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Posted by: King Coin Nov 12 2011, 02:30 AM

Aravi is a character I started in Oblivion. When Skyrim came around I realized I didn't want to leave her in Cyrodiil. She had to come with.

For the first several pages of this thread I post only screen shots.

Jump to: http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=4925&view=findpost&p=136411

Jump to: http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4695&st=0

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Here she is:

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/8421/newaravi.jpg

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4941/tesv2011111115312010.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4048/tesv2011111115320083.jpg

It'll be a while before I start posting videos. I'm still figuring things out.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 12 2011, 02:45 AM

What a joy it will be to see Aravi living in Skyrim! She looks like she arrived in good shape. A new doo and such, but she looks just great!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 12 2011, 03:35 AM

She shaved her head!

I know, I know, the Khajiit probably don't have "hair" in Skyrim like they did in Oblivion. The truth is, she looks most excellent. One thing Skyrim did right was to make the Khajiit and Argonians look absolutely stellar.

Have they done anything with the tails? I mean how in Oblivion clothing did not accommodate tails, and they just stuck through the back of your pants or skirt?

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 12 2011, 04:22 AM

Looking forward to Aravi's new journey. She really took her time walking, huh? Took her 200 years to walk from Cyrodill to the Skyrim boarder.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 12 2011, 06:14 AM

@Acadain: Thank you my friend.

@SubRosa: Aravi has hair but it's farther back on her head. I didn't find a red color for it either, or if there was it was too subtle. I like the way she looks though. Got her green eyes.

The tails just stick through the garment like they did in Oblivion.

@liliandra nadiar: I think it'll be 3 months from when she left Cyrodiil. The devs may say it's 200 years in the future, but I'm not going along with it.

A few more screens:
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/9641/tesv2011111120484567.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5998/tesv2011111122364440.jpg
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7/tesv2011111120290018.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6263/tesv2011111119505114.jpg

Posted by: King Coin Nov 12 2011, 08:46 AM

She's learning some magic.

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/7601/tesv2011111201332072.jpg
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4366/tesv2011111201353455.jpg

Posted by: Grits Nov 12 2011, 01:08 PM

Oh, she looks fantastic!! My favorite is the one on the rock with the moon.

It’s great to see her in Skyrim!

Posted by: mALX Nov 12 2011, 05:26 PM

These are Awesome screens !!! Why didn't you tell me you had a new thread up ???? URK !!! I love these !!!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 12 2011, 07:32 PM

In the Winterhold College:

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8307/tesv2011111211231323.jpg

@Grits: Thanks Grits!

@mALX: Sorry I forgot to tell you.

Posted by: mALX Nov 12 2011, 07:49 PM

Gorgeous screenshot !! Aravi is still beautiful !!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 13 2011, 12:11 AM

I really like the way Aravi looks in Skyrim, compared to Oblivion.

More feline, which in my book is always a good thing.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 13 2011, 12:24 AM

Posted by: Acadian Nov 13 2011, 01:03 AM

Thanks for the screens, they look great. I'm really enjoying seeing Skyrim through Aravi's eyes.

Posted by: Thomas Kaira Nov 13 2011, 01:08 AM

QUOTE(SubRosa @ Nov 12 2011, 04:24 PM)

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 13 2011, 03:50 AM

Khajiti night eye mutes colors out pretty badly. Really, there are a http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/Liliandra_Nadair/LiliOblivion/TESV2011-11-1216-24-29-50.jpg more colors then brown.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 13 2011, 05:27 AM

@mALX: Thanks

@H.E.R.: I really like the changes Bethesda made too. Not to say I didn't like the way Aravi looked in Oblivion, but I thing she looks better in Skyrim. Thanks!

@SubRosa: As many people pointed out Skyrim is very colorful. I've just been playing in dark/tundra areas.

I think the familiar looks friendly! Its hard to see in the screen but look at the eyes!
Thank you!

@Acadian: Thank you! It's been a blast with quite a bit of fumbling but I'm catching on quickly. I won't be posting any videos until I get the controls figured out and BethSoft gets another patch out.

@TK: Exactly right.

@liliandra nadiar: No nighteye, it's just dark.
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A Few more screens of Aravi. Got a couple of colorful ones.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/6156/tesv2011111214391101.jpg
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/1935/unledwm.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2596/tesv2011111220205104.jpg
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1070/tesv2011111220192502.jpg
#########################################
And I have a question for those of you that have Skyrim: What weapon do you use the most and what is its quality?

I'm asking because Aravi's best sword is steel (the one in the screen is a bound sword). She's at level 12 right now as well. Do you have to buy better weapons? We've only found steel and iron on enemies so far.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 13 2011, 06:10 AM

Not really far in (I'd say I suffer alt-itis, but I actually enjoy it) but my level 8 Bosmer archer used an Imperial Bow of Inferno as primary and Lightning magic as secondary. The level 7 Kahjiji knifer uses a Steel Dagger with the previously mentioned Bow and Fire magic as secondary. The latest, a level 5 Orisimer juggernaut uses a Steel Warhamer and nothing else.

Posted by: mALX Nov 13 2011, 10:42 AM

These screens are Awesome !!! Maxical made it to Skyrim for about 4 hours, but then the laptop suddenly turned off and said it was an emergency Windows 7 update. ( in the middle of my game ... ARGH !!! ) - then it wouldn't shut off or turn back on, it is showing the Windows 7 screen but no icons or tray, etc. So I got on the PC and IT said it was unable to start I needed to do an emergency System Restore ... WTF ????

Anyway, if I can ever get on my laptop again I took a few screens ... if they are still there.

Posted by: Saquira Nov 13 2011, 11:08 AM

Aravi looks great in Skyrim! My main character is an argonian mage on level 9, and her main weapon is summoning a fire atronach, then shoot sparks from both hands. When she runs out of magicka, or her enemy doesn't see her she uses an ancient nord bow, and sometimes a orcish greatsword(completely different design from iron or steel ^^) I can post some pictures of her later. I don't quite remember how much damage they all cause, but I think that at least the orcish greatsword causes 19.

Posted by: Grits Nov 13 2011, 01:58 PM

I love Screen 4 the most. KC, she is beautiful!

Rowan is using a steel sword and an ancient Nord sword that she improved. Inspired by Aravi, she picked up a couple of spell tomes last night. Now she has a conjured sword and a wolf, woo hoo! Going to try out the conjured sword this morning. She's only Level 5, I took pity on my drooling family and let them play yesterday.

How does the conjured sword stack up to the steel? I couldn't find any stats for it. I was probably looking in the wrong menu. She hasn't found steel as loot yet, she had to buy it.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 13 2011, 05:38 PM

@liliandra nadiar: Aravi used an Imperial bow for quite a while as well. She's just now beginning to find better equipment. She still carries a pair of steel daggers though! Thanks!

@mALX: And Maxical is gorgeous! I'm glad the screens were still there. I hope you get your computer issues straightened out. Thanks!

@Saquira: Thank you! I'm going to play some other characters in Skyrim as well just to see what everything is like and I was actually planning an Argonain mage as well! Aravi has to summon a flame atronach pretty often as well, I'm not sure if I'm just not leveling her correctly, in a higher level zone, or just suck at Skyrim still. Thanks!

@Grits: Thank you Grits!
The conjured sword is waaaay better than the steel sword. Aravi was getting her tail handed to her in every strictly melee fight she went into until she started using the conjured sword. Now she stands a chance. I can't find the stats on the sword either and it's not on the wiki yet. I just know it's a lot better than the steel sword. Thanks!

####################################

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1767/tesv2011111310151874.jpg

She bought that from the smith in Riverwood. The bow is Dwarven and she found that in a dungeon!
It sounds like she will finally fight a dragon now as well. I've been with her for nearly 15 hours and haven't seen one. She is level 13 or 14.

Posted by: mALX Nov 13 2011, 06:58 PM

What is that headband and where did you get it? Aravi in her Elven armor - now that looks familiar !!!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 13 2011, 07:08 PM

You find little 'circlets' as loot. That particular one was a quest reward though.

I'm very happy with the elven armor! Aravi looks great with it!

Posted by: mALX Nov 13 2011, 07:17 PM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Nov 13 2011, 01:08 PM)

Posted by: King Coin Nov 13 2011, 10:40 PM

Aravi finally has Dragons out now. Her first unscripted encounter with dragons involved two(!) of the beasts coming after her at the same time! After a few reloads she was able to kill both. The first two screens are of the first dragon and then last two are of the second.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/8204/tesv2011111314491202.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5489/tesv2011111314530060.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4563/tesv2011111315143392.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2135/tesv2011111315145265.jpg

Posted by: Grits Nov 13 2011, 10:45 PM

Oh, those are fantastic! I admire your nerve. I'm still way too freaked out by the dragons, I couldn't take screenshots even if it was possible on the PS3! Go Aravi!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 14 2011, 12:51 AM

More fabulous screens of Aravi, armors, scenery and dragons! I love the circlet!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 14 2011, 04:46 AM

Had one 'random' dragon, got my cute orc boat beaten three times before I ran into a dungeon.

Posted by: mALX Nov 14 2011, 03:28 PM

Holy Cow !!! Come on, KC - Details !!! Urk !!! Did she use just the bow and arrow? Did she hit him with spells (and which ones)? Holy Cow, that is Awesome screens - how in the world do you do that while being attacked by a dragon? ARGH !! Awesome Screens !!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 14 2011, 10:22 PM

@Grits: Thanks! When I saw that dragon flying like that right in front of Aravi I hit the console button to take the screen.

@Acadian: Thank you! The green circlet looks better on her, but the blue one increases her blue!

@liliandra nadiar: There was lots of swearing when I found out there wasn't just one but two of them.

@mALX: Let's see, the bow wasn't very effective because it was difficult to hit the beast while it flew and Aravi isn't as skilled with the bow as she is with other things. She didn't use spells because she isn't very good with them either. Her best bet was to wait for it to land and then summon an atronach. When its attention was on the atronach she went after its sides and wings with her swords.

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http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7480/tesv2011111414560967.jpg

Posted by: Acadian Nov 15 2011, 02:32 AM

So how do you find a white cat in a blizzard?

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 15 2011, 02:44 AM

If you get mauled when you take a step, you found her.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 15 2011, 04:50 AM

QUOTE(Acadian @ Nov 14 2011, 07:32 PM)

So how do you find a white cat in a blizzard?

Posted by: mALX Nov 15 2011, 04:00 PM

GAAAAH !!! How did you do that? Awesome !!!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 16 2011, 01:37 AM

@mALX:


@ Acadian and liliandra nadiar


http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8776/tesv2011111511462157.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3893/tesv2011111518123743.jpg

Posted by: mALX Nov 16 2011, 01:42 AM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Nov 15 2011, 07:37 PM)

@mALX:


@ Acadian and liliandra nadiar


http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8776/tesv2011111511462157.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3893/tesv2011111518123743.jpg

Posted by: Acadian Nov 16 2011, 01:43 AM

Thanks for the new screens.

I'm so glad Aravi is enjoying herself!!!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 16 2011, 03:38 AM

@mALX: Yes and yes. Thanks!

@Acadian: Thank you!


http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/9308/tesv2011111519403858.jpg

Posted by: mALX Nov 16 2011, 03:42 AM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Nov 15 2011, 09:38 PM)

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 16 2011, 04:26 AM

This the point I say Cats rule, dogs drool?

Though mALX does bring up an interesting idea in my head, a Khajiti werewolf... *ponders*

Oh, and yes, that is a bound sword. My mage has the spell but I never get to use it, anythings dead before it gets to melee range or I'm out of magicka when it does.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 19 2011, 12:56 AM

Cat vs dog. Lol. What a neat screenie. Love the bound sword.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 19 2011, 01:45 AM

Not just a dog, but a neutered one at that!

The bound weapons look are a lot neater in this game, rather than just recycling the textures for the daedric weapons. Unless of course, that is what daedric looks like in Syrim!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 19 2011, 05:03 AM

I'd like to see what it is like playing a werewolf...

I think the Daedric weapons share the same shape as the bound weapons but aren't ghostly. I haven't seen a Daedric weapon yet though.

And SubRosa I am thankful it's a neutered pooch.

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http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/586/tesv2011111818093389.jpg Hey he as a note on him, what does it say?


http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5292/tesv2011111818101060.jpg

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 19 2011, 05:06 AM

I didn't know that Talon Company was in Skyrim!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 19 2011, 06:02 AM

Well, so much for a relaxing constitutional. Suicide by Kitty seems popular for someone.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 19 2011, 08:37 AM

Exactly what I was thinking of when I found that note. For some reason the DB seem a bit more scary to have after you though.

You have that right liliandra nadiar!

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http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/5570/tesv2011111900493297.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2338/tesv2011111900571621.jpg

Posted by: Grits Nov 19 2011, 06:43 PM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Nov 19 2011, 02:37 AM)

Posted by: mALX Nov 19 2011, 08:11 PM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Nov 18 2011, 11:03 PM)

Posted by: mALX Nov 19 2011, 08:28 PM

QUOTE(Grits @ Nov 19 2011, 12:43 PM)

QUOTE(King Coin @ Nov 19 2011, 02:37 AM)

Taking on a fort full of bandits. [/url]

I love these two! The autumn forest with Aravi's coloring, and the arrow in flight!

QUOTE(Grits @ Nov 19 2011, 12:43 PM)

Posted by: Grits Nov 19 2011, 09:08 PM

QUOTE(mALX @ Nov 19 2011, 02:28 PM)

Posted by: Acadian Nov 20 2011, 01:19 AM

Nice screens! Eeep! Someone's after Aravi. I thought she left Cyrodiil to get away from all that!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 20 2011, 04:37 PM

@Grits: Thank you! I loved both of those screens. Aravi only has had only one assassination attempt on her from that group. Now the Thalmor have sent one of their own hit squads after Aravi. They had a note on them specifying her as the target similar to the DB note. They must have been none too pleased that she actually defended herself when one of their agents attacked her.

I have no idea who did the Black Sacrament because that was before she met the Thalmor. She did not get involved in any disputes in Riverwood.

@mALX: Aravi has tried to stay out of trouble. We really have no idea who sent the DB after Aravi. How could you accuse Aravi of a killing spree? She doesn't belong to any factions yet either.

I do not know if Aravi will ever marry or not. I suppose it will depend if she meets someone she really cares about and then develops those feelings for them.

@Acadian: I guess trouble followed her out of Cyrodiil. So far she hasn't had any trouble with vampires though!

################################


http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1119/tesv2011111922292920.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8137/tesv2011111922315515.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6863/tesv2011112000200821.jpg

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/4747/tesv2011112000321476.jpg

Posted by: mALX Nov 20 2011, 05:09 PM

Awesome screens!

Posted by: Grits Nov 20 2011, 05:26 PM

The poor deer! I love the Aravi vs. dragon screen. I still can't get over how beautiful the sky can be. Great shots!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 20 2011, 06:49 PM

Ah! I know that dragon. Nasty surprise also waiting by the wall there too. :/

Chloe had her own encounter with a DB assassin last night as well, also not sure called it on her, anyone with cause hasn't survived the encounter.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 21 2011, 04:04 AM

Like Grits said, that dragon & deer shot was great!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 21 2011, 05:43 PM

Thanks mALX!

@Grits: No screen shot can do it justice, those skies are fantastic. It makes me want to go north and see the real thing.

It was kind of funny watching that dragon. It was staring at the deer and the deer was running all over the place.

@liliandra nadiar: Very nasty surprise.

Aravi hasn't had anymore problems with the Dark Brotherhood.

Thanks Acadian!

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http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2593/tesv2011112022123768.jpg

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7538/tesv2011112110171575.jpg

Posted by: mALX Nov 21 2011, 06:08 PM

I don't know which stone that is off the top of my head, but I've never seen them at night lighting up before, only the light that shoots up into the sky !! Awesome screen !!! I love the one where Aravi is mounted on the dragon's neck and pounding his head in too, in the blur of action it looks like our beloved Cyrodiil Aravi !!!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 21 2011, 06:24 PM

Oh, Lord stone?

So in the case of the Dragon or the Tiger, smart money bets on the Tiger.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 21 2011, 10:16 PM

Yep it's the Lord stone! At least for Aravi, it's the most useful stone she's come by so far.

Aravi's gotten pretty good at taking on those dragons.

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http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/5682/tesv2011112113093274.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/543/tesv2011112113131707.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9011/tesv2011112114414240.jpg

####################

I've been trying to think of a good starting place to begin my videos. Anyone want me to reset the game and start it right outside of the tutorial? Or just start with Aravi as she is now? Feel free to share any ideas you may have.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 21 2011, 11:05 PM

I would say it would depend a bit on how you're planning to take her. Is she full on Dragonborn or just another cat? If doing the MQ, starting when she comes out would be a fair place to start. Otherwise, find a random spot on/near the boarder and 'walk' her into Skyrim.

Posted by: Grits Nov 21 2011, 11:43 PM

Nice! I haven't found any birthstones yet. I guess I should go out more at night.

I think you could go either way with the videos, like liliandra said. You could even take some liberties with the story line if she's Dragonborn, have her do some things in Skyrim and then go back to the opening sequence. It really depends on what story you want to tell.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 22 2011, 02:34 AM

More fun screens. Eeep! (dragon) Brrr! (snow).

I don't think I would start over. In fact, I would try to avoid wrapping yourself in long storylines. Short adventures and random hikes and stuff to show off Skyrim.

Posted by: mALX Nov 22 2011, 03:41 AM

I wouldn't start it again if I were you. If you are going to follow the main questline, why not show it? Or is it all just one dragon slaying after another? What about doing one of the factions?

Ooh, is that Mehrunes Dagon's Shrine? I plan to visit the site directly behind it again for personal reasons, lol.

I love the screens - and you found Solitude !! I walked around with it on my map and could not find it to save my life !! (and I wasn't the only one, either.) I have absolutely everything in that area there on my map except Solitude itself, lol. My fave is the Solitude one, really nice !!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 22 2011, 11:03 PM

I'd like to follow the main questline so I'll reset when I begin. I'm not planning doing just the main quest though, she'll do other things as well.

The birthstones only shine like that when you activate them. So going out at night and looking for a beam of light in the air won't be much help. Aravi found the Atronach stone as well.

That was Mehrunes Dagon's shrine.

Aravi had a difficult time finding Solitude as well... then she looked up. That was an amazing moment.

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http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/7403/tesv2011112215104427.jpg

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/194/tesv2011112215234249.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/9890/tesv2011112215244896.jpg

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 22 2011, 11:22 PM

The hot spring is really neat. I see they have bikinis in Skyrim!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 22 2011, 11:43 PM

I've found that spot. Though there was only (I think) a Redguard woman there when Chloe and Lydia passed by. Of course it was night time when they did. Still, it helped wash off the sweat from fighting a dragon a bit before.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 23 2011, 03:25 AM

Luved the hot spring screens. Warm water, a pile of clothes on the rocks, what's not to like?

Posted by: Grits Nov 23 2011, 04:24 AM

Hot springs!! I haven't found those yet. That looks like a great place for a long-term camp.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 23 2011, 05:46 PM

Thank you everyone!

