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Build help for a bow solo pve hunter-gatherer-survivalist

Xodarap777
Xodarap777
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I want to make a light-RP (but paradoxically solo/immersive) alt purely for exploring, hunting, and harvesting.

This means a few things, to start with - my character (Bosmer, obviously) will have to:
* Be self-sufficient and well-rounded in his solo pve abilities
* Make good use of very few combat-related skill points, since he will want abilities like keen eyes and hirelings
* Utilize mostly a bow
* Preferably rely on a slow-paced tactical combat style (not, despite the bow, a pew-pew kiting dps pace)
* Rely on exploration and light hunting for XP
* Be built around low-level abilities (certainly not an endgame build - in fact, I will likely only ever have one bar/weapon)

I think that the first-thought class, a Nightblade, might not be as well-rounded and self-sufficient as, say, a templar. And certainly the clanfear is worth thinking about as he can keep mobs busy while I mine and hack. But for "feel," I definitely want to rely on the bow. I would like the tactical "feel" of traps or the like, too, but I don't think that any of those are available at the low level skill point area.

This character is meant to be an immersive, stare-at-the-scenery, relaxing change of pace, so I don't want my medium armor to make me feel squishy (hence even considering the pet despite sorc not fitting the "feel" very well).

Any advice, including not-directly-build-related advice, would be very welcome. I also don't want this to be my "learning" or trial-and-error character, I just want to grab low-level mats and get hirelings in a fun, solo-RP sort of way :smile:

(Thanks in advance - this is my first post, yay!)
  • Reeko
    Reeko
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    I actually just helped a friend of mine setup a dps bow bar as his main ability bar. This is what i told him for both pve, pvp, and aoe fights.

    PvE single target dps(boss fights): Lethal Arrow, Poison Injection, Piercing Mark, Relentless Focus, Evil Hunter, Flawless Dawnbreaker.
    If you have a Tank that can keep up Pierce Armor you can replace Piercing Mark with Crippling Grasp for more maneuverability or Swallow Soul if you don't have much faith in your healer lol.
    Rotation: Mark target, Relentless, Hunter, Poison Injection, weave light attacks with Lethal Arrow until Spectral Bow procs, use Spectral Bow, Rinse and repeat. Use Panacae of Weapon power for Major Brutality and Crit.
    PvP: Piercing Mark, Crippling Grasp, Camo Hunter, Lethal Arrow, Magnum Shot, Soul Tether.
    Rotation: Simple enough. Camo, Mark target, spam Lethal Arrow until dead. Use Magnum and Crippling to help open distance and kite. Alternatively you can use Focus Aim instead of Lethal Arrow then replace Piercing Mark with Venom Arrow for more utility but you lose the heal from Mark that can help keep your HP up in 1vx fights.
    AoE questing/grinding/dungeon trash pulls: Reaper's Mark, Evil Hunter, Relentless Focus, Arrow Barrage, Bombard, Flawless Dawnbreaker.
    Rotation: Mark weakest target, Relentless, Hunter, Barrage then use positioning with Bombard to keep them in the Barrage. Light attack weave Bombard. Use Spectral Bow when it procs. Rinse and repeat till dead.

    I personally use Piercing Mark and Camo Hunter morphs but i listed the morphs best used for each situation.
  • Reeko
    Reeko
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    Also do not get keen eye. Ruins the immersion imo
  • RavenSworn
    RavenSworn
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    The playstyle you stated seems to be a control, bow wielding, stamina based kind of solo pve build. There are a few ways to go about this and while you may or may not have played other games, I see a kind of a survivalist / marksmanship kind of wow hunter for you.

    I played my bosmer hunter right to the letter of how you wanted to play your character up until I reached veteran. This was so that I could ensure my skill piints would be enough for a main character and I would definitely explore every single part of the map with this character.

    Imo, use both bars. Think of it as a lotr Ranger out in the field, bow in one hand and a two hander sword hangin in the back. You can also have dual wield daggers for roguish hunter, a 'skinning' knife that can be used as a dagger for last resort.

    With this in mind, you can use a few tricks up the NightBlades sleeves:

    Crippling grasp. An underrated ability that allows you to boost your speed while locking down the enemy. Its good for chasing down prey, especially single target ones.

    Reapers mark. This is the morph to mark of the hunter and one of the reason why I chose this is that it returns you 60% of health back when the target is killed and also gives you a major berserk buff.

    Relentless focus. This skill gives you stamina recovery, a minor berserk buff ( which will stack with reaper) and also much better utilise by bow users than melee dps due to its proc requirement.

