Tamrielic Adventures: Vol. 2

[Aarah]

Eolwyn

"Yes, it does." The Bosmer agreed with Niralie in regards to her being enough of a target. "A wise decision."

"As for me..." Eolwyn turned to her satchel and opened it, "I'm going to get rid of these shoes too. Kept them long enough."
She looked down at the open bag, but didn't remove the footwear.

[BetaB17]

:

Shoes of mad hops tho!!!

[Alarra]

Niralie - Azeet's Leaf-House

Niralie looked over at Grelok. "You still have the bowl, correct? I guess if we want to do this, then the only thing left to decide is who will be the ones to do the honors."

[Unionhack]

Azeet's Leaf-House

Azeet was asleep in her rocking chair when Nora entered the room. She showed no signs of noticing her arrival.

General Store

Almost immediately after Teldirl uttered the word 'sleep', the young man began stumbling. A rather unceremonious thump signaled his fall, and soft snoring confirmed the nord's incapacitated state.

Teldril was easily able to collect the blood and store it in vials. Given the young man's youth and fair health, the blood was of above-average quality to those concerned with such things.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox

She pursed her lips upon seeing the argonian asleep, keeping herself contained from sounding like a rowdy troll. She approached from the stairs, and approached Azeet's station, wondering if she was really in slumber

[Unionhack]

Azeet's Leaf House

Azeet continued to snore, the narrator assuming of course that argonians have such capacity to do so. Nora's approach seemed to not deter the old woman at all.

[BetaB17]

Hidden:

Oh that narrator

Not wanting to disturb her so, even while she neared and gazed at the fond maiden. Turning aside, she proceeded to peek behind her station, where she did much of her brewing and service

[Hissien]

Teldril

Teldril tucked the vials into his pack and staunched the bleeding for the young man. He didn't care to leave more bodies behind. Sighing under his breath the elf moved out the door into the streets of Markarth. He decided that there was one last place he had to go before meeting Fenrald; an old tea house he used to frequent. Stepping lightly he made his way towards Azeet's Leaf House, smelling the familiar scents on the wind.

[Unionhack]

Hidden:

Time for some DM magic.

First off, I'd like to apologize for letting this drag so hard. Things have been really ramping up in Uniontown between a new job and finishing my degree, but I still like to handle this stuff because it's good to have a creative outlet. Thank you for being patient with me while I learn to get off my ass and act like a DM.

I realize that there are some questions left right now, like how many threads have been claimed and what not. I'm still working out the math and such. This skip is probably gonna create a few questions, but my current attitude is that getting the plot moving is more important than fretting about details that I can fix and explain later.

I talked to a few folks and it seems like the consensus will be visiting High Rock for the next Thread(s). To get things rolling and to stop stagnation, I'm dropping you guys on the road there. The closest city on the list of threads is Farrun, to the very north of High Rock. In these spoiler tags is the list you all received several pages ago.

Spoiler:

Skyrim
4 total
2x in Falkreath Hold
-1 near or within Helgen
-1 near or under Lake Ilinalta (likely underwater)

1x in The Reach
-In the vicinity of or inside Markarth

1x in Winterhold
-Likely in the possession of the College and also likely jealously guarded

Cyrodiil
4 Total
-1 in jurisdiction of Imperial City (likely the Arcane University)
-2 near Cheydinhal, location unclear
-1 near Anvil, location unclear

Morrowind
7 total
-All 7 in one place, somewhere near or within Vivec

High Rock
2 Total
-1 near/in Farrun
-1 near/in Wayrest

Orsinium
1 Total
-1 near central Orsinium, location unclear

Summerset Isles
2 total
-2: Too far to tell exact locations (Nocturnal's luck be with you)

If you have a significant problem with High Rock being the next destination, please let me know. This is all collaborative and I want to make sure no one is left out in their ideas, but I also want to get things moving and sometimes magicking the plot along is the best way to do that.

As it stands, all the threads in Skyrim have either been claimed by the party or by the enemy, so there are no loose ends to tie up.

If you have any questions, I'm always a PM away, as is Baloth. I'm currently working with both Hissien and Kerr to get their characters up to speed and with the party ASAP.

