There are some vanilla side quests that I like to do in every play through. The Jamane's is one, the one about the rats in Anvil is another. For some reason I seem to always ignore Cropsford. The same goes for the Daedra quests. After doing them all once when the game first came out just to see what the rewards were, now I only do a select few.

The song was for atmosphere as we were approaching the shrine. Do you remember the Old Man Dancing, Six Flags commercia?
Well, the song is Vengaboys - We like to Party! (The Vengabus) (youtube.com). Felt like a good fit for the Shrine of Sanguine. Although Metallica's Whiskey in the Jar video would have been better, maybe.

I try not to look at the fake wiki ghastlley provided in the download. ghastley gave a blank slate to work with on the 'Goldie the Whore of Sanguine' quest. So I played with it a bit by putting words in Sanguine's mouth.

Disclaimer: some comments by NPCs Ulrene Hlervu, Dervera Romalen, and Garras Darelliun are taken from Ghastley’s Gweden Expansion mod. Comments and actions of the statue of Sanguine are not included in Gweden Expansion.
20240117 Gweden Expansion – Goldie prt2

We had been walking around Cheydinhal talking to everyone we met trying to get an idea of what we were searching for. Either we weren’t asking the right questions or everyone was being very tight lipped. We learned nothing, until we approached the castle.

In the castle courtyard we met the castle mage, Ulrene Hlervu. After an interesting conversation on the Gods and Daedra and other pleasant small talk the subject of the Count came up. Oh, that set Ulrene off.

“Count Indarys is a pervert!” Ulrene screamed. “He has a fetish for lacy panties, and collects them whenever he can. I'm sure he wears them himself.”

One thing led to another and eventually I was able to clumsily guide the discussion toward the undies Ulrene was wearing. Offended she demanded to know why the interest in her underwear, thick and unsexy flannel “Passion-killers” she called them.

That led to finding out that the count had stolen all Ulrene Hlervu’s lacy panties leaving her only the pair she was wearing. Ulrene wants her panties back and offered to give me the ‘passion-killers’ if I can retrieve her lacey undies the Count has collected.

As we walked to Newlands Lodge we discussed what we had learnt from Ulrene Hlervue.

“Passion-killers!” Fiona screamed in disbelief. “The usual request is for love potions.”

Well, it’s the only strange rumor that we’ve heard since we’ve been in town. Ulrene Hlervu’s Passion-Killers must be what Sanguine wants, but why?

“Maybe Ulrene hasn’t changed her underwear in days?” Fiona ventured sarcastically. “Who knows what Sanguine likes.”

“Oh, I’m sure she washes them.”

“To get them off the market,” Kaleah said. “If that kind of stuff got around and became popular, Sanguine, the patron of wild orgies might find himself out of business.”

“It’s simple,” Elenya said. “Sanguine just wants Ulrene walking around without any underwear.”

We were still discussing Ulrene’s Passion-Killers and where to find the Count’s stash of panties when we entered Newlands Lodge. As we stood at the bar to order a round, the owner of the lodge, Dervera Romalen overhearing our discussion made a brusque comment, “The pervert!”

Uh oh, we got another one! We started to wonder; how many victims are there?

Asking Dervera why she would say that about the Count, she related an account of what happened one night when the Count invited her to visit him in his private chambers. The eager Dervera was more than a little peeved when the Count seemed to be only interested in fondling her underwear and not her. Dervera ended by telling us how embarrassing it was walking home unsatisfied, without any underwear.

Ah ha, the collection must be in the count’s private chambers. Now, how to get them?

“It’s getting late today,” I pointed out. “How about tomorrow, you four keep the Count distracted while I sneak upstairs to his room and find the collection?”

“I think we can do that,” Kaleah, the seducer said with a grin.

The next day we executed our plan.

Count Andel Indarys was holding court when we arrived at the castle. My Ladies immediately began their distracting routine giving me the opportunity to cast a chameleon spell on myself. Dressed in my more silent leather kit, I snuck up the staircase, cast a spell to unlock the door to the private quarters and entered the private quarters.

Making my way to the Counts bedchambers I magically unlocked the door and began to search. It didn’t take long to find a chest hidden behind the count’s big bed. Opening the chest was like opening one of those prank exploding can of snakes. Ladies' panties of all shapes and sizes shot out of the chest littering the floor.

Shocked at the amount of panties flying through the air, I let out an expletive. I didn’t think it was very loud but you know how Cyrodiil guards are. A second later a guard was in my face. I could see the headlines, Panty Thief, Arch-Mage, and Champion of Cyrodiil Arrested. How embarrassing.

The guard took one look at me, then gazed at all the panties strewn about, and snickered. Then while struggling to keep a straight face he said, “Since we’re friends, I’ll overlook this and take care of that fine for you.”
Note to self: make a healthy contribution to the Cheydinhal Guards New Life Festival fund.

Quickly I gathered up all of the count’s trophies and proceeded to leave the bedroom. As I stepped through the door I heard the guard mumble to himself. “Just wait till I tell the others. They won’t believe it.”

Note to self: make contribution immediately.

With the panty collection carefully concealed, I returned to The County Hall to round up the Ladies. They were having so much fun it was a shame to have to tell them that it was time to go. Once we were set to leave, the second-in-command of the Cheydinhal City Watch, Garrus Darelliun stopped us at the door.

Bad news especially when it’s of a salacious nature, travels fast among guards. Of course, he wanted to chat about what just occurred in the count’s bedroom. After going over the incident with him, as I was handing Garrus Darelliun a Guards Fund contribution, he said something quite unexpected.

“You think the Count has been stealing women's panties. I wonder if that has anything to do with the late Countess not wearing any?”

I wouldn’t know but my question to Garrus was “How would you know the Countess didn’t wear any underwear?”

All color drained Garrus Darelliun’s face. Backing slowly a couple of steps, Garrus made a feeble excuse for having to leave, turned, and made a hasty exit freeing us to leave Cheydinhal.

A wave of the hand and we were back at Sanguine’s Shrine.

“Ah, you brought me the Passion-killers, well done young one.” Sanguine said when we laid the Passion Killers at the statues feet. “As agreed, Goldie is yours. Treat her well. Now, that was fun but not as much as I had hope. To make it up to you I have another little task you may be interested in.”

“Which is?” I asked

“The Castle Leyawiin is a dull, dreary place. The mistress is an especially somber soul, and tomorrow she will hold another excruciating dinner party. I want you to liven it up”

(It’s been well over 12 years since I did this quest, long before I started taking TFC2 screen shots. I want a picture, so here goes)

Hearing the words “liven up a dinner party” lit a fire in Fiona’s eyes. She shouted, “Let’s go. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a good party.”

Before running off to Leyawiin, we’ll first talk to Goldie about Gweden.

It sure didn’t take much convincing for Goldie to accept our offer to work at Gweden. Explaining that she had needs to fulfill, she jumped at the opportunity Gweden provided. Goldie headed southwest toward Gweden Farm.

“Think you should’ve given her a test drive first?” one of Sanguine’s worshipers asked as I stood watching her shimmy and shake her way down the trail.

I replied, “No, I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“Wise choice!” three voices behind me said in unison.

Lost in the fading golden vision I murmured, “I can always run quality control testing later.” Once again, my Dragonspirit armor demonstrated its superior ability to take a beating and keep me ticking.

It’s been a grueling adventure and a party sounds like just the thing to revive the spirits. Surrounded by my Ladies, I sang the Take Me Home to Leyawiin spell.

I do not recall ever seeing that commercial. For many years I didn't watch straight TV though, especially when Youtube and Hulu (etc.) became more popular. I have heard that song before, yes. There are so many songs which claim "We like to party" though. I kept thinking of disco.



Inneresting. There are quests (on PC) which I use the console to SetStage with every playthrough. The main quest itself is the big one. This has to be fast-forwarded to conclusion in order for Kvatch Rising to work. Cropsford is another. Cropsford has to get set to a certain point because I like having the option to stay the night there in either a fully-furnished inn, or sometimes just a half-finished farmhouse. 🛖 I use a couple different Cropsford mods, ya see.

From there, each active game (Snaat Rayag the Skooma Dealer, Lady Saga, Joan of Arkay, Renee Gade III) has its own side quests set, depending. Snaat was just in Chorrol's Gray Mare for instance, in which Odiil kept repeatedly asking "Have you seen my sons? They went off into the forest..." and that's the way it's gonna stay in his world. Sometimes the Jemanes are back in Weatherleah, sometimes not, sometimes Aleswell is still packed with invisible residents, other games not.

Enough of that. Let's find out about the Jandaga.


Oh my gosh, such an accusation from one of the Gweden Brothel mod folks. It is kind of funny that the heavily-armored Jandaga, so adept at plundering ruins and fighting off demons and monsters, is now being tasked to solve an underwear caper.

Cool, he's wearing leather. Better for sneaking around in.



Spew! This whole chapter is making me laugh, macole. Good he was able to have his trespass crimes taken care of. Has he ever Gone to Jail?

Oh noes! The missing panties caper!

Having good relations with the guards is handy when you get caught. . . . Wow, there’s a lot going on in Cheydinhal beneath the skirts surface.

So I presume the (living) ladies of Cheydinhal are all back in their lacy undies now. Sanguine gets his flannel ones, our hero gets custody of Goldie and its off to another task for Sanguine. I look forward to hearing how Countess Leywiin’s dinner party goes. What could go wrong?

20240125 To crash a party in Leyawiin

(What could go wrong? Having played Sanguine’s quest many years ago I’m confident all will go well. Unfortunately, I had forgotten all the little intricacies that you have to work around to get things to work. For one, being properly dressed for the occasion.)

Time to get ready for the party was getting short when we arrived in Leyawiin. We had thought it best to go straight to the castle and wait in the dining room for the countess and her guests to arrive. Only one little detail remained, the door was locked.

The guard stationed at the door informed us that “No one enters until the Countess arrives.”

“And you,” he said to me. “Coming here smelling like a brothel with your clothes splattered in road filth, there’s no way you’ll be allowed in.”

With that he ordered us away.

After several attempts to sneak in failed, we realized if we were going to make the party at all then we were going to have to go get cleaned up. There was time but we would have to hurry.

Back to the Leyawiin home we went. My Ladies, knowing we had to hurry, tore through the house like a cluster of whirlwinds. The house reverberated with the sound of the opening and shutting of storage chests as they searched for the elusive perfect party dress.

Suddenly the place was quiet, my Ladies had disappeared. I had no idea where they went until J’Dato, the VH-OVB Leyawiin Chapter resident monk, came upstairs complaining that they had turned the chapter house cloister into a dressing room, complete with a rose water shower stall. It’ll take a week to dry out properly.

When Kaleah, Elenya, Fiona, and Pym emerged from the VH-OVB trap door all I could say was, “WOW!” They had certainly found the right gowns for the occasion. For a moment I thought let’s skip the party and just lay around the shanty. No, that wouldn’t go over to well. When a night out is expected a night out it should be.

