Old Habits Die Hard Part Two, An old dog learns new tricks Options

[Destri Melarg]

This chapter feels like the end of the calm before the next storm. I am glad to see that Julian’s knee isn’t going to be a greater hindrance than usual in the battles to come. I am glad that Daenlin was able to repair her katana, but I agree with Remko in that it feels like our time with the Kvatch Wolf is coming to an end. Given her returning strength and expertise, it may be time to upgrade to a heavier shield. Spellbreaker immediately comes to mind, but if Julian’s purse can bear it the Tower of the Nine may also suit her. Now, about some new armor . . .

[Ornamental Nonsense]

Ah, the practicalities of fighting goblins and zombies. Yes, I'm still only at the beginning of your story, and I'm finding Julian's journey through the tunnels quite engaging. I prefer combat scenes that involve personal as well as practical inner dialogues, and yours delivered. I'd never thought about how nasty fighting a zombie would actually be, but...

Worse, they left behind moldy, slimy fluid that was nearly impossible to remove from weapons and armor.

And a random thought concerning this: even though mold forms on liquids like heavy cream, I wouldn't describe the fluids coming out of a corpse as moldy. That description sounds strange considering that when bodies decompose, the liquids that begin oozing forth don't look moldy at all. They look...brownish and gooey. Of course, maybe zombies are different, and Julian's concerns about clean-up were a nice touch.

This post has been edited by Ornamental Nonsense: Aug 7 2010, 04:09 PM

[Olen]

Well I suspect we'll be meeting a certain orc in the very near future and then continue onto a very good quest... Than... well you've certainly got the hooks in deep.

The note on the Kvatch Wolf and the dreaded metal fatigue is a good touch as per realism goes, I've always wondered how in game you can repair endlessly without annealing and not have problems. But what new shield to get, I imagine you have one in mind but I can't think what is down that end of Cyrodiil.

The katana felt light and musical in my hand

I like musical there, it works well as an image.

[mALX]

I am trying to catch up, Buffy, Destri, Hauti, and Remko - you all have posted so many chapters since I was last on here that it will take a while to catch up - just letting you know "I'm on it!" Lol.

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: Yes, Kurdan is scary, but Julian will meet worse. And yes, that knee will continue improving, until it completely gives way. Make sense? Wait until Chapter 15!

@Remko: Yes, Daelin’s comment about the Kvatch Wolf is foreshadowing! As for breaking up on her at the worst possible time, I’ll let you be the judge.

@SubRosa: I had a classmate who was horribly shy - I felt so bad for her when she had to stand up and speak in front of the class. Though we weren’t friends at that time, I wanted to jump up and take her place. And I hated public speaking too! As for jokes, funny that you should say that now.

@Destri: You’ll see what Julian decides to do when the Wolf finally dies on her . . .

@Nonsense: Ah, but on zombies, the flesh does turn moldy along with the standard bacterial putrefaction. Anatomy and necropsy (post-mortem on animals) are part of my education and profession, and I’ve worked on plenty of long-dead bodies to know! And certain molds are slimy and goopy, ranking right up there with pus for the gross factor.

@Olen: Your suspicions are correct!

@mALX: Welcome back, kitty! No need to comment until you feel like it!

Once again, Julian calls on her Legion experience to deal with a potential opponent.

**************
Chapter 13.7 Kurdan gro-Dragol

As I entered the Lonely Suitor Lodge, I approached the Orc behind the bar. Before I could address him, I heard a Summurset-accented voice shout, “For Lord Dagon!” Turning in time to deflect the falling mace with my shield, I stifled a groan and dashed for the door. I needed room to draw my katana, and inside, there were too many people.

The armored figure followed me out, but I had already drawn my sword and braced for her assault. Behind me, I heard one of the guards shouting something to me, but my attention was focused on the tall opponent in front of me. Again, the assassin swung at me with her mace, but I spun to my left, the mace flashing past my shoulder, and raised my shield to bring its edge down on the assassin’s right arm near the elbow. I felt bones cracking beneath the shield, and the woman, for the voice was female, screamed in pain.

She tried to raise the mace again, but her broken elbow was too painful. As she hunched to her right, I raised my katana and used the hilt to pound the back of her neck, just below the demonic helm. She fell to her knees with a sharp grunt, and I stepped back. Now I became aware of one of three guards shouting at me to step back, to let them finish the job.

The injured assassin collapsed as the guards swarmed her, and the armor dissolved into a red haze. After a few moments, they stepped back to reveal the Altmer securely bound and unconscious.

“Julian!” Frederick ran up to me. I realized he had been the one shouting at me. “Are you all right, ma’am?”

“Yes, I am,” I replied, looking down at the unconscious Altmer. “She was working for the Mythic Dawn,” I told Frederick. With a shake of my head, I sighed. “She wasn’t the first one to try and kill me.”

“The Mythic Dawn’s after you?” Frederick asked, frowning. “I know they assassinated the Emperor, but why are they after you?”

