The Wadjet outfit and Goth Red Lace Boot are from the Apachii Goddess Store.


Yes, I tried to hide it, but you caught it.


No, sea elves are not part of S.I. The Maomer or sea elf is added by the mod, Integration – The Stranded Light. I was surprised to find the sea elf here.

Apachii Goddess Store yaah! Finally I already have something.

20231127 GwedenExpansion, Nelrene – StrandedLight, Bruma Outpost, Depoisoning the Well

The following morning we left Passwall. Surprisingly, Haskill had nothing to say as we approached and stepped through the Door to Cyrodiil. I thought for sure he’d have something to say to Nelrene about deserting her post.
Once we were safely on the Cyrodiil side of the door, I asked Nelrene if she felt more secure in this safe haven.

Yes, she found Cyrodiil to be beautiful. Not as drab and gloomy as Dementia nor was it the garish affront to the senses that Mania is. On the surface Cyrodiil is the soothing safe haven she is looking for but deep down inside Nelrene fears the sunny day look of Cyrodiil is hiding Syl’s plots of revenge against her.

Our attempts to assured Nelrene that Syl would be dealt with did not help. Actually it made Nelrene worry that Sheogorath will become even angrier with her than he already is.

Discussing Nelrene’s situation with Claire and Elenya, the thought of inviting her to join the Stranded Light was mentioned. Both Claire and Elenya strenuously advised against it. They pointed out that Nelrene’s loyalties to Sheogorath may not sit well with Tesserayiel, Zerreshju, and Kara, the leaders of the Stranded Light.

Not to mention, as Elenya pointed out, Kaleah would not be pleased if I bring home another stray seducer.

One suggestion by Nelrene (not one that I favored) was to seek an audience with Sheogorath. With my Ladies support and against my better judgment we left for Sheogorath’s Shrine.

Don’t know why I was worried about seeking an audience with Sheogorath. I didn’t have to talk to the Madgod. As soon as I established a connection, Nelrene ran up to the shrine and engaged with Sheo. I didn’t hear a word of what was said but by the Nelrene’s reaction it went well.

It turns out Sheogorath is extremely pleased with Nelrene. Her escape from Corpserot Prison has sent Syl into a tizzy which Sheo finds to be so entertaining that he told Nelrene that she can stay in Mundus for as long as she likes.

That’s really nice but what is Nelrene going to do with her time in Cyrodiil? How will she get by? One can’t live on air alone. Well, I guess a Daedra can but it’s not much fun. Speaking of fun brought up the idea of working at Gweden Farm.

Explaining Gweden’s operation to Nelrene sparked an interest. She instantly decided that’s the place for her. Throwing off her clothes she hit the road to Gweden Farm.

Standing there watching the statuesque Nelrene walk away I what kind of position Tsarrina will find for Nelrene.

Turning to Claire and Elenya I said, “Well Ladies, our job here is done. Now it’s time to go to Bruma and see about that Mushroom house.”

Arm-in-arm, with Claire on my left and Elenya on my right, I sang the Take Me Home, Bruma verse.

It was nearing dinner time when we arrived in Bruma and we were hungry, but first my Ladies needed to freshen up a bit before going out. Two hours later we were ready to go to Olav’s.

I was pacing impatiently by the time they were ready to go. Two hours for the “Tapped and Tacky”! What are they thinking?

Um, the stern lecture I was planning went right out the window when they, like two butterflies emerging from their cocoons, stepped out of the bedroom. Taking me by the arm, Claire with her sweeter than voice, whispered in my ear.

“Sire, we’re going to wipe the thought of that brazen hussy Nelrene right out of your mind.”

“And how to use Nature's gifts wisely,” Elenya sagaciously added.

“Who? What?” was all I could say.

It was a packed house at the Tap and Tack. Apparently, they were all here to watch Kiyana, my Ohmes-raht Bruma house sitter. There, center floor, was Kiyana doing a version of the Hot Sands Snake Charmer dance. . Banned in many counties throughout Tamriel, one misstep in this quasi-legal dance would turn the mesmerized males into a raging mob that would tear the place apart.

That’s not going to happen tonight, Kiyana is good. Very good, for brief moment I felt the urge to dance. Shaking my head sent the urge elsewhere. It wasn’t so easy for the rest of the male audience. Their rhythmic bobbing and swaying to her movements as they drank their cups was interrupted only to toss Septims on the floor.

The seemingly immune Olav stepped up alongside, gave me a nudge and said, “Sure knows how to draw a crowd. Makes my day when she comes in. She is a little more vivacious tonight than usual. Could it be because the landlord is watching?”

Shouting over the din of the crowd, I asked Olav. “Aren’t you worried about the large crowd getting out of hand?”

“Naw,” he replied pointing to a mountain of a figure standing in the corner. “Got the best bouncer in town.”

“Firu,” I shouted. Making my way over to where the big Xivilai, Firukuruzk, the once Bruma prisoner now a Bruma Guard, stood.

With a jovial deep throated laugh, almost disturbing to hear coming from a Xivilai, Firu greeted me. “Blue Blood, what brings my sponsor to Bruma? You heard of the Yeti I felled, perhaps?”

“Just passing through,” I told her once Firu released me from a smothering hug.

She listened stoically as I explain that we were just passing through on the way to inspect the new Stranded Light mushroom house on the Gold Road. Then I explained we were then heading south to Smiling Camp just outside of Rimmen to perform a bit of larceny in order to stop Renrijra Krin drug trafficking.

Later in the night as things began to quiet down as the Ladies and I were getting ready to leave we found Firu passed out on the floor.

“Wake up!” I commanded her. “You’re on duty, get to it!”

“Oh my head,” moaned Firukuruzk as she got up and left the Tap and Tack.

Early the following morning the Ladies, Kiyana, and I somehow managed to drag ourselves out of bed. Saying our good-byes to Kiyana we left our Bruma home. Nearing Bruma’s East Gate Firukuruzk’s thunderous voice called for us to halt.

“You did not report me to the Captain. Once again I am in debt to the Blue Blood of the Field Hippies,” grunted the contrite and ashamed, if a Xivilai can be contrite and ashamed, Firukuruzk.

“Of all that you are, a sneaky thief you’re not,” she continued.” Listen carefully. The trick is not to get a key. But to get something mimicking the key. That's something mortals never understood. You can't keep Void Dwellers out. Either they'll kick in your doors. Or, if they're heavily defended and locked, make their own.”

Firu produced a strange looking key and held it out to me.

“Take this. May it unlock what's locked.” Firu said.

Taking the offered mimicking key we thanked Firu, suffered through another smothering hug, and left Bruma.

The main road out of Bruma would take us way out of the way to get to the Orange Road. A more direct route would be to take the trail that’s just west of the city. The trail intersects the Orange Road very near where we planted the Telvanii mushroom spore.

A short distance west on the Orange Road we saw what we came looking for, the Bruma outpost.

Unlike the Shivering Isles Outpost, we had no trouble using the stairs to get to the door and entering the Bruma Outpost. Inside the décor of the two outposts were very similar.

Urenvre, the Mazken agent in charge of the outpost and her Ohmes-raht assistant, J’blerran greeted us and gave us a tour. Both are thankful they don’t have to visit Bruma very often, too chilly they say.

Urenvre has a rather personal reason for taking the position at the Bruma Outpost. She had considered going back to Isles but after hearing rumors of Order returning she realized that there was no place for her in the Isles. She had never been a warrior and living in this little mushroom would be much better than going back into Sheogorath’s service.

Finding everything in order we left the Bruma Outpost to continue on our mission for Do’leandra. It took a couple of days traveling overland to reach Smiling Camp. Taking the Ring Road to bypass the Imperial city saved us at least a week travel time and a purse full of gold.

Firu was right, I’m no thief. The first night after sneaking into Smiling Camp, with Shivaya and Karrizy sound asleep, all I had to do was lift the key from Karrizy’s pocket, open the skooma barrel in her tent, and pour the potion in. Sounds so easy, yet no matter what spells and trinkets I used to enhance my abilities and concealment, we failed several attempts to pick Karrizy’s pocket.

