Gosh, we're a wordy bunch, ain't?

Thanks for a new thread.

Great stories in the previous one, no doubt they'll be continued here.

5

When a Forsworn hunting party returned to Karthspire Camp at night, they found their brothers and sisters dead. It wasn’t a surprise, Forsworn were used to encountering their friends and relatives dead though in recent months such events were rare since usually they were the ones that killed whoever dared to attack them. But there was something else standing out in Karthspire – every corpse seemed withered, even young Forsworn seemed like they slightly aged when they died.

“Hmm…I know what caused this,” said one of the mages,” whoever killed our people, wields a weapon capable of absorbing health. Each wound on our brothers and sisters healed their slayer. Those that get struck with that kind of weapon, seem…seem like our fallen ones do. Judging from marks on their body, they were all killed with a sword… and a great one at that.”

This wasn’t the last finding for the party – when they found the corpse of the old hagraven, the wise yet hideous matriarch of the Karthspire camp, she was missing her skull. Her brains, eyes and other prominent organs were placed in a circle around her lifeless body but her skull was nowhere to be found.

“Then it’s true,” said one of the archers. “He’s here.”

“Who’s here?” asked the mage.

“Some rich guy from Cyrodiil who kills people for septims. The other day I met with some of our guys that spy in Markarth – they told me that the Jarl hired someone to oppress us. The Bloody Count or the Bloody Noble, is what they call him. One of his trademarks is head skinning.”

…

The arrival of infamous Gentian Ubarda stirred up a lot of curiosity among residents of Markarth. Though they almost never saw the man because he left the town at dawn and usually returned very late, some very lucky to see him on his walks between the Vlindrel Hall and Understone Keep. But he was never seen in other parts of the town, nor did he ever talk to any resident that met him.

Some noblemen of Markarth were angry because the Jarl refused to sell them the Vlindrel Hall for years yet he sold it to Ubarda immediately upon his arrival. It also became known that he hired servants from Understone Keep to carry from the hall anything which Ubarda called “unnecessary clutter”. When servants asked him if he wants them to redecorate the hall, he merely said that he’ll decorate the hall as he sees fit.

One day, when servants were just about to finish another emptying assignment, one of them removed a fresh gourd from one of several glazed platters. Ubarda quickly approached from behind and placed an odd skull on the platter instead. The servant was looking at it for a while, trying to figure out who it belongs to, and his curiosity didn’t go unnoticed for Ubarda.

“It’s from a hagraven,” he said, his arms crossed, proudly looking at the skull. “It’s the first in my collection. The nose is what gives it away, take a closer look if you want. There might still be a piece of flesh here and there – I wasn’t at my best because she screamed like only women are capable of.”

“She… screamed?” slowly asked the servant, not believing if what he heard, was true.

“Screaming, yes. I broke her arms and legs before flaying her ugly head. It’s not interesting if they’re dead when you do it, you know? Now go on, take a closer look at it.”

“No…no, t-t-hat won’t be necessary. T-t-hank you.” The servant hastily left the hall, tripping on the stairs leading from the Vlindrel Hall. As soon as he closed the door behind him, Ubarda’s laughter echoed over the empty house.

“And now half of Markarth will talk about a hagraven being flayed by the Bloody Noble. That’s how rumors are born. And soon they’ll spread. All over the town, all over the hold. Even if there isn’t any truth in them. Because you were dead by the time I skinned you, weren’t you, old crone?”

Lopov, that man is cunning, and soooo devious, LOL. His reputation precedes him, and he makes sure it grows. Nice update!

Heh. Clever man, and deadly....

Veri:

I stayed at the Mare for a couple of days. I was minded to leave Delphine stewing in her own juices for a while, and I needed to catch up with my sleep, and people I valued. So I slept. A lot. I drank - some. Not to excess, though by that time I was thinking I was entitled.... I helped Adrianne at the forge for a few hours. I talked a bit to Ysolda - she seemed, I don't know.... odd. Friendly, but - away somewhere? Strange.

I rode Black out to Riverwood, took a lesson from Faendal who said I was much improved. I forebore to ask about Camilla. No - I just don't want to know. I talked to Alvor a bit, and then helped him rough in some swords. I avoided the inn, riding back to Whiterun toward evening. I had a good meal - Saadia CAN cook, when she's of a mind to! And then I went to bed, and slept some more.

I thought about going back to Riverwood the next day. And then I decided to take a bounty on a group at Silent Moons. Yes. I was procrastinating. I knew I wouldn't be able to stave off duty forever.... but another day was fine.

