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> Today in Cyrodiil, spoilers version, TES: 4 Oblivion character accounts & stories
macole
post Feb 26 2024, 08:13 AM
Post #2381


Mouth
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20240226 I-SL - Star of High Hope – Place for the Lost, Ayleid Steps – Dungeon Dabblers

Twinkle had left shortly after I fell asleep and it was pitch black in Hame when I woke up. Barely able to see, I tried to get up out of my bedroll only to find I could not move. Entangle in three pair of arms, I was securely trapped. Looks like I was not the only one who felt uneasy with a mattress all to oneself. The Ladies had dragged their mattresses next to mine, making one big bed.

Well it was mid morning when we finally left Hame to return to Shenara Hleras’ mushroom hut. As we passed through the Lost Road, the tunnel that leads up into the Valus Mountains’ high country, we stopped to talk to the Hidden Elf, Detye Endago. I thought she might be interested in leaving the dark lonely tunnels for a new place in the sun.

But, her memories of when life was beautiful had faded. The rebuilding of Mir Corrup, other than having a safe place to shop for supplies, held no desire for Detye. With sadness we continued on to Shenara’s hut.

Back at Shenara Hleras’ hut, we paid Shenara the 250,000 gold and handed over the Great Welkynd stone to satisfy her resource requirements. When I suggested the ruins of Mir Corrup for the site, Shenara agreed that it did have potential. But, she insisted that I tell her as everything I knew about Mir Corrup so she could tweak the mushrooms’ performance for the site.

We talked for awhile. Referring to my notes that I had collected while previously investigating what had happened to Mir Corrup, I answered all of her questions. Satisfied with my information, Shenara agreed, Mir Corrup would work. The new city now has a place and a name.

We were ready to pop the cork on a bottle of wine and celebrate when Shenara Hleras, the old party pooper, reminded us that a city is not a city unless it has people living in it.

Where do we start is our first question. Traveling to Merendin and asking Stranded Light members makes sense. It is Kanaane who wants the city, perhaps she has some suggestions. We leave for we decided to begin the recruitment by asking for help from the Stranded Light at Merendin. We leave for Merendin right away.

Kanaane is sitting in the reception room when we arrive. She is excited when we tell her how we obtained the Great Welkynd stone and that all the required resources have been delivered to Shenara Hleras. With rebuilding of Mir Corrup now underway we asked Kanaane if she had any plans on repopulating Mir Corrup

Of course she does. The whole purpose of the city is to provide a few applicants a safe place to be. She will gladly pass the word along. Kanaane also mentions establishing a Stranded Light outpost in Mir Corrup.

"City guards will be needed," Kanaane said. Half will be provided by the Stranded Light, while Kanaane intends to contact the Elder Council for the other half.

Talking to the other residents in Merendin, most did not have any plans for Mir Corrup. Do’leandra, the senior Desert Walker agent stationed in Merendin was the only one who had candidates ready to send to Mir Corrup.
A few outed Desert Walker agents exposed to the public, their lives now at risk needed a safe house. Do’leandra’s suggestion that they operate an inn as their cover sounds good to me.

Looking over the list; a smithy, a clothier, a bookstore, an alchemist, a Fighters Guild Hall, and Mages Guild Hall except for the Fighters Guild we can find everything in the Imperial City, if we are lucky.

We weren’t.

Arriving at the Universitum Arcanorum (Arcane University), I took a few minutes to change into my Arch-mage robe before searching for Raminus polus. We found Raminus in the reception room talking to Bothiel. Interrupting their discussion, I brought up the subject of a New Mages Guild Chapterhouse. Initially Raminus thought the proposal sounded interesting.

“Better us than the necromancers”, he said before questioning if the Mages Guild could afford such a building project.

While listening to Raminus’ objections I considered my options on how to convince Raminus to agree on the project. I could of course pay for the project out of my personal funds. But why spend my gold when my skills in Conjuration and Mysticism are high enough to persuade Raminus to do the project. Or, I could simply use my position as Arch Mage to order the project to be done immediately.

Not wanting to appear overly assertive, Raminus after all is a valued administrator, I thought that my practical skills in conjuration would be enough to influence Raminus to accept the project.

(His response to the Conjuration skill check is a fun one. He doesn’t like the necromancers but he doesn’t trust the Stranded Light either. So I thought the skill checks should be reinforced with the position check.)

