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

[McBadgere]

Damn...I wondered for a minute if a new part had been presented... ...

*Looks over glasses*... ...

...

[ThatSkyrimGuy]

Started reading this one and enjoying it. It'll take quite some time to catch up, so I will post in the "Commentasaurus" thread untill I do. Great stuff!

[Kazaera]

OMG I caught up I caught up I caught up!

And I am now going to quote something relatively minor from *ages* ago:

“I have worked out the spell already,” Darnand scowled, rubbing his forehead. “It is the same enchantment that I will use for Abiene’s rain bracelet. The spell that allows one to walk upon water, weakened and spread over one’s person instead of only the body’s plantar surfaces. It should shed water in that application, or contain it when applied to a vessel’s interior. Nord, must you fling projectiles at me?”

because, well - Adryn's world has an umbrella spell too, and I decided it was a very weak Shield effect - and then I read this and went "agh! water-walking spell around the whole body! Why didn't I think of that that's perfect!" and have been simultaneously kicking myself and in awe of your brilliance ever since.

In general, I really, really like the way you delve into magic and how it *works*. Even though that delving simultaneously leaves me terrified for Darnand. Nooooo Darnand please don't become a necromancer! Just say no to zombie-raising! But he's just *curious*, and that's a motive I can understand very well... but I'm so worried where it'll lead him.

As always, your writing is an absolute delight and leaves me in awe. There are perfect moments everywhere, and your characters are so well-drawn. I appreciate seeing terrifyingly efficient super-competent Blades! (Especially because my main exposure to them has been via Morrowind and, well.) My heart bleeds for everyone involved in the Darnand+Jerric+Abiene triangle, and oh, Jerric's explanation for why they couldn't be together... *sniffs*. I love Jerric's deceptive depths. Lildereth's backstory was definitely, definitely worth the wait - it was amazing, and heartwrenching, and explains so very much about her. And it's good to know she's not a Mythic Dawn sleeper agent!

(Probably.)

In short: this story is amazing and I await further updates with bated breath.

[Grits]

Previously: Jerric, Darnand, Lildereth, and Aravi camped by warm springs overlooking Hope Valley. Lildereth told the story of her tribe becoming the Wild Hunt during the Five Year War with the Khajiit. She admitted that the monsters she is hunting are the remnants of her tribe. Aravi and her screenshots appeared with the generosity and cooperation of her creator King Coin. Thank you so much, KC!!

A reminder: As Brother Venco instructed Jerric is traveling incognito while Blades with actual training try to flush out Mythic Dawn agents for questioning. That scene can be found here. Venco took Jerric’s Blades helm and Kvatch gear and said he should ditch Lil. Jerric had Lil steal the helm back instead. He couldn’t tell her what was going on so he put her where she could figure it out.



Elisabeth Hollow: Yep, it's definitely a load off Lildereth's mind. Lol on the cave beef.

mALX: You're so right, now Jerric understands what Lildereth already knew about what draws them together, and now they've both recognized it's also what pulls them apart. Thank you, mALX!

Acadian: I'm delighted that you drew attention to those two lines between the boyz. That moment represents so many others that don't get written. Aravi was indeed the catalyst for Lildereth's unburdening. The crew is lucky she stayed through all of their teasing! Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: That line was definitely a Riddick tribute, and I was grinning when you mentioned it. I’m glad you enjoyed Lil’s telling of her past. I considered several ways of presenting that scene including flashbacks, but in the end I thought her own words would serve best. Thank you, SubRosa!

ghastley: I’m glad you picked out Darnand’s line. He is at his most formal when he gets emotional, and that’s hard for me to convey. Lol, Darnand should step carefully around Aravi in Skyrim. Thank you, ghastley!

McBadgere: It’s funny how the biggest moments can be the pause where the thing is not said. Thank you so much, McB! And I hope there won’t be any more long delays. (But you know how it is. )

Darkness Eternal: Thanks, DE! I love the more exotic locations in Tamriel. I can’t wait for an excuse to write about Elsweyr and Black Marsh. About dialog, I always cut a lot since the characters keep running their mouths whether it’s relevant to the story or not, lol. It can be nerve-wracking to try to get it all down. Thanks, DE!

haute ecole rider: Thank you, haute! It’s taken a long time to show why Lil can be difficult. I’m glad she’s finally coming into her own in the story. It was a delight to have Aravi’s company for a while. I’m glad you enjoyed her!

