I wonder if there is a catch...
Full Version: Today in Cyrodiil, spoilers version
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Oh wow - a rechargeable Welkynd stone! I wonder if there is a catch...
I wonder if there is a catch...
An unexpected discovery as a trek through the swampy jungle near Leyawiin yields another stepping stone which in turns, take the intrepid duo to a new (for them) Ayleid Ruin. Those liches and that banshee sound like they could be pretty tough for the unprepared.
A rechargeble welkynd stone. Gee, that could make stone stepping much more convenient. Like Lena, I wonder how it works?
A rechargeble welkynd stone. Gee, that could make stone stepping much more convenient. Like Lena, I wonder how it works?
The part when Kahleah fires an *plink!* arrow *argh!* in his back made me laugh! Not funny really, but it's the way you wrote that up.
Hmm, no idea what today's songs are. I think the first one could be "If you like piña coladas..." whoever that song is by. But that's just a random guess.
Hmm, no idea what today's songs are. I think the first one could be "If you like piña coladas..." whoever that song is by. But that's just a random guess.
QUOTE(Renee @ Aug 21 2023, 10:36 AM) 
The part when Kahleah fires an *plink!* arrow *argh!* in his back made me laugh! Not funny really, but it's the way you wrote that up.
Thank you. It's been a sad week. Your and everyone else's comments are much appreciated.
QUOTE
Hmm, no idea what today's songs are. I think the first one could be "If you like piña coladas..." whoever that song is by. But that's just a random guess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMXBJW1PuU8
Harry Belafonte - Jump In The Line
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00VkP7v-VaM
The Band - The Shape I'm In
Oh no, sorry to hear that, macole. Some weeks are sad, that's true.
20230825 I-SL – Moonlight – Mycelium Sanctum
As we walked back to the stepstone that brought us to Lost Laife, Kaleah voiced the question that was rolling around in my mind.
“A purple welkynd stone? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Looks like one of those, lava something or other, lamps you used to have. Do you think it can it be used to work the stepstones like a common welkynd stone?”
“No, I don’t think it’s a party lamp,” I replied. “Does it works on the steps? That I really don’t know. We’ll have to figure that out.”
“Well until you do you better be careful,” cautioned Kaleah as we approached the exit step. “It could be like those nasty dark red welkynd stones. And you better not show it to Fiona or Claire. Those two moon-touched floozies will want to make gaudy trinkets out of it.”
With a look at all the ring and the fancy headdress Kaleah was wearing, I opened my mouth to ask, “Did Claire do the bangles, bobbles you’re wearing?” Thinking better of it, I asked her to take all the welkynd stones I was carrying so I could test the purple welkynd stone.
Still holding on to the purple welkynd, I touched it to the stepstone. (It took some time but I have come to realize that you don’t have to crush the welkynd on the step. Just touching a welkynd to a step will do. The welkynd stone will be absorbed into step and either activate it or as sometimes happens, fail to activate.)
Nothing happened.
As I’ve seen Claire do many times when she’s enchanting a gem, I took the purple welkynd in my hands and stared deeply into it. The enchanting enchantress Claire says she can read lines buried within a gem stone to determine a gem’s potential.
Having no idea what I was supposed to see, of course I saw nothing. No lines of power on which to lay an enchantment just an intense purple glow down deep in the center. Then there was a brief flash of purple light. The feeling I get when reading a magical tome washed over me.
That’s it! I’ve learned a new spell, a spell to charge the purple welkynd.
Now I’m ready to try again. Using only an unbelievably low 11 magicka, I cast the spell to charge up the stone and touched it to the step. It worked! Only one problem, the Ayleid step I activated instantly put us face-to-face with an angry oak moss gnarl.
The purple welkynd stone was still in my hand. In a panic I used the purple welkynd on the stepstone. It failed.
Kaleah reacted differently. She readied her bow and loosed an arrow. The gnarl’s reaction to the fiery arrow gave me time to regain my composure. I drew Light of Dawn and together we defeated the angry gnarl.
The gnarl, now charcoal, lay quietly allowing us to determine our location. We determined that we were somewhere between Field House Cave and Fort Telemon in the Blackwood. At a good pace Merendin is only a half day away. With luck we could make it to Merendin before sunset.
On the way we discussed the purple welkynd stone. Five uses are possible with a fully charged purple welkynd stone. Fully charged, it has the same failure rate as regular Welkynds (5-15% with reliable and deteriorated Steps respectively). Partly charged it may work as well, but the failure rises; chance for a 20% (one-fifth) charge is no less than 75%. The advantage is that discharged, it stays in your inventory and can be recharged again and again.
Magnus was setting when we arrived at Merendin. Kanaane, sitting at the desk when we entered the reception hall, was thrilled to hear that we had acquired the mushroom tower spore pods she had requested. She marked locations on the maps where she wanted them planted, one near Bruma and one near Bliss in the Shivering Isle.
With that out of the way Kaleah and I found a couple of empty beds for the night.
On the morning of the 22nd of Second Seed 3E435 I decided to make some inquires on the quest Do’leandra tasked me with back on the 5th of Rain’s Hand 3E435.
A sea of tan grass, endless to sun's resting place.
To dawn a stronghold destroyed by a clash between Pahmer and He-Who-Knew the tongue.
In the shade of the early morning hills in wedding dresses.
Far south the great tree lies caged, like snow in a circle of water.
Build by the Concealed-Gone-Wild long ago, at its entrance the price awaits.
(Possible bugs. Note the words Pahmer and Price; bugs or deliberate attempts to throw the reader off track? The word Pahmer which I assumed to be the Khajiit “Pahmar”, is not used for the dialog topic. The word used as the dialog topic is “Partmer”. Confusing. Price could be a spelling error or not. The price could be having to defeat the holder of the “prize”.)
Going by the riddle Do’leandra gave me, I have an idea of where to look for the Rinrijra Krin agent. The mention of a “Great Tree” tells me to go to Chorrol but while I’m here I might as well find out what others think of the riddle.
The riddle mentions 5 puzzling items; topics that come up in conversation; The Great Tree, Concealed-Gone-Wild, He-Who-Knows-the-Tongue, Pahmer, and To Dawn.
Concealed-Gone-Wild:
Do’leandra, the Khajiit told me that it was a secret weapon against the Bosmer during the Five Year War. Put a Pahmar-raht in a box and then wait for Bosmer to come along and open it. Doesn’t seem to be of much help.
Karashivuel thought Concealed-Gone-Wild had something to do with an invisibility potion and suggested going to Braveel and consult an alchemist in that city of shady dealers.
Ahtize replied with a cryptic question, “What once was concealed or hidden, but is now wild?”
He-Who-Knows-the-Tongue:
Karashivuel told a story of how she once met a man able to use a kind of "tongue magic". He destroyed legions of Clannfears with just a word until someone cut his tongue out.
Teshekru told me that everyone who has experienced a passionate kiss knows a tongue or two. She doesn't know who could be described in the riddle. Maybe one of a famous pair of lovers? With a knowing look Teshekru added, “I can see it in your face that you’ve encountered more than one talented tongue amongst the company you keep.”
Jo'beala thinks that "he-who-knew-the-tongue" could refer to a Greybeard, or someone who met a Greybeard once. Greybeards are Nords proficient in "tongue magic". While there are lots of people who have met a Greybeard, only one ever stepped into Cyrodiil: Hjalfi Early-Beard.
The Great Tree:
Jo’beala mentions a great tree in Valenwood.
Tesserayiel told me that Nareyla said something about a revered tree in the city she now serves as Guild Guide. That would be Chorrol.
According to Kanaane the greatest tree is the Tree of Shades in the Shivering Isles.
Pahmer/Partmer:
(Possible bug here. In the riddle above the word is Pahmer which I confused with the Khajiit Pahmar, is not used as the dialog topic. The word used as the dialog topic is "Partmer".)
Zerreshju points out that Partmer is not an elvish word. I must be mispronouncing the word Pahmer which is in the riddle. Neither Partmer nor Pahmer are elvish words, so Partmer or Pahmer may be a simple misspelling of another word.
Ahtize suggested that Partmer could refer to the “left handed elves” of Yokuda the Ra Gada speak about?
Teshekru mentioned that the citizen of High Rock are sometimes described as being "part mer", due to their heritage being an intermingling of Direnni Altmer and Nedes. Then with a wicked little grin she adds, “Intermingling, hm. That would be a nice diversion around here, wouldn't it?”
To Dawn:
Tesserayiel thought Dawn might reference a Mythic Dawn hideout.
Do’leandra surmises that it might be a direction where the sun rises. The east.
Karashivuel suggested that "Dawn" could also mean "beginning". Nirn's structures became stable after the convention at the Adamantide Tower, in today's High Rock.
All that information leaves me confused. I thought I knew what to do, where to go but now I’m lost in the ozone. I think I’ll go eat some pie and take a nap.
A dream caused me to bolt upright. Suddenly the answer was clear. So simple, why had I not seen it before? The four lines of the riddle are like the four points of a compass.
To the west, the desert sands of Hammerfell; “A sea of tan grass, endless to sun's resting place”.
To the north, where according to one legend the dawn of Tiber Septim’s, also known as Hjalti Early-Beard, career began with the razing of Old Hrol'dan, taking it back from the Witchmen (Pahmer/Partmer) of High Rock; “To dawn a stronghold destroyed by a clash between Pahmer and He-Who-Knew the tongue”.
To the east, the snow covered Valus mountains; “In the shade of the early morning hills in wedding dresses”.
To the far south in Valenwood where Falinesti, the walking tree city of the Bosmer has stopped; “Far south the great tree lies caged, like snow in a circle of water”.
Finally in the center built by Ayleids sits none other than Lipsand Tarn where the prize awaits; “Build by the Concealed-Gone-Wild long ago, at its entrance the price awaits”.
And Do’leandra has already given me the key! Leafing through the pages of my journal I found the passage supporting my conclusion.
***************************
20220131 Lipsand Tarn Sun’s Dawn 20,
Entering Lipsand Tarn, we suddenly became aware that this is the place we were looking for. Sugar Moth an Ohmes-raht Rinrijra Krin agent and vampire, declared that we should not have come here and attacked.
He was right you know. It would have been much safer for him had we not shown up. During the fight Sugar Moth dropped a small chest. Not having the required key to open it, we left it alone. We made a note to report this to the Stranded Light.
***************************
Not wasting time to tell anyone, I dressed quickly then raced to get outside so I could teleport to Lipsand Tarn. Entering Lipsand Tarn, I Eagerly ran down the long entrance staircase. There on the first landing I found the locked chest still sitting where I had left it. Do’leandra’s key opened the chest to reveal a package of a strange white powder. Returning to Merendin by way of the Midas Astral Gateway, I delivered the package to Do’leandra.
Do’leandra thanked us for our aid in disrupting Rinrijra Krin’s refined moon sugar smuggling operation. As a reward she named us Agents of the Desert Walkers and presented me with the Elsweyr’s Eye amulet (reflect damage 10%, reflect spell 10%, fortify magicka 100 points).
Speculating on what the Rinrijra Krin planned to do with this dangerous powder, Do’leandra mentioned the possibility of taking drastic measures to stop the Rinrijra Krin. Extremely tired, I’m not sure what I agreed to but Do’leandra was purring like a kitten as she wailed away at the practice dummy with her sword.
I’ll sort it out after I take a long nap.
As we walked back to the stepstone that brought us to Lost Laife, Kaleah voiced the question that was rolling around in my mind.
“A purple welkynd stone? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Looks like one of those, lava something or other, lamps you used to have. Do you think it can it be used to work the stepstones like a common welkynd stone?”
“No, I don’t think it’s a party lamp,” I replied. “Does it works on the steps? That I really don’t know. We’ll have to figure that out.”
“Well until you do you better be careful,” cautioned Kaleah as we approached the exit step. “It could be like those nasty dark red welkynd stones. And you better not show it to Fiona or Claire. Those two moon-touched floozies will want to make gaudy trinkets out of it.”
With a look at all the ring and the fancy headdress Kaleah was wearing, I opened my mouth to ask, “Did Claire do the bangles, bobbles you’re wearing?” Thinking better of it, I asked her to take all the welkynd stones I was carrying so I could test the purple welkynd stone.
Still holding on to the purple welkynd, I touched it to the stepstone. (It took some time but I have come to realize that you don’t have to crush the welkynd on the step. Just touching a welkynd to a step will do. The welkynd stone will be absorbed into step and either activate it or as sometimes happens, fail to activate.)
Nothing happened.
As I’ve seen Claire do many times when she’s enchanting a gem, I took the purple welkynd in my hands and stared deeply into it. The enchanting enchantress Claire says she can read lines buried within a gem stone to determine a gem’s potential.
Having no idea what I was supposed to see, of course I saw nothing. No lines of power on which to lay an enchantment just an intense purple glow down deep in the center. Then there was a brief flash of purple light. The feeling I get when reading a magical tome washed over me.
That’s it! I’ve learned a new spell, a spell to charge the purple welkynd.
Now I’m ready to try again. Using only an unbelievably low 11 magicka, I cast the spell to charge up the stone and touched it to the step. It worked! Only one problem, the Ayleid step I activated instantly put us face-to-face with an angry oak moss gnarl.
The purple welkynd stone was still in my hand. In a panic I used the purple welkynd on the stepstone. It failed.
Kaleah reacted differently. She readied her bow and loosed an arrow. The gnarl’s reaction to the fiery arrow gave me time to regain my composure. I drew Light of Dawn and together we defeated the angry gnarl.
The gnarl, now charcoal, lay quietly allowing us to determine our location. We determined that we were somewhere between Field House Cave and Fort Telemon in the Blackwood. At a good pace Merendin is only a half day away. With luck we could make it to Merendin before sunset.
On the way we discussed the purple welkynd stone. Five uses are possible with a fully charged purple welkynd stone. Fully charged, it has the same failure rate as regular Welkynds (5-15% with reliable and deteriorated Steps respectively). Partly charged it may work as well, but the failure rises; chance for a 20% (one-fifth) charge is no less than 75%. The advantage is that discharged, it stays in your inventory and can be recharged again and again.
Magnus was setting when we arrived at Merendin. Kanaane, sitting at the desk when we entered the reception hall, was thrilled to hear that we had acquired the mushroom tower spore pods she had requested. She marked locations on the maps where she wanted them planted, one near Bruma and one near Bliss in the Shivering Isle.
With that out of the way Kaleah and I found a couple of empty beds for the night.
On the morning of the 22nd of Second Seed 3E435 I decided to make some inquires on the quest Do’leandra tasked me with back on the 5th of Rain’s Hand 3E435.
A sea of tan grass, endless to sun's resting place.
To dawn a stronghold destroyed by a clash between Pahmer and He-Who-Knew the tongue.
In the shade of the early morning hills in wedding dresses.
Far south the great tree lies caged, like snow in a circle of water.
Build by the Concealed-Gone-Wild long ago, at its entrance the price awaits.
(Possible bugs. Note the words Pahmer and Price; bugs or deliberate attempts to throw the reader off track? The word Pahmer which I assumed to be the Khajiit “Pahmar”, is not used for the dialog topic. The word used as the dialog topic is “Partmer”. Confusing. Price could be a spelling error or not. The price could be having to defeat the holder of the “prize”.)
Going by the riddle Do’leandra gave me, I have an idea of where to look for the Rinrijra Krin agent. The mention of a “Great Tree” tells me to go to Chorrol but while I’m here I might as well find out what others think of the riddle.
The riddle mentions 5 puzzling items; topics that come up in conversation; The Great Tree, Concealed-Gone-Wild, He-Who-Knows-the-Tongue, Pahmer, and To Dawn.
Concealed-Gone-Wild:
Do’leandra, the Khajiit told me that it was a secret weapon against the Bosmer during the Five Year War. Put a Pahmar-raht in a box and then wait for Bosmer to come along and open it. Doesn’t seem to be of much help.
Karashivuel thought Concealed-Gone-Wild had something to do with an invisibility potion and suggested going to Braveel and consult an alchemist in that city of shady dealers.
Ahtize replied with a cryptic question, “What once was concealed or hidden, but is now wild?”
He-Who-Knows-the-Tongue:
Karashivuel told a story of how she once met a man able to use a kind of "tongue magic". He destroyed legions of Clannfears with just a word until someone cut his tongue out.
Teshekru told me that everyone who has experienced a passionate kiss knows a tongue or two. She doesn't know who could be described in the riddle. Maybe one of a famous pair of lovers? With a knowing look Teshekru added, “I can see it in your face that you’ve encountered more than one talented tongue amongst the company you keep.”
Jo'beala thinks that "he-who-knew-the-tongue" could refer to a Greybeard, or someone who met a Greybeard once. Greybeards are Nords proficient in "tongue magic". While there are lots of people who have met a Greybeard, only one ever stepped into Cyrodiil: Hjalfi Early-Beard.
The Great Tree:
Jo’beala mentions a great tree in Valenwood.
Tesserayiel told me that Nareyla said something about a revered tree in the city she now serves as Guild Guide. That would be Chorrol.
According to Kanaane the greatest tree is the Tree of Shades in the Shivering Isles.
Pahmer/Partmer:
(Possible bug here. In the riddle above the word is Pahmer which I confused with the Khajiit Pahmar, is not used as the dialog topic. The word used as the dialog topic is "Partmer".)
Zerreshju points out that Partmer is not an elvish word. I must be mispronouncing the word Pahmer which is in the riddle. Neither Partmer nor Pahmer are elvish words, so Partmer or Pahmer may be a simple misspelling of another word.
Ahtize suggested that Partmer could refer to the “left handed elves” of Yokuda the Ra Gada speak about?
Teshekru mentioned that the citizen of High Rock are sometimes described as being "part mer", due to their heritage being an intermingling of Direnni Altmer and Nedes. Then with a wicked little grin she adds, “Intermingling, hm. That would be a nice diversion around here, wouldn't it?”
To Dawn:
Tesserayiel thought Dawn might reference a Mythic Dawn hideout.
Do’leandra surmises that it might be a direction where the sun rises. The east.
Karashivuel suggested that "Dawn" could also mean "beginning". Nirn's structures became stable after the convention at the Adamantide Tower, in today's High Rock.
All that information leaves me confused. I thought I knew what to do, where to go but now I’m lost in the ozone. I think I’ll go eat some pie and take a nap.
A dream caused me to bolt upright. Suddenly the answer was clear. So simple, why had I not seen it before? The four lines of the riddle are like the four points of a compass.
To the west, the desert sands of Hammerfell; “A sea of tan grass, endless to sun's resting place”.