“There’s more to learn about Daedra,” I argued, using my skills in conjuration. (Don’t see how that has anything to do with conjuration but that was the option.)

“Oh,” Raminus argued back. “I know of your involvement with the so-called "Stranded Light”. After their breaking of our monopoly, which was in place to save the ill-prepared. And their use of Telvanni architecture... What do you think their true purpose is? I wouldn't be surprised if Sheogorath still has a hand in their actions. Yet you seem to know what you're doing. Hmm. We will send some. If only to investigate them.”

It worked. Raminus saw the benefit and after a moment agreed to staff a chapterhouse in Mir Corrupt. But, something felt off. Raminus didn’t seem 100% all in. He gave no time frame as to when it will happen.

Sensing reluctance on Raminus’ part I ordered, “You will make the preparations, immediately!”

“It will be done, Arch Mage.” Raminus said with a bow.

“You know, you could have saved half a day if you would have played the Arch-Mage card first,” Kaleah chided.

Leaving the University we walked over to the Merchants district to canvas the various shops about staffing shops in a new city. It felt good being addressed as Arch-mage by those we met as we walked the streets of the Imperial City. I could definitely get used to that but it didn’t change the fact that we were striking out. Not one shop owner wanted to or knew of anyone who wanted to migrate to Mir Corrup. No one until we entered the Devine Elegance, that is. Palonirya is very willing to help; she is after all as she puts it…

“Of course you come to me. I’m the best in all the land.” Palonirya boasts unabashedly. “Unfortunately I can’t leave the Imperial City at the moment. Don’t be sad, I know the right people. They come from a south sea island with a Dreugh problem. So I guess they’re happy to get as far from the coast as possible. Tell me, why they would want to come to you?”

Looking over my options, I thought I could get by with the clothing option. After all, my robe is the finest I’ve ever seen and the Ladies have shown me a lot about the art of shopping.

Nope, didn’t faze Palonirya one bit. She must have sensed the robe’s mithril chain backing and declared it unsuitable, ugly armor. Palonirya doesn’t like armor, it’s just not fashionable.

I must have missed something during the shopping classes. Failing the “Know your vendor” test, told me I wouldn’t pass the other mercantile tests. So I skipped them and went straight a way to my strong point option. Illusion, now here’s something I may know a great deal about, I gave it a try.

“I can help with enhancing your clothing with magic. My enchanting Ladies, Claire and Fiona are enchantresses of high rank. I’m sure that they will be most happy to lend a hand.”

“Interesting idea,” Palonirya mused. “And they are mages. Somewhat. You have to be with Dreughs around. Hmm, I’ll pass them your message.”

So glad that worked. I didn’t want to go running all over the country in search of some strange skull.

Feeling better about our success we left Devine Elegance intending to get a bite to eat. Stepping out the door a guard approached. Officer Jannus Mercium hands me a very important message from Captain Tertia Aurum. It reads:

“Please meet me in Cheydinhal Castle as soon as possible. A couple of Imperial Watchmen have disappeared. Regards, Captain Tertia Aurum.”

“Well, this sounds urgent. Let’s go find out what Captain Aurum needs. And while we’re in Cheydinhal we can make inquiries at Mach-Na's Books, The March Rider, and The Cheydinhal Fighters Guild. Maybe they’ll know of anyone who would want to start a business in the new city of Mir Corrup.


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Acadian
post Feb 26 2024, 09:30 PM
Post #2382


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From: Las Vegas



Yep, sleeping in a pig pile is good. Oh noes, Twinkle left her post!

Mir Corrup it shall be. Let the mushroom tweaking commence!

Well, canvasing much of Cyrodiil to help populate the new city seems like it will keep the Jandaga and his crew busy for some time. Hopefully, the other guilds won’t want to be outdone by the Mages Guild and will also set up chapters in Mir Corrup. And all those guildies ought to have plenty of gold to draw new merchants. Oh, and don’t forget that Mir Corrup will need a Gweden Annex as well. . . .


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Renee
post Mar 1 2024, 05:46 PM
Post #2383


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From: Ellicott City, Maryland



Jandaga is in Hame. What is Star of High Hope? ⭐ Lol moment: he was able to sleep finally, because he wasn't alone!

Cripes.... 250,000?!?!? I wonder if all of my people in Cyrodiil (starting with Lady Anne in 2008, to Renee Gade III in 2024) have made this much money over time. indifferent.gif Anyway, at least they were able to pay Shenara. Got that out of the way. So do these cities really grow over time? Can't wait to see pixtures, if so.

