Skyrim RRP: Robert

I decided to start a new file the other day and with some of my free time I thought i'd try to turn it into a RRP. I hope those that follow the other RRPs don't find this one too boring. Feedback is welcomed. A Summary of Helgen is two "paragraphs."

Just Another Day in Skyrim

I walked up the hill to Dustmen’s Cairn to find a gaping hole in the ground, with stone protrusions forming stairs down to the entrance. I yanked the ancient Nord arrows from my hide shield, tossed them onto the grassy mound and walked down. My new friend Farkas was already at the top after coming to my aid at the cemetery below and followed me down into the stone pit. As I approached the black ornate door, I was filled with excitement and determination. I wanted to pass this trial and join this group of mighty warriors. The thoughts of the previous week and what had led up to this flashed through my thoughts.
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I was happy to be leaving the caves behind. My homecoming was not as welcoming as I had hoped. I was crossing from Cyrodiil where I had spent the last 10 years educating myself. I was captured along with soldiers in blue by Imperial forces. No matter what I tried to tell them they were just soldiers following orders and wouldn’t listen to anything I said. Next thing I know my head is on the chopping block for treason. I was saved by the most unlikely source, a Dragon, which proceeded to tear the city, Helgen, apart around me.

I allied myself with one of the few Nords who had any sense, Hadvar an Imperial soldier. He freed me from my bindings and we escaped into the keep and through the cave passages. Having nothing to my name, I scraped together what I could in the collapsing fort. Some health potions and some gold were lying about. Hadvar gave me some Imperial armor and boots as well as a sword cast from Iron. At some point I took one of the shields from a Stormcloak soldier trying to stop us. The caves proved to have several alchemy ingredients and a bear whose hide I took.

The light blinded me for a moment as we exited the damp cave. Overhead the Dragon took off into the distance. We were both silient for a long time. When we were convinced it wasn’t coming back we came out from behind our cover. Hadvar told about family he had in the nearby town of Riverwood, but to go separately.

As Hadvar walked down the dirt path laid before us I took the time to acquaint myself with my surroundings. I wasn’t familiar with Helgen or much of the Falkreath hold, coming from Solitude, but I knew the layout of the holds in the province. To the North was Whiterun, the East the Rift and West, the Reach.

The smell of smoke and burnt wood and burning flesh filled the air. I looked behind me and above the cave were the walls of Helgen. There was a road on the other side of a small hill leading to Falkreath city. I noticed a small encampment tucked under a rock overhang. I knew the sign of bandits but no one was around. I had lost almost everything so I decided to raid the camp for supplies. The camp had one treasure chest that was locked. I studied the lock and got out some of the picks given to me by the torturer in Helgen’s dungeon. It was a rudimentary lock which I easily popped open.

Inside was a small bandit cache and I studied the contents. I couldn’t have been lucklier. (I really was super lucky, I was thinking about ignoring it for the sake of the story) I found hide bracers enchanted to increase the damage inflicted with smaller weapons, a ring enchanted to make you hold a shield slightly steadier and some gold and potions. Just then I heard several people approach. The bandits turned the corner and found me crouched near their chest.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

A Run-in With Bandits

I think they were almost as shocked as I was because I was able to ready myself for their three man attack. One stood back with a bow and waited for a shot at me. The others were clad in armor of fur and hides with basic iron weapons. I kept one of the two bandits in between me and the archer and assaulted the closest one with repeated slashes. He blocked most with his shield but I could tell I was still damaging him. As he lifted his weapon in attack, I put all of my stamina into a powerful swing. The slash across his chest also ended his life. The other bandit had been mostly blocked from attacking me by the now dead bandit, although he did land a few hits. My Imperial armor held up well as the injury hurt but wasn’t serious. I blocked several of his attacks and as he got closer I smashed his face with my shield. Staggering backward I landed several blows across his body killing him.

Lastly the archer was half behind a tree finally having a clear shot at me. She missed on his first shot. I rushed forward to close the gap. Slow to drop her bow and ready her dagger I smashed into her shield first and followed up by running my sword clean through her.