To the north, where according to one legend the dawn of Tiber Septim’s, also known as Hjalti Early-Beard, career began with the razing of Old Hrol'dan, taking it back from the Witchmen (Pahmer/Partmer) of High Rock; “To dawn a stronghold destroyed by a clash between Pahmer and He-Who-Knew the tongue”.
To the east, the snow covered Valus mountains; “In the shade of the early morning hills in wedding dresses”.
To the far south in Valenwood where Falinesti, the walking tree city of the Bosmer has stopped; “Far south the great tree lies caged, like snow in a circle of water”.
Finally in the center built by Ayleids sits none other than Lipsand Tarn where the prize awaits; “Build by the Concealed-Gone-Wild long ago, at its entrance the price awaits”.
And Do’leandra has already given me the key! Leafing through the pages of my journal I found the passage supporting my conclusion.
***************************
20220131 Lipsand Tarn Sun’s Dawn 20,
Entering Lipsand Tarn, we suddenly became aware that this is the place we were looking for. Sugar Moth an Ohmes-raht Rinrijra Krin agent and vampire, declared that we should not have come here and attacked.
He was right you know. It would have been much safer for him had we not shown up. During the fight Sugar Moth dropped a small chest. Not having the required key to open it, we left it alone. We made a note to report this to the Stranded Light.
***************************
Not wasting time to tell anyone, I dressed quickly then raced to get outside so I could teleport to Lipsand Tarn. Entering Lipsand Tarn, I Eagerly ran down the long entrance staircase. There on the first landing I found the locked chest still sitting where I had left it. Do’leandra’s key opened the chest to reveal a package of a strange white powder. Returning to Merendin by way of the Midas Astral Gateway, I delivered the package to Do’leandra.
Do’leandra thanked us for our aid in disrupting Rinrijra Krin’s refined moon sugar smuggling operation. As a reward she named us Agents of the Desert Walkers and presented me with the Elsweyr’s Eye amulet (reflect damage 10%, reflect spell 10%, fortify magicka 100 points).
Speculating on what the Rinrijra Krin planned to do with this dangerous powder, Do’leandra mentioned the possibility of taking drastic measures to stop the Rinrijra Krin. Extremely tired, I’m not sure what I agreed to but Do’leandra was purring like a kitten as she wailed away at the practice dummy with her sword.
I’ll sort it out after I take a long nap.
Moon-touched floozies! 
One nice thing about long pointed ears is that they can hold lotsa earrings. Oh, and Kaleah’s got horns to put more rings on!
Ugh, a puzzle/riddle quest. Hate ‘em. The Jandaga does a first rate job of soliciting opinions, sleeping and dreamsorting it all out though.
One nice thing about long pointed ears is that they can hold lotsa earrings. Oh, and Kaleah’s got horns to put more rings on!
Ugh, a puzzle/riddle quest. Hate ‘em. The Jandaga does a first rate job of soliciting opinions, sleeping and dreamsorting it all out though.
20230905 I-SL – The Grey Maybe – Conclusion of Integration the Strand Light primary adversary.
Dreams, the portent of the future when the crystal is misty and the cards are faded.
Emerging from the steaming waters of the bath I stepped into the soft embrace of a dry robe. The attendants led me to the masseuse table. There they worked their magic to remove the finale remnants of muscle tightness the hot waters could not.
Hair oiled and braided, dressed in a dragonling scale kilt belted at the waist I stood with shield and spear in hand, like a Sylphim hero of old.
Singing continuously, my attendants painted my body for war.
“You’re unstoppable,
You’re a Porsche with no brakes.”
“You’re invincible,
Yeah, you win every single game.”
“You’re so powerful,
You don't need batteries to play.”
“You’re so confident,
Yeah, you’re unstoppable today.”
Now dressed in my armor, shield and sword raised to the firmament, my attendants fell to the floor in awe of the resplendent figure standing before them.
“I put my armor on, show you how strong I am.
I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am.”
The dragon spirit bound to the armor, roared.
I awoke bursting with confidence and satisfaction from completing the Moonlight quest for Do’leandra. Only, the vision that had been planted in my brain by the dream hinted that there was more to do. That’s when I noticed that all my Ladies were standing silently nearby. That could mean only one thing.
A victory meant it was time to go shopping. I had been warned but I had failed to see.
The Ladies stood silent as Tesserayiel stepped forward with authority. Looking down at me she said, “Destiny has approached. Time to forge a new fate.”
She was right. I could not avoid it any longer. It was time I faced the tainted Xivilai, Ulasza
Defeating Jyggalag’s disciple in her own realm where she would be at her strongest would not be easy. The real troubling part was that this was something I would have to do on my own. Exposing Kaleah to the double threat of the daedric realms and the insidious effects of Order Taint was out of the question. No matter how much she protested I would not allow it.
For much the same reasons I can’t take the Cute Elves and the Moonshadow Elves with me. If you know anything about the Sylphim elves you would know that they are sweet natured, loving, and intensely loyal to those they call friend but orderly they are not.
Fickle faeries, the humans call them. Exposure to a realm built on Jyggalag’s strict sense of order would have disastrous consequences for the Cute Elves' and the Moonshadow Elves' psyche. Even should we be victorious they would slowly wither way and die.
And what about Pym? I have no idea how Pym will be affected. It is quite possible Pym would suffer the same fate as the Sylphim.
The big Xivilai, Karashivuel made sure that I still carried the special colossal black soul gem she had given me and the Dagger of Disjunction. The black soul gem to capture Ulasza’s soul and the dagger that would aid in dispelling Ulasza’s warding enchantments.
Pym stepped forward and offered her sword, The Assassin’s Blade (256hp, drain WIL and END). Likewise, Maeva offered the sword of Umaril. Elenya presented me with her staff with the advice that lightening is your friend against a Xivilai. The Moonshadow elves Fiona and Claire, laden me down with potions and charms.
Kaleah looked me sternly in the eye and ordered, “Fortuna return him to us victorious.”
Ready to go, I cast Karashivuel’s spell to take me to Ulasza’s realm in the void.
Arriving in the grayness of Ulasza’s realm of order, a Dremora approaches to declare I don’t belong here. Tell me something I don’t know. The Dremora begins to inform me how to defeat Ulasza when he suddenly cries out. Struck by a bolt from a tower off in the distance the Dremora dies.
I learned that Ulasza is heavily warded against all manner of attacks. Six wards are governed by six apparitions; Uriel Septim, Hannibal Traven, Lucien Lachance, Tesserayiel, Brother Martin, and Sheogorath. Find an apparition, receive a portal key. Pass its skill check, dispel one of Ulasza’s wards. (If there is anything more frustrating than solving riddles, it’s skill checks.)
I was surprised to find Sheogorath in a void pocket governed by order.
I must have failed most of them for nothing was working for me. I felt powerless against Ulasza and her enchanted Daedric Chainblade.
Using either of the two enchanted daggers Mehrunes’ Razor or Dagger of Disjunction meant using a hit-and-run tactic. That puts me within range of that cursed chainblade. In the tight quarters of the tower, one misstep and it was curtains.
Mehrune’s Razor dispelled Ulasza’s summoned warriors easily enough but did little in the way of damaging Ulasza herself. With the Dagger of Disjunction, it took a lot of hits to dispel one ward. Ulasza was knocked to her knees a few times which I assumed indicated a ward had been dispelled, before she chased me down with that big sword. One hit and I was barely able to make it back to the portal and escape.
Likewise, the Assassin’s blade and Umaril’s sword both failed me. Not that the two swords didn’t do damage it’s just that all the damage seemed to be reflected back at me. Again, I was left near death struggling to get back to the portal and escape.
If it hadn’t been for all the charms and potions, I was encumbered with I may not have survived.
For the nth time I stood on the final portal. Facing Ulasza’s tower again I hesitated.
A soothing voice filled my mind, “Courage my love. While there is great strength in numbers, there is great power in one, for the strength of the will of one may gather numbers to it."
Activating the portal, once again I faced Ulasza in her tower of doom. This time I had a new plan. Do what I do best; I called forth my little army; the Sisters of Insanity, a Dremora Lord Markynaz, and an Angel.
Knowing what was expected of them, my army keeps Ulasza busy while I approach her from behind and use the most devastating touch spell in my arsenal.
It took some time to accomplish. I had to continually re-summon my warriors as Ulasza defeated them. I was running short on magicka and replenishing potions I knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep this much longer. At one point Angel had Ulasza distracted, I was able to get in position and attacked with the spell, Translocation Madness Wave.
*****
Somewhere in the Great Void beyond the reach of Time, two equally match brothers, engaged in a conflict neither could win, paused their eternal battle.
“Did you feel it?” one said to the other. “A slight fold in the fabric of the void.”
“Yes,” the other said to the first. “A wave of madness. What does it mean?”
The two extreme rivals glared at each other for a moment before returning to their struggle. Nothing else mattered.
*****
At my touch Ulasza was instantly sent flying over the tower walls into the void. Falling to my knees, clasping my hands over my ears, I fought to keep her excruciating screams of torment from echoing in my head.
After what seemed to be an eternity the screams faded away. Karashivuel’s special colossal black soul gem glowed warmly for split second, notifying me that Ulasza’s soul had been captured.
With the filing of the soul gem, I was automatically teleported back to Merendin’s reception hall. The party celebrating the victory over Order had started. It was a joyous occasion for everyone except for Karashivuel, she was mourning the loss of a wayward sister.
edit for spelling
Dreams, the portent of the future when the crystal is misty and the cards are faded.
Emerging from the steaming waters of the bath I stepped into the soft embrace of a dry robe. The attendants led me to the masseuse table. There they worked their magic to remove the finale remnants of muscle tightness the hot waters could not.
Hair oiled and braided, dressed in a dragonling scale kilt belted at the waist I stood with shield and spear in hand, like a Sylphim hero of old.
Singing continuously, my attendants painted my body for war.
“You’re unstoppable,
You’re a Porsche with no brakes.”
“You’re invincible,
Yeah, you win every single game.”
“You’re so powerful,
You don't need batteries to play.”
“You’re so confident,
Yeah, you’re unstoppable today.”
Now dressed in my armor, shield and sword raised to the firmament, my attendants fell to the floor in awe of the resplendent figure standing before them.
“I put my armor on, show you how strong I am.
I put my armor on, I'll show you that I am.”
The dragon spirit bound to the armor, roared.
I awoke bursting with confidence and satisfaction from completing the Moonlight quest for Do’leandra. Only, the vision that had been planted in my brain by the dream hinted that there was more to do. That’s when I noticed that all my Ladies were standing silently nearby. That could mean only one thing.
A victory meant it was time to go shopping. I had been warned but I had failed to see.
The Ladies stood silent as Tesserayiel stepped forward with authority. Looking down at me she said, “Destiny has approached. Time to forge a new fate.”
She was right. I could not avoid it any longer. It was time I faced the tainted Xivilai, Ulasza
Defeating Jyggalag’s disciple in her own realm where she would be at her strongest would not be easy. The real troubling part was that this was something I would have to do on my own. Exposing Kaleah to the double threat of the daedric realms and the insidious effects of Order Taint was out of the question. No matter how much she protested I would not allow it.
For much the same reasons I can’t take the Cute Elves and the Moonshadow Elves with me. If you know anything about the Sylphim elves you would know that they are sweet natured, loving, and intensely loyal to those they call friend but orderly they are not.
Fickle faeries, the humans call them. Exposure to a realm built on Jyggalag’s strict sense of order would have disastrous consequences for the Cute Elves' and the Moonshadow Elves' psyche. Even should we be victorious they would slowly wither way and die.
And what about Pym? I have no idea how Pym will be affected. It is quite possible Pym would suffer the same fate as the Sylphim.
The big Xivilai, Karashivuel made sure that I still carried the special colossal black soul gem she had given me and the Dagger of Disjunction. The black soul gem to capture Ulasza’s soul and the dagger that would aid in dispelling Ulasza’s warding enchantments.
Pym stepped forward and offered her sword, The Assassin’s Blade (256hp, drain WIL and END). Likewise, Maeva offered the sword of Umaril. Elenya presented me with her staff with the advice that lightening is your friend against a Xivilai. The Moonshadow elves Fiona and Claire, laden me down with potions and charms.
Kaleah looked me sternly in the eye and ordered, “Fortuna return him to us victorious.”
Ready to go, I cast Karashivuel’s spell to take me to Ulasza’s realm in the void.
Arriving in the grayness of Ulasza’s realm of order, a Dremora approaches to declare I don’t belong here. Tell me something I don’t know. The Dremora begins to inform me how to defeat Ulasza when he suddenly cries out. Struck by a bolt from a tower off in the distance the Dremora dies.
I learned that Ulasza is heavily warded against all manner of attacks. Six wards are governed by six apparitions; Uriel Septim, Hannibal Traven, Lucien Lachance, Tesserayiel, Brother Martin, and Sheogorath. Find an apparition, receive a portal key. Pass its skill check, dispel one of Ulasza’s wards. (If there is anything more frustrating than solving riddles, it’s skill checks.)
I was surprised to find Sheogorath in a void pocket governed by order.
I must have failed most of them for nothing was working for me. I felt powerless against Ulasza and her enchanted Daedric Chainblade.
Using either of the two enchanted daggers Mehrunes’ Razor or Dagger of Disjunction meant using a hit-and-run tactic. That puts me within range of that cursed chainblade. In the tight quarters of the tower, one misstep and it was curtains.
Mehrune’s Razor dispelled Ulasza’s summoned warriors easily enough but did little in the way of damaging Ulasza herself. With the Dagger of Disjunction, it took a lot of hits to dispel one ward. Ulasza was knocked to her knees a few times which I assumed indicated a ward had been dispelled, before she chased me down with that big sword. One hit and I was barely able to make it back to the portal and escape.
Likewise, the Assassin’s blade and Umaril’s sword both failed me. Not that the two swords didn’t do damage it’s just that all the damage seemed to be reflected back at me. Again, I was left near death struggling to get back to the portal and escape.
If it hadn’t been for all the charms and potions, I was encumbered with I may not have survived.
For the nth time I stood on the final portal. Facing Ulasza’s tower again I hesitated.
A soothing voice filled my mind, “Courage my love. While there is great strength in numbers, there is great power in one, for the strength of the will of one may gather numbers to it."
Activating the portal, once again I faced Ulasza in her tower of doom. This time I had a new plan. Do what I do best; I called forth my little army; the Sisters of Insanity, a Dremora Lord Markynaz, and an Angel.
Knowing what was expected of them, my army keeps Ulasza busy while I approach her from behind and use the most devastating touch spell in my arsenal.
It took some time to accomplish. I had to continually re-summon my warriors as Ulasza defeated them. I was running short on magicka and replenishing potions I knew I wasn’t going to be able to keep this much longer. At one point Angel had Ulasza distracted, I was able to get in position and attacked with the spell, Translocation Madness Wave.
*****
Somewhere in the Great Void beyond the reach of Time, two equally match brothers, engaged in a conflict neither could win, paused their eternal battle.
“Did you feel it?” one said to the other. “A slight fold in the fabric of the void.”
“Yes,” the other said to the first. “A wave of madness. What does it mean?”
The two extreme rivals glared at each other for a moment before returning to their struggle. Nothing else mattered.
*****
At my touch Ulasza was instantly sent flying over the tower walls into the void. Falling to my knees, clasping my hands over my ears, I fought to keep her excruciating screams of torment from echoing in my head.
After what seemed to be an eternity the screams faded away. Karashivuel’s special colossal black soul gem glowed warmly for split second, notifying me that Ulasza’s soul had been captured.
With the filing of the soul gem, I was automatically teleported back to Merendin’s reception hall. The party celebrating the victory over Order had started. It was a joyous occasion for everyone except for Karashivuel, she was mourning the loss of a wayward sister.
edit for spelling
A robust set of preparations for an epic battle with Ulasza. Starting solo but with plenty of gear to help, the Jandaga discovers Ulasza's an imposing foe indeed. I'm glad he remembered that, though his elves were not with him, he could indeed summon others to occupy his foe. Victory at last!
20230914 I-SL – Depoisoning the Well
The party was winding down. I was sitting there alone watching everyone dancing when Do’leandra sat down next to me. After some polite small talk, she flicked her eyes back and forth, touching my arm she leaned close, and whispered, “I need you.”
My interest piqued, I excitedly replied excitedly, “Whatever can I do for such a pretty kitten?”
“Drastic measures to stop the Renrijra Krin, this one spoke to it about,’ she purred. “It’s come to that.”
“Oh, I see.” Rather disappointed I asked, “What do I need to do?”
Do’leandra laid out her plan to disrupt the Renrijra Krin’s skooma trade by breaking the users’ addiction to skooma. Make them “sober”, she called it.
To do this we would need a sample of S’drassa’s experimental skooma cure. Then I would have to harvest one each of a long list of ingredients Do’leandra; a Heart of Order, an Alocasia Fruit, Daedra Silk, Void Salts, a Scamp Skin, and finally I need to find a portion of Ambrosia.
Once all the items are acquired, I should take them to Sinderion in Skigrad who will brew an improve skooma cure potion. With Sinderion’s potion in hand I will have to sneak into Smiling Camp, acquire the key to the locked chest holding the Renrijra Krin’s refined skooma, and pour the Sinderion potion into the Renrijra Krin’s skooma. The users will drink it, their addiction will end, demand for skooma will collapse, and the Renrijra Krin’s illicit smuggling operation will cease or at least severely crippled.
“Simple,” she purred.
*************
The Ladies were gathered in a corner. Kaleah points to the Jandaga as he is talking to Do’leandra and says, “You see why we have to watch him? He falls for that damsel in distress act every time. He has absolutely no resistance.”
“Perhaps I could enchant his armor with charm resistance?” Claire offered.
That started a long debate which was eventually voted down, unanimously. Seems that each the Ladies, for one reason or another, like being able (they think) to wrap the Jandaga around their dainty little fingers.
*************
When I look up to the sky
I see your eyes, a funny kind of yellow
I rush home to bed, I sunk my head
I see your face underneath my pillow
I wake next morning, tired still yawning
See your face come peeking through my window
Understandably we got a late start the following day. During breakfast I informed the Ladies that I would be traveling to the Shivering Isle in search of some ingredients for Do’leandra and to plant a mushroom spore for Kanaane.
Having never been to the Shivering Isle, Fiona offered to accompany me. Being a vintner and brewer of potions, she saw a chance to acquire new and rare ingredients to work with. Hey, that sounded good to me.
Kaleah poked Elenya and said, “You had better go along to make sure that the Fiery Haired Witch understands the business at hand is collecting ingredients.”
