I've been thinking about this quite alot of time. It seems great to just have this mystical character with no weapons or armour or anything like that, just arcane power.

I can imagine her personality. A very majestic and elegant person, a refined person that takes an enjoyment for luxuries too. That said, she's still young...and even though she's wise, she can be a bit stubborn. Ofcourse, she's also very spiritual, someone who's truly in touch with the arcanes.

I think I will use these skills for her. It's over 50 perk points but I think it'll do.

http://skyrimcalculator.com/#350017

Conjuration- I kind of felt that it made sense, the Atronachs look very mystical and spiritual in some way.

Destruction- Just for more direct offense, I will start out with thunder, but I might pick up the rest later.

Restoration- I'm not that sure, healing is usefull overall. And I could RP that she could help priests in temples to heal people. But I am still doubting for a bit. And with the atronachs on my side I don't think I'll be injured that often.

Alteration- Good for defense, the ability to absorb magic makes you quite the mystic. I also just want telekinesis because that might become the main spell for RP.

Enchanting- Eh, I just wanted to be able to enchant my own clothes. That's about it. Not the right or the left brench though. Only the ones for apparal.

I dont have illusion in it because I got my doubts that I would use it often, but maybe as RP skill once I got the rest finished.

Anyway, regarding the questions.

- What clothing would fit this character the most? You think? I'm considering Tavern clothes given that it looks quite exotic which kind of adds to the ''mystical'' idea. But I'm also considering fine clothes, the one with the fur, given her love for luxuries. I'll probably use rather expensive looking jewelry together with the Aetherial Crown.

- How could I justify an Altmer mage joining the Stormcloaks? I find the idea rather interesting. And for some reason I don't feel comfortable becoming Imperial with this one.

-Would the use of a staff make a pure mage more fun, in your opinion? As I mentioned I am usually not into mages. But I'm dying to try it out. But perhaps I should neglect the dual wield perk and wield a staff in one hand instead.

Maybe I'll end up neglecting this idea. I do that quite often, but I guess asking the forums here would do no harm. Who knows this build will be a blast, despite my doubts.

While playing as a a warrior, you don't have your character train in Smithing, Heavy Armor, Block, One-Handed, Two-Handed, Light Armor, and Archery. So don't feel compelled for your mage to dabble in every single Magic skill. Just a word of advice.

Anyway, clothing works best for mages since you can get the Mage Armor perk. But Robes are the best thing to use until you get high enough enchanting to enchant better bonuses on other clothes (like Tavern clothes).

-Your Altmer may be an undercover Thalmor agent weakening the Empire? Kidding, I'm not to sure though. Maybe the Empire killed your family in the Great War and this is their revense?

-Never used staves much, but they're useful when you're out of magicka (especially if you fight someone with Shock spells). They do not raise skills though, but they're strength is derived from the skill. (So if you have 80 destruction, a staff of fireball will be strong but it won't raise your skill up).

Why altmer mage? Everyone who creates a mage goes altmer, lol. Any other race can make an awesome mage.

I don't very much care for knife-ears.

As long as you have hatred of the Empire in some form, joining the Stormcloaks is justified.

It isn't without reason. No other race compares to them in mastery of the arcane.

But if you're going for variety you might want to try a different option like Khajiit, though they are far more suited for stealth based abilities.

No, not really.

"I can just see their pointy ears twitching for world domination!" - Ulric

And then of course you have the plethora of friendly comments from Galmar.

If your Altmer will not join the Empire, then just stay neutral. This is not your battle. Just mind your own businesses and let the stupid humans kill themselves. You have much more important things to focus on, like the arcane.

Nords make excellent mages, don't you dare deny it. Whenever I'm uncertain of my choice, I look to other nord mages. Like shalidor.

Oh and I could care less for cats or lizards. They're ok people, I just never want to play one. I also don't like half-humans like bretons.

Being a nord myself, I like to play them most.

But none of this answered TC's post and I apologize for yet again derailing a thread. I'm just intrigued why everyone who play a mage play altmer.

*AHEM*

Or like the dozen [True Nord] Dragon Priests whom outclass every other magic user in the game? And in particular, a certain... Hevnoraak who revolutionized practical necromancy before Mannimarco was conceived of, and experimented with Blood magicks before Vampires even existed.

My point exactly. Nords have an excellent grasp of the arcane, it's just that many prefer swinging a big metal object to kill people.

Because the appearance and backstory I want to go for is best portrayed by a female Altmer. This has nothing to do with the race itself. Infact I prefer Dunmer and Nords over Altmer, just not with a character like this.

This is very much a ''master of the arcane'' build so I want to be skilled in as much types of magic as possible.

Hmmm, good point. I think that all the amount of bloodshed would discomfort her kindhearted and harmonic nature in the first place.

You speak of the modern "nords" that inhabit the holy land of Skyrim today.

*nostalgic moment*

Why... I remember a time when my kinsman could read and were eager to explore the realm of impossibilities. As ferocious we were with our unnerving battle resolve and our might with an axe, we were with our study of the mystics, and our elegance with magic. Such a time it was, when the magistrates of glorious Alduin - praise be - could rival that of any Altmeri magistrate. A time where no taboo or superstition took root in our minds of which were free of heresies and blasphemous worship. A time... a time where I was proud to call myself Nord. Aye, Atmorans we were. The other human races to the south looked at awe in our majestic presence. For when they looked upon us, they saw a battle-hardened race that glowed in aetherial light.

I remember a time where Nord warriors would take a break from their intensive training regime, and begin to read a book in their spare time. This warrior would meet up with his fellow brothers & sisters and have entire conversations discussing the topics of what he and his kinsmen may have read that day. All the while sharpening their swords no less! Or the humble scholar who could wield a sword as elegantly as his fire and ice. I could walk down the halls of holy Valthume and discuss my findings and experimentations with any of my kinsmen, and hold a solid conversation on such a topic. Such a time it was. That now I look upon Skyrim of today and wonder.

How far have we fallen?

May Alduin have mercy on my distraught kinsman. Could there be hope for them yet? Or has wicked Valdar truly doomed the nords by locking up their last hope at rediscovering who they once were?

Bronne do dahsul, wo los hi wo dreh ni mindok hin rotusnutiid?

Oh and altmer CAN fight for the Stormcloaks. It's perfectly viable. Yes, all Stormcloaks except the player are all Nords and Ulfric is pro-nord but you can still roleplay an Altmer joining them to fight for Skyrim and prove that not all Altmer are Thalmor/Empire-supporting.

I wonder if Akatosh will ever let Alduin return to fullfill his prophecy as the World-Eater.

As far as clothes go, I'm picturing a full set of vampire robes with hood. That would look sixy on a female Altmer. Of course you'd have to ugh......join the Dawnguard.

I would also reconsider Restoration. The turn undead spells are great against draugr.

Fear not. The son of Akatosh will return. The faithful amongst us will be rewarded. Perhaps there is time for you to repent, my fellow kinsman?

Some say Alduin and Akatosh are the same deity. Alduin himself claims to be Akatosh's first born.

Whatever happens when he does return is not my concern as my soul will rest in Sovngarde. If Alduin chooses to return to Sovngarde, I'll have to kill him yet again.