I decided to head toward Riverwood. I found the dirt path Hadvar had used and followed it down the hill. I soon came across another bandit camp just off of a cobblestone road. I didn’t realize Skyrim was in such Chaos that bandit camps were allowed so close to the cities and go unchecked. This one was nestled into a bunch of trees and wasn’t well hidden from the road. They were unaware of me so I slowly approached until I could see one of them clearly. I readied my recently acquired bow and let an arrow fly.

It hit him in the side, not the neck I was aiming for. Critically wounded he found the courage or stupidity to rush me along with his fellow bandits. Another arrow felled the first and another launched into the crowd found its mark. Not wanting to make the same mistake as the bandit I dropped my bow, unsheathed my sword and grabbed my shield.

I exchanged blows with each bandit. My shield got a good workout and after a heated battle, managed to defeat them all. I drank a potion to close the wounds I received, and then pressed forward to Riverwood. Along the road there were three standing stones. I had heard of them giving special properties to those that visit and give tribute to them. There are several in Haafingar but I’ve never heard of so many close together. They were the Guardian Birth-signs of the Mage, Thief and Warrior. I laid the weapons of the bandits I had just defeated around the Warrior stone, placed my hands on it and gave a quick prayer to Shor.

Dusk was slowly approaching and I was getting hungry. I could see Riverwood in the distance. The road followed the river which gave the walk a peaceful serenity. Passing a make-shift stairway I decided to go and scavenge for some more supplies or valuables to sell. A single guard stood outside the abandoned mine. A worn piece of wood hung over the shaft entrance and read “Embershard.”

There was a bandit posted as a guard so I approached with my hand on my sword hilt. Sure enough, thinking he’d spotted an easy target the Orc grabbed his axe and came at me as I hit the top of the stairs. I raised my shield to deflect the blow but the Orc’s strength was impressive. I dug in my heals, and then with a running power strike I staggered my attacker and put him on his knees. As is Nord tradition, with another blow I sent him to the afterlife.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

A Trip to Riverwood

I opened the wooden door carefully; I knew there would be more bandits inside. The mine was lit with torches hanging on the posts holding up the ceiling. As I walked deeper into the musty smelling mine I soon came across two bandits discussing the defenses of their new hideout.

I was on a wooden bridge while the bandits were down below at the edge of an underwater pond. I planted my foot on the railing and jumped down with my sword leading the way. The first man didn’t’ know what hit him and was down in seconds. I raised my shield and braced for the retaliation of the other. My shield absorbed the blow and then I smashed it into his face. As he stumbled backward I landed several slashes to his arms and torso, one of them fatal.

There was a drop bridge leading to another chamber beyond the murky pond. As I looked for the switch to lower the bridge I found the remains of an unlucky miner. Who knows how long he or she has been there. In a chamber opposite the remains I found the switch. The drop bridge came down with a crash. I could hear the surprise of two more on the other side. I rushed back to the T junction and tried to hide in the shadows.

One of the bandits investigating came towards me. I tried a sneak attack but I must have been too loud because the bandit turned quickly with an axe swing. Caught off guard the blow went across my armor. He came at me again and I managed to duck the blow and counter with one of my own. The dull grain of my iron sword managed to cut through some of the hide armor and leave a sizable gash. The other bandit was now aware of the fight and was rushing to join his friend. The pain in my chest was excruciating and if I didn’t finish this quickly, I wouldn’t get a chance to heal myself. A combination of shield bashing and quick sword swings finally allowed me the chance to drink one of the health potions and continue on.

Just across the drop bridge another Orc was guarding a barred room with a large decorated chest. I caught the guard by surprise and put him down before he could stand up and get to his Warhammer. One by one I defeated the bandits occupying the mine. They had a kitchen with supplies so I grabbed some food and ate on the run. The mine had a forge, grindstone and workbench and a couple of refined iron ingots. I had a lot of raw material on and around me but no place to smelt them. I sharpened my sword and continued on. I grabbed all the loot I could carry and exited through a different path then which I entered.

