I'm curious, I've heard that once you have Dawnguard and crossbows are available, they are ONLY available if you join the Dawnguard? Is this right? Are they not available in shops?

That is my understanding. Though PC users will be able to mod the game to make them available anywhere.

I haven’t checked in the shops with my Dawnguard character, sorry. My character (Mikke of Green River) got one before joining, though. A guy at the fort just handed it to her.

I wanted to try some Smithing and play with someone a little less damaged this time, so I made a character inspired by this guy: Link. He’s an Imperial Warrior. Primary skills: One-Handed, Block, Heavy Armor, Smithing. Secondary skills: Archery, Restoration, Looking Good in All the Fine Clothing. He is compelled to take Smithing perks as soon as they become available, since he really must have the very best to wear. Along those lines, he only wears armor that he has made himself and clothing that he has purchased. Worn enchantments are limited to the jewelry he can find or buy. He does a lot of shopping. Also, his armor always has to match.

Introducing Kentus Prime. May he bring great suffering to the dragons. (And also smith some bitchin boots.)

*

Attached Please Find the Last Page of Imperial Fugitive Kentus Prime’s Journal, Confiscated as Evidence at the Time of his Arrest. Note: Prisoner is Wanted in County Bruma for Questioning by the Count. Maintain Utmost Discretion; the Matter is of a Personal Nature.

Additionally: Fill Out Paperwork upon Arrival in Helgen, Prior to Transport Back to County Bruma. Prisoner Owes 5 Septims for his Skyrim Visa, plus the Fine of 10 Septims for Failing to Submit Appropriate Forms in a Rightful and Timely Manner. (Do not let this citizen of Cyrodiil get mixed up with the rest of that rebel riff raff.)

___

Last Seed 12 (I think), 4E201
Somewhere above Bruma


The gods must hate me. Why oh why did Countess Bruma not inform me that she is married? Or for that matter, that she is the Countess? I should not have worn my purple velvet doublet. It’s no wonder that she could not resist me. No, the poor woman cannot be blamed.

Rather I blame that “guide” for my present predicament. And I blame myself for trusting him. Who ever heard of a Dunmer forester? I have come to believe that we were in fact both fleeing Bruma’s Guard. By hiring him I only postponed the moment that he robbed me. Well, with no gold purse and no pack, at least I have less weight to carry. It is fortunate that I choose to sleep in my boots. I should not like be out here starving, freezing, and lost in a pair of camp moccasins. They would not match my cloak.

In the morning I will resume my search for the Border Patrol. I lack the funds for a travel visa, but I am certain that my Imperial brothers will lend a helping hand. Must close for now. Ink has frozen.

___

From Kentus Prime’s new journal:


Last Seed 20, 4E201
Riverwood

Skyrim has provided some unexpected adventures. My wagon ride in Legion custody nearly ended with my head in a basket. Thanks to the intervention of a beast of legend and a stalwart soldier of the Imperial Legion, I still draw breath. My entanglements in County Bruma have faded into insignificance. There is excitement to be found right here in Skyrim.

I have repaid the Riverwood smith for his hospitality through honest work at his forge. My skills are progressing. I am now outfitted in steel. I have not yet seen finer armor in Skyrim.

I have earned a small income ridding the local area of bandit menace. My greatest need at present is a decent clothier. Perhaps the Nords make their own apparel. Thus far I have only found a single pair of boots for sale.

___

Last Seed 21, 4E201
Whiterun

The disaster at Helgen was not an isolated incident. Dragons have returned to the world, and I have slain one! With support from Whiterun’s most excellent Guard. An errand for the Jarl’s wizard led to a turn of events. At the end I discovered a strange, new power. Back at Dragonsreach, an argument developed. I found myself agreeing with Balgruuf’s unwashed brother (perhaps the strangest turn of events thus far). I am Dragonborn. The Greybeards called my name: DovahKen! The times of ancient legend have returned!

Note to self: try russet outfit with the green-lined boots.