King Coin: It was a pure joy to collaborate with you on these sections. I’m sure Aravi needed to get away from the maniacs as much as she wanted that bath! I love that you pointed out the way the friends handled each other at the campfire. Thank you so much, KC!

ThatSkyrimGuy: SkyGuy, welcome! I’ll see you in the Commentasaurus. I’m delighted that you’re reading.

Kazaera: I love your Shield spell umbrella! It makes me think of the visual effect of Skyrim’s Ward spells projected over the head and following along for the duration. Sleeper in the Cave is always inspiring, particularly in the way you present magic. Your concerns for Darnand are so appreciated. They demonstrate your real understanding of his character. Thank you, Kaz!



Next: Jerric and Darnand are pursuing their Mages Guild recommendations while they search for Books 3 and 4 of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries. Lildereth is collecting Welkynd stones to trade for Master Illusion training while she searches for clues that might lead her to her lost tribe mates (so she can kill them). Onward to Bruma!

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 13 2013, 12:55 AM

[Grits]

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Chapter 17: Bruma, Part One

Jerric lay with his head sticking out of the tent, looking up at the stars. Four days’ travel on dry roads had brought them nearly to Bruma. Darnand and Lildereth were easy company. The elf had stayed with them rather than disappearing into the woods as was often her habit. Jerric suspected that the steep terrain had much to do with her decision.

Clear skies had given them magnificent views across the Heartlands to the Imperial City. It wasn’t until they turned up the Silver Road that Jerric felt the mountains closing in.

Five months ago he had followed this path with Martin and Brother Jauffre as they made for the safety of Cloud Ruler Temple. Lord Martin and Grandmaster Jauffre, he reminded himself. Prior Maborel’s blood had been wet on the ground and Kvatch had still burned behind Jerric’s and Martin’s eyes. Now in early spring there was more snow on the ground. The cold was just as piercing.

Jerric could hear Darnand outside the tent rummaging in his pack, trading books for his journal and a charcoal pencil for his quills and ink. Tonight around the campfire Jerric had shared the tale of his older brother Petr and the wolf while Darnand recorded his memories. Jerric hadn’t yet been born when the events had occurred, so he had simply repeated the story as it had been told to him and as he in turn had passed it on to younger family members. As he spoke he had almost heard the echo of his Pa’s and Petr’s voices. Now his throat ached at their silence.

Lildereth’s shadow fell over him as she passed the low fire, finishing her pre-sleep rituals.

“We’ll be there by mid-day,” she said. “The weather is going to hold.”

Jerric smiled to himself. Lildereth did not bother with unnecessary remarks. This chatter was for his benefit.

“Remember you are to use your surname only,” Darnand said from beyond Jerric’s view.

“Kjellingsson. Right,” said Jerric. “Bruma must be used to Nord ways. No one will expect me to use two names.”

The urge to tease about Imperial and Breton ancestral vanity faded as quickly as it came. Folk said the dead could hear when their names were spoken. Jerric felt a vague unease. He had no regard for his own reputation, but his Pa had passed beyond offering forgiveness. He guessed he might learn how it felt to hold on to shame.

“I propose that you call yourself Kjelling,” said Darnand. “You will provoke fewer questions if you use a simple name.”

“No way,” said Jerric. “There was only one Kjelling, and it’s not me.”

“Kjellingsson of Anvil,” Lildereth suggested. “With that West Weald accent and a Gold Coast drawl it’s no secret you’re not from around here.” She glanced down at him as she walked past. “And you won’t have to keep track of a lie.”

“Yeah. The less I talk the fewer times I’ll screw it up. I give myself ten minutes. Less if there’s an attractive woman at the gate. You two should take wagers.”

“I claim the livery,” said Darnand. “Though I hope you make it as far as the gate. Lildereth?”

The elf didn’t reply as she slipped into the tent. Jerric turned his head to watch her drop her cloak before burrowing into the bedroll. To his surprise she spread her furs over him instead.

