Bag any Ashcan trolls on the way down there?

No, but he will on the way up to Cheydinhal



Also; yesterday I removed nine years of savegames from the active folder and placed them in an archive instead. This will speed up future saving and also there was no point having it all there.

I love this! Reminds me of PhonAntiPhon, when he posted an update like "just outside of Bravil", or some such!





Omg you've been playing with fire! I'm not really sure how it works with PC, but as a still-sometimes-console player I know having too many saves in the active Saves folder can cause slowdowns .... or worse.

I don't remember but yeah, maybe he did that

Didn't have much else to add at that stage so I figured I'd post an even shorter update than usual


Never had an issue other than it took some time getting to the save/load lists when clicking on them as the entire list with all the saves had to load up. But only first time per playthrough. If I kept saving during a run it got quicker. Still, archiving the bulk is not a bad idea. Last time I did that was January 1st 2013

Lothran is now at Drunken Dragon Inn. He will next continue north and at the Imperial Bridge Inn, or by the chapel rather, he will use the boat to make a brief stop in Bravil to offload some stuff that belongs there.

Is it raining where Lothran is? That is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of where he is.

No rain right now. And as always that depends upon what the almighty Weather Master feels like it should be...

Lothran had a very pleasant walk from Cropsford to Cheydinhal today. Overcast and late afternoon made it quite atmospheric. As usual he also visited Morcant and bought some ingredients from her.

Interesting thing of note: when coming to the old All Things Alchemical, two legionnaires were fighting with each other! There was also a spriggan there and the way it was all set up, it looked like the guards were fighting over her!

Fighting over a spriggan? Well, Buffy's heard the Anvil guards remark that they'd rather sleep with a horse than a Bosmer so what do they know about good taste in ladies?

When I left Lothran at Newland's Lodge this evening, it seemed like the entire staff of Rivendell was there. Or at least three of them. Pretty rare

Lothran is now at Roxey Inn as is usual for his routine after Cheydinhal on the way to the Imperial City. Autumn is really cracking on!

Wow, last chance to update spells/enchantments at the AU afore heading to Bruma!

You know me too well. Or... I've done this for too long!


On topic: It has been some time now since Lothran updated a spell or enchantment. Not saying everything is absolutely perfect, but I reckon good enough. After all, everything has been thoroughly tested. But we'll see if anything gets an upgrade this autumn

Lothran is spending time in the Imperial City as usual before moving north. Yesterday he decided to bet on a match in the Arena, 100 gold on the Blue team as is his custom. Money wasted as it turned out and he actually wasn't surprised. "His" fighter had only a shortsword while the opponent had a huge warhammer. Didn't seem fair really.

Oh, well. Money lost. Lothran was about to leave the Arena district when he doubled back; he just couldn't accept that loss. So same again; 100 gold on the Blue team. This fight was better on the offset; both had a weapon and a shield and this time the Blue fighter won. So at least Lothran made his money back.

The Arena is a tough business - Lothran is smart to bet instead of fight there.

Here is an excerpt from Buffy's story posted years ago that portrays her final Arena match:



I paused at the bottom of the steps and looked up at the afternoon brightness of the Arena. The sun would be on my left side for this match. After poisoning three arrows, I carefully slid two of them into the sheath strapped to my right calf. I mentally rehearsed my intended actions one more time. Just because I had a plan didn't mean the yellow team combatant had to cooperate; I cleared my mind and hoped for the mental agility to be able to adjust if needed.

I knew a couple things for certain: This fight would be measured in seconds instead of minutes, and I could afford precisely zero mistakes.

With Slayer filling one hand, a poisoned arrow in the other, and my stomach churning, I started up the stone steps.

"Good people of the Imperial City." The booming voice silenced the crowd. The announcer then changed his tone to a thundering guttural growl that ignited the sea of spectators to cheering. "Welcome, to the Arena!"

For the twelfth time in my life those words brought my heart to my throat. Buffy, execute your plan. Nocking my first poisoned arrow, I aimed through the gate.

Concentrating on my target, I pulled him more clearly into view. I was expecting to see the orc, but it was still a sobering sight as the sun glinted off the blade of his axe. I swallowed hard, knowing I could not allow this first arrow to miss. That my opponent was such a massive target was scant comfort. Action in the presence of fear. As the gate came down, I drew silk to cheek, adjusted my final aim point and loosed the arrow.

