Aravi in Skyrim, her video story Options

[King Coin]

@SubRosa: Arielle Jurard? Maybe. I was thinking Moira Brown!

I don’t blame her on the gyro, that’s some good stuff.

Usually the dragons are sitting on the word wall, so when she saw an empty word wall, she thought ‘oh crap!’ Would not have surprised me to see a dragon sitting on the cliffs.

The skeever looks like it will give you diseases, not cure them! I thought after a couple of werewolf pics that a few cute ones would be good. Thanks SubRosa!

@mALX: She’s close to losing her lunch in that picture! She’s sitting on the edge of the fire pit. I knew the last one was a keeper when I took it! Glad you liked it so much.

The shout was perfect except it got Kharjo’s wolf too. That was such a cool ambush though. I didn’t notice the dragon being slow but it could have been. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: Kharjo sometimes has a difficult time keeping up with Aravi when she starts taking shortcuts. I am very glad Sorine didn’t need Aravi to take anybody’s precious gyros.

You didn’t see the dragon? Oh my, Buffy’s glow rings are making you too comfortable!

I’m very happy you liked that one of Aravi sitting by the fire. I like seeing her scar like that too. It’s a reminder that she’s a fighter. Thanks Acadian!

@LL: I knew those werewolf shots would appeal to you. They were a lot of fun to take!

Those foresworn lined up for that Thuum well. I was actually a little PO’d that Kharjo snagged that kill before Aravi’s arrow! Thanks LL!

@Grits: Aravi had to wait a second for Kharjo to keep up with her in the beginning. That heavy armor is slowing him down!

I think Kharjo snagged that last kill from Aravi at the end there. That was a very quick fight, for how many of them there were.

I guess goblin made rat is better than bandit skeever? Aravi says no to both! I felt some cute screens should go with the werewolf ones. Glad you liked those. Thanks Grits!

############################

Back at Fort Dawnguard, Isran greets everyone warmly…

6:43

############################
Screens!
Winter road and Alternative

Healing

Finishing off a vampire

Finishing off a bandit mage

Blood stained hands

This post has been edited by King Coin: Jan 10 2013, 09:08 PM

[SubRosa]

Yep, Isran is as amiable as ever. I like how they wrote him with such a vinegary personality.

And Serana shows up again. Bethesda did make her an excellent follower. She has good voice-acting, and you can see they put a lot of work into her. But I hate how this questline forces her upon you. The mental acrobatics I had to do to try to justify why my hardcore, vengeance-driven vampire slayer would keep her alive just became impossible. That is why I gave up on it. If they had not made her a vampire it would have been a lot easier.

Aravi has such a delightful smile in Winter Road. I am hearing Bing Crosby in my head "A beautiful sight, walking in a winter wonderland..."

Aravi sure gets icky finishing off all those vampires and bandits. Good thing Skyrim has plenty of rivers and lakes to clean up in!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jan 10 2013, 09:07 PM

[Acadian]

I'm following the quest in this vid pretty well. Serana's kind of cool - I like the way she understates things so calmly - she makes Isran look like a drama queen. You really captured how Aravi was torn over leaving Kharjo behind. So, looks like it’s off to the College of Winterhold since that’s no doubt much closer than the Temple of the Ancestor Moths in Cyrodiil.

‘Winter road’ is cool with the sun coming through the snowstorm. I love the magical effects in ‘Healing’ as well as the look on Aravi’s face! On ‘Blood-stained hands’, well you know what they say – if you’re going to make an omelet you have to crack open some vampires and bandits.

[mALX]

Screens: Healing is my favorite, Love her expression and how her spell is so close to the camera! Winter road is second, what a great shot! I loved the snow storms in Skyrim!

Vid: I was surprised to see them all looking up, and I could see that tiny white arrow up there but couldn't see Isran for a minute, lol. Holy cow is he ever a [censored]! He tells Aravi she is crap except that he needs her right now, and threatens Serana who is there to help him - kind of reminds me of the beginning of the game, where the Imperials try to behead you and then ask you to join them and help their cause / and the Stormcloaks are willing to help you despite the fact that you are Khajiit - but want you to help them save Skyrim for the Nords only if they do, ROFL !!!

I love Serana's voice! I would love to have every one of her voice files, her voice is beautiful! I like her dialogue too, probably the best I've heard in the game so far!

So Kharjo is staying behind in Dawnguard? Or is he going back to wait at home?

