In the game story what makes sense to me is that the Councilor is trying to find the fastest route to each city. It could also be that they are testing the hero's knowledge of stepstone use.

From a game mechanic it keeps you from wondering aimlessly about all day. At times it can be rather annoying especially when the watchman runs off and fight monsters encounter inside Ayleid ruins.

The Jandaga has reached Level 43
STR 79, INT 83, WIL 107, AGL 79, SPD 79, END78, PER 68, LUCK 87

20240904 Gweden, OOO Shadows in a Struggle for Power - Narind

A relaxing evening and a good night’s rest at Benirus Manor I awake with the puzzling thought that all of the recipients of the Osciuro’s coded letters were Altmers. Odd, isn’t it?

Well, when one is faced with a seemingly unsolvable question it is often helps to forget about it by doing something else. Free your mind and sometimes something unrelated will trigger an answer. I decided to pay a visit to Gweden Farm. I need to inform Tsarrina about the free-lance competition in Bravil. There also is the small matter of my share of the profits.

The news of the owner entering the building spread quickly throughout the complex.

“And he’s not wearing that prickly armor that nips, like it’s alive, at anyone who touches him.”

Surrounded by the Girls of Gweden, eager to demonstrate their talents worthy of the coveted Associate of the Month Award, I find myself being pressed against a table. Bracing myself against the onslaught, my hand reaches out to the table steady myself. My hand slips a bit almost causing me to fall. Glancing instinctively at my hand, I find my hand resting on a copy of the Black Horse Courier. A quick glance at the bold headline "Women Rescued" showed me the way out of my embarrassing predicament.

Holding the news sheet high above my head I shouted, “Excuse me, what is the meaning of this! While I do appreciate your warm welcome I am here on business. Where is Tsarrina?”

There were many “Uh Ohs” and finger pointing as the ladies of Gweden faded away to far corners of the complex. Given some space I skimmed through the article. As I suspected, "Women Rescued" was about the working girls of Gweden Farm.

When confronted with the article in the Black Horse Courier, Tsarrina explained that it had been a slow week and the girls were getting bored when a young reporter came by. Thinking that a little advertizing would help increase traffic, Tsarrina allowed the reporter to interview the girls.

Tsarrina made it clear that she had finale say in what was published and didn’t allow anything that would degrade the high-class operation here at Gweden Farm.

“He was very thorough, spending at least an hour interviewing each girl, some of them twice. And it did bring results,” Tsarrina said as she handed me my share, 35,640 gold coins, with a smile.

Turning to leave, I opened the door to find an Imperial Courier blocking my way. With a lovely warm smile that could melt the coldest heart the courier slapped a letter from the Elder Council in my hand. The courier stood there waiting until I had finished reading the letter before marking her journal and leaving.

Apparently High Chancellor Ocato has read the Black Horse Courier article too. I’ve been summoned to speak with him about matters related to the article, "Women Rescued".

“A summons!” I yelled. Turning back to Tsarrina, I waved the summons, “See what you’ve done! It will probably take every last coin of my share of the profit to buy our way out of whatever this is.”

The Gweden staff did their best to easy my fears by showing me copies of their interviews. With only pausing for dinner, I spent the rest of the day and most of the evening reading, The Gweden Report.

The interviews are really quite good. They don’t put a bad light on Gweden at all. I found a spare bed and fell asleep feeling good about the whole thing.

Waking up feeling mellow, the next morning I decided to take my time getting back to the Imperial City and the meeting with High Chancellor Ocato. A little hunting trip so to speak would do wonders. Besides, I need to gather beast souls for that Kvatch Arena.

Hunting east of Gweden Farm, it wasn’t long before I spot a black bear. Readying the special soul trap spell, Sanguine Howl of the Arena, I began the hunt. The bear led me a merry chase. It was near the Jobe Stone when I was finally close enough to hit it with the touch spell and kill it.

With the soul of the bear secured in the Soul Cage, I looked up and noticed that I was standing in front of an Ayleid ruin (OOO quest Shadows in a Struggle for Power) not found on the official map. Now if a newly discovered Ayleid ruin doesn’t brighten up the day for the Archeology Guild Headmaster nothing will.

Narind, an OOO Ayleid ruin with two mid-sized levels, inhabited by Eregor’s corrupted Valenwood Bosmer Rangers from Valenwood and they weren’t too pleased to see me. Without the aid of my Ladies, I summoned the Sisters of Insanity and the impressive Markie to assist me. I’ll say that the female Markynez Lords would give Silanu a run for her money.

An interesting feature of the first level was a remotely operated iron gate. A push block which I assumed would open the gate could be seen mounted on the wall just out of reach on the other side of the gate. I would have to go back to the main corridor if I were to continue my search of Narind.

After finding the iron-gate, making my way to the Ayleid stone gate of Narind Vadosel was pretty straight forward. That is, if you discount having to battle through 10 of the corrupted Rangers.

Narind Vadosel’s stone gate opened to a balcony overlooking a large room. This was a virtual dead end. There was no other exit from the balcony other than jumping down to the floor below, which I did.

The only way forward from this room was through the catacombs (I don’t know what else to call the HH shaped pattern of rooms). Six Rangers lay in wait there for me. I left them lying there when I climbed the staircase up to a walkway spanning a catacomb floor.

The walkway was trapped.

After navigating the falling blade trap, a short hallway opened to a large room. With Twinkle lighting the way I managed to avoid running into a falling floor trap.

On the far side of the trap, outfitted in their dark braided armor, eight smiling faces greeted me. One in particular stood out from the rest. The captain of the Rangers, Lareil drew her two-handed sword ‘Morning Glory’ and cast a chameleon spell.

Some days I think it would have been best had I just stayed home in bed.

Leaping across the falling floor trap I drew Light of Dawn and executed one of those power moves everyone dreams of.

SWISH, SWISH, SWISH… I sliced the air into tiny bits.

