Today in Cyrodiil, spoilers version, TES: 4 Oblivion character accounts & stories Options

[Acadian]

Call the guards! Well, a “Greetings Champion, how may I be of service?” is ever so much better than a 'Stop right there, criminal scum!"

The nice thing about writing fic is that you can adjust quests to suit your purpose and smooth out any rough areas to flow more to your liking.

[macole]

20200830 Better Cities Who’s the Daddy conclusion
The following morning after an early breakfast the Jandaga held a conference with the Ayleid Research team lead, Sova. The Jandaga suggested to Sova that she inform Virani to be more careful in her recruiting methods and who she tries.

After the conference the Jandaga and the Ladies used the Teleport Home spell to return to Arborwatch in Chorrol.
Searching the newer section Chorrol for ways to the rumored underground cavern the intrepid band of explorers find themselves at the worn gates of Chorrol’s Old Prison, just south of Northern Goods and Trade. Now that’s an obvious place to start. After entering the Old Prison the party found a trapdoor leading to underground caverns. Soon we’re standing before a great ages old silver door.

Using the scroll Virani provided to reveal the gate switch the Jandaga unlocks the Silver Gate and the party enters the ruins. Virani has arrived. She had intended to set up a camp in the cavern but after seeing the utter disaster, rivers of lava flow everywhere and two ghostly factions locked in eternal battle, she has deep doubts of continuing.

(BetterCities BANChorrolAgeOldSilverGateQuest – issue #2 Quest is incomplete. This is as far as it goes. The layout of the Deep Underground Caverns is interesting.)

Leaving Virani at the gate Jandaga and the Ladies begin searching for the lost lover down by some boat dock where a large group of ghosts are fighting. The ghosts disappear as we approach. No sign of any adventurers are found at the docks.

The boats to cross the lava lake are inoperable, so Jandaga and his Ladies continue their search for the suspected missing father to the right of the boat dock. It’s not long before the bodies of two adventurers are discovered in front of a locked stone door, killed by a gas trap. The male adventurer, presumably the father of Elaine’s unborn child, had a note written to Elaine.

Some letter! Of all the low down, dirty…, it’s a Dear Jane letter. Thanks for a bit-o-fun, see ya!

Returning to the Silver Gate, Jandaga asked Virani if she’d be a witness to the discovery. After being assured that the ghost wouldn’t be a bother Virani walks all the way to where the bodies were found so she could see the bodies of the dead adventurers for herself. Once she is satisfied Virani agrees to meet us at the Breucombe’s.

What, didn’t she believe us?

Leaving the Deep Caverns we travel through the Underground Tunnels the way we came in. Investigating a staircase reveals it leads to the private chambers of the castle. Another staircase leads to the chapel’s undercroft. Taking the undercroft exit we leave the underground caverns and proceed directly to the Breucombe’s house.

With Virani as our witness Lucien Breucombe and his wife accepts the truth of their daughter’s affair. Apologizing for the false accusation and in trying to force Jandaga into marrying his daughter he then asked the Jandaga to let Elaine know what was discovered.

Speaking to Elaine privately, Jandaga tells her know the man who made her pregnant was found, dead in the caverns beneath Chorrol. She is saddened at the news, but her sadness turns to anger when she reads his note and learns how despicable he was.

Seeing Elaine so sad and angry caused Jandaga to have second thoughts about showing her the letter. On the way out Jandaga stopped to offer Lucien Breucombe a substantial sum that should more than take care of the child’s every need. Hopefully in the long run with her family’s help and the endowment, knowing the whole truth will work out best for her.

Who’s the Daddy Epilogue:
Months later when Elaine’s child, Aurora, is born the gossip mill began to turn. Wasn’t the Champion of Cyrodiil here about the time? Why else would he leave such a generous endowment for the child? Doesn’t he stop by the Breucombe’s for dinner every time he comes to Chorrol and stays to all hours of the night? The child’s mother never married, why is that?
As the girl grew into a beautiful young woman she had her pick of well to do suitors. None dared to take advantage for fear of incurring the wrath of the Champion. She eventually married and lived happily ever after. Of course a very generous anonymous wedding gift from an unseen watchful protector helped a lot. Many years later when asked why she gave her first born son the strange name of Tlaloc; Aurora answered it was in honor of someone her mother once knew.

[Acadian]

Aww, that adventurer was an unscrupulous scoundrel! Learning the child's name was Aurora conjured happy thoughts of Maleficent. Well, the name Tlaloc is unfamiliar. Is that perchance The Jandanga's name? Better than naming her firstborn Champ I suppose.