The night sky was above and the moon shined down on me. Wolves were pack hunting in the forest to my left managed to track me down, but they were no match for my sword. I took their pelts and found the cobble road and the river it followed. I was soon in Riverwood but it didn’t look like a Dragon attacked. I could see Hadvar talking with Alvor on the porch of one of the houses and there was another Nord pacing the road. I told the one on the road about the Dragon attack but he didn’t see the Dragon and didn’t believe me. Sven instead began telling me of a local women and how someone named Faendal was seeing her often. He gave me a note to give to the women and tell her it was from the wood elf. He came off as a coward so I made a mental note to tell this Camilla so.

I left to go meet Hadvar and his uncle Alvor in their house. Hadvar and I began explaining what had happened. It took some convincing but Alvor and his wife believed us and told me to go inform the Jarl at Whiterun, while Hadvar makes his way back to Solitude. Alvor was very generous with supplies and after another meal and talking about the war I fell into the single bed for the night.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

A Chance Encounter near Whiterun

I awoke feeling rested and eager to get rid of this now heavy pack full of loot. Alvor directed me across the road to the Riverwood Trader. Inside the owner and a woman were arguing about something. I stood and waited while they finished their discussion and then asked what was wrong. He explained about a robbery and that the thief made off with a golden claw. He said if I could get it back he’d pay me handsomely and he suspected that he is hiding out in Bleak Falls Barrow.

The women who introduced herself as Camilla offered to show me the way. I gave the note form Sven and told her that he wanted me to say it was from Faendal. She blushed and thanked me and asked to tell Faendal the news if I saw him.

I traded in all the loot I was carrying including some Stormcloak armor, some gems and weapons from the bandits in Embershard mine. I looked over his wares but didn’t see much that interested me except a sword made from steel. I bought the sword and with a bigger coin purse and lighter pack I wandered the town until I found Faendal. I told him the story about Sven and he gave me a small sum of gold for embarrassing him to Camilla. He offered to join me in my travel to Whiterun but I declined.

I intended to go after that Golden claw for Lucan but I had more pressing matters. I stopped by the inn for some food before I left for Whiterun. The barkeep was nice but quiet. I noticed an alchemy lab and asked to use it. After I got permission I brewed potions and tested ingredients I had come across since Helgen. I had different mushrooms and plants as well as some butterfly wings, both blue and monarch. I managed to make a few useful potions and some more that I know alchemists pay good coin for.

I followed the road north out of town. The shimmering river flowed beside the cobble road for a long while. There was also a large cliff on my left. In the distance I spotted a deer or elk crossing the road to drink from the river: Seems there is peace as well in Skyrim. Soon the road started to curve around and descend towards Whiterun. The trees began to open up and I saw Whiterun sitting on a hill on the plains in the distance. It was beautiful.

Along the road I caught up to a troop of Imperial soldiers escorting a Stormcloak prisoner. The warned me away, even drawing their swords as I came close. I passed them and continued down the hill until I was at a large building complex. The sign read Honningbrew Meadery. I would have loved to stop but I had urgent business for the Jarl.

Guards dressed in the hold color of yellow now patrolled the road frequently. I enjoyed the view, Farmland to my left (south) and shallow stream and a short distance to the walls of Whiterun to my right (north).

I heard the battle before I saw anything which is surprising. I jumped the derelict walls that marked the farmland to find a group of warriors battling a giant that had strayed too close to the city. I quickly found my bow and knocked an arrow. Careful not to hit the warriors I released it into the giant’s upper body. I launched one more before the giant fell, overwhelmed by the attack.

I went to make sure that everyone was ok and to my surprise the warriors had barely a scratch on them. The leader, a Nord woman, introduced herself her company and thanked me for the assistance. She used the term shield-brother. After a quick conversation with her and the other warriors I found out that they were part of the Companions. I recognized the name from my childhood. Great warriors descended from Ysgramor and his host. I asked to join these mighty warriors but she said it was not for her to decide. She said to head to Jorrvaskr and speak to the Harbinger, Kodlak.