Again, the Sisters of Insanity came gleefully to my rescue, but they were having a rough time with the sheer number of corrupted Rangers. To help speed things along, I summoned a Markynez and a Midas Angel to the party. While my summoned warriors took care of the corrupted Ranger auxiliaries, I focused on the easy-on-the-eyes but hard to see, Lareil.

Once all the corrupted Rangers were pacified, the three Daedra and the Angel began fighting over the spoils. I looted the body of Lareil, taking her sword and other items of value. Proceeding into the adjoining room I left my four summoned warriors to their squabbles.

Bathed in a green light, the next room was quiet. In its center, sitting high on a pedestal was a large green glowing gem, the Heart of Wild Woods.

“Touching it, an immense sensation of joy overwhelms me. Visions of pristine forests, crystalline waters, and mountains of majestic beauty fill my mind. Turning, I find a giant wolf smiling at me. The vision vanishes. Is this a blessing from Jephre?”

There were two items of note found among the items on the stone alter; the beautiful sword Royal Whisper and a strange note from Eregor to Lareil, one of his top lieutenants. Over and over, Eregor praises Lareil then in the same sentence threatens severe punishment for failure. Why do Eregor’s followers stay when treated like that?

The letter to Lareil also refers to a pledge of allegiance Eregor has made to Molag Bal for a promise of power contained in the "Vessels of Graithlan's Soul." The same Dread Artifacts we have heard so much about. Eregor names "Yeleri" in the message. Could this be the name of his command post?

With the Heart of Wild Woods tucked away safely in my pack I located the way out of Narind Vadosel. Yes, it was the remotely activated iron-gate found in the upper level. I then left Narind.

Once out in the open air, the Heart of Wild Woods stirred violently in my pack. Bursting forth into the open air, the green gem transformed into a ghostly giant green wolf. In a flash the wolf sped away west-by-northwest.

I am certain that the heart of Wild Woods is Jephre’s messenger, encouraging me to find Yeldri and put an end to Eregor’s nefarious plans. I thought of following but knew that I could not keep up. So what am I to do?

As I’m pondering the question a Bosmer bowman comes running up chasing a deer. She shoots a deer and stops to harvest it. Not realizing who she is I walk up to her I ask her name.

“Alawen,” she answers. “Now leave me to my business, stranger.”

Curt and straight to the point, she made sure that I knew I was not worthy to talk to the master marksman trainer. She’s right on one point though, I have some business in the Imperial City to attend to. Who knows, perhaps I can get some information on Yeldri while there?

Nice, thanks for posting his stats! Jandaga's got a lot of Willpower, phew!





Nice to see Gweden inspires new Black Horse Courier editions.

... and just like that, the Elder Council wants your elf's attention ✉️

HH pattern room can indeed be considered catacombs, although the Ayleids themselves might've had some other intention. From our perspective, catacombs are fine.

Love your description of combat. SWISH SWISH RAWR!!!

Alawen reminds me of glargg's Wild Elf. 🧝

I'm sure High Councillor Ocato probably wants a Gweden branch opened in the Imperial City. Or at least some consorts for the Elder Council.

And a previously undiscovered Ayleid Ruin!

Yay, Alawen!

20240917 Gweden – Red Dragon Club, Ayleid Steps – Mapping Mayhem

Leaving the area of Narind I continued north by northeast toward Skingrad, hunting beast for the Kvatch Arena as I traveled. Wasn’t having much luck. All I seem to be finding is boars and bears.

“You know, you’d have more success if you traveled the brush country instead of over the road,” I told myself. “Geez, you got to get back to the Ladies. You’re sounding more and more like Kaleah every day.”

Oh well, I made it all the way to Skingrad without seeing anything worth capturing.

Some time ago, following one clue after another, I found Shulassa the Outcast Khajiit’s ring but never did anything with it. I’ve been a little busy with other things and the ring got lost in the bottom of my pack. Now that I’ve returned to Skingrad, I decided to go over to Two Sisters Lodge and hand the ring to Shulassa.

It's a rather mundane ring, no enchantments, and nothing special to look at but Shulassa became very excited when I gave it to her. The ring belonged to her grandfather. Returning it was the best treasure Shulassa could have ever received.

As thrilled Shulassa was to have her ring back, the Outcast Khajiit was fearful of her future. No job, few marketable skills and a mounting debt at the Two Sisters Lodge left Shulassa feeling hopeless. Wishing to help, I told her about Gweden, hinting that should Tsarrina take her on then arrangements could be made to reduce her debt.

The Gweden prospect excited Shulassa so much that she immediately left for Gweden.

Leaving the Two Sisters Lodge, I headed over to Rosethorn Hall for the night. The big aggressive looking Quurunae was pacing about in front of the Mages Guild. I stopped and asked how she likes living here, recording her answer for Phintias.

“At first it was strange,” Quurunae answers. “Mortals screamed and ran away. It’s been better now that people understand I’m not going to tear them into little delicious pieces.”

I got a couple pages as she continued on explaining how she likes not having to be in a constant war with everyone and everything. Good stuff, Phintias should like it.

After a quiet night at Rosethorn Hall, I used Rosethorn’s Stepstone to take me to the Imperial City Market District.

Dressed formally in my best Arch-mage robe, I went looking for High Chancellor Ocato. The High Chancellor was sitting in the Elder Council chamber when I found him. His message mention something about a Red Dragon Club here in the Imperial City. Knowing nothing about the Red Dragon Club, I’m not sure what I was expecting in this meeting. I certainly did not expect the High Chancellor to ask me to take over operations of the Imperial City’s failing gentlemen’s club. Noting how I dealt with competition; Desann’s Palace, Bravil’s freelance street walkers, and the House of Earthly Delights near Chorrol, High Chancellor said I was perfect for the position.

Even though I may be familiar with the ruthless business side of operating of a house of pleasure, Tsarrina is the one who really manages the daily operations. I’m really just the owner of record and recruitment officer. To top it off, the Red Dragon Club is just a front for the Elder Council’s spy operation Yep, Ocato expects me to restart the too.