“Because I closed the Kvatch Gate, that’s why,” I answered. Actually, it’s because I destroyed their Shrine, killed several of their members. But the Kvatch Gate is as good as any other reason. “She was likely involved in that Gate outside the walls,” I told Frederick. His face changed from concern to horror. “Be careful, there may be more.” A glance at the Kvatch Wolf revealed minimal damage. “There was one in the Imperial City, two in Bruma.”

“Three other assassins!” Frederick exclaimed, pulling my attention back to him. I became aware of the other two guardsmen standing behind Frederick, their expressions equally horrified beneath their helms.

I nodded confirmation, meeting their gazes. “Their guards are very good, as are you all,” I encompassed the three with a quick look. “I’m in better shape today than I was then, and I’m tired of running from these -” I couldn’t think of a word to describe them.

“Traitors?” Frederick supplied. I nodded. “Well, I’ll be sure to tell Captain Lerus about it,” he finished. “Do be careful, Julian.”

I smiled at him. “Sure, I will. Thanks for being here for me.”

Frederick sketched a sloppy salute at me, then turned to the other two men. “All right, mates, let’s get this fetcher out of here!”

Back in the Lonely Suitor Lodge, I looked around warily, but no one made any hostile moves towards me. The innkeeper greeted me gruffly.

“Bogrum gro-Galash,” he introduced himself. “What in Oblivion happened there?”

Aware of the others’ rapt attention, I met the Orc’s dark gaze as levelly as I could. “That was a Mythic Dawn agent,” I answered. “She broke her cover when she recognized me.”

“Ranaline?” A slender woman came up behind the Orc, dark hair framing a pretty face. “But she’s harmless!” I looked at her as she glanced around the common room. “She’s always been a quiet one, kept to herself mostly. How could she fall in with such evil - characters?”

“Agh,” gro-Galash growled at her, “You know it’s the quiet ones you’ve got to watch out for, Luciana.” He turned back to me. “So you’ve got the Mythic Dawn after you, eh?”

I shrugged. “I’m here looking for Kurdan gro-Dragol, actually,” I said.

“Oh, you want to borrow from him?” the woman gro-Galash had called Luciana chirped. I shook my head.

“No, I’m looking for someone,” I responded. “Aleron Loche.”

Watching the change come over the faces of those within my vision, I felt a growing worry. They know something I don’t.

“Yeah, he came to see gro-Dragol a couple of days ago,” gro-Galash said in his grizzled voice. “You’ll find the big man upstairs,” he added, jerking his head towards the stairs. “Second floor.”

“All right, thanks.” With a nod of thanks at the Orsimer innkeeper, I turned and headed for the stairs. Light footsteps behind me jarred my already tense nerves, and I turned around, reaching for my katana. It was only the slender Breton woman, reaching to tug at my leather sleeve. Her dark eyes looked up at me in an assessing manner that belied her chirpy voice.

“Be careful, Julian of Anvil,” she whispered quietly, her voice not so bird-like now. I could hear the steel in her tone, and the concern in her dark eyes.

“I’ve heard enough of gro-Dragol to be on my guard, ma’am,” I assured the Breton. Acutely aware of her eyes on my back, I went up the stairs. At the second floor landing, I almost bumped into a massive, steel-clad mountain of a green mer.

He looked down at me contemptuously, the haft of a great war-axe rising past his left shoulder. “Kurdan gro-Dragol?” I asked him.

“Yeah, who wants to know?” he growled at me. Unlike gro-Galash’s gruff manner, which felt neutral, gro-Dragol’s tone held hostility. I wondered how Captain Lerus stood up to him. Probably very carefully. How best to approach this? The Captain likely tried the direct approach, and got rebuffed for it. I’ll likely as not get the same response.

“What’s the one thing you never say to a vampire?” I asked him. Gro-Dragol frowned at me, puzzlement in his beady eyes.

“Huh?” he cocked his head, considering the question. “Beats me.”

“Bite me,” I answered, years of practice as a pilus prior allowing me to keep a straight face.

The frown remained on gro-Dragol’s face, then dissolved into mirth. Laughter rumbled in his chest, causing the haft of the war axe at his back to shimmer in the dim light. “Heh, heh, you got me with that one,” he chuckled. “Where did you get that?”

“Same place I got all the others,” I responded. “A skeleton walks into an inn and says, ‘Give me a shot, and a mop.’”

This time gro-Dragol guffawed so loudly dust and cobwebs drifted down from the rafters. “A shot and a - a mop!” he spluttered. “Oh, that is great!”

“Did you hear about a pirate walking into an inn with a peg leg, a parrot on his shoulder, and a ship's wheel on his pants? The innkeeper says, ‘Hey, you’ve got a ship's wheel in your pants.’ The pirate says, ‘Argh, I know. It’s driving me nuts.’”