I like how you're including the Skill Check moments, explaining what's going on from your side of the monitor.

QUOTE
It felt good being addressed as Arch-mage by those we met as we walked the streets of the Imperial City.


My CoC, The Grey Wizard, would often do this once the Main Quest was done, and he was also Arch Mage. greenwizardsmile.gif I played his game on PS3. Once all the big quests was over, he decided to retire. Walked around the City with an Associate following, listening to compliments. Literally, that was my roleplay with him at that point. Which was actually fun.... for about a half-hour or so.

So I like that you've highlighted this with Jandaga. But as you've noted, it does get old (hence, Jandaga's eager to get back out there).

The tests sound interesting. At some point you might consider making a YouTube video of Jandaga, macole, during some moments of quest like this. I'd be interested in seeing something more dramatic, too. How Jandaga and his Hippies approach combat in real-time, perhaps.





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macole
post Mar 5 2024, 07:50 AM
Post #2384


Mouth
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Joined: 10-January 20



QUOTE(Renee @ Mar 1 2024, 10:46 AM) *

Jandaga is in Hame. What is Star of High Hope? ⭐ Lol moment: he was able to sleep finally, because he wasn't alone!

Cripes.... 250,000?!?!? I wonder if all of my people in Cyrodiil (starting with Lady Anne in 2008, to Renee Gade III in 2024) have made this much money over time. indifferent.gif Anyway, at least they were able to pay Shenara. Got that out of the way. So do these cities really grow over time? Can't wait to see pixtures, if so.

I like how you're including the Skill Check moments, explaining what's going on from your side of the monitor.

So I like that you've highlighted this with Jandaga. But as you've noted, it does get old (hence, Jandaga's eager to get back out there).

The tests sound interesting. At some point you might consider making a YouTube video of Jandaga, macole, during some moments of quest like this. I'd be interested in seeing something more dramatic, too. How Jandaga and his Hippies approach combat in real-time, perhaps.

The Stranded Light is a place where displaced Daedra of an unusual peaceful nature can gather and not feel threatened. Merendin is fast becoming too small to hold all the ostracized Daedra. Kanaane, one of the founders of the Stranded Light, envisions a city, which she calls the ‘Star of High Hope’ that will shine like a beacon guiding those displace peaceful souls to a safe refuge.

250,000, that’s just pocket change. Current bank account balance is 2,970,351. 1,134,540 of which is interest earn over time. It helps to own two vineyards and a popular gentleman’s club.

I’m not sure how the city grows. It may be like mushrooms in the back yard. One day the yard is bare, the next “BOOM” mushrooms everywhere. I just cjecked and there are large boulders blocking the city entrance.

You know how skill checks are. You see four options and tell yourself, “I wouldn’t say any those.”

As much as I’d like to do a video and I have thought about from time to time, I don’t know the first thing about making one.

This post has been edited by macole: Mar 5 2024, 07:54 AM


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Renee
post Mar 6 2024, 04:44 PM
Post #2385


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From: Ellicott City, Maryland



As always, thanks for taking the time to answer. cake.gif

Daedra? Feel threatened? devilsmile.gif Hmm, but not all daedra are completely 100% Evil.

QUOTE
I just cjecked and there are large boulders blocking the city entrance.


Wow!

QUOTE
You know how skill checks are. You see four options and tell yourself, “I wouldn’t say any those.”


This sounds like most newer games! I'm looking at the dialog choices and my character wouldn't say any of those choices!

Ah, don't worry about making a vid. It's not really that hard but there are a lot of steps, and it can take a LOT of time to upload, unless your connection is super-super-fast or something.



This post has been edited by Renee: Mar 6 2024, 04:45 PM


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macole
post Mar 7 2024, 07:13 AM
Post #2386


Mouth
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Joined: 10-January 20



20240305 TAS Ayleid Steps – Dungeon Dabblers

“Well, let’s go to Cheydinhal and meet with Captain Aurum. While there we can make inquiries at Mach-Na's Books, The March Rider, and The Cheydinhal Fighters Guild. Maybe they’ll know of anyone who would want to start a business in the new city of Mir Corrup.”

