Lena –
Ever since the Feyfolken affair Mages Guild members are required to use their personalized standard issue magic quill. Our poor abused Jandaga has lost his and now has to sign his signature long hand.

Acadian-
Bland campsite “magicwave” dinners get boring after awhile but they are much cheaper than using the Gold For Food spell.

Renee- (Hope I did floozy well.):
The Ayleid Steps official reason: The Steps were meant to connect Ayleid ruins and Ayleid Wells. You won't find many in the cities or other places that are important for us nowadays. In the Ayleid era the world must have looked very different, given the weird locations where the Steps can be seen.
We can only guess what the Ayleids used the arena for.
The stepstone that takes you to the Lost Sutch Arena functions properly; it takes you to the Lost Sutch Arena every time. You even get a map marker for it. The only stepstone inside Lost Sutch Arena is also functioning properly but it takes you to a side of a mountain so steep that the only safe way to leave it is to use the malfunctioning stepstone that you are standing on. You’re at the mercy of this steps as to where you wind up. Just so happened that this time the stone took me to a stepstone sitting at the bottom of the Niben near the Mouth of the Panther.
Since we’re using stepstones to get to the Lost Sutch Arena there is no way to know exactly where the “Lost Sutch Arena” is actually located. The Lost Sutch Arena could be buried right under the real Sutch. On the world map for every ‘Lost’ location a generic map marker is place on a spot between Nilin Cave and Nenyand Twill.
Be afraid, be very afraid.

Well thank you for this detailed answer, macole. Those steps sound pretty scary, tbh, in the sense that you never know where you're going next. Good luck, and can't wait to see where the Flooz takes them.

Hmm, I had one other question but now I forget what it was.

20221122 The Ayleid Steps, Welkynd Worries - MOO, Bounty Hunter

Nine, there are nine of them! Tall, they looked and carried themselves like Altmer but somehow different.

One approached. Claiming to be one of the True Descendants of the Ayleids she began a lengthy self serving proclamation.

I don’t remember much of my early childhood but standing there listening to this high and mighty Mer pontificate on the superiority of the Ayleid race filled me with anger. His words brought back from my early childhood. Memories of family elders singing the sad saga of how the Aldmer drove the family from our ancestral home in Sommerset, Intense anger rose up from the depths my mind flooding my mind the desire for revenge.

“Take care Jandaga,” Claire cautioned. “A mind clouded in anger is one step from being defeated.”

Then the Mer pronounced that my Ladies and I would never leave this room. The threat to my Ladies coupled with
Claire’s words was the sacred wind that drove the clouds away. A scroll of paralysis found its way to my hand.

Using the scroll I struck first. I don’t usually use this method of attack and it was fun to watch the so called “True Descendant” drift silently to the ground. Fiona pounced, making sure the paralyzed cultist never got back up.
That was fun to watch. I’ll have to increase my illusion skill so I can do it again

We’ve been in situations like before or at least I have, Claire and Fiona are not used to this kind of business. They were holding their own with their staffs and summoned creatures but I thought a little extra help wouldn’t hurt.

Angel came at my calling. Fast and thorough, she toured the facility and picked up the slack. Why stop there. Skipping around the room while dodging attacking cultist I managed to summon the Sisters of Insanity and a Markanez Dremora.

It was over in minutes. Eight cultists lay silent at our feet. The last cultist fell to the pointy end of Claire’s staff. When they weren’t fighting amongst themselves my little summoned army took care of five while Fiona and I each got one.

One did manage to get away. That could present problems later but for now we’ll settle on looting the place. Gold and welkynd stones; every cultist corpse carried a large amounts each. On a desk we found a scroll that detailed plans to destroy the empire and to resurrect the Ayleid civilization.

“Sweetie,” Fiona said as she placed her hand in mine. “Let’s go tell the shopkeeper his troubles are over.”

Other than using a teleport spell the stepstone that we arrived on was the only way out. We activated it thinking that we’d return to the stepstone near the Shezarr Stones. Nope, we were taken deep into the Blackwood Forest close to Veyond on the other side of the Niben.

Crossing the great river just south of White Stallion Lodge where an island splits the river into two narrow channels, we took the road south back to Leyawiin. We hadn’t gone very far when, taking care not to sound like I was criticizing their dress, I asked the Ladies, “Weren’t you the least bit concerned that we’d draw undue attention standing outside the shop?”

“Oh no,” Fiona answered, “They’d just say, “There’s a couple of floozies having a little frolic in the bushes with a client.””

“Besides,” Claire continued. “It’s Sundas, Ladies always wear their best on Sundas when out with her beau.”
Then with a giggle that sounded like wind chimes Claire gave me shove, sending me tumbling into the bushes, “Keep your mind on business,”

There will be no “good time” on the road to Leyawiin today. My “woo hoo” turned in “oh no” when I landed on top the infamous highway man Caligate Augussion (MOO wanted faction). Wanted dead or alive, Caligate Augussion had taken cover in the bushes as he prepared to ambush his next victim, us. Too bad for him though. He should have taken heed and run away.

Instead, with his “good time” spoiled he cloaked himself with a chameleon spell and summoned a storm atronach for me to play with. Big mistake. My two devoted wizardesss didn’t like that one bit.

The battle raged up and down the hill near Undertow Cavern. With the sun well covered by the dense fog the vampire Taahin Amanni joined forces with Caligate. The party didn’t long enough for Caligate to send out any more invitations as he and his lady vampire friend were soon on the dead side of the wanted posters. After collecting “Caligate Augussion’s Shoes” and ‘Taahin Amanni’s Outfit’ as proof we returned to Leyawiin to collect the bounty.

Asking the city watch at the gate where do we go to claim the bounty, we stood there in amazement as he seemingly from out of nowhere he produce a chest full of septims. Amazement turned to excitement as the Leyawiin officer of the Watch clinked out shinny gold coins in our pouch; 1650 for Caligate Augussion and 1800 for Taahin Amanni. Wow, drinks are on the Count! And off we went to inspect very pub in the city (nine including the Better Cities additions).

Later, ah, much later, I managed to stand-up to ask, ”Holiday coming. How about we catch the next ship to Anvil?”

“But we’re having so much fun having you to ourselves to run around with,” purred Fiona. “Can’t we do one more itsy bitsy teenie weenie dungeon?”

“Please?” pleaded Claire. “Undertow Cavern is close by and surely can’t be very big.”

“Hmmm, I am curious to know what those two wanted criminals were doing there. Maybe there’s an answer there. OK, let’ go. But first must tell what’s’ ‘is name at the shop everything’s good. Tomorrow.”

Barely making it to our Leyawiin home before crashing, we slept through the night and half the morning.

Wow, those Ayleids looked, acted and did the full pomposity act just like Altmer. Good riddance and welcome to plenty of loot.

And an unplanned bounty hunting gig that also paid off very well.

Undertow Cavern up next, is it?

Acadian: we stuck that master race shtick right in their eye.

20221124 TAS, Welkynd Worries – I-SL, Mystery of Mir Corrup – MOO, Bounty Hunting

A restful night at our Leyawiin home disturbed only by the rising morning sun. We slept so soundly not even the violent overnight storm that flooded the city’s lower quarter (again!) woke us up.

With J’Dato the OVB Chapter House Head’s help, the four of us dried out the water that had seeped in under the door. I suggested using the fancy new spell I recently learnt, Gust of Wind, to quickly air dry everything. That didn’t go over well.

“NO!” the three yelled. “You’ll blow the whole house down.”

So instead of huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf we used a common low level heat spell that a novice house maid would use to iron clothing. A little slow but it worked well enough. A few minutes of effort and all was dry. Now with the house emergency properly taken care of we wished J’Dato, the Khajiit monk well and left.

Before leaving Leyawiin for Undertow Cavern we made a couple stops. First on our list was Best Goods and Guaranties. Gundalas was greatly relieved to hear that the cultist that had been pressuring him had been taken care of. He promised to spread the word of our good deed far and wide.

Southern Books was next on our list. What better place to find information on Mir Corrup then a book store, just need to find the right book. Bugak gro-Bol was his usual jovial self as he eye-balled us while we browsed the selves.

“By the gods, buy the book!” he bellowed at us when in his opinion, our browsing took too long.

Bugak was right though, browsing was taking too long. Asking Burgak if he had any reference material on Mir Corrup got a positive response. He did have a book that mentioned Mir Corrup. "Dance in the Fire”, a story set 5 years after the war between, as he called them, the runts and cats. It wasn’t much more than a couple of lines but it was something.

“That’s about 40-years ago”, I thought as I plunked down the coin to buy the book. Surprisingly, the purchase improved Bugak’s attitude, somewhat. He actually started opening up by telling us about his troubles with other Orcs.

“They come in here just to sneer at me,” Bugak bellowed. “Ooh, Bugak got a book store. Ooh, Bugak’s a sissy scroll-scriber. It makes me sick!”

Knowing how Orcs are when agitated, we offered up a weak excuse and got of there as quick as we could before things started flying around the store. With that out of the way we left Leyawiin heading to Undertow Cavern. It’s been a long time since we last visited Undertow, wonder if anything has changed?

Using the thick mist as cover, Fiona and Claire took the flanks and I the center as we climbed the fern covered hill to Undertow Cavern. Finding no resistance on the approach we entered the cavern. Prepared for anything we were still startled when Sinia Mossbrook (MOO Mythic Dawn Faction) was standing at the doorway when we entered.

Sinia may have been as shocked as we were but she reacted quickly by conjuring bound daedric armor and mace. With her speed enhanced Sinia was a maniac on the dance floor.

At least she was until Claire summoned a Lizardman skeleton from the toxic swamps of Black Marsh. Its wicked sword was nothing compared to its poisonous bite that can instantly paralyze or severely slow depending the victim’s willpower. The shock of seeing that hideous thing momentarily stunned everyone.

Everyone except Claire, that is. Claire grabbed her staff and gave Sinia a blast, while her skeleton chomped away on the daedric clad Bosmer.

Sinia recovered quickly from the sight of the Lizardman skeleton and fought on but she had been slowed. Now vulnerable to our group attack Sinia Mossbrook didn’t stand much longer. When it was done we took Sinia Mossbrook’s Greaves as proof of her demise.

“Something is wrong here,” I commented after we had gone a little ways into the cavern. “The place is covered in slimy luminescent snus moss. The stuff spreads like kudzu.”

Fiona was explaining how an intense magika field could cause excessive growth like this, when a black arrow clanged off my cuirass. On cue, three Khajiit bandits charged from out of a dark corner. Still on heightened arousal after the match with Sinia Mossbrook, my Ladies turned their attention to the Khajiit. With that dreaded “Black Friday Shopping” look in their eyes, my hot blooded Ladies met the woefully overmatched Khajiiti in the center of the small cavern room.

