Jerric's Story, A Nord's Adventures in Cyrodiil Options

[Renee]

More more! I wonder what happens next.

No one knows what to do, thought Jerric. That’s why you’re listening to me.

Ha ha I love this. Since Jerric looks sorta like Curt Cobain I can't help but hear his voice as somewhat mumbly, and he slurs his words just a tad.

Love the way you handle curse-words too. "skiit" ... I saw another one in there somewhere, can't find it now though.

[Grits]

Previously: Fighters Guild members Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, and Gjaever entered a Gate to Oblivion. It is cold there, which was a surprise. While they were discussing matters a canyon opened at their feet and the Gate to Bruma closed.


Acadian: Thank you, Acadian! Jerric should have paid attention to his scout when Shamir-do came shivering back. Lil has taught him better than that! He�s lucky no one gave him a firm poke with those snowshoes he wanted to leave behind.

ghastley: Well, still in Oblivion but not quite as the game shows us. This is the part I meant with almost following the game plot. Definitely a what the heck moment for Jerric.

SubRosa: Thank you, SubRosa! Jerric made it all those years in his family�s company without accepting more responsibility, but now he�s run out of co-workers to push forward. Perhaps his slacker days are (mostly) behind him!

Darkness Eternal: Thank you, DE! They will find out some answers now, but not all of them. Jerric is wishing for A Gate-Crasher�s Guide to the Daedric Realms, lol.

Destri Melarg: Thank you, Destri! Umm, the Fourth Sinus of Takubar? That would have been pretty awesome. What was your idea? Where they are is a different part of a familiar place, though. I�ve taken some liberties. What Jerric misses, I�m sure Darnand will figure out.

mirocu: Indeed, Jerric is quite well and always adventuring, thank you for asking. Most of his exploits don�t get mentioned in the game threads.

Renee: Yep, Jerric tends to mumble, drawl, and slur his words even when he�s not been drinking. He�s been accused of sounding half-asleep when he talks. I put a bunch of words in the Darnandex so that I can remember them, including some swear words, lol. In ESO some of the Nords say �scat,� so I will probably steal that to use here too. Thanks, Renee!


Next: We�re not in Tamriel anymore.

(I�ve been struggling to find a convention for Jerric�s frost atronach Ishckrihk speaking to him. For now, �Text in italics with single quotes� indicates that Ishckrihk is speaking words in Jerric�s thoughts the way he and Darnand do with their summoning/communication spell, and �Text with regular quotes� indicates sounds or words that Ishckrihk is speaking aloud which everyone can hear. And as always Jerric�s thoughts are in italics without any quotes. Please let me know what parts are confusing or if something else would make better sense. Thank you for your patience as we work this out!)





Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Eleven


Jerric leaned over the chasm�s edge. The bottom was visible as a pale swath, details lost in shadow. He willed an orb of arcane frost to his hand and tossed it into the canyon. The rocky walls opened into a chamber, its limits beyond his visible angle. His improvised light was too faint to identify the shapes on its floor.

�This whole thing shows living energy,� Kjestrid said. Her voice cracked. �Shamir-do, what do you see?�

�Some things at the bottom,� said the Khajiit. �Lumps.�

�Pods?� asked Jerric. �Do they look like sort of flesh pods?�

Shamir-do made a noise of disgust. Jerric took that as agreement.

�We need to move,� Jerric said to Kjestrid, keeping the command out of his voice. This was no time for a pissing contest. �You have the ring.�

Kjestrid moved them back to their outcrop. �What is this place?� she asked Jerric.

I have no idea. �I�ve seen this before,� he said, focusing on the part that was true. �A nesting site for spider daedra full of those pods. I�ve seen them in chambers like that and scattered above ground in sheltered places. I thought they were egg sacs, but now I know that daedra are made, not,� he made a crude gesture, �begotten. I�ve destroyed some and found scamp and clannfear parts inside, and also bones and clothing. Sometimes the daedra are all the way grown when I cut them out. Small, but ready to fight. They must put mortals into the pods and seed them with their own creatures. That�s how I�d wager. �

�A trap?� Kjestrid asked. �Draw folk from our world and then drop them down with the pods when the chamber opens?�

�Khajiit is going to be sick,� Shamir-do announced. He quickly proved himself correct.