“Don’t get ideas,” she muttered. “It’s fetching cold.”

“Colder than a minotaur with brass balls,” Jerric agreed. He lifted his arm so she could crawl under.

“Colder than a horker’s twat,” Lildereth said, a smile in her voice. Jerric’s brow went up as she wrapped around him like a sea star. Her chilled nose made him twitch.

Jerric tucked the furs then worked his arm back under. “I guess your elf magic isn’t much use on the ice.”

Lildereth’s reply was muffled but her tone was unmistakable.

“Is any part of you still touching the ground?” Jerric asked. “You know, it’s warmest down the front of my drawers.”

“Guess that’s why your hands are never cold. Sweet Mother Mara, you stink! I thought I was used to it.”

Jerric laughed, his breath puffing out in a cloud. “That’s the beans. You can’t complain about the stink while you’re enjoying the warmth.” He clenched his belly to see if he could squeak out another one.

Lildereth made the expected sound of dismay.

Darnand spoke from the darkness. “I shall awaken you for your watch whether or not you have slept.”

“Come on over,” Jerric suggested. “We can make an elf sandwich. For heat.”

Lildereth started to laugh.

“Did you think I said ‘meat’?” Jerric teased. “You know, you’d be warmer bare. And if you might give in to any urges I could stay awake for it. Whoa! That’s not a good place for your knee.”

Lildereth wiggled around some more.

Ulfe emerged from the trees and ambled over. She planted her great, snowy paws on Jerric’s chest and leaned down, huffing her breath in his face.

“Argh, Ulfe! Have you been eating mort flesh?” He couldn’t get an arm free to shove the dog. “Breton, get over here! She’s got me pinned! You’re supposed to be protecting the camp!”

“The dog is friendly,” Darnand said in an absent tone. “And if you refer to the elf, then count yourself lucky.”

Jerric heard a page turn over the sound of Ulfe’s panting. The hound let out a whimpering groan as she flopped down on top of them. Lildereth made a frantic yelp under the furs.

“Don’t blame me, it’s the dog.” Jerric heaved her off with a grunt, still grinning over Darnand’s jest. “Here, girl.” He patted the ground cloth.

Ulfe got the hint and stretched out with her back against him. Lildereth finished squirming and lay curled into his other side. Jerric closed his eyes.

After a moment he opened them again.

“Breton.”

“…Yes?”

“Uh, never mind.”

A soft snort came from Darnand’s direction. He might as well have spoken the words, ‘You are welcome.’

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 12 2013, 01:08 PM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

I feel your pain, Lildreth. My husband can stink up under the covers, too XD
And he's sooooooooo warm!

[ghastley]

Whoa! That’s not a good place for your knee.

And Lil should not forget that it's those chemical reactions that are fueling the warmth. But she can blame Jerric for cooking beans, assuming he's still the camp cook.

Nice cameo from Ulfe. I suspect she'll be getting into more situations once they get to town.

P.s. remind us how many Welkynds Lildereth has found when you get the chance. It seems like forever since she last got one.

This post has been edited by ghastley: Sep 12 2013, 04:51 PM

[haute ecole rider]

So the banter between the three remains light-hearted and fun, in spite of all the heavy memories that have been previously shared.

it's a nice way to slide back into the story. I especially liked your reference to the five months since Jerric last passed this way with Brother Lord Martina and Grandmaster Jauffre. It gives us a clear idea of the time line, especially given how long the telling of this story has stretched over the past couple of years!

I respect Jerric's insistence on keeping the -sson with his father's name. It reveals how much his relationship with his father and the man's death still affects our Nord stink-bug.

Beans! Love eatin' 'em, hate the side effects! Oh, and I don't doubt it's more than the beans keeping Jerric warm.

Good to see an update here again!

[SubRosa]

So its been five months since Kvatch and Martin. It seems like longer, but that is just because of all the adventures/quests/missions/things that Jerric and crew have gotten themselves into since then.

As the others said, this episode gives us a lot of fun banter between the trio (fouro counting Ulfe). Just as looking back at how long it has been since Kvatch, the depth of their current relationship is an example of how much time has passed since they first teamed up back in Anvil.

