Memoirs of a Morag Tong Assassin: Vvardenfell, Chapter Six: An Old Friend to Kill... Options

[Black Hand]

Chapter One:..to the east, to Morrowind
Chapter Two: Rise of the Black Hand
Chapter Three: Azura's Portents
Chapter Four: An Assassin Amongst Us....
Chapter Five: History rewritten, and History Reborn



Ebonheart; Grand Council Chambers, Three Weeks Later

Duke Dren exited his office, wearing the polished ebony armor of the Duke, accompanied by two of his Imperial Guard. He had specifically asked for me to show up and hold the meetings of the preparation of war in the Grand Council, for all intents and purposes, I was the Dukes equal upon the Island of Vvardenfell.

“You know, Sethyas. As of right now, politically speaking, you are the most powerful Man on Vvardenfell. Even the tribes of the Ashlanders have chosen you as War Leader. A feat that has not been accomplished since the first era. And certainly not by an outlander, you truly must be the Nerevarine…” the Duke mused.

“I am. I know that now more then ever…but I wonder, if I am this child of fate and destiny, am I also destined to win, or fall? Dagoth Ur is a GOD for Azura’s sake!” I said with defeatist tone.

“Now, now! You must seem strong and confident to your people! You are the General of the Dunmer once more, Nerevar, and they will look to you for inspiration and leadership…besides, I would wish for you to return, and to play with my Grandchildren in a world that you have made safe…” he said subtly.

“Right…I…” I said blushing, while thinking of Ilmeni, safe in my Stronghold of Bal Isra.

“Relax, Sethyas. The time now calls for preparation of our assault upon Dagoth Ur. The Council awaits us now. Come.” He said motioning for the Chambers.

I sat down at my Central Chair, the Chair awarded to Generals and Kings. Not a chair that I deserved to sit in for long. The eyes of Dunmer that I did not recognize, save that of Llerar Mandas and Eno Hlaalu gazed upon me with a mixture of skepticism and wonder. And pride. The pride from the Morag Tong and House Redoran, my chosen families.

There were in fact representatives from every faction in the Grand Council, the Imperial Cult, the Imperial Legion, Fighters and Mages Guild. The Thieves Guild obviously did not take place in the proceedings, and my little surprise showed up amongst the beginnings of the proceedings.

Sul-Matuul showed up with three other Ashlanders, after receiving my correspondence to gather three Gulakhans from the other tribes and show up on this day. There were gasps of shock and surprise as they took a seat at the Grand Council Table, all of them with a satisfied smirks on their faces.

“Sethyas…what are they doing here?” Vedam Dren whispered to me.

I stood up and spoke in a loud, clear voice. “Representatives, may I present the Great and honorable Ashkhan of the Urshilaku, Sul-Matuul! The three other Mer are Gulakhans of the Erebanimsun, the Ahemmusa, and the Zainab Tribes. They will join us in counsel as equal representatives of the Army of Nerevar! I will not have any grumblings or dissentions to the contrary! They are brave and wise warriors whom are willing to lay down their very lives for the Honor of destroying Dagoth Ur! They have equal standing amongst all others here amongst the Council.” I said with a hand outstretched and a powerful gaze overlooking the room.

There were murmurs and looks of hate and curiosity towards the Ashlanders. But all seemed to come to the same conclusion: We needed all the troops we could get. Ashlanders might have been hated, but their skills in the Ashlands and hunting were undeniable.

“While the House Dunmer grow fat and lazy in their rooms of stone, we Ashlanders live in the Shadow of Red Mountain, we see our lands die from the Blight. This is the same fate that shall befall all you, unless we now act as one people under Nerevar once more.” Spoke Sul-Matuul.

“Thank You, my friend. As the Chosen Hortator, and Nerevarine. I will set forth a few rules that I need obeyed in my interim. Eno. There will be a cessation to all Writs, House Wars will not be waged while we assault the Mountain. House Representatives, no duels, no murders. Sul-Matuul, Gulakhans, no raids, no tribal disputes. We are one people.”