Several Days Later

During their last night in Markarth, each of the seekers experienced a restless night full of tossing and turning, their heads pounding and their throats cracking with thirst. In the back of their mind they could each hear the casual, mocking tone of Sanguine.

Looks like all of my lovelies keeping pace with the hunt. I imagine Hircine is absolutely jealous right about now, with all the entertainment I've got here.

Skyrim's all cleaned out of my little baubles, thanks to the lot of you and your dour friends. Not good for a party, but excellent on cleanup duty, they are. Hope you've all practiced sweeping, because I hear High Rock gets dusty this time of year.

Remember, the bowl is my way of keeping track of all of this for you. I'm quite generous, so maybe pay me back by shuffling it into your bags next to the good travel wine instead of stuffing it next to the blankets and firewood.

Keep a mind, I'm not going to wait forever. Prophecy's got a funny way of happening when you're not looking.

Those who looked at Sanguine's offering bowl, the one used to dispose of the threads, would notice the glimmering gems at the base lit up in correspondence with the current 'score' of the wager; blue for those claimed by the adventurers, red for those claimed by the agents of the Hollow Council, dark for those yet unclaimed, and a strange greenish hue present on seven of the gems. Perhaps threads claimed by a yet unseen force? Sanguine said nothing of it, and responded to no hails on the matter.

The road welcomed the adventurers without incident, and before long they found themselves on the border of High Rock. Misty conditions prevailed, but could not cover up the torches and braziers of a small town built on the side of the traveling road. Such a settlement likely sprung up to service travelers coming to and from Skyrim and High Rock, and likely profited from the trade such travelers tended to bring with them.

A sign on the road just outside of the town's borders read 'Willowdale'. It was the first stop they had encountered in several nights following their departure from Markarth, and their first opportunity for rest outside of night time camping.

Ra'zhar looked at the others from atop his horse and spoke up. "Ra'zhar proposes a stop. The moons are well into their ascent, and it has been some time since we divined for our quarry, yes?"

[Alarra]

Niralie - Willowdale

Niralie looked up from the book she was reading as she rode, brushing to the side a small blue orb of conjured light that floated a foot or two above the pages, as it drifted in her way. Sanguine's message back during the last night in Markarth had troubled her, and she'd spent as much time as she could since then studying Mysticism and occasionally practicing some of the spells.

"Oh, yes, please," she readily agreed. She tucked a ribbon bookmark between the pages and then put the book away in her bag. "A warm bath and a proper bed would be wonderful, and it's a good idea to make sure that we're still on the right track."

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox -Willowdale

Nora stretched her shoulders and arms "Aye. An' a good meal too. Te wilds only can provide so much" she said with a pleasent tone.

[Aarah]

Eolwyn - Willowdale

Similar to Niralie, Eolwyn had briefly been reading as she travelled. Her book of choice, however, was Nandrnil's grimoire. It's pages held not just magical insights, but also emotional ones; it brought back memories of the mer she once knew.

Despite reading, Eolwyn spent the majority of the journey keeping alert for danger. As the party neared Willowdale, the present mist made her warn the others; she had not forgotten the thick fog that had arisen when they encountered the Hollow Council upon the road to Markarth.
Fortunately, the fine water particles turned out to be of nature's creation and not of their foes.

"Let's remember not to announce ourselves too loudly." The Bosmer reminded the others.

[BetaB17]

Nora seemed to flinch at the bosmer's reminder, ducking her head and looking back at her in a coy manner before tossing her a smile and saying "Aye, m'captain." Even giving her a friendly salute

Taking back her stead, and being a bit more vigil, she said openly to friendly ears "I be wonderin', when the last time I been to Farrun. Couldnt 'ev been but two winters ago. Have of ye?" As she talked, she was very concious of her volumn, keeping it more personal

:

"Have you ever been to Farrun, or High Rock?"

[Alarra]

Niralie - Willowdale

Niralie's face grew more serious as she took in Eolwyn's warning, and nodded. She was glad when Nora lightened the mood a bit, taking her mind off their previous ambush by the Hollow Council. She shook her head in response to the Nord's question. "I'd never even been outside Cyrodiil before now. What's it like?"

