@SubRosa: Arielle Jurard? Maybe. I was thinking Moira Brown!

I don’t blame her on the gyro, that’s some good stuff.

Usually the dragons are sitting on the word wall, so when she saw an empty word wall, she thought ‘oh crap!’ Would not have surprised me to see a dragon sitting on the cliffs.

The skeever looks like it will give you diseases, not cure them! I thought after a couple of werewolf pics that a few cute ones would be good. Thanks SubRosa!

@mALX: She’s close to losing her lunch in that picture! She’s sitting on the edge of the fire pit. I knew the last one was a keeper when I took it! Glad you liked it so much.

The shout was perfect except it got Kharjo’s wolf too. That was such a cool ambush though. I didn’t notice the dragon being slow but it could have been. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: Kharjo sometimes has a difficult time keeping up with Aravi when she starts taking shortcuts. I am very glad Sorine didn’t need Aravi to take anybody’s precious gyros.

You didn’t see the dragon? Oh my, Buffy’s glow rings are making you too comfortable!

I’m very happy you liked that one of Aravi sitting by the fire. I like seeing her scar like that too. It’s a reminder that she’s a fighter. Thanks Acadian!

@LL: I knew those werewolf shots would appeal to you. They were a lot of fun to take!

Those foresworn lined up for that Thuum well. I was actually a little PO’d that Kharjo snagged that kill before Aravi’s arrow! Thanks LL!

@Grits: Aravi had to wait a second for Kharjo to keep up with her in the beginning. That heavy armor is slowing him down!

I think Kharjo snagged that last kill from Aravi at the end there. That was a very quick fight, for how many of them there were.

I guess goblin made rat is better than bandit skeever? Aravi says no to both! I felt some cute screens should go with the werewolf ones. Glad you liked those. Thanks Grits!

############################

Back at Fort Dawnguard, Isran greets everyone warmly…

6:43

############################
Screens!
Winter road and Alternative

Healing

Finishing off a vampire

Finishing off a bandit mage

Blood stained hands

Yep, Isran is as amiable as ever. I like how they wrote him with such a vinegary personality.

And Serana shows up again. Bethesda did make her an excellent follower. She has good voice-acting, and you can see they put a lot of work into her. But I hate how this questline forces her upon you. The mental acrobatics I had to do to try to justify why my hardcore, vengeance-driven vampire slayer would keep her alive just became impossible. That is why I gave up on it. If they had not made her a vampire it would have been a lot easier.

Aravi has such a delightful smile in Winter Road. I am hearing Bing Crosby in my head "A beautiful sight, walking in a winter wonderland..."

Aravi sure gets icky finishing off all those vampires and bandits. Good thing Skyrim has plenty of rivers and lakes to clean up in!

I'm following the quest in this vid pretty well. Serana's kind of cool - I like the way she understates things so calmly - she makes Isran look like a drama queen. You really captured how Aravi was torn over leaving Kharjo behind. So, looks like it’s off to the College of Winterhold since that’s no doubt much closer than the Temple of the Ancestor Moths in Cyrodiil.

‘Winter road’ is cool with the sun coming through the snowstorm. I love the magical effects in ‘Healing’ as well as the look on Aravi’s face! On ‘Blood-stained hands’, well you know what they say – if you’re going to make an omelet you have to crack open some vampires and bandits.

Screens: Healing is my favorite, Love her expression and how her spell is so close to the camera! Winter road is second, what a great shot! I loved the snow storms in Skyrim!

Vid: I was surprised to see them all looking up, and I could see that tiny white arrow up there but couldn't see Isran for a minute, lol. Holy cow is he ever a [censored]! He tells Aravi she is crap except that he needs her right now, and threatens Serana who is there to help him - kind of reminds me of the beginning of the game, where the Imperials try to behead you and then ask you to join them and help their cause / and the Stormcloaks are willing to help you despite the fact that you are Khajiit - but want you to help them save Skyrim for the Nords only if they do, ROFL !!!

I love Serana's voice! I would love to have every one of her voice files, her voice is beautiful! I like her dialogue too, probably the best I've heard in the game so far!

So Kharjo is staying behind in Dawnguard? Or is he going back to wait at home?

I loved this vid, am really loving seeing these Dawnguard quests! All I saw was the vampire lord side before, and nothing after bringing Serana home. (my son got sick of seeing me sitting in his bedroom watching him play the game).

Awesome update!

Sexy Serana is sexy. Just don't cure her. Please, don't. A cured Serana is a diseased Serana.

Aravi fits right in the Dawnguard. All armored up for some vampire hunting action! Though jusging by the room Isran was in, I can tell he tortures vampires before killing them, sort of like the Silver Hand does to werewolves. The inquisition! Down with them!

I like Serana and her voice. Though for a 4000 year old vampire who worshiped Molag Bal, I was a bit surprised by her personality. Unless there's more to it. I wonder what Aravi thinks of Serana. Hmm.

"Thank you for youre kindness. I'll remember it next time I'm feeling hungry."



"I don't know if I can trust you friend."
Well, geez, Serana, maybe Aravi and Kharjo feels the same way? Vampires, being naturally manipulative and deceitful, should definetly raise Aravi's attention here. Sure, she spoke about her father, but a vampire is a vamppire and wanting to travel alone is certainly a red alert.

