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

[SubRosa]

The setting of Moonshadow makes me think that the Hermetic Order of the Silver Twilight of Call of Cthulhu fame would fit right in. Well, their name would. Not their ultimate goals of summoning the Outer Gods to destroy the world.

"I'd like to get a view of dinner," said Jerric.
Spoken like a True Nord. He reminds me of Kat from All Quiet on the Western Front.

I was wondering about the moons too. Are they the same Masser and Secunda that people see from Mundus?

Well, it looks like we are about wrapped up in the Moonshadow jaunt, and about to finally get back to Mundus. Then we can get down to some vampire hunting. With Jerric's new thaumaturgical tattoos.

[Acadian]

"After you help Shamir-do drown the coals."
- - I chuckled, envisioning Shamir-do and Jerric peeing on the fire.

Jerric asked good questions of Dozara about Moonshadow. Too bad he ran the answers off track by dragging the Twilight into a discussion of testicles.

Ahah, I didn’t realize Jerric’s new tat would be a multi-session process.

As SubRosa said, looks about time to return to Nirniland. A touching goodbye with Dozara.

[haute ecole rider]

Like Acadian, I chuckled too at the mental image of the two boys drowning the fire. Better than tossing valuable water on the flames!

At first I wondered about Masser and Secunda too (Or Jone and Jode, as I now prefer to think of them). How wonderful that a few paragraphs later Jerric asked the same question dogging my mind! Too bad he didn't get a straight answer out of Drozara.

Goodbye to two of the most charming guars I've ever met! Well, short of the ones I've had to hunt down in Second Era Tamriel . . . Still, it was hard to think about leaving them behind.

[Kane]

The bit with Jerric's expression had me giggling. Dozara plays the straight man twilight perfectly! Hopefully with a return to Nirin, we get to catch up with Darnand and Lil. I've missed those rogues!

[Grits]

Previously: Moonshadow. Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, Nereli, Dozara, and the guars Freckles and Neelo reached the city Valparai where they met Sister Ma’sani and Renlys at their order’s priory. The preparations for assaulting five vampires in their lair took two sleeps and a “day,” as they decided to leave Moonshadow well rested. Kjestrid and Jerric managed two sessions of Woad-singing.

SubRosa: Jerric does manage to scavenge a meal from most places that he visits! My understanding is that Masser and Secunda are Nirn’s moons in the Mundus, so Moonshadow’s moons would be only an imitation of them in Oblivion. Of course that’s my Nirn-centric view. Dozara probably has a different understanding. Thank you, Rosa!

Acadian: Yep, once the conversation dropped below the waist, Darnand’s chance of a second-hand Dwemer conversation was over. Jerric’s tat will be revealed I’m estimating in August. Thank you, Acadian!

Rider: Jerric would stand next to a river and still pee on the coals! He didn’t want to leave the guars behind, either. Though I doubt he’d be willing to trade them for his horses. Thank you, Rider!

Kane: Darnand and Lil sort of appear next. Jerric has been missing them, too. And his dog! Thank you, Kane!

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Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Ten

For a moment Jerric thought they had mis-timed their arrival, as the sky showed purple twilight. Once they stepped away from the Gate, it brightened to the pale blue of cold spring. In the same way that the Deadlands leaked into Tamriel around their Gates, so did Moonshadow. But the result was far more pleasant. Colorful mushrooms grew scattered in the tufts of silvergrass that had sprouted around the Gate's frame. Rather than burned and blasted earth, the ground had turned to quartz-like stone in waves of color. Even the noise was different.

Ma'sani led them away from the Gate. "This one will not yet say farewell," she said. "Please seek us out when you have returned from your adventure." She bustled away, trailed by her acolyte. The two were laden with a guar-load of packages.

Azura's shrine stood on a level field high above the surrounding hills, partially screened by a narrow band of trees. The encampment below looked almost permanent enough to be called a village, but not quite enough to be subject to county governance or Imperial regulation. Tax collectors had a way of sniffing out every barn, hut, and sty to slap a price on it. Here they would find an organized array of fortified and highly decorated tents.

A towering statue of a bare-breasted woman dominated the space. Her long hair was swept behind her shoulders, and her low-slung skirt fell to the round base, hiding her feet. She held a moon in one outstretched hand and a star in the other. The statue's base looked to be coated in glow dust. Several dozen folk sat on benches and moved about the shrine area. Many wore robes. The ones closest to the statue knelt on prayer rugs or just the frozen grass.

