20241207 I-SL - Inquiring the Light

The morning after interviewing the members of the Stranded Light, I was feeling pretty good about our progress. So much so that during breakfast I suggested that we now enough interviews to fill Phintias’ documentary. Why don’t we deliver the interviews to Phintias?

Oh, that caused a stir. Excitement grew among my Ladies as they discussed their plan of attack upon the shops of the Imperial City. I stood transfixed as I tried keeping up with their rapid-fire jabber. I smiled, thinking that this is going to be a trip to remember.

Then everything changed. A familiar dark brown voice rose up behind me. Soft as brown velvet, the fragrance of lavender filled the room as its words flowed through the air like thick sweet molasses. For a very brief moment
I wilted under the warmth of the voice.

“Amado Mio.”

“Uh oh,” mumbled Elenya. “I sense a tilt in the balance.”

The weakness to charm quickly vanished. I turned to greet Fiona, the fiery haired kuuvarjo tonttu witch.

“You’ve been gone so long,” Fiona said as she rushed to smother the Jandaga in her warm embrace. “It is good to see your resistance to the passions remains high.”

“Barely, sometimes it’s a struggle.”

”Hmmm,” Fiona softly breathed close to my ear. “We must continue our advanced passion resistance training, hmmm?”

“’But first,” Fiona said, pulling away. “What you are about to do is known to me. Take my advice; it is too soon to deliver the interviews to Phintias. Kaleah knows this to be true.”

Pointing to Kaleah, Fiona commanded, “Show him, sister.”

A small jewel studded handbag formed in the air. Releasing the gold GS clasp, Kaleah reached in and pulled out an ancient well-worn tome. Strange symbols, TES4Edit, were stamped on its binding. Fanning through the pages she stopped and pointed to an entry.

(TES4Edit was auto translated from lokharic font; a font that resembles Daedric letters.)

So that’s how she carries all that stuff.

“My Feache, the tome says that 21 members of the Stranded Light are Daedra,” Kaleah said. “You are seven short but if you're very careful with the questions conduct you only need 5 more interviews for Phintias’ best reward.”

Five will be tough. I know where four more Daedra Stranded Light members are located; Urenvre resides at the Bruma Outpost, Firstande the self-proclaimed Queen of Baliwogs is located at the New Sheoth Outpost, Firukuruzk is an officer in the Bruma City Guard, and then there is Frondre the Guild Guide in Cheydinhal. Who the other three are and where they are at? I’m guessing the Shivering Isle.

The chance of going to the Sheogorath’s realm was a concern to Kaleah. Having taken s several successful trips to the Shivering Isle, Kaleah had a feeling of pending disaster should she venture into the realm of a Daedra Prince once again. So intense was the feeling of foreboding that Kaleah decided that she and Pym should pass on this trip to the realm of Sheogorath.

Sensing my apprehension Kaleah said, “Don’t worry so, my Feache. Many times over you have proven yourself more than capable on your own.”

“That’s not what worries me,” I said with a side glance in the direction of Fiona.

“Ah, hahahahahahahahaaa,” laughed Kaleah. “Like I said, my sweet little Feache, you are more than capable of handling all obstacles. I leave you in good hands. Now scoot and do what needs to be done.”

Waving good-bye to Kaleah and Pym, I used a Stranded Light Transport spell to deliver the three of us; Elenya, Fiona, and myself to the Bruma Outpost. Whether Urenvre was surprised to see us when we just popped in unannounced, I’ll never know. By her reaction this sort of thing happens all the time.

We sat down with Urenvre. Her history is very interesting. Urenvre was summoned to Kvatch to help someone kill rats in their basement. Instead of using a short time conjuration, the mage used a spell that bound Urenvre permanently into this world. After the task was done Urenvre didn't feel like stabbing herself in the heart. So she stayed, even though it meant spending all her time and effort to avoid being discovered as a Mazken. That suited Urenvre just fine. She much preferred to not spend any time on driving people down the golden road. It just wasn’t her cup of tea.

Knowing that, I thought it would be interesting to know if she would like to go back to her old life. Her answer surprised me.

“That's a very mortal question,” Urenvre responded. “Kvatch doesn't exist anymore. I was exposed as a Daedra. There is no possibility for me to go back. We can't hold onto fleeting things. If they're gone, they're gone. That is something you have to accept and not pondering over and over again.

Talking it over with Elenya and Fiona I suggested telling Urenvre that she doesn’t have to kill herself to go back. There’s a portal open to the Shivering Isle that she could easily take to get back.

“Amado Mio, she is at peace here,” Fiona said. “Her answer elicits sympathy. Phintias’ fame will ascend to great heights.”

“It was a good question,” Elenya said in agreement.

Interview ended, answer recorded, we left the Northern Bruma Outpost and made our way to Bruma to find Firukuruzk.

Firukuruzk is another Xivilai that rebelled against the oppressive yoke of Mehrunes Dagon. She came to Bruma thinking it to be the most logical choice since in her opinion the more sensible humans lived in Bruma. Where else could she have gone to? Bravil? Cheydinhal? Imperial City? More than likely, they’d banished her before she could say, "I surrender, I come in peace!"