There were a few murmurs again, but all Representatives agreed eventually, Eno shook his head in agreement.

“How do you propose we begin this war, Nerevarine? Just gather as many heads as we can, and walk into Red Mountain? We’ll get killed!” asked the Telvanni Wizard Lady.

“Vivec has already given us his outlines for the War, and how to best proceed. I have had made copies for all…..” I said as parchments were handed out.

Phase 1: Raids inside the Ghostfence
The Tribunal, Ordinators, and Buoyant Armigers are familiar with the terrain, and will provide maps and current intelligence reports. The region inside the Ghostfence is dangerous, and the Nerevarine will need to be familiar with its particular challenges. After measuring skills and resources against Dagoth Ur's defenses, the Nerevarine will know better how to pace a campaign, alternating raids with improving skills, getting better equipment, and stockpiling resources.

Phase 2: Raids upon Ash Vampire Citadels
Dagoth Ur's kin have become markedly more powerful in recent decades, after remaining stable for thousands of years. If they can be individually isolated and destroyed, they will not be able to support Dagoth Ur in later stages of the war. It may also be that the dramatic increase in their power comes from items enchanted by Dagoth Ur. Salvage of such items might contribute to our resources.

Phase 3: Assault on Gate Citadel Vemynal
Essential to recover the artifact hammer Sunder for Phase 5. The Ash Vampire Dagoth Vemyn has possession of Sunder, and probably seeks to discover the secrets of its enchantments. He may also have access to notebooks and journals of Kagrenac that have survived in the Dwemer workshops of Vemynal.

Phase 4: Assault on Gate Citadel Odrosal
Essential to recover the artifact blade Keening for Phase 5. The Ash Vampire Dagoth Odros has possession of Keening, and probably seeks to discover the secrets of its enchantments. He may also have access to notebooks and journals of Kagrenac that have survived in the Dwemer workshops of Odrosal.

Phase 5: Assault on Citadel Dagoth
All the previous stages are preparations for this stage. Recent expeditions show that Citadel Dagoth has undergone extensive expansion; the location will need to be explored carefully. The known route to the Heart Chamber will be well-defended; alternative routes may exist. Dagoth Ur will have anticipated our plan to destroy him by attacking the Heart, and he will almost certainly personally oppose approach to the Heart Chamber. Together the Tribunal could not defeat him, and he has grown stronger since then. Admittedly, the Tribunal had the distraction of maintaining the Ghostfence simultaneous with fighting Dagoth Ur, but, even so, the challenge seems daunting.

The adoption of this phased campaign seems to offer the best chances for success. In retrospect, the Tribunal's decision to directly assault Citadel Dagoth rather than proceed step-by-step through lesser objectives must be seen to have been a serious error. The Tribunal did not feel it had the option of a slow-paced and deliberate campaign, given that they had many other competing priorities, not the least of which was the maintenance of the Ghostfence and the outer defenses surrounding Red Mountain. The Nerevarine, on the other hand, should be best served by a careful, step-by-step advance, with the additional advantage of building confidence along the way while successes would undermine Dagoth Ur's own assurance in his defenses.

“Interesting, and how do we find all these Ash Vampires…and more Importantly, how do we stop them from coming back? Every one knows that Dagoth Ur eventually resurrects them…” she asked once more.

“It is possible to prevent that through Soul Trapping magic…” I said.

“And how do you know that?” She asked flippantly.

I tossed her the Grand Soul Gem that housed the Spirit of the Ash Vampire I had encountered beneath Kogoruhn.

“Say hi to Dagoth Uthol. He won’t be coming back anytime soon…” I said as she examined the gem, and remarked in surprise: “This IS an Ash Vampires soul!”