The orc was fast. He was halfway across the Arena before the impact of my arrow and Slayer's enchantments caused him to pause, and sparks to dance around his body. My poison flooded into him, darkening his green skin. He collapsed, paralyzed, taking frost damage, losing health and having his speed slowly but permanently reduced. Within seconds however, he struggled to his feet and resumed his charge, slightly slowed now.

Calling forth the energy of Cobra's Dance, magic flew from my fingertips. The emerald snake was still swirling through the air as I reached toward my right thigh for the tail of a second arrow. My serpent struck the orc in his chest, paralyzing him again and adding more damage over time. He collapsed, but momentum carried him within two paces of me, showering my feet with sand. His axe was still firmly in his grasp.

I waited with my bowstring partially drawn. I didn't want to risk angle-skipping this arrow off the heavy raiment of the prone orc. He stirred. I knew within the next few seconds one of us would be dead. Struggling to his elbows, he looked up and our eyes met. I loosed my arrow into the exposed flesh at the junction of his throat and chest. The impact at this range jerked his hulking mass back to the sand.

It was over.

I stared down at my dead opponent, the announcer booming meaningless words and the crowd roaring. Shaking now, I had controlled my fear for only as long as had been necessary.

I looked up at the sea of timid souls cheering in the stands. None of them were worthy to even carry the axe of the almost unstoppable combatant at my feet.

"Rest in peace, Gladiator."

I turned and headed down the tunnel to the Bloodworks, blinking back a tear. Whatever stupid lust I had for battle was gone now. In fact I felt sick. Quickening my pace, I got to the renewal basin at the end of the tunnel as I started to retch.

That is so well written, and it shows perfectly who Buffy really is. Not backing down from a fight, not hesitating to defend herself, but also not dead inside so she just walks away afterwards. Even in a mortal fight she has sympathy for the one falling for her arrows if it is a foe worthy of it.

A big heart in a small body - that's my Buffy!

Aww, thank you for the kind words, my friend.

Lothran has spent a cozy day in the foggy Imperial City and more specifically the Market District. He also paid a visit to the prison, but only to visit and have a look around..

He's currently resting at the Guilded Carafe, the fine store with a terrible name, or so he's heard.

I'm guessing Lothran's next likely stop will be Aleswell?

Yes, he'll be there last week of November.

Today whilst wandering the foggy Market District late in the afternoon, it happened again; Carwen comes running to Lothran prompting him to leave because she needs to lock up. Don't know why but for some reason she sometimes thinks he is in her house. This has also happened with Methredel I think although that's more rare.

Anyway, usually Lothran gets Carwen off his back by scaring her away via a spell, but this time he thought it was amusing having her following. At one point he decided to cast a water walking spell on him and walk out into one of the water filled spots around the Market District to see if she fancied a bit of a swim. It appears however that broke the spell on her and she stopped following Lothran and instead went to stare at a dead bandit.



You never know what will happen when playing Oblivion

How bizarre!

Ha, that's actually pretty cool! I love when unexplained stuff like this happens, sometimes. As long as it's "fun".

Acadian: Nice, what a snippet. Love hearing the Buffster's thoughts as she prepares for an Arena match. I actually feel bad for that orc!! But.. that's what the Arena's about. There's always going to be one winner and one loser. 🧟🏾‍♀️

..........In my case, I had at least one character like Buffy (she felt bad, never did another match) several who loathed the idea of the Arena in the first place, and a few who looked forward to matches. These latter folks are either egomaniacs who want all the land to know their name (Renee Gade II and III) or wanted to get rich quick, or show off.

Anyway, here's somebody who never joined the Arena. She'd already done great things in Morrowind in the past...


Frost Fall 24, 4th Era, Year 1-- Joan of Arkay is in Wawnet Inn, enjoying a glass of wine (okay... an entire bottle). 🍾 She's headed to Nenalata next, which is on the river across from Bravil. Hmm, I remember this quest. This one's intense.

Been many years but I remember that quest as well. Lothran hasn't been back to Nenalata ever since. No reason.


And Wawnet Inn. Is Joan providing the proprietress with some Shadowbanish Wine, or is she gulping it down herself like Kahreem did with Cheap Wine?

Renee, good luck to Joan in Nenalata. And thanks for your kind words. That was Buffy's last Arena match and, not peeing herself was a major accomplishment. After that match, she convinced Agronak to give up the Arena and join Sir Mazoga as a knight.

Today, Buffy spent time in the Alik'r Desert closing time breaches for the Psijic Order. . . but that is another game, another time.

Ah, Joanie's buying tonight. 🍷 She always goes for the cheaper wines, but not that cheap! She'll by a bottle of Surilies or Tamika's, but mostly she's going for the current vintage. The stuff which isn't from those rare years which cost a lot of money. Salud!