Ah, Cheydinhal, the Garden City of Cyrodiil. It was late when we arrived at our home in Cheydinhal. A bite to eat and we retired for the night. The next morning, our first stop was the Fighters Guild, where Burz gro-Khash told us he would not recommend anyone from the Cheydinhal chapter.

“What? With those two people I have around here? First think, then talk!” Burz gro-Khash bellowed.

Stopping by the March Rider and Mach-Na Books wasn’t any better. Neither Tertia Viducia nor Mach-Na had anything to say about expanding to Mir Corrup. The only thing left to do is to head up to the castle and look for Captain Tertia Aurum.

Entering the castle, it was easy to spot Captain Tertia Aurum in her highly polished armor. She was the silvery moon pacing nervously back and forth across the antechamber floor. We could tell the normal stoic Captain Aurum was extremely anxious about something.

Spotting us waiting atop the entrance steps, Captain Aurum approached and began telling us of a robbery that had occurred several days ago. The target was a merchant carrying a large number of Welkynd stones. Captain Drush Dedalus and two Cheydinhal guards witnessed the robbery and gave chase.

The bandit fled to the Valus Mountains, dropping some Welkynd stones as he ran. The guards, recovering the dropped Welkynds, continued chasing the bandit high into the mountains. At one point, the bandit activated an Ayleid step and disappeared. Sending one guard back to Cheydinhal to report the action, Captain Dedalus with the second guard, used a Welkynd stone to continue the pursuit. It’s been days with no word from the missing guards.

“… I want to know where they went and what happened to them.” Captain Aurum concluded, “So how would you tackle this?”

Something in her voice told me that the captain was letting her emotions cloud her thinking.
Kaleah thought so to as she leaned close and whispered, “Careful, she’s wound up tighter than an over wound clock.”

“I need to question the returning guard.” I replied. “That’s the first thing.”

“Good. His name is Jaros Kuneo. He can tell you where that Stepstone is. All you have to do is go there, activate the Step and find the watchmen. If they live, help them to get back to Cheydinhal and collect your usual reward. If they are dead... I just want to know. Needless to say I will then be very disappointed in you.”

“What? Why? Now wait a minute,” I objected. “I'm not responsible."

“I am not so sure of that.” Captain Aurum snapped. “'Someone' has activated these Ayleid Steps, did they not? You, perhaps?”

What the, she’s blaming me for the guards’ disappearance. I started to object again but Elenya caught me, “Truth serves the balance.”

“Yes,” I truthfully replied.

“I thought so,” Captain Tertia replied disdainfully. Anger and frustration could be heard in her voice. “We have no time to argue about responsibility. This is very urgent. Now get going. You will find watchman Kuneo on duty somewhere in town.”

Curtly dismissed, we left to find watchman Kuneo. Fortunate for us, Watchman Kuneo was leaving the guards barracks as we were exiting the great hall. Introducing ourselves, we explained that we were being sent to find and rescue Captain Drush Dedalus and the missing guard.

“Here to help find Captain Drush and officer Quinta?” Watchman Kuneo responded. “Captain Aurum told me some Stepstone expert would show up. She was pretty upset, was she not?”

“Yes,” I said. “Any idea why?”

“Not really sure,” watchman Kuneo said. “Rumor has it that Quinta is a close relative of Captain Aurum’s, but who believes rumors. Anyway, it’s lunchtime now. Meet me at Fort Farragut in a couple of hours and I’ll lead you to the Stepstone they used.”

Two hours later we met up with watchman Kuneo at Fort Farragut and we began the trek up into the Valus Mountains. Past Rickety Mine, past the ruins of Kemen we climbed eastward until we finally stopped at an Ayleid Step.

This is the stepstone they used when they disappeared. Good luck finding them.” The guard called out as he started back down the mountain.

Using a Welkynd stone the stepstone took us to another stepstone in the middle of nowhere. Activating this second stepstone took us to the Lost Ruin of Thul. It was here that we found Captain Drush, standing around looking lost.

And, he was lost. Disoriented, out of Welkynd stones, frustrated at being unable to find a way out, fearful that Watchman Quinta may be dead, Captain Drush Dedalus had all but given up hope that he’d ever get out.

“I didn’t know. No one told me the Welkynd stones could fail leaving you trapped inside a ruin.” Captain Dedalus mumbled over and over.

“Where is your subordinate?” I questioned.

“We lost each other in a fight.” Captain Dedalus admitted. ”We will have to find her as well as an exit, and quickly too. I hope she's still alive. I think Captain Aurum will kill me if Quinta Petrolium dies.