Jerric tried to compare this statue with the form that Azura had shown him in the vision when he first entered Moonshadow. He found he could not remember details, only a sense of silver and light. Trying to picture Sanguine produced a feeling that was both vaguely threatening and disturbingly erotic. He wondered if Darnand and Lildereth would be able to describe their meeting with Meridia.

"Greetings, Disciples." A priest-looking Dunmer with his hair in a crest had noticed Nereli's and Shamir-do's new medallions. He ignored the two Nords.

"I need a minute," Jerric said to Kjestrid. He dropped his packs.

Walking toward the snow-dusted trees, Jerric checked his magicka. Plenty to cast the summoning spell without using any Jerric's Juice potion. He leaned against a trunk and closed his eyes, feeling the bark cold under his palm. Lildereth had spoken of the sap underneath making its spring journey upward to wake the sleeping buds. He imagined himself floating through the bare branches until he rose above the treetops into Kyne's clear sky. Eventually his hand felt warm on the bark, and even in the shade his face could feel the kiss of sunlight.

I'm going back into darkness. It wasn't a prayer so much as a telling. He couldn't be sure if it was to Kyne or his own Ma that he spoke.

Now he pictured his friend, wearing that faded green robe. His narrow hands bore ink stains and smelled of pine tar soap.

'Darnand.'

In a blink he felt the tug of Darnand's mental response along with the Breton's sudden presence in his mind. He leaned into the tree against the lurch of vertigo.

'Jerric. You have survived.'

'Yeah. Is the elf with you?'

'She is. We have the Mysterium Xarxes. My friend, I must convey ill news.'

'Is she all right?' Jerric's fingers clawed some bark into his palm.

'Yes. Jerric, when Lildereth infiltrated the shrine, she encountered Mankar Camoran himself. He took the Amulet of Kings through a portal into his Paradise realm. She reports that he was wearing it.'

'Then we will find a way to follow or we will lure him out. I will take it back myself from his broken neck.'

'We will find a way,' Darnand agreed. 'It is likely that his children will be at his side in Paradise. Lildereth killed his daughter Ruma.'

'Rutting magnificent! Where are you now?'

'We are at Cloud Ruler Temple.'

'They let her in!'

'Indeed. A priest of the Nine accompanied us.'

'That's a story I want to hear the whole of. But what do you mean, Mankar Camoran was wearing the Amulet? I thought only those with dragon blood could do that. How can we know it's the real one?' He thought of the Amulet's ignominious evening with the Dunmeri women in Weye. Even if anyone could wear the Amulet of Kings, far better that it had been tied into his shirt than flopping about his neck.

'Lord Martin has given thought to the subject, as have we all. None of us can think of a reason that Camoran would claim to carry it to his realm, yet leave it hidden in this one.'

'Well, I sure can't think of one.'

'It is the prevailing opinion that we should proceed with the plan to assault Camoran in his Paradise realm. If the Grandmaster or any other wishes to continue searching Tamriel, that is their prerogative.'

Jerric stood for a moment with his eyes slightly unfocused, gazing at the strip of woods. A light snow began to fall in his vision, laid over what his eyes could see. A shadowy form resolved into Lildereth. He almost reached out a hand to her, though he knew she stood miles away in front of the Breton. They must be outside, perhaps near the stables.

'Tell the elf I'm glad to see her. Now where's my dog?'

'She is in exuberant health and at the stable. We just came from there. Lildereth has taught her to watch the horses. She stood down a wolf while we were in the shrine, according to the signs that Lildereth could read.'

It was Lildereth who had told him that Ulfe was not a fighting dog. He needn't remind her. 'I'm about to go invade a vampire lair. I'll tell you when I get out of the mine.' Jerric looked around his own woods again, then back to where Lildereth stood in Darnand's field of vision. 'You two were not far from here just days ago. I'm sorry I missed the killing at the Dagon shrine.'

"He regrets missing out on the shrine fight," Darnand said out loud to Lildereth.

The elf looked straight at him through Darnand's eyes. "They're all dead or run off," she said. "Don't risk going there yourself, Nord. We took what Darnand thought was useful and left them to rot. There's nothing for you there. Save your anger for the living."

'Tell her I got the message,' Jerric said.

"He heard you, but he does not sound compliant," Darnand said to Lildereth. 'Jerric. Grandmaster Jauffre sent agents to pose as cultists and secure any novitiate hopefuls that may yet arrive. Prowling around Lake Arrius may lead you to conflict with your own Knight Brothers and Knight Sisters.'

