Paladin (Heavy Armor & Restoration) Build
Embrace the divine and become an unyielding bulwark with the Paladin build. This archetype combines the resilience of Heavy Armor with the healing and protective power of Restoration magic, making you a formidable force on the front lines who can also sustain themselves and allies.
Core Skills:
- Heavy Armor: Your primary defense. Invest in perks that increase your armor rating, reduce the stamina cost of power attacks, and provide bonuses to blocking and staggering enemies. The goal is to become nearly impervious to physical damage.
- Restoration: This is your lifeline and support. Focus on spells that heal yourself and allies, provide temporary buffs (like wards or damage resistance), and potentially turn undead. Perks that increase spell effectiveness and reduce magicka cost are crucial.
- One-Handed: While not your primary focus, a reliable one-handed weapon will be necessary to deal damage. Perks that increase weapon damage, attack speed, and allow for power attacks are beneficial.
- Block: Essential for mitigating incoming damage, especially when facing powerful foes. Perks that improve your ability to block, stagger enemies, and reduce the stamina drain from blocking will sificantly enhance your survivability.
Gameplay Loop:
- Engage and Tank: Charge into combat, drawing enemy aggression. Utilize your Heavy Armor and Blocking skills to absorb hits.
- Heal and Protect: As you take damage, use Restoration spells to mend your wounds. Cast protective wards or buffs on yourself and any companions.
- Smite Your Foes: While you are a defensive powerhouse, don't neglect offense. Use your one-handed weapon to deal damage, focusing on power attacks when opportunities arise.
- Turn the Unholy: If facing undead enemies, your Restoration spells will be particularly effective at turning them or dealing sificant damage.
- Sustain and Endure: The Paladin excels at outlasting opponents. Through consistent healing and damage mitigation, you can wear down even the toughest enemies.
Key Perks to Look For:
- Perks that increase Heavy Armor effectiveness and reduce its weight penalty.
- Perks that enhance healing spells and reduce their magicka cost.
- Perks that improve blocking effectiveness and stamina management.
- Perks that grant bonuses against undead or Daedra.
- Perks that increase one-handed weapon damage.
Gear Recommendations: Seek out Heavy Armor sets that offer high protection and enchantments that boost Health, Stamina, or Restoration spell effectiveness. A sturdy one-handed weapon with enchantments that deal elemental damage or drain health will complement your playstyle.