[Hissien]

Markarth Outskirts - City Stables

Teldril walked into the rising moonlight with his freshly gotten supplies. The air was crisp, a faint breeze was caressing the landscape in its frigid embrace sending shivers even up the vampire's spine as he continued on his way. With a flick of his wrist, Teldril faded from sight through his powers of invisibility and crept slowly up to the only saddled mare at the sables, a fine beast with beautiful painted markings of brown and white in the traditional Markarth breed.

"There's no need for that, Old Boy. I may have banished you; but I am no monster." Fenrald said stepping out of the shadows of a nearby stone pillar. The nord carried the same hard face that Teldril had seen in the throne room for but a moment, fading into a sincere smile that crept up Fenrald's face. His sad eyes gazed into Teldril's with obvious regret for a moment before continuing.

"I know you may not want to see me right now, given everything that has happened but.. Well.. You know I had no choice except to do what I did, right? I could not have a vampire serving openly as my Court Wizard. For all the power I wield, the people surely would rise up against such an act. I trust you, as I have always trusted you to do the right thing. So, in that line of thinking I have one last job for you; if you will accept." Fenrald said letting the statement hang in the air.

Teldril dropped his invisibility, still wondering how on earth Fenrald had seen him in the first place. He stared at the Nord in confusion before chuckling softly to himself. "I always did underestimate you, my Jarl. What could you possibly need of a banished wizard? And what do I get out of it all?" He asked folding his arms across his chest.

"Well, let's start with the task before we get to the spoils. It's no easy task, it will be dangerous but it is of the utmost importance. I would like you to follow those adventurers who left town today, and record their passage and happenings. I get a sense that whatever they are doing; it will be important history some day. And I intend to write it. Maybe a history that will paint you in a better light than this one." Fenrald said letting is eyes rest on the vampire.

"So you want me to be your scribe? That's it then? You banish me, leave me without home or country to make simple notes and scribbles?" Teldril said beginning to anger. His eyes flashed in rage before dimming back to their normal subdued crimson shade. With a sigh he relaxed himself. "I suppose I really don't have a choice."

Fenrald laughed. "I can see how you would feel that way Teldril old boy but you always have a choice. You could simply leave; and never look back. But destiny calls, and one way or another we all get to where we need to be. Now, the horse has some basic supplies and some traveling gold in its saddlebags so you should be set for awhile. There's also some.. Rations inside for you." He said with a hint of disgust.

"Then I had best be on my way, My Jarl." Teldril said rolling his eyes. "Take care old friend. May you die with a sword in your hand."

"You too. May the moon and star light your path." Fenrald said completing the last of their verbal games.

.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Teldril - Near the border of Highrock

Teldril rode out towards Highrock, following the scent of the Adventurers on the wind. Moving mostly by night, as the sun was oppressive to his undead pallor, he tried to keep a good gap of space so that he would not be noticed. As the sun began to burn off the mist of the night; he took his rest in the shade of his tent.

Hidden:

I posted this with expressly written permission

[Baloth-Kul]

Grelok - Willowdale

The Orc inhaled deeply, taking in the misty air, and only exhaled out of necessity. A thief appreciated natural cover, and the dampness was somewhat refreshing. He wasn't about to let their mortal enemy spoil weather conditions for him.

[Unionhack]

Willowdale

The adventurers entered the small hamlet proper. It was sparse in amenity as most roadside trading stops were; a farm to supply the residents, two trading posts, and a comparatively large inn near the center of the establishment.

Dorian leaned forward to cut in and answer Niralie's question, with the standard flair. "A bit dingy compared to the lovely hearths of Wayrest and the like, but Farrun's got its charm. Used to be an old orcish stronghold before it was taken back in ages past. Now it's a port city, with biting icy winters; like the bite of a wolf. As far as High Rock goes, it's not the prettiest or most welcoming place. As far as the rest of Tamriel goes, however, I'd take it over Markarth or Windhelm any day."

________

Twelve Travel Hours Behind

Teldril's rest went undisturbed for a time. The sun began to fall as quickly as it had risen, spelling the approach of traveling hours for one averse to sunlight.

The typical cry of wolves and other creatures of the night failed to reach Teldril's enhanced ears, giving him the sense that something was wrong. Silence was interrupted by the sound of spells being cast and the creaking of bones. Soon shouts followed, making it clear that combat was to be had.

