Skyrim Battles - Shock Karstaag vs. Giants, Lurkers, Dragons, and more

20 episodes ago, I unleashed Charstaag, my modded fire version of Karstaag, onto some powerful opponents. Today, the shock counterpart has his debut!
Charstaag was made to be about equally strong as Karstaag. Zapstaag is much more poweful, with higher stats and unique abilites. There are too many details to cover here, but I'll go over a few.
Many of Zapstaag's properties are scaled 1.5 times compared to Karstaag's; he's 50% bigger, does 50% more elemental damage, and has 50% more health and stamina. His melee damage is 30% higher.
His resistances are: 75% frost, 25% fire, 30% physical damage. As opposed to Karstaag and Charstaag, Zapstaag is not immune to poison or his own element. I capped both his poison and shock resistance at 90%. This allows for certain setups like Zapstaag vs. all Dragon Priests, or BirbWalker21's Hydra which mostly relies on poison damage.
90% resistance are still very high, of course, but it allows his opponents to team up and use all of their attacks, and every bit counts. This isn't possible with Karstaag or Charstaag.
Zapstaag's stomps have the ability to ragdoll opponents like Karstaag can, but with a much higher force, sending them flying over large distances. Instead of a blizzard, they create a Storm Call effect, with lightning strikes decimating his foes. Zapstaag's Storm Call has a shorter duration, and the lightning strikes have a higher frequcency but lower damage per hit compared to the vanilla version.
Among the more unique additions to Zapstaag, we have a ranged attack, which is basically a buffed version of Thunderbolt, creating an explosion upon impact. He has a variable health regeneration, which speeds up as his health gets down. The less health he has, the faster he regenerates, making it increasingly hard to put him down.
As soon as Zapstaag falls below 15% of his maximum HP (900 HP), he activates his emergency mode. During this, he quickly heals and becomes invincible but also unable to attack. At the end of that phase, he creates a massive explosion with mostly the same properties as his stomps, although the explosion itself does no damage.
Some large NPCs in Skyrim, especially modded ones, have hitbox issues. For example, spells and projectiles can travel through their heads and upper bodies, while their opponents don't realize that and keep missing. Zapstaag was heavily affected by that too, so I gave him a custom hitbox, matching his size.
All rounds were done on Adept difficulty, except for the one with the dragons, for which I chose Apprentice. Zapstaag and the dragons are very tanky, so the fight would take really long otherwise, and the constant dragon bugs make this very hard to record even on lower difficulties.
The final round is inconsistent and can end with an easy victory for either Zapstaag or the draugr. If you'd like to see a different ending, feel free to check this version:
• (Alternative Ending) S...
A little side note: The cutscenes from 0:06 to 0:24 are not part of the mod. The particles, explosion, and central orb are made in my video editor.
First song: Ethan Mars' Main Theme (from Heavy Rain) by Normand Corbeil
Video link: • Heavy Rain OST Ethan M...
Second song: Ancient Metropolis by Makai Symphony
Video link: • Ancient Metropolis / E...
Third song: Let the Embers Burn by Vindsvept
Video link: • Emotional Music - Vind...
If you'd like, feel free to join my Discord server for updates on my Skyrim battles, behind-the-scenes material and bloopers, and discussions about Skyrim and other things. 🎮
/ discord

[@headguest3315]

I suppose it isn't very SHOCKING that a modded Karstaag was undefeated.

[@lSlendermaster]

A truly shocking assumption 😆

[@alessandrott7568]

Those 3 dragons: "Hmm that giant definitely is unbeatable in close-combat... Let us all forgo our aerial advantage and fight it head-on, on the ground!!"

[@lSlendermaster]

Welp, to be fair, they probably couldn't beat him with their breaths alone 😆

[@thatskeletordude5271]

My head canon Zapstaag lore: Karstaag ended up in the Soul Cairn after a certain warrior defeated him and used up the 3 chances to summon him. While trying to use a Soul Gem receptable as a club with a Grand Soul gem in place, a lightning strike struck him with the receptable, causing a reaction that changed his element while sending him back into Tamriel once more. Now reborn as Zapstaag, he's looking for the one who killed him to take revenge... even if it means destroying any opponent that gets in the way...

