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

[macole]

In the game story what makes sense to me is that the Councilor is trying to find the fastest route to each city. It could also be that they are testing the hero's knowledge of stepstone use.

From a game mechanic it keeps you from wondering aimlessly about all day. At times it can be rather annoying especially when the watchman runs off and fight monsters encounter inside Ayleid ruins.

[macole]

The Jandaga has reached Level 43
STR 79, INT 83, WIL 107, AGL 79, SPD 79, END78, PER 68, LUCK 87

20240904 Gweden, OOO Shadows in a Struggle for Power - Narind

A relaxing evening and a good night’s rest at Benirus Manor I awake with the puzzling thought that all of the recipients of the Osciuro’s coded letters were Altmers. Odd, isn’t it?

Well, when one is faced with a seemingly unsolvable question it is often helps to forget about it by doing something else. Free your mind and sometimes something unrelated will trigger an answer. I decided to pay a visit to Gweden Farm. I need to inform Tsarrina about the free-lance competition in Bravil. There also is the small matter of my share of the profits.

The news of the owner entering the building spread quickly throughout the complex.

“And he’s not wearing that prickly armor that nips, like it’s alive, at anyone who touches him.”

Surrounded by the Girls of Gweden, eager to demonstrate their talents worthy of the coveted Associate of the Month Award, I find myself being pressed against a table. Bracing myself against the onslaught, my hand reaches out to the table steady myself. My hand slips a bit almost causing me to fall. Glancing instinctively at my hand, I find my hand resting on a copy of the Black Horse Courier. A quick glance at the bold headline "Women Rescued" showed me the way out of my embarrassing predicament.

Holding the news sheet high above my head I shouted, “Excuse me, what is the meaning of this! While I do appreciate your warm welcome I am here on business. Where is Tsarrina?”

There were many “Uh Ohs” and finger pointing as the ladies of Gweden faded away to far corners of the complex. Given some space I skimmed through the article. As I suspected, "Women Rescued" was about the working girls of Gweden Farm.

When confronted with the article in the Black Horse Courier, Tsarrina explained that it had been a slow week and the girls were getting bored when a young reporter came by. Thinking that a little advertizing would help increase traffic, Tsarrina allowed the reporter to interview the girls.

Tsarrina made it clear that she had finale say in what was published and didn’t allow anything that would degrade the high-class operation here at Gweden Farm.

“He was very thorough, spending at least an hour interviewing each girl, some of them twice. And it did bring results,” Tsarrina said as she handed me my share, 35,640 gold coins, with a smile.

Turning to leave, I opened the door to find an Imperial Courier blocking my way. With a lovely warm smile that could melt the coldest heart the courier slapped a letter from the Elder Council in my hand. The courier stood there waiting until I had finished reading the letter before marking her journal and leaving.

Apparently High Chancellor Ocato has read the Black Horse Courier article too. I’ve been summoned to speak with him about matters related to the article, "Women Rescued".

“A summons!” I yelled. Turning back to Tsarrina, I waved the summons, “See what you’ve done! It will probably take every last coin of my share of the profit to buy our way out of whatever this is.”

The Gweden staff did their best to easy my fears by showing me copies of their interviews. With only pausing for dinner, I spent the rest of the day and most of the evening reading, The Gweden Report.

The interviews are really quite good. They don’t put a bad light on Gweden at all. I found a spare bed and fell asleep feeling good about the whole thing.

Waking up feeling mellow, the next morning I decided to take my time getting back to the Imperial City and the meeting with High Chancellor Ocato. A little hunting trip so to speak would do wonders. Besides, I need to gather beast souls for that Kvatch Arena.

Hunting east of Gweden Farm, it wasn’t long before I spot a black bear. Readying the special soul trap spell, Sanguine Howl of the Arena, I began the hunt. The bear led me a merry chase. It was near the Jobe Stone when I was finally close enough to hit it with the touch spell and kill it.

