Vid- Wow, Aravi really kicked some butt! I know Vilkas is probably a werewolf also (aren’t all or almost all of the Companions?) but it was encouraging that she could take an ally with her without eating him. Perhaps she might be able to take Kharjo with her at some point?

Screens- ‘Another thief’ – Aravi’s dual wielding a sword and staff! ‘It’s personal’ is a great action shot! ‘More progress on the house’ - it really is coming along well and looks like a great location. Oh I think Grits’ name of Aravi Manor is a keeper!

Psst, I'll come back tomorrow to give an update!

It's late at night and I have to wake up 5:00 AM. Can't wait to continue to see what Aravi's up to.

More progress on the house, eh? I love Aravi's clothes here. Simple, down-to-Nirn attire! She's gone full farmer. Oh man, staff and sword? Now she's going to kick even more "boat", hahaha. I love it.

The Silver Hand attacked! Not good. It's up to the Circle to prove Lycanthropic dominance is absolute. Revenge is only nescessary, I believe. Too bad the old man is now trapped in the Hunting Grounds, hiding from Hircine when he should be running naked and free through the forests and whatnot. But hey, nobody is perfect .

Seeing Aravi rampaging through victims in her lupine form is most satisfying, but one must wonder . . .does she want to spend her afterlife in the wilderness of the Hunting Grounds killing victims for sport for eternity?

@SubRosa: I loved that trap sending that Silver Hand flying! Her last wolf out was pretty small, so she let it out again. These Silver Hand are supposed to specialize in killing werewolves and stuff anyways. Funny you said pinkie, that’s part of why Aravi roars all the time. Detect life is one of several effects it has.

The new Aravi is already in the 60’s for one handed! She’s blazing through the perks!

Time she put Kharjo to work!
Khajiit will shoulder some of your burden. Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: Kharjo’s dismissal was a bit annoying. If I knew ahead of time what was going to happen I could have prepared for it. Of course, if Kharjo was along, Aravi couldn’t have let the wolf out. It was comical watching Vilkas sprinting after that guy with his claymore. Just before 5 mins, batting that guy aside to, ugh, eat?

The staff she used against the thief was a paralysis staff!

You’ll see soon the wings she puts on. Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: She will never take a non-werewolf with her when she transforms. That’s the way it works. She isn’t going to risk Kharjo with that.

Aravi Manor, lol. It’s definitely turning into a manor! It’s quite a large house. Thanks Acadian!

@LL: The blacksmithing apron seemed more appropriate for building a house than wearing full armor, or even a dress of some type.

I haven’t thought much about Aravi’s afterlife, do Khajiit have a predetermined place to go to? Like the Nords have Sovngarde. I do feel like Hircine’s hunting grounds would be… unsuitable for Aravi. She’s more solitary, not really a run with the pack sort of person. Plus, she wouldn’t want to be someone’s hound anyways. Thanks LL!

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

Aravi and Vilkas return to Whiterun and attend Kodlak’s funeral.

6:27

Kodlak’s Journal

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

Aravi has a friend to help take care of the house when she’s away

That’s a follower I randomly downloaded several months ago from the Steam Workshop and only now remembered that she was in my game. Her name is Vajhira.

Aravi’s library tower

Adding a greenhouse

Are you done yet?

Night sky

Afterlives in the ES vary from person. If one serves a Daedric Prince and ties their soul to them, they risk going to the realm to serve. Sheogorath claimed the souls of madman in some of the ingame books, Malacath does claim his own Orcs too, Nords obviously go to Sovngarde, Nightingales take a trip to Evergloam. Etc.

Yes, it is implied Khajiit's go to Azura's realm when they die. Moonshadow. The inhabitants of Azura's realm are made up mostly of Khajiits. Aravi would like to go there, it makes people half-blind but it's a beautiful land of rose flowers, waterfalls, a city of silver. It has a jade moon and the wind smells as perfume.

The Hunting Grounds, on the other hand, as bloody tributaries, large african savanna's with wild cattle, canyons and large forests full of werebears at day and werewolves at night. It's of course, a savage place. Lycanthropes have the upper hand here. But I do agree with you. Aravi wouldn't want to spend her afterlife killing everyone and anyone who ventures into those lands. Besides, werewolves are solitary creature and few in Skyim roam in packs, but in the Hunting Grounds, the solitary ones might as well be the hunted ones since they're vulnerable.

Azura happily welcomes mortals to her realm. It's not to say that Hircine doesn't "laugh with welcoming arms" as his own children are brought into his presence, but those ungifted/cursed with Lycanthropy are normally game. Unless they can somehow turn the tables and . . .get in Hircine's goodside. And then ask for Lycanthropy . Azura's realm is locked away from the mortal world though unless some serious arcane magic is involved. If Aravi wants to spend her eternity in a palace and a swimming in beautiful perfumed waterfalls, then she better have a plan B if she's still a werewolf.

Onto the update.

Kodlak's journal:Love his journal here. This is a cultured man with honor and glory in his eyes. A man with vision. Quite literatly. I find it interesting how that black wolf Hircine's always running around with pulls people to the Hunting Grounds, but I also llke Tsun's mentioned in the book and how he beckons him to go to Sovngarde. We also get some information on the Circle. How Aela and Skjor choose to live as warriors of the wild and embrace their Lycanthropy while the others are either trying to get rid of it or undecided. Judging by the dialogue ingame, this causes some problems between the members and petty bickering. I wonder what Aravi has to say in this matter. She seems to be the one Kodlak trusts enough. The perfect candidate.


Screens:Oh my look at that tower! I envy Aravi! That is truly a manor. The patio area looks large and truly unique! And the Greenhouse? All sorts of alchemical plants and potions for her herb needs. And once again she looks onto the moons! Symbolic for both werewolves and Khajiits. Who better to take care of the house than another Khajiit? i heard they make great cooks

I will comment on the video when I have more time, but I need to get out the door! I'm late!

Video:

I notice from Aravi's dialogue choices that she seems less than enthusiastic with the Companions, or perhaps with her own wolf-blood. I wonder if finding Kodlak's journal will do anything to change her mind? At least I assume that the game is pointing her to Kodlak's quarters so that she can read it.