�Not many would come here on purpose,� Jerric said. �More likely they planned to attack the village and bring those folk back here. I�ve seen that, too, and they� Well, they take everyone. Could be waiting for tonight when the houses will be full.� He spent a moment fighting his stomach while Shamir-do retched and spat. �I think these Gates connect with fixed points in Tamriel, but I don�t know how close they can get to their target when they open them. The Mythic Dawn, I mean. When they do their ritual with the sigil stone in our world, they might not be very close to where they think they are in this one. Maybe they need someone on this side to help, and the time is off in our world. I don�t know, though. Darnand says Daedric scholars that make it in these realms don�t tend to come back out and share their work with the likes of us.�

�Then we need to move,� Kjestrid said, echoing Jerric�s words. �A raiding party could be on its way here. How do we get out?�

�Uh,� said Jerric. He stalled for time to think. �Someone closed the Gate. If they were going out why did they shut the door first?�

�Does it matter?� Kjestrid snapped. �You can ask your mage when we get home. Let�s go.�

�Perhaps when we stepped upon this ground the chamber opened to receive its meal,� Shamir-do said. �Perhaps their tower thought its work was complete.�

Jerric gave him raised brows.

�Khajiit has heard much of those who travel to Moonshadow,� Shamir-do said. �Portals can have minds of their own.�

�How,� said Kjestrid. �Do. We. Get. Out?� She continued to turn, searching for life signs in the fog.

�We�ll have to find a sigil tower that�s connected to an open Gate,� Jerric admitted. �Or find one and wait for it to open. The Gate site in County Bruma is guarded now, no one will come back to open it. Waiting here we�ll likely freeze to death long before the food runs out.�

�This one does not see a tower,� Shamir-do hissed. �This one does not see an open Gate. This one sees no water, no food, no way out. The land is frozen and dead! Shamir agreed to guard the Kjellingsson, but Khajiit does not wish to die here for that one!�

Kjestrid gave Gjaever a look. The big Nord placed his palm over the Khajiit�s shoulder.

�I have an idea,� Jerric said. �I know what we need, but not where to find it. I know someone who might. A frost atronach. His name is Ishckrihk.�

Kjestrid opened her mouth and then closed it again.

�I can summon him to any realm,� Jerric continued. I hope. �He�s an ally. This may be his home for all we know. It�s cold enough for ice people here.�

�What happens when your summon turns against you? Will he call for his folk?� Kjestrid gestured at the canyon. �Will he move the ground on us, grow some frostlings in our bellies?�

Asgerd said to show them what you can do and they�ll more readily accept your command. �Kjestrid,� Jerric said, �we need to move in the right direction. We don�t have the luxury of mistakes and backtracking. Something to eat or burn for heat will buy us time, but we�d miss it in this mist. Ishckrihk can see without eyes. Let�s ask him.�

�Do it,� Kjestrid told him.

Jerric�s three companions stepped back in the same motion. Their weapons sang into the frozen air.

�Look,� Jerric said. �Settle the hells down. I don�t want to make him angry. I�ve fought daedra with him before and he stayed true, but right now there�s nothing else around for him to kill.�

�Make sure you tell him that we�re friends,� Kjestrid called.

�Don�t know if that�s going to matter,� muttered Jerric.

Ishckrihk made the connection immediately. The instant Jerric�s portal opened, the atronach�s essence roared out and began to solidify. For the first time Jerric felt the daedra reach through the spell and tug at his magicka. Jerric had one thought as Ishckrihk rose before them in crystalline splendor. This could go very badly.

Ishckrihk�s featureless face tilted down at Jerric, then back as he surveyed the group behind him.

�Ishckrihk.�

�Jerric.� The atronach�s voice sounded in Jerric�s head at the same time he made the sound, �Ck.�

Jerric gestured to the group. �These are my, uh, friends. We are allies. They are your allies. Protect them as you protect me.� He sent an image of the group fighting dremora together with Ishckrihk at their side.

Ishckrihk bowed his head lump and brought his hand spikes together. He made a soft rumble.

Jerric turned back to his guild mates. They looked nervous but steady. Even Shamir-do stood still.

Now don�t repay their trust by getting them all killed, he thought. Jerric let out the breath he hadn�t known he�d been holding. �My name is Jerric, son of Kjelling. I�m from Kvatch.�

�You�re Lionheart,� Kjestrid said after a moment. �Heard of you.�

�All right,� said Jerric. �Now me and the ice man are going to talk.� He explained the situation aloud to Ishckrihk, all the while adding layers with the pictures in his mind.

�I am sight for you,� Ishckrihk answered. The vision came in a disorienting rush. Jerric fought rising bile as Ishckrihk�s view laid over his own, showing him what the atronach could see. He closed his eyes so he could concentrate, then staggered when the ground seemed to shift.