With the soul of the bear secured in the Soul Cage, I looked up and noticed that I was standing in front of an Ayleid ruin (OOO quest Shadows in a Struggle for Power) not found on the official map. Now if a newly discovered Ayleid ruin doesn’t brighten up the day for the Archeology Guild Headmaster nothing will.

Narind, an OOO Ayleid ruin with two mid-sized levels, inhabited by Eregor’s corrupted Valenwood Bosmer Rangers from Valenwood and they weren’t too pleased to see me. Without the aid of my Ladies, I summoned the Sisters of Insanity and the impressive Markie to assist me. I’ll say that the female Markynez Lords would give Silanu a run for her money.

An interesting feature of the first level was a remotely operated iron gate. A push block which I assumed would open the gate could be seen mounted on the wall just out of reach on the other side of the gate. I would have to go back to the main corridor if I were to continue my search of Narind.

After finding the iron-gate, making my way to the Ayleid stone gate of Narind Vadosel was pretty straight forward. That is, if you discount having to battle through 10 of the corrupted Rangers.

Narind Vadosel’s stone gate opened to a balcony overlooking a large room. This was a virtual dead end. There was no other exit from the balcony other than jumping down to the floor below, which I did.

The only way forward from this room was through the catacombs (I don’t know what else to call the HH shaped pattern of rooms). Six Rangers lay in wait there for me. I left them lying there when I climbed the staircase up to a walkway spanning a catacomb floor.

The walkway was trapped.

After navigating the falling blade trap, a short hallway opened to a large room. With Twinkle lighting the way I managed to avoid running into a falling floor trap.

On the far side of the trap, outfitted in their dark braided armor, eight smiling faces greeted me. One in particular stood out from the rest. The captain of the Rangers, Lareil drew her two-handed sword ‘Morning Glory’ and cast a chameleon spell.

Some days I think it would have been best had I just stayed home in bed.

Leaping across the falling floor trap I drew Light of Dawn and executed one of those power moves everyone dreams of.

SWISH, SWISH, SWISH… I sliced the air into tiny bits.

Again, the Sisters of Insanity came gleefully to my rescue, but they were having a rough time with the sheer number of corrupted Rangers. To help speed things along, I summoned a Markynez and a Midas Angel to the party. While my summoned warriors took care of the corrupted Ranger auxiliaries, I focused on the easy-on-the-eyes but hard to see, Lareil.

Once all the corrupted Rangers were pacified, the three Daedra and the Angel began fighting over the spoils. I looted the body of Lareil, taking her sword and other items of value. Proceeding into the adjoining room I left my four summoned warriors to their squabbles.

Bathed in a green light, the next room was quiet. In its center, sitting high on a pedestal was a large green glowing gem, the Heart of Wild Woods.

“Touching it, an immense sensation of joy overwhelms me. Visions of pristine forests, crystalline waters, and mountains of majestic beauty fill my mind. Turning, I find a giant wolf smiling at me. The vision vanishes. Is this a blessing from Jephre?”

There were two items of note found among the items on the stone alter; the beautiful sword Royal Whisper and a strange note from Eregor to Lareil, one of his top lieutenants. Over and over, Eregor praises Lareil then in the same sentence threatens severe punishment for failure. Why do Eregor’s followers stay when treated like that?

The letter to Lareil also refers to a pledge of allegiance Eregor has made to Molag Bal for a promise of power contained in the "Vessels of Graithlan's Soul." The same Dread Artifacts we have heard so much about. Eregor names "Yeleri" in the message. Could this be the name of his command post?

With the Heart of Wild Woods tucked away safely in my pack I located the way out of Narind Vadosel. Yes, it was the remotely activated iron-gate found in the upper level. I then left Narind.

Once out in the open air, the Heart of Wild Woods stirred violently in my pack. Bursting forth into the open air, the green gem transformed into a ghostly giant green wolf. In a flash the wolf sped away west-by-northwest.