The big Orsimer collapsed into a nearby chair, tears running down his cheeks. I heard footsteps behind me, and glanced back to see the Breton woman, gro-Galash, and a couple of other folks peering into the room at us. I winked at the Breton woman, who winked back at me.

“A pitcher of ale for gro-Dragol, please,” I said to gro-Galash. He ducked his head and disappeared, the the others shuffling to fill the space he had vacated. The laughter stopped and I turned to look back at gro-Dragol. He was regarding me intently.

“Why are you telling me these jokes, when we’ve never met before?” he rumbled at me, suspicious.

“Oh, where ever I go, I like to try and make the biggest, toughest, meanest person in town laugh,” I responded with a shrug. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”

“And you came to me?” he rose to his fullest height. “How do you know about me?”

“Well, you’re the biggest Orsimer I’ve ever seen,” I responded, though that’s not quite true, but still . . . “And I heard you’re so mean you make people disappear without a trace.” Cocking my head at him, I nodded respectfully. “And with a Watch Captain like Viera Lerus, that’s a mighty tough thing to do.”

If someone had told me it was possible for gro-Dragol to get bigger, I wouldn’t believe him, but gro-Dragol did seem to swell in his plate armor. “Aye, that’s me, all right,” his fist clanged his chest for emphasis. He waved me to a chair as gro-Galash reappeared with a couple of steins and an overflowing pitcher of ale. The innkeeper set them on the table, gro-Dragol taking the other chair opposite me. The usurer glowered at the crowd of regulars gathered at the top of the stairs.

The onlookers retreated down the stairs, but something told me they remained within earshot. gro-Galash shot me a look as he followed them out of sight. I turned back in time to see gro-Dragol fill the two steins with the foaming ale. Oh, crap. I can’t be drinking that stuff, not with the skooma den just across the canal. I picked up the stein nearest me and proffered a toast. “To the biggest, toughest, meanest guy in town.” His black eyes glinted at me as he raised his ale, then quaffed it in a single gulp. I lowered my stein to the table quietly.

I dug deep into my memory and fired off one joke after another, pausing only to refill gro-Dragol’s stein whenever he emptied it. I knew it wouldn’t be enough to get him drunk - it would take an entire barrel to do that - but I wanted to get on his good side so he would tell me what I needed to know.

After about thirty minutes or so, my joke well ran dry. I leaned back and sighed. I had managed not to take a sip of my ale.

“Who would’ve thought the Hero of Kvatch would be so funny?” gro-Dragol asked. He focused on my stein. “Hey, how come you haven’t drunk any of that?”

“Actually,” I answered, “I’m allergic to the stuff.” I pushed the stein to him. “I was only pretending to partake of it because I didn’t want you thinking I’m rude.”

“Allergic, huh?” gro-Dragol took my stein and drank heartily from it. “Then I’ll have gro-Galash bring up some wine for you.”

“Wine puts me to sleep,” I countered, keeping my voice calm. “And if I’m sleeping, I can’t tell jokes, can I?”

“Not so tough now, are you?” There was a hint of a challenge in gro-Dragol’s voice. I shook my head.

“I never said I was tougher, or meaner, than you.” I eyed him up and down. “And forget about claiming I’m bigger than you.” With a shrug, I watched him take another swallow from what used to be my stein of ale. “I’d rather take on bandits my own size, thanks very much.”

The mountainous Orc leaned back in his chair so far it creaked alarmingly under his spine. His eyes narrowed at me. “Hmm, you came here looking for Aleron Loche, didn’t you?”

Keeping my expression as neutral as I could, I shrugged. “Well, it’s all over the town that his wife is weeping her eyes out in the Chapel since he disappeared. I wondered if he vanished because he wanted to?”

His calculating gaze on me, gro-Dragol rubbed at his lower lip thoughtfully. “Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t,” he grunted. “But since yer so interested, I know somethin’ that could jog my memory.”

Getting close. I tilted my head at him. “And what’s that?”

“I just learned that a family heirloom, the Axe of Dragol, which one of my stupid relatives lost, is located on Fort Grief Island in Niben Bay.” He watched me intently, and I hoped I was keeping a neutral expression on my face. “My informant tells me it’s hidden in the main keep at the center. Dunno what’s guardin’ it, but I’m sure you can handle it, seeing how you’ve closed two Oblivion Gates.”

I didn’t respond to his goading, but continued watching him, forcing my breathing to remain slow and calm. If he wants me to play fetch, he’d better keep his promise then.

“If you go there and bring it back to me,” gro-Dragol continued after a few moments, “I’ll tell you exactly where Aleron is.”

“And if I refuse?” I asked.

The big Orc scowled. “Then Aleron may not be coming home from his - ahh, journey, for a long, long time. Like, permanently.”

“Oh, well, when you put it that way,” I knew I had gro-Dragol. “How do I get to Fort Grief Island?”

“Let me know when yer ready, and I’ll have a boat take you over there. It’d better be soon.”

“How do I recognize this Axe of Dragol?” I asked him.