So it was that after dinner, three of us left for Bliss. By means of the Midas Astral Gateway, we were soon standing in the cellar hideaway. The afternoon was spent giving Fiona and Elenya a tour of Bliss and Crucible.
Elenya was impressed but Fiona went absolutely wild harvesting the exotic plants that grew along the streets. I have no idea if she even knew if what she collected was even useful. Striking color and an intriguing smell was all it took for a plant to be stuffed in her pouch.
After an early dinner at the Choosey Beggar, we rushed over to Crucible to catch the 8:00pm meeting of the Duelists Society on the rooftop of Sickly Bernice's Taphouse.
It was well after 10:00pm when we left Sickly Bernice’s Taphouse. As we were heading back to the Cellar Hideaway we ran into Arriasha the tattooed Ohmes living in Bliss. Introducing Fiona and Elenya to the Krazy Kat, the conversation turned to what brought us to Bliss, exotic ingredients.
Arriasha told us that she had a non yummy heart and would trade it for a yummy heart. Non yummy hart hurts her teeth.
I had to turn her offer down. I took non yummy heart to mean a Heart of Order. We already had a Hart of Order and don’t need another. What we do need is an Alocasia Fruit, some Daedra Silk, a Scamp Skin, and a portion of Ambrosia.
Arriasha couldn’t help us with any of that. She did point out that Fiona had collected a nice basket full of Alocasia fruit.
Back in the cellar hideaway, I prepared for bed only to find what I thought to be an overly large bed fit for a king to be already taken.
Next morning, we left Bliss to find the plot of ground Kanaane suggested for the mushroom house. Kanaane’s directions were spot on making it easy to find. With the spore planted, like tourists we took some time roaming about the realm of Sheogorath.
Fiona sidled up next to me. Her eyes flashed as she cooed, “This land of split personalities is too crazily intense. It excites me.”
“There’s a time for everything, a wise man once said,” I deflected. “And everything under the sun is in tune but the sun is eclipsed by the moon.”
“It’s just a question of balance, my Jandaga,” Elenya maintained.
After few hours of walking under the shining light of the insane god and talking crazy talk, the Ladies’ wanted to know what we were going to do for dinner. Not wanting to suffer through another plate of Shivering Isle cuisine they didn’t object when I cast the spell to take us to our Bruma home.
The party was winding down. I was sitting there alone watching everyone dancing when Do’leandra sat down next to me. After some polite small talk, she flicked her eyes back and forth, touching my arm she leaned close, and whispered, “I need you.”
My interest piqued, I excitedly replied excitedly, “Whatever can I do for such a pretty kitten?”
“Drastic measures to stop the Renrijra Krin, this one spoke to it about,’ she purred. “It’s come to that.”
“Oh, I see.” Rather disappointed I asked, “What do I need to do?”
Do’leandra laid out her plan to disrupt the Renrijra Krin’s skooma trade by breaking the users’ addiction to skooma. Make them “sober”, she called it.
To do this we would need a sample of S’drassa’s experimental skooma cure. Then I would have to harvest one each of a long list of ingredients Do’leandra; a Heart of Order, an Alocasia Fruit, Daedra Silk, Void Salts, a Scamp Skin, and finally I need to find a portion of Ambrosia.
Once all the items are acquired, I should take them to Sinderion in Skigrad who will brew an improve skooma cure potion. With Sinderion’s potion in hand I will have to sneak into Smiling Camp, acquire the key to the locked chest holding the Renrijra Krin’s refined skooma, and pour the Sinderion potion into the Renrijra Krin’s skooma. The users will drink it, their addiction will end, demand for skooma will collapse, and the Renrijra Krin’s illicit smuggling operation will cease or at least severely crippled.
“Simple,” she purred.
*************
The Ladies were gathered in a corner. Kaleah points to the Jandaga as he is talking to Do’leandra and says, “You see why we have to watch him? He falls for that damsel in distress act every time. He has absolutely no resistance.”
“Perhaps I could enchant his armor with charm resistance?” Claire offered.
That started a long debate which was eventually voted down, unanimously. Seems that each the Ladies, for one reason or another, like being able (they think) to wrap the Jandaga around their dainty little fingers.
*************
When I look up to the sky
I see your eyes, a funny kind of yellow
I rush home to bed, I sunk my head
I see your face underneath my pillow
I wake next morning, tired still yawning
See your face come peeking through my window
Understandably we got a late start the following day. During breakfast I informed the Ladies that I would be traveling to the Shivering Isle in search of some ingredients for Do’leandra and to plant a mushroom spore for Kanaane.
Having never been to the Shivering Isle, Fiona offered to accompany me. Being a vintner and brewer of potions, she saw a chance to acquire new and rare ingredients to work with. Hey, that sounded good to me.
Kaleah poked Elenya and said, “You had better go along to make sure that the Fiery Haired Witch understands the business at hand is collecting ingredients.”
So it was that after dinner, three of us left for Bliss. By means of the Midas Astral Gateway, we were soon standing in the cellar hideaway. The afternoon was spent giving Fiona and Elenya a tour of Bliss and Crucible.
Elenya was impressed but Fiona went absolutely wild harvesting the exotic plants that grew along the streets. I have no idea if she even knew if what she collected was even useful. Striking color and an intriguing smell was all it took for a plant to be stuffed in her pouch.
After an early dinner at the Choosey Beggar, we rushed over to Crucible to catch the 8:00pm meeting of the Duelists Society on the rooftop of Sickly Bernice's Taphouse.
It was well after 10:00pm when we left Sickly Bernice’s Taphouse. As we were heading back to the Cellar Hideaway we ran into Arriasha the tattooed Ohmes living in Bliss. Introducing Fiona and Elenya to the Krazy Kat, the conversation turned to what brought us to Bliss, exotic ingredients.
Arriasha told us that she had a non yummy heart and would trade it for a yummy heart. Non yummy hart hurts her teeth.
I had to turn her offer down. I took non yummy heart to mean a Heart of Order. We already had a Hart of Order and don’t need another. What we do need is an Alocasia Fruit, some Daedra Silk, a Scamp Skin, and a portion of Ambrosia.
Arriasha couldn’t help us with any of that. She did point out that Fiona had collected a nice basket full of Alocasia fruit.
Back in the cellar hideaway, I prepared for bed only to find what I thought to be an overly large bed fit for a king to be already taken.
Next morning, we left Bliss to find the plot of ground Kanaane suggested for the mushroom house. Kanaane’s directions were spot on making it easy to find. With the spore planted, like tourists we took some time roaming about the realm of Sheogorath.
Fiona sidled up next to me. Her eyes flashed as she cooed, “This land of split personalities is too crazily intense. It excites me.”
“There’s a time for everything, a wise man once said,” I deflected. “And everything under the sun is in tune but the sun is eclipsed by the moon.”
“It’s just a question of balance, my Jandaga,” Elenya maintained.
After few hours of walking under the shining light of the insane god and talking crazy talk, the Ladies’ wanted to know what we were going to do for dinner. Not wanting to suffer through another plate of Shivering Isle cuisine they didn’t object when I cast the spell to take us to our Bruma home.
A nice visit to the Shivering Isles all around. Go easy on that Alocasia fruit though. They look like figs, but figs they ain't... 
Stop putting in Status Quo lyrics. You're making me feel old for remembering them.
“Simple,” she purred. - - Rigghht. It seems his ladies were right and the Jandaga fell for the 'damsel in this dress distress' routine. Off to the Isles of Sheo.
Well, it seems the Fiery Haired Witch took care of that alocasia fruit.
Since most of Buffy's attire is made from either buck/doe skin or silk, she is quite expert at harvesting and working with silk. She finds daedra silk to be reasonably attainable and very strong (though eclipsed by more difficult to acquire dragon silk on both counts). Moth silk, on the other hand is ever so much more delicate, beautiful and takes both dyes and enchantments marvelously. So she normally crafts her silk garments from a blend of the two.
Good call porting out of the Isles for dinner.
Well, it seems the Fiery Haired Witch took care of that alocasia fruit.
Since most of Buffy's attire is made from either buck/doe skin or silk, she is quite expert at harvesting and working with silk. She finds daedra silk to be reasonably attainable and very strong (though eclipsed by more difficult to acquire dragon silk on both counts). Moth silk, on the other hand is ever so much more delicate, beautiful and takes both dyes and enchantments marvelously. So she normally crafts her silk garments from a blend of the two.
Good call porting out of the Isles for dinner.
QUOTE(Acadian @ Sep 15 2023, 08:14 PM)
Since most of Buffy's attire is made from either buck/doe skin or silk, she is quite expert at harvesting and working with silk. She finds daedra silk to be reasonably attainable and very strong (though eclipsed by more difficult to acquire dragon silk on both counts). Moth silk, on the other hand is ever so much more delicate, beautiful and takes both dyes and enchantments marvelously. So she normally crafts her silk garments from a blend of the two.
Is it Dragonmoth or Daedric Spidermoth silk then?
QUOTE
The party was winding down. I was sitting there alone watching everyone dancing when Do’leandra sat down next to me. After some polite small talk, she flicked her eyes back and forth, touching my arm she leaned close, and whispered, “I need you.”
My interest piqued, I excitedly replied excitedly, “Whatever can I do for such a pretty kitten?”
“Drastic measures to stop the Renrijra Krin, this one spoke to it about,’ she purred. “It’s come to that.”
“Oh, I see.” Rather disappointed I asked
My interest piqued, I excitedly replied excitedly, “Whatever can I do for such a pretty kitten?”
“Drastic measures to stop the Renrijra Krin, this one spoke to it about,’ she purred. “It’s come to that.”
“Oh, I see.” Rather disappointed I asked
< really hard laughingGood god, so why does the Jandaga have to collect all those ingredients (alocasia fruit, a daedra heart, void salts...) to stop the addiction of others? Ah, I see. So this is to completely disrupt all skooma trade in the region.
Don't have a clue about today's Name That Tune, but it looks like ghastley does. Status Quo. Sorry to say I've never heard of them.
Ha ha I've seen some followers do that: collect ingredients (or pick up loot from the fallen) in this game like mad. And then you'll look in their inventory and there will be a zillion flax seeds or dozens of weapons they'll never use.
I forget if that's due to a setting in CSR or Companion Share & Recruit. I like the way this chapter ends. They've had enough of this crazy world, so back to Cyrodiil they go.
QUOTE(Renee @ Sep 17 2023, 01:20 PM)
Don't have a clue about today's Name That Tune, but it looks like ghastley does. Status Quo. Sorry to say I've never heard of them.
Pictures of Matchstick Men by Status Quo, 1968.
QUOTE
Ha ha I've seen some followers do that: collect ingredients (or pick up loot from the fallen) in this game like mad. And then you'll look in their inventory and there will be a zillion flax seeds or dozens of weapons they'll never use.
I forget if that's due to a setting in CSR or Companion Share & Recruit. Companion Share & Recruit under the Party option. Have to be careful with it though. There have been times when I've been arrested when they'd pick up things they're not supposed to.
20230923 I-SL – Depoisoning the Well, ingredient collecting
Sitting around a table at Olaf’s we discussed what we were going to do next. Fiona pointed out that I’ve stashed ingredients in several of my houses. Naturally proud of her ingredient collection, she suggested starting with Shadowcrest Vineyard. More than likely, I’ll find all I need there.
Elenya suggested that since we’re already in Bruma, planting the Bruma spore for Kanaane first made more sense. Kanaane‘s directions for the Shivering Isle site was easy enough to follow seems right that the Bruma site would be equally easy to find. Search for the ingredients afterward.
After a night of drinking, dancing, and singing karaoke arm-in-arm we stumbled out of Olaf’s giggling and laughing all the way back to our house.
We left Bruma sometime around noon the next day (I think it was the next day). Anyway, we left Bruma to search for the site on Kanaane’s map. Head still a bit fuzzy from the night before, the site wasn’t easy to find. Blame it on Kanaane’s map. It was outdated. The landscape had change making certain landmarks hard to see from the Orange Road. We passed by the site two or three times before we found the spot to plant the spore.
The spore planted we returned to Bruma to spend another night before beginning our search for ingredients.
Checking our inventory after breakfast the next day, we found that I was only carrying Void Salts. Bummer, that means counting the Alocasia Fruit we’re still missing four ingredients on Do’leandra’s list; a Heart of Order, some Daedra Silk, a Scamp Skin, and a portion of Ambrosia.
Our first stop was Shadowcrest Vineyard. Fiona was certain that she had one or two of the ingredients stored away in the laboratory there. Unfortunately, the ingredient shelves at Shadowcrest yielded nothing. To make up for our disappointment, Fiona put together a great dinner and a bottle or was it several, I don’t remember exactly how many or much of anything after the first bottle of her latest vintage.
I awoke the next day feeling totally relaxed, ready to face a new day.
Embarrassed at the incompleteness of her ingredient cabinet, Fiona decided to stay at Shadowcrest to inventory and get things in order. Elenya and I said our good-byes to Fiona and continued on to Benirus Manor.
Arriving in Benirus Manor, Elenya and I found Claire down in the laboratory of the late Lorgren Benirus. Explaining what we needed the sorceress was eager to help. Rummaging through the ingredient storage shelves she found some Scamp Skin and a Heart of Order. We now have four out of the six essential ingredients.
Disappointed I asked Claire if she had any ideas where to find ambrosia. Claire quietly thought for a moment. Then after a brief pause she said she knew where to get a portion.
“Ambrosia,” Claire said in an unusually serious manner. “Useful in making health potions, comes from the reddish-purple Mana Bloom flowers. Lichor is harvested from the bluish-purple Mana Bloom flowers. The plant only grows wild in Mankar Camoran's Paradise.”
“Mankar Camoran’s Paradise!” I interrupted. “We’re lost, there’s no way I can go there.”
It’s like, no biggie.” Coherence didn’t last long as Claire continued excitedly. ”It’s like, Mana Blooms grows in Frostcraig Spire’s garden and like… Eee gawds! Like, Anvil Mages eat it all the time. It's, like, so dandy candy! Gotta hurry before it’s all gone.”
Were we too late? There was none on the dinner table. We’ll go upstairs and find Ellirijan the Stranded Light Guild guide. He should know when to expect more.
We found Ellirijan upstairs in the living quarters sound asleep. Sitting unattended on a table nearby was a plate with a portion of ambrosia and lichor. I’m sure no one will miss it.
With portions of ambrosia and lichor in our possession there was only one ingredient left to acquire, Daedra Silk. Where are we supposed acquire Daedra silk. Summoning a Daedra spider won’t work. Kill the summoned and its body disappears. Hoping for a random encounter with a Spider Daedra to harvest for silk is highly probable.
While Claire, with unfaltering confidence in my abilities, looked at me expectantly, I was beginning to doubt if it could be done. Steady Elenya came to my rescue with a suggestion. “My Jandaga, think J’shivrizza, the strange Khajiit mage at the Skingrad Mages Guild might be of some help?”
Using the Mages Guild transport system we arrived at the Skingrad Mages Guild Hall in the late afternoon. J’shivrizza didn’t have any ingredients to sell but he did have an interesting spell in his inventory, “Create Mundane Oblivion Gate”.
It cost 750 magicka to cast and even when wearing all the fortifying trinkets I had I’d still be a little shy of that, purchasing the spell today would not help. Still, the idea of being able to create an Oblivion Gate and step through to the Deadlands of Oblivion is intriguing so I asked J’shivrizza if she would demonstrate the spell. As I expected she refused. Putting on my warmest smile I touched her hand and charmed her into relenting.
Purring contentedly, J’shivrizza led us outside to a wide section of the street. Wailing like a 100 alley cats fighting, she raised her hands slowly up high above her head. The sickly yellow clouds boiled across the sky, the earth shook, and molten black obsidian rose up from the ground framing an angry red eye of a portal.
It was a great show but it didn’t work as I had hoped. It didn’t give me access to the Deadlands of Oblivion. As we stood there pondering the burning hole to nowhere, a Xivilai stepped trough followed by a Storm Atronach.
As Skingrad guards came rushing to battle the Daedra, J’shivrizza shutdown the demonstration. I guess if we would have left the gate open long enough eventually a spider Daedra would have stepped through but how many would have died until then? It’s best that J’shivrizza shut it down.
The excitement done for the day we headed for Rosethorn Hall to spend the night. Eyja put together a marvelous feast of Skaal meatballs and gravy with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. How she does it on such short notice, I’ll never know.
As Claire, Elenya, and I sat around the dinner table discussing the misadventures in collecting daedra silk, Eyja spoke up, “Mi’lord, there’s a jar of what looks like spider web sitting on the ingredient cabinet in the hall.”
Jumping up from the table, we raced to the entrance hall. There it was a jar full of Daedra silk. Thanks to Eyja we now have all the required ingredients. I think she deserves a raise.
We just need to go to Leyawiin and see S’drassa about acquiring a sample of his “Skooma Cure”. We’ll leave for Leyawiin first thing tomorrow but tonight we celebrate. Eyja arrived with several bottles of the best wine from the wine cellar, a tray of cheese, sausages, and crackers and carafe of a golden liqueur that seemed to dance in the candlelight.
Taste like almonds, I thought as I sipped the sweet liqueur.
I overheard Eyja whisper to Claire and Elenya, “It’s something Sinderion is working on. Calls it Amouraetto. “Serve it to that stuffed shirt lord of yours. Guaranteed to get you a raise”, Sinderion told me.”
Taking another sip, not quite Fiona class but shows promise. Perhaps, Eyja would like a wardrobe of new outfits and a remodel of the basement servant’s quarters?
Sitting around a table at Olaf’s we discussed what we were going to do next. Fiona pointed out that I’ve stashed ingredients in several of my houses. Naturally proud of her ingredient collection, she suggested starting with Shadowcrest Vineyard. More than likely, I’ll find all I need there.
Elenya suggested that since we’re already in Bruma, planting the Bruma spore for Kanaane first made more sense. Kanaane‘s directions for the Shivering Isle site was easy enough to follow seems right that the Bruma site would be equally easy to find. Search for the ingredients afterward.
After a night of drinking, dancing, and singing karaoke arm-in-arm we stumbled out of Olaf’s giggling and laughing all the way back to our house.
We left Bruma sometime around noon the next day (I think it was the next day). Anyway, we left Bruma to search for the site on Kanaane’s map. Head still a bit fuzzy from the night before, the site wasn’t easy to find. Blame it on Kanaane’s map. It was outdated. The landscape had change making certain landmarks hard to see from the Orange Road. We passed by the site two or three times before we found the spot to plant the spore.
The spore planted we returned to Bruma to spend another night before beginning our search for ingredients.