[@lSlendermaster]

Ohhhh, that's awesome! The Soul Cairn is one of my favorite locations. I like this theory!

[@imbbgamer1012]

Shoot man, the nerevarine is in trouble

[@gunthermath2037]

I love these videos! Please continue making them.

[@lSlendermaster]

Thanks!! I'll try my best 😁

[@Supcharged]

I want this thing vs PatPaul’s modded daedric princes

[@lSlendermaster]

It'll probably happen at some point!

[@plnenevevercihlavy]

You have shown a true dedication and talent for capturing one of the fun factors of the Elder Scrolls universe. If you plan to continue with such manners, I would like to give a suggestion for a modded character, that, by my personal opinion, shouldn't be left away: Lyris Titanborn. And, if you will ever proceed to the making of the Daedric, Aedric & Great Characters concept, maybe you could be interested that there might be a serious challenger to any being - the chronicles of the 208th Year of the Fourth Era knows him as Lord Arengor. But, take your time, you don't need to rush your decision about it. He has time... a lot of it. Stay well. :)

[@lSlendermaster]

@@plnenevevercihlavy Thanks a lot! 😎 So far, I haven't touched any lore characters. Balancing those is very hard, and I'm anything than an expert at the deeper Elder Scrolls lore. My modding skills definitely need some improvement too. I'll take a screenshot of your comment for future reference though! I haven't heard of Lyris Titanborn or Lord Arengor before, I think. I'll look them up sometime. And thanks for the compliment and the suggestions! 😁

[@judinatheargonianthief1385]

Zapstaag not only destroyed all his opponents, but MORE! When he is below 20% life, his power increases tenfold! 😱 Damn, that was a nice battle o.o

[@lSlendermaster]

I might have went a little crazy with modding! 😂 Thanks, I'm glad you like it! 😁

[@amanda.7125]

Yea, super epic Shock Karstaag is really taking everyone by shock!!😊

[@lSlendermaster]

Thor would be proud! 😎

[@amanda.7125]

@@lSlendermaster Indeed!!😊

[@Zeias_]

The beast has arrived! I didn't expect him to be that strong. Will you also release him on nexus like you did with Charstaag?

[@lSlendermaster]

Skyrim's new raid boss! 😎 I'm not quite sure yet. Zapstaag is much more complicated than Charstaag, and still pretty much work in progress. There's already a problem with Charstaag that I don't know how to fix (the map being broken), so I'm not sure if Zapstaag is ready to be public 😅

[@stayfunberrymoodsky7779]

Zapstaag VS Hydra. Go!

[@lSlendermaster]

It'll happen sometime, yes! 😆

[@hillzone1096]

Omg this was AMAZING🤩 I thought he would loose to the army of dragur but no that big explosion destroyed them it was soooo cool he has to be like the new strongest character now 😎 or Is there someone stronger then him cuz as far as I've seen this is peak power he is complete and utterly busted

[@lSlendermaster]

Thanks, I'm happy you enjoyed it! 😁 I suppose some of the modded creatures from Vigilant could beat him, but he's probably stronger than any of the modded NPCs I currently have installed 🤔

[@stayfunberrymoodsky7779]

@@lSlendermaster Greed from the Inferno of Molag Bal is a worthy rival to Zapstaag.

[@lSlendermaster]

​@@stayfunberrymoodsky7779 Ahh, good to know. 🤔 I assume that mod has some overpowered opponents?

[@stayfunberrymoodsky7779]

@@lSlendermaster Of course there is. It's just that Greed is the strongest opponent in this modification.

[@lSlendermaster]

@@stayfunberrymoodsky7779 Good to know, thank you!