“Why?”

“I do not dare ask her,” Captain Dedalus replied. “Not my business. Maybe they’re sisters, who knows?”

Thul, it turns out is not a large ruin, it’s just that every doorway leads to a room that looks exactly like the room you just left. That and it is full of undead monstrosities: ghouls, ghosts, lich, mummies, and other such monsters.

Sai the God of Luck was with us, officer of the watch Quinta was in the very next room. While the Field Hippies and Captain Drush held off a murderous pack of ghouls, I raced down the stairs to catch Quinta before she could leave the room (you’ll never find her if she does or at least I couldn't). With watchman Quinta Petrolium safely undertow it was time to find the way out of Lost Thul.

The stepstone found in every room are useless. They just take us to another room in Thul. How many rooms are in Thul, we don’t really know. We stopped using the stepstones after the first couple got us nowhere.

Instead, Elenya tried talking the wall stones into to pointing the way out. This can be a very time-consuming ordeal. Unlike living plants, stone is very dense and slow to speak and the haughty “I’m so much better than you” marble is the worst. We had gone through several rooms in the maze that’s called Thul before the stone decided to point the way to a hidden door.

A section of the wall slid open to reveal a long dark hallway leading to an exit door. Two giant spiders barred the way. Quickly and efficiently, Pym and Elenya drew their swords and cleared the hallway of the spiders. Excited to have found the way out, I opened the door and without looking quickly stepped out into the frosty morning air of the Jerall Mountains.

You know casting a teleportation spell is near impossible when your mind’s only thought is to hold on tight to the cliff face. Fearing to look down, I kept my eyes focus up. That didn’t help much when I realized I was starring at Dive Rock. The only thing I could think of was to slowly, finger hold by toe hold, descend the rocky wall.

Carefully, we began the arduous task of descending the cliff. Pym, Elenya, Captain Drush, and watchman Quinta did quite well considering, they weren’t really dress for rock climbing. There were a few slips but my winged warrior, Kaleah was hovering about to help them regain their footing. It took most of the day (10-minutes real time) before we touched ground not far from Aerin’s Camp.

(I really didn’t think it would work but as long as I faced the cliff and didn’t run, I slow walked down the mountain side.)

Torbern, the current resident of Aerin’s camp allowed us to sit and rest awhile to gather our strength. A short rest, a little food and drink and we were refreshed enough to continue our journey to Cheydinhal.

By the time we reached Cheydinhal it was 9:00pm. Captain Tertia Aurum was anxiously waiting our return. Not daring to hope for officer Quinta’s and Captain Drush’s safe return, Captain Aurum was overjoyed when she saw the two officers of the watch.

She thanked us for rescuing the two Guards of the Watch and bringing them back safely. Funny though, when she said that she had all but given up hope of ever seeing them alive again, I got the distinct impression that she was talking of Quinta.

Captain Aurum did not have time to deal with us directly or listen to our report. Instead she directed us to officer Kuneo to get our 300 gold reward. With that, Captain Aurum abruptly left.

When picking up our reward from Officer Jaros Kuneo we asked if he knew what was up. According to Jaros a mage, an elderly Aldmer from the Mages Guild, came to talk to Captain Aurum. They had a long discussion in hushed voices. After which Captain Aurum prepare to leave Cheydinhal, telling Jaros that she had an urgent message for the Elder Council.

How strange, an Aldmer from the Mages Guild? He must be mistaken. I know of no Aldmer in the Mages Guild. Some serious business is going on with these Ayleid Steps and I intend to find out what.

Then with a knowing wink, officer Kuneo mentioned that Quintas has been reassigned to the Imperial City.

Well, well ain’t that something.

My Ladies, with exaggerated yawns, subtlety reminded me how late it was. We returned to out Cheydinhal home for some well deserved nap.

This post has been edited by macole: Mar 7 2024, 07:15 AM


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Lena Wolf
post Mar 7 2024, 02:48 PM
Post #2387


Mouth
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Intrigue in Cheydinhal! Something is fishy about that Quintas...


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Acadian
post Mar 7 2024, 09:33 PM
Post #2388


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Joined: 14-March 10
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Well, not much luck augmenting the hopefully growing population of Mir Corrup. Something is afoot however regarding welkynd stones and ayleid steps though.