Still, being sensible and a bit more tolerant didn’t keep the forces of Bruma from throwing Firukuruzk in jail, as she was when I found her. After helping secure her release and obtain a position in the Bruma Guard I often wondered what her feelings were about coming here.

The interview question to Firukuruzk was "What have you hoped to find here?"

“Peace of mind,” Firukuruzk replied. “Not the answer you have expected, maybe? I knew I wasn't welcome here. I knew I could suffer a more terrible fate than what has actually happened, thanks for your help again. However it was the right thing to do. I couldn't stand anymore what's going on in Lord Dagon's armies. We were treated like dirt, even though the Dremora are eventually responsible for the Battlespire disaster. And then I realized, it will go on like this. Always and forever. Mundus may be a hell for us, but at least here I've got a chance to break the cycle. Yes, Mundus is pretty terrible for us. Nothing that makes life great is allowed here, so I have to adapt. A lot. It was worth it.”

Firukuruzk took the long way around to say that finding peace of mind here in Bruma was an arduous journey but worth the effort.

The rest of the day we spent visiting with our Bruma friends at Olav’s Tap and Tack.

Early the next morning, or should I say late the following day, we left for Cheydinhal to find Frondre. Assigned as Guild Guide to the Cheydinhal Mages Guild Hall, Frondre, the only male Mazken I know, was found roaming around outside the Mages Guild.

Seeing a male Mazken is such a rarity that I was led to ask, “"Why have you left the Isles?" He had an interesting story to tell.

“There wasn't any choice involved,” Frondre replied. “Pinnacle rock was hit by an earthquake, and, well. A boulder hit me, so I was banished to the void. Before I could return a conjurer intervened and pulled me to Mundus. She was later put into jail, and luckily no one recognized me as Mazken. So I was freed. Until Karashivuel found me. Oh dear. When she gives you a choice, you really have no choice at all. More I will not say.”

A second interesting observation from Frondre was on the role Mazken played in Tamriel’s history. He told that while his kin is usually not involved into the affairs of Mundus he couldn’t rule out one or two more eccentric Dunmeri have been Mazken. Nor could he rule out that a few more lunatic rulers have been influenced by someone like Keneriel.

For our next stop we used the Stranded Light spell to carry us to the New Sheoth Outpost just outside the gates of Bliss. A disaster was nearly avoided when the teleportation dropped us inches away from Sszisskor, the Clannfear runt that follows Firstande everywhere she goes. Sszisskor, shrieked as it leaped out of the way.

Startled, I shouted at Firstande, “What's up with the Clannfear?"

“It's in love with a baliwog, stupid thing!” Firstande, the Xivilai self-proclaimed Baliwog Queen shouted back. “A queen is way over its limits, but it is too stupid to understand that. So, it won't go away.”

Ah, Firstande Queen of the Baliwogs. Laughing at the thought, I mumbled out loud rather sarcastically, "What does the Queen know?"

Firstande heard me and without taking offense calmly answered, “Just about everything! Just ask and be blessed by an answer that will shake your worldview downside up! Of course, question and answer have to be in Baliwog speech. Such little details are important. Words are just a vessel for wisdom, and the vessel must fit. Human speech is just not fitting. It can't hold true knowledge. It is like a shadow of truth, then. Grmuuurbl brrooorl gruuuf? Hrmooorbl bruushl llarrgl!”

“Twas brilliant how you maneuvered Fristande into giving the most helpful response.” exclaimed Fiona.

“Yes,” agreed Elenya. “No sense talking logically with this one. She’d probably make sense out of ‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe.’”

Weary of trying to follow the obviously insane Xivilai’s baliwog ramblings, we left the New Sheoth Outpost. Once we were back at the Cellar in Bliss, Fiona mixed up a pitcher of pina colada while Elenya fixed a platter of fettuccini alfredo, and we settled down for dinner and quiet evening in Bliss. Thankfully it wasn’t raining.

Ah yes, the mysterious TESIVEdit. More interviews it is to be then. These interviews really reveal some interesting daedric insights and tidbits.

Bg2408, the author of Integration - The Stranded Light, did a pretty good job of giving the Daedra characters some personality other than ‘kill, kill, kill’.

Hrmooorbl bruushl llarrgl!

Oh no, another one speaking in Baliwog!

20241213 I-SL - Lost Mates, Receiving a Love letter

After a night in Bliss we left the city and headed south to find Sirelle to inform him of our findings concerning his lost shipmates. There was also the matter of the missing book that the Maormer were to deliver to M'kendri, in Mir Corrup.

Traveling with a druid and an alchemist can be an adventure in its self, especially when they look like Elenya and Fiona. Watching the two run about hither and yon inspecting every strange plant in search of rare ingredients made for an enjoyable walk south. It also lengthened the duration of the trip by a considerable amount.

At one point, Elenya came caught up with me to put her collection in the Midas Chest. With my attention focused on Fiona’s short shift playing peek-a-boo, Elenya had to give me a poke to get my attention as I was embarrassingly focused on Fiona’s short enchanted shift playing peek-a-boo.