In an effort to keep in the appearance game, I changed into my Arch-Mage robe. Looking good but without the strength and feather enchantments of my armor, I felt weak. Unable to move, I summoned the Midas Chest to store away all the heavy items I was carrying.

What was once plenty of time had become arriving just as the Countess and the guests were entering the dining room. Thank the Goddess it wasn’t raining when we walked to the castle. All this trouble only to be turned away for wet and muddy clothes would have been more than a little frustrating.

There was a bit of trouble with the guard at the door because we weren’t on the guest list. But, after a, ahem, very careful visual inspection he declared the Ladies suitably dressed and that a mistake must have been made. He allowed the Ladies to pass.

As I tried followed the ladies into the room, the guard put his hand out and demanded, “And you are?”

“I’m with them,” I replied.

The guard looked at me, looked at my Ladies, and then back at me and said, “You got to be kidding. But, you appear dressed for the occasion so it must be alright for you to enter.”

***************************
(Then there’s the matter of TARGET: The spell doesn’t have an area of effect large enough to cover the room. You can fail if the spell isn’t centered properly. And TIMING: if you want to see what happens, casting the spell has to be done when all the guards have left the room.)
***************************

Shutting the door behind us as we entered the dining room, I found the invited guests and the Countess already sitting at the table. Countess Alessia Caro at the head was talking to a castle guard, Termanwe and Vlarimil Orius were seated to the Countess Alessia’s right with Britta Invel and Jaras Invel on her left.

***************************
(Choosing the target: which party attendee should you hit with the Stark Reality spell? Choose wrong and the spell will not affect everyone in the room. It took a few attempts before I found the target that provided the most consistent successful results.
Timing: be careful when you cast the spell. Watch the guards, they’ll tell when. The first few times, successful or not, I was immediately arrested. With the guard instantly in my face, I didn’t see the result. Very unsatisfying, what good is succeeding if you don’t see the party goers wildly running around naked?
This is not how I remember this quest going. Taking some time off to think, I realized there’s a guard in the room. D’oh!
Be Patient: restarting and trying again, I cast the spell. Half the party was affected instantly. In a panic, before the quest status update message, I double clutched the cast button casting the spell twice more at one of the still clothed partiers. That brought guards rushing into the room, looking for trouble. My Ladies were happy to oblige. The resulting brawl ended with 7 guards and Mahei dead.
Just for fun I repeated this brawl a few more times. That’s when I discovered all I had to do was wait a second or two more to let the script work.)

When everything goes as planned this is what really happened.
************************

Sanquine was right about one thing, this is one dull party. Something must be done to fix it.

While my Ladies walked around socializing, I took a seat between Britta Invel and Jaras Invel to wait for the guard to leave. I had left the door open to allow the guard to leave but other guards had entered while on their way to the guard’s quarters at the opposite end of the dining room. This was going to take some time as each guard had to stop and address the Countess. So, to pass the time I laid a few colored sticks on the tabled.

Jaras Invel leaned over and asked, “What do you got there, boy, crayons?”

“Why no, they‘re Martian, err, Goblin cigarettes. Try one,” I replied and passed them around the table.

As soon as the guards had left the room, maybe ten minutes later I asked, “How do you feel?”

And they said, “Weeeeeeeeeelll

I feel so good
Yeah, I do, gonna boogie
wow....till' the break of day

I got the Neptune shuffle
and the Pluto blues
don't nobody boogie
like us goblins do
gonna boogie, gonna boogie hey!
gonna boogie
wow...till the break of day

Feeling that the time was ripe I stood up and cast the Stark Reality spell, hitting Termanwe square in the chest. Instant bedlam, except for my Ladies everyone was in a panic, running around naked. Well, the females were naked. The males, including myself, were reduced to our underwear.

It wasn’t just the clothes I was wearing that disappeared. Everything I was carrying had been whisked away. A little icing-on-the-cake extra Sanguine prank, I suppose.

Look at Countess Alessia Caro run. While Countess Alessia Caro ran away everyone else settled down after the initial shock, sat down at the table and continued with the dinner like nothing had happened. That seemed rather strange.

A little while later, Countess Alessia Caro, fully dressed, returned to the party accompanied by Count Marius Caro. In an effort to re-establish control over the situation, Countess Alessia sat at the table to continue the party while Count Marius simply stood by, giving everyone a very stern look of disapproval.

I suggested to My Ladies that we had better leave. Good thing I had stashed much of our gear in the Midas Chest. Refitted with arms and armor, we were preparing to leave Leyawiin after the successful conclusion to Sanguine’s task when a guard blocked the way.

“I see you’re in some trouble,” he said. “Since we’re friends, don’t worry. I’ll look the other way and take care of that fine for you.”

“Thanks,” I said and handed him with a complimentary Gweden pass, good for one visit.

Leaving the beaming guard, I turned to my Ladies and said, “Let’s get out of here.”

A recall spell whisked us away to Sanguine’s Shrine.

Arriving at the Shrine of Sanguine, we didn’t have to tell Sanguine what had happened. He already knew.

“A rousing success, mortal!” Sanguine’s voice called out as we approached the shrine. “And it appears you joined in the festivities as well. Good for you. You need to lighten up a bit. You'll find your equipment in that chest over there. And here's a little something for your efforts. Maybe we'll celebrate again sometime....”

“You, need to lighten up?” Kaleah laughed as we gathered our things from Sanguine’s chest. Pointing at me, “You, really? Sometimes I think these Princes don’t know as much as they think they do. Oh look, he gave you the Sanguine Rose. Now what are you going to do with that?”

Nice to see the Jandaga really embracing the spirit of Sanguin's joke! Got to do it right! I only wonder why the men were allowed to keep their underwear?

Wow, a party. Is this quest part of vanilla game? I never did most of the Daedra quests.

In an effort to keep in the appearance game, I changed into my Arch-Mage robe. Looking good but without the strength and feather enchantments of my armor, I felt weak.

Hate when that happens!

wOw, they do look good all dolled up. Nice to see them all standing side by side. From right to left it's Kahleah right? With the wings? Redhead = Fiona, I am guessing. Pym is next with the super-bleached appearance. Which means Eleyna is the final gal on the very left?

Yah, that party does look kinda 'meh'. Like a dinner party. Long ago my evil elf mage broke into the Riverhouse party in Cheydinhal. They wouldn't her stay, so she cast Invisibility over and over, making sure to stay in areas which were not populated. I actually had a lot of fun. Because there were so many ppl in the house, as their conversations began overlapping, repeating, and NPCs occasionally collided with one another I was laughing like mad.

Neptune Shuffle, Pluto blues... I don't have a clue!

Wow, they really get nekkid, holy moley.

What does the Gweden Pass do?

A couple of hours with the Gweden staff, I would imagine. Free of charge.

Wow is right! The ladies really do dress up well. That was such a fun quest.

Personal preference in body mod options. Without body replacer mods all party goers are left in their underwear, iirc

yes, it’s the Sanguine Daedra quest.


You are correct, you named them.


Brownsville Station, The Martian Boogie


Yes. they do. Depending on if a body mod is used or not, they get down to underwear or less.


Pass is good for one free entrée. Desserts are an extra charge.

What, you mean you normally charge just to enter? Oh, that's some posh establishment you have there, Sir Jandaga!

EDIT: Just realised that of course you meant a dish, not the entrance fee. Doh... I need more coffee.

Got it. ☕

Not at Tsarrina’s prices, you don’t!

Wait... I thought I had one of those passes... Umm... Or was it someone else..? Err... Brandy for all! Cyrodilic or otherwise.

Sorry for the confusion, where I'm at entree relates to the main course. I know in some places entree could be considered the first course.

That said, for security reasons we do have a cover charge. Can't have voyeurs sitting all day in the lobby, watching the menu parade by for free, you understand.

20240202 Talwinque, Kvatch Rebuilt

We were walking along on a quiet moonlit night when I turned to Kaleah and said, “That was a fun little party, don’t cha think? Things were beginning to get a little… boring. I mean, where have the vampires gone?”

“You have sent them into hiding, my fearless vampire hunter,” Kaleah replied.

“But,” I continued. ”I feel like I’m just running around doing things that don’t make any difference.”

“My Feache,” Kaleah’s eye sparkled with the stars in the night sky as she looked down at me, “The Imperials don’t know how to show appreciation. They just walk with their noses in the air. Perhaps we should go to the Imperial City and …”

“Darkness falls and nature sleeps!” Elenya shouted in frustration. “Why do we still tramp about?”

Brought back to the current reality, we had come across a camp set-up outside the Ayleid ruin Talwinque. No one was around so we crawled into the only tent available to get some sleep. How we managed that, I‘ll never understand.

The following morning, the bleached white stones of Talwinque beckoned. Unable to resist the call we took the bait and entered. The place was crawling with MOO bandits from Hammerfell.

The corridor to the right was block by a locked gate. There was a pressure plate on the other side but like always with these things, we were unable to activate it. Backtracking to follow the corridor to the left proved easier. We had little opposition from the Hammerfell bandits until we reached the door to Talwinque Ceysel

In Talwinque Ceysel we encountered nearly a dozen Hammerfell bandits; skirmishers, warriors, and sword-singers. One in particular, a spellsword wearing a White Crimson cuirass with a narrow chain apron, drew our attention.

Elenya took a liking to the cuirass and laid first claim to it. Of course we made an offer to purchase it in exchange for the spellsword’s life. We’re not bloodthirsty inhumane monsters, you know. But, the foolish spellsword refused the offer, for awhile anyway. Eventually she succumbed to Elenya’s superior Apachii Goddess Store training.

Coming across a door to Talwinque Aransel, we entered. The deathly quietness of Aransel was immediately apparent. Remembering Blackheart, the insane Redguard warrior we defeated here during an Ayleid Step investigation, we understood why. Blackheart had a highly skilled second with her. Could there be another?

Peering over the balcony rail to the main floor below, we spotted her and she spotted us. Nofylar, a wanted MOO criminal instantly attacked. Realizing she was overmatched, she fled back down to the main floor. Chasing her down, we cornered Nofylar near the Ayleid steps as she attempted to flee. Unfortunately for Nofylar, her last welkynd stone failed in her attempt to escape.

Elenya wasted no time putting her newly acquired cuirass to the test. Claiming Nofylar’s armor and her enchanted axe as proof of her demise, we left Talwinque Aransel through a door other than the one in which we had entered.

The new route took us back up to the unexplored section of Talwinque beyond the locked gate. Here our path to the exit was blocked by yet another MOO champion from Hammerfell. With a squad of battle harden Hammerfell warriors, Lightea, with his big glass mace and hardened ice stalhrim armor firmly declared, “You shall not pass!”

With an expression that clearly said “Just who do you think you are?” Pym took exception to Lightea’s attitude.

We spent another night in the small tent and the next morning during breakfast we read through some of the neglected correspondences we have received recently. One in particular was from Procis Douarus, the architect in charge of rebuilding Kvatch. Procis is again requesting our help.

Being that we were close by, we left for Kvatch to find out what Procis could need now?