I told Ocato that I’d be happy to accept the assignment. Um, what else could I do?

Leaving High Chancellor Ocato and the Imperial Palace, I stood facing the gates to the Talos Plaza District. The Red Dragon Club is supposed to be located somewhere in that district. I decided to go look for it and see what I’ve gotten myself into.

I found the Red Dragon Club down an easy to miss gangway. The door was locked, I wondered why? Red Dragon must be a very exclusive, key-holding members only kind of club. A brief tour of the club to meet the staff told me that red Dragon was severely understaffed. All that was left of the staff was Miranda the day-time bartender, Tilasa the night-time bartender, Shurgak gro-Magub an Orc bouncer, and Taminwe an Altmer female who proudly claimed to have aced the practical test during her job interview.

One look at the tall goldenrod and any doubt that she would excel in her cover job quickly vanished. At the moment though, her primary job came to the fore. Ocato had given her an assignment and a messaged for me when I arrived (how could he be so certain that I would take the job?). Something is going on down in Leyawiin and Ocato wants us to find out what it is.

Well, I have a few things to do before taking a trip to Leyawiin. Taminwe will have to wait till I’m ready.

Don't you tell me none o' your lies, altmer 'cause all you know I've told ya
Don't sell me no alibi mister 'cause all you've got I've sold
You better leave that midnight sneakin' to the one who worked it out
I don't wanna hear no back talk speakin' go on and shut yer mouth
And everything's gonna work out tight if you act like you been told.

So don't try to lay no boogie-woogie on the king of rock and roll.

Don’t know why I hurried over to the Arboretum just to wait for Councilor Osciuro to arrive. When he finally did arrive, Councilor Osciuro was very appreciative to hear that a fast travel route to each of the cities had been recorded.

As Osciuro was paying out my reward, he in an off-handed manner asked how I happened to discover the Network Activator room. Distracted by the monetary transaction at hand, I told him the story. It was then that Councilor Osciuro’s attitude took a turn.

Claiming authority as a representative of the Elder Council, Councilor Osciuro, demanded that I turn over the Network Activator room key to him. When I refused Councilor Osciuro threatened to order me assassinated if I refuse to cooperate.

“Look,” Councilor Osciuro threatened. “I hate to be blunt, but I have to tell you that you are risking your life. Give us the key or you leave us no choice. The Steps Network is much more important to us than your life. Give it to me now. There is no alternative.”

“No alternative? Oh, I think there,” I replied. “I know the Ayleid's secret.”

It’s hard being stern and imposing when you’re more than foot too short, but I did my best. “See me standing here in the robes of the arch-mage, Osciuro? Just hours ago, I spoke to High Councilor Ocato in the Eder Council chambers. He made no mention of you. In fact, he appointed me to head the empire’s intelligence operation (a minor stretch). You should take care; your position is suspect. The RDC has its eye on you.”

Councilor Osciuro was taken aback on learning that I know the Ayleid's secret. It was almost disturbing to watch as his face drained of all color. Osciuro spouted a line of gibberish ending with “This is utterly intolerable!”

Like a dog with its tail between its legs, Councilor Osciuro gathered his robes around him and quickly fled the Arboretum. I guess he needs time to confer with others to decide what to do with me. I can do nothing but wait.

Leaving the Arboretum I went to find my Ladies. A night of good food, a little wine, and intelligent conversation is just what I need. I wonder what they bought this time.

"My advice to Jandaga is STAY ON THE ROADS. The wilderness just isn't safe anymore. We've had sightings, you see. Boars and bears..."

Cool, another lady finds her way to Gweden.

"I told Ocato that I’d be happy to accept the assignment. Um, what else could I do?"

I love that line!

Sweet, a song! --- Hmm, "Don't sell me an alibi, mister" is ringing a bell. 🛎️ Fraid I don't know the answer though. Maybe ghastley might, so I won't Bing or Google.

Man, what the heck? Councilor Obscuro .... what a pr1ck. Yeah, wonder what those hippies bought... this time.

I do find it rather disturbing that the so-called "Imperial" spy network is employing exclusively Altmer. The arm of the Aldmeri Dominion is long indeed. I believe we see an invasion being prepared.

A brothel as the front for a spy network? That's interesting. Ocato could choose none better than the Gweden Brothel Tycoon though to run his Red Dragon Club.

Threatening the Jandaga? Had the ladies been there, I'd wager Osciuro would have been carried out of the Arboretum inside his robe as a body bag.

I had to google it. The title's in the post - "Don't try to lay no boogie-woogie on the king of rock and roll" bu Long John Baldry.

1971 was a tough year for competition in selling albums, so it wasn't easy for "It Ain't Easy", and that probably accountes for my not recalling it. Even with Rod Stewart and Elton John producing, and Ronnie Wood on guitar, it was up against Carol King's Tapestry, Janis Joplin's Pearl, and Led Zep IV and many others.

Yes, the song is Don't Try to Lay No Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll written and first released by Jeff Thomas in 1970. I was rather surprised to find that it’s been covered three times; Gator Creek, 1970, Crow 1971, and Long John Baldry 1971.
The Long John Baldry version was the one I heard first and is my favorite. The 3-minute monologue and the jump in tempo into the actual song sets it apart from the others.

I've been involved with tearing up the basement floor and replacing the cast iron drainpipe. My time for play has been rather limited lately. Hope to get back on a better schedule soon.

Why, tearing up the basement floor and mucking about with cast iron sewage pipes sounds like playing... Not sure why you chose that particular video game though, but hey, there's no accounting for taste...

20241103 OOO Shadows Struggle for Power, Inquiring the Stranded Light

Awaking early in the Arch-mage’s quarters the morning after my encounter with Councilor Osciuro I felt a presence peering over my shoulders as I was observing my devotions to Luminai.