My skill in sneaking may not be good enough but all is not lost, I have Firu’s mimicking key. Again, during the night while Karrizy and Shivaya are asleep, we the sneak into the camp. Casting Shadow (35%Chameleon) and wearing the Guardian Ring (20%Chameleon) as I did the night before, I attempt to open the locked super skooma barrel with Firu’s key. It didn’t work. The risk of being seen was too great.

Returning to Rimmen to ponder our next course of action Claire and Elenya both suggest find an inn, get some sleep, and try again tomorrow during the day when the Renrijra Krin agents are gone. Sounds like good idea.

The next day, we go back to Smiling Camp to try again. Taking no chances we double check that Karrizy and Shivaya are nowhere in sight. I cast Shadow and put on the Guardian ring and sneak into Karrizy’s tent. Taking Firu’s mimicking key I try to unlock the super skooma barrel.

It doesn’t open. Something tells me that it’s too risky because I’m being seen. Seen! By whom? There’s no one in sight. We made sure of that.

Frustrated, I turn to My Ladies for advice. Their wide-eyed smiling faces told me exactly what they were thinking. Taking my clothes off will not help to open this barrel. I will call on divine intervention (TGM) if need be... Suddenly, it was like Twinkle had come to light the darkest dungeon, the fog in my mind was swept away and I could see clearly what needed to be done.

Giving Claire and Elenya instructions to return to Rimmen and wait for me in the bazaar, I waited until I was sure that the Ladies where well out of sight before I tried again.

This time the barrel opened easily. After pouring the experimental potion into the barrel full of skooma, I replaced the lid and locked it. Leaving the tent as I found it I rushed back to Rimmen to inform Claire and Elenya that the job was done and we need to get back to Merendin.

“Come one let’s get out of here. We need to get to Merendin,” I told them.

Hmm, that's a good way to look at Cyrodiil. Like I said, none of mine have ever been to the Isles, but I imagine Cyrodiil is somewhere in the middle, personality-wise. It is neither garish, nor overly depressing. 🌳 Question: Can an SI NPC follow us from the Isles into Cyrodiil?

Jandaga is singing John Denver while walking arm-in-arm with two gals. Hopefully his shoulder pads won't smash into their pretty little heads!



Ha, so true! We can be so slow... Does the Jandaga change out of his pointy, psychedelic armor when strolling about town?

WHOA look at that kitty-cat dance. I bet that must be fun. I could see just sitting in front of my gaming monitor, just watching her dance for 4 or 5 real-life minutes.

Awesome. Good to hear they were able to pour the experimental potion into that barrel. Phew.

AFIK the SI NPCs can't follow you out. If they could I imagine they'd end up like S'fara, the crazy one that you meet when you first go to the strange island in the Niben.


Yes, he does when I remember to do it. He has a formal robe for the IC and when on official Mages Guild business, a leather outfit for most other cities and unofficial business, and the Dragonspirit armor when he wants to shock and awe the populus.

Cool. Now that I think about it I've seen him wearing robes before.

And that makes sense that they cannot follow us from S.I. into Cyrodiil. I've modified SI NPCs (mere edits) when I was new to working in the Construction Set and then moved the edited versions into Cyrodiil and this does not work. Every time we tried to speak to one they'd only say "I have no Greeting". So that makes sense if they can't follow. And there's probably a lore/roleplay reason, too. Like they'll suffer consequences if they try going to Cyrodiil.

Thanks for the feedback.

Another recruit for Gweden!

A beautiful kittydancer.

And what a cute little mushroom house.

"They suffer if they have to leave my side."


He says it at some point. He doesn't bother with modesty.

I am surprised at Nelrene though. Her whole behaviour in that quest is so very out of character. Dress in amber armour, indeed! LEAVE SHEOGORATH?! Never! Perhaps she's gone mad. Stranger things have happened.

Some of Syl's paranoia has rubbed off on her. Details of her quest are here. and she told her side of the story here.

Basically, she can't trust anything that Syl might have control over, but Amber should be safe. And at this point, the player has taken over Sheo's job, or her quest won't run, so in this case the Jandaga is the Madgod. That means she can trust him as much as the original Sheogorath.

Hmm... I am pretty sure the Jandaga never got the title of Lord Sheogorath. He can't stand the place! So the quest should not have run. Do I smell fudge?

I also don't think the Jandaga ever got anywhere as far as looking into the original conspiracy. At least he never told us about it here! Ugh-oh.

Well, if he can cheat like that, then he's as powerful as the Madgod, so what's the difference from Nelrene's perspective?

Her issues are all with Syl, anyway, and believing that she's been made mortal would affect her attitude to Sheo, at least temporarily. Part of her dependence on him was that he was the source of her immortality.

Poor Nelrene. She must have seen a number of Champions working for Sheogorath. She was particularly mistrustful of Lena Wolf who first played the inquisitor and then went and literally ripped Syl's heart out. Over and over again. Why did she never go for Thadon? Perhaps she was partial to felldew... And then of course when the Jandaga appeared in his psychodelic armour... that must have completely unhinged Nelrene. I wonder what she'll do when one day she discovers that he's married to another Seducer and that she herself never lost her immortality? Perhaps it's best not to be in the same room at when that happens.

Great story by the way! It makes sense now.

Wow, that was an interesting read. It's been such a long time since I read one that I had forgotten about the reporter's interviews. Perhaps that is a good thing, knowing too much definitely would have an influence on my approach to the game. I would much rather be surprised by events as they occur.

What’s really odd is that I did nothing other than enter Corpserot Prison on a whim and open the gate to Nelrene’s jail cell, no cheating going on here. Today I went through the completed quests list to confirm that the Jandaga hasn’t spoken to Sheogorath, yet. He hasn’t even entered the palace area. So why did Nelrene accuse the Jandaga of being the reason she’s been imprisoned and then put her trust in him to take her to safety? I don’t know.

Perhaps it is the dragon spirit held within his ancient Dragonspirit armor offering hope to the hopeless Nelrene as she withers away in the cell.

Powerful as the Madgod? Well maybe he is and the power of Sheogorath holds no sway over one of the elder races. After all, Vaermina was forced to concede to the Jandaga in the Adense Epic Dungeon (one of my favorites). Out witted and out played, Vaermina paid out the prize in the end.

And, if it hadn’t been for that idiot Martin getting in the way the Jandaga would have taken care of Mehrunes Dagon too. (Oh, how I dislike that ending)

More than likely, it was Twinkle (jealous little star) protecting her Ljósálfar. Twinkle’s brilliant light reflecting off of Jandaga’s Dragonspirit armor blinded Nelrene. Unable to see clearly Nelrene assumed that the shining figure standing before her was the Mad Star Sheogorath.

Blinded by the light she put her trust in the right place, if you ask me.

As far as Kaleah goes, that might be touchy.

Well that's my thoughts on the subject.

*Really like the comments. My thanks to you all.

20231208 Stranded Light – wrap up Depoisoning the Well, Mycelium Sanctum – Lost Mates

Upon our arrival in Merendin the joyous news of our return from a successful mission spread rapidly throughout the hall.

“Huzzah,” shouted Kanaane. “Both outposts are operating, it’s unbelievable! Fantastic!”

Do’leandra is already hearing reports of the effects the depoisoned skooma is having on addicts.

“Such good news, former skooma addicts are suddenly awake! They’re like being in a state of having drunk too much strong coffee. Err, whatever coffee is,” Do’leandra told me.

“However,” Do’leandra continued. “This one fears it has some bad news. The Renrijra Krin suspect you are the cause of their most recent failure. Rightfully so but, err… not good. Karrizy and Shivaja will hunt you down. They will try to kill you. Do it to them first. Kill them all! Hang their pelts from your pavilion for all to see! The sooner the better, if you ask this one.”

Wow that’s a bit harsh, but in the harsh land of Elswyer maybe not so much.

Finding Ahtize, when we asked her about the shipwreck and the possibility of any survivors the Maormer recounted her experience. “In the dark water, pirates above you, sharks below you, I never want to get on a ship again. Saw Ssenkstri, caught by some kind of underwater Netch, terror in his eyes, being dragged down into the inky depths. Errallius was swept away westward by an underwater current.”

Errallius? The Maormer we saw swimming in Anvil harbor, maybe he knows more about any survivors?