I am certain that the heart of Wild Woods is Jephre’s messenger, encouraging me to find Yeldri and put an end to Eregor’s nefarious plans. I thought of following but knew that I could not keep up. So what am I to do?

As I’m pondering the question a Bosmer bowman comes running up chasing a deer. She shoots a deer and stops to harvest it. Not realizing who she is I walk up to her I ask her name.

“Alawen,” she answers. “Now leave me to my business, stranger.”

Curt and straight to the point, she made sure that I knew I was not worthy to talk to the master marksman trainer. She’s right on one point though, I have some business in the Imperial City to attend to. Who knows, perhaps I can get some information on Yeldri while there?

[Renee]

Nice, thanks for posting his stats! Jandaga's got a lot of Willpower, phew!

Surrounded by the Girls of Gweden, eager to demonstrate their talents worthy of the coveted Associate of the Month Award,

Nice to see Gweden inspires new Black Horse Courier editions.

... and just like that, the Elder Council wants your elf's attention ✉️

HH pattern room can indeed be considered catacombs, although the Ayleids themselves might've had some other intention. From our perspective, catacombs are fine.

Love your description of combat. SWISH SWISH RAWR!!!

Alawen reminds me of glargg's Wild Elf. 🧝

[Acadian]

I'm sure High Councillor Ocato probably wants a Gweden branch opened in the Imperial City. Or at least some consorts for the Elder Council.

And a previously undiscovered Ayleid Ruin!

Yay, Alawen!

[macole]

20240917 Gweden – Red Dragon Club, Ayleid Steps – Mapping Mayhem

Leaving the area of Narind I continued north by northeast toward Skingrad, hunting beast for the Kvatch Arena as I traveled. Wasn’t having much luck. All I seem to be finding is boars and bears.

“You know, you’d have more success if you traveled the brush country instead of over the road,” I told myself. “Geez, you got to get back to the Ladies. You’re sounding more and more like Kaleah every day.”

Oh well, I made it all the way to Skingrad without seeing anything worth capturing.

Some time ago, following one clue after another, I found Shulassa the Outcast Khajiit’s ring but never did anything with it. I’ve been a little busy with other things and the ring got lost in the bottom of my pack. Now that I’ve returned to Skingrad, I decided to go over to Two Sisters Lodge and hand the ring to Shulassa.

It's a rather mundane ring, no enchantments, and nothing special to look at but Shulassa became very excited when I gave it to her. The ring belonged to her grandfather. Returning it was the best treasure Shulassa could have ever received.

As thrilled Shulassa was to have her ring back, the Outcast Khajiit was fearful of her future. No job, few marketable skills and a mounting debt at the Two Sisters Lodge left Shulassa feeling hopeless. Wishing to help, I told her about Gweden, hinting that should Tsarrina take her on then arrangements could be made to reduce her debt.

The Gweden prospect excited Shulassa so much that she immediately left for Gweden.

Leaving the Two Sisters Lodge, I headed over to Rosethorn Hall for the night. The big aggressive looking Quurunae was pacing about in front of the Mages Guild. I stopped and asked how she likes living here, recording her answer for Phintias.

“At first it was strange,” Quurunae answers. “Mortals screamed and ran away. It’s been better now that people understand I’m not going to tear them into little delicious pieces.”

I got a couple pages as she continued on explaining how she likes not having to be in a constant war with everyone and everything. Good stuff, Phintias should like it.

After a quiet night at Rosethorn Hall, I used Rosethorn’s Stepstone to take me to the Imperial City Market District.

Dressed formally in my best Arch-mage robe, I went looking for High Chancellor Ocato. The High Chancellor was sitting in the Elder Council chamber when I found him. His message mention something about a Red Dragon Club here in the Imperial City. Knowing nothing about the Red Dragon Club, I’m not sure what I was expecting in this meeting. I certainly did not expect the High Chancellor to ask me to take over operations of the Imperial City’s failing gentlemen’s club. Noting how I dealt with competition; Desann’s Palace, Bravil’s freelance street walkers, and the House of Earthly Delights near Chorrol, High Chancellor said I was perfect for the position.