A daedra heart and a bottle of wine. Sounds like lunch was ready!

So now we begin to see the story of Kodlak. I think Aravi must feel some sympathy for him, given that he too was not happy with being a werewolf. And now it is off to Ysgarmor's Tomb! Several of my characters have stumbled upon it, but obviously have never been able to do anything there.

Vajhira is cute. And well dressed too!

The tower looks neat! And I see Kharjo is drinking up all of Gerdur and Hod's mead! (not really, but I always remember that from accompanying Ralof back to Riverwood)

Aravi looks very cool silhouetted against the night sky.

The funeral was sad. More so because Kodlak wanted a simple wish and he didn't get it. And this was right after Aravi chopped off some witches head, too! I echo Subrosa. I wonder if Aravi will be inspired or touched by Kodlak's journal and decide if she wants to keep her Lycanthropy or cure it . . .though she would have to deal with her vampire problem, right? It is a dilemma here for her. Die, and spend eternity hunting people down for food and sport on Hircine's side, or cure yourself, risk turning into a vampire if ever coming across one.

There is hope at least for Kodlak though, as his spirit resides in Ysgramor's tomb! I cannot wait to see what unfolds as Aravi undertakes this journey!

Vid: A very neat Nordic funeral. I enjoyed reading Kodlak’s Journal and it shed some light on how the Companions feel about their blessing/curse. I was fascinated by the paths they might take after death. Thanks for linking to the Journal.

Screens: I like the new house cat! Wow, Aravi Manor is really coming along well. Kharjo seems more than ready for the project to be completed. The fabulous night sky with twin moons makes a perfect backdrop for the beautiful Aravi.

Can't watch the vids, but did get the screens open (SLOW progress!) 1st set - "It's Personal" is my fave, almost a close tie with the first screen. Loved both !!! Like seeing Aravi building her house!



As much as I love "Night Sky," there is no way it can compete with "Are you done yet?" - that is my all time absolute favorite of all time !!! You can see Aravi's irritation with Kharjo's drinking and possible dangling after that bosommed waitress, ROFL !!!!!!

I hate to spam your thread, but you may find this interesting. To answer your question, King:



Ah ha! Aravi is now going to go on a rescue for Kodlak's soul! Eh? Poor guy must have his behind bitten by the hounds by now. I find myself wondering if she'll decided to cure herself . . .hmm . . .

I enjoyed watching her recent werewolf attacks and rampages! Will she forsake all those divine powers and see it as a curse? Only time will tell . . .or maybe you can, King Coin

I love Kodlak’s journal. Aravi did not seem overly anxious to take it, but maybe curiosity about his plans won her over. I got the sense that she had not spent much time in Kodlak’s chambers.

What a neat scene in the Underforge. I’m sure Aravi will be more enthusiastic about cleansing Kodlak’s spirit than she will be about hauling that great big axe around with her.

Vajhira looks quite elegant and capable! I’m sure she will be a good addition to Team Aravi. Yay, a library tower, and the garden looks like it’s coming along nicely. I just love the greenhouse wing.

Night sky is lovely, but Aravi’s expression and posture in Are You Done Yet takes the prize. I will be giggling for a long time over that one! What is Kharjo’s armor? I’m drawing a complete blank. (Sorry if I’ve asked before and now can’t remember. It’s been a very long day.) Gosh, that picture is so great!

@LL: Thanks for the information. Other than the blind part, Azura’s realm sounds pretty nice. Perhaps mortal souls aren’t affected as those with a body still. Who knows?

I really enjoyed finding that journal, and it moved Aravi. She doesn’t know what to think on the Kodlak’s plan to make her Harbinger. She doesn’t fit in with the culture of the place, which is why she was gone for so long.

The house is actually quite a bit of fun to make, even if the mechanics are simplistic. She’s nearing the end of construction on it, and it may even rival Vera’s home. It certainly is in better repair. I always love a pretty moon shot.

Aravi felt that way as well. He had one wish and it was taken from him. You will see what she decides. Thanks LL!

@SubRosa: Aravi was subdued after the funeral. She was mourning, and she was thinking of her situation as well.

Daedra heart: Lol

I added Vajhira for just that reason! She uses a different voice type from the other Khajiit women. It took a bit getting used to.

Kharjo can be difficult to pull from a warm fire and drink at times.

That night sky one was my favorite. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: I liked what they did for Kodlak. Simple, but meaningful. Aravi has half of the final wing built almost. She still has some furniture to build inside, but other than that it is very close to being done. I love that screen of her and the moons. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: Showing screens of the house is the best way. Doing a video would be very… boring. Lol. I thought you would love ‘are you done yet?’ She’s ready to go and Kharjo’s still got half a mug left! Thanks mALX!

@DE: Thanks for some of the text there. Azura’s realm sounds to be the best place she could end up, and Hircine’s one of the less desirable. You will see Aravi’s decision on the beast blood shortly. Thanks DE!

@Grits: Aravi spent very little time with the companions, she did not feel like she fit with them. She wasn’t sure what to expect from Kodlak’s journal and was hesitant to read his thoughts, though she was glad she did later.

Team Aravi! Vajhira traveled with Aravi for a while before she was able to hunt down Kharjo’s caravan and get him. She was quite capable. Aravi wanted to keep her around even when she caught up with Kharjo.

Glad you liked ‘are you done yet?’ My original intent was to have Aravi leaning against the counter next to him, but I couldn’t find that idle. Chose a random one and well… it was perfect! Kharjo’s just in steel plate armor. It looks different because I’m running a texture pack. Thanks Grits!

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

Aravi travels with the other Companions to Ysgramor's Tomb, the original leader of the companions, to help release Hircine’s hold on Kodlak’s spirit.

8:20

Note: One of the quests before Aravi’s second werewolf hunt was to kill and collect the heads of the original witches that cursed the first companions to be werewolves. I skipped the quest in the videos because it just wasn’t very interesting. But that’s where they come from.