___

Last Seed 23, 4E201
Whiterun

I have settled my domestic arrangements in a most satisfactory manner. Jarl Balgruuf suggested that as Thane I might purchase property inside the city of Whiterun. The available home is located in the Plains District. No, thank you! I found a cottage for rent in the far more fashionable Wind District. It is of course a bit windy, but style triumphs over comfort.

The sight of my landlord raised a dilemma. Though I have not seen armor made of Dwarven metal, I have begun collecting ingots as I find them for sale in anticipation of the day that my skills will allow me to use them. My landlord Uthgerd the Unbroken wears a finely crafted suit of steel plate! Adrianne informs me that I am nowhere near ready to work with that material. She suggested that I work with Elven metal for a time. However, I can imagine how the sunset will gleam on a suit of golden-colored Dwemer metal. What to do?

It is some comfort that Uthgerd wears a breastplate fashioned in the feminine form. I am told that the people of Skyrim are more open-minded about certain things than people in other places. If he wants to dress as a woman, it is no concern of mine. We raided a few bandit camps together. I have great respect for the quality of his character and the strength of his arm.

___

Last Seed 24, 4E201
Camped in Whiterun Hold, or Eastmarch, or Possibly The Rift

I have crafted armor of Dwarven metal, and a sword, axe, and bow as well.The guards have made many admiring remarks as I walk through the streets of Whiterun. There is one thing they are perhaps too awe-struck to mention. I may present an Aedric vision of righteous might, but I move like a pregnant cow. I am told there is a standing stone that may bequeath the Steed’s blessing. I set out with my landlord/boon companion Uthgerd to find it.

On the road near Honnigbrew Meadery, a dragon attacked. The guards answered my rallying cry, and we slew the beast. Not before one of the local farmers met a brutal end in its jaws. After the carcass flaked away into bones and I absorbed its very soul in a rush of (well-deserved) power and light, Uthgerd met my eyes with a look of grim determination.

He was right. It is time for DovahKen to answer the Greybeards’ call. We turned our steps toward Ivarstead.

(A note after turning in for the night: to my great surprise, I have discovered that Uthgerd is a female person. I cannot account for her voice and sheer physical presence, but that does explain the breast forms on her armor.)

___

30 Last Seed, 4E201
Windhelm

“Keep an eye out for wolves if you’re headed up the path to High Hrothgar.” Wolves?! Upon our return to Whiterun, Uthgerd will need to build an addition to house our pelt, fang, and skull collection. I no longer have any concerns about facing wolves.

The Greybeards were impressed with me, of course. I am tasked with retrieving an artifact. The road will take us to parts of Skyrim that I have not yet seen. It is my fervent hope that I might find a clothier. I have begun to suspect that the apparel offered for sale at my favorite merchants is the very same that I traded in as salvage!

In Windhelm I conquered the mysteries of steel plate. Now Uthgerd and I present a uniformly grim appearance. I did look fine in my Dwemer attire. Perhaps I will keep it for ceremonial use. Working with orichalcum gives me no satisfaction. The armor is indeed as ugly as those who are known to wear it.

___

5 Heartfire, 4E201
Solitude

Here is a city! It is my fondest hope to return here someday, perhaps to dwell in peace after the defeat of the dragons. And if those wretched Stormcloaks ever tire of causing a fuss. Actually, perhaps I should simply hope to dwell here, and work on the peace later.

Thanks to the funds collected on a long and active road trip, I am now attired most hideously in Orcish armor of my own making. The material is stronger than my steel plate, and so I wear it, death being slightly less welcome than presenting a rough appearance. I am collecting ebony ingots in anticipation of future efforts at the forge. Thus far I can afford two.

In the morning Uthgerd and I will depart on the Greybeards’ errand. I have acquired the blessing of the Steed Stone. Though Uthgerd is considerably longer of limb, I am now able to outpace her. This new ability has given me additional practice catching blows on my shield and heavy armor, as ruffians and wild creatures seldom have the courtesy to wait for her to catch up before attacking.

In other news, I have found an adequate clothier. Radiant Raiment! As soon as Uthgerd falls asleep, I will begin the work of organizing my new wardrobe. Thankfully with the Steed’s blessing I will not have to ask her to carry it.