I loved this vid, am really loving seeing these Dawnguard quests! All I saw was the vampire lord side before, and nothing after bringing Serana home. (my son got sick of seeing me sitting in his bedroom watching him play the game).

Awesome update!

[Darkness Eternal]

Sexy Serana is sexy. Just don't cure her. Please, don't. A cured Serana is a diseased Serana.

Aravi fits right in the Dawnguard. All armored up for some vampire hunting action! Though jusging by the room Isran was in, I can tell he tortures vampires before killing them, sort of like the Silver Hand does to werewolves. The inquisition! Down with them!

I like Serana and her voice. Though for a 4000 year old vampire who worshiped Molag Bal, I was a bit surprised by her personality. Unless there's more to it. I wonder what Aravi thinks of Serana. Hmm.

"Thank you for youre kindness. I'll remember it next time I'm feeling hungry."



"I don't know if I can trust you friend."
Well, geez, Serana, maybe Aravi and Kharjo feels the same way? Vampires, being naturally manipulative and deceitful, should definetly raise Aravi's attention here. Sure, she spoke about her father, but a vampire is a vamppire and wanting to travel alone is certainly a red alert.

Poor Aravi! Sorry Kharjo, but she's going to hangout with a four-thousand year old pureblooded vampire chick.

[King Coin]

@SubRosa: Yeah, Serana is really hard to justify. I don’t think you actually have to take her with you in this quest, though I was under the impression that you did when I played this. I’m pretending that she acts so differently that Aravi doesn’t know what to do. In reality it would be a pretty easy choice to just let Isran smash her, or just cut her down when she popped out of the tomb.

I like the bloodier combat, though it would be nice if the blood washed out a little easier, or there was a toggle for it. All those errant splatters in otherwise peaceful screen shots. Glad you liked winter road, Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Serana is a really neat companion, but she sure doesn’t beat Kharjo! The magical effects are so much fun, now only if they can cross Skyrim’s and Oblivion’s magic, then it would be perfect! I couldn’t have asked for better shots in healing and winter road. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: I love playing with the effects when I take screens, I’m glad you liked those two so much.

If you are having trouble seeing, remember you can expand the video size and change its quality too. I can kind of understand why Isran’s a little crabby here, a vampire shows up on his little anti-vampire clubhouse doorstep and wants to talk to Aravi. He’s rightly paranoid about letting vampires in. What’s funny is that she gets the run of the place after that.

Serana is a very cool character. These quests were a good excuse to bring her along. Kharjo is staying at Dawnguard this time. No need to hunt the roads for him again. Thanks mALX!

@DE: It’ll all depend on what Serana decides to do at the end of the game. Yep, Isran has a cozy little room set up for chatting.

Aravi takes a little time to talk to Serana. It’s definitely a challenge to get her to work with the vampire. Thanks DE!

##########################

Getting a lead on the Moth Priest turned out to be simple. Aravi sets out to find him with Serana. Aravi is not comfortable around her.

9:05

##########################
Screens!
Stopping for a drink

The arcane

A strange weapon

Unleash the fury

Frosted

[mALX]

Screens: "Stopping for a drink" has to be my favorite, such a beautiful scene that reminds us Skyrim is not all rock and snow! But how hard it was to set it above any of the others! The College of Winterhold looks gorgeous with the morning sun coming through that way and the fountains of blue magic glowing. The "Strange weapon" - Loved Aravi's expression, like she was surprised the sword was all but cutting the enemy in half. "Frosted" - you knew I'd love that, for the close-up of Aravi and her expression. All wonderful shots!


Vid: I love it when the guards ask if you'll enchant their sword, really wish it was worked into the game somehow (or modded) that it was a service you could provide them - how cool would that be!

That text looked interesting! I see trouble ahead though, will Serana fight against her own kind? Really interesting stuff going on with this DLC! Loved this vid! Awesome update!

[SubRosa]

I almost did not recognize Aravi in that hood. It looks like she has gone undercover.

So Aravi is going to be making some skill enchantments in the future? One new suit of armor and helmet coming up! Aravi sure has a lot of filled soul gems.

Ah yes, the carriage driver remembers now. Amazing how a little shiny, clinky gold can jog people's synapses!

"Stay out of trouble Khajiit." Nice guys those guards. Still friendlier than the ones in Morrwind though: "We're watching you scum!"