Sounds like the Fragile Elf is somewhere in Elsweyr. Cheers!


Edit: and Joan walked from Weye to Aleswell. Aleswell to Roxey Inn. Roxey Inn to Barren Cave. Yep, she vanquished some horrible, blood-sucking monsters tonight! She's decided to do Order of Virtuous Blood (including the mod which adds extra story). I mean, that sort of questline's right up her alley.

Getting rid of vamps is something both Buffs and Lothie can get behind


I reckon Joan turns in the dust instead of collecting it?

Yes.

"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Another vampire has been slain, here's your reward." *CLINK!*
"Return to me when you have slain another vampire, and I'll reward you."

I think Joan gets rewarded for slaying vampies. Don't know what gave me that idea

Vampires suck.

2:39 AM, Tirdas, Frost Fall 29-- Joan of Arkay is in the Chapel of Arkay in Cheydinhal. So many memories. Cheydinhal is where she grew up, after all. She was born here in the Year 309 and is 25 now. Left Cyrodiil at the age of 18 to head to Morrowind and returned to her home province just over a year ago.

But [AHEM] as I was saying, she's in the chapel now. She defeated the vampires of Barren Cave, mostly by luring them into sunlight. 🌞 But unfortunately, she also got infected by one of the blood-suckers. And that's why she's here. Problem is, the chapel's main altar keeps saying she's "already received her blessing for the day" which makes no sense because she just got here. Really annoyed by this. She walked straight here from the cave, at night and in a rain storm, specifically so she could cure in the chapel she grew up in!!!

Ahem. So she's waiting for the Mages Guild to open so she can buy a disease-curing potion.

If Joan received a blessing earlier elsewhere, within 24 hours, that's why it says she already got it. But you know this so I guess that's not the case.


A bug?

Nuh uh, Joan walked straight from that Barren Cave (the cave near Roland's cabin) to Cheydinhal, there was no altar blessing in between there. So Yea I think it was a bug. I began looking into one of the mods I've got but meh... it gets to the point that it'll kill the mood if gaming time turns into troubleshooting time.

She waited in the chapel in real-time, because I was afraid if I pressed the Wait button she'd then turn into a full vampire. So she waited in-game 5 hours or so, praying and doing whatever a devout holy person does. ⛪ Once the shops opened she bought a Cure Disease potion and a mandrake root for backup. She bought these from Eilonwy, who is only a Conjurer, but she also sells potions and ingredients.

By now she's left Cheydinhal. I think she's made it to Crestbridge Camp with a soldier following. Tried to find Cropsford but she missed the turn. Should be able to make it to Nenalata in a day or two. She's gonna enter Nenalata with at least two soldiers. I Mean, that place is freaking TOUGH. One of my characters died in there!

And Lothran? Isn't he about to head to Bruma? ❄ Or wait. No. Not until winter starts here on Earth, correct?

It's been awhile since winter started but Lothie follows the calendar; he'll go there first weekend of December


I vagely remember Nenalata, but I seem to recall the battle was indeed quite intense. Not as intense however as in another ruin where Lothran grabbed the Great Welkynd stone. The fight that ensued was the closest call ever for the Dunmer!

That's true: the Great Welkynd Stone can be collected even if we haven't gotten that far into the Main Kwest, and I know Lothie never even delivered the Amulet!

off-topic



Can't wait to play more Oblivion!

Indeed; he was afraid it would trigger bad stuff to Bruma. Also; he was quite overwhelmed by so many other things that the amulet eventually just ended up in his private collection. I'm sure the Empire doesn't mind... ...





Happy gaming!

This evening was the last for Lothran in the Imperial City and as usual it was spent onboard the Marie Elena. It's a galleon I think

No turning back; tomorrow Lothran will gear up and head for Aleswell, the first and only stop on the way to Bruma.



Winter is coming.

WHAT? No! I thought the Marie Elena is a schooner!

Not playing Oblivion today, it's sunny. Saturday, got the day off. Playing Fallout 3. But last I saw Joan she was headed toward Nenalata. She's got a road patrol guy with her who's telling her that she should check out Imperial Bridge Inn. So that's where they're going to stop next. Because it's a great place to rest and prepare. 🏚

The Bridge Inn is indeed nice. Lothran often stops by on his way to Cheydinhal but opted out this year for whatever reason. Glad to know Joan picks up the slacks

It was a pretty uneventful walk up to the snowy mountains from Aleswell. Not even a single marauder at Sercen and only one ogre slain on the entire road. Two stray bandits too though.