Poor Aravi! Sorry Kharjo, but she's going to hangout with a four-thousand year old pureblooded vampire chick.

@SubRosa: Yeah, Serana is really hard to justify. I don’t think you actually have to take her with you in this quest, though I was under the impression that you did when I played this. I’m pretending that she acts so differently that Aravi doesn’t know what to do. In reality it would be a pretty easy choice to just let Isran smash her, or just cut her down when she popped out of the tomb.

I like the bloodier combat, though it would be nice if the blood washed out a little easier, or there was a toggle for it. All those errant splatters in otherwise peaceful screen shots. Glad you liked winter road, Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Serana is a really neat companion, but she sure doesn’t beat Kharjo! The magical effects are so much fun, now only if they can cross Skyrim’s and Oblivion’s magic, then it would be perfect! I couldn’t have asked for better shots in healing and winter road. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: I love playing with the effects when I take screens, I’m glad you liked those two so much.

If you are having trouble seeing, remember you can expand the video size and change its quality too. I can kind of understand why Isran’s a little crabby here, a vampire shows up on his little anti-vampire clubhouse doorstep and wants to talk to Aravi. He’s rightly paranoid about letting vampires in. What’s funny is that she gets the run of the place after that.

Serana is a very cool character. These quests were a good excuse to bring her along. Kharjo is staying at Dawnguard this time. No need to hunt the roads for him again. Thanks mALX!

@DE: It’ll all depend on what Serana decides to do at the end of the game. Yep, Isran has a cozy little room set up for chatting.

Aravi takes a little time to talk to Serana. It’s definitely a challenge to get her to work with the vampire. Thanks DE!

##########################

Getting a lead on the Moth Priest turned out to be simple. Aravi sets out to find him with Serana. Aravi is not comfortable around her.

9:05

##########################
Screens!
Stopping for a drink

The arcane

A strange weapon

Unleash the fury

Frosted

Screens: "Stopping for a drink" has to be my favorite, such a beautiful scene that reminds us Skyrim is not all rock and snow! But how hard it was to set it above any of the others! The College of Winterhold looks gorgeous with the morning sun coming through that way and the fountains of blue magic glowing. The "Strange weapon" - Loved Aravi's expression, like she was surprised the sword was all but cutting the enemy in half. "Frosted" - you knew I'd love that, for the close-up of Aravi and her expression. All wonderful shots!


Vid: I love it when the guards ask if you'll enchant their sword, really wish it was worked into the game somehow (or modded) that it was a service you could provide them - how cool would that be!

That text looked interesting! I see trouble ahead though, will Serana fight against her own kind? Really interesting stuff going on with this DLC! Loved this vid! Awesome update!

I almost did not recognize Aravi in that hood. It looks like she has gone undercover.

So Aravi is going to be making some skill enchantments in the future? One new suit of armor and helmet coming up! Aravi sure has a lot of filled soul gems.

Ah yes, the carriage driver remembers now. Amazing how a little shiny, clinky gold can jog people's synapses!

"Stay out of trouble Khajiit." Nice guys those guards. Still friendlier than the ones in Morrwind though: "We're watching you scum!"

Uh oh, looks like that priest did not get far. Dead Impie, dead vamp. I guess we know who did it.

I love how you juxtaposed Serana saying she won't give up her gift, and then Aravi turning to look at the dead Imperial soldier surrounded in a pool of blood.

The water looks very inviting in Stopping For A Drink. Nice display of colors in The Arcane one. A strange weapon is icky, looks like an absorb health to me. Frosted is my favorite though. That is our nice Aravi smile. I would certainly rather see that than the fury!

I like the carriages. I was thinking the driver knew plenty and was holding out for gold right as Aravi offered him some. It was neat hearing some of Serana’s background. She and Aravi are worlds apart.

Stopping for a drink is simply beautiful. Skyrim looks so nice in autumn colors. The arcane was a fabulous shot as well. But Frosted is simply adorable! Aravi looks so cute with snowflakes on her.

Catching up with the previous video: Isran kept Serana waiting in his private torture chamber right next to the bedroom! I had some trouble understanding why Isran let Serana in, but I figured that between her vampiric illusion skills and the Dawnguard not having a clue what to do next, he wanted to hear what she had to say. I like her line, “I’m nothing if not persuasive.”

I like the way Serana and Isran were on opposite sides of Aravi during this video, with the vampire presenting herself calmly while the crusader for light acted a little crazy.

Woo hoo, new armor for Kharjo!! That is some of my favorite armor, and I just love the shield. Very nice! Ooo, and new armor for Aravi as well! Yay!

Screens: Winter Road and Alternative are lovely with the snow and light and especially Aravi’s sweet expression. But Healing gets added to my all-time favorites. It just has everything going for it, even showing her caring nature as she is undoubtedly healing Kharjo with that spell before she heals herself. Beautiful!

New video: Aravi’s hood looks great, and it makes Serana’s look a little less vampire-in-disguise. It was fun to watch Aravi make some enchanting decisions. Wow, Serana looks large next to Aravi.

I like how Aravi keeps checking on Serana's position and quickly read the vampire note before Serana could walk over. An uneasy partnership. It wasn’t hard to see what she thought about Molag Bal’s gift when she looked around at all of that blood.

Screens: Stopping for a drink is so beautiful, and I love the light in Arcane! The Ebony Blade!! How awesome to use an Absorb Health enchantment on a vampire. Frosted is lovely. I adore Aravi’s expression, and the Amulet of Mara looks so pretty with her eyes.