Uh oh, looks like that priest did not get far. Dead Impie, dead vamp. I guess we know who did it.

I love how you juxtaposed Serana saying she won't give up her gift, and then Aravi turning to look at the dead Imperial soldier surrounded in a pool of blood.

The water looks very inviting in Stopping For A Drink. Nice display of colors in The Arcane one. A strange weapon is icky, looks like an absorb health to me. Frosted is my favorite though. That is our nice Aravi smile. I would certainly rather see that than the fury!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jan 14 2013, 01:35 AM

[Acadian]

I like the carriages. I was thinking the driver knew plenty and was holding out for gold right as Aravi offered him some. It was neat hearing some of Serana’s background. She and Aravi are worlds apart.

Stopping for a drink is simply beautiful. Skyrim looks so nice in autumn colors. The arcane was a fabulous shot as well. But Frosted is simply adorable! Aravi looks so cute with snowflakes on her.

[Grits]

Catching up with the previous video: Isran kept Serana waiting in his private torture chamber right next to the bedroom! I had some trouble understanding why Isran let Serana in, but I figured that between her vampiric illusion skills and the Dawnguard not having a clue what to do next, he wanted to hear what she had to say. I like her line, “I’m nothing if not persuasive.”

I like the way Serana and Isran were on opposite sides of Aravi during this video, with the vampire presenting herself calmly while the crusader for light acted a little crazy.

Woo hoo, new armor for Kharjo!! That is some of my favorite armor, and I just love the shield. Very nice! Ooo, and new armor for Aravi as well! Yay!

Screens: Winter Road and Alternative are lovely with the snow and light and especially Aravi’s sweet expression. But Healing gets added to my all-time favorites. It just has everything going for it, even showing her caring nature as she is undoubtedly healing Kharjo with that spell before she heals herself. Beautiful!

New video: Aravi’s hood looks great, and it makes Serana’s look a little less vampire-in-disguise. It was fun to watch Aravi make some enchanting decisions. Wow, Serana looks large next to Aravi.

I like how Aravi keeps checking on Serana's position and quickly read the vampire note before Serana could walk over. An uneasy partnership. It wasn’t hard to see what she thought about Molag Bal’s gift when she looked around at all of that blood.

Screens: Stopping for a drink is so beautiful, and I love the light in Arcane! The Ebony Blade!! How awesome to use an Absorb Health enchantment on a vampire. Frosted is lovely. I adore Aravi’s expression, and the Amulet of Mara looks so pretty with her eyes.

But my favorite has to be Unleash the Fury, because of Aravi’s new belly button charm!!!

[Darkness Eternal]

I love Aravi's black robes in the video, and my favorite screeny was of her stabbing that vampire in the back. I love your style of playing, too. True roleplayer and we can see Aravi's reaction in the recent updates such as rushing to get the letter before Serana showed up. Haha.

Ans we get some info on Serana's history! Looks like she was raped/sexually used by Molag Bal in the ceremony that follows Lamae Beolfag's tradition. I don't think she should get a cure since not that many survive the ritual. She went through a lot, and Aravi has to be careful with Serana around since she truly sees her own vampirism as a gift. Aravi has to trust her Khajiiti instincts here.

[King Coin]

@mALX: The Rift is really quite beautiful, it has so many colors. All of the climates are beautiful in their own way, but that one is special. Strange weapon was named so, because Aravi was using a two handed weapon! Rare for her. I thought of you when posting Frosted, I had another close up, but she was smiling more in that one.

I didn’t post the book because Aravi didn’t read it, and I think I posted it earlier when Aravi was looking for the scroll about the Time Wound. Thanks mALX!

@SubRosa: She kind of does look like she’s undercover, but that was not the intention. It just goes well with the armor. The helmets in the game look terrible on Khajiit and Argonian characters.

I’m glad the guards say different things, and not all of them are so rude. I really dislike the ones that see a Khajiit and tell her to keep her hands to herself. She’s no thief!

That talk with Serana was… interesting. All Aravi sees is blood and death. Is it the same as her curse? Better or worse?

I was originally going to post a different close shot of Aravi, but this one had snow and a nicer smile. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Normally Aravi doesn’t like being held up for gold like that, but this was the easiest way to get him to talk. And she has so much gold that she didn’t mind sharing a little.

Wow that close shot was so popular! Seriously, my favorite is the arcane. She is very cute covered in snow though. Thanks Acadian!