'He doesn't want me there,' said Jerric.

'That is the message I am ordered to convey.'

Jerric considered for a long moment. 'I might listen this time.'

'I shall inform Grandmaster Jauffre and Lord Martin that you have emerged from Moonshadow intact,' said Darnand.

'Tell them I have some work to do before I head west.'

'My friend,' said Darnand, 'you are missed.'

'I'm not going on another… I am coming back. I'll tell you when I'm on my way.'

'Good hunting,' said Darnand.

'And good reading to you. Be careful around that book. I won't turn into a vampire, and don't you turn into a cultist. And keep an eye on Lord Martin. He didn't always follow the Nine.'

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Jul 5 2025, 08:51 PM

[haute ecole rider]

Loved your description of the Moonshadow Gate and how it differs from Mehrunes Dagon's Oblivion Gates. A lot less intimidating! Colorful shrooms indeed! Wonder if they are the psychotropic kind? Never mind. Good to know he was able to reach out to Darnit Darnand and let him know Jerric is Back in Nirn! So Ulfe has a sense of duty, eh? Good to know she won't back down if push comes to shove.

[Acadian]

Like Rider, I enjoyed your depiction of a Moonshadow Gate. Much more pleasant than a Deadlands Gate.

Jerric makes it to Azura’s shrine! I’m sure it was the bare breasts that did the trick.

Neat long-distance conversation with Darnand and Lildereth as the three catch up on things.

Good luck in Gutted Mine. Buffy the Vampire Slayer almost got crushed by a charging Orc vampire in there!

[SubRosa]

From purple twilight to purple twilight. That must have been confusing for poor Jerric and company. I must say, I do prefer Azura's leakage to Mehrunes Dagon's...

I thought it was a nice touch of yours that the appearance of the Daedric Gods is somewhat insubstantial in the minds of mortals. It brings home that they are from the Outside - literally Not-Ancestors - so one from Mundus cannot fully grasp the reality of what they are.

And we wrap up with a psychic conference that brings both parties up to date on events.

[Kane]

Yaas, the gang's (almost) all here! I bet Jerric wishes he could just rush to Cloud Ruler instead of dealing with the vamps. No doubt that will be an ugly fight!

[Grits]

Previously: Cyrodiil’s Azura Shrine in County Cheydinhal. Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, Nereli, Ma’sani, and Renlys successfully emerged from Moonshadow. Ma’sani and Renlys went about their order’s business. Nereli and Shamir-do were recognized as Disciples and drawn into conversation with a priest. Jerric contacted Darnand through their summoning spell. Lildereth was with him at Cloud Ruler Temple. Jerric was able to see Lildereth and hear her speak through Darnand.

Rider: Jerric’s inner alchemist also wonders about those mushrooms! Ulfe may start earning her keep by defending the horses, but there would be hell to pay if anyone tried to train her as a battle dog. Good thing her “owners” are all in agreement about that. Thank you, Rider!

Acadian: I remember that charge and then Buffy under a mountain of heavily armored orc vampire! There was even a screenshot. That was a scary episode. Jerric and Darnand have gotten better at their cellphone summoning spell. It still makes Darnand uncomfortable, though. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: Thank you, SubRosa, that’s exactly what I was shooting for with Jerric’s memory of Sanguine and Azura. Even how Jerric perceived Moonshadow is filtered through his mortal’s limited ability to understand what he’s seeing. Poor Dozara was probably ready to strangle him with all of his questions!

Kane: In Jerric’s game this quest was one of the hardest fights. He would indeed love to head straight to Cloud Ruler Temple, with a Jerric-style “shortcut” to visit Abiene first! Thank you, Kane!

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Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Eleven

"Let's catch our breath before we go in," said Kjestrid. "Jerric, here's your chance to astound us with magery."

It had been a steep climb over rocks and ice to reach the entrance of Gutted Mine. Whatever road the miners used had long ago slid off the mountain.

Shamir-do stood with his back to the group, keeping his eye on a bear in the distance. He took a swig from his waterskin.

Nereli and Kjestrid knelt, arranging their gear.

Jerric rummaged through his pack. "Unless there's a back door that Azura doesn't know about, they'll be blood-starved. That makes them stronger, faster, and harder to kill with a mundane weapon. They'll be able to see us in the dark and might turn invisible." He retrieved the sack of potion bottles and began unrolling the quilted padding he had packed them in. "Thankfully Dozara took me to Valparai's most thoroughly stocked alchemy shop. These are Prowler's Potions. They'll grant us Nighteye and Detect Life for about an hour and a half. Shamir-do, yours is Detect Life and Reflect Damage. Should last a little over an hour. Sorry to say the Detect Life effect will go for at least three hours, and I don't know how to dispel it." He clapped the Khajiit's armored shoulder. "Good luck with that."

