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

[SubRosa]

It sounds like the Skingrad guild is a busy place. Or perhaps just too small for the amount of people in it? That certainly helps explain the nightly game of musical beds. Speaking of which, the later example of that heard through the walls was just hilarious! I wonder what the Bethesda people think of how all us fans have decided that the Skingrad Guild is a bunch of swingers?

That means skitt to me
An inventive way of circumventing the swear filter!

did you get Druja to eat a bug?


he already knows what she’s going to do, no matter what you say. Yeah, I know. Women.
Indeed! At least she is not asking him if she looks fat in her new dress...

I love Jerric's attitude toward Abiene's predicament. Especially the screw the guild line. It is true. She does not need the guild to live well. She can pick and choose her career. Perhaps even in the Healer's Guild? But more importantly the part about asking the patient. My experience with doctors has always been that they think they know what people want better than we do ourselves. Naturally they are always wrong. Actually asking someone and listening is not a trait that seems to be taught in med school these days. One of the reasons I cannot stand doctors.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 21 2011, 01:32 AM

[Acadian]

Another delightful episode, effortlessly blending humor across your serious themes.

So nice to hear talk of Abiene. Like Lildereth, I was surprised at the insightfulness of Jerric’s advice. There is no doubt in this elf-reader’s mind what Lildereth was about to tell him!

Lildereth stole the show for me (again). You have really built some wonderful comfort among the four amigos (including Ulfe).

[haute ecole rider]

After an intense weekend, I'm quite tired.

But I can't not read this latest update and not comment, if briefly.

What everyone else said, and:

S.G.M.

[King Coin]

I’m glad Aravi only spent one night at the Skingrad mages guild hall. Sounds like Adrienne is a bit rough on that woodelf.

I have to again. Jerric isn’t as dumb as he looks.

Wow. The dream and then Lildereth waking Jerric and then staying. That was very sweet of her.

Awesome chapter Grits! Well worth the wait!

[McBadgere]

Brilliant...

Wow...

I'm really loving this story so much...

The characters are so brilliantly done...

Skingrad makes me laugh...You have the Mages Guild being swingers, I had that Inn on the corner being a whorehouse...I'm sure Bethesda would love it...

Absolute brilliance...

Nice one... ...

[Grits]

mALX: You’re absolutely right, Lildereth can’t fail to realize that Martin is significant. Jerric is the King of TMI, so any subject that doesn’t produce a cringe-inducing anecdote is one to take note of. You also spotted the giant step forward for their friendship. She could have easily left him alone, but she chose to wake him up and try to help. Thank you so much, mALX!

SubRosa: The guild hall is busy with mages travelling for South Winds Prayer. That’s why our friends are in Vigge’s old room instead packed into the common quarters. Bethesda gave us many giggles in Skingrad. Their Fighters Guild is the home of the Naked Breakfast, for example. Fadus Calidius does not equip his regular clothing, at least on the PS3. Jerric’s own not-so-pleasant experience as Abiene’s patient definitely played a part in his advice! Thank you for your comments about her situation.

Acadian: Jerric frequently tells more than he should, so it’s nice that he still has a few surprises. I hope I can find a way to tell some early Jerric stories. His large, loud, loving family is the source of his insight, though he would claim he learned everything he needs to know chasing women. Thank you, Acadian!

haute ecole rider: What a compliment! Thank you, haute!

King Coin: No, not quite as dumb as he looks. I still wouldn’t ask him for help on a crossword puzzle, but he does know a bit about people. Thanks, KC!

McBadgere: How funny about the inn. Skingrad is Sin City!! Thank you, McB!


Where we are: Jerric, Darnand, and Lildereth are on a mission from Meridia to kill the necromancers in Howling Cave. Their four-legged companions are relaxing at the stable. You might notice that I’ve placed some restrictions on Illusion magic.




Chapter 13: Part Six, Howling Cave


Jerric paced across the clearing for what could be the thousandth time. Ten strides were not enough to stretch his legs, and each turn wound him tighter. He wondered how many others had done the same, kicking a path through the fallen leaves while waiting to carry out their own savage plans.

“What’s taking her so long?” he demanded, as if the still air held the answer.

“She must accomplish this morning what she would have preferred to spend a week doing,” said Darnand. The Breton sat calmly on a rock, well out of Jerric’s way. “She has not been gone as long as you may think. Go out and view the sky. It is safe, no one approaches.”

