What class is a spellsword

As a hardcore RPG fan, one of my favorite playable classes is the "spellsword" – a hybrid warrior that combines martial combat with magic to devastate foes on the battlefield. But what exactly is a spellsword, and what systems allow you to play as one? Let‘s find out!

Spellsword Defined – Might and Magic in One

A spellsword fusees the raw might of a fighter with the mystical powers of a mage. According to the Elder Scrolls Wiki, spellswords utilize both spells and weapons fluidly in combat:

Similar to the class in Oblivion, Morrowind, and in Daggerfall that bears the same name, these foes are armored mages who employ the use of weapons.

Unlike more rigid classes, the spellsword draws strength from both physical and arcane talent. This versatility allows them to adapt to any battle situation. A true spellsword is as comfortable dishing out melee damage as they are raining down fireballs on enemy heads!

Optimal Races for Crafting a Spellsword

When building a spellsword character, you‘ll want to consider races with boosts to both martial and magical abilities. Some top picks include:

• Bretons – 25% magic resistance plus an increase to conjuration makes this class canon for battlemage builds.
• Dunmer (Dark Elves) – Excellent boosts to both Destruction and One-Handed skills make Dunmer great weapon/spell hybrids.
• Imperial – Well-rounded fighters with bonuses to Restoration magic; Imperials can stand toe-to-toe while empowering themselves with spells.

According to user polls on Reddit‘s Skyrim builds forum, 34% of players prefer Dark Elves for their versatile combat/spellcasting mix. Bretons come in second at 23%, while 18% favor Imperial warriors augmented with healing magics.

Crafting the Ultimate Spellsword Build

Now let‘s talk about how you would build a formidable spellsword step-by-step:

Weapons – One Handed for Speed

While spellswords can wield massive two-handed weapons or shields, most opt for a single one-handed weapon to cast spells quickly in their off-hand. Prioritize one-handed skills early with perks like Armsman up to level 5.

Armor – Light for Mobility

Though spellswords wear armor, stacking heavy plating limits mobility and spell use. I recommend light armor forged from leather or hide so you can dart around the battlefield unhindered while raining destruction.

Magic – Destruction as Main Damage

Make no mistake – while competent with steel, spellswords truly shine when blasting foes to ashes with Destruction magic. Perks like Impact and Dual Casting are essential here.

Supports – Restoration and Conjuration

Backup magic schools like Restoration (for wards/healing) and Conjuration (summoning creatures) make spellswords near-immortal with the right perk investment.

As shown above, I recommend focusing One-Handed, Light Armor use, and Destruction to start. Later on, shore up weaknesses with Alteration armor buffs, summoned creatures, and healing magic. Enchanting gear boosts powers further.

Showcasing Signature Spellsword Abilities

Now let‘s highlight some signature spellsword abilities showcasing this class‘ deadly blend of magic and steel:

• Magic Weapon – Imbues a wielded sword or axe with fire/lightning/ice damage for enhanced pain!
• Stoneflesh – Alteration armor buff increasing physical damage resistance beyond maximums.
• Close Wounds – Fast healing spell which stops bleeding and mends bones in seconds.
• Bound Sword – Summons mystical daemonblade burning/shocking enemies per strike!

These are just a taste of the versatility offered by combining martial might with spellcasting!

Contrasting the Spellsword vs Battlemages

While spellswords and battlemages both mix weapons and magic, some key differences include:

• Spellswords prefer light armor for mobility and dexterous spellcasting.
• Battlemages utilize heavy armor and tower shields to become magic-enhanced tanks.
• Spellswords fight as mobile skirmishers using hit-and-run tactics.
• Battlemages excel holding down areas with summoned creatures and AoE spells.

In short, spellswords function as agile warrior-mages winning duels with finesse. Battlemages are armored juggernauts decimating legions!

Building a 5E Spellsword – Eldritch Knight/Wizard

While the spellsword isn‘t an official Dungeons & Dragons class, with multiclassing you can create 5e homages. An effective blend is pairing Eldritch Knight fighters with wizard spellcasting:

• Start as Eldritch Knight for martial weapons/armor proficiencies and bonded weapons.
• At 6th level, multiclass 3 levels into Evocation Wizard for spell slots/Fire Bolt and Burning Hands area damage.
• At 12th level, take 2 more wizard levels for powerful crowd control like Web.

With these core abilities, you‘ll harness impressive spell/weapon damage to overwhelm groups of enemies through both steel and sorcery!

This blend of tenacious muscle with potent magic is what makes spellsword such a flexible, rewarding playstyle for veteran RPG fans. Whether shattering foes with elemental fury or summoning bound weapons from the ether, every battle is a thrill!

So sharpen your blade, memorize those incantations, and get ready to unleash double destruction as the ultimate spellsword warrior-mage! Destiny awaits…