Another black arrow shaft broke on my cuirass. Turning, I caught a glimpse of a dark figure fleeing down a passageway. A black bow bandit, I gave chase. Catching up to him at the end of a tunnel, I ran him through as he was trying to open a wooden door to Undertow Cavern Hold-Your-Breath.

Ooh, I didn’t know he was a she until I began looting the body. In my moment of distraction, he caught me. Heavily chameleon cloaked Palivan Mossvale (MOO Wanted Faction) struck from behind.

Floored, I yelled out. A couple more strikes hit me as I struggled to get on my feet. Dazed and confused, it was hard to tell from which direction the strikes were coming from. Somehow, I managed to deflect his attacks as I slowly regained my senses. I was nearly ready to mount a counter attack when help arrived.

Speed of lightening, roar of thunder, fighting all who rob and plunder, though we are in danger, we never despair cause we know that when there's danger help is on the way! (A mash-up of two Saturday morning classics. Know what they are?)

The witch and the wizardess swept over Palivan like a tsunami leaving his battered body in their wake. Within seconds they were standing in front of the door to Hold-Your-Breath calmly inspecting their nail polish, as if nothing had happened. Deciding not to open a door with a warning sign of Hold-Your-Breath hung on it, we collect0ed Palivan Mossvale’s Dagger and left.

Nearing the cavern exit my two Ladies insisted that I see what they had found while fighting the Khajii bandits.
Eagerly they dragged me to a small overgrown room. There amidst the moss and ferns sat an Ayleid stepstone.

It appeared to be broken, who knows where you’d end up if you activated it. Collecting the bounty we had worked so hard for seemed to be the more prudent choice. Maybe next time.

Back in Leyawiin we claimed a bounty of 5650 for the two wanted criminals. Turning to Clire and Fiona I asked them what they wanted to do with their share of the gold? We all know the answer to that.

I was about to scoff at the "we are true Ayleids" bit. But the guy who walks up to them does look sort of different from typical Altmers.

Ha ha, Jandaga paralyzes the dude! Some superior race this guy is! ... Great battle pictures, macole.

Wow this floozie won't give it a rest! She's as addicted to dungeoneering as ...well... I am sometimes.

Now they're in the bookstore. "Buy a goddamn book!"



Hmm, I'm guessing Mighty Mouse and something from the D.C. or Marvel Comics era. Really I have no idea. We were mostly into WB (Bugs Bunny, etc.) Josie & Pussycats, Magic Schoolbus, etc. So... no idea. I was a child of '70s and early '80s Saturday cartoons though, so maybe you're talking of something before my time.

They're inspecting their fingernails. Wow, so Snu's and Ayleid steps play nice with each other. Snu's even puts some slight overgrowth on top of the step.

Wow, what an adventure, all without breaking a nail. I see your sorceresses belong to the "Naked Witch" cult - they claim that not just armour but also clothing interrupt magic flow... Best not argue with them.

Ok, I know where the lyrics are from, through the power of googlination. But I won't tell because magic is cheating.

‘The war between the runts and the cats.’

Wow, Undertow Cavern is gorgeous! Must be the Snus effects. And a real potpourri of foes inside, offering varying degrees of challenge for the Jandaga, Twinkle and the Ladies. Bounty collection time. Hope they remembered to turn in that black bow to the Count.

Renee: Might Mouse is the second half, good for a piece of cake. I thought the other one the first part of the lyrics, would have been easier. It’s newer and there was a movie about 10-years ago.

Lena Wolf: The Daggerfall witches are good examples of that thinking. With her long flowing red hair Fiona, I like to think Fiona is a member of the Tamarilyn Coven. Hard to tell though since the witches if nothing else they wear a hood.
Claire being a wizardess skilled in enchanting adheres to the tenet:
Law of Enchanting #9. Strength of enchantment rises exponentially as the area of the item being enchanted decreases. Therefore assuming the material and enchantment level used are constant, an enchanted chainmail bikini will provide considerably more protection than a set of full plate when enchanted with the same spell.

Acadian: Uh oh, that Black Bow has caused a bit of disquiet with the penny pinching bailies.

The challenge answer:
Underdog: Speed of lightening, roar of thunder, fighting all who rob and plunder
Mighty Mouse: though we are in danger, we never despair cause we know that when there's danger help is on the way!
Now let’s all sit down and enjoy a bowl of Bordeaux cherry ice cream with Amaretto sauce.

20221129 The Ayleid Steps Lost Nahavindel, and a bit of Castle Anthrax fun

The pouring raining in Leyawiin was the deciding factor in using the Stranded Light Guild Guide service to teleport us to the Imperial City Universitum Arcanorum. We could use the Mages Guild system which is free to all Mages Guild members but I prefer the Stranded Light’s method better. It’s not free but the charge is small and it is open to the public. It reminds me of the teleportation system used by the Mages Guild in Morrowind.

The Floozies, err Ladies and I split up once we appeared in front of the Mages Guild Reception Hall doors. They immediately took off for the money sink on the Waterfront. Reaching for the door to go inside to find Raminus Polus, I overheard Claire say something to Fiona that caught my attention. Slowly I let the door close, stood quietly aside, and listened.

“You know he forgot to turn in that black bow to the Count,” Claire said to Fiona. “He needs to be punished for short changing our shopping. A good swat and taken to bed without any dinner, will do.”

“Ooh,” mused Fiona. “And then he can spank us for not reminding him.”

“Yes!” Claire cried out clapping her hands excitedly. “I’ll go first!”

“No, me first, I thought of it!”

“No you didn’t. I did! I’m first!”

On and on they went as they walked toward university gates. I couldn’t quite catch what they said as they passed through the gates on the way to the Waterfront. Scratching my head I wondered what’s gotten in to them. Have they been talking to the girls from Gweden Farm? I guess I’m going back to Leyawiin.

Raminus had some interesting things to say about Jills and Mir Corrup. The Jills, Raminus said were aedric beings mostly used to explain the mending of time. The way Raminus said it gave me the impression that he thought the Jills did a terrible job.

When asked about Mir Corrup Raminus said, “Mir Corrup is … strange. We had a chapterhouse there. But we abandoned it as the city ceased to be. Yet there is no date in our archives. It is as if it just is.”

When I mentioned that I had found the ruins of Mir Corrup, Raminus just hrmpfed and shrugged it off. The discussion with Raminus had come to an end. Thanked him for his help in the Mystery of Mir Corrup matter, meager as it was, and sent him back to his duties. What Raminus told me wasn’t much by itself but added to the others bits and pieces I’ve collected the story it tells reinforces my earlier conclusion… the Warp in the West. So the Jills can mend time but can they bring back what was lost?

Retiring to the Arch-mage quarters I ordered a large mid-afternoon snack to be delivered. The nagging feeling that I was going miss dinner this evening just would not leave me.

The next morning, thoroughly admonished and extremely penitent I pledged to right the wrong done to the Floozy contingent of my fair ladies. Geez, the things I do to keep peace in the houses,

Apologies accepted we left the Universitum Arcanorum for Leyawiin. Being a beautiful morning we decided to travel by foot. Gazing north as we crossed the bridge, we marveled at how striking the snow covered peaks were, set against the bright blue sky.

“Ever wonder what the Imperial City would look like all covered in snow?” I asked.

I’ve always wanted to wear a white ermine cloak,” Fiona said dreamily.

“It does happen maybe once in a 100-years,” alleged Claire. “It’s a Saturalia festival, an Evening Star wonderland at year’s end in High Rock. I know, I’ve seen pictures;”

“All right Miss Know It All where did you see these pictures?” Fiona demanded with false annoyance.

“A little place in Chorrol, everyone was sitting around chatting when someone passed around the pictures,” Claire answered.

It was little past noon by the time we reached Bravil. Dressed in my favored Arch-mage attire I exercised some authoritative privileges to score a very nice lunch at the Bravil Mages Guild Hall. Kud-Ei graciously offered her room on the third floor so we could have a quiet undisturbed nap before continuing on south. Politely yawning, Claire headed upstairs straight away, leaving Fiona and me sipping the last of our wine.

Fiona stood gently ran fingers through my hair, leaned close, and with her dark silky voice whispered in my ear, “Amado mio, come with me there’s something you must see,”

Taking me by the hand she led me, my much to my surprise, to the Fighters Guild basement. There sat two Ayleid stepstones.

“I figured it out,” Fiona said. “One of the two is the answer to the riddle; jo uif csbwjm gjhiufst hvjme cbtfnfou,”

Just goes to show the fighters Guild is not known for their smarts. The stepstones were being used as shelving to hold training equipment. On the surface the stepstone holding weapons appeared cracked and pitted while the one holding armor had a smooth, clean surface. By now I have an idea on whether or not a stepstone will function properly and by the looks of these two I was certain that the clean one with the smooth surface was the one to take.

“Let me change to my armor and we’ll give it a try,” I said to Fiona.

“Take your time amado mio,” Fiona replied. “I’ll just watch in case you need any help.”

Being watched while changing is something I’ve never have gotten used to, I tried to change quickly but the damned straps and buckles were not cooperating. Our journey into the unknown began, a little later than I had hoped, when I used a welkynd stone to activate the stepstone.

**********

Nahsi, the highest ranking member of the Bravil Fighters Guild member was in the middle of her blade training session when two mages entered the training pit. Heading straight to the equipment tables, a striking red-head was leading by the hand an exquisitely robed male Bosmer with pale greenish-blue hair.

“Wizeazz lion with its gazelle, why come here? It lost?” the Khajiit monk thought as she sniffed the air. “It not smell of Bosmer,”

Thinking she knew, Nahsi went back to her training while keeping a wary eye on the two wizards. There’ll be no hanky-panky in her Guild Hall. One false move and wizeazz or not, she’ll toss them both out into the street.

The two mages stopped in front of the equipment tables. They talk for a moment before the male changed into an ornate shinny armor kit bristling with dragon tooth-like spikes while the flame-haired female skirt, watched.

“Yes, I see why skirt-too-short grins like Cheshire cat,” Nahsi hissed quietly to herself. “He turn lovely shade of red. Goes good with its hair.”

Then they were gone. Disappeared into thin air, just like that.

Nahsi the monk, known far and wide for her inner peace and spiritual harmony, blinked. “It’s him! The one the Knights of the Nine and all else rave about… What they call it “Psycho Killer and its Beg for Mercy Gang”… No its member OVB … Gaaa! Nahsi not vampire why it here in Nahsi’s basement… This one must run, tell everyone… no, they just say Nahsi been chugging skooma…”

On and on Nahsi’s mind raced faster than Maiq the Liar until she collapsed in a corner balled up like a kitten, mumbling, “He barely make Swordsman. Nahsi not feel too good.”

Slowly over the next month Nahsi’s inner peace and spiritual harmony returned to normal. But, she will never forget how his dragon-eyes flashed when he winked at her just before he disappeared.

**********

edit: skirt-too-skirt to skirt-to-short

I wonder if a trip to Leyawiin costs more than the reward for one black bow? Just askin'.