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

Screens!
More fishing. Just a quick warning, she’s nude and you can see her rear and the side of her breast. You can’t actually see any of her important bits, so I thought it would be ok to post. If anyone is offended, just PM me and I’ll remove it.

Swimming

Blood in the sky

Crossbow lessons

Wake up!

"Blood in the Sky" is my favorite, that is gorgeous! I've never seen that phenom, is that part of a quest/questline? And where is the place Kharjo is sleeping? I've never seen that in any of the houses before! Awesome shots, all of them! Will watch the vids as soon as I get someway to, and Awesome update!!!

Vid: What a noble endeavor to help free the spirit of Kodlak so he goes to the eternity of his choice! Aela’s reaction to Aravi now being the Harbinger went from ‘Huh ’ to ‘Oh, well that’ll be okay - I guess,’ to an actual kind word or two for our feline heroine. I was holding my breath as Aravi debated her decision about using another witch’s head to be rid of her own curse.

Screens: Love the nekkid shot of Aravi. Please thank her for overcoming her natural modesty enough to show us those beautiful spots and markings she has. Swimming – who says cats don’t like water? Blood in the sky was the best of all worlds: great profile of Aravi, wonderfully scenic and rugged mountains and a beautiful sky. Heh, I see Kharjo turning his back on the crossbow stuff. Oh, and he seems like a sound sleeper as well!

I am so freaking offended by Aravi's nude photo. Seriously, why the hell would you even bother to post something so explicit? You could've warned me. I was using the main desktop and there were children in the room and I was even going to show off Skyrim's graphics on the PC and when I clicked the photo, I got in trouble because her backside was exposed and half her breast was showing. It was totally unescessary and I just lost tons of respect for you, King Coin. I really did.

I have a few comments on the actual video, which I must say, is much more satisfying.



















Haha, gotcha didn't I? I don't think anyone would be offended by the photo. I'm sure not offended and don't worry, there were no kids around, hehe. Who says Khajiit have to wear clothes all the time anyway? The pic was natural, primal and wild and sort of exotic. I love it. If anyone objects, I shall report you for having horrible taste .

Blood in the Sky was a beautiful picture. It's lovely and it looks like a bad omen of sorts. As if the sky was bleeding and the outcome would be the same for those below. And ah, you tease us with another arm shot of Aravi covering her "important bits," you jerk! I did like the pic because it has a fish in it too, and I can see Aravi licking her lips.

I didn't like the fact that the Witches of Glenmoril had to be so groteque. Sure, the ones in Skyrim made sense, but you encounter the same witches in Solshteim who are part of the Glenmoril coven . . .and they went from beautiful women into Hagravens. Yuck. But I suppose that's how the story goes for these women.

It was good to see Aravi kill off some Warrior Spirits. Their raspy voices were indeed creepy, and I can imagine being surrounded by once great warriors . . .who are now dead but still hanging around. And we reach Kodlak at the end . . .who knew so many other Harbingers were "trapped" in Hircine's realm. Terryfig! I wonder if he would want to go back to Sovngarde. The fight between Aravi and Kodlak's inner beast was fun to watch, and Aravi emerged victorious in the end . . .

This "Harrowing of the Hunting Grounds" would make for a perfect DLC! Where we visit Hircine's realm(if we do go there, I hope it's the size of the Shivering Isles). But it's as if they can just walk into Hircine's domain and take his property away .

We can see Kodlak in Sovngarde after this quest is completed, but Alduin is flying around and poor Kodlak is fearing his life. "Should've of went with Hircine . .."

Big crawly ones? Spiders I take it. Euugh.

Companion Ghosts? That cannot be good.

Are you using the 1.8 patch? Because since then I have been able to pick up skill books without reading them automatically.

So Aravi was able to free Kodlak's spirit after all. That was nice. Aela was certainly no help. In fact, the other Companions were all pretty useless.

I was wondering if Aravi would cure her lycanthropy or not. Looks like she is going to wait, at least for a bit. Maybe until after she has dealt with Harkon?

Isn't it interesting that there is a Shield of Ysgarmor, and a two handed Axe of his too? How are you supposed to use them both?

More fishing was more gruesome than anything else. That's a lot of blood!

Swimming was a lot nicer to look at. Eye to eye with an Abeacean Longfin?

A red sun rises, blood has been spilled this night. At least that is what that twilight pic had me thinking.

After the last pic at the bar, wake up was funny. It looks like Aravi is nagging poor Kharjo already, and they are not even married yet!

@ DE - ROFL !!! I didn't fall for it, not from you, lol !!

Gosh, Farkas, Aravi’s not a fan of the big crawly ones either. Fun to see Aela with a shield. Not Aela’s best day ever, even though she had some big talk at the end. It seemed a little rude for her to mention maggots in a tomb!

Aela took the news well, and the boys waiting out in the lobby shouldn’t have any complaints about their new Harbinger either. Wow, Aravi seemed very tempted to throw another witch head on the fire. She is definitely a reluctant werewolf. What does she think about the Harrowing idea, if they could somehow manage to storm the Hunting Grounds? She does not seem very connected to the Companions and their culture, but she has been drawn into helping people before.

Oh wow, Wall of Storms!! I’ve never seen that spell before. I love that shield, but it is gigantic even for a Nord. Too bad Ysgramor didn’t leave behind a pair of really long daggers. Thank you for that great look at Aravi in her cloak and furs at the end.


Wake up is a fun picture. I like to see Aravi and Khaj doing mundane things together. Now that Khajiit likes to Sneak song is in my head again. Khajiit likes to sleep! Blood in the Sky is my favorite, though. Just beautiful!

@mALX: Blood in the Sky: I haven’t seen it that red before. It was kind of chilling. No it wasn’t part of a quest, but it feels like it should be. It just so happened though that Aravi was headed to the Dawnguard fort. Speaking of which, that is where Kharjo is snoozing at. There’s a room full of cots that everyone can use. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: To be honest, Aravi would rather not be Harbinger. She would have been happy to hand that responsibility to someone else and all but does.

