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

[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

[Captain Hammer]

You're crafting the plot fine, you've got plenty of time for Martin, etc., etc., more general assurances from me to you.

You know, I never actually thought about wearing Necro-robes in Oblivion. Probably wouldn't help, as far as the game mechanics, but if it has some effect in Shivering Isles (Heretics and Zealots) why not here as well?

You continue to demonstrate great tactical writing with Darnand, Jerric, and Lildereth. I am envious and annoyed at my own inability to get to anything like that for a few chapters.

And lastly, couldn't Lildereth just curse Jerric with clumsiness instead of full paralysis?

[Grits]

mALX: Thank you so much, mALX! When Jerric starts thinking out loud, it’s best to just let him ramble until he’s finished. You never know what he’ll come up with.

SubRosa: Thank you, SubRosa! It was fun to fill in some blanks about Skingrad. I’m glad you liked the meandering discussion. Getting Jerric and Darnand to stick to the point is beyond even Lildereth’s glaring skills.

ghastley: Yuck. In this chapter we’ll discover that the robes don’t smell nice, either.

Acadian: I can’t wait for Jerric to meet Kud-Ei. She may drive him crazy, but “I'd do anything for one of my girls” is something he can relate to. Thank you, Acadian!

McBadgere: Jerric as Han Solo, that made me smile. Thanks, McB!

King Coin: Sorry there’s been a little wait between episodes. I’m glad you mentioned Darnand’s insight and mannerisms, he has definitely been studying his friends. Thank you for your kind words about Druja.

Destri: It’s wonderful to see you back! This is a good time to catch up, with my posts coming every three weeks or so.

Tábrasa: Welcome, Tábrasa! Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you’re reading, and I’m very glad you’re sharing Tara Willow’s story with us!!

Captain Hammer: Thank you for the reassurance, Captain! It’s great to see that you’re back. I’m afraid the necrobes in the game just annoy the Mages Guild members if you’re wearing one when you talk to them. Of course they won’t notice if you’re stark naked. I find that I’m straying farther and farther from the game in some places.


Where we are: Jerric, Darnand, and Lildereth are on a mission from Meridia to kill the necromancers in Howling Cave. Lildereth has thoroughly scouted and mapped the mine and caves. Now we find the team executing her plan.




Chapter 13: Part Seven, Howling Cave

Jerric leaned against the rough stone wall, waiting. The old silver mine had been exactly as Lildereth described it. A well-lit path through the middle with two zombies on patrol out in the dark. His friends had their night-eye spells, and Jerric used a potion. One zombie had led him into the necromancers’ cold storage chamber. Bodies lay there in neat rows, fresh from the grave or even fresher. Others hung along the wall, clothing and innards removed. Their fluids ran down the sloping floor and drained into an old cave-in. It’s bad, but I imagine that you’ve seen worse, Lildereth had warned him. She was right, but that didn’t make it easier to see. He left his lunch in a puddle on the floor.

Now they had reached the door to Howling Cave, with its five resident necromancers and at least six functioning zombies. The first chamber gave access to all of the rest. They needed to split the group and take them by surprise, and so they waited. Darnand knelt beside Lildereth, perfectly still. Jerric faced into the mine, watching their back with his life detection ring. Any concerns about the legality of their venture had been dispelled by the pathetic remains that lay behind them, waiting to be crafted into undead slaves. Jerric felt that simple joy again, under the itch to get back into the fight. Damn this waiting.

“Now,” murmured Lildereth.

As soon as Jerric moved through the door, he could hear the wind howling through the rocks above them. He stepped over a pressure plate and past the spiked mace hanging in the middle of the passageway. Lildereth had been right again, this trap was so obvious he wondered why they even bothered with it. Cool light from glowstones filled the chamber ahead. His ring told him they would find nothing living or undead there, but the contents did make him stop in his tracks.

More bodies hung from the ceiling with work tables alongside them. Rolled linen, leather straps, wire, and various tools stood ready. Two zombies lay motionless on tables. A glance into the closest one’s hollow abdomen revealed that someone had been reinforcing its exposed spine with metal. Most curious were the two figures clamped to the ceiling. Jerric could not imagine why anyone would do that. Darnand’s face wore a look that was equally disgusted and curious. A hiss from Lildereth brought them both back to attention.

This work chamber had two exits in addition to the door through which they had entered. With pillars, hanging meat, and tables cluttering the space, it would be a bad place for a fight. Darnand moved around to the left to block the passageway to the necromancers’ living quarters. Lildereth vanished. Jerric knew she was moving straight down the well-lit corridor to the right. She would target the necromancers there. Once the fight started he would kill anything that lay in his path. The zombies out in the mine had been tough to kill, and one of them had cracked Jerric’s shield. He hoped that Lildereth could stay out of their reach. After a moment, he followed her.

