Greetings all,

I did this just for fun to set up my first character for Skyrim: Fizban Rincecully, a Breton mage. It far out grew the original few pages I had in mind as a way of giving my character some background into a full journal from today, Loredas 17th of Hearthfire, up until Fredas 11th Sun's Dusk (which is 11.11.11). Of course as we know the character must end up in prison, but I wanted to create a work around for why he was in prison, what his motivation to be in Skyrim was, and what he thought of the Empire... the development of the character can in some cases be seen in the journal, and I just thought some of you may be interested to read it (no onus to read it all at once!)

Happy gaming when Skyrim comes out! And it took me around three hours, so you can do it too Sorry if there are any mistakes in there, I haven't edited it much, but I think it should be sound!

BTW, if anyone can see the shoutout to a certain comedic group in the context of the journal or the shoutout to a popular BBC science fiction show, plus twenty internets to you! There are some other obscure workings in that may interest some people too, so I shall place those in a spoiler here. The two big shoutouts will remain hidden until someone really wants to see it (its not amazing, just a little nod )



And without further ado, the first few pages of the journal of Fizban Rincecully:


[i]Loredas 17th Hearthfire

Well here I am… thanks to my oh so wonderful uncle, stuck in this ridiculous amateur school of Magecraft. I know that that fool could have at least spent double or triple the necessary gold to get me a place at the College, or at very least the Synod, but no…. his son has a commission bought for him in the Imperial legion, and “the nephew” has to go to the Independent Bruma Mages Guild!

Well its clear why this old place was burned down nearly two centuries ago by Manimarco… the city is a complete dump, and the Nords here couldn’t care less for the fine art we study in this building. Magister Hlarald is the only Nord in the city who knows anything of the manipulation of the secret power… I have no idea how he rose to guildmaster though. He took an intense dislike to me when I arrived I think, calling me “young Fizban Rincecully” with all the tact of an Orc. Well who expected tact from a Nord?

The rest of the senior mages are just as bad. Bursan Naed is I think slightly barmy, and spends most of his time in the alchemical room mixing who-knows-what, whilst Sericus is as arrogant as any Altmer I’ve ever met. I struggle to discover how anyone has learnt anything in this place. At least the rest of the students aren’t bad. There are two more of us here… Teravelen the Dunmer and Coriena the Bosmer. All were pretty friendly, and told me something of how the Independent Guild was gifted by the Count of Bruma when the Mages Guild proper collapsed with the responsibility of teaching magic to those who lacked the ability to undertake a more expensive course.

Sundas 18th Hearthfire

Curse my uncle for his favouritism! The rest of my luggage arrived today and I moved in properly into the student rooms, but of course, what did I find but a note from him saying that the “expense of covering my fees means that my allowance will have to be only 50 septims, not 150 as previously agreed.” Of course I knew this was codswallop. The old man I suppose had meant well when he took me in, but he was always susceptible to the whims of his son and my cousin. No doubt Cousin Windfell has asked my Uncle for a raise in his own allowance, and Uncle complied by cutting the only thing he could. That’s the problem these days for a noble family… with the Empire collapsing, expenses have to be carefully managed.

Well I wasn’t about to admit defeat on this. I have sent Uncle a letter asking for at least 75 septims to meet my needs here. Food is expensive, must be the weather up here that means the region is hardly a bread basket. I haven’t told the other students my predicament yet.

Morndas 19th Hearthfire

Well well well, what a surprise, classes have actually turned out rather well. I’m actually learning more than I thought after those few snatched talks with the hedge wizards back in Skingrad. It appears I satisfied some kind of test from Hlarald, who stopped referring to me as “young Rincecully” and actually started to refer to me by my first name like the rest of the students. Thank the Nine for Breton magical affinity!

Tirdas 20th Hearthfire

Bad dreams tonight… death on wings is all I remember. The other students brought Bursan in, around midnight apparently, to stop me thrashing and crying out. He administered some draught and I fell quite after that. This worries me, especially when I saw our faculty in whispered conversation this morning.

Lessons go apace still though, and we (the students that is) are starting to sample a bit more of Bruma life. Snowball fight with the apprentices this afternoon ended in a victory for the Mages, although don’t tell them that was because we were using shield spells to deflect their throws!