But my favorite has to be Unleash the Fury, because of Aravi’s new belly button charm!!!

I love Aravi's black robes in the video, and my favorite screeny was of her stabbing that vampire in the back. I love your style of playing, too. True roleplayer and we can see Aravi's reaction in the recent updates such as rushing to get the letter before Serana showed up. Haha.

Ans we get some info on Serana's history! Looks like she was raped/sexually used by Molag Bal in the ceremony that follows Lamae Beolfag's tradition. I don't think she should get a cure since not that many survive the ritual. She went through a lot, and Aravi has to be careful with Serana around since she truly sees her own vampirism as a gift. Aravi has to trust her Khajiiti instincts here.

@mALX: The Rift is really quite beautiful, it has so many colors. All of the climates are beautiful in their own way, but that one is special. Strange weapon was named so, because Aravi was using a two handed weapon! Rare for her. I thought of you when posting Frosted, I had another close up, but she was smiling more in that one.

I didn’t post the book because Aravi didn’t read it, and I think I posted it earlier when Aravi was looking for the scroll about the Time Wound. Thanks mALX!

@SubRosa: She kind of does look like she’s undercover, but that was not the intention. It just goes well with the armor. The helmets in the game look terrible on Khajiit and Argonian characters.

I’m glad the guards say different things, and not all of them are so rude. I really dislike the ones that see a Khajiit and tell her to keep her hands to herself. She’s no thief!

That talk with Serana was… interesting. All Aravi sees is blood and death. Is it the same as her curse? Better or worse?

I was originally going to post a different close shot of Aravi, but this one had snow and a nicer smile. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Normally Aravi doesn’t like being held up for gold like that, but this was the easiest way to get him to talk. And she has so much gold that she didn’t mind sharing a little.

Wow that close shot was so popular! Seriously, my favorite is the arcane. She is very cute covered in snow though. Thanks Acadian!

@Grits: How Serana got in is a mystery. I mean she could have gotten fairly close to the guards as long as she wasn’t waving a weapon, but these guys should know that vampires are famous manipulators. “Nothing if not persuasive” indeed.

Aravi was in the middle. Not usually her position when it comes to vampires.

Love Healing too. That one turned out perfectly.

Serana doesn’t have Aravi’s trust yet, and her appearance is… not comforting. Serana’s ‘gift’ is hard to see it that way when all Aravi can see is blood and death.

I knew you would like Fury! Thanks Grits!

@DE: The Dawnguard armor comes in a few different colors, and Aravi’s was black. I usually imagine my character’s reactions when I play, but making the videos really forces me to really get into the character, which I love. I need to start making new videos.

I assumed that the ceremony involved sex with Molag Bol. Serana’s certainly embraced her ‘gift’ much more than Aravi has. I’m not sure what will happen to Serana at the end of this. I have yet to get there. Thanks DE!

##################################

Aravi and Serana find the cave the Moth Priest is being held in.

10:24

##################################
Screens!
She never saw it coming That was unexpectedly revealing. Why didn't any of you yell at me??

The ebony blade

Ghosts

This was a great dungeon crawl. I enjoyed that, for the first half or so, Aravi was nice and slow and methodical. I could really tell what she was thinking as she cautiously prepared for her next move. Serana seems pretty effective. Were those frost bolts she was casting at the archer up on the bridge? Well, they found their moth priest. Despite what Serana said upon emerging back up to the surface, I found it beautiful to be back in the light of day. I’ll bet Aravi did too.

The screens are great. I see in ‘She never saw it coming’ that Aravi’s been watching SubRosa’s characters of impalation. In ‘The ebony blade’, the lighting gives Aravi a fiendish grin and glow to her eyes; she loves her swords. I adore the ‘Ghosts’ shot – the characters, scenery, lighting, all of it!

Screens: My favorite screen is "Ghosts" - that screen tells a story and promises a sequal - loved that screen, the mists muted the colored foilage behind them - very eerie and beautiful at the same time.

Second favorite was "The ebony blade." This screen, the red in Aravi's eyes and teeth in this, her pose itself - it looks as if the blade has taken possesion of Aravi - Awesome shot!


Vid: I absolutely loved this dungeon! Loved how Aravi was able to sneak past and set up a vantage point to cut down the percentage against her, too. The number of vampires up there surprised me, who was the named NPC that was killed? When I first saw that I was afraid it was the moth priest, lol. I'm glad Aravi backed off when the moth priest cowered, that was a real "WHEW!" moment, because I wasn't sure she would stop, lol. Awesome vid!

This update was spectacular!

I love how cautious Aravi is in the beginning of the video. Checking the gargoyles for life and staying out of the light, plus keeping an eye on the vampire she’s taking into a vampire fight. This was a fun, tense, and very Aravi video. When Aravi healed herself and then looked at Serana I thought of how she usually heals Kharjo but her spell might not work on the undead.

Great loot helmet! That’s the dragon armor piece that I really like. Ooo, and the moth priest has a nice sword!

That was a good dungeon to be a Khajiit. I really miss the nighteye spell.


She never saw it coming is neat with the pose, the lighting, and a glimpse of Kharjo in the background. I just love Ebony Blade. That sword is beautiful, and its look really suits Aravi. What a fierce expression! Ghosts is my favorite because it looks so neat. Is that Become Ethereal?