Personally, I like what Hearthfire adds to the game. My only problem with it really, is how difficult it can be to access it's content. Especially for the Pale - at least two quests(if not three for the Thaneship, which seems optional), and level 22. Could be far worse, I suppose. Although, I really am glad that they don't actually have you carry around those logs. Perhaps it is also a little, eh, not so immersive that you can have the entire house built within a day, depending on the materials you have, but that isn't something I really want to complain about. I'd rather it not take over a week in game time, if not more. I'm all for immersion, when it flows with the gameplay, not just breaking it up for the sake of it.

Kris

Entry 7, Aranea's Writing

While I know that it may be difficult for someone like myself to admit it, he has changed. For better or worse I do not know, but he has. Even as a surrogate mother or caretaker for him, does not mean that I cannot care about him. If this change is indeed for the better, as I would hope it would be, then I feel his path is one I walk alongside him without regret.

Still, I question if he truly understands the tasks before him. It stands to reason that a far more experienced and older person in his place would perhaps falter, or possibly succumb to fear that their goals are impossible. If not purely developing the sort of personality that is filled with criticism, questioning the motives of every one and everything around them – if they were not like this before. I do not see this out of him. His resolve seems almost limitless, like nothing he agrees to do, or is asked, truly scares him. It worries me, since I have that sort of fear. Even if between his skill and mine, nothing is impossible, I still have this worry that something is out there that can meet us in battle on equal footing, and yet have an advantage.

Though the idea of finding an Elder Scroll seems to be his most pressing task at the moment, he seems to be pursuing other goals. I do not know why he suddenly wanted to travel to Dawnstar, which while not too unusual, it seems that his goals are beyond my estimation. As much as I could stop him, or question him....there seems to be no point. If only because I feel that he knows what he is doing. Mostly since he is not really the child that some either expect him to be, or prefer that he is. He spent over two weeks away from me, and in that time, he not only keeps himself alive against foes that could have felled older, stronger men, but he also seems to have helped and protected many. Most, if not all of Whiterun has his thanks, even the Jarl who named him a Thane in the hold. More than this, his power....while I admit it has caused me some...irritation, it has served him and myself well.

His wish to help seems to carry over to Dawnstar as well. On several accounts by now, he has helped people in the hold, including the entire town of Dawnstar, by ending their nightmares – seemingly an effect coming from the nearby Nightcaller Temple, and the artifact of Vaermina within, the Skull of Corruption. I hesitated in joining him, but again, he survived.

It is not just others, though. He seems to care, perhaps too much about me. In fights he seems to take little consideration for himself, and focus on trying to keep an eye on me. So to, does he in other ways. I am surprised at the advancement of his skills, since there is little question that they may be far greater than that of Dawnstar's blacksmith.

He even took quite a bit of time working with Malachite, solely for one reason. An almost full set of Glass armor, as well as a sword. These were not for himself. But for...me. He seemed to express wishes to create ebony armor for himself, even if he has no idea where to find a large source of materials for it. Even so, he simply smiled when I thanked him. Almost like he didn't want me to say it. Like for him, it wasn't about the praise. But...something else.

I could barely believe it. This Jarl could have been taken for a fool on several accounts, or...well, perhaps...why am I still worrying. Somehow, even if the idea of going up against a Dragon is becoming rather, routine, this task was, different. While it is clear that Giants are far less, antagonistic than Dragons tend to be, the idea of killing one, never crossed my mind, and I am quite sure that Kris has not had this idea either. However, this was the task the Jarl gave, and while I know it could not have been avoided, it worried me

But once again I think my feelings are slightly misplaced. Not because they are wrong, but because once again, he is not the child that some may take him for, and that my relationship with him, almost requires I see him as. Truly this kind of perception could be a problem for us both, especially if I would come between him, and what he has to do later on – namely if something once again requires that I cannot help him, or simply cannot go with him.

Even more than everything else, this has impressed me far more. Not only did the Jarl name him a Thane of the Pale, both for killing the Giant, and his other assistance to the people of the hold, the boy seems to have placed upon himself a task that would be daunting for someone twice his age. A price of Five-Thousand gold coins bought him a piece of land, on which it seems, he intends to build a house. I honestly thought this was something of a joke, but within the next few days, I was proven wrong.

Somehow, I feel this isn't even entirely for him. Perhaps this is one of the few rather selfish things he has done, and it isn't for himself, but for me, and perhaps anyone else that he might befriend, and travel with. Given what it seems he may need to do in the future, I do not think it is wrong. How could I possibly see it like that? I could not.