Middas 21st Hearthfire

Heard from my uncle today. Just as I thought, Cousin Windall has had to have a bigger allowance to pay for his “officers’ lifestyle” but bless him my uncle has dipped into his savings and sent me a one off of an extra twenty septims. I misjudged the old man… I miss him I think.

Turdas 22nd Hearthfire

Found Coriena crying this morning in the garden. Apparently her mother, who suffered a wasting disease, past away on Tirdas. She told me that she had entered the guild with the hope of mastering the school of restoration enough to go back and cure her mother. Sad news… all round. The faculty rallied around during the day, and we learnt only Restoration spells in all our lessons. I think Coriena is as determined as ever to be a healer. Maybe she will enter the service of the Nine?

Fredas 23rd Hearthfire

Another bad dream. This time I didn’t cry or thrash apparently, as I disturbed no-one. I don’t know whether to tell the faculty or not. I’ll keep an eye on it… the dreams are so vivid, yet I hardly remember anything of them when I awake.

We have a new student though! Tertullius, a young Imperial, arrived today. Apparently the Bruma Independent Mages Guild is experiencing a renaissance!

Loredas 24th Heartfire

Gah! Guess who’s just marched into Bruma? Cousin Windfell on an extended patrol, marching at the head of some soldiers from the Imperial Legion. By the Nine did he look so arrogant. Sericus told us that the soldiers are all gathering here to march into Skyrim… apparently there’s trouble brewing up there.

I couldn’t concentrate very much on my studies today. The goat of a face of Cousin Windfell’s looming in my mind, his braying laugh and ridiculous swagger.

Sundas 25th Hearthfire

Had a little bit of fun at Windfell’s expense today! I had told the other students something of my life back with my uncle, and all of us agreed that Lieutenant Windfell needed something of a “second wind” and we devised a little magical prank as he swaggered through the streets. He won’t recover his dignity in a hurry after sliding all the way to the main gate thanks to some very carefully constructed ice runes made it so slippery he could barely stand!

I have a sneaky suspicion though that he guessed it was us, because I could see that familiar hunting glare in his eyes as he looked at the guild building when he finally regained his feet. Ah well, we had our fun.

Morndas 26th Hearthfire

By the Nine what a day! Hlarald called all of us into his room to lecture us on ice safety today. He winked at us when recounting the “recent experience of Lieutenant Windfell” who had apparently lodged a complaint that “certain elements in the Mages Guild were exhibiting tendencies that smacked of treason against the respect and dignity of the Imperial Legion” I recognized the tone. But it looks like the faculty were having none of it. I wonder how much they know of my life?

An old Nord visited the building today. Spent many hours in deep conversation with most of the faculty. Left several books behind too. Hlarald appeared deep in thought for the evening meal.

Tirdas 27th Hearthfire

I had yet another bad dream today, what was worse was that it was during the middle of the day! I had taken a little nap in my room after a class (Mysticism, always draining for some reason!) and then suddenly the faculty were waking me up, and looking at me in concern. A letter was dispatched to my uncle and a priestess brought in from the temple. There was nothing physically wrong with me the healer said, but there was something she couldn’t pin down. She called it a feeling… none seemed to put much stock in it after a while. But Hlarald did.

He came to see me just a few moments ago, and handed me an amulet. He said it had belonged to a Leyawiin mage during the Oblivion crisis, to prevent her seer’s eye from overwhelming her abilities to deal with the present. He evaded my questions though, but I know he has his suspicions. I am wary to sleep, but I know I must.

Middas 28th Hearthfire

Nothing special today. Although Lieutenant Windfell is proving a nuisance… he has set his heart on Coriena apparently. And was loudly bragging to her in the street of his commission. She’s an intelligent Bosmer, and I’m sure she’ll see through a Breton’s bluster.

Turdas 29th Hearthfire

It was Bursan’s birthday today, so no lessons were scheduled. Instead we all celebrated with some fun bits of magic. Sericus stunned us all with his display of magical lights… who would have thought the arrogant Altmer would have an ability for levity! I saw his eyes were tinged with sadness, and not for the first time I wonder what he’s doing up in Bruma, so far from home?