Yes, I know that with the defeat of Umaril, I really don’t need the healing powers of the little shrine we found in one of the lost spires. It’s just that doing so gives me a sense of comfort that’s hard to explain. Luminai’s grace was so helpful for such a long time that placing my faith in the lost goddess feels right. What harm can it do? Never was much of a follower of the Eight, err Nine anyways.

“Well,” Kaleah demanded. “The shops are empty, and we’ve been hanging around the university for weeks with nothing to do while you... You’ve been down in the basement playing with drainpipes, patching foundation cracks, painting the basement walls and floor, and arranging for the roof to be replaced. Don’t you think it’s about time to get up and do important things?”

“Are do we have to get the flaming haired witch, Fiona to entice you to step outside the university walls?” asked Elenya.

The thought of the witch Fiona was enticing. The Ladies are right I better get moving. And knowing how the floozy works it would be another week before I’d be able to travel. So, I packed my bags and we left the Arch-mage’s quarters to begin our journey to Mir Corrup.

Traveling across country, the trip had been quite pleasant for most of the day. We crossed the Corbolo River near Crayfish Cave and as fate would have it, we came across the ruins of Fort Facian.

Kaleah stopped me to say, “Feache, the Arctic Bear mentioned this place. One of his captains holds an artifact of Graithlan, the Dread Helmet.”

That was reason enough to put our journey to Mir Corrup on hold and open the doors of Fort Facian. The first level wasn’t difficult just a few undead and a couple OOO Raiders. It was when we entered the Vaults of Horror when things got dicey.

In a small room, the daughter of the Arctic Bear and nine Raiders stood in our way. We tried telling Sheil Hestarius that we already had this discussion with the Arctic Bear and there was no reason for her to continue the debate. Just hand over the Dread Helmet and we’d be on our way.

Feeling a bit put out upon hearing of her father’s fate Sheil Hestarius and her Raiders attacked. Their initial rush knocked us down for only a moment. Recovering quickly, we struck back.

It took some doing but we prevailed in the end. Although it might have ended differently had Sheil’s lieutenant had arrived in a timely manner. Like a typical Nord, not known for their smarts, a MOO faction marauder outfitted in heavy stalhrim armor came barreling in as the Ladies were looting what was left of the previous advisories.

Torbik Asgarik learned a serious lesson. You do not interfere with the Ladies while shopping, err, gathering loot.

The action over, we proceeded to the next room and there it was. Proudly proclaiming the glory of Y'ffre, the Dread Helmet sat on a coffin at the head of a skeleton of an unknown warrior.

A thick green vine wrapped around the helm like a boa constrictor. So tightly the vine clung to the helm, the plant seemed to set roots into the blackened steel and was now a living part of the helmet.

Elenya confirm my suspicion when she slowly reached out to touch the Dread Helmet of Graithlan. A strange look came over her face as she caressed the green vines rooted to the helm. Then with a smile our sweet druid turned to us and solemnly announced, “The Spirit of Nature resides within.”

We gathered it up and tucked it away in the Midas Chest for safe keeping until we could deliver it to the Archeology Guild. I’m sure Sova would like to study this fascinating artifact.

Tired and hungry, we found a corner where we could rest. As we ate a modest dinner we read the note we found on Sheil Hestarius. In the letter her father, Hlorfor, the Arctic Bear, praised Sheil and encouraged her to work with her brother Faran Hestarius who is now in Fort Flecia. Working together Hlorfor emphasized, the brother and sister pair would become the greatest power in the land.

Looks like we have one more group of Raiders to deal with.

The next morning, we continued our journey to Mir Corrup. Later that day the Eternal Guardians stood their post, as if frozen in place, barely giving us a glance as we passed through the gates of Mir Corrup. You could see their eyes shift underneath their helms and that was all.

Wondering what it would take for the Eternal Guardians to take action, I asked Kaleah, “They never change, do they? What would it take for them to act?”

“Any actual physical action, no matter how slight, against the walls of this city would bring instant 10-fold retribution from the Eternal Guardians”, she said. With a laugh she added, “So don’t go slapping the granite, you just might get spanked.”

Tired and hungry with a powerful thirst, the Ladies and I make way to the Red Navel. The inn was packed which is what I was hoping for. There are interviews to get for Phintias and a busy inn is always a good place to find talkative subjects.

Entering the inn I set my sights on the Red Navel proprietress, the de-winged Daedra Seducer Velerya. Stepping up to the bar I discreetly informed to Velerya that her flowers had been placed on Martin’s tomb. A strange look crossed over her face. I swear if she wasn’t a Daedra Seducer I’d say she was misty eyed and about to cry.

As amazing as the thought of a Daedra Seducer crying was what happened next floored me. As a reward for delivering flowers Velerya offered me her Betrothal Ring (Fortify Magic 100, Reflect Damage 20%, Reflect Spell 10%, Restore Magicka 5pts.).

Can you believe it, a Betrothal Ring? Laughing, I turned to Kaleah and asked if she had ever heard of such a thing. When I saw My Ladies standing there, feet planted firmly, arms akimbo, and a “this is no laughing matter” look on their faces, I quickly went quiet.

Turning back to Velerya I began probing for a good question. Considering that we know Velerya has had at least one serious relationship with a mortal it felt only natural to interview her about Mortal and Daedra Relationships. Of course, Velerya had a lot to say about the satisfaction and frailty of relationships with mortals.

Odd how Velerya’s voice quaked as the seducer ended her interview with, “Every rose has to wither, enjoy their perfume while they last.”

Turning away from Velerya, Kaleah pulled me aside and said, “Do you understand now? A Seducer may be good at what she does, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a heart.”

The female Dremora, Setuva was in the Red Navel. Female Dremora are rarely seen so we asked Setuva why are there so few female Dremora?

"Daedra aren't born,” Setuva began. “Our form is the form of our spirit. It may change. It is not set in stone. Few Dremora are aligned to a feminine form, due to our society being what it is. There are and always have been some female Dremora. It's just that we are no Xivilai, wearing just a kilt. Fully armored we would be hard to spot, you see.”

