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> Memoirs of a Morag Tong Assassin: Vvardenfell, Chapter Six: An Old Friend to Kill...
Black Hand
post Dec 22 2006, 09:51 PM
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From: Where the sun shines everyday in hell.



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

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Ebonheart; Grand Council Chambers, Three Weeks Later

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He took the threads and asked me my request.

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


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

I read it aloud.


Dagoth Ur


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

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Aug 16 2011, 04:22 AM
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minque
post Dec 22 2006, 09:59 PM
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Oh yay! What an interesting twitch......I really liked it, you´re quite outstanding Blackie! And Serene will naturally approve as being Archmaster of your house......waaaaay to go here. I´ll keep my fingers crossed you know that!



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jack cloudy
post Dec 22 2006, 10:15 PM
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Heh, so Sethyas actually made the whole thing legal. Nice detail. biggrin.gif


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Black Hand
post Dec 22 2006, 10:22 PM
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I did'nt mean it in that way, Jack. Its for luck, hes an Assassin.(I think I mention that only twenty times per post.) And Dagoth Ur, shall be his ultimate Writ.
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jack cloudy
post Dec 22 2006, 10:27 PM
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True, but the writ also works in Dunmer society to make the target a legal target in the house wars. It just shows that Dagoth Ur, as the head of House Dagoth, falls under the same rules for house wars as all the other houses, even though he's holed up in a volcano with his big Dwemer puppet. So I find that a neat detail.


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canis216
post Dec 22 2006, 11:17 PM
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That writ is just awesome. This story is so very rich.


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Read about Always-He-Lingers-in-the-Sun, a Blades assassin, in Killing in the Emperor's Name and The Dark Operation. And elsewhere.
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The Metal Mallet
post Dec 23 2006, 12:47 AM
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I smell action coming along quite shortly, I can't wait to see how Sethyas will handle this "The Assassin's Way".

I ,too, loved the addition of the writ for a confidence builder. At least, that's how I see it as.

Keep up the amazing work Black!


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Black Hand
post Dec 25 2006, 07:35 AM
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Mamaea.

A Sixth House Base, and Home to Dagoth Araynys. Many months ago, Hassour Zainsubani, my ashlander informant for Caius, had asked of me to chide his son into spending more time with his father. Why I had not gone sooner, I do not know. But as I soon found out, I should have. Part of my plan of war, was to take out as many Sixth House bases as I could to weaken Dagoth Ur's hold over Sleepers in the various settlements and cities.

Sennanit. Assemanu. Ainab. Salmamtu, and others fell to my combined assault of shadow and steel. I could write for pages and pages of all the battles and near-death experiences against the deformed visions of Dagoth Ur's perception of flesh perfected. I could write volumes of the Red Candles that lit the dark reality of the Dreamers in there Caverns, of the sounds of the bells that rang the doom of the ending of the cultists as I used that very hammer to break skulls.

For weeks and weeks, I journeyed the Island. Blood and death were my only focus, the more I did it. The easier it became to see the former city and Ashlander Dunmer as faceless troops of my Enemy, Dagoth Ur. The Goggles of the Dark Brotherhood Mask hiding my stoic countenance, as the bodies and flickering candlelight relfected off of them. Death was my music, and I was writing my Symphonic Masterpiece. And yet, it was not for mindless lust. It was so that the taverns I stayed at could stay open for the traveller, so the Plantations could continue with their slave trade. It was so the Tribes might raise their children as their own, and not the host of Dagoth Ur.

Now I silently tread through the white-stone halls of the Cavern of Mamea. Death meeting with a silent kiss the inhabitants guided by my blade and arrows. The first section of the caves cleared, I entered into the next, the Sanctum of Black Hope.

The difference with these Caverns, was that the white-stone gave into the more familiar light brown, and a presence similar to the one I had felt inside of the Caverns of Kogoruhn, and with my beloved Bow in hand, I entered into the 'quarters' of the brother of Dagoth Ur. Dagoth Araynys.

His subliminal growling permeated the stone chamber, and with eyes that were once Chimer/Dunmer he beheld me, and like Uthol before him, spoke.

"You have done well to come this far. I don't think we have anything to talk about, do we? Then lets get on with it." his voice rang in my ears.