�Kjestrid, is something moving underneath?�

�No. What is it? What�s alive? Ask him.�

Ishckrihk answered Kjestrid with creaking sounds and another surge of thoughts crowding Jerric�s mind.

�Gods,� Jerric groaned. �I think he�s� What?�

�Ground.�

�Yeah, I know it�s in the ground. What��

�Ground a life. The ground is alive. They are one.�

�Does that ice noise make sense to you?� Kjestrid asked Jerric.

�No, he�s talking in my� He�s...� Jerric opened his eyes and spoke to Ishckrihk. �You�re using more words.�

Ishckrihk made his affirmative hiss, then a series of cracking sounds.

Jerric stared at him. �Are you laughing?�

�Anvil,� Kjestrid barked, �Report.�

�He says the ground is alive.� Jerric said to Kjestrid. He shot a look back at the atronach. �No kidding. He says it�s, uh, I get the sense it�s a, what do you call it? Like coral.�

�Colonial,� said Shamir-do.

�Yeah. It�s a daedra colony. Of little ones.�

�Little what?� Kjestrid asked. �Those seeds you were talking about?�

�I don�t know how to kill the ground, so let�s not stay and find out. Lesser daedra take different forms to meet what their masters need. Like doors, or weapons and armor. Some of what the dremora wear are other daedra. Maybe they need rocks. Maybe they�re growing a tower. Maybe we should get the hells out of here before it eats us and skitts out a staircase.�

�Kuh, kuh, kuh,� said Ishckrihk.

He�s definitely laughing, thought Jerric. He felt another chill, this one from his insides.

�Focus,� said Kjestrid. �Tell me what you know.�

Jerric stood facing the same direction as Ishckrihk and closed his eyes again. He could see his own back in front of the frost atronach. �Uh� there are mountains� over there. There�s a volcano covered in snow. I can see lava glowing and steam coming up. I guess that�s where this fog is coming from.� He spoke to Ishckrihk. �Show me again.�

The pictures came with a jumble of impressions. Sorting through them made Jerric�s head ache. Then his heart leaped.

�Are you sure?�

�Sss,� said Ishckrihk.

It took all of Jerric�s will not to just start running. �There�s a settlement in that direction,� he said. �With a sigil tower. Ishckrihk says it�s active. It�s holding open another Gate.�

�Where?� asked Kjestrid.

Ishckrihk gestured.

�Yeah,� said Jerric. �It�s over there.�

Shamir-do growled some Ta�agra before correcting himself. �How far to the Gate?�

�Forget it,� Jerric told him. �We�re going to the tower. I�m closing that Gate from there.�

�How far?� Kjestrid demanded.

�Do you think you can get through the Gate before I close it?� Jerric asked them. �I can�t judge the terrain, and I don�t know the distance in either direction other than it�s far. Are you going to risk it? I don�t want to leave you here, but I�m not going to wait.�

�That�s not your call,� said Kjestrid.

Oh hells, don�t screw this up. Jerric looked at each of them in turn, squinting against the cold. �You�re right, I don�t command you. I�m asking for your trust. These Gates and towers look like ones I�ve seen before. Ones I�ve closed before. Like the ones at Kvatch, and in the Reserve, and by the Gold Road, and a dozen other places I can�t even name.�

He pointed into the unseen distance. �That Gate might not open to our world, but there�s a chance it does. There�s a chance that daedra are crossing through and our folk are dying while we stand here burning time. And there�s a chance we can close it if we get to that sigil tower.� He jabbed a hand in the other direction. �That way. One step at a time, one fight at a time, until we�re at the top or dead from trying. Sigil stones bear the mark of their Lord�s hand. There�s one up there holding the Gate open. When we take it, my gut tells me it will reek of Dagon.�

Jerric�s arms dropped to his sides. �I want you to come with me. I�ll need your night-seeing eyes in that tower, and your bows, and your stealth, and all of our blades together so that we can close the damned Gate and make it home. But I will go alone if I have to. Just like I have gone alone before.�

Shamir-do�s expression was unreadable, but he had started to shiver. Gjaever somehow looked even taller.

Kjestrid sheathed her sword. �We�re with you. Jerric.�

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Nov 3 2018, 12:45 AM

[SubRosa]

He drew an orb of arcane frost into his hand and tossed it into the canyon.

When you use the word 'drew', it makes me think of pulling it out of a sheath or pocket, like drawing a sword. Perhaps saying something like created, or willed, or called up might sound better?

