Aravi in Skyrim, her video story Options

[Grits]

Visiting Kharjo’s Caravan: “B*tch, he is MINE!” OK, I know Aravi would never say that, but…

I love these screenshots! There is no way I can pick a favorite. Darkness with Light sums up time spent in the Soul Cairn perfectly. I love the sky on New Friend, Durnehviir looks happy, and Aravi looks fierce and beautiful. The horse! Love the horse. These are great!!

The video: It’s a shame that Umana is hostile, since all she wants to do is leave. But that makes her gear available for the taking! Targe of the Blooded is one awesome shield. Mikke is my only character who carries it. Did Aravi give it to Kharjo?

I love Aravi’s reaction to Blackreach. Then of COURSE she has to pull the lever!! Curious kit. I was giggling when she went into sneak and got out her bow. Yeah, someone might have heard that!

Nice to get a breath of fresh air during a Blackreach adventure, even if it means a moment of panic thinking that you’re trapped in a nefarious Dwemer device. Whoops, dragon. Wait, are they going back to the other Alftand entrance along the surface? Or is this just a comfort break and then back to Blackreach? I guess I’ll find out soon!

I really enjoyed this video!

[Acadian]

It was funny how Kharjo snuck around the fighting pair to join up with Aravi.

I really like those glowy mushroom/jellyfish trees in the Blackreach and all the little floaty lights. Crimson nirnroot!

Those Dwemer were some clever and mechanically inclined folks!

And back out into Skyrim. Love the craggy mountains and blowing snow. Uh oh, a dragon. . . .

Fabulous action screenshots! So nice to see Aravi with a horse!

[SubRosa]

They should have named those two Marius and Sulla...

It was funny watching Kharjo sneaking through the two of them while they were fighting.

Wow, Sulla did not live long to savor the victory!

I wish there was some way to get down into Blackreach, without having to do that quest with the elder scroll. It is one of the most interesting areas in the game, and so far only one of my characters has ever gone down there because of that.

I see Aravi found one of the lifts out. That will make it a lot easier to sell off loot, and get back in without going through all of Alftand.

Fight Darkness with Light looked neat. Was that a black skeleton?

Aravi is now a Mongol Cat Archer! Woot! If I ever get back to Skyrim, I will have to make a mounted archer character.

I bet the other caravaneers are not too happy to see Aravi. After all, she stole Kharjo away from them!



This post has been edited by SubRosa: Oct 1 2012, 02:09 AM

[King Coin]

@DE: Of course Aravi’s with the Dawnguard! Just seeing what those vamps have stashed below their castle, it looks like the right choice too.

I don’t even think the dead like it in the Soul Cairn. Serana was not a fan. There are many trapped souls whiling away eternity there. What a bleak existence.

The two fighting took a loooong time. Blackreach is a very interesting place. So much down there.

Glad you liked those two screen shots at the end. I can’t wait for Aravi to drop Durneviir on some camp of baddies. Thanks DE!

@mALX: Magic mushroom world! Sounds like some drug induced dream world! Glad you liked the screens. I’m using a pose mod to access those idles, but yes, Aravi’s got her hand on her hip. There are a few others in there too. Thanks mALX!

@Grits: Aravi didn’t say that! I love it when you can’t pick a favorite of the screens I post. Durnehviir was killing trolls.

I wish that they had gotten down there sooner; Targe of the Blooded was significantly weaker than Kharjo’s shield, even after smithing.

You picked up on that panic. She couldn’t find the lever to open the gate! Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: I don’t get why the game had Kharjo go around that way. I actually reloaded that part a couple of times, and he did it every time.

Blackreach is one of the coolest areas in Skyrim. It’s actually a city! Yep, after all that time below ground, Aravi felt the need for some rest and fresh air. Not a dragon though! Thanks Acadian!

@SubRosa: Aravi wasn’t going to give Sulla the opportunity to heal up.

I’m pretty sure there are a couple of different ways into the Blackreach. Oh I see, you need that thing from the campaign to get in.

You are definitely right about the lift; Aravi’s pack was getting heavy.

In the screen shot, that was a black skeleton. It’s quite a bit sturdier than the standard variety, and is added by Dawnguard.

If you make a mounted archer, I request a Khajiit!

Lol! Aravi’s back to recruit more guards away from the caravan! Thanks SubRosa!

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Aravi and Kharjo returned to Whiterun to drop off some treasures they intend to keep, sell things that they don’t need, resupply, and so Aravi could change into some new armor. Before returning to Whiterun however, they went looking for the dog that started following them. They found no sign of the loud but cheery mutt. Hopefully it found someone that could provide a good home.