Jerric bit back his retort. He didn’t need to see the sun to know how much time had passed. His eyes moved over their gear, as restless as his feet. Packs and weapons sat ready for the walk to Howling Cave. Their hidden camp was already set up, in case they returned exhausted or under duress. There had not been much to arrange, since they brought only what they could carry on their backs.

“Necromancy isn’t even illegal,” Jerric blurted.

Darnand folded his arms under the cloak, pulling it tighter around his body. “At last we reach the issue. No, our actions are not sanctioned by any authority. Only the will of a daedric prince.”

“I don’t disrespect the law,” Jerric declared. “I pay my fines. I always do my time, too.” He scratched a hand through his hair. “I don’t even know what I’m saying.”

“Listen to me,” said Darnand. “In your years guarding caravans, you and your opponents were much the same, apart from the choices you had made. You were always the shield. The knowledge that you are the defender ameliorates any guilt you may feel from the joy you take in violence. In this situation, perhaps you imagine that the roles are reversed.”

Jerric stared at his friend. There’s nothing Darnand can’t figure out when he puts his mind to it, he decided. As long as he doesn’t fall down the stairs or drown in the rain while he’s thinking.

“‘Ameliorate’?” said Jerric.

Darnand gave one of Lildereth’s half-shrugs. “It is only a theory. Do not allow yourself to identify with these people. Their quest for power has led them beyond the reach of compassion.” His face took on a troubled expression. “Or so I tell myself.”

Jerric watched him for a moment. “Beyond your compassion, huh?”

Darnand gave him a rueful look. “But not beyond my understanding.”

He’s as unsettled as I am with this waiting, Jerric realized. He found a tree to lean against. “So what’s the research Adrienne has you doing? When do you think you’ll be through?”

“I am translating a text that does not remotely interest me,” Darnand said. “It is not guild business, but Adrienne’s own study. It is the journal of a mage whose work was interrupted by war, though I have not the context to determine who she was or even when she lived.” The Breton stopped, scowling.

“What’s the situation?”

“The mage was looking for new sources of the crystal used to manufacture magicka gems. I am only translating the passages I am given, or correcting Adrienne’s work. But I am certain that Adrienne hopes to profit personally somehow. She is quite secretive about the source. Proper context would speed my work. Her reticence is vexing.”

“Wait. Profit how?”

“The West Weald gem mines provide tremendous income for the entire guild, and especially for the Skingrad chapter. Did you not realize? The mines are privately owned and operated, as are the gem cutting facilities. However, the guild has a role in gem certification and sales, not to mention the profits earned through filling them. If Adrienne personally invested in a new mine, she would significantly increase her own wealth. She is using guild resources to pursue a private venture. I doubt she will be the last to do so.”

“Carahil would never do that. Neither would Sigrid.”

“I concur. Carahil sent me on Council business. Sigrid had me work for the benefit of the whole city, not just the guild.”

“Are you going to do anything about it?” Jerric asked.

“Will I report my suspicions? No. Those mages wear silk and fine furs every day, and they drink a fortune in wine by three of the afternoon. I expect that some of the gold that flows through the Skingrad chapter has always been diverted. There is only one resident member who stands apart. Druja the Disappointed, as you have termed her. Druja with her faded Apprentice robe and single bedchamber. If anyone is in a position to act, it is she.”

“Maybe that’s why she’s so sour,” said Jerric. “She’s not skimming from the guild, but she’s not willing to stop it.”

“Whatever the situation, I am unwilling to place myself within it. I have my own interests to pursue.”

“Like hunting necromancers for a daedric prince.” Jerric shook his head. “Five mortals ate their last breakfast today. We know it, but not them. I guess I won’t mind when it comes down to the killing, it’s all this thought that makes me uneasy.”

“I hope it is only five,” said Darnand.

“Yeah, the elf hates it when a plan falls apart and she has to waste an arrow on me.”

Darnand nodded at the trees. “And she approaches.”

Lildereth slipped into the clearing without a sound. She placed her equipment against a log and walked over to kneel on the ground next to Darnand’s rock. Jerric smiled to himself as she unrolled a piece of scraped hide. They may be on Darnand’s assignment undertaken on Jerric’s behalf, but there was no doubt who was in command.

“I think you were right,” she said to Darnand. “They’re wearing the same kind of robes. These necromancers must be part of the same organization.” Her raised hand stopped him. “No, I did not get a look at any of their notes. There are five, as Meridia told us. Here, I’ll show you the layout.”

They bent their heads over her drawing as she spoke.