Wow, the FG really aren't the sharpest arrows in the quiver - especially the Nahsi one. Great fun reading her kitty kraziness though.

Well, Nahsi did have a few acute observations about a skirt-too-skirt's Cheshire smile and stuff. She'll be right as rain after a bit, that's nothing that a bit of skooma can't cure.

A nice touch that such noble and pious knights as the Knights of the Nine should rave about someone called a Psycho Killer.

What a fun episode!

First, I want to apologize for the horrible proof reading on my part. My good eye is trying to catch up with the blind one. Reading has become difficult. Hopefully after the holidays I can get an operation scheduled to take care of things. In the meantime I'll try to do better. Thank you for the comments.

Acadian: The intrinsic reward of traveling alone with Fiona is as they would say in Morrowind ‘wealth beyond measure, outlander’, without the insult.
I’m sure the TheCheshireKhajiit would have done better with the kitty krazyness.

Lena Wolf: You know how rumors are they evolve as they are spread. That’s what happened to the story of the Divine Crusader in psychedelic armor and the Sisters of Lord Have Mercy. By the time it reached Nahsi at the Bravil Fighters Guild, the story had evolved into the Psycho Killer and his Beg For Mercy gang. Could it be that the Knights of the Nine were trying to save face after going all goo goo gaga over seeing The Ladies and purposely changed a word here and there?

I'm surprised I guessed Mighty Mouse! 🐭 Don't rememer Underdog at all.

Must be nice to have two modes of insta-travel: Mages Guild and Stranded Light. For one thing, now Jandaga has something else to spend all his massive wealth upon.

Yikes, they can spank him??? Ha ha it sounds like you're looking to install Betty's Winter mod, as the floozies bring up winter in the I.C.!

Uh oh. Sounds like Fiona's going for the kill. Now she's watching him strip down to his loincloths Calvin Kleins. I think I'm too young for this!

The dialog from Nahsi's funny.

Noticed the Talking Heads reference but I'm not sure what "Beg for Mercy" is from, if anything.

1. Underdog Raps (Original Version) - YouTube Underdog always saving Miss Polly Purebred.

2. There are four modes of insta-travel in the game. The two you mentioned plus the Midas Magic Astral Gate. The Astral Gate gives you a means to set five locations that you can travel to by using a perfect gem stone. Then there are L.A.M.E. spells: ‘Mark and Recall’ and ‘Take Me Home’. I use them all but it’s the Take Me Home I use the most. Cast the spell and you can go to any city home that you own including ones in the Shivering Isles.

3. The spanking; keeping in line with Ghastly’s Gweden Brothel mod. The Ladies have been spending too much of their free time at the farm talking to the working girls. That brings up Castle Anthrax and The Tale of Sir Galahad - Monty Python and the Holy Grail - YouTube

4. The thoughts on snow was inspired from the pics shared by Lena Wolf and the group comments that follow.

5. Fiona going for the kill? Na, the ladies like to make a game of embarrassing the young and naive Jandaga

6. Beg for Mercy was unintentional.
At first, I assumed that the fighter practicing in the training area was a he. My first draft had him reacting to Fiona as the Knights of the Nine did when the Ladies paraded in to wake up their beloved Jandaga. The knights speculating on which religious order the Ladies belonged to “The Sisters of…” couldn’t contain themselves and cried out “LORD HAVE MERCY!” Since then they’ve become known as the Sisters of Lord Have Mercy.
That didn’t work when I realized trainee was a she. Did a little research on Nahsi and tried to make the Jandaga the focus of her reaction. Seeing the Jandaga change to his Dragon Spirit armor, Nahsi knew that this Fancy Dancer of a warrior never progressed past Swordsman in the Fighters Guild and yet he is the famed Vampire Hunter of OVB, or the Psychedelic Warrior whose songs are being sung in every ale joint in Cyrodiil. Inconceivable!
Then there’s the flaming haired Fiona, Nahsi’s heard the stories the wild-eyed Knights of the Nine tell of the Sisters of Lord Have Mercy but seeing Fiona in the napkin shift was just too much. Put it all together and poor Nahsi had a psychotic reaction; calling Jandaga the Psycho Killer (Yes, The Talking Heads), and referring to Fiona as Skirt-Too-Short, a member of the Beg for Mercy Gang. As you can see it’s all in her head,

But, your question sent me Ytubing for a ‘Beg For Mercy’ lyric. Found this G-Unit - Beg for Mercy (lyrics) - YouTube. I’m not much for gangster rap but ignoring the words, the music gave me visions of the Sisters of Lord Have Mercy entering the Chapel of the Nine bobbing and weaving like Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

20221208 The Ayleid Steps Lost Nahavindel,

Hop; the step located in the Bravil Fighters Guild takes us south into the Blackwood a short distance north of Reedstand Cave.

Skip; the Blackwood stepstone takes us to a step located in the Topal Bay area, near Fort Redman.

And, a jump; from the Topal Bay we arrive at the ruins of Lost Nahavindel.

Nahavindel isn’t very large just two levels populated with various skeleton warriors, ghosts, a lich, and lots of zombies. The two large rooms on the first level contained many welkynd stones protected by dark welkynd traps. A remote manipulation spell is useful as a few welkynd stones are hard to get.

Nahavindel’s lower level Cenosel also populated with a lich ghosts and skeletons wasn’t any larger than the first level. The first large room I entered contained rising walls designed to trap you in a gas filled chamber.

After passing through a long receiving hall filled with welkynd stone lamps I wound my way through the hallways to find a second large room. It was completely flooded. Through the dark water welkynd stones could be seen shinning at the bottom of the pool. Dismissing Twinkle to keep her from drowning I turned to tell Fiona I was jumping in to fetch the welkynds. That’s when I noticed that Fiona wasn’t with me.

Forget the welkynds, finding Fiona was the only thing on my mind. Tracing my steps back through Nahavindel Cenosel all the way back to the entrance, I found no trace of Fiona. Entering the first level of Nahavindel and still no sign of Fiona, I was beginning to worry. Soon though my fears of losing Fiona were relieved, when sounds of fighting could be heard further ahead. Stepping into a dark welkynd protected room I found Fiona battling several zombies.

She doesn’t respond when I call to her to leave them and follow me. She had become trapped in a constant battle loop. Kill the zombies, as the last one falls the first one is starting to recover, so Fiona’s battle mode never ends. Watching the loop play out a couple of times I noticed a short period of time between striking down the last zombie and when the first zombie begins to rise. If I’m quick there’s enough time to run in, say let’s go, and lead her out of danger.

Or, I could just wait until the dark welkynd renders her unconscious, grab her by the ankle, and drag her out. Now that would be a sight. Imagining the scolding I’d get once she woke up, I decided against that.

Taking a moment to ward myself against the dark welkynd attacks I raced in, told Fiona to follow, and led her by the hand out of the danger zone. We got out of that room as the dark welkynd stones were just starting to power up. The combat loop broken we made our way back to the very first room where sat the stepstone out of Nahavindel.

Leaving Nahavindel we arrive at an Ayleid Well half a day’s walk southeast of Leyawiin. The hot glow of Magnus, the sweet smell of the jungle air, and the intense field of magika emitting from the Ayleid Well must have been too much for the witch.

“Oh amado mio, you saved me!” Fiona shouted joyously. Extending her arms to embrace me, Fiona took a step and collapsed from exhaustion.

Catching her fall, I laid her gently on the marble lip of the Ayleid Well and cast Cloud of Healing to aid her recovery. The thinking was that we could stay at the Ayleid Well under the rejuvenating Cloud of Healing until Fiona had recovered enough to travel. A sudden thunderous roar of a dragon shattered the thought of spending a peaceful afternoon in Blackwood. Staying here has become perilous. If we have to spend the night in the Blackwood a more secure place is needed. Being familiar with the area I know Fort Blueblood is nearby. That old fort shouldn’t to difficult to secure.

Question is what to do with Fiona. In the state she’s in she can’t walk and carrying her is not an option either. Well, it could be but all the spiky parts of my armor would make it uncomfortable for Fiona with the possibility of injury.

Thinking for a moment I came up with a plan to hide Fiona in plain sight. Taking the Guardian’s Ring, courtesy of the Order of the Virtuous Blood, from my inventory I slipped it on her finger. The ring with its 30 point chameleon effect should hide Fiona well enough from predatory eyes until I find somewhere safer to spend the night.
There’s Fort Blueblood. It’s not far from this Ayleid Well.

So close you could almost see it, if it wasn’t for all the Bosmeri home décor blocking the view.

Leaving Fiona, I set off for Fort Blueblood. As I walked I questioned why are dragons in Cyrodiil. There’s been talk of dragons disappearing from Tamriel especially up in Skyrim but we’ve seen enough of those flying beasts to know better. Kaleah claims it is only the super intelligent dovah that have disappeared from Nirn.

A few minutes later I was standing at the door of Fort Blueblood. That brought back memories of the first time I entered Fort Blueblood when questing for the Leyawiin Mages Guild recommendation. The bandit Captain and her deputy Lieutenant Trash with their wonderful Silverlight Armor that the Ladies are so fond of… ah, those were good times. If only they hadn’t been so eager to fight.

Opening the gate while lost in the memories put me at a disadvantage when I walked right into a company of Black Marsh Witchhunters. There were four Black Marsh Witchhunters within the immediate vicinity of the entrance and they all came running as I stepped inside. It’s a good thing Fiona wasn’t with me. The witch would have sent these witchhunters into a feeding frenzy as they all tried to get a bite of her. On second thought, with her distraction I might have had an easier time of dealing with the witchhunters.

Not that it mattered. Calling forth my usual enforcers, the Sisters of Insanity picked up the slack allowing me to turn my attention to the apparent leader, Riahin Barastae.

Riahin Barastae with her shock bow was dealing out some serious damage. She chose the wrong target. With her sights set on Twinkle I ran the wanted criminal through nearly slicing her in half.

Taking Riahin Barastae’s Bow as proof of her demise I decided that Fort Blueblood would not be such a safe place to rest after all. Returning to the Ayleid Well I couldn’t find Fiona. I became concerned when she didn’t answer my call. And when buckles on my armor started popping open, I panicked.

What’s going on here? Casting Detect Living, there stood Fiona.

Feeling jilted, Fiona cried out, “Cheater, no reward for you!”

Having just returned from combat in Fort Blueblood, I didn’t think that Fiona would be playing Hide-n-Seek while wearing the Guardian’s Ring. Oh well. Now, with the fully recovered Fiona back in the visible world I cast Take Me Home to transport us to my Leyawiin home. That’s what I should have done in the beginning.

So I gather welkynd stones are the fuel for the Ayleid Steppes? If so, the crew sure found a nice supply in Lost Nahavindel. Poor Fiona needs a rest.

Fort Blueblood seems kinda dangerous too. That witchhunter made a big mistake targeting poor Twinkle! Grrr!