"In such a hurry to die, Dagoth? I've killed an Ash Vampire before. You think you'll just come back, will you? Death won't be cheated, and I've come to collect, with interest." I retorted.

His expression turned to one of annoyance. "I'm going to kill you. You don't believe that, or you wouldn't be here. You are the challenger, so, by House Dagoth custom, yours is the first move."

Wraithguard gripped the shaft of the Bow of Shadows harder as I channled its energies to encompass my being. Its magicks hiding me from all sight, and my legs grew more rapid in their stride as I charged the Sixth House Lieutenant, with a leap I unsheathed the Black Hands Dagger, and brought the dark blade deep into the creatures left shoulder, using the momentum to swing myself in midair, and brought my right arm around Araynys' neck and casted Soul Trap.

He swung around madly trying to get me off his back, but I persisted, and was rewarded with his collapse, and entrapped soul within another Grand Soul Gem. "Well, it looks like my collection is growing, isnt it, Araynys?" I said taking his Token of the Soul Ring, and another Sixth House Amulet.

I proceeded deeper into the deepest bowel of the cavern. The Shrine of Pitted Dreams, arrows whistled through the air, finding their targets in the soft flesh of the fanatical Dreamers, and Ash Ghouls. But, guarding the offering troughs deep within the Shrine, a strange Dreamer spoke to me.

"So.The collapse of the outlying shrines can be attributed to you can it not, Lord Nerevar?" cackled an old prune of a Dunmer Maiden. Strangely enough she exhibited a trait that most Dreamers did not. She was fully clothed, and spoke as though she were in total control of her senses.

"What? Who are you?" I said confused.

"You may call me Zenammu. Servant of Lord Dagoth, glorious witness of the Rebirth of House Dagoth!" she exclaimed.

My Katana sang as it unsheated, and found its way through her heart, biting through the thick skin of the netch leather that hugged her torso.

"Or its first Martyr." I said as she slid back, unsheathing herself as she exhaled her last breath.

I took a quick accounting of the area, and took a look through the shrines troughs, and recovered another Daedric Face of Inspiration. For inspiring fear, no doubt. I also helped myself to a pair of Ebony Boots, to the victor go the spoils, and wars, even mine, costed money.

My hands then wrapped around a curious looking blade, carved from bone. The short blade had a curious electricity to it, and the realization of the fact that I had recovered yet another artifact came to my mind, and I flipped through the pages of Yagrum Bagarns book "Famed Artifacts of Tamriel"

"The Fang of Haynek-- Haynekthhh--namet...H-a-y-n-e-k-h-t-n-a-m-e-t..how in the fires of Oblivion am I supposed to pronounce THAT?" I said aloud to no one but myself.

Black Marsh was once known to be inhabited with what the Argonians called the Wamasus. Northern men considered them to be intelligent dragons with lightning for blood. One such mighty beast, Haynekhtnamet, was slain by the Northern men, though it took 7 days and nights, and a score of men. One of the surviving men took a fang home as a trophy. The fang was carved down into a blade and fashioned into a small dagger. The Dagger mysteriously houses some of the beast's magical properties and grants the user the ability to do shock damage on an opponent. This unique Dagger is seen occasionally by traveling heroes.

"Well then...another trophy for use against the Sixth House...anyone else smell ozone?" I chuckled.

Back into the Sanctum of Black Hope, I crept through in the Shadows to a locked door that held a Mer that could have passed for yet another Dreamer, but for some reason, I held back, and called to him from my hidden position.

"What have we here? Are you another Sixth House cultist? Or a poor, unfortunate soul caught in the crossfire?"

"My name is Hannat Zainsubani. I entered this cavern seeking shelter from the weather, and these madmen stripped me and imprisoned me here. While I've been trapped here, I've had the most terrible dreams. I... don't know if I can trust my own eyes and ears. Please. I need an armed escort to the cavern entrance. They have left me nothing. I cannot offer you reward. But my father, Hassour Zainsubani, in Ald'ruhn, will gift you generously if you can rescue me."

"Hannat, eh?" I said emerging from the shadows, and taking off my black mask. "I know your Father. He's been quite worried about you, ya know." I said examining him, and seeing if he was okay, running a hand across his arms.

"You've got a blight disease, Hannat. Hold on." I said mixing him a potion of Scrib Jelly and Ash Salts, speaking to him of his Father in Ald' Skar Inn.