“The cave is accessed through an old silver mine. It’s completely dark, but the way is marked with glowstones. Two zombies are loose in there, I expect they keep the rats out. They have a lot of bodies down there. I mean a lot. We’ll need to kill the guardians quietly so we don’t alert the necromancers. That means up here if we can. If they’ve moved to this chamber, we’ll have to sneak past them and finish them on the way out.”

Jerric closed his teeth over his objection.

Lildereth continued. “These four lower chambers are closed off by a door here and protected by the clumsiest trap I have ever seen. Jerric, don’t step on the pressure plate. We’ll have to wait until this chamber is empty to enter. It’s a straight shot down this passage, so anyone could raise the alarm from down there. They are working on eighteen zombies. I doubt that those are ready to raise, but they have six others on the move already. These corridors are tight. You can bottle them up in there, but don’t plan on getting past any. You’ll have to go over them.”

Lildereth took a sip from her waterskin while the men studied her map.

“My command spells will not work on this type of undead,” she continued. “I need a mind to influence, since I am not strong enough to break the will left by the necromancer on my own. Of course, my poisons won’t work, either. My plan is to slip past them and target the mortals. I’ll have to time it so I don’t get caught in a corridor. We’ll enter when this area is empty. I’ll move down here and drop any necromancers in this chamber. That should start the fight. Darnand, you will stay back and hold the first chamber. Turn any undead that come through here while they’re still in the passage. That should keep it blocked until we get back. Jerric you’re with me. Keep the zombies off my neck. It’s going to be close in there, so don’t start throwing fire around. Touch spells and blade work. Darnand, just keep it pointed in this direction. I do not want to get cooked coming back up this corridor.”

Darnand nodded thoughtfully. “I shall use my scamp to keep them in the passageway. I doubt that there will be a powerful conjurer among them. If you hear a deadroth, you will know that I was wrong.”

Lildereth looked straight at Jerric. “I’ll disappear when I need to. The rest of them will be drawn to you. Don’t wait for me. Go back to Darnand as soon as you can, he’ll need you. He has to hold this chamber. I do not want to get stuck back there.”

“Will they work on ghosts?” asked Jerric. “I mean the spells.”

“Yes,” said Lildereth. “But it is difficult with those who are bound by a necromancer. I have to free the spirit from their spell, then bend it to my will instead. Really, it’s far better to just avoid them.”

Darnand started to speak.

Jerric interrupted him. “What about daedra?”

“No,” said Lildereth. “Though Carahil told me there are some conjurers who can manage it.”

“But when you summon a daedra, you bind it with your will,” Jerric pointed out.

“When you summon daedra,” said Lildereth. “I cannot.”

Darnand spoke up. “A daedric mind is a different kind of consciousness. You will recall from your first contact with your scamp, Jerric. The initial summoning rituals…” He passed a hand over his eyes. “Might we postpone this discussion? The road to Chorrol is long, and we will have many nights to fill with conversation before you face an atronach in the summoning circle.”

Lildereth angled an eyebrow at Jerric. “Anyway, today I thought you’d be more anxious to get your sword wet.”

Jerric grinned at her. “I’m—”

“You were explaining your map,” Darnand reminded Lildereth. “How is the ventilation? I do not wish to fill these chambers with smoke.”

“Good. You can hear the slightest breeze howling over the rocks. There’s an open cavern down in this area, but no access through except narrow cracks. I expect that’s why this cave system has always been so popular with necromancers. There was a group working here the last time I was in Skingrad. You could smell it when you neared the air vents. Of course, those were different times.”

Jerric had more questions for Lildereth. “How does your invisibility spell work on them, then? I thought all illusion spells worked in the mind. A light spell doesn’t put light on the wall, it puts it in your head.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” said Lildereth. “How can you see something that you don’t know is there if the light is only in your mind?”

“I don’t know, but that’s where it is,” said Jerric. “I can feel it tickling in my head like an eyelash stuck the wrong way in your eye. I hate light spells.”

“You should refrain from reading the spell when it is cast,” Darnand told him. “Now that you know how, it is up to you to discipline yourself if it bothers you.”

“But how does it work?” Jerric insisted.

Darnand gave him a look. “You are a curious Nord. Perhaps there is an element of divination in the light spell. I suspect that the invisibility spell alters the perception which is interpreted by the mind. Even headless zombies have a way of seeing. Is it possible that we might proceed with our plan today?”

“Maybe that’s why they all wear the same robes,” mused Jerric.

They both stared at him.