Even though I may be familiar with the ruthless business side of operating of a house of pleasure, Tsarrina is the one who really manages the daily operations. I’m really just the owner of record and recruitment officer. To top it off, the Red Dragon Club is just a front for the Elder Council’s spy operation Yep, Ocato expects me to restart the too.

I told Ocato that I’d be happy to accept the assignment. Um, what else could I do?

Leaving High Chancellor Ocato and the Imperial Palace, I stood facing the gates to the Talos Plaza District. The Red Dragon Club is supposed to be located somewhere in that district. I decided to go look for it and see what I’ve gotten myself into.

I found the Red Dragon Club down an easy to miss gangway. The door was locked, I wondered why? Red Dragon must be a very exclusive, key-holding members only kind of club. A brief tour of the club to meet the staff told me that red Dragon was severely understaffed. All that was left of the staff was Miranda the day-time bartender, Tilasa the night-time bartender, Shurgak gro-Magub an Orc bouncer, and Taminwe an Altmer female who proudly claimed to have aced the practical test during her job interview.

One look at the tall goldenrod and any doubt that she would excel in her cover job quickly vanished. At the moment though, her primary job came to the fore. Ocato had given her an assignment and a messaged for me when I arrived (how could he be so certain that I would take the job?). Something is going on down in Leyawiin and Ocato wants us to find out what it is.

Well, I have a few things to do before taking a trip to Leyawiin. Taminwe will have to wait till I’m ready.

Don't you tell me none o' your lies, altmer 'cause all you know I've told ya
Don't sell me no alibi mister 'cause all you've got I've sold
You better leave that midnight sneakin' to the one who worked it out
I don't wanna hear no back talk speakin' go on and shut yer mouth
And everything's gonna work out tight if you act like you been told.

So don't try to lay no boogie-woogie on the king of rock and roll.

Don’t know why I hurried over to the Arboretum just to wait for Councilor Osciuro to arrive. When he finally did arrive, Councilor Osciuro was very appreciative to hear that a fast travel route to each of the cities had been recorded.

As Osciuro was paying out my reward, he in an off-handed manner asked how I happened to discover the Network Activator room. Distracted by the monetary transaction at hand, I told him the story. It was then that Councilor Osciuro’s attitude took a turn.

Claiming authority as a representative of the Elder Council, Councilor Osciuro, demanded that I turn over the Network Activator room key to him. When I refused Councilor Osciuro threatened to order me assassinated if I refuse to cooperate.

“Look,” Councilor Osciuro threatened. “I hate to be blunt, but I have to tell you that you are risking your life. Give us the key or you leave us no choice. The Steps Network is much more important to us than your life. Give it to me now. There is no alternative.”

“No alternative? Oh, I think there,” I replied. “I know the Ayleid's secret.”

It’s hard being stern and imposing when you’re more than foot too short, but I did my best. “See me standing here in the robes of the arch-mage, Osciuro? Just hours ago, I spoke to High Councilor Ocato in the Eder Council chambers. He made no mention of you. In fact, he appointed me to head the empire’s intelligence operation (a minor stretch). You should take care; your position is suspect. The RDC has its eye on you.”

Councilor Osciuro was taken aback on learning that I know the Ayleid's secret. It was almost disturbing to watch as his face drained of all color. Osciuro spouted a line of gibberish ending with “This is utterly intolerable!”

Like a dog with its tail between its legs, Councilor Osciuro gathered his robes around him and quickly fled the Arboretum. I guess he needs time to confer with others to decide what to do with me. I can do nothing but wait.

Leaving the Arboretum I went to find my Ladies. A night of good food, a little wine, and intelligent conversation is just what I need. I wonder what they bought this time.