[macole]

Ask a simple question and what do you get?

Yes the Jandaga’s name is Tlaloc Hopopcaan, the lighter of heavens. It’s a character name I’ve used going as far back Neverwinter Nights 2002. In Baldur’s Gate and in most other games I would use a variation of my own name; Mikala, Mikaere, Mayl. With Neverwinter, I decided that I wanted to be a lightning specialist mage and I wanted a name to reflect that image. After a search I settled on an Aztec (Tlaloc) Mayan (Chac or Hopopcaan) deity combination. Apologies to the Stormcrow.

The Jandaga is a commemorative name, formed from nicknames of dear friends now lost, used in my current Oblivion character that began in 2010. Interesting thing; I got curious about name meanings when I resurrected Jandaga. What I found was Sanskrit Jaan or Ja-an meaning ‘Life’ and Daga is Spanish for dagger. With that my Jandaga became a title ‘Life’s Dagger’ or ‘Defender of the Family’s Life’.

Now you know my deep dark secret; I’m terrible with names. No imagination at all.

Oh, and Aurora. That came about because Aurora the goddess of the dawn lights up the morning sky I thought went well with The Lighter of the Heavens, Tlaloc Hopopcaan.

This post has been edited by macole: Aug 31 2020, 07:14 AM

[Renee]

I have the Old Prison in my version of Better Cities too. I think one of mine did some initial exploring of the place, but didn't really get too far in there. If it's the character I am thinking of, she merely went into the prison because it was on her way to the Bathhouse.

That ghosts pic is creepy!

This update is particularly funny!

Apologizing for the false accusation and in trying to force Jandaga into marrying his daughter he then asked the Jandaga to let Elaine know what was discovered.

What a mess!

Oh wow. I also did not know the Jandaga's real name.

This post has been edited by Renee: Sep 1 2020, 08:15 PM

[macole]

Acadian – Very intuitive. It was a pretty heavy clue I thought. A little fact; Tlaloc and the Maya god Chac aka Hopop Caan are associated with life giving rain and agriculture. Although benevolent, he will release floods and lightning when angered. It is a shame about all the sacrificing, nasty business.

Renee – I have been rather reluctant with giving out the name but I threw out a clue so now there it is. Have you been to the Twin Goblet Alehouse? It should be just past the book store across the street from the chapel. Go to the Alehouse around 9:00pm and speak to the lady in red. When you leave the Alehouse, Who’s the Daddy will start. The accusation is different for a female.

All - Now, any ideas on the relationship between The Jandaga and his Ladies? The clues have been very subtle.

20200904 Rumple, Losing My Religion, OOO
Before leaving Chorrol we want to know what’s on the other side of the Deep Cavern. The boats don’t work, we have to use a TCLevitation spell to explore the far side.

Three ghostly watchers sit waiting for who knows what?

A mysterious tower sits in the center of a flooded room.

(What could this have been, I wonder? Wouldn’t it be fun if this Deep Underground Cavern depicted the final battle between Ayleids and the bird people of ancient Cyrodiil. Change half the combatants and the three watchers into bird people, tall harpy like creatures. Perhaps, knowing their defeat is at hand the three bird people watchers trigger some sort of magic that locks the combatants in an eternal battle. That is, until a hero arrives to rescue return the bird people and return them to the normal world. If only…)

Curiosity satisfied the little band decides it is time to leave Chorrol. Nothing like a hike in the mountains to relieve one’s jangled nerves so the Jandaga led his Ladies north up into the high mountains. Not long after leaving the outskirts of Chorrol an attack by some imps reminded the party of the request to gather imp gall and ogre teeth.

“Still need a few more”, reminded Maeva. “Imps a-plenty in Robber’s Glen but so far away.”

It was snowing and getting dark when we met the Bear Rider Unna. She was heading to the endpoint of her patrol, Sancre Tor which we had just passed through. After a short rest she’ll resume her patrol by returning the way she came. We decide to walk back to Sancre Tor with Unna and set camp for the night.

Sitting around the camp fire, Unna opened up about life on the trail. Truth be told, it’s all work and no play. She longed for a lodge in the mountains where the riders could relax in the warm glow of a hearth fire. Hmmm, I may have to talk to Ocato about this.

Morning came and Unna headed back north to resume her patrol. We turned to the south and head back down the mountain to the Colovian Highlands in search of Ogres and Imps. Our path takes us near the Wayshrine of Kynareth and the head quarters of the Kynaran Order.