[mALX]

Petr and the wolf, BWAAHAA! I remember watching the Disney version with my children, ROFL !!! If we'd only known it was Jerric's story, ROFL!

Loved the Nord name world-building there, but after all this time I've forgotten some things - wondering why they have to sneak into Bruma and be careful of names there.

How nice it was to see a Jerric chapter on the boards! Awesome write, but too short !!!!!

[McBadgere]

....

*Sighs contentedly*...I do loves me Jerric... ...

Proper brilliant!!...

Subtle stuff abounding!!...

Subtle reminder of the MQ stuff, Jerric's loss at Kvatch, where he's from originally, the unspoken "Stuff" between Jerric and Lildreth...And I don't mean...Um... ... ...Nevermind...

So yeah, excellently brilliant stuff hidden in such a simple section...*Applauds*...

Dear Santa...For Christmas I would like to be able to write as good as Grits...I promise to be good!...Yes, yes I do!!... ...

...Oh dang... ...

Oh, the "Colder than..." debate made me laugh loudly...Which at 3.30am is possible not the best...I shall be told off!!... ...But still...So funny...*Smiles broadly again*...

...And I hope there won’t be any more long delays. (But you know how it is. )

Yeah, yeah I do...*Looks at own pile 'o' not finished*...The main thing is that we don't give up, eh?... ...

Aaaamywho...

Absolute brilliance...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

[Acadian]

“Yeah. The less I talk the fewer times I’ll screw it up. I give myself ten minutes. Less if there’s an attractive woman at the gate. You two should take wagers.” - - Even completely out of context at any time or place, this could only be Jerric speaking!

What a delightful evening as the big Nord draws elves and dogs to him in search of warmth. I see Lildereth has done her ‘gotta get warm’ vs ‘crushed by giant Nords and dogs’ calculations. It seems she underestimated the odor factor though.

Beans. Why did this episode conjure eye-stinging images from Blazing Saddles?

Bruma, eh? I guess Jerric is not taking them ‘someplace warm’, as Kharjo would say.

[Darkness Eternal]

Hmm. Peaceful and lovely scenery, even despite the bloody memories. A relief from the darkness of the caves and the creepy subterranean levels of the many forts, I say.

Jerric laughed, his breath puffing out in a cloud. “That’s the beans. You can’t complain about the stink while you’re enjoying the warmth.” He clenched his belly to see if he could squeak out another one.

At least it wasn’t cave beef or mountain oysters, or gods forbid, sewer rat meat all mixed in together. I like Ulfe!

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 13 2013, 07:39 PM

[King Coin]

Glad you still are writing for these guys! Though I’m not doing much better… shutting up!

I barely remember Jerric’s run with Martin to Cloud Ruler Temple. That was a long time ago. I like the constant reminders of Kvatch. With someone like Jerric, it’s all too easy to forget that he lost everything when Kvatch burned. I love the light hearted teasing between the three.

So, Jerric is a gas fueled stove.

[Colonel Mustard]

An update! Well finally!

It's good to see the gang back in action again, and I'm loving the banter that's flying back and forth between them all; I'd quote my favourite lines, but seeing as that would be most of the chapter I'll spare you that.

And five months! Wow, time has flown! I can't help but find it a surprisingly leisurely pace to take when the end of the world via Daedric Cult is looming, but maybe there's a reason why they're getting away with it. Either that, or we're going to have a surprise ending of "Jerric, Darnand and Lildereth were too slow and Mehrunes Dagon appeared in the Imperial City with nothing that could stop him. The world was destroyed and everyone died. The end." Would certainly be a curveball to throw at us.

mALX: I'm going to take a guess that Jerric's taking a false name in order to disguise his presence in case of any more assassination attempts by the Mythic Dawn. Seems a pretty sensible precaution to take at this stage.

[Grits]

Previously: Jerric, Darnand, and Lildereth camped on the Silver Road. It was cold.


Elisabeth Hollow: Warm and cuddly, but there’s a price!

ghastley: Yep, Jerric is responsible for the meal and the results. The other two could manage it but they prefer Jerric’s cooking. Also that gives them something to complain about. Lildereth has not admitted how many Welkynd stones she has already turned in or still needs (or where she got them). She can’t help playing it close to the vest. The last four she got were from Hrotanda Vale, about two story weeks ago (posted last October).

haute ecole rider: Banter is how Jerric and Lildereth hide their hearts, so I’d bet on it continuing. I’m glad you pointed out Jerric’s thoughts of his father. That guilt is not going away soon either.

