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.