Tesserayiel explained her thoughts behind recruiting Firstande, the Baliwog Queen. “You see, Firstande didn’t handle the last Greymarch well. She spent years afterward jumping up and down thinking she was a bouncing ball. Then there was the period of time spent in the sewers believing it to be a Baliwog royal palace and she was its queen. Firstande needed a place where her fragile psyche could reside safely. The Outpost provides that security.”

I may be wrong, but I’ve begun to think that one of Tesserayiel’s primary reasons for starting the Stranded Light was to provide a haven for those Daedra that she felt may not make it through the coming Greymarch.

Kaleah burst in while I was talking to Tesserayiel. Shoving a copy of the black Horse Courier that included twenty-seven eight-by-ten colour glossy photographs with circles and arrows and a column explaining who was in the photo and their expertise, in my face.

“What is this?” she demanded. “Says here that you’ve been running around the Shivering Isles doing gods knows what with some tart…”

Uh oh, some reporter has published an interview with Nelrene the Naughty.

With her wings spread wide and arms extended high above her head she held a copy of the Black Horse Courier like it was a crescent blade. I could tell she was not in a playful mood. If she remembers how to summon her crescent blade there’s going to be a tussle, for sure.

That brought back memories of Daggerfall when we first met. Ah, it was love at first fight.

“… and I have to read about it in a Black Horse Courier. Who does this Naughty Nelrene, a Mazken of all things, think she is calling you her Madgod…”

Her eyes blazed angrily like two super novae as her right foot began tapping wildly, a sure warning that talons would soon be ripping through her boots. Her voice thundered throughout Merendin, bring everyone to the training room to see what was going on. The sight of dark clouds boiling in a vague crescent shape and lightning arching across the high ceiling stopped them in their tracks.

When even Kara the big Xivilai was hesitant to move to intervene, I knew something had to be done.
Deflection, yes, that’s the ticket. Just make it good and keep calm.

A good plan but there was one last little detail left unaccounted for. I panicked and shouted out, “It was Twinkle’s fault.”

“Don’t give me that, ‘it’s Twinkle’s fault’ business!”

Ouch, that went the wrong way, but it did break her train of thought. That little nudge might do the trick.
“Well, it was,” I countered. “She turned her love light on and let it shine. It was pure science, really. Blinded by the light reflecting off my armor, Nelrene assumed that the shining figure standing before her was the Mad Star, Sheogorath. Who am I to deny aid and comfort to someone who puts her trust in me?”

“If you think for one minute that I’m buying that,” Kaleah screamed, “You got…”

Hearing her name, Twinkle came to see what was needed. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Twinkle bathed Kaleah with her light of Truth and Justice.

“…another thing," Throwing her hands up in front of her face, Kaleah faltered. “Oh… I see… now.”

Twinkle’s light faded and with a laugh that sounded like wind chimes on a prefect spring day, Twinkle returned from whence she came.

Shaking her head to clear the remaining effects of Twinkle’s light, Kaleah declared, “Next time I see that little ball of luminescence we’re going to have a little talk.”

Turning her attention to me Kaleah smiled warmly and commented, “Sweet little Feache, how you manage to survive in this arena of deceit and violence is beyond me.”

“Simple really,” I calmly replied, “I got people and I know who to call, ‘sall.”

The show over, Merendin settled down to its normal routine, if only for a moment.

Laughing excitedly, Claire and Elenya rushed in for a group hug. “That was exciting, wanna do it again. We can go get past Black Horse Interviews with your other Gweden recruits. We’re sure they’d have lots to say about their employer.”

Sometimes I do wonder what kind of flowers these ladies are putting in their hair.

It took some convincing but, by the following morning Kaleah had come to realize that Nelrene was nothing more than a hard-working employee of one of our many enterprises that enabled her and the Field Hippies to spend their off days shopping for clothes.

Now it was time to get back to Anvil. Claire wants to get back to her lab and we need to talk to the shipwreck survivor, the Maormer Errallius.

Before leaving Merendin I took some time to figure out how to use the scrying crystal Do’leandra had given us.

Marks appeared on our map telling us that Karrizy and Shivana were heading in this direction. Deciding it best to avoid them for awhile, we used the Home spell to travel to Anvil. That should shake them off our trail for awhile.

*****
Later that evening in Merendin a few patrons were sitting around the bar of Teshekru’s Corner

Patron#1: “Did you see what he did? He survived her burning tongue, tamed her savage heart.”

Patron#2: “Pure luck.

Patron#3: “But he does it time after time.”

Patron#4: “Some have said that ‘he's as powerful as the Madgod.’”

Patron#1: “He doesn’t claim to be a god. Kind of short and plain looking for a god.”

Teshekru: “God or not, it’s best when he’s on your side. Ready for another round?”

All: “Yeah.”

*****

Did I detect an “Alice’s restaurant” reference?

Blame Twinkle?!? Is Twinkle a healer? I think not (MMO joke – in group play you always blame the healer when something goes wrong). Just throw the poor little luminous wisp under the silt strider!

Sounds like the Jandaga needs to buy the Black Horse Courier to help control the press they give him.

It’s fun using tavern comments to help tell the story. Buffy had great fun with that when we wrote this short story quite some time ago:



“Ladies and gentlemen!” Maenlorn’s announcement was interrupted by derisive guffaws. The Bosmeri innkeeper’s serious demeanor deftly transformed into a mischievous grin and he tried again. “Pirates and wenches!” this time his words received boisterous cheers of approval. As the noise subsided, he continued, “Freya, our regular bard, will be late this evening.”

“Boo!”
“This tavern’s goin’ ta ‘blivion in a fertilizer cart!”
“Freya git sick from eatin’ yer leek soup?”
“That Nord wench can’t sing but she sure do fill out the little dress she wears.”
“Did she fall over from bein’ top heavy and hurt herself?”
“Nah, she woulda bounced.”

Undeterred, Maenlorn held up a hand. “Chance smiles upon us, my friends, for we are joined this very evening by a young lady who has graciously agreed to take Freya’s first set.” The grumbling stopped as many in the tavern looked around curiously.

“She’s an elf with a magical voice,” promised Maenlorn. “We are lucky indeed that she has just arrived in Anvil this very day for a brief stay. Fresh from the forests of Valenwood, please give a warm Flowing Bowl welcome to Buffy the bardic Bosmer!”

As I stepped up onto what served as the tavern’s small performing area, there was some light applause. And a few comments.

“What’s a Buffy? Sounds like a snack on the menu.”
“Mebbe she strips down to the buff when she sings! Haw!”
“Shaddup and give the poor elf a chance!”
“Don’t gotta worry ‘bout bein’ top heavy, do ye!”
“She be a pretty li’l thing though.”
“Probably gots a good voice ta compensate fer bein’ scrawny.”
“Hey, I said shaddup! Let ‘er sing!”

“Thank you for that kind introduction, Maenlorn, and I’m pleased to be here,” I began nervously. “I discovered some time ago that I have an ability, via song, to share images and impressions of places and events I’ve experienced during my travels.” The tavern had grown awkwardly quiet. “Through practice, enhanced by the magical school of illusion, I’ve been able to refine this ability into something that I hope you will find pleasing.” My hopeful look met more blank stares than smiles of encouragement.

“I-I wasn’t expecting to be performing tonight,” I continued to the bored faces in front of me, “so I must ask that you bear with me as I retrieve my lute.” There were several groans and complaints. More than a few patrons went back to their conversations. “It’ll only take a moment – I promise!” I opened my fingers to release a fistful of magic and closed them around the still materializing neck of my lute. There were several ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’. As the swirling tendrils of magic faded, the lute in my hand now looked rather mundane, save the slight bluish glow to its strings and tuning keys.

I hopped up onto the stage’s lone barstool and crossed my dangling legs at the ankles. Realizing how childlike that probably looked, one foot quickly sought and found a crossbar to rest upon and I recrossed my legs at the knee - like a lady. “We’re all familiar with the majesty of the Gold Coast, for who here in Anvil has not been captivated by an Abecean sunset?” I paused to smile, noting what seemed to be interest, or at least curiosity, on the faces of several customers. “I expect many of you draw your very sustenance from the sea?” There were numerous nods, a few affirmative grunts, and several in the audience raised their sloshing tankards in acknowledgement.