@liliandra nadiar: Aravi was passing by and heard that dragon bellowing and circling over that area. That was kind of creepy actually. It was dark so it was really hard to spot.


######################

Some scenic views today from Aravi's trip around the south side of the Throat of the World.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5618/tesv2011112220003053.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7389/tesv2011112220121152.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9997/tesv2011112220412435.jpg I think her coloring got changed accidentally the last time I went into the racemenu to tweak her. Oops.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 23 2011, 06:43 PM

Well, at the very least, the sceanery's pretty in game.

Chloe found the dragon assaulting the giant camp so she and Lydia had some potant aid, just had to be careful not to get too close to thier camp.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 23 2011, 11:45 PM

Aravi tried to help a giant and his mammoths fight off a dragon, only to have all of them pissed at her. She killed the dragon, then had to run as fast as she could away from a giant and four mammoths.

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http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/4830/tesv2011112316282182.jpg

Posted by: Grits Nov 24 2011, 12:33 AM

Oh wow, I've never seen one sleeping before.

That must have been quite a mammoth chase.

Is her face a little lighter? She still looks beautiful!!

Posted by: mALX Nov 24 2011, 12:50 AM

I am stunned by the AI having the people swimming !!! That ROCKS !!! And friendly people too - loved those screens !! Was that a Dragon Priest sleeping? I'd get into sneak and nail them once good before waking them, lol. I've never seen that, usually they burst from the coffin on me, lol. Great shots !!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 24 2011, 01:55 AM

KC, those two scenery screens were really neat! I mean, all of them are but I especially liked those two.

Posted by: King Coin Nov 25 2011, 02:27 AM

@Grits: Her fur is lighter and isn't as red. I haven't changed it back though.

@mALX: You need to watch out for those hunters, they look a lot like bandits. The sleeping danger I was talking about is on the right side. It blends in with the stone really well.

@Acadian: Skyrim has some very pretty scenery.

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http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/732/tesv2011112418244259.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7219/tesv2011112418434650.jpg

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 25 2011, 02:29 AM

I love the grey horse. Did you name it Traveler? (Marse Robert's horse).

Very cool looking - is it a lich? Or a wraith? Well, whatever it is, it is creepy. I like the gleaming black. It is a nice change from the usual muted browns and greys I see in this game.

Posted by: mALX Nov 25 2011, 03:09 AM

I still don't see what you are talking about on that screen. Oh, what a gorgeous dappled horse !!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 25 2011, 03:23 AM

Great horse! And that lichieghostie thing looks very neat.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 25 2011, 04:18 AM

Oh, Aravi's clearing out Meridia's temple. Chloe fought those guys, they're not much of a threat. Or at least not to a bow sniper.

And mALX, look on the far right, between the moon and the archway.

Posted by: Grits Nov 25 2011, 04:24 AM

Yay, horse!!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 25 2011, 07:49 PM

@SubRosa: The horse has no name yet. The undead is a shade.

@mALX: There is a dragon on the rocks in that screen, under the moon on the right. I liked that horse's coloring as well.

@Acadian: Thanks. Aravi still doesn't like horses, but it's more of a necessity in Skyrim than it was in Cyrodiil.

@liliandra nadiar: They weren't difficult for Aravi either.

@Grits:

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http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/66/tesv2011112509445400.jpg This is when Aravi finished the Companions questline. A beautiful greeting home.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1043/tesv2011112511045153.jpg Her Thu'um burns it and her swords finish it.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 25 2011, 08:02 PM

So Aravi has been through the desert on a horse with no name? Oh wait, no deserts in Skyrim.

That was some finishing of the frost troll! I have always thought Aravi was a hottie, this proves it!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 25 2011, 08:08 PM

Aravi needs to cut back on the whiskey, or at least not carry a lit flame afterwards. What did the poor frost troll do to her?

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 25 2011, 08:09 PM

Either that or lay off the Doritos...

Posted by: Acadian Nov 26 2011, 01:02 AM

What a neat contrast from the hauntingly cold landscape approaching that town, to flaming a frost troll!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 26 2011, 01:50 PM

@SubRosa & liliandra nadiar: The next screen will be after she pops a mint.

@Acadian: Thanks!

##################

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/4940/tesv2011112522030513.jpg

Posted by: Grits Nov 26 2011, 02:26 PM

Wow! These are great. Aravi vs. frost troll is my favorite. She's awesome!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 26 2011, 06:50 PM

Whoa, that's a Dwemer ruin! That is the coolest thing I have ever seen in all these Skyrim pics. Like a forest of jellyfish. The mushroom trees remind me a lot of Morrowind and the SI. The glowy effect and tendrils make them even neater. Do the tendrils stun you, like those of a portugese man of war?

BTW, don't they have Falmer ruins in Skyrim? They were that province's obligatory extinct elven race. I am surprised to see all this Dwemer stuff in people's screens. I wonder if the devs just did not feel with coming up with something brand new, so recycled the Dwemer designs from Morrowind?

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 26 2011, 08:18 PM

Very cool pic.

@Rosa, apparently Falmer 'ruins' are tied to Dwemer ones. Three cheers for cost efficient strategies? :shrugs:

Posted by: mALX Nov 27 2011, 01:39 AM

I love that Dwemer ruins, but is that water? Does Aravi have to be able to breathe under water to explore it? And which one is it? It is beautiful !! There is one Dwemer ruins that crashes my game to the desktop everytime I enter it, but I've been through two others with no problems. I haven't seen that one yet, though !!

Awesome screens !!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 27 2011, 01:43 AM

I agree. Those are beautiful ruins!

Jellyfish/mushroom trees!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 27 2011, 06:38 AM

Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: That's part of a Dwemer ruin and like I said, it's not usual. I made sure I saved before Aravi touched a jellyfich/mushroom/tree thing, but there was no effect from them.

The Falmer I've learned often inhabit Dwemer ruins, though I have found them in regular caves too.

Thanks liliandra nadiar!

@mALX: It's not water, but it sure looks like it.

Thanks Acadian!

####################

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/3721/tesv2011112617275855.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/191/tesv2011112617010471.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1083/tesv2011112614343152.jpg

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/5131/tesv2011112621554589.jpg

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/9992/tesv2011112621563414.jpg

EDIT: typo

Posted by: mALX Nov 27 2011, 06:54 AM

What an Awesome close-up of Aravi in that last screen !!! And that nice carving of a Khajiit on the wall too, love that !!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 27 2011, 07:20 AM

Don't think it's supposed to be a Khajiit on the wall, but I can almost hear Lydia. "C'mon already, it's a rock, it can't be that interesting."

Posted by: Acadian Nov 28 2011, 02:10 AM

Another great selection of Aravi, scenery, dungeons. Nice to see this Lydia housecarl that folks mention.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 28 2011, 02:13 AM

Great shot of Aravi with the moon in the background!

The carving on the wall is neat, but even cooler is the glowing symbol below it with all the candles.

I second Acadian, so that is this Lydia I keep hearing about.

Posted by: Grits Nov 28 2011, 03:35 AM

The one with the moon is my favorite, but they all look great!! Aravi is just beautiful. You did such an awesome job with her!

Posted by: King Coin Nov 30 2011, 03:34 AM

@mALX: Thanks! I thought she looked good too, and then Lydia had her usual scowl on. I think the carving is a woman wearing wolf or bear furs. I'm not sure what it's of and that is the only dungeon I've noticed it in.

@liliandra nadiar: Lydia just never seemed to like Aravi. She'd always look like that. Aravi finally got sick of her and dismissed her.

@Acadian: Thanks! You won't be seeing much of her anymore because her attitude never improved.

@SubRosa: Thank you! The item you are referring to is the enchanting alter in the game.

@Grits: Thank you!
I was actually kind of worried that people wouldn't like it that she looks so different from Oblivion when I started.

####################

No dragon slaying or troll flaming today. Just enjoying an inn. Even though many of the locals in Windhelm hate anyone that isn't a Nord, Aravi's met some nice people there and has for the most part enjoyed her time there. I think she has another day or two there before she'll finally move on.

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/9312/tesv2011112918015607.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9262/tesv2011112918020954.jpg

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/3932/tesv2011112918061061.jpg


Oh and we found out casting a fear spell on someone is considered a crime in Skyrim.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 30 2011, 03:52 AM

Those are delightful! I'm really liking that Aravi's fur now almost looks white and black.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 30 2011, 04:15 AM

Going over to the fire did not help. Now someone else is staring!

Posted by: Grits Nov 30 2011, 04:24 AM

I was thinking the same thing as Acadian. She looks a little snow leopard-y, my pick for the most beautiful creature on the planet!

That pie should be worried. Wow, that guy really is staring. Maybe he also wants a piece of that pie.

These are great!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 30 2011, 08:09 AM

Aravi and an unwashed Nordic barbarian, sitting in an Inn.
S T A R ing
First comes shifting
Then comes running
Then comes someone else staring!

Don't worry Aravi, they're just admiring a pretty kitty!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 30 2011, 05:37 PM

QUOTE(Grits @ Nov 29 2011, 10:24 PM)

That pie should be worried. Wow, that guy really is staring. Maybe he also wants a piece of that pie.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Nov 30 2011, 06:24 PM

I don't like how it becomes a stick when you enter sneak. It just doesn't look like a tail anymore to me, more like an oar stuck to thier belt. At least for Khajiit, haven't made an Argonian yet.

Posted by: mALX Dec 1 2011, 02:16 PM

They are all good, but loved the pie screen best, lol. On the "fear" - is that not an assault? I was really surprised Aravi didn't get in trouble for doing that to the Germaine twin in Cyrodiil, lol. Great shots !!

Posted by: King Coin Dec 1 2011, 11:07 PM

@Acadian: Thank you. It was the result of a little mistake in the racemenu that I didn't change. I like it too.

@SubRosa: Yeah I saw that. That person was more tolerable because they weren't as creepy about it. That guy was downright unnerving.


If he's after some tail, he needs to work on his methods some.

@Grits: I'm glad you like her as well. I'll definitely have her look this way when I restart the game and start recording. As I have said, her current coloration was the result of an accident. One that I'm happy I never corrected. I was going to do that [start recording] after this patch... but it sound's like waiting for the next fix would be wise.
Thanks!

@liliandra nadiar: Thanks!
I hope you are right, and the guy in the corner doesn't have a serial killer hobby.

@mALX: Yes it is an assault. Aravi tried to convince someone to leave the room. I saved beforehand of course.

I was hoping it wouldn't be a crime, because you really didn't do anything to harm them, they just run away.

Thank you!

########################

Aravi finally left Windhelm with the intent to travel to Solitude.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4172/tesv2011112921233076.jpg

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2585/tesv2011113022232941.jpg

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4492/tesv2011113023171265.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4492/tesv2011113023175775.jpg

EDIT: clarification

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 1 2011, 11:11 PM

Her house is nice and cozy. I think I would never leave!

I also see that Bethesda has not changed the old candles in the plate since Oblivion. I swear they look exactly the same!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 1 2011, 11:24 PM

Oh wow.. that last pic gives her such beautiful, soulful eyes. <3

Aravi's not a big reader I take it? All my girls seem to be compulsive book collectors. Need to get a house with a library room and not just shelf space for 46 books.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 2 2011, 01:49 AM

Luvs the heavy horses!

Aravi looks so sweet in her simple dress by the fire.

Posted by: mALX Dec 2 2011, 05:01 AM

1st screen - love the glowing white places in Aravi's ears from behind - moonlight hitting the fur, lol.

3/4 - GAAAAH !!! Where did Aravi get that dress? URK !!!

Great screens !!!

Posted by: Grits Dec 2 2011, 05:29 AM

Aravi looks lovely in Breezehome. Hopefully she's not staying up late because her housecarl won't get out of the bedroom.

How does she like her horse? I always admire them when one walks by.

Great view of Windhelm! I tend to get lost in the snow there, but now it makes more sense to me.

Posted by: King Coin Dec 2 2011, 04:26 PM

@SubRosa: Thanks! Its a beautiful little house. Aravi hasn't stayed there much because she's on the road a lot. Nice to have it to come back to though.

It wouldn't surprise me if they reused those candles.

@liliandra nadiar: Thanks!

Aravi hasn't spent much time in that house yet. Since that screen was taken the bookcase has been added to. I love it that they treat the bookcase as a container and then auto place the books!

@Acadian: Thank you!

@mALX: Does Maxical have those little white patches on her ears too?

Aravi got the dress in a bandit tower. It looked clean. She's seen it in general merchant stores too. glad you like her dress!

@Grits: Lydia love sitting on that chair in the room. Aravi was able to boot her from the room when she wanted to sleep though.

Horses are similar to Oblivion's with the exception that they are faster than people and most wild animals. That makes them useful enough to have in my book! Aravi doesn't like horses much, but she kind of felt bad that when she got to an inn there was no sheltered place for it.

##########################

Instead of going to Solitude, Aravi remembered that she has some stuff stored in her Winterhold College room that she would like back. So it's off to Winterhold!

The road there was unusually active with danger. http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7884/tesv2011120123054479.jpg

Farther along the road she was surprised by a low flying dragon. http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/2494/tesv2011120123242587.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/7524/tesv2011120123253752.jpg

Later on she encountered the Khajiit traders. They were being attacked by a giant. Aravi couldn't just pass by. She shot the giant with her bow.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8600/tesv2011120123435561.jpg

Posted by: mALX Dec 2 2011, 05:01 PM

Great screens !! I can't pick a favorite between the dragon blowing fire on her while she sticks an arrow down his throat or the last one where it looks like someone blew a shout into her back (because that one gives a great close-up of her face). The first screen is an Awesome action shot, too - and a close look at those horrible trolls.

I think Maxical and the new Aravi are using the same preset. They have the same facial markings now. (but I can tell them apart, lol).

Posted by: Grits Dec 2 2011, 08:22 PM

These are great! Aravi vs. dragon breath is my favorite.

How sad that the giant got mixed up with the Khajiit traders. I love seeing them on the road. I think they have the best voices. I think Aravi did what she had to do in that situation!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 2 2011, 09:02 PM

I love it that they treat the bookcase as a container and then auto place the books!
Well that is a big improvement over Oblivion!

I see the trolls look similar to the Oblivion ones, in that they seem to be keeping the ape-like feel. They are just winterized for Skyrim. Are giants really dangerous? You seem to have no qualms about fighting dragons, but not giants.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 2 2011, 09:42 PM

Giants have an high minimum level, they're in their mid/upper 20s all game. Combined with a very strong attack that can kill all but the most heavily armored/high health targets in one shot makes them very tough folks. Chloe's been getting bounties on them now, thankfully being a sniper she can down them in three to four x3 sneak with her Glass bow and Elven arrows.

Hope Aravi made it to the Collage, Cameron recommends getting Brelyna as a follower. And warns her about getting her hurt.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 3 2011, 01:43 AM

Cool! Snow trolls!

I'm glad to see Aravi confidently using her bow and I see she is still adept at sidestepping incoming fire. And that she is wise enough to sometimes point her tail at her foe and run.

Posted by: King Coin Dec 3 2011, 04:54 PM

@mALX: Thanks! The last one when she's running is actually her Atronach blessing taking effect. She actually did get hit by the giant back there, and barely survived the blow. The clubs must have some magical effect on them.

Atronach in this game is very powerful. It absorbs 1/2 of all incoming magic as far as I can tell. Not the random chance of all or nothing that Oblivion had. Also the magic pool is increased by 50 and regeneration is half speed instead of not at all.

You are right with the preset. I think when I reset I'll try to alter her face a little more so they don't look so similar.

@Grits: Thanks! She definitely couldn't let the giant kill the traders! Now if it was an Imperial or Stormcloak patrol, she would have been less eager to help. And if it was a Thalmor patrol... She would have hung around to watch!

@SubRosa: In the southern areas of Skyrim there are some more standard trolls that look like Oblivion's.

liliandra is very correct about the giants. I bet Aravi could have killed it, but it would have been trouble. Better to just run.

@liliandra nadiar: Aravi made it to the College and retrieved her stuff. She tried talking to the other students there, but none of them would offer her a quest. I think she would have to progress some in the College before they will give her quests. Aravi did get a different follower though!

@Acadian: I think the change in scenery helped her put that event in Cyrodiil behind her. She hasn't had any vampire nightmares, though something else disturbs her sleep now. Thanks!

##############

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/5327/tesv2011120301255252.jpg

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/1970/tesv2011120301262258.jpg

Aravi took him into a dungeon immediately to see how he does. He was very helpful for the most part.

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4208/tesv2011120300115667.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2714/tesv2011120301052009.jpg Hopefully the next one will have some heavy armor for Kharjo.
###############

Those of you that have use companions before, I'm having a problem with Kharjo using his default hunting bow all the time instead of the glass bow Aravi gave him. Any of you having that issue?

Posted by: mALX Dec 3 2011, 05:21 PM

Ooh, a Khajiit follower !! All are great, but my fave is the last one (walking into Breezehome in that gorgeous glass armor !!!) Nice expression on her face !! I wonder if you have to be a certain level to get the glass, I haven't seen any at all in game. ... may have to visit the Smokeroom, lol.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 3 2011, 06:36 PM

Kitties on the Prowl!

I'm hoping to find some glass armor soon myself. Chloe found a Glass helmet for sale in Riften and several glass weapons. Though since she already has a glass bow and Lydia has an Ebony War axe, weapons aren't going to change for awhile.

So Aravi took Kharjo home to flirt? Are we seeing the future Mr. Aravi?

As for the bow, he should default to the strongest weapon type, have/can you take the hunting bow from him?

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 3 2011, 06:43 PM

Hello Kitty! I too am wondering if we are seeing a future Mr. Aravi.

That glass armor looks vastly better then the Oblivion version.

Posted by: Grits Dec 3 2011, 09:01 PM

I've had the same issue with followers and bows. I've also seen it reported various places, but I don't know a fix for it.


Aravi and Kharjo make a beautifully lethal pair! My favorite is the last one, with Aravi looking awesome in her new armor. I've been looking for Kharjo's caravan. I think it would be fun to hear Khajiit comments.

I love these!!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 3 2011, 10:12 PM

It might have something to do with the patch. Or the bow. My 'patched' game seems to have acquired the same effect when I gave Lydia a second glass bow I found and she pulled out a hunters bow. I'll open up my non-patched game and check.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 4 2011, 01:23 AM

What a pleasure to meet Kharjo! He seems like a great follower. I agree with SubRosa that the glass armor looks ever so much improved!

Posted by: King Coin Dec 4 2011, 05:00 PM

@mALX: Aravi was in her high 20's when she got the glass armor. Glad you like the last one, but my personal favorite from the set was the first. Thanks mALX!

@liliandra nadiar: Glass weapons are a lot easier to find than armor pieces it seems. Aravi has what she needs. She put a helmet on once and she looked so uncomfortable with her ears pressed into it.

Lol, that'll be up to Aravi whether or not she'd like to start a relationship. It'll be slow if she does though.

I can't take his default bow away, it doesn't appear in his inventory when I open it.