All of my smoothskin characters have gotten plenty of those "hands to yourself, sneak thief!" comments from the guards too. It is one of the generic greetings they start giving you if your Sneak skill gets over 30. Just like you get the "The gods gave you two hands, and you use both for your weapon" comment once your Two-handed is high enough.

This was the last mission I did with Revansch in Dawnguard. Those gargoyles are nerve-wracking, because you never know which ones are just statues, and which ones are real.

That Vamp Thrall on the bridge was pretty tough! That took a lot of arrows and icy spikes to put her down. Of course the one on the stair did not last long. Not when those two Aravi swords are out!

Those are neat glowy runes on the stones. They remind me of the Giant symbols, except all glowy.

Given the position of those coffins, I guess Skyrim vampires all sleep standing up?

Aravi looks like she is having way too much fun with that Ebony Blade. I think she ought to put it down. Safer for the rest of us!

Ghosts is neat. Did Aravi drink the phantom elixir from that barrow outside of Ivarstead?

I never saw it coming either. You took it down before I could see it!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO oooooooooooooooooooooo......ooo....oo..o!!! I just missed an Aravi nude picture? A REVEALING nude picture? DAMN IT!

*Lucien Lachance voice*. "No! No, I'm too late. I thought I could get here in time, thought I could stop you! By Sithis, what have you done? What madness has claimed you? You have betrayed me. You have betrayed my perverted desires. Why?"

Aravi looks surprisingly . . . .malicious in the ebony pic. All red and grinning . . .she's beautiful! Hehe, Aravi took out tha thrall on the bridge pretty nice! Frost and arrows? Not a chance! And Dexion is at last saved . . .who knew even a moth priest could be enthralled?

@Acadian: Slow and methodical is generally how Aravi likes it. It just doesn’t usually end up going that way. Serana was using ice spikes and lightning I believe when she was shooting at the person on the wall. Aravi definitely liked coming out of the cave and into the sunlight.

Despite the rather evil look she has, I love ‘The ebony blade’ shot. With Kharjo’s familiar out, I couldn’t resist having Aravi turn ghostly too and snap that shot. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: Weird how you would say that about the Ebony blade, it is said to corrupt…

Glad you liked the ghosts one so much! I really like that effect. I don’t use that shout enough.

The named guy is a vampire, he was mentioned in the note Aravi picked up on the road I believe. I was just playing that same quest recently and a vampire popped out of a coffin and scared the heck out of me! Thanks mALX!

@Grits: This was the first time she really took Serana into a fight without Kharjo there. She wasn’t really sure if Serana would side with her or the other vampires. She definitely behaves differently with Serana. Her healing spell would not have benefitted Serana.

I really liked that first screen, the way the sword was kind of glittering was very cool I thought. The Ebony really is a fantastic looking weapon, and with the glitches, Aravi can use it! You got it in ghosts, it’s Become Ethereal! Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: I see about the greeting. Lol at ‘smoothskins.’ Fallout 3! I pretend the guards are being racist when I hear that, since there is supposed to be a lot of that going around.

You can never take your eyes off those gargoyles. You think you have one pegged as real too, then it’s the nerve wracking approach to it…

With the coffins, I guess so. I had one pop out unexpected recently.

The Ebony Blade is supposed to be dangerous to its user… maybe even Aravi is showing signs? Grits was right in the ghost picture, it was the shout! I’m disappointed I had to take down that screen. On one monitor it was fine, on another… no, no it wasn’t. Thanks SubRosa!

@DE: Yep, you missed it! Should have run here faster!

She does look malicious in the ebony pic. Influence of the sword or the beast? Can we tell? Dexion is pretty lucky Aravi stayed her hand. Perhaps the gods look after them. Thanks DE!

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

Dexion reads Serana’s Elderscroll, revealing the weapon they seek. One more man needs to join the Dawnguards ranks, and Aravi and Kharjo set out to search for him.

7:31

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Screens!

River’s edge

Time to panic

Fighting them off

Aim

Don’t come any closer. You’ll be in reach.

Screens: Aravi's facial expressions in these screens are wonderful, it is so hard to choose among them for a favorite - have to go with the one by the stream though, for the backdrop. All these screens are great!

Vid: Urk, I guessed Aravi would have to return to that castle, hope she doesn't have to fight Serana's father while there! Wonder whose side Serana would take in that? That guy running the Dawnguard is so pleasant...NOT! Wonder if he ever eases up on that? Awesome vid, I am loving this Dawnguard series! Great update!

I really liked this! Serana’s mother is perhaps hiding right in the vampire castle – very cool! So, it’s off to that castle in search of more Elder Scrolls? No, wait. She’s supposed to find some other dude first? Perhaps another fellow to join the Dawnguards? Yup, just like your preface to the vid says. And it looks like she’s going to take Kharjo with her. I like Serana a lot – she really grows on you, but she’s no Kharjo!

I really like Aravi’s fur loincloth and little top! Yikes! Spiders! The ‘Aim’ shot makes my heart pound! ‘Don’t come any closer’ looks like words to live by – I’m glad she’s a friend! Her face in that one is grimly priceless! She is one dangerous kitty!

I think I have heard Argonians use the term "smoothskin" in Skyrim as well. But I am not positive.

Isran is impressed? That must be his idea of humor...