Fredas 30th Hearthfire

The old Nord is back… this time with a friend. And if I thought the first man old, the second was ancient. He never spoke a word, but somehow radiated power and authority, perhaps it was Hlarald’s deferential tone that created the atmosphere. I don’t know what’s going on. Tertullius asked if they were family, and the two Nords laufghed. “Of a sort” was all that they said. Bursan and Sericus didn’t appear too bothered by their presence, so their presence simply melded into the background

Loredas 1st Frostfall

Our first magical tests today. The start of the month collection as Bursan called it, involved only a written paper. We find out our results tomorrow, I have no doubt we all passed though.

A letter arrived from my uncle today. He was very sorry to hear of my illness, and was most effusive in his hopes for my swift recovery. He also seemed to be rather angry at Cousin Windfell, although that has rarely happened before! Perhaps family life will actually be making a comeback in my own life now? My uncle even expressed a hope that once I finished my studies I may care to join his business in Skingrad as a household mage!

Luckily I’ve had no more dreams since wearing the amulet that Hlarald gave me. However, the whole thing has simply become more intriguing.

Sundas 2nd Frostfall

Its getting even colder up here! Lessons are now conducted bundled up around the fire. Magical warmth will be needed before the winter’s done I imagine…. I remember Sericus saying something about how the Bruma Mages offer to warm homes up every Sun’s Dask for a small fee as a sort of ritual event.

We all passed our collections with flying colours, so our student body will remain the same for the rest of this month!

Morndas 3rd Frostfall

Teravelen has caught a nasty flu now… and the faculty has refused to heal him to teach him a lesson. The Dunmer had spent the evening with us at the tavern, and then promptly went on a long walk with a local Dunmer girl from a refugee family. The idiot left his coat behind, but obviously was too love struck to excuse himself to come back for it! Well, he’ll learn his lesson.

Tirdas 4th Frostfall

Well, looking back at my first entry coming here I am shocked at my own bitterness. Things have generally turned out so much for the better… other than Cousin Windfell’s braying presence around town of course. The Mages Guild feels like my home now, I’m tempted to consider starting one in Skingrad. Perhaps we could even revive the old Imperial Guild if we worked hard! I know a lot of the mages miss it.

We had a visit from several mages from the Imperial City today. They were much impressed with the independent guild, and our prowess, but clearly thought that we should either be members of the College of Whispers or the Synod, nothing else but. Hlarald laughed at their suggestions of scholarships, saying that if any of his students were good enough to be immersed in academic magic, it would be the College of Winterhold for them, and not any other institution.

Middas 5th Frostfall

By the Nines we have had a double tragedy today. Hlarald has been arrested on trumped up charges by the Imperial Legion today! Apparently he is implicated in a group known as the Stormcloaks, although the Nord vehemently denied it as none other than Cousin Windfell came to take him away. The second tragedy has been more personal to me… Uncle Windfell is dead.

The old man had apparently been checking on his mill when a cross beam came out of skew on the treadle and killed him and two others. The family wealth has passed to my Cousin unfortunately, who relished the opportunity to tell me that whilst my fees to the guild had been paid in advance, my allowance is to be cut immediately. The horrible thing is that Imperial Law doesn’t recognise the clauses in my uncles will that apparently left me a large chunk of his wealth to live on as sacrosanct. It was a merely “a note” rather than an instruction, and Cousin Windfell has apparently interpreted it as a guideline rather than a rule, and without any money I can hardly afford a lawyer to take my Cousin to court for failing to execute my uncle’s will can I? The whole Imperial edifice has managed to really do us over today.

Turdas 6th Frostfall

Intervention by the Count of Bruma has freed Hlarald from Legion imprisonment. He appeared shaken, but not unduly disturbed. Apparently someone had mistaken the Nord visitors for spies, rather than “fellow travellers” and so had reported it to Lieutenant… sorry, Captain (some of that inheritance I suppose?) Windfell, who not waiting for advice had rushed to execute the order. At least the oaf has lost any chance of winning Coriena’s favour now!

Everyone has been very consoling today… I feel like I have aged considerably overnight. The faculty have assured me that they can arrange some sort of bursary to cover my living expenses, but I really think I should try and find some work of some sort.

Fredas 7th Frostfall

I’m rarely one for heavy temple-going, but today I felt a serious need for quiet contemplation in the Temple. The faculty excused me from lessons today, and Bursan even gave me a handful of coins to get a meal whilst I was out. The temple was very peaceful, and I met the priestess who had just come to heal me the other day. She was very caring, and I have no doubt that she meant what she said about praying for me. She even handed me a little chapbook on the Lay Order of Julianos as a way of guiding me.