@SubRosa: I too am a fan of the new glass. And like I said above, it'll be up to Aravi. I do have hopes though.

@Grits: Thanks Grits! They seem to work well together. Aravi has a much higher damage output than he does. She's been letting him take the lead in a melee and then getting around the enemy and attacking from the rear or sides.

Aravi met Kharjo in between Dawnstar and Windhelm I think. He's a guard so make sure you speak to everyone.

@Acadian: Kharjo's been a lot of fun to have around. Thanks!

############################

Aravi and Kharjo explore the area southwest of Whiterun. Azura sent them in this general area on a quest, so might as well look around a bit.

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3011/tesv2011120301313337.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/9289/tesv2011120323213512.jpg

When Aravi and Kharjo finally enter the ruin for Azura, Aravi was very brutal in dealing with the necromancers she found there.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/183/tesv2011120323331862.jpg

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/4833/tesv2011120311125132.jpg (weak stomachs should avoid this one)

############################

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4122/tesv2011120311471308.jpg I lol'd.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 4 2011, 06:27 PM

My guess is that his default bow is not marked playable, like the armor of the dremora, golden saints, and dark seducers in Oblivion. That would explain why you cannot see it in his inventory. Once the construction set comes out, I am sure you can fix that. Just to hazard a guess, I suspect that is a safety measure, so that the player cannot remove all of his weapons and leave him defenseless.

The lake looks beautiful at dawn. Again, more color then I am used to seeing in Skyrim.

So now Azura has you killing necros? I wonder if Meridia's quest sends you against vampires this time around?

Whoa! Decapitation. I see they really are incorporating many things they introduced in FO3. In fact, those finishing moves remind me of V.A.T.S. Right down to the motion blur they use in the camera.

Oh noes, Luke did not make it out of the Wampa cave after all!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 4 2011, 09:40 PM

Might be something with Glass bows, because Lydia's doing the same thing on both the patched and un-patched game. shrugs

Pretty forest pictures.

Still haven't finished up Azura's quest, really should.

It was probably a 'heat of the moment' thing for Aravi, what did she do after battle?

Posted by: mALX Dec 5 2011, 12:22 AM

I love that lake !! Where is that? I may have to build a house there, lol. Other than the (gaaaak) beheading one, I loved them all, but the first was my fave.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 5 2011, 01:44 AM

Wonderful scenery! Well, maybe not quite so much the flying head bits.

Posted by: Grits Dec 5 2011, 02:58 PM

I guess that guy couldn’t get to his lightsaber.

The two landscape shots are beautiful. I love the quiet moments, and these really capture that feeling. I can almost hear the music.

The two swords lift is my favorite, though! And it’s great to see that Savage Strike pay off. Rowan discovered that a head will roll a long way down the road.

Gosh, the light is so pretty in the first one. This time I'll pick two favorites.

Posted by: Rihanae Dec 5 2011, 03:16 PM

The scenery in Skyrim is so beautiful, and your screenshots capture that beauty perfectly!

I didn't know decapitation could be done in Skyrim (not by the player character, anyway)! That's interesting to klnow; yet slightly scary at the same time :/ Well seeing as Sherryl's weapon of choice is a mace, hopefully she won't be decapitating anyone anytime soon

Love these screens

Posted by: King Coin Dec 6 2011, 05:32 PM

I have a correction to make about spell absorption. It works like it did in Oblivion, but it plays the animation whether or not the spell actually was absorbed. I'm not sure if that's a bug or not, but it makes sense either way.

@SubRosa: That was my assumption about Kharjo's equipment.

As far as I can tell, you get a kill animation when you land a critical hit and it's the final blow. I really enjoy the finishes. Thanks SubRosa

@liliandra nadiar: I gave him an elven bow to see, but he still mostly uses the hunting bow.

She didn't get sick if that's what you are asking! Then again she didn't loot that body either...

Thank you!

@mALX: That's the big lake just north of Falkreach. Aravi was on the south side of it. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: Thanks! It's a very pretty game.

@Grits: Aravi favors the lift too. That Savage Strike is just brutal though.
I love the scenery in Skyrim. Thanks Grits!

@Rihanae: Thank you! I wonder what kind of kill moves a mace has?
Oh and be forewarned: NPCs can do the decapitation on you as well. Not a pretty sight.

########################

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3759/tesv2011120522502091.jpg outside of Solitude after doing some business on behalf of... well I guess she's doing it for the Jarl of Whiterun, but it should benefit all of Skyrim.

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/8567/tesv2011120522452574.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2481/tesv2011120600321433.jpg

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 6 2011, 05:54 PM

Winterhold to Falkreach to Solitude? Kharjo's going a long way for some tail.

Glad he's protective of Aravi and hope he didn't loose too much of his fur in that attack.

I like the lift finisher, but my favorite is the jumping lunge/stab.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 6 2011, 06:06 PM

I love that first pic with the two of them. It's too bad they do not have finishing moves for magic attacks.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 7 2011, 01:38 AM

What a lovely couple they make! Ouch, singed fur! Still loving Aravi's armor.

Posted by: mALX Dec 7 2011, 02:10 AM

I agree with Acadian, I am head over heels in love with the glass armor look in this game !! Now if I can just get to a high enough level to get some for myself !!! Great Screens !!

Posted by: Grits Dec 7 2011, 03:00 AM

What a shot of Aravi pulling Kharjo's tail out of the fire! That must have been tense with him down like that and the possibility of burning.

Of course my favorite is Aravi by the fire with a faraway look on her face.

Posted by: King Coin Dec 7 2011, 04:30 PM

NOTE: I should have mentioned this for the benefit of those that don't own the game, or haven't fought any dragons yet: When dragons die they burn up like that one was in the second screenshot I posted yesterday.

@liliandra nadiar: And now he's going to Markarth!He was a little shook up after the dragon, but he's fine now. Thanks!

@SubRosa: Thanks!
I don't know if this counts as a finishing move, but occasionally with magic enemies are incinerated. It looks like the plasma weapon incineration from FO3.

@Acadian: Thank you. They work well together. Aravi just loaded him up with health potions and I was happy to see he used them.

@mALX: I love the glass armor too! Aravi was 28+ when she found hers. I'm not sure when exactly. She's level 32 now. Thanks!

@Grits: That was pretty tense. Aravi was able to kill the dragon pretty quickly after he went down and the dragon didn't catch him in any attacks directed at Aravi. Thanks!

########################

On their way to High Hrothgar, http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/857/tesv2011120611123498.jpg

Not seeing any lookouts on the walls, they crept closer. Inside the walls they found necromancers and skeleton archers. http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1399/tesv2011120611182561.jpg, they killed the http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4349/tesv2011120611184283.jpg and their undead tools.

Aravi and Kharjo clear the keep of skeletons and lesser necromancers and then reach the master of the fort. http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6081/tesv2011120613102010.jpg

On their way out, Aravi finds a flawless gem. She's been looking for this particular variety so that she could start a quest all the way out by Markarth. http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1889/tesv2011120613210135.jpg, and Aravi clears a bandit camp built right next to the road.

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1929/tesv2011120623163435.jpg, then head for a small town nearby.

Posted by: mALX Dec 7 2011, 05:01 PM

All these screens are great, but my fave is the last - Awesome close-up of Aravi !!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Dec 7 2011, 07:11 PM

Love, love the second one ("using their bows" linky)! Awesome teamwork!

That Kharjo is turning out to be quite the useful one!

Posted by: Grits Dec 7 2011, 10:16 PM

Wow, these are great! As much as I love the one with the bows and the quiet closeup, the dual swords arterial spray one is my favorite.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 8 2011, 03:03 AM

Fabulous action shots! If we're picking faves, I'm going with Grits. Gaga for that one of Aravi posing with those two swords - and bloody evidence on the screen to boot!

Posted by: King Coin Dec 8 2011, 03:21 PM

A NOTE: I've found that Kharjo has an infinite supply of whatever type of arrows Aravi gives him. So guess who got the Daedric arrows when Aravi suddenly found some? She could have given him one arrow and he'd be set, but she gave all of them to him.

@mALX: Thanks! I liked that one too because you can see the flecks of darker green in her eyes.

@H.E.R: It's so much fun to time the shots to release the arrows at the same time. Thanks for dropping by!

@Grits: Usually I have one per set that I'm most proud of, but this one, I like those three and I can't choose a favorite. The dual swords one was the most difficult to get. Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: Thanks. I couldn't decide if I wanted the necromancer in the screenshot or not. I took both and this one turned out to be the better of the two. Plus the blood is more than enough evidence. Thanks!

##########################

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/341/tesv2011120718552982.jpg. The current occupants are http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7259/tesv2011120719555518.jpg either.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2163/tesv2011120720013828.jpg

As they move deeper into the ruin, the begin to encounter the ancient machines built by the Dwemer. http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/5056/tesv2011120720093308.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/223/tesv2011120720103408.jpg and their twisted hulks yield soul gems if you pry enough.

You hear something?

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3805/tesv2011120722204927.jpg

Posted by: mALX Dec 8 2011, 03:38 PM

Holy Crap !!! What the heck is that thing? GAAAAAH !!!!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Dec 8 2011, 04:13 PM

KC, the more I look at Aravi's photo diary, the more I love, love, love what Beth has done with the Khajiit in Skyrim. They are the most feline looking of all the iterations I've seen, and I think Aravi is gorgeous. Kharjo is just - well, hot in that tom cat way I'm familiar with from all my years of vet practice.

And nope, I'm still not interested enough to buy the game. Sorry, Beth. Not gonna have Steam on my machine at this time.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 8 2011, 05:36 PM

*pats h.e.r* Completely understand and mostly agree with all of the above. I'm not happy with Steam being a requirement, nor having to being logged in to it in order to play legally purchased games.

As for the shots. Love the Centurion. At least I think it's a centurion, they're the only dwemer construct I've read on the loading blurbs but not encountered yet. Very good to know about the arrows, particularly since I've picked up some after a fight on several occasions and, apparently, got more of that arrow type then I started with.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 8 2011, 06:05 PM

Its Optimus Prime!

A fun look at the updated Dwemer ruins and constructs. Not surprisingly, they look much better then in Morrowind. I also notice they are not all metal, and filled with bolts and the like, as I recall them from Morrowind. Instead here they built with stone.

Posted by: Rihanae Dec 8 2011, 07:39 PM

I absoloutly LOVE the angle shot you took with the last screenie! You manage to make them look more fearsome than they actually are!

I also love how your pictures manage to portray the frienship between Aravi and her companion! It's amazing

I love these pictures! I may be slightly behind, but I enjoy them so much!

Posted by: Grits Dec 8 2011, 10:56 PM

Oh wow, I LOVE the one with Aravi's fierce expression against the Dwarven Sphere!! That thing should have been dropping gears and cogs in fear.

That Centurion looks very scary. Is that one even bigger than the usual ones?

Great action shots! I like the way you're working the screenshots into a an update about what they are doing.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 9 2011, 01:03 AM

Fabulous action shots. I love that a couple of them show teeth (Aravi in one and Kharjo in another) - Kewl!!!

Posted by: King Coin Dec 10 2011, 03:57 PM

@mALX: It's a centurion! Like other people have said, my screen makes it look scarier than it is. Thanks!

@H.E.R.: Thanks! I particularly like how Aravi looks in this game. She's beautiful in a kitty way.

I'm not happy with Steam either. For a while you could run the game without interacting with Steam, but now you must at least have it in Offline Mode to play. So far as I can tell though, Steam hasn't done anything to slow down my machine. I still don't like it though.

@liliandra nadiar: The arrows make up for his unwillingness to use a better bow. He's perfectly willing to use Daedric arrows. Thanks!

@SubRosa: Yep, built with stone. There's plenty of machinery in there however. There are places where there is a lot of scrap metal laying around. I think you can collect the scrap, melt it down, and then forge armor out of it if you have the correct smithing perk. Thanks!

@Rihanae: Thank you! Aravi and Kharjo are good friends now. Whether or not they become more is up to Aravi and Kharjo.

@Grits: Thanks! As soon as I hit the console to pause, I knew that shot of her in mid spin was going to be good. I love that it shows her teeth.

The centurion is of the normal variety. It just looks bigger from the angle I took the screen at. It reflects how Aravi felt when she saw it marching down the hall.

@Acadian: I liked that too! Thanks!

#############################

Since leaving the Dwemer ruin, Aravi has decided to head off to Whiterun. Her pack is getting heavy and she needs to see if she can do some work on their equipment. A warm bed would be nice too. The trip home hasn’t been easy though.

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/4718/tesv2011120923063997.jpg
Aravi’s sure it’s the same one as before.

Aravi’s path takes her across a camp of forsworn, and she is surprised by several archers.
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/5859/tesv2011120923152074.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5962/tesv2011120923231934.jpg

Once they both are healed, Aravi takes them back towards the camp. Quietly this time.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4619/tesv2011120923304088.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5666/tesv2011120923331622.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7285/tesv2011120923334270.jpg

Once the archers are out of the way, Aravi and Kharjo go down into the camp and discover a small cave. Inside are more forsworn. http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7366/tesv2011120923410549.jpg

Posted by: mALX Dec 10 2011, 04:48 PM

Kharjo seems to be worth his weight in gold !! Where does one find him as a follower? Great screens !!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 10 2011, 08:16 PM

Well, at least Aravi is getting a buzz!

A few inches to the left, and Aravi would never be having kids! The healing looked very cool, with that swirly effect.

Very neat shot of the arrows in flight!

What is a forsworn? Something between a threesworn and a fivesworn? The last fella had antlers. Were those part of him? Or just a helmet?

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 10 2011, 08:56 PM

Very nice! Full orc armor for the big bad tom cat? Really like how they made it look for Skyrim.

Awesome work on the arrow flight shots. Good luck getting that pesky buzz down.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 11 2011, 12:52 AM

More wonderful action shots! Wow!

Posted by: Grits Dec 11 2011, 03:14 AM

Ouch! A little lower and Aravi would have to retire from adventuring and become a town guard.

Great teamwork in the archery shots. These two look so good together. I love the one of Aravi healing them.

Posted by: King Coin Dec 11 2011, 05:07 PM

@mALX: He's perfect for what Aravi needs. He can take damage while Aravi deals it. Kharjo is a guard with one of the Khajiit trade caravans. I think Aravi met him in that area between Dawnstar and Windhelm. Thanks!

@SubRosa: At first I thought the arrow HAD hit her there! That would have been horrible!

Aravi quickly drained her magic healing both herself and Kharjo at the same time. Both of them needed it and it made for a neat screenshot.

The forsworn is a tribal group that attacks nord towns in the western areas. I believe they are led by hargravens but I'm not sure about that.

Thanks!

@liliandra nadiar: Not quite, the main piece was Orcish, but he had ebony boots and Nord steel gauntlets in those screens. Thanks!

@Acadian: Thanks! Aravi and Kharjo have been getting into a lot of trouble lately.

@Grits: What a terrible joke!
I love it how those jokes are literally everywhere. I've seen them in so many places completely unrelated to Skyrim.

Their fighting styles compliment one another's very well. When I reset Aravi, she's going to have to find him again as soon as she can. Thanks!

############################

As the continue to Whiterun, Aravi keeps stopping at little dungeons just to see what's inside. As they approach the entrance to a cave Kharjos says:

"We have found a cave. I don't think warm fires and friendly faces lie within."

He was partially wrong. Inside they were greeted by dead SPIDERS and an adventurer that had just killed the spiders. The adventurer makes his way out saying that this place was full of spiders and that he was leaving. Good luck to both of you.

Aravi's heart sinks. Spiders. She almost follows the adventurer outside. She wants to.

Instead, she swallows, takes a deep breath, chokes on the terrible smell of the dead spiders, and presses on.

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/3035/tesv2011120923575196.jpg

Aravi lets Kharjo take on the spiders with his shield and ax. She sticks to her bow and magic. Kharjo doesn't seem to mind. Deeper within they find what is obvious living quarters with magical items and books scattered about. A mage lives down here?

When they find the mage, he yells at them and starts flinging lightning bolts at them. http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/139/tesv2011121000014031.jpg Looking around the room, Aravi sees a cage full of spiders. She doesn't know what the mage was doing with them, but she's not letting them out. http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/6200/tesv2011121000035400.jpg

Aravi is glad to leave the dead spiders and the mage behind when she leaves. That is the last stop on the way to Whiterun. No more.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/932/tesv2011121011010362.jpg

Kharjo gets his tail handed to him by the dragon quickly. Aravi manages to get him on his feet again. http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/783/tesv2011121011060273.jpg

He must have felt bad about hiding because before long he's back up firing arrows at the beast beside Aravi.

After slaying the dragon they make best time to Whiterun, avoiding all fights when possible. They're both low on potions.

#######################

Aravi purchased Kharjo some new armor after they got back to Whiterun.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/4586/tesv2011121011405156.jpg

Posted by: mALX Dec 11 2011, 08:40 PM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Dec 11 2011, 11:07 AM)

@mALX: He's perfect for what Aravi needs. He can take damage while Aravi deals it. Kharjo is a guard with one of the Khajiit trade caravans. I think Aravi met him in that area between Dawnstar and Windhelm. Thanks!

@SubRosa: At first I thought the arrow HAD hit her there! That would have been horrible!

Aravi quickly drained her magic healing both herself and Kharjo at the same time. Both of them needed it and it made for a neat screenshot.

The forsworn is a tribal group that attacks nord towns in the western areas. I believe they are led by hargravens but I'm not sure about that.

Thanks!

@liliandra nadiar: Not quite, the main piece was Orcish, but he had ebony boots and Nord steel gauntlets in those screens. Thanks!

@Acadian: Thanks! Aravi and Kharjo have been getting into a lot of trouble lately.

@Grits: What a terrible joke!
I love it how those jokes are literally everywhere. I've seen them in so many places completely unrelated to Skyrim.

Their fighting styles compliment one another's very well. When I reset Aravi, she's going to have to find him again as soon as she can. Thanks!

############################

As the continue to Whiterun, Aravi keeps stopping at little dungeons just to see what's inside. As they approach the entrance to a cave Kharjos says:

"We have found a cave. I don't think warm fires and friendly faces lie within."

He was partially wrong. Inside they were greeted by dead SPIDERS and an adventurer that had just killed the spiders. The adventurer makes his way out saying that this place was full of spiders and that he was leaving. Good luck to both of you.

Aravi's heart sinks. Spiders. She almost follows the adventurer outside. She wants to.

Instead, she swallows, takes a deep breath, chokes on the terrible smell of the dead spiders, and presses on.

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/3035/tesv2011120923575196.jpg

Aravi lets Kharjo take on the spiders with his shield and ax. She sticks to her bow and magic. Kharjo doesn't seem to mind. Deeper within they find what is obvious living quarters with magical items and books scattered about. A mage lives down here?

When they find the mage, he yells at them and starts flinging lightning bolts at them. http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/139/tesv2011121000014031.jpg Looking around the room, Aravi sees a cage full of spiders. She doesn't know what the mage was doing with them, but she's not letting them out. http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/6200/tesv2011121000035400.jpg

Aravi is glad to leave the dead spiders and the mage behind when she leaves. That is the last stop on the way to Whiterun. No more.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/932/tesv2011121011010362.jpg

Kharjo gets his tail handed to him by the dragon quickly. Aravi manages to get him on his feet again. http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/783/tesv2011121011060273.jpg

He must have felt bad about hiding because before long he's back up firing arrows at the beast beside Aravi.