I was at a loss for words when Elenya sang,

Are you having any fun?
What you getting out of living?
Who cares for what you've got if you're not having any fun?
Are you having any laughs?
Are you getting any loving?
If other people do, why can't you? Have a little fun

That broke the fantasy.

“I… um... err…yeah,” I said sheepishly. Turning to face Elenya I realized how short I am as I was starring at a tonttu shoehorned into a bustier cuirass and chainmail loin clout. “Gulp, I guess so.”

“See how she stops now and then to make sure that you are watching,” Elenya instructed. “She does it on purpose.”

Lifting my gaze upward to see her smiling face, “Yes” was the only answer I could muster. But to myself I added, “And so do you.”

“Use Nature's gifts wisely,” Elenya advised. “Respect her power, and fear her fury.”

Then with a strange look in her eye, Elenya gave me another poke with her elbow before running off to collect ingredients that Fiona had missed.

It was around 7:00 in the evening when we arrived at Sirelle’s Water Camp. We found Sirelle sitting on his raised platform mixing potions. After exchanging pleasantries we asked about M’kendri’s missing book.

Claiming that he deserved a hazard pay bonus due to the pirate attack, Sirelle demanded a ransom price of 10,000 gold and a roast leg of baliwog. The Ladies and I haggled with Sirelle over the obvious attempt of highway robbery to no avail.

Tired of the fruitless negotiations, the ladies and I left Sirelle to relax on the beach. Elenya found a spot where the moss grew thick and cushiony. There we made our bed for the night.

In the morning after devotions to the Lady of the Fae we went once again met with Sirelle. We were resigned to going back to Bliss to obtain a smoked baliwog leg but before we did, we wanted to tell Sirelle results of our investigation of his lost mates.

Out of the fourteen, six were either confirmed or presumed dead. Sirelle want to know the details so referring to our notes we satisfied his curiosity;

1. Tardier, alive and well at Fort Ocean moth,
2. Aralias, alive and well swimming in and around Anvil harbor,
3. Active, alive and well at Mere din,
4. Sunlit, last seen using waveform spell swam south,
5. Decry, presumed dead, last seen embarking on a suicide mission clinging to the Akaviri Pirate ship seeking revenge
6. ‘the Twins’, swam or dived back home,
7. Maralite, last seen swimming north,
8. Vrendre, killed while attempting to parlor with dreughs,
9. Wrenck, pierced by a large splinter captured and made sport of by the Akaviri pirates,
10. Paoles, dead – washed up on the shore of Valenwood roasted like a slaughterfish by the natives,
11. Oraggel, dead – eaten by a giant shark,
12. Ssenskri, dead – killed by an underwater netch.

Though saddened to hear of the losses, Sirelle was gladdened to hear so many had surveyed. Um, except for maybe Suhliv or as Sirelle called him, “the obnoxious little brat who gets away with everything”.

Sirelle offered a reward of ambrosia and a jeweled amulet. Seeing the meager offering Elenya and Fiona took the shoulders back, fists on hips wonder woman pose.

What! I spent all evening yesterday arguing over paying ransom money for M’kendri’s book and not one peep from either of you. Now today you want to get all huffy over a perceived slight in the reward offering. I just don’t get it.”

Protest worked though. An intimidated Sirelle upped his offer to include three glass weapons, and an enchanted Sea Robe. The Ladies still were not satisfied. They pressed on firmly until Sirelle offered to give us M’kendri’s missing book the so called Love Letter, free of charge.

He said it was because I had investigated the whereabouts of his lost mates but I know better.
Glancing at my two Ladies, they were beaming brightly, puffed up with pride as if they had survived the burning blade, tamed the savage heart. The thought that I’d marry both women crossed my mind.

“You already have,” Fiona snickered.

“Don’t you remember?” chimmed in Elenya.

Did they read my mind or was I thinking out loud? The realm of Sheogorath was beginning to have an effect. We’ve got to get out of this place as quickly as possible. The suggestion to leave the Isles immediately for the sanity of Cyrodiil was like bouncing a ball off a brick wall. It got nowhere. The Daughters of the Kuut (moons) had other ideas. They wanted to tour the Isle.

At first I objected saying that time was getting short and I must hurry, but, they insisted grabbing me by the hands they pulled me down to the beach.

“Come on Jandaga, don’t be shy.” They teased as we neared the Emean Sea. “We’ll have a party, a Vampire Hunter’s birthday party, but first you have to catch us.”

I watched as they took off running across the Emean Sea toward the shores of the Madgod’s Boot. I could hear their laughter teasing me to give chase. A moment’s pause to weigh my options… um, to study the quarry... oh what the heck, I admit I like to watch gazelles run.

There really was no choice but to follow. It wouldn’t be good to leave the ladies to wander off alone across the dangerous waters of the Emean Sea. And who's to say what treasures lay at the end of the day.

Better have a little fun
You ain't gonna live forever
So while you're young and gay, still okay
Have a little fun

What might have been a routine errand run to Shivering Isles was rendered anything but in the company of Elenya and Fiona as they run, frolic and pick flowers.

’ “Use Nature's gifts wisely,” Elenya advised. “Respect her power, and fear her fury.”
- - Lovely to hear Elenya quoting Kynareth’s scripture!