Back to Fiona for some fun chameleon games, then teleport home.

Yes, the welkynd stones power the Ayleid stepstones. Just how they are used is not clear. A welkynd stone is consumed when you attempt to activate a step. Most of the time step activation is successful but there is a chance of failure. So, we collect all that we can.

Yep, Riahin made a big mistake indeed. Leave Twinkle alone!

Ha okay now I get it. Indeed, the Jandaga is involved with Gweden Brothel. No wonder he's so comfortable traveling with the floozies.

Monty Python's awesome. We grew up on MP. "Your life or your loupons!!!"

Thanks for explaining about Beg For Mercy. I'm not much for gangsta rap either. Too many dirty words, yicch. Fits the tale, though.

Man, Cyrodiil is pretty. I've been playing Morrowind and Skyrim almost exclusively these days, where it's mostly gritty landscape. Nice to see some technicolor for a change.

Wow, what's she got in her back in the "Jump" picture? That huge weapon? What added that?

Gas chambers! They walk into a gas chamber! 🤑🤑

Uh oh, Fiona's lost. Yah, that's one thing about having companions, all the sudden sometimes it's like "wait, where did they go?" CM Partners has a constant teleport feature, which keeps followers behind us, but the way it works is too abrupt. Sometimes I actually like it when all the sudden they're gone. It's like they're real people, who sometimes do their own thing. Other times though, like in some deep Ayleid ruin. Not so fun.

You really need to get rid of Undead Rise, macole!





The end made me Lol too. He's looking for Fiona again, meanwhile he can't find her because HE put that ring of Chameleon on her finger.

That, my friend, is Fiona's Eldritch Nightstaff from Nexons Armory, Good looking staffs, swords, and the best looking male robe I've found. Both Kaleah and Jandaga like wearing the robe.

20221213 The Ayleid Steps & SNUS in Memorial Cave

After a relaxing day in Leyawiin if you can call haggling with the vendors while trading in out accumulated loot or dealing with Mages Guild duties and OVB Leyawiin Chapter business relaxing, we enjoyed dinner and drinks at the Drunkin’ Donkey just outside the western city walls.

The following morning Fiona mentioned that it was time she got back to Shadowcrest Vineyards. The new wine needs Fiona’s special touches before it goes into the aging barrels.

An emergency of the utmost importance! We immediately made preparations to leave Leyawiin. When we were ready, with a wave of the hand I transported us to the Midas Astral Gate.

“Oh, which one is it?” I mumbled to myself.

“Oh no you don’t. Mama warned me not to fall for that “ran out of gas” line.” Fiona chided. Almost blushing she added, “But then, she never said anything about Astral Gates,”

“Ruby,” I answered. “Ruby red, the color of your hair, of course.”

“Oh, pooh. Such a waste of magical moons!” I heard Fiona mutter as I took her by the hand and led her through the gate.

Within an instant we stepped through the Ruby Gateway to the sitting room of Shadowcrest Manor; my second most favorite house.

The next day, after reviewing the current receipts, inspecting the latest harvest, and sampling some of the new wine I left for Benirus Manor. Quick an easy the Take Me Home (actual LAME name is Teleport Home, I just like Take Me Home better) the sound spell deposited me in the upstairs bedroom. Vilja was sound asleep in the bed when I popped in. The near silent pop woke her up.

Yawning and rubbing her eyes didn’t stop her from greeting me loudly. “Where have you been? Do you know how long you’ve been gone? It’s been more than a couple of days!”

Something told me Vilja was not very happy with me. I immediately went into disaster recovery mode and suggested that we take a stroll along the docks to see the ships. That worked. She may still be mad at me but she wasn’t shouting anymore.

As we strolled through the city we stopped at all the shops to lighten the load of loot I was carrying. It’s amazing how little those gold coins weigh. You’d think they were teeny tiny little things.

Sensing that she was feeling better I tried to start up a conversation. That was a mistake. Vilja started off on how I’m always doing what I want to do and that I never ask what she wants to do. Oh, ok. So I asked. “What do you want to do?”

You know what she said? In a whiny little voice she said, “I don’t know. Go out and kill something?

“How about we work on your riddle and investigate Memorial Cave for stepstonea,” I suggested. In a blink of an eye she was, in her fighting clothes and whistling for her pet wolf Wolfgang. Ready to go, there was no stopping us now. A day later we were standing on the outside of Memorial Cave.

I think I'm going down to the well tonight
I'm gonna drink till I get my fill
And I hope when I get old I don't sit around thinking about it
But I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back, trying to recapture
A little of the glory, yeah
Well time slips away and leaves you with nothing, mister
But boring stories of…

“Been awhile since we defeated Seridur here,” I said.

‘Ya, you were just beginning vampire hunting with OVB, back then,” Vilja replied.

Through the door we went. The place hadn’t changed a bit. Blood stains were everywhere; some even appeared to be… fresh! That horrid thought was confirmed when Vilja tentatively asked, “Aren’t you afraid of those vampires?”

So much fun, the memory of the glory, um gory days of years gone by had returned. Many vampires later Memorial Cave is once again pacified. Light of Dawn has absorbed another 6 vampires making a total of 320 and yet the stepstone is nowhere to found. What is wrong?

Searching for the Stepstone, we discovered a vital key sitting in plain view next to a candle. How did I miss this key the first time I was here? Supposedly it opens that amazingly frightening looking crypt we found in the adjoining room.

Unlocking the door to the Memorial Cave Crypt (SNUS) Vilja, Wolfgang, and I descend the winding narrow staircase until we reach a bone filled room.

In the center of the room surrounded by the skeletal remains of countless humans and mer sat a sarcophagus containing a single skeleton. Was this some great lord interned with his servant and wives? We may never know. The sarcophagus was open. instead of a lid, a spiked spring trap covered the skeleton.

With a childlike innocence Vilja ran up to the open sarcophagus.

”Careful!” I warned. “Stay away from the ends. Touch only the sides.”

Approaching from the side I carefully activated the trap. The poisoned spiked grates sprung out and would have impaled anyone standing at the head or the foot of the sarcophagus (don’t ask how I know, it’s too painful to think of). While the spring actuated jaws were open I quickly snatched a satchel filled with treasure.

“Is that Seridur?” Vilja asked.

“I don’t know. I hate to think that it is.” I drove a wooden stake through its ribs just in case.

With the treasure of the crypt in hand we returned to main part of Memorial Cave to ponder our failure to find the stepstone. A review of Ervvin’s journals confirms that the stepstone should be here.

“A portion of the cave seems to have collapsed (SNUS). Bet it’s buried beneath that big stone wall next to the tombstone. Got a pick axe?”

“No,” Vilja answered. “I can’t carry all your stuff. I’m not a pack mule, you know.”

“Hmm, the old Pittfall spell might work. Don’t use it much anymore, most schools don’t even teach Passwall or Pitfall these days but they do have their uses, from time to time.”

It worked. Only took a couple tries before I got the intonation of RidID Disable right, know what I mean? Anyways, with the stone wall out of the way, a natural rock shelf was exposed. Sitting on the shelf was a banded chest (OOO) filled with valuable treasure. Still, there was no sign of the stepstone.

“This dark rock looks out of place,” Vilja said pointing to a dark rock next to a tombstone.

The Pitfall spell went a little easier this time. The dark rock disintegrated leaving a gleaming Ayleid Stepstone behind. Now, with everything cleared away we were ready to travel to wherever the stepstone will take us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Arena spells Passwall and Pittfall originally were used to create temporary holes in walls and floors allowing the player to bypass dangerous areas. Here they are the spell names are used as place holder for console commands. In this chapter Passwall (TFC2 and TCL) is used to walk through walls and floors to locate the hidden stepstone. Pittfall (Disable) is used pretty much as in Arena to remove sections of rock in order to expose the buried stepstone.

Vilja surely is good about complaining. Good thing the Jandaga didn't ask her if she wanted to lead. I'm sure they'd still be aimlessly wandering the hills and dales of the West Weald.

Another stepstone. This one didn't give up its secret easily.

20221220 The Ayleid Steps – Lost Rillim, Rumple IC - Office

Leaving Memorial Cave by the Ayleid Step we just uncovered took us to Nibenay Basin somewhere N.E. of Fort Cedrian. Here we encountered our first Step Traveler.

We had just stepped off the stepstone to take a look at our surroundings when a Step Traveler appeared. Friendly enough, though Solomon Geonette didn’t have much to say other than hello, How he managed to figure out how to use Ayleid Steps he would not say. One thing is for certain, we are not the only ones travelling the steps. The demand for welkynd stones is going to explode.

The Nibenay Basin step sends us high up in the Valus Mountains. We can see Hame down below us.

Finally, the Valus Mountain stepstone takes us to Lost Rillim.

Rillim consisted of three large rooms. Out pacing Vilja I found the entrance to the largest room. Enticed by the glow of a dozen or so welkynd stones I eagerly ran into the room only to find myself surrounded by trolls. From the outset the trolls weren’t very friendly and their disposition only got worse after I set the Ancient Azhklan Matron ablaze.

The already perilous situation took a turn for the worse when troll mother’s smoldering husk hit the floor. The troll’s sons and daughters rushed me, pinning me against a wall. I was barely holding my own when Vilja finally arrived. Say what you will about Vilja’s constant complaining and random chatter, she is a force to reckon with when she has a big weapon in her hands. She is one heck of a fighter.

Together Vilja and I rid Lost Rillim of 11 Azhklan Trolls, an Ogre, and a Lich. With Lost Rillim cleared of enemies and welkynd stones we used the stepstone to leave Lost Rillim to find ourselves standing wooded southern part of the Valus Mountains.

Vilja has decided that she wants to retire from pirating, take her booty to Aleswell Cottage, and live the gentile life of a Lady of the Manor. Well until the treasury runs dry, at least. I offered to escort her to Aleswell to ensure she arrived safely.

Passing by the Imperial City, on an impulse Vilja decided that she wanted to go to the Waterfront and see the ships. That’s alright by me; while she counts sails I’ll stop by some shops and lighten the load.

Strolling along the dock on the way to Gudrun’s new office, much to our surprise we ran into Pym coming out of the Goddess Store. Dressed in her finest, standing next to a pallet stacked high with large” packages, Pym was dancing with excitement when she saw us. She latched on to my arm and gave me the biggest warmest hug that it was easy to get the wrong impression. Um, I quickly realized that all she really wanted was for me to carry her packages in the Midas Astral Chest.

That’s ok. Pym will just have to tag along as I escort Vilja to Aleswell. And I don’t mind that at all.

While we’re here we should pay a visit to the new Bear Riders Imperial City Office and find out how Gudrun is doing. The office is open for business and actually looks pretty good. Gudrun isn’t too excited though. Apparently there’s not been a rush of applicants; suitable or not.

“I've had several men come in,” Gudrun complained. ”And say that they'd like to join me, but I don't think they meant Legion work!”