[@retrovideogame2863]

Поставь против него всех жрецов культа дракона

[@lSlendermaster]

I probably will at some point

[@thatskeletordude5271]

Can't wait for Staag lmao Fantastic work on the creature as always! But also, did you run into some problems while creating it ?

[@lSlendermaster]

Thanks a lot! 🥳 Yes, quite a few. He's the result of months of on-off modding. Among the biggest challenged I faced were: Giving him a custom hitbox, making him resilient against stunlock, and getting his ranged attack and his emergency mechanics at low health to work properly. Some of those things also conflicted with each other. He's still kind of work in progress, but mostly finished!

[@killimolli]

Just a little offtopic...sort of. Serana's "Vampiric Drain" with Staff of Magnus. Serana uses them quite effectively, when in melee range. So Vampiric drain + Magnus Magicka absorb(then health) is quite effective(in melee range).

[@lSlendermaster]

Both Serana and the Staff of Magnus are bugged. I don't use Serana at all for that reason, and the Staff, even when fixed, leads to very boring battles, so I'm not a fan of it. 😅 If you'd like some context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6OneJKwapuXisk

[@imbbgamer1012]

Great video! I feel like "karzaap" or "karstaatic" would've been more clever, but man is he strong!

[@lSlendermaster]

Thank you! 😁 Hmm, not bad. 🤔 I named my fire version Charstaag, so they all have the "staag" ending, which seems good to me. But I'm not very creative with names. 😂 I'm not sure if I'll keep him this way. Maybe I'll change his name eventually, who knows 🤔

[@imbbgamer1012]

@@lSlendermaster I'm sorry, YOU came up with charstaag? Dude, you're a genius!

[@imbbgamer1012]

@@lSlendermaster how about sparkstaag?

[@lSlendermaster]

@@imbbgamer1012 Thank you! 😂 I sometimes have good ideas too, I guess 😆

[@lSlendermaster]

@@imbbgamer1012 I like the sound, although "spark" seems too... weak to match him 😅

[@howboutdemap1es225]

I didn’t realize Zapstaag was so big and beefy until I saw him next to the other staags

[@lSlendermaster]

Yup, he's a true monster!

[@callumtorrance9180]

Incredible design!

[@lSlendermaster]

Thanks, man! 🥳

[@dingbat19]

Incredible. If he gets down to 15% health, activates emergency mode is he able to do so again? As for battle suggestions. Was wondering if him vs the ebony warrior and everyone in sovengarde was something you considered. Also the 3 level 60 dragon priests and Miraak. Also maybe 3 or your modded forsworn briarhearts.

[@lSlendermaster]

Thanks! He can only use his emergency mode once, then it's gone for his lifetime (or in this case, for the rest of the round). He would absolutely smash the Ebony Warrior and everyone else in Sovngarde. Most of them are weak and not meant to fight. 😅 I am considering putting him against all masked Dragon Priests in the game, so 13 in total. I've tested that several times, and it was a good battle. Oh right, the modded Briarhearts! They're difficult to use because of the custom equipment, but that's a really good idea. Thank you!

[@AlYabSsa]

I was worried about the giant 🥰

[@lSlendermaster]

Zapstaag? He barely avoided death, but he fought his way back up! 😎

[@lhommemystere3938]

Nice, thanks for the video, where did you find this place ? lol

[@lSlendermaster]

Glad to hear you like it! And this is my own arena, modeled after the Colosseum. Took a lot of time to make 😅

[@kraklovich]

what is love?

[@Name-kd5jj]

Baby don't hurt me

[@lSlendermaster]

Don't hurt me

[@HJHWolf]

And if this could summon some kind of shock wraith 💀💀💀💀 Using hammer(?) and lightning and thunder... so this is Thor! 😂😂😂

[@lSlendermaster]

Or 3 Storm Atronachs 😆 I guess his club can be considered a hammer? Kinda? 😂

[@Odysseus1999]

Arcstaag is a better name. Karstaag, Charstaag, Arcstaag. Poison version could be called Karstiing.