Nereli and Kjestrid had their arrows arrayed on the ground. Both watched him expectantly.

"Prepare to be amazed!" Jerric declared. "This poison will slow them down, make them feel heavier, and set them on fire. Uh, and also poison them." He very carefully handed over the vials. "They cost a fortune to make. And also I had to take a bunch of Cure Poison potions."

"Thank the Rose Mother for Dozara," said Nereli. She began coating her arrowheads.

Kjestrid followed suit. Shamir-do smeared some onto his dagger and sword, then onto Jerric's Blade of the Medic.

"We're assuming they've run out of torches," Kjestrid said. "Wait for the potions until we know it's actually dark in there. Ready?" She made eye contact with each of them. "As we planned. Let's go."

Nereli entered first with Shamir-do at her back. Jerric rolled a stone to prop the door open, letting sunlight into the rough passageway. They may need to make a rapid retreat.

"It's dark down here," Nereli confirmed. "Watch out for this— Oh, skitt!" Her bowstring twanged followed by the thunk of an arrow meeting its target.

Something made an inhuman shriek. Shamir-do stepped past Nereli in the narrow space, firelight springing up in front of him. A spiked ball swished between them, nearly grazing Nereli as she leaned to the side. It swung back, hanging from a rusted chain.

Kjestrid dropped to a knee, arrow at the ready. Jerric waited behind her as they had planned, grinding his teeth. Nereli moved ahead to support Shamir-do, out of their sight where the corridor flattened. Steel rang against steel.

"Forward," said Kjestrid. They moved to where they could see.

Shamir-do faced a human in leather armor who swung at him with a longsword. She held her shield low, an arrow sticking out of the shoulder above it. Arcane fire crept over her torso. The Khajiit dodged her strikes, awaiting an opening. When she lunged he dove past her, slashing. "Nereli!" he called, staying low.

The vampire turned to follow Shamir-do, more fire racing up from the new wound on her leg. Nereli put an arrow in the middle of her back. As Shamir-do stood, the vampire fell forward onto her knees. "Thank you," she sighed. Shamir-do opened her throat.

Jerric turned the body with his foot. "She was a Nord, once."

"That's one," said Kjestrid. "Nicely done."

A few steps ahead the corridor branched to the left. The only light came from the still-burning vampire. "Our turn," said Jerric. He took his Prowler's Potion. Kjestrid did the same. She walked ahead of him into the left-hand passageway.

"Watch out for traps," Nereli said. "That swinging mace had a tripwire. Shamir-do."

"Apologies," said Shamir-do. The two knelt at the junction. They would guard the passageway until Jerric and Kjestrid cleared their section or determined that the group should move on together.

The rough-cut stone walls showed thin streaks of silver. They kicked through jumbled bones, likely long-lost victims of the original vampire clan. Coffins lay in several of the mine's alcoves, all in ruins.

"I wonder if this crew broke the coffins before they turned, or after."

"Stay focused," said Kjestrid.

The passage made several turns but didn't branch. They reached a dead end. As they turned back, a commotion arose from behind them.

"Dammit!" said Jerric.

"Stay behind me!" Kjestrid led the charge back through the passageway, then left toward the fight.

Nereli sat at the opening of a low-ceilinged chamber, holding her arm. A vampire lay face-down near her, its fur armor on fire. Shamir-do and a female orc circled each other. The chamber was crowded with wooden braces and partitions. Two corridors led out of the room.

"Watch for the rest of them," Kjestrid said to Jerric, "and stay out of my shot."

Jerric moved around to the side, blade at the ready. Arcane fire flickered over the orc vampire's heavy armor. Shamir-do skipped and dodged, always out of her greatsword's longer reach. Jerric watched for approaching life signs as he kept track of the fight.

"Down!" Kjestrid called.

Shamir-do hit the floor flat on his belly. As the orc raised her greatsword, Kjestrid's arrow pierced her unprotected groin. The vampire howled. Her blade clanged against the stone floor Shamir-do had just occupied. She staggered, slowed by the poisons.

Shamir-do had rolled to his feet. He spun back to the vampire, kicking her sword away. Jerric couldn't see his blades, but when the Khajiit stepped away they were dripping black in the Nighteye's effect. The orc fell one way, her head the other.

