That was indeed funny, and very surprising! I guess the ogre associated the threat with the bow rather than Lothran who wielded the bow

------------------

It now seems all ogres have been slain. Lothran just conducted a complete swep of the area and no more could be found. However, as he will stay in Pale Pass for a few more days he will have to keep an eye out. More could come and look for their lost brethren...

Last day in Pale Pass for 2020. No more ogres could be found and so the hunt is officially over. Tomorrow morning Lothran will pack up his gear and head back to Bruma and Olav's Tap and Tack to share his adventure.



Pale Pass Ogre Caveboss teeth count: 17

And another tradition maintained as Lothie heads back to Bruma with a sack full of ogre teeth.

Yup!


-------------------------

Lothran is now on a tour of the Jerall Mountains. He first cleared out Plundered Mine and then it was time for Silver Tooth Cave which, as its name suggests, contained quite a bit of silver. Now Lothran has spent a night in his tent over at Azura's shrine having first taken care of hostiles nearby.
It is now time to take it all back to Capstone Cave and after that to the point past Hermaeus Mora's shrine where various daedra often resides. Gotta clear the roads!

Capstone Cave. Is that the cave near Applewatch? *goes in UESP* Yes. Yes it is. So that means my Lady Saga and your Lothran have just passed paths. Maybe seen each other across a crowded Jerall View Inn. Maybe bumped into each other as Lothran got nudged by a drunken Snar the Cook.

But yeah, she was just in Capstone Cave. She had a follower guy who (in non-roleplay terms) had some sort of glitch. This man kept following her everywhere, even if she told him to wait. In RP terms, I guess he was obsessed with her. But she needed some space. So she brought him into Capstone Cave, got a few shots at the bandits in there, and when her follower got in over his head with fighting, she merely went invisible and waited until the place was hers again. Passive-aggressive Lady Saga, Archer from Valenwood.

Ahem, but it's good to finally get to see Lothran on occasion.

And good to see Lady Saga taking care of business in Capstone Cave because as it happens; Lothran doesn't have time right now. As New Year approaches, he has taken up a shift guarding the north gate in Bruma as usual and he shall be occupied with that for a week or so.

Lothran is continuing his guard shift into the new year. Some breaks in the barracks are taken when needed and then it's out again for another patrol and posting assignment. He usually takes the morning posting by the brazier at Hammer and Tongs and midday by the one outside Novaroma. And as always the night posting is by the north gate.


Gotta earn those Septims!

Oh yes, I recall the N gate of Bruma belongs to Lothran during the winter.

Lothran trekked through Rielle's first section yesterday and actually found a Frost weapon he didn't have before; an elven Claymore of Freezing. Repaired and recharged it now sits with the rest of the collection.

Yes, I know of claymores which boast Frost Damage, my Renee Gade III character has one. But elven claymores with that effect are definitely rare.

Speaking of, RG3 is in Chorrol lately, performing several county-sponsored raids on various locations nearby. Has Lothran ever been in Black Rock Caverns? I had no idea that there's a hidden third section section to this cave.

They must be, right? I was certain Lothran already had it but took it anyway and imagine my surprise when I saw he didn't have one!


I can guarantee he has been there but I am uncertain about that third section. We haven't regularly dungeon dived in years and years so I can't remember. Looks like it's in the Highlands area so if you remind me in March, when Lothran visits that region, maybe we'll check it out!

Crow, it is really difficult to figure out how to get into the third section. Don't spoil yourself. Try to figure it out first (I'm sure you will, anyway). I'd rate it at Tomb Raider-difficulty. Definitely a surprise, because it makes me wonder what other deep secrets this game has?

Oh and, uh, I'll post a proper update later.

Lothran has just done round 2 of Silver Tooth Cave and as always, plenty of riches to be found. Gold/silver nugget and a regular sapphire, turns out Lothran didn't have one of those! He has plenty of Flawless ones though. Plenty of poisons used this time around, mainly one that prohibits shamans to cast spells but also Shock Damage on the many ogres on the road.

Currently having spent a night in the tent by Azura's shrine, Lothran is about to head home to Bruma again.