Kvatch is still in the rebuilding phase and is looking pretty bare. Procis was in The Wolf’s Head, currently just a shell of a tavern, when we found him. Procis told us that he was having concerns about rebuilding the arena. The violence concerns him and wonders if the arena is a good idea.

There’s only one way to find out and that’s to visit to the Imperial City Arena. The Ladies and I are leaving for the Imperial City in the morning, he could travel with us if he’d like.

As arranged, Procis Douarus accompanied us to the Imperial City. Entering the city through the main gates Procis didn’t say much as we strolled through the city. He did take lingering side glances at the Arena advertisement posters. It’s been awhile since he has been to the Imperial City and the images of Amazon gladiators can be quite captivating to the uninitiated (Arena Poster Diversity –BC Patch plus Women for Arena Posters Diversified plus Kael Adult Arena Poster).

Being late in the day and worn out from the trip, we spent the night at the new bar and inn across the street from the Arena, Pub 102 (Better Cities). The next day after lunch I took Procis to the Arena for the matinee card while the Ladies invaded the shops.

“Kobolds vs. Bosmers,” Procis said pointing to the poster at the gate. “This looks interesting.”

“It’s the Sundas matinee,” I replied as I placed entry required bets on the Blue Team. ”It’s a kinky comedy melee that plays every Sundas. It can get pretty wild if the kobolds get into the stands. Come on let’s go in.”

The crowd, being early in the fight card, was sparse but loud. They jumped to their feet screaming at the start of the match and didn’t quit until the Blue Team was declared the winner. Their rabid voices swelled higher and higher with every blow from the combatants. Although the match didn’t last very long, its effect on Procis was dramatic.

Procis approached to tell me that he had changed his mind. Citing the infectious energy of the boisterous crowd and the intense excitement he felt while watching the gladiators, Procis declared that he was leaving to rebuild the Kvatch arena. His only request was that I speak to Gaban Sele of Kvatch’s Mages Guild about an idea he has for participants. With that Procis left.

I can see it now Kolbolds from the Black Marsh vs. Rieklings from Solstheim. Might as well toss in a pack of Goblins and make a threesome.

Well, it time I left too. It’s getting on dinner time and I better not keep my Ladies waiting.

(One little issue, when trying to leave the arena a message displayed saying that the match must end in order to leave. The quest updated and Procis left but the match never ended. I couldn’t leave the arena. Once again the Midas Magic travel gateway saves the day.)

A fun little party? More like, the very BEST party in all Fourth Era Tamriel! 🎈Food, drink, everyone getting nekkid! Come on, now!



The High Fantasy equivalent to "Yo, I like them Reeboks. Gimme them now, I won't slap you one!"

Come and think of it, is Elenya from Goddess Store? She sure looks like one of the Goddesses who stand in place all day. Or, I guess you're saying she merely got training from one of them. Ne'er mind.

Uch, a Maskar's opponent. Hitpoint sponges, I call 'em.

Wow, I do like Elenya's new armor.

I want kobolds in my game! Those were fun to fight back in the table-gaming days (1980s for me).

Some heavy fightin' in TailWinkie but good loot it seems.

Ah yes, the Kvatch Arena. When she left the 3rd Era, Buffy recalled that Countess Kvatch had plans to turn her arena into a performing arts center that would host stage productions and concerts. A complement to the arena in the IC.

20240209 Ayleid Steps, Integration-The Stranded Light
Procis Douarus practically ran to get back to Kvatch so he could start on his arena. I couldn’t help thinking that something better, less barbaric, more artistic could be done for that vacant plot in the center of the city. But, with Procis being the owner of the Wolf’s Head tavern is looking at the potential of a seriously big bump in business with the arena full of rabid screaming fanatics across the street.

I stuck around for a few more matches before collecting my winnings and walking over to Pub 102 to hook up with my ladies. Counting my winnings I wondered, am I really that lucky or does the Arena staff know who I am. It could be they’re priming the pump so to speak, just trying to hook me into coming back and spending more?

Well, my Ladies weren’t at the Pub 102. Fearing that they left for the Water Front I thought that I had better go find them. Feeling pretty good, head held high, shoulders back, pockets full of coin I prowled the Market District in search of my Ladies. It wasn’t long before I spotted my ladies or should I say they found me. Tired from shop hopping and they were in search of me and dinner. Or, maybe they just wanted someone to carry the packages.

I suggested a quick bite at the Merchant’s Inn before retiring to the Arch-Mage’s quarters in the Mages Guild for the night. After dinner as we passed through the Arboretum we happened to run into Nur-Deen, the Argonian with the murderous husband.

Asking how things worked out for her, she told us that her former husband is now in prison. For herself Nur-Deen said that she is going back to Black Marsh. To show her appreciation Nur-Deen paid us 500septims and insisted that I take Nur-Deen’s Gratitude, an amulet with magical properties. Tomorrow I’ll report in with Captain Tertria Aurum.

Finally, we’re able to make it to the Arch-Mage’s quarters where we can relax. If you call signing a mountain of authorization papers relaxing. I call it boring.

To break the tediousness of the task, my Ladies attempted to show me everything they had bought. I wasn’t paying much attention until Elenya said, “We found this book at the First Edition. Its title is interesting, A Match (Mod: Elsweyr Mysteries).

Taking the book, I sat down and began to read. The Ladies were reorganizing one of my storage chests on the other side of the room when I finished. Jumping up out of my chair I shouted, “What a high fantasy trip! Imagine a mage performing world altering magic, the kind I can only dream of doing. There’s a formidable vampire as a possible ally. And the supporting characters, they’re fierce, and strong, and full of fire. Where did Phintias get this?”

With a befuddled look on their faces, Kaleah, Elenya, and Pym stared at each other. “Does he not see himself in the story or the warning at the end?” they whispered amongst themselves.

Later, I was fussing with the small bed hoping there was a way to make it more accommodating for at least three when I discovered a book, Arch-Mage Traven’s Notes (OOO), hidden behind the headboard. Arch-Mage Traven notes shed some light on his feeling toward necromancy and his feud with Lien Valeth, the leader of the Putrid Hand.

We’ve dealt with many from the Putrid Hand. Too bad we didn’t find this notebook earlier. It might have been helpful to know more about what we were dealing with and why.

The following morning, we left to find Captain Tertia Aurum. Captain Tertia was in the Elven Gardens district when we caught up with her. When informed of Nur-Deen’s status, Captain Tertia thanked us and asked if we had been compensated for out time and effort. Captain Tertia was relieved to hear that we had.

Personally, I think Captain Tertia was happy that she didn’t have to pay us out of her pathetically small budget.

With Captain Tertia Aurum’s dismissal, thus closing the Audacious Argonian Affair, we left for Merendin. Using the Midas Astral Gateway the trip to Merendin was uneventful. Tesserayiel, leader and co-founder of the Stranded Light, greeted us when we arrived. Tesserayiel started by commenting on how crowded Merendin is becoming. I didn’t give her comment much thought other than the Stranded Light’s increased popularity is a good thing.

Tesserayiel next told us how pleased she is with Urenvre taking the Bruma Outpost position. Bruma is a perfect place for the Mazken who had spent a long time living in Kvatch as a Dunmer.

After speaking to Tesserayiel we went to find Do’leandra to let her know that both Renrijra Krin agents, Shivaya and Karizzy are dead. On the way we met a new visitor to Merendin, Hilda the Stormtempered. Chatting a while, Hilda told us got the nickname when she once demonstrated how you can redecorate a room using lightning.

“Afterwards I had to search for a new guild,” she said. “They just didn’t have any sense of humor.”

Okay, we left Hilda to find Do’leandra. There she was in the West room, her great two handed sword in hand, swinging away at the practice dummy.

“Good news!” Do’leandra cheered. “You managed to cut off and burn a head of the hydra.”

For our efforts, Do’leandra rewarded us with the Khajiit Regalia. Trying it on for size, I found the formal attire to be a bit much for the places I usually go. The high collar is stiff and uncomfortable around the neck but I like the color. Maybe I can sell it at a good price.

Later, Do’leander approached to tell me that she had contacted an old Dune Walker acquaintance of hers to come and open a shop in Merendin. From what Do’leander said I gathered that Dar’que, an Ohmes Khajiit and thief by trade, runs a shop that deals in a little of this and a little of that under the table.

Dar’que is one cute kitten. We found the little Ohmes at her stand stationed in the East room. Her inventory contains a lot of home building items. Sure enough, she’ll buy stolen goods. That’s ok by me, it’s like Do’leandra said “everyone needs a shop like this now and then.”

Passing by Jo’beala’s corner, Jo’ pulls me aside and in a whisper confides that Dar’que makes her uneasy. As Jo’beala puts it, “This one can’t trust a hairless Khajiit. Is it really a littermate or just pretending?”

Yeah, I guess that could be a concern, especially to an Ohmes-raht as skittish as Jo’beala.

Returning to the center of Merendin looking for an open bed to take a nap, we met Kanaane who was just waking up from her nap. Excitedly Kanaane tells us she had another dream. In her dream she envisions a great city shining like a Star of High Hope. Yep you got it, this time she wants to raise a mushroom city that will change this country for the better.

Good grief, doesn’t she remember how much a couple of houses cost. What will a whole city take? I need to talk to Tesserayiel about this.

Tesserayiel agrees that Merendin is getting bit cramped with all the new recruits taking shelter here. She likes Kanaane’s idea of a city, where members of the Stranded Light could reside in safety. Tesserayiel offers me some startup gold, 250,000 in gold to be exact. She calls it dirty money and is not proud on how she obtained it.

Could be a juicy story there but I didn’t ask. No need to use Dar’que to launder the gold, I’ll just take Tesserayiel’s offer with the assurance that it will be put it to good use.

First thing in the morning, though. It’s been a long day and right now the Ladies and I are tired.

Where is Merendin? I presume it is mod-added. Never a lack of tasks for the Jandaga and company.

Merendin is part of Integration – Stranded Light – Integrated. It is located east of fort Teleman near the Black Marsh border.

We are saving Nirn, slowly but surely.

I like how he got separated from the rest of the gang. And then had to find them.

Jandaga is Arch Mage. Not sure if I knew that.



I see what ya did there! Maybe unintentionally. But you gamed some Fantasy Trip too, macole. I've never met anyone else on the 'net who has.

Jandaga's gonna need a bigger bed! He's always cramming into beds and tents with his entire party! He needs a Bed of Holding spell, perhaps.

Great pic of Jandaga in fancy duds. WHOA look at Darque. She's gorgeous!

Thank you for continuing this thread all these years, macole.

Arch-mage promotion happened back in 2018. I still think Arch-mage Traven was an idiot.

A subconscious Fantasy Trip slip. I did notice it when rereading what I had typed.
I still have three of The Fantasy Trip books from 1980; In The Labyrinth, Advanced Melee, and Advanced Wizard. Steve Jackson, the game designer is publishing new game modules and a boxed set, The Fantasy Trip: Legacy Edition, can be found online at Walmart and Amazon. Pricey!
Sadly, of my original group there's not many of us left anymore.

Good idea.