This would be my first stop after informing the Jarl of the Dragon attack.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Welcome to Whiterun

I left the giants body for the Companions to deal with. I collected some alchemy ingredients along the road. I even managed to find a precious Nirnroot. It was a short distance to the Whiterun stables and soon after that I passed under the first archway leading to the city gate.

Outside I was stopped by one of the guards.

“City’s closed with the talk of Dragons” he told me.

Relieved that Hadvar and I weren’t crazy I told him I had news of the Dragons and needed to speak with the Jarl. The guard allowed me to pass and I entered the city. The first sight that greeted me was a man in Imperial armor arguing with a blacksmith. When they were done I talked to the man, who was rude and talked about a family feud. I basically told him to shove off. The woman blacksmith was far more welcoming. I told her I couldn’t talk long I had to meet the Jarl. She asked if I could deliver the Jarl’s sword to her father, the steward. Seeing this as a chance to get into the Jarl’s good book I accepted.

Farther up the path was another man in iron armor. As I passed he greeted me and welcomed me to Whiterun. He then asked what brought me here. I told him I’m here to help in any way I can. Approving of my answer he pointed out where to get some drink and where to find work.

Up the stairs into a different area of the city was a large dead tree. Clearly not the best display for visitors. I’d check into that later as well. I also heard a priest of Talos screaming to the crowds. I walked up to the man put my hand on his shoulder and told him he was doing a fine job worshipping Talos despite the law.

Up another set of stairs was Dragonsreach. I’d never been here but I’d heard about it. It truly was an impressive keep. Inside I approached the Jarl. I was stopped by a sly looking dark elf. She introduced herself as the housecarl and told me I was to turn around, the Jarl wasn’t receiving visitors.

“He’ll want to see me, I was sent by Alvor in Riverwood. I’ve come to warn the Jarl of Dragons”

Her eyes betrayed her stone face and conveyed a sign of shock.

“You know something of the Dragons!? Follow me”

She led me to Jarl Balgruuf. I began explaining how Helgen had been destroyed and how Hadvar and I barely managed to escape. I left out the part of my head being on the chopping block for treason. I was wrongly accused anyway.

The Jarl asked me to help him with this situation and to meet his court wizard Farengar, as he had been working on something related to the Dragons. Before I joined them I handed the sword to the steward and told him it was from Adrianne. Being liked by the people of Whiterun was now one of my goals. If I am able to join the Companions I could be spending a lot of time here.

I entered the court wizard’s laboratory. Fumes rose from an alchemy table. An arcane enchanter glowed right next to it. He also had a large ‘L’ shaped desk with different objects scattered about and a map of Skyrim. The wizard welcomed the Jarl. Jarl Balgruuf offered my services to the wizard and then left. After a few minutes of conversation I could tell this wizard was an arrogant, condescending coward.

The next words out of his mouth came as a shock. I was to go to Bleak Falls Barrow and recover a tablet of some sort. I sold him some of the gems I had acquired and then made my way to the enchanting station. I had some items from my quest so far that had special properties and I didn’t want to sell them, I wanted to know their properties.

With my business in Dragonsreach done for now, I left to go to Jorrvaskr and meet Kodlak, harbinger of the Companions.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Taking up Arms

The Sun was high in the sky when I exited Dragonsreach. As I walked down from the cloud district, it reflected in the moat and fountain creating a peaceful atmosphere. I walked around the large dead tree and up the steps to Jorrvaskr. I knocked lightly and after no answer I walked in.

The scene before me was the opposite of the peace in the courtyard around the tree. Two of the companions were fighting, but instead of being punished, the others were gathered around cheering. I joined to see the brawl, making some small talk with some of the members. By the look of it a Male dark elf had challenged a Nord woman. Poor elf obviously didn’t know what he got himself into. Sure enough after a few minutes of right crosses and left jabs the elf buckled. I was directed downstairs to meet with Kodlak.

One of the leaders, or members of the circle as I was told, was in a heated discussion with the Harbinger. I asked to join up and Kodlak gave me the once over and asked a few questions. After a few moments he said there was room for another in Jorrvaskr. The circle member, Vilkas, interjected but was overruled by Kodlak. I was to go to the training yard to make sure I could actually fight.