Aravi always has to pull a couple of slaughterfish out of that lake before she can get a good swim. The sky one was beautiful, but almost scary with how red it was. Oddly enough, Kharjo prefers the crossbow and Aravi that has stuck with regular bows. Thanks Acadian!

@DE: Ok you almost had me with that.

Aravi would certainly be wearing clothes if there were other people around! As Acadian mentioned, she’s pretty modest.

You really hit how Aravi was feeling with Blood in the Sky. She was on the way to Fort Dawnguard when she saw that.

That’s interesting about the witches. Would Hircine’s Hunting grounds have any cities in it like the SI does? Thanks DE!

@SubRosa: Yes, spiders. Aela got to handle those mostly on her own. Lol.

This was made well before patch 1.8. I don’t know how you pick up books without reading them even with 1.8. Not that I care really. If there’s a skill to be had, I want it!

She decided to hang onto her curse. One evil over another I suppose. It probably would have gone the other way without Harkon.

With the shield and axe, I suppose that’s so there is something for (almost) everyone.

With the fishing screen, it put a decal down every time the fish hit the ground. I could have painted the ground! In the swimming screen, I have no idea what fish that is, I just thought it was cute to have Aravi like that. She did have to pull Kharjo out of bed in the last one! Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: I never thought of Aela’s maggot comment like that. Definitely rude. And something perfectly Nord if Jerric’s anything to judge by.

Aravi isn’t interested in the Harrowing idea. As you noted, she isn’t very connected with the Companions or with Nord culture for that matter. She doesn’t want to go to the Hunting Grounds either, but she needs the protection of the beast blood. Maybe she will come back when the vampires are done.

I thought that was a silly moment, Aravi pulling Kharjo out of bed. I like your adaptation of that song. Thanks Grits!

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

Done with the Companions, Aravi waits for Kharjo’s caravan to appear near Dawnstar. Not one to sit still for long, she looks around the surrounding area.

8:32

##########################
Screens! (Sorry, there were just so many that I liked!)
First, I have to show Aravi Manor

Fighting mages

Aravi’s been rolling heads too

Pleeeease?

A quiet word

Slicing throats One & Two

Still can't view the vids, but will catch up on them when I return. On the screens:

"Aravi’s been rolling heads too" - Hilarious! Loved this screen! Torn for favorite with both "Pleeeease?" and "A quiet word." Awesome shots !!!

Waiting for Kharjo and, naturally, Aravi gets into mischief without supervision. Serana seemed a little. . . confused? Perhaps out in the daylight too long. I was reaching for my furs – you really captured the frigid weather, brrrr. Down go the bandit thugs then Aravi slips out of the icy wind into a ruin (Mizlechutz? ) with an assortment of baddies ranging from thugs to falmer to dwemer mechanical space balls. That crossbow looks pretty handy.

The screens are great. Aravi Manor looks fabulous and I simply adore everything about ‘Pleeeease?’.

We don't have much information on Hircine's realm other than it has different geographical regions; savannah, canyons, a giant forest and rivers. So we can assume it's mostly all wildlife with a few camps here in between, since one character was said to have been kept there for a number of years by Hircine.

Now! Aravi has some killer decapitation moves! She's brutal! It must be the Beast in her

Aravi's manor is pretty big. I don't know if it's big as Vera's though . Kidding.

Badass mage fight! And who can resist Aravi's Puss-In-Boots kitty face?

So, since she's done with the Companions, will she chill with Aela and go searching for the werewolf artifacts/totems? I always laugh when seeing Aela worship the stones and the totems. Damn pagan! I love her

Poor Aravi in that cold weather. Nothing like the warmth of Cyrodiil or the sands of Elsweyr, but at least she's clothed. She also made quick work of those bandits, too! Nice to see her still kicking booty while looting booty. I am so jelly! She uses a crossbow! I bet they are so effective against those Dwemer . . .and imagine a dwemer crossbow! *drools*

Good update!

With 1.8 when you click on a skill book all it does is pick it up, the same as with any other object in the game world. You have to go to your inventory and click on it there to actually read it. I avoid reading the skill books for things I do not use, because they still contribute to leveling up. So I love it. I actually stopped picking up the books for the skills I do not want, and just left them behind all the time. In other games that is good, but in the ES games leveling up too quickly is always bad. I found a mod that helps, but adding in the skill that every one effects into it the book name.

An ice wraith. I always have trouble hitting them with melee weapons.

Hey, that's Mazeltov right? I remember that ruin. With all the bandits outside. Is that the one that Mjoll left her sword inside of?

Ahh, some crossbow action. They reload pretty quickly. A lot faster than in the real world, that is for sure! When I get back to Skyrim, maybe my next character will try using one.

Wow, Aravi makes a mess. Are you using an extra blood mod?

Dwarven Spheres. Those things are nasty. I don't think they have any weaknesses, do they?

Level 40. I have never seen that on a character!

Wow, fighting mages is colorful! I am guessing Aravi has a ward up, and I think the Argonian does too.

Aravi Manor is big! I love how the towers look. I have read that with a certain combination of rooms, you get a 2nd floor walkway that wraps around the entire building. She has been busy.

The Please pic is just adorable. It makes me wonder what Aravi is getting Kharjo into next!

Gosh, poor Dibella looks chilly up there even if she is just a statue. That was great timing for a Serana encounter.

Oh my goodness, while waiting for Kharjo Aravi decides to take on every bandit in the Pale! That was a great spot for a Frenzy spell. And with a massive Dwemer ruin right there, of course she took a peek inside! When she got to the Depths, I could almost hear Kharjo say By the twin moons… She is going to have to shoulder her own burdens with all of that good metal to be scavenged. Yikes, Falmer.

*
Oh, you got the hawk in your picture of Aravi Manor! I like how she left the roof off of the Alchemy Tower for a better lake view. It never crossed my mind to do that. Her new home looks great.

I love the colors in the mage battle and Slicing Two. Invisibility looks so pretty.

I’m with mALX, can’t choose between “Pleeeease?” and “A quiet word.” I just love Aravi’s expression in both of those. (And I’m drooling over the detail in Kharjo’s armor!)