OCOv2 does wonders for the Integration-Stranded Light faces. The original faces by bg2408 are very strange.

You are most welcome. Thank you for your interest and comments.

20240215 I-SL – Star of High Hope

Waking up to a new day, we left Merendin to begin our journey to Shenara Hleras’ hut high in the mountains above the shrine of Boethia. With the wind blowing in from the east the distinctive herpetarium smell reminded us of how close we were to the Black Marsh border.

“Is it the Hist or the Argonians that creates the odor?” I asked Elenya.

“Both and more,” Elenya answered. “The Hist invades the flora and fauna of all Black Marsh. It’s what makes Black Marsh so dangerous.”

“Hmmm, I see,” I replied. “Well, it’s a long walk so we had better get going.”

“You mean you didn’t set a mark?” Kaleah asked.

“Well, no. I didn’t think we’d be going back there anytime soon.” I said in my defense. That didn’t go over well and for the entire trip I had to hear about needing new shoes.

As we walked along Kaleah brought up the subject of the book ‘A Match’ that they had bought at the First Edition in the Imperial City.

“Did you notice it had a sub-title ‘Book3Valuable’ something or other? Do you think there other volumes in the set?” Kaleah queried.

“Hard to say,” I replied. “We may have to go back to Elsweyr to find out,”

A day and a half later, we stood at the door to Shenara Hleras’ hut. Shenara was home, the door was unlocked and we just walked right on in to be warmly greeted with…

“What hole did you crawl out of!” shouted Shenara Hleras. “Doesn’t anyone in Cyrodiil know how to knock!?”

“Sorry about that,” I started. “But I have another request and I thought you’d be able to help.”

“A request?” Shenara groused. “Why does no one bring a rose or a sack of gold? What is it this time?”

When I told her the Stranded Light wanted to grow a city Shenara about lost her mind or rather she said that I had lost mine.

“A what! This is some kind of joke or… No? Oh dear, you’ve got no idea what you’ve just got into.”

Shenara proceeded to recite a litany of requirements for growing a city starting with 250,000 gold which just happened to be the exact amount I got from Tesserayiel. Makes one wonder, did Tesserayiel already know this?

Next on the list was 15 Varla Stones, and 75 Welkynd stones or one Great Welkynd stone.

Varla and Welkynd stones I have aplenty but with the price of Welkynd stones at an all-time high, I’m thinking gathering a single Great Welkynd stone would be to my advantage. Especially since I know where one sits nearby.
Following that, we must have a suitable site.

“A suitable site would preferably be one where a city, now lost and abandoned, once stood.” Shenara explained.

“Lost or abandoned cities like Wroth Naga in the north, Dasek Moor in the south, Sutch in the west, and Mir Corrup in the east would work.”

Out of those four sites; Sutch has been rebuilt already. I don’t recall ever hearing of Wroth Naga or Dasek Moor. Where those sites could be found I have no idea. As for Mir Corrup, I’ve found it already and it is abandoned. We’ve got site selection covered.

That leaves the infrastructure, shops e.g. a smithy, a clothier, a bookstore, an alchemist, a Fighters Guild Hall, a Mages Guild Hall.

And last but not least, citizens to populate the city. It’s like Shenara said, ”Citizens don’t grow on trees you know, not even Bosmers.”

The last two parts I’ll have to work on. It might take a bit of running around but I’m sure with a little help we’ll find enough people looking for a fresh start in life to populate a new city.

Leaving Shenara’s we made our way to the nearby Ayleid ruin of Hame. Having been here before, we knew that a Great Welkynd Stone could be found inside. The last time we were here I nearly died trying to remove the great stone from its holder. This time though we knew the secret. To extract the stone safely, Shenara instructed us to grab the stone at its bottom.

We had to fight our way to the location were the great Welkynd stone sat. Armed with the knowledge on how to pick the stone up without suffering harm, we safely gathered the Great Welkynd Stone of Hame.

It wasn’t in the plan but after dealing with a few necromancers while getting to the Great Welkynd Stone we went ahead and cleared out the whole of Hame. The necromancers of the Putrid Hand, their lich cohorts, and a pack of Corpus Stalkers took longer to expunge than anticipated.

Tired, when we reached the room near the exit and saw the three bedrolls and a bed, we couldn’t resist. Faster than a blink of the eye, the Ladies changed to their sleep wear and chose a spot for the night.

I sat up awhile, keeping watch until I was confident that all was well. Satisfied that we were safe in the now quiet Hame, I crawled into the available bedroll.

I couldn’t fall asleep. Mmm, the joy of having a bed to one’s self with the freedom to spread out comfortably is indescribable. Imagine sleep without the constant jostling for position, taking an elbow shot to the ribs or a knee down lower. But one gets accustomed to certain things like the warmth, the softness, and the togetherness. For the longest time I lay there starring at the ceiling and thinking of a poke in the ribs.

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?
They paved paradise, put up a parking lot

Me too! I still have In The Labyrinth, Melee, Advanced Melee, Advanced Wizard. I have some latter books too, I forget their names. Also have a few modules, although back in the '80s we played the heck out of those, so we began using DnD modules, finally we began writing our own!

I still translate all my Elder Scrolls characters into Fantasy Trip terms. Ready for a geek-session like none other? 👓



As we can see we've got ST (Strength), DX (Agility in ES terms), and IQ (Intelligence). To get those stats, just divide whatever the game shows by 3.75. So.. if the stat in Oblivion for Strength shows 30 (Minimum without mods) this translates to 8 (minimum in Fantasy Trip, for Humans anyway). 30 ➗ 3.75 = 8.0. Saga's Agility in OB for instance is 68. She's an archer. She needs high DX, right? So 68 ➗ 3.75 = 18.1

I use Intelligence to 'limit' what my characters in OB, MW, Sky, and even Arena have learned over time, as we can see by the skills & spells Snaat Rayag and Saga have got. What would Jandaga's stats look like, if you don't mind / have the time?

This works in Arena and Morrowind too. Skyrim is trickier since there are no Attributes shown. I use a complicated method of adding all the Skills and their Perks, and then using a bunch of math equations. Overall: Screw Todd and his "too spreadsheety" nonsense. To me, I can't play an Elder Scrolls character without seeing what they look like on paper.

Anyway, let's see what the Field Hippies are up to. Wow, they're in Black Marsh. Ha ha he didn't set a Mark so his ladies could conveniently Recall.





That sounds crazy. Grow a City, wow. I remember that name: Dasek Moor. Is that a city found in Arena? *UESP* Nope, it's a Fort in Cyrodiil. But they're gonna grow a city there, sounds like.

Jandaga's finally got a bed to himself! And he doesn't know how to sleep! It's like in My Cousin Vinnie, the lawyer from New York couldn't fall asleep in the country; he was too used to the constant city noise as he slept.

EDIT: Pretty sure today's song is Tracy Chapman. Hmm. Put up a parking lot. Mmm, not Tracy. One of those folk singers, anyway.

”Citizens don’t grow on trees you know, not even Bosmers.”

Are you sure? I remember seeing some Bosmers on trees...

Well, lost/abandoned cities are plentiful in Tamriel so that should be easy. Check.

A great welkynd stone with some necrodude hunting as a bonus! Check.

Citizens. Hmm, seems maybe Gweden could use an annex or franchise? That could be a start.

Well, lost/abandoned cities are plentiful in Tamriel so that should be easy. Check.

A great welkynd stone with some necrodude hunting as a bonus! Check.

Citizens. Hmm, seems maybe Gweden could use an annex or franchise? That could be a start.

Twinkle makes a great nightlight. And of course,sleeping in a happy pig pile is better than separate beds.

Joni Mitchell Big Yellow Taxi

Transferring TES Character sheet to The Fantasy Trip form was not as easy as it sounds or I’m over thinking the process. Thinking through the talent and spell progression basically meant relearning the whole game system (I couldn’t find any records of old TFT sessions). So this might be a bit short on Talents and Spells but I think it would be close.
The HCobb Addendum is something I found while searching for TFT. It adds some healing spells which is lacking in the original TFT books.

JANDAGA
Level: 42
Race: Aelf (Child of the Fae custom race)
Sign: The Mage
Class: Mystwalker, (custom Sorcerer/Vampire Hunter ≅ TFT Apprentice Martial Wizard)
Age: 175 (≅ 24 human years)

TES____________________________TFT
[(STR 77 + END 77)/2] / 3.75__________ST: 20.5
[(INT 82 + WIL 106)/2] / 3.75__________IQ: 25.8
[(AGIL 79 + SPD 79)/2] / 3.75__________DX: 18.1
_______________________________MA: 10
PER 67_________________________≅ Talents (Bard, charisma)
LUCK 86________________________?


TFT

Starting Talents:
Sword (4)[IQ7], Pole weapons (4)[IQ7], Literacy (1)[IQ8]

Aquired Talents:
Running (4) [IQ8] , Language (2)[IQ8], Swimming (2) [IQ8], Acute Hearing (6) [IQ9], Alertness: (4) [IQ9], Bard (4) [IQ9], Fencing (6) [IQ10], Physicker (4) [IQ11], Master Physicker (4) [IQ14], Master Bard (4) [IQ14]

Spells:
Light [IQ8), Magic Fist [IQ8], Lock/Knock [IQ10), Sleep [IQ11], Fireball [IQ12, Lightning [IQ14], Summon demon [IQ17], Cleansing [IQ17], Wizard’s Wrath [IQ18]

Spells, HCobb addendum:
Water Walking [IQ10 (HCobb addendum)], Heal [IQ11 (HCobb addendum)], Wall Walking [IQ11 (HCobb addendum)], Greater Heal [IQ14 (HCobb addendum)].

edit: missing step in calculations

Nice! Thanks macole, wow, look at that. I like how you combined STR and END and did the same with the other four Attributes. Huh, never thought of doing it that way. I should try that too.

Edit: how does the Sleep spell work? Maybe Drain Fatigue so much, enemies fall over?

Slippery Floor would be another good one to figure.

20240226 I-SL - Star of High Hope – Place for the Lost, Ayleid Steps – Dungeon Dabblers

Twinkle had left shortly after I fell asleep and it was pitch black in Hame when I woke up. Barely able to see, I tried to get up out of my bedroll only to find I could not move. Entangle in three pair of arms, I was securely trapped. Looks like I was not the only one who felt uneasy with a mattress all to oneself. The Ladies had dragged their mattresses next to mine, making one big bed.

Well it was mid morning when we finally left Hame to return to Shenara Hleras’ mushroom hut. As we passed through the Lost Road, the tunnel that leads up into the Valus Mountains’ high country, we stopped to talk to the Hidden Elf, Detye Endago. I thought she might be interested in leaving the dark lonely tunnels for a new place in the sun.

But, her memories of when life was beautiful had faded. The rebuilding of Mir Corrup, other than having a safe place to shop for supplies, held no desire for Detye. With sadness we continued on to Shenara’s hut.