“With the big skull on the front,” Jerric explained. “It’s like their uniform. I mean, they might as well say Stab Me, I’m a Necromancer on them. Maybe they wear the same kind of robe so they won’t be attacked by each others’ rotten pets. You know, with their strange way of seeing.”

“By the Nine,” Darnand whispered.

“What?”

“You didn’t keep any, did you?” Lildereth asked Darnand.

“No. However, the next time we will be garbed as members of their organization. It will save a great deal of trouble if we can dispatch the undead minions after their masters are on the ground.”

Jerric snorted. “If we ever get around to this time. Are you two ready to quit stalling and get to work? You can exercise your jaws all night when we get back here to camp. Let’s get this done.”

[mALX]

The storyline backdrop for why they are doing the Daedric quests is amazing, so well thought out !! I love it !!

Adrienne's subverting of funds and misappropriation of Guild resources - that had me rolling, only you would have added that spice to the conversation in the midst of all the rest - that was priceless !!

Jerric's musings - his own way of working things out - they run from hilarious to brilliant in the same paragraph.

He still struggles so much with the killing of humans, even the evil ones - that is such a telling side to his nature and is such a complete continuation of the person he showed himself to be (as the raging lion that fought for Kvatch and returned to Anvil so devastatingly effected by the experience).

Absolutely Awesome Write !!!

[SubRosa]

When I played Tadrose Helas a long time ago, she learned all about the proclivities of the Skingrad FG.

South Winds Prayer? Is that what happens after a big chili dinner?

No, our actions are not sanctioned by any authority. Only the will of a daedric prince.”
Now that is a comforting thought. Not!

“‘Ameliorate’?” said Jerric.
Isn't that the guy whose family tomb is down by Leyawiin, whose armor you have to retrieve as part of an FG quest? Seriously, I loved how Jerric stumbled over the term.

As so often you do, once again you treat us to a wonderful piece of world-building concerning the gem mines, and the guild's part of their operation. Tying it to Adrienne was excellent, and gives the guild head another dimension beyond being constantly distracted and sexually insatiable.

I guess I won’t mind when it comes down to the killing, it’s all this thought that makes me uneasy
Yep, that was a good observation to include. I would expect that anyone who has a conscience would feel that way. It is much easier to do it, and not think about it, then the other way around.

Two zombies are loose in there, I expect they keep the rats out.
Either that or they give the rats something to nibble on, which keeps them from going further!

I loved not only the plan, but also the many diversions from it explaining the inner works of magic, and backwards eyelashes. Plus a truly inspired bit of cunning with the idea of wearing necromancer robes to fool the undead into thinking they are on the same team.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 2 2011, 09:07 PM

[ghastley]

At least Jerric's got the idea that it's the robes that stop the zombies turning on their creators. It's just as likely to be the smell, after all

[Acadian]

This was a delight to read!

’There’s nothing Darnand can’t figure out when he puts his mind to it, he decided. As long as he doesn’t fall down the stairs or drown in the rain while he’s thinking.’
This is Darnand, so perfectly captured by your skill with words!

“Carahil would never do that. Neither would Sigrid.”
“I concur. Carahil sent me on Council business. Sigrid had me work for the benefit of the whole city, not just the guild.”
Jerric and Darnand nailed it here! If they had added Kud-Ei to the list, I’d be swooning!

’Jerric smiled to himself as she unrolled a piece of scraped hide. They may be on Darnand’s assignment undertaken on Jerric’s behalf, but there was no doubt who was in command.’
I grinned at this, knowing I was once again about to be in that happy place where Lildereth steals the show!

Wonderful idea that Lildereth went forward to reconnoiter. It sounds like an effective plan that exploits everyone’s skills.

Great discussion on magicka stones, the killing of deserving foes, illusion and the possibility of using necrorobes as disguises.

[McBadgere]

*Applauds heartily*...Most excellent!!...

I've decided that Jerric is Han Solo...I can't get that out of my head...Fantastic!!... ...

“I shall use my scamp to keep them in the passageway. I doubt that there will be a powerful conjurer among them. If you hear a deadroth, you will know that I was wrong.”

LMAO... ...

Nice one...Loving it!!... ...

[King Coin]

A question sort of related to the chapter: Is it weird writing about Oblivion with Skyrim out?

I remember this quest. It’s one of my favorite to be honest.

Darnand turns out to be very insightful this episode. And picking up some of Lildereth’s mannerisms?

Fascinating about the Skingrad hall. Makes me see Druja in a different light. She’s stuck in a hall full of dishonesty and corruption and she is unwilling to participate. I love what you did there!