First we seek a blessing at the wayshrine before stopping by the Kynaran Order’s HQ (Losing My Religion). Inquiring if the Paladin Knight Arcana was available, we so wanted to meet her. Paladin Lady Adraria Gronel informs us that the Knight Arcana is on special assignment and is not stationed at this location.

Leaving the Kynaran Order HQ we crisscross the Colovian Highlands until we spy an Ogre entering a cave. Where there is one there could be more. Needing Ogre teeth we followed the Ogre into Thunderous Steps Cave (OOO). We got more than we bargained for. Down into the Depths of the Thunder Fiends we went, where we were besieged by a swarm of wolves and Ogres. What is going on here?

Chests filled with treasure are all around the cave. Some presented were dangerous traps. By the mother of all creation, I hate mimics.

Led by the giant ogre, Thunderous, the Ogres gave us a serious testing. After defeating Thunderous and his company of Ogres we discovered the body of Gherst Baerne. His blue glass cuirass does look good.

By the time we leave Thunderous Steps Cave we had gathered 21 sets of Ogre teeth, 16 pelts of various wolves, and the loot from at least a dozen chests.

If we hurry we can make it to Sutch before dark. Our disappointment at arriving in Sutch well after dark was eased somewhat by the fact that the Silver Star Inn still has fixings for supper and an available room for the night.

[Acadian]

An interesting lava filled cavern.

Quite a contrast to the snow hardened Unna the Bear Rider (yay, ghastley!).

And the gang meets a paladin! Thanks for the nod to our little knight arcana!

I’ve heard OOO is a pretty scary mod. Looks like Thunderous was guarding quite a lucrative haul of treasure and loot.

[Renee]

Surely, one of mine (Renee Gade III, who is very fond of drink) has been to the Twin Goblet, but probably not during that time you mentioned, otherwise I'd remember that quest, for sure. I won't get with RG3 for quite some time, now that I finally am gaming with my Orc Adventurer lady. This orc is going to be my first to explore Valenwood.

Well let's see what the Jandaga is up to, today.

Now, any ideas on the relationship between The Jandaga and his Ladies? The clues have been very subtle.

Hmm, relationship? Hmm. I don't think there's anything going on with Vilja. You know, I did notice something some time back, I think with Maeva. But my memory's rather shoddy. But now that you mention this, I'll be paying more attention.

That tower in Deep Cavern looks like something straight out of Lord of the Rings.

i like Unna. She rides a freeking bear!

Yeah, MIMICs suck. I forgot about those. I think Makar's adds them? I disabled mimics after awhile. If they were extremely rare, that would be okay, but they were showing up often enough that they began to bother me, mostly because in the table game we played in high school, again, mimics were quite rare.

Nice. Blue glass cuirass.

Be careful in Sutch's Silver Star Inn. I seem to remember this is one of those places in which your room can become besieged by random NPCs, sleeping in 'our' bed and just loitering / blocking our path out of the room!

[macole]

20200915 LMR Order of the Hour, Unique Landscapes
Leaving Ceheni behind, we traveled north to the Gold Road then turned east toward Skingrad.

Just passed Gottshaw Inn we made a little side trip to visit the Wayshrine of Zenithar. A little further along the road we paid a visit to the Order of the Hour’s headquarters to marvel at the two headed, gold-plate statue of Akatosh.

“Such fools men are,” Kaleah hissed.

“Kaleah, hush!” Jandaga cautioned in a whisper. “Not here of all places.”

Leaving the Order of the Hour continuing our journey to Skingrad we began to encounter Valenwood Rangers, Elsweyr assassins and Redguard warriors along the road.

One Bosmer outlaw, Lilisephona Caemorin (MOO Wanted Faction) was particularly tough. She laid the Jandaga out flat before the Ladies rushed in to teach her some manners. We took Lilisephona’s magical shoes as payment for her lessons.

Looking down at the fair Lilisephona Maeva commented, “I thought you were only going to take her shoes.”

Suddenly from out of the forest emerged a forest giant. Quick as Kaleah and Maeva are with their bows, they weren’t fast enough to stop Pym from taking the giant down with her Assassin’s Blade. Jandaga took that over powered sword away from Pym when Kaleah and Maeva started complaining they weren’t having any fun.

After a brief skirmish near Ra’sava camp we took a small detour in order to visit the wayshrines of Tiber Septim, Mara, and Arkay.

Overlooking the falls north of the Gold Road between the Wayshrines of Tiber Septim and Mara.

The Unique Landscape around the Wayshrine of Mara is one of the most idyllic scenic locations in all of Cyrodiil.