Nereli spoke into the silence. "That Imperial punched my arm. She punch-broke my arm!"

When Kjestrid met Jerric's eyes, he gave her a head shake. Still no one coming. "Hey Shamir-do," he said. "There's a pressure plate." He pointed.

"Take a look at Nereli's arm," Kjestrid said to Jerric. She signaled Shamir-do to help her check the corridors.

Jerric placed his hands gently on Nereli. "I'm no healer," he said, "I might not be able to— Oh yeah, that's a bad one. I can pull it straight and do my best, but—"

"Do it," Nereli gritted.

"On three," said Jerric. "One."

"Gaaah!"

"There you go." He reached for his Jerric's Juice potion, healing light still swirling around Nereli.

Kjestrid and Shamir-do stood at the wall opposite the doorway they had come through. "Those are just alcoves," Kjestrid said. She gestured to a rope dangling from the ceiling a few steps away. "They must have walled the other two up at some point. Here's where we'll go through."

"I hope that rope still works," said Jerric. "Otherwise we'll be looking for a pickax."

"They are coming," said Shamir-do.

Seconds later the other three saw them. Two life forms traveling swiftly from behind the left cavern wall. They turned some unseen corner and moved toward them.

A muffled voice howled, "I can smell your blood!"

Shamir-do poisoned his blades and stepped to the side of the rock door. Jerric moved to the other side, his sword still coated. Nereli and Kjestrid took their positions, bows at the ready.

"Tight in here," said Shamir-do.

"I'll try to draw one back into the corridor," said Jerric.

"The first through belongs to this one."

"Draw," said Kjestrid. "Go!"

Shamir-do pulled the rope.

The rock slab fell back into the corridor, dislodging a shower of stone and kicking up a cloud of dust. A ghostly figure appeared in the opening, difficult to see with Nighteye. An arrow passed through it and clattered to the ground near Nereli. She loosed her arrow, hitting the tall figure that followed the ghost. It was an Altmer. Her robe caught fire.

Kjestrid's arrow flew past the Altmer and hit something with a metallic clang. She drew her silver dagger to deal with the ghost. Shamir-do knocked the bow out of the Altmer's hands. Jerric shifted his feet, fire ready in his clenched hand.

An Orsimer in heavy armor stepped into the doorway, given extra height by the fallen slab. He carried a shield and a short-handled axe. Fire danced up his leg from Kjestrid's arrow. He turned to Jerric. "I'm going to bleed you slow."

Jerric flicked his sword out, then followed it with a fire spell. His blade skated off the orc's armor, but it was enough to anoint him with poison. Jerric stepped back at an angle, shield up.

The orc's axe hit the middle of Jerric's shield, driving him to a knee. When he raised it again, Jerric scuttled back. Deflecting the blow pushed his shield down and away. He rolled with it, getting behind the orc. A hasty fireball covered his scramble over the fallen door slab. Belatedly he hoped that Shamir-do was not too close.

The corridor turned after only a few steps. Jerric took a position that gave him room on his sword side but would keep the vampire in the narrow section. When the orc stepped through the fireball's smoke. Jerric hit him with another one. Ishckrihk is not going to like this. He called his icy friend from the void.

"I've killed far worse than you," the orc growled, dropping his axe and shield. In a blink Jerric's head wrenched back. The shriek died in his throat when the orc closed his tusks over it.

Blade of the Medic was upright between their bodies. Funny, Jerric thought, the fire looks blue. He pushed his sword up, hoping to catch the orc's chin and not his own. As they sank toward the floor, Jerric angled a knee into the orc's groin.

Shamir-do appeared behind the orc, raised blades pointing downward. The Khajiit drove them into both sides of his neck. When the vampire let go of Jerric, Shamir-do pulled him backward to the ground.

Jerric struggled to his feet, coughing. The orc lay silent, three hilts sticking out of him. Kjestrid and Nereli stood on either side of Shamir-do, weapons ready.

"Let go of my sword again," Jerric rasped. Hand to his aching throat, he cast a healing spell. Then he gingerly tested his shield arm. "Looks like your tattoo singing worked, Kjestrid."

"We'll need to check this passageway," Kjestrid said. "When you're ready."

Jerric looked behind him for Ishckrihk. No atronach. The vampire must have interrupted his spell.

"They were still fast," Nereli pointed out.

"Not fast enough," said Shamir-do. He bent to the orc's body. "This one has found a note."

Kjestrid read it aloud.

