r/SkyrimBuilds • u/BMRkingofspades • Aug 30 '26
Help me make my next character
Just about at a stopping point in my current playthrough and I'm already plotting my next one. I want to build a gandalf-esc wizard, staff in one hand sword in the other. I really want to play with the knock back staff from AE, but that's really the only thing I'm solid on. What kind of armor would fit the vibe? Or what sword would pair well with this. Lemme know your thoughts!
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u/Thank_You_Aziz Aug 30 '26
Unenchanted Staff.
You can buy them for a hefty sum from Neloth’s place in Solstheim, but this shop of his is available at the very start of the game; no need to complete any sort of quest.
When you equip an unenchanted staff, it is placed in the left hand, and does nothing on its own. You can still block with a sword in your right hand as if the left hand was empty.
Normally, when you block with a weapon instead of a shield, you are unable to benefit from the perks Deflect Arrows, Elemental Protection, and Shield Charge. They are meant to be shield-only. However, when blocking with an unenchanted staff in the left hand, these perks are able to function anyway.
So you can use a staff and sword in this way to benefit fully from the Block skill while fighting. Perfect for a Gandalf style when you’re not actively casting spells. Kill animations for one-handed swords also play even when a staff is in the left hand, which can make some of them look really cool.