“Yeah, I could understand that,” I thought.

“But no girls,” She continued. “Not even unsuitable ones. There's probably no point being here all the time, so I'll come down from Bruma once a month for a few days.”

With that Gudrun left for Bruma. I was tempted to watch as she walked down the waterfront just to make sure she got along safely but with Vilja and Pym nearby I decided it was best not to.

Left alone in the office, naturally we looked around the place. We found a book on a shelf near a teddy bear (these Riders do like their stuffed teddy bears) BEARS for the LEGION.

It’s a manual; a training guide and reference for the Imperial Legion. Interesting read gives a better understanding for the rider’s choice in armor. We howled with laughter when we read why most, if not all, riders forgo wearing a helmet while on patrol. Of all things, they think their armor feels overly top-heavy with a helmet on! There’s hardly anything there to begin with.

As we were leaving the Imperial City Office of the Mountain Bear Patrol, Vilja was handed a letter. It was from Heneri in Cheydinhal. Heneri feels indebted to us for returning her husband to her. She wants to repay the favor next time we are in Cheydinhal.

Hmm, how fortunate it is that we have some business to attend to Cheydinhal. Now we can kill two birds with one stone. Retiring to Aleswell can wait Vilja is more than eager to go see Heneri. A trip to Cheydinhal before going to Aleswell it is then. As soon as the shopping is done, that is.

Wow, so there are others using the steps as well!

Uh oh, Ashcan trolls - a matron no less. Vilja to the rescue.

Back to the IC and joined by Pym. Vilja retire? Methinks there'll always be 'one more thing' she wants to do first. Starting with going to see Heneri I guess.

20221231 Kvatch Rebuilt, Vilja-Heneri’s Reward

Ah, it’s always fun to watch the Ladies while on a shopping excursion in the Imperial City. The way they out flank the clerks, separate the weak from the racks, and then swoop in for the discount is like watching the most experienced field marshal explain the tatiics for an upcoming battle.

Even when there is only two in town the city’s populous will come out to witness the onslaught. Bookies peruse the crowds loudly barking the odds on every transaction, from the size of the discount to how fast the store shutters its doors. Monies changed hands faster than the water flowing through the Imperial Aqueduct. And the biggest winner, as always, is the Imperial taxman, who stands ever close behind the bookmakers.

From the Waterfront to the Market District no shelf was left untouched, frazzled clerks collapsed in exhaustion, and owners were left scratching their heads in wonderment. “How could I have sold so much and loose so much in the transaction? Thank the gods there were only two!”

Shopping done, the evening was spent relaxing in the Arch-mage quarters. After dinner Pym sat intently watching as I lounged at my desk sipping a golden liqueur. Although her vacant eyes showed no emotion, by the way she cocked her head slightly to one side I could tell she was intrigued at my explanation why we were going to Cheydinhal.

Often, I wonder what visions that no one else can see hides behind those moth-priest eyes. Did she ever read the elder scrolls? What exactly is she thinking when she looks at me like that? It scares me at times.

Her eyes flashed. Taking a piece of paper from the desk she wrote a note and handed it to me. It was the Ayleid Steps riddle "It is well north of Arrius, the midday step". Placing her hand on over her heart she then touched mine as if to say, “Me and you, you and I”.

“Yes, Pym,” I said. “You and I will go find the step.”

Pym’s reaction to that was unmistakable. Overjoyed, she leapt up, gave me a great hug, and ran off to start packing. Amused as she raced about, I smiled and thought to myself, “Goodness, it’s not like she carries that much.”

Wishing to avoid hours of “I’d like to go see Heneri as soon as possible” I simply teleported us to our Cheydinhal home. I swear I could hear Vilja’s voice “I really, really would like…” as the spell did its work.

Our first stop after arriving in Cheydinhal was going to be the Cheydinhal Bridge Inn, where we expected to find Heneri. Being late mid-afternoon when we arrived many of the city’s residents were out enjoying a pleasant sunny afternoon stroll. We took advantage to ask several residents if they knew of an author known as either Arenar or Ilnori. The answer was always the same “Go see Mack-Na at the book store.”

Turning a corner we arrived at Mach-Na’s Books. Stepping inside we spoke to Mach-Na. she told us that she helped Ilnori get his book The Trials of Ilnori published. Ilnori is not his real name though, just a pen name. Not sure of his real name, Mach-Na thinks he resides in a cottage east of Cheydinhal.

On our way out of the book store we met Heneri strolling down the street. Vilja immediately ran to her, asking about the promised reward. Heneri’s reward is to teach Vilja some magic spells useful for defending against unwanted aggressive suitors. Vilja was eager to do whatever to get started while I waited to hear what it was going to cost.

Several times I asked, “What’s the catch?” Each time Heneri would expertly dance around the question with evasive answers. Just when I began to think that Heneri actually was going to give us a reward with no strings attached the Jaws of Oblivion once again opened wide,

“And all you have to do is to take the fake husband skull back to Sereni in Bruma. Find out where the skull came from and return it to its body so it can rest in peace.”

Caught in the trap the Jaws of Oblivion slammed shut.

I knew it I knew there’d be strings attached to Heneri’s reward. Heneri never gives anything away for free. I was about to refuse when out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Vilja rubbing her thumb across her axe blade. Not being a complete idiot of course I accepted the trip to Bruma.

Now I only had to deal with Pym who was standing there with her hands on her hips, tapping her foot, starring at me with a glare that could turn a frost atronach into a puddle of water. I had to act quickly. Leaning over I whispered in Pym’s ear, “Do you want to be constantly reminded about going to Bruma?”

With a grimace, Pym’s ears laid back and she violently shook her head for a definite NO!

“Then let’s get this done quickly. Vilja can retire to her cottage and we’ll be on our own for the New Life Festival. We’ll spend it wherever you like.”

Pym’s ears shivered as she gave me an odd little smile. Whatever was she thinking?

It only took an instant to arrive at our Bruma home. It was around 4:00 in the afternoon when we arrived and Kiyana, my Khajiit house sitter was just leaving for Olav’s Tap and Tack. Knowing Sereni would be there too, we tagged along.

Now there’s a kitten that can use some new clothes. I should ask the ladies to take her shopping.

Finding Serene at Olav’s presented us with a small problem, she didn’t want the skull and refused to take it. Instead she told us what we could do with it. Thankfully, Plundered Mine isn’t too far away. Finding a chest full of bones to put it in shouldn’t be too hard. And should we find a bottle of Goblin essence Sereni lost in Plundered Mine, Sereni promised a reward for its return.

With only a few Goblins to hinder us, finding the chest in the abandoned area of Plundered Mine and placing the skull in it was easy enough.

Goblin culture never ceases to amaze. Do they really celebrate the New Life Frstival with a tree (SNUS Dungeons)?

Over here there sits a little Goblin snowman (SNUS Dungeons).

We should leave but the urge to explore the depths of the abandoned mine shaft (SNUS Dungeons) was irresistible. As you would have it getting back out was the hard part.

We first had to get past the giant son of the Three Feathers Warchief.

It was late when we left Plundered Mine. The next morning after a restful night’s sleep we returning to Sereni, she assured us that she was preparing special reward for us. It should be ready in a few days. She really didn’t give us a good idea of what she was preparing. It may be valuable or not, just don’t know so we decided at Vilja’s urging, to return to Cheydinhal.

Watching master shopppers at work!

Yes, I remember Vilja can get rather annoying insistent.

So Heneri forwards them off to Bruma. Goblin essence? I shudder to think of what’s in it. That is a beautiful night shot after plundering Plundered Mine.

So this is going to sound sort of ... I don't know, outrageous, I guess. But that's really quite true about the way we shop sometimes. It's like we're women, we're females, yet we have this sort of 'battle plan' when it comes to shopping. I don't have a son, but I've observed my nephew in the past when we've gone shopping. He hasn't got those sort of plans or skills necessary for locating the best deals. We'd all go to Ross or Old Navy or whatever and he'd just be sort of lost. Drifting about aimlessly. Finally he'd come up to my sister carrying a toy or something which had nothing to do with clothes or shoe shopping. "Uh, can I get this Lego set?"



Ha ha. Wait, where are they? Imperial City. Uh oh. That's Goddess Store territory. Good thing Jandaga has plenty of coin. 🪙 He's gonna need it!

Do you also use any sort of bank in his game?

Cool, Pym is back. Seems she's been out of the story for a while.
And uh oh. VILJA. No wonder about the shopping excursion.
And uh oh. Pym is mad. What a life Jandaga leads.

Wow, look at Bruma. Gorgeous. Hmm, is that a silver-haired Nordic Dunmer I see, lurking in the background behind Jandaga and his troop?

What a huge goblin. Too bad my elf archer isn't there. 'The bigger the enemy, the bigger the target' goes her maxim. Well hopefully your guy is able to balance out all these female followers of his. He'll appease Pym while subtly ditching Vilja somehow.

Not outrageous at all. I have five sisters and my wife has four sisters, I've seen what happens.

Bank of Cyrodiil is included in Better Cities.

At times, I have this odd feeling that I'm being watched. i look over my shoulder but no one is ever there.

Now I understand all the women around the Jandaga!

20230108 Rumple, Vilja-Heneri’s Reward, The Ayleid Steps

It was a beautiful morning when we left Bruma for Cheydinhal. Curious to know how there the IC Office was progressing we stopped by the Riders' Lodge to visit with Gudrun. Magnus, the bartender, told us that Gudrun was upstairs in her office. What a job Magnus has. Must be tough having to watch the riders parade around in their uniforms all day long. How does he do it?

Pym sidles up to the bar next to me to lean over the bar and ordered tea and biscuits. With a glance I silently questioned my sympathies for Magnus, “Forget Magnus, he’s got it easy.”

Gudrun didn’t have anything new to say about the Imperial City Office. She did have a message from the university. Someone named Ptarmigan, I think she means Tar-Meena, wants to discuss some spell research. That will have to wait till later. We’ll add it to the ‘To Do’ list, for now we have urgent business in Cheydinhal.

Arriving in Cheydinhal it didn’t take us long to find Heneri. True to her word Heneri took Vilja to teach her some simple spells. “She’s not completely silly so it should take about a week. Just a couple simple spells. It’s all Nords can handle, you know.”

At the last moment Heneri added “Now if you would, just take this to Falanu in Skingrad.”

Before I could object she stuffed a bag of Spotted Lavender in my hand. Then with Wolfgang in tow, Heneri and Vilja turned and left, leaving Pym and me holding the bag. Pym looked longingly at me. I knew what she was thinking, “Put out again over some ditzy blond Nord with a big… um, hat.”

“Come on,” I said trying to cheer her up. “Let’s go find a step.”

Pym’s face brightened in a broad smile. Running a few steps toward the west gate, she stopped. Turning, she waved me on and took off running again. With a laugh, I gave chase.