She listened with patience to my anger with the Empire, and not once did she warn me of treasonous talk. She pointed to the grand stained glass window of Talos and said “He shall guide the Empire back to the right path, even if men and mer do not.” Perhaps the comfort of the Nine is what I really should seek?

Loredas 8th Frostfall

I had a dream last night… not a bad one, but a dream so vivid and so familiar that I am becoming convinced that it was the same as those which in my normal state made me cry out in terror. All that I remember for the moment is the window of Akatosh, which burned and shattered, followed by a voice speaking in a hushed voice “Returning, returning, all ways returning. He has come! HE HAS COME!” and then more voices… shouts I could not decipher, the roar and crackle of flames. Then silence.

I have struggled to interpret anything from the dream, perhaps there is some prophesy of a Dragonbreak as the God of Time’s window is shown to smash? But then why say “he has come”? For surely when the dragon breaks then Akatosh has departed? If I dream again I shall talk to Hlarald and the priestess I think.

Sundas 9th Frostfall

I spent the day studying my “Lay Order of Julianos” I think perhaps that I have found a new purpose for my life. I spoke to Sericus about the possibility of taking the vows of the order, the High Elf surprisingly broke into a smile. It turns out that he himself is a member of the very same order. For the first time, I think ever, Sericus told his own story, how his wife has been killed by an Imperial Legion force determined to restore order to Tamriel, and how he was then given papers to stay within the Empire. It was the Lay Order of Julianos which gave him a new purpose. To study and learn as much of magic as he could, and eventually, if possible to give something to the world as a result. He wrote out a recommendation there and then. I shall go to the Temple tomorrow.

The rest of the Guild have all respected my choice. Hlarald has indicated that as a member of the Lay Order I will have my fees refunded to me. Part of me suspects this isn’t normal practice, but rather heart warming charity on the part of my friends here.

Morndas 10th Frostfall

Well here I am, Brother Fizban of the Lay Order of Julianos. After the ceremony at the temple I buried myself in the Guild’s spellbooks… I think I have found my purpose in life. Mastery of magic is now my goal… Sericus warned me to not become possessive of the knowledge that I acquire. Next he’ll be warning me of the Dark, Neutral and Light paths I’m sure if he keeps up this melodrama!!!

Tirdas 11th Frostfall

Another dream broke into my sleep last night. A sheer rock wall, covered in lines of scratches. I have no idea what it meant or if it meant anything. The curious shouting and crackling of flames still ends the visions. I awoke suddenly when it was over, and said prayers to Julianos to calm myself. I must remember not to neglect my holy obligations in the search for knowledge and wisdom. I think that perhaps the path of the Lay Order is open to… well dangerous temptations. After all, did not Necromancers and the members of Daedric Cults begin with a search for knowledge?

Middas 12th Frostfall

Us students were out and about in Bruma this evening when we bumped into Captain Windfell of the Imperial Legion… sigh. He sneered at me when I was introduced as Brother Fizban, and was exceedingly rude to the point that Tertullius was only just held back from casting something on him. Well, his arrogance is all very well. I’ve heard nothing good from Skyrim these days, and we’ll see how the “good Captain” stands up to a real battle against some proper Nords, not the type we get down here!

Turdas 13th Frostfall

I had a talk with the priestess at the Temple about the desire for knowledge that I know characterises Julianos. She listened and advised me to remember that the search for knowledge is not a search for the power to use that knowledge, but rather a search for understanding, and as a result wisdom. Knowledge is powerful, but should be understood and shared, rather than kept and used. The first leads to wisdom, the latter leads to “The House of Troubles”. I wonder if that is a Dunmer expression? I am beginning my steps on a pilgrimage I am sure.

Fredas 14th Frosfall

We are all snowed in now… a ferocious blizzard came down the mountains last night and has fallen all day. Bursan thinks we may need to magic our way out to check on the poor. Sericus and I have volunteered to do so tomorrow as soon as it is light. Both of us were dubbed “knights mentor” by Teravelen at that point, “on a crusade against the ignorance of snow!” which sent all us laughing at that point.

Loredas 15th Frostfall

Just as we promised, Sericus and I have cleared the now in Bruma to allow people to travel and get winter supplies. It looks like the snows caught even the Nords up here by surprise and there are mutterings of bad omens and mysterious goings on. The Legion was one of the first things to appear on the newly cleared streets, directed by my Cousin, the smashed into several houses and dragged some people away. Looks like they are on edge up here so close to the border.