"My name is Ghola gro-Muzgol. My companion's names are Aranalda, Nille Elf-Daughter, Avita Cassiana, and Umar gra-Khar.

The vampire Dratik died by our hands, but the price was dear. Those into whose hands we have fallen, we thank you, and pray your favor.

We served Lady Azura. Bring these, our last words, to Her Shrine. We praise Her with the full fountain of our devotion.

Our destinies were written in the stars, that our souls and reason be slain, and our world lost forever.

None can escape Her Fate. But let us be remembered at Her shrine, and in the hearts of Her servants.

It is only by fate

that any life ends,

and only by chance

that it is mine...

not yours."

The four spent a long moment with heads bowed, not speaking.

Kjestrid handed the note back to Shamir-do.

"Let's get this done," said Jerric, easing his blade out of gro-Muzgol. "I want to take my Cure Disease potion."

[ghastley]

"I want to take my Cure Disease potion"

That seems like a good idea. Did he get tusked?

[haute ecole rider]

What a rousing romp through Gutted Mine! It has been so long since I did this one (only once, in all my Oblivion playthroughs, after that one I decided to stick with Sheo and his poor flaming dogs). I do remember that big orc, he was a tough one to kill!

Of course, this little bit caught my (and Julian's) eye:

Jerric placed his hands gently on Nereli. "I'm no healer," he said, "I might not be able to— Oh yeah, that's a bad one. I can pull it straight and do my best, but—"

"Do it," Nereli gritted.

"On three," said Jerric. "One."

"Gaaah!"

"There you go." He reached for his Jerric's Juice potion, healing light still swirling around Nereli.

"Oh frick whatever happened to two?"

[Acadian]

Wonderfully prudent alchemical preparations, courtesy of Jerric!

Great teamwork in the mine. Kjestrid seemed to be in charge and everyone knew their role, to include functioning as two teams of two when needed. Great how you showed how much these four trust each other during combat. When Shamir-do ran from the first vamp, he knew Nereli’s arrow would find his foe’s back. Same when Kjestrid told Shamir-do to hit the floor so she could shoot.

Nice touch that the first vampire thanked them for freeing her spirit. Another nice touch was showing that this accursed place was once a working silver mine.

This has to be one of my fave TES quests ever. A challenging high stakes fight and a compelling back story that gives significance to how those vampires ended up in the mine and the price they willingly paid.

[SubRosa]

Well Jerric certainly did his homework for this fight. He's brought enough potions to float a battleship on!

On Three. I love Jerric's counting as he does not wait to set the broken arm!

Well that was a quite a near thing, with the vampire at Jerric's throat. Good thing his friends were there to back him up.

As Acadian noted, I really appreciated how well Team Jerric worked as a team throughout it all. OTOH the vampires all acted singly, which is what led to their demise. It was not that Team Jerric was better individually, but rather that they all supported one another when they each needed it.

[Kane]

That was intense! I understand totally how that would have been Jerric's most dangerous fight yet. Hope they all take a few cure disease potions.



Fun fact; my first ever Oblivion character got stuck with vampirism. I somehow missed the notification and couldn't cure it.

[Grits]

Previously: At Azura’s request Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, and Nereli killed Azura’s five followers trapped in Gutted Mine, releasing them from their curse of vampirism. They did this in exchange for their passage through Moonshadow. Also, I have updated the Darnandex Appendix Five: A Timeline for Jerric’s World Stories. Finally.

ghastley: He did get tusked. He’ll talk about it in this episode. Thank you, ghastley!

Rider: Those who have been healed by Jerric go to great lengths not to repeat the experience! Way back in Chapter 10 Darnand described the feeling as like an assault and as having the force of a hurricane. Still, it beats a broken arm! Thank you, Rider!

Acadian: You have pointed out what I hoped would come through with the group’s teamwork. Dealing with Jerric for the last month or so made Kjestrid grow in leadership, and Jerric actually stuck to her plan throughout the mine adventure despite his persistent urge to rush in. I’m with you on this quest. After more than a decade I still remember each time a character read that Worn, Faded Note. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: I have a lot of respect for Azura’s unwilling vampires. They were powerful enough for Azura to send them after the vampire Dratik, and then with stage 4 vampirism they just got stronger. As you pointed out, individually none of the mortals should have been able to kill them, and together they only managed it because the vampires had split up. Jerric cannot wait to regale Lil and Darnand with the tales of his Moonshadow alchemy. Thank you, SubRosa!

