Viable Destruction Mage/Assassin character?

[MasterSynth]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if this composition was viable or not.
I know there are some Mage/Assassins builds working out there, based on Illusion, Sneak, Archery and Alterate.

But I need to ask... Anyone tried a Destruction Mage/Sneaky assassin build before?
I really (really) want to make a dagger-sneaky type assassin with some Destruction Storm magika mage. Overall vision: Illusion-Sneak-Destruction.

Illusion+Sneak to assassinate targets and stuff and Destruction when they catch you (and surely they will xD).

Did you guys think this would work?

Plus, I think Dunmer or Breton would fit very well this build, what do you guys think?

Thanks beforehands!

[Grathagis]

It is a really very strange combination, but hey, it is your character.

Originally posted by Synthyourlife:

Destruction when they catch you (and surely they will xD).

With a high sneak and a proper use of illusion, this will rarely happen.

[Transience]

As far as I'm concerned, all builds are viable, as long as there is at least one combat skill involve.

As Gragathis has mentioned, you really shouldn't get caught very often, especially once your Sneak is ~30+.

[Mormacil]

Viable? Yes, you'll be a glass cannon for sure and I think you'll need enchanting to keep the Destruction magic viable but other then that go ahead. I would focus on illusion more, rage/calm and all :P And Dunmer would rock that :P

[BelphegorATS]

I'm in agreement with the general consensus here. It's certainly possible to construct a build in which Destruction is used on opponents who catch you while you're sneaking with Illusion for a bit of support in that regard. Although, I'm sure all you'll really need for those kinds of issues is Illusion because the frenzy spells can make foes attack each other and invisiblity plus muffle can bring you back to the stealthy approach you've been taking prior to getting caught. Spells in the Destruction school would be useful when caught, but you'll only need them to pick off any stragglers from the results of the frenzy spell(s) you used.

[Delta 1038]

Bretons can be hilariously tanky if you would choose to build them. Bretons start with an inherent 25%? (I think it's 25%) magic resistance and it just goes up from there. Their initial stat bonus on Conjuring lets you have an emergency weapon and a free Daedric bow should you choose. Bretons also have bonuses on Illusion, Alteration and Alchemy; Illusion has a perk which lets you cast spells quietely, Alteration is the panic button and Alchemy is plain out deadly if you mix your poisons right. But Bretons don't have that bonus in Destruction so you'll need some catching up if that's your thing.

Dunmers' initial stats is pretty much leaned towards a stealth mage. Their racial power is a free flame cloak if you get caught and want to not die.

[Malak]

I did it with conjuration. My archery and sneak are both 100 already and conj is like 55-75. I'm even wanted in 3 holds for over 1000. Finished Dark Brotherhood and Companions no problem. Main quest mostly done, but Civil War glitch at the end and I don't want to kill Parth.

[Skyrimnut]

This is Festus Krex from the Dark Brotherhood. He is their resident destruction mage.

I'd link his stats from the wiki, but I don't want to spoil quests for you if you haven't played them.

His skills are Destruction, Alteration, Restoration, Sneak. So, yes, viable. It would help though to also back up with Illusion (quiet casting, and aspect of terror) and Enchanting.

[MasterSynth]

Hahaha thanks everyone.

As far as I analyzed your observations, we can say the Mage Assassin based on Illusion is pretty viable (i confirmed that too previously). And yes, Quiet Casting is a must in this build.

I like dunmer, but I feel like Bretons and their "tankyness" are way more durable compared to the dunmer and their "scape valve" passive. I'll see what to do...

Another thing is... We talked about Destruction, Illusion, Sneak (of course), Enchantment and stuff... How much do you think Enchantment is important in this build? I think Alchemy is a great ability too. I wasn't thinking about enchanting weapons or clothes or light armors but I'm not really sure...

Anyway, thank you all again :)

[Brandon]

Make sure you have the Quiet Casting perk. Then find out what each race is strong against. For instance, you don't want to use shock on a breton, fire on a dark elf, of frost on a nord.

Should be viable, likely not as a effective as an archer or dagger assassin. You might want to consider leveling up your conjuration too, in case things go sour.

[Brandybuck]

I recall a mod out there that applied the Sneak backstab/assassin perks to Destruction magic. Hitting them with a firebolt from the shadows for 3x damage would be awesome.

[Vita, Mortis, Careo]

I don't think it is strange at all. Illusion for the Quiet Casting perk and then incinerate things from across the room. I've used it many times myself.

[BelphegorATS]

Originally posted by Synthyourlife:

Another thing is... We talked about Destruction, Illusion, Sneak (of course), Enchantment and stuff... How much do you think Enchantment is important in this build? I think Alchemy is a great ability too. I wasn't thinking about enchanting weapons or clothes or light armors but I'm not really sure...

Anyway, thank you all again :)

You're welcome.

You can also take Enchanting as well, but it's kind of a secondary skill because one wouldn't use it as much. All it would be used for is enchanting your own gear, which you won't do a lot because you'll be keeping your current gear for a while until you find something better. It is a necessary side skill you can make use of, but it's not really a primary skill unless you're planning on using it to make some money by selling enchanted gear.