@Grits: How Serana got in is a mystery. I mean she could have gotten fairly close to the guards as long as she wasn’t waving a weapon, but these guys should know that vampires are famous manipulators. “Nothing if not persuasive” indeed.

Aravi was in the middle. Not usually her position when it comes to vampires.

Love Healing too. That one turned out perfectly.

Serana doesn’t have Aravi’s trust yet, and her appearance is… not comforting. Serana’s ‘gift’ is hard to see it that way when all Aravi can see is blood and death.

I knew you would like Fury! Thanks Grits!

@DE: The Dawnguard armor comes in a few different colors, and Aravi’s was black. I usually imagine my character’s reactions when I play, but making the videos really forces me to really get into the character, which I love. I need to start making new videos.

I assumed that the ceremony involved sex with Molag Bol. Serana’s certainly embraced her ‘gift’ much more than Aravi has. I’m not sure what will happen to Serana at the end of this. I have yet to get there. Thanks DE!

##################################

Aravi and Serana find the cave the Moth Priest is being held in.

10:24

##################################
Screens!
She never saw it coming That was unexpectedly revealing. Why didn't any of you yell at me??

The ebony blade

Ghosts

This post has been edited by King Coin: Jan 16 2013, 09:41 PM

[Acadian]

This was a great dungeon crawl. I enjoyed that, for the first half or so, Aravi was nice and slow and methodical. I could really tell what she was thinking as she cautiously prepared for her next move. Serana seems pretty effective. Were those frost bolts she was casting at the archer up on the bridge? Well, they found their moth priest. Despite what Serana said upon emerging back up to the surface, I found it beautiful to be back in the light of day. I’ll bet Aravi did too.

The screens are great. I see in ‘She never saw it coming’ that Aravi’s been watching SubRosa’s characters of impalation. In ‘The ebony blade’, the lighting gives Aravi a fiendish grin and glow to her eyes; she loves her swords. I adore the ‘Ghosts’ shot – the characters, scenery, lighting, all of it!

[mALX]

Screens: My favorite screen is "Ghosts" - that screen tells a story and promises a sequal - loved that screen, the mists muted the colored foilage behind them - very eerie and beautiful at the same time.

Second favorite was "The ebony blade." This screen, the red in Aravi's eyes and teeth in this, her pose itself - it looks as if the blade has taken possesion of Aravi - Awesome shot!


Vid: I absolutely loved this dungeon! Loved how Aravi was able to sneak past and set up a vantage point to cut down the percentage against her, too. The number of vampires up there surprised me, who was the named NPC that was killed? When I first saw that I was afraid it was the moth priest, lol. I'm glad Aravi backed off when the moth priest cowered, that was a real "WHEW!" moment, because I wasn't sure she would stop, lol. Awesome vid!

This update was spectacular!

[Grits]

I love how cautious Aravi is in the beginning of the video. Checking the gargoyles for life and staying out of the light, plus keeping an eye on the vampire she’s taking into a vampire fight. This was a fun, tense, and very Aravi video. When Aravi healed herself and then looked at Serana I thought of how she usually heals Kharjo but her spell might not work on the undead.

Great loot helmet! That’s the dragon armor piece that I really like. Ooo, and the moth priest has a nice sword!

That was a good dungeon to be a Khajiit. I really miss the nighteye spell.


She never saw it coming is neat with the pose, the lighting, and a glimpse of Kharjo in the background. I just love Ebony Blade. That sword is beautiful, and its look really suits Aravi. What a fierce expression! Ghosts is my favorite because it looks so neat. Is that Become Ethereal?

[SubRosa]

All of my smoothskin characters have gotten plenty of those "hands to yourself, sneak thief!" comments from the guards too. It is one of the generic greetings they start giving you if your Sneak skill gets over 30. Just like you get the "The gods gave you two hands, and you use both for your weapon" comment once your Two-handed is high enough.

This was the last mission I did with Revansch in Dawnguard. Those gargoyles are nerve-wracking, because you never know which ones are just statues, and which ones are real.

That Vamp Thrall on the bridge was pretty tough! That took a lot of arrows and icy spikes to put her down. Of course the one on the stair did not last long. Not when those two Aravi swords are out!

Those are neat glowy runes on the stones. They remind me of the Giant symbols, except all glowy.

Given the position of those coffins, I guess Skyrim vampires all sleep standing up?

Aravi looks like she is having way too much fun with that Ebony Blade. I think she ought to put it down. Safer for the rest of us!