"Ah, then you know my father? You can always find him at the Ald Skar Inn. If you can deliver me from this cavern, I'm sure he will reward you handsomely." he said taking my potion, and drinking the restorative effects.

"I care little for reward, your Father is a good man, and it would do me well to know that I have saved his son's life. Follow me to the entrance. I think you'll find that you're quite safe."

We spoke of my fight against the Sixth House as we walked to the entrance, he was well aware of the Nerevarine Prophecies, but as a bedtime story his father might tell him as a child, not as a reality, and certainly not as a voice that came from the shadows unexpectedly in his darkest moment.

"Thank you, Sera Velas. I owe you my life. As you can see, I have nothing to give you. But go speak to my father, Hassour Zainsubani, at the Ald Skar Inn in Ald'ruhn, for courage and generosity must always be rewarded. Tell him that I am well, and will come to him as soon as I can. I have no token you might show him, but tell him that I blossom 'anew beneath tomorrow's sun' -- he will know who has sent you."

I recognized the line from a verse in the Ahemmusa "May I shrink to Dust" that was one of the books that I presented as a gift to Hassour in exchange for information on Ashlanders.

I did wish too see Athyn and Serene, and Ilmeni once more, as I had seen the worst in human nature for these last few weeks, and needed the love of friends to sustain my sanity. To Ald' Ruhn I returned to deliver a spot of good news to Hassour.

"You have spoken with my son? Indeed? He blossoms 'anew beneath tomorrow's sun'? That is my son, indeed. And you have rescued him from a terrible fate, if that is his message. He owes you a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to pay that debt. Who can place a value on life? But please accept these five pieces of raw ebony, rare and valuable. And from me personally, accept this, my own personal blade, and this, the ring from my own finger. May these gifts bless you, as you have blessed my son." He said as I accepted his gifts in the spirit of gratitude. I would present them to Varvur.

I knocked on the door of Sarethi Manor, and Serene's blue-violet eyes widened in surprise.

"Sethyas! Do come in!" She said excitedly, kissing me on the cheek, the smell of sweet stoneflower on her skin.

"We were just talking about you, my boy! How goes the fight against the Sixth House?" Athyn said clasping my shoulders, and bringing me into an embrace.

"Well. It goes well. I'll tell you more if you can offer me a Mazte." I said with a hoarse tone.

A servant brought us all refreshments and drinks, of which I fully enjoyed, the taste of well prepared food far surpassing the stale saltrice and bread of taverns.

"Are you all right, Sethyas? You seem...odd, for you, that is." said Serene with a heavy hint of concern in her tone.

"Its...hard. I don't know. I'm spilling much blood. More then even I'm used too. For the first time in my life, I'm slaughtering, not assassinating. One has little to do with the other. I've never seen the face of a victim in my dreams, but now, I'm seeing dark caverns with red candles, the faces of the fanatics, the Dreamers. The nightmare of the Sixth House, is the pleasant dream of Lord Dagoth. I don't want to lose myself in the battle,...I need some sleep I think." I said quietly, fingering the hilt of the Fang.

"But enough of me. Where is Varvur? I have some things for him from my travels..."

Athyn and Serene looked at one another. "My son has taken up a career with the East Empire Company, he's..well,..he's an accountant. He's always been more of a Scholar then a Warrior, and, well, I'm proud of him." Athyn mused. The last I heard of him, I had escorted him to Fort Buckmoth for safekeeping while Venim's wrath was still a threat.

"How is he handling Domesea's death? He seemed quiet at the funerary rites."

"He is taking it quite well. I thank you again for being one of the nobles that carried her to the Tomb." Athyn said with gratitude.

"It was my honor and duty, Serjo." I said with a nod. "But I will leave these here, and perhaps you could send it to him."

"But as for you, Sethyas.I think I can make something that can help....you're more then welcome to rest here..." Serene said.

"I'll take whatever I can get. But it will have to be to go, its been far too long since I've seen Ilmeni." I replied quietly.

Athyn motioned for Serene to leave the two of us for a moment, and she took the oppurtunity to mix me up her heated cornberry wine.

"You're suffering from battle-stress Sethyas. It's very common amongst the Redoran warriors. You need to let up for a bit. Take some personal time, remind yourself what you're fighting for."