[Renee]

"My advice to Jandaga is STAY ON THE ROADS. The wilderness just isn't safe anymore. We've had sightings, you see. Boars and bears..."

Cool, another lady finds her way to Gweden.

"I told Ocato that I’d be happy to accept the assignment. Um, what else could I do?"

I love that line!

Sweet, a song! --- Hmm, "Don't sell me an alibi, mister" is ringing a bell. 🛎️ Fraid I don't know the answer though. Maybe ghastley might, so I won't Bing or Google.

Man, what the heck? Councilor Obscuro .... what a pr1ck. Yeah, wonder what those hippies bought... this time.

[Lena Wolf]

I do find it rather disturbing that the so-called "Imperial" spy network is employing exclusively Altmer. The arm of the Aldmeri Dominion is long indeed. I believe we see an invasion being prepared.

[Acadian]

A brothel as the front for a spy network? That's interesting. Ocato could choose none better than the Gweden Brothel Tycoon though to run his Red Dragon Club.

Threatening the Jandaga? Had the ladies been there, I'd wager Osciuro would have been carried out of the Arboretum inside his robe as a body bag.

[ghastley]

I had to google it. The title's in the post - "Don't try to lay no boogie-woogie on the king of rock and roll" bu Long John Baldry.

1971 was a tough year for competition in selling albums, so it wasn't easy for "It Ain't Easy", and that probably accountes for my not recalling it. Even with Rod Stewart and Elton John producing, and Ronnie Wood on guitar, it was up against Carol King's Tapestry, Janis Joplin's Pearl, and Led Zep IV and many others.

[macole]

Yes, the song is Don't Try to Lay No Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll written and first released by Jeff Thomas in 1970. I was rather surprised to find that it’s been covered three times; Gator Creek, 1970, Crow 1971, and Long John Baldry 1971.
The Long John Baldry version was the one I heard first and is my favorite. The 3-minute monologue and the jump in tempo into the actual song sets it apart from the others.

I've been involved with tearing up the basement floor and replacing the cast iron drainpipe. My time for play has been rather limited lately. Hope to get back on a better schedule soon.

[Lena Wolf]

I've been involved with tearing up the basement floor and replacing the cast iron drainpipe. My time for play has been rather limited lately. Hope to get back on a better schedule soon.

Why, tearing up the basement floor and mucking about with cast iron sewage pipes sounds like playing... Not sure why you chose that particular video game though, but hey, there's no accounting for taste...

[macole]

20241103 OOO Shadows Struggle for Power, Inquiring the Stranded Light

Awaking early in the Arch-mage’s quarters the morning after my encounter with Councilor Osciuro I felt a presence peering over my shoulders as I was observing my devotions to Luminai.

Yes, I know that with the defeat of Umaril, I really don’t need the healing powers of the little shrine we found in one of the lost spires. It’s just that doing so gives me a sense of comfort that’s hard to explain. Luminai’s grace was so helpful for such a long time that placing my faith in the lost goddess feels right. What harm can it do? Never was much of a follower of the Eight, err Nine anyways.

“Well,” Kaleah demanded. “The shops are empty, and we’ve been hanging around the university for weeks with nothing to do while you... You’ve been down in the basement playing with drainpipes, patching foundation cracks, painting the basement walls and floor, and arranging for the roof to be replaced. Don’t you think it’s about time to get up and do important things?”

“Are do we have to get the flaming haired witch, Fiona to entice you to step outside the university walls?” asked Elenya.

The thought of the witch Fiona was enticing. The Ladies are right I better get moving. And knowing how the floozy works it would be another week before I’d be able to travel. So, I packed my bags and we left the Arch-mage’s quarters to begin our journey to Mir Corrup.

Traveling across country, the trip had been quite pleasant for most of the day. We crossed the Corbolo River near Crayfish Cave and as fate would have it, we came across the ruins of Fort Facian.

Kaleah stopped me to say, “Feache, the Arctic Bear mentioned this place. One of his captains holds an artifact of Graithlan, the Dread Helmet.”