Two city guards were patrolling the street in front of the inns. One said to the other, “You know, I don’t think he’s trying too hard catch her.”

“Yeah,” the other guard replied. “He gets close enough to give her a tickle and slows down. What a dummy.”

The clue read, "It is well north of Arrius, the midday step".

After hiking a goodly distance well north of Lake Arrius we stopped to survey the area. Pointing to an estate below us I said, “Isn’t that Lord Rugdumph’s Estate down there? I think we’re well north of the lake, very well north in fact. Yet we’ve seen no sign of a stepstone. Did we pass it?”

There seemed to be a great sadness in Pym’s eyes as she gently took me the hand and pulled me westward.

Up the mountain we climbed. Higher and higher we went until the ground became covered with snow. Still we climbed as a low cloud covered the area in a dense fog making it hard to see. Out of the thick fog a great marble wall rose up to block our path. Stepping around it we stood facing the unmistakable glowing fount of an Ayleid Well.

Oh my, did I misunderstand the clue or what!

Ok, now which stepstone is the midday step? Look for the one that looks clean with shiny green flakes imbedded in it. Or, I can deduce which is the midday stone by comparing the Ayleid Well to a clock face and a compass. The clock points midday when the hands are straight up 12. The compass always points north. Therefore the midday stone would be the north stone, which, just so happens to be the clean stone with the green flakes.

Activating the stepstone took us straight to the Lost Iornath.

Not a very large ruin, Lost Iornath consisted of two levels populated with skeletons, lich, and of all things, draugr. Treasure chests there were aplenty but there weren’t as many intact welkynd stones to be found compare to the other Lost ruins we’ve been in.

Hey, baby, if you're all alone
Maybe you'll let me walk you home

We'll do the Twist, the stomp, the mashed potato too,
Any old dance that you wanna do
But let's dance, well let's dance

When we entered the Oscurosel level the fighting began to get rather intense. Summoning the Midas Angel to assist us, she immediately charged down a side corridor to chase down several undead creatures. Pym followed the angel while I ventured straight ahead. That’s when I almost fell for the lovely Laura Scapula.

“A little on the boney side,” I greeted her, “But we can dance if you want to.”

That seemed to upset her for she sent her entire entourage of draugr and skeletons at me. Cutting my way through her entourage wasn’t easy but I managed. When I finally managed to stand alone in front of the skeleton she issued the usual boss challenge, “Clack, clack, clack.”

Laura Scapula showed herself to be a conjurer of immense talent by the way she controlled Lost Iornath’s army of undead warriors. Not as talented as I but she had the Staff of Banishment to compensate. Finished with her brief clacking, she launched a spell from her staff, I was instantly rendered invisible, paralyzed, and the dragon spirit in my armor stopped talking to me.

She was fast, surprisingly fast, faster than any skeleton I’ve seen in Cyrodiil. Oh, we’re doing a ballroom quickstep. Not my favorite too much sprinting around the floor.

In a blink of an eye Laura Scapula unequipped her staff and went hand-to-hand melee. While I was unable to keep up with her moves she racked me with her boney fingers. Sharp and strong as steel, her nails left long deep gouges in my polished Dragon Spirit armor. Damn, takes all the fun out of dancing when the ladies take the lead. Especially, when they have no intention of burnishing the scratches out of my armor!

As the effect of the staff dissipated and as I expected, Laura backed off to arm her staff again. But, I was ready for her this time and let loose the Finger of the Mountain. The blast of lightning stung her briefly, knocking her back a bit. This gave me an opening to launch an attack with Light of Dawn.

With the twist, the stomp, and the mashed pota… a lightning blast shot over my shoulder striking Laura square in the chest. Pym had arrived and was cutting in. Laura flew through the air, smacked the wall shattering into pile of broken bone. With a look of smug innocence Pym claimed the dance card.

Lost Iornath was now quiet, Pym took me by the hand and my eyes met hers. I asked, “May I?”

Demurely Pym lowered her eyes and curtsied. Lifting her up I took a step, she followed. Together we danced a tango all the way to the exit.

It took awhile.

Having finished off the last enemy the Angel arrived just as we began our dance to the exit. Knowing her time here was done, a brief satisfied smile crossed her lips as she began to rise up to the heavens.

<off to look for the red shoes>

It must be noted that Pym wears red boots while Laura Scapula is shoeless and that makes all the difference.

My personal copy is ends a bit differently. The angel is given a role to play and a more suggestive song plays at the end.

Then I remember
When the moon was full and bright
I would take you in the darkness
Dance the tango in the night
Tango

I suppose one could think of Heneri's 'deliver this' quest as the cost of having her babysit Vilja for a few days.

Pym is a superb stepfinder - both Aleid steps and on the dance floor. That skeletoness was pretty wicked!

20230120 a bit of companion fun while I investigate some game issues.

Pym and I left Lost Iornath by the stepstone from which we had arrived. The step took us to another stepstone located just south of the smoldering Oblivion Gate that sat west of Gutted Mine. Before Pym and I could begin our walk to Cheydinhal a dark speck appeared on the distant southwest horizon. Traveling fast the dark speck grew larger and larger. A great eagle, I thought at first. No, the wing span told me this was no eagle, a dragon perhaps?
Whatever it was it was heading straight for us and it was coming fast. Telling Pym things could get rough we need to be prepared for the worst.

I wasn’t prepared enough. It landed and when the dust settled there stood a clenched fisted, stern faced Kaleah.

“Kaleah my love!” I exclaimed rushing to embrace her. “This is…”

“Don’t Kaleah my love me!” Kaleah ordered in a voice that rolled like thunder. “I know what the two of you have been doing while skulking around in these dark secluded dungeons.”

“What?” I stammered as a blushing Pym tried to hide behind me.

“I caught your angel putting this on your trophy table.” Kaleah accused heatedly. Dangling a silver cord tied with four knots in front of my face she demanded, “Well, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“I, I… I know nothing about that.”

Fueled by her intense emotions, Kaleah drew a window in the air. A time window opened.

“The last of Lost Iornath’s undead fell to the Angel’s blade freeing her to catch up to the Jandaga and Pym. With her time in the physical world running short she had to hurry. She was in the in-between time when she caught up to them, Hand in hand the aelf and his companion were dancing their way to Lost Iornath’s exit. They could not see her, though by the way their attention was focused solely on each other, it may not have mattered.

Unnoticed the Angel took a silver cord from her vestments. Three knots were tied in its length. Mouthing a silent prayer the Angel looped the knotted silver cord once twice three times around the hands of Pym and the Jandaga. When the silent prayer ended the Angel finished off the loops and pulled it tight. The silver cord passed through the hands of Pym and the Jandaga leaving a forth knot in the cord. With a satisfied smile the Angel succumbed to the call of a distant choir. She rose up to the heavens taking with her the silver cord with its four knots.”

The window snapped shut.

Even though Kaleah was nearly exhausted by calling a time window she recovered quickly. Still fuming with an intense fury she thrust the silver cord in my face once more and screamed.

“You see this,” she wailed. “I told that, that… angel, not to get involved. It’s too early. She went and tied you two together anyway. Then she has the audacity to leave this memento on your trophy table to taunt me! Don’t think for a minute that I don’t know what’s been going on!”

“You and Pym,” she flicked a knot. DING, A faint sound of chimes rang out and Pym shimmied up close to me resting her head on my shoulder.

“You and that red haired floozy,” Kaleah roared as she flicked a second knot. DING, Again a tiny bell sounded.

It was bottling time at the Shadowcrest Winery. Fiona was bottling a rather uninspiring vintage destined for the Bravil inns. At the exact time Kaleah flicked the third knot Fiona was sampling a newly filled bottle before corking and applying the label when DING the wine in this single bottle out of a dozen cases of bottles of wine, mysteriously acquired powerful, never again to be reproduced, magical qualities.

Accepting full responsibility, Fiona the proud vintner labeled the bottle “True Love’s Kiss, WARNING use only when all else fails”. With a knowing smile, she placed it on a shelf next to Love Potion #9 for when a certain someone comes to call.

“You and that cute elf princess, Elenya,” Kaleah said with an exaggerated sweetness as she flicked a third knot. DING, For a third time the faint sound of chimes could be heard

Back in the garden of Benirus Manor a rose bush that for years had been declining in production was being tended to by Elenya. Suddenly it burst forth with a multitude of blooms. Blooms flush with of all the colors of the rainbow and a scent that sent her head spinning. Elenya hugged herself as she thought how nice center piece for the table these roses would make for when he comes home.

“And this one of you and…”

Kaleah flicked the fourth knot intending to call out Sister Golden Hair Claire but to Kaleah’s surprised, the faint sound of chimes changed everything. The raging inferno of indignation rolled over and changed directions becoming the smoldering heat of passion.

“…me. Oooh. Oh my sweet Feache, take me in your arms.”

I didn’t get the chance as Kaleah dropped the silver cord and tackled me, smothering me in her embrace.

Pym looked down at the cocoon formed by Kaleah’s wings then at the silver cord which had landed in the shape of a heart pierced with cupid’s arrow. Discreetly she rolled her eyes up to the sky. Pym stood there greeting each new star with a silent whistle as the sun went down.

If anyone wonders, it started in a dream.

I always knew that 500 was no age for an aelf.

Also, it appears that female dragons are far more dangerous than male ones.

Phew. So that was a dream. Funny thing is, halfway through the fact this could be a dream crossed my mind, but I dismissed that. Still, Kahleah's kind of b1tchy sometimes, but not THAT messed up! She seems downright delusional if she thinks she can compare to The Quiet One.

I've always wondered about how the Jandaga's ladies managed their potential jealousy/rivalry. The Jandaga can usually navigate that by doing what he's told. But I'd think conflicting instructions could compicate things quite a bit.

Acadian:The ladies are one big happy… um, fiercely competitive bunch of attention seekers… err, family.

Lena: Hey, he’s almost twenty in human years.

Renee: Kaleah can be quite possessive at times not as much as Vilja though. I hope the last line will help in understanding Kaleah’s concern.


The theme song
Today, I feel like pleasing you
More than before
Today, I know what I wanna do
But I don't know what for
Today, you'll make me say
That I somehow have changed
Today, you look into my eyes
I'm just not the same

Second, I dropped the last line. It could help explain some things

In the tiniest barely audible voice no louder than a mouse running across a floor Pym whispered to herself, “Mom sure does have a way with the boys.”

I remembered that connection from the book with Hauk and Kaleah. That gave Kaleah's reaction a different twist.

Women are trouble, I always knew it.

OH absolutely! Vilja's got some really great programming, Emma really pushed a lot of boundaries with her. (She is from Emma, right?) But she is quite, uh, demanding I think is the right word. 👧




Mmm... The Mamas and Papas? Jefferson Airplane? ✈ One of those Bay Area bands, I think.

Renee: you are right on both counts. Jefferson Airplane it is.