I shook my head. "There's no time for all that. Why should I rest when there is so much suffering? So much to do? No, the War is relentless, as so I should be..." I said, my eyelids growing heavy.

Serene re-entered the room with a steaming mug, that I gratefully accepted."I know you said to go, but it'll spoil if you don't have it fresh."

From the first sip, I felt the energy returning to my bones. "Nice concoction...I'll have to get that recipe. But it will have to be some other time...thank you for the Hospitatlity friends, but I must leave for Bal Isra. Be well."

"Be well, Sethyas." Athyn said with concern in his face as well.

I returned to Bal Isra, and Ilmenis squeals of delight met with a little more then indifference from me.

"I thought you would be happier to see me." she said with dissapointment.

"I'm showing as much emotion I can, Ilmeni. I'm more then just a little tired. But, you are the Sun after a long night. Know that, and never forget it." I said looking into her sweet red eyes.

I lay in the bath for a long time, thinking through the last few weeks. Strategy, tactics, planning. Killing, fighting, remembering. It was all too much. I needed to stop hunting down all the Bases, and assault Red Mountain directly.

I would start again in the morning. Yes, the morning. I would start it again. Until it ended.

I layed myself down next to Ilmeni, and her embrace was sweeter then anything I could have imagined. I would trade everything I had for a moment of that bliss, and I fell asleep in it. This night however, the dreams thankfully did not come. Though the taste of Cornberry Wine did.
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jack cloudy
post Dec 25 2006, 11:58 AM
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War is tough. I hope that it ends soon, for Sethyas' sake. On the other hand, that would mean the end of the story. Hmm, conflicting wishes here. ohmy.gif


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minque
post Dec 25 2006, 08:38 PM
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Oh such a toching, wonderful update! You really have a great way with words, and the poetic touch is just outstanding, I´ll quote a piece that got right to me
QUOTE
Death was my music, and I was writing my Symphonic Masterpiece.


Ah and the appearance of Serene and Athyn felt so right.....poor Seth, he really has a lot of pressure on him now, and if anyone can understand what he feels having to take so many lives, it is Serene!

Oh I love this story.....


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Chomh fada agus a bhionn daoine ah creiduint in aif�iseach, leanfaidh said na n-aingniomhi a choireamh (Voltaire)

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Black Hand
post Dec 25 2006, 10:34 PM
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The journey from Bal Isra to Ghostgate is a bit further then one would think it would be, as off in the distance to the east, one could see the faint glow of the barrier that seperated Vvardenfell from Red Mountain. The barrier that I would dedicate to tearing down. I did not fear the Sixth House, I possibly hated them, but I tried my hardest not to let that blind me. I spent an hour in meditation and practicing the Rain on Sand style taught to me by Goren Andarys in the Morag Tong Ald'Ruhn Guildhall, before departing for my next phase.

And looming high into the horizon, the peak of Red Mountain stared back down to me, the swirling red blight picking up almost as soon as I approached Ghostgate. A nice welcoming invite, Sixth House style. And I was to be the one whom ended it.

"Ghostgate is not for the weak, outlander." came the friendly warning of a Buoyant Armiger at the Tower of Dusk.

"Certainly not. Vivec has told me to seek out the Armigers, in his name. I need any information you can give me on Red Mountain.' I said showing him my right hand, displaying Wraithguard.


"The Buoyant Armigers, a small military order of the Tribunal Temple, exclusively dedicated to and answering to Lord Vivec. We pattern ourselves on Lord Vivec's heroic spirit of exploration and adventure, and emulate his mastery of the varied arts of personal combat, chivalric courtesy, and subtle verse. We serve the Temple as champions and knights-errant, and are friendly rivals of the more solemn Ordinators in our dedicated service to Lord Vivec and the Temple."


"Ghostgate is a stronghold that guards the only passage through the Ghostfence and into the blighted region of Red Mountain. Ghostgate is garrisoned by the Ordinators and the Buoyant Armigers, and House Redoran maintains a hostel for pilgrims. For centuries Ordinators and Buoyant Armigers led by the Tribunal would passed through Ghostgate on annual raids against Dagoth Ur's ash vampire kin, but these raids were suspended because of heavy losses to the Temple forces."