The angry wonder woman pose once again succeeded in overcoming a stingy bounty!

“We’ll have a party, a Vampire Hunter’s birthday party, but first you have to catch us.”
- - Ahah! I see what you did there!

I wanna peek-a-boo Fiona's shift.

No idea what the song is. Half of Sirelle's mates are no longer around. Is that fixed or is that variable? Like there's a chance to save them?

"Wonder Woman pose"

"The realm of Sheogorath was beginning to have an effect." -- Ah so that's what it is. This chapter is pretty wacky, macole. Wackier than usual! ... "Vampire Hunter's party!"

Wow, two songs this time. Again, no idea. GHASTLEY!!!!

Renee: It's just one old song, older than me. Think of the latest VW commercial or listen this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5hzEXSf7P8

I've been having severe migraines lately and wacky things tend to happen.

There is no chance to save the lost mates

Acadian: I gave Elenya the Jaheira voice from Oblivion Sound Sets by Bruce Vayne's.
Feet firmly planted, hands on hips, and astern look in the does it every time.

OH yeah I've seen that VW Bus commercial probably two dozen times by now. I'll make sure to pay attention to the song as well, now that you mention

Sorry to hear about migraines, sucks getting older.

20250102 a trip through the Shivering Isle searching for Stranded Light recruits

After delivering the results of our ‘lost shipmates’ investigation to Sirelle, I was thinking of leaving the Shivering Isles for the rationality of Cyrodiil. But Elenya and Fiona somehow persuaded me into taking her on a tour of the Mad God’s realm.

I can understand why Fiona has an interest in seeing the Isle, her sister Claire was with Elenya and me a couple of years ago when I first paid a visit to the Stranded Light Bliss chapter house. I knew then that sooner or later Fiona would tire of Claire’s gloating and demand equal time. It’s a one up thing between the two sisters.

Tired of Claire’s “Look what I got that you don’t” attitude, Fiona can now say “I got it too, so there!”
But why Elenya, the straightforward no nonsense level-headed Elenya, she’s been here before. What is her interest in the Shivering Isle?

Let’s be honest, although I thought it best that we should return to Merendin I must admit exploring unknown regions of the Shivering Isle held an enticing sway. In Merendin, I kept hearing snippets of a place call Zendria and of other potential Stranded Light recruits living somewhere in Sheogorath’s realm. No, talking me into a tour of the Isle wasn’t hard, I just couldn’t let them know.

A strong leader does not change his mind like a girl changes clothes. No way! He's stalwart, he needs to be convinced, won over with overwhelming arguments, and umm, a little flirtation never hurts. I just let them practice their persuasive skills awhile before agreeing.

So, when they took off running across the Emean Sea toward the shores of the Madgod’s Boot, I waited the appropriate amount of time before giving chase. I could have caught them too if I had wanted, but what’s the fun in that. Slipping and sliding, splashing waves of water at the prancing water nymphs was a lot more fun.

The surface of the Emean Sea was our dance floor.

And we danced! Our cares, swept away for the moment by chance. And we danced, and danced, and danced. Like the waves of the ocean, we danced…

Until we reached the western shores of the Madgod’s Boot.

Tumbling onto the shore we lay there laughing until the skies grew dark and it began to rain. Seeking shelter under a large Dementia Mushroom Tree, we sought to wait out the storm. When the storm continued past night fall, we huddled together and slept.

The next day with the sun shining we set of on Elenya’s and Fiona’s guided tour of the Shivering Isle. Really the two field hippies should ask for their money back because half the time I didn’t know where I was going.

Hiking northward we soon found the town of Fellmoor, a small Water Root Pod farming community.

The first Fellmoor resident we met was Kishashi, a Khajiit water root pod farmer. Kishashi told us how she and her friend Ranarr-Jo are looking for a hero to save them from the overseer Cindanwe. We were rather sympathetic to the plight of the slaves until she started talking about the plants she was harvesting.

Monsters that sleep below the waters, Kishashi called them. She has this fear that plants are monsters waiting for the time when they can rise up and consume everyone in the Shivering Isles.

The Ladies and I looked at each other in bewilderment. Too much craziness going on here, we decided to leave Fellmoor.

As we walked along Fiona asked about vampire sightings.

“Amado Mio, this is so much fun,” Fiona said. “Claire is always talking about how she stood at your side fighting vampires here?”

Elenya gave a ‘better change the subject’ warning cough which I didn’t catch.

“Yes,” I replied. “I remember now, it was on the road to Pinnacle Rock where Claire, Elenya, and I ran into a whole clan of vampires.”

That instantly changed Elenya’s attitude. Drawing her sword she blurted out, “Jandaga, we must ensure the blight is purged from the land!”

Ah ha, that’s why Elenya wants to prowl the Mad God’s realm. She seeks to bring her idea of balance to tilted land. Impossible but if it makes her happy it’s ok by me.

“Ok, we’ll make a quick run down Pinnacle Road and see what we can find.”

Reversing directions we head south cross country toward Pinnacle Rock.

It was getting dark, good vampire hunting conditions, when we neared Pinnacle Rock. After a slight pause to let Fiona see the Mazken stronghold we started walking north along the Pinnacle Road. Throughout the night we scoured the area in search of vampires or any signs of recent vampire activity.
We found a total of two. Dusted one, the other got away.

