Hello everyone. This is my first time roleplaying a character and my first experience with fan fiction. I'm not an aspiring writer or anything like that, I've just been having fun working on a journal as I play through a new character, Stenet. It's been a really fascinating experience so far. I find myself waiting, with Stenet, to uncover the mystery of his being sent to Vvardenfell. It's strange because I already know the story by heart, but it's very, very fun. It's added a whole new dynamic to my gameplay.

It's a true journal in the sense that there are "detail leaps." For example, Stenet doesn't come right out and say that he joined the Fighters' Guild on day 3, but it's implied in day 5's narrative and should be easy to figure out if you've played MW before. I'm trying to include enough detail to make it coherent to anyone who reads it, but of course Stenet wouldn't be writing for an audience.

Like I said, this is the first time I've done this. I'm still getting a feel for voice and character development, so please don't judge too harshly. I'm just having fun with Stenet and I hope you will too! Enjoy:

16 Last Seed (Day 1)

This is the most bizarre creature I've ever seen, but from what they told me on the journey here, I should get used to bizarre. I chose to take the silt strider partly from curiosity and partly from my hesitation to travel by foot. This is strange country, and I'm not sure what to expect.

Besides, I could use a few hours to gather my thoughts. Sellus Gravius added another piece to the puzzle: the Emperor himself ordered my release and shipment to Vvardenfell. Why? How does the Emperor know who I am? Why me? Why Morrowind?

I'm grateful, though. I guess that's why I'm in such a rush to get to Balmora. That was the condition for my freedom: report to Caius Cosades in Balmora and deliver a package to him. I've tried reading the letter, but it's written in code. What did Sellus say? “That's the way the Empire works. Silence. Secrecy.” Anyway, I'm free and that's good enough for me. The fresh air, the sun, the scenery—it's a wonderful contrast to my cell back in Cyrodiil. I'm happy to return the Emperor's favor.

I'll probably never know why I've been sent here, but that's life, and these mysteries haven't distracted me from my hunger. It's been years since I've had decent food, and I'm hoping to find a better selection in Balmora than in Seyda Neen. Beef, sweetrolls, potatoes, brandy... the Nine bless the Emperor if these Dark Elves have good taste.

17 Last Seed (Day 2)

No beef. No potatoes. No sweetrolls. I can't even afford the brandy at an insane 100 drakes a bottle. Still, last night's supper was better than anything I was ever served in the prison. I was able to buy a liquor the locals call mazte. It wasn't bad, and it tasted like the saltrice I'd eaten. It clouded my head a bit, which probably helped me sleep.

I had too much to think about. I found Caius in Balmora and gave him his letter, but before I could leave he told me what it was for: the Emperor wants me to join the Blades. Can you believe it? The Blades are the mysterious eyes and ears of the Emperor. They carry out his will in secret throughout Tamriel, and they are sworn to his service. How am I supposed to become part of that? I gave Caius a flat-out “No” and left promptly. I am grateful to the Emperor for my freedom, but can I really become one of his Blades?

I'm not really sure I have a choice, though, and that's what bothers me the more I think about it. Something is happening and somehow I'm a part of it. The woman in my dreams told me I've been chosen, and I suppose if the Emperor really did choose me, his agents will eventually come for me. One way or another, I'll have to comply.

There's another problem: I'm stuck here on Vvardenfell, and I'm down to 3 drakes. I can sell this ring I found back in Seyda Neen, but I need to figure out how to survive here. It wouldn't hurt to have Caius for a friend.

I don't know. I'm going to try finding the Imperial fort. The guide I bought at South Wall says there's a shrine to the Nine out there. Maybe a few prayers wouldn't hurt. The dream-woman said she was watching out for me. Mara? Dibella? Kynareth? Maybe she doesn't exist at all, but my heart tells me that isn't true.

Tonight I'll make my decision about seeing Caius... or rather, come to terms with what has already been decided FOR me.

17 Last Seed (Day 2)

After visiting the shrine at Moonmoth, I decided to kill time by traveling south along the Odai. I collected some flowers and roots that fetched me a nice profit from a trader in Balmora.

Traveling further I met some miners, a Redguard and a Wood Elf, standing around a fire. They told me about their mine, and for curiosity's sake I checked it out. As the Redguard had predicted, the small creatures called scribs and foragers reacted violently to my presence. They were simple to dispatch, but the strangest thing occurred when one of the legged creatures attacked me (a scrib, I think). My whole body was paralyzed. I couldn't even blink. I panicked, thinking this was irreversible, but after a few moments feeling returned to my body. Vvardenfell is strange indeed.

Traveling deeper into the eggmine, I passed more miners who didn't seem to mind my exploration. They were even inclined to explain the process of eggmining. When I tried entering a particular chamber, however, what I think were two Dark Elves started screaming insults and coming at me with the clear intent to kill. I ran back through the ascending passages faster than I've run in years. Actually, it was the first time I had run in years. They didn't seem to follow me very far, because there was no sign of them outside. I'm a little rusty with the sword, and I had no idea who these mer were.