Setuva paused a moment, then with an amused tone added, “Except for that one you call Markie. Wherever did she ever get that busty skimpy armor? I’ll never know. Young and impulsive, the way she jumps when you summon is nearly obscene. You’d think that she’s trying to impress a Prince into taking her into his personal guard. Oh, listen to me go on about this like a… whew (fanning herself) it’s getting warm in here. You’re not a Prince, are you?”

The Ladies smiled. I could feel Pym’s hand at the small of my back as Kaleah and Elenya pointedly told Setuva, “OUR Jaanu is not a Prince! He’s a good aelf. WE take care of him!”

At that, Elenya, Kaleah, Pym proudly ushered me out of the danger zone, err, the Red Navel. From the Red Navel we walked up to the little bar on top of the great mushroom cap that served as the Mir Corrup’s central plaza.

Telerdri, the Golden Saint of the Mir Corrup City Guard was patrolling the Plaza. Note pad in hand I stopped her and asked for an interview. I had prepared a question “Any Quarrels in Mir Corrup” to get her reaction to her duties in Mir Corrup, but when my eyes locked on her pink “Suzanne Somers’ Chrissie hair” my mind revolted.

Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I blurted out, “What’s up with your hair?”

Before I could retract and ask the better prepared question, Telerdri replied, “Oh, don't ask. It is embarrassing. Tesserayiel's idea, "Don't wear your helmet, that makes people uneasy.", and Kanaane added "you could also be mistaken for the Eternal Guardian!" So at first I just didn't wear a helmet. Then Velerya began pointing out that my hair looked like a stack of hay that was hit by a falling star. So she sent me to Beramkne to get my hair done. Result? Oh dear. At least mortals laugh now instead of cowering in fear... I liked it more when they cowered in fear.”

Elenya looked at me with pity in her eyes and asked, “This embarrassing question hurts her so. Couldn’t you ask her something less embarrassing? Asking about quarrels in Mir Corrup, as you had originally planned, would have been the best choice?”

“You’re right,” I said. “But who wants to read about Altmer, Maomer, Ohmes, Ohmes-raht, and a few Daedric beings living to close to each other in perfect harmony.”

“Well, you can make it into an earworm and change the world, even if it is only for a moment.’” Elenya said as she began to sing, “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…”

Thirsty we ordered drinks at the concession stand before leaving the Plaza. Stepping off the Plaza ramp, we ran into Priennta, the Mazken of the City Guard, as she was leaving the City Guard house. This presented us an ideal opportunity to get an interview from a Mazken’s point of view. Priennta was on free time, not scheduled to go on duty for some time yet, so I asked, “What do you do in your time off?”

“Having time for myself is strange,” Priennta replied. “New. Not bad though. I can understand why mortals like some time for themselves, and why our guild masters want us to imitate their behavior.”

She went on awhile, explaining her view on free time. How on one hand she enjoyed time to herself and on the other hand how it gave her an uncomfortable feeling. When the interview came to an end, Priennta walked over to the Red Navel leaving us with plenty of time to visit Mir Corrup’s Stranded Light Outpost.

Entering Mir Corrup’s the Outpost expecting to find Beramkne; we mildly disappointed to find only the Dremora, Krazzt. But an opportunity lost is an opportunity gained. We sat down with Krazzt for an interview. Remembering Krazzt from the Grace of Courtesy shrine located in the Puzzle Canal of Vivec City my question to him was "How did you end up here?”

With a few interruptions as he continually tried to sell me a silver sword, Krazzt told his tale.

“I am not sure,” Krazzt replied. ”Some Xivilai picked me up, as I was roaming through the mountains. Some time ago, a few weeks or years, the puzzle canal in Vivec City was flooded, since being abandoned for quite a bit longer. After the Nerevarine came, no one pestered me with silver swords anyway any longer. Do you need a silver sword, by the way? I've got lots to sell! Well, the Xivilai told me I could go here, and wouldn't need to be burdened with silver swords any longer. I can't recall the time before the swords. And fresh air is better than damp fog filled with the stench of silver swords.”

By the time Krazzt had completed his story Beramkne had arrived. When I approached Beramkne for an interview, the first thing the big blue Xivilai did was to award me with a flawless sapphire for hushing the anxious kitten, Jo’beala. The items I supplied for Karashivuel’s gift hamper were great choices. After accepting the reward for helping Jo’beala become more comfortable with the surroundings at Merendin, Beramkne consented to sit for an interview.

I had three questions prepared: "How's it to work for an Aureal", "How do mortals react to your presence", and "Who is your best friend". The first two questions, while possibly interesting to the average reader, they didn’t seem to fit Zerreshju’s requirement to portray the Stranded Light in the best light. I gambled on “Who’s your best friend?”

Beramkne gave a thoughtful answer indicating that she didn’t have much in common with many of the other Daedra in Stranded Light. There are two individuals she considered as “best friend” possibilities. Karashivuel was one since she pleaded her case and won her a chance to live in Mir Corrup

The other name Beramkne kept secret. She would only say that it was “A mortal, who realized only a lot later what I was. He's still kind of reluctant, but I think he begins to accept us for what we are”.

A mortal “secret best friend” now that’s the kind of stuff that’ll tug at the readers’ heart strings.

The day had come to an end. As we walk to the Tower I wondered who Beramkne was talking about.

Awesome, Jandaga is back. All done with the home improvements? Did you install a sink which goes plink...plink....plink.. to remind you of Daggerfall's day as you game?

Kahleah mentions the real-life improvements!

Vaults of Horrow.. uh oh. They want him to part with the Dread Helmet, yeah right. That'll happen.

Good gosh the Betrothal Ring is powerful.

Oh, listen to me go on about this like a… whew (fanning herself) it’s getting warm in here. You’re not a Prince, are you?”



Yikes, she does have Chrissy's hair! Chrissy was the best blonde on that show btw, my favorite anyway, but she was also the most demanding. She thought she was the one carrying Three's Company. Wanted all this extra money, a ridiculous amount compared to Jack & Janet.