After a night of chasing the elusive vampire we found ourselves on the eastern shores of Sheogorath’s realm. With dawn approaching we looked out over the eastern sea to see what could be a camp platform standing on a good-sized island.

Walking across the water, we discovered the Blood Bay Island campsite. The place was filthy, but it did have two bedrolls. I tried but didn’t get much sleep as the two keiju princesses took turns trying to determine which bedroll was most comfortable.

Short hours later, feeling barely rested enough to continue our sojourn we left the Blood Bay Island camp. Heading north, we hopped from one island to another until we came across the stump of a giant Dementia Mushroom Tree. Buried beneath the exposed roots we found the entrance to Swampgas Hole.

Swampgas, what a name for a dungeon hollowed out of the rotting root system of a dead dementia mushroom tree and what was the first thing I did? Step on a gas pod, of course. Luckily there were no enemies around while we recovered from the paralyzing effect of the gas.

An army of gnarls populated the first two levels of Swampgas Hole: Chasm and Burrows. Fiona and Elenya were gathering withering moon plants while I was gathering amber from the hollowed limbs of the mushroom tree roots when the gnarls attacked.

Well, that set the Ladies off. With my assistance, the dedicated gardeners Elenya and Fiona drew weapons and began pruning the giant walking trees. For two levels, bark chips filled the air.

Things changed when we stepped through the door to Swampgas Depths. An angry hive of elytra: workers, soldiers, drones, a noble, and a matron fought in vain to push us out of their nest.

Along with the elytra a Grummite Magus Deathdealer patrolled the Swampgas Depths. This was no ordinary grummite. He was a powerful veteran fighter denoted by the three aureal skins he was carrying.

“Disgusting creature,” snarled Elenya. “Flay a Golden Saint for trophy, disgusting.”

“Yes,” Fiona said in agreement. “Hmm, wonder what effect it will give if dried and powdered?”

“Shield and damage intelligence,” She announced after a brief examination.

I don’t know about that but for a Grummite to hunt Aureals now that’s cause for concern.

We continued north. It was raining when we reached Runoff Camp, a small encampment of three buildings just east of New Sheoth. Seeking shelter from the rain we decided to rest here for the night.

A choice of six bedrolls and three separate cabins, I was certain my Ladies would be able to find something suitable. Wrong, they had to pick the one I’m in to fight over. Sigh, another night of little sleep. And the Ladies wonder why I’m always so tired in the morning.

How wonderful to have a dance across the water spell! Based on how much rain they're finding in Dementia, it sounds like a dance between the raindrops spell could be handy also.

A tour of the Isles? 'Nature could make a home here, if properly cleansed and balanced.' Or. . . maybe not.

20250110 I-SL – Mount Shroom, RumpleSI - Surprise

“Well, come on sleepy head it’s time to get up,” intoned a soft warm voice with a moonshadow elf accent.

“Hope you enjoyed the New Life celebration, but it is time to get going,” said another voice, more silvery in tone.

My eyes slowly open to see two glowing elvish faces smiling down at me. Blinking twice, the vision of the faces remained. “What kind of dream is this?”

“No dream,” they said. “Now get up, get dressed and let’s get moving.”

On our way again, we climbed up high in the Jester’s Spine Mountains to where we could see the whole of New Sheoth. It was an impressive view of the city on a clear day.

A little further along we were back down on the road.

Heading north we are amazed at the difference between Dementia and Mania. The brilliant colors of Mania, takes reality and makes you think all the world's a sunny day. Whereas the drab palette of Dementia takes away all hope, by showing reality in the stark contrast of black and white.

When we came to a fork in the road, not having gone that way before, I decided to take the east fork. The road led us to the small town of Hillcrest. Not seeing much of interest in Hillcrest we continued our way to the coast, where we again turn north.

It was beginning to get dark when we reached the northern shores of Saints Watch. Thinking of stopping to rest at the first suitable spot, we kept walking. Hours later, first suitable became any open flat space would do. I don’t know how my princesses would take it but I was ready to throw a blanket on the rock-strewn beach.

As we were removing the sharpest rocks from a spot on the beach a light atop the hill caught our attention. Could it be a house? Surely the occupants would offer hospitality to weary travelers of a gentile nature.

Climbing the hill, we approached the gates of an ancient ruin. Two Aureals stood guard.

“We know of you. You may not enter Brellach, Hall of Honor,” the Golden Saints said. “Begone from here. To Pinnacle Rock with you, Psycho Killer.”

“Strange, at Pinnacle Rock they called me Psychedelic Warrior and told me that I belong here.” I argued.

“Then you are soulless and doomed to wander aimlessly doing the deeds of Tamriel,” the impassive voice of the Aureal guards reverberated through the air. “This is not Tamriel. Begone, we say.”

Leaving Brellach, Fiona leaned close to whisper rather loudly so the Aureals could hear, “Those two tarnished dolls don’t know much, do they?”

With no place to rest safely we continued walking along the Saints Watch coastline, until we spotted something floating in the Enjaen Sea or is it the Emean Sea. We’re so far north it could be either. Well anyway, the vague outline of an island with a campsite rested on the horizon.