20230121 Kvatch Rebuilt, From the Shadows

The morning after exiting Lost Iornath Pym and the Jandaga watched as Kaleah took flight for Anvil. The Jandaga watch until Kaleah was lost in the clouds. Turning to Pym, something on the ground flashed catching his attention. Looking down it was the silver cord laid out in the shape of a heart. The arrow through the heart was no longer there. In its place, four little hearts, one at each of the four knots, were looped on the outer edge of the bigger heart.

Never having seen a knot of this type before, the Jandaga picked up the silver cord, inspected the knots, and wondered out loud to Pym, “What kind of knot is this? It looks difficult to tie, near impossible to untie, and yet so fragile that it will come apart at the slightest bit of stress.”

Pym went through an encyclopedia of facial expressions, hand signals, and body gyrations trying to convey the human and mer concept of “tying the knot” but the blue-blooded aelf just couldn’t comprehend. She gave up when the Jandaga put the silver cord in his pocket. Oh well, we’ll help him figure it out some day.

******************************

As I was going over the famed Valus mountains
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting.
I first produced me pistol, and then produced me rapier.
Said stand and deliver, for I'm a bold deceiver,

With a whole day ahead of us and a song on our lips, Pym and I set off on foot for Cheydinhal. Pym gave me a look that asked the question, "What's a pistol?"

As we walked we talked about finding the cottage belonging to the mysterious Ilnori that Mack-Na told us about. Well maybe I should say I talked since I’m the one doing all the talking. If someone lurking in the bushes was listening I’m sure they would think that I was a nutcase on the loose. But if you could see the changes in Pym’s facial expression and various hand signals as I talked you’d know that she was very much a part of the conversation.

She was excited by thought of hunting down the prospective heir. It’s just that when I mentioned we should determine if he proves out to be the count’s son and worthy of the title, she flashed a wide toothy grin and started wringing her hands. I’m just not sure what kind of inquisition she was thinking this was going to be.

Pym nodded her head vigorously in agreement that it really shouldn’t be too hard to get him to accept the title. But, when I said, “After all, who wouldn’t want to be the count of such a great fortified city as Kvatch.” Pym gave me such a look of fearful apprehension I knew exactly what she was thinking.

“No Pym,” I said. “I’m not planning on leaving you to settle down to a boring life as the Count of Kvatch. Of course, I’ll take you with me. After all, I’ll need someone to scrub the floors and do the dishes.”

SWISH, out came her sword. Halfway down the mountainside she chased me until tired and breathlessly laughing I let her catch me and we tumbled to the ground. After a few moments to catch our breath, we got up to continue our trip to Cheydinhal.

As we walked, Pym looped her arms around left arm and tried to rest her head on my shoulder. Damn, sometimes spiky pauldrons are just too protective.

The distance though not far was across very rough terrain and by the time we reached Wind Range Camp we were exhausted. No one was around so we crashed for the night.

The next morning during breakfast we decided to go around Cheydinhal to the north. Circumventing Cheydinhal would save us much time. Thus we found ourselves on the southern most part of the Bear Riders Valus Mountain patrol.

With Cheydinhal in sight across the lake we crossed paths with the Bear Rider, Ystrel. We asked her if she knew of Ilnori’s cottage. Not recognizing any of the names we mentioned she offered information of a cottage just south of here that might be the one we are looking for.

We Continued on in the direction Ystrel indicated and there the cottage was, all nice and pretty.

(Do you see the problem? There are two cottages. The first cottage looks good from the outside. Open the door and you step into the void. The second cottage and grounds looks horrible, jump up on the porch, open the door everything is fine. (I messed up trying to apply a Kvatch Rebuilt version update.) After much thought on how to correct it I decided I’m short on time and don’t know what I’m doing, so I’ll just play it out as best I can.)

Only it wasn’t all that nice. It was a trap! We were sucked into the void as soon as we opened the door. What could we do? The teleport home spell worked. Arriving intact to our Cheydinhal home we easily managed to rrun back to the cottage.

Another cottage sat just the other side of the fence. We’ll try that one even though it doesn’t look so nice with bushes, rocks, and the well floating in the air. Approaching the cottage we are attacked by two Khajiit Shades. Renrijra Krin assassins I assumed.

Leaving their bodies lying in the yard, we prepared to enter the cottage. Wary of another trap and remembering my Daggerfall spells, I carefully used a ‘Mark and Recall’ spell (LAME) to set a mark before opening the door. Stepping inside the single room cottage we found everything to be normal. So much so that we were instantly attacked by two more Shades cultists. What’s more normal than that?

After dealing with the Shades we were horrified at the sight of badly burned body in front of a fireplace. The body was so badly burned we could barely tell that it was of a woman. The hope that Ilnori got away or wasn’t here when this happened was dashed as soon as we read a damp note found on one of the Khajiit. The note indicated that Molvirian (Ilnori’’s real name) was to be taken to a cave south of here along the river near a waterfall. The note also instructed the four Khajiit that remained at the cottage to catch up to the main group after they had their fun with the woman.

Horror stricken, Pym became physically ill at the sight. Even I had a disquieting feeling of disgust at the realization that the badly burned body was that of Ilnori’s ladyfriend. Who are these Khajiits that they would, by the looks of it, burn someone alive?

Ilnori’s journal provided a clue that question. From the journal we discovered that Ilnori’s real name name is Molvirian. But, mosre importantly this Molvirian knows how to perform a Dark Brotherhood ritual. The thought him just knowing how to contact the Dark Brotherhood Black Sacrament gave me pause. What kind of person is this Molvirian and is he someone Savlian Matius would want ruling over Kvatch?

It was getting late so we decided to spend the night in the cottage. Even though Pym is used to sleeping in the most sever conditions this place simply would not do. A burnt stench permeated the entire cottage. The mattress not only smelled of smoke, it was infested with bugs, and uncomfortably lumpy. It was going to take a few housekeeping spells to make this place suitable for the night. Once the odor was replaced with the scent of roses, the mattress fumigated and fluffed up Pym curled up on the bed and fell asleep.

Pym was trembling in her sleep. Too much drama for one day, I thought as I tucked the thin blanket around her. Touching her brow I managed a small calming spell to put her troubled thoughts at ease. It was then that I happened to see a golden flash on the floor between the bed and the fireplace. There lay a ring with a “K” etched in a purple stone; our first real clue pointing to Molvirian as the heir, Arenar

With Pym now sleeping soundly, I decided that to read Molvirian’s book 'The Trials of Ilnori'. Perhaps I should have read it sooner, according to the book we are dealing with a Khajiit faction of the Dark Brotherhood called the Shades of Secunda. By the gods, dealing with Renrijra Krin would have been preferable. Branded a traitor, Molvirian is now on the run from the Shades. Now, it looks like Molvirian’s past has caught up with him.

If we are to deliver this supposed heir to Kvatch alive we had better hurry before the Shades kill him.

The bit with the multiknotted cord was touching. What's a pistol? It's like a firebolt but much heavier to carry around with no perceivable advantage. Anti-mermaid pauldrons? Shadycats are the worst. I neeeeeed one of those housekeeping spells.

Acadian: Housekeeping spells are nice but I'd settle for the mosquito repellant spell they use.

20230126 Kvatch Rebuilt, From the Shadows Salt Marsh Cave

Rising early the next morning Pym and I readied ourselves for the journey south to find the cave mentioned in the Damp Note we found on one of the Shades. Still upset by what was done to Adria, Pym latched on to my left arm and wouldn’t let go. To make it a little easier for her, I got my leather kit out of the Midas Chest to wear instead of my Dragonspirit armor.

Heading south we found Salt Marsh Cave along the river just below a small waterfall. Remembering the trap at the cottage, I used the ‘Mark and Recall’ spell to set a mark outside the entrance before we entered. Sure enough, once again we stepped into a void trap. And in similar fashion to the time before, casting Recall teleported us to the mark I set outside the cave entrance.

Like with the two cottages there must be another entrance into the Salt Marsh Cave nearby. We just have to find it. Heading downstream didn’t reveal anything so we turned north to explore upstream.

We didn’t find a second entrance in that direction either. What we did find was a waterfall situated high above us between the pine trees. There was something odd looking about it. There was an odd formation of disjointed boulders around it. Another strange thing about it was the water from the fall didn’t seem to go anywhere.

Pym nodded in agreement when I suggested that we investigate. Back tracking a short distance, we found a path up the hill that took us high enough to where we could approach the strange looking waterfall.

Finding the waterfall was easy only it wasn’t the one we saw from down below. There were no jumbled pile of rocks surrounding it and we could clearly see were the water was going. The water from the falls was pouring into an opening leading to an underground river cavern. This spot was too very clean and inviting waterfall. Another trap, we’re not falling for that again. We continued onward.

A short distance further we found the jumbled up waterfall we had seen from below. This has to be it. Hard to see with all the brush and rocks hiding it but here too the water poured down to an underground cavern. As I stepped cautiously onto the log that straddled the chasm opening something warned us that this was a dangerous descent and we should take precautions, which I did.

Safely at the bottom I found myself standing on one side of an open gorge, the waterfall was pouring into the gorge forming an underground river. Turning to look for Pym, I discovered she wasn’t there. The brightness of the vent opening made it difficult to see but as far as I could tell Pym was not climbing down. There must have been issues with her descent. More than likely her skirt became snagged in that tangle of branches near the top or maybe she broke a nail.

Before I could call out to Pym to tell her to wait for me to return I was distracted by two Shades of Secunda agents. The two Khajiiti charged across a bridge, crossing over the underground river, swords drawn eager to party. Calling the Angel, we met the Shades at the bridge.

While we could easily handle these two Shades, the ruckus alerted others. More Khajiiti arrived by the minute to join the fray. It didn’t matter though for the angel eagerly dispensed her righteous justice to all who stood at her altar.

Leaving several Shades of Secunda agents laying quietly on the cold stone floor of the cavern the angel charged up a tunnel. I followed. We chased down several more Shades agents throughout this level of Salt Marsh Cave. The last one was caught guarding the exit. At last it was quiet in Salt Marsh Cave. The only disappointment was that we didn’t find was any sign of Molvirian.

Walking back to the underground river I tried to get the angel to explain what was going on with that silver cord and all the knots. I sure took a lot of heat from Kaleah about it and I wanted to know why. The angel just smiled and disappeared leaving me standing near the underground river.

Running up to me was Pym. She finally made down from the surface to join me. Eager to show me something, Pym grabbed my hand and pulled me to a dark corner. Oh was I relieved when she pointed to a door leading to the Depths of Salt Marsh Cave.

Full of grand bravado Pym and I entered the Depths of Salt Marsh Cave. We’ve had little problem dealing with the Shades operatives up until now, so why would this be any different? Um, there were five of the fiercest cats I’ve ever seen in all my travels; one Shades Brother, two Shades Reavers, one Shades Chiller and the Kingpin of the Shades. Molvirian must have done some serious stuff to warrant the Kingpin’s personal attention.