After slaying the dragon they make best time to Whiterun, avoiding all fights when possible. They're both low on potions.

#######################

Aravi purchased Kharjo some new armor after they got back to Whiterun.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/4586/tesv2011121011405156.jpg

Posted by: Tábrasa Dec 12 2011, 12:18 AM

Spiders...
so many spiders....
*shudder*

Haha. As a newbie I haven't had the chance to go through all your wonderful pictures yet, but from what I can see, Aravi and Kharjo's adventures are more than exciting!

Can't wait for more

Beautiful.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 12 2011, 01:06 AM

Spiders. Why'd it have to spiders? I do not think I could play this game without a no-spiders mod.

Posted by: Grits Dec 12 2011, 01:32 AM

Wow. I don’t really have a problem with spiders, but that one made me shiver. Another example of good teamwork with Kharjo.

That was a neat, dinosaur-looking dragon. Either I haven’t seen one of those, or I haven’t noticed its back from the dragon’s jaw view once it landed. I love the way Aravi has her foot up in that picture. It looks like she made great use of the terrain, she could use that rock either way the dragon landed. Poor Kharjo. I’m glad he got back up. The new armor should help. He looks dangerous!

I love the story that ties these screenshots together.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 12 2011, 02:09 AM

I be liking Kharjo more and more. Being afraid of dragons is so very much smarter than being afraid of spiders! Snazzy new metal for him as well!

Love the bit of story telling you are working in.

Posted by: King Coin Dec 14 2011, 06:04 AM

@ALL: I'm planning on having Aravi's first Skyrim video recorded and made to be posted Saturday, or possibly even Friday.

@mALX: I laughed when I saw him get up and run behind a rock! It's nice that they'll sit out and heal for a while before jumping back into the fight. Thanks mALX!

@Tábrasa: Hello and welcome! As you can probably tell, Aravi and I really do not like spiders. Thank you for stopping by!

@SubRosa: I can play it, but those things need to stay AWAY! I hate it when one gets close enough to bite Aravi. Ugh I get the shivers.
Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: I don't know how you can stand them. I remember that coffee shop topic all too well...
That was an Elder Dragon. They are a lot more difficult to fight than the other types you've encountered.
I'm really enjoying the 3rd person character animations. I particularly liked http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/341/tesv2011120718552982.jpg
Thanks!

@Acadian: But spiders are just ugly! and they have all those legs! Kharjo is definitely looking good in his new suit of armor. A good wall of metal for enemies to pound on while Aravi gets behind them! Thanks Acadian!


##################

Thanks to another note from an anonymous friend, Aravi and Kharjo are in yet another cave.

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/7769/tesv2011121218193004.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/4182/tesv2011121218251191.jpg

Aravi hears movement ahead and lets Kharjo take the lead. With an arrow nocked, she motions nods to him to proceed through the door.

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/8732/tesv2011121218222343.jpg (sorry about how dark that one is)

Aravi and Kharjo come to a large room and see a familiar wall. Aravi can feel its draw from across the room. The anonymous friend comes through again. She steps into the room, only to be greeted by none other than a death lord. Her mouth goes dry and she tightens her grip on her weapons. http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/128/tesv2011121218272840.jpg
###################

I also took these screen shots a while ago. I can't remember if I ever posted them though:
http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/9011/tesv2011112000243902.jpg
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4747/tesv2011112000321476.jpg

Posted by: mALX Dec 14 2011, 07:09 AM

Love the helmet on that DeathLord!

Oh, I absolutely love those two additional screens with the aurora and the scenic view !!! Great shots, KC !!

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 14 2011, 08:14 AM

Screen 1 is epic and should be made into a Theatrical poster for the Aravi Movie.

Kharjo's earning his keep I see. Ryoko met him last night just before her Riften encounter and had a nice conversation about alcohol, gambling and bandits. Oh, and necklaces, but not her's.

Posted by: Grits Dec 14 2011, 04:20 PM

Yay, videos on the way!

I love the one with Kharjo and Aravi against the Deathlord! You really captured that scary moment when the lid pops off of those coffins. Once again Aravi and Kharjo look like a real partnership.

The ones of Aravi against the sky are beautiful. It can be so grim and grey, and I think that makes the colorful moments even more breathtaking.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 15 2011, 01:50 AM

These screens are wonderful! As attractive as scenic shots can be, nothing can compare to the magnificence of Aravi in action like: http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/341/tesv2011120718552982.jpg Wow.

Speaking of action, I also look forward to seeing her Skyrim movie debut! Woohoo! Later this week!

Posted by: King Coin Dec 15 2011, 05:08 PM

@mALX: Those helmets are so cool! You know exactly what you are up against when you see one of those, and you better be ready too. I'd like to get one for Kharjo, but I'd first have to get a mod to remove the unequipable flag on them. Thanks mALX!

@liliandra nadiar: Thanks, I think the reason why I didn't put it up the earlier was because it made Aravi look like an assassin or something.

lol. Aravi had the conversation about bandits, gambling, and alcohol with him after the necklace.

@Grits: I agree with you. The harsh atmosphere makes the colorful moments more special in my opinion.

Even when I'm expecting those coffins to pop open, I still get that oh crap feeling when they do. Thanks grits!

@Acadian: I really like that screen shot too. Aravi looks great in it. Thanks Acadian!


######################

Aravi aims carefully with her bow. They had wandered into a sabre cat’s territory while crossing the plains to the west of Whiterun. The brown colored predator was difficult to spot before getting too close, or else she would have gone around it. Now she had to deal with it before it took offense to her and Kharjo’s presence.

Her new bow took more strength to pull than her last one did. The arrow will go farther with a flatter trajectory. With that in mind she lowers her aim a bit and releases. The arrow whizzes over the animal and bounces off of a rock. Then the sabre cat whirls around and charges her and Kharjo.

Aravi stands up and draws another arrow from her quiver. This is taking too long! The charging animal is almost upon them. With a crack of thunder, a sizzling bolt of blue lightning lashes out at the sabre cat followed by a ball of fire.

“What in Oblivion was that!?” http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9573/tesv2011121423123228.jpg

“Your tail is fuzzed.” Kharjo says with a laugh in his voice.

“I know.” She would have been blushing if her fur didn’t cover it up. “I didn’t even know you knew how to use those” Aravi continued.

“I learned when I was a kitten. I wasn’t supposed to have it either; the mage was none too pleased when he learned I drained his staff playing with it.”

~~

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2299/tesv2011121423190123.jpg

Once they reached their destination, they could hear another dragon nearby.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9668/tesv2011121423312846.jpg Kharjo asks.

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3066/tesv2011121423313953.jpg What do you want to do?”

Brandishing his staffs, Kharjo says “Let’s kill it.”

A crack of thunder and a bolt of lightning lances out and burns a hole in the dragon’s wing.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8908/tesv2011121423341226.jpg

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 15 2011, 06:19 PM

Oh dear, fire and explosions bring out the boys in everything, no matter the species.

I think I might know why the mage was 'irritated' with Kharjo.

Posted by: Grits Dec 16 2011, 01:02 AM

OMG, Kharjo with two staves!! And teasing Aravi. And Aravi blushes! I LOVE the sabre cat story.

“What do you see?” is my favorite, I can almost hear him saying that. And of course a close shot of Aravi is always a win.

These are great!

Posted by: Acadian Dec 16 2011, 01:18 AM

What a great blend of screens and prose you give us here to wonderfully paint a piece of Aravi and Kharjo’s day!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 16 2011, 01:53 AM

Looks like a missed a few. The restless dead have glowing eyes! That pic reminds me of the Terminator films, with the bare skeleton terminators.

A death lord? Whatever that is, it cannot be good. I am guessing it is the Skyrim equivalent of a lich? Those are some horns on that fella. I am guessing (hoping) that is a helmet.

Kharjo really is the prefect companion for Aravi 2.0 (Skynet Skyrim edition). In all the screenshots of the two of the together, they just look right together. He looks so happy in his two-fisted staff pic. The trailing bit of electricity on the one staff was the final crowing piece in that picture.

Posted by: mALX Dec 16 2011, 05:45 PM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Dec 15 2011, 11:08 AM)

Posted by: King Coin Dec 17 2011, 05:26 PM

Aravi is a character I started in Oblivion. When Skyrim came around I realized I didn't want to leave her in Cyrodiil. She had to come with.

For the first several pages of this thread I post only screen shots.

Jump to: http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4925&st=0

Jump to: http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4695&st=0

#############################

@liliandra nadiar: SubRosa is right, he looks so happy with his staffs. He just got to blow up a sabre cat! Thanks!

@Grits: Thanks Grits, I had fun writing that little story. As long as I keep it short, they seem to come out alright. lol.

@Acadian: Thank you! It was lots of fun to write that little story.

@SubRosa: I thought of the terminators too when I saw that beauty. He went down a lot faster than one of those killing machines luckily! I think the glowing eyes was the result of the nighteye power Aravi was using because they normally don't have glowing eyes.

A Death Lord (I should have capitalized that in my original post) is a high level undead. Not a Lich, just really strong and can use a dragon shout.

Kharjo turned out to be the perfect companion for Aravi. I thought he looked hilarious in the screen with two staffs! Thanks!

@mALX: I use 'tfc 1' for all my action shots. That pauses the action so you can get some great screens.

The overview one is one of my favorites because that just shows how good of a shot Kharjo is with that staff. He was nailing that dragon while it was flying around which was amazing to me.

#############################

I had this ready to go yesterday, but I was very sick and only got on here for PMs and such. Sorry about not reading some of your works. I shall get to it today hopefully.

#############################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBfBsGOCZu4
TIME: 10:06

Posted by: mALX Dec 17 2011, 05:51 PM

Great beginning, especially for those who keep up with your thread but haven't played yet !! I didn't get to see much of Aravi herself, but have seen her in the screenshots (and know I'll see more of her in the upcoming vids). I can't wait to see what she does in Skyrim !! WOO HOO !!!

Awesome Vid, KC !!!

Posted by: Grits Dec 17 2011, 06:19 PM

Yay, Aravi in Skyrim! I think you showed the escape very well, without getting bogged down in tutorial stuff. I saw a few things in the video that I've never noticed playing, which is really neat. I was grinning my head off when she left the boots.

I hope you feel better today, KC.

Posted by: liliandra nadiar Dec 17 2011, 11:17 PM

What they said.

Great start and enough of the tutorial for newbies to get they story but not get bogged in mechanics.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 17 2011, 11:24 PM

Ulfric is the leader of the Rebellion? I thought Princess Leia was!

Is it just me, or does they guy talking to Ulfric just before the dragon attacks sound like Colonel Tigh from the Galactica Reboot?

So you went with the Imperial? Does the game let you kill him after he unties you? I stayed with the Nord the one time I tried playing. Did you go through the Imperial torture chamber?

The bear was there if you followed the Nord, I remember sneaking past her as well.

So now Aravi is loose in Skyrim again! W00T!

Posted by: Acadian Dec 18 2011, 01:16 AM

KC, this was magnificent! You surely haven't lost your touch. Very powerful stuff. I loved how you held off on really showing us the new Aravi until the very end. Wow!

Posted by: King Coin Dec 20 2011, 04:37 PM

@mALX: Thanks mALX! That's exactly what I was thinking when I made this video. You get to see her face at the end of the video, and you get to see much more of her later in other videos.

@Grits: Yep, Aravi still doesn't like the boots. That'll never change. Now I'm curious, what did you see that you haven't before? Thanks!

@liliandra nadiar: I tried to keep only the interesting parts. Thank you!

@SubRosa: I don't know if it is possible to kill the Legion soldier after he unties you, but Aravi certainly didn't try. He's a good man. Now if it was the captain that sentenced her to death, she'd have definitely gone with the Cloak.

Aravi went through the torture chamber. Aravi was glad that the torturer did not come with and opted to stay in his little cave.

Yep she's loose! Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: So good to hear that from you! There was so much happening that she didn't get to stop and take a breath there until the end there. Thank you!

#######################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V6Nz0YV0Vo

TIME: 12:12

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 20 2011, 05:44 PM

I like how the conversations go on without the world stopping and zooming in on the player. That is a big improvement over Oblivion. It also sounds like the same actress doing the Nord women's voices as from Oblivion. The one doing the legion soldier sounds really familiar too. I have probably heard him in another game.

For a moment when you were in the inventory I thought it said Road Apple! Good thing it was a Red one instead...

And NPCs give you directions again, just like in Morrowind. That is nice. It is a lot more immersive. Does his directions get updated into a journal? Can you disable to quest marker from the hud as well?

So was that a giant? It went down pretty easy, considering what people usually say about them. Let alone the vids I've seen of them launching people into orbit. And Aela? I wonder if she is transgendered in Skyrim as well?

The village looked really neat at night. I loved the lighting and smoke from the fires.

So food heals damage? Another idea from Fallout 3. I am surprised that they don't have hand to hand anymore, and HTH weapons. The brass knuckles, spiked knuckles, death claw gauntlet, etc... were really good ideas in FO3. They made a hand to hand character viable. I know you can do more damage if you wear heavy armor gauntlets, and I read that a Khajiit gets a bonus to HTH damage as well, so much that if they have the gauntlets, they will do more damage then any weapon they can pick up in the early game.

Posted by: Grits Dec 20 2011, 11:45 PM

Stuff I hadn’t seen: In the escape, Aravi looked up in the cave at an opening to the sky, and she looked back and saw the passage collapsing behind them. In this video, I never heard Sven being such a jerk. Also I’d heard about the ants, but never seen them before. It’s really neat how the same tutorial and area can be different through another character’s eyes.

What a pretty night to walk to Whiterun. I’m excited to see what Aravi decides to do in Skyrim.

Posted by: mALX Dec 21 2011, 01:03 AM

This vid ought to excite anyone who hasn't played Skyrim yet, lol. I feel so sorry for Hilde having a son treat her that way. I am very tempted to tell Camilla what I think of him - and that was before I knew he uses book pages for something other than reading, lol.

That is the same room Maxical stays in when in Whiterun - really nice room, especially with the balcony overlooking the greatroom !!

I found out something very funny from my son today. Anytime you go into the keeps and the throne is empty - get into 3rd person and sit in the throne, you will choke laughing !!!

Awesome Vid, KC !!!

Posted by: Acadian Dec 21 2011, 01:39 AM

Ahhh! This is what I’ve been hoping for. Just to see Skyrim through the eyes of my friend, Aravi!

She looks great by the way. A very feminine walk and just the most adorable little swish to her tail!

Anyway, Skyrim seems to have a smoky, rustic and (brrrrr) cold feel. Thanks for sharing Aravi’s day!

Posted by: Thomas Kaira Dec 23 2011, 05:56 AM

Ahh, we finally get some video action.

Aravi looks adorable!

I see I'm not the only person suffering that stupid lighting glitch where lights occasionally don't light the terrain.

SubRosa: Against a normal foe, giants cream them before sending them to their afterlife on Masser. They are REALLY tough, simply because a single whallop can deal a good 150+ damage. No joke.

Posted by: King Coin Dec 23 2011, 04:02 PM

@SubRosa: The directions NPCs give you are not updated to your journal. You'll have to either just remember or write it down yourself.

Either that giant was nerfed for that encounter, or as TK suggests, the companions there are really tough.

Oh and I think Aravi actually would do more damage with her paws right now than with the swords she's been using. lol. Thank you!

@Grits: That's the only place I've seen the ants. This next video is in Whiterun still, but the one that comes after is off to Bleak Falls! Thanks!

@mALX: Hilde, that's the 'I saw a dragon' lady right?

Until Aravi can afford a home of her own, she's going to be staying at inns. That is one of the nicer inns though. Aravi likes that room, she just wishes there was a door to the balcony to muffle some of the sound while she sleeps. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: That last episode was made with you in mind!

I'm glad someone else loves the little swish in the tail. Thanks Acadian!

@TK: Thank you!

The most annoying problem I've been having is Aravi's head and body suddenly going translucent. What is up with that?

I think that they made that giant weak so that a level 1 could come along and put it down.

###################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH4AcV34yMI

TIME: 8:40

Posted by: mALX Dec 23 2011, 04:14 PM

Yes, that was the "I saw the dragon" lady.

WOO HOO !! Aravi was smart to take the "help you" approach right away with Adrienne, Maxical thought the option would be there later and ignored it to go to the "Sale" topic. When she got out of it the offer to help never showed up again.

That Jarl is so nice! Both he and Ilisif the Fair are my favorite Jarls of all.

Great Vid !!

Posted by: Grits Dec 23 2011, 04:32 PM

For that giant, I think the idea is that the Companions have almost finished it off before the PC arrives. It was dead already before my first two characters even got there.


Aravi’s reaction to Irileth was priceless, and pure Aravi. I think you're choosing what to show of the dialog very well. It’s so fun to go through this adventure with her! I’m really looking forward to how she handles the Barrow.

Posted by: Thomas Kaira Dec 23 2011, 07:34 PM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Dec 23 2011, 08:02 AM)

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 23 2011, 09:54 PM

That was a neat little gazebo type place surrounded by water channels at the very start.

Aravi showed a lot of restraint when faced by the guy who drew his sword and started advancing upon her. I'd have been tempted to kill the fetcher.

I see more FO3 influences. The drum beat when you complete a quest stage, and the way the quest name flashes on the screen.

Don't forget that she likes her meat rare!

That wizard certainly looked the part. But the voice-acting, argh! He makes me miss the old days of Morrowind, with nothing but text.

The smith helps her father in more ways than people imagine! I can imagine quite a bit!

I see the User Interface is just as awful as I remember. I take it you are still cannot use the mouse to navigate through any of it as well? The way you had to scroll through your skills like that was painful just to watch. Bethesda really went out of their way to make playing the game difficult. It would have been a whole lot easier just to give you a list of the perks available. If they wanted to, they could have put it all on one screen. That would make it a lot easier to compare them, not to mention keep you from overlooking any.

Posted by: Thomas Kaira Dec 23 2011, 11:24 PM

Actually, Rosa, that's what skill menu navigation is like WITH the mouse. Easy to use on a console, but for a M+K PC interface, Skyrim's is one of the crappiest ports I've ever seen (I've already laid out my grievances, as well, if you want details). Still, we have modders working on getting a half-decent interface worked up. http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3863 has finished an excellent Inventory menu overhaul.

Indeed, that wizard... I wanted to ram my boot up his rear listening to him, and not because of how stuck up he was. I think I cringed the first time I listened to him.

So, now that Aravi has her new honed dagger to compliment her bow, it's time to adventure to the famous Bleak Falls Barrow.

And the Gildergreen is probably my favorite spot in Whiterun. If only that preacher would just shut up....