Hmm, prophecies, ancient blood, and Auriel's bow.

Serana certainly talks with her hands a lot!

So what is up with this Florentius person I wonder? "maintain an appearance of normalcy?" He sounds like a real fruit loop!

Rivers Edge was very cute. Aravi shows her spots!

Time to panic is right! Ewwww! Get it away!

Fighting them off and Aim are great action shots. And Don't Come Any Closer looks like good advice to me!

I love Dexion’s flipflops.

It’s pretty exciting to think of secrets buried for centuries in an old castle. Full of vampires. Hmm. I really like the story that’s unfolding here.

Yay, she’s going to get Florentius! I love that guy. With advice like “avoid sleep” it’s no surprise that Aravi goes with Sorine’s opinion rather than Isran’s. If he only knew how little Aravi sleeps.


River’s edge is so pretty. Aravi is looking great!

I just love the whole sequence with the spiders. It tells the story of a nasty surprise, and You’ll be in reach looks awesome! What an expression! The spiders should have nightmares about getting diced by a Khajiit!

I like Aravi's native savage look. It sort of suits her! Time to panic? I would of dropped my swords and ran out that cave screaming: "To Oblivion with this [censored]". She looks super mean with those two glass swords, too.

"I know this weapon. It is Oreo's bow."

So, a trip back to Castle Volkihar to search for Serana's mommy? Oh yes, this will be good. Vampire and vampire hunter going to a vampire lair to search for . . .a vampire.

This is going to be good. And the prophecy was interesting. I do wonder!

@mALX: I am quite proud of those screen shots, they turned out so beautifully.

Serana becomes more clear later, but right now she’s an unknown. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: Kharjo is definitely Aravi’s preferred partner. Every other follower (of the few I’ve tried) has had something that made them not suitable. He’s as close to perfect as she can find. And he’s a Khajiit.

Aim was my favorite of that set, but her face in the last makes it a close second to me. Glad you like her Bosmer clothes! Thanks Acadian!

@Grits: Florentius is certainly a unique fellow. Isran is not winning any points with his advice.

Glad you liked the screens. I think Aravi’s going to have nightmares about that one though. Thanks Grits!

@LL: Glad you like her look. It’s fun experimenting with mod packs and mixing things up. Unfortunately for Aravi, those spiders dropped between her and the way out.

Before heading off to a vampire castle with a vampire, it’s time to find some guy that Isran can’t stand. I like him already. Thanks LL!

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Florentius proves to be more tricky to track down than the others where.

7:49

Volk’s Journal

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Screens!
High Hrothgar

Back OFF!

Too close (Aravi is in the picture)

A quick rest

Looks like a nice, autumn day in the Rift. Great to see Kharjo back where he belongs, at Aravi's back!

Dead bandit, dead troll. Aravi sure likes that campfire!

Now it's a not so nice winter night in the Rift. Better try another ruin.

Am I the only who wonders why there is no snowberry wine?

You should try the new SkyUI. It color codes things now, and has more sorting options than ever. For example, you can sort your potions by effect, so it will put all your healing potions together, all your magicka potions together, etc...

Sounds like someone is working in the mine. Charmed Vigilants. That must mean vampires are about.

Ahh, the old skeever hide & mudcrab chitin. I think that was the first cure disease I ever figured out. Ironically, vampire dust also has a cure disease effect. Very convenient too.

High Hrothgar looks colorful, and Aravi certainly seems cheerful!

Was Back Off one of the skooma dealers you find in the wilderness? Looks like he picked the wrong khajiit to mess with!

Double Dragon! It took me a while to find Aravi in that one!

A Quick Rest is another fun pic. Just like a cat to find a high place to sit!

A beautiful night snowfall! Then into another dungeon. So nice to see Kharjo back!

High Hrothgar – Aww, Aravi looks so happy!
Back OFF – Not so happy kitty!
Too close – There be dragons here!
A quick rest – Brrr!

I could not see Aravi in the “Too Close” screen, lol. My favorite has to be “A quick rest” - very cool shot! Loved the close-up of Aravi smiling, and that was a great action shot in "Back off!"

I wasn't sure if those charmed vigilants were hostile since no red dot showed up on your meter, but Aravi seemed to know, lol. Loved the outfit on that first one, and what a haul of potions! Awesome update!

Ah the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Khajiit guards your back. I love that little intro!

Nice, Aravi takes the Khajiit shortcuts up the hill as well as down! Uh oh, it’s never a good sign to find an empty tent with a journal. (I love that Dawnguard axe!!) Oops, that flag shadow looked dragonish for a second. Watch the skies, traveler!

A red vampirey glow around that guy’s head! Neat. I have to say I don’t feel bad for the charmed Vigilants. They would attack Aravi in a second if they knew she was a werewolf. As they say, the Vigil has no mercy to spare.

Oh, she got out her Calm spell. I’m guessing she felt worse about the Vigilant killings than I do.

Charred skeever hide, the breakfast of champions! Restores stamina, cures disease, restores health, and resists poison. Sounds like a single serve hangover cure. (If you could get it down.)


Aravi looks so happy in the High Hrothgar screen. That one is my favorite for her sweet smile. Back off is a great action shot, and shows how petite Aravi is!

I found the Khajiit in Too close! Is that Alduin? Wow, that picture looks really scary.