Hehe Grits, I am loving Kentus!

The fact that he thought Uthgerd was a male at first was hilarious.

His skill in Smithing is impressive considering the amount of time he's been doing it. He is a talented man, I must say!

Can't wait to see where his journey takes him next.

LONG LIVE DOVAHKEN!!

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jul 12 2012, 10:18 PM

DovaKen! I love it. But considering who he is inspired by, I think it should have been the Count of Bruma who found him irresistible in his purple, not the Countess...

DovaKen, that's awesome.

In other news, in order to try out some new mechanic mods, I started up Sorchia and Sindel. So far, Sorchia's mostly hung out staring at a peculiar rock while having classes. Not that Winterhold is all that boring at time.

Sindel, on the other hand, is a bit more of a wanderer who has seen some danger a bit closer then she would have liked, but she marks it balanced by the occasionally spectacular sights her travels reveal.

I'm also pretty certain what mod KC was using when Aravi fought the dragon in Morthal, as Sindel has faced that type as well, though she was a tad bit more pressed then the Khajiti girl with the aid of several guards.

Wow, I can honestly say I've never fought 3 at the same time.

Oh sweet mother Mara. I don’t have a journal page from Kentus. Just a few remarks and a quick retelling of today’s incident.

Now, Kentus Prime is my first and probably last Smithing character, because so far there has been more shopping than adventuring. Clearing out mines, hunting for hides, and praying for one more ingot in the shop. Kentus has taken some Speech perks instead of more combat skill perks, since it seemed that although he was weak in the battle department, his gear made up for it. I prefer the hide-wearing steel-bearing badass over the mightily equipped average guy, but I had to try both to be sure. Anyway, Kentus finally got his last perk in Smithing about twenty minutes ago. He crafted a few pieces of Dragonplate, but he needs more materials to finish his set, so he wouldn’t even try on the pieces he just made yet. Off he went wearing steel plate (he still needs more ebony ingots to temper the whole set of ebony armor, and don’t get me started about daedra hearts), and I was fuming a little bit because I really, really want to see what the dragon armor looks like.

Between Whiterun and the Western Watchtower, a dragon attacked while DovahKen was killing a sabre cat. Yesss!! More scales, bring it. He began the battle at less than full health, but it landed immediately and he already had his sword out so he jumped in and was making good progress. About the time I cast an eye at the dwindling health bar, kill cam.

My view was stuck looking up the dragon’s rear end, so all I could see was the hunched-over beast thrashing from side to side. Fffffff nooooo!! Not before Kentus makes his last piece of— gaah now I’ll never get to see— wait, what’s that?

DovahKen is riding the dragon’s head!! Woo hoo, he’s the one doing the killing!! It’s a KenCam! Eat that, dragon!

Whew. Now back to Whiterun to make a pointy helm, as soon as my heart stops pounding. I love this game!!



Three dragons for Sindel? Wow, I think I've only had two once! Sigh, vanilla. I enjoyed the pictures!

liliandra nadiar: 3 dragons at once!!!

Grits: Shouldn't DovaKen be hanging out with DovaBarbie? I mean Lydia? He needs an ornament on his arm to make him look good.

DovahKen would make Barbie look good!

Then maybe some hot young stud like Erik the Farmer Slayer? Most of the men in this game fall under the "settling for less" heading, but he at least would not go home alone from the Boom Boom Room.

Funnily enough, young Erik is presently traveling with Kentus. He’s wearing glass armor from head to toe with a matching glass battleaxe. I wasn’t a fan of the glass armor before, but I love the way different light shines on the material. I cannot imagine any other character who would put Erik the Slayer in glass, but that’s DovahKen!

Kentus did meet a woman who is potentially worthy of adorning his arm. Jarl Elisif the Fair! He’s almost prepared to overlook the fact that she is a Nord. Of course the whole grieving widow/aspiring High Queen business likely places her out of reach, but Kentus does not aim low. He has not been impressed with the other Imperials he has met in Skyrim. Camilla is a tease and a bad dresser, and Carlotta fails to see the humor in selling her food in order to feed her hungry daughter. If she said, “I have a growing daughter who keeps borrowing my shoes,” I’m sure that Kentus would have been smitten.