“It’s a battleaxe with the word ‘Dragol’ carved into the haft. Huge. You can’t miss it. I ain’t gonna draw you a picture.”

“Okay, let’s do it, then.” I rose to my feet. Gro-Dragol grinned at me, and this time his grin was menacing.

“Fine. I’ll have it waiting for you at the dock next to the magic shop. Now get outta my sight.” He downed the last of the ale and belched.

I turned and headed for the stairs. Scurrying sounded on the steps as I started down, but I found the regulars in their seats, looking suspiciously innocent. I gave them a nod and left.

This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Aug 10 2010, 04:46 PM

[D.Foxy]

Now THAT was CLEVER....


...and FUNNY too!!!!


My admiration of Hautee grows by leaps and bounders - er, er, bounds. Zounds!!

[SubRosa]

Now that is a rousing way to start a post! Julian shows excellent presence of mind to retreat from the inn and get outside. There is nothing more embarrassing than getting your sword stuck in one of the rafters during a fight (or in one of the patrons!). She also does a marvelous job of disabling the assassin rather than killing her. I wish you could do that in the game.

a massive, steel-clad mountain of a green mer.
An excellent description of Bravil's mafia kingpin!

I may have to borrow some of those jokes for Vincent in the TF! I liked Julian's change of tactics with Dragol. There is nothing like appealing to a man's ego to get what you want from him!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 8 2010, 09:34 PM

[Acadian]

I loved it!

Julian was brilliant with Kurdan. What a delightfully unexpected tact she took. I guess that's why she's the old warhorse she is. You have, over time, developed her as knowledgeable, clever and wise enough to pull this off in the most natural way. Well done!

I was delighted to see her get a touch of support from Luciana.

Finally, I liked the way you skillfully wove some of Kurdan's in-game dialogue right into this is such a natural way. It fit perfectly, yet still gave that nice familiar 'ah, I remember that!'.

What a fun episode!

[Olen]

Julian might be clever but that doesn't mean the local kingpin can't pull one over her... This quest works well that way in this stage of the story, it shuld make her look a bit less perfect. Still she dealt with him well enough and in a way which makes sense (going in sword flashing wouldn't end well I imagine).

I can't wait to see the next part though.

"It’s a battleaxe with the word ‘Dragol’ carved into the haft. Huge. You can’t miss it. I ain’t gonna draw you a picture.”

That line was brilliant, funyy and it fits his character so well.

Nit (vaguely):
steering wheel - this had too many modern connotations for me and makes me think of cars (or hydraulic systems), perhaps tiller or helm would be better (or even ship's wheel)? I would suggest whipstaff but it might cause Foxy to explode.

This post has been edited by Olen: Aug 9 2010, 10:31 AM

[D.Foxy]

*Foxy explodes*

This post has been edited by D.Foxy: Aug 9 2010, 12:05 PM

[treydog]

The whole episode in the Chapel of Julianos is so good. If I was to try and highlight everything I liked, I would simply copy and paste the whole thing. The description of the Chapel, Julian’s memories and doubts, the “getting to know you” conversation with Martin…. It all just flows so naturally that I was completely absorbed. I could smell the beeswax and candle smoke, hear the quiet pacing of the guards outside and the low murmur of conversation.

The magic lesson and your description of how Restoration magic works add so much to the sparse concepts that the game provides- and it makes a great deal of sense, to boot. Better still is the insight we are given into Julian’s essential nature, as perceived by Tumindil.

The discussion of the relationship between destruction magic and anger and fear also “feels right.” And the earthy humor and this small moment is a true gem.

As with Tumindil, Aelwin allows us to see Julian through eyes that are less doubtful. And the interaction with Martin, as she tells of everyone’s role at Kvatch- except for her own- is perfect.

Following that quiet moment is the battle at Weynon Priory, a fight that you describe with great skill. And you provide a reasonable explanation for how the Amulet of Kings is stolen, something which the game rather ignores. The death of Maborel is a hard one to take, especially for Julian. And it is a harsh reminder that she cannot save everyone. The following passage says a great deal in a few words:

“Thank you for your help, Julian,” Piner turned to me. “I’ll take care of this.” It was a dismissal. I understood. Brothers take care of their own.

The conflict between Julian’s desire to keep Martin alive and his own tendency to protect his friends is a great moment of character development- an area in which you are excellent. The bit of lore regarding Martin’s foster father being a retired Legionary added a touch of history (cf. the Roman Empire practice of granting retired soldiers land in frontier provinces).

The brief stop in the Jeralls to admire the view was a wonderful moment. I always take the time to turn my graphic settings all the way up while in the mountains, just so I can enjoy the glorious scenery.

“Very well,” I answered, glad of the chance to get down and walk a bit. My behind is almost frozen to the saddle.

And Julian learns a little discretion- managing to avoid saying out loud the thought that is in her mind.

Another part of your story which you manage to infuse with your own experience is the discussion of the horses’ personalities. And the writing is much richer because of it.