A view of Skingrad from the Wayshrine of Arkay.

“Why?” asks Kaleah. “Why do you want to visit these wayshrines for that old fool? You don’t believe, I mean your mumbled words sounds more like an insult than a prayer. So why bother?”

“Sometimes to find the truth you must understand the façade that hides it,” replied the Jandaga. “Besides I want to see Dibela’s Chapel returned to normal.”

The day is fast coming to an end, time to end the detour and resume our journey to Skingrad.

By the time we arrive at Rosethorn Hall it is nearly midnight.

[SubRosa]

That is a cool cliff and waterfall.

[macole]

That is a cool cliff and waterfall.

I believe it is part of the Unique Landscapes River Ethe module. One of the better looking ones, IMO.

[Renee]

Poor Jandaga, his ladies are always bickering, as high-strung, assertive ladies are wont to do.

[Acadian]

Nice statue of the Dragon God of Time, depicting his duality.

The group took down 000 Liliputia and stole her glass slippers!

Some gorgeous landscapes!

[macole]

Acadian: I am constantly amazed at the talent and vision of the Unique Landscapes team.

Renee: What is life without a little strife? Brain numbing boredom or idyllic peacefulness; can't decide.

20200918 two for Gweden, one for Rumple
Next morning after breakfast and attending to the morning rituals we left Rosethorn Hall, walked down to the Mages Guild Hall, and used the transportation system to quickly take us to the Universitum Arcanorum in the Imperial City.

Finding Bothiel in the lobby, we presented her with the Dwemer artifacts we recovered. Bothiel rewarded us with 3000 gold pieces, and invited us to return in a day or so to see a functioning Orrery.

“Let’s go look for Sugar.”

We crossed the bridge from the Universitum Arcanorum to the Arboretum expecting to find Sugar but she’s not around. Where could she be?

Maeva opened her magical map and laid it out before us. Chanting an incantation while she waved her hand left to right over the map, an image of the Imperial City came into view. A clockwise motion of Maeva’s hand, the image of the Imperial City zoomed to focus on the shacks just outside the docks. With a sudden clenching of her fist a red arrow appeared on the map pointing to an abandoned shack.

“She’s there!” proclaimed Maeva. “Don’t know how long she’ll stay there so we better hurry.”

As Maeva said we found Sugar the Orc sleeping in the abandoned shack. She was very happy to get her axe back. She was even happier to at the offer of work at Gweden. Sugar wasted no time in packing her things and leaving for Gweden.

Walking back inside the city walls we checked the time. High Chancellor Ocato should be in the Elder Council Chambers. After discussing the Mountain Riders and their need of an official headquarter building with High Chancellor Ocato, he saw the need and he would support the effort if we do something for him first. Find a book detailing a spell called Skull of the Mountain. Ho boy, nothing is easy.

“Skull of the Mountain,” Kaleah moaned. “I carried you down the mountain when you got the Finger, guess I’ll have to do it again.”

The Ladies ask about stopping for lunch and shopping. Not a bad idea, so off to the Merchants District we go to get a bite at the Feed Bag. After lunch we cash in our loot and when my Ladies had their shopping fix satisfied we take what coin is left to the bank.

Leaving the Imperial City through the Merchant District gate we make our way down to the lake shore. Near Sideways Cave where the lake narrows we make our crossing and continue east until we reach the Red Ring Road. Traveling south along the Red Ring Road we keep a lookout for a burned out shop.

Passing by Wellspring Cave a Dremora Kynmarcher dressed in unusual blue daedric armor steps out on to the road to block our path. In a daedric tongue, he issues a challenge.

What could this mean? Is there daedric opposition to the Stranded Light? As a diplomat of the Stranded Light is the Jandaga in danger? Or are Dremora bounty hunters being sent to capture Kaleah and return her to the realm of whichever Prince she fled?

It must be the latter. Kaleah accepting the challenge drew her sword and screamed, “Never!”

The duel was over quickly. With Kaleah victorious we continued south along the Red Ring Road.

A short while later we found the burned out ruin of the Old All Things Alchemical. A brief search and we had our clue, Silanu’s riding crop. A flimsy thing with a laughable 1 point shock damage effect; it’s more of a role play prop than anything else. It would take a year of spankings to kill someone with it.

With evidence to dispute the accusations against Silanu, what do we do with it?

[Acadian]

Loved Maeva's 'find Sugar map spell' and how you described its use.

I'm surprised your crew went back into to the main city to go shoppping when the Goddess Store was so near down by the docks.