“I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…”

Don't know the original artist but I remember this became the Coca-Cola jingle.

The interview is interesting. Priennta's view on her new lease on life is illuminating. "Who is your best friend?" sounds like one of those questions we need to answer when we forget our username. Secret best friend, at that.


This post has been edited by Renee: Nov 4 2024, 08:54 PM

About time the Jandaga finished all that boring basement stuff and got back to 'venturing.

A vine covered living helm - wow!

Good progress on interviewing those daedra. Interesting stories and thoughts they have.

Agreed. What I would like to know though is who he's been hiding from. Is it the Dark Brotherhoood or Morag Tong? Or perhaps someone a lot more mundane like Chancellor Ocato? Or... no! it could not be! Surely not The Ladies????

Lena Wolf: You can run but you cannot hide... for long.
Gonna buy a tank and an airplane
When they catches up with me
Won't be no time to explain
Ladies thinks I've been with another woman
And that's enough
To send them half-insane

Acadian: It's the boring tying up loose ends part near the end.

Renee: There is a slop sink with a drippy faucet already. Maybe that's why I've never fixed it? It reminds me of the late '90s in my first house, when playing Daggerfall in a basement with stone walls. My computer sat in a converted 4x6-foot coal bin room. Dark dank and dusty, there was a laundry faucet that dripped just as you say. and the wind screeched through the old coal shoot, sounding just like the Daggerfall skeletons. Good times, for sure.

What is Real-life and what is the fantasy. Now you got me thinking of doing cave drawings all over my clean freshly painted white basement walls.

20241115 OOO Shadows Struggle for Power Fort Flecia, Inquiring the Stranded Light

After a restful night at the Mir Corrup Tower we left Mir Corrup. It was a nice sunny day, a truly idyllic day for traveling. The Ladies were having a grand time chasing butterflies and playing Chakram. The object of the game is to toss a small disk and ring one of the Dragonspirit pauldrons spikes. Points were scored by which spike was ringed, each spike assigned its own value. Bonus points for bouncing one off my helm. Of course, they always go for bonus points.

They love me, I know but sometimes the peaceful solitude of working alone in the cellars calls me… BING… and they wonder why.

Like mother always said, “Put your helmet on! You never know when some giant squirrel is going to bing you on the head with a big acorn.”

By late evening when nearing the Imperial Bridge Inn we found Fort Flecia. Remembering that name from one of the Arctic Bear’s letters we decided to investigate. The ruins of Fort Flecia consist of only one small level. We had just entered and had descended down one short flight of steps when we were given the choice of continuing straight ahead or go through the large double door to our left. As my ladies can tell you, I can’t resist finding out what’s behind closed doors. Through the door I led my team of intrepid explorers.

If the Arctic Bear’s son Faran Hestarius was sent here to deal with goblins then I can only say he wasn’t doing a very good job. There was an intersection very near the entrance of the small fort. Here we turned left, stepping through a large doorway into a small room with a treasure chest.

This hallway led us to a split-level room where five goblins were preparing a falling log trap. The shock at seeing us sent the goblins into a fighting frenzy. Showing that famous attitude, they attacked us outright before we could even say “Excuse me we’re just passing through”.

During the ensuing battle with the goblins, the falling log trap was triggered, sending the stack of logs crashing to the floor. The resulting noise of the sprung falling log trap and the commotion of the fight with goblins brought the OOO Raiders led by Faran Hestarius to investigate.

Not wanting to be left out of the Fort Flecia negotiations, the Raiders came prepared to vigorously argue their claim. Not bothering with formalities, Faran and his eight Raiders got right down to business. While Faran’s arguments were well presented they weren’t strong enough. The negotiations didn’t last long.

Looting the ruins of Fort Flecia we wondered why all the fuss over this ruined fort. Other than a letter to Faran from his father, the Arctic Bear, there wasn’t much here to make it worth the effort. So, why bother? And if Faran is the heir apparent of the OOO Raiders as the Arctic Bear claims in his letters to Faran, why send Faran here to fight goblins while his sister is given the seemingly more important task of recovering the Dread Helmet in Fort Facian. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

“My Feache, there can be only one leader.” Kaleah explained. “Encourage sibling rivalry and may the strong survive.”

She may be right. A fight between brother and sister could forge a more powerful fighting force under one strong leader or it could just as easily result in a civil war destroying the Raiders as a force of power. Then again, should brother and sister learn to work together, the Raiders would become a force unequaled in Cyrodiil. Alas, we’ll never know now that nothing remains of the Arctic Bear’s Raiders.
After a night of rest, we continued on our way to Merendin.

With our arrival at Merendin another round of interviews with the Daedra members of the Stranded Light began.
Kanaane, a Golden Saint, entered the reception room to take up her late night receptionist duties. Thinking that it would be interesting to know Kanaane’s expectations for the future before joining the stranded Light I asked her if she had dreams before joining the Stranded Light.

My poorly worded question sent Kanaane in a direction I hadn’t expected. The Mazken replied, “An evil question! Even if you may not understand why. We meditate. We drift along. But we do not sleep. Sleep to us is the closest thing to mortal's death we know.”

Then Kanaane explained how everything began to change once she lost the Magicka of her home. How she and the other Daedra began to feel hunger and tiredness. Their bodies voiced their needs to be sustained. It was a big change for them.

Kanaane went on further, “My first dreams were nightmares. Memories of the Void. Being lost in a black sea, without light, without sound. Without smell, without taste. It took me some time to gain back some meditative qualities of my rest; to dream and not experience old memories again. Then it dawned on me. We are strangers in this world. Even if we have been here before, we weren't the same as we are now. Through our new limitations we can grow. Change. Expand. Does this make any sense to you?”

“By her reaction,” Elenya, in her Romani accent, pointed out in her Romani accent. “You realize that wasn’t the best question, don’t you? Not the worst but certainly not the best.”