*

Maxical

Happy Saturalia Aravi and Kharjo!!!!

*

Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: When is Aravi not getting into trouble? I had heard that you can sometime run into Serana on the road, but I was surprised to see her still. The crossbow is pretty fun. The variety of things to fight really makes that an interesting dungeon. ‘Pleeeese’ is one of my absolute favorites. Aravi looks so adorable. Thanks Acadian!

@LL: Oh I’m sure Vera’s place is bigger, but Aravi’s is in better repair I think.

Aravi has been doing a lot of decapitations lately. I wonder if it is the beast that is making her more brutal.

The cold doesn’t bother her very much anymore. Her fur has thickened and she’s gotten used to the chill. She dresses appropriately for colder climates as well. Thanks LL!

@SubRosa: My game still reads the skill books… Odd. I am updated as well.

Yep that’s the Mjoll ruin. Despite what the game says, I am pretty sure that the crossbows reload faster than most of the standard bows in the game.

I am using a mod that adds more blood. I like messier fights. I’m not sure about the Dwemer automations. Aravi’s just smashed them.

Mage fight: Yep, both have wards up. Aravi’s found them useful against archers, mages, and dragons.

Pleeease: Poor Kharjo isn’t going to be able to say no to whatever Aravi is getting them into either! Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: Well, not every bandit. Close though. Frenzy was so useful. Even if you can’t get the big guys to turn, you can usually slow them down enough with all the little guys that they are easy to finish off. A big ruin like that, a peek wouldn’t hurt right? Aravi hates falmer and their pets. She isn’t going to like this next part.

It took me so long to find the hawk. You’ve got good eyes. She didn’t want both of the towers to look exactly the same, so leaving the roof off of one was good enough.

I don’t see how those two screens are in contest; ‘pleeeease’ is just too cute. ‘A quiet word’ almost didn’t make it. I moved it to the recycle bin, and then rescued it. I guess that was a good decision. Thanks Grits!

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

Aravi continues through the Dwemer ruin. She misses Kharjo’s help.

8:10
#############################
Screens! Going to be out of town for a while, so I won’t have nearly as many screens next time.

About to die. He shouldn't have shot her with that arrow.

Slice! One and Two

Dragon battle

Khajiit like to sneak

He’ll never wake

Troll way

A service I never knew the Khajiit caravans provided:
Back rubs! One and Two

Ugh, Falmer. Never a good sign when your primary scan instrument becomes a shrinking red life bar! We could see right away what a gap Kharjo’s absence creates. Yikes! Dwemer space balls again! At least that big Dwarven Centurian contraption forgot how to attack and decided to just stomp around looking scary (and doing a stellar job of that). I thought surely he was going to blast Aravi with steam or something. Whew, finally out into the safety of. . . a freaking blizzard!?! Can it get any worse? Oh, wait. . . what’s that familiar roar up in the sky? Aravi needs a summon Kharjo spell.

Some great screens! That nose-to-nose shot with the dragon is a wonderful look at how neat the ward effect looks. I just love Aravi in ‘Khajiit like to sneak’ – her expression, ‘kini top and loin cloth. . . .

"One" - Awesome face on Aravi in this one! Zoom in and look at that wicked expression! LOVE this shot!

Love her expression again (and dirty face from dungeon diving) in "Khajiit like to sneak" Great shot!

You had me roaring with the backrubs! Awesome update, still can't watch the vids though! "I'll be back..." (said in Arnold's voice).

Things went pear-shaped against those two Falmer pretty quickly. Yikes! Good thing she Yooled 'em to buy a little time. Whoa, even with the healing, she barely survived round 2. Like the others said, the lack of Kharjo is showing.

Looks like those Falmer were slugging it out with the Dwarf robots. That probably means more robots inside that gatehouse...

Ahh, its this place, with the big centurion. That's where Mjoll left her sword I think. Good thing those 'bots do not see Aravi. Drat! No chance of a sneak attack on the little one. Still, he went down in typical two-fisted Aravi fashion.

Crossbow time. That should do the trick. I cannot believe how overpowered they are. I think they fire quicker than the bows, and definitely do way more damage. What really stuns me is that all the crossbow mods I see on the Nexus make them even more powerful.

Got him right in the groin! That guy won't be making an little sphere centurions anymore. I don't think he ever even hurt Aravi. She certainly dealt with him easily enough, without any help from Kharjo.

All that and all you get is a Hide Shield? Aravi should have talked to Mjoll before going there, she could have gotten Grimsever instead. Though Aravi does not use two-handed swords...

Aravi is going deeper down into the depths? Good thing she has that attunement sphere. It annoys me that you have to start that Septimus quest just to get down into Blackreach. Eventually I am going to fix that with a mod. Changed her mind did she? That's probably best. I bet she has a ton of loot to sell, and Kharjo's help would be a good idea down in Blackreach.

Oh, and there's a dragon out there too!

I loved the Khajiit like the sneak pic best. It shows off Aravi in all her cute glory.

The back rub pics had me laughing. I never thought of sitting between them and the fire!

Ah, so Aravi decided to take out the two Falmer bro's with a poisoned arrow and bow. I thought they would be killed quickly, but they're too stubborn to die. And I hate those lightning attacks. But Aravi's shouts beat that anytime. Those Dwemer ruins are treacherous indeed, with all those booby traps and whatnot. But Aravi's clever, and all she has to truly worry is the Falmer and those damn Dwemer mechanics left behind by the Dwarves.

That's a big Centurion! And a master, no less, huh. Aravi took him out quicker than she did the Falmer! And a finisher to the bolts! Haha. I guess that makes Centurion a "her" now, eh?

Khajiiti backrubs, you say? Did the Adoring Fan teach them that? Ah, Forsworn made a mistake, didn't he? Sneaky Aravi with a hot armor! Oh my! And I'm digging her glass sword, too as she looks at the person who will "never wake". Hahah.

FWIW, my game has always read skill books before they can be picked up.