Back at Shenara Hleras’ hut, we paid Shenara the 250,000 gold and handed over the Great Welkynd stone to satisfy her resource requirements. When I suggested the ruins of Mir Corrup for the site, Shenara agreed that it did have potential. But, she insisted that I tell her as everything I knew about Mir Corrup so she could tweak the mushrooms’ performance for the site.

We talked for awhile. Referring to my notes that I had collected while previously investigating what had happened to Mir Corrup, I answered all of her questions. Satisfied with my information, Shenara agreed, Mir Corrup would work. The new city now has a place and a name.

We were ready to pop the cork on a bottle of wine and celebrate when Shenara Hleras, the old party pooper, reminded us that a city is not a city unless it has people living in it.

Where do we start is our first question. Traveling to Merendin and asking Stranded Light members makes sense. It is Kanaane who wants the city, perhaps she has some suggestions. We leave for we decided to begin the recruitment by asking for help from the Stranded Light at Merendin. We leave for Merendin right away.

Kanaane is sitting in the reception room when we arrive. She is excited when we tell her how we obtained the Great Welkynd stone and that all the required resources have been delivered to Shenara Hleras. With rebuilding of Mir Corrup now underway we asked Kanaane if she had any plans on repopulating Mir Corrup

Of course she does. The whole purpose of the city is to provide a few applicants a safe place to be. She will gladly pass the word along. Kanaane also mentions establishing a Stranded Light outpost in Mir Corrup.

"City guards will be needed," Kanaane said. Half will be provided by the Stranded Light, while Kanaane intends to contact the Elder Council for the other half.

Talking to the other residents in Merendin, most did not have any plans for Mir Corrup. Do’leandra, the senior Desert Walker agent stationed in Merendin was the only one who had candidates ready to send to Mir Corrup.
A few outed Desert Walker agents exposed to the public, their lives now at risk needed a safe house. Do’leandra’s suggestion that they operate an inn as their cover sounds good to me.

Looking over the list; a smithy, a clothier, a bookstore, an alchemist, a Fighters Guild Hall, and Mages Guild Hall except for the Fighters Guild we can find everything in the Imperial City, if we are lucky.

We weren’t.

Arriving at the Universitum Arcanorum (Arcane University), I took a few minutes to change into my Arch-mage robe before searching for Raminus polus. We found Raminus in the reception room talking to Bothiel. Interrupting their discussion, I brought up the subject of a New Mages Guild Chapterhouse. Initially Raminus thought the proposal sounded interesting.

“Better us than the necromancers”, he said before questioning if the Mages Guild could afford such a building project.

While listening to Raminus’ objections I considered my options on how to convince Raminus to agree on the project. I could of course pay for the project out of my personal funds. But why spend my gold when my skills in Conjuration and Mysticism are high enough to persuade Raminus to do the project. Or, I could simply use my position as Arch Mage to order the project to be done immediately.

Not wanting to appear overly assertive, Raminus after all is a valued administrator, I thought that my practical skills in conjuration would be enough to influence Raminus to accept the project.

(His response to the Conjuration skill check is a fun one. He doesn’t like the necromancers but he doesn’t trust the Stranded Light either. So I thought the skill checks should be reinforced with the position check.)

“There’s more to learn about Daedra,” I argued, using my skills in conjuration. (Don’t see how that has anything to do with conjuration but that was the option.)

“Oh,” Raminus argued back. “I know of your involvement with the so-called "Stranded Light”. After their breaking of our monopoly, which was in place to save the ill-prepared. And their use of Telvanni architecture... What do you think their true purpose is? I wouldn't be surprised if Sheogorath still has a hand in their actions. Yet you seem to know what you're doing. Hmm. We will send some. If only to investigate them.”

It worked. Raminus saw the benefit and after a moment agreed to staff a chapterhouse in Mir Corrupt. But, something felt off. Raminus didn’t seem 100% all in. He gave no time frame as to when it will happen.

Sensing reluctance on Raminus’ part I ordered, “You will make the preparations, immediately!”

“It will be done, Arch Mage.” Raminus said with a bow.

“You know, you could have saved half a day if you would have played the Arch-Mage card first,” Kaleah chided.

Leaving the University we walked over to the Merchants district to canvas the various shops about staffing shops in a new city. It felt good being addressed as Arch-mage by those we met as we walked the streets of the Imperial City. I could definitely get used to that but it didn’t change the fact that we were striking out. Not one shop owner wanted to or knew of anyone who wanted to migrate to Mir Corrup. No one until we entered the Devine Elegance, that is. Palonirya is very willing to help; she is after all as she puts it…

“Of course you come to me. I’m the best in all the land.” Palonirya boasts unabashedly. “Unfortunately I can’t leave the Imperial City at the moment. Don’t be sad, I know the right people. They come from a south sea island with a Dreugh problem. So I guess they’re happy to get as far from the coast as possible. Tell me, why they would want to come to you?”

Looking over my options, I thought I could get by with the clothing option. After all, my robe is the finest I’ve ever seen and the Ladies have shown me a lot about the art of shopping.

Nope, didn’t faze Palonirya one bit. She must have sensed the robe’s mithril chain backing and declared it unsuitable, ugly armor. Palonirya doesn’t like armor, it’s just not fashionable.

I must have missed something during the shopping classes. Failing the “Know your vendor” test, told me I wouldn’t pass the other mercantile tests. So I skipped them and went straight a way to my strong point option. Illusion, now here’s something I may know a great deal about, I gave it a try.

“I can help with enhancing your clothing with magic. My enchanting Ladies, Claire and Fiona are enchantresses of high rank. I’m sure that they will be most happy to lend a hand.”

“Interesting idea,” Palonirya mused. “And they are mages. Somewhat. You have to be with Dreughs around. Hmm, I’ll pass them your message.”

So glad that worked. I didn’t want to go running all over the country in search of some strange skull.

Feeling better about our success we left Devine Elegance intending to get a bite to eat. Stepping out the door a guard approached. Officer Jannus Mercium hands me a very important message from Captain Tertia Aurum. It reads:

“Please meet me in Cheydinhal Castle as soon as possible. A couple of Imperial Watchmen have disappeared. Regards, Captain Tertia Aurum.”

“Well, this sounds urgent. Let’s go find out what Captain Aurum needs. And while we’re in Cheydinhal we can make inquiries at Mach-Na's Books, The March Rider, and The Cheydinhal Fighters Guild. Maybe they’ll know of anyone who would want to start a business in the new city of Mir Corrup.

Yep, sleeping in a pig pile is good. Oh noes, Twinkle left her post!

Mir Corrup it shall be. Let the mushroom tweaking commence!

Well, canvasing much of Cyrodiil to help populate the new city seems like it will keep the Jandaga and his crew busy for some time. Hopefully, the other guilds won’t want to be outdone by the Mages Guild and will also set up chapters in Mir Corrup. And all those guildies ought to have plenty of gold to draw new merchants. Oh, and don’t forget that Mir Corrup will need a Gweden Annex as well. . . .

Jandaga is in Hame. What is Star of High Hope? ⭐ Lol moment: he was able to sleep finally, because he wasn't alone!

Cripes.... 250,000?!?!? I wonder if all of my people in Cyrodiil (starting with Lady Anne in 2008, to Renee Gade III in 2024) have made this much money over time. Anyway, at least they were able to pay Shenara. Got that out of the way. So do these cities really grow over time? Can't wait to see pixtures, if so.

I like how you're including the Skill Check moments, explaining what's going on from your side of the monitor.



My CoC, The Grey Wizard, would often do this once the Main Quest was done, and he was also Arch Mage. I played his game on PS3. Once all the big quests was over, he decided to retire. Walked around the City with an Associate following, listening to compliments. Literally, that was my roleplay with him at that point. Which was actually fun.... for about a half-hour or so.

So I like that you've highlighted this with Jandaga. But as you've noted, it does get old (hence, Jandaga's eager to get back out there).

The tests sound interesting. At some point you might consider making a YouTube video of Jandaga, macole, during some moments of quest like this. I'd be interested in seeing something more dramatic, too. How Jandaga and his Hippies approach combat in real-time, perhaps.

The Stranded Light is a place where displaced Daedra of an unusual peaceful nature can gather and not feel threatened. Merendin is fast becoming too small to hold all the ostracized Daedra. Kanaane, one of the founders of the Stranded Light, envisions a city, which she calls the ‘Star of High Hope’ that will shine like a beacon guiding those displace peaceful souls to a safe refuge.

250,000, that’s just pocket change. Current bank account balance is 2,970,351. 1,134,540 of which is interest earn over time. It helps to own two vineyards and a popular gentleman’s club.

I’m not sure how the city grows. It may be like mushrooms in the back yard. One day the yard is bare, the next “BOOM” mushrooms everywhere. I just cjecked and there are large boulders blocking the city entrance.

You know how skill checks are. You see four options and tell yourself, “I wouldn’t say any those.”

As much as I’d like to do a video and I have thought about from time to time, I don’t know the first thing about making one.

As always, thanks for taking the time to answer.

Daedra? Feel threatened? Hmm, but not all daedra are completely 100% Evil.



Wow!



This sounds like most newer games! I'm looking at the dialog choices and my character wouldn't say any of those choices!

Ah, don't worry about making a vid. It's not really that hard but there are a lot of steps, and it can take a LOT of time to upload, unless your connection is super-super-fast or something.

20240305 TAS Ayleid Steps – Dungeon Dabblers

“Well, let’s go to Cheydinhal and meet with Captain Aurum. While there we can make inquiries at Mach-Na's Books, The March Rider, and The Cheydinhal Fighters Guild. Maybe they’ll know of anyone who would want to start a business in the new city of Mir Corrup.”

Ah, Cheydinhal, the Garden City of Cyrodiil. It was late when we arrived at our home in Cheydinhal. A bite to eat and we retired for the night. The next morning, our first stop was the Fighters Guild, where Burz gro-Khash told us he would not recommend anyone from the Cheydinhal chapter.

“What? With those two people I have around here? First think, then talk!” Burz gro-Khash bellowed.

Stopping by the March Rider and Mach-Na Books wasn’t any better. Neither Tertia Viducia nor Mach-Na had anything to say about expanding to Mir Corrup. The only thing left to do is to head up to the castle and look for Captain Tertia Aurum.

Entering the castle, it was easy to spot Captain Tertia Aurum in her highly polished armor. She was the silvery moon pacing nervously back and forth across the antechamber floor. We could tell the normal stoic Captain Aurum was extremely anxious about something.

Spotting us waiting atop the entrance steps, Captain Aurum approached and began telling us of a robbery that had occurred several days ago. The target was a merchant carrying a large number of Welkynd stones. Captain Drush Dedalus and two Cheydinhal guards witnessed the robbery and gave chase.

The bandit fled to the Valus Mountains, dropping some Welkynd stones as he ran. The guards, recovering the dropped Welkynds, continued chasing the bandit high into the mountains. At one point, the bandit activated an Ayleid step and disappeared. Sending one guard back to Cheydinhal to report the action, Captain Dedalus with the second guard, used a Welkynd stone to continue the pursuit. It’s been days with no word from the missing guards.