Kane: Yikes, Azura created another accidental vampire! I learned a lot with my first character on this quest, including how fast a Will-o-the-Wisp can kill you. Jerric is a natural mage killer due to his Atronach birthsign. The Altmer with a bow really made him scratch his head. He wants to be hit with spells, not arrows! Thank you, Kane!

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Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Twelve

Azura's statue seemed to glow in the sun's evening light. Shamir-do led them past the gathered devotees and placed his hands on the shimmering base. He gestured for the others to do the same.

Jerric found himself floating in that fragrant lavender cloud. This time he knew what was happening.

Azura slowly materialized out of the mist. "Thank you, Child of Kyne and Blood of the Dragon. Their spirits are free. Henceforth, above my shrine, five bright candles shall burn forever in memory of their sacrifice. Your debt to me is paid."

"That was quite a journey, my Lady. I hope you let me remember it."

The light from Azura's hands dimmed enough to show Jerric her smile. "We shall see, Jerric of Kvatch."

Jerric returned to his body, eyes burning. He glanced over to see Kjestrid shaking her head as if water had entered her ear. Nereli and Shamir-do still stood gazing up into space.

"They might be a while," said Jerric. He brushed glow dust from his palms.

"Look," said Kjestrid, "the candles."

As Azura had promised, five candles hovered in the air above her statue, their light overpowered by the sunset.

"Nille Elf-Daughter," said Jerric. "Avita Cassiana. Umar gra-Khar. Aranalda. Ghola gro-Muzgol. They gave themselves up to suffering rather than escape and do anyone harm. I hope these folk remember their names."

The two stood for a moment, looking up at the candles. When they started back toward their pile of gear, Kjestrid companionably took Jerric's arm.

"I thought I'd get to see you swing your greatsword today," Jerric said, "until you pulled a dagger on that ghost."

"There wasn't enough room to move in there. I was afraid I'd lop off Nereli's ears if I drew my sword. Anyway I barely got my dagger sticky before she summoned her ancestor's spirit. I let them fight it out while we killed the Altmer."

"A high elf in a tattered robe with a bow and a summoned specter. I didn't have that on my dance card."

Kjestrid chuckled. "Nor did I guess that some Imperial would punch through Nereli's arm."

"Do you think Cassiana broke her own weapon? You know, so that she wouldn't kill whoever came in to end them?"

"I think she was some kind of monk," said Kjestrid, throwing an air punch with her free hand. "Splitting the group with that rock wall must have been the limit of what they could do before the sickness took them completely. Even if they didn't want to fight us, their vampire selves made them."

"Thank Zenithar they knew how to do it."

"You don't know how to build a slab door with a one-way pull?" Kjestrid asked, teasing.

"Not even how to start. I'd have to burn us to death if Azura decided to lock us in."

Kjestrid gave him a look. "Did you think she might? When gro-Muzgol had you by the throat?"

"I didn't have time to think. Nereli was right, even with the poison they were still fast." He rubbed his neck. "Good thing he was an orc. He got me with his tusks, but I don't think he fanged me."

"You don't sound convinced," said Kjestrid.

"I cast my healing spell without properly assessing the wounds, I have to admit. So I don't really know if he got a vampire bite in, or just an orc bite."

"A really sharp orc bite?"

Jerric laughed, shaking his head. "That's the story I'm sticking with. So I can get to sleep tonight."

Shamir-do and Nereli joined them while the Nords were still sorting their food supply. Shamir-do held an eight-pointed crystal star in his hands, a look of wonder on his face. "This one's name is entered into the Book of Fate," he said.

"What does that mean?" asked Kjestrid.

"Khajiit is not certain. Perhaps it will ease this one's passage through Azura's Crossing." He lifted the object reverently. "Shamir is named Star-Bearer."

"I wonder who has the moon," Jerric said. He cut his eyes at Nereli.

A hiss from Shamir-do made him stop.

"Yeah, all right," said Jerric. "Star-Bearer." He extended his arm to Shamir-do. The big Khajiit gripped it.

Kjestrid waited for them to wrap up the chest bump and shoulder slaps. "Shamir-do, are you coming back to Bruma?"

"This one is Azura's Star-Bearer, but as long as he holds life in this body, he will be Shamir, friend and companion to Kjestrid. Khajiit will return to Bruma and continue under the banner of our Guild. Brother Mels has invited this one to worship at the dawn ceremony. If friend Kjestrid does not mind, Khajiit would like to pass the night here at the shrine."

"I don't mind," said Kjestrid. "You've earned whatever this Star-Bearer business is. You're the one who finished gro-Muzgol."