I was beginning to feel a bit more confident. “How many have seen the Sea of Ghosts and the haunting beauty it displays as it crashes against the northern coast of Skyrim?” Not a single hand rose, but most eyes were now upon me. “I’m not surprised, for her sights and secrets are well-guarded by many hazards.” I counted myself lucky that I was, for the most part, now holding the attention of these hard-drinking seafarers. After all, I knew from my travels in Skyrim that a big-breasted Nordic bard with an average voice generally kept the attention of tavern goers better than an elven songbird. “But it is also a place where majestic whales dance, and mountains of blindingly blue-white ice grow right out of the sea! Birds with fins instead of wings fly through the water, and giant guardians cloaked in white fur patrol the coast.” I raised my lute into position. “If you’ll permit me, I’ll show you.”

My fingers strummed gently a few times, grateful that the magical instrument easily translated my skill with a bowstring to the strings of a lute. “As I sing, allow yourself to visualize the images carried by my voice.” Focusing on the ruggedly frigid coast of Winterhold, I began - 3:50 You Tube music vid

Ghastly: yes it is Alice’s Restaurant.

Acadian: Blame the Healer; I’ve seen a few You Tube videos on that subject. One I really like the barbarian goes ballistic on the healer for the failure of the party. “Your only job is to heal us! How hard can that be?” The healer hands his staff to the barbarian, “If you think you can do better, you be the healer!” Of course it does not go well.

The song Buffy sings is very nice. I’m certain that audience sat quietly as the vision flowed passed their inner eye as it did me.

Uh oh, I bet those skooma lords are gonna be pissed. This'll mess up their profits! And they'll come after him. Whatever shall the Jandaga do to stay safe?



WHAT?

Uh oh #2. Kahleah's got evidence. Jandaga's in trouble x2. Nice. Love the pixelated Daggerfall shot. One of these days I wanna get into that game.. get lost in it.


WHOA it's Buffy the Bowgirl. Shoot. Maenlorn (the one in blue?) seems to be working up a crowd. Is Buffy gonna sing?

Oh gosh... tough crowd. But it's The Flowing Bowl. Okay nice. Seems like she calmed these savages in the end. I hope.

20231215 I-SL A Fading Smile – Gweden Nelrene the Naughty – I-SL Lost Mates

It wasn’t too late when we arrived at Benirus Manor, but I was tired. Teleportation weary and too much commotion exhaust the soul. So after getting our things settled and a small dinner I found an empty bed in the servant/guest quarters on the lower level for a much needed nap.

It was dark, maybe an hour before dawn when something woke me. Jumping out of bed I barely had time to throw on my robe when the Renrijra Krin agent, Shivaja stood before me, with a very nice amber sword pointed at my chest.

Shivaja lectured me on the benefits of her super skooma’s purity would bring and on how I had ruined her plans on breaking the Empire’s grip on Elswyer. For those reasons she declared that I had to die. Thankfully her long winded speech allowed Kaleah, Claire and Elenya time to rush into the bedroom. It all happened so very quickly after that.

My Ladies pressed Shivaja hard, forcing her to back away from me. But, the cat was quick of wit. Shivaja summoned a storm atronach, countering Claire’s Argonian skeleton. And very skill with her blade as Shivaja quickly recovered and like the Bride against the Crazy 88s, struck back.

I thought of casting a Telekinesis Manipulation spell to pull the amber sword out of Shivaja’s hand and then used it to run her through. I would like to say it worked but I’m not entirely certain that’s what happened. All I can say for sure is that I got behind Shivaja, somehow worked her sword from her hand, and the next thing I knew Shivaja lay at my feet, her evil heart pierced with her own sword.

That left Karrizy. Certain that she’s in the house somewhere my first thought was Karrizy is upstairs murdering Pym and the rest of the household. In a near panic, I rushed upstairs, my three Ladies following close behind. We didn’t have to go far.

We intercepted Karrizy in the library and after a very brief struggle put an end to the Renrijra Krin’s skooma threat. For now the Krin’s plot has been foiled tho’ I fear that the Khajiit terrorist organization will surface again in time.

With our morning exercises complete we finished our devotions and after breakfast left to greet the morning sun, err dense fog. A visit to the Peacemaker to trade in salvage is our first priority.

Morvayn kept a close eye on the Ladies as they, with exaggerated bending and stretching, strutted around the shop inspecting the shop’s inventory. Wiping his brow, Morvayn gave us his usual good price for some very heavily punctured and dented salvage.

“Where did you get that exquisite armored robe, serrah?” Morvayn asked with a lusting glint in his eye. “Do you wish to sell? I’m willing to offer a very handsome price.”

“My companion Claire enchanted it for me and no, it is not for sale.”

Our next stop was the Mages Guild Hall to speak to Felen Relas about buying the excess magical supplies we were carrying. Opening my Midas Chest, I Felen began laying out ingredients and other magical supplies for Felen to review.

One of the ingredients I placed on Felen’s desk was a strange looking red bulb from the Shivering Isles. Felen's eye shot open wide, and he nearly dropped the potion he was mixing when he saw it. His trembling hand was reaching for it when Kaleah cautioned, “No, not that one.”

“My Jandaga, that’s a rare Mute Screaming Maw from Corpserot Prison.” Elenya explained. “I’m certain Una Armina might want it to display at her Museum of Oddities. Surely she’ll pay more for it there than you can get here.”

Yes, she’s right. I placed the Mute Screaming Maw back in the Midas Chest.

The dickering over price began and after much ‘Yes, Arch Mage” and “As you wish, Arch Mage” we received a slightly more than fair price our loot.

Leaving the Mages we headed over to the docks to find Errallus, the Maormer who swims in the harbor. It was pouring rain by the time we reached the docks and Errallus was nowhere to be seen.

Already wet, we decided to run on over to Gweden Farm.

Arriving at Gweden Farm, Kaleah still feeling a bit ashamed over her outburst the other day thought it best to remain outside.

Tsarina greets us as we enter the main house. She’s concerned about having a Dark Seducer on staff, but not for the reasons that I would have thought. Tsarrina feels an Auriel is needed to balance out the Mazken’s presence. Now Tsarrina wants me to go recruit a Golden Saint for Gweden Farm.

Question is, where am I going to find one? While asking where I could find Nelrene one of the Gweden gals suggested I petition Sanguine at his shrine. That sounded worth giving a try.

Finding Nelrene, we asked for her thoughts on Gweden. She having more fun here at Gweden than she had back in the Isles, she tells us. “The men are sane and know what to do.”
And if not I imagined Nelrene has ways to persuade them.

Well, now that Nelrene is settled in at Gweden we head back to Anvil. The rain had stopped by the time we reached Anvil’s harbor. Now that the Magnus is shining brightly maybe Errallus is out and about. Searching the waters from one end of the docks to the other there was still no sign of the Maormer, Errallus. The elusive sea-elf never seems to be around when you want him (bug with the version of Better Cities I’m using).

Oh PRID!” I call out in frustration. “Errallus you hear me, come here to me.”

It didn’t take long for Errallus to come swimming to us. When asked about shipwreck survivors, Errallus gave us some information concerning two of his shipmates, Marralte and Tiridar.

“Can you believe it?” complained Errallus. “Marralte passed by, said hello, swam even farther into northern seas. Not that better than Tiridar. I've heard she makes a vacation on a nice island somewhere near Leyawiin? Another way to spend your strandedness caused holidays!”

“Tiridar,” Kaleah said. “We know where she is. Let’s go find out what she knows.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to visit Sanguine’s shrine first?” Elenya asked.

“Both suggestions are good. How about we go back to Benirus Manor get some dinner and decide which way to go in the morning after a good night’s rest?”

I'm not so sure whether Nelrene would welcome a golden sister though... Nelrene's got temper. Best get a feisty Saint. Let's hope Sanguine can help, tell him Wolf says hi.

I hope Benirus Manor’s furnishings didn’t take damage from that unwelcome dual kitty attack! Nice to have a home full of protective ladies – just in case.

Speaking of ladies, I imagine they enjoyed practicing their ‘bend and snap’ for Morvayn. And good that Elenya knows the true value of that red bulb from the SI.

Uh oh, Gweden wants the Jandaga to recruit one of the Golden Girls for their stable. Know they not what they ask?