Kentus Prime has experienced a turn of events. I had hoped that he would find a necklace of frost resistance and go surfing on the Sea of Ghosts, but that was not to be. Here’s what he says about it:


Heartfire 9, 4E201
The Reach

I have spent some time scouring Skyrim for materials with which to work my art. New friendships were forged along the way. I now travel with a man who calls himself The Slayer. He is attired in glass armor of my making. Quite an improvement over his original gear. There was a time when I would have remarked how the light dances in the green glass, and how the helm masks The Slayer’s pasty complexion and unfortunate hair. I might sound like my new Altmer friend in Solitude, a woman whose impeccable taste surpasses even my own. In the past I would have chronicled my triumph over dragon scales and bone, and I might have described how well I wear the armor crafted from those legendary materials. But no longer.

Two days ago in Dawnstar, a dragon attacked. The Khajiit caravan and civilians of Dawnstar joined in their town’s defense. I fought bravely, but not carefully. Seren the blacksmith’s wife fell by my hand. With one arrow I ended two lives and ruined another.

The Slayer waited for me to serve my prison term. He still stands by my side. Another dragon attacked as we attempted to leave Dawnstar. I hoped that justice would find me during the fight, yet I live. We returned to Whiterun where I lifted my hammer for the final time. I crafted a suit of daedric armor, so I might appear as foreign and foul as befits one who shares the dragons’ blood. Now I understand our kinship. Fire and death, and an end to all things.

There is a dragon lair at the summit of a nearby mountain. Tomorrow we hunt.

Poor Kentus So much for the fun-loving fashion-commando.

Heartfire, I think
Somewhere snowy

Dear Da,

I was right to follow my dreams. Every day with Kentus Prime is an adventure. I have shot dragons down out of the sky. (With some help from DovahKen. That little fetcher sure can Shout.) And I’m pretty sure that I will get to Sovngarde fighting at his side. In fact if there is blood on this letter maybe I am there already. Ha ha.

It’s not all fun and killing, though. A bad thing happened in Dawnstar. A dragon attacked. That was the good part. Then a Redguard woman stepped in DovahKen’s line of fire. She died. He is tore up about it. Hasn’t shaved or trimmed his hair in weeks, and I told you how he used to keep after his appearance. Now he is almost as hairy as a Nord woman. I keep telling him that it was not his mistake, but I don’t think he listens. It’s hard to tell though, because he always wears that creepy helm.

I hope the crops are growing well without me, because I’m not coming back home for a while. I know you wanted to keep me safe, and that is fine thinking if you are an elf or an Imperial. I hope you are proud of me, Da. I that think Ma would be.

Your son,

Erik (The Slayer)

My Imperial character Nemetor finally entered The Ratways, in search of the elusive Esbern.

Before coming to Skyrim on that fateful day however, the unknown descendant of Septim was an outcast and a thief. But he had shied away from that former career after entering the wintry land of the Jarls, determined to begin anew and leave his criminal past far behind.

He knew however, the temptation to visit the Ragged Flagon and its herald Brynjolf was also partly the reason he would enter the sewers tonight. To know that there was not just a hideout, but an entire guild of thieves just like him underneath the creaking wood of Riften was a notion that both terrfied and intrigued him. Perhaps they would know where Esbern was? Yes, thought Nemetor. That was a good enough reason.

So at the hour of midnight, he crept out his lodgings in the Bee and Barb, garbed in hooded blue robes to hide his face. He took a torch out of the bracket outside and descended the steps to the watery canals. There he found an unassuming door, and seeing there was nobody around, doused his torch and stepped in.

Inside the walls were slimy with damp mould, but the place was well lit. Nemetor rid himself of the blue robe for some simpler clothes, better for sneaking around in. It had not been long traversing the passage when he came across two men speaking. He got that one was named 'Drahff' and the other named 'Hewnon' from the conversation, before the former mentioned something about checking the entranceway. Nemetor panicked, and quickly backed into a shadowy alleyway out of sight. When the thug walked past, he unsheathed his ebony war axe and drew its bladed edge across his throat. His companion rushed in after, having seen the death. In the flickering torchlight blows were traded, but Nemetor's skill with the axe was unmatched and the man named Hewnon was hewed nonetheless.

