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


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


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

Apachii Goddess Store yaah! Finally I already have something.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Who? What?” was all I could say.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

This post has been edited by Renee: Nov 28 2023, 06:21 PM

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


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

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

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

Thanks for the feedback.

Another recruit for Gweden!

A beautiful kittydancer.

And what a cute little mushroom house.

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


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

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

This post has been edited by Lena Wolf: Nov 28 2023, 10:38 PM

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

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

This post has been edited by ghastley: Nov 29 2023, 03:02 AM

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

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

This post has been edited by Lena Wolf: Nov 29 2023, 10:39 AM

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

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

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

Great story by the way! It makes sense now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As far as Kaleah goes, that might be touchy.

Well that's my thoughts on the subject.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patron#2: “Pure luck.

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

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

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

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

All: “Yeah.”

*****

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ghastly: yes it is Alice’s Restaurant.

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

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

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



WHAT?

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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