That was reason enough to put our journey to Mir Corrup on hold and open the doors of Fort Facian. The first level wasn’t difficult just a few undead and a couple OOO Raiders. It was when we entered the Vaults of Horror when things got dicey.

In a small room, the daughter of the Arctic Bear and nine Raiders stood in our way. We tried telling Sheil Hestarius that we already had this discussion with the Arctic Bear and there was no reason for her to continue the debate. Just hand over the Dread Helmet and we’d be on our way.

Feeling a bit put out upon hearing of her father’s fate Sheil Hestarius and her Raiders attacked. Their initial rush knocked us down for only a moment. Recovering quickly, we struck back.

It took some doing but we prevailed in the end. Although it might have ended differently had Sheil’s lieutenant had arrived in a timely manner. Like a typical Nord, not known for their smarts, a MOO faction marauder outfitted in heavy stalhrim armor came barreling in as the Ladies were looting what was left of the previous advisories.

Torbik Asgarik learned a serious lesson. You do not interfere with the Ladies while shopping, err, gathering loot.

The action over, we proceeded to the next room and there it was. Proudly proclaiming the glory of Y'ffre, the Dread Helmet sat on a coffin at the head of a skeleton of an unknown warrior.

A thick green vine wrapped around the helm like a boa constrictor. So tightly the vine clung to the helm, the plant seemed to set roots into the blackened steel and was now a living part of the helmet.

Elenya confirm my suspicion when she slowly reached out to touch the Dread Helmet of Graithlan. A strange look came over her face as she caressed the green vines rooted to the helm. Then with a smile our sweet druid turned to us and solemnly announced, “The Spirit of Nature resides within.”

We gathered it up and tucked it away in the Midas Chest for safe keeping until we could deliver it to the Archeology Guild. I’m sure Sova would like to study this fascinating artifact.

Tired and hungry, we found a corner where we could rest. As we ate a modest dinner we read the note we found on Sheil Hestarius. In the letter her father, Hlorfor, the Arctic Bear, praised Sheil and encouraged her to work with her brother Faran Hestarius who is now in Fort Flecia. Working together Hlorfor emphasized, the brother and sister pair would become the greatest power in the land.

Looks like we have one more group of Raiders to deal with.

The next morning, we continued our journey to Mir Corrup. Later that day the Eternal Guardians stood their post, as if frozen in place, barely giving us a glance as we passed through the gates of Mir Corrup. You could see their eyes shift underneath their helms and that was all.

Wondering what it would take for the Eternal Guardians to take action, I asked Kaleah, “They never change, do they? What would it take for them to act?”

“Any actual physical action, no matter how slight, against the walls of this city would bring instant 10-fold retribution from the Eternal Guardians”, she said. With a laugh she added, “So don’t go slapping the granite, you just might get spanked.”

Tired and hungry with a powerful thirst, the Ladies and I make way to the Red Navel. The inn was packed which is what I was hoping for. There are interviews to get for Phintias and a busy inn is always a good place to find talkative subjects.

Entering the inn I set my sights on the Red Navel proprietress, the de-winged Daedra Seducer Velerya. Stepping up to the bar I discreetly informed to Velerya that her flowers had been placed on Martin’s tomb. A strange look crossed over her face. I swear if she wasn’t a Daedra Seducer I’d say she was misty eyed and about to cry.

As amazing as the thought of a Daedra Seducer crying was what happened next floored me. As a reward for delivering flowers Velerya offered me her Betrothal Ring (Fortify Magic 100, Reflect Damage 20%, Reflect Spell 10%, Restore Magicka 5pts.).

Can you believe it, a Betrothal Ring? Laughing, I turned to Kaleah and asked if she had ever heard of such a thing. When I saw My Ladies standing there, feet planted firmly, arms akimbo, and a “this is no laughing matter” look on their faces, I quickly went quiet.