Checking our inventory after breakfast the next day, we found that I was only carrying Void Salts. Bummer, that means counting the Alocasia Fruit we’re still missing four ingredients on Do’leandra’s list; a Heart of Order, some Daedra Silk, a Scamp Skin, and a portion of Ambrosia.
Our first stop was Shadowcrest Vineyard. Fiona was certain that she had one or two of the ingredients stored away in the laboratory there. Unfortunately, the ingredient shelves at Shadowcrest yielded nothing. To make up for our disappointment, Fiona put together a great dinner and a bottle or was it several, I don’t remember exactly how many or much of anything after the first bottle of her latest vintage.
I awoke the next day feeling totally relaxed, ready to face a new day.
Embarrassed at the incompleteness of her ingredient cabinet, Fiona decided to stay at Shadowcrest to inventory and get things in order. Elenya and I said our good-byes to Fiona and continued on to Benirus Manor.
Arriving in Benirus Manor, Elenya and I found Claire down in the laboratory of the late Lorgren Benirus. Explaining what we needed the sorceress was eager to help. Rummaging through the ingredient storage shelves she found some Scamp Skin and a Heart of Order. We now have four out of the six essential ingredients.
Disappointed I asked Claire if she had any ideas where to find ambrosia. Claire quietly thought for a moment. Then after a brief pause she said she knew where to get a portion.
“Ambrosia,” Claire said in an unusually serious manner. “Useful in making health potions, comes from the reddish-purple Mana Bloom flowers. Lichor is harvested from the bluish-purple Mana Bloom flowers. The plant only grows wild in Mankar Camoran's Paradise.”
“Mankar Camoran’s Paradise!” I interrupted. “We’re lost, there’s no way I can go there.”
It’s like, no biggie.” Coherence didn’t last long as Claire continued excitedly. ”It’s like, Mana Blooms grows in Frostcraig Spire’s garden and like… Eee gawds! Like, Anvil Mages eat it all the time. It's, like, so dandy candy! Gotta hurry before it’s all gone.”
Were we too late? There was none on the dinner table. We’ll go upstairs and find Ellirijan the Stranded Light Guild guide. He should know when to expect more.
We found Ellirijan upstairs in the living quarters sound asleep. Sitting unattended on a table nearby was a plate with a portion of ambrosia and lichor. I’m sure no one will miss it.
With portions of ambrosia and lichor in our possession there was only one ingredient left to acquire, Daedra Silk. Where are we supposed acquire Daedra silk. Summoning a Daedra spider won’t work. Kill the summoned and its body disappears. Hoping for a random encounter with a Spider Daedra to harvest for silk is highly probable.
While Claire, with unfaltering confidence in my abilities, looked at me expectantly, I was beginning to doubt if it could be done. Steady Elenya came to my rescue with a suggestion. “My Jandaga, think J’shivrizza, the strange Khajiit mage at the Skingrad Mages Guild might be of some help?”
Using the Mages Guild transport system we arrived at the Skingrad Mages Guild Hall in the late afternoon. J’shivrizza didn’t have any ingredients to sell but he did have an interesting spell in his inventory, “Create Mundane Oblivion Gate”.
It cost 750 magicka to cast and even when wearing all the fortifying trinkets I had I’d still be a little shy of that, purchasing the spell today would not help. Still, the idea of being able to create an Oblivion Gate and step through to the Deadlands of Oblivion is intriguing so I asked J’shivrizza if she would demonstrate the spell. As I expected she refused. Putting on my warmest smile I touched her hand and charmed her into relenting.
Purring contentedly, J’shivrizza led us outside to a wide section of the street. Wailing like a 100 alley cats fighting, she raised her hands slowly up high above her head. The sickly yellow clouds boiled across the sky, the earth shook, and molten black obsidian rose up from the ground framing an angry red eye of a portal.
It was a great show but it didn’t work as I had hoped. It didn’t give me access to the Deadlands of Oblivion. As we stood there pondering the burning hole to nowhere, a Xivilai stepped trough followed by a Storm Atronach.
As Skingrad guards came rushing to battle the Daedra, J’shivrizza shutdown the demonstration. I guess if we would have left the gate open long enough eventually a spider Daedra would have stepped through but how many would have died until then? It’s best that J’shivrizza shut it down.
The excitement done for the day we headed for Rosethorn Hall to spend the night. Eyja put together a marvelous feast of Skaal meatballs and gravy with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. How she does it on such short notice, I’ll never know.
As Claire, Elenya, and I sat around the dinner table discussing the misadventures in collecting daedra silk, Eyja spoke up, “Mi’lord, there’s a jar of what looks like spider web sitting on the ingredient cabinet in the hall.”
Jumping up from the table, we raced to the entrance hall. There it was a jar full of Daedra silk. Thanks to Eyja we now have all the required ingredients. I think she deserves a raise.
We just need to go to Leyawiin and see S’drassa about acquiring a sample of his “Skooma Cure”. We’ll leave for Leyawiin first thing tomorrow but tonight we celebrate. Eyja arrived with several bottles of the best wine from the wine cellar, a tray of cheese, sausages, and crackers and carafe of a golden liqueur that seemed to dance in the candlelight.
Taste like almonds, I thought as I sipped the sweet liqueur.
I overheard Eyja whisper to Claire and Elenya, “It’s something Sinderion is working on. Calls it Amouraetto. “Serve it to that stuffed shirt lord of yours. Guaranteed to get you a raise”, Sinderion told me.”
Taking another sip, not quite Fiona class but shows promise. Perhaps, Eyja would like a wardrobe of new outfits and a remodel of the basement servant’s quarters?
That's a good thing to do, stash ingredients away. Great method for alchemists, especially if they're in the habit of keeping all their potion-making apparatuses (apparati?) in that location as well.
You have karaoke in your game? Is that a mod? Dude, the hippies are doing a lot of drinking & partying in this episode. 
🍷Better moderate themselves or else... or else.... hmm.
Yikes, so they have to go to a daedric realm just to get some ambrosia.
... right, there's Frostcrag, phew. There's also the Arcane Uni's garden area itself I'd imagine, assuming Better Cities is running. Ha ha Claire talks like a valley girl.
That's hilarious, they opened an Oblivion Gate right in the middle of town! "STOP RIGHT THERE, MAGICAL SCUM!"
You have karaoke in your game?
Is that a mod? Dude, the hippies are doing a lot of drinking & partying in this episode. 🍷Better moderate themselves or else... or else.... hmm. Yikes, so they have to go to a daedric realm just to get some ambrosia.
... right, there's Frostcrag, phew. There's also the Arcane Uni's garden area itself I'd imagine, assuming Better Cities is running. Ha ha Claire talks like a valley girl.
That's hilarious, they opened an Oblivion Gate right in the middle of town! "STOP RIGHT THERE, MAGICAL SCUM!"
Eyja comes through with spider daedra silk! And even some amouraetto. Yum. On the amouraetto. . . not the silk.
QUOTE(Renee @ Sep 23 2023, 09:20 AM)
You have karaoke in your game?
Is that a mod?I wish there was a karaoke mod. Nah, it's only my stereo playing in the background. What's a poor bard to do.?
QUOTE
Claire talks like a valley girl.
That's the way I think of the blue-eyed blond sorceress. She really is very intelligent though.
QUOTE(Acadian @ Sep 23 2023, 12:58 PM)
Eyja comes through with spider daedra silk! And even some amouraetto. Yum. On the amouraetto. . . not the silk.
Late at night it's either a snifter of DiSaronno or Grand Marnier. They're pretty good over cherry ice cream, too.
20230927 I-SL – Depoisoning the Well
The Ladies were not too happy with my behavior the night before. Early in the morning the day after, Claire and Elenya virtually dragged me by hand out the door of Rosethorn Hall. They didn’t slow down until we had exited the city gates and were well away from Skingrad.
Stopping at the county line, Elenya turned to me, wagged her finger, and lectured me on the evils of overindulgence. “After resisting the sweet temptations of some of the most beautiful vampires we’ve ever seen, you were fawning all over the maid last night. The maid! If you hadn’t fallen asleep you’d have given away your precious armor!”
Ouch, that hurt but they were right. Too much party can be a bad thing. I was fine until Eyja served up dessert. Always did have weakness for gals that can cook better than I can.
“Yeah, like, totally freaked me out,” added Claire, who had been standing there with her arms folded disapprovingly while Elenya read the riot act. “If I hadn’t used a sleep spell on you, we’d be poor wretches out in the street. It's, like, totally disgusting.”
“Anyways, while you had Eyja distracted I totally snatched a vile of the awesome liqueur. Fiona can smooth it out and add it to our product catalog.”
“Yeah, and I know who’ll be the test subject,” Elenya said giving me a steely sidelong glance.
Teasingly I said, “Can’t wait.”
It was a long and quiet walk to Leyawiin that day.
Arriving at Leyawiin we made a stop at our Leyawiin house to change into robes more Arch Mage appropriate for the visit to the Mages Guild. Looking the epitome of authority, we strode confidently to the Mages Guild in hopes of catching S’drassa in a sharing mood.
Outside the Mages Guild front door we ran into Yaranil, the Stranded Light Guild Guide. We asked the Ayleid or Hidden Elf, as she likes to be called, if she knew anything about S’drassa’s skooma cure. Yaranil told us that it doesn’t work but S’drassa does have a few samples of the potion.
Unexpectedly, Yaranil produced a jewelry box key. She handed it to me saying, “You might be interested in this.”
What it opens, Yaranil didn’t say? I assumed that Yaranil knowing S’drassa wouldn’t want to share, the key would unlock S’drassa’s potion chest. We might have to snitch a sample.
Catching S’drassa at his desk we engage him in conversation about his skooma cure. Knowing that he is having trouble getting the cure to work I offer to help or get someone to help him with development. I try to convince him that a sharing of ideas can be beneficial and offer several suggestions.
S’drassa absolutely refuses to the sharing of ideas or accepting any help from High and Mighty, I’m Too Good for You, Altmers like Sinderion. This is his project and his alone. S’drassa laughed out loud when I offered to personally help with his experiment, pointing out that in no way could I be considered anywhere close to being an expert alchemist.
S’drassa knows who I am, surely. I can tell because he seemed to become more and more uncomfortable as our conversation went on. It was the expression on my face when he laughed at my offer to personally help that told S’drassa he had taken a step too far.
Seeing the change in S’drassa’s demeanor, I changed my tactic. Exerting my authority as Arch Mage, I ordered him to deliver to me a sample of his potion. Slumped shouldered he complied.
“Be thankful that I allow you to keep a sample that you may continue your experiments on this cure. And be doubly thankful that this disrespect did not happen under Telvanni rule, else as Archmagister by my hand you’d be a puddle of slime staining the floor!”
“Yes, Arch Mage, thank you Arch Mage, forgive me Arch Mage.” S’drassa stammered over and over with much bowing.
“It is good to be the Arch Mage,” I said as we walked out of the guildhall.
“It is good to be the Jandaga.” Claire and Elenya said in response as they looped their arms around mine. What a difference a day makes. Proudly my Ladies escorted me back to our lovely Leyawiin shanty at the edge of the swamp.
Later that night, after Claire and Elenya had gone to sleep I sat outside at the water’s edge listening to the night sounds. Croaking of giant Devil Frogs serenaded me as I contemplated the jeweled key Yaranil gave me. Holding it up to the candlelight I asked myself, “We didn’t need this to get the skooma cure sample, I wonder what it opens?”
With all the required ingredients in-hand we left for Skingrad first thing the next day.
As expected, the first thing Sinderion wanted to know was how the search for nirnroot was going. He was eager to get a supply of 20 in order to continue researching a stronger Elixir of Exploration. It had to be a disappointing to hear that I had been too busy with other things that I didn’t have time to go root collecting.
After handing him my bag of ingredients and explaining what I needed, I fully expected him to object. So, I wasn’t a bit surprised when he exclaimed, “You want me to make a potion out of this mess!”
What surprised me was his reaction a couple seconds later. “I accept the challenge! I’ll have it delivered via the Guild Guide to wherever you wish. Do’leandra at Merendin, you say? Give me a week or less.”
As we were leaving Sinderion’s lab we could hear him loudly talking to himself, “I’ll show that mangy Leyawiin swamp cat what a real Alchemist can do. Thinks he’s something ‘cause he got some dunce adventurer to collect some frozen tears for him. What did he do with them? Nothing! The blowhard probably melted them with all his hot air.”
On an on he went until we were out of earshot.
Walking up the street to Rosethorn Hall I turned to Claire and Elenya and asked, “Well Ladies, looks like we have some free time. What would you like to do?”
Their eyes glazed over and with the sound gold coins clinking in purses, I wondered why did I even bother asking?
The Ladies were not too happy with my behavior the night before. Early in the morning the day after, Claire and Elenya virtually dragged me by hand out the door of Rosethorn Hall. They didn’t slow down until we had exited the city gates and were well away from Skingrad.
Stopping at the county line, Elenya turned to me, wagged her finger, and lectured me on the evils of overindulgence. “After resisting the sweet temptations of some of the most beautiful vampires we’ve ever seen, you were fawning all over the maid last night. The maid! If you hadn’t fallen asleep you’d have given away your precious armor!”
Ouch, that hurt but they were right. Too much party can be a bad thing. I was fine until Eyja served up dessert. Always did have weakness for gals that can cook better than I can.
“Yeah, like, totally freaked me out,” added Claire, who had been standing there with her arms folded disapprovingly while Elenya read the riot act. “If I hadn’t used a sleep spell on you, we’d be poor wretches out in the street. It's, like, totally disgusting.”
“Anyways, while you had Eyja distracted I totally snatched a vile of the awesome liqueur. Fiona can smooth it out and add it to our product catalog.”
“Yeah, and I know who’ll be the test subject,” Elenya said giving me a steely sidelong glance.
Teasingly I said, “Can’t wait.”
It was a long and quiet walk to Leyawiin that day.
Arriving at Leyawiin we made a stop at our Leyawiin house to change into robes more Arch Mage appropriate for the visit to the Mages Guild. Looking the epitome of authority, we strode confidently to the Mages Guild in hopes of catching S’drassa in a sharing mood.
Outside the Mages Guild front door we ran into Yaranil, the Stranded Light Guild Guide. We asked the Ayleid or Hidden Elf, as she likes to be called, if she knew anything about S’drassa’s skooma cure. Yaranil told us that it doesn’t work but S’drassa does have a few samples of the potion.
Unexpectedly, Yaranil produced a jewelry box key. She handed it to me saying, “You might be interested in this.”
What it opens, Yaranil didn’t say? I assumed that Yaranil knowing S’drassa wouldn’t want to share, the key would unlock S’drassa’s potion chest. We might have to snitch a sample.
Catching S’drassa at his desk we engage him in conversation about his skooma cure. Knowing that he is having trouble getting the cure to work I offer to help or get someone to help him with development. I try to convince him that a sharing of ideas can be beneficial and offer several suggestions.
S’drassa absolutely refuses to the sharing of ideas or accepting any help from High and Mighty, I’m Too Good for You, Altmers like Sinderion. This is his project and his alone. S’drassa laughed out loud when I offered to personally help with his experiment, pointing out that in no way could I be considered anywhere close to being an expert alchemist.
S’drassa knows who I am, surely. I can tell because he seemed to become more and more uncomfortable as our conversation went on. It was the expression on my face when he laughed at my offer to personally help that told S’drassa he had taken a step too far.
Seeing the change in S’drassa’s demeanor, I changed my tactic. Exerting my authority as Arch Mage, I ordered him to deliver to me a sample of his potion. Slumped shouldered he complied.
“Be thankful that I allow you to keep a sample that you may continue your experiments on this cure. And be doubly thankful that this disrespect did not happen under Telvanni rule, else as Archmagister by my hand you’d be a puddle of slime staining the floor!”
“Yes, Arch Mage, thank you Arch Mage, forgive me Arch Mage.” S’drassa stammered over and over with much bowing.
“It is good to be the Arch Mage,” I said as we walked out of the guildhall.
“It is good to be the Jandaga.” Claire and Elenya said in response as they looped their arms around mine. What a difference a day makes. Proudly my Ladies escorted me back to our lovely Leyawiin shanty at the edge of the swamp.
Later that night, after Claire and Elenya had gone to sleep I sat outside at the water’s edge listening to the night sounds. Croaking of giant Devil Frogs serenaded me as I contemplated the jeweled key Yaranil gave me. Holding it up to the candlelight I asked myself, “We didn’t need this to get the skooma cure sample, I wonder what it opens?”
With all the required ingredients in-hand we left for Skingrad first thing the next day.
As expected, the first thing Sinderion wanted to know was how the search for nirnroot was going. He was eager to get a supply of 20 in order to continue researching a stronger Elixir of Exploration. It had to be a disappointing to hear that I had been too busy with other things that I didn’t have time to go root collecting.
After handing him my bag of ingredients and explaining what I needed, I fully expected him to object. So, I wasn’t a bit surprised when he exclaimed, “You want me to make a potion out of this mess!”
What surprised me was his reaction a couple seconds later. “I accept the challenge! I’ll have it delivered via the Guild Guide to wherever you wish. Do’leandra at Merendin, you say? Give me a week or less.”
As we were leaving Sinderion’s lab we could hear him loudly talking to himself, “I’ll show that mangy Leyawiin swamp cat what a real Alchemist can do. Thinks he’s something ‘cause he got some dunce adventurer to collect some frozen tears for him. What did he do with them? Nothing! The blowhard probably melted them with all his hot air.”
On an on he went until we were out of earshot.
Walking up the street to Rosethorn Hall I turned to Claire and Elenya and asked, “Well Ladies, looks like we have some free time. What would you like to do?”
Their eyes glazed over and with the sound gold coins clinking in purses, I wondered why did I even bother asking?
A mysterious key, eh?
Yeah, sometimes an Arch Mage just has to remind his guildies who is in charge.
I don't suspect shopping in Skingrad is that bountiful but the Ladies will doubtless make do.
You'll be pleased to know that back in the 2nd Era, nirnroot grows and respawns normally. And red nirnroot is even rarely seen.
Yeah, sometimes an Arch Mage just has to remind his guildies who is in charge.
I don't suspect shopping in Skingrad is that bountiful but the Ladies will doubtless make do.
You'll be pleased to know that back in the 2nd Era, nirnroot grows and respawns normally. And red nirnroot is even rarely seen.
Acadian: Is there a giant nirnroot too?
20231005 Ayleid Steps – Audacious Argonians
Having made a shambles of the local Skingrad emporiums Claire and Elenya insisted on going to the Imperial City. That was fine with me, as long as we traveled overland.
All along the watchtower
Guardsmen kept the view
While all the Moth Priests came and went
Barefoot servants, too
Outside in the cold distance
A wildcat did growl
Three travelers were approaching
And the wind began to howl.