The zombie factory gives us some reason why Meridia will take an interest in this particular necro cave.

The planning is almost as enjoyable as the execution. Can’t wait for the next chapter!

[SubRosa]

A question sort of related to the chapter: Is it weird writing about Oblivion with Skyrim out?

I do not find it weird. I would find it weird writing about Skyrim, to be honest. Just reading fan fics set there is strange. Although it would seem less so if all the dragon business was left out.

[mALX]

A question sort of related to the chapter: Is it weird writing about Oblivion with Skyrim out?

I do not find it weird. I would find it weird writing about Skyrim, to be honest. Just reading fan fics set there is strange. Although it would seem less so if all the dragon business was left out.

QFT. Although I love seeing the screens (whether they show dragon-fighting or not) - I'm just not ready for a forum full of dragon-fighting/shouting fics yet.

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 3 2011, 07:44 PM

[Grits]

A question sort of related to the chapter: Is it weird writing about Oblivion with Skyrim out?

Not for me. If anything, it’s great to know so much more about that big formerly empty space north of the Jeralls. I don’t have any interest in writing about the dragons, probably since I’m still experiencing that story the way the game presents it. I’m also not inclined to read Skyrim MQ fanfics yet for the same reason.

I LOVE the setting that Skyrim offers, though. I already have the seeds of stories tucked away for when time permits. Hopefully by the time Martin does his thing in Jerric’s Story, I will have learned how to craft at least a simple plot.

[mALX]

A question sort of related to the chapter: Is it weird writing about Oblivion with Skyrim out?

Not for me. If anything, it’s great to know so much more about that big formerly empty space north of the Jeralls. I don’t have any interest in writing about the dragons, probably since I’m still experiencing that story the way the game presents it. I’m also not inclined to read Skyrim MQ fanfics yet for the same reason.

I LOVE the setting that Skyrim offers, though. I already have the seeds of stories tucked away for when time permits. Hopefully by the time Martin does his thing in Jerric’s Story, I will have learned how to craft at least a simple plot.

SPEW !!! That's like Uma Thurman hoping she can find a beauty secret !! ROFL !! (that should be the bowing down "I'm not worthy" emoticon, but I can't find it on here).

[McBadgere]

To add to the Skyrim writing thing...Yes, something occurred to me Skyrim-wise, and I may get to it at some point...I spent ages reconciling what I was doing with the Oblivion-ish stuff with what they've done to everything in Skyrim...Obviously some stuff won't have happened...I'm just ignoring some of it...But I've had fun working out what will work...Including the Dragon stuff...Yay!...Oh, and I laughed with joy when I discovered things about the Dark Brotherhood...But that would be a spoiler...So no...

And yes, KOTNS...Or KNOTS as I've already christened it, is well on!!...Oh yeah!!...

Excellent story btw Grits... ...

[King Coin]

Not for me. If anything, it’s great to know so much more about that big formerly empty space north of the Jeralls. I don’t have any interest in writing about the dragons, probably since I’m still experiencing that story the way the game presents it. I’m also not inclined to read Skyrim MQ fanfics yet for the same reason.

I LOVE the setting that Skyrim offers, though. I already have the seeds of stories tucked away for when time permits. Hopefully by the time Martin does his thing in Jerric’s Story, I will have learned how to craft at least a simple plot.

That's good. Cyrodiil already feels like a place far away for me. I think part of that is because of the unique way I played for the last several months with Aravi. She did almost no vanilla quests during that time so thinking about this quest Jerric is on, I had to think back two or three years.

I'm glad you have some ideas about Skyrim. I think Jerric's story is magnificent. Sure, you borrowed the main quest, but there's a lot more going on here than the main quest. I (and several others I'm sure) would love to be able to write as well as you. Right now I don't dare do more than caption some screenshots or add a sentence or two before a video, and that's pushing it.

[Destri Melarg]

I know I keep saying it, and real life does a mustache twirl every time I do, but I WILL catch up on Jerric's story, Dammit!

[Tábrasa]

Hello!

Although I have a lot to catch up on seeing as I've only started reading, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy this story!

Jerric is such a likeable and believable character, and that makes me very eager to follow his story. I also highly enjoy how each of your characters speaks with a different voice. They all have differences about them and that gives them many layers, and, again, makes for believability.

Even though I have a lot to read, I just wanted you to know that i am most certainly reading and I can't wait to read about Jerric's adventures.

You have another loyal fan, here

Amazing work