Video: Ugh, that’s the fight I was worried about! Those Falmer Shadowmasters are very scary. I was wishing for Kharjo with his heavy shield! I remember Big D playing tag around that fountain trying not to die while Erik the Slayer saved his butt.

I loved watching Aravi take down the Centurion. Lightly armored means light on your feet! Yikes, at the end it looked like she hit its off button. Woo hoo, daedric arrows!! It was fun to see Aravi testing her crossbow vs. ebony bow in this adventure.

Gulp. Blackreach! I’m glad Aravi decided to save that for another day. It’s good that she bundled up before heading out into that blizzard! Maybe the dragon will warm things up. Now I guess it’s time to play “Where’s Kharjo.” I’m guessing… at an inn? Beside the fire with a tankard or taking a nap?

Screens: Dragon battle looks great with that Ward! Aravi’s gear is barbarian approved. (May she always remember to keep her Ward and shield spells up! ) Sneak is my favorite. The way the Muffle spell lights up Aravi’s face is lovely. Her expression in Never Wake is another winner. Plus it’s fun to see that she has a glass sword!

The backrubs are hilarious.

Interesting. Maybe it is the mod I am using that identifies each skill a book levels up in its title?

@Acadian: It makes me glad that Kharjo’s importance was clear in this video. Aravi can handle herself… but anyone could use a little help now and then. Summon Kharjo spell! It certainly did keep going downhill there.

Glad you like Aravi’s new clothing so much! Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: Knew you would like her expression in those, she has another neat on in ‘never wake.’ Backrubs was a total surprise, but I loved it! Thanks mALX!

@SubRosa: Falmer are just plain tough for Aravi to take on, I’m not even sure what it is about them. They are just plain dangerous.

It really surprises me that people want to overpower their characters that much with those mods. It just isn’t fun then.

Kharjo would have actually made that centurion fight more difficult. Aravi was able to move as she needed to, to keep out of its reach. With Kharjo, she would have felt more obligated to stand with him and take it down.

No Blackreach, Aravi has had enough of a walk about. No more falmer!

Thanks on ‘Khajiit like to sneak!’ Even though those clothes don’t cover her much, it sure makes her cute! The backrubs were a lovely surprise for Aravi! Thanks SubRosa!

@LL: Crossbow is nice, but at the moment, the enchantment of the bow makes it stronger than the crossbow. Those damn falmer never die fast.

I hope the Khajiit never had the misfortune of meeting that little twerp. The forsworn had his head removed a second after that picture was taken. Glad you like her new clothing. Thanks LL!

@Grits: Someone else that hates the falmer as much as Aravi does! She was better able to stay ahead of the centurion without Kharjo than with. Those falmer though… he would have made that go a lot better.

Aravi’s gear is probably Jerric approved, though he’ll be distracted in battle! Backrubs were a wonderful surprise. Glad you like ‘sneak’ and never wake.’ I like all of those screens, but those were my favorite. Thanks Grits!

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I’ve been out of town, and I still am, which is why this update is late. I brought some screen shots to upload on a flash drive, and just found the flash drive had been reformatted by another device, DESPITE telling the damn thing NO! Damnit!

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Aravi waits for several days for Kharjo and his caravan to appear. She starts to worry and walks the road in hopes to run into them.

6:45

Frostbite Spider. I do not miss those things.

Kharjo is back. Yay! Kharjo feels just as much a part of Skyrim Aravi as Vilja did with Oblivion Aravi.

Back to Fort Dawnguard, and the vamp attack upon it. I got a little bit beyond this part.

The first half of this was such a beautiful backdrop and character study of Aravi. You perfectly captured her anxiety, then joyful sprint as she found the caravan with Kharjo. It was smile-inducing magic to hear his soothing and reassuring voice again. Yay!

DawnguardOldButNotStupidDude was really voiced by an insomnia-curing actor! So, it seems Aravi is off to recruit a clever, scrappy woman and a Nordic beastmaster to help fight the vamps.

First, I hope Aravi is taking Kharjo someplace warm.

Holy Cow, I was shocked they attacked in Whiterun and the only bodies I saw were the Companions! I hope the old lady didn't die! I wonder if they ever attack while the Player is there or if it is something you always come back and find? Kind of guessed Aravi's beast would be the one handling the Silver Hand, lol. Holy Cow, that one guy flew across the room! And didn't her ally get disgusted and strike her with his sword when he saw her feeding, when he himself is a werewolf? ROFL !! Awesome vid!


One of the things that thrilled me most about the Companions was their ceremonies, and they did it again with this burial pyre of Kodlak. Loved this vid, and the discussions and conviction by Vilkas that Kodlak's last wishes being met. Awesome Vid!


And now we find out why the Player character was so needed by the Companions, when the real fight begins the men wait in safety or run from spiders while the two women go on to fight! Urk! WOO HOO! We can become the Harbinger? I may have to go through the Companions questline after all, I loved Kodlak's apartment there! Love that shield, too! Great vid!


WOO HOO! Serana, where did she come from? And a combo Bandit/Falmer/Dwemer dungeon? I like that the Sentries were disposing of enemies that would have attacked Aravi too, never saw that happen before! Nice dungeon (both vids)!


Yeah, Kharjo is back! Losing him would have been like losing Vilja in Oblivion, he has become too much a part of Aravi's life to leave behind! Was he still carrying Aravi's things when she found him? The vampires attacking the Dawnguard was kind of funny. That guy sure is rude to Aravi for someone that doesn't leave the place to run these chores himself! ROFL !!! Great vid!

Caught up, Awesome vids, all of them!

Aravi’s loneliness came through with her looks at the empty campsite and snowy sky. (I just loved her little Khajiit hop over the fence. ) Snowy, unfriendly, and mostly empty woods and then Kharjo!! Aravi’s reaction when she saw the caravan really made me smile!

LOL, taking him somewhere warm sounded a little this time.

Oh, the Rift! She did take him somewhere warm.

Wow, Isran is not one for pep talks. I like the way that conversation came across despite Isran’s complete lack of charisma. Aravi knows about vampire hunting, and Isran is relying on her to build their team. He really does sound old and tired. I kept kind of gasping for breath while he was talking.