"The Ghostfence is a magic wall running completely around Red Mountain. The barrier keeps blight storms and blight monsters from spreading across Vvardenfell. The Ghostfence was created and is sustained by the divine powers of Vivec and the Tribunal. In the past, the Ghostfence was completely effective, but now we hear reports of encounters with blighted monsters outside the fence."


"We have heard the proclamation. Vivec has removed his curse upon the Nerevarine, and has ended the persecution of the Dissident Priests. Vivec has acknowledged you as the Incarnate and Nerevarine, the prophesied savior of Morrowind, and the last hope to withstand the menace of Dagoth Ur and the Sixth House."

"That is....bleak." I replied. "But I will do what I must. Vvardenfell stands united in defense, I must go alone into the Devils House."


"All our intelligence is old. No one has ventured far inside the fence for years. This map shows the locations of the citadels of the various ash vampires. Sixth House creatures have become more numerous and powerful, and the most powerful can conjure powerful daedra. Until recently, we've been able to clear routes and keep them clean with raids, but no longer. There are no safe refuges or services inside the fence; you must return here to rest and heal." he said nodding handing me a parchment that mapped out the interior of Red Mountain, marking the Citadels of Dagoth Ur, and the Ash Vampires.

"Five ancient Dwemer citadels in the crater of Red Mountain are occupied by Dagoth Ur and his ash vampire kin. The ancient Dwemer citadels on Red Mountain are no longer known by their Dwemer names, but now take the names of their Dagoth Lords: Endusal, Odrosal, Vemynal, Tureynulal, and Dagoth Ur. The only approach to the crater citadels is up Foyada Esannudan from Fort Moonmoth, through the Ghostfence at the fortress of Ghostgate, and down into the crater."

Deciding that I needed a drink to get the courage up before venturing into the nightmarish of Red Mountain, I ordered a Cyrodiilic Brandy, savoring the taste as though it were my last. During my tasting, an old Imperial Veteran sat next to me and started a conversation. It was strange to see someone like him here.
"Hello. They call me Wulf. What brings you to Ghostgate?"

"Wulf, huh?"

"Wulf. That's me."
"Nice to meet you, call me Sethyas. Have a drink on me...ya never know which one is your last." I said pointing to him, and nodding at the publican.


"This is a helluva place. Why are you here?" he said taking a sip of his drink.

"You wouldn't beleive me old man! I'm sure you've heard some crazy stuff in your time, but I dont think you've heard this!" I said laughing.

"Try me." he said quietly, something in his voice told me that he already knew, and wedged the information out me.

"I am the Nerevarine, and I go to confront Dagoth Ur in his citadel."


"What a piece of luck! Look. I'm an old Legion veteran, as old as the poor old Emperor, bless his soul. I'm too old for campaigning. I came this far to look at hell. But I can't go any farther than this. I'd take it kindly if you'd carry this old lucky coin with you when you go to Dagoth Ur. Sort of a token of the tough young hero I used to be. Would you do that for an old man?"


"I'll take your old lucky coin to Dagoth Ur with me."


"That's very kind of you. Here's the coin. I've had it with me a long time, and it's always brought me luck. But I have no more use for it, and I'd like to pass it on to somebody younger. Somebody going places I can't go anymore. Your generation's shaper of history... an engine of destiny. That coin will bring you luck on the mountain. I promise. 'For Emperor and Empire,' as we say in the legions. Go with Kynareth." he said handing me a weathered Septim, and a strange energy passed from him into me.

"How old did you say you were?" I said, thinking there might be more to this man and his coin...


"As old as the poor old Emporer. The Emperor is getting old. Don't know how much longer he'll hang on. So is the whole Empire, for that matter. Getting old, that is. The Emperor and the legions have held the Empire together for hundreds of years. It's been a good thing, by and large. But maybe it's time for a change. Time for something young and new. What? No idea. Because I'm old. Old dog doesn't get new ideas. But maybe young folks like you should try some new ideas. I don't know. Could be messy. But change is never pretty." he said finishing up his drink, and patting my back, and taking his leave.

I took another look at the coin, rubbing my thumb over the face, and realizing that it looked alot like...looking up I became startled that he had comepletely dissappeared.

"Publican! Who was that old man? Wulf?" I cried aloud.