“Quickly,” one guard instructed a runner. “Notify all the shops in the city that they’ve returned.”
Walking from Skingrad to the Imperial City had worked its magic. Claire and Elenya had sufficiently recovered from the troughs of their shopping frenzy. Now as we crossed the Talos Bridge, all they wanted was a long soak in the warm pools of the Imperial Bath house.
We didn’t make that far. It wasn’t long after passing through the gates of the Imperial City when we were approached by one of the Imperial Guards.
With ridged formality, guardsman Jannus Mercium informed me that Captain Tertia Aurum wishes to speak with me.
Captain Aurum, hmmm? Ayleid Step research for fun and profit, what more could an Archeology Guild Headmaster ask for? We immediately set off to find Captain Tertia Aurum.
Over worked and understaffed, Captain Aurum asks if I would assist with an incident reported by an Argonian merchant. The Argonian, Hal-Neer staying at the Merchant’s Inn, claims his wife is lost in a recently discovered Ayleid ruin. The Argonian wants the Imperial Guard to send a search and rescue party to fetch his wife.
Stepping, as adventurers call it, has drawn all sorts fortune-hunters. The lost ruins often hold a bounty of welkynd stones and at current prices a week of dungeon diving could yield a lifetime of easy living. But, it was risky business and often came at a high price. Some never return.
The fortune that could be had with investigating a Lost Ayleid Ruin brought a sparkle to the eyes of Claire and Elenya could be seen on Masser and Secunda. There was no way I could turn this down. What else could I say but, “Of course, where do I find this Argonian?”
Not finding Hal-Neer at the Merchant’s Inn we began canvassing nearby inns and taverns. We found Hal-Neer at the King and Queen Tavern dancing with the Ohmes-raht chickie, Revendri. For someone anguishing over his missing wife he sure was taking it well.
Something about the story he told of how he lost his wife while Stepping didn’t sit right with us.
Beset upon by monsters in a Lost Ayleid ruin, Hal-Neer thought his wife Nur-Deen was right behind him as he fled for his life. He it made out alive but his wife never showed. Now, Hal-Neer is looking for someone go back to rescue his wife. He gave us directions to finding the Lost Ayleid ruin where Nur-Deen was last seen and offered a reward for, as he told it, news of her de… err, the safe return of his wife.
It was the way Hal-Neer paused, and restarted several times that led me to believe that something wasn’t right. I got the feeling that at the first sign of trouble Nur-Deen turned tail and ran leaving his wife behind.
“The old, I don’t have to be faster than the tiger, just faster than you strategy”, Elenya surmised.
Shocked, Claire’s hand shot up to her mouth, “No! He didn’t, err wouldn’t do that, would he?”
Thinking Nur-Deen may be in serious trouble we left immediately. Hal-Neer told us that a series of two stepstones would take us to the lost Ayleid ruin. The first was located just east of Vaermina’s shrine. It was easy to find and we soon stood in Lost Dasqa Cit.
We didn’t find Hal-Neer’s wife in the first level of Dasqa Cit; just a bunch of ghosts, ghouls, and a nether lich. That disappointment was made palatable by collecting a basket full of welkynd stones, a varla stone, and some nice Ayleid meteoric weapons (COBL).
Coming across an Ayleid stone door, we entered Dasqa Cit Torasel. The way forward was blocked by a locked iron gate. The gate was opened by pressing a push block located on the wall. Once through the gate, the gate raised behind us locking us inside Torasel.
We didn’t realize that right away because our attention focused on another iron gate across the hallway. A female Argonian stood inside a small room behind a locked iron gate. Unlocking the gate with a spell the Ladies and I entered the room.
“Are you here to kill me?” Nur-Deen asked before I could make any introductions
Her tale was worse than what we had imagined. Assured we weren’t here to do her harm, Nur-Deen went on to tell how her husband clubbed her over the head and left her here to die so he could lay claim to her inheritance. She was three times fortunate; Hal-Neer did not strike true, she had with her a large sack of food, and she found this small room. Here, protected by a locked Ayleid iron gate she was safe from the monsters of Dasqa Cit for as long as the food lasted.
Taking Nur-Deen with us we intended to return to the stepstone and leave Dasqa Cit. Our leaving was delayed a bit as we had to search Dasqa Cit Torasel for the mechanism to unlock the gate to the exit. The wall push switch was located some distance away from the so far away that by just walking it would be closing by the time we got there. I had to run quickly to beat the closing gate.
“Have you ever noticed that ghosts and other ethereal creatures cannot pass through the locked iron gates found in Ayleid ruins? How did they do that magic?” wondered Claire as we were clearing out Torasel.
I had no answer.
After getting out of Dasqa Cit Torasel we safely made it back to the exit stepstone. Expecting the step to deliver us to who knows where outside I was surprised to find we were standing in the hallway that surrounds the Chamber of the Elder Council.
Nur-Deen has devised a plan. I am to convince Hal-Neer that his wife is dead. Nur-Deen on the other hand will inform the guards of what Hal-Neer had done. I suspect Hal-Neer is going to get the shock of his life. Nur-Deen left us with an invitation to see her in about four days and she’ll have a reward for us.
In the meantime we need to go to visit Do’leandra in Merendin.
20231005 Ayleid Steps – Audacious Argonians
Having made a shambles of the local Skingrad emporiums Claire and Elenya insisted on going to the Imperial City. That was fine with me, as long as we traveled overland.
All along the watchtower
Guardsmen kept the view
While all the Moth Priests came and went
Barefoot servants, too
Outside in the cold distance
A wildcat did growl
Three travelers were approaching
And the wind began to howl.
“Quickly,” one guard instructed a runner. “Notify all the shops in the city that they’ve returned.”
Walking from Skingrad to the Imperial City had worked its magic. Claire and Elenya had sufficiently recovered from the troughs of their shopping frenzy. Now as we crossed the Talos Bridge, all they wanted was a long soak in the warm pools of the Imperial Bath house.
We didn’t make that far. It wasn’t long after passing through the gates of the Imperial City when we were approached by one of the Imperial Guards.
With ridged formality, guardsman Jannus Mercium informed me that Captain Tertia Aurum wishes to speak with me.
Captain Aurum, hmmm? Ayleid Step research for fun and profit, what more could an Archeology Guild Headmaster ask for? We immediately set off to find Captain Tertia Aurum.
Over worked and understaffed, Captain Aurum asks if I would assist with an incident reported by an Argonian merchant. The Argonian, Hal-Neer staying at the Merchant’s Inn, claims his wife is lost in a recently discovered Ayleid ruin. The Argonian wants the Imperial Guard to send a search and rescue party to fetch his wife.
Stepping, as adventurers call it, has drawn all sorts fortune-hunters. The lost ruins often hold a bounty of welkynd stones and at current prices a week of dungeon diving could yield a lifetime of easy living. But, it was risky business and often came at a high price. Some never return.
The fortune that could be had with investigating a Lost Ayleid Ruin brought a sparkle to the eyes of Claire and Elenya could be seen on Masser and Secunda. There was no way I could turn this down. What else could I say but, “Of course, where do I find this Argonian?”
Not finding Hal-Neer at the Merchant’s Inn we began canvassing nearby inns and taverns. We found Hal-Neer at the King and Queen Tavern dancing with the Ohmes-raht chickie, Revendri. For someone anguishing over his missing wife he sure was taking it well.
Something about the story he told of how he lost his wife while Stepping didn’t sit right with us.
Beset upon by monsters in a Lost Ayleid ruin, Hal-Neer thought his wife Nur-Deen was right behind him as he fled for his life. He it made out alive but his wife never showed. Now, Hal-Neer is looking for someone go back to rescue his wife. He gave us directions to finding the Lost Ayleid ruin where Nur-Deen was last seen and offered a reward for, as he told it, news of her de… err, the safe return of his wife.
It was the way Hal-Neer paused, and restarted several times that led me to believe that something wasn’t right. I got the feeling that at the first sign of trouble Nur-Deen turned tail and ran leaving his wife behind.
“The old, I don’t have to be faster than the tiger, just faster than you strategy”, Elenya surmised.
Shocked, Claire’s hand shot up to her mouth, “No! He didn’t, err wouldn’t do that, would he?”
Thinking Nur-Deen may be in serious trouble we left immediately. Hal-Neer told us that a series of two stepstones would take us to the lost Ayleid ruin. The first was located just east of Vaermina’s shrine. It was easy to find and we soon stood in Lost Dasqa Cit.
We didn’t find Hal-Neer’s wife in the first level of Dasqa Cit; just a bunch of ghosts, ghouls, and a nether lich. That disappointment was made palatable by collecting a basket full of welkynd stones, a varla stone, and some nice Ayleid meteoric weapons (COBL).
Coming across an Ayleid stone door, we entered Dasqa Cit Torasel. The way forward was blocked by a locked iron gate. The gate was opened by pressing a push block located on the wall. Once through the gate, the gate raised behind us locking us inside Torasel.
We didn’t realize that right away because our attention focused on another iron gate across the hallway. A female Argonian stood inside a small room behind a locked iron gate. Unlocking the gate with a spell the Ladies and I entered the room.
“Are you here to kill me?” Nur-Deen asked before I could make any introductions
Her tale was worse than what we had imagined. Assured we weren’t here to do her harm, Nur-Deen went on to tell how her husband clubbed her over the head and left her here to die so he could lay claim to her inheritance. She was three times fortunate; Hal-Neer did not strike true, she had with her a large sack of food, and she found this small room. Here, protected by a locked Ayleid iron gate she was safe from the monsters of Dasqa Cit for as long as the food lasted.
Taking Nur-Deen with us we intended to return to the stepstone and leave Dasqa Cit. Our leaving was delayed a bit as we had to search Dasqa Cit Torasel for the mechanism to unlock the gate to the exit. The wall push switch was located some distance away from the so far away that by just walking it would be closing by the time we got there. I had to run quickly to beat the closing gate.
“Have you ever noticed that ghosts and other ethereal creatures cannot pass through the locked iron gates found in Ayleid ruins? How did they do that magic?” wondered Claire as we were clearing out Torasel.
I had no answer.
After getting out of Dasqa Cit Torasel we safely made it back to the exit stepstone. Expecting the step to deliver us to who knows where outside I was surprised to find we were standing in the hallway that surrounds the Chamber of the Elder Council.
Nur-Deen has devised a plan. I am to convince Hal-Neer that his wife is dead. Nur-Deen on the other hand will inform the guards of what Hal-Neer had done. I suspect Hal-Neer is going to get the shock of his life. Nur-Deen left us with an invitation to see her in about four days and she’ll have a reward for us.
In the meantime we need to go to visit Do’leandra in Merendin.
I guess there is a giant nirnroot or two in Oblivion and Skyrim, but (to my knowledge) not in ESO.
A wonderful rework of a wonderful song! The shoppers approacheth!
Not a bad plan to deal with the traitorous Hal-Neer. . . but letting Nur-Deen test out some of those Ayleid COBL weapons on him would have been a good plan too.
A wonderful rework of a wonderful song! The shoppers approacheth!
Not a bad plan to deal with the traitorous Hal-Neer. . . but letting Nur-Deen test out some of those Ayleid COBL weapons on him would have been a good plan too.
Today's song = Bobby Dylan (or Jimi Hendrix, if we're talking the more rock version), final answer Regis. 
Jandaga's getting another job, the mer's work is never done. WHOA. Another rainbow in your game!
Alright, this is getting frustrating. Been playing Oblivion again recently, yet still haven't seen one. Funny thing though, this morning I saw one over my mom's house, took a picture of it, even.
There they are in the King & Queen. My skooma dealer was just there recently (though he prefers the shadier Luther Broad's to stay in).
Gotta be a difference in the physics (or whatever) comparing Earth to Mundus. Like, spirits on Mundus retain some of their physicality. Or something. So they can't pass through solid objects like we assume they can here in our realm. 👻
Nur-Deem's plight is in good hands, in any case.
Jandaga's getting another job, the mer's work is never done. WHOA. Another rainbow in your game!
Alright, this is getting frustrating. Been playing Oblivion again recently, yet still haven't seen one. Funny thing though, this morning I saw one over my mom's house, took a picture of it, even.
There they are in the King & Queen. My skooma dealer was just there recently (though he prefers the shadier Luther Broad's to stay in).
QUOTE
Have you ever noticed that ghosts and other ethereal creatures cannot pass through the locked iron gates found in Ayleid ruins? How did they do that magic?”
Gotta be a difference in the physics (or whatever) comparing Earth to Mundus. Like, spirits on Mundus retain some of their physicality. Or something. So they can't pass through solid objects like we assume they can here in our realm. 👻
Nur-Deem's plight is in good hands, in any case.
QUOTE(Renee @ Oct 7 2023, 10:27 AM)
WHOA. Another rainbow in your game!
Oh my! I didn't even notice the rainbow in the corner.
20231011 TAS, Audacious Argonians – I-SL, Mycelium Sanctum
We spent the night in at Arch Mage quarters. A little cramped for three but we made do. The next morning before leaving for Merendin we went looking for Hal-Neer at The Merchants Inn.
Hal-Neer didn’t seem to be too upset when we told him of Nur-Deen’s death. Of course we knew he wouldn’t be. All he wanted to know was could we prove it.
Handing Nur-Deen’s gold amulet to Hal-Neer, I reminded him of the promised reward. Hal-Neer told me that it would take about a week for the paper work to go through. He’d have the money then.
“See you then,” I said and with a wave of my hand the Ladies and I traveled to Merendin.
If our sudden appearance in the reception hall startled Kanaane as she sat at the reception desk she didn’t show it. She was happy to hear the news that the spores had been planted. She had a feeling that they had been and had already dispatched agents to move in once the mushrooms had grown. Now she would like for me to go back to ensure that everything is in order.
After talking to Kanaane we went looking for Do’leandra. We found her sitting with a visitor to Merendin, an Ohmes named Chirran. By the way they were looking at each other I assumed they were dear, dear friends but then they could be brother and sister. With Khajiits you just never know.
“Sorry to interrupt but did you get a potion from Sindarin?” I asked.
Do’leandra handed over a small vial of an experimental potion with these instructions, “Be careful, the Renrijra Krin will try everything to stop you.”
As Claire, Elenya, and I prepared leave for the Hidden Cellar in Bliss by way of the Midas Gateway, a dark voice, soft as sable came from the shadows of a corner.
“So, you’re just going to pop in and leave again without so much as a hello?” Kaleah laughingly admonished.
Oops, a bit embarrassed I put on my most charming smile and began to offer my defense. I didn’t get very far. Swept up in her embrace, Kaleah spun me around and around before setting me down near the giggling Claire and Elenya.
With a firm pat on the back Kaleah said, “Now go do what needs to be done and hurry back.”
*****
The apostate Daedra seducer, Kaleah stood staring at the spot where her Feache had stood just a moment ago. As the color of magic dissipated a tear welled up in the corner of her eye.
Deep within the grey maybe, beyond the grasp of time, a presence stirred in its death slumber.
“Big girls don’t cry. They don't cry! Daedra don't cry, that's just an alibi!” Kaleah cried out in tormented anguish.
The tear forming in the corner of Kaleah’s eye retreated. The ripple in the void smoothed out and the presence coalescing there settled back down into the comfort of its death slumber.
*****
Using the Midas Gateway Claire, Elenya and I were soon standing in the Hidden Cellar in Bliss. With it being late in the day we had dinner and retired for the night. The morning came we left Bliss to inspect the Stranded Light’s mushroom house.
We were barely out the gate when we saw the house. Look at the size of that thing. From my days in Vvardenfell I don’t remember Telvanni houses growing so fast. Of course it is rather on the small side.
There was only one problem. The staircase hadn’t solidified properly. I kept fall through as I tried to climb the staircase. No problem. I’ll just levitate up to the door as I would have done in Morrowind.
By casting Midas Angel Wings I was able to fly up to the door and entered the Stranded Light Shivering Isles house. The one room mushroom house is definitely colorful.
There we met the Stranded Light agent Firstande. Believing that baliwogs rule Bliss from the sewers underneath the city the Queen of the Baliwogs, as the big Xivilai calls herself, fits right in with everyone else in the Isles.
To test the functionality of the new facility, Claire used the enchanting alter to buff my robe with enhanced magica. After ensuring all was in order we left the new Stranded Light office. When I found that the Take Me Home spell would not work in the Shivering Isles, I discussed using other means of teleportation with the Ladies. They objected.
“Ranger and a sorceress,” I thought. “What a pair they make.”
The Ladies wanted to walk about for awhile exploring the land collecting exotic ingredients. I know full well that they’re going to rub in the flaming haired witch’s face and gloat, “Looky what I got and you don’t.”
Next thing you know I’ll have to bring Fiona here for a private tour of the Looney Bin. Hmmm, on second thought I’ll help with the collecting.
Combing the countryside as we headed north on the road from Bliss, we came across the wooden door of a ruin that look rather interesting. Feeling the silliness of the Isles, the giggling Claire and Elenya playfully pulled me through the doors of the timeless ruin, Fain.
All of Claire’s and Elenya’s playfulness quickly evaporated when we were attacked by three Transformed Heretics and their conjured Hunter Bees.
“Jandaga, they’re calling on the evil eastern forces that we fought when we helped the Silver Sky Temple.” Elenya cried out during the battle.
The fight over, we investigated the now quiet room. Up on the center pedestal we found a scroll that read like sacrificial instructions for ritual to summon an ancient obscure god called Gyup.
Turning to the Ladies, I leaned against a short stone pillar and said, “But, I don’t see a pit to throw the victim in.”
A sickening feeling came over me as I felt the face carved on pillar depress. There was a slight “click” and the floor beneath us opened up.
It was a long drop down. I don’t know why we didn’t think of casting a spell to teleport us out of there or to at least slow our descent. Lucky for us we landed in a deep pool of soft water.
The only way out was through a tunnel infested with grummites. It was near midnight by the time we fought our way through the grummites to the exit.
Huddled together trying to keep warm, we spent the rest of the night there on that moss covered rock. It might have been romantic had we not been too exhausted to cast a simple housekeeping “Laundry Day” spell.
It’s as Claire said, “Sticky, stanky grummite blood is like, so gross. Like, barf me out and gag me with a spoon!”
We spent the night in at Arch Mage quarters. A little cramped for three but we made do. The next morning before leaving for Merendin we went looking for Hal-Neer at The Merchants Inn.
Hal-Neer didn’t seem to be too upset when we told him of Nur-Deen’s death. Of course we knew he wouldn’t be. All he wanted to know was could we prove it.