Sky is cloudy and you can sense the inbound snow. The smell of a house not aired out for months greeted Lothran when he entered his cabin, as did the not yet lit fireplace. With all the trinkets placed into their respective place it was time for some rest before going out into the town of Bruma and greet the citizens. Oh, and to light the fireplace of course.


Lothran is home.

Welcome back to Bruma, Lothran!

It's because the baddies along the Silver Road are finally starting to learn, their fates are inevitable during certain times of the year.

Then again, we're going by Earth time, not Tamriellic time. So hmm. Scratch that theory.

Sun's Dusk 5, mid-afternoon-- Joan of Arkay just left Cropsford and is headed back to Nenalata. Although she's got a couple folks following her (a Colovian guard and a random, heavily-armored high elf she met along the road) Joan has been piercing the depths of Nenalata mostly on her own. And it's taxing. It's taken over two days to slowly deal with each skeleton champion, each wraith, each zombie, and worse.

Hence the trip to Cropsford. She needed to get more food. Surprisingly, Imperial Bridge Inn hasn't got too much for sale. Maybe because all the layabouts who live in IBI are constantly eating it! 🍗🍅🍇

Hey, lazy bums need to eat too

Also, I think Joan has to eat, right? Survival mod?

Yeah, I've got a realism mod (thank you for not calling them "hardcore" btw, don't like that term). Food, drink, sleep, necessary.

Anyway, that whole ENTIRE campaign was a waste of time! Joan got deep into Nenalata, all three zones, until she came to a large room which was a dead-end. Could not go any further. But there's a wall in that final room which looks as though she's supposed to put something into it, like a placard or something. And I think the reason she can't go any further is she did not continue the Crown of the Ayleids quest.

So that's it. She's headed all the way back to the Imperial City.

I love how Lothran's got a fireplace in his Bruma Home. 🔥 I bet that's one of your only mods, right? Along with Spell Delete and Witchcraft.

I don't remember much of Nenalata, it's been so long. But maybe you're on to something here.


You know me too well Those are my three most important mods, plus mALX's no stalking mod applied to FG porters and a few more.

Thought of the fireplace mod just now as it's been activated. That one detail does so much for the whole feeling of the house. Starting it up after having seen the fireplace dark and quiet gives me such an immersive feeling of warmth and it tells me this is where I'll be for months to come. I truly feel at home.
Same when putting it out when leaving Bruma in spring. It tells me that the long hibernation is over and now the adventure starts again. Two awesome feelings brought forth by that simple mod!

Nenalata is the big ending setpiece to the Ayleid Statue quest. You have to finish its sub quests like the Crown one first. I believe the end of the crown quest starts another quest that takes you to Nenalata. Then you can get into that final part of Nenalata, where the big quest finale takes place.

mirocu: Ha, I guessed right! Yeah, what was Beth thinking, lighting fireplaces in all the other houses but leaving BRUMA (of all places) dark!

Rosa: Good, that's just as I suspected. You see, Joan doesn't trust Umbacano, and she's found 8 statues so far. She's thinking the 9th statue could be in Nenalata, so she wanted to try to get there first, to try and beat the guy to the punch! Instead she's gonna have to go all the way back to the I.C.

So that's Joanie's plight. And now it's December, which means I shall switch to Renee Gade III. That's right, Xena Gade. Every month I switch from one Oblivion person to the next, so September was Snaat Rayag the Skooma Dealer, October was Lady Saga (I only gamed with her a couple times though, was busy with Morrowind) November was Joan.

And now it's RG3. Who is in Skingrad. Just picked up a quest I wrote a while back, and the good thing is, I have no idea what the heck I wrote! But it's probably a bounty-style quest.

Lothran has just had his first mountain trekk today. He visited the bandit camp out east and looked around the area outside the Bruma north gate where he found a few more bandits, one who was another friendly female Khajiit bandit. She demanded a ransom upon conversation but unlike a Highwayman she could be sweet-talked rather than just bribed into liking Lothran more.

Other than that not much to report. Honmund was out collecting samples of Clouded Funnel Cap and the Imperial Forester was still where he'd been for the last ten years or so. It's the very same Forester who won an infight all those years ago and who since then has patrolled the area where Honmund wanders.

Now Lothran is resting at Jerall View, it's late afternoon and come evening he'll head down for his first night this season at Olav's Tap and Tack

Does Xena have a Gabrielle companion to adventure with?

Nice to see Lothran settling into his winter routine. When is his first guard shift?