I followed Vilkas out to courtyard where he told me to come at him full force. He readied a sword and shield and I did the same. His technique was excellent and his sword was sharp. I took some hits, though my shield got the worst of it. When he got in close with another swing, I blocked, countered with a bash and followed up with two quick slashes across his wolf armor and a powerful over the top swing right down onto his shield.

He sheathed his weapon and I followed suit. He told me I was in. I was then ordered to take his sword to the blacksmith to get it sharpened. I was exited but I hid my pride well, I was honored to be accepted so I climbed the stairs to the Skyforge.

An older man was working the forge and I could tell he was a master at his craft. He introduced himself as Eorlund Gray-Mane, blacksmith for the Companions. I gave him the sword for sharpening and asked if he was a Companion. He said that he wasn’t and informed me not to be bossed around; there is no master of the Companions. He then asked if I could deliver a shield to Aela for him. I told him I’d be happy to.

Back down in the living quarters of Jorrvaskr I finally found Aela. She was talking to another member of the circle Skjor. I handed Aela the shield and she mentioned my training with Vilkas. Skjor seemed impressed and said he’d keep an eye on my progress. Aela called for Farkas to come and show me the living quarters. I met the other members. They all seemed welcoming except for the one Nord women. Athis, Torvar, Ria and Njada all greeted me, Njada reluctantly.

Before he left, Farkas informed me that there was work to be done right here in Whiterun. Apparently someone had contacted us to settle a dispute between them and a man named Ulfberth War-Bear. I accepted the job and hoped that the name was only for intimidation purposes.

I was directed to Warmaiden’s. I walked inside and saw all of the weapons and armor displayed and hoped this wouldn’t get ugly. I wasn’t to kill this man, just scare him. I walked up this massive Nord with a dark beard. He was large and looked strong. I looked him straight in the eye and told I’d been sent by the Companions to settle a problem.

“Oh? Why don’t you try and make me.” He said in a deep voice.

He raised his fists that were the size of a bear’s. I prepared for the incoming attack. Thankfully I was much faster then him. I managed to block or dodge most of his punches and for every one he landed I hit him with five. He eventually gave up and, like an honourable Nord, said that problem was forgotten.

I returned to Jorrvaskr to get my first payment for being a Companion.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Supplies for the Road Ahead

Farkas was sitting down just inside Jorrvaskr. It looked as though he had been awaiting my return. He gave me my cut and congratulated me. Apparently Farkas told Skjor who I was sent to settle a problem with, and Skjor said if I succeed to send me to him.

Skjor was sitting at the long table next to Aela.

“I’m told you were looking for me” I said

“Ah new blood, I heard what you did at Warmaiden’s and about your training with Vilkas. You have potential so I’m sending you on a trial. We’ve received information that a fragment of the blade Wuuthrad, Ysgramor’s weapon, has been found. It rests at Dustmans Cairn. Farkas will be your shield-brother.”

He called over Farkas and explained the situation. Farkas turned to me and told me he’d meet me at Dustman’s Cairn. I told him I would come back when I am ready. I had two very important tasks that couldn’t wait and I didn’t know how long they would take.

I had been dreading it since I got to Skyrim. I was now going to Solitude to find out what happened to my parents. We kept in contact via letters while I was away in Cyrodiil and the couriers took two weeks to deliver a letter that far, one if you were ready to pay extra. About three years ago I stopped receiving letters. I wanted to know why.

I walked back down through the city and to the stables. I asked the carriage driver how much for a trip to Solitude. At 20 gold I accepted and we were off.

The carriage stopped at the stone archway that leads to the capital of Skyrim. It was well past midnight so I bought a room at the winking skeever. I had dinner and went to bed.

The next morning I sought out the steward of the hold and told him my story. He went through some scrolls and other documents then his head turned down and his voice changed to a sombre tone.