Handing Nur-Deen’s gold amulet to Hal-Neer, I reminded him of the promised reward. Hal-Neer told me that it would take about a week for the paper work to go through. He’d have the money then.
“See you then,” I said and with a wave of my hand the Ladies and I traveled to Merendin.
If our sudden appearance in the reception hall startled Kanaane as she sat at the reception desk she didn’t show it. She was happy to hear the news that the spores had been planted. She had a feeling that they had been and had already dispatched agents to move in once the mushrooms had grown. Now she would like for me to go back to ensure that everything is in order.
After talking to Kanaane we went looking for Do’leandra. We found her sitting with a visitor to Merendin, an Ohmes named Chirran. By the way they were looking at each other I assumed they were dear, dear friends but then they could be brother and sister. With Khajiits you just never know.
“Sorry to interrupt but did you get a potion from Sindarin?” I asked.
Do’leandra handed over a small vial of an experimental potion with these instructions, “Be careful, the Renrijra Krin will try everything to stop you.”
As Claire, Elenya, and I prepared leave for the Hidden Cellar in Bliss by way of the Midas Gateway, a dark voice, soft as sable came from the shadows of a corner.
“So, you’re just going to pop in and leave again without so much as a hello?” Kaleah laughingly admonished.
Oops, a bit embarrassed I put on my most charming smile and began to offer my defense. I didn’t get very far. Swept up in her embrace, Kaleah spun me around and around before setting me down near the giggling Claire and Elenya.
With a firm pat on the back Kaleah said, “Now go do what needs to be done and hurry back.”
*****
The apostate Daedra seducer, Kaleah stood staring at the spot where her Feache had stood just a moment ago. As the color of magic dissipated a tear welled up in the corner of her eye.
Deep within the grey maybe, beyond the grasp of time, a presence stirred in its death slumber.
“Big girls don’t cry. They don't cry! Daedra don't cry, that's just an alibi!” Kaleah cried out in tormented anguish.
The tear forming in the corner of Kaleah’s eye retreated. The ripple in the void smoothed out and the presence coalescing there settled back down into the comfort of its death slumber.
*****
Using the Midas Gateway Claire, Elenya and I were soon standing in the Hidden Cellar in Bliss. With it being late in the day we had dinner and retired for the night. The morning came we left Bliss to inspect the Stranded Light’s mushroom house.
We were barely out the gate when we saw the house. Look at the size of that thing. From my days in Vvardenfell I don’t remember Telvanni houses growing so fast. Of course it is rather on the small side.
There was only one problem. The staircase hadn’t solidified properly. I kept fall through as I tried to climb the staircase. No problem. I’ll just levitate up to the door as I would have done in Morrowind.
By casting Midas Angel Wings I was able to fly up to the door and entered the Stranded Light Shivering Isles house. The one room mushroom house is definitely colorful.
There we met the Stranded Light agent Firstande. Believing that baliwogs rule Bliss from the sewers underneath the city the Queen of the Baliwogs, as the big Xivilai calls herself, fits right in with everyone else in the Isles.
To test the functionality of the new facility, Claire used the enchanting alter to buff my robe with enhanced magica. After ensuring all was in order we left the new Stranded Light office. When I found that the Take Me Home spell would not work in the Shivering Isles, I discussed using other means of teleportation with the Ladies. They objected.
“Ranger and a sorceress,” I thought. “What a pair they make.”
The Ladies wanted to walk about for awhile exploring the land collecting exotic ingredients. I know full well that they’re going to rub in the flaming haired witch’s face and gloat, “Looky what I got and you don’t.”
Next thing you know I’ll have to bring Fiona here for a private tour of the Looney Bin. Hmmm, on second thought I’ll help with the collecting.
Combing the countryside as we headed north on the road from Bliss, we came across the wooden door of a ruin that look rather interesting. Feeling the silliness of the Isles, the giggling Claire and Elenya playfully pulled me through the doors of the timeless ruin, Fain.
All of Claire’s and Elenya’s playfulness quickly evaporated when we were attacked by three Transformed Heretics and their conjured Hunter Bees.
“Jandaga, they’re calling on the evil eastern forces that we fought when we helped the Silver Sky Temple.” Elenya cried out during the battle.
The fight over, we investigated the now quiet room. Up on the center pedestal we found a scroll that read like sacrificial instructions for ritual to summon an ancient obscure god called Gyup.
Turning to the Ladies, I leaned against a short stone pillar and said, “But, I don’t see a pit to throw the victim in.”
A sickening feeling came over me as I felt the face carved on pillar depress. There was a slight “click” and the floor beneath us opened up.
It was a long drop down. I don’t know why we didn’t think of casting a spell to teleport us out of there or to at least slow our descent. Lucky for us we landed in a deep pool of soft water.
The only way out was through a tunnel infested with grummites. It was near midnight by the time we fought our way through the grummites to the exit.
Huddled together trying to keep warm, we spent the rest of the night there on that moss covered rock. It might have been romantic had we not been too exhausted to cast a simple housekeeping “Laundry Day” spell.
It’s as Claire said, “Sticky, stanky grummite blood is like, so gross. Like, barf me out and gag me with a spoon!”
Last night my skooma dealer made it to Bruma. All the Nords up there, most of them hate the guy because he's Dunmer. But he's also gotten into a profession which is illegal, and some NPCs seem to just "know" this. 🍾
But anyway, we saw what I assume was supposed to be Northern Lights. Green & blue colors moving across the night sky; only problem is they were moving way too fast. I do have a specific Northern Lights plugin. Maybe this mod (and All Natural, which I also have ) are messing up the whole rainbow thing.
WHAT?
That is true. Telvannis houses DO in fact grow (and die, I assume). Never thought of it that way. Wow look, he's flying.
Apparently, "gag me with a spoon" was never something real valley girls said. Zappa wanted his daughter to talk like a val for that song, but in the process she made up a bunch of phrases which became canon, but only after the recording was famous!
But anyway, we saw what I assume was supposed to be Northern Lights. Green & blue colors moving across the night sky; only problem is they were moving way too fast. I do have a specific Northern Lights plugin. Maybe this mod (and All Natural, which I also have ) are messing up the whole rainbow thing.
QUOTE
By the way they were looking at each other I assumed they were dear, dear friends but then they could be brother and sister. With Khajiits you just never know
WHAT?
That is true. Telvannis houses DO in fact grow (and die, I assume). Never thought of it that way. Wow look, he's flying.
Apparently, "gag me with a spoon" was never something real valley girls said. Zappa wanted his daughter to talk like a val for that song, but in the process she made up a bunch of phrases which became canon, but only after the recording was famous!
A Telvanni mushroom house on Shivering Isles on felldew!
Looks like Fain didn't offer too much - except stinky grummites.
Looks like Fain didn't offer too much - except stinky grummites.
QUOTE(Renee @ Oct 12 2023, 09:18 AM)
WHAT?
Sometimes a picture helps in describing a scene.
After speaking with Kanaane we went in search of Do’leandra in Merendin’s west wing where Do’leandra often can be found at the practice dummy honing on her swordsmanship skills. Upon entering the west wing of Merendin soft whispers could be heard. There on a seclude bench at the far side of the room sat two Khajiit. Sitting close together their eyes locked on one another, the two Khajiit, an Ohmes named Chirran and Do’leandra an Ohmes-raht didn’t notice the three of us approaching.
That led me to ask, why would two sharp-eared Khajiit not notice us approaching? Then I notice that Do’leandra was dressed more casual than normal, forgoing her usual armor attire. A party dress, was this a date?
There could be only one conclusion; the two were lovers (dear, dear friends). But then they could possibly just be brother and sister.
I think I see what you're saying. Makes me smile the way macole writes, sometimes.
Makes me smile the way macole writes, sometimes.
20231022 SI - Pinnacle Road, Vampire Hunting – Order of the Virtuous Blood
The morning after we were so rudely dumped out of Fain we found ourselves on the eastern side of a mountain range. Needing to get to The Fringe and then the portal to Cyrodiil we turned south hoping to find a pass through the mountains. It was quite some time later and well south of Fain’s dump exit before we found a trail that would take us west through the mountains. The trail intersected with a wider road near the New Sheoth Graveyard at which point we turned left and proceeded on our way toward The Fringe.
We had been traveling for awhile when we came to a division in the road. Not having been in this section of the Shivering Isles in a very long time, I was unsure which way to go. Asking the druid Elenya to divine directions she immediately knelt down to draw runes in the wet grass. The runes completed Elenya raised her hands and softly began to chant.
After a few minutes she stood, threw up her hands in frustration and exclaimed, “My Jandaga, It’s all insane gibberish! The flora cries out for a savior; to be reunited. Nature insists we go left.”
Hmmm, I don’t like the sound of that. Taking a moment to think it over, curiosity got the better of me and I led the Ladies down the left handed path.
Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy
As if to acknowledge our commitment to the southern path, the rain had stopped shortly after taking the path on the left.
Ignoring the brackish lake to the left of the road the trip south was pleasant at first. Claire and Elenya were happily busy collecting exotic ingredients while I sang a happy little song. Our good spirits came to a sudden end when a large Grummite Deathdealer came charging out of the mist. His attack caught us off guard but in the end the Deathdealer had dealt himself a losing hand.
Why did the grummite attack us, was the question. The grummite had come from a small island in the middle of the lake. Was there something there that demanded the Deathdealer attack three travelers brave or dumb enough to wander aimlessly in the swamp? We had to find out.
All we found was four large grummite egg sacks hanging in the rock formation.
Normally insensitive to fallen enemies Claire sadly commented, “Defender of his family, a Jandaga for Grummites.”
From the grummite nest site, to the south we saw a building worth investigating.
An ancient temple? Ages old, the crumbling structure housed a great statue of a Scanlon. Archeologically the find raises serious questions. Who raised the statue and for what purpose? Was this a shrine to a long forgotten Scanlon deity or great king? Could the Scanlon have once been an advance civilization predating the current man/mer occupants or Grummites for that matter? Or, could it even be older than the deadra prince that lays claim to this realm; a remnant of Nir’s creation lost when Anu formed the remnants of the 12 worlds into one -- Nirn? To be reunited with the rest creation, could that be the reunion Elenya tells me the flora seek?
Pondering those questions and others, we left the Scanlon monument and headed to the western shore of the lake.
Climbing out of the water a Noble Elytra tried to impose a dry land usage tax upon us. With Claire at the mercy of giant insect-like thing, I summoned Markie to come to my assistance.
“Elytra bisque!” exclaimed Markie as she came running.
With that battle cry on our lips we tore into the giant bug. By the time we had taken care of the Elytra dusk was closing in on us. Hoping to find an inn or someplace suitable for spending the night we continued our journey south until the entrance to Xedilian beckoned to us.
Stepping inside Xedilian’s wooden doors revealed a staircase down to a dark room. The three grummites in the room didn’t like being interrupted in whatever activity they were partaking in. I didn’t care what they were up to until they made it their business to involve me and my Ladies in their games. So, we had no choice but to let the grummies know that we were not playing.
There was more than one room to Xedilian but they were all locked with gates that were opened elsewhere. Unable to find the switches to open Xedilian’s further reaches left us feeling rather apprehensive about spending the night in a ruin we hadn’t fully cleansed. We decided to leave Xedilian as we found it.
Our hope in finding a safe place for the night dashed, we once again took to the road leading further south. To increase our misery, it began to rain.
The trail led us to the edge of a forest of leafless trees. The body of a fallen Kiskedrig Dark Seducer surrounded by several fallen gnarls lay in the road.
“My Jandaga, the stains on the grasses cries out that something other than gnarls did this thing,” cautioned Elenya.
“This place creeps me out,” added Claire.
With this stark reminder of what a dangerous land we were traversing we pressed onward into the skeletal forest with extreme apprehension. Was it the growing gloom of night playing with our senses or were the trees’ skeletal branches really reaching out for us?
Suddenly a flash of green flared between the trees ahead and from the dark forests on either sides of the road came those seeking blood.
“Vampires!” screamed Claire and Elenya in unison.
The fight was on.
Elenya drew her sword and charged as Claire, wielding the Crescent Moon Staff, summoned a Frost Atronach. Drawing the Light of Dawn, I found myself facing a lich summoned by a Vampire Lord. My fiery blade sizzled as it arced through the air striking the lich, forcing it to retreat.
Having survived the initial charge, the vampires’ surprise attack turned into a running battle through the dead tree forest. In the end the Abbot, the Vampire Lord, a Vampire Bard, a Vampire Warrior, and an Infected Ex-Vampire Huntress lay at our feet.
Vampires, hmmm, did we drive them out of Cyrodiil just to have them regroup here? The Order of the Virtuous Blood should hear of this.
Fearing the worst I gave the Infected Ex-Vampire Huntress a careful inspection. Thank the Mother of All Creation it wasn’t our friend and OVB colleague, Kendrel the Huntress.
Leaving the dusted vampires behind, we laughed at how we were looking for a place to spend the night. The night was almost over!
As dawn began to break, we came to the end of the dead forest. Seeing leaves on trees once again was such a comforting sight.
Elenya spoke up, “There is harmony in Nature and all things are balanced in the end.”
While Claire and I whole heartedly agreed, deep down inside I have this feeling that Elenya’s sense of nature is being misled by this land of Sheogorath.
The morning after we were so rudely dumped out of Fain we found ourselves on the eastern side of a mountain range. Needing to get to The Fringe and then the portal to Cyrodiil we turned south hoping to find a pass through the mountains. It was quite some time later and well south of Fain’s dump exit before we found a trail that would take us west through the mountains. The trail intersected with a wider road near the New Sheoth Graveyard at which point we turned left and proceeded on our way toward The Fringe.
We had been traveling for awhile when we came to a division in the road. Not having been in this section of the Shivering Isles in a very long time, I was unsure which way to go. Asking the druid Elenya to divine directions she immediately knelt down to draw runes in the wet grass. The runes completed Elenya raised her hands and softly began to chant.
After a few minutes she stood, threw up her hands in frustration and exclaimed, “My Jandaga, It’s all insane gibberish! The flora cries out for a savior; to be reunited. Nature insists we go left.”
Hmmm, I don’t like the sound of that. Taking a moment to think it over, curiosity got the better of me and I led the Ladies down the left handed path.
Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy
As if to acknowledge our commitment to the southern path, the rain had stopped shortly after taking the path on the left.
Ignoring the brackish lake to the left of the road the trip south was pleasant at first. Claire and Elenya were happily busy collecting exotic ingredients while I sang a happy little song. Our good spirits came to a sudden end when a large Grummite Deathdealer came charging out of the mist. His attack caught us off guard but in the end the Deathdealer had dealt himself a losing hand.
Why did the grummite attack us, was the question. The grummite had come from a small island in the middle of the lake. Was there something there that demanded the Deathdealer attack three travelers brave or dumb enough to wander aimlessly in the swamp? We had to find out.
All we found was four large grummite egg sacks hanging in the rock formation.
Normally insensitive to fallen enemies Claire sadly commented, “Defender of his family, a Jandaga for Grummites.”
From the grummite nest site, to the south we saw a building worth investigating.
An ancient temple? Ages old, the crumbling structure housed a great statue of a Scanlon. Archeologically the find raises serious questions. Who raised the statue and for what purpose? Was this a shrine to a long forgotten Scanlon deity or great king? Could the Scanlon have once been an advance civilization predating the current man/mer occupants or Grummites for that matter? Or, could it even be older than the deadra prince that lays claim to this realm; a remnant of Nir’s creation lost when Anu formed the remnants of the 12 worlds into one -- Nirn? To be reunited with the rest creation, could that be the reunion Elenya tells me the flora seek?
Pondering those questions and others, we left the Scanlon monument and headed to the western shore of the lake.
Climbing out of the water a Noble Elytra tried to impose a dry land usage tax upon us. With Claire at the mercy of giant insect-like thing, I summoned Markie to come to my assistance.
“Elytra bisque!” exclaimed Markie as she came running.
With that battle cry on our lips we tore into the giant bug. By the time we had taken care of the Elytra dusk was closing in on us. Hoping to find an inn or someplace suitable for spending the night we continued our journey south until the entrance to Xedilian beckoned to us.
Stepping inside Xedilian’s wooden doors revealed a staircase down to a dark room. The three grummites in the room didn’t like being interrupted in whatever activity they were partaking in. I didn’t care what they were up to until they made it their business to involve me and my Ladies in their games. So, we had no choice but to let the grummies know that we were not playing.
There was more than one room to Xedilian but they were all locked with gates that were opened elsewhere. Unable to find the switches to open Xedilian’s further reaches left us feeling rather apprehensive about spending the night in a ruin we hadn’t fully cleansed. We decided to leave Xedilian as we found it.
Our hope in finding a safe place for the night dashed, we once again took to the road leading further south. To increase our misery, it began to rain.
The trail led us to the edge of a forest of leafless trees. The body of a fallen Kiskedrig Dark Seducer surrounded by several fallen gnarls lay in the road.
“My Jandaga, the stains on the grasses cries out that something other than gnarls did this thing,” cautioned Elenya.
“This place creeps me out,” added Claire.
With this stark reminder of what a dangerous land we were traversing we pressed onward into the skeletal forest with extreme apprehension. Was it the growing gloom of night playing with our senses or were the trees’ skeletal branches really reaching out for us?
Suddenly a flash of green flared between the trees ahead and from the dark forests on either sides of the road came those seeking blood.
“Vampires!” screamed Claire and Elenya in unison.
The fight was on.
Elenya drew her sword and charged as Claire, wielding the Crescent Moon Staff, summoned a Frost Atronach. Drawing the Light of Dawn, I found myself facing a lich summoned by a Vampire Lord. My fiery blade sizzled as it arced through the air striking the lich, forcing it to retreat.
Having survived the initial charge, the vampires’ surprise attack turned into a running battle through the dead tree forest. In the end the Abbot, the Vampire Lord, a Vampire Bard, a Vampire Warrior, and an Infected Ex-Vampire Huntress lay at our feet.
Vampires, hmmm, did we drive them out of Cyrodiil just to have them regroup here? The Order of the Virtuous Blood should hear of this.
Fearing the worst I gave the Infected Ex-Vampire Huntress a careful inspection. Thank the Mother of All Creation it wasn’t our friend and OVB colleague, Kendrel the Huntress.
Leaving the dusted vampires behind, we laughed at how we were looking for a place to spend the night. The night was almost over!
As dawn began to break, we came to the end of the dead forest. Seeing leaves on trees once again was such a comforting sight.
Elenya spoke up, “There is harmony in Nature and all things are balanced in the end.”
While Claire and I whole heartedly agreed, deep down inside I have this feeling that Elenya’s sense of nature is being misled by this land of Sheogorath.