SubRosa: I suspect it seems like longer because the ride to CRT was posted in March… 2011. And when they teamed up in Anvil one of the first things Lil said was that she wouldn’t climb into the furs with him!

mALX: Thanks for asking about the secrecy. I added a “Story So Far” post after this one. The short version: Brother Venco sent his ‘real’ Blades agents out as bait to snare some Mythic Dawn agents for questioning. He doesn’t want Jerric getting assassinated in the meantime so he made the plan for him to travel as Darnand’s hired guard named Kjellingsson, hoping that’s a balance of truth and confusion that Jerric would not manage to screw up. He mentioned that if the MD still managed to find and assassinate Jerric that would also provide some valuable information. Venco is not a fan of the late Lord Uriel’s you’re-the-one-from-my-dreams recruitment process.

McBadgere: *blush* Thank you, McB! Some of the stuff they say makes me laugh, too. And never when I’m actually trying to write it.

Acadian: Between the beans and the dog, Lildereth got more than she bargained for.

Darkness Eternal: It was fun to get Ulfe back into a scene. I’m glad you liked her.

King Coin: Yeah, he keeps his mind off it but his losses are always right below the surface. Just about everything reminds him that he can’t go home.

Colonel Mustard: Lol, that would be a surprise ending! I should mention that in this story time the way our mortals view it moves about three times faster in Tamriel than in Dagon’s realm. So it’s barely begun from the daedric side of the portals. You’re right on Jerric’s false name.


Next: Not an update, but a refresher on the story so far.

[Grits]

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The Story So Far


Jerric the Nord battlemage lives happily with his large extended family in Kvatch. He works as a guard for his family’s caravan business.

After a drunken brawl on the waterfront Jerric spends his first night in the Imperial City locked up. This is not surprising. However rather than releasing him from the drunk tank along with the others, the guards put Jerric down in the prison. Jerric suspects that his brother had something to do with it.

The real surprise comes in the form of Uriel Septim and the remnants of his Dragonguard. They charge through Jerric’s cell uttering threats on the way to a secret escape route. Someone has murdered all of the Septims, and the Emperor is next. BUT WAIT! You are the one from my dreams…

After witnessing Uriel’s murder Jerric finds himself taking the Amulet of Kings to the Grandmaster of the Blades, Brother Jauffre. The highly trained last remaining personal bodyguard of the Emperor (Baurus) has a target on his back and doesn’t know who else to trust.

Jerric gets into some scrapes and makes some friends on the way. (Weye, Aleswell, the Odiils.) He hands over the Amulet and agrees to go warn the last remaining Septim (Brother Martin) as long as it doesn’t make him late for his Ma’s birthday party. The Grandmaster is in a bind since anyone except for Baurus and Jerric (and Martin who doesn’t know he’s a Septim) could be part of the assassination plan. No one would believe that this Nord would be dispatched along with a paint pack horse (Flash) to save the world. And Jauffre himself has taken on the huge responsibility of guarding the Amulet.

As it happens Jerric already knows Brother Martin. He taught Jerric his first healing spell at the Chapel of Akatosh in Kvatch.

Jerric arrives at Kvatch and finds it under siege by daedra. There’s a Gate to Oblivion keeping his family trapped inside the burning city. Savlian Matius has taken charge, being the highest ranking anyone left alive. He explains the issue. Jerric jumps through the Gate in an attempt to find a way to close it. Eventually he does.

Then he helps the Kvatch Guard take back the ruined city, earning various names in the process. Lionheart seems to stick. In the chapel Jerric has a quiet word with Akatosh. For once the Dragon God of Time seems to listen.

Martin survives. He knows Jerric as a hardworking citizen, a brawler, a womanizer, and a bit of an idiot, but not a liar. He becomes convinced that he is the cause of the sack of Kvatch. The Emperor’s words to Jerric echo his own thoughts when he first met Jerric as a lad. Martin follows Jerric (and Flash) to Weynon Priory. Jerric begins having dreams of fire and a great claw splitting him open. He believes he is seeing the moment of his death.