“You should have asked about her time in Morrowind,” Kaleah offered. “It is an interesting story of how Sheogorath sent her to find out what Azura had planned, and how the ALMSIVI cult would react. While she found out Azura's plans, she was unable to do anything them. You were always one step ahead. The heart of Lorkhan was freed, Dagoth Ur and the false gods destroyed, and all she could do was watch. Working with the Telvannis, she tried to prevent further damage, which inadvertently resulted in her banishment to the void.”

“Kanaane was in her cave at the time of your battle with Dagoth Ur mixing up potions to combat Dagoth’s plagues. The violent reaction of the mountain at the time of Dagoth Ur’s defeat cause Kanaane’s cave to collapse. A boulder bashed her skull in, sending her to the void.”

“I’m surprised Kanaane doesn’t remember you being there,” Kaleah concluded.

“Well, that could be expected,” I said in Kanaane’s defense. “I did look a bit different back then, and I guess you can say she possibly suffered some brain damage. Then there’s that banishment to the void thing to deal with.”

It was 2:00am and everyone else was asleep except for the Maormer, Ahtize. Remembering the last time we were in Anvil, Errallius had mentioned the name Paoles.

When asked Ahtize told us what she knew about Paoles. According to Ahtize, Paoles landed on Valenwood's shores and was prepared as a “big roasted slaughterfish".

Just thinking about it makes me shudder. Needless to say, the Ladies and I didn’t sleep well that night.

But, Ahtize went on, “Luckily I warned Wrenek to stay away from the shore if he gets drifted westwards. I don't know what has happened to him, though.”

Wrenek? Who’s Wrenek?

With a heavy sigh I realized there were more shipwrecked Maormer whose whereabouts needed to be investigated. Which means, another round of bouncing back and forth between Anvil and the island south of Leyawiin just to talk to the two Maormer, Errallius and Tiridar.

It’s late, time to find an empty bed and call it a day. We’ll make plans for a trip in the morning.

Don’t walk around in the forest without your acorn warder hat.

I too wonder what, if any, big secrets Fort Flecia holds to warrant such vigorous guarding by goblins and raiders.

Nice of Elenya to offer her advice after the Jandaga already asked a less than ideal question of Kanaane.

And more Maormer to rescue it seems. . . .

20241126 I-SL Lost Mates - Inquiring the Light
Morning came and during the quiet time of my meditations a thought came to me. Why not summon Errallius and Tiridar here to Merendin then the whole situation of the Lost Mates could be quickly hashed out. With Kaleah, Elenya, and Pym assisting we figured out the numbers and an urgent moveto request was sent to both Errallius and Tiridar.

Once Errallius and Tiridar had arrived in Merendin, we sat down with Ahtize to find out who knows what about the fate of the remaining members of the lost Maormer ship. By lunchtime we had determine the fate of the last four crew members.

Tiridar confirmed that Wreneck was captured by Akaviri pirates. Knowing something about how Akaviri pirates treat prisoners, she presumed that Wreneck was dead.

Ahtize added that Deshri chased after the pirates seeking revenge. Ahtize didn’t know how it turned out but called Deshi’s action a suicide mission.

Errallius claimed that Suhliv, a bright but annoying kid, used a waveform spell to get free of the wreckage and then swam south. He didn’t know what happened to Suhliv after that.

According to Tiridar, she traveled with Vrendre for awhile until they met a couple of dreughs. Vrendre attempted to talk with them, but it didn’t end well. Tiridar fled as the dreugh tore Vrendre apart.

Now I know what happened to the fourteen members of the sunken Maormer ship. I just need to go through my notes before going back to Sirelle in the Shivering Isles. Sirelle is also involved with the missing love letter. When we go see him, we’ll have to remember to pick up the letter.

Lunchtime at Teshekru’s little café wasn’t too busy when we sat down at the table. With some time to talk, I posed a question to Teshekru, “What are your desires?”

Caught off guard Teshekru paused for a moment…

She’s going to say “You”, I just know it. My wishful grin faded away when I glanced at Kaleah. With her eyes fixed on Teshekru, and her fingernails, err talons, tapping out 'Ride of the Valkyries' on the table; I heard Kaleah mumbled, “She better not say, you.”

Teshekru answered, “Taking a walk in the afternoon sun. Watching stars at night. Spend an evening with friends in an inn. Play games to pass some time. Talk about whatever is on my mind. Enjoying a feast. Drink some mead. Dance through fog and rain. Most of all, after everything I went through after Mehrunes Dagon's invasion of Shade Perilous, I desire some peace. I fought my battles. And paid with my blood, home and everything that once was dear to me. Now I just want to have a new life. Without being thrown into the Void or into a soul gem. Is that too much to ask?”

“No,” Elenya said overcome with emotion. Taking Teshekru by the hand Elenya sympathetically added “It’s not too much. Balance must be restored.”

Not sure what Elenya meant but we all agreed that Teshekru’s answer will surely draw favorable responses from Phintias’ readers.

As we were finishing our lunch, Zerreshju sat down at our table.

“I have a feeling that you want to ask me something,” the Mazken said.

How did she know? I didn’t know, but seizing the opportunity I asked, “Just out of curiosity, how do you find stray Daedra?”

“Empathy.” Zerreshju replied. “From the lowliest Scamp to the highest Aureal commander, these creatures have feelings and thoughts. They aren't mindless killers and monsters, even if they may appear as such. I must confess, it took some thousands of years for me to understand that. To understand that there is something redeemable in any creature with its own will. That is a trait mortals and Daedra share. If I learn about any daedric being stranded here, I try to imagine how they would cope with their situation. And through that I find them. Hardest part is getting them to their senses. Most are frightened, paranoid, aggressive. They need to calm down. And then we can take care of them.”

Wow, Zerreshju is claiming that she can reach out and establish an empathic connection with another. Demonstrating to the citizens of the empire that daedra have feelings other than ‘kill, kill, kill’ is a must for Phintias’ book.