Turning back to Velerya I began probing for a good question. Considering that we know Velerya has had at least one serious relationship with a mortal it felt only natural to interview her about Mortal and Daedra Relationships. Of course, Velerya had a lot to say about the satisfaction and frailty of relationships with mortals.

Odd how Velerya’s voice quaked as the seducer ended her interview with, “Every rose has to wither, enjoy their perfume while they last.”

Turning away from Velerya, Kaleah pulled me aside and said, “Do you understand now? A Seducer may be good at what she does, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a heart.”

The female Dremora, Setuva was in the Red Navel. Female Dremora are rarely seen so we asked Setuva why are there so few female Dremora?

"Daedra aren't born,” Setuva began. “Our form is the form of our spirit. It may change. It is not set in stone. Few Dremora are aligned to a feminine form, due to our society being what it is. There are and always have been some female Dremora. It's just that we are no Xivilai, wearing just a kilt. Fully armored we would be hard to spot, you see.”

Setuva paused a moment, then with an amused tone added, “Except for that one you call Markie. Wherever did she ever get that busty skimpy armor? I’ll never know. Young and impulsive, the way she jumps when you summon is nearly obscene. You’d think that she’s trying to impress a Prince into taking her into his personal guard. Oh, listen to me go on about this like a… whew (fanning herself) it’s getting warm in here. You’re not a Prince, are you?”

The Ladies smiled. I could feel Pym’s hand at the small of my back as Kaleah and Elenya pointedly told Setuva, “OUR Jaanu is not a Prince! He’s a good aelf. WE take care of him!”

At that, Elenya, Kaleah, Pym proudly ushered me out of the danger zone, err, the Red Navel. From the Red Navel we walked up to the little bar on top of the great mushroom cap that served as the Mir Corrup’s central plaza.

Telerdri, the Golden Saint of the Mir Corrup City Guard was patrolling the Plaza. Note pad in hand I stopped her and asked for an interview. I had prepared a question “Any Quarrels in Mir Corrup” to get her reaction to her duties in Mir Corrup, but when my eyes locked on her pink “Suzanne Somers’ Chrissie hair” my mind revolted.

Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I blurted out, “What’s up with your hair?”

Before I could retract and ask the better prepared question, Telerdri replied, “Oh, don't ask. It is embarrassing. Tesserayiel's idea, "Don't wear your helmet, that makes people uneasy.", and Kanaane added "you could also be mistaken for the Eternal Guardian!" So at first I just didn't wear a helmet. Then Velerya began pointing out that my hair looked like a stack of hay that was hit by a falling star. So she sent me to Beramkne to get my hair done. Result? Oh dear. At least mortals laugh now instead of cowering in fear... I liked it more when they cowered in fear.”

Elenya looked at me with pity in her eyes and asked, “This embarrassing question hurts her so. Couldn’t you ask her something less embarrassing? Asking about quarrels in Mir Corrup, as you had originally planned, would have been the best choice?”

“You’re right,” I said. “But who wants to read about Altmer, Maomer, Ohmes, Ohmes-raht, and a few Daedric beings living to close to each other in perfect harmony.”

“Well, you can make it into an earworm and change the world, even if it is only for a moment.’” Elenya said as she began to sing, “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…”

Thirsty we ordered drinks at the concession stand before leaving the Plaza. Stepping off the Plaza ramp, we ran into Priennta, the Mazken of the City Guard, as she was leaving the City Guard house. This presented us an ideal opportunity to get an interview from a Mazken’s point of view. Priennta was on free time, not scheduled to go on duty for some time yet, so I asked, “What do you do in your time off?”

“Having time for myself is strange,” Priennta replied. “New. Not bad though. I can understand why mortals like some time for themselves, and why our guild masters want us to imitate their behavior.”

She went on awhile, explaining her view on free time. How on one hand she enjoyed time to herself and on the other hand how it gave her an uncomfortable feeling. When the interview came to an end, Priennta walked over to the Red Navel leaving us with plenty of time to visit Mir Corrup’s Stranded Light Outpost.

