I have my killer Barbarian build mapped out, but before I go too deep into certain trees I have a dilemma. If I go max 2 handers to warmaster, I can take 6 in block and 6 in archery for my bow attacks and block defensive with quick reflexes as such: http://skyrimcalculator.com/#18435

BUT if I drop all the block I can take crazy deep archery with 13 perks for the ranger, slow down, and power shot perks!! Good sneak damage with my bow and focus on two handers for a more barbarian/range feel as such: http://skyrimcalculator.com/#18438


Opinions anyone?


These both seem pretty viable, but how much more survivability will I get with shield wall and quick reflexes. I should note that I rock Master difficulty. Only had trouble with the boss Krev the Skinner for the Companions quest "The Silver Hand." He was a [censored] but finally took him down with good sneak shots and potion use...almost out of pots though now!

bump

I'd go for the archery over the block. You won't block well with a 2-hander anyway, and in your case offense is the best defense.

Agree, Archery is the defense.

A true barbarian forgoes all defense! I'm playing a similar style and plan to go the archery route as I'd rather kill them quickly.

Besides, isn't having some kind of ranged attack almost a necessity?

I use both however the slo mo blocking perk is so useful for 2 handers! You won't regret chosing it once you are blade dance dodging your foes power attacks! Watching sabretooth cats leap at you while you slo mo matrix style sidestep them. Its a must for light armoured barbarians!

Maybe I'll try it out on another character sometime as that does sound fun.

plus I think it would only cost 2 perks at minimum

Would Conan ever pick up a bow? Nuff said. Use your shouts for range attacks

And if you rolling Barbarian, you must have this mod if you a Nord....
http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=661

Blocking with 2 hander and slo mo perk means you would use the block as a guard stance to counter attack, not to actually block.

Is max shield wall useful with a 2 hander? Just theorizing about one on one with a dragon and being able to last. That 40% sounds like it adds survivability to 2 hander builds.

I'd say full archery and ignore block. Two handed is all about staggers and decapitations, not blocking.

Okay, here's my 2 septum.

I've played with both and the slow-time effect in Skyrim is one of the most powerful perks you can get. Period.

However, the Block Runner perk (move at normal speed when blocking) is required to fully appreciate Quick Reflexes IMO. This enables you to take on a dragon, 2 giants, and a mammoth all at once without getting touched. Basically, when the slow-time effect activates you have 3-5 seconds where you can swing away at normal speed. It's absolutely (almost) overpowered. That said it will require 70 skill in Block, which takes a while, and 5 perk points. BTW, the Shield Wall perk is worth exactly 1 perk point and no more, especially when you get Quick Reflexes and don't get hit much anyhow.

There's no question that the comparable Archery perk is well worth it, but you might find yourself less of a Barb' and more of a Ranger once you do get it. Because it makes lobbing arrows into your enemies so easy, it feels illogical to stop shooting and let the baddies rush you--even if you have a hearty 2H'er ready.

I ran an Archer Conjuration mage and after a while realized I just used Lyida to tank while I slow-time killed everything with a few arrows from a hiding spot. In other words, it doesn't make sense to go deep into both offenses because you'll end up utilizing one primarily and neglecting other.

Go Block all the way. Then you have Stagger, Slow-Time, Decap' and heavy armor. You'll be a Beast. Put a few points into Archery for Quick Shot maybe as it will help against dragons.

Great feedback thanks! I will take at least 2 for quick reflexes thats for sure now. I feel putting two extra points to get the block Runner perk is a waste of perk points, thats two more that could go into other things. With this type of build though, I would have to drop the +crit perks to get the quick shot. Its a pickle, using two hander, is it really worth it to drop 3 extra perks to get the Block Runner perk?


Note: Im a light armor Barbarian, so no heavy protection!

Okay here's how it is: Quick Reflexes (QR) is awesome for slowing time, during which you can counter or dodge. For me, I like to side step, so having Block Runner (BR) is essential. Without BR, you just can't move out of the way fast enough, so your best option is to either bash to interrupt their attack or to attack and stagger them. Since you're going to go 2H and not using a shield, you could probably live w/o BR. However, with a shield it's a game changer for getting in on archers/mages.

The +crit perk in Archery is worth 1 point at most. 1 point = 10% crit, 2 = 15%, 3 = 20%... so basically, the first point is okay, but for what I would consider your secondary attack it's not worth it. If you were going Ranger, sure.

Power Shot on the other hand is awesomely helpful because it staggers your target and you can end up 'stagger-locking' them to death just like with a 2H'er. Couple that with Steady Hand and you're golden.

I also use light armor, and you can easily hit armor cap with Elven and up. You'll need 7 perks in Light Armor minimum and at least 2 in Smithing (to get Elven). Even in Thieves armor I'm at about half the armor cap now with ~70 smithing, ~40 light armor skill and 5 perks.