“… I want to know where they went and what happened to them.” Captain Aurum concluded, “So how would you tackle this?”

Something in her voice told me that the captain was letting her emotions cloud her thinking.
Kaleah thought so to as she leaned close and whispered, “Careful, she’s wound up tighter than an over wound clock.”

“I need to question the returning guard.” I replied. “That’s the first thing.”

“Good. His name is Jaros Kuneo. He can tell you where that Stepstone is. All you have to do is go there, activate the Step and find the watchmen. If they live, help them to get back to Cheydinhal and collect your usual reward. If they are dead... I just want to know. Needless to say I will then be very disappointed in you.”

“What? Why? Now wait a minute,” I objected. “I'm not responsible."

“I am not so sure of that.” Captain Aurum snapped. “'Someone' has activated these Ayleid Steps, did they not? You, perhaps?”

What the, she’s blaming me for the guards’ disappearance. I started to object again but Elenya caught me, “Truth serves the balance.”

“Yes,” I truthfully replied.

“I thought so,” Captain Tertia replied disdainfully. Anger and frustration could be heard in her voice. “We have no time to argue about responsibility. This is very urgent. Now get going. You will find watchman Kuneo on duty somewhere in town.”

Curtly dismissed, we left to find watchman Kuneo. Fortunate for us, Watchman Kuneo was leaving the guards barracks as we were exiting the great hall. Introducing ourselves, we explained that we were being sent to find and rescue Captain Drush Dedalus and the missing guard.

“Here to help find Captain Drush and officer Quinta?” Watchman Kuneo responded. “Captain Aurum told me some Stepstone expert would show up. She was pretty upset, was she not?”

“Yes,” I said. “Any idea why?”

“Not really sure,” watchman Kuneo said. “Rumor has it that Quinta is a close relative of Captain Aurum’s, but who believes rumors. Anyway, it’s lunchtime now. Meet me at Fort Farragut in a couple of hours and I’ll lead you to the Stepstone they used.”

Two hours later we met up with watchman Kuneo at Fort Farragut and we began the trek up into the Valus Mountains. Past Rickety Mine, past the ruins of Kemen we climbed eastward until we finally stopped at an Ayleid Step.

“This is the stepstone they used when they disappeared. Good luck finding them.” The guard called out as he started back down the mountain.

Using a Welkynd stone the stepstone took us to another stepstone in the middle of nowhere. Activating this second stepstone took us to the Lost Ruin of Thul. It was here that we found Captain Drush, standing around looking lost.

And, he was lost. Disoriented, out of Welkynd stones, frustrated at being unable to find a way out, fearful that Watchman Quinta may be dead, Captain Drush Dedalus had all but given up hope that he’d ever get out.

“I didn’t know. No one told me the Welkynd stones could fail leaving you trapped inside a ruin.” Captain Dedalus mumbled over and over.

“Where is your subordinate?” I questioned.

“We lost each other in a fight.” Captain Dedalus admitted. ”We will have to find her as well as an exit, and quickly too. I hope she's still alive. I think Captain Aurum will kill me if Quinta Petrolium dies.

“Why?”

“I do not dare ask her,” Captain Dedalus replied. “Not my business. Maybe they’re sisters, who knows?”

Thul, it turns out is not a large ruin, it’s just that every doorway leads to a room that looks exactly like the room you just left. That and it is full of undead monstrosities: ghouls, ghosts, lich, mummies, and other such monsters.

Sai the God of Luck was with us, officer of the watch Quinta was in the very next room. While the Field Hippies and Captain Drush held off a murderous pack of ghouls, I raced down the stairs to catch Quinta before she could leave the room (you’ll never find her if she does or at least I couldn't). With watchman Quinta Petrolium safely undertow it was time to find the way out of Lost Thul.

The stepstone found in every room are useless. They just take us to another room in Thul. How many rooms are in Thul, we don’t really know. We stopped using the stepstones after the first couple got us nowhere.

Instead, Elenya tried talking the wall stones into to pointing the way out. This can be a very time-consuming ordeal. Unlike living plants, stone is very dense and slow to speak and the haughty “I’m so much better than you” marble is the worst. We had gone through several rooms in the maze that’s called Thul before the stone decided to point the way to a hidden door.

A section of the wall slid open to reveal a long dark hallway leading to an exit door. Two giant spiders barred the way. Quickly and efficiently, Pym and Elenya drew their swords and cleared the hallway of the spiders. Excited to have found the way out, I opened the door and without looking quickly stepped out into the frosty morning air of the Jerall Mountains.

You know casting a teleportation spell is near impossible when your mind’s only thought is to hold on tight to the cliff face. Fearing to look down, I kept my eyes focus up. That didn’t help much when I realized I was starring at Dive Rock. The only thing I could think of was to slowly, finger hold by toe hold, descend the rocky wall.

Carefully, we began the arduous task of descending the cliff. Pym, Elenya, Captain Drush, and watchman Quinta did quite well considering, they weren’t really dress for rock climbing. There were a few slips but my winged warrior, Kaleah was hovering about to help them regain their footing. It took most of the day (10-minutes real time) before we touched ground not far from Aerin’s Camp.

(I really didn’t think it would work but as long as I faced the cliff and didn’t run, I slow walked down the mountain side.)

Torbern, the current resident of Aerin’s camp allowed us to sit and rest awhile to gather our strength. A short rest, a little food and drink and we were refreshed enough to continue our journey to Cheydinhal.

By the time we reached Cheydinhal it was 9:00pm. Captain Tertia Aurum was anxiously waiting our return. Not daring to hope for officer Quinta’s and Captain Drush’s safe return, Captain Aurum was overjoyed when she saw the two officers of the watch.

She thanked us for rescuing the two Guards of the Watch and bringing them back safely. Funny though, when she said that she had all but given up hope of ever seeing them alive again, I got the distinct impression that she was talking of Quinta.

Captain Aurum did not have time to deal with us directly or listen to our report. Instead she directed us to officer Kuneo to get our 300 gold reward. With that, Captain Aurum abruptly left.

When picking up our reward from Officer Jaros Kuneo we asked if he knew what was up. According to Jaros a mage, an elderly Aldmer from the Mages Guild, came to talk to Captain Aurum. They had a long discussion in hushed voices. After which Captain Aurum prepare to leave Cheydinhal, telling Jaros that she had an urgent message for the Elder Council.

How strange, an Aldmer from the Mages Guild? He must be mistaken. I know of no Aldmer in the Mages Guild. Some serious business is going on with these Ayleid Steps and I intend to find out what.

Then with a knowing wink, officer Kuneo mentioned that Quintas has been reassigned to the Imperial City.

Well, well ain’t that something.

My Ladies, with exaggerated yawns, subtlety reminded me how late it was. We returned to out Cheydinhal home for some well deserved nap.

Intrigue in Cheydinhal! Something is fishy about that Quintas...

Well, not much luck augmenting the hopefully growing population of Mir Corrup. Something is afoot however regarding welkynd stones and ayleid steps though.

Quinta Petrolium? Wonder how she came by that surname?

Glad the Jandaga and his little group were able to rescue those two guards. What an awkward exit location – stepping out the sheer side of a cliff. It helps to have a flying field hippie.

Sounds like that Aldmeri member of the Mages Guild is an imposter. Certainly the Arch Mage would know were there any Aldmer in his arcane flock.

Yeah, marble... so darn haughty. I guess granite and sandstone are more like the everyman's stones, easier to communicate with for the working fellow or gal.

Whoa, look at that cliff face shot. How brutal!

20240319 I-SL, Daedroth’s Best Friend

The only thing that marred the beautiful morning when we awoke in our house in Cheydinhal was that Elenya still had a headache from the immense effort it takes to communicate with stone.

Favas Andas, the former Telvanni Lawman now Order of the Virtuous Blood agent for the Cheydinhal Chapter House, came up from his residence in the cellar to join us for breakfast. It’s that time of the year again so the discussion during breakfast centered on OVB Cheydinhal Chapter House financial statements. Favas had all his affairs in order and the discussion moved on to other things. The topic of Officer Jaros Kuneo’s wild claim of an elderly Aldmer mage residing at the Mages Guild came up.

Favas leaned forward and with an even, yet forceful voice said, “Vamp Hunter, I can’t say I’ve seen any Aldmer hanging around. Nor have I observed any vampires around town either. What I will say is that something strange is going on over at the Mages Guild. A lot of strange people have been coming and going over there lately.”

When the breakfast discussion came to an end the Ladies and I walked over to the Mages Guild to see for ourselves what was going on. As we approached the Mages Guild, Frondre the Stranded Light guild guide assigned to Cheydinhal Mages Guild, stopped us.

“Ah, the vanguard of the illustrious Field Hippies,” Frondre said with a deep bow in deference to my Ladies. “May they party on forever.”

Pym and Elenya beamed while Kaleah seemed to grow in stature, towering authoritatively over the male Mazken.
Frondre fell to his knees before Kaleah, touching his forehead to the ground he said, “And the notorious Kaleah, mistress has done well to align herself with the appointed diplomat of the Stranded Light,”

Uh oh, the thought that Frondre is up to something flashed across my mind.

Standing, Frondre addressed me and began to explain how he needed help recovering an unusual diamond. The diamond, an heirloom of the count was stolen by or for a debt collector, a Daedra Seducer hiding in the mountains east of Bruma near a place named after Gnolls. To avoid unnecessary complications, Frondre argues that since Daedra, a servant of Molag Bal, are involved the recovery should be undertaken by the Stranded Light, not the city guards.

By the way female Seducers speak of their male counterparts one would think that the males are completely useless. Frondre demonstrated one thing is for certain; they do have a way with words. My Ladies eagerly accepted the task dragging me along for the ride.

Well, there went my plans of investigating the Aldmer sighting at the Mages Guild. We’ll have to deal with that when we get back. Before leaving, I instructed Frondre to keep an eye out and inform me of any strange mages hanging around the guild hall when we return.

A place in the Jerall Mountains, east of Bruma, named after Gnolls is what Frondre said. It had to be Gnoll Mountain near Frostcraig Spire. It’s been a while since we’ve visited Frostcraig Spire. The Söpökeiju much prefer the lush greenery and warm clime of southern Cyrodiil over the frosty peaks of the Jerall’s.

It’s not that I don’t like the south it’s just that in certain times of the year, I find breathing to be easier in the clean crisp mountain air without all the eye swelling and nose clogging pollen. Thankfully Fiona can whip up a pretty good potion to take care of those annoyances.

From Frostcraig Spire it’s a short hike to a camp site on south face of Gnoll Mountain. From there we began our search for the debt collector. Working our way westward and then north, we searched Gnoll Mountain for the debt collector’s camp.

The sides of the mountain were steep and covered with ice and snow. One false step and we’d likely slide and fall hundreds of feet to the valley below. On the northern face of Gnoll Mountain we got lucky, the constant mist that gave the Fog Slope its name, had lifted. Halfway down Fog Slope we spotted the debt collector’s camp.