The arrival at Cloud Ruler and Martin’s uncertainty are powerfully expressed, especially as he turns to Julian for guidance. And, good NCO that she is, she provides the best advice available- “eat and get some sleep; you’ll make better decisions when you are rested and fed”.

And the powerful follow-up as Julian is asked to join the Blades… Here is another place where you illustrate the concept of “show- don’t tell.” It would have been easy to gild the lily with a lot of “I’m not worthy” interior monologue; but you didn’t. You leave it to your readers to recognize her welter of emotions.

The tour of Cloud Ruler is a wonderful display of description; even if I had never played Oblivion, I could find my way around the Temple.

The memories that come back to Julian during her “down time” are powerful and evocative- and sneak up on her exactly as such thoughts seem to do. The conversation and camaraderie at the meal is beautifully done- again, I felt as if I was there.

Breakfast- yum! And less palatable, but equally necessary decisions. Your conversations are the pillars that hold up this brilliant story, you know. Martin’s feelings of being alone and losing his companion and closest remaining friend are poignant without being soppy- nicely done.

Another wonderfully economical moment is when Julian responds to her orders by asking Martin for his permission…. In a few short words, you give a foreshadowing to us (and to Martin) of what his new role means. He is no longer a comrade, a companion, or a priest. And he will never be any of those again.

“You can travel all of Cyrodiil, nay, all of Tamriel, and never find anything better built than Cloud Ruler Temple.”

Except maybe Sigrid of Kvatch…

And I really enjoyed your depiction of Roliand- I think he might rather like our Redguard, even if she is completely oblivious.

The joyous ride out of the mountains is a perfect jewel- no words of mine are needed.

“Count to three, sir,” I said.
“One, OW!” he bellowed as I yanked the arrowhead out. With a groan he leaned against the stone arch behind him. “Oh, frick, what happened to two?”

Yup, Julian spent her time in the Legion…

The whole conversation with Atellus is a pleasure to read- Julian’s self-deprecation, and the Legion rider’s sharp-eyed awareness that there is much more to the story.

I really like the decisions you made with regard to the difference between the games “telepathic” guards and Julian’s legitimate concern that there could be a handbill out in the Imperial City with her description.

The details you weave into the description of th City really bring it to life- the directions, the lamp-lighting, I could go on (and probably will).

“He stood out like a minotaur in a crockery shop”
I think I mentioned something about your use of detail, just a moment ago- and there it is again.

Wirich’s suicide is a nice touch that fits the Mythic Dawn’s methods- and is better than the game’s “never retreat or surrender AI.”

Yep, they seem to add more steps once you have a knee injury- I learned that during my university days.

And Julian becomes an investigator, proving that the years have given her wisdom as well as white hair.
I really enjoy the life you bring to the Imperial City in this chapter.

Add me to the list of people who want to smack the smug Phintias on general principles. And we do indeed see the strength of Julian’s resolve in a more direct way with Gwinas.

Baurus attitude in re the deaths of three more cultists is a good bit of characterization. He is the last of the Blades who failed to save Uriel, so he is certainly going to have a rather- ah, stringent- approach to members of the Mythic Dawn.

And we close with Julian’s discovery of the secret in Green Emperor Way. (Sounds like a Bobbsey Twins mystery- though I do not think she will solve it and be home in time for tea….)

And I promise to faithfully catch up with thread 2, so that my remarks will be more to the point.

[Destri Melarg]

That’s got to be a little disconcerting. There you are, minding your own business, when some normal, quiet, closet wack-job yells out “For Lord Dagon!” and, suddenly, you have to fight for your life! Julian acquitted herself much better in this battle. Looks like Marz’s sessions are indeed paying dividends.

I thought it was very subtle of you to have gro-Galash lament that ‘it’s the quiet ones you’ve got to watch out for’ to Luciana Galena, a Thieves Guild fence.

As the others have already said, Julian’s approach to handling Kurdan was inspired. The jokes were all very funny, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that the steering wheel joke might be an anachronism in the world of the Elder Scrolls, not that it matters very much. I don’t even know if I would advise you to change it since it worked so well.

I can't wait for that orc to get what's coming to him (but don't worry I will, albeit impatiently)!

[Winter Wolf]

Julian was as sharp as a razor here. First she slips outside before the battle begins (that bloody Suitor Lodge is so small you cannot swing a cat!!) and then she has tremendous presence of mind to disarm the burly Kurdan with a series of delightful jokes.

My admiration of Julian (and Haute ) grows with each chapter. Wow!!

This post has been edited by Winter Wolf: Aug 10 2010, 07:34 AM

[haute ecole rider]

@Foxy: I rather thought you would get a kick out of those groaners, especially the last one (one of my favorites).

@SubRosa: I’m glad you saw what Julian was trying to do with gro-Dragol. I agree that it’s pretty embarrassing when your sword hits everything but the guy you’re trying to hit!