[@lSlendermaster]

Hm, how do those names connect to shock or poison? 😅

[@Odysseus1999]

@@lSlendermasterArc. Like an arc of electricity. Sting, as in a sting of poison. Poisonous things sting

[@lSlendermaster]

@@Odysseus1999 Ohh, gotcha! Arcstaag might be the best name so far. 🤔 There are quite a few possible ones, it's hard to decide. Do you think a poison version would be worth it? A lot of NPCs are immune to it 😅

[@guillermogonzalez3642]

Shock Karstaag vs 5 Ebony warriors

[@lSlendermaster]

5 would take him down. Maybe I'll do 3 or 4 sometime, although having several copies of the same unique NPC feels awkward 😂

[@Quaxl]

Does he lose his regen when hit with a specific element like Karstaag?

[@lSlendermaster]

Nope! Since he has no particular weakness unlike Karstaag and Charstaag, it made sense to me that he heals regardless of any element 😄

[@Quaxl]

@@lSlendermaster aand since Karstaag kills both EW and the Hydra and Zapstaag dwarfs both Staags, I assume there ain’t really anything that can kill him, either. Have you found the thing to murder him yet?

[@lSlendermaster]

@@Quaxl Zapstaag vs. the Hydra is going to be interesting because almost the entire damage of the Hydra is from poison. Karstaag is immune, but Zapstaag isn't, so that'll be a setup for the future! 😎 In a 1 vs. 1 setup, nothing so far comes even close. The Hydra did in the past, but that was in my early tests, so the results might be different now 🤔

[@Quaxl]

@@lSlendermaster Then we’ll need a Hydra 1 v 1 and an army to finally put this monster to rest. Or a LVL 150 Dovahkiin character with maxed stats and all shouts 🤔 (150 to match Arngeir and Miraak)

[@lSlendermaster]

@@Quaxl An army of Forsworn can easily do it! As for player characters, I don't think I'll ever include those into my videos. 😅 There's basically no limit how strong you can get. PatPaul's Daedric Princes should be a challenge for Zapstaag though!

[@Argist1]

Zapstaag is strong and big

[@lSlendermaster]

The Zeus of Skyrim 😎

[@sl9wdive]

I have an idea, why dont you do followers championship? See which one of them is the best

[@lSlendermaster]

Because I find them too boring, and there are way too many of them 😅

[@sebastianospinaospina8485]

Caballero d ébano con o dobakin con respiración solar serán siempre insuperables xddd

[@lSlendermaster]

The Ebony Warrior can't do much against Zapstaag in a 1 vs. 1 😅

[@theresaurus9820]

Impossibruu!! さすがのカースターグもザップスターグの戦闘能力には舌を巻いたな。これだけ強ければ黒檀戦士が二人で力組んでもザップスターグには敵わねー。スレンダーさん，でかした！唯一ザップを倒せたのがドラウグルの弓兵って言うのがまたあいつらがどれだけ強いかって事を強化してるよな。

[@lSlendermaster]

Karstaag found his master! 😎 Funny thing, putting Zapstaag against multiple Ebony Warriors was what I usually did when testing him. 😂 And yes, the Deathlord archers once again are devastating! Archers are generally Zapstaag's weakness.

[@theresaurus9820]

@@lSlendermaster Yes, I figured Ebenerz-Krieger times x would be the ultimate litmus test! Ebony Warrior ist wirklich SCP-682 des Skyrim-Universums. The accelerating regeneration property of Zapstaag is what I find most interesting, because it keeps the battle going and the outcome uncertain even when he’s deprived of a considerable amount of his hp. At that point, not unlike with Ebony Warrior, an increasingly higher dps is needed to counteract his regeneration.

[@lSlendermaster]

@@theresaurus9820 You're absolutely right! This variable regeneration was the first property that I implemented when I started making Zapstaag, and the original idea for him: A massive beast that gets increasingly harder to kill the less HP he has! 😎