High Hrothgar: That is a nice pic of Aravi, and love the Greybeard standing behind her shoulder.

Back Off: Hear her warning, chump! You don't want to mess with an angry Khajiit when a sword is at your throat!

Too Close: Yeah, and of them is the big leader of them all! All Hail Alduin! The world cooker!

A quick rest: Wait, what? What about a bed full of fur and a nice warm mead at the side with some hot soup? Looks like this is a Nord's rest. She picked up their habits, I'm afraid.

Well, she did have some venison stew before going into that excavation site, so I'm happy. I liked how she killed the red head charmed Vigilante. So . . .you left us wondering where the fellow may be still! GRR

@SubRosa: It’s so nice to have Kharjo back. Not only is he Aravi’s best friend (and maybe more) but he’s also gameplay wise one of the more useful followers.

Is it any surprise that Aravi likes the fire? Snowberry wine! It’ll have a resist frost effect!

I’ve got the new SkyUI right now. At first I didn’t like the colors, but it does help as you said.

He might have been one of the dealers, the guy in ‘back off!’ He had some skooma on him. He just attacked for no reason; I haven’t seen one of them do that before.

Yep, Aravi likes finding places to get up on. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: As I said to SubRosa, Kharjo is my favorite for many reasons. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: She’s by the rock in ‘too close.’ She got waaaay too close for comfort in that one.

Oh yes, the Vigilants are quite hostile, though she didn’t know who they were right away. Thanks mALX!

@Grits: Shortcuts: I figure that she has those claws for some reason, and not just for fighting.

The flag! It totally freaked me out at first!

Aravi didn’t feel very badly for killing them, however she doesn’t want to kill them if she doesn’t have to.

Don’t get into the charred skeever! Need I pull up the puking screen?

I’m not sure why she was so happy in High Hrothgar, maybe to be out of the wind? Too close: that’s in Kyne’s Grove. We somehow lost Delphine somewhere. Thanks Grits!

@DE: The Greybeard? He looks kind of sullen. Not the big Nord warrior he was expecting.

Quick rest: None of those things were at hand, so a high perch will do. Believe me, she’d rather be next to a warm fire, or snuggled in bed. Frost resist enchantments on her furs and footwraps help.

The guy she’s looking for is much deeper within that mine. She’ll get there. Thanks DE!

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After finding the people in the cave to be Vigilants, Aravi tries to be more careful to spare their lives.

8:05

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Screens!
Lonely path

High Hrothgar

Learning from a Master (part I)

Learning from a Master (part II)

Light and shadow

Oh wow... Light and Shadow took my breath away!

That was fun seeing Aravi trying to charm her way past the charmed ones. Oh my, then she and Kharj open a can of whupass!

Lonely path and High Hrothgar are simply beautiful in that they not only display some beautiful scenery, but seem to capture what I imagine Aravi is feeling at the time as well. Wow!

Screens: I'm so torn between the first two screens as my favorite, but in the end the choice has to be "Lonely path" - that screen sets a mood none of the others can match - love that screen!

Vid: That is so funny! As long as Aravi is sneaking the Charmed Vigilants are friendly, but if she stands up they go all "Attack!" on her!

I'll bet there's something behind that broken wall that guy was nailing shut! GAAAH! Was Volk hostile? I am loving this dungeon because some of the people act friendly and some don't - it is a toss up whether to fight them or not, lol. Great update!

Calm spells can do wonders. I have not had a character who uses them in a long time. Too bad Aravi could not get to the second one before Kharjo waxed him.

That was a well placed trap, only two routes and both with pressure plates. Aravi was able to take the crossbow! I have never seen that before. It reminds me of the shotgun traps in FO3. Uh oh, a third pressure plate, and no sign of what the actual trap it sets off is. I wonder if Kharjo jumped over the crate as well? Or did you give him the Light Step perk? (I usually mod ever follower I use to have that, otherwise they step on everything!).

Aww, after all that trouble, that Vigilant by the bridge still detected them. Probably because of Kharjo, since Aravi had already walked past him.

I see Aravi does not bother trying to calm the Huskies. I guess cats really do not like dogs!

I liked the semi-twilight, cloudy sky in lonely path. I see you have the footsteps mod installed!

Light and Shadow is another great closeup of Aravi, Love how it puts half of her face in darkness.

Well she tried her best to spare them, but it turned into a messy fight anyway. That’s a tough situation with traps, pools of light, and enemies spread out but still able to hear when a fuss kicks up nearby. Oops, there went Volk. It was fun to see Kharjo summon J’Renrij and charge across the bridge while Aravi did some shooting.

High Hrothgar is a wonderful picture. It captures that feeling of arrival after the long climb, and the light anticipates the warmth waiting inside. Plus it’s just beautiful to look at.

But Light and shadow is my favorite. I just love it.

Aravi certainly proves to be a wise apprentice to the art of shouting. The Grey Beards are proud! Lonely path is such a sexy screen! I love it!

Light and Shadow:Dat Graphic! I absolutely adore the texture here. And Aravi's face in that helmet is so damn cute! UGGH!


Aravi against the brain-washed/seduced/charmed/ Vigilantes. Hehe, to quote Acadian, I had a kick out of seeing her throw the green balls of lucky charms to already charmed vigilantes. Too bad that it didn't last, and she had to resort to some sword action. Oh and gotta love that crossbow . It was quite the fight, but blood was shed, as always I'm afraid. Looking forward to more!