Posted by: Acadian Dec 24 2011, 01:34 AM

I don’t know what a Jarl is, but he seems nice enough and he’s got a really big house! Poor Aravi. Looks like a fetch mission. Probably to some place dangerous. It was interesting to see how some of the interface, inventories and leveling up work.

Posted by: mALX Dec 24 2011, 01:38 AM

QUOTE(Acadian @ Dec 23 2011, 07:34 PM)

Posted by: King Coin Dec 26 2011, 03:32 PM

@mALX: Aravi checked out what Adrienne had for sale first as well. Then she decided to learn a little something from the blacksmith. The Jarl is nice, but his children are brats!

Thanks mALX!

@Grits: Glad you liked that. She didn’t like some armed person, especially a Danmer, approaching her like that. Then she decided that it would be better to run than to get into a sword fight in the middle of the keep if it did come to that.

Thanks Grits!

@TK: Adaptive Anti-Aliasing was the problem, thanks for pointing that out. I turned that off and I’ve had no flickering since.

Interface takes some getting used to. Then again, so did Oblivion’s. Definitely made with a controller in mind. I plugged my 360 controller into my computer just to try it out and it was very nice. Not going to use it however, because it has less control over the camera. I like to be able to zoom in and out.

Thanks TK!

@SubRosa: That place with the water and the tree is very pretty, especially when you get the tree healthy again. That’s another quest.

I always liked that drum beat in FO3, glad they brought it along for Skyrim.

That voice actor is absolutely terrible. He’s the only one that bad though, thank goodness. Or if there is another, I haven’t met them yet.

I was using ‘A’ and ‘D’ to scroll through the skills, but you can use the mouse. You just click either to the left or right of the center of the screen.

Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: He’s got a small castle! Of course it’s dangerous! Nobody can ever leave anything in a nice field of flowers without a threat in sight!

I think in Cyrodiil a Jarl would be called a Count or Countess.

#############################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SPMPd2QRko

TIME: 11:34

Posted by: mALX Dec 26 2011, 04:00 PM

That's exactly where I crossed too! (and took the nirnroot too, lol). I was trying to beat Camilla and kill the bandits before she ended up dead. Was that the "Mistwatch" the frightened woman was talking about? I didn't see a name pop up, but when Maxical was there it just said "Bleak Falls Barrow."

Aravi is unbelievable with those two swords !! That is some amazing fighting, Maxical has never tried to use two at once !! Awesome !!

Posted by: Grits Dec 26 2011, 10:24 PM

Oh, we got a great look at Aravi’s face in the Riverwood Traders. Beautiful! Camila must really like Aravi, I’ve never had her offer to guide my character. I met the frightened woman at dusk after coming out of BFB. Scared the crap out of me. Aravi was much more composed!

How clever of Aravi to approach that tower from the other side, in case any bad guys were watching the road. I was really hoping that one of them would have a steel sword for her. She seemed very tempted in Riverwood. OMG, a Khajiit with two swords, I don’t think that can be improved upon! She is so fast!! That bird shadow made me jump. Watch the skies, traveler!

The Barrow exterior is a great place for an archer fight. It was fun to watch her use the cover. And now we're going insiiiiide... I'm enjoying the heck out of Aravi in Skyrim.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 27 2011, 01:16 AM

I was entranced by how real the chicken looked in the opening scene!

Dual-wielding swords! And a bow as well! I see she has lost none of her quick reflexes. This was great fun to watch.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 27 2011, 01:55 AM

One thing that I keep noticing in Skyrim is that the Khajiit have much longer tails, and a lot fluffier as well. Best be careful around rockers!

I have to say that the NPCs conversations are much more fun listen to: "Care to have a drink with me sweet Sigrid?" That beats hearing about mudcrabs any day.

So is that claw one of those random quests? Or a regular one? Bleak Falls Barrow? Oh, I have heard of that one. That's a regular one. It is one that sets off the dragon attacks, isn't it?

I like how the doors open slightly when you go through them.

I understand that you can take a 1 pound ingot and create a 20 pound suit of armor from it. Just love how Skyrim physics work!

Is it just me, or does it seem like there are times with Aravi's head becomes transparent? Is that the AA issue you said you were having?

Whoa, that bandit at the top of the steps was swinging for the fences! Good thing he was not Babe Ruth, and missed!

Are distant objects all blurry? It seems like all the bandits are long range are just blurry shapes. Is that because of the weather, or is like that all the time?

Posted by: Thomas Kaira Dec 27 2011, 08:06 AM

Rosa: given the overall quality of the game's textures, everything is blurry. As far as graphics go, this is probably the weakest game in the series to be released in its hardware generation graphics wise.

As for the transparent head, yes, it is a bug in how the game engine handles AMD's adaptive anti-aliasing setting. This was probably recorded before KC knew that. There's also certain transparency AA settings that might cause things like that to happen, too.

The Golden Claw is just a sub-quest taking place in the same area as the quest that sets off the dragon attacks. (The Main Quest equivalent is Bleak Falls Barrow).



Nice to see some of that trademark Khajiit agility at work in combat! Two swords? I would never go that far if I were not one of them.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 27 2011, 05:02 PM

QUOTE(Thomas Kaira @ Dec 27 2011, 02:06 AM)

Posted by: King Coin Dec 29 2011, 03:03 PM

@mALX: That crossing didn’t look as deep as it actually was, she would have used the bridge otherwise. Aravi lost Camilla right outside, she assumed she went back into the shop. I think Mistwatch is a different dungeon farther away. I’d have to check Aravi’s map though.

I’m glad you enjoyed the dual swords. Aravi’s a quick fighter so I think it’s fitting for her to take up two. Thanks!

@Grits: She didn’t offer the other times I’ve done that quest. Thanks for complimenting Aravi!
She was SO tempted to get that sword in Riverwood. She really didn’t have enough money though to buy the sword and to buy the steel to improve it. She didn’t want to just take the man’s stuff even though he offered it.

you made me laugh with that last line. Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: The chicken??? I had to look, never noticed it before.

Aravi is still Aravi! Quick and deadly with bow or swords. She needs more practice with the bow though, she lost some of her skill with it after her mistake and quit using them for a while. Thanks!

@SubRosa: I love the tails! I had the same thoughts when Aravi was sitting at an inn and her tail was sticking way out into the center of the room.

That’s a quest that always appears in the Riverwood Traders. I think it’s more of a push to go in there and start the main quest.

It actually takes 4 one pound ingots to make a 20 pound suit of armor.

That isn’t you, that’s the AA issue. You’ll see it more in a few more videos.

I do not know what is happening with the blur. Could be weather, could be something else. Thanks!

@TK: Never tried two swords? Power attacks are devastating. It fits Aravi’s character so I’m pleased with it. Thanks!

##########################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nLJQ3tbcUI

TIME: 9:31

Posted by: Grits Dec 29 2011, 04:43 PM

I smiled at Aravi checking out the horker loaf. Still no steel swords on the bandits. It was neat to see her use fire and a sword, that way she didn’t run out of stamina or magicka.

Figuring out the trapped lever was another fun sequence, but not so much for Aravi. Oh my gosh, that head shake when she saw all of the webs!! A little extra flare just to make sure at the end, too. Great battle against the spider!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 29 2011, 07:30 PM

I really love the effect of the wind blowing the dust around the floor, combined with the sound of the wind, it really creates a powerful atmosphere.

Those guys did not look blurry at a distance. So I think what I saw the last time must have been something the engine does in snowstorms?

A Horker Loaf? That just sounds nasty.

I see the lockpicking is exactly the same as FO3. That works for me. I can do it this way. I never could deal with Oblivion's lockpicking minigame.

So can you block with a shield in one hand and use magic with the other?

I did not like the look of that big spiderweb. Euch. The rest are even worse. Eww, spider. I agree with that guy. Get it away! I could not play this game without a mod to remove them. The ones in the tutorial were bad enough.

You healed yourself up after the battle? I did not think you had to do that? I thought you automatically healed up after every fight in Skyrim?

Posted by: Acadian Dec 30 2011, 01:34 AM

A dungeon crawl! Aravi’s still good with blade(s) & bow. The fire magic looks nice in her hand and neat as it takes effect on foes. She solved the puzzle; loved how she did a ‘hit and run’ on that lever the second time – smart kitty. I see she still remembers how to give us the Aravi head shake when so warranted. I enjoyed the background noises and effects, such as those SubRosa mentioned.

Did that fellow she rescued seem quite. . . ungrateful?

Posted by: mALX Dec 30 2011, 02:32 AM

I loved going through this barrow! If I hadn't been so worried about possibly releasing the dragons the whole time, I think it would have been my fave of all. Awesome Vid, it is so great to see Aravi shaking her head again !!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 1 2012, 07:20 AM

@Grits: Aravi didn’t have the benefit of seeing the bandit yank the lever, she killed him first. She hates those spiders! She would have done that fight differently if there wasn’t someone else shouting in the room. “Get it away!”

Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: The dungeons in this game are quite a bit more atmospheric than they were in Oblivion, at least in my opinion. Some of them are quite pretty.

You could have a shield and a spell.

I hate spiders, but I can play the game with them in. Poor Aravi has to fight them though!

There is a slow health regeneration, but those wounds hurt! She didn’t want to wait.

I think I’m going to look for a mod that slows all health regeneration.

Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Aravi isn’t very good with destruction magic, but she used it on that bandit. Those darts were painful and she didn’t want to be hit again.

That guy did seem very ungrateful. He doesn’t get far though… Thanks!

@mALX: I love that dungeon too, it’s so much fun to go through. Glad you are enjoying it! Thanks!

#################################

http://youtu.be/-dFQdb8sGOI

TIME: 12:05

Posted by: mALX Jan 1 2012, 08:42 AM

Those Draugrs give me the creeps, lol. I love the way Aravi crept to the wall and got her shout word before the one guarding it woke up and burst out of his crypt !! Awesome Vid !!

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 1 2012, 07:09 PM

3 draugr at once? Yikes. That looks more dangerous then a room full of rocking chairs!

That Health is low box that pops up is really annoying. The blood on the screen is bad enough. OTOH, the healing spell looks really neat.

I see the swinging pendulum trap is back. A lot faster this time too! It looks impossible to run through. I can't believe Aravi did it!

That Draugr in the room past the swinging blades made me think of Conan (the original, with Ahnold). I wonder if he has an Atlantean sword in there?

The shadows going across the wall of that Draugr that Aravi did the sneak shot on were just amazing!

The bats flying past were really neat after the claw door.

That Draugr Overlord really had bad breath!

Scroll of Mayhem? I like the sound of that!

Posted by: Thomas Kaira Jan 1 2012, 09:43 PM

You don't need a mod to slow the health regen, KC. Just use this console command:

Player.forceAV HealRateMult XX (Default is 100)

Posted by: Grits Jan 1 2012, 10:34 PM

Ancient Nord sword, woo hoo! It’s fun to see what perks Aravi chooses. That whole system is new to me, and I love it! I was also impressed with her nimble dash through the blade trap. Even J'Shanji left some of his blood on that floor.

I think you did a great job showing us the Barrow without taking us through every step. That last chamber is majestic, it was nice to see Aravi take in the sights after the Overlord battle. She does very well with her Healing spell during fights, once again I'm learning from her. I'd still like to see her do some spell shopping with Farengar though, if only for the sake of my nerves!

I enjoyed this video so much, it made me want to go barrow diving.

Posted by: Acadian Jan 2 2012, 01:26 AM

Some intense fights, especially the last one. I’m so glad that Aravi is getting pretty good at running and healing when necessary.

Woot! Underground waterfalls!!!

These are great fun to watch!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 4 2012, 04:53 PM

@mALX: They don’t bother Aravi. She’d rather fight the Draugr than Cyrodiil’s zombies. These ones are dry and don’t smell nearly as bad. They also don’t get blood everywhere.

I had to redo that segment with the wall because the first time I did it, even though I was expecting the one in the casket, I still jumped when he burst out. The camera would probably have made you sick.

Thanks mALX!

@SubRosa: I don’t know, rocking chairs are quite painful if you aren’t careful.

The health is low box only appears once. I suppose it appeared then because Aravi’s health never got low before.

The shadows are really cool in this game.

Thanks SubRosa!

@TK: Nice. Will I have to set that each time I fire up the game or will it remember that setting? I suppose I’ll find out. I’ll half it and see how quickly it auto heals. Thanks!

@Grits: I figured there would be people wanting to know what perks Aravi gets so I include the level ups.

I am surprised Aravi got through the trap unscathed as well. That was a first. Fire Walker was a lot slower because of his heavy armor and he got nailed.

What did you learn from Aravi? That running away is ok?

Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: Aravi has definitely learned to turn tail and run when need be. Just backing off isn’t normally enough. Almost every cave has running water in it I’ve found. Thanks!

################################

A special note on this episode

The second video includes a lot of dialog after the fight. It's mostly about what the Dragonborn is and what it means for Aravi. You may end it any time after the fight. I kept the dialog for those who don’t own the game, or just would like to see it. I would have split it into two videos but I didn’t have time to upload the new videos.

################################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W00SXl9yuUs

TIME: 6:05

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb_fUOa-z_w

TIME: 4:00, 13:11 or anything in between.

Posted by: mALX Jan 4 2012, 05:03 PM

I liked Aravi's little jump going into the shop, lol.  What is with Irileth's voice? She sounds like she's been drinking testosterone in her mead, lol.

GAAAAH !!! I thought of McB right away when I saw this at the top of the screen: "Kiw the Dwagon!" ROFL !!!

GAAAAH !!! Aravi almost ran away before absorbing the dragon soul !!! (Can that be done?)

This was AWESOME !!! I freaked out when the ground started shaking and that shout came from the mountains!!! That speech the Jarl gave brought chill bumps on my arm!! AWESOME VID !!! My total fave so far !!!

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 4 2012, 05:30 PM

I almost laughed when Lucan said "Oh a bit of this, and a bit of that." While at the same time Camilla's breasts seem to be growing from the right side of the screen.

For a moment I thought that dog in the street outside was a lion!

"You didn't die it seems."
Was it me, or did he sound almost disappointed?

Looks like the watchtower took a beating. When the dragon showed up, and Aravi started shooting her bow, it reminded me of Bard the Bowman shooting Smaug.

Its neat how the dragons burn up after they die. The effect reminds me of the Silent Hill movie, when the town would change.

I could summon the th'um after eating a bag of doritos too...

Posted by: Grits Jan 4 2012, 07:28 PM

That was a fun exchange with the kids and Stump in the street, ending with “Stupid dog!” A little taste of Riverwood life. I’m sure a huge dog dressed up as a spider isn’t Aravi’s idea of a good prank either.

I like Aravi’s reaction to Farengar’s remark! He wants to see a dragon up close? Just like a mage. Darnand might have asked her to measure its jaws or something.

The dragon fight was great, you showed it so well! Aravi was awesome throughout. I have been amazed at how hard it is to hit something as big as a dragon with an arrow, but Aravi does not have that problem! Also, what a great idea to take cover when the dragon tries to burn you. No wonder my Bosmer quit on me and went back to Cyrodiil.

This was a great video! I watched the dialog, too. I really like the story.

Posted by: Acadian Jan 5 2012, 01:13 AM

Yay! A Skyrim Wolfhound!

“I envy you the chance to see this dragon up close.” Whoa! That deservedly earned a patented Aravi head shake!

A very exciting fight! And now it looks like it’s off to see the Graybeards!

This is great fun to watch!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 7 2012, 05:07 PM

@mALX: I like the little hop too. Seemed like it was a pretty big step. Irileth always has a deeper voice. I think it fits her character.

Now you know where McB’s children get it from!

I think if you get away from it fast enough the soul isn’t absorbed. When you get close to the dragon corpse again though, the soul is absorbed.

The shout from the mountains is awesome, I love that they did that. The Jarl’s speech was good too, but the shout was the best.

Thanks mALX!

@SubRosa: He’s got some other things on his mind eh?

I hope he wasn’t disappointed; I think he was supposed to be kind of surprised that you made it.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read The Hobbit but I can see that now.

I don’t want to be around you when you’ve had doritos then. Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: At a distance, a frostbite-Stump might get shot by Aravi!

Darnand can come with if he wants to measure the jaws. Crazy wizards.

Who doesn’t take cover when the dragons breathe their fire?
I’m really happy with how that dragon fight turned out. Aravi was excellent. You may have noticed that she only shot at it when it was still. When it moves, it’s too hard for her to hit.

Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: Those wizards are nuts. You should see what that guy does later when he does see a dragon up close.

Aravi is hesitant to go to the Greybeards. It’ll be a while before she decides to climb the mountain.

Thanks Acadian!


###########################

Rather than going to High Hrothgar to talk to the Greybeards, Aravi goes hunting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aaxnF3tPGI

TIME: 12:45

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 7 2012, 09:54 PM

Wooking for dat wascly wabbit?

The heather shifting in the wind looks really neat.

Bleakwind Basin? Sounds very aptly named. And it is our old friend Nirnroot! With its characteristic sound. Plus a Mammoth! Is Aravi going to try hunting that I wonder?

I wonder who that other archer might be? No one friendly I see! That was one long sprint to cover behind that rock!

Oh, and its a dreaded mudcrab! Aravi smacked it good! That one looked super-sized, and almost seemed like it was wearing a helmet.

I forgot to mention to Aravi, Don't go out on the moors at night! When I heard the wolves howling, I remembered. Of course by then it was too late... But she pummeled them like Ali.

The bandits were not much trouble, and Aravi got a good ring out of them.

Posted by: mALX Jan 8 2012, 01:26 AM

Maxical never intends to go out hunting, it just happens animals with pelts attack her as she is out in her travels. Watching how hard it is to actually hunt in this vid - WHEW !! Glad she didn't, lol. Oh hey, Aravi found the Luner Forge !! Great Vid !!!!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 8 2012, 02:24 AM

Wow! Just epic! This is what I’ve been waiting for you to show me. Life on the tundra. Harsh and beautiful. Even the music and mood that it set was wonderful. And Mammoths! I’m so glad Aravi didn’t hunt them. She’s much better sticking with elk and crab (and bandits).

I note that the animation for running in sneak mode looks great! And boxing with mud crabs. Lol.

Posted by: Grits Jan 8 2012, 01:55 PM

Ah, fur armor! Very nice. The tundra outside Whiterun is still my favorite area, especially on a misty, rainy day. Aravi’s first hunt is very easy to relate to. Did I hit it? Where did it go? Why does this heather have to be so tall? That elk stole my arrow!!

Wow, she got so close to the mammoth! That was neat. Khajiit claws are a great weapon! She punched two wolves!

Nice to see Aravi make friends with Amren. I like him.

This video was so fun to watch. Aravi just exploring her world. Now she can choose between magical allies with her new spell tomes, if she wants. The Ring of the Minor Squire is still Jensa’s best ring. I’m pleased that Aravi is getting a boost to her protection.

Posted by: King Coin Jan 10 2012, 03:12 PM

@SubRosa: No mammoths! I’m fairly certain that attacking a mammoth would be a quick way to end up dead at this point.

Mubcrabs? In an Elder Scrolls game? Never! I think the larger ones are supposed to be male and the smaller ones female. It could be the other way around, or it could be their age too.