“The one you faced when I sent you to Kogoruhn? You faced down an Ash Vampire and Lived to tell the tale? Impressive Sethyas. That is already one down out of seven…” said Sul-Matuul

The murmurs of the Council now had a different tone, one that of hope. If I could face down an Ash Vampire single-handedly, then there was hope that a Unified Dunmer could defeat Dagoth Ur.

“Then we will begin with the first phase immediately! Let the Sixth House know that the Dunmeri Wrath is swift and vengeful!” cried Llerar Mandas, the Redoran General.

“Not so fast.” I said, interjecting. “Read the parchment again. A full scale war is exactly what Dagoth Ur expects, and he is well prepared for such an occurrence.”

There was a silence. “Then what?” came the response.

“I will act largely alone. What the significance of the unification means, is that the Dunmer are working together to DEFEND themselves against Dagoth Ur. The towns, the villages, now more then ever, must have every available man to defend themselves against the Hosts of Dagoth Ur. Now that I have returned, there is a different feeling in the wind, Voryn Dagoth senses me, he knows that I have returned, he feels the time is nigh to set forth with his ambitions to conquer the land.”

“What hope do you have against an army? Can one man defeat an entire army?” asked Llerar.

“No…I’m not going after every single Ascended Sleeper and Corprus Monster. I’m going after the heads of the army. The Dunmeri society was built from small fractious clans that needed to use secret murder to defeat their enemies. Kill a General, and an Army is useless. My trade is that of an Assassin, and I shall employ all my skills to this end. Ending eventually in facing Dagoth Ur and severing his link to the Heart.”

”I am attacking the weak points, not the strongest. Dagoth Ur, believes himself to be invincible. He sees his armies as easily replaceable within the ranks. This is somewhat true. But in my experience, everything has a crippling weakness. I intend to exploit it once I find it…”

The council talked amongst themselves for a time. There was a feeling of anti-climatic ness, but this was war, not glory. Just as the Empire exploited the political weaknesses of the Dunmer to Conquer Morrowind, so could Dagoth Ur. The in-fighting and petty squabbles had to cease, at least for the time being.

The council departed, and my orders were relayed to the Clans, and the Tribes. Defense of settlements and towns were to begin immediately, if aid was needed, it would be given, without consideration to the others Clan.

I then joined the Duke in his chambers for a brandy after the meeting.

“Wise Choices, Sethyas. And foolish as well. But, I believe you will succeed. You will assassinate the brothers of Ur, and the Sixth House Army will shatter like a scrib, then it will simply be a matter of cleaning up the mess. But our people will have the War they desire. And you. I wonder whether you will live through all this…”

”If I don’t, you must pick up where I left off. Follow the phases, kill the Ash Vampires. Recover Wrathguard if you can, present it to another Champion, one who is capable of facing the Sixth House.”

He nodded grimly. “Do try and live, Sethyas. I have grown rather fond of you.” He said finishing his brandy.

Before I returned to Bal Isra, I made a stop by the Arena in Vivec for a contact with my Master, Eno Hlaalu. For company, and a bit of luck.

“Sethyas! Nerevarine, and Hortator. I am proud of you this day…even if you are cutting into my profits a bit!” Eno remarked on the Cessation of Writs.

“Well, I have two new threads for you, as well as a request.”

He took the threads and asked me my request.

“Well, I know I asked for you to stop the Writs. But I would like you to make me one…for luck.” I said telling him, and he laughed as he wrote out the parchment, and applied his Morag Tong Signet Ring to the red wax.


”Here you go.” He said handing me the finished writ.

I read it aloud.

Dagoth Ur

The afore-mentioned personage has been marked for honorable execution in accordance to the lawful tradition and practice of the Morag Tong Guild. The Bearer of this non-disputable document has official sanctioned license to kill the afore-mentioned personage.

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Aug 16 2011, 04:22 AM

[Black Hand]

“Alright, Dunmer. You’re right. I did request the Writ against Larrius Varro. And, yes, maybe it was done so that he would quit with his vendetta against the Empires silent partner in Vvardenfell, the Cammona Tong. You can’t do anything about it. I’m an Imperial Officer after all. Outside the jurisdiction of the Morag Tong, on top of the fact that I’m Knight of the Imperial Dragon, commander of all the Imperial Forces inside Morrowind! Now begone, before I have you arrested!” Varus Vantinius spoke harshly to me.