I hope all the nice alchemical treasures compensate for the challenges here. Too bad they had to trudge on all night with no safe place to stop. And a vampire attack to add insult to injury. I'd imagine a druid would struggle indeed in the Shivering Isles.
Wow, what an adventure!
Two things strike me as odd. Vampires in the Shivering Isles? Sheogorath must have been slacking because he doesn't normally allow them in. Insanity has rules, you know. Plenty of cheese but no bloody mess.
Secondly, a vampire summoning a lich? That was one crazy vampire. They can't stand necromancers normally, they are mortal enemies... err... immortal enemies? Anyway, they hate each other. So why would he summon a lich of all things? Perhaps Shegorath messed up his head.
Two things strike me as odd. Vampires in the Shivering Isles? Sheogorath must have been slacking because he doesn't normally allow them in. Insanity has rules, you know. Plenty of cheese but no bloody mess.
Secondly, a vampire summoning a lich? That was one crazy vampire. They can't stand necromancers normally, they are mortal enemies... err... immortal enemies?
Anyway, they hate each other. So why would he summon a lich of all things? Perhaps Shegorath messed up his head.
Feelin' groovy. 🌷 Simon & Garfunkel??
I do this too, sometimes. Find some strange feature or statue or look at the layout of a room and the objects within it and starting going crazy wondering "Who was here? Why did they build this?" and so on. Anyway, let's see if there's an answer to all this pondering.
It says this is OVB but I don't remember any of this at all, so far (my memory, though...) Ah, here are the vampires. That's the thing I loved about that mod, a lot of the vampires would walk around in plain sight, just ... after dark instead of in sunlight. Anyway, we could never be 100% if the person we were stalking was a vamp or an ordinary person. Not until we got close.
Yeah, Kendrel. I remember her.
Two things strike me as odd. Vampires in the Shivering Isles?
I did the Order of Virtuous Blood mod a few years ago, and wasn't aware it added bloodsuckers in S.I. as well as Cyrodiil.
QUOTE
An ancient temple? Ages old, the crumbling structure housed a great statue of a Scanlon. Archeologically the find raises serious questions. Who raised the statue and for what purpose? Was this a shrine to a long forgotten Scanlon deity or great king? Could the Scanlon have once been an advance civilization predating the current man/mer occupants or Grummites for that matter? Or, could it even be older than the deadra prince that lays claim to this realm; a remnant of Nir’s creation lost when Anu formed the remnants of the 12 worlds into one -- Nirn? To be reunited with the rest creation, could that be the reunion Elenya tells me the flora seek?
I do this too, sometimes. Find some strange feature or statue or look at the layout of a room and the objects within it and starting going crazy wondering "Who was here? Why did they build this?" and so on. Anyway, let's see if there's an answer to all this pondering.
It says this is OVB but I don't remember any of this at all, so far (my memory, though...) Ah, here are the vampires. That's the thing I loved about that mod, a lot of the vampires would walk around in plain sight, just ... after dark instead of in sunlight. Anyway, we could never be 100% if the person we were stalking was a vamp or an ordinary person. Not until we got close.
Yeah, Kendrel. I remember her.
QUOTE(Lena Wolf @ Oct 23 2023, 04:23 PM)
Two things strike me as odd. Vampires in the Shivering Isles?
I did the Order of Virtuous Blood mod a few years ago, and wasn't aware it added bloodsuckers in S.I. as well as Cyrodiil.
QUOTE(Acadian @ Oct 23 2023, 02:13 PM)
I hope all the nice alchemical treasures compensate for the challenges here. Too bad they had to trudge on all night with no safe place to stop. And a vampire attack to add insult to injury. I'd imagine a druid would struggle indeed in the Shivering Isles.
I have a feeling that Fiona will not be happy seeing Claire and Elenya return with baskets full of exotic ingredients from the Isles and will insist on going along on the next Shivering Isle trip.
QUOTE(Lena Wolf @ Oct 23 2023, 03:23 PM)
Two things strike me as odd. Vampires in the Shivering Isles? Sheogorath must have been slacking because he doesn't normally allow them in. Insanity has rules, you know. Plenty of cheese but no bloody mess.
Secondly, a vampire summoning a lich? That was one crazy vampire... Perhaps Shegorath messed up his head.
It could be the vampires were able to flee to the Shivering Isles because Sheogorath has his mind on other more pressing matters, the return of Jyggalag. The land of Sheogorath does have affect on one’s mind, even those of vampires.
QUOTE(Renee @ Oct 29 2023, 10:39 PM)
Feelin' groovy. 🌷 Simon & Garfunkel??
I do this too, sometimes. Find some strange feature or statue or look at the layout of a room and the objects within it and starting going crazy wondering "Who was here? Why did they build this?" and so on. Anyway, let's see if there's an answer to all this pondering.
It says this is OVB but I don't remember any of this at all, so far (my memory, though...) Ah, here are the vampires. That's the thing I loved about that mod, a lot of the vampires would walk around in plain sight, just ... after dark instead of in sunlight. Anyway, we could never be 100% if the person we were stalking was a vamp or an ordinary person. Not until we got close.
I did the Order of Virtuous Blood mod a few years ago, and wasn't aware it added bloodsuckers in S.I. as well as Cyrodiil.
Yes, Simon and Garfunkel. Did you know that Simon hated the song after he wrote it? He even refused to sing it during concerts.
It so good to know that others ponder the ‘what ifs’ and ‘how comes’ while playing. My whole adventure is based
on searching for an answer. How so many do speed runs of such thought-provoking games is beyond me.
I was vaguely aware OVB placed vampires in the Isles, I read it somewhere long ago, but I did not expect to be attacked by vampires while on the road at night. The Pinnacle Road clan may be the only occurrence as I’ve not met vampires anywhere else. But then I’ve never spent much time in the Shivering Isles.
Did you know there are VH-OVB vampires in Morrowind?
QUOTE(macole @ Oct 30 2023, 12:43 PM)
Yes, Simon and Garfunkel. Did you know that Simon hated the song after he wrote it? He even refused to sing it during concerts.
I can see why, Feeling Groovy's so sing-songy, so damn catchy!
Hmm. Maybe not. Considering Simon also wrote Kodachrome (bleagh!). 📷 Sorry to anyone who likes that song.
QUOTE
It so good to know that others ponder the ‘what ifs’ and ‘how comes’ while playing. My whole adventure is based
on searching for an answer. How so many do speed runs of such thought-provoking games is beyond me.
I agree. You shoulda saw me in the Year 2000, playing Tomb Raider for the first time. I went those ruins in Peru so slowly, more like an archaeologist than an adventurer.
QUOTE
Did you know there are VH-OVB vampires in Morrowind?
Really?
To be honest I've hardly seen any vamps in MW so far. I'm sure we will though, at some point.
20231031 SI - Pinnacle Road, Xiditte
Our delightful, cough, journey south continues as we try to find our way back to the Fringe. Once again we are faced with a decision posed by another fork in the road. Which one to choose? Elenya tells me that the crazy flora is still saying “left” so left we go.
Typical dungeon crawling procedure, why did I expect something different? Tomorrow it could change to right, right, and right.
Taking the fork to the left takes us to the banks of a great lake or sea.
To our left we find the ruins of Xiditte. Again, Claire and Elenya comment that the ruins appear old. Not as ancient as the Scanlon monument but certainly older than any man or mer construction.
While we were happy to get out of the rain, the inhabitants of Xiditte, the cult Zealots of Sheogorath were not very welcoming. Summoning giant flesh golems, they came at us with swords flashing. Really, how do they expect to gain any followers when they treat inquisitive adventurers like this?
Once the dance with the Arbiter and his cult followers was over and we had cleared this section of Xiditte, we entered the Arbiter’s office. Books and papers were everywhere. A log listing recent rewards and punishments given to various cults members sat on the Arbiter’s desk. It was an interesting read that featured a place called the Pit as a punishment. We’ve thoroughly searched this floor of Xiditte and found nothing resembling a pit. I wonder where it could be, outside maybe.
Stepping away from the desk I laid my hand on what I thought to be a desk ornament. It was a switch. The floor in front of the desk instantly slid open. Claire and Elenya screamed, “THE PIT!” as they fell into the gaping hole.
Oops! By the looks on their faces they weren’t too happy about being so unceremoniously dumped. Umm, can’t have the Ladies thinking that I’m not concerned about their welfare. I thought of tossing down a rope so that they could climb up. Yeah, I know how that’ll work. They’ll grab the rope and yank me on down. So, I might as well just save them the trouble and jump in and help them with their convalescence.
Their gushing “you have magic hands of a healer” filled me with self- pride leading me to overstep. Noticing a skeleton in the center of the Pit’s floor I made the dunderhead comment, “Some “life of the party” you girls are.”
It's too late to change events
It's time to face the consequence
For delivering the proof
In the policy of truth
The sudden ringing in my ears and stars in my eyes told me… something I can’t quite remember.
Staggering, I fell into Claire’s comforting arms. Holding on more for comfort than support, the Ladies led me to a very hard locked door.
“I think you hit him too hard,” Claire said to Elenya. Holding me close Claire added, “Poor dear, he can barely stand.”
Ignoring Claire, Elenya directed my gaze to the door and commanded, “Open it!”
The little vixen knows what she’s doing. Of course, I can open it by casting the Open Everything spell. Only thing is I have to take off all my armor to do it. It’s so embarrassing. Why can’t I wear clothes under armor?
There is a face-saving solution in my pack. Steadying myself, I used the Open Very Hard Lock charged staff, Latar Andavar, to easily unlock the door.
“Oh pooh,” moaned a pair of voices behind me.
The Pit’s door opened to the Xiditte Catacombs. There were a few Zealots roaming the catacombs of Xiditte. Just as snobbish as the Arbiter’s group, the Catacomb group suffered the same fate. The halls of the catacombs soon echoed with the sounds of sword play. After teaching the rowdy zealots some manners the catacombs were much quieter.
Down a staircase we entered a room of statues. Now that we know what a switch looks like in this place we noticed a switch at the base of the nearest statue, a statue of a Hunger. Pressing the switch a bolt of lightning shot from the mouth of the Hunger streaked across the room to strike the nearest of four Grummite statues. There, it fizzled.
Recognizing the security system for what it was, we searched and found a series of switches mounted on a nearby wall. Using these switches we were able to rotate the Grummite statues so that a lightning bolt fired from the Hunger statue would go ricocheting from one Grummite to another until reaching the final Grummite statue standing far into the next room. Upon striking the final Grummite statue the lightning bolt was sent crashing into a wall.
The shattered wall exposed a hidden hallway and staircase. Up the stairs we went. The hallway at the top of the stairs came to an end and we were faced with an athletic challenge. To continue we would have to jump from one narrow ledge to the next.
Not want to be seen as overly enjoying watching the lissome Ladies manage the obstacle course, I went first. With a telekinesis spell at the ready should I have to try and catch them should they miss a jump, I watched intently as Claire and Elenya navigated the obstacle.
The final ledge allowed us to enter a room holding a crystal chest. Locked, the chest requires a special item to open it. Nothing we have will do the trick and we’re left wondering what does it take to open the crystal chest?
“Perhaps one of the Stranded Light Daedra at Merendin knows what will unlock this chest.” Claire suggested.
Leaving the crystal chest room, as we stood on the first ledge we noticed a bedroom below us. Earlier, when clearing the Catacombs of Zealots, we had thought of returning here when the place was safe for a nap. Why not just jump on down now instead of taking the long way around? Even though we used the super hero three point landing, my Ladies still complained about bruised knees.
“Float like bee,” Claire said proudly, like she had come up with the greatest metaphor ever.
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” moaned Elenya, correcting Claire. Turning to me she questioned, “Ever think of using telekinesis like a spider-silk thread and lower us down gently?”
Yeah, I know, I should get a parachute soft landing spell for situations like this. To make up for it use my Food for Gold spell. After several tries, we had the most lavish and expensive picnic ever.
Dinner over, feeling content Claire and Elenya wearily eyed the bed. I thought I’d stay up a while read through some of the books we found.
“Don’t be long,” they softly cooed as they climbed into the big bed. They were sound asleep within minutes.
Of all the books, I found Myths of Sheogorath to be the most thought provoking especially the first story, “Sheogorath Invents Music”. While it was particularly gruesome it gave me the initial impression that this land was here long before Sheogorath.
Finally too tired to read anymore, I eased myself, so not to wake the blissful sleeping Ladies, into the center of the bed.
After awhile I decided that if I was to get any sleep I’d better get up and go find the bedroll we saw in the room just outside the door to the Pit. Now I wouldn’t say that the two gentle ladies snore, umm loudly. No, I wouldn’t say that but umm… Normally Cannon in D gently lulls me to sleep but when they slid into Toccata and Fugue in D Minor I knew I had to leave.
A touch cold here alone on the stone floor but to sleep at last is good.
Our delightful, cough, journey south continues as we try to find our way back to the Fringe. Once again we are faced with a decision posed by another fork in the road. Which one to choose? Elenya tells me that the crazy flora is still saying “left” so left we go.
Typical dungeon crawling procedure, why did I expect something different? Tomorrow it could change to right, right, and right.
Taking the fork to the left takes us to the banks of a great lake or sea.
To our left we find the ruins of Xiditte. Again, Claire and Elenya comment that the ruins appear old. Not as ancient as the Scanlon monument but certainly older than any man or mer construction.
While we were happy to get out of the rain, the inhabitants of Xiditte, the cult Zealots of Sheogorath were not very welcoming. Summoning giant flesh golems, they came at us with swords flashing. Really, how do they expect to gain any followers when they treat inquisitive adventurers like this?
Once the dance with the Arbiter and his cult followers was over and we had cleared this section of Xiditte, we entered the Arbiter’s office. Books and papers were everywhere. A log listing recent rewards and punishments given to various cults members sat on the Arbiter’s desk. It was an interesting read that featured a place called the Pit as a punishment. We’ve thoroughly searched this floor of Xiditte and found nothing resembling a pit. I wonder where it could be, outside maybe.
Stepping away from the desk I laid my hand on what I thought to be a desk ornament. It was a switch. The floor in front of the desk instantly slid open. Claire and Elenya screamed, “THE PIT!” as they fell into the gaping hole.
Oops! By the looks on their faces they weren’t too happy about being so unceremoniously dumped. Umm, can’t have the Ladies thinking that I’m not concerned about their welfare. I thought of tossing down a rope so that they could climb up. Yeah, I know how that’ll work. They’ll grab the rope and yank me on down. So, I might as well just save them the trouble and jump in and help them with their convalescence.
Their gushing “you have magic hands of a healer” filled me with self- pride leading me to overstep. Noticing a skeleton in the center of the Pit’s floor I made the dunderhead comment, “Some “life of the party” you girls are.”
It's too late to change events
It's time to face the consequence
For delivering the proof
In the policy of truth
The sudden ringing in my ears and stars in my eyes told me… something I can’t quite remember.
Staggering, I fell into Claire’s comforting arms. Holding on more for comfort than support, the Ladies led me to a very hard locked door.
“I think you hit him too hard,” Claire said to Elenya. Holding me close Claire added, “Poor dear, he can barely stand.”
Ignoring Claire, Elenya directed my gaze to the door and commanded, “Open it!”
The little vixen knows what she’s doing. Of course, I can open it by casting the Open Everything spell. Only thing is I have to take off all my armor to do it. It’s so embarrassing. Why can’t I wear clothes under armor?
There is a face-saving solution in my pack. Steadying myself, I used the Open Very Hard Lock charged staff, Latar Andavar, to easily unlock the door.
“Oh pooh,” moaned a pair of voices behind me.
The Pit’s door opened to the Xiditte Catacombs. There were a few Zealots roaming the catacombs of Xiditte. Just as snobbish as the Arbiter’s group, the Catacomb group suffered the same fate. The halls of the catacombs soon echoed with the sounds of sword play. After teaching the rowdy zealots some manners the catacombs were much quieter.
Down a staircase we entered a room of statues. Now that we know what a switch looks like in this place we noticed a switch at the base of the nearest statue, a statue of a Hunger. Pressing the switch a bolt of lightning shot from the mouth of the Hunger streaked across the room to strike the nearest of four Grummite statues. There, it fizzled.
Recognizing the security system for what it was, we searched and found a series of switches mounted on a nearby wall. Using these switches we were able to rotate the Grummite statues so that a lightning bolt fired from the Hunger statue would go ricocheting from one Grummite to another until reaching the final Grummite statue standing far into the next room. Upon striking the final Grummite statue the lightning bolt was sent crashing into a wall.
The shattered wall exposed a hidden hallway and staircase. Up the stairs we went. The hallway at the top of the stairs came to an end and we were faced with an athletic challenge. To continue we would have to jump from one narrow ledge to the next.
Not want to be seen as overly enjoying watching the lissome Ladies manage the obstacle course, I went first. With a telekinesis spell at the ready should I have to try and catch them should they miss a jump, I watched intently as Claire and Elenya navigated the obstacle.
The final ledge allowed us to enter a room holding a crystal chest. Locked, the chest requires a special item to open it. Nothing we have will do the trick and we’re left wondering what does it take to open the crystal chest?
“Perhaps one of the Stranded Light Daedra at Merendin knows what will unlock this chest.” Claire suggested.
Leaving the crystal chest room, as we stood on the first ledge we noticed a bedroom below us. Earlier, when clearing the Catacombs of Zealots, we had thought of returning here when the place was safe for a nap. Why not just jump on down now instead of taking the long way around? Even though we used the super hero three point landing, my Ladies still complained about bruised knees.
“Float like bee,” Claire said proudly, like she had come up with the greatest metaphor ever.
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” moaned Elenya, correcting Claire. Turning to me she questioned, “Ever think of using telekinesis like a spider-silk thread and lower us down gently?”
Yeah, I know, I should get a parachute soft landing spell for situations like this. To make up for it use my Food for Gold spell. After several tries, we had the most lavish and expensive picnic ever.
Dinner over, feeling content Claire and Elenya wearily eyed the bed. I thought I’d stay up a while read through some of the books we found.
“Don’t be long,” they softly cooed as they climbed into the big bed. They were sound asleep within minutes.
Of all the books, I found Myths of Sheogorath to be the most thought provoking especially the first story, “Sheogorath Invents Music”. While it was particularly gruesome it gave me the initial impression that this land was here long before Sheogorath.
Finally too tired to read anymore, I eased myself, so not to wake the blissful sleeping Ladies, into the center of the bed.
After awhile I decided that if I was to get any sleep I’d better get up and go find the bedroll we saw in the room just outside the door to the Pit. Now I wouldn’t say that the two gentle ladies snore, umm loudly. No, I wouldn’t say that but umm… Normally Cannon in D gently lulls me to sleep but when they slid into Toccata and Fugue in D Minor I knew I had to leave.