The thought of a campsite led to thoughts of bedrolls and sleep which reminded me of how tired we were. The tiredness that we had been fighting off for hours and the perils of walking across a body of water at night, were the only things keeping us from seeking out the possible shelter. The decision was made camp for the night and investigate the island in the morning.

Morning came and the island was fully visible on the horizon. From the smoke rising from the top of the tallest mushroom tree, we assumed it to be a mushroom house like the one we grew in Mir Corrup.

Casting a water walking spell “Sea Stride” we ran over to the island. As we stepped onto the shore of the little island, we noticed a small table with a goblet set between two candles. An Ohmes-raht approached. The monk M’san-Dar warned us not to touch the Goblet of Flames.

He went on to explain, “Yes! See the Goblet on my small altar between two candles? That's the Lord of the Drinks, filled with the fires of Mount Shroom. Except that it's nearly empty now. And what's left will be released a fiery doom upon the land, destroying all life. The Goblet of Flames must be cast into the Fires of Mount Shroom again! Otherwise we all are going to die, die, DIEEE! “One Drink to blind them, to find them all in darkness and incinerate them."

Due to a recent broken leg, M'san-Dar has been unable to climb the maze of accessory shroom trunks to toss the Goblet of Flames into the fire burning atop Mount Shroom, the tallest mushroom on the island. Sounds simple enough.

Then M'san-Dar warned me not to try to take the Goblet, because doing so would probably incinerate the entire realm.

So, all we have to do is figure out a way to carry the goblet to the top of the shroom without picking the goblet up? Nothing is easy in the realm of Sheogorath!

Let’s first find the way to the top. It was easier said than done. Outfitted in my best athletic and agility enhancing gear I began climbing the maze of accessory trunks. Several attempts were made before the way to the top was found. Standing atop Mount Shroom I pondered the question how to get the Goblet of Flames up here without picking it up.

Telekinesis? Nope. From the top of Mount Shroom, my best telekinesis spell would not reach the Goblet of Flames. Clambering off the shroom, I pondered how to carry the goblet.

With using all the fire shield enchanted items in my pack, I can get 100% fire protection. What I need is a seer to show me if that would work. Joining hands with Elenya and Fiona, we perform the ritual. I’d feel more confident in success of the seeing ritual if all my Ladies were here, but Elenya and Fiona are two powerful sorceresses in their own right. We should be good.

The vision worked. The results though were not good. While I survive the fiery explosion M’san-Dar and my sweet Ladies are incinerated by the Goblet of Flames.

The words to an old game come to me. Water quenches fire. Or is it fire boils water?

“You had it right the first time,” Elenya said. “Water quenches fire, fire melts frost, and frost freezes water.”

Yeah, all we got to do is dunk the goblet in a big bucket of water. Only the problem remains, how do we pick it up?

Telekinesis? Yes! Casting a telekinesis spell on the Goblet of Flame, I pick it up and toss it in the sea. With a prayer to my Goddess, I dive in after the goblet and without hesitation pick it up. My prayer is answered. The Goblet of Flame fizzles. Its fire snuffed I’m able to safely carry the goblet to the top of Mount Shroom.

Climbing the chosen accessory trunk to the point where I have to jump from one trunk to another, a new problem arises. I did it before but for some reason now I can’t. I keep failing the jump and falling to the ground.

It’s that goblet. Holding on to it has put me off balance.

It took more than a few bumps on the head and a little encouragement from my Ladies before I realized a simple solution. At the spot where I have to jump, I could hear the fiery-haired witch screech, “Fly my pretty, fly!”

Encouraged, I cast the Midas ‘Wings of an Angel’ spell and flew to the Fire of Mount Shroom.

Tossing the goblet into the fire isn’t as easy as it sounds. Miss the brazier and the goblet will roll off the shroom cap and fall to t he ground below. Good luck trying to find the goblet if it rolls into the sea. Thankfully Elenya and Fiona where there to chase it down.

Having filled the goblet, I was a bit worried about picking it up again. Shouldn’t have been, other than being warm to the touch picking up the goblet was safe. To cheers of Elenya and Fiona I flew the filled Goblet of Flame down from the Fires of Mount Shroom to M'san-Dar.

“Wheee, we’re not all going to die! M'san-Dar shouts in glee. “A celebration is in order!”

Several questions race through my mind. Should I ask for a reward for accomplishing the task or mention the fantastic view from atop Mount Shroom? I chose neither.

Seeing M’san-Dar’s joyful reaction, I told him how glad I was to help. For that response the monk offered me a drop of the flaming liquid. The potion, Drop of Mount Shroom, I handed to Fiona to analyze and duplicate if possible.

After M’san-Dar’s celebration; one of a very few monks I’ve ever met that couldn’t bake a decent loaf of bread or have a cask of excellent wine sitting around, we decided it was time to leave. Darn, a hunk of bread and butter with a glass of wine sounded so good too.

Before leaving the island of Mount Shroom, we made a short tour of the island. At the far end of the island, we found a memorial statue of a Xivilai named Jesmin. Wondering what its significance was, we asked M’san-Dar if he knew anything about it. M’san-Dar had little to say about the statue.