What a horrific description/theory of how deadra are created in those flesh pods!

Maybe we should get the hells out of here before it eats us and skitts out a staircase.
Sounds like a capital idea! That would explain all those staircases in the woods too...

Wonderful depiction of the psychic link between Jerric and Izzy, especially the deadric laughter.

And Jerric spills his real name at last. Given that he's closing gates with these people, there doesn't seem to be much risk that they will sell him out to the Mythic Dawn! Though they might wag their tongues boasting about how they fought with the Hero of Kvatch once they get back to Bruma...

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Apr 11 2016, 10:12 PM

[Acadian]

Yay! More Jerric!

Regarding your communication conventions, they worked fine for me. The "speech" and thoughts bits are quite conventional so it is only the ''telepathic'' that is unique here and that seems like a fine way of conveying Itchy's telepathic thoughts. I face some of the same concerns since Acadian sometimes communicates to Buffy via voice and sometimes telepathically. The voice part is easy. For the telepathic parts I will often 'speech tag' them to help clarify. Something like this:

I stared at Sam after he challenged me to a drinking contest. What have I gotten myself into, I pondered.

I wouldn't try it, Buffy, Acadian silently urged.

Thanks for the ‘in our last episode’ warm up.

You really show us the terrifying disorientation and fear of perhaps never getting out of this creepily strange place.

Great touch bringing in Itchy! He seems to be proving his worth.

Jerric’s self-doubts, humility and heroism all shine through wonderfully!


Nit: '...and all of our blades together so that we can closed the damned Gate and make it home.' - - close?

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 11 2016, 10:00 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

I curious, wondering when you'd return to us with another chapter. Here you are. Let's begin.

The conversation between Schnitzel Ishckrihk wasn't confusing at all. Didn't confuse me one bit.

"What is this place?"
I have no idea. “I’ve seen this before.

Well at least he's partly honest

Daedric creation sounds as Daedric as it can get. Disturbing for fellow mortals. If they don't hurry, Darnands words may be true not only for those scholars. Ishy found the group amusing, as did I. Certainly can't trust a Daedric being, but so far he's been loyal. Let's hope the familiar stays that way.

Still wondering what realm this is.

[Kazaera]

I love how you've kept Oblivion Gates continually threatening and alien (I still haven't played the game but I get the impression they can start getting rather same-old same-old) by first changing everything Jerric thought he knew about them and then actually having the gate close while they were in it! That seems like one of those dangers that should really be a big concern but you just ignore in the game since you know it won't happen. Jerric and co., stranded in Oblivion... the whole thing really brings home how dangerous jumping in a Gate really is.

Very nice Daedric worldbuilding touches, too. Those pods...

Also, I have to say I wasn't surprised to see Jerric gave in and told them his real name. Made for subterfuge, our boy is not.

This post has been edited by Kazaera: Apr 13 2016, 06:39 AM

[ghastley]

This is brilliant, and almost un-Jerric at that. If you're lost in a cold place, ask a Frostie, especially when Itchy is available on demand.

I like the continuing tension between Jerric and Kjestrid. And that she's not falling apart when things get way out of her control. Since Jerric has already tried that, and found it didn't help, he's got an advantage she doesn't.

Looking forward to July's episode

[McBadgere]

Aw hell yeah!... ...

I go away for a bit and I get a whole TWO instalments to go through... ...

Very much loved the, "I'm going on my own!!"/"Of course you are, and I'm coming with you!" thing throughout...And then with added Frostie-Boy too!!...

Most excellent!!...

Very much a favourite...

Brilliant stuff, as ever...

Looking forward to another instalment as it turns up... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jun 12 2016, 03:19 PM

[mALX]

I am catching up, it will take some time though!

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Two

This chapter was a rich immersion back into what makes Jerric (Jerric). The pee-writing his name in the snow when he is supposed to be using an alias; then immediately losing track of his alias at the sight of a pretty girl and blurting his name out; then forgetting he is supposed to be Darnand's servant of sorts - but the best line of all came from the Altmer at the end!!! SPEW !!!!

I'm with Jerric in wondering what is going on in Lildereth's mind and what she meant by Darnand not getting laid in Bruma; have she and Darnand continued to "forkulate" since that first time? And if so, why hasn't it been written into the script?

Awesome chapter, this is exactly how I remember this story to be = excellent and fun!