Silencing a spellcaster is great fun! Well, unless you're the spellcaster.

Pretty much


-----------------------

Back in Bruma, Lothran decided to repair some of his weapons in the Frost collection that for some reason never were fixed before being added to the collection. He wanted them 100% instead of 125% so he took them to the Fighters Guild porter. Lothran chose to fix all items, which the porter did, so he went home because now it was time to mix up some potions.

When Lothran put the newly fixed items back in the drawer, he noticed something odd; Snowflake was at 100%. Looking at his armour, that too was also at 100%! They were fixed in the tent by Azura's shrine so everything was at 125% as all enemies along the way were dead as Lothran went home. This means the FG porter actually downgraded Lothran's gear, making them in worse condition! How he managed to do that to the very armour Lothran wore withour him noticing is a mystery


Anyway, potions and poisons were made so everything is stocked up. Now an evening at Olav's await.

So today I had to take care of what I believe is our eleventh Abomb. Lothran had just left Jerall View and was on his way to Olav's when we saw the brazier outside his home acting up. Proper action was immediately taken and now we are ready for another evening of watching Ongar getting mauled as he keeps knicking food

Today Lothran rode out to the bandit camp eastward to check if there was anyone there. It was empty, so he rode home again and parked Aetherius in the stables.
Yesterday evening was spent at Jerall View to change things up a bit. Much more quiet than Olav's. Not bad.

The air has changed. The perpetual snowing has stopped. It is time.



Lothran could feel it now. Early in the morning he went out and checked Plundered Mine and Capstone Cave one last time and both were empty. He brought home Honmund's horse which had been mindlessly forgotten about in the mountains. One more shopping round at the Mages Guild and now, one more evening at Olav's Tap and Tack awaits.



The winter season is over and it's time to leave Bruma.

Dangit. I was just about to switch back to Lady Saga (from Joan of Arkay), and Saga just got to Bruma.

Well I guess technically, my blonde archer elf has been there the whole time. I just haven't been gaming with her since December.

Ahhh, the official end of winter cannot be far behind!

Winter has indeed ended. Well, as far as Lothran is concerned anyway *looks out window* -Ehhh..



-----------------

Early in the morning, before anyone besides the guards were up and about, Lothran made his last minute preparations to leave. Bedroom door was closed, fireplace put out and travel chest cleared of things to bring along the journey south. After one last look at his home Lothran was out the door, locking it good.


The Jeralls are quite the different sight when it's not snowing. Lothran could see for miles and it was like a whole new world had opened up for him. (same feeling as when you find a new item in Zelda: Link's Awakening that allows you to remove an obstacle and proceed into a new area - author's note) With determined steps Lothran got further away from Bruma, past the empty Capstone cave and Applewatch. He was taking the longest route this time, all the way past Hermaeus Mora's shrine and the daedra that always reside beyond it. This time it was a Daedroth which the Spriggan and her bear took care of and all Lothran had to do was collecting its teeth.


Standing by the steps that lead down from the mountains and into the Colovians, Lothran removed his fur helmet, gauntlets and cuirass and donned his Huntsman's vest instead. It is time to once again explore the Highlands.

I remember that Lothran heads west instead of south after the winter - out toward Hermia Morosa's place, then angling down into the Colovians. Nice to see his rituals continuing.

Well, for a few years now he hasn't gone past mr Mora but rather opted for earlier routes and proceeded southward. I guess it's more west than south but it's still down from the Jeralls which is why I say south

Aw, how lovely. Well, I suppose all the goblins and ogres of the Bruma area / Pale Pass can breathe a collective sigh of relief. And all the guards can go back to wondering "should I have gone with that mysterious Nordic Dunmer?" as they spend yet another night patrolling their now less-snowy township.

Cheers.

Cheers, Renee



Yes, the critters are now safe and the guards of Bruma are on their own as Lothran has just visited Lipsand Tarn and offed some vamps. Only in the first section though as he didn't fancy a full-on dungeon dive. He's currently camping close to Cloud Top and will visit it tomorrow. It is a wonderful view over Cyrodiil from here!