Hmm, you’d think a rainy day would quite bring out the Maormer.

So, off to the shrine of Sanguine, is it?

*

The last time (in the 3rd Era) that Buffy visited Sanguine, it was quite a revealing experience. . .


Sanguine’s shrine rivaled the surrounding trees in height. The chubby horned elf of gray stone with a tankard in one hand watched over his revelers. Two Bosmer and a Khajiit in various states of dress and sobriety paid little attention as I slipped from Superian’s saddle to the ground.

From my mage satchel I produced a flask of Cyrodiilic brandy, then approached the shrine.

“You look familiar,” slurred one of the Bosmer.

“My name is Buffy and I was here a long time ago.”

Recognition appeared in his eyes. “Ah, yes. Buffet. I remember now. My Lord sent you to Leyawiin to loosen you up.”

“Stand aside, please. My business is with Lord Sanguine.”

He frowned, but did move out of my way. “Looks like my Lord’s goal to loosen you up failed. A shame, as you look like such a tasty little thing.” He lecherously licked his lips then grinned.

I sighed and approached the Prince of Debauchery. After placing the flask at his feet, I addressed the shrine. “Lord Sanguine. I successfully completed the task you asked for in Leyawiin some time ago. I ask that you return the red dress I was wearing when I cast your spell upon the Countess of Leyawiin and her guests.”

From everywhere and nowhere, his sarcastic voice filled the air around me. “The prodigal elf has returned, and successfully so it seems. Did you lose track of time?”

I stifled my bristling anger. “I was delayed, My Lord, by your colleague and his minions at Kvatch.”

“Dagon never would take my advice to lighten up. You could learn from that lesson, my tight-butted little elf.” He laughed cheerfully, blunting some of the sting in his words. “But no matter, for time means little to us immortals. You did a fine job in Leyawiin ‘exposing’ that stuffy countess and her noble friends. I must say it was a stroke of genius how you made an excuse to slip out of the dining hall so no one saw you cast my spell. When you reappeared naked yourself, the guards assumed you were a victim too. I almost spit brandy when one of the oafs chivalrously covered you with his own surcoat! Ah, yes, you provided me quite the pleasant diversion that evening. Well done!”

“I’m pleased the task was completed to your satisfaction, My Lord. The dress? You see I borrowed it from a-“

“Yes, yes, I’m sure you did.” I heard what seemed to be a bored yawn. “You’ll find your dress and whatever else you were wearing in the chest right behind you.”

I turned around in time to see a flat-topped sea chest of dwemer construction grow from a cloud of magic. The gray container radiated a continuous dull blue glow. I saw no latches but, as I passed my hand over the top, the lid slid open. Sure enough, I found Delphine Jend’s burgundy and green silk dress inside – none the worse for wear. I also found myself quite intrigued by the chest itself. I faced the shrine again. “Thank you, My Lord.”

“See?” he said. “No harm and a good time was had by all. In appreciation, I’ll even let you have one of my prized artifacts. Behold! Sanguine’s Rose!”

The conjuration magic this time was right in front of me, where a thorned staff appeared. It was topped by what appeared to be a carved rose in early bloom. I stared at the artifact hovering before me. Another staff? Sheogorath and Vaermina had long ago given me staves as well – which now sat gathering dust in the Arcane University’s Mystic Archives.

“I’m sure you’re bursting to know what it does!” exclaimed Sanguine proudly.

“Actually, I-“

“It briefly conjures a random daedra to help fight your foes!” he interrupted.

Like the one that killed my Savlian, I thought grimly. “Surely you must be reluctant to part with such a magnificent artifact, My Lord. Perhaps a more modest token might serve me just as well and allow you to retain your beautiful Rose?”

“You would dare bargain with a Daedra Lord?” he boomed ominously.

I gulped.

“You must have the stones of a minotaur hidden in those tight little greaves of yours.” His laughter then filled the meadow. “Very well, I’ll hear your proposal.”

I released the breath I just realized I'd been holding.

Emboldened by the fact that I was still an elf instead of an ash pile, I said, “Perhaps Your Lordship would consider keeping his magnificent staff and, instead, gifting this humble elf with the magical chest holding my red dress. . . and one other small favor that I’m sure is insignificant to one as powerful as yourself.”

He replied, “What a shame you are such prudish thing, for I can imagine countless uses for that silver tongue besides clever flattery.” He laughed again. “Ah, yes, the chest. . . ‘tis but one of my tens of thousands of realms. A tiny realm, yes, but notably larger inside than it appears. I’m intrigued. Continue.”

“In addition to the ability of summoning this magical chest, I would ask for the lifting from my spellbook of your magic that rather traumatically removes clothing.”

“I agree with your requests,” he said, “subject to two. . . minor conditions of my own.”

“The first condition?” I asked nervously.

“A simple thing, really. Join me for a friendly little drinking contest. It doesn’t have to be soon. As I’ve said, time is rather meaningless to a Daedric Prince. Shall I call for you in, say, two hundred years or so? Perhaps you will have loosened up some by then.”

I was mystified by his nonsensical request. . . but could see neither harm nor any real chance of it ever happening. “Agreed. And your second condition, My Lord?”

“Not that I’m a perverted voyeur, mind you. . . well, actually I am, but If you cast that Let’s Get Naked spell right here and now for me, I will then remove it from your repertoire of magicks and gift you with a spell to conjure the chest you desire.” He chuckled. “I assure you that I’m referring the blue dwemer box behind you, not the modest contents of your blouse.”

“And I assure you, Lord Sanguine, that Nordic breasts would hinder more than help this small-framed archer and equestrienne.”

“So you do have a sense of humor, after all!" he boomed jovially. "Well, will you humor me and display your wares in exchange for the dwemer box?”

“Agreed, My Lord.”

“Splendid!” The staff in front of me evaporated into a small puff of magic. I looked behind me to see that the magical chest had vanished as well. “We’ll talk about the staff again perhaps during our date in a couple centuries. And you will be able to summon that box as soon as you banish your clothing to it.”

By now, Sanguine’s three revelers were seated on the benches arrayed around the shrine, waiting for the show. I supposed I shouldn’t have expected to come away from negotiating with a Daedra Lord unscathed. Oh well, nothing I hadn’t displayed to countless waterfalls. I lifted my hand and cast Sanguine’s spell. Sure enough, I and the three revelers were instantly and fully exposed.

“Well done!” cried Sanguine. “While I do like to tease, you’ve been a good sport and have quite the fine little figure, my dear.”

The three revelers applauded, stood and opened several bottles of wine. The older Bosmer said, “Seeing as you’re now properly undressed, are you sure you won’t stay for dinner? Our Khajiiti sister here gives the best kitty licks, and you can be the main course!”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure I have somewhere else I have to be.”

Pleased to note that Sanguine had indeed replaced his silly spell, I filled my hand with the new magic and cast it. Sure enough, the magical chest appeared, floating slightly above the ground. I retrieved my clothing, dressed and dispelled the chest.

As I approached Superian, I said, “Did you enjoy the show?”

The mare nickered softly.

After mounting Superian, I turned her south.

“Acadian, you really don’t need to tell anyone about all this.”

“Of course not, Buffy,” he replied with a chuckle.

I glanced at the westering sun. “We should easily make Skingrad by nightfall. We’ll get a room at the tavern instead of the guild – I’ve dealt with enough lechery today without Vigge trying to watch me sleep.”

“That new chest seems deceptively large inside,” remarked Acadian. “There should be plenty of room for camping gear and provisions. Even spare waterskins, I should imagine.”

“And all the other things a girl needs. The shoe shoppe opens first thing in the morning.”

*

Edit: To add some pix from from Buffy's 'Strip the Countess Caper' -
Screenshot1 Screenshot2
And a wonderful piece of artwork created by one of Buffy's friends named AyumiFan: Excellent Wine

Beautiful story! But naughty Acadian - this was between Buffy and Sanguine! I hope you're not telling anyone about the goats, giants and hargravens.

Well, Acadian is the spirit of an ancient paladin who travels within Buffy. He knows a lot of stuff that is very helpful like about other worlds, time travel and such. Occasionally he gives Buffy advice. Sometimes she listens. Their spirits are inseparably intertwined so neither is ever alone. . . but having secrets between them is quite literally impossible.