Quinta Petrolium? Wonder how she came by that surname?

Glad the Jandaga and his little group were able to rescue those two guards. What an awkward exit location – stepping out the sheer side of a cliff. It helps to have a flying field hippie.

Sounds like that Aldmeri member of the Mages Guild is an imposter. Certainly the Arch Mage would know were there any Aldmer in his arcane flock.


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Renee
post Mar 8 2024, 05:34 PM
Post #2389


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QUOTE
Unlike living plants, stone is very dense and slow to speak and the haughty “I’m so much better than you” marble is the worst.


Yeah, marble... so darn haughty. I guess granite and sandstone are more like the everyman's stones, easier to communicate with for the working fellow or gal.

Whoa, look at that cliff face shot. indifferent.gif How brutal!



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macole
post Today, 08:23 AM
Post #2390


Mouth
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20240319 I-SL, Daedroth’s Best Friend

The only thing that marred the beautiful morning when we awoke in our house in Cheydinhal was that Elenya still had a headache from the immense effort it takes to communicate with stone.

Favas Andas, the former Telvanni Lawman now Order of the Virtuous Blood agent for the Cheydinhal Chapter House, came up from his residence in the cellar to join us for breakfast. It’s that time of the year again so the discussion during breakfast centered on OVB Cheydinhal Chapter House financial statements. Favas had all his affairs in order and the discussion moved on to other things. The topic of Officer Jaros Kuneo’s wild claim of an elderly Aldmer mage residing at the Mages Guild came up.

Favas leaned forward and with an even, yet forceful voice said, “Vamp Hunter, I can’t say I’ve seen any Aldmer hanging around. Nor have I observed any vampires around town either. What I will say is that something strange is going on over at the Mages Guild. A lot of strange people have been coming and going over there lately.”

When the breakfast discussion came to an end the Ladies and I walked over to the Mages Guild to see for ourselves what was going on. As we approached the Mages Guild, Frondre the Stranded Light guild guide assigned to Cheydinhal Mages Guild, stopped us.

“Ah, the vanguard of the illustrious Field Hippies,” Frondre said with a deep bow in deference to my Ladies. “May they party on forever.”

Pym and Elenya beamed while Kaleah seemed to grow in stature, towering authoritatively over the male Mazken.
Frondre fell to his knees before Kaleah, touching his forehead to the ground he said, “And the notorious Kaleah, mistress has done well to align herself with the appointed diplomat of the Stranded Light,”

Uh oh, the thought that Frondre is up to something flashed across my mind.

Standing, Frondre addressed me and began to explain how he needed help recovering an unusual diamond. The diamond, an heirloom of the count was stolen by or for a debt collector, a Daedra Seducer hiding in the mountains east of Bruma near a place named after Gnolls. To avoid unnecessary complications, Frondre argues that since Daedra, a servant of Molag Bal, are involved the recovery should be undertaken by the Stranded Light, not the city guards.

By the way female Seducers speak of their male counterparts one would think that the males are completely useless. Frondre demonstrated one thing is for certain; they do have a way with words. My Ladies eagerly accepted the task dragging me along for the ride.

Well, there went my plans of investigating the Aldmer sighting at the Mages Guild. We’ll have to deal with that when we get back. Before leaving, I instructed Frondre to keep an eye out and inform me of any strange mages hanging around the guild hall when we return.

A place in the Jerall Mountains, east of Bruma, named after Gnolls is what Frondre said. It had to be Gnoll Mountain near Frostcraig Spire. It’s been a while since we’ve visited Frostcraig Spire. The Söpökeiju much prefer the lush greenery and warm clime of southern Cyrodiil over the frosty peaks of the Jerall’s.

It’s not that I don’t like the south it’s just that in certain times of the year, I find breathing to be easier in the clean crisp mountain air without all the eye swelling and nose clogging pollen. Thankfully Fiona can whip up a pretty good potion to take care of those annoyances.

From Frostcraig Spire it’s a short hike to a camp site on south face of Gnoll Mountain. From there we began our search for the debt collector. Working our way westward and then north, we searched Gnoll Mountain for the debt collector’s camp.

The sides of the mountain were steep and covered with ice and snow. One false step and we’d likely slide and fall hundreds of feet to the valley below. On the northern face of Gnoll Mountain we got lucky, the constant mist that gave the Fog Slope its name, had lifted. Halfway down Fog Slope we spotted the debt collector’s camp.