[macole]

I'm surprised your crew went back into to the main city to go shoppping when the Goddess Store was so near down by the docks.

Habit, I never sell stuff to the associates at the Goddess Store. They're too distracting and I end up losing on the deals. Plus a couple of other reasons; 1, incase of of over zealous shopping the bank is in the Merchants District, 2 Jandaga has an interest in a couple of the shops.

[ghastley]

After lunch we cash in our loot and when my Ladies had their shopping fix satisfied we take what coin is left to the bank.

Proof that this is a work of fiction. IRL the criterion for "shopping fix satisfied" is that there is no remaiining coin.

[Renee]

Loved Maeva's 'find Sugar map spell' and how you described its use.

Yeah, I liked this too.

It's funny, I thought the same thing about Goddess Store, since they were down at the WF anyway. But the truth is, going in that place is never cheap, especially for female characters.

Maeva is fiery!

[macole]

20200921 VH-OVB Cheydinhal Chapter House
“Ladies, what do we do now?"

Kaleah offered the Ayleid Steps, “We hardly even started researching those travel stones.”

Maeva brought up Merendin and taking care of some business there, “How about searching for the survivors of the shipwreck or even better going back to the 19 Voids in Shivering Isles to free the captured seducer.”

Kaleah bared her fangs and wrinkled her nose at that.

Pym pulls a flawless deep blue sapphire from her pouch and points in the direction of Valenwood.

“Oh yes, the active gateway we found in Noutar Emero. That place does need investigating.”

for certain, if Yesmin, Elenya, and Claire were here, I’d be told three more places to go. And of course, Vilja would want to go to the Waterfront to see the ships.

After some careful thought, Cheydinhal is close by and there are a couple of items there to be done for the Order of the Virtuous Blood. That settled we headed north.

Arriving at our Cheydinhal home we find the OVB Chapter House has been set-up in the basement. The work looks pretty good. Now all we have to do is find someone to act as both recruiting agent and trainer.

Yes, that needs to be done but for now it’s time for dinner and a relaxing evening at home. We’ll deal with finding a trainer in the morning.

Next day we began our search for a trainer. Browsing the Black Horse Courier seemed like a good place to start. Nothing of interest there except my three lovely, scowling Ladies found an article in the gossip columns and held it in front of my face to read. In big bold print, THE PSYCHADILIC CHAMPION OF CYRODIIL TAKES DEVOTED COMPANIONS SHOPPING ON THE CHEAP.

Thoroughly admonished I promised to make amends next time we’re in the Imperial City.

Back to asking around for available trainers who might be willing to work for the OVB, our first contact informed us that a mage, Bernard Rambault recently arrived from Morrowind. He’s staying at the Mages Guild. Rumors also were flying about a Telvanni agent who showed up a few days later asking for Bernard. He’s staying at Newlands Lodge.

The Mages Guild is nearby; we’ll stop there first and speak to this Bernard Rambault fellow.

Bernard Rambault has an interesting tale to tell. While in Morrowind he found a rare artifact, the Exsanguinator with some unusual properties. Unfortunately it has been stolen and he wasn’t able to show it to us.

Heading over to Newlands Lodge we spoke to Faves Andas, a Telvanni Lawman. He claims that Rambault stole the Exsanguinator, an invaluable Dwemer artifact from Golom Daeusa. Andas also claims that he has been sent to reclaim the Exsanguinator and that the only reason Rambault is still alive, is because the device was stolen from him in turn by Cheydinhal’s Orum Gang.

We sat and talked awhile about how things were going in Morrowind, Vvardenfell in particular. It was getting late so I asked, “Lawman, who became Telvanni Archmagister after I stepped down?”

Favas nearly choked on his wine when he realized who he was talking to. "I should've recognized that golden dragon on your chest," he burbled as wine dribbled down his chin. "You've changed a bit since then."

Well, nothing Faves Andas or Bernard Rambault told us gave any indication that either would be a suitable OVB candidate. The description of the Exsanguinator intrigues me though. Perhaps it would be worth pursuing.

We head back home for dinner and rest.

(Been playing Oblivion off and on now since it came out nearly 12-years ago and I have no recollection of the Orum Gang.)

[Acadian]

'In big bold print, THE PSYCHADILIC CHAMPION OF CYRODIIL TAKES DEVOTED COMPANIONS SHOPPING ON THE CHEAP.'
- - Haha!

I recall the Orum Gang had something going on in Cheydinhall but can't remember what it was or really dealing with them. Been a long time though.