“You’re right, I can’t do anything about as a Morag Tong. But you speak with none other then the Nerevarine! And I’m quite certain the Duke would be willing to look the other way for a piddling little nothing like you! No one manipulates the Morag Tong, and lives to speak of it!” I spat out, my anger nearly red-hot.

“You border on Treason, Dunmer! I don’t care if you’re Lord Vivec! You will speak with respect to me! I’ll let that slide, as you did do something worthy, for one of your kind, but that’s the only favor you’ll receive from me!” he said with rising anger.

“Respect? You know nothing of the word. Very well, before the Duke, and the Imperial Guard, as a Noble of House Redoran, I challenge your Honor! Only a duel in the Arena shall allow you to defend it!” I retorted, the Imperial guard gripping their hilts with increased nervousness.

Varus eyes narrowed, and he put his hand up to hold them back. “You think I’ll simply agree to a duel, from an Elf? I think not. Besides. I saw your fight with Venim, Nerevarine. I admit, your skill with a blade far surpasses mine. I would not readily agree to my death. However, for a consideration, I may be willing to grant your request.”

“Money?”

”No. There are two artifacts that the Legion holds, that have gone missing in recent times. Recover them for me, and I will accommodate your request for a duel. What say you?”

”You think that an Artifact will save you? Ha! Very well. What would you have me do, Imperial?” I chortled out.

“The first, is the Lords Mail. An enchanted cuirass of legendary origin. It was last seen in our shrine, here in the Grand Council Chambers, you will recover it, and return it to me. Here is a shrine key, I will allow you access to investigate the area. Touch nothing, or the guards will kill you. Am I clear?”

I took the key into my black gloved hands, I looked at it, then at him. “Fine. We have an accord.” I said leaving his chambers.

Not a moment after I was walking down the hallway, a hand tapped my shoulder. I turned to see a concerned looking middle-aged Imperial man.

“What is it? I don’t mean to be rude, but I have urgent matters to attend.”

”I know. My name is Rufinus Alleius. I…overheard your conversation with Varus. I maybe able to share some insight into the location of the Lords Mail.”

“I’m listening.”

”One of the troopers, Furius Aculius was muttering something a few days ago about underground caverns beneath Ebonheart, and how the Legion would get what’s coming to it.”

I took the advice, and inspected his quarters inside the Imperial Guards room. Beneath his pillow, I found a worn key. Perhaps it would come in handy later…

Inspecting the shrine, I found nothing amiss. Everything was where it was supposed to be, except for the trail of muck leading to the wall….

I ran my hand along the wall, and could feel a slight trickle of air flowing in. I pounded the stone with the side of my fist, and could hear echoing into a tunnel. Finally, I brought a finger to a crack in the stone that was obviously the product of some Mason. I slipped the key I had found inside it, and the strong lock clicked open.

I proceeded deep inside the caverns that the echo had spoken of, and was greeted by an Imperial who lived up to the homonym of his name. Furius screamed at me.

“Those fools in the legion sought to expel me! So I took their special little artifact! And you’ll not reclaim it from me, Dark Elf! Die!” He yelled unsheathing a katana, and charging me.

I unsheathed my own katana, and agilely dodged his attacks, my strikes landed against his breastplate with little more then sparks. He smiled cockily, only ending the battle by utilizing his fatal mistake. He forgot to wear a helmet.

“Here.” I said handing the cuirass to Varus.

“Well, well! It would seem you have recovered the Lord’s Mail!” He said taking off his breastplate, and putting the recovered artifact on. With a mocking smile he handed me his old one.