Does Acadian actually have a body of his own? Or is he a pure spirit, possibly inhabiting Buffy's body?

Since their spirits are intertwined, they must share one form. Currently, Buffy’s small elven body hosts their dual spirit. Since it is her body, she calls the shots. Theirs is a neverending story since they have lived many times before in various worlds and times.

OH no, whaddoya mean we can't distribute our super skooma to the masses? Wow, look at the colors in that psychedelic combat scene. There's the Jandaga in robes. And look, he's barefoot! That's cool you've got maomer in your gameworld.



Acadian, which Book is this tale from? Or is Buffy and the Box a standalone tale?

Lol he calls her 'Buffet!' Oh gosh. This fellow's flirting with her (leering, actually). His fate shall be doomed, eh?

Interesting that she's dealing with Sanguine, only because last time I had a look at Lena's story she was also talking to that Lord.



Hmm, hey, that's right! Her love was downed by Daedra, of course. So why is she dealing with Sanguine? Is this a 'rock and a hard place' sort of situation, to get a silly dress back for Delphine?

Eesh, he wants her to get naked. There's a Hlaalu quest in Morrowind in which my Dunmer archer was supposed to get naked for the guild master, otherwise he wouldn't promote her or something. She simply refused. Because... ugh. I know it's just a game. But it looks like "Buffet" hasn't got any qualms.




Blechh!!! Sorry y'all. Think I"m gonna be sick...

Yeah, that Bosmer "chief worshipper" is a sneaky type... Lena had a problem with him, actually. The same sort of problem as Buffy here. Turns out, he's got a secret... a dark one, too... You'll get to that, Renee. But rest assured, that he got what was coming to him.

Thanks, Renee. That story is from 'Buffy's Book of Short Stories'. The thread is in our subforum of the fanfic section of chorrol (also linked in my sig). Buffy's not shy about nakedness; she drops her clothes at most waterfalls and swimming holes. Happily, that summonable storage shed has stayed with her as she's traveled through time. Here she is using it in the 2nd Era: Screenshot

Heh, yeah I know about the whole waterfall thing. Also, it's not like I'm a prude, I just didn't expect Buffy to get into the buff. Not for... that!

I have a gal in Fallout 3 who would goosh at the chance to get naked; she's a party girl. I had to install a couple sex mods to make her reality feel complete. She would do things in that Sanguine situation which I can't even mention on this forum, believe me!

Really love that shiny chest picture.

Errallus, the Maormer should be swimming in the harbor. Unable to find a patch for Integration-Integrated and the BC version I'm using I was curious as to where the Maormer might be. Using console Player.MoveTo command I was taken to a guards' room somewhere inside the castle. Felt like a prison so I think he was arrested for fouling the harbor waters.
Moveto.Player put the Maormer back where he should be. If I have to find him again, I bet he won't be there.


Very nice. It's been years since I've read a Buffy story. Now you got me hooked again.


Oh Buffy went to a party and I wonder why did everyone else leave.

Nice! I wish the Midas Magic Chest would perform like that.


I believe, I believe.


When you mentioned the shiny chest picture I got confused as to which one you meant.
'Strip the Countess Caper' - Screenshot2 or the 2nd era 'summonable storage shed' screenshot.

202402 OOO, Bear Season, Up the Ethe River, PTArtifacts

Well, I'm so tired of tryin' but I'm out on the road again
I'm on the road again
Well, I'm so tired of tryin' but I'm out on the road again
I'm on the road again
I got too many woman to call one a special friend

You know the first time I traveled out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
You know the first time I traveled out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
I didn't have no payroll, not even no place to go

It was a beautiful morning when we left Benirus Manor. The sky was clear, Magnus was shining warmly, enriching the soul, and most welcome of all, the road was dry. With a song in our hearts, we marched north on the road toward Kvatch. Well actually my Ladies didn’t march. Oh no, they danced circles around me like fairies in the glen. Even Kaleah joined in the dance, her velvety soft wings lifting her up in the air every few steps or so. It was that kind of day.

It was shortly before Gottshaw Inn, just after passing the Order of the Hour Headquarters when we turned off the road and headed north. Kvatch could be seen high up on its hill as we neared the border of the Gold Coast region. There we spotted an encampment of three of four Rangers.

Having had issues with hostile Valenwood rangers in the area surrounding Anvil we approached with caution. The Sylvan Rangers (OOO faction) turned out to be quite friendly. They offered food, drink, and a spare tent for the night. Tired and hungry, we took them up on the offer.

We learn from the Bosmer that they are part of an expedition force from Valenwood sent to stop the wayward Eregor. Eregor and his corrupt followers are searching for artifacts of power. They intend to use Graithlan's armor and jewelry to bind himself to the plane of the dead.

By my Goddess, it’s another evil necromancy plot. If we want to help the Sylvan Rangers, Eregor's forces are concentrated in the rims of the coast and its flanking rivers. Clues can be found in the Ayleid ruins of Barastas and Dostares.

Leaving the Sylvan Camp the next morning, our hike continued eastward through the West Weald. For the longest time Kvatch stood visible on our right as we traversed the boulder strewn land of the West Weald. Aside from the aggressive wolves, imps, spiders, and the constant harassment by true Ayleid cultist it would have been a pleasant walk in the park.

A farmhouse came into view. Thinking we’d stop to ask if we could fill our water skins from the well, we approached the farmhouse. Nearing the house we saw the farmer was caught in a desperate fight with a white faced black bear. My Ladies rushed to aid the overmatched farmer, killing the bear.

The farmer, Thorley Aethelred told us of his troubles with West Weald Bears killing his sheep. He offered a reward if we would kill enough bears to drive them away from the area. Killing six should do it, he thought. Kaleah, Elenya, and Pym rushed off without a word. In half a day we killed seven of the beasts. True to his word, Thorley rewarded us for our effort with a book to read.

The beautiful weather held as we continued our trek eastward. Near Meridia’s Shrine we arrived at the banks of the River Ethe (UL). Crossing the river we found a trail that ran north and south. Here we turned north in the hopes the trail would take us at least close to the shrine.

The trail wound its way north along the River Ethe, up into the foothills of the tall mountains that shielded Cyrodiil from the barbarous lands of Skyrim. The trail crossed the small swift running Ethe several times as it zigzagged its way north. Some sections of the trail were so steep that steps were cut into the rocky hillside to aid in the climb.

We had barely begun climbing the trail north, when we passed a shipwreck. Amazing how a ship this size managed to sail up this shallow, waterfall choked river.

It was dark and raining by the time we reached one of the most scenic spots on the Ethe. As inviting the area around the impressive waterfalls and bridge was the rain kept us from camping here. Spotting a tower nearby, we pressed on.

The tower turned out to be a long-abandoned MOO Watchtower. (I still don’t know what to make of the MOO towers. Were they intended to be an interconnected travel system that was never implemented?) Even with the pouring rain the tower reeked of goblin so badly that we’d rather walk all night in the rain than spend an hour in that tower.

We passed by the Jone Stone as we continued on the trail northward. Touching the stone, I receive a puzzling message “You have been shown fate’s fortunes.”

When the marble walls of Elenglynn came into view, the question of stopping was raised again. According to our map the shrine is just west of here. Only problem is that the western bank is a steep and the rain has made footing treacherous. Plus, being overly tired, clouds one’s thinking and that leads to errors in judgment.

Errors in judgment, like thinking the dangers of Elenglynn are trivial when compared to hours of bumbling around in the dark trying to find a way around a mountain. Ooh wee oh, were we wrong in that one.

A long narrow staircase leading down into the depths of Elenglynn greeted us when we opened Elenglynn’s gate. Halfway down the staircase we realized that we weren’t the only ones seeking shelter in Elenglynn, when the wanted criminal, Fuj (MOO Wanted Faction) attacked us without warning.

After dealing with the Redguard and taking her +50 health enhanced garment as proof of her demise we continued along the narrow corridor. If nothing else we were warned and were now wary of the dangers of Elenglynn.

After navigating through the entry corridor’s swinging blade trap we stopped at the entrance of Elenglynn’s main room. The room was filled with water limiting access to a gated area on the far side to a single central walkway. The walkway bridge was rigged with a sweeping Spiked Barrier trap. We’ve seen these before and we know how to get past the trap.