This post has been edited by mALX: Jul 15 2016, 12:05 PM

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Three


BWAAHAA! You've really captured the Bruma Mages guild here! And Alga at the end; SPEW! I didn't understand the ‘Mara Mother Mild’ and Chapel family business.” either; but get the feeling this has something to do with Lildereth's telling that man that Jerric and Darnand were lovers,

Great chapter!

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Four


This chapter had me rolling with how fast word is spreading around Bruma about Jerric and Darnand; and the fact that word of his getting whooped upstairs reaching downstairs before he even gets there was the icing on the cake!

EW! They cook the food after the dog chews on it, urgh! Gross!

Asgerd immediately spouts his true name, and just when he was getting good at remembering his alias! Oh, then ... BWAAHAA! Gives his full correct name, THEN gives him some code to figure out about Jauffre; like if anyone was listening to hear the coded stuff about Jauffre, they wouldn't have heard the Jerric part? DOH! A little late to remember to be secretive there, Asgerd!

Oh great, and as for trying to slip under the wires unobtrusively as an associate; now Asgerd is going to raise him up to a command position that will draw attention to him - especially such a fast rise in ranks. Oh, Asgerd most def blew his cover!

Now to see how he gets out of this...or does he? Maybe Jearl and Saveri Faram will attack him and expose themselves.

Great chapter!

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Five

Oh no, he didn't ... Jerric is most def out of his element with women in the last few chapters, does this have something to do with his feelings for Abiene? I've never seen him so ... gauche; that is twice he has insulted poor Selena!

Oh, very cool intro to Camilla Lollia; what a great idea!

Ulfe the "Cat" chasing dog; and J'Skar the balls scratching Cat had me rolling, and the "Not the lads!" line had me choking!!!!

Jerric's warning to Volanaro not to try pulling any pranks on him was very smooth; and I liked how well Volanaro took the threat!

Great chapter!




This post has been edited by mALX: Jul 15 2016, 03:38 PM

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Six


BWAAHAA! Jerric trying to field personal questions and can't think up lies quick enough or tell them convincingly,

And he gives away secrets anyway! BWAAHAAA!

I get the feeling everyone is thinking that wedding ring is a symbol of he and Darnand's "Marriage,"


Now, I wonder what this initiation will do? I'm with Jerric on not being able to come up with anything but peeing on a wall!



Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Seven


Jerric going all but naked to a brothel in the middle of the night = and with no gold! SPEW !!! Loved what he come up with though; now let us see if they really keep his secret! BWAAHAA!

Awesome Write!!!

To be honest I am surprised it took Jerric that long, given his history. Even if it was just a tug, and not a drill.

Or "bite?" BWAAHAA!

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Eight - OMG, Jerric and Jaan !!!!! SPEW !!!!! Now THAT is the Jerric I remember from the beginning of the story,

Awesome Write, I may come back many times to re-read this chapter and have a great laugh again and again !!!

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Nine - I think the Bruma Fighters Guild is about to develop a whole new respect for Jerric. He has experience with these gates - boy, it seems like forever since he has had to use that experience though! I remember him coming back to Anvil a shell of the man he started out being in his story; and Darnand having to bring him back from that awful place! He has sure come a long way in his story!

Awesome Write!

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Ten - GAAAAAAH !!!! What in the holy hell is this? Is it how Jerric goes to Skyrim or something? Urk, this is freaky!!!! Can't wait to find out what is going on! Awesome Write !!!

[mALX]

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Eleven - HOLY CRAP !!!! This is the most AWESOME world building - What the living hell is going on in that gate? Holy Crap !!!!

*mALX's head explodes*

AWESOME, AWESOME Write !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Acadian]

Just wanted to bump this magnificent story to wish dear Jerric a happy birthday!



Buffy’s always been drawn to the furry funny Nord. Perhaps it is the fact that, between Lil and Abiene she knows he is unavailable - and the little elf tends to want what she cannot have. Perhaps it is that he is everything she is not – big, strong, brave, can lift heavy objects and break things. Perhaps it is because he and she both bear the title of Blonde. Or perhaps it is the treasured toe-ring of resist frost that he gifted to her and she never removes.

Regardless, happy birthday to the big Nord!


Buffy has a massive collection of worms, guts and other things that she understand fishermen use as bait. It is safely preserved with frost salts awaiting his arrival to ESO’s PC North America server.

[mALX]

Happy Birthday Jerric!


(two cakes, knowing Jerric's appetite, lol.)

[ghastley]

Something tells me two cakes will take a lot of mead to wash it down, too.

Merry Birthday! (Hic!)