She looked up from wiping down the counter. "Old Man? Wulf? No Idea. There's no one here by that name."

"You just served him a drink!" I exclaimed.

She shook her head. "No. Just you, sounds like you've had enough too." she said with a growing hostitlity, signalling me to drop the subject.

Weird.
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canis216
post Dec 25 2006, 10:54 PM
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That was really well done. I like how you finished this part up, "...sounds like you've had enough too." Great.


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minque
post Dec 25 2006, 10:59 PM
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Yeah....hehe, nice done Blackie! Wulf is one of a kind and Seth was very friendly towards him...mmmm..let´s see now where this lead to.....I´m waiting4more!


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Chomh fada agus a bhionn daoine ah creiduint in aif�iseach, leanfaidh said na n-aingniomhi a choireamh (Voltaire)

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jack cloudy
post Dec 25 2006, 11:11 PM
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I remember Wulf, never figured out who he was though. Just that he seemed unique in some way.
Also I wonder, maybe Sethyas should just try out a jumping spell like Tarhiel and jump over the whole fence, aiming his landing in such a way that he comes down right in front of the door. (a soft landing of course.)

This is what always bugs me the most about ghostfence though I understand that fixing this problem would be a big strain on the computer. Why doesn't the fence have a roof? How the heck can you expect to contain anything when the whole place is infested with cliffracers and levitating mages?


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Black Hand
post Dec 26 2006, 01:01 AM
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I slowly pulled my hood over my head, and took a deep breath. This would be my first step inside the Ghostgate, and the first step into the real start of the War. I activated the switch, and with a rumbling, the aged fence rose into the air, and I walked slowly into the arched tunnel beneath the Temple, and the Gate shut closed behind me.


I activated the next switch, and the next gate followed suit. And I walked into the red fury of the blight, almost immediately attacked by an Ascended Sleeper, seeiming to keep vigil at the gate. Perhaps there was some sort of massive link that connected all the Sixth House telepathically, and Dagoth Ur saw me coming into Red Mountain.


As I dodged the creatures attacks of sparks and illusion magicka, I pumped it full of arrows, until the creature dissapated into a yellowish flurry of sparks. My quiver was lighter, and the Bow of Shadows would soon be in need of a re-stringing. It was a clear reminder that I would have to stay unseen, as I was not here to kill every member of House Dagoth, rather its lieutenants, and its High Councilor. The rest of Vvardenfell was united to keep the host from spilling forth, and spoiling the land. My job was to cut the head of the snake. A multi-headed one at that.


I consulted the map, and saw Odrosal and Endusal were both roughly equal distance from me. Odrosal however, was believed to have contained Keening, the crystal blade of Kagrenac's design. Therefore it was the major of the two targets, and I ran as fast as I could to the Citadel, casting invisibility the whole way, so I remained yet another breeze in the typhoon of the blight.


"Well, Sethyas Velas. Have you come to serve? Or to challenge my station? Or to try to win Keening?"

"Many mortals serve their gods. Few are so fortunate to be invited to share their divine power with them. Lord Dagoth makes you a generous offer, Faern Sargtlin. Join him, and you can share the divine, eternal power of Lorkhan's heart. So far, all your struggles, your battling, your destructiveness... all these things might be understood as improving your bargaining position. Come now, we hold you no bitterness. You cannot truly harm us. We can afford to forgive."

"Forgiveness is a luxury you cannot afford, Dagoth."


"You think to climb higher in Brother Dagoth's eyes by defeating me? Well, then, you might rise at that. None of us Heartwights can die. The power of the Heart will bring us all back in time. But, yes, you might win Lord Dagoth's favor by defeating his lieutenants. No hard feelings. I lose, I lose my rank. You lose, you lose all. You're playing for high stakes. Are you sure you want to play? Surely, there is no dishonor for a mortal to serve a god?"

"I'm sure that's what you believe, but have you seen Uthol or Araynys lately? Surrender Keening to me, and we can part as neutral at the very least." I offered.


"It is well hidden. Even if I should fall, you'll never find it. But if you choose to serve, perhaps Lord Dagoth might even consent to grant you the use of it. Surely, by coming so far, you have drawn his discerning eye, and earned his favor. Be reasonable, Sethyas Velas. Why risk blood and life for that which might be won by words and service?"