Whilst clearing, we met Magistrate Aurellian outside the Castle, where he was saddling his horse. Apparently the Count of Bruma has tasked him to complain to Titus Mede about the activities of the Legion encamped here. I can’t help wondering whether its actually my Cousin’s brash influence that is actually deteriorating the situation around here.

Sundas 16th Frostfall

More snow, and an Imperial edict from Captain Windfell has blanketed Bruma today. The town guard are now under the control of the Legion for some reason, and I fear that Windfell has gotten it into his head that Bruma is a hotbed of revolutionary activity. Well, maybe it is… but not because of any desire other than to be left in peace!

Stericus and I have spoken to the Temple staff and offered our aid as peace brokers between the citizens and the legion. I’ve heard that many guardsmen have simply elected to resign, and a new “Watch Guild” has been set up for them to continue their work without interference. I fear that my Cousin will now swoop down and arrest them for defying Imperial authority.
Morndas 17th Frostfall

A fight broke out today down by the main gate between a soldier and watchman. Luckily some other office came to break it up rather than my cousin, otherwise things may have gone out of hand.

Our education continues apace, Hlarald thinks that we are all ready to take our final exams this month. Looks like my preparatory education is soon to be over!

Tirdas 18th Frostfall

The Magistrate came back today with an edict from Titus Mede. It looks like the situation in Bruma was unknown to higher Imperial authorities, and those responsible are to be chastised. I know for a fact that my Cousin was technically broken back to Lieutenant, but then purchased his old Captaincy back there and then. The Legion has got serious fanatical problems of its own it appears. I heard Bursan muttering something about Jyggalagic tendencies, although I wouldn’t dare even mention that name!

Middas 19th Frostfall

Our examinations are to begin in two days. We are all frantically revising, whilst outside Bruma has regained some sense of calm. Who would have thought that Titus Mede could actually calm a situation such as this down so quickly? Perhaps Talos is guiding the Empire?

Turdas 20th Frostfall

Bad news, a spate of arrests down in the lower parts of the town. My cousin seeing plots everywhere again it seems. All involved were released without charge. Someone in the Legion really should get on top of this!

More revision for me today. Last night before exams.

Fredas 21st Frostfall

Tired, tired, tired. Three written papers today, and several practical exams. The Faculty I think gets some perverse pleasure out of these exams, I think they rather like being suddenly stern, and us being so deferential. Perhaps it’s a bit of a break from the constant teasing that goes on during the teaching season.

After the exams we all collapsed in our rooms, but then Hlarald came round and said he wanted to speak to us one after the other. When my turn came he took out a piece of parchment and handed it to me. He said it was a letter of introduction for me, to allow me to enter the College of Winterhold in Skyrim if I wished to take it. He also gave me a bag containing my fees, the chink of the gold loud in the otherwise quiet room. The Nord laughed away my protestations, and insisted I take both, and use them as I saw fit.

Loredas 22nd Frostfall

Sericus and I were privileged to meet a priest of Julianos today. He paid a special visit to the guild to come and meet us, and expressed great happiness that the Lay Order continued to grow. He was very happy to share what he knew, and in some ways I suppose he was a model for our order in a way. I really should see if I can get hold of a book of saints of Julianos?

Sundas 23rd Frostfall

Only nine days left here at Bruma for all of us! Everyone has been discussing what they plan to do next. The big surprise is that Teravalen is going to marry that Dunmer girl he met at the tavern! We are all very happy for him… its good to see Dunmer life continuing after the disaster in Morrowind. He and his fiancée then plan to move to the Imperial city and begin a new life in the Market District there. I hope they do well for themselves. I think Teravalen hopes to earn enough to eventually attend a higher mages school.

Coriena is of course planning to take Holy Orders. She has become very introspective of late, and I’m sure she will be of great service to the Goddess Mara. She has told me she hopes to keep in touch, and is definite in her belief that I too will one day take Holy Orders. Perhaps she is right… but I struggle to see myself as a priest. I think I am likely to live out my days as studier of magic, lost in my art. It is the only solace I have.

Tertullius has been infected with the fire of patriotism, and has decided to sign up as an Imperial battlemage. We all fear for his safety, but I am sure he shall prove a worthy. Certainly he will prove better than my Cousin, even if he will be in the Legion.