"I agree," said Nereli. "No hard feelings, Shamir-do. Our Lady named me a Daughter of the Rose, but she didn't tell me I had to do anything about it. And I'm not invited to their worship party."

Jerric spoke up. "Nereli, you don't put yourself forward, but you have been there every time we've needed you."

"You just described low status in my culture." Nereli rummaged in her pack. "There's a little light left, and I still have two Prowler's Potions. I'm going to start toward Cheydinhal. I hear there are a lot of Dunmer there. Maybe I can make a fresh start, now that I'm with the Fighters Guild. Here, I won't need these supplies. Take what you need."

"I'll take your fishing line and every fishhook you have left," said Kjestrid. "Then we won't need to buy provisions. Unless you need some, Jerric?"

"Ha! I don't lose them as fast as you do."

Kjestrid returned his grin. "I haven't gotten you where you were going."

"My orders have changed, so you can cut me loose with a clean conscience. I'm going to find a chapel. I trust Sister Ma'sani's Cure Disease potions, but I won't feel right until I've seen a priest of the Nine."

"This one suspects that friend Jerric has never uttered those words before."

"You suspect right," said Jerric.

"Can you wait until tomorrow to leave?" Kjestrid asked Jerric. "Camp with us at the edge of the woods and I'll finish your tattoo. Your Woad is fully sung into it, but I can improve how it looks. Besides, Ma'sani said she wants to see us again. Maybe she has one more flask of that star dew."

"Yeah," said Jerric. "And maybe she can get me back over to their Gate. I want to pick some of those Moonshadow mushrooms." He turned to Nereli. "Stay with us tonight and we can travel together in the morning. This is a strange land to you."

"It's strange to you, too, and you're not worried." Nereli produced a rudimentary map. "See? It's down hill all the way to the road, then left. I can find my way, easy. And I want some time alone. I need to think."

"It's farewell then," said Jerric. "We won't burn any more of your twilight." He pulled them into a circle, arms around shoulders and foreheads touching the way Gjaever had done when they first landed in Morrowind. "We walked through two daedric realms together and all survived to tell our tales. It has been an honor, friends."

[haute ecole rider]

I had forgotten about the five candles! It was a fitting homage to the five who sacrificed themselves in Azura's name to contain the curse within the mine. Great assessment of how things were situated in that mine and a solid explanation for how the party of five was separated into more manageable chunks. Imagine fighting all five ancient vampires at once!

So our Khajiit partner is now Azura's Star-Bearer! To be honest, I can't think of anyone in that little party more deserving of that honor. And Nereli is a Daughter of the Rose? Wonder what that will mean for her future? Cheydinhal is a good place for her to check out - considering the number of Dunmeri there (my Skyrim Dragonborn Alise Sudmeri is from Cheydinhal herself). It may be possible she may become involved in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Count's wife?

In a way I'm sad to see this parting of the ways. Shamir-do will stay and commune a bit longer with his patron Azura. Kjestrid will return to Bruma and the Fighters Guild there - back to the mundane duties of rats in basements. Nereli will forge ahead to Cheydinhal on her own - and use the solitude for some personal reflection. And Jerric has made the prudent decision to visit a Chapel and see a priest of the Nine before continuing on to Bruma. It was something I always did after fighting vampires . . .

Looking forward to seeing his reunion with Darnit Darnand and Lil!

[SubRosa]

Another meeting with the Mistress of Twilight. I must say, I prefer her to the other Daedra.

And a somber reflection on the sacrifice made by those who became what they had fought against, but still refused to allow their monstrous natures to cause them to commit horrors on the rest of the world.

A new Star-Bearer. Wow.

A nice breaking of the fellowship, as this particular quest is over and everyone begins to go their separate ways. Getting some religion does sound like a good thing right about now, so I think I will tag along with Jerric to the temple.

[Acadian]

And so winds down the beautiful Moonshadow tale. You really did justice to Azura’s poignant quest. Four friends, bonded under fire but now going their separate ways.

I liked that Azura bestowed her Star upon Shamir-do along with the title ‘Star Bearer’ and that Jerric simply remains ‘Jerric of Kvatch.’

I’m looking forward to Jerric linking up again with Darnand and Lildereth. But first, Jerric is right – time to see a priest about that bite. Don’t want to get turned into an orc. Or vampire. Or both.

[Kane]

Aw, I enjoyed Nereli's part in the tale but I'm also glad to see her making a way for herself. Hopefully Cheydinhal has the answers she is looking for!