Today Lothran cleared out Crumbling Mine just outside of Chorrol. You'd think the Chorrol guard would have already done that but nope; it's up to the Dunmer as usual. No loot worthy of mentioning.

No rest for the weary - not even in Chorrol.

Nope; today Lothran cleared out Broken Promises Cave and found quite a bit of gold, including a nugget!


I forgot to mention when we left Bruma; Honmund has picked 25 samples of Clouded Funnel Cap this season.

Early evening, Heartfire 4, Year 1, 4th Era

Location: Bruma

Lady Saga escapes the late summer sun of lower Cyrodiil, trading the heat for some coolness up here in Bruma. Having just come back from Capstone Cave, she's exhausted. Rents a room in Jerall View Inn, lays her things aside, and then has a meal. Snar the Cook serves up an odd dish of corn, and a huge potato fried in flour. Calories, and lots of them.

After her meal, she wastes no time going back into her rented room, and falls asleep within a minute of lying down. Down... into what she likes to call 'Cyrodiilic Slumber'. Tomorrow shall be a busy day.

I wonder what that busy day will bring? Now that Lothran is out of town, Her Ladyship will have to TCoB!


----------------

Lothran had a special assignment today; fixing a new bow for Honditar. Yes; as the Dunmer walked passed the shooting range by the Fighters Guild yesterday, he saw Honditar training with his bow. He noticed something though. Every time Honditar let off an arrow, the bow flew out of his hand! Every single time! And every time he picked it up again. Lothran quickly deduced it had to be broken and decided to get Honditar a new one. He also wanted to fix that bow which would be tricky as he couldn't just walk up and ask for it in order to repair it.

So as evening rolled in and Honditar went to his cabin outside the walls, Lothran snuck after him and nicked it while also dropping off a new bow on the ground in return. He then brought the broken bow back to the Guild, repaired it in the basement and then went out and put it down on the ground where the shooting targets are. Hopefully Honditar will now pick either bow so he can resume his practice!

Ha ha well let's find out, shall we?

That sounds funny, Honitar kept dropping his bow! How bizarre that must be. Never seen anything like that. That is for Lothrie.

----------------

Turdas, 11:28 am, Heartfire 5, 4th Era Year 1



Aerin from Valenwood (aka Lady Saga) sleeps-in late, and then moseys around Bruma for the remaining portions of the morning.

After leaving Jerall View Inn she walks downhill. The morning is brisk, but not cold. 'Tis of good fortune to be here in the north! thinks she. On the town's eastern end there's a small area where warm water flows from an underground spring. The elf wanders into this water, has a drink. She allows her feet and ankles to get immersed within the spring-water's warmth for awhile, then she heads to the Mages Guild.

"You're in good company friend," says Volanaro, the guild's resident Nightblade. "Welcome!"

Before Saga can reply, she is abruptly interrupted. "Excuses, excuses," says a Nord lady wearing green finery. "I have been sent to give you this."

"Sorry?" asks Saga. "Who are you?"

The Nord lady hands Saga a note. "That note is for you," she replies hastily. "Please speak to the questing agent who resides in Castle Bruma's Great Hall. His name is Doorfdunnt. You may find him sitting behind his desk in the castle's Great Hall from 8 to 5. I know nothing more."

And like that, the lady leaves, walking right out of the Mage's guild in a small hurry. Back to the castle, presumably.

Saga looks down at the note, and has a read.




The elf from Valenwood quietly reads the note, then puts it away in her satchel. Smiles

"Ah, how quaint," says another Mages Guild elf, a lady in blue Saga does not recognize. "How do you do?"

Lady Saga does not answer. Time to speak to Selena Orania, the Mage's Guild Alchemist. who'll hopefully have all sorts of ingredients. Time to see what sort of potions and poisons can be made in not-so-cold town.

-------------

Hot Spring Bathing

Mysterious Nord gives Saga a note

No snow? Bruma not cold? Warm water flowing through town?

Mirocu - Good on Lothran for helping to make sure poor old Honditar has a working bow!