“I knew someone would come someday. I’m sorry to tell you this son, but your parents are dead. They died outside the city walls somewhere. If I had to guess I would say Spriggans.”

I had already come to terms with this reality. Death strikes often in Tamerial. I knew they were both in Sovngarde.

“I see. I’ll make sure to visit the Hall of the Dead. Is there any business of theirs that needs to be settled?” I asked

“None, Solitude has acquired and resold the house, but I believe there is chest with some contents that were meant to be given to you. No address could be found so no letter of notice was sent. Talk to the guard at the gate, give him this letter and he’ll retrieve your chest”

I opened the chest by the gate exiting the city. Inside was my father’s armor and sword. I put on the armor, strapped the sheath to my belt and paid for the carriage ride back to Whiterun.

(What actually happened was I went to Katla’s farm via carriage, killed a Haafingar guard and took his armor and sword. No bounty and didn’t trigger any scripted scenes etc)

With my new armor and weapon, recently sharpened at Warmaiden’s, I walked the cobble trail back to Riverwood. The trip was uneventful, a sighting of a few animals but nothing else. I stopped at The Sleeping Giant for some food before following the trail up to Bleak Falls Barrow.

A wolf tried to ambush me from behind some rocks but I was quick to raise my shield. I grabbed the wolf by the neck, brought it up and delivered the mother of all throat-chops. I took what was left of the pelt and carried on.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Tru_To_The_Game posted...

I was wondering about the armor and sword, thanks for clearing that up. I like your writing and I know it's early in the story but I'd just like to see more of his personality come through, you know, what separates him from the common rabble, as Balgruuf would say.

I'm trying to catch up to where I stopped playing, and I am trying to figure out where I want to go a little more. Nothing planned out for sure. I will also post his stats, equip when I catch up to that point. Its now just a little further then the opening paragraph(Dustman's Cairn is done).

Also been feeling that his personality hasn't been coming through as much as I want, thanks for confirmation. I don't have the way with words Ralos does so he's more stoic, but I think he'll make a mistake and want to repent.

Thanks for following (goes for everyone who is following) =)
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Bleak Falls Barrow

I started to cross the snow line toward Bleak Falls Barrow. Green trees gave way to snow covered rock. In the distance I saw an outpost tower for the Barrow itself. The tower was tall and looked over a cliff over river that followed the cobble road to Riverwood.

I approached slowly and saw a couple of bandits patrolling outside. One was leaning against a tree, while the other was pacing a stone bridge from the ground into the tower entrance.

I was pretty sure they hadn’t spotted me yet so I crept as close as I dared, then lined up an arrow for the stationary target. The arrow pierced his chest and he slid down the tree until he was in a sitting position. It didn’t take long for the one pacing the bridge to figure out what happened so I readied another arrow. She came rushing at me and I let it fly. It whizzed over her shoulder so I unsheathed my sword and grabbed my shield before she was upon me. I easily out matched her single axe with my sword and shield.

I rushed to the tower. A last bandit greeted me at the top of a set of stairs. A warhammer came down on my shield with full force. Before I could recover another quick swing connected with my side. The pain radiated from the impact site. I pushed him back with my shield and soon found an opening. I swung my shield arm and caught his throat with the edge. I continued to spin and followed up with a slash across his throat.

I took the meagre supplies that were stashed there and continued up the worn path. The ancient Nord barrow was very striking. Stone pillars and arches covered the entrance area. Three more bandits were guarding the exterior, none of them well equipped or particularly skilled.

Inside I was greeted with more bandits. Sword and shield collided, arrows pierced armor, and after some health potions and taking them by surprise I cleared the room.

The entrance chamber showed signs of decay as several large stones had crumbled from the structure. The smell of death hung in the air. I proceeded through the barrow dispatching bandits and skeevers. There was a Nordic puzzle lock slowing my progress as well. It didn’t take long for me to match the animals on the swivelling keys to the ones hanging on the walls (or formerly hanging on the walls).

As I walked down a hallway, I recognized the signs of Frostbite spiders. To my left was supposed to be open archways, however they were all closed in with web and their large egg sacs. I heard someone calling for help inside the room. I managed to hack a path through one of the archways.