After you asked about H2H I had to use it every now and then. It’s got some neat animations when you kill a human with it. Thanks SubRosa!

@mALX: lol, Aravi’s getting a bit better at hunting. She’s been getting bow practice. Aravi gets attacked fairly often as she travels but she wanted to create some armor and cook some food for a journey. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: I thought you would like that video. Aravi’s going to stick to hunting things her own size. If you can do that in a world of dragons… lol.

I really like the sneaking animations in Skyrim. Thanks Acadian!

@Grits: Yep, fur armor. She wanted something comfortable.
She finally got a deer! Oh and the plants and grass in my game are larger than normal. I have a mod going that makes them larger.

I don’t know about other races, but H2H is quite fun with a Khajiit! She takes down some bandits with her claws later on.

Aravi is quite a bit farther ahead in her game, and she’s still wearing that ring. Thanks Grits!

#######################

Aravi considered what she wanted to do next. She decided that she wanted to learn more about magic, so she set out for Winterhold. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBs2hKtdPLs

TIME: 5:13

#######################
To introduce the next quest Aravi gets involved in, I decided to try writing out her experience:

Aravi woke when she heard the stomping boots of a town guard in the main room of the inn followed by the slam of the front door. Without any doors to separate the bedrooms from the main room, cold air blew unhindered to where she was trying to sleep. She pulled the blankets tighter around herself as she felt the cool air drift over her exposed face.

When she could fight wakefulness no longer, she sat up and put her padded feet on the cold wood floor. After a stretch, a yawn, and a quick brushing with her fingers to straighten her sleep mussed fur, she walked into the main room of the inn rubbing her eyes. She was still groggy from her late arrival last night. Whatever time it was, she felt like she needed a couple more hours in bed.

The inn had only three other people in it. The innkeeper stood in his usual spot behind the counter. The noisy guard that woke her sat at the counter on a barstool. An empty bowl sat in front of him while he drank from a flagon. She glared at him and then turned her attention to the last person. It was the Dunmer priest she saw the night before. He was sitting alone near the fire looking into the flames.

She went to the counter and bought some food for the journey to Winterhold. As she paid, she noticed large bags under the innkeeper’s eyes. At the sight, Aravi remembered the exchange between the miners and the priest the night before. She grimaced. She’s had plenty of experience with nightmares herself. These weren’t related to vampires, were they? Her curiosity was now wide awake and demanding to be satisfied. She walked over to the priest and sat next to him.

He kept his dark red eyes on the flames and asked absently, “And what might you need?”

“What’s wrong with everyone around here?”

The priest pulled his gaze from the fire and met her eyes. “The entire town is being plagued by horrible nightmares. They’re in serious danger. And I’m afraid there is little I can do about it.”

Aravi frowned. This sounded much different from the story he told the miners last night. With her own nightmares in mind she asked, “How are these nightmares endangering the town?”

“Those dreams are not just visions. They are a footprint left by the daedric lord Vaermina as she drains these people of their memories.”

Aravi instantly tensed at the mention of a daedric lord. She looked at the priest’s face. With a feeling of dread, she knew what he was about to ask her.

“I need to return to the source of the problem, to Nightcaller temple. Perhaps you would be willing to assist me in that regard.”

“What do you mean ‘return?’”

“I’ve already said too much. If anyone overhears what we are saying, it could start a panic. I would simply ask that you trust me, and help me end Dawnstar’s nightmares.”

Aravi looked away from him and closed her eyes. Conflict raged inside of her. She could not trust him on his word, she knew nothing about him and he was a Dunmer! Especially because he was a Dunmer! She knew it was unfair, but she could never trust them. Whenever she saw one, her mind’s eye presented her with an image of the cruel face of her slave master in Morrowind. Even though that was many years ago, she had never liked or trusted a Dunmer in her life.

Just as she was unwilling to trust the Dunmer, she was also unwilling to abandon the town to Vaermina. If she walked away from these people, who would help them? She had decided long ago that her conscience was out to get her killed. The thought brought a small short lived smile to her face. She couldn’t leave Dawnstar without knowing she at least tried.

She was going to have to trust him… to an extent. She will go with him, but she will watch him.

She opened her eyes and looked at him. Fighting the image of the slaver, she took a deep breath. “I- I’ll trust you.”

~~~

Erandur regarded the Khajiit beside him. He saw how she struggled to answer him. She turned away from him, tail drooped, ears lowered. The hope that he had felt moments before dimmed. This Khajiit had shown an interest in the town when most people fled. He needed help if he was going to stop Vaermina’s influence from destroying everyone in Dawnstar. He tried to not let his disappointment show as he waited for her answer.

“I- I’ll trust you.”
He could have jumped when she finally answered. He kept his emotions in check however and said, “Wonderful! Our Lady Mara will be quite pleased.”

He didn’t want to give the Khajiit opportunity to reconsider however. He offered his hand, “I’m Erandur, priest to Lady Mara.”

The Khajiit took his hand only after the briefest hesitation. “Aravi.”

“The Nightcaller Temple is only a short walk from Dawnstar. Come, we must hurry. I promise to answer all of your questions. Follow me.”

Posted by: mALX Jan 10 2012, 05:33 PM

That scene of Aravi walking down the icy road with the group of Khajiit was awesome !!

HOLY CRAP !!! Is that the HHH Cup Bar and Grill or something?

I was afraid that busty woman in the tavern would be tumbled down by the gravity when she tried to walk! Talk about some awkward movements !!

Really not sure what Bethesda was thinking with the arms not moving on the NPC's, it kind of looks like a Seinfeld episode I saw once with Raquel Welsh.


***
This story is Awesome !!! To be able to read Aravi's thoughts that she couldn't express in the vids - pure gold!! Cyrodiil Khajiit may not have the memories of being slaves in Dunmer Strongholds, that was an insight into Aravi's past we may never have gotten otherwise - Excellent, Awesome Write, and great lead-in to where she is headed next !!!

Posted by: Grits Jan 10 2012, 09:17 PM

I love the story that you wrote to go with this video! Like mALX said, it’s so great to hear her thoughts and learn some of her background. Aravi knows about nightmares. I’m not surprised that her conscience wouldn’t let her walk away from the people of Dawnstar.

In the video, I also love that she got to travel a bit with the Khajiit. It was a little sad when she watched them walk away. What a beautiful night sky as she walked into Dawnstar. It was so bright, the moons were casting shadows.

Whoa, Karita. Now we know that Sigrid of Kvatch had children, and they moved to Skyrim.

Aha! When the Dunmer priest Erandur asked Aravi what troubled her, now we know what she was thinking about! I'm so glad you wrote this for her!!

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 10 2012, 11:53 PM

When that guy said "take a look" and grabbed his rear, I thought he was going to drop his pants!

Then that woman in the tavern. What on earth did they do to people's breasts in this game? Hers stuck out farther than she was tall. I see the audience that Bethesda is trying to appeal to...

So people are having nightmares? I smell a quest!

Let's see, return with you to Vaermina's what, temple? The emphasis being on return. Maybe instead of trusting him, she should just kill him, then kill everyone at that temple? Let Alduin sort them out.

So this fella is a priest of Mara? A Dunmer? An odd calling for a race best known for worshiping Daedra. But maybe after they found out the Tribunal was lying to them for all those centuries, and that they had stolen their wannabe god powers from the worst enemy the elves have ever had, that gave the surviving Dunmer a different view on cosmology.

And some tantalizing hints about Aravi's past. She was a slave? I thought in the time of Skyrim, slavery was a done deal? After all, Morrowind had long since been destroyed and the crater left behind conquered by the Argonians.



nits:
She had decided long ago that her continence
I am sure you meant conscience.

Posted by: Acadian Jan 11 2012, 01:53 AM

The vid was wonderful! I really enjoyed the open feel you impart to the tundra and the blowing snow. As Grits said, it was neat and bittersweet to travel with the other Khajiit for a time. It was also nice hearing the voices that Bethesda gave to Khajiit this time.

Your narrative was fabulous! You lavished plenty of rich detail, yet kept things moving nicely. Writing in third person definitely suits storytelling for Aravi. How neat (not for her) that you drew out her history with vampires from Cyrodiil.

Well done!

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 13 2012, 04:28 PM

Well, I found evidence from when Aravi was slave. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/subrosa_florens/Computer%20Games/Morrowind007.jpg. My latest Morrowind character - Prytania - found her in Aharunartus and set her free.

Posted by: King Coin Jan 13 2012, 04:40 PM

@mALX: I left out most of the travel but I had to include that last bit of her walking down the road.

Aravi gave that bard a second glance even, she wasn’t sure if she was totally covered at first. Lol.

One of the reasons I decided to write out the segment was so that I could work in her thoughts. Thank you!

@Grits: She was tempted to follow the other Khajiit. She has her own destination in mind though. They headed west and she needs to go east.

Sigrid!

I’m glad you enjoyed the story. It was nerve wracking posting it. Videos are so much easier to make than writing is. Thank you Grits!

@SubRosa: I think someone screwed up when they made that white mining shirt for female characters. None of the other clothing sets or armor has breasts that large.

Outright kill the priest? Aravi wouldn’t do that unless he does something that warrants a sword in the chest.

Aravi’s timeline doesn’t follow Bethesda’s. All the events in between TES 4 and 5 have passed, but Aravi is not 200 years old, nor was she trapped for 200 years in magic or something. Aravi was in Morrowind before I met her (in TES 3). I do not know if she was born there, or if she was taken there. She was a slave there however and had an opportunity to escape which she took.

Thanks for pointing out that issue. I edited many times and I obviously didn’t catch that. Thank you SubRosa!

~~~
Edit:

You found her! Prytania gets credit for setting Aravi free and starting her journey to Cyrodiil. Thanks for the screen, I never knew what she looked like in Morrowind. I just found her name in the wiki.

@Acadian: The northern area of Skyrim is like that tundra. I have a video (that I haven’t decided if I’m going to upload or not) that shows more of the northern tundra. It’s a traveling video though so I don’t know if it’s going to make it on this thread or not.

Oh I’m glad you finally got to hear the Khajiit voices. I really like the voice they chose for the male Khajiit.

Thank you Acadian! Glad you liked the story I put up.

#####################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bkEBa-KhF8

TIME: 11:23

#####################


Just so nobody misses SubRosa's post above:

QUOTE(SubRosa @ Jan 13 2012, 09:28 AM)

Posted by: mALX Jan 13 2012, 05:54 PM

I love seeing how Aravi looked in Morrowind!! Now I'm tempted to pull out my Morrowind game and run to the Bitter Coast to save Shivani !!!

Erandur gives me the creeps, priest or not. Maybe it is the out of place Cockney accent, really not sure. But he seems to fight well, always a good thing when escorting an NPC, lol.

Great Vid !!!

Posted by: Grits Jan 13 2012, 07:51 PM

Oh, how neat to see Aravi in Morrowind! Good job, Prytania!

Argh, spiders! I like Aravi’s Khajiit shortcut down the stairs. I also like Aravi’s armor upgrade. J’Shanji is still using leather. I think it’s a good look for Khajiit.

“Once we get inside, all will become clear,” says the Dunmer. That wasn’t very reassuring. It’s a good thing Erandur had that shrine to Mara set up near the entry. He definitely has “dark past” written all over him. This is one of my favorite quests, for its weirdness and uncertainty. Erandur has all of the information, and Aravi has to put herself completely in his power or abandon the people of Dawnstar. “I’ll watch over you,” he says. How courageous of Aravi to even consider doing this!

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 13 2012, 09:06 PM

I look at the title, and keep thinking Nightcrawler Temple. That is what I get for reading all those X-Men comics. Not to mention http://youtu.be/DH9HhFRn9Rg.

Spiders, why did it have to be spiders... What did they shoot Aravi with at the start? Do they have a spider-shout?

That priest of mara is pretty darn good in a fight!

Just before they went inside, and Aravi pulled out both swords, it felt like a John Woo movie. Chow Yun Aravi!

So it is a temple of Mara then? Or at least it was. Now that makes it more interesting. It is a very neat story behind the entire quest too. Plus the Skull of Corruption! Funny, I don't remember it doing any of that in Oblivion... The temple itself looks very creepy inside.

So Erandur fesses up. I knew there was something shady about him. Still, it looks like he means to make things right. Is it just me, or does it seem like his voice keeps changing. One moment he seems to have a normal accent, then the next he sounds like a Cockney.

What is a River Betty? Is that fish? Or a fishing lure?

I guess now it is bottom's up!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 14 2012, 02:24 AM

I loved this! It was like an exciting movie from start to finish. The snowy hike, then a very very creepy dungeon. Some neat fights and magic effects. *sigh* Wouldn’t you know it that ol’ Erandur would be ‘ineligible’ somehow so he couldn’t drink the torpor and the task would fall to you know who.

Wow, this was good! Brilliant filmwork, KC!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 16 2012, 04:26 PM

@mALX: I really liked seeing Aravi in Morrowind. I’m glad SubRosa posted it.

He’s kind of odd but he seems to be alright… The shrine he set up works after all. So he couldn’t be too bad… right?

Thanks mALX!

@Grits: Yep, I figured a Khajiit would just jump that small drop. Aravi switches from armor types based on what she expects to be doing. She wears fur just for traveling because it is comfortable. Before going into a dungeon or something like that, she usually changes into something that has more protection.

This is definitely one of my favorite quests. It was tough for Aravi to do it, but in the end she put herself in his power. Just imagine the guts it takes to drink that torpor? She has no idea what’s in it! Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: Those spider can actually spit their venom, which thankfully doesn’t do nearly the damage it does if they manage to bite you.

Shereadied her weapons because she didn’t know what to expect just inside. I do feel it was a touch dramatic though. It reminded me of this scene in http://youtu.be/-uLAD0ncrx0?t=8m55s.

His voice does change for some reason. River Betty is a fish. It’s used as an alchemy ingredient. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Of course Aravi would have to drink the unknown and assumed to be not a poison liquid! Glad you enjoyed it. One thing in Erandur’s favor is that he did set up a shrine to Mara and it is blessed. Thanks Acadian!

######################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjlrIyg1O0U

TIME: 9:32

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 16 2012, 08:25 PM

The torpor was neat.

I love the orc. "I'll show you what a real orc can do!" And Aravi shows him how a real hamburger is cooked!

The confrontation with the priests of Vaermina was excellent. So Erandur is Casimir? I am not surprised. It explains how he was able to escape, and how he knows so much about everything.

Those shocks spells remind me of Star Wars, and the Emperor. Very neat!

I loved Vaermina talking to Aravi, and telling her to kill Erandur and take the skull. "Strike him down, and take your father's place at my side!" Ooops, Star Wars again. Like Luke though, we always knew that Aravi would never do that.

Erandur would make a good companion. He is handy in a fight! But I could never take that voice of his going all over the place.

How could mere men bring down such a beast? Because they didn't silly. A woman did it of course!

Posted by: Grits Jan 17 2012, 01:38 AM

Woo hoo, dual flurry next?

You captured the weirdness and confusion of the Dreamstride very well. Even in first-person it was definitely Aravi letting nothing stop her, unlike some people who unnecessarily get drawn into the fight between orc invaders and daedra worshippers.

Vaermina did not know who she was dealing with! I like how Aravi showed concern for Erandur. He seemed quite lonely walking away like that. Then out into the Dawnstar night. Hopefully everyone is getting some sleep, thanks to Aravi!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 17 2012, 01:46 AM

Neat! Plenty of action here!

I knew Aravi wouldn’t fall for Vaermina’s trickery.

The little flame in her hand when she had her fire spell readied was kewl!

How could mere men bring down such a beast? Like SubRosa, I was struck by the inaccuracy here, but based on race, not sex. A man did not bring it down. Nor did a mer. A Khajiit did.

Posted by: mALX Jan 17 2012, 03:30 AM

This vid left me speechless! I just kept thinking, "Holy Cow!" through the battles, that was Awesome !! WHEW !! Really glad Aravi didn't believe Vaermina. Her voice was so sweet at first - then all of a sudden she's saying to take it for yourself and commanding you - uh, yuh. Ok, that was a big clue to me that she was lying. Of course the first was that she is a Daedric Lord, lol.

I have to agree with SubRosa, that Cockney accent is very out of place in Skyrim (I would think). And since he lied to the people of Dawnstar and more or less lied to the player - I doubt I could trust him to watch my back, lol.

Great Vid, this one had me completely shocked by the magnitude of the fighting !! Kind of makes me want to do the quest except for having to hear Erandur all over again, lol.

Posted by: King Coin Jan 19 2012, 02:32 PM

@SubRosa: That orc was a real challenge. I edited out most of the fight in the interest of keeping things moving along, but Aravi had to use some health potions (which is something I’ve been trying to avoid. They feel too much like cheating).

The very first time I played that quest, Erandur very nearly was killed. I thought it was Mara at first warning Aravi of Erandur’s intentions.

Both you and Acadian make excellent points about the last comment by the guard, I had similar thoughts. I’m not sure why that last bit made it into the video, but I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

@Grits: Dual Flurry next!

Who would get drawn into the fights with the orcs anyways?

Aravi does feel bad for him. He’s going to be very lonely with his shrine in that old ruin. He and Aravi just killed his best friends, so that Dawnstar would live. Still, he’s a Dunmer and Aravi wouldn’t be comfortable traveling with him everywhere. Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: Yep, Aravi would have had a hard time killing him before he actually did anything. When she realized it was Vaermina, it was then that she put away her swords.

I really enjoyed both your and SubRosa’s insights with the guard’s line. I had a similar though. It wasn’t a man, it was Aravi! Thank you!

@mALX: At first Aravi thought it was a warning from Mara! Then it became clear that it was a trick. That’s one of my favorite quests just because that part completely blew me away the first time I heard it.

I can understand his lie to Dawnstar, and his less than honest interactions with Aravi. Still, nobody likes to be treated like that. Thanks mALX!

#############################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95X19WAEG-A

TIME: 9:01

Posted by: Grits Jan 19 2012, 03:20 PM

Oh crap!! All that way only to be turned aside. Poor Aravi! Oh, and then the guards were not exactly encouraging with their remarks. I felt so bad for her walking down that empty, snowy road. That must be the loneliest walk in Skyrim.

The ice mage chose the wrong day to pick on her. Not so long ago she would have had Vilja yelling Stay away from my friend and then chatting about how the snow was colder in Solstheim or something. Here’s a hug for lonely, dejected Aravi!

Nice bow upgrade at Fort Kastav. She is awesome with her blades and bow. That college mage knows nothing about her!! Grrr.

Great video, KC! I'm ready to rally Aravi's friends and storm Winterhold for her.

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 19 2012, 06:14 PM

What is it you expect to find within?
Beer? Pizza? Orgies? It's a college after all.

Do'h, Aravi does not have enough magicka to cast the spell she just bought! *Grrr*

The arrow in the knee line! That is the first time I have heard it. That guy sounds like Ahnold Schwarzenegger.

Wow, no one ever showed me to my room in Oblivion. Granted, it was only ten feet away.

I loved the triqueta on the sign of the inn. Apparently these Nords are Celtic...