Renee - Those warm springs sound refreshing indeed! Ah, springtime in Bruma - and a call to the castle.

mirocu -- It's summer in Saga's world. Heartfire = late summer. Your elf never sticks around long enough to see what happens in Bruma.

Acadian -- What is Buffy up to? Anything? Are you still playing ESO?

Renee, thanks for asking. Yes, Buffy's still living and adventuring in ESO. She has about 4.5 years and 9.5k hours there now. Not only is the game huge but it is a dynamic, changing and growing world so it feels impossible to outgrow.

And it worked! Lothran has now left Chorrol for the Imperial City but right before he watched Honditar go to the range and pick up his bow. He didn't take the other one though that Lothran dropped by his cabin as he didn't need it then and there. But his steel bow repaired to 125% will hopefully make him through another 14 years!


You'd think three months would be enough


Sounds like Cyrodiil for me

....................................

Yes, as stated Lothran is now in the Imperial City. He realized that Easter comes early this year so he doesn't have time to mosey around county Chorrol as long as usual. One week will be spent in the City and then as Easter week rolls around he will as always depart for Skingrad.

Lothran has an Easter Bunny in his game? That must be fun. Pics, please.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Heartfire 5, 4th Era Year 1


Days Passed: 375
Location: Bruma

The day is blustery with wind, but not particularly cold. No snow flies in the air, no drifts pile upon the ground. This is Bruma's summer, and Lady Saga spends most of this day walking wearing an armless fur cuirass.

"I offer the finest goods and lowest prices in all Cyrodiil," greets Selena Orania, the Mages Guild Alchemist.

"What sorts of herbs and tinctures have you?" asks the blonde wood elf.

Unfortunately, Saga's visit to the Mages Guild is disappointing. Selena hasn't got much of the 'herbs and tinctures' she prefers. Well, Selena has plenty of herbs and tinctures to create healing potions and such, but not so much to create poisons. And it's these poisons which Saga relies on most, as she delves into enemy territories.

"A pleasure to serve you," says Selena as the elf finishes her purchases.

Saga spends the rest of the afternoon mixing up what she can. She'll certainly be needing her latest batch tomorrow. After eight hours of work, the elf can only produce two poisons which will damage health, two for damaging endurance, and one which damages fatigue. Dismal. Perhaps her stay up north won't be as long as she'd hoped for.

-----------------------------

(Oops. I wrote a whole quest for Capstone Cave but I forgot Saga was just in there. So we gotta wait for its spell to respawn. That'll be next update!)

Hey, a mermaid has to replenish her stocks and chill a bit between adventures, right?

Nope. Don't know what gave you that idea


Lothran is now at Shadeleaf Copse not far from Skingrad. Or SkinGrad if the signs are correct when you highlight them. Absolutely gorgeous area and I always love coming here at Easter. Battled a few Daedra and critters along the way and resurrected a dead Legionnaire who helped Lothran. Next session will see the elf entering town and once again enjoy the interesting architecture.

Morndas, late afternoon, Heartfire 9, 4th Era Year 1

Days Passed: 379

Location: Capstone Cave



Pricil Aradas was once the son of a prominent member of Bruma society. A squire. Well-dressed, and well-trained as an up-and-coming knight, he once had a bright future in a thriving town.

Then it all came crashing down around him.

It was the skooma that got to him. Skooma, that sweet-smelling, foul-tasting brew. Harvested from moon sugar, distributed all over. All it took was one quick taste of a particular brew which had been passing around the northern lands all summer, and Pricil Aradas's slow fall from gallantry began. Within a year, he had sold all his possessions, and moved into Capstone Cave. For days and nights, weeks, then months, all the mattered was where his next bottle could be found.

"Hmph. Must have been the wind."

Being a former knight-in-training, Pricil knew the area around Bruma well. He'd begun to use this knowledge to educate all his new cave-dwelling friends (bandits and smugglers) on the best routes to move their product in and around Bruma. Pricil knew how and when the guard would be patrolling. It had all come easily to him, this suddenly covert life of his. Hiding in shadows. And the funniest thing was, nobody back in town had noticed Pricil had gone missing.