Led by the chameleon cloaked, Hammer of Secunda wielding Kingpin the five Shades beat us back time after time.
Exhausted, we found ourselves once again forced outside the Depths. Looking up into Pym’s eyes (it seems that I look up to everyone’s eyes) I saw her unwavering confidence that I would somehow come out victorious. I couldn’t let her down, now could I?

Tell you what I'll do...
I'll get on with my profession,
Teach wild cats(dogs) a lesson,
Cut those angry tumors off their angry brains.
Where are all my friends?
Now I'm rollin' up my dog-ends,
Never met a cat(dog) that took to me!

Hearing my plea, they came; the Sisters of Insanity, Marcus the Dremora Markynaz, and the Angel. They all came and we swept the depths clean.

At one point in the battle Pym and I cornered the Kingpin. All you could see of him was a white shimmering ball glowing from his enchanted hammer.

Taking a key off the Kingpin’s body, we opened a locked door to find Molvirian. He listened while we explained why we came looking for him but in no way was he going to believe that he was heir to the Kvatch seat. Molvirian left us standing in the dark wondering if we can convince him that he is who we say he is.

Pym and I followed Molvirian out of the cave. No wonder we couldn’t find this entrance, it’s a big rock! Yep, using the door inside Salt Marsh Cave put us in the water starring at a rocky wall. You know, I didn’t think of saying, open sess-a-me.

It was late and we were too tired to chase after the unreceptive dummy in the dark, Pym and I went to the next pool downstream where we knew we’d find an empty camp. Pym instantly fell asleep, while I sat by the fire watching a lamia turn summersaults in the clear pool.

(Now for the unfortunate part. The game refuses to save clean after exiting the cave. I’ve replayed this several times and tried every trick I know but nothing worked. Every time the save attempt crashed. Using Molvirian’s response when we freed him as a guideI used setstage to advance the appropriate stage (that took some time to figure out) and was able save and continue. I know, it’s a mess.)

Wow, what a (mis)adventure. Several things became clear to me though as I was reading your account. First, one must never default on paying one's Magic Wielder Tax. Not knowing of the existence of that tax does not count as an excuse, apparently. Then things such as disembodied waterfalls start to happen.

Second, one must foster ones ties to summonable entities, for you never know when you'll need Marcus, Angel and the Sisters come all at once. Let's hope they don't quarrel between themselves. Especially if one also summons a clannfear and a daedroth to add to the fun, as certain assassins and battlemages like to do...

Third, Shades of Secunda sound dangerous. Are they even a proper branch of the Dark Brotherhood or are they yet another rogue faction? Perhaps they were the ones behind the attacks on Dark Brotherhood members in Elsweyr and Valenwood that Lena was investigating a few months before. If so, she'll need to return and look deeper. I have a feeling this will open a can of worms... nay, a barrel of anacondas...

(Crash on save comes from OBSE. Been there, but still no T-shirt. Wasn't able to find a solution, apart from trying to circumvent it every time. Bah!)

Some of those shady-cats seemed pretty tough. Conjuring help can sure come in handy. A reluctant heir to Kvatch? If he doesn't take the job I sure hope the Council doesn't offer the job to some pissant baby noble like Count Bravil's brat. Maybe the Champion of Cyrodiil?

Sorry for the save workarounds but glad that it seems you can keep the Kvatch quest moving along.

Kewl! Pretty sure they sang that at Monterrey Pop Festival '67. About a month ago I watched the entire Ravi Shankar portion of that concert. It just blows my mind Ravi was able to become a superstar in the way he did.

That's neat how Pym does not just answer when Jand asks her about the knot. See, she's the Silent One.



Ha ha!

Wow, you really do step into a dark void when going into that one cottage. Weird. Funny that you worked that moment into the story, too.

Whoa, so Ilnori got burned up? Well that sucks. Well I wonder if they are able to get to Kvatch okay.

Mark and Recall. Funny thing is, as much as Morrowinders lamented the loss of this spell (among a few others) in later games, I've never used them. But I finally rolled my first character in MW who has these spells a couple months ago. Her game started with an alternate start too, not at Seyda Neen. She started in Molag Mar. More dangerous place. So she'll probably need M+R at some point, to get her out of trouble.

Cool, looks like they found Molvarian at least. Phew.

The charred corpse was Molvirian aka Ilnori's lady friend and lover.

If you ever play Daggerfall you will find the recall spell to be indispensible.

20230205 Kvatch Rebuilt, From the Shadows – Alyeid Steps, Murder Masquerade

At the camp just downstream a ways from Salt Marsh Cave, sweet dreams were dancing around my head when I felt something poking me in the ribs. Awaking from my slumber I opened my eyes to see Pym standing over me. The stern look on her face told me she was not happy. Pointing to the sky Pym made it clear that it was late in the morning and that breakfast was getting cold. I had better get a move on.

Pym handed me a plate of grilled fish. Done to perfection the flakey white fish had mild slightly sweet flavor; unusual but very good.

“So, you’ve been learning how to cook behind my back,” I said. Complimenting her effort I asked, “This is very good. What kind of fish is it?”

With a big smile Pym proudly pointed to the upper torso of a lamia (Creature Diversity) floating in the river pool.

Urrp, a moment of discomfort quickly passed. With a smile I bravely finished breakfast.

After breakfast I reviewed my to-do list and plotted locations on the map. The whole time Pym, trying to be helpful, hovered over my shoulder pointing out things here and there. What has gotten into her? Really she was more of a distraction than any real help.

“Well, we need to convince Molvirian to go to Kvatch. His cottage is close by so let’s go there first,” I told Pym. “Then on to Skingrad where there are couple things to be done in the area around that city. Oh, and on the way we should stop at the Imperial City to cash in our loot. Ok?”

At the mere suggestion off an apparent shopping spree, Pym was eager to get going.

Thank Nir, we found Molvirian in the trap free cottage. I’ll say one thing it sure didn’t take Molvirian long to clean up the place. What did he do with Adria’s charred body? When he told me he buried her outside near the well I wondered why I did not see it when we arrived.

Molvirian still refuses to talk about Kvatch. Even showing him the ruby ring with the K etched in the stone made no difference. He just claimed that one of the Shades must have dropped it. Unable to convince Molvirian that he may be Count Goldwine's lost child, Arenar and heir to the title of Count of Kvatch we left Molvirian alone in his cottage. What more can we do to convince him to return to Kvatch?

Nope, we didn’t see any sign of a grave outside the cottage. Passing by the void trap cottage, I couldn’t help but notice a tombstone hovering in the air. Beneath the headstone lay the charred corpse of Adria. Evidently Molvirian, in his haste to bury his lover and mother of his unborn child, failed to seal the gravesite properly. Now the tormented soul of Adria has risen to implore me to save Molvirian from the pit of despair. Pym and I paused for a moment to pay our respects and pray that someday Adria finds the peace that she deserves.

Back on the trail again, I started thinking that there must be something we could do to convince Molvirian of who he really is. It would be drastic and very distasteful but the Dark Brotherhood ritual laid out in Movirian’s papers could be used to scare him into action. Just one look the expression on Pym’s face brought me back to my senses. No, the calling the Brotherhood just will not do.

Wait a minute, in his book 'The Trials of Ilnori” Molvirian writes of his dog dying. He buried the dog somewhere in the mountains north of Bruma and west of Cloud Ruler Temple. Surly if the dog meant so much to him that he erected a small memorial for it then perhaps there is some memento thing buried there that will bring Molvirian to his senses. Worth searching for when next I visit Bruma.

Passing the gates of Cheydinhal we overheard a conversation on the merits of walking versus running or traveling by teleportation. With a knowing look between us, Pym and I decided to avoid the main road to the Imperial City and take a walk south through the county side instead.

It was a beautiful day and we were making good progress until Pym and I entered a stand of giant redwood trees (Unique Landscapes, Ancient Yews). Our path was blocked by a fast flowing creek that cascaded down from a tranquil lake that lay between Nagastani and the Steed Stone in a series of waterfalls and pools to Lake Poppad. It was at the first pool below the lake where Pym and I found ourselves standing. There before us, surrounded by giant redwood trees, was lay the most delightful pool of water.

Fed by a small waterfall and formed by a bend in the creek the idyllic pool beckoned us to stay. The smell of the redwood forest, the sound of the waterfalls, and the sight of the reflections dancing on the surface the crystal clear blue waters of the pool made the invitation irresistible. Succumbing to the urge we pitched camp for the rest of the day and night.

It was difficult waking up the next morning. The aroma of the thick spongy redwood pine needle mattress kept pulling us back down to slumber. It took a good bit of will power to get moving before we managed to break away from the enchanting giant redwoods. This grove could use a witch’s touch, perhaps I should bring Fiona and Claire here. The witch and the enchantress could transform this place into something special..

Continuing our trip to the Imperial City didn’t get very far. Upstream from the idyllic pool and waterfall we crossed the creek to discover the Ayleid ruins of Nagastani. One look at Pym’s face and I knew we were going in to sweep the place clean all its treasure. That’s the thing about my Ladies; Ayleid Ruins equal high value treasure and more treasure to trade equal more funds for shopping. That’s a business that the Ladies play so well.

Nagastani prove to be an easy venture with high reward. For the trouble of putting up with some trolls, wolves, imps and an ogre, we collected a large sack of welkynd stone and one unique item, Tarim Nightbrook’s Alembic (MOO). Not certain but I’m thinking there might be s a nice reward for finding it.

t was still early in the afternoon when we left Nagastani. Even though we save time by crossing the lake at the shallows behind the prison by the time we reached the Imperial City it was going on 9:00pm. The shops were closing when we entered the city at the Market district gates. Too tired and hungry to continue on to my suite at the Universitum Arcanorum we dined and spent the night at the Merchants Inn.

Lamia for breakfast!

That pond in the copse of giant redwoods is indeed beautiful.

Hmm, wonder if they'll be able to change Molvirian's mind?

Ayleid Ruin = funds for shopping. Makes sense to me.

A late arrival in the IC. That's okay. Shoppes'll be open in the morn.

Wasn't sure what a lamia looks like, so here are some pictures. I agree with Jandaga--I wouldn't want to eat THAT!

Pym's behavior is cracking me up. She's becoming more and more bizarre. Still, I'd rather have her around than Vilja.

Sounds like Molvarian just doesn't want to be convinced. In a way I don't blame him. Is this part of the Kvatch Rebuilt conglomeration?

Ha ha, looks like that grave has permanent Levitation cast upon it. Weird to see the Jandaga not wearing his usual p$ch3d3l!C armor. ☮

And ha ha 2.0, that is true. Some adventurers look at a dungeon and think "If I plunder there I'll become famous." Others look at that same dungeon and think "If I plunder there I'll become rich." Jandaga's grrrls look at the same dungeon and think "If I plunder there, ka-ching! Hello shopping excursion!" 💰