Jerric moved to the junction where another passageway angled to the right, toward the necromancers’ ritual chamber. Straight ahead lay the smallest workroom with its bookshelves and alchemy station. Lildereth had specifically warned him to be careful there with fire.

Life signs showed mortals and undead moving in both chambers. He would have to deal with the glowing distraction during the fight, so that he didn’t accidentally harm the invisible Lildereth. He drew his axe and tested the space, dissatisfied. He would get to a doorway as soon as possible, so that he could use Redeemer. He preferred the longsword’s reach.

A black-robed figure passed across the chamber at the end of the passageway. It stopped and turned toward Jerric. A shout far to the rear announced the beginning of Darnand’s battle. Commotion to his right confirmed Lildereth’s position in the ritual chamber. Jerric had to stay on his side of the junction, so he opened a crack into the Void and pulled his scamp through. It charged straight toward the necromancer with a cackle of glee and a whoosh of flame. Jerric took a step back and waited for what would come.

Zombies lurched up the corridor from the right. He bashed the first swipe aside with his shield and chopped through an arm while it staggered. A step back for balance and repeat. The fight quickly turned to work. Screams from the alchemy room announced his scamp’s success, and a small explosion made Jerric wince. He had forgotten that Precious would not be careful with its fire.

A third zombie fell, and Jerric took the time to shake the splintered shield from his arm while the next one stumbled over its fallen brothers. He spit bitter slime out of his mouth and realized that he was grinning. Fire filled his off hand. He slid back to dodge the zombie’s overhead strike, then reached out with his Searing Grasp spell. Orange flames smothered the zombie’s pink glow. Jerric stepped back to catch his breath.

Only one life sign remained past the smoke. Its small arm reached up to cover its face. “Go!” choked Lildereth.

Jerric turned to charge back toward Darnand. He found the Breton himself approaching along the passage. “Clear,” said Darnand.

A moment’s cleanup had Jerric’s axe back at his hip. “You have to see the ritual chamber,” said Lildereth, heading off to the right. The men followed. Jerric picked up his broken Wolf shield as they passed.

The ritual chamber looked like it had once been used for burials. Niches lined the walls, mostly empty. The jumbled bones on the floor must be the niches’ former occupants, likely too crumbled to be suitable for raising. Rubble from a cave-in filled one corner. Jerric guessed that they were near the surface again. He remembered an old cemetery very near the mine’s entrance. Perhaps this chamber once exited to that hillside.

Three altars of white stone stood in the chamber’s center. Arcane symbols were painted on the floor. Glowing stones stood in metal brackets arranged around each altar. Jerric could feel power in the air.

“These altars could be from an Ayleid site,” mused Darnand. “The runes… It will take some study. I shall begin in their library.”

Lildereth nodded toward the back of the chamber. “That chest is locked. I’ll get started.”

Jerric looked at the two bodies on the floor. Fresh death clogged his nose. “These necromancers smell worse than their zombies. Ugh. I guess I can salvage their robes. They’re going to reek until we find a stream, and possibly even after.”

Darnand left the chamber. Jerric and Lildereth bent to their tasks.

After a moment Jerric heard a muffled click and a soft sigh. He glanced over as Lildereth slumped to the floor in front of the chest. She was in his arms before he knew that he had moved.

Poisoned, he thought. Another trap. “DARNAND!”

His healing spell showed him the damage inside. Lildereth’s heart fluttered unevenly, and her breaths were shallow whispers. Jerric felt the poison still working. He raced it with his spell.

Darnand dropped to his knees beside them.

“Poison,” gritted Jerric. “It hit her fast, and it’s still working. Do you know the spell—”

But Darnand was already gone.

Jerric kept one hand on Lildereth and reached for his magicka potion. He tried to estimate how long he could continue the healing spell, but dead faces crowded his mind. Every one of his failures that had cost a friend’s life. He gulped his potion and kept fighting.

Lildereth’s heartbeat slowed. He couldn’t feel her breathing under his hands any more. “Lildereth,” he started, and then he just talked. A tear slipped down the side of her face.

Then Darnand was there with a vial and a quiet word. Jerric kept healing the damage after the poison stopped, even after Darnand’s magicka joined his own. Eventually Lildereth opened her eyes, but she lay still and pale, not speaking.

After a long moment, Jerric cleared his throat. “That was clumsy, elf.”

“I know,” rasped Lildereth. “The door trap. I was fooled.”