6:30

Sinderion's Field Journal

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Screen shots

Home!

Chilly kitty! (‘Get Snowy’ mod)

Bloody blades in the night

Elven armor. This is a retexture, and while I love the detail (zoom in on the chest piece), I’m not sure if I like the color. The originals have a very pretty gold color with a subtle shine. What do you all think?

[mALX]

I'm just looking at the screens now, since it is 2:30 am - can't hear the vid if I watch it now, lol. "Chilly Kitty" is my absolute fave of all! I love all these, though - Aravi happy to be home - and I can see that armor better in the close-up! All great shots! Will be back when I see the vid, can't wait since I see Sinderon is in it! (or at least his journal, lol).

[mALX]

GAAAAH! I thought Kharjo bought the farm there, URK !!!! I heard a man's voice when Aravi first came in, but can't read the enemies names - the print is too small and pale. Sinderon is dead! Urk! LOVED his lab! Nice little hideaway with plenty of loot! Loved this vid, what a place! Great update!

[King Coin]

If anyone is having trouble seeing the videos at the YouTube default size and quality, there are options in the lower right corner of the video to both increase the size and quality of the video. I upload almost every video in HD so you can go all the way up to 1080p and see it the way I do in game.

Doing that however dramatically increases the amount of information YouTube has to send to your computer. If you have a slow internet connection (I do) it is better to either load the video and immediately pause it and just let the video load for a while so playback isn't interrupted, or just watch a low quality in a small window.

[mALX]

If anyone is having trouble seeing the videos at the YouTube default size and quality, there are options in the lower right corner of the video to both increase the size and quality of the video. I upload almost every video in HD so you can go all the way up to 1080p and see it the way I do in game.

Doing that however dramatically increases the amount of information YouTube has to send to your computer. If you have a slow internet connection (I do) it is better to either load the video and immediately pause it and just let the video load for a while so playback isn't interrupted, or just watch a low quality in a small window.

Oooh, thanks for the tips! I'll try it, my internet is supposed to be fast (LAN).

[Acadian]

Back into the land of glowy mushroom trees and blue snowflakes that ignore gravity! And more ice elves too! I like it how when Aravi stows her weapons that, even though you can’t always see him, you can hear Kharjo stow his as well.

Yowwwwolll! Sinderion is dead!

Lol, my eyes are playing tricks on me. I thought those boots said ‘Leather Boots of Humping’. Oh. . . ‘Hauling,’ I see.

I like how the enchanting altar works. I won’t tease Aravi about the elusive spellmaking altar. . . .

Thanks for the link to Sinderion’s Journal and wonderful screens! Aravi looks so beautiful in the snow, and so businesslike with her blades out.

[SubRosa]

I see Aravi has some new duds. I agree with what you mean about the detail. That is some really nice scrollwork all over it, and especially the part in the center of the chestpiece. But the color seems a but dull compared to regular elven. I like the brighter color the vanilla armor has.

Back to Blackreach. That was some long-range shooting against that Gloomlurker. The whole time I heard someone slugging it out nearby "That's all you go!" It does not sound like something Kharjo would say though. I hear the chittering of a Chaurus too. That is not good. Now that Aravi has her two swords out, things will not last very long!

Poor Sinderion! Seeing him again is bittersweet. It was nice to see a friendly old face from Oblivion. But not like this.

I see you are using some weapon mods, since you have an ebony shortsword. Retribution is a good name for an Absorb Health sword. Time to get some for our old friend from Skingrad.

Chilly Kitty was my favorite of all the pics. Such a wonderful closeup. I could almost count the hairs on her muzzle.

[Grits]

I love the detail in Chilly Kitty! You can see the little snowflakes stuck on Aravi’s fur! Those snowy grey tones are my favorite Skyrim palette. I like the new armor, even though it’s less shiny and yellow than the original (which I also like very much). Actually, that’s probably why I like it more. Plus the detail is lovely!

The video: Ah, I see, they took a break for provisions. That was an excellent idea! Just looking into Blackreach, you know there is still a long way to go.

Great shooting against the Gloomlurker! Aravi must have been feeling the pressure to get into the Falmer and chaurus vs. Kharjo fight. That looked so neat when he backlit the Falmer with his healing spell/potion! And alarming when she couldn't quite see his still alive status in the dark.

Finding Sinderion is one of my favorite Skyrim moments (though I would have loved to find him alive, of course). Aravi seemed very respectful and not inclined to loot his laboratory. Does she know him from Skingrad? With her timeline, she could easily have met him or even be the adventurer he wrote about in the journal. I don’t remember from her Oblivion videos. Maybe she can give the Falmer some Retribution for what they did to Sinderion. I love her ebony sword!