Behind an iron gate on the far side of the walkway, several figures could be seen pacing back and forth. Wary of the Dark Welkynd Stones positioned on pedestals in the water we cautiously advanced out onto the bridge. Suddenly one dark figure, a ghoul from what we could tell, charged across the walkway.

The ghoul was easy to take care of but most importantly a group of hostile necromancers stationed on the far end of the walkway was revealed. A few fireballs took care of that problem. (I once had a mod that placed innocent captives to rescue in dungeons like this which prevented this tactic.)

Mindful of the Dark Welkynd Stones we raced across the walkway, avoiding the sweeping spiked barrier in the usual manner, to open the gate and engaged what was left of the necromancers.

Led by the MOO necromancer, Herulia Urgusiso, the weakened necromancers’ only hope was to keep us within range of the dark welkynds. Their plan didn’t work. We easily cut our way through to a back room well out of range of the Dark Welkynd Stones.

No longer threatened by necromancers we investigated the two rooms at the far end of Elenglynn. The first room, a necromancer lab, was free of traps and held several chests filled with treasure. There was even a bed to we could sleep on, if desired.

The second room was considerably more dangerous. A column holding an inactive Dark Welkynd Stone stood in each corner of the second room. A fifth column holding a small Ayleid chest stood in the center of the room. A body lay on the floor just beyond the central column.

When after waiting a few seconds and the dark crystals did not begin charging up, I started to walk into the room. There was no reaction from the Dark Welkynd Stones to my first couple of steps into the room. Well you know what they say about, assume.

Unexpectedly, Kaleah grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

“Stop!” Kaleah shouted. “My Feache, it’s a baited trap. Any closer to the center column and the Dark Welkynd Stones will activate.”

As we were backing out of the room I noticed something shinning in a dark alcove on the left. By hugging the walls of the room we stayed on the outer edge of the Dark Welkynd Stone perimeter we avoided activating the trap and safely reached a crystal globe.

“Beautiful, but what is this thing?” I asked in wonderment. “Look, see how the insides move. Three silver bands revolve around a spinning glowing ball of many colors. What does it do?”

We studied it for a moment. Finally, Kaleah stood and said, ”It’s a Phitt Artifact, the Sphere of Life.”

“Yes,” Elenya agreed, “It repels undead, including vampires. It’s the balance to the Sphere of Hate that sits now in your trophy room of Benirus Manor.”

Edging around the room in the same fashion we safely made it to the back of the room where we were able to loot the necromancer’s corpse. All that was left now was to get out of the room using the same method we used coming in.

But, there was just one itty bitty thing, the Ayleid chest sitting on the center column. Its seductive silence called to us like sirens in the forbidden oceans, luring sailors to their doom with their sweet songs.

I may have been curious to see what was inside the chest but I was far from being an ensorcelled noob. Using a flawless opal and a flawless topaz, I cast the OOO geomantic spells Greater Shielding and Greater Warding. Just for good measure I added Greater Fortify Health spell. Then working as fast as we could; we ran to the Ayleid chest, opened it, everyone grabbed something cleaning it out, and raced to get out of the room.

As fast as we were, we weren’t fast enough. Just as I was opening the gate to get out, all four dark welkynds hit me, draining 75% of my health. The force of the dark welkynds blast knocked me flat on my face.

Weak and barely able stand, I staggered as I tried to run out of the room before the dark crystal recharged. Quickly, Kaleah and Elenya grabbed me by the arms and half dragged me out of the dark welkynd room and around the corner to the safety of the necromancer lab. Gently laying me on the only cot in the room they insisted that I lay there quietly until I was fully recovered.

Oh, I guess I could have cast healing spells and been able to travel within minutes but… um, I rather liked being pampered by the devoted Ladies. Comforted by their gentle touches, I quickly fell asleep.

Gottshaw Inn to Kvatch. That's exactly where my Renee Gade III just trekked, in her Fourth Era world. Wait, I see. They're heading to Anvil. RG3 was just there, too. 🌴

Gosh, aren't the Field Hippies freezing in that pic?

Ha ha, all this complicated magical stuff going on, looking for Ancient Ayleid Steps for instance, and yet they still get persuaded into pwning some bears. 🐻

YES, pretty sure my elf from Valenwood (who does more off-track wandering than the others) also came across a MOO tower, somewhere deep in the swamp of Blackwood. And I also recall there wasn't much point to the place. Nothing really to do there. Still, abandoned locations and camps and such do add to the world, for sure.

Whoa, he can use gems to create spell effects? Rad. Yeah Dark Welkynd stones can be deadly. Because you don't even know where they are, until one of them fires right at you. Detect Life doesn't detect them, for instance. Because duh, they're not living.

No song lyrics today! Maybe next time.

That 'kill six bears' quest sounds somehow familiar though the memory is rather obscured by time.

Some beautiful waterfalls added by the Ethe River.

Darn rain! Into quite a dangerous tomb. Seems like there was some good loot to be had though. Nice to have friends to pull you out of the dark welkynd stones when you get knocked on your face.

Turns out to be in the vanilla game. How did they still have that one to do?

Never ventured that way, I guess. Wonder if they ever found the giant nirnroot? It's vanilla game as well.



Oh, I guess I could have cast healing spells and been able to travel within minutes but… um, I rather liked being pampered by the devoted Ladies. Comforted by their gentle touches, I quickly fell asleep.

That's a different kind of magic.

Answer: probably distracted by mod quests! ... That, and maybe the Jandaga had never ventured into that territory.

Acadian: how did Buffy handle the bears? Or did she?

Been too long to accurately recall. I know Buffy thoroughly though and I'm sure she took out six bears. She doesn't like to kill forest critters but that's better than letting them eat farmers.

I will try to explain.
The short version; I purposely avoid vanilla quests that I’ve completed in one play through or another. I've started many games, but I play a consistent character.
This play through started in 2017, was to work through a core group of nine mods that I have always added primarily for their esthetics.
As hard as nine quests would be to do, I couldn’t help myself but to add 9 more.

... and yes, I did find the giant nirn root but not this time around, yet. Side note, I to see the nirn root plant in the wild so leave the plants be.


Just for you.

Well, I'm so tired of tryin' but I'm out on the road again
I'm on the road again
Well, I'm so tired of tryin' but I'm out on the road again
I'm on the road again
I got too many woman to call one a special friend

[Verse 2]
You know the first time I traveled out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
You know the first time I traveled out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
I didn't have no payroll, not even no place to go

Damn! I didn't consider that you'd done vanilla quests with some other character. I do the same damn thing! "Oh, Balbus wants Lady Saga to go looking for some potato bread. But Dyan already did that quest!

No idea on the song. Was about to guess Waylon Jennings, or whoever did On the Road Again. Willie Nelson (I was close). But that's not Waylon or Willie.

Been playing this game off and on since 2007. Potato bread, yum. Who knows, we might stumble into that one someday.

Canned Heat - 1968. The 1969 Woodstock performance was over 10-minutes long. The solos just seemed to go on forever. Had to be there. I was 19 just out of high school, too much to remember.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmNwnSnvo1Y

I was contemplating being born... but waited until September. Damn, that made me miss the festival!

Ha ha I was born in 1969! Enjoyed the video. I remember some other song Canned Heat did: "I'm goin' home" or something. Believe me, I was completely obsessed with Woodstock when I became a teen. I'd scold my parents, because they knew about the 3-day concert (it was advertized in the Washington Post), yet chose not to go. ☮ "But I was carrying you..." my mom argued. Yeah, guess she's right. Still...

I'm Going Home, that would be a Ten Years After song. Could be thinking of Canned Heat's Goin Up the Country.

Seems like there was a lot of going home sentiment back then.

20240111 Gweden Expansion - Goldie
Leaving Elenglynn after a quiet night’s rest the trail took us further north where it curved around the Jemain brother’s farmhouse, and crossed the River Ethe before turning north toward Chorrol. We stopped to visit with the brothers before crossing the Ethe and heading south. It was good to hear that the Jemains were doing well catering to hungry and thirsty hikers on the River Ethe Trail.