After resting back at the Lucky Lockup and then visiting a few shops, I walked to Caius' house, thinking along the way. I wasn't exactly resigned to my fate of serving the Emperor, but I couldn't think of any alternatives either.

“Are you ready now, Stenet?” Caius asked with irritation when he answered the door. He got right down to business, giving me the names of other Blades here in Vvardenfell. I will not record these names in case my journal is ever compromised, but I was surprised to learn that I'd already met an agent yesterday. These agents would be able to provide me with training for a modest fee, though to be honest I wasn't sure I'd even be able to afford the reduced rate. Either way, I committed the names to memory. It'd be useful to connect with these agents while traveling.

Caius provided me with 200 drakes and the advice to join a guild or look for freelance work. He didn't offer any more information (at least the kind of information I wanted), but indicated that he wanted me to gain combat experience and work my way to some better equipment and supplies. It sounds like my work with the Blades will be a little more hands-on than playing spy.

Although Caius had offered me a place to sleep, I decided to rent a room at South Wall, where I'm writing this entry. Caius seems trustworthy, but he's still a stranger.

20 Last Seed (Day 5)

This isn't the first time I've killed. It was too familiar, too easy, to kill those egg poachers. I wonder if they were lovers or just partners in theft. Either way, I don't regret doing it. They showed no signs of surrender. Besides, the reward I picked up helped me invest in a cuirass, some greaves, and boots. Look at me: not even here a week and I'm already collecting bounties.

Eydis wants me to leave Balmora as soon as possible. The Guild has been contracted to dispatch four Telvanni agents hiding near some ebony mines at an Imperial settlement called Caldera. Apparently they are also members of the Thieves' Guild, and this point seemed to make Eydis evasive; but I'm not even sure who the Telvanni are. I'm assuming they're another Great House like the Hlaalu of Balmora.

I think I'll spend the weekend exploring more of the city. I'm not quite ready to leave, and I could use the rest after the excitement of the last few days. Frankly, I'd rather just turn the contract down, but Caius wants me to gain experience, and Guild work is the fastest route.

I'll leave on Morndas. Eydis advised me to use the teleportation service at the Mages' Guild, but I've decided to go by foot. Maybe on the way back. I want to see more of the land, and wizards make me nervous.

It's 5 AM, and Flaenia is waiting for me in the training room.

21 Last Seed (Day 6)

I've spent the last two days in peace, contemplating the Odai, visiting the Dark Elf temple on Rich Hill, and becoming acquainted with my guildmates. Flaenia has been joining me for morning exercise, and over breakfast Fasile taught me a few things about mushrooms. There are four common species on Vvardenfell: Luminous Russula can be identified by its short, brown-topped toadstool (and pungent smell). Violet coprinus has long toadstools that glow blue in the night. Bungler's bane and Hypha Facia both grow on trees, but the latter is smoother and less spotted. All are safe to eat.

My trip to the Dark Elf (or Dunmer I suppose) temple was interesting. I mean no offense to the Nine. I'm just curious. They were so guarded at that place... maybe even hostile. I'm guessing they don't get many foreigners stopping by to do whatever it is you do at a Dunmer temple. Come to think of it, I still don't know who their gods are, or if they even have any. I guess I didn't learn much from my visit.

Anyway, I picked up one of their books from a local bookseller. It's called Lives of the Saints. It was an impulsive purchase, which is foolish given the price of books, but I wanted it. The only thing is, I'm not sure why.

I am enjoying the journal-style of your writing. It is exactly the kind of thing you would find in a diary. Filled with personal thoughts and observations, rather than a blow-by-blow detail of everything that happens. A very enjoyable read. I cannot wait to see more!

Beef, sweetrolls, potatoes, brandy... the Nine bless the Emperor if these Dark Elves have good taste.

No beef. No potatoes. No sweetrolls. I can't even afford the brandy at an insane 100 drakes a bottle.

I loved this!

A good start! I never would've thought of journal entries! I like how Stenet is suspicious of people, but not overly paranoid. I can't wait to see where this is going.

Keep writing!

Oh my goodness this reminded me of when my fiance was starting to play Morrowind and he went and attacked a scrib. Before I could say "Honey, no!" It went and paralyzed him.

Very well written I'd like to see more

I agree with SubRosa, it is just like a diary or journal someone would jot their thoughts in at the end of the day - AWESOME!!! I don't know the story (haven't played anything but Oblivion yet) - but enjoying the little details of things he chose to note down.

Welcome to the forum here and to the Arena of fanfic! This is a fine start!

As a native of Cyrodiil, I rely on those from Morrowind to tell me of their homeland. I think it is wise that Stenet is focusing on sharing his perceptions rather than recounting his actions.

I like this. It always pleases me when MW characters actually act like they grew up in the Empire (e.g. the references to Cyrodiilic foods and the Imperial gods).

Thank you for the encouragement everyone. I made the mistake of putting Oblivion back on my computer after reading some threads here. I will have to disentangle myself from the game soon so I can move forward with Stenet!

Hey, if this is a Morrowind Journal th en shouldn't it be more unorganized (sorry had to throw in a joke), I like it