Since we meet him in Sovngarde during Skyrim, I roleplayed my Dovahkiin sparrign with him - as it could be the only chance for my warrior to cross blades/axe with someone so legendary on friendly terms.

However...

...would even an experianced (i.e. high level) character even stand a chance? As far as i'm aware we don't have a great deal of solid information on how skilled or powerful the ancient king was, aside from 'very'. We know he and 500 pals were capable of a great deal, but we also fight one of those companions on Solsthiem and while skilled he was nothing truly special outside his curse.

So, from a lore perspective how do you suppose Ysgramor weighs in compared to some of the greater warriors of TES lore? Almalexia in her prime, for example, I can't imagine being troubled by a mortal warrior no matter how strong. Thu'um or no. I'm not generally fond of 'power level' threads because they are silly, but this is more just being unsure of Ysgramors ability.

There are many things to be unsure on regarding Ysgramor.

The man ate soup with a fork. I wouldn't mess with that.

He wielded a battleaxe in one hand, too. If he didn't, what was his shield for?

He sailed the seas on it while using Wuuthrad as a paddle of course.

http://i.imgur.com/Yr9ZC.jpg

This.

He's a phony.

The true muscle behind the 500: http://uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Ahzidal

Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7cqc2hlVzg

And: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHHqz-SnY44 In open sunlight no less...

Or perhaps, http://theoldyebard.deviantart.com/art/The-Return-of-Ysgramor-288122973.

Horrifying yet purty.

He was the Gregor Clegane of Tamriel/Atmora he wielded a Two Handed weapon with One Hand,He Led 500 men around killing people..

Inaccurate representation: He is clearly not wielding Wuthraad in one hand and clearly not using his shield in the other.

Can't tell if Ysgramor hater or Ahazidal lover...

OT: I can concur with the Gregor Clegane of ES theory (except he wasn't a maniac who liked killing babies then [censored] their mothers)...

The lich priest does have a a certain point.....Ahzidal did play a big hand in helping the Companions win.

If Ysgramor was getting enchantments from a Dragon Priest, that would explain how the Nords were able to defeat the elves but couldn't defeat the Dragon Cult until they were taught the Thu'um.

Truth be told though, this one was a extremely talented, and driven, mage. While getting artifacts and teachings from dragons is certainly a great boon, they probably didn't have the repertoire this man possessed. Hell, the way I read it, he only joined the cult so he could further augment his capabilities.

Both.

Ahzidal wasn't a Dragon Priest at the time. He was invited to the Cult after the companion's success as recognition of his work.

My mistake. Still, the point remains that the Nords could not have had his expertise when they rebelled against the Dragon Cult.

He was long gone by then. Already in Solstheim seeking out the Daedra(Herma Mora of course).

I can't stop laughing while figuring this in my head.

And he could divide by zero. And the universe didn't even implode.

*MIND BLOWN*

What if...dragon breaking IS dividing by zero in the TES universe

You might be onto something, my friend.