Ghosts is neat. Did Aravi drink the phantom elixir from that barrow outside of Ivarstead?

I never saw it coming either. You took it down before I could see it!

[Darkness Eternal]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO oooooooooooooooooooooo......ooo....oo..o!!! I just missed an Aravi nude picture? A REVEALING nude picture? DAMN IT!

*Lucien Lachance voice*. "No! No, I'm too late. I thought I could get here in time, thought I could stop you! By Sithis, what have you done? What madness has claimed you? You have betrayed me. You have betrayed my perverted desires. Why?"

Aravi looks surprisingly . . . .malicious in the ebony pic. All red and grinning . . .she's beautiful! Hehe, Aravi took out tha thrall on the bridge pretty nice! Frost and arrows? Not a chance! And Dexion is at last saved . . .who knew even a moth priest could be enthralled?

[King Coin]

@Acadian: Slow and methodical is generally how Aravi likes it. It just doesn’t usually end up going that way. Serana was using ice spikes and lightning I believe when she was shooting at the person on the wall. Aravi definitely liked coming out of the cave and into the sunlight.

Despite the rather evil look she has, I love ‘The ebony blade’ shot. With Kharjo’s familiar out, I couldn’t resist having Aravi turn ghostly too and snap that shot. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: Weird how you would say that about the Ebony blade, it is said to corrupt…

Glad you liked the ghosts one so much! I really like that effect. I don’t use that shout enough.

The named guy is a vampire, he was mentioned in the note Aravi picked up on the road I believe. I was just playing that same quest recently and a vampire popped out of a coffin and scared the heck out of me! Thanks mALX!

@Grits: This was the first time she really took Serana into a fight without Kharjo there. She wasn’t really sure if Serana would side with her or the other vampires. She definitely behaves differently with Serana. Her healing spell would not have benefitted Serana.

I really liked that first screen, the way the sword was kind of glittering was very cool I thought. The Ebony really is a fantastic looking weapon, and with the glitches, Aravi can use it! You got it in ghosts, it’s Become Ethereal! Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: I see about the greeting. Lol at ‘smoothskins.’ Fallout 3! I pretend the guards are being racist when I hear that, since there is supposed to be a lot of that going around.

You can never take your eyes off those gargoyles. You think you have one pegged as real too, then it’s the nerve wracking approach to it…

With the coffins, I guess so. I had one pop out unexpected recently.

The Ebony Blade is supposed to be dangerous to its user… maybe even Aravi is showing signs? Grits was right in the ghost picture, it was the shout! I’m disappointed I had to take down that screen. On one monitor it was fine, on another… no, no it wasn’t. Thanks SubRosa!

@DE: Yep, you missed it! Should have run here faster!

She does look malicious in the ebony pic. Influence of the sword or the beast? Can we tell? Dexion is pretty lucky Aravi stayed her hand. Perhaps the gods look after them. Thanks DE!

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

Dexion reads Serana’s Elderscroll, revealing the weapon they seek. One more man needs to join the Dawnguards ranks, and Aravi and Kharjo set out to search for him.

7:31

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

Screens!

River’s edge

Time to panic

Fighting them off

Aim

Don’t come any closer. You’ll be in reach.

[mALX]

Screens: Aravi's facial expressions in these screens are wonderful, it is so hard to choose among them for a favorite - have to go with the one by the stream though, for the backdrop. All these screens are great!

Vid: Urk, I guessed Aravi would have to return to that castle, hope she doesn't have to fight Serana's father while there! Wonder whose side Serana would take in that? That guy running the Dawnguard is so pleasant...NOT! Wonder if he ever eases up on that? Awesome vid, I am loving this Dawnguard series! Great update!

[Acadian]

I really liked this! Serana’s mother is perhaps hiding right in the vampire castle – very cool! So, it’s off to that castle in search of more Elder Scrolls? No, wait. She’s supposed to find some other dude first? Perhaps another fellow to join the Dawnguards? Yup, just like your preface to the vid says. And it looks like she’s going to take Kharjo with her. I like Serana a lot – she really grows on you, but she’s no Kharjo!

I really like Aravi’s fur loincloth and little top! Yikes! Spiders! The ‘Aim’ shot makes my heart pound! ‘Don’t come any closer’ looks like words to live by – I’m glad she’s a friend! Her face in that one is grimly priceless! She is one dangerous kitty!