After a few more lowlifes to deal with and about halfway into the sewers, Nemetor came across a room littered with beartraps on the grimy floor. In the corner, an alchemical table stood, along with a good amount of empty mead bottles and a pile of dirty hay. Someone obviously lived here. But where was he?

His question was answered when a thundering punch smashed into the side of his head. Nemetor stumbled back, to find himself looking at a ham-fisted giant of a man dressed in ragged robes that barely fit on his colossal frame. The Nord stood head and shoulders above the Imperial, and before Nemetor could unsheathe his axe another two punches crashed into his side, disarming him and sending the weapon spinning away.

Left with no weapon, Nemetor had no choice but to raise his own fists, and dodged and ducked as the brute swung heavy blows - for some odd reason he was unable to block. Nemetor threw some punches of his own, but if they registered on the big Nord he barely seemed to show it, since Nemetor hadn't invested in that Heavy Armor perk yet. His opponent was unrelenting in his strikes, and before long he was driven back, his stamina wearing thin and his mind and body reeling from the huge blows.

He knew then he was never going to win this battle through strength. So the Imperial turned the fight into a game of wits, noticing for the first time the lamp swinging above them and the pool of oil on the floor. In a last-ditch effort to save his life, Nemetor swung with all his might a blow aimed for the bracket that held the lamp. It snapped, and the lamp fell, shattering on the Nord's bald head and then as the first sparks hit the oil pool consuming him in a roaring blossom of flame and light. The giant fell silent, and as the flames died away all Nemetor could hear was the sound of his own laboured breathing and the thump of his heart pounding in his head.


------

This all happened, right from sneaking into that beartrap room and wondering where everybody was and then having Gian the Fist punch me in the back of the head, as well as having him almost kill me bare-handed until I hit the lamp above him in the next room.

He didn't disarm me though, I just thought it'd be cool to fight him mano-a-mano

This post has been edited by Illydoor: Aug 1 2012, 02:01 PM

Interesting story, that of Nemetor. My dark elf spellsword initially got into the business down the Ratway, but lost interest for some reason. Maybe that's for another character, though.

At what point did you lose interest?

Ah I first created him with a mind to have him as the typical goody hero, but then realised that I'd obviously want him to join the thieves guild and dark brotherhood amongst other more morally-questionable activities, so decided to create his criminal background.

Ok Aravi hasn't actually got to the Dawnguard fort yet, she's in Riften getting ready. Sorting what equipment gets sold, what gets stored, and what absolutely has to come with.

She was looking for refined moonstone, walking from the main gate to the market. It was evening and the shops were about to close for the night. Heavy clouds in the air, could rain at any time. Then a roar. A dragon faded into existence right above the town and attacked! Big cities were supposed to be safe! And it was a Nether Dragon.

(Is that in the vanilla game?! It did some unusual frost attacks and then turned invisible as it flew, so you had a really difficult time tracking it as it circled in the air!)

Aravi had to use dragon rend to bring it down and she killed it quickly after that. A huge crowd gathered and stared at Aravi, she could hear them talking about her. She ran away from them, down into the canal. She ran to the other side of the city and came up near Honeyside and ran inside. Her secret was out.

There are no dragons in my games, so I do not know if that is normal. It does sound neat to have them attack inside the big cities. Although it might not be so neat after everyone in the city is dead...


On a different note, there have been two occasions now in Bendis' game where a Stormcloak patrol has almost gone aggro on her. Both times it was with one of the three-fighter patrols in the wilderness, and both times it was with just one of them, a female Nord. She would draw her sword and tell Bendis to get lost. Bendis does not have a bounty, and has not done any of the civil war. It is just like I saw happen more than once in Aravi's game. So I wonder if that one Stormcloak actor has some kind of disposition modifier against certain races, like Dark Elves and Khajiit?

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 4 2012, 04:01 AM