Leaving the Island of Mount Shroom, we walked across the sea to the main island. Traveling along the shoreline we head in a westerly direction. Not sure how long we had been walking but it was late evening when we saw a light glowing atop a nearby hill. Thinking of a possible place to spend the night we turned toward the light like a moth to a flame.

Of all things, here we are standing in front of an Oblivion Gate! (Rumple Mod SI)

The competition between the two sisters = Why does Claire gloat so much?

"And we danced" = some '80s tune. MMm, I want to say The Kinks?? Nope. The Hooters! That's what my search just resulted, anyway.

Really the two field hippies should ask for their money back because half the time I didn’t know where I was going.

Wow, really? Probably they didn't even notice. Indeed, plants surely COULD BE monsters waiting to devour the unwary in this silly landscape.

A vampire "got away"? That's odd. They're usually so eager to drain us, especially at night. Off-topic now, but in my Cyrodiil, vampires at night can be really freaking dangerous. One of characters decided to walk from Skingrad to that bandit camp south of Miscarcand at night, only they got attacked by a swarm of bloodsuckers. It really sucked, not to make a pun. They had to flee back to Skingrad in that case. Got separated. One of them is Essential, the other two are CM Partners, who have a habit of teleporting behind my character as she fled. So nobody got killed. But yeah, never again.

Swampgas Hole, yeesh. Oh yeah, walking trees, seems they've come across some gnarls.

Yeah, those ladies seem pretty eager to destroy whatever rest the Jandaga requires at night. Maybe he should travel with a bunch of guys next time.

The contrast between Mania and Dementia really is stark, isn’t it?

Golden Saints = Tarnished Dolls.

A seer ritual to forecast the results of possible endeavors – handy!

Wow, finding a place to spend the night is getting to be a Main Quest!

Jandaga's Quest for Rest, perhaps. You get extra points for a Good Night's Sleep!

Renee and Acadian: All that's needed is a script to count number beds and bedrolls slept in. Bonus for every companion in a double bed.

20250120 Shivering Isles, RumpleSI – Surprise, I-SL – Zendria

“It’s an Oblivion Gate, here in the Shivering Isles,” I exclaimed. “Dagon can’t handle Tamriel so he’s going to try his hand at Sheogorath’s Realm. Ha! Perhaps we should let him try.”

It’s been a long time since we’ve entered a gate, we had a short debate whether we should close the gate or not. In the end we decided to enter the blazing gate of fire.

Why? Curiosity got the better of us, I guess. Is the Lord of Change planning to invade Sheogorath’s realm? We just had to know.

Don’t know what I was expecting to find once we stepped through the gate. Some grand prize, a hidden treasure perhaps? It was rather disappointing to find that inside this Oblivion Gate everything was pretty much the same as all the other gates we closed. Make your way to the central tower, fight a small army of Daedra, climb the central tower and snatch the Sigil Stone. All in all we’ve dealt with worse in other Oblivion Gates.

Nothing unusual until we reached the Sigil Stone then something unexpected happened. Reaching out to take the Sigil Stone, as I touched it the Sigil Stone was replaced by a Heart of Order that I was carrying. If that wasn’t shocking enough, the Sigil Stone turned Heart of Order transformed into a large Focus Crystal.

“What the… something strange is going on here,” I said. “We better get out of here, fast.”

Must have been listening to too many bards singing their epic sagas of glory. You know the ones where the final location; dungeon, fortress, castle, or mountain is destroyed in climatic fashion. Just like how Akulakhan collapsed after I defeated Dagoth Ur.

Running as fast as we could, we raced down through the tower and exited to a changed Deadlands. Everything had turned ashen grey.

“What blight has fallen upon the land?” Elenya exclaimed. “Even in these dead lands, Nature must be respected. Her servant claims right of retribution.”

Dear Elenya, she never has understood that the realm of a Daedra Prince operates on the whim of the Prince. Nature is very different here. I better get her out of here less we spend the next 1000 years fighting the impossible task.

Quickly we returned to the Oblivion Gate and returned to the Shivering Isles.

“We have upset the order of things,” Elenya stated matter-of-factly. For emphasis she added, “Again!”

“I know,” I said apologetically. “Perhaps we should have made Haskill made aware of Oblivion Gate and left it alone."

“What?” Fiona asked incredulously. “And miss out on all the rare ingredients. I don’t think so.”

While deep in thought as to what had occurred in the Deadlands, we wandered off in the wrong direction. Taking an easy route along the ridgeline, we traveled further east than intended. Turned out well though, we stumbled upon the ruins of Sheogorath’s Retreat (mod: RumpleSI).

(OK, something about this place feels out of place. I don’t know what’s going on. Using a form finder mod, I identify objects that appear out of place).

Surrounded by the crumbling walls of Sheogorath’s Retreat stood a trapdoor pedestal. The trapdoor to Sheogorath’s Retreat was locked, requiring a key to open.

“You’re thinking of unlocking it, aren’t you?” Elenya asked.

Her tone was more of curiosity than of her normal sarcastic tone, I noted.