Thinking that a pair of skis would be handy for this, we with minimum control, schussed down Fog Slope to the ledge where the debt collector sat. Approaching the desk, the Daedra Seducer didn’t flinch one bit at our arrival.

“It’s a male,” Kaleah hissed with a hint of disgust. “And he’s not even real, just his image projected from somewhere in Oblivion. How does a male have the mental capacity to pull off such a feat?”

“Ahem,” Clearing my throat loudly, I about lost my stern posturing when Kaleah spun around to face me and gasped.

Turning all sorts of shades of red the thoroughly embarrassed Kaleah declared over and over that she didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I don’t know how Elenya and Pym kept from laughing.

The misunderstanding over and forgotten (unless I can think of a good dig later), we took a quick survey the area. On the table in front of the debt collector sat our objective, a large diamond. Kaleah called it a ‘spectral diamond’.

Reaching out to inspect the Spectral Diamond, I find I cannot pick it up.

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you,” the projected image said with a smirk and shake of his head.

“You’re the debt collector?” I queried.

The male seducer stared defiantly at Kaleah for the briefest of moments before imperceptibly lowering his eyes. In a not quite submissive tone he addressed Kaleah, “You have no authority over me here.”

"Yes," he said turning to me. “I, Tanaark, am here to coordinate the collection for all daedric entities unable to attend to their matters in person. As we all know, mortals make pacts with Daedra, some mortals choose to forget to fulfill their end of the bargain, thus the need for a debt collector. If you are here looking for work I have a few tasks that you may be suited for.”

“Um, no. I’m just here to retrieve that diamond. It is stolen property and I’m going to take it back!”

“And why do you think I'm going to let you do so?” Tanaark protested. “I've already got a nice little protective enchantment in place. To prevent... accidents.”

“Feache,” Kaleah whispered. “I fear he has cursed the diamond.”

So, the question becomes how can I convince Tanaark to give me the diamond? There are skill checks to be argued. I haven’t done any work for him so I can’t argue that point. My Ladies and I have enough Mercantile skill, acquired Fame, and Lore knowledge to effectively argue those points. Or, I could just leave the cursed diamond and ignore the whole thing. Which would serve us best?

During our spectral diamond negotiations with Tanaark, we discovered some interesting bits of knowledge.
Starting with the fact, the diamond was originally stolen from the Mehrunes Dagon shrine in Morrowind by the ancestors of Count Andel Indarys. So, the spectral diamond technically is not part of any debt.

The diamond was then stolen back from Indarys by Vrjekka. Yes, the same Daedra Seducer Doppelganger Vrjekka whose soul is held captive in a black soul gem we acquired in Carmala (back in 2022-02-11 http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?s=&...t&p=341456) from the Doppelganger Chandra.

Letting it slip that I still carry the Vrjekka black soul gem, Tanaark tried to talk me into handing it over to him. As I did with Karashivual in Merendin, I refused to hand it over. Only this time unlike with Karashivual, I feared that Tanaark would likely set Vrjekka, his favorite collector, free.

Technically, the spectral diamond is not part of any debt. But Tanaark has an interest in it because someone in Cheydinhal has a debt. Unfortunately for Tanaark, this little gem endangers his bet, making it problematic to collect... um, later debts. Tanaark feels it is better keeping it under his control.

The Ladies’ normal charming approach to these kinds of negotiations wouldn’t work with Tanaark. Being a Daedra Seducer thus impervious to the Ladies charms we had to do a lot talking and digging in our memories before Tanaark succumbed to our arguments.

“Ah well, not worth the hassle. Take it if you want. You're feeling so confident, go ahead. I hope you really know what you're dealing with.” Tanaark said with a smirk.

Now here’s the rub, the anti-theft curse or enchantment Tanaark put on the diamond is not cancelled on any option you use to get him to give you the gem. No matter what, when you pick it up a Dremora Valkynaz is summon to attack you. I guess Tanaark thinks it funny not to mention that.

After dealing with the Valkynaz, Tanaark whistled and with his usual sly little smile said, “You sure look like you can handle yourselves in any situation. Are you sure you won’t do a job are two for me?”

Somehow we let ourselves get talked into doing a fetch quest for some soul gem disguised as a varla stone down in Morahame.

I teleported us away from Fog Slope before we could get trapped into any further undertakings.

I wonder what’s going on at the Cheydinhal guild hall? Looks like we’ll have to wait to find out it seems.

Off on a side/diamond recovery quest. Daedra politics. This Tanaark seems rather able at negotiating, but the Jandaga prevails – even though the diamond remains cursed and his group did a fetch quest in Morhame.

I totally get where Eleny'a coming from. Every time I try to communicate with stone all I get are headaches.

How far are you with Order of Virtuous Blood? Did Jandaga get past the Jakben Imbel parts?

Conflicting questlines. Jandaga was all ready to investigate the MG but he's being pulled another direction, wow.



Whoa. What language is that?

The tax collector's desk is in the middle of nowhere!

That's crazy, about the diamond. 💎 You're saying it's been in the story in the past. So it's got some history, nice. But it also sounds like Jandaga got distracted. All of that was not in his plans. So back to the Mages Guild?

Even for skilled Druid of high rank, it’s like banging your head against a rock.


Completed all the major quests. Jakben escaped my judgement http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?s=&...st&p=340930 Rumor has it Jakben met his end at the hands of the Gray Fox.

There remains one place Order of Virtuous Blood to explore. I doubt anyone would even realize that it is there. We will get to it soon.



Finnish, combination of two words söpö and keiju meaning ‘cute fairy’. What better name to describe the Field Hippies. BTW, my vagabond niece has been living in Finland for the past couple of years.


Interesting thing about the diamond, it does have a history but has not appeared before in the Integration – Stranded Light mod. The Stranded Light mod has over 90 quests to it. Little plot threads weave their way throughout the mod linking the quests together.

Take the Debt Collector quest for example The debt collector’s agent, Vrjekka did make an appearance before. I remembered the name and searched until I found her in Feb 2022. Vrjekka tried to do me in on the banks of the Niben. Turning the table on her, I captured her soul in a large black soul gem. Now we find out that Vrjekka worked for the Debt collector and even though he calls her incompetent, he wants her back. Something tells me that keeping Vrjekka’s black soul gem is to my advantage.

Yes I got distracted, running five major quest mods all at the same time tends to do that. I was never one to do mods in a linear fashion. When I went to Cheydinhal the intent was to advance the Stranded Light city building quest. Ayleid Steps got in the way by mentioning an Aldmer (I bet it was a type-o) in the Mages Guild Hall. So I thought while searching the Mages Guild Hall I might as well look into the very last bit of the Vampire Hunting mod. But, we see as we have seen the Stranded Light got in the way when I talked to Frondre.

It’s like Szun Triop wrote in his paper on the Faerie; “their natures seem to flit from one story to the next… Their plans and schemes are not governed by a higher purpose, simply by their own whim.”

OH, I think you don't actually deal with Jakben during OVB. But it sounds like you're past Jakben. I only asked because there was something broken about that part of OVB when I did it years ago. Had something to do with the boots quest Jakben is associated with. I had to go into the CS and fix OVB so I could progress to the end.
Don't remember what it was.

Stranded Light has over 90 quests!

Kenttähipit ovat söpöjä! (Your field hippies are cute!)

20240323 I-SL, Place for the Lost

Darkness was falling on Fog Slope. The northern lights obscured the silvery light of Secunda as I cast a teleport spell to leave Fog Slope. In my haste to get away from Fog Slope, I sent us to our home in Chorrol. Just as well, it was late in the evening and when saw the bed we couldn’t resist falling asleep.

The next morning after breakfast we left Arborwatch to begin our search for those willing to migrate to the new city of Mir Corrup. Surely the head quarters of the Fighters Guild in Cyrodiil will have the available resources for opening a new branch.

We were about to enter the Fighters Guild Hall when Chandra the Bloodthirsty strolled by. Stopping to chat (we wanted to see if the big vampire bard was behaving herself); Chandra said she is doing quite well and that her performances at The Oak and Crosier regularly pack the house. A diet of cattle blood can be a bit bland, but she keeps her eye on the “wanted dead or alive” posters outside the city guard house. The city Guard appreciates the help, I’m sure.

Then Chandra leaned in close and flicker in her eye whispered, “Have you seen the new face in town walking around looking like an Altmer? She isn’t. I smell it. Smells tasty. Hmm, how does a Golden Saint taste like? Wish I knew! Alas, I can’t find out.”

“Hang in there Chandra,” I consoled, hoping Chandra’s standards hold. “Maybe I can get her to donate a pint.”

“Only if she is willing,” Chandra sighed. “Even I have standards.”

Struck out at the Fighters Guild. Modryn told me that just because the head of the guild may reside here doesn’t mean that he has unlimited resources. We left thinking Modryn is just mad at us for not having done any assignments for him in quite a long time.

Down the street, a quick stop at Fire and Steel, Rasheda tells us that she is happy here in Chorrol and has no desire for change at this stage in her life.

Our next stop is Renoit’s Book in the hopes of finding an agreeable bookseller. Our hopes fell when Estelle said she wasn’t going anywhere. But, the spark flared-up again when she mentioned a librarian she knew in High Rock who was looking to set up his own shop. She’ll get to High Rock in a couple years and tell her librarian friend when she next sees him.

Two years! That’s way too long. What can I do to convince her to speed up the process?
[Mysticism] Offer to use magic to send a direct letter,
[Location] number of interesting locations visited,
[Lore] more stories to discover, number of books read,
[Task] can I do anything for you? Estelle Renoit wants a copy of Palla, vol. 2.

Realizing that I’m good on all checks, but not too fond of wasting time searching for a book, I suggested sending a letter via magic describing what an interesting, story filled place Mir Corrup is. That won Estelle over. The letter was sent and the deal was done.

“My silver tongued Feache, your speechcraft has improved,” a smiling Kaleah informed me.

Deciding Azzan would be our next best bet to help fill out a new Fighters Guild we elected to have the Stranded Light Guild Guide send us to Anvil. Plus, there is a Finding Nareyla outside the Mages Guild near the Great Tree, we arranged passage to Anvil.

Before Nareyla sent us on our way I warned her to take care around Chandra the Bloodthirsty. She’s not called Bloodthirsty because she likes a good fight.

Nareyla said, “Well, I’ve seen the hunger in her eyes. She will not have her way with me. Never! My flame may have been diminished, but not extinguished. I am still an Aureal!”

Nareyla thanked us for the warning and sent us on our way to Anvil.

Our first stop was the Fighters Guild where Azzan told us that yes he did have possible applicants. But, he was concerned about sending them to the mountains along the Morrowind boarder.

[Position] definite a no go. I don’t outrank Azzan.
[Estates] New houses always help.
[Acrobatic skill] Good training ground. Not any better than the area around Anvil, Azzan says.
[Bribe] What about a small gift for them? Azzan wants 25 pelts to make fur coats.

I have to think fast on this one. I can’t pull rank on Azzan, my acrobatic skill won’t convince him, and collecting pelts is a big-time waster. By owning several houses, I hope to convince Azzan of the advantages an extra house can bring.