A touch cold here alone on the stone floor but to sleep at last is good.
Another fun romp through part of the SI. I sort of remember that pit area somewhere in some SI dungeon. . . .
No sleep for the weary. Or the wary. Foiled by a pair of snores.
No sleep for the weary. Or the wary. Foiled by a pair of snores.
QUOTE(Acadian @ Nov 2 2023, 09:46 AM)
Another fun romp through part of the SI. I sort of remember that pit area somewhere in some SI dungeon. . . .
I've never spent much game time in the Shivering Isles. This all new to me.
QUOTE(macole @ Nov 2 2023, 04:56 PM)
I've never spent much game time in the Shivering Isles. This all new to me.
Well, I've spent probably more time in the Shivering Isles than in Cyrodiil... and I've never been to Xiditte!
This is vanilla, isn't it? Not a mod?
QUOTE(Lena Wolf @ Nov 2 2023, 02:33 PM)
QUOTE(macole @ Nov 2 2023, 04:56 PM)
I've never spent much game time in the Shivering Isles. This all new to me.
Well, I've spent probably more time in the Shivering Isles than in Cyrodiil... and I've never been to Xiditte!
This is vanilla, isn't it? Not a mod? I'm surprised that you've missed this one.
Yes, other than possible texture replacers it was a vanilla run through of Xiditte.
"Our delightful..." *COUGH* ".... journey south..."
I don't even know why this is funny ... to me.
Which version of S.I. are they in: Dementia or Mania? Or can you just go there and not choose either one of them? Never been to the Isles.
Love that Ruins of Xidette pictureWHOA they fell in a pit.
Indeed. How do these zealots expect to attract any new devotees if they're pulling tricks like this? -- Then again, what sort of a game would we have if everyone was nice to us as we travelled into their nefarious lairs?
Today's song: No idea. None at all. Not even a bell ringing somewhere. 🔔 Hmm, neither Lena nor Acadian got it too. This looks like a job for the ghast-man.
Wow, look at that bedroom. I can't decide if it looks cozy or creepy.
I don't even know why this is funny ... to me. Which version of S.I. are they in: Dementia or Mania? Or can you just go there and not choose either one of them? Never been to the Isles.
Love that Ruins of Xidette pictureWHOA they fell in a pit.
Indeed. How do these zealots expect to attract any new devotees if they're pulling tricks like this? -- Then again, what sort of a game would we have if everyone was nice to us as we travelled into their nefarious lairs?
Today's song: No idea. None at all. Not even a bell ringing somewhere. 🔔 Hmm, neither Lena nor Acadian got it too. This looks like a job for the ghast-man.
Wow, look at that bedroom. I can't decide if it looks cozy or creepy.
QUOTE(Renee @ Nov 6 2023, 07:49 PM)
"Our delightful..." *COUGH* ".... journey south..."
I don't even know why this is funny ... to me. Which version of S.I. are they in: Dementia or Mania? Or can you just go there and not choose either one of them? Never been to the Isles.
Love that Ruins of Xidette pictureWHOA they fell in a pit.
Indeed. How do these zealots expect to attract any new devotees if they're pulling tricks like this? -- Then again, what sort of a game would we have if everyone was nice to us as we travelled into their nefarious lairs?
Today's song: No idea. None at all. Not even a bell ringing somewhere. 🔔 Hmm, neither Lena nor Acadian got it too. This looks like a job for the ghast-man.
Wow, look at that bedroom. I can't decide if it looks cozy or creepy.
We are running down Pinnacle Road in Dementia. For the majority of what little time I’ve spent in S.I. it's been spent in Mania. It gives us those nice bright colors and greens summer. Makes you think all the world's a sunny day. Kodacrome (bleagh!). 📷 Sorry, just had to do it.
Lyrics hint, they're a British band from the ‘80s.
QUOTE(Renee @ Nov 7 2023, 02:49 AM)
Which version of S.I. are they in: Dementia or Mania? Or can you just go there and not choose either one of them? Never been to the Isles.
You don't need to choose anything. The land has two distinct regions but you can travel freely everywhere.
QUOTE
Today's song: No idea. None at all. Not even a bell ringing somewhere. 🔔 Hmm, neither Lena nor Acadian got it too. This looks like a job for the ghast-man.
Of course I know those fashionistas.
But I remember their synth-pop rather than their lyrics, so I shall admit I had to look it up. Which is why I'm not saying the name and leave it open for the next person to try.
Arrgh KODACHROME!! How could the same fellow who wrote The Boxer and Bridge over Troubled Water come up with that crap?
One of these days one of mine will go to the Isles, who knows when that'll happen though. I've only had one character who wanted to go there, but then my PS3 died (he was on PS3).
How could the same fellow who wrote The Boxer and Bridge over Troubled Water come up with that crap? One of these days one of mine will go to the Isles, who knows when that'll happen though. I've only had one character who wanted to go there, but then my PS3 died (he was on PS3).
20231112 SI-Pinnacle Rock - GwedenExpansion - StrandedLight - VH-OVB
The next morning after a restful sleep we left Xiditte, rejoined the main portion of the Pinnacle Road and as usual, turned left to continue our trek south, over a road that undulated up little raises and down into water filled soggy bottoms. After crossing a couple of wooden bridges that traversed deeper gorges, we passed by a small campsite, Lost Time Camp. There wasn’t much there and not being tired we gave it a quick look and left.
Not far from the camp we came across another divide in the road. Seeing no reason to change our previous course of action we took the overgrown Corpesrot Passage on the left. According to Elenya the flora of Dementia agreed with the decision.
Up a small rise we spotted what looked like the massive stump of a gigantic tree. What appeared to be a rotten section of the stump turned out to be the entrance to Corpserot Prison. With a name like that we had to enter.
Once we got past the cave-like earthen entrance tunnel the interior of Corpserot Prison changed. The earthen tunnel became grand rooms and hallways of smooth stone walls and staircases. Yes, the place was filthy and in disrepair but the place had the feeling of being occupied.
The Magus Torturer, the leader of a small detachment of Grummite prison guards, gave us our first clue as to who occupied this facility. The three of us easily dealt with the overgrown toad. The rest of the Grummite guards fell to our blades as we explored the prison.
In places, walls had been broken through and tunnels excavated enjoining adjacent rooms. In one such place a tunnel took us to the barred gate of a jail cell. (Until now we hadn’t seen anything resembling a prison cell and we were beginning to wonder why the word “prison” was used in the name.)
Locked in the cell stood a half-naked Dark Seducer, Nelrene the Naughty (Gweden Expansion).
As a punishment for some infraction Syl, the Duchess of Dementia, had Sheogorath bind Nelrene to the mortal world and then condemned her to this prison. Nelrene didn’t dwell on why or what she did to be judged so severely only that it was my fault. Now she wants my help to escape.
Having no recollection of ever meeting Nelrene or having anything to do with Syl, I started to object. Before I could get two words out Nelrene insisted that she was going with me. Then Nelrene said she needed suitable armor and a weapon so she could feel safe. Oh, and it had to be made of amber. Lucky for her I just happened to have a complete set of amber armor and some weapons in my Midas Chest.
Offering Nelrene her choice, she surprised us by only taking a cuirass, a shield, and a sword. Trying it on for size Nelrene decided she liked the fit and finish of the armor. It hugged her tightly, giving her a comforting safe from harm feeling. Looked pretty good on her too.
Leaving Corpserot Prison, the Pinnacle Road turned toward the west for a ways until it finally came to an end. Crossing bridge we approached Pinnacle Rock, the most sacred home of the Mazken.
The Mazken guarding the entrance refused to allow us entry for the night, saying that mortals aren’t allowed. By the way the Maken were eyeing Nelrene and considering that Nelrene is an escaped convict we thought it best to not press the issue and quickly left. We didn’t have much further to go as the land came to an end.
Standing on the banks of the bay (if there had been a dock we could have sat) oft in the distance we could see the shadowy outline of the Fringe. Hmm, do we take the long way around by going back the way we came or take the short route by walking on water? Nelrene, anxious to get as far away from Syl as quickly as possible, pressed for the water route. All agreed, then with a wave the hand we stepped out on water that hardened under our feet.
Halfway across the bay hoping to rest for a moment, we set foot on a large island. High above the narrow beach, rising above trees was a camp platform. Finding a camp on an island in the middle of the bay wasn’t all that surprising. Finding a Maormer living on the platform, did.
Hailing the sea-elf we climbed up to speak with him. Sirelle tells us the story of how he escaped the pirates after they sank the ship he was on ship. He doesn’t remember anything other than being attacked by pirates, swimming for his life, when suddenly the stars in the night sky changed and he somehow ended up here.
Sirelle is concerned about his fellow 13 shipmates and asked if I would find out their status. We’ve met a couple already it couldn’t hurt to ask them what they know. We stayed at the Water Camp for a short while before deciding to continue on.
It was early in the evening when we reached the walls of the Fringe. Judging from where we were at the shortest way to the Gates of Madness would be to follow the wall to the right. Nearing the gates to the Fringe we found another crystal chest. Still unable to open a crystal chest we continued on our way to the Door to Cyrodiil.
Darkness came upon us as we passed through the little town of Passwall. A sick-looking Redguard (Vampire Hunting-OVB Mod) showing all too obvious signs of vampirism shuffled despondently past us. Light of Dawn hummed at my side inciting me to unleash its fury upon the afflicted sick-looking Redguard. Resisting the impulse I came up with a crazy idea.
Sheogorath must be desperate to allow vampires to enter the Shivering Isles. So, if someone has got to save the Madgod, why not send him this sick-looking Redguard? An insane idea of a hero for a mad god, why not?
“Seeking refuge amongst the insane, eh?” I asked. Staring blankly at us the sick-looking Redguard had nothing to say. “Well, why don’t you go up to New Sheoth Palace and seek an audience with Sheogorath? He can cure you and fulfill your wildest dreams if you complete a task for him.”
The now mission focused yet still sick-looking Redguard turned and resolutely headed toward the Gates of
Madness. We on the other hand walked over to The Wastrel's Purse to get a room for the night.
The following morning, we left Passwall.
edit: fixed screenshots
The next morning after a restful sleep we left Xiditte, rejoined the main portion of the Pinnacle Road and as usual, turned left to continue our trek south, over a road that undulated up little raises and down into water filled soggy bottoms. After crossing a couple of wooden bridges that traversed deeper gorges, we passed by a small campsite, Lost Time Camp. There wasn’t much there and not being tired we gave it a quick look and left.
Not far from the camp we came across another divide in the road. Seeing no reason to change our previous course of action we took the overgrown Corpesrot Passage on the left. According to Elenya the flora of Dementia agreed with the decision.
Up a small rise we spotted what looked like the massive stump of a gigantic tree. What appeared to be a rotten section of the stump turned out to be the entrance to Corpserot Prison. With a name like that we had to enter.
Once we got past the cave-like earthen entrance tunnel the interior of Corpserot Prison changed. The earthen tunnel became grand rooms and hallways of smooth stone walls and staircases. Yes, the place was filthy and in disrepair but the place had the feeling of being occupied.
The Magus Torturer, the leader of a small detachment of Grummite prison guards, gave us our first clue as to who occupied this facility. The three of us easily dealt with the overgrown toad. The rest of the Grummite guards fell to our blades as we explored the prison.
In places, walls had been broken through and tunnels excavated enjoining adjacent rooms. In one such place a tunnel took us to the barred gate of a jail cell. (Until now we hadn’t seen anything resembling a prison cell and we were beginning to wonder why the word “prison” was used in the name.)
Locked in the cell stood a half-naked Dark Seducer, Nelrene the Naughty (Gweden Expansion).
As a punishment for some infraction Syl, the Duchess of Dementia, had Sheogorath bind Nelrene to the mortal world and then condemned her to this prison. Nelrene didn’t dwell on why or what she did to be judged so severely only that it was my fault. Now she wants my help to escape.
Having no recollection of ever meeting Nelrene or having anything to do with Syl, I started to object. Before I could get two words out Nelrene insisted that she was going with me. Then Nelrene said she needed suitable armor and a weapon so she could feel safe. Oh, and it had to be made of amber. Lucky for her I just happened to have a complete set of amber armor and some weapons in my Midas Chest.
Offering Nelrene her choice, she surprised us by only taking a cuirass, a shield, and a sword. Trying it on for size Nelrene decided she liked the fit and finish of the armor. It hugged her tightly, giving her a comforting safe from harm feeling. Looked pretty good on her too.
Leaving Corpserot Prison, the Pinnacle Road turned toward the west for a ways until it finally came to an end. Crossing bridge we approached Pinnacle Rock, the most sacred home of the Mazken.
The Mazken guarding the entrance refused to allow us entry for the night, saying that mortals aren’t allowed. By the way the Maken were eyeing Nelrene and considering that Nelrene is an escaped convict we thought it best to not press the issue and quickly left. We didn’t have much further to go as the land came to an end.
Standing on the banks of the bay (if there had been a dock we could have sat) oft in the distance we could see the shadowy outline of the Fringe. Hmm, do we take the long way around by going back the way we came or take the short route by walking on water? Nelrene, anxious to get as far away from Syl as quickly as possible, pressed for the water route. All agreed, then with a wave the hand we stepped out on water that hardened under our feet.
Halfway across the bay hoping to rest for a moment, we set foot on a large island. High above the narrow beach, rising above trees was a camp platform. Finding a camp on an island in the middle of the bay wasn’t all that surprising. Finding a Maormer living on the platform, did.
Hailing the sea-elf we climbed up to speak with him. Sirelle tells us the story of how he escaped the pirates after they sank the ship he was on ship. He doesn’t remember anything other than being attacked by pirates, swimming for his life, when suddenly the stars in the night sky changed and he somehow ended up here.
Sirelle is concerned about his fellow 13 shipmates and asked if I would find out their status. We’ve met a couple already it couldn’t hurt to ask them what they know. We stayed at the Water Camp for a short while before deciding to continue on.
It was early in the evening when we reached the walls of the Fringe. Judging from where we were at the shortest way to the Gates of Madness would be to follow the wall to the right. Nearing the gates to the Fringe we found another crystal chest. Still unable to open a crystal chest we continued on our way to the Door to Cyrodiil.
Darkness came upon us as we passed through the little town of Passwall. A sick-looking Redguard (Vampire Hunting-OVB Mod) showing all too obvious signs of vampirism shuffled despondently past us. Light of Dawn hummed at my side inciting me to unleash its fury upon the afflicted sick-looking Redguard. Resisting the impulse I came up with a crazy idea.
Sheogorath must be desperate to allow vampires to enter the Shivering Isles. So, if someone has got to save the Madgod, why not send him this sick-looking Redguard? An insane idea of a hero for a mad god, why not?
“Seeking refuge amongst the insane, eh?” I asked. Staring blankly at us the sick-looking Redguard had nothing to say. “Well, why don’t you go up to New Sheoth Palace and seek an audience with Sheogorath? He can cure you and fulfill your wildest dreams if you complete a task for him.”
The now mission focused yet still sick-looking Redguard turned and resolutely headed toward the Gates of
Madness. We on the other hand walked over to The Wastrel's Purse to get a room for the night.
The following morning, we left Passwall.
edit: fixed screenshots
I did think the tree platform camps in SI were pretty neat.
Looks like a couple screenshot links are not working.
Brilliant to send Sheo a sick vampire applicant for his 'champion' needs!
Looks like a couple screenshot links are not working.
Brilliant to send Sheo a sick vampire applicant for his 'champion' needs!
QUOTE(Acadian @ Nov 13 2023, 10:18 AM)
I did think the tree platform camps in SI were pretty neat.
Looks like a couple screenshot links are not working.
Brilliant to send Sheo a sick vampire applicant for his 'champion' needs!
I like the tree platform camps too. I've noticed that a lot of modders use them.
I've fixed the screenshots. It's the space after the period that did it.
A vampire becomes a god, how insane is that? The Vampire Hunter is going to have some serious work to do.
Lena had some thoughts on why vampires shouldn't be in the isles. My thought was Sheo is in dire straits and will take anyone or thing to save his bacon.
What's that the darker-dressed Field Hippie is wearing? Looks like a short skirt, but it looks sort of ranger-ish. I can see my Bosmer archer wearing something like that. Obviously mod-added, so which one?
Nelrene the Naughty joins the highly-exclusive Jandaga clan. Sounds like competition for the other gals. 😍 Yeah, NTN's choice of armor/shield is quite striking. She's looking like Field Hippy-material for sure. ☮
No lyrics, but today's song inference = Otis Redding, final answer.
Whoa, a Maomar. Are sea elves part of S.I. by defauilt?
Ah, there's one of the Vamp-Hunting vampires. 🧛 Years ago when Renee Gade III was involved with VH she'd always have to be careful when finding one of these monsters, especially in the Imperial City. Oftentimes, she'd be dressed in some floofly-looking clothing (she's a doll) because she was off-time/not 'at work', so not wearing armor, maybe not even carrying a suitable weapon. Thing is, she'd usually feel compelled to vanquish the vampire, right then and there. And I think the guards were okay with this, iirc.
But there's a certain way these vampires move about, right? Apart from actually looking at their eyes, they have a certain way of moving about which normal NPCs do not. Even so, it sucked if RG3 thought somebody was a vampire, attacked him or her, and now she's got a bounty to pay.
Sounds like the Jandaga has more mercy upon the vampires he comes across!
Nelrene the Naughty joins the highly-exclusive Jandaga clan. Sounds like competition for the other gals. 😍 Yeah, NTN's choice of armor/shield is quite striking. She's looking like Field Hippy-material for sure. ☮
No lyrics, but today's song inference = Otis Redding, final answer.
Whoa, a Maomar. Are sea elves part of S.I. by defauilt?
Ah, there's one of the Vamp-Hunting vampires. 🧛 Years ago when Renee Gade III was involved with VH she'd always have to be careful when finding one of these monsters, especially in the Imperial City. Oftentimes, she'd be dressed in some floofly-looking clothing (she's a doll) because she was off-time/not 'at work', so not wearing armor, maybe not even carrying a suitable weapon. Thing is, she'd usually feel compelled to vanquish the vampire, right then and there. And I think the guards were okay with this, iirc.
But there's a certain way these vampires move about, right? Apart from actually looking at their eyes, they have a certain way of moving about which normal NPCs do not. Even so, it sucked if RG3 thought somebody was a vampire, attacked him or her, and now she's got a bounty to pay.
Sounds like the Jandaga has more mercy upon the vampires he comes across!
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