    Ambush. This is a gap closer, a stun and also an empower buff. What is not good about this ability?

    Manifestation of terror. This is a trap that will fear all enemies as long as they are within the vicinity. The other morph is really useful for a mobile fight but if you are just fighting npcs, then the trap is a much better utility skill when things get hairy.

    Shadowy image. Since the update, this shade will be ranged, which means you can cast it at a safe place, engage the enemy in close quarters, then jump back to its location, be it high up on a cliff or back behind a rock. It also Debuffs the enemy, lowering its attack power.

    Cloak. This is your basic escape tool. I prefer shadowy disguise than dark cloak since disguise gives you a 100% crit on your next attack but dark cloak allows you to cleanse yourself. Its really up to you and your game style.

    Blur. This is an awesome skill that while it may seem unreliable at times, having an increased dodge rating means when it does proc, you dont take any damage at all. I have dodged charges, boss heavy attacks and aoes. Mirage will increase your armor but post imperial city, Mirage will also boost your spell resistance. Double take increases speed but with medium armor, that extra armor mitigates a whole lot more damage than it should. Not to mention everytime you use a shadow ability, you gain extra armor so fear, cloak and shade will help tremendously in survivability.

    I prefer the poison style of hunter, so bows are really the best for that. Usually I have crippling grasp on one mob, reaped marked the other and fear trap when they all came near. Acid spray and lethal Injection all over. I had speed, debuffed the target with fracture, breach and maim, Poison them all then switch weps to two hander, ambush, executioner. Before each fight, rally - evil hunter - relentless focus.

    But if you are into the stealth hunt, then camo hunter - rally - relentless - shadowy disguise - Snipe will usually one shot one mob while setting the trap, wep switch, ambush - shadowy disguise - surprise attack - killers blade - Mirage if the fight gets too long. Shade for escape and a utility button.

    Hope this helps!
    -RavenSworn
    Ingame: RavenSworn, Pc / NA.


    Of Wolf and Raven
    Solo / Casual guild for beginners and new players wanting to join the game. Pst me for invite!
  • Waffennacht
    Waffennacht
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    Seems really cool, use provisioning to cook said deer meat?

    As a bosmer will you follow the green pact?

    I think what you're doing is awesome
    Gamer tag: DasPanzerKat NA Xbox One
    1300+ CP
    Battleground PvP'er

    Waffennacht' Builds
  • RavenSworn
    RavenSworn
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    I did in fact. No alchemy for me. Just blacksmithing and clothing (medium). Took woodworking since its all dead wood anyways but yes, its all meat for me in provisioning.

    On hindsight, didnt know if the question was for op or me but I answered anyway lol.
    Ingame: RavenSworn, Pc / NA.


    Of Wolf and Raven
    Solo / Casual guild for beginners and new players wanting to join the game. Pst me for invite!
  • jebuspowers
    jebuspowers
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    Honestly, just make a Khajiit Nightblade so you can sneak around like a boss. Take up alchemy for invisible potions. And since you are solo pick any skill you want and have fun. I would also say roll with 5 medium and 2 heavy for a little extra survivability. Just wanted to point out that as a cat Nightblade you can stealth next to bad guys and guards while stealing or harvesting for extra entertainment. I'll even give you some back story.

    You're a thief and a remarkable one at that. One day whilst trying to plunder some ruins you notice a mage. He seems exceptionally powerful so you try your best not to get caught in his epic battles with other people. After he defeats his opponents he seems to not notice you. Until you stumble upon an urn and cause a ruckus. He sees you and dispatches you quickly.

    At that point it ties into the main story. But here's some more background.

    Your quest in finding your immortal soul causes you to also do some real metaphorical soul searching. You continue to be a thief, yet for righteous causes. You steal what you need, but also to help others in greater need. Your thirst for adventure and exploration beckons you and the only way you will be satisfied is to experience everything the world has to offer. You used to only steal for yourself and remained a loner because of your criminal nature. Now you are filled with purpose by relying on your old skills of your former life to forge a new one. Of course, you will need the help of some familiar faces along the way (outlaw refuge).

    I also recommend giving yourself some kind of nickname, like a hero kind of name. Pick out a home town that you like and visit that place regularly for item repair and banking needs. Talk to everyone there to get a sense of rapport. Challenge yourself to get through an entire delve undetected. Pick every safebox you can and donate some money to low level people.
    Edited by jebuspowers on August 15, 2015 9:32PM
  • Reeko
    Reeko
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    This is starting to look like it belongs in the RP forums.
  • jebuspowers
    jebuspowers
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    That's what he said he wanted. Thought I'd help.
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