"Nothing to worry about I guess," the formerly chivalrous squire said nervously. "Just my eyes playing tricks on me!"

Pricil Aradas had no way of knowing that this day, Heartfire 9 of Year 1, would be his very last.

The blonde elf from Valenwood had crept upon Pricil from behind. Blending into shadows. She readied her bow, a rare Dwemer piece, and waited for that perfect moment. With years of experience and hours of patience. she carefully aimed and loosed her poisoned arrow. Within a second, the squire-turned-bandit stumbled, then fell! As the poison took full effect, he coughed a moment before unsheathing his own weapon!

But by then, his health was already half-drained. "OH what's the matta?" he shouted, keeping his sword high. "Is the baby gonna cry?"

He rushed the elf, but it was too late. She raised her arm, and summoned a bear. Raised her arm again, and Pricil found himself soon caught within a swarm of rats! ... As he swung and dodged, parried and blocked, his last thoughts before he fell for good were of that first taste of that bottle of skooma, and how it had led to these very last moments.

The elf known as Lady Saga's face was stern as she released one final arrow of silver.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Saga speaks to Bruma's Questing Agent

By order of the County of Bruma

Heading toward Capstone Cave

Lady Saga combats the former knight-in-training

That skooma, man. Can bring down the greatest of knights-in-training


----------------------

Lothran is now living the good life in Skingrad county! I swear, if he was ever to relocate it would be here. This area is outstanding!

Yesterday he was robbed by the highwayKhajiit east of Skingrad and then proceeded to raise the robber's disposition by giving him even more gold! Can you say "Stockholm syndrome"? I know I can After that Lothran cleared out Bloodcrust Cavern and I think now he's about to go deep into the woods, probably towards the Isolated House.

Yes, Skingrad is lovely. And Tamika makes a fine wine there!

Edit: And Renee, very cool the way you brought life to that squire-turned-bandit in Capstone Cave.

Lothran has spent a full day exploring the vast wilderness SE of Skingrad. This is indeed about the only area in Cyrodiil he could easily, and quite happily, get lost in. It's truly a beautiful area.


Two things worthy of mentioning; Fort Black Boot was partially cleared on Conjurers, three to be exact. We also came upon a very secluded campsite that seemingly was abandoned. It had two small tents, a fireplace and two bowls made of stone. Whoever resided here were either explorers or outlaws that really needed to stay out of sight. With Elsweyr close by it's easy to suspect they made their way there, never to be seen again.


Tomorrow morning, Lothran will make his way back to Skingrad. It's now time to explore the west side of Skingrad county.

Yes, the area southeast of Skingrad is quite lovely.

Nice, I don't think I know of this campsite you speak of. Love finding little places like that.

---------------------------------

Fredas, Heartfire 13, Year 1 / 4th Era

Days Passed: 384

Heartfire 13 was yet another busy day for Lady Saga. She awoke early, then left Jerall View Inn for the Mages Guild. Spent most of the day making yet another batch of poisons and potions. Good news was, Selena of the Mages Guild been stocking better ingredients for poison-making these last few days.

"Be seeing you."

"Much thanking for your assistance, madam."

It was getting late in the afternoon by now. Saga headed toward the castle. Found its new questing agent. Payment was received for Capstone Cave, and Saga picked up another writ; this one for Crumbling Mine.

"Crumbling Mine, located just to the east of Bruma," he stated. "Goblins and their ilk reside within, goblins who bang their shields against their axes if they can't reach you immediately! These goblins MUST BE STOPPED!"

"Ne'er more shall these wicked creatures cause their disgraces within the county of Bruma," the elf from Valenwood answered calmly.

"Usually an elf does all that for us, a Dunmer in fact," said the agent. "He quite likes it up here in Bruma, but only stays for the winter. Heh. Wish we could hire that man year-round!"

Saga accepted the writ which would dictate her way toward Crumbling Mine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Early evening, Heartfire 14

The goblin which approached Lady Saga, archer from Valenwood, apparently did not see her when she crept into his underground lair. This goblin, and all the others which lived in Crumbling Mine, was from the Three Feather Tribe. The goblin stalked closer and closer to the elf as she stood still in shadows. Good thing the Three Feather goblin had not noticed her, when she cast that invisibility spell ten seconds ago.