Wow, Aravi gutted that ice mage like a river betty. And he had a spell tome with the same spell she bought from the chick at the bridge! She could have just killed this guy first, and saved her money! I wonder if that is why they put him there?

I could not even see that skeleton that Aravi shot at the end. Excellent shooting!

Posted by: mALX Jan 19 2012, 11:19 PM

I didn't know Khajiit in Skyrim didn't have the power "Eye of Fear" anymore till after watching this vid - I looked it up, lol. URK !! Glad I didn't rely on having it in some dungeon, lol.

Have to agree with Grits, Aravi one-hit-killed that frost mage !! I don't know how Aravi managed to see that was a skeleton up there, I couldn't tell and freaked out when she was aiming - remembering the hunters in that sewer in Cyrodiil, lol.

Awesome vid !!!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 20 2012, 01:01 AM

Really like Aravi’s snow leopard coloring! Those little white ears capped with black are cute as can be.

What a shame she couldn’t yet cast that fear spell. I would love to have seen her have the chance to study and buff up her magicks before she did more adventuring.

I thought that dude fighting the animals was is trouble and Aravi was getting ready to help. Then he runs up to her and attacks. So I guess ice mages are not your friends. Gheesh!

And now she knows where Azura’s Skyrim shrine is.

Nice shot taking out that skeleton!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 21 2012, 08:52 PM

@Grits: She was so embarrassed and hurt that she traveled all that way and then couldn’t cast a simple spell to get in.

The memory of Vilja brought a smile. Aravi misses her. I’ll pass the hug onto her.

She checked the bow the skeleton dropped and it had the same pull her other bow did, just weighed more. So she left it on the platform. Thank you Grits!

@SubRosa: Having someone show you to your room sure beats trying every door or bed to find which is yours.

That ice mages was an idiot charging her like that. Maybe he’s used to people fleeing from him. He was a random enemy, he wasn’t specifically placed there. My other characters didn’t encounter him. Thanks SubRosa!

@mALX: She could tell it was a skeleton and not a person, so she was comfortable taking that shot.

I’m glad that mage sells whatever spell they ask of you. 30 septims is a very good price for any of those too! Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: The ears are adorable aren’t they?

It would have been nice if she could have worked on her magicka more. She was very upset that she couldn’t enter. I’m glad she didn’t dwell on it and moved on though.

Aravi wasn’t sure what was going to happen with that mage. He didn’t sound very friendly so she stayed on the road. I’m glad she didn’t try to help, that would have been painful. Thank you Acadian!

#################################

Just some screen shots today. I recently installed a Khajiit facial retexture mod, so I wanted to show her face.
And there are some other screens that I liked.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9185/tesv2012012023292136.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/9563/tesv2012012100242943.jpg

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/1441/tesv2012012100264426.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/9384/tesv2012012100282565.jpg

Posted by: mALX Jan 21 2012, 09:49 PM

These are all so cute!! The face shot - I love Aravi's makeover! Bathed in light II with that grin on her face - I just absolutely love that one !! But the sliver of moonlight is Awesome !! I can't pick a fave !!! Awesome screens, KC !!!

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 21 2012, 09:51 PM

Neat pics. It looks like it made Aravi's fur lighter, and her skull more feminine in shape. Did her eyes change color too?

The bathed in light pics make me wonder if she was nude in those shots, and that was how she was covering up!

The final pic of Diana's Bow was wonderful. That is what the first sliver of the waxing moon is called. Though probably not in Tamriel.

Posted by: King Coin Jan 21 2012, 09:54 PM

QUOTE(SubRosa @ Jan 21 2012, 02:51 PM)

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 21 2012, 11:08 PM

QUOTE(King Coin @ Jan 21 2012, 03:54 PM)

QUOTE(SubRosa @ Jan 21 2012, 02:51 PM)

Neat pics. It looks like it made Aravi's fur lighter, and her skull more feminine in shape. Did her eyes change color too?

They shouldn't have. They're supposed to be green. I have issues with the color green. Let me know if they aren't.

And yes she is nude.

Posted by: Grits Jan 22 2012, 01:21 AM

Oops, I thought she picked the bow up for future upgrading.

I just love these pictures! I keep changing my favorite. I love her face and markings, she looks strong and feminine. Also I just noticed her Amulet of Talos, yay dragon fighters. The one with the moon is really lovely. I’m glad you posted these!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 22 2012, 01:45 AM

I love these, KC! You have done such a great job with Aravi's snow leopard transition. Her markings are stunning and I now love the little scar you put on her right cheek!

Both I and SubRosa can tell you how hard it can be to mask private bits when doing a nude photoshoot of your character. We have used water, pillars and magic to help. What you did with Aravi's concealing spell here is wonderfully artsy and good. True testimony to your talent and skilled eye.

Posted by: King Coin Jan 22 2012, 04:10 PM

@mALX: Thank you mALX! When you get a chance to play, you should try those textures on Maxical. They are stunning!

I can’t wait for a body texture replacer of the same quality.

@SubRosa: She’s always supposed to have green eyes, but at the beginning I couldn’t tell what color it was and ended up with amber/orange. I have some red/green color blindness.

Taking those nude shots was fun. It occurred to me that bright light could be used to hide just as much as shadow could be. The moon was just beautiful. Thank you SubRosa!

@Grits: I suppose it would have been slightly better than her current bow if she took it and upgraded it. It was heavy however and she didn’t like it.

Thank you! It was a spontaneous photo shoot, and they turned out so much better than the ones I had planned on taking.

@Acadian: Thank you Acadian! I’m going to eventually have to find a mod to change her back to white, but for now that’s as close as she’s going to get to a snow leopard. Glad you like he little scar, I think it fits who she is very well. Like I said to SubRosa, it occurred to me that bright light could be used to hide just as much as shadow could be. I’m glad they turned out as well as they did. It was lots of fun taking those shots.

#############################

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzfnFF7mWLQ

TIME: 11:09

Posted by: mALX Jan 22 2012, 05:23 PM

I loved that fort, not sure how Aravi got in so close without being attacked! Maxical had to kill three or four before even getting to the point Aravi got to without being seen !!! That was one tough fort to enter, all archers and mages !! And Kharjo! I am loving this vid! Awesome job, KC !!

Posted by: Grits Jan 22 2012, 10:00 PM

I find that fort very tough, it was good thinking for Aravi to head up hill. Nice catly leaping down at the end. Yay, she got her bound sword!! Take that, you college mages.

But the best part… Kharjo!! Oh, Aravi started running when she saw the Khajiit! I love how he told her to be careful. This is a great episode, Aravi making her way through Skyrim.

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 22 2012, 10:58 PM

Another great sniper shot at the beginning here. Followed by an excellent magic sniper shot. And it looks like that second one got two of the baddies to fight one another!

The bows make a nice, deep sound when they are fired.

Oh that chick really hurt Aravi! Run, run away!

So is there no way to hotkey Aravi's healing spell? I know that Bethesda nerfed the system of hotkeys, but have never understood just how they changed it.

Whoo! leaping lizards! erm, kitties! Those were some fun looking jumps she made going down through the fort.

Isn't Aravi going to pick up any the spent arrows laying around?

Now she has her bound sword and dual flurry. I take it she can put the bound sword spell in each hand, and then dual wield bound swords? I imagine that would take a lot of magicka though.

Maiq is back! His voice sounds weird after Oblivion. And I see he is still spouting the company line. You can see that Bethesda anticipated people hating them removing attributes. Now it kind of makes one wonder if they did that just to piss people off? The same as them destroying Vvardenfell.

Hey, its those wandering Khajiit again! Another reminder of FO3, and the traveling merchants in that game.

Posted by: Acadian Jan 23 2012, 02:09 AM

It was fun to watch Aravi fighting and traveling. Nice work with her bow. And it looks like she used an illusion spell. I see her footwork while trading fire is still pretty good.

Nice to see M’aiq and even better to meet Kharjo!

Your vids are always such a pleasure to watch.

Posted by: King Coin Jan 24 2012, 07:42 PM

@mALX: She got close with her natural Khajiit stealth! The skeletons are pretty weak, it’s the mages you have to watch out for.

Her rejection from the College turned into a blessing really. She wouldn’t have been on that road with the Khajiit otherwise. Thanks mALX!

@Grits: That fort is pretty tough and it’s situated that unless you want to take a long detour, you have to go through it to get from Winterhold to Windhelm.

I liked Kharjo instantly when he said his amulet could be replaced, but a life couldn’t be. Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: I haven’t been able to hotkey anything. 1-8 are reserved for hotkeys but they either do not work, or I just don’t know how to hotkey things. That favorites menu thing isn’t very helpful either because I end up clogging it up with every weapon, spell, and shout Aravi knows.

Aravi only picks up steel or higher quality arrows. She seriously has so many iron arrows that she no longer picks them up. And unlike Oblivion, you can’t sell any arrow for at least 1 septim, so there is no point to collecting them.

She could summon a bound sword in each hand if she has enough magicka to do it. I do not think she does however.

I really like the new Khajiit voices. I found the ones in Oblivion to be grating.

I really like the wandering Khajiit merchants. They have set routes, so this one wasn’t the same one that Aravi met last time. This one has a route that goes from Dawnstar, to Windhelm, then down to Riften and back. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: She used a frenzy spell basically which got those two necros going at each other. I’m still not used to the slow down with the bow so she wasn’t as quick to get out of the way of some of those spells. There is a perk that lets you move quicker with a drawn bow, but I’m not sure if Aravi will go for that one. It’s buried in one of the branches in the archery tree.

I’m very pleased that Aravi ran into Kharjo. I was at a loss at that point as to what Aravi should do and by chance Kharjo was on the road. It worked perfectly. Thanks Acadian!

#######################

Some screen shots again. I was very happy with how these turned out.
They are blue and a little blurred around the edges because that is how the night eye Khajiit power looks. It was too dark to not use nighteye or some form of illumination.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/5083/tesv2012012322132180.jpg

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7796/tesv2012012322144890.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7117/tesv2012012322163505.jpg

Posted by: mALX Jan 24 2012, 08:32 PM

Screenshot two is my absolute favorite, you could not have timed it more perfectly to catch the action of her in such detail while the background shows the blur of her movement - Awesome shot !!

Posted by: Grits Jan 25 2012, 12:09 AM

These are great action shots! The color makes them look especially neat. Two swords!! Aravi rocks.

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 25 2012, 12:49 AM

I could not take using the night eye. It gives me a headache just looking at the stills.

Posted by: Acadian Jan 25 2012, 01:39 AM

I agree with mALX (always a wise idea). The way you caught both the action and got close to her face in Screen 2 was stunningly good! A beautiful screenshot that captures Aravi so well!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 25 2012, 02:52 PM

@mALX: Thanks! #1 is my favorite. To me, it looks like a dramatic shot from a movie or something.

@Grits: I thought the coloring was neat too. Thanks!

@SubRosa: Sorry to hear that.

@Acadian: Thank you, those new face textures really let you get close to her face for some good shots.

#########################################

After her rejection from the College of Winterhold, Aravi felt aimless. So when a guard for a Khajiit caravan told her of his stolen amulet, she decided to go get it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyys32lTDUM (This one is mostly to show more of the world of Skyrim. Skip it if you wish.)
TIME: 4:48

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6f01Rq4tN0
TIME: 11:35

Posted by: mALX Jan 25 2012, 04:12 PM

A compilation of little travel scenes that show several different Skyrim sights - Love it !!

On Solitude - I didn't like being stuck watching the beheading that way, felt kind of drawn into it against my will.

I loved that cave, hope I didn't mess up getting Kharjo by clearing it in advance of the quest !! It was pretty exciting that Aravi cleared that whole cave with only one actual fight! Maxical got battered as heck in that cave !! Can't wait till she brings the necklace back to Kharjo !!


Wow, Aravi is leveling up quickly! Awesome vids !!

Posted by: Grits Jan 25 2012, 04:14 PM

I enjoyed Aravi’s walk through the snow. It was nice to see her warm up at the Imperials’ fire. Not quite everything is trying to kill her. Ugh, not a nice welcome to Solitude. An ugly scene plus bad memories for Aravi. It would be hard to relax in the city after that, but also hard to relax in the wilderness where something might eat you while you’re sitting in your camp chair.

That guy on the bridge was a great shot! I love Broken Oar Grotto, there are so many ways to approach the situation with the ship and scaffolding. Aravi’s patient use of Fury was masterful, and fun to watch.

Oooh, magicka ring! Yay.

I really enjoyed this video, watching Aravi whittle the red dots down from the shadows.

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 25 2012, 07:26 PM

I have the same problem with movies in 3D. They give me a headache, and make me feel slightly nauseous.

Look, Imperial soldiers who are not trying to cut off Aravi's head! That is a pleasant change.

The ship on the shore was really cool. One thing I like about Morrowind is all the ship wrecks around Vvardenfell.

Hmm, that second camp did not look nearly so inviting, with the blood and chewed up remains laying around.

You can catch the butterlies? That is neat!

The welcome in Solitude was not so good either. That was a chilling example of the civil war. Too bad for that fella that a dragon did not show up to rescue him. They can be handy that way. The writer in me cannot help but to dissect the scene, and admire how the devs used it to not only show us the civil war, but also tell us how Ulfric killed the previous king - in a duel according to Skyrim custom. I do not blame Aravi for wanting to get away from the scene. Other people's civil wars are ugly affairs, often with no right or wrong side.

That scaffolding inside the cave as pretty neat. So was Aravi's long range magic shot at the guy on top of it.

Iron Arrows, 149. I see why she is not picking them up anymore!

Was she using night eye while sneaking down from the scaffolding? I was wondering why it looked so blurry. Then there was a sound effect, and things went back to normal. So I am assuming that was it. That night eye shader is something begging for modders to fix.

And another great sniper shot!

You certainly level up a lot in this game.

Uh oh, its two-fisted John Woo time! Chow Yun Cat strikes!

I see she has her Amulet of Mara on. I hope Aravi is not hoping to find a mate in that cave!

A lovely view on the coast there at the end.

Posted by: Acadian Jan 26 2012, 01:13 AM

What a nice collection of Skyrim travels in the first vid. I like how the snow blows and the vegetation waves and how smoke lazily filters up from the fires. I’m proud of Aravi for not catching the butterfly – I bet that was hard for a cat to resist. And welcome to Solitude – and a beheading. I don’t blame Aravi for backing away from that.

Broken Oar Grotto was neat! It reminds me of Sundercliff Watch (Oblivion DLC Mehrunes Razor). Aravi certainly fought like a mystic archer here! Start a fight with magic, then congratulate the victor with an arrow. Gosh those Skyrim illusion spells sure race across the screen – I’m used to them lazily swirling toward a foe giving them plenty of time to dodge. Oh, and then she got several one shot kills! I’m sure Kharjo will appreciate getting his amulet back.

Beautiful work, KC!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 28 2012, 05:56 PM

@mALX: As you saw, Aravi left before the execution was complete.

Kharjo’s amulet seems to appear in several different caves. Each time I’ve done that quest, the amulet has been in a different place.

I was a little worried about that cave when Aravi got the quest there. The last time she was there (in a different save) it was a very tough cave. I was very happy that she got through it relatively easily. Thanks mALX!

@Grits: Bad memories is right. I don’t think she was ever more terrified than when she was up at the block herself. Every other situation she has been in, she could at least do something. Glad you mentioned that.

I was at first disappointed that Kharjo’s amulet was in Broken Oar just because of the distance, but it was a lot of fun to do. Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: The shipwreck was very cool. Aravi explored the inside naturally.

Aravi’s been keeping neutral in the war. She doesn’t want to get involved with someone else’s conflict; she has enough as it is.

I don’t like the sound effect for nighteye, or the 60 second time limit on it. That’ll be changed as soon as I can. The shader doesn’t bother me though.

Aravi isn’t aware of what the Amulet of Mara means in Nordic culture. To her, it simply has a useful enchantment. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: It was tempting to catch the butterflies, but Aravi didn’t want to kill them.

Aravi’s Buffiest episode! I warned her to be careful in there because I remembered that place being a real challenge before. Like Grits said, the dungeon is very cool. There are some side tunnels that didn’t make it into the video as well. Glad you liked the illusion spells! Thanks Acadian!

##################

No videos today, I’m not ready to post the next episode yet. If all goes well today, I’ll have it tomorrow.

Here are a few screen shots though.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7325/tesv2012012514004751.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2294/tesv2012012514081987.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3687/tesv2012012514121065.jpg

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2958/tesv2012012514132685.jpg

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 28 2012, 06:35 PM

The Amulet of Mara has an enchantment besides attracting prospective brides and grooms? What does it do?

There were a lot of mods for Oblivion that made the Khajiit night eye toggleable. I am sure they will start popping up in Skyrim once the construction set comes out. The thing I do not like about using spells/abilities for night eye is that they have a bad tendency to expire in the middle of a fight. Or you walk out of the cave and into the bright sunlight with another 40 seconds to go on it. What you can do now is learn a dispel magic on self, and cast that when you want to turn it off.

Aravi looks so happy in her new clothes! Or maybe she is smiling because she made a friend there in the background? What is that outfit called? It really looks outstanding on her.

More spiders. Yeeeuch

Aravi, Aravi Crockett, kilt her a bear when she was only three!

Posted by: Grits Jan 28 2012, 11:11 PM

Love the cold weather outfit. The hood looks especially cozy. That is a very pretty picture of Aravi!

Vilkas and Ria!! That is so neat! I had a similar encounter today, it was really fun. I love the ongoing quests for the Companions.

The last one is my favorite. These are great, KC!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 29 2012, 01:08 AM

I’m with Grits – love the cold weather outfit with hood. Kharjo is really looking like the Cat of Steel. I hope he is developing into a good tank for our feline scrapper. Aww, how wonderful of Aravi to keep Kharjo all healed up!

Dunno how things work in Skyrim, but in OB I do the same thing SubRosa mentioned. All Buffy’s utility spells are for 120 seconds. She almost never lets them time out; rather she simply casts a dispel spell on herself when she is done with the effect.

Posted by: mALX Jan 29 2012, 04:37 AM

GAAAAAH !!!! I absolutely LOVE the first screen !!! I'm going to say my fave of all time !!! Love them all, but that one is AWESOME !!!!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 29 2012, 02:10 PM

@SubRosa: Oh sorry, I forgot to elaborate. The Amulet of Mara has an enchantment that decreases the amount of magicka it costs to cast healing spells.

The night eye activates and deactivates with the push of a button, but it still times out in 60 seconds if you leave it which is really annoying and silly in my opinion.

She’s wearing fur armor. There are three variations of it in the game and all of them have the same stats. This one covers the most out of the three because it has sleeves. The headwear came from a mod, but it’s just a retextured item that’s already in game. Thanks SubRosa!

@Grits: Thank you Grits! So that was Ria? Aravi recognized Vilkas, but not Ria.

@Acadian: Kharjo’s been a wonderful companion for Aravi. Unfortunately for him, he usually gets pounded on by whatever baddie they encounter while Aravi slips around and kills them. That’s what the heavy armor is for though! Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: Thank you mALX! I love that one too. It’s so peaceful with the snow falling in the background.