Thanks Elisabeth!

@Acadian: That’s a funny way of putting it, though not inaccurate. If she was a little better at sneaking, or a little more skilled in magic she could have maybe done it. I’m glad you liked those two screens, she often follows a path others cannot follow her on. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: The High Hrothgar one looks cool, but you are so right about the first one.

Heh, as long as they don’t see her they are pretty nice.

Aravi checked out that wall carefully and there wasn’t anything but packed dirt. Everyone was hostile; Aravi was using calm spells to get passed anyone she could. It didn’t always work. Thanks mALX!

@SubRosa: I loved taking the crossbow, so much like the shotty traps! I’m pretending Kharjo jumped over the crates, he’s actually got Light Step though. He has a few other perks too. Acadian I know you’re reading this, keep your shirt on.

Kharjo was a tad too slow coming across the bridge, usually Aravi’s seen before he is otherwise. Lol, she did try hitting the huskies, she just missed them pretty spectacularly.

Glad you like those two screens, High Hrothgar has some really cool lighting to work with. Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: I figured that bridge wasn’t going to go well, but she tried to get through anyways. J’Renrij was a lot of fun to see running down to attack! He usually just gets in the way.

With the lighting the way it was in High Hrothgar, and the two moons in the sky, it was the perfect picture. It followed the previous picture very well. I like the high contrast in light and shadow. Very fun to play with. Thanks Grits!

@LL: Elven armor is the best for screens! With the ears free, it looks very natural for Khajiit as well.

Charming the charmed! It is funny to think of it that way. Too bad Aravi’s was less powerful than the vampires, though they seem to be masters at that. The crossbow is a very satisfying weapon to use. Thanks LL!

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Florentius is found imprisoned, but otherwise unharmed. His… ‘condition’ seems to be unrelated to his experience here.

7:37

Minorne(book)


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Screens!
Blood and gold

Dragon

A good shot

Burns

Oh gosh, these screens are tough to decide amongst for a favorite! "Dragon" has to win for action, that (shield spell?) looks awesome, it looks like the dragon can't get through it! "A good shot" has to win for Aravi cuteness, LOVE that shot of her!

I am absolutely loving these quests to recruit Dawnguard they are so much fun! Nice loot in this one, and I' loved Florentius's "Thank you, I owe you and Arkay..." and the second Aravi tells him how he can pay her back he immediately changes his tune, ROFL! Awesome vid and update!

Oh I really liked this vid! A neat dungeon and I loved Aravi and Kharjo together. When she used that shout, I think she singed his cape! Awww, she healed him before healing herself and his dialogue after being healed just never gets old.

Florentius. Hmm, he and Arkay seem like tight mates. Either that or Florentius has a divine screw loose. Who ever heard of having a voice in your head that talks to you?

Great to be back outside. Stars and northern lights. What a pretty night.

Wonderful screens! Blood and gold, and Burns both have fabulous lighting effects. Neat shielding Aravi has going vs Dragon. And luvs Aravi’s paw wraps, loin cloth and little ‘kini top in good shot.

This Minorne sounds like trouble. A vamp no doubt.

They sure are getting riled up over whatever is in that cage. I am sure Aravi's frenzy spell is not going to settle them down any either!

Aravi better drink some healing potions!

Well there you have it, a soft word shout and the knife in the back will get you more than soft word...

So it was Florentius in the cage. I wonder why the vamps were keeping him alive?

I loved his little conversation with Arkay. I agree, Arkay does not seem like the kind of person you would just ignore!

A nice double-band aurora at the end.

Blood and gold was a wonderful closeup. The firelight really bathes her in a nice warm light. The blood bathes her in a... less so warm aspect.

Dragon was just plain creepy. That thing looks terrifying!

Good Shot is also a nice, happy Aravi pose. She looks so satisfied with herself!

Screens first: Aww, I just love Blood and gold. That light is beautiful.

What a striking view of a dragon from Aravi’s level! I’m so glad they made the dragons not have six limbs. They look so graceful in the air and so much more menacing on the ground this way. I’ve never given much thought to Wards, but Aravi would be in a tough spot there without it!

Aravi looks so pleased in Good shot! And Burns indeed. The down side of not wearing boots. Yikes!


Woo, what an end for Minorne! I love Aravi’s jump onto the stairs to try to Shout over Kharjo. She was adorable with the healing after she scorched him.

Florentius is hilarious. “Look, I’ve just gotten myself out of quite a mess here…” I suppose with Arkay talking into one ear he might have lost his perspective.

What a beautiful night afterward. No dragons or full moons in the sky.

@mALX: In the dragon picture it’s a ward spell! It’ll totally block magical damage while it’s up and increases armor rating some.

I thought that was pretty funny too, ‘look at the mess I just got myself out of.’ Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: I’m not sure how badly that fire shout hurt him, so it’s good that Aravi made sure she ended to him when she was done with the vampire.

It’s easy to see why Isran didn’t want the guy! I kind of wonder how he earned Gunmar and Sorine’s respect though.

You always like Aravi’s little Bosmer clothes don’t you? Thanks Acadian!

@SubRosa: Aravi was trying to miss whatever was in the cage with her frenzy spell.

I kind of wondered why they kept him alive too. I think his ‘condition’ kept him from being charmed like the rest, but why keep him around? He is a hilarious character though isn’t he?

