How to start a Pacifist Run and character ideas?

[Sally]

Hi guys. I was hoping to ask for abit of help on Skyrim on a new playthrough.

I've seen before that people have done Pacifist runs on Skyrim. Be it sneaking about, picking pockets only, or having companions doing the killing for them, using Illusion, etc.

I want to play a pacifist run where my character doesn't do the killing themselves and focuses on Illusion, Alteration, Restoration etc. Maybe abit of Smithing and Enchanting to give to companions.

The issues I'm having is in term of game mechanics and self-justifying the character ideas in my head. For mechanics, I'm wondering how should I go about this? I know Illusion only works on enemies of certain levels, and dual casting perks increases the possible levels, but that it doesn't work on certain enemies unless I get the right perks for them. Should I just wait and do quests involving humans/animals until I can get the perks? Or should I get a companion to deal with enemies?

As for character idea, I'm thinking of making someone who started out as idealistic but eventually turns into a monster of sorts. Goes from "killing feels bad" to "it just gets my hands dirty". As well as a need for validation and desire for attention that comes with being the Dovahkiin despite being what Nords would refer to as a milk-drinker, thus he would turn to forcing them to love him. Call it a love hungry monster. I do want to play through all faction quests if possible, but I'm wondering how to justify the Companions and Dark Brotherhood parts. I'm thinking "Companions only after mastering illusion to play out "Controlling their minds" " and Dark Brotherhood can easily be done with a follower who doesn't care about doing crimes and Fury spells.

Any thoughts?

[MaximumEffort]

I've always laughed at 'pacifist runs' that use followers and NPCs to kill people.

Its like using contract killers and claiming innocence.

[Sally]

Originally posted by sjrekis:

I've always laughed at 'pacifist runs' that use followers and NPCs to kill people.

Its like using contract killers and claiming innocence.

Of course, it depends on the scenario or whether someone needs to be killed to continue the path/question. I do want to do all the faction quests, but keep the killing as minimal as possible.

Plus, I've never really played with the Illusion school before. The way of playing with people's heads or getting people to kill one another is interesting.

There is also some scenarios like getting companions for protection and paying them. Like how some nobles/mages pay for muscle to help/protect them.

[Tequila Lemon]

There's a character i've been thinking of for quite some time but haven't tried yet, i dont even have a build for it, but so far the concept is that he (or she?) is a renowned healer; will take special jobs for money but it's mainly a good person that evades violence if possible and helps those in need

As i said i dont have a full build planned, but i was thinking on making its main skills Restoration (obviously) and Alchemy (for dem potions), and play it as a pacifist - it will never start a fight and will try to solve conflicts with the least violence possible; relying on illusion/ potions/ speech for that (not using sneak cuz he a little clumsy)

As for Factions, the justifications for joining Companions, either side of the Civil war and maybe the Dawnguard, is simply because soldiers and warriors need medics; so for Companions i'm pretending he's not really a member but an "associate" in the same way Eorlund is; providing the inhabitants of Jorvaskrr with healing services without being a shield-brother himself, often accompaning them on their adventures or asking them to escort him on his travels

Hope this helps you on creating your character, might play this toon when i get a more fleshed up build for it

[smooglez]

Fudge muppets' argonian cup collector sounds close, check that out on YouTube

[Mr. Shaggnificent]

Pacifist tactics:
I like to kite enemies into guards or animals. I also shoot arrows near enemies to lure them into danger.

For character ideas, there is a mod that lets you be a bard. You preform at the inns for money and a room for the night. It's a cool way to start mellow RP themes.

[smooglez]

Btw Kynes peace shout is op

[Fighting Love]

I have the same idea. It’s an interesting and challenging character build. I started playing a character that is unarmed. While not a pacifist he does not engage in combat. I call him a shield mage. He has a shield in his left hand and casts spells in his right. To make it interesting I purposely didn’t choose destruction or restoration spells. Atypical of the standard mage build.
My shield mage casts illusion spells to control enemies. Conjuration spells to create atronachs to fight enemies and alteration spells as defence. He hires or aligns with a “warrior” type companion who along with the atronachs do all the killing for him. When enemies get close he raises his shield to protect himself.
Primary skills are alteration, illusion, conjuration and block.
Secondary skills is use are lockpicking, speech and enchanting.
For role playing I downloaded the be a bard mode. Which ties in well with speech.

[John]

Illusion, Restoration, Speech and some other skills others have mentioned and if you want to save and keep most of your enemys alive try Better Vampiers on nexus and turn your dead enemys to vampiers and when they come back to life you can leave them or have them join you, i have tried this on some dead enemys i wanted to join me on my advetures or my Guild(guild starter mod on nexus), most of my play throughs i go restoration and illusion just to have my enemys kill themselfs with me barly lifting a finger.