##########################

Original post pulled for work. Sorry people.

Enjoy this instead. I commissioned someone to do a picture of Aravi over on http://www.deviantart.com/. I think she did a beautiful job on it.



http://julienya.deviantart.com/art/Aravi-282099914?q=gallery%3Ajulienya&qo=0

http://julienya.deviantart.com/

Posted by: mALX Jan 29 2012, 05:28 PM

I love the background music when Aravi first arrived outside the fort - and love Kharjo's voice, too !!

Loved the way Aravi handled those skeever behind the bars, ROFL !!

I have not been in this fort yet !! Looks like a great dungeon dive !! Awesome Vid !!!


I noticed a few nits in the story (POV), but love the content of it !!! Great addition to us getting to know more about Aravi !!

Posted by: mALX Jan 29 2012, 06:50 PM

Love the drawing of Aravi !! Your friend did an Awesome job !!!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 30 2012, 01:57 AM

That picture of Aravi is incredible!!! The artist has really captured our quiet and mysterious but lovable Khajiit!

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 30 2012, 02:40 AM

Most Excellent! Julienya really captured Aravi well!

Posted by: King Coin Jan 31 2012, 05:56 AM

A couple more screen shots:

Blade and magic http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/7255/tesv2012012522463378.jpg & http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8374/tesv2012012522434915.jpg

Any guesses on which dungeon that was?

Posted by: mALX Jan 31 2012, 06:19 AM

Love the #2 best, what a face shot !!! Eerie !!!

Posted by: Grits Jan 31 2012, 12:45 PM

Love the gentle smile in Aravi’s drawing. The artist did a beautiful job!

Is that Yngvild? Great shots, like mALX I especially like the second one. With her wide eyes, she gives that sense of delving into the unknown.

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 31 2012, 05:02 PM

I have no idea where that could be. Though I have noticed that they seem to like to put those silo-like rooms in the caves, that go all the way to the surface and let in the sunlight.

The second pic is really outstanding. I just love the knowing expression on Aravi's face!

Posted by: Acadian Feb 1 2012, 01:29 AM

Those are very cool, KC! I really like the 'magic in the hand' animations in Skyrim.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 1 2012, 02:50 PM

@Everyone: Thanks! Everyone liked the second one, but I prefer the first.

the cave: Steepfall Burrow

##########################

This takes place after Aravi returns Kharjo’s amulet. He offers to travel with her, and she accepts.

Aravi pulled open the door to the inn and held it tight when the vicious wind tried to tear it from her grasp. Behind her, Kharjo grabbed the door. “Go in,” he said. “This one has the door.” Inside, Aravi wiped her feet on the already sodden mat and stepped aside. Kharjo pulled the door shut as he came in, cutting off the flow of cold air into the inn.

While Kharjo stomped the snow off of his steel clad boots, Aravi went to the counter to get rooms for the night. Kharjo looked around the room and noted the expressions on the faces of the regulars. They were content to frown and turn their backs on him. He noted a few of them checked that their coin purses were still where ever they were supposed to be. He chucked to himself. That was a mild reaction to a Khajiit. He glanced towards the counter and saw Aravi was still talking to the innkeeper. The Nords were leaving her alone, so he chose an unoccupied table near the hearth in the center of the room and sat with his back towards the fire.

A serving girl reluctantly came to him and took his order. The Khajiit might not be liked in Skyrim, but the septim was more than welcome.

The serving girl left and Kharjo waited. Moments later, Aravi joined him at the table. Instead of sitting as he did, she sat to face the fire. Kharjo turned to join her and accepted a mug of something he may have ordered from the serving girl who had returned. He sipped at it experimentally. Aravi shook her head at the girl and started unwrapping the soaking strips of cloth from her feet. After placing the cloth near the fire to dry, she stretched out. She leaned her back against the edge of the table and rested her feet at the edge of the hearth. She sighed with contentment and Kharjo could see her visibly relax.

Kharjo wondered why she didn’t wear any boots or shoes, but he kept that question to himself. Instead, he watched her as she enjoyed the flames. She had her eyes closed and a small smile on her face. He let her sit for a while before speaking. “This one wonders, how does Aravi feel so at ease among these Nords?”

Aravi cracked open an eye and looked around the room. “I did something for them the last time I was here. They won’t bother us.” She closed her eye again. The smile had vanished though.

Kharjo thought a moment, then, “the nightmares?”

“Yes.”

For weeks, the people that would meet his caravan at the edge of town complained of nightmares. Then about a week ago, the nightmares stopped. The town’s folk told him that a priest arrived to help them, only he didn’t do anything for days. Then, a Khajiit traveler came to town and spoke with him. They both left for the tower on the hill overlooking the town. That night, there were no nightmares. Kharjo turned his attention from his thoughts back to Aravi. It became apparent she was not going to elaborate however.

He changed the subject. “This one notices you have a Cyrodilic accent. Kharjo has been to Cyrodiil as well.”

Aravi opened her eyes and asked him, “Why did you come here?”

“Ahkari freed me from a Cyrodilic prison, and I was hired to protect her caravan to repay that debt. A word of advice, do not mix alcohol and gambling. Taken together, they will empty your pocket of every septim.”

Aravi smiled at that. Then Kharjo asked, “Why is Aravi here? Surely she would prefer to be home in Elsweyr.”

She didn’t answer him immediately. Kharjo waited and let her think. It was clear she was deciding what she wanted to say and what she wanted to keep to herself. After a few moments, she began speaking. “I do not remember Elsweyr, I left when I was very young. When I was in Cyrodiil, I guess I was a vampire hunter. That wasn’t what I intended to do, but that’s what I did a lot of. It got to be too much though. Then when my best friend left for Morrowind, I needed to leave Cyrodiil. A healer suggested a colder climate would be good for me. So here I am.”

“A vampire hunter?” Kharjo’s ears perked with interest. “This one hasn’t fought those; he goes the other direction when he hears of rumors. What was it like?”

Aravi’s ears lowered. “It was dark and terrifying. They do things to their victims… I don’t know how I did it as long as I did.” She shivered at the memories.

Sensing that the subject was closed, Kharjo asked another question, “Where does Aravi’s path lead?”

“We’ll go to Whiterun. The Jarl has some bounties out that should pay pretty well, even after we split the rewards. After that…”

“And after that?” Kharjo prompted. Another subject she wanted to avoid, Kharjo noted.

“We’ll see.”

Kharjo was disappointed by the reply but was not surprised. Just to see what kind of response he was going to get from her he said, “The road to Whiterun is dangerous.”

“Then we’ll see how we fight together.”

Kharjo grinned. She was not much of a talker, but she isn’t skittish. He could live with that, for now. She did get his amulet back, and from her answer, she probably didn’t just steal it. He was sure those who took it were no longer among the living. He downed the rest of his drink. He made a face when he finished. “Must have been from the spoiling batch.”

“I’m going to bed” Aravi said. “I’d like to get an early start. If you aren’t up, I’ll assume you’ve changed your mind.”

Kharjo set his empty mug on the table and stood up. “Khajiit will be ready. Which room is this one’s?”

##########################


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNrqtSZj2YY

TIME: 11:07

Posted by: mALX Feb 1 2012, 03:59 PM

I love the background music when Aravi first arrived outside the fort - and love Kharjo's voice, too !!

Loved the way Aravi handled those skeever behind the bars, ROFL !!

I have not been in this fort yet !! Looks like a great dungeon dive !! Awesome Vid !!!


Great story, what a surprise to get Kharjo's viewpoint instead of Aravi's !!! Great addition to us getting to know more about Aravi !!

Posted by: SubRosa Feb 1 2012, 11:10 PM

do not mix alcohol and gambling.
Good advice! Scylla just heard it from Kharjo last night as well!

A wonderful little piece, as Kharjo and Aravi cautiously get to know one another. Especially nice is that it is from Kharjo's pov. That gives us a look at Aravi from the outside looking in.

Now for the vid. Is Aravi going to cook anything? I cannot remember if the Khajiit's camp has a usable cookpot or not. I found that it can be very helpful. Scylla made some Apple Cabbage Stew the other day that did 10 points of healing!

I am a little surprised that Aravi is still using iron arrows. Is it just because they are so easy to pick up while out exploring?

Aravi was just waiting for that guy on the wall to stand still a moment so she could drop the hammer on him. Her first shot missed, but it did get him to stop. Then her second did the trick!

Kharjo complements Aravi very well. She can stand back and use her bow, while he provides cover with his mace and shield. Looks like he is pretty handy with a bow as well.

That bandit archer on the wall was a tough one!

I am a little dismayed at how they slowed down your movement rate when you use a bow. Have you gotten that perk that lets you move faster with a bow? I was wondering if it actually works.

The Stumbling Sabercat! Great name. I was a little surprised to see that the bandits have an actual tavern in the old fort. And now its two-fisted Chow Yun Cat time!

I noticed that Kharjo's mace makes a slicing sound when he hits people with it...

Whoa! They double-teamed that mage like something else!

Flamethrower on the Skeevers! Just what is a Skeever supposed to be anyhow? It kind of looks like a wolf. Or a rat?

Am I the only one who thinks "Bandit Outlaw" is slightly redundant?



nits:
Surely she would prefer to be home in Elysweyr.
It is http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Elsweyr. This one gets me every time as well. I always have to look it up.

Posted by: Acadian Feb 2 2012, 01:00 AM

Posted by: Grits Feb 2 2012, 01:59 AM

I love reading Aravi’s story! It’s great to see her from Kharjo’s point of view. I can just imagine her stretching her wet feet out to the fire. I enjoyed their conversation so much. It had that getting to know you feel, full of pauses and just enough information. You write the catly mannerisms so well. I love how the ears do some of the talking.

Kharjo’s unease around the Nords was a good reminder of how things are for Khajiit in Skyrim. I also like how he deferred to Aravi. Just like in the videos, she’s taking the lead.

*

The Khajiit camp is so neat with the big log to sit on! It looked so inviting, the way Aravi was standing to the side so we could see Kharjo and Dro'marash with Zaynabi cooking in the corner of the screen. Kharjo worked very well with Aravi in their first battle, falling back with his bow after the first mace fight instead of charging into the fort like some maniacs I could name. I love how she calmly pulled the arrows out of the tree.

I like the far away camera shot before they went into the Commander Quarters. What a neat fort. I haven’t been in there. I love how Aravi glances back to check on Kharjo before she moves into the next area. She’s already good at being a team.

What a fun video and great story to introduce it!

Posted by: King Coin Feb 3 2012, 01:08 AM

@mALX: I don’t notice the music as much in Skyrim as I did in Oblivion, but it is marvelous when I do notice it. I love hearing the OST when Aravi is on her own out at night with the auroras in the sky. Very peaceful. Thanks mALX! And thank you for the pointers on the written portion.

@SubRosa: I haven’t planned on putting any cooking in the videos, but Aravi has cooked! She’s made venison stew and horker stew, along with some of the more basic foods.

She uses iron arrows most of the time just because she has so many of them and cannot sell them.

Kharjo and Aravi make a great team together.

Aravi has not been collecting many of the archery perks. I think there is 1 perk in between her and the speed one.

I think a skeever is a rat or a weasel.

I even looked up the proper spelling, how in the heck did that happen? Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Thanks for the encouragement with the writing. The ears are fun, can’t forget about them. Didn’t have the opportunity to use their tails.

Aravi has never seemed to me like she would speak like a traditional Khajiit. She may or may not have ever been to Elsweyr so she wouldn’t have ever picked up that manner of speech anyways.

Glad you liked the Khajiit camp. I should have expected that you would enjoy the camp, because Buffy camps so much.

Kharjo’s pretty smart! Thanks Acadian!

@Grits: Some of Kharjo’s speech was difficult to write, but I think I did alright with their conversation. Gotta love those ears! I was considering having Aravi purr at the fire but decided against that.

I really like how Kharjo uses his bow when enemies are at range.

I was a little surprised when I saw the arrows in the tree she was standing behind. Whoa. Thanks Grits!

##################################

Some screenshots

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5743/tesv2012020116004376.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3268/tesv2012020117263408.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8495/tesv2012020117133391.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/122/tesv2012020117203014.jpg

Posted by: Grits Feb 3 2012, 01:22 AM

These are great, especially the face one. Aravi is so beautiful!

My favorite has to be "Shooting," I love her expression with her ears back!

Posted by: SubRosa Feb 3 2012, 01:50 AM

The What's That? pic was wonderful, with the way the fire lights her.

That's a Falmer? Eeeuuch! I have not seen one yet.

Aravi's bared fangs look great in the shooting pic!

Posted by: mALX Feb 3 2012, 02:23 AM

All are great, but I Love the "Shooting" one !!!! Almost eerie !!

Posted by: Acadian Feb 3 2012, 02:58 AM

Great screens!

I love love love the first face shot of Aravi. That is so her!

I also agree with SubRosa how neat it is to see Aravi's fangs.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 4 2012, 03:41 AM

@Grits: Thanks! The face shot one is my favorite. Remember how much difficulty I had making her look friendly with the new textures? That one made it all worth it.

@SubRosa: I liked her expression in the “What’s that?” screen. I paused the game for a screen and caught her in mid blink. Looks like she’s squinting to make something out better.

When you encounter the falmer, be wary. They are tough, and their little pets are VERY deadly. Thanks!

@mALX: That one seems to be the pick this batch. The nighteye definitely makes it look eerie. Thanks!

@Acadian: You are right, that first one is how I’ve wanted her to look. I’m so glad I got those textures to work out. Thanks!


#######################

Only one screen this time.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2803/tesv2012020122211404.jpg

Posted by: mALX Feb 4 2012, 03:57 AM

Absolutely LOVE this screen !! Aravi looking distant, and Kharjo looking like he's wondering what she is thinking about - AWESOME !!

Posted by: Acadian Feb 4 2012, 04:01 AM

Oh I'm with mALX! That is a great screen. Kharjo is so handsome and Aravi is lost in thought.

Posted by: Grits Feb 4 2012, 04:07 AM

Oh, I love this one!! Exactly what they said!

Plus, great armor!

Posted by: King Coin Feb 4 2012, 02:04 PM

@mALX: You’ve got it! I find myself in Kharjo’s position a lot! Thank you mALX!

@Acadian: I have to agree with you, Kharjo looks good in this one. Thanks!

@Grits: Glad you like. Thanks on the armor too.


###########################

Aravi and Kharjo work through some bounties. Today they are returning to Whiterun after collecting a sword for a friendly Redguard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8JSxAb9Me8

TIME: 8:31

Posted by: mALX Feb 4 2012, 03:22 PM

*

I loved this! It is amazing Aravi can hit as well as she does from so far away with that bow! The hand to hand scene was a total surprise, I kept thinking she was going to pull a weapon out! It looked like she had her claws unsheathed in those first hits too - now that was Awesome !! Also kind of funny how she stood over him after, fists raised and turning side to side, lol.

I also love that Aravi looted as much as she did in this one! I probably totally missed that cage on the wall, didn't know it was a place to loot !!

Awesome Vid !!

Posted by: Grits Feb 4 2012, 05:14 PM

Great shooting from the opposite hill. I could barely even see those bandits, and Aravi hit them!

Oh my gosh, Aravi smacked that guy to death! Khajiit claws, woo hoo! I’ve never been in that fort. I enjoyed the view from the top level ending with a good look at Aravi in her leather gear.

Whoa, footwraps! Nice find for Aravi. What a fun side trip!

Posted by: SubRosa Feb 4 2012, 10:01 PM

First off, loved the pic of Kharjo and Aravi by the fire. He has that "I'm gonna marry that girl one day" look in his eyes.

280 iron arrows! Aravi sure has plenty of ammo!

Is every fort in this game inhabited by bandits? It sure seems that way from my own gameplay. I have found a few watchtowers with either guards or otherwise friendlies in them. But so far every honest to goodness fort has had nothing but bad guys, starting with Helgen.

Aravi used her cat-breath on that first bandit to run up to her! Then it was Chow Yun Cat time! I was a little surprised Kharjo did not move into to intercept that guy. But I saw later that he was busy in an archery duel with the bandits on the wall.

I like the forts in Skyrim much better then Oblivion. In OB they are just a round tower with a weirdly layed out dungeon underneath. In Skyrim they look like real fortresses, with walls, towers, a keep, etc...

Whoa! Aravi was all over that guy on the tower like Muhammad Ali! The Thrilla in Greymoor!

Scylla says she should have taken the Horker Loaf off that guy. It is really tasty when you cook it up with some salt.

Youch! Bear trap. I hate those things!

The thing that really deters me from dual-wielding is you cannot block or bash. But Aravi does pretty well without blocking, even only wearing light armor.

Am I the only one who thinks that "Bandit Outlaws" are a little redundant? Who came up with these names?

They had a troll on the table? Were they making troll-burgers?

Aravi picked an Expert lock with only 3 picks broken? W00T! I vastly prefer this lockpicking system to the old one in Oblivion.

Posted by: Acadian Feb 5 2012, 01:29 AM

I and the elf on my shoulder were mesmerized by the blue butterfly and the gold one dancing around Aravi during the first part. How neat!

That was some fabulous shooting!

Woot! Aravi unleashed her kitty claws!

What a great panning view you gave us in the middle before Aravi and Kharjo entered the fort proper.

The inside of the fort seems wonderfully full of rich atmosphere and detail.

Posted by: King Coin Feb 5 2012, 09:01 PM

@mALX: Thanks for soothing her ego, she was embarrassed at how many times she missed. She’s not sure where the arrows were going at that range.

She would have armed herself too if there was more than one, but she was confident she could take that lone bandit with her claws. Thanks mALX!

@Grits: Again, she was having a heck of a time figuring out where she should aim to hit those bandits on the wall. I’m glad you enjoyed the Khajiit hand to hand! Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: You aren’t the only one to say that about the screenshot of Aravi and Kharjo!

I’ve been in a few forts with necromancers and conjurers. Bandits do hold the majority of them though. I suppose that’s just because they would be more common than magic users.

The orc that charged Aravi got shot in the back by Kharjo. It was hard to see but there was an arrow in his back when he went down. So Kharjo did help her out with him.

Dual wielding with light armor is a challenge. I had to reset the first time because I spread the perks out too much and she didn’t have a high enough damage output to compete later. The second reset went much more smoothly, and this third iteration is the best so far. Thanks SubRosa!

Oh yes and Bandit Outlaw is definitely a weird name.

@Acadian: Butterflies? I had to check, and sure enough there they were.

A Khajiit is never unarmed! I really like the forts in Skyrim. Like SubRosa said, they are laid out the way you’d think a fort would be. They did a pretty good job with the interiors as you pointed out. Thanks!

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Alright, these weren’t very popular over on the BethForums but I really like how they turned out. I got the effect kind of on accident. I was trying to see if I could get a good leaping screen shot and didn’t like the way Aravi looked mid-air. I tried on landing instead and got an intense radial blur when she took falling damage, which I think made a really cool picture. Many people disagree though.
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/6686/tesv2012020423345319.jpg & http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8588/tesv2012020423334866.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8323/tesv2012020500053845.jpg