Morndas 24th Frostfall

Results day! The faculty is very pleased with all of us. Passing the exams with flying colours like Teravalen, or chugging through thanks to our mastery of particular papers (I have no doubt that Coriena aced Restoration!) The last seven days of our stay here begin, as we and the faculty settle in to toast our friendships new and old.

Tirdas 25th Frostfall

Bad news for Hlarald today… news came through that his two friends who had occasionally visited had been arrested on their way over the border to visit. I know that he has already petitioned the Count of Skyrim to release them. I asked Sericus if he knew who they were, and he said that they had always been visiting since Hlarald had been in charge, although usually only the younger. They were Nord scholars, as far as Sericus knew, and were conducting research along with Hlarald on ancient Nordic culture, religion and prophecies. Hlarald confirmed this when he returned exclaiming anger that his magnum opus was never to be finished if his two friends were not allowed to continue their research. I asked him too why they were conducting the research when they were so old, and Hlarald sniffed, and said “because they do.” Not much more we can do.

Middas 26th Frostfall

Still no news on Hlarald’s friends. Legion soldiers came and spoke to him around three o’clock. I hope this can get sorted out.

Turdas 27th Frostfall

Goodbye to Teravalen today! He and his fiancée left for the Imperial City. The guild already is starting to empty out.

Fredas 28th Frostfall

Hlarald himself arrested today! Bursan’s pleas to the Count have gone unanswered. Whatever those two friends said, it doesn’t appear to have worked well for Hlarald. Sericus has insisted on going to speak with the Legion and I have likewise insisted to go with him.

Loredas 29th Frostfall

It is hopeless! The Legion is convinced that the two Nords were spies, so regular was their crossing over the border, and their passage to Bruma. Hlarald has been arrested as their contact here in Cyrodil, what absolute nonsense! The Legion officer was sympathetic, but refused any explanation other than there own. Even Sericus showing them Hlarald’s research papers, and the half bound book wouldn’t sway them from “Captain-At-Arms and Investigator (!) Windfell’s conclusions”.

Sundas 30th Frostfall

All is falling apart. Coriena and Tertullius were told to leave today rather than risk staying, and with much reluctance both have left. Sericus and I hope that our membership of the order will be worth something to protect us. Bursan has been told to cease his petitions to the Count. The Legion’s grip has tightened, and someone wants this guild out of the way. Bursan has heard rumours that the guild is to have its charter revoked, ending the Independent Mages Guild once and for all.

Morndas 31st Frostfall

By all that is holy… Bursan has been arrested as an accessory! This is completely fantastical nonsense! Of course it is… but who would stand up to a respected legion captain on the trail of a dangerous Stormcloak conspiracy?

Sericus and I have been given passes by the Count of Bruma, smuggled to us last night. We leave the city by the Northern gate tonight. He will head to Chorrol to begin a new life there, I on the other hand, will take Hlarald’s last gift and try and reach the College of Winterhold. The Empire has lost its way here, and I wish to be far from the centre of the corruption.

Tirdas 1st Sun’s Dusk

Well here I am, wrapped in a tatty blanket in a small tent camped north of Bruma. We slipped out without incident, and hopefully my papers will get me over the border. What a mess, and I shall miss the warming of the houses in Sun’s Dusk… I so looked forward to that!

Well, I have become a wandering holy man of Julianos it seems, although I have been given little comfort, as the dreams are starting to return again. I am terrified again of sleeping, but I know I must.

Middas 2nd Sun’s Dusk

Further into the wilderness towards the mountains. And once again my little camp. My mind is still troubled by what happened in Bruma, and my dreams last night, wings, the roaring of wind and beasts, fire… I hope I have not been unbalanced by my stay at Bruma.

Turdas 3rd Sun’s Dusk

Met some travellers on the road today. They had overtaken me on their way from Bruma yesterday thanks to their horses. Apparently the Mages Guild building has been repossessed as a Legion headquarters for the moment. I fear that rather than any conspiracy it is my Cousin’s vindictiveness which has been dogging my footsteps. Luckily the bore better news though, Bursan has been released on lack of evidence… still no news on Hlarald or his friends.