@Acadian: I liked your portrayal of Luciana so much in the BF that I had to borrow her for Julian! At this point Julian does not yet know that Luciana is an expert in light armor use. And thanks for your PM regarding Ranaline. I’ve always thought of her as a Nord, but it seems the game devs consider her an Altmer. I’ve changed the details accordingly.

@Olen: Yes, the local kingpin is pulling one over on her, and I think she is suspicious, but has taken a ‘go along with it and see what happens’ attitude at the moment. The line you quoted for gro-Dragol is my personal favorite of the lines he gets. Cracks me up every time! I have fixed your nit with the pirate joke - ‘steering wheel’ didn’t sit right with me, but I couldn’t figure out what else to use. Thanks!

@Treydoggie: You’ve covered a lot of ground! Thanks for giving me a recap of the high points of the story thus far. It reminds me of how far Julian has come. Judging from the reactions of others, doubtlessly it just gets better. Great praise from one who is bringing a strange land (Solstheim) alive for one who’s never visited.

@Destri: That’s exactly what I wanted to convey with those surprise attacks by the MD agents! And I’m glad you caught gro-Galash’s comment about the quiet ones - here where we have John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer within shouting distance of each other, that line especially resonates with someone like me.

@Wolf: Thanks for the wonderful words! I just hope my head still fits through the door.

Julian finds a surprise waiting at Fort Grief.

*****************
Chapter 13.8 Hunter’s Run

After a stop at the Mages Guild to drop off my pack, bow and Daedra Slayer, I headed down to the harbor. As gro-Dragol had promised, a rowboat with a taciturn Argonian waited near the dock. The thin Argonian only nodded when I asked him if he had been hired by gro-Dragol.

First I stowed my shield and katana, then clambered into the boat and sat down. The Argonian took his place behind me, and began rowing us down the canal and out of Bravil.

Two hours later, the reticent Argonian tied up at a weathered dock jutting out from a small island. Nearly the entire surface of the island above the waterline was occupied by a ruined fort, one nearly as large as the one near the Quaking Bridge. Fort Grief was in better shape, though, its walls intact past the second level. The archway was blocked by bronze gates, which resisted my pull on them. Looking around, I spotted a crank handle nearby. The gates creaked open behind me when I forced the handle to turn. I drew my sword and stepped to the archway, scanning the interior. Unlike most ruined forts, the keep here was full of recent debris. On the stone wall just in front of me, I saw a splash of dried blood.

My warning sense tingling, I crouched down and moved carefully within, placing my booted feet on sandy soil, which absorbed the sound of my steps. Behind me, the gates swung shut, and I turned to see the Argonian walk away from the crank without a backward glance. Cacat. This smells like a trap.

“Who’s there?” a querulous voice called. I turned toward the sound, which came from the center of the keep, beyond the bloodied stone wall. My katana ready, I moved slowly through the debris, avoiding the skeletons on the ground and the shackles hanging from the walkway above. First I cleared the stairway, then rounded the pile of debris and spotted an old Breton man. He seemed scared and jumped when he saw me. He looked around himself, as if seeking somewhere to flee.

“It’s all right,” I sheathed my katana and held my hand out to him reassuringly. “I’m Julian of Anvil. I’m looking for the Axe of Dragol.”

“Oh, no,” he groaned, turning to look at me up and down. “It appears as though Kurdan has tricked another poor soul with his ‘axe’ story.”

“‘Axe’ story?” I repeated. Something suddenly clicked into place. “You’re Aleron Loche?”

“Aye,” he nodded. “There never was any ‘Axe of Dragol,” he added. “It was just a ruse to lure you out here.” He frowned. “I fell for the same trick. In my case, he told me if I brought it back, he would clear all my debts. I was such an idiot to believe him!” Loche’s voice turned angry. I inhaled slowly.

I’m an idiot, too. He got me, instead of the other way around. “I’ve got a boat . . .” My voice trailed off. I turned to look at the closed gate.

“Oh, no, that won’t work.” Loche shook his head. “The gate is locked, and we can’t get out. We’re now caught up in Kurdan’s insane hunt. Here, we’ll most likely die.”

“What hunt are you talking about?” I didn’t like the sound of things at all.

“Kurdan doesn’t make most of his money being a simple usurer,” Loche explained. “He also created something he calls the Hunters Run. It’s simple, really. He gets fools like me to come here, and people pay him good money to hunt us.” He now pointed out the door into the keep beneath the stairs, behind me. “He uses the dungeons below Fort Grief as the hunting grounds. He brought me here because he knew someone would come looking for me. I’m really sorry you got mixed up in all of this. I hope you can fight, because it’s the only chance both of us have of getting out of here.”

“So how do we get out of here if the gate is locked?” I asked.

“You have to go inside and kill all the hunters. One of them will have the key to the door. That’s Kurdan’s rules. It’s the only way we can win.” Loche locked gazes with me, his brown eyes turning pleading. “I’m not a rich man, but if we get out of here alive, I’ll do what I can to reward you.”