Thinking that a pair of skis would be handy for this, we with minimum control, schussed down Fog Slope to the ledge where the debt collector sat. Approaching the desk, the Daedra Seducer didn’t flinch one bit at our arrival.

“It’s a male,” Kaleah hissed with a hint of disgust. “And he’s not even real, just his image projected from somewhere in Oblivion. How does a male have the mental capacity to pull off such a feat?”

“Ahem,” Clearing my throat loudly, I about lost my stern posturing when Kaleah spun around to face me and gasped.

Turning all sorts of shades of red the thoroughly embarrassed Kaleah declared over and over that she didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I don’t know how Elenya and Pym kept from laughing.

The misunderstanding over and forgotten (unless I can think of a good dig later), we took a quick survey the area. On the table in front of the debt collector sat our objective, a large diamond. Kaleah called it a ‘spectral diamond’.

Reaching out to inspect the Spectral Diamond, I find I cannot pick it up.

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you,” the projected image said with a smirk and shake of his head.

“You’re the debt collector?” I queried.

The male seducer stared defiantly at Kaleah for the briefest of moments before imperceptibly lowering his eyes. In a not quite submissive tone he addressed Kaleah, “You have no authority over me here.”

"Yes," he said turning to me. “I, Tanaark, am here to coordinate the collection for all daedric entities unable to attend to their matters in person. As we all know, mortals make pacts with Daedra, some mortals choose to forget to fulfill their end of the bargain, thus the need for a debt collector. If you are here looking for work I have a few tasks that you may be suited for.”

“Um, no. I’m just here to retrieve that diamond. It is stolen property and I’m going to take it back!”

“And why do you think I'm going to let you do so?” Tanaark protested. “I've already got a nice little protective enchantment in place. To prevent... accidents.”

“Feache,” Kaleah whispered. “I fear he has cursed the diamond.”

So, the question becomes how can I convince Tanaark to give me the diamond? There are skill checks to be argued. I haven’t done any work for him so I can’t argue that point. My Ladies and I have enough Mercantile skill, acquired Fame, and Lore knowledge to effectively argue those points. Or, I could just leave the cursed diamond and ignore the whole thing. Which would serve us best?

During our spectral diamond negotiations with Tanaark, we discovered some interesting bits of knowledge.
Starting with the fact, the diamond was originally stolen from the Mehrunes Dagon shrine in Morrowind by the ancestors of Count Andel Indarys. So, the spectral diamond technically is not part of any debt.

The diamond was then stolen back from Indarys by Vrjekka. Yes, the same Daedra Seducer Doppelganger Vrjekka whose soul is held captive in a black soul gem we acquired in Carmala (back in 2022-02-11 http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?s=&...t&p=341456) from the Doppelganger Chandra.

Letting it slip that I still carry the Vrjekka black soul gem, Tanaark tried to talk me into handing it over to him. As I did with Karashivual in Merendin, I refused to hand it over. Only this time unlike with Karashivual, I feared that Tanaark would likely set Vrjekka, his favorite collector, free.

Technically, the spectral diamond is not part of any debt. But Tanaark has an interest in it because someone in Cheydinhal has a debt. Unfortunately for Tanaark, this little gem endangers his bet, making it problematic to collect... um, later debts. Tanaark feels it is better keeping it under his control.

The Ladies’ normal charming approach to these kinds of negotiations wouldn’t work with Tanaark. Being a Daedra Seducer thus impervious to the Ladies charms we had to do a lot talking and digging in our memories before Tanaark succumbed to our arguments.

“Ah well, not worth the hassle. Take it if you want. You're feeling so confident, go ahead. I hope you really know what you're dealing with.” Tanaark said with a smirk.

Now here’s the rub, the anti-theft curse or enchantment Tanaark put on the diamond is not cancelled on any option you use to get him to give you the gem. No matter what, when you pick it up a Dremora Valkynaz is summon to attack you. I guess Tanaark thinks it funny not to mention that.

After dealing with the Valkynaz, Tanaark whistled and with his usual sly little smile said, “You sure look like you can handle yourselves in any situation. Are you sure you won’t do a job are two for me?”

Somehow we let ourselves get talked into doing a fetch quest for some soul gem disguised as a varla stone down in Morahame.

I teleported us away from Fog Slope before we could get trapped into any further undertakings.


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Endure and through enduring grow strong.
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