I did risk blood and life to win the possession of Keening, and the metal Dwemer grasp of Wraithguard hugged the hilt of the black metal of my Daedric Katana, and the silky hiss of the unsheathing left no doubt as to my intentions. A red cloud of dark energy encompassed the form of Dagoth Odros, and his arms spread wide to begin casting his offensive spell. I disappeared into the shadows of the dark creaking Dwemer stronghold, and he began pelting the area with fire and damage spells, the red energy lighting up the yellow walls, knocking Dwarven dishware off of the ancient shelves, and ancient armor and weapons clattered to the ground.

I began a series of slashes and chops to his torso, while running back and forth and jumping off of walls to stay just outside of the grasp of those long nails of his, and when I saw him finally beginning to show signs of fatigue, I pulled out a scroll, and read the incantation. The spell of the Scroll of Psychic Prison, casted Soul Trap and Paralysis for over half a minute, and held the Dagoth fast. I slowly walked over to him, and lit a Hackle-Lo leaf on one of the ritual red candles of House Dagoth.

"Well, I hate to act prematurely. But I believe that I have defeated you. I could be wrong however, what do you say?" I asked his immobilized form.

"Oh, thats right. You can't speak. But you can hear me just fine. If you can send any messages to Lord Dagoth telepathically, as I suspect you can. Tell him, I am coming for him. And this time, I won't repeat my last mistake. This time I'll make sure he's dead." I said as I thrusted an Ancient Silver Dagger into his torso, the potent poison acting quickly, and he lunged backwards in a death throe, slamming against an ancient Dwemer desk.

I then began considering where he could have hidden Keening so well. It wasn't on him, as I looted his Amulet of Heartfire and Sixth House Amulet. I carefully considered all the chests and walls in the Citadel. Only to find nothing. Getting frustrated I cast a Detect Enchantment spell, only to find that I could sense an Artifact of immense power...so much that it nearly overwhelmed me. But I still could not see where it was.

Following the Siren Call of the power, I came across a ladder that led into an upper tower of the Dagoth's Stronghold, upping myself into the chamber, I no longer needed the spell. In a shrine base, like a mythical sword from some Breton legend, the golden hilt of Keening rose into the air, calling to Wraithguard, it seemed to take over my hand, and it felt as though it was not I who reached out to grab the Dagger.

My grasp fell around the hilt, and instantly, a power more intoxicating then any skooma, more energy then I had ever known rushed through my system, as I felt my Speed and Agility increased, my very life essence and magicka fortified, and my ability to make contact in battle increased to levels I could scarcely imagine. I pulled the Dwemer blade out, and the incredible hum of power overflowed my senses, and I could only stand there and stare at the beauty of the indestructible crystal housed in the Dwemer Metal. There was a sense of satisfaction between Wraithguard and Keening, to be reunited at long last. And then there was a longing for a third presence. Sunder. I did not need ask where Vemynal was, across the miles of the slopes of Red Mountain my mind could discern its location deep within the stronghold. The alien powers used my mind as a conduit to call out to it.

"Kagrenac....who were you?" I asked the empty air.

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Aug 2 2008, 11:14 PM
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Lord Revan
post Dec 26 2006, 01:38 AM
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Black Hand, I hardly do a single post every week, yet you can post three in hw many days. As I've never beaten Morrowind, I have no idea on how this continues, but stories like yours make the most interesting interpretations.....

Continue!!!
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minque
post Dec 26 2006, 01:45 AM
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Ayyyy.......like Revie said, your posting is ferocious.....oh and a quote I fell for in its sheer beauty, oh I can feell the way Seth feels...

QUOTE

"Kagrenac....who were you?" I asked the empty air.


By the nine divines......continue!


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Chomh fada agus a bhionn daoine ah creiduint in aif�iseach, leanfaidh said na n-aingniomhi a choireamh (Voltaire)

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Black Hand
post Dec 26 2006, 03:02 AM
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From: Where the sun shines everyday in hell.



Ask, and ye shall receive. Consider it my Christmas Present to y'all. Thank you all ver much for your continuing support and fanship of this story, I would have stopped ages ago if I did'nt think that I would dissapoint some of you. Even now, this story is drawing to a close it would seem. Though there is room enough for a prologue, and of course, if folks have been paying attention, Eno Hlaalu still has something that is Sethyas' only clue as to whom the strange Assassin was that attacked him...he still wears his armor.