______

The skeletal assailants fell upon Ravel and the twins before they could even react. Within a moment, a cudgel slammed into the back of Casseth's hand, sending him unceremoniously to the ground.

As a near baker's dozen of freshly animated skeletons encroached around Ravel and Helseth, there was a brief chance to react before an attack befell them. If a summoner was nearby, they did not make their presence known.

Hidden:

Everyone say hi to Ravel, and the long-awaited addition of Kerr to the RP.

Spoiler:

Name: Ravel Rallen

Race: Dunmer

Age: 24

Gender: Agender (Any pronouns)

Appearance:

Hidden:

Ravel has messy black hair and red eyes with pale grey skin. 5' 8 in height, androgynous appearance, average-slender build. Wears a set of orange, red and brown Telvanni robes.

Personality: True Neutral. Ravel is known for being ambitious, cunning, blunt and often brutally honest, lacking in tact. The sort of person who'd say "Yes." when asked if an outfit looked bad. Can also be extremely hot headed or condescending at times. Like many in the Great House, Ravel doesn't care for the gods, they're a means to an end, not worthy of the devotion some heap upon them. While takes a while to warm up to new people, Ravel does care about friends and family. Wanting to free their father from his indentured servitude being a driving motivation.

Fears large bodies of water after almost drowning as a young child. Always wears a ring of waterbreathing because of it, but the phobia remains.

Bio: Ravel was born in Balmora, Morrowind the only child of Tabitha and Balen Rallen, a pair of merchants running a general store "Rallen's Requests." Ravel took an interest in alchemy and magic from a young age, but a poorly made water walking potion resulted in them almost drowning in the river at age 7, only saved by an Argonian citizen of the town who happened to be passing by. Tabitha died of Black-Heart Blight when Ravel was 12 and the store began to run into more and more difficulties as Ravel grew older. Balen would eventually find himself indebted to the Morag Tong. While Ravel worked in the store as a teen, eventually they pursued the deeper passion of magic and became a student in Great House Telvanni after turning 21.

Ravel was quite a talented student and came under the tutelage of Master Neloth within their first year. However Neloth was prone to be quite a dismissive master with little patience for his students. Shortly after turning 22 Ravel's father became so indebted that he was forced to sell both his store and himself into indentured servitude. Four months ago, Neloth sent Ravel and two other students, Helseth and Casseth Saren on a quest to retrieve the Oghma Infinium. The trio agreed this was an all but impossible task and that Neloth just wanted an excuse to not have to teach them for a while as well as dismiss them and force them to find another master if he so desired. But they set out nonetheless.

Ravel has just turned 24 and is still desperate to complete the quest Neloth had given them, but Helseth and Casseth have all but abanonded hope and are ready to return to Neloth as failures, willing to accept dismissal and reassignment to another tutor if it comes to that.

Skills: Speechcraft, Mercantile, Destruction, Conjuration, Illusion, Alchemy. Cooking, sewing and basic restoration knowledge.

Equipment: A spare set of Telvanni robes, silver ring of waterbreathing, a leather satchel bag, a journal and writing equipment, a knife, a wooden club, 3 regular potions of healing, 1 potion of cure disease, sewing set, basic medical supplies, waterskin, gold pouch with 100 septims, a mortar & pestle, calcinator and retort along with spare bottles.

Companions: Helseth and Casseth Saren are identical 22 year old twin brothers from the wealthy Saren family of Mournhold. They're known for their white hair and general aloofness, with little care for their studies and more interested in heading to local taverns and using their extravagant wealth. Each wears an amulet of recall set for their ancestral home in Mournhold. Unlike Ravel who joined out of a desire to become a master sorcerer, the twins joined mainly for political gain.

Still, despite their differences Ravel and the twins became quick friends and Ravel was always able to tell which was which, something Master Neloth and many people in their lives were unable to do. Neloth also never bothered to learn what gender Ravel was and Ravel responded regardless, never correcting him. Eventually it lead to a 100 septim bet between Helseth and Casseth with Helseth thinking they're a man and Casseth a woman. Ravel, pretty indifferent towards their own gender decided to play along and not tell them the answer. The brothers agree that answer doesn't matter and have mostly stopped talking about it, but the bet continues.