We like to party
We like, we like to party
We like to party
We like, we like to party
Hey now, hey now, hear what I say now
Happiness is just around the corner
Hey now, hey now, hear what I say now
We'll be there for you

After leaving the Jemain’s we crossed the Ethe where we diverged off the trail to go south to find Sanguine’s Shrine. As we approached the Shrine of Sanguine joyous sounds of singing could be heard. The song was a light bouncy little tune that makes one want to get up and dance a jig. Nothing like the chanting of dull and somber psalms one would expect to hear at a shrine. Yet, the song did have a strange mystical spirit lifting effect on us. It’s the Shrine of Sanguine after all.

One voice stood out. The woman’s voice was sultry, kind of breathy with a come-hither condescension lilt to it that sounded very familiar. Cresting the hill, there sat Fiona, the fiery haired witch from Secunda. Tossing her long flowing auburn hair, Fiona flashed a smile greater than the silvery moon and raced to embrace me

“Amado Mio,” Fiona said excitedly. “Rumor says a party exotic is happening. So, I wait on you.”

With a kiss on the cheek Fiona released me, then with a stern look said, “For a more proper greeting you really must get softer cuirass.”

Our reunion was rudely interrupted when Engorm, a Bosmer and apparent leader of the worshippers of the Daedric prince Sanguine, informed me that to gain audience with Sanguine I will have to present an offering of Cyrodilic Brandy.

“Here, you may have need of these.” Fiona winked, reached into her shift and pulled out two bottles of Cyrodilic Brandy.

Not asking how she could conceal the two bottles, I took one and poured the brandy over the feet of the statue, stood back and waited.

“Who dares dye my party toes purple?” echoed from the shrine

“Sanguine, Lord of Revelry…” I began not really knowing what I was going to say.

”You! So, you finally got around to paying me a visit. You claim to have no use for the Princes yet here you are seeking one. What is it you want?”

Fiona leaned in close to whisper in my ear. The Wolf has a request, now that’s interesting. Maybe I can use it to gain an advantage.

Turning to the shrine I smiled and with a flippant wave of my hand the barest hint of magic flowed, I continued.
“I’ve been asked, if ever I was in the vicinity, to bring salutations and warm wishes from Wolf to her dear, dear friend.”

“Dear, dear friend?” Sanguine questioned. For a brief moment a whimsical smirk of a smile crossed his face. “Yes, you could say that. How…”

Suddenly, realizing that he was being played with, the tall granite statue’s head turned to look down at me.

“I know of you.” The voice of Sanguine continued. “So don’t think I’m as easy a mark as my friend Vaermina. She couldn’t resist telling me how you bested her at her own game in the Adense Dungeon. Why, if the Weaver of Dreams was mortal I’d say she blushes with hidden desire when your name is mentioned. Just for fun, I bring it up often so I can watch her squirm in her seat.”

In a hush whisper Sanguine said, “Between you and me, I think the Dreamweaver rather enjoyed getting spanked.”

“Nor am I as gullible as Mehrunes Dagon.” Sanguine was pivoting from serious to jovial back to serious faster than the Ladies trying on clothes at the Goddess Store.

”Loved how you maneuvered the Prince of Being Defeated into a battle with the Dragon of Time, great touch by the way. All of Oblivion is laughing. He’ll be a long time living that one down. No matter, I will not be tricked so easily. I am the master of fun and games after all. I know all the tricks. Regardless of what the Half-a-Mind Trickster says, it is I who invented them.”

Sanguine bent down to take a closer look at the Jandaga and his ladies. Having never seen the statue animated before, Sanguine’s worshipers Ashni, Engorm, and Faurinthil slowly backed towards the edge of the shrine’s yard in a state of shock. This was getting to be more party than they bargained for.

”Yes, I see now,” the voice of Sanguine continued. “You’re one of them. I thought we got rid of your kind long ago and these field hippies, they’re your Sylphim followers I presume?”

“But that one, the apostate Daedra Seducer,” pointing at Kaleah, Sanguine’s attention turned back to me. “You survived the Burning Blade, tamed the Savage Heart, stole her from Mehrunes and made her your mistress! How? You don’t have green eyes.”

The Ladies bristled at Sanguine’s words. When the statue’s stony finger poked at Kaleah’s heart, four pairs of eyes focused sharply on the Sanguine statue. Kaleah, Elenya, and Pym with deliberate slowness loosed their swords in their scabbards. Fiona not having a sword readied her staff.

Sanguine straightened up, bent over backwards roaring with laughter. Looking toward the heavens, he gave a mighty shout. “Ho, such bravado they have! No wonder Mehrunes Dagon chose to fight the dragon. The Prince of Being Defeated didn’t want to treat with the ancients.”

In an instant Sanguine bent down to face me eye to eye, the laughter in Sanguine’s voice died away. With a deadly serious voice, he hissed, “And neither do I. Tell me truthfully, you don’t have the God Killer spear you used against Vivec so choose your words carefully, what really brings you here?”

“Oh, nothing much,” I calmly said. “Just need a golden Saint for some, um, you know… good times.”

“Ha!” The Lord of Passionate Indulgences did a little dance on the dais and shouted with glee. “Such a bold Aelf we have here, one after my own heart! He snubs Uncle Sheo, snatches one of his Mazken, and now he wants one of mine. For a night in Bangkok, he says. Well, the world shall be your oyster but the pearls ain't free. You will do me a small service, of course.”

The sun shone brightly as an Auriel walked on to the grounds.

“Meet Goldie, she will fulfill your every… um, needs. Yours, when your task is complete,” Sanguine snickered. “Now, be off with you.”

Turning to my Ladies for their opinion. I asked, “Well?”

Several of minutes of intense scrutiny and mumbling on Goldie’s lackluster qualities (pinched face? knobby knees? I certainly don’t see anything lacking) went by before a verdict was delivered.

(I thought of a little Todd Rungren song Track 25 on the ‘Something/Anything?’ album. I’ll let you YouTube it, if you’re interested.)

Acting as spokes person Kaleah declared, “Average at best but she’ll do.”

“Ok, Anyone have an idea what we are to do?” I asked the Ladies. “The Prince of Pranks is playing party games already. He didn’t tell us what we’re to do.”

Elenya spoke up, “He put a marker on our map. We need to go to Cheydinhal.”

Casting a spell I led the Ladies through the myst, warping space and time, to instantly set foot on the streets of Cheydinhal.

An animated statue? Ugh, that's scary... It's Don Giovanni's Commendatore all over... complete with orchestral accompaniment.

But good to see that Sanguine is up to his old tricks - go figure out for yourself what needs doing, I bet it'll be blindingly obvious in some unexpected way... Wolf says don't wear anything you'd mind losing... Don't know where she gets that idea from...

Good luck with that anyway.

Link in case anyone wants to see what quest he's doing. And I did not animate the statue, or even add voiced lines to it.

Yes, when stone statues start moving, that is quite disconcerting!

Always a battle of power plays and words with Sanguine. At least he's got purple party toes now.

So Goldie passes (barely) muster with the ladies who can change clothes faster than an Apache Goddess.

Hope you don't mind. Leave it up to the player and see what happens. It would be different conversation every time.


Like in the movie Jason and the Argonauts.

Well, the Ladies have strict standards.


I had to look that one up. Interesting plot.

Good old Mozart. The first time I watched that opera, I didn't understand the words. It's sung in Italian, as was the tradition back then. But the performance and the music was sufficiently powerful to convey the story almost exactly, without even reading it in the booklet. When that "statue" came to life... it was terrifying. The whole theater gasped... I remember it to this day, and I was just in my teens then. Strong stuff, that Wolfgang Amadeus.

Jemanes are in Weatherleah. So at some point, sounds like Jandaga did assist them.

I have no idea what today's song is. I keep thinking of some disco artist like Sister Sledge. Or maybe funk (Kook and the Gang). 🕺That's the best I got! Are the Jemanes supposed to be dancing up their farm?

Uh oh. It's Fiona! Yeah I agree. Jandaga's armor isn't really conducive for hugging.

Yeah I can imagine--the statue becoming animated must be the event of the Era for all those worshippers. They'll be passing those oral traditions down through the ages.



ghastley; that's so amazing you even have Gweden walkthroughs.