This video had the feeling of launching a new phase. Aravi’s attachment to Kharjo and his great value as a partner came through while she was alone, and they were clearly happier to be together than they were apart. I love how you manage to communicate these things. Great job, KC!

@SubRosa: Your comment on Kharjo made me very happy. Thank you SubRosa!

@Acadian: Aravi was really getting antsy there waiting for him. If she hadn’t run into him when she did, she would have walked all the way to Riften (opposite side of the map) to find him if she needed to. I’m very glad her feelings came through well. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: That Silver Hand attack happens while you are doing the previous quest. Kodlak is the only Companion that dies, the rest are Silver Hand. Vilkas wasn’t disgusted and he didn’t hit Aravi in the video. I did have to save and reload a LOT because he kept running in Aravi’s way while she was attacking, triggering the friendly attack thing. He was such a pain in the *** compared to Kharjo.

My favorite part of the funeral was finding his journal!

Spiders! Aravi hates spiders more than anything and Farkas wimps out while she deals with her fear.

Serana can be found on the roads sometimes after you escort her back to her family’s castle. Don’t know what she’s doing.

Kharjo’s back! Aravi was so happy so see him again. He still had everything, you just have to take something out of his inventory or put something in it for him to update his equipped stuff.

Thanks mALX!

@Grits: It was really surprising to Aravi how much she really missed him. She knew he would show up there eventually, but then you saw her take to the roads on her own to find him.

Glad you liked her hop over the fence. Any other character would have gone around. Not a Khajiit!

I’m glad Isran has someone as capable as Aravi! Just imagine if he had a first time vampire hunter?

I’m very pleased I was able to show their relationship changing. It’s never easy to show things like that. Thanks Grits!

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Aravi and Kharjo search the Rift and find Gunmar, the beast tamer, outside of a cave.

6:05

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Screens!

A werewolf doesn’t sleep well

Quiet moment

Running through the forests of the Rift

Post battle

Somewhere warm

I’ll join you

I like Aravi keeping watch over Kharjo sleeping, that is a real role reversal! Loved the “Running through the Rift” and “Post Battle,” but my favorite has to be “I’ll Join You” for the expressions on their faces! Awesome shots!

Oh, I am loving this Dawnguard side of the DLC! I like these quests you are being sent on! The loot in this cave was great, were there more bears below? I saw a shield spell go off below the bridge Aravi was on! Loved this vid, and this quest line! Awesome Update!

Some great scenery and vistas before finding Gunmar. ‘I’ll help if you do this task for me.’ Where have I heard that before? Kharjo’s words of warning outside that cave were prophetic. At least Gunmar seems likable and went with A&K instead of trying to send them alone to deal with that rogue bear.

Great screenshots of Aravi with her demons and with Kharjo. I really like Post Battle since it is such a nice close up of Aravi. Running through the forest was great also with its golden foliage and blue butterflies.

About damn time Aravi finds Kharjo again. The two are inseperable. It was fun to see her sprint to Kharjo, and then him comment on how warm her presence is! Aww!

Isran: "Who is she? And more importantly . . .where is she?"

Aravi: She's the daughter of a powerful vampire lord.

Isran: -_-

My exact thoughts! Aravi should've just went Hircine on them! But not even her is powerful than Bethesda's crappy writing.

Isran's voice . . .I love it! It's so damn good!

The screens are lovely. "Werewolves don't sleep well" is awesome! You can tell Aravi's upset while sitting there when Kharjo gets a good night sleep. She sure has eternal insomnia, doesn't she? I would too if I could hear a beating heart of a nearby person as loud as a battle drum or insects crawling about. Those enhanced sense of hearing can ruin anyone's night.

The "Quiet Moment," oozes with romance! It just does!

Aravi running through the wilderness was a nice one. I wonder why she's running though. The rest of the pictures are amazing, and it's good to see the pair back together!

Ah, we find Gunmar hunting a Rohugh, though his plans change when he discovers that the Dawnguard and Isran are up against the blood-sucking menace. Nice to see the team gang-up on Smokey in the cave. And nothing more satisfying than seeing a Troll set aflame . . .haha . . .I love it.

So, we're up to recruiting the talented for the Dawnguard! Hooray!

Gunmar is a pretty easy one to find. Assuming you do it right after leaving Fort Dawnguard. It looks like he is in a different place in Aravi's game than he was in mine. I found him down at the southern edge of the map. It must be a radiant quest.

Nice use of Kyne's Peace with the bear. That was probably the first shout I modded into a spell.

It's a long way down to Eastmarch!

I just love hearing everyone else's opinions of Isran. He certainly does not go out of his way to make people like him!

Well that bear did not last long. But there is a troll behind it! Where did that come from? That was a some good shooting by Aravi and Kharjo, to save Gunny from getting his face ripped off.

I have never seen anyone dual wield a sword and pickaxe before!

Lots of good stills. I really like Running Through the Forest and I'll Join You. She looks icky in that one with all the blood! Good thing she cleans up afterward!

Clearspring Tarn is so pretty! A pond with a view. It was cute how Aravi took advantage of not wearing boots to step into the edge a little.

I just love Gunmar’s voice. Lol, pickaxe?! Gunmar doesn’t need two swords! He could get that bear with a wooden spoon and a flyswatter. And two Khajiit, of course.

Yikes, Aravi doesn’t look thrilled to be up all night. How sweet that she’s resting near Kharjo while he sleeps. Quiet Moment is adorable.

This is a great group of screens! Running is just beautiful, and I love the way the healing spell picture looks.

Somewhere Warm really shows off Aravi’s spots! I really like the color in that one.

But I’ll Join You is my favorite. It’s neat because they’re relaxing with Kharjo’s old caravan, but mostly I just love the way they’re looking toward each other. Aravi’s face looks lovely the way it stands out from the shadows.

@mALX: I really like the quests in Dawnguard. I haven’t seen what the vampire ones are like, but the ones Aravi’s doing are fantastic. I can forgive some of the nonsensical things they have you do, just because it’s so fun.