A thoughtful regard of him determined that Loche was unarmed. I looked around at the keep, taking in the mostly intact walkways above, the clutter of debris on the ground floor, the closed door into the interior of the Fort.

“Wait here,” I said to him. Loche was only too glad to comply, moving to a rough lean-to of boards propped against the wall. I looked around again, then moved for the stairs. Instead of opening the door tucked beneath them, I took the steps upwards. I wanted to make sure no one else lurked here, if I was going to leave Loche alone.

It only took a few moments to clear the second walkway, but the third level was a little challenging. I found half of it fallen away, with a small fragment remaining on the far side. On that small bit of stone decking, I spotted a chest. What if there is a key stashed in there? I judged the gap to be just a little too wide, but the supporting arch below the collapsed floor had a much smaller gap in it. I carefully edged out onto the damaged arch, acutely aware of the long drop below, and easily jumped the meter long gap. Back onto the decking, I knelt before the chest.

It was locked, but I was able to pick it, breaking three lockpicks in the process. Inside, I found, not the key I was looking for, but two bottles of wine. I picked one of the bottles up and blew the dust off the label. The red dragon of the Legion looked back at me, a sign clutched in its talons. Shadowbanish Wine. I recalled stories about the rare vintage, fermented for the Legion in the days when they held these forts for the Empire. Someone somewhere may pay well for these.

My fingers easily held the two bottles by their necks, and I jumped back across the gap to make my way down the stairs. I moved to Aleron where he huddled beneath the lean-to. “Here, stow these somewhere safe,” I said to him. “I’ll want them when I come back.”

He looked at the bottles, then tucked them under a faded red silk robe without a word. Loche’s brown eyes looked back at me miserably, tugging at my heart.

“Your wife is missing you,” I said to him quietly, gripping his shoulder with my right hand. “I’ll see you back with her, safe.” He smiled bravely at me, the courage not quite reaching his eyes, and nodded. I turned away from him and headed for the door.

The Hunter’s Run turned out to be simple in layout, but difficult due to the number of traps I encountered within. On the first level, I managed to defeat first a Nord, then an Imperial, both bigger and stronger than me, only by distracting each with my summoned skeleton. The bony companion proved valuable in dealing them some damage before being overwhelmed, improving my odds a little bit. I found keys on both bodies.

The traps, however, were another story. I managed to avoid tripping the lethal gas traps, but in trying to jump across a gap in the floor, I missed and fell down onto a bed of spikes set into the tunnel below.

Luckily, the spikes only gashed my legs, and failed to pierce anything major, but I had to break them with my katana before I could step out of them. The new healing spell I had learned from Jeelius took care of the slashes in my skin, though it couldn’t do anything for the damage to my boots and greaves. Fortunately, the tunnel led me back to the passageway on the other side of the hole. Better yet, I found another sample of that mysterious glowing plant. With a pause to tuck it into my belt purse, I kept going.

The dart traps I found in the passageway were deadly, but because I was moving slowly, they went off before I entered the zone of damage. Keeping close to the wall, I was able to pass them without further injury.

This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Aug 12 2010, 05:28 PM

[D.Foxy]

Ahhh.....my heart beats faster...already...


...even though I know the whole layout and story...

For that is how good Hautee is -

(though not TOO good on the sci-fi, otherwise she wouldn't have mixed up a quotation from 'Star Trek' with Heilein's 'Starship Troopers' ) hee hee

[SubRosa]

Pay attention Julian, you're supposed to be walking into a trap! Sorry, could not resist...

Ahh, the trips and traps of Hunter's Run. This quest always makes me look for Jean-Claude VanDamme and Lance Henrikson (from the movie Hard Target). I see the skeleton summoning she learned from Edgar is now paying off. Those things are so handy, even if they only last for a hit or two before being pulverized.

And Shadowbanish Wine as well! Julian should have drank some to see in the dark. Still this way she can take them back to hook up with Nerussa (hubba hubba...)

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 10 2010, 05:29 PM

[Destri Melarg]

I am sure that the people over at Bethesda meant for Caught in the Hunt to be a parody of the 1932 RKO film, The Most Dangerous Game. The film stars Joel McCrea, Faye Wray, and Leslie Banks. It was produced by Merian C. Cooper, the man who brought us King Kong. In the film Joel McCrea plays a big game hunter and author who, as the sole survivor of a shipwreck, swims to a small lush island. There he becomes the guest of a reclusive Russian Count who shares his enthusiasm for hunting, but only for ‘the most dangerous game.’ You can pretty much guess what happens next.

I always thought that this was one of the more well-conceived quests in the game (even though the reward you get for completing it is crap). There is something positively satisfying about beating Kurdan’s trap. I just wish there were a way to, well, you know.

[Olen]

I do like this quest, it is certainly one of the better ones an well written. The fights seemed somewhat glossed over though I can see why, too many get boring. I still expect a bit of action with the boss later though.