Fredas 4th Sun’s Dusk

Finally reached the site of the Great Battle of Bruma nearly two hundred years ago. That is my only memory of my parents, telling me the stories of the Hero of Kvatch… the ground bears no marks now, but I heard once that the land remained blasted and scorched for many years after the event.

Loredas 5th Sun’s Dusk

I am certain now that someone is following me. I think I heard the crunch of snow as I continued my walk for the border. I struck off the path as a result. The wind is biting cold now, and the snow continues to fall. My beard is now frozen stiff in this weather, and its all I can do to keep walking.

Sundas 6th Sun’s Dusk

The mountains are drawing closer now… let’s hope that over them I shall finally escape the bitterness of the land around me. Cyrodiil is not for me now.

Morndas 7th Sun’s Dusk

I have reached the foothills, no sign of a path yet. That is an exploration for tomorrow.

Tirdas 8th Sun’s Dusk

What a day! I have only just found a path up into the mountains, and will start my ascent tomorrow. It took all day scrambling around the base of the mountain to finally find it. Thank Julianos for his mercy!

Middas 9th Sun’s Dusk

I can’t write much now, but I am being allowed to record a little, I think its respect for my order that allows this, rather any love of me. Began my ascent this morning in good weather, and felt my spirits rise, but by midday I needed to rest. As I sat on a rock to catch my breath, who should jump me but a legion patrol. I have been shackled and a guard is watching me at all times. I think Captain-Investigator Windfell has decided that I too am implicated in the “Nord Guild spy ring” and sent these men to catch me here.

Turdas 10th Sun’s Dusk

This has to be one of the worst days of my life! Of course my Cousin wasn’t going to resist the urge to gloat over me. Gesturing with his hand to the bag of coins and the letter of introduction, he expostulated on my perfidious attempt to warn the rebels of Skyrim about the capture of their Cyrodiil contact. My attempts to inform him that the money was mine, and the letter a recommendation for the College of Winterhold he laughed, waving the parchment in front of me. His troops joined in nervously, and then Windfell proceeded to stalk around, saying how clever he had been to see the plot, and how the letter was the last piece of information he needed to have Hlarald executed and all the rest of the students imprisoned.

At this point I lost control, swearing at him, cursing him for the years of bullying, the coldness that had prevented me being close to my uncle. He stood there with a smirk on his face and a mad gleam in his eye which made me want to be sick… it was then I realised that he was mad, had been mad for many years, and we had all missed it.

The soldiers by now had become uneasy at this intercourse. If they had just captured their commanders cousin, did this not throw a little bit of doubt on the whole affair? Sensing victory I demanded that Windfell read the letter out loud, there and then. With a shrug, he began to half open the letter, then, with a snort of derision, he tore it up, and cast the parchment out over the side of the mountain. He quickly followed it up with the money bag, loudly proclaiming that he needed no evidence to have me hung for my crimes.

This, however, had pushed me over the edge, and with a roar, I struck at my Cousin. He drew his sword and struck me with the flat of the blade… swearing at me, calling me all sorts of names before he began to foam at the mouth. The soldiers began to draw back nervously. I was still red with anger and charged at him despite the flailing sword. Bowling into my cousin. To my horror, he lost his footing, and with a scream, fell off the mountain and bounced down the rocks, his body broken by the fall.

The whistle of the wind in the rocks sounded like the laughter of a Mad God as we all stood in shocked silence. Then the sergeant took charge… he despatched a runner to Bruma to release the prisoners and reinstate the Mages Guild, but then turned to me. Hope failed as I saw his stern eyes… I had committed manslaughter certainly, but the sergeant clearly wanted to keep what he had seen within the confines of the legion. Within a few short moments, I was once again under arrest. And accused of murder, dragged into Skyrim and here I now sit, money and letter gone… in jail.

I have commended my soul to Julianos, and prayed for his mercy, and am prepared to gain that final piece of knowledge that mortals crave… knowledge of beyond the grave. Tomorrow I am to be executed for my crimes… and my only wish is that my sleep be undisturbed by those fiery dreams.

wow, you've put some real work into this! I like it :foodndrink:

Oh, I've read the Dragonlance series as well... And Fizban is not only an awesome wizard, he's the God Paladine as well :thumbsup:

Good g*d!

Fanfic section much?

Yeah I know, I thought it was rather appropriate. I didn't really want to tell everyone though and thanks for the comment!

And yes I am well aware its rather massive everyone... sorry!