Aravi couldn’t sleep in that picture so she could have decided to read or do something else. She decided to sit next to Kharjo. Maybe being next to him would calm her down enough to doze off? Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: Skyrim isn’t all freeing winds and snow! Aravi lived in that area for a while. Very pretty.

I knew you (or your little elf) would like the butterflies in the forest pic. Post battle was very bloody, you should have seen what the rest of her looked like. Thanks Acadian!

@LL: Yeah, it doesn’t make much sense to deliver her to her castle when you know she is a vampire. Isran has a great voice, that is for damn sure. Makes Harkon sound like a wuss. Thanks LL!

@DE: Werewolves don’t sleep: Some nights are worse than others. I wonder why?

I’m surprised you and Grits are the only ones to say something about ‘Quiet moment.’ That was my favorite of that batch.

Gunmar could have mentioned there was a troll in the cave. Not that it wasn’t too difficult to deal with. Thanks DE!

@SubRosa: Really? I’ve done that quest twice with Gunmar and both times he was at that same place.

Kyne’s Peace is a really useful shout. Plus the words kind of sound cool. Animal Allegiance works too if you don’t have Kyne’s Peace.

Since I don’t have to deal with Isran, I kind of like him for that, BUT if I did I would hate the SOB.

I’ve seen some bandits fight with the wood cutting axe, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone use a pickaxe before as a weapon.

You should have seen the rest of Aravi’s body in the icky one! Glad you liked the pics. Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: You don’t miss anything! Aravi likes water, so she had to step in a little.

Lol, Gunmar can take anything! With two Khajiit of course.

Quiet moment is my favorite of the batch, the colors and the expressions. I put in the camp fire pic just to show what I thought was some amazing colors. Loved the light in that one. Kharjo looked so cool when he sat on that rock, Aravi had to join him. Thanks Grits!

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Sorine Jurard is next on Isran’s list of recruits. Aravi and Kharjo search the Reach for her.

10:37

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Screens!

The wolf approaches

The wolf feeds

Not even Jerric could eat that… (if you are eating this will ruin your appetite)

Sitting by the fire

Warming her toes

I wonder if Sorine is a descendant of Arielle Jurard?

"Isran, wants me? You must be mistaken."

She really wants that gyro. Whoever would have guessed that the Dwarves would have made so much Greek food?

Uh oh, lots of red dots. In the Reach that usually means... Forsworn. Wow, that opening Yol really put the smack down on them all! Great finish with the simultaneous bow and staff shots.

Dragontooth Crater. I do not believe I have ever been there before. I loved Aravi cautiously searching the cliffs overhead for dragons.

There it is, right on the ground. Well, that woke it up! Wow, one flurry of her swords and that is all she wrote!

I could live without that wolf approaching me, certainly without it being close enough to see that second pic!

Aww, no love for the charred skeever? You can make cure disease potions from that.

I love how Aravi put her gloves next to the fire to warm up. And the last one is just purely delightful.

“The wolf feeds” looks so realistic! I got a kick out of the “Not even Jerric…” it looks like Aravi is puking at the sight of that Skeever! Loved that shot! “Sitting by the fire” - is she sitting on a bench? I can’t see the bench!

My favorite (of course) - “Warming her toes.” LOVE that screen!

I am so loving this Dawnguard side of the DLC! These quests are fun! I got a kick out of her not walking 20 feet to find her gyros, ROFL !!!

That Forsworn fight was awesome, Aravi cut the numbers down quickly with her fiery shout! Wow, that Forest Dragon was slow compared to others she’s fought! Awesome Vid and update!

It was fun seeing Aravi hopping around during the opening moments en route to find Sorine.

“Do you think mud crabs took it? I saw one the other day.” Oh my, the second part of that sentence sounds familiar to us Cyrodiilites! Well, I’m wondering if, like the beast tamer guy, this will involve a task. . . killing a dwarf and cutting off one of his gyros maybe? Whew, she found the sachel and it wasn’t even guarded by killer mud crabs. No doubt much more elegant than what I feared.

Jumped by a bunch of 4sworn! I loved seeing K-Kat briefly switch to his dual staves and launch some mojo of his own near the end of the fight. And, as ever, I enjoyed hearing his post-healing nap dialogue.

Ah, another dungeon as Aravi carefully scopes out the rocks above for hiding snipers. By Mara! I didn’t even realize it was a dragon until after Aravi shot it. I guess the name of the dungeon should have clued me. Gosh, that dragon didn’t mount much of an offense (thankfully).

Nice screens! I very much enjoyed the one of Aravi sitting by the fire. It’s a nice face study and really shows off that distinctive scar on the side of her face. Finally, someplace warm!

I second what mALX said. "The wolf feeds," looks so nice. The texture is beautiful. The "wolf approaches," is so creepy and very scary, indeed. Imagine being face to face with Aravi on her lupine form? Yikes! I think werewolves do sleep, lore-wise anyway. Hircine once commented on how his hounds slept during the day. :shrug:

Uh! Typical "Can't help you unless you do this for me" scenario. The Forsworn battle was intense, and I loved the finisher where Aravi shoots the arrow through the flames that Kharjo just shot. Awesome! Ah, and once again Dragonbornavi dominates and destroys yet another one of Alduin's allies.

Great battle!

What an exuberant opening !

Sorine is funny with her thieving mudcrab theory. Maybe those gyros had tzatziki sauce on them. It turns out that Sorine was right, she did leave it right there! Absent-minded Breton. I like her.

Whoa, what a fast fight with the Foresworn! The Fire Breath and then Kharjo’s magic plus Aravi’s arrow at the end were great! Nice of him to light up the target like that.

That dragon’s twitching tail was kind of cute. Oops, Aravi was in the crash zone! That dragon was not bright to land right on top of Aravi’s two swords.


Indeed, not even with summoned ketchup! Poor Aravi!

Sitting by the fire is my favorite in this group. She has such a sweet expression. And warming her toes is super cute! What a contrast to the wolf pictures. Aravi has a lot to deal with.