“Leather Boots of Humping” right beside the bed, LOL Acadian! What we never knew about Sinderion!

I use the higher settings to watch as much as I can, thank you for uploading them that way. Pausing like you suggest helps with my slow connection.

[King Coin]

@mALX: I love that screen of Aravi with the snow in her fur, that mod is brilliant! Aravi was actually going to Windhelm, but she took a very indirect route and went to Riften first. She was missing her place down there.

The fight against the Falmer was so difficult because Aravi couldn’t see a thing and didn’t want to risk hitting Kharjo. Aravi will not have any difficulty killing Falmer after finding Sinderon. Thanks mALX!

@Acadian: I think it’s all very pretty. Now if only there weren’t any dangerous Falmer down there. Yes, Sinderion is dead. That was an unpleasant surprise. He died doing what he loved I suppose. It’s just too bad the Falmer didn’t leave him alone. He seemed to have some vigor, though wearing boots to bed would be a little unusual.

Aravi could only do a weak enchantment; her skill wasn’t very high at that point. It’s a little better now.

She might not like the snow, but it looks nice in her fur! Thanks Acadian!

@SubRosa: I still haven’t decided on whether to keep the retexture or not, but I’m leaning towards removing it.

Kharjo took care of the chaurus on his own which was nice. At lower levels, they can be real killers. It was very sad to see Sinderion like that, but like you said it was nice to remember him from the cellar of that old inn. Retribution didn’t last as long as I had hoped it would have, the modder classified it as a dagger instead of a sword, so Aravi wasn’t very effective with it. Now that Khajiit texture mod is something I’m not going to give up. It’s stunningly good. Thanks SubRosa!

Grits: I love that screen too, the snow is a wonderful effect.

I could not believe how dark it was in there. Aravi runs into that problem again. You know it’s dark when a cat can’t see. I liked finding Sinderion too and Aravi recognized him. Aravi is particular about what she loots. She feels like it is disrespectful and with enemies, she doesn’t give a damn. With other people though, she’s less inclined to take things. The adventurer was someone else. She liked him, but was busy with other things in Cyrodiil to be collecting plants for him.

Was Jerric’s lucky boots anything like Sinderion’s? Maybe that’s why he wanted them back so badly! Thanks Grits!

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Aravi and Kharjo make their way through the Blackreach and destroy any Falmer they find.

6:44

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Screenshots

Another imposture

You picked the wrong fight

At SubRosa’s suggestion, Triss armor

[mALX]

*

Screens: You picked the wrong fight - STUNNING! What a scene !!!!!! It begins with the expression on the Orc's face, Kharjo standing ready and waiting if he gets up. Then suddenly there is Aravi in the background shooting from her horse - This is one of my fave screens of all time, it is perfect!

Vid: That fatigue mod is AWESOME for realism and immersion! After battles hearing Aravi panting - so believable after these strenuous fights where she is getting beaten up so badly! The Falmer have people as servants? ARGH! A cliffhanger vid!

Awesome update!


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 4 2012, 06:26 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

*Runs to thread, almost out of breath*

Aravi's new clothes, I simply adore! She's going to kick some tush in style now!


Home.
I wonder what she's thinking of. What a day it was? Nekkid Kharjo?

Chilly Kitty.
The detail here is amazing! Poor Aravi . . .if only there were the sands of Elseweyr to make sand angels on. Skyrim weather=burr.

The two others I love also. It is amazing what you can do with mods, huh. Simply beautiful. The Elvena armor color does look a bit . . .off.

Ah, Sinderion. Even after he made us do endless chores in Oblivion, he still wants us to go hunting for noisy red weeds after his death. I half expected his ghost to be giving us quests to find more plants . . .

Okay, the "You picked a wrong fight," was truly a badass image! Aravi on her horse, Kharjo with his shield and sword . . there is no escape for the Orsimer! The two cats took down the brute!

We continue on Blackreach, eh! I agree with mALX. The fatigue and the graphics only enhance the realism, making it a tremendous experience in PC gaming . . .which I don't have the privilge of experiencing!

[Acadian]

It was kind and brave of Aravi to declare herself to that first servant, hoping to avoid bloodshed. Too bad it didn’t work out.

Great screens of A&K in deadly action! What a great team they make.

[SubRosa]

Whoa, that Falmer Shadowmaster lived up to his name. He came out of nowhere! Aravi even accidentally hit Kharjo's Familiar. That was a close one!

At least Aravi got to return the favor with a sneak attack on the next Falmer!