Maxus, that's really a deep introspection. I like it.... it makes Kris seem both more human, and more "normal". This is Aranea? I think? Maybe you should title them with the name of the "poster"?

For the Pale property, I do one of two things: I either simply boost my girl to 22 and go on from there; or I use http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/38151/?.

Serethil... Nice update.. I don't blame Veri for not wanting to deal with Delphine... and the whole blessed mess! This is usually the point where most of my characters, go find something to do..errrr while they make up there minds.

Maxus... very deep thought's, make's Kriss seem more human.

I have "Timing is Everything", but for the houses I prefer http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/66511/?... you still have to pay, but not do all the B.S. to be able to buy them. I still do "Blood on the Ice" first, If I want the home in Windhelm ( not often ), because it is soooo buggy I prefer not to take any chances with it.

Eh.... see.... this is one of those times when the character MAKES me (the player) do something I just do NOT want to do. But - well.... that's how it is. I'd LOVE to just say "bite me" and go on to whatever....

But Veri's not taking that for an answer. *sigh*

LoL...happens. I keep Adain as my Avatar for that very reason, to remind me that sometimes, the very best story, is the one that the character decides which way to go....very stubbornly. But it was a great story and I was sad when he went his own way... I mean that really. A game I had not one...not one freeze, stutter, CTD or any other issue with. He finished the MQ ( this is not what I had wanted to do ) had Helgen completely rebuilt, was lvl 35 ( sword & board, smithing, archery, Heavy armor & speech) Was sitting contentedly in his "study", I went to bed... and went to boot up his file the next morning... would not open, just froze at the loading screen. I tried multiple saves... many "fixes"....nothing. so I figured he wanted to retire, so I let him.

Well.... sometimes you just have to do a thing. I hope Adain's happy wherever he is now.....

yep, hopefully he is... I like to think so.

I think I have a simple way to fix that small problem. But yeah, I use Timing Is Everything and The Choice Is Yours on pretty much all of my characters. Though I don't usually change many of Timing Is Everything's settings. Mainly just changing when the Dragonborn DLC triggers(usually after "The Throat Of The World" at least), having Hearthfire's quest start at level 15, and allowing Werewolves to spawn even if not going to join the Companions. I did set Dawnguard's quest to 101 for Kris, which makes it not start at all. Not sure if I already have the quest with him, but I'm not playing it even so. It's not really an in-character reason either, but more due to how Better Vampires or Vampirism in general tends to act with custom races, even when supported by the Race Compatibility mod. Though that would mean staying with the Dawnguard is an option to play it, I probably won't.

As for houses though, I almost tend to prefer places like the College's Archmage's quarters, or Vokihar Keep, since the most you need to get those would be finishing the related questline - and I have mods to give both places more features. Not sure if I will join the College with Kris though - I really wish a mod like The Notice Board(which I am using with Kris) would place a note from Septimus on the boards in Winterhold or Dawnstar. I'm not sure if the mod does it already, but an add-on to it could if it doesn't.

Sere, it's good that Veri is taking time for herself, what SHE wants to do. Delphine is a pain, no matter what Veri's honor makes her do.

Maxus, I like that very much . Aranea seems both puzzled and pleased by Kris' actions, and her thoughts, to me at least, convey that. She, like me, will have to wait and see what comes next, while she continues to try to figure him out.

Ake...#64

Ooooo - good girl Ake! Yep, I always walk the horse over the bodies and pretend it's stomping them as it goes.

I have Homes for Everyone now too, though only for one specific playthrough - I didn't want to boost her, or use Timing is Everything to reset the level for Heljarchen....

Thanks Areial and Sere! The game again came through at the right time. hehe

Jensa’s Journal, page 24

Farkas and I left Jorrvaskr in a thunderstorm, and it rained the whole time we followed the river. Then we started climbing and the sun came out. So did the wind. At least it dried us off in a hurry.

We had a job outside Windhelm. Farkas made us walk instead of taking the carriage, camping in the day and moving at night. At first I thought he was avoiding the dragons, but then I realized he was watching me for trouble, just to be sure. I guess I deserve that. Anyway, I didn’t give him any.

We did the job, and it was not fun. Farkas growled at me all the way into Windhelm. By then it was snowing and dark again. We ate cold rations while we walked with no mead to wash it down. I asked if he was sure he wasn’t a Stormcloak.

At Candlehearth Hall we got a chamber to ourselves with a good-sized bed for once. Farkas crashed onto it like a fallen giant. He was snoring before I got my boots off. I cleaned up, put on my dress, and went to look for Stenvar the mercenary.