Walking over to the training room, we spotted Karashivuel sitting on the bench waiting her turn at the practice dummy. Approaching the imposing Xivilai we brought up a subject that Phintias had mentioned to us some time ago.

On one trip to Merendin, Phintias saw Karashivuel eating dinner. It smelled so good Phintias asked what she was eating. Kara told Phintias it was Breton Gut Ragu. The name and the stereotype impression of Xivilais set Phintias back a bit. Phintias turned green and left Karashivuel to her dinner.

But he couldn’t get the intriguing smell out of his head. He had to know all the abhorrent details. So, when he asked us to take interviews for his Stranded Light book, he embarrassingly asked if I could get Karashivuel’s recipe for Breton Gut Ragu.

“Ha,” Karashivuel laughed. “What an idiot. It was just noodles.”

Kara had pulled a fast one on Phintias. The Ladies and I laughed almost as loudly as Karashivuel.

After the laughter died down, I asked Kara why did she team up with Tesserayiel? Kara told me that they had known each other long before being stranded here in Mundus. As Zerreshju alluded to, it was the terrible fear of sleep that bonded Karashivuel and Tesserayiel together. They leaned on each other to find the nerve to sleep. That bond continued after they had become accustomed to their new environment.

“She gave me comfort,” Karashivuel said. “And so, if she needs me, I give her comfort. Today she may not need me anymore, but I will be here for her. Wherever and whenever she may needs me. We are like ships that sail through the night.”

Our interview with Karashivuel had come to an end leaving me with a better understanding of Daedra. Although, I find their great fear of sleep baffling. Kaleah has never mentioned it. Come to think of it, I have awoken in the middle of the night to find Kaleah laying there, eyes wide open staring at me. I’ll have to ask her about it sometime

Looking around the training room I noticed Do’leandra over at the practice dummy. It’s enjoyable watching the lithe kitten move as she works her sword magic on the dummy. When she noticed me, she stopped and called out, “I have something for you, fellow agent. Take this gift for helping provide a safe haven our retired agents.”

Do’leandra handed me the Sigil Stone taken from the Oblivion Gate outside of Gideon in Black Marsh just east of Leyawiin. Taking the sigil stone in hand I could feel the power emanating from it. My Ladies reached out to touch it. Kaleah stayed her hand inches away from the stone before withdrawing.

Turning away from the stone she refused to even look at it. In a hushed voice she whispered, “Put it away, they’ll see me.”

Pym uttered a word of astonishment when she touched the stone. She then jerked her hand away and became silent once more.

Only Elenya rested her hand firmly on the Sigil Stone of Gideon. After a moment, a please look came upon the Cute Elf’s face. She removed her hand and said, “I may be wrong, that Moonshadow witch Fiona would know for sure, but I think this sigil stone will give weapons ON STRIKE enchantments of; Damage Fatigue, Disintegrate Armor, Disintegrate Weapon, Paralyze, Shock Damage, Silence, and Weakness to Magica.

Or, enchant armor with ON SELF enchantments of; Fortify Magica, Shock Shield, Frost Shield, Fire Shield, Reflect Damage, Reflect Spell, and Spell Absorption.”

“Good Goddess! Why couldn’t I have gotten this years ago?” I exclaimed upon hearing Elenya’s analysis. “Life would have so much easier.”

Thanking Do’leandra for the gift I wondered how she managed to obtain such a stone. I got the feeling that she was the only one of her pride to survive the operation. So, I asked Do’leandra if she closed the Oblivion Gate and how did she do it.

“Come back when you’re not so crowded,” Do’leandra purred. “You and this one can share experiences.”

We left Do’leandra to her sword practice and walked to the reception room in search of the last remaining Stranded Light Daedra member left in Merendin, the leader Golden Saint Tesserayiel.

As we approached Tesserayiel, Kaleah whispered in my ear, “Do not ask her about Morrowind and definitely avoid any reference to her disastrous visit to the Imperial City. Remember how she was standing outside the Imperial City’s Market District Gate when you first met. Do not mention it.”

Taking Kaleah’s advice, my question to Tesserayiel was, “Aureal and Akatosh, any connection?"

“The golden dragon, and the golden saints? Is there any connection?” Tesserayiel asked incredulously. “Of course not! We are daedric. Alduin is, for the sheer irony of this kalpa, aedric. And thus I have a chance. The real question is, is there any connection between Mehrunes Dagon and Akatosh? The color is just a coincidence, coined by Magicka. Same reason Altmer are golden. No, we Aureals have nothing in common. I try to protect, not destroy. I hope that someday you will understand what I mean.”

Thinking about what Tesserayiel said, I can see a connection between Mehrunes Dagon and Akatosh. They both deal in destruction. The ravages of time may take longer time for entropy to destroy than a fireball the end result is the same, what is has been changed and no longer exists.

Kaleah touches my forehead and says, “My dear Feache, you’ve been thinking too hard. You need to relax and get some sleep.”

Hmmm, she’s right. It’s late and I’m tired. I let the three lead me off to find a bed.

An urgent moveto request? Like a console command?

. My computer sat in a converted 4x6-foot coal bin room. Dark dank and dusty, there was a laundry faucet that dripped just as you say. and the wind screeched through the old coal shoot, sounding just like the Daggerfall skeletons. Good times, for sure.



My computers are in my bedroom, which is all cozy and whatnot. That'd be wicked to game in a more dungeon-like environment.

Kahleah's claws are out! Yeah, what is you thinking, Jandaga? Teshekru's answer sounds so much like a Match.com profile. "Walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, bubble baths, Kenny G and Summer Kennedy albums...." OH... "I paid with my blood..." there we go.

Breton gut ragu.

"Good Goddess!" Faeche is tired. Whoops. Feache is tired. Indeed, the Jandaga's got so much on his plate.

Who knew? Daedra like sunset walks on the beach, are empathic and eat noodles! Perhaps they even like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

I think Kaleah’s advice after the chat with Tesseraviel was spot on. Makes your head hurt.