They arrive to find the Priory under attack. Their enemy has discovered the location of the Amulet of Kings and taken it while Jauffre was busy slaying the zealots. Once again everyone is a suspect, especially those who live(d) at the Priory. Jerric agrees to help Jauffre escort Martin to the Blades’ secret stronghold of Cloud Ruler Temple.

At Cloud Ruler Temple Jerric is inducted into the Blades as a Knight Brother. Jauffre bends the rules for him, since the dead Emperor’s dragon blood showed him Jerric standing at Martin’s side. (Or so they figure. The Emperor could have been a little more specific about exactly what he saw in those dreams.) Jerric will act as an agent directed by Jauffre or Baurus according to a code they arrange. A simple code, because… well, Nord. Jerric heads back to Anvil, realizing that the people who could help him beef up his magic skills are in the area. Plus he should probably tell them he’s alive.

On the way he sees a Gate to Oblivion. He enters and closes it. Then he spends the next two months wandering the wilds closing Gates when he finds them. His thirtieth birthday passes while he is in Dagon’s realm.

When he finally gets almost to Anvil he saves Darnand’s butt from a rogue mage. Darnand immediately returns the favor when a pair of Battlemages sees Jerric as a threat. Darnand eases Jerric’s transition back to civilization. The two had begun a friendship the summer before, and their bond strengthens in the course of a few adventures (Siren’s Deception, Lildereth’s zombie run, assault on Fort Strand). Darnand is a bit of a difficult person who has come to appreciate the effort Jerric made in befriending him. Lildereth is a newcomer having just returned to Cyrodiil from Valenwood. Jerric is Jerric. You know what he’s like.

Jerric and Darnand decide to go on a road trip to get their Mages Guild recommendations. Mostly Jerric needs to learn some new spells from Vigge, who has moved to Kvatch. Lildereth decides to come with them. She is not forthcoming about her reasons.

Also now they have a dog (Ulfe).

In the Imperial City Jerric checks in with Baurus. The two discover evidence that confirms the Mythic Dawn cult as the culprit in the assassinations. Baurus directs Jerric to keep searching for Books 3 and 4 of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries, or Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes if you are a rare book dealer with a stick up your behind (Phintias.) Baurus will stay in the IC following up on leads.

In Weynon Priory Jerric learns that Brother Piner has been tortured to death by the Mythic Dawn. Minutes later he meets with the new Blades contact at the Priory, Brother Venco. He also sees that Darnand has been taken into the secret (but known by the Mythic Dawn, hmm) room for questioning. Jerric is not happy about getting Darnand involved. Venco does not care about Jerric’s “feelings” on the matter. Darnand is an asset. Venco is kind of a scary badass.

Also Venco tells them that he suspects Lildereth of being a Mythic Dawn agent who hopes that Jerric will lead her to Martin. He doesn’t have proof, he’s just a suspicious person. That’s what happens when you hang around with spies.

Anyway Brother Venco confiscates Jerric’s Kvatch and Blades gear, telling him that he will henceforth travel under the name Kjellingsson as Darnand’s hired guard to avoid being grabbed up by the MD. He supplies armor suitable for a mercenary and an Akaviri-style shield (Tower of the Nine, awesome) to help with the deception. Venco has Blades agents out posing as Jerric to confuse the enemy. Also as bait to hopefully catch one for questioning. So far they have all killed themselves before the torture “questioning” could get serious.

Lildereth checks back in with the boys, delivering an expletive-laced diatribe against Martina Floria of the Arcane University. It seems Martina wants Welkynd stones in exchange for Master Illusion training. Lil decides to stay with the guys.

While in Chorrol Jerric sends Lildereth on an errand to Weynon Priory to steal his Blades helm back from Venco’s secret room. It’s his vote of confidence in Lil, plus he gets his enchanted helm back and lets her in on what’s going on without breaking his vow and telling her. In return he helps her assault Hrotanda Vale in search of Welkynd stones. They also find the teenaged survivor of a recent battle at the ruin (Valdi). She eats Jerric’s sandwich, steals the backpack he leaves out for her, and then disappears.