I also want to read the second half.

Still this way she can take them back to hook up with Nerussa (hubba hubba...)

Is that another threat of Julian slash?

[treydog]

And my spammage of your thread continues (although I hope to be current by the end of the week).

The descriptive passages during the trip to Cheydinhal were up to your usual high standard. I really liked the continuity imbued by giving the “generic Legion patrol riders” names and set sections of road to cover.

Hmmm, I somehow missed the Orum Gang. I loved learning new things about the game.

My characters always had trouble leaving their stuff- especially weapons- behind before going to join with Marooned Dragon. That is when they usually went on a killing spree.

And speaking of killing sprees- you do a remarkable job of handling the fight at the shrine. It is all so good,
I don’t feel the need to single out any particular bits.

“I won’t deny it,” I said finally, finishing my food. “But I’ won't talk about it, either.”

Nice, economical way of expressing Julian’s philosophy- even with the stray apostrophe.

Woo-Hoo! “I have a rule when things scare me- I kill them. Then I don’t have to be scared anymore.” A paraphrase, but a motto that ought to be sigged.

Expanding Jeelius’ role was a stroke of genius- we learn still more about Julian and about the world she inhabits through their interactions.

And a cameo appearance by Guilbert Jemane.

Chapter 9 is short- but it does all the needed scene-setting with the economy that is your trademark. And I have to agree with Destri- “Excuse me? I didn’t lose the Amulet of Kings- or the Emperor and his legitimate sons for that matter.”

Clothes! So Julian still has a bit of “girlie stuff” in her, after all. And somewhat to Jauffre’s discomfiture.

A nit, a palpable nit, missed by our raven-eyed SubRosa and accurate Acadian!
From 10.1- “Also, Captain Burd of the City Guard in Bruma may also be able to help.” I guess Captain Burd is going to be extra helpful, also.

Your Jauffre seems to have been slightly infected by Rachel’s version:
Jauffre- “We’re running out of heads, Julian. Go fetch some more from those strangers near Bruma.”
Julian- “But Grandmaster, how will I know if they are strangers?”
Jauffre- “Simple. You won’t recognize ‘em. Now bring me those heads!”

I liked the history you give Julian- and the game world- with the discussion of Nord-Redguard conflict. Nicely worked into the current storyline.

10.2- A painter working the North Gate? Well, my wife artist frequently talks about “northern light.” But he is a long way from Leyawiin, or perhaps Bravil...

I really enjoyed the little bit of “tradecraft” revealed by the comment- “Only Blades use the North Gate…”

And Julian discovers that the Oblivion gate at Kvatch was not a one-off. /Rant- which is fine, except that I think Bethesda overdid the number of them, especially as there isn’t much variety, and it quickly becomes a grind and a nuisance. Rant off/

Loved the conversation at Olav’s. Your depictions of Ongar and Alga are wonderfully revealing and make the characters come to life.

10.4 “I’m not used to running, sir, especially from danger.”
Now there’s a Leroy Jethro Gibbs line if ever I heard one!

And it was good to see that Julian uses her head for more than just holding her hat up- if you are unarmed and in mortal danger in a city- run for the guards! What a great chase scene, perfectly framed to the location and particular environmental hazards of Bruma.

10.5 Suurootan’s parting words and Julian’s reaction were priceless. Better still was the scene in the chapel, esp. Julian’s flashback.

10.6 Julian’s fish-out-of-water doubts as she joins the Mages Guild, especially as juxtaposed with Jeanne Frasoric’s bubbly social-climbing was a hoot.

And the whole, “Let’s see if you have what it takes to join. Are you breathing? Congratulations, Associate!” bit.

Now that was a most satisfactory chewing-out. And it fits perfectly with Julian’s background.

11.1 “At least, no enemies followed me through the Gate, but then, few were left alive.”
Not bragging here, just being accurate.

11.2 For a day off, Julian had rather full plate (pun intended)- Daedric Artifacts, and Wisps, and Shrines- oh my!

Your plotting is brilliant- bringing Gwinas back, the MG as cover, etc.

11.3 Aleswell. I rather enjoyed this quest, even though it seems rather trivial. But it is a nice bit of window-dressing even so.

[Acadian]

Excellent, and lots to like here!

I wondered why you included the free reptilian rower along with Kurdan's boat. As he walked away from the gate's crank handle though, your brilliance became clear. More clever than being magically sealed inside indeed.

Bravo to Julian for fully assessing her surroundings in a tactically sound manner. By that, I mean clearing the upper decks of the fort before venturing inside.

He smiled bravely at me, the courage not quite reaching his eyes, and nodded.

I loved this characterization of his smile - so very Aleron.

Your choices on what to include and what to gloss over inside the dungeon were sound. Focusing on the traps vs the hunters for this worked well. Getting a skeleton to help - you go girl!

I join others when I say I like this quest very much. I'm so glad that you decided to include it!