“The hanging mace was only a decoy,” Darnand explained to Jerric. “There may be traps that we’ve missed. We must use more caution.”

“Where did you get the cure potion?” Jerric asked him. He took a swig of water and offered it to Lildereth. She pushed herself up to sit.

“The necromancers’ alchemy lab. I knew they would have them if they were brewing poisons here. Thankfully they use the Guild’s enchanted glassware.” Darnand fixed a glare on Jerric. “The shelves were in complete disarray, with much of their contents strewn on the floor. I was lucky to find the right potion amidst that disaster. It looked as if there had been a fire. What happened in there?”

“Uh…”

Lildereth took the empty vial from Darnand. “This isn’t mine? I always have at least one in my pack.” She took another sip of water. “I’m surprised you don’t carry one, Jerric.”

“Yeah, I probably should. I’ve been poisoned enough. But it’s not exactly easy to dig through bottles during a fight. By the time I can, the damage is done. Then I just use my Jerric’s Juice and heal.” Talking steadied his hands again. He shrugged. “I guess I’m harder to kill, though.”

Darnand took the canteen from Lildereth. “I was brought down by destruction magic at Fort Strand, and now you have been poisoned.” They both looked at Jerric.

“I’m next, is that it? I’ll watch out for Nords with swords. And axes. And summoned daedra.”

“And frost,” said Lildereth with a twist of her lips. “You’re the one who took out Darnand.”

Jerric grinned at her and reached for his canteen. All at once he felt his own heart beating. “I guess you’re feeling better, sprig. Break time’s over. Let’s get back to work.”

[mALX]

What an intense chapter from about half-way through till the end! The bond of friendship growing slowly between Lildereth and Jerric took a good sized step in this chapter and was tangibly written - Awesomely Written!! Great Write, Grits !!

[King Coin]

Ugh, I hate necromancers. I’m with Jerric in that first paragraph.

This cave just keeps getting prettier.

…opened a crack into the Void and pulled his scamp through. It charged straight toward the necromancer with a cackle of glee and a whoosh of flame.
You gotta love those little sh!ts!

Lildereth?
That was scary. Holy crap Grits!

Usually Aravi ends up taking the route Jerric does. Heals the damage when it’s past. That must have been a very potent one though. Yikes!

[SubRosa]

I liked the description of the cold storage room. Positively revolting. At least it was cold. Imagine if it was warm?

As soon as Jerric moved through the door, he could hear the wind howling through the rocks above them.
This was a thoughtful touch. Now we know where the cave got its name.

Once the fight started he would kill anything that lay in his path.
Now that is Jerric doing what Jerric does best!

so he opened a crack into the Void and pulled his scamp through.
A wonderful description of summoning a deadra. Also I noticed that Jerric was staying in the sweet spot in his fight against the zombies - chopping and stepping back out of range of their arms (at least the arms they had left ).

But it’s not exactly easy to dig through bottles during a fight.
What, he cannot stop time while he looks through is inventory of 200 potions?

And Lildreth felled by a trap. Very clever on the part of the necromancers (and yourself). It was a gripping scene, as she slowly slipped away (alliteration FTW!), while Jerric desperately tried to hold off the damage. One can easily picture Darnand feverishly tossing one potion after another aside in the ruins of the alchemy lab, searching for the Cure Poisons. In fact, I would swear it was an episode of Farscape!



nits:
Perhaps this chamber once exited to that hillside.
Since this is a question, I suggest using a question mark rather than a period at the end.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 27 2011, 09:42 PM

[Acadian]

’Jerric could not imagine why anyone would do that. Darnand’s face wore a look that was equally disgusted and curious. A hiss from Lildereth brought them both back to attention. ‘
Three sentences that perfectly define our three amigos!

’Orange flames smothered the zombie’s pink glow. ‘
Beautiful in its colorful lethality.

’Perhaps this chamber once exited to that hillside.’
Perhaps it did? Perhaps it did not. I see this as perfectly legitimate as either a question or a statement.

’Jerric grinned at her and reached for his canteen. All at once he felt his own heart beating. “I guess you’re feeling better, sprig. Break time’s over. Let’s get back to work.”
Aww, thanks for leaving us with a happy ending after such a tense episode.

[McBadgere]

Right, I was enjoying it immensely, and then this line came along...

His healing spell showed him the damage inside. Lildereth’s heart fluttered unevenly, and her breaths were shallow whispers. Jerric felt the poison still working. He raced it with his spell.

And then the hairs on the back of my neck stood up for the rest of the chapter...

Oh. My. God.

Absolute brilliance...Amazing stuff...

Love it!!!...

Nice one!... ...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Dec 28 2011, 04:26 AM