Table of Contents

The Dragon Priest: Mastery of Shouts and Dragon Magic

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a Dragon Priest character in Skyrim! This build focuses on harnessing the power of shouts and dragon magic, allowing you to become a formidable force in Tamriel. Below, you will find detailed sections on race selection, skills, playstyle, and more to help you dominate your enemies with the might of the dragons.

Race Selection

Choosing the right race is crucial for maximizing your Dragon Priest build. Here are the best options:

Nord: The natural affinity for cold resistance and increased proficiency with battle shouts make Nords an ideal choice for this build.
Altmer (High Elf): With a bonus to Magicka and the ability to regenerate it faster, Altmer can effectively wield powerful spells alongside shouts.
Breton: Bretons possess a natural resistance to magic and can absorb spells, providing excellent survivability against magical foes.

Standing Stone Choices

Selecting the right Standing Stones can greatly enhance your abilities. Consider the following:

The Mage Stone: Increases your skill leveling speed for all magical skills, helping you master your dragon spells quickly.
The Lord Stone: Provides additional armor rating and resistance to paralysis, boosting your survivability in combat.
The Serpent Stone: Allows you to paralyze enemies for a short duration, giving you an edge in battle.

Primary Skills and Key Perks

Your primary focus should be on the following skills:

Destruction: Essential for dealing damage through spells. Key perks include:

Augmented Flames/Ice/Shock
Impact (stun enemies with spells)

Speech: Useful for persuasion and bartering, with perks like:

Haggling
Investor

Shouts: Mastery of Dragon Shouts is vital. Focus on unlocking:

Dragon Aspect (from the Dragonborn DLC)
Unrelenting Force
Fire Breath

Secondary Skills

Your secondary skills will support your primary focus and enhance your versatility:

Conjuration: Summon powerful allies to assist you in battle.
Enchanting: Enchant your gear to boost your magical prowess and shouts.
Alteration: Useful for defensive spells like Oakflesh and Paralyze.

Recommended Equipment

Your gear should reflect your mastery of dragon magic. Here are some recommended items:

Dragon Priest Masks: Each mask provides unique bonuses; select one that complements your playstyle.
Robes of Destruction: For increased spellcasting efficiency.
Staff of Fireballs or Frostbite: To unleash powerful area-of-effect spells.

Playstyle and Tactics

Your playstyle as a Dragon Priest should revolve around using shouts to control the battlefield while unleashing devastating spells. Here are some tactics to consider:

Use Unrelenting Force to stagger foes and create openings.
Employ Fire Breath or Frost Breath for area damage, especially against groups.
Summon allies with Conjuration to divert attention while you cast spells.

Quests and Factions

Engaging in specific quests and joining factions will enhance your character’s abilities:

The College of Winterhold: Gain access to powerful spells and training in magical arts.
The Blades: A faction dedicated to dragons; participate in quests that align with your character’s lore.
Dragonborn DLC quests: Further explore dragon powers and gain unique abilities.

Leveling Tips

To optimize your leveling process, keep the following tips in mind:

Focus on using your primary skills during combat to gain experience quickly.
Join the Mage’s Guild early on for access to valuable resources and training.
Utilize trainers whenever possible to quickly advance your skills.

Additional Tips

Here are some final tips to enhance your Dragon Priest experience:

Experiment with different combinations of shouts and spells to find what suits your playstyle best.
Utilize potions to restore health and Magicka during tough battles.
Explore the lore of dragons to enrich your character’s background and motivations.

Conclusion

In summary, the Dragon Priest build in Skyrim offers a unique and powerful playstyle centered around shouts and dragon magic. By selecting the right race, skills, and equipment, you can become an unstoppable force. Embrace the power of the dragons, master your abilities, and conquer the challenges that lie ahead in Tamriel. Happy adventuring!