“But you’re always commenting about upsetting the balance and order of things.”

She gave an odd kind of laugh and said, “Silly aelf, spontaneity is the spice of life.”

Sliding up alongside me, Fiona’s soft silky voice tickled my ear, “I know you want to.”

Double teamed, I gave in. We may never come back this way and I’ve got to know. Drawing the mystic sign `~ on the trapdoor and I said the word “unlock”.

The trapdoor opened allowing us to climb down to the room below.

Good goddess, I can’t believe what I’m seeing! In the center of a round room stood a circular bed chamber. The bed chamber was furnished with an ornate queen size bed. Dressed only in the skimpiest of lingerie an Aureal and a Mazken stood on either side of, ready to serve.

Behind me I could hear the muffled snickers from my Ladies.

“And you thought you had the cathouse market cornered,” Elenya laughed. “You’ve found the quintessence of bordellos.”

“Well, I guess even the Sovereign of Shivering Isles needs a little comfort now and then,” I shrugged.

Noticing the seating arrangement along the wall of the bed chamber I added, “With an audience to play his mind tricks upon, no less. Just what I would expect from the Prince of Madness. Let’s get out of here.”
We backed out the way we came in. Once outside, we hurried away from Sheogorath’s Retreat.

Traveling southwest from Sheogorath’s Retreat, we hadn’t gone far when we discovered Dreamwalk Camp.

A nice campsite setup with two camp platforms; one platform is furnished with three bedrolls and the second with tables chairs suitable for dinning. The platforms are connected by decking that overlooks the Isle of Flame Bay. From the deck, one can see out over the bay as far as the Emean Sea.

Standing alone on the deck the sun set, my thoughts began tracing back through all the events that have led me to this point in time. As I tend to do at times, I dwelled too long on the sad events. Not really sad times per say but times of indecision. Should I have done this instead of that, kind of thing? Would it have made any difference? I don’t know.

When all the stars are falling down
Into the sea and on the ground
And angry voices carry on the wind
A beam of light will fill your head
And you'll remember what's been said
By all the good men this world's ever known

The stars had come out, blazing in all their ethereal glory, then like a beam of light, Fiona approached. Sliding her hand into mine her dark velvety voice caressed my ear.

“Amado Mio, Elenya will have dinner ready in a moment. I brought a bottle of my latest vintage to share, in hopes of a night such as this.”

“Ah ha,” With an obvious false indignation, Elenya’s voice caught me from behind. “Caught ya!”

Startled, I about jumped out of my skin. Both ladies burst out laughing.

“Well,” Elenya took my other hand, smiled sweetly, and said, “Come, your dinner’s ready. “

Romantic interlude.

After spending the night at Dreamwalk Camp we followed the mountain range south until we saw another set of ruins. We had found the entrance to Milchar Tieras. We also found, outside Milchar Tieras, a chest containing a Two Headed Septim. Just the sort of thing Una Armina of the Museum of Oddities might be interested in...

With little interest in entering Milchar Tieras we turned west and continued until we reached The Laughing Coast. With a good portion of the day left we turned south toward The Fringe.

It was a quiet uneventful journey south along shoreline of The Laughing Coast. At one point we did see a grouping of trees growing up out of the Emean Sea. Optical illusion? Maybe. We continued on.

When we reached an inlet where we could see the walls of The Fringe, we walked across the water to the far side. There, near Archer’s Rock, as we were smoothing out a spot for the night, we noticed a boat tethered to a large rock on shore.

My Ladies wanted to go for a boat ride before settling down to sleep.

“Please," they pleaded. "Just a short ride? The stars are shining brightly, their light dancing cross the waves like a thousand fireflies. It’s so romantic.”

On and on they went until I relented. “Ok, ok, a three-hour cruise and no more.”

Laughing and clapping their hands Elenya and Fiona jumped into the rowboat. I followed and reached down to find the oars. There were none.

They must be on shore. Turning to look for the oars, I was startled to see we were no longer tethered to shore and were swiftly moving out to sea.

“Uh, oh!”

Uh oh indeed! Another unexpected adventure for the Jandaga.

“What blight has fallen upon the land?” Elenya exclaimed. “Even in these dead lands, Nature must be respected. Her servant claims right of retribution.”
- - The Druid is strong in this one.

I'm surprised the Jandaga didn't recruit those two lovelies for Gweden.

The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost!

Wow, that gate looks eerie, with all the green magic, especially. Cool, he gets another sigil stone. Oops, nope it isn't. Yikes.

Must have been listening to too many bards singing their epic sagas of glory. You know the ones where the final location; dungeon, fortress, castle, or mountain is destroyed in climatic fashion

Love the way that is written.

Elenya chastises your elf while Fiona wants rare ingredients! Poor Jandaga. Every decision he makes is possibly wrong in someone's viewpoint.

Drawing the mystic sign `~ on the trapdoor

Oh lordy, it's a bed. Wonder what'll happen next.... Nope, I was wrong.

Today's song = no idea. Notta clue.

Wha -- wha--- happens during "romantic interlude???" Hmm, maybe shouldn't ask. I'm too young.

The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost!


Gilligan's Island, final answer. ONe of my favorite shows in elementary school.