He wasn’t there, but it’s not hard to find a man who wants some fast company at that time of night. Then we got to his room and I didn’t really want to touch him, I just closed my eyes and pretended he was someone else. He didn’t seem to mind. I guess he was doing the same. Afterward he left while I was still at the washstand. I couldn’t believe it, he dropped a sack of coins on the bed. I had to laugh. All I did was show up, and he paid me. I’m not sure which of us is sadder.

I left the coins for Susanna the Wicked to find. It’s only a short step from what I am to what he thought I was, but I don’t want to take it.

Back in my chamber I had to use both feet to shove Farkas over, but then I fit right against him. Didn’t even wake him up. He was so warm and smelled so familiar. I don’t know what else I was looking for.

Thread 7, woo! Now, to go find thread 6 and catch up!

Grits, that made me want to bawl! I want so much for her to find her someone, her something...that is real home to her.

Serethil, Delphine stewing in her own juices made me grin. Good for Veri, taking the time that she needs rather than surrendering to Delphine’s manic schedule. I admire that Veri is strong in who she is.

Areial, I loved The Guardian. Made me cry. I think that differing lifespans would be a regular issue with relationships in TES. FWIW I thought of spriggans, too, and I think the story would work just as well with any kind of ethereal being. Wow, Blizzards and Wolves is my favorite chapter yet! I love that they’re wolves and not werewolves who are connected to Hircine. Thanks for the good wish for Jensa. Right now she's right in the thick of not getting it.

Lopov, given the gruesome scenes that can be found in Forsworn strongholds I have a hard time feeling sorry for them, but the Bloody Noble is frightening enough to do it. Yikes. I believe the rumors about him!

Andra, thank you! A real home in someone or something is exactly what Jensa is searching for, but she doesn’t have the words for it. Ake’s dagger ‘message’ and kicking the dead assassin made me cheer for her. Also for Kerik charging past to bury his axe, lol. He is up for the challenge of her complicated life! Ake has an excellent answer for why the DB is after her and why the attacks might continue.

MaxusCorven, I enjoyed reading Aranea’s view of Kris’s actions. I like to either take my time with the Hearthfire houses or just build them fast and pretend someone else did it. I like that the game allows us to set our own pace.

I use Timing Is Everything on pretty much every profile. Mostly to keep the Daedric quests from popping up for characters who would never attract the attention of a Daedric Prince no matter how high their Speechcraft and Alchemy leveled them. But also to make them less of the center of the TES universe. The quest-triggered options are my favorite.

Edit: missed Areial's comment while taking a long time to post, lol

Grits.... sad. So sad, poor Jensa. I hope she finds her way eventually, at least to self-knowing. Maybe that will prod her into self-believing - and then, who knows how far she may go? I felt sorry that Stenvar wasn't there for her, but perhaps it's better - she might have been even sadder.

I finished the DG main questline today - I didn't like it, but it was well-crafted. I'm so not into the whole vampire thing.... even killing them just annoys me. Sure, Harkon needed killing - but I didn't appreciate having to ally with a vampire - and I don't find Serana cute, attractive, helpful.... In fact she's pretty much everything I dislike in followers.... I just wanted to be able to park her somewhere and never see her again.

Arvak. Nope. Yes, I have the summon, no I won't use it. Poor thing - he doesn't even move like a horse.... not that any of them in this game do. I will eventually finish up a few odds and ends, but not for a while. I don't have any use for Durnevhir's shout (any more than any of the rest of them except Yol), and I won't be summoning him to help out with stuff.

This was a three-day excursion into a play-walled setup, just to see the Forgotten Vale - which is pretty, yes. But I don't think I really will want a home there, for a variety of reasons. Oh, and btw - the falmer village was a HORRIBLE example of a demented dev's nightmares.... I finally used player.movetoqt - which I bet I haven't done twice before in this game, it was THAT annoying.

The bow is on the wall, the arrows in a drawer. And I can't find anywhere in Elysium Estate to put the Initiate's Ewer and Canticle Bark. Almost as annoying as the entire quest line.... Well, anyway, I won't be doing it again. Now, I'm off to figure out how to get Verinne back into the MQ. I don't really know where I left her off with it.... I mean, in game itself, not in the RP!

I agree about Serana.. and I ditched her every...every chance one get's. She does have the best back story in the game, but to me is more annoying than most of the other followers.

But I love the DG, I don't know it just work's for me. The creepy cave's with the glowing flowers... eye's glowing in the dark...

One of those area's where everyone is different...but given a console back and only allowed 1 DLC, I would choose Hearthfire.