The spell ended, yet the goblin stayed near.... "Grraaaah!" he cried, throwing his arms into the air for some reason. He seemed agitated. Maybe he had caught his goblin girlfriend cheating on him or something.

Saga stayed absolutely still. Goblins were supposed to have a good sense of smell. Perhaps this one had caught wind of her, and was now losing his mind that something did not seem right. Good thing the elf had spent the day sleeping outside. The sun had been shining all day, allowing her to lay in a patch of dead grass. Because of this, she had no doubt picked up scents the goblin would be familiar with.

The elf finally moved, because the Three Feather goblin finally moved. He was slowly walking away. Saga readied a bolt of iron, and dipped its tip into a phial of poison. The poisoned bolt was then racked into the elf's crossbow, one of three which she owned. She pulled upon the bow's string....

... and missed.

"Curses!"

The bolt shot off, and banged into a wooden post somewhere.

The next bolt she shot did hit its target, but this was because it had not been poisoned, of course. The elf had been accurate with a bow for many years now. Perfecting the crossbow still eluded her.

Saga is picking up the slack left by that Dunmer guy. Wonder who he could be?

Maybe Saga should go back to a regular bow, instead of all this new-fangled fancy stuff?

Hey, a nice mention of Lothran that fit in perfectly to Lady Saga's day.

Good luck with that crossbow.

I guess we'll never know


But *ehm* I think the mine you're looking for Renee, is Plundered Mine. Crumbling Mine is just outside the walls of Chorrol.


Sorry for picking nits... ....

I'm not sure who the questing agent is talking about! Think the guy has platinum hair though, and prefers wearing a Savior's Hide most of all.


No, no you are right. Colossal screw-up that one was.




Bows are great for long-distance shots, sort of like having a Hunting Rifle in Fallout. They can also be readied more quickly. Crossbows are more like shotguns. Better for close-range. They pack a bigger punch but take more time to reload.

In fact, by the time she got to the boss area, there were two bosses, a shaman I added in the CS, and the vanilla goblin boss (a Berserker or whatever). Saga did manage to made a great shot with her crossbow this time from halfway across the room. And that bolt was poisoned!

Tirdas, late at night, Heartfire 17, Year 1

Lady Saga awoke in the middle of the night, and could not get back to sleep in her rented Jarall View bed. This was a rare moment for her. As a true elf of the forests of Valenwood, she could sleep outside, even in rain! if she had to. But for some reason, sleep eluded her for the rest of the night. She could already see herself lying here for hours more. The morning was too far away. It would be ages before the markets opened, and Bruma's court arrived for the day's session. The elf decided to become productive, and headed for the Mages Guild.

She had managed a great score into Plundered Mine the day before. One of the goblins within this cave had yielded an incredible amount of ingredients as she looted his fallen body: 15 cairn boletes, 14 elf cup caps, 18 leaves of dragon's tongue, and so on. Time to brew a new set of poisons and potions!

"Greetings of night, Selena. Aren't we the lucky pair of owls," Saga said to the Mages Guild alchemist. "What brings you here at such late hour?"

Selena (for some reason) was found pacing about in the guild's cellar instead of fast asleep.

"Well, sometimes I feel we're not welcome here," the alchemist answered sadly. "The Nords don't like us Heartlanders very much!"

"Oh my. And this causes your sleeplessness? Oh my. You fret about the position of your race, within Cyrodiil? Well being Bosmer, I do have understandings of this." The elf began setting up her alchemy apparatuses. "Well, I must get to work. Have you any desires to join and assist?"

But Selena was not going to do this! This Mages Guild alchemy specialist spent her entire days selling and trading herbs, flowers and toadstools, and it appeared she had no desire to continue her trade deep into night.

"Good day," she said brightly. She immediately then left the room.

But 'tis it not the day? thought the elf.

Poor Saga. She probably sleeps better up in a tree. Selene is afflicted with typical NPC dialogue weirdness that you often showcase so well.