“Here. You can have this. You’ll need it if you luck keeps up. Next, I want you to recover Chrysamere. It is a legendary sword; some say it was crafted by the hands of the gods themselves. Nonetheless, the last I heard, it was seen nearest to Sadrith Mora, travel there, and find out what you can. Recover Chrysamere, and return it to me.”

I took the Chun-Ook to Sadrith Mora, and arrived at Durty Muriels Cornerclub. After the usual exchange of gold for information amongst the Thieves Guild, I learned that Draamu Hloran, a necromancer in Abanabi was holding the blade.

Water walking, I could see Tel Fyr just off in the distance as I approached the Cavern Door. Inside, I found the bluish crystals that the isolationist sorcerers seemed to be fond of, as they created reservoirs of magicka.

Dispatching a young apprentice, and several Daedra with the Bow of Shadows, I made my way deeper inside the dark cave, finding a Dunmer woman in robes with a large claymore strapped to her back. Chrysamere.

Fortunately, she wasn’t fond of armor, and my marksmanship was up to the task as she fell to the ground in crumbled heap. I made my way to her body, and unsheathed the mighty sword. I am not a Paladin, but even I could appreciate the balance and enchantment of the claymore. This is why Varus wanted it back. He wanted the power of the artifacts to save his life. I couldn’t even penetrate the Lords Mail with a Daedric Katana, and now, with this blade, which could slice through bone like butter, his chances against me were greater then ever.

But it would not stop me. I had the honor of my guild to uphold, as well as Redorans, since I had invoked their name to confront the Legionnaire. And as a side, it seemed he had wronged Serene in the past. Fates were being written with every step I took.

“Marvelous!” Varus said as he brought the sword to a guard position, and admired the the glow of the razor edges.

“You have performed well for an enemy. You have honor. I respect that. And I will now grant your request for a duel. Meet me in the Arena at Vivec tomorrow, Nerevarine!” He said with a wicked grin.

The match was to be a private one, this time there was no throngs of onlookers. No Ilmeni to cheer me on from the sidelines. No, it was me and Varus. I spent as much time keeping up on my long blade skill as I could, and rested well that night.

The next morning, I went back to the Arena, the last time was against Bolvyn Venim, now, Varus Vantinius. I exited my gladiators pen, and saw the legionnaire exiting his, already wearing full Imperial Armor Dress, and preparing to hew me with Chrysamere.

“Ha! No Armor? You come unprepared to duel, Dunmer!” Varus laughed, seeing me still wear my ritual red robes.

“No, I am quite prepared…after all. You never specified what the rules of the duel were! I am not a legion lackey, Varus! I am a Morag Tong Assassin! And the rules are these: Do whatever it takes to kill your opponent! Come, let us begin!” I yelled from across the field, already running to him, for the first time I saw a look of fear in his eyes.

He brought the claymore back for an overhand swing, as I sailed through the air, both hands with the Ancient Silver Dagger ready for a downward thrust. I landed on him before he could follow through, and in the small openings of the Lords Mail, underneath the arms, I stabbed him with the daggers, the poison running its course through his veins. He invoked the power of the Lords Mail, and immediately the poison was gone. With an upward kick, he sent me falling back, and with a yell, he brought the Claymore in a wide overhand arc, the tip of the blade landing where my head might have been, had I no dodged.

Spinning to my feet, I cursed Varus’ luck, and instead, brought out the Black Hands Dagger. He wasn’t the only one with legendary artifacts, I slashed his forearm once, and then switched back to the Daedric Katana.

For several seconds, I kept up footwork to avoid the blows from him, preferring to dodge, and parrying when I could. Then, finally, with breath running out, Varus fell to his knees.

He breathed heavily, feeling the life leave him. He looked up at me with a look in his eyes that spoke of evil intent.

“Treacherous Dunmer! I should have killed you sooner…” he said as he slumped over to di.

I took the Lords Mail, and Chrysamere. As I was the one who recovered them and won the duel, they were rightfully mine. More importantly, the Honor of the Morag Tong was saved. Never again would we be manipulated.