Uh oh, there is a Wisp Mother down there.

Aravi did indeed take the high road by trying to talk to the Falmer Servants. I remember my first (and only) time in Blackreach, I thought they were prisoners whom I could rescue. I was probably as surprised as Aravi when they attacked!

Nice dodging the power attack by the guy with the mace.

Picked the wrong fight is bloody indeed! It looks like Aravi took the Bloody Mess perk from the Fallout Games!

She looks great in the Triss outfit! That is one that no character can seem to go wrong with. I hope you keep it in her clothing rotation for a while.

[Grits]

Blackreach is one of the places where I really miss Detect Life enchantments. Aravi’s fatigue mod added to the tension in this video. It’s so strange to find people living down there! And even stranger when they attack. I’m sure some of the wonder of the place faded when Aravi had to kill that Khajiit. She is great at sneaking! It’s so hard to sneak up on those Falmer.


I like the Triss armor a lot. It looks sort of cosmopolitan compared to her barbarian gear, and it reminds me of her Cyrodiil past for some reason. Also it complements Kharjo’s Dawnguard look nicely with the buckles and materials. It really looks like it came from the same world.

Aravi looks furious at that orc looter! Her pose is awesome!

But Wrong Fight goes with my favorites. It’s just perfect.

[King Coin]

@mALX: I thought you’d have liked the first screen better because it shows Aravi’s face better. I guess I can’t call them all. I’ve been using that mod for a while now; I’m surprised you are mentioning it now. I am glad that you like it however. It certainly makes the fights seem like they are more strenuous. Thanks mALX!

@DE: I don’t know what she’s thinking of and I won’t argue against any of your speculation.

Thank you on the Wrong Fight. I liked the blood in the snow and the look on the orc’s face. I had a pretty mediocre computer for a long time and it feels good to finally have a badass machine. It was expensive but with my job I was able to upgrade it over a year and a half. Thanks DE!

@Acadian: You know Aravi has a heart that gets her in trouble at times. It’s good that she can take it when things don’t go the way she’d like. I know Buffy doesn’t always have the luxury of finding the intents of everyone she meets. Thanks Acadian!

@SubRosa: That familiar is always getting in the way. I wonder now if that Shadowmaster has an invisibility spell and if it uses it? That would be something.

Aravi kind of thought the same thing as you did after she spotted them for the first time. She left the other ones alone after that and kept herself hidden.

I like the Triss outfit too. The only thing I am iffy on is the pants look a little odd when Aravi is barefoot. I think the boots that go with it must be knee high with the way it’s styled. Thanks SubRosa, and keep your eyes open for more clothes!

@Grits: Yes it is time to get out of the Blackreach now. There are many wonders down there, but Aravi’s experience soured after she killed those people.

Aravi’s pretty good at sneaking up on people and giving them her blade, but remaining undetected for much longer than that is difficult for her. Her style is usually to remove the threat… not to leave it behind her.

I see exactly where you are coming from with the Triss armor. Thanks Grits!

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A note: This one contains a lot of cinematic scenes. I didn’t want to cut them, but neither was I thrilled with keeping them.

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Aravi and Kharjo finally find what they are looking for.

11:03

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Screens!

Frozen flowers

For a few minutes, life was almost normal One & Two

Leap!

These sands are cold, but Khajiit feels warmness from your presence

[Grits]

What a relief to get out of there without anything dropping down from the ceiling or swooping out of the sky to attack them!

I think you chose what to show in the video very well. The cinematic scenes are important for understanding why she's doing these quests. I never thought of it before, but that dragon landing and honoring Hakon’s courage rather than just attacking from above sheds a lot of light on the current dragons’ behavior. They’re complicated beings.

Warmness from Your Presence… awww! I just adore that one! I love the light in these. That must have been a beautiful day in Whiterun, and the basket full of flowers tells the tale of collecting along the road. I love this set of screens!

[mALX]

OMG, I can't pick between "One," "Leap," or "These Sands" as my fave - these have to go into my top faves list! I love them all equally for too many reasons to list! AWESOME SHOTS!

The vid was one powerful cut scene! First off, I love the Dwemer light refracting thingy, I've used one of those in game, took me almost an hour to get it right, ROFL !!!

The dragon greeting Aravi on the snowy road was my favorite part of that vid, Loved that he talked to her and she didn't attack him.

I wanted to smack the bragging woman in the cut scene, but other than that absolutely LOVED the way the Elder Scroll showed the past that way!

I'm pretty sure the Dragon language will take off like Klingon did, and it will be heard spoken in the hallways of schools between classes!

Awesome update!