Blood is usually warm. I know what you mean. I’m sure Teresa knows what Aravi’s feeling in Good Shot. Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: I really liked the red and gold colors in blood and gold, I’m glad you like them too. Wards are not useful until you’ve selected a few restoration perks, that makes their cost go down. Having some items that reduce spell cost helps further.

She tried to shout over Kharjo, too bad she wasn’t completely successful! I agree on Florentius, he’s so funny! Thanks Grits!

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This dungeon is unrelated to Dawnguard, just one that Aravi and Kharjo got into on their way north to continue the Dawnguard quests. I’m skipping part one just for the sake of time, but I liked this video too much to skip. The story behind the dungeon is a necromancer’s husband was in the Imperial legion. When he was killed in the Great War, she vowed to kill everyone involved with an undead army.


Link

11:32

Imperial Condolences

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Screens!
A powerful ritual

Draugr

Ending the ritual One and Two (mass paralysis is the spell scroll she used)

The Beast

Recovery

Ansilvund. I remember that one. Dawnbreaker will certainly come in handy in this dungeon!

Aravi had better watch her step in that big room, or she might become a roasted kitty!


I see Aravi has done the first Potema quest! That was really neat.

Great action pick with the flaming draugr.

That looks like Emperor Palpatine in the second mass paralysis pic!

Poor Aravi in the last pic, laying all cold and alone in the snow. The wolf footprints leading up to her are a wonderful touch!

A necromantic dungeon! I really enjoy watching Aravi and Kharjo at work. It was nice of those freed souls to give Avavi a thank you gift. Seeing her dancing around with her new sword looked like she was having as much fun as an elf with a new pair of shoes!

A powerful collection of action shots, complete with magic and light effects. Very impressive.

I’m with SubRosa on that last screen. Awww. And the wolfprints were neat indeed.

I love these screens

Those ritual shots were spectacular! Was that Potema’s? I guess my favorite has to be the paralysis one, what a great shot!


GAAAAH! After you killed that necromancer, there was a little box with an arrow in it showing you something was there quest related! Aravi looked at it twice, then went through a door instead!

This dungeon looks Awesome! Lots of jerky camera movement though, I think you are trying to show us what Aravi is seeing/doing in first person - hard on the eyes in a vid. If you can do that kind of thing in 3rd person maybe, or just slow those movements it won’t leave the viewer feeling motion sickness from the vids.

Oh, what a cool blade! I heard it disappears if left in houses or if you try to mount it on a weapons stand, tell Aravi to keep it on her person, lol.

I loved this update, this dungeon was exciting!

Florentius is found imprisoned, but otherwise unharmed. His… ‘condition’ seems to be unrelated to his experience here.

Ohh! So this Florentius fellow is a devour Arkay worshiper, eh? Quite the fanatic . And Minorne gets stabbed in the back! In a literal sense too after begging for mercy, hehee.

"You want sword? You want it in your belly? No? Then you stop charming vigilantes!"

Minorne(book)
Love-sick puppy writings! Hahaha!

Blood and gold

Hehe. I like her grin here. Cute Aravi! With Blood and gold!

Dragon
Scary! Never seen this one before. Then again, I don't play Dragonborn characters. Is he modded?

A good shot
The "good shot," and Aravi's pose and expression is evidence enough that her arrow went home. And she has that "hell yeah I did it again," look on her face! Priceless!

Burns
I bet it does! Awesome!


Link
Awesome dungeon, kick-butt blade! Scary Draugr popping out of their sarcophagus'. Aravi and Dawnbreaker? Perfect match. Aravi, warrior of the Dawnguard, wielder of the Dawnbreaker, slayer of vampires. Ultimate Lycanthropic Khajiiti hero!


Imperial Condolences
Well, that sucks. Her husband died off province and I guess she trying to retaliate with necromancy. Seems legit though. I can't blame her. The war has cost too many lives, but of course, there is a limit.


The Beast
Beautiful, isn't she? Behold! The power! Of fur!

Recovery
Heh . . .those wild mornings again, eh? Better come prepared next time with some extra clothes and a shirt . . .

Poor Aravi . . .sometimes Lycanthropy is just a mess!

I like that skeleton with the lockpick right in front of the gate. It’s a reminder of why everyone in Skyrim doesn’t go wandering through the tombs. (I don’t know if anyone else had this, but there was a strange hiccup at about 2:20.)

That is such a neat chamber with the fire traps! Oh wow, and then the place filled up with draugr.

There were so many exciting fights in this video! I’ve never seen a fire storm. Aravi remembers to use her scrolls! Yikes, what a close call that was against the necromancer.

LOL, Kharjo. “You ready to get going?” He’s very composed.

I remember the story of Fjori and Holgeir. I love a sword that comes with a romantic ghost story.


That ritual screen is fantastic! What a great view of the ritual, and there’s Aravi about to go into the thick of it. That’s my favorite one.

The draugr one looks so neat with little bits of stuff flying around! And Aravi’s swords look especially cool.

Mass paralysis was a great idea. She sure got their attention while she was using the scroll.

The beast and Recovery shots work so well together. I love the footprints. Aravi has a lot to deal with.

What a great set of screens. I loved them!

Yup, me too. I thought it was just me, but maybe not. . .

That wasn't there before... crap, probably not worth replacing the video at this point.