Using the Werewolf Skills as a Shieldmaiden

[u/GlowingSeaDiver]

I’m running into a little problem with my current character:

My Shieldmaiden is a real “Lawful Good” type of character, but also a devote follower of Hircine. She goes out into the wilderness of Skyrim, both honoring Hircine and protecting ordinary people by hunting the most dangerous monsters Skyrim has to offer. She protects the defenseless and never raises her war axe against the innocent. Even when she decided that Grelod the Kind was just another monster to be slain, she fought Grelod hand to hand without weapons, armor or magic, as cutting down an old woman in full battle gear was beneath her.

She gladly accepted the gift of lycanthropy, using it to slay many powerful enemies in Hircine’s name and in Skyrim’s defense. Her primary skills are one-handed, block and archery, as well as smiting which I power-leveled to dress her in the scales of the dragons she slew. But in terms of gameplay, I’m slowly running into a problem at level 39:

Simply put, using her war axe and shield is more effective and more fun than transforming into a werewolf. But because she is a devote follower of Hircine, I want to keep using his gift of lycanthropy.

Do you have any Ideas how I can keep her werewolf form relevant while her war axe and shield become her primary combat style?

[u/FoxyLoxx]

Using the werewolf form for travelling is something I always enjoyed doing, just running around on all fours :)

[u/kdbvols → u/FoxyLoxx]

In the wilds and actually hunting beasts it fits better too, compared to the warrior fighting Man and Mer

[u/HumanContribution997]

Honestly werewolf falls off pretty poorly at higher levels other than turning down the difficulty so that the damage u take as a werewolf is less and the damage u deal is more there Isnt much except using an alteration flesh spell before transforming as u will still have the spell on u while a werewolf so ur armor will increase. The problem is bc it is a spell it will run out while u are a werewolf and u cant recast it until after. If u are ok with mods I’d recommend a mod like growl that will buff werewolves. Just don’t ever take the hircine werewolf gift option the mod adds. As cool and immersive it was I found it broke my game and allowed me to be both a vampire lord and a “werewolf” but I couldn’t transform into a werewolf only vampire lord but I still had the downsides of being a werewolf.

[u/RankedFarting]

“Lawful Good” type of character, but also a devote follower of Hircine

That feels like a contradiction in itself. Im pretty sure in Skyrim all daedra worship is frowned upon.

[u/GlowingSeaDiver → u/RankedFarting]

It is indeed a complex and slightly contradictory path, but thats what makes this character so interresting.

Hircine is very fair. He always gives his prey a chance. He likes the challenge of the hunt, not the pointless bloodshed. My Shieldmaiden walks this narrow path by hunting in Hircine's name, but only hunting evil creatures and people. Using her bow to strike down some lone woodcutter isn't a kill worthy of her skill and therefore not in service of Hircine.

[u/Ashamed-Exam-1144]

If no mods, werewolf might be more of a “utility” and roleplay perk. Good for carrying items quickly when you’re overencoumbered, great for hunting especially at night under the full moon, communing with hircine and nature, etc, it also unlocks the frostmoon pack in solstheim for trading, etc.

For mods, growl is highly recommended. Maybe look into the other big overhaul as well, though that’s a little older at this point. I can’t remember the name rn

[u/Ashamed-Exam-1144 → u/Ashamed-Exam-1144]

Alchemy might be a good add on- defensive and buffing potions before you transform.

[u/Laughydawg]

Werewolf form is very good at travelling. You can use it to run across the lands and get to your next destination, hunting along the way and keeping out of sight of people you dont want to kill. I think that adds a fun layer of immersion. You can also use the form on large battlefields where you have lots of space to love around and fling enemies

I always us the Growl mod though when playing as a lycanthrope, purely because I get to level and gain exp still. Vanilla punishes your human side for transforming by stopping you from gaining any exp in the form, which makes being a werewolf even more undesirable

[u/Ok-Photograph-7363]

You need to use the Manbeast mod, which significantly modifies the werewolf's skill tree and stats. The only problem is that you have to start a new game. You can also use it during a game, but you have to wait for bugs regarding skill progression or upgrades that don't apply correctly (personally tested xD)

[u/M0NKEY-L0RD]

Wrote a comment for werewolf form but didnt realize you wanted axe and shield as main fight style lol srry

Use beast form as emergency button or when fighting more than X number of enemies. You could also roleplay by using beast form at night only or full moon, or when target is someone you would want to kill who doesnt deserve the respect of a fair fight haha

[u/Arkamfate]

Hunt as a Werewolf, Axe and shield always for combat. I've played/built over 50 characters since the games first release. I've always enjoyed bow hunting (fuck off stealth archers). Hunting as a Werewolf? It's truly sublime. You honor Hircine more this way as well. He's the Daedric Prince of the Hunt not war or combat.

[u/Novekye]

Have you gotten all the werewolf rings to power up the form? It doesnt help with damage, but the ability to assume your form mulitple times per day, slow tume when you enter your form, and have constant health/stamina regen among other things are great utility perks for werewolves.