A word about Abiene. Abiene has moved to Chorrol to pursue her studies in surgery. She and Jerric had enjoyed a lusty summer in Anvil then said goodbye. When he returned to Anvil having survived Kvatch, Abiene convinced him to pick back up with her. (Pretty much by climbing into his lap. It was not a hard sell.) Then they said goodbye again, hoping they would reunite soon in Chorrol. In Chorrol Jerric told her they had to end it for her safety, even though there was really no “it” at least publically.

At first they had kept it secret in Anvil to hide Abiene’s complete lack of professionalism in using her student as a slam piece. After Kvatch but still in Anvil Abiene admitted she didn’t want the added heartbreak of being known as his ex after he had left her to probably go off and die. Also her family would not consider him to be boyfriend material, and she did not want to put on her big girl panties and deal with them. Of course they didn’t fool everyone while they were going at it like bunnies. Thaurron and Carahil certainly noticed. Darnand did not.

So in Chorrol Jerric tells her he really means it this time (while in bed right after nailing her, nice timing Nord). Abiene had just told him she wanted their relationship to be out in the open, so she is not happy.

Meanwhile the Mythic Dawn has been opening Gates to the Deadlands. Sometimes they’re next to a community and there are massive casualties. Sometimes they’re in the middle of nowhere for no apparent reason. Jerric’s theory is that they use Gates in Tamriel to take shortcuts through the Deadlands, since he has seen multiple Gates open within sight of each other there but only one is visible on the Tamriel side. For example traveling from Anvil to Blacklight with a quick stroll through Oblivion. Also it’s known that the sigil stones are made with mortal souls, and Jerric (and others) keep taking the sigil stones to shut the Gates. He thinks Dagon needs more souls.

Regarding Kvatch. Jerric has been calling Savlian Matius the Hero of Kvatch when he tells the story. He’s been recruiting the capable but disaffected people he encounters as potential new citizens wherever he goes. Savlian asked Jerric to stand with Rilian as Rilian delivered Count Kvatch’s signet ring and made his case to the Elder Council. The Elder Council gave the ring back to Rilian to give to Savlian as the new Acting Steward to hold for whoever the new count will be. Noble families from all over have been sending representatives to “help” since the Goldwine sons had recently been assassinated and there’s no heir. Savlian has a curfew in effect among other stringent measures to keep order on the plateau. Ghosts are a big problem. Thanks to the Kvatch City Guard, County Kvatch Militia, and the Imperial Legion, crime is not. After they got hammered in the Imperial City post-council meeting, Rilian asked Jerric if he could come along instead of going home to their burned-out city. Then he passed out. Jerric rather unusually wrote him a letter saying no and telling him what to do with his life. Get married, plant the new generation of Kvatchians in some nice girl with sturdy hips, rebuild the city. It’s what Jerric would do himself if he was free. Well, he’s not particular about the hips.

There’s a lot I skipped. A LOT. Like all of the Mages Guild Recommendation quests so far including Earana’s notes that Darnand stole and is still carrying, and the recent chapter in which they meet and work with King Coin’s wonderful Khajiit Aravi. Let me know if you have a question, and I’ll fill in some blanks.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is reading this story. It’s taken nearly three years to get this far, and there’s quite a ways to go. I hope very much that you’ll enjoy the rest of the journey.

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This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 25 2013, 09:00 PM

[mALX]

Thank you so much for the catch up on Jerric! When there is long periods between postings, sometimes we forget some of the details of the plots, it really helps!

[ghastley]

While the "already done" part is useful, I could do with the equivalent of the game's own "quests pending" page, to remind me: how many recommendations they still need; how many volumes of Mysterium Xarxes they haven't found; how close Lildereth is to her ten Welkynds; etc. And a reminder of their overall plan, and what depends on what else. E.g. needing to complete the recommendation quests in order to ..., or Lil getting her Mastery in Illusion so she can ... (I think you explained that once, but I've forgotten).

But don't let it hold up the next episode!

[SubRosa]

The "Our Story So Far" is a good idea for a story that has been going on this long. A while ago I did something similar on the first post of the TF, to help people either get caught up or to act as a refresher.