[BetaB17]

Nora the Fox - Willowdale

"Oh what ye talkin' about?" Upon her saddle, she put both fists upon her hips and added a bit of flare to her movement "Te great n' noble Dorian, there" had this been many weeks ago, when she but only new him for the arrogance as he was, her tone probably would of been a bit more biting and cold. But these travels have made her warm up to the Breton's nature, if but a touch. But her unbidden smile and playfully taunting voice could tell no lie.

"An' what be wrong with a classy stronghole? An' what of Markarth? Don't ye go putting shame on my lands ye hear" wagging a good finger in his direction. Had he been any closer, surely she would be pulling on his ear by now

:

I hope this alright, but I presumed since we've been traveling longer, and didnt really get to see much of Dorian in the last chapter(s).. maybe Nora has softened up on Dorian. Sort of makes sense, if she feels so close with Grelok, Eolwyn n such

Nora clapped her hands twice. "So whe're te first! Tradin Post or da inn?"

[Hissien]

Teldril - The Open Road

Teldril groaned inwardly, not looking forward to what was sure to be a rather lengthy bout of spellcasting. He grabbed his bag of supplies, leaving his tent and horse behind, and headed in the direction of the sound.

[Kerr]

Ravel Rallen - Pass near High Rock border

"Casseth!" Ravel exclaimed in a panicked tone, seeing their friend wounded and knocked to the ground. Drawing a club in their right hand Ravel readied fire in the left, prepared to shoot a continuous burst of flame at the skeletons once they approached the young traveling mages. Ravel glanced at twin who hadn't been attacked yet and gave him a nod. "We'll get through this." said Ravel to Helseth, trying to reassure themself as much as him.

Hidden:

"Casseth's hand" I'm wondering if this is meant to be his head.

I'll probably stick to they but y'all can use he, she or they for Ravel, genuinely doesn't matter, all work. Ravel doesn't care.

[Aarah]

Eolwyn - Willowdale

"I need to pay a visit to the trading post, but you can get settled at the inn. Get these Threads in the bowl, do a scry, then get some food and rest." Unlike Nora's upbeat tone, Eolwyn sounded flat and serious.

[Unionhack]

Willowdale

Dorian chuckled. "No shame upon your lands, just praise upon mine." he said, then nodding to Eolwyn. "I like her idea; I fancy a warm fire and a bed."

Trading Post

As Eolwyn entered the closest trading post (the larger of the town's two, on the east side), she saw several workers moving about boxes of goods to be distributed to passing caravans. On the far wall was a mail exchange, where a Redguard courier was placing letters. "Passing by group of adventurers... Wood Elf, High Elf, Khajiit, number of others... Addressed to a 'Grelok' and a 'Niralie' among others..." he mumbled to himself as he shuffled a letter off to the side on the shelf he was working on.

Roadside Encounter

Helseth nodded shakily to Ravel and readied a shield spell.

Ravel's stream of flame spewed forth and weakened the magically conjoined joints of some of the skeletons in front of them. Three shambled and crumbled into heaps of quickly dissolving bones, while another two fled the scene.

One of the remaining 8 skeletons swung at Helseth with a sword, triggering the readied shield spell. The spell saved his life, at least for the time being, but the remaining cadre of undead were steadily closing in. Casseth remained unconscious on the ground, seemingly no longer a concern to their assailants.

Teldril found himself upon the scene not moments after, approaching the conflict from the side in a perfect spot to flank Ravel's attackers. Given his natural predisposition for the night, Teldril remained unseen for the time being.

[Hissien]

Teldril

Teldril came upon the scene and jumped into action. He moved to a position where he could hopefully avoid the mer but, still hit most of the skeletons with his spell. The vampire's hands came down in a wide arc and sent a wave of flame towards the group of skeletons.

[Aarah]

Eolwyn - Trading Post

Eolwyn entered the Trading Post and approached the counter. On her way, she couldn't help but hear the mumbles of the Redguard. She squinted in curiosity.
Who would be sending us a letter? And who knows that we would be here right now?

"Excuse me." The Bosmer addressed the courier.
"I need to send a letter. Could I purchase some parchment and such to do so?"

[Kerr]

Ravel attempted to smack the skeleton who had stuck at Helseth on the noggin with a club.