Entering Mir Corrup’s the Outpost expecting to find Beramkne; we mildly disappointed to find only the Dremora, Krazzt. But an opportunity lost is an opportunity gained. We sat down with Krazzt for an interview. Remembering Krazzt from the Grace of Courtesy shrine located in the Puzzle Canal of Vivec City my question to him was "How did you end up here?”

With a few interruptions as he continually tried to sell me a silver sword, Krazzt told his tale.

“I am not sure,” Krazzt replied. ”Some Xivilai picked me up, as I was roaming through the mountains. Some time ago, a few weeks or years, the puzzle canal in Vivec City was flooded, since being abandoned for quite a bit longer. After the Nerevarine came, no one pestered me with silver swords anyway any longer. Do you need a silver sword, by the way? I've got lots to sell! Well, the Xivilai told me I could go here, and wouldn't need to be burdened with silver swords any longer. I can't recall the time before the swords. And fresh air is better than damp fog filled with the stench of silver swords.”

By the time Krazzt had completed his story Beramkne had arrived. When I approached Beramkne for an interview, the first thing the big blue Xivilai did was to award me with a flawless sapphire for hushing the anxious kitten, Jo’beala. The items I supplied for Karashivuel’s gift hamper were great choices. After accepting the reward for helping Jo’beala become more comfortable with the surroundings at Merendin, Beramkne consented to sit for an interview.

I had three questions prepared: "How's it to work for an Aureal", "How do mortals react to your presence", and "Who is your best friend". The first two questions, while possibly interesting to the average reader, they didn’t seem to fit Zerreshju’s requirement to portray the Stranded Light in the best light. I gambled on “Who’s your best friend?”

Beramkne gave a thoughtful answer indicating that she didn’t have much in common with many of the other Daedra in Stranded Light. There are two individuals she considered as “best friend” possibilities. Karashivuel was one since she pleaded her case and won her a chance to live in Mir Corrup

The other name Beramkne kept secret. She would only say that it was “A mortal, who realized only a lot later what I was. He's still kind of reluctant, but I think he begins to accept us for what we are”.

A mortal “secret best friend” now that’s the kind of stuff that’ll tug at the readers’ heart strings.

The day had come to an end. As we walk to the Tower I wondered who Beramkne was talking about.

[Renee]

Awesome, Jandaga is back. All done with the home improvements? Did you install a sink which goes plink...plink....plink.. to remind you of Daggerfall's day as you game?

Kahleah mentions the real-life improvements!

Vaults of Horrow.. uh oh. They want him to part with the Dread Helmet, yeah right. That'll happen.

Good gosh the Betrothal Ring is powerful.

Oh, listen to me go on about this like a… whew (fanning herself) it’s getting warm in here. You’re not a Prince, are you?”



Yikes, she does have Chrissy's hair! Chrissy was the best blonde on that show btw, my favorite anyway, but she was also the most demanding. She thought she was the one carrying Three's Company. Wanted all this extra money, a ridiculous amount compared to Jack & Janet.

“I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…”

Don't know the original artist but I remember this became the Coca-Cola jingle.

The interview is interesting. Priennta's view on her new lease on life is illuminating. "Who is your best friend?" sounds like one of those questions we need to answer when we forget our username. Secret best friend, at that.


This post has been edited by Renee: Nov 4 2024, 08:54 PM

[Acadian]

About time the Jandaga finished all that boring basement stuff and got back to 'venturing.

A vine covered living helm - wow!

Good progress on interviewing those daedra. Interesting stories and thoughts they have.

[Lena Wolf]

About time the Jandaga finished all that boring basement stuff and got back to 'venturing.

Agreed. What I would like to know though is who he's been hiding from. Is it the Dark Brotherhoood or Morag Tong? Or perhaps someone a lot more mundane like Chancellor Ocato? Or... no! it could not be! Surely not The Ladies????