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I screamed in delight as the power of Keening tore through the flesh of the Ash Ghoul outside of Endusal, the spellcaster never had a chance against the rush of overwhelming power that the thrice-cursed blade held. Such power, and I was becoming engrossed within it. I had to put it away. Though it took all my willpower to do so, I relinquished Keening to it hilt, and produced the Fang of...Haynekhtnamet,..I think thats how its pronounced.

If ever there were a blade seemingly forged by the hands of the gods themselves for a Shortblade user alone, Keening was it. The power was consuming and addictive. This was not meant for the hands of mortals, and it gave the illusion of invincibility. Then again, perhaps it was not an illusion. In the right hands,..or the wrong ones, depending on how one looks at it, there were few that could match the power of the Artifact.

I entered into the next Stronghold, Dagoth Endus was not ready to attack me. In fact, he was holding a pair of Dwemer Goblets, and a Bottle of some liquor, and he addressed me in the subtle, yet inhuman voice of the Sixth House.

"I greet you, Sethyas Velas. Or Nerevar. Or whoever you are. I'm Dagoth Endus, brother of Dagoth Ur, and lord of Citadel Endusal. Would you like a little ancient Dagoth brandy?" he proposed.

"You wish to offer me a Drink? Thats actually...hospitable. Not what one would expect in the House of the Devil. What is this conconction?"

"It is a rare nectar beyond compare, distilled ages before your ancestor's ancestors. And a fitting toast to our challenge. Would you like to sample it?" he said pouring out two of the glasses.

"Yes, give me some." I said, taking a goblet.

"Then I drink to your health. Bottoms up...." he said, preparing to inbibe the drink, looking carefully at me. I swirled the nectar and sniffed. It was rancid, and as an experienced alchemist, I knew poison when I smelled it. This horrible thing would have left me dumber then a kagouti, and with the willpower of a corkbulb.

I threw the drink in Endus' face, and the creature became enraged, and with a lunge he shredded my robes, and the armor beneath it, throwing me back, I landed in a dwemer shelf, goblets and pitchers falling over me. I took off the bowl that landed on my head, only to find that he was preparing to cast a spell, and a large one by the feeling of magicka that was rising in the room.

My hands fell to an Amulet that I had found far to the east of here. I had come across a Tomb, with a Dark Elf Battlemage, who claimed to be searching for it. The Amulet of Augustus. I had never had call to use it, but I was familiar with its enchantments. Blindness 10 to 50% for 30 seconds, and Silence for 30 Seconds, Disintegrate Armor and Weapon 10 to 30 points for 30 Seconds.

It was the silence enchantment that I needed, and the blast of my own Magicka did not dissapoint as the Illusion blocked out all his magicka, and his spell fizzled out into a pathetic spark. The Bow of Shadows sand with each twang of its string, and the Dagoth grew weaker, and I used the next scroll of Psychic Prison on him, and with the final song of the final arrow, I was four Ash Vampires down, and three to go.

"Worry not, Endus. I respect your means. I too am a Deciever, and I will remember you with Honor, I dont know if I will win here, but that does not mean I will not try. I have to much too lose if I dont." I said to his corpse, as I took the Amulet of Heartrime, and a key that he had looped to his loincloth.

I snatched the key, and opened the Dwemer desk that had a strong lock on it. Inside I found a Journal of some sort, though the writing was in a Dwemer text, the front page of the tome was written clearly in Aldmeris.

"Kagrenacs Journals"

Perhaps later on, Yagrum Bagarn could shed some light on these, but not now. Now, I had an appointment in Vemynal, and claim Sunder.
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canis216
post Dec 26 2006, 05:20 AM
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Aye, Sethyas is exceptionally resourceful. Very nice.


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Read about Always-He-Lingers-in-the-Sun, a Blades assassin, in Killing in the Emperor's Name and The Dark Operation. And elsewhere.
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jack cloudy
post Dec 26 2006, 11:27 AM
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Wow, I never truly paid attention to the power of Keening. I always simply saw it as a tool for Lorkhan's heart. Nothing more, nothing less. Then again, I have a similar obsession, with a Claymore. smile.gif
I wonder what the journal has to say?


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