.
Creates a magic dagger for 120 seconds. Sheathe it to dispel.
Improves the caster's armor rating by 60 points for 60 seconds.
Summons a flaming familiar which will charge into battle and explode.
Ball of sunlight that does 25 points of damage to undead.
Heals the caster 50 points.
While blocking, creates a ward that protects against spells for up to 50 points.
Increases your Magicka by 40 points.
Block 21% more damage with your shield.
Destruction spells cost 15% less to cast.; Magicka regenerates 75% faster.
One-handed attacks do 21% more damage.
Carrying capacity increased by 75 points.; Increases your Magicka by 20 points.
Increases Magic Resistance by 13%.
Carrying capacity increased by 50 points.; Increases your Stamina by 50 points.
Powers
Your Nord blood gives you 50% resistance to Frost.
Targets flee for 30 seconds.
Your Nord blood improves your resistance to cold environments by 25 points.
Magicka regenerates 100% faster.
Magic Resistance reduced by 100%.
Recover Magicka twice as fast.
Increases Magic Resistance by 15%.
You do more combat damage to the opposite sex.
Healing spells cure 10% more.
Dragons do 25% less melee damage.
While Ethereal, you recover Health 25% faster.
Your Frost Breath Shout encases foes in ice for 15 seconds.
Your attacks, shouts, and destruction spells do no damage to your followers when in combat.
All spells cost 10% less Magicka. Enchantments are 10% more powerful.
Spells cost no Magicka for 30 seconds.
Fully restores your Health, Magicka, and Stamina.
Shouts
The Thu'um reaches out to the Void, changing your form to one that cannot harm, or be harmed.
Your breath is winter, your Thu'um a blizzard.
Your Voice is raw power, pushing aside anything - or anyone - who stands in your path.
The Thu'um rushes forward, carrying you in its wake with the speed of a tempest.
Consumables
Potions, food and drink you find or buy. Their buffs are counted into your stats.
For potions you plan to brew yourself, just pick the effects you want. Their strength follows this build's Alchemy skill, perks and gear. For the actual ingredients and bottles, use the Alchemy calculator below.