“Hmm, I see what you mean. Better we than some so called “guild “, like the Blackwood company.” Convinced Azzan agrees to send a contingent to Mir Corrup.

Over at Morvanyn’s Peacemakers, Vorel Morvayn doesn’t want to leave Anvil and his apprentice is um… well, not quite ready.

Our search has narrowed down to finding an alchemist and a blacksmith. Skingrad has both. Casting the ‘Take Me Home to Skingrad’ spell, we arrive at Rosethorn Hall with plenty of time left in the day to conduct some business.
Just down the street from Rosethorn we walk into the Hammer and Tongs. Blacksmith, Agnete the Pickled responded to our search for a smithy by telling us that she’s staying put. She won’t give up Skingrad wine.

Right next door, All Things Alchemical operated by Falanu Hlaalu was our next stop. When asked about relocating to Mir Corrup, Falanu said she had gone through a shop relocation once before. It was a disaster, something she doesn’t want to repeat. There is a fellow alchemist whom she met at a convention in New Orsinium who is looking to re-locate.

What will convince her to contact this person?
[Alchemy] unique ingredients – what do you know about ingredients?
[Athletics] mountain air is good for everyone.
[Mercantile] much money to be made.
[Task] find a shambles skull.

Elenya points out that other than the concoctions Fiona pours for me, I don’t know enough about alchemy to convince Falanu. The task of finding a shamble skull would be just too time-consuming. While I’m certainly athletic enough to argue the benefits of clean mountain air, I chose to appeal to every shopkeeper’s weakness, Profit! The profit potential for a Mir Corrup shop would be huge.

“It’s true,’ Falanu agreed. “The further away you are from civilization you are, the more they rely on potions. They have too. You can’t stack healers into a cupboard. At least not without getting into trouble with the Mages Guild, anyway. I’ll let her know.”

Down to the final recruitment, we need to find a smith. There is only one place left to go and that is The Dividing Line in Leyawiin.

When presented the opportunity to open a forge in a new city Tun-Zeeus declines the offer. The Valus Mountains are too cold for him. He does however know someone who knows someone who knows someone who… Let’s just say he can find a qualified “someone” willing to make the move.

I just have to convince Tun-Zeeus to contact that “someone”.
[Armorer] I’ve broken my share of hammers
[Weapons] I know my share of weapons
[SC] it will be a great place
[Task] what can I do for you

Let’s see; when I mentioned Mir Corrup being a great place, Tun-Zeeus about dropped his hammer on his foot, he was laughing so hard.

“A great place?” Tun-Zeeus roar. “I’ve seen the shack you own here in Leyawiin. No thank you.”

Tun-Zeeus says I need about all kinds of weapons to qualify as a weapons expert. And finally, I don’t want to run around gathering melons for him. What I do know and have a lot of experience in is repairing all types of armor. From mundane iron and steel to exotic materials like Pym’s delicate diaphanous spider-silk skirt or my mithril Dragonspirit armor, I’ve worked it all. Tun-Zeeus was impressed.

“True,” Tun-Zeeus admitted, starring at Pym’s skirt. “You've got quite an experience when it comes to… um… forging, err… smithing. Either way, I'll contact the one who knows... and well, you know.”

That completes it. I have acquired the commitments to staff the city. The Ladies and I will head back north after a celebration dinner and a good night’s sleep.

I finally saw Northern Lights in my game! Was in Bravil with Snaat Rayag the skooma dealer.

"You can be a vampire and pack our house, the caveat is you must assist us find any wanted, hi-profile criminals. What you do with them after you find them, uh, we don't need to know about."

Nice, a point of Speechcraft! What are the [Bribe], [Position], [Mysticism], are they dialog choices?

Ya I can't see Agnete the Pickled wanting to leave Skingrad. She's probably first in line whenever the town's wineries feature taste testings.

True, Falanu's original location can be seen all burnt & husked out on the east side of Red Ring Road. Hmm, let's choose Mercantile. Yes!

Mir Corrup has some new inhabitants, very nice.

Those are the dialog choices. I thought them to be interesting should I read through this, years from now.

20240330 I-SL, Place for the Lost – VH-OVB

The day after getting Tun-Zeeus’s aid in getting a smith for Mir Corrup, we left Leyawiin to search of the unique soul gem in hidden somewhere around Morahame. Taking the Yellow Road north we arrived at Morahame late in the afternoon. Magnus had set, it was getting dark, and we had yet to find any trace of the supposed varla stone soul gem around Morahame. In frustration I turned my eyes to the night sky.

Silently I prayed to the Mother of All Creation to awaken just a little and point the way. Whether by luck or by divine intervention my prayers were answered when my eyes fell upon the brilliant white light of a varla stone sitting atop an Ayleid white marble column. Shining like a beacon against the dark night sky.

How did I miss that I wondered as I climbed up the broken wall. Once I managed to secure the unique soul gem

The Ladies and I pitched camp for the night and the following morning we prepared to leave Morahame. As we neared the Yellow Road footsteps echoed on the wooden bridge behind us. Turning, we met two citizens, Julitta Plotius from Leyawiin and Bazur gro-Gharz from Cheydinhal leaving the Ayleid ruin of Morahame.

They had been exploring the Ayleid ruins by using the stepstones (The Ayleid Steps exploringActor script). I warned them of the dangers of using the stepstones but they seemed unconcerned and went on their way. After watching the two explorers leave (they were just exploring, right?), we too continued on our way.

It was snowing high in the Valus Mountains when we reached Shenara Hleras’ hut, our next stop on our trip north. Shenara was home when we arrived to tell her our success in arranging residents for the rebuilt city of Mir Corrup. Shenara, after checking status and finding we had everything in order, told us she would make arrangements to have an experienced crew plant the spores and that I should inform Kanaane and Tesserayiel that all would be ready in five days.

Not that I didn’t do a good job with the two Stranded Light chapter houses it’s just that, a whole city is bit much for one person to do, was the reason she gave. Personally, I think she just didn’t want us to see the magic used to plant whole city’s worth of spores. My thought was reinforced when she told us not to visit the site until the building was complete. Accidently kicking spores around would be a disaster.

Relieved that I didn’t have to plant the city, we made the trip to Merendin. Kanaane was excited to hear that her dream city would soon be realized. Kanaane then mentioned that Tesserayiel wanted to speak with me as soon as possible.

The exciting news does indeed travel fast. When we entered the reception hall, Tesserayiel and Karashivuel were already dancing in celebration. Interrupting Tesser’s dance, I ask what she wanted to see me about.

“Yes. It's quite difficult for me to put into words what's going on in my mind.” Tesserayiel began.

“Oh no!” The frightening ‘she’s going to propose’ thought flashed in my mind.

“You've done a lot for us.” Tesserayiel continued. “Without you, I don't know what would have happened. We've changed the world for the better. And we will continue doing so. As a reward the city shall be yours. I name you Count of the Stranded Light, and Count of Mir Corrup.”

A promotion! The sudden relief from commitment turned just as quickly to ‘pressure of responsibility’. Tesserayiel promoted me to a count in the Stranded light and of Mir Corrup. Now that was truly an unexpected honor.

“It's only a figurehead title, nevertheless wear it proudly,” Tesserayiel continued on. “We've gone through a lot. There may be other loose threads to finish, but the city, it is our legacy. A seed planted for a better tomorrow. The Stranded Light will continue as long as we may, yet you've surely noticed that there are less and less tasks requiring your most unique attention. Except for some loose threads. Be it as it may. Celebrate your new title, your new station, count!”

She keeps mentioning loose threads. That worries me. More work for little pay it may be but this is where we all will enter history.

The party lasted well into the wee hours. Late the next morning, we decided that we had better begin tightening up some loose threads. Casting a recall spell we traveled to the Fog Slope mark.

Tanaark, the debt collector was still sitting at his desk when we arrived at Fog Slope. The not very talkative, Tanaark took the varla stone soul gem and rewarded us with the Redeye, an enchanted ring worth around 100 gold. The soul gem, Tanaark told us, holds the soul of Venaccus, a once famous lesser Daedra.

Kaleah gasped at hearing the name Vernaccus. “My sister Horavatha used to tell me stories about the Patron of Limitations and Impotence. We’d laugh for days. Someone wrote a book about Vernaccus.”

Tanaark didn’t have collection job for us at the moment, possibly later but not now. So, with Tanaark now holding the unique soul gem of Vernaccus, the Ladies and I returned to Cheydinhal to handover the Spectral Diamond to Frondre.

It was late in the afternoon near dinner time when, dressed in my Arch-Mage robe, prepared for formal business we walked over the Mages Guild. Fortunately, we caught Frondre in front of the Mages Guild. He was excited to see we had the spectral diamond.

“Retrieving the diamond will go a long way in advancing the reputation of the Stranded Light.” Frondre said. To show his appreciation he gave us an old set of his armor.

Like I need another set of armor. Oh well, I can always sell it. Only, we come to find out later that Frondre’s armor is completely worthless.

When Frondre was asked to report on strange mages at the Mages Guild he told us he hadn’t seen anyone matching the description we gave him. But, there is something strange going on here.

“I hadn’t noticed it before but there’s getting to be a lot of activity around dawn,” Frondre said. “People come inside, they go upstairs, and they never come back down. When I go upstairs to the top floor to find out what’s going on, they’re nowhere to be seen. Very strange.”

Entering the Mages Guild Hall, no one seemed the least bit concerned. Deetsan, Eilonwy, and Falcar all had nothing to say about strange goings on, in or around the hall.

Going upstairs to the living quarters we don’t notice anything strange here either. Deep in their studies Tryvond the Redguard, Orintur, and Uurren were acting as if everything was perfectly normal. Puzzled, the harder I look the more normal everything appeared.

“Open the eye your mind, my Jandaga,” said Elenya.”You look but do not see. Relax and see the unseen.”

She was right, I was trying too hard. Closing my eyes I relaxed my mind, breathe in, breathe out rhythmically as the old masters taught and there it was. We were practically standing right on top of a Mages Guild disk.”

Where did this portal come from, how long has it been here, where does it go, and why does no one speak of it?

Well, sounds like Mir Corrup is just about done.

A hidden mage disc in the Cheydinhal guild hall? Why does the Arch Mage not know about this? (Looking at you, Deetsan the guildmagister for this hall.) I'm guessing this teleports users among various guild halls?

Yeah, see that's one of the reasons I like posting stats like "Days Passed" and what level they were and so on. Because I knew I'd want to read these stories in the future, and stuff like that reminds us where they were in life at the time.

I like how Jandaga prays to Mother of All Creation instead of one of the Nine, or even a Daedra or Sithis or whomever. Not saying he would pray to Sithis or a Daedra, I'm just saying Mother Of All Creation sounds so universal. Like something anyone in any reality might pray to. It sounds as though Jandaga is stuck. "Let's see if this works...."

Whoa, he becomes a count.



Ha ha ha he nailed it! "Oh boy, more stuff I don't know what to do with!"

I like Elenya's advice at the end. 💎