I could see a man tangled in webbing at the far side of the chamber. Web covered the entire room and there were several open egg sacs. I sensed I was being watched but couldn’t see movement. The man was yelling for help and shaking. Any element of surprise was long gone.

My whole body on alert, I crept forward. As I approached a circular cover in the center of the room a shadow appeared, a circle with eight lines going to the side. I looked up and saw a frostbite spider bigger then a snow bear. It dropped with alarming speed to the ground and I was forced to back up or be crushed. As it rushed to attack me with its fangs dripping with venom, I could see multiple slash marks and scars all over its body. It didn’t move as fast as I should have been. I was able to block most of the attacks but the fangs managed to pierce my armor or shield several times and I could feel the poison draining my strength. Enduring the pain I kept attacking with slash after slash.

I was thankful the spider was already wounded, and I after a prolonged battle I bested the best. I had to drink several healing potions to rid my body of the poison and return the bulk of my strength. I bottled some of the venom for my own use as well.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

The Golden Claw

The man wailed for help. I let him sweat it out a bit and collected some of the gold from the urns and some of the eggs from the sacs for ingredients. I walked up to the man and demanded he tell me of the golden claw. Arvel acknowledged that he had it and that he knew how it worked. He offered to show me if I cut him down. I sized him up and judged that I could take him if he tried to attack me, so I cut the webbing, freeing the man.

Once his feet hit the ground he ran deeper into the chamber, through the passage he was blocking. I gave pursuit but I was weighed down. We came to a better lit area with the dead entombed along the sides.

As Arvel ran, some of the dead got out of their resting places. The look of fear in Arvel’s face was undeniable. He kept running but hit one of the barrow’s many traps and a spiked wall sprang from its hiding place. The scene was unsettling to say the least.

Three of the draugr came lumbering toward me with weapons not seen such the ancient times. They were slow and powerful, but their frail bodies couldn’t stand more then one or two attacks. I ran to Arvel’s corpse and relieved him of the magnificent golden claw and his journal.

I pressed deeper and deeper into the Barrow. More draugr awaited and more traps were discovered. Fortunately my sword arm is well practised and I either spotted the trap in time or my armor came through for me. I thought I’d reached a dead end when a draugr came out of a tomb across a small stream. The stone walls had given way to cave sides. I managed to continue by opening a barred gate over the stream and following it.

After what seemed like hours passing through the barrow I was greeted by a hallway lined with carvings and inscriptions. At the end was another puzzle door but the animal symbols didn’t match to anything else in the chamber. I sat down and thought a moment. Remembering that Arvel supposedly knew how it worked I consulted his journal. It gave hints about using the claw. I examined the claw and found matching markings. I turned the wall rings until the symbols matched in the proper order and inserted the claw. I suddenly had the feeling that I was going to have to do this again.

I eventually came to what I can only assume was the main chamber. I thought I could hear chanting on the opposite end. I approached an alter consisting of a tomb, table and chest and a wall etched with a language I didn’t recognize. Something in my very soul was pulling me toward the wall. A grouping of the symbols in particular stood out. My vision blurred and my body went numb and I almost lost consciousness. Something felt etched into brain but I couldn’t grasp what.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

The Draugr Overlord

Suddenly I heard a crack, the ominous signs of something crawling out of a sealed tomb. I turned to see another draugr but this one was dressed in elaborate armor. I managed to get a couple swings of my sword in before he was fully out of the tomb, but it barely fazed him.

A blast of cold poured from the draugr’s hand and I felt the cold and ice pierce my armor. I pushed through the attack and landed powerful blow and powerful blow until my arm couldn’t take it.

I had put several notches in his armor and several deep wounds into his undead flesh but he still kept coming. His ancient sword rattled my hide shield again and again. I was slowing slightly with the cold and he managed to land several glancing blows off my armor.

I tried for one final all out assault. I raised my shield and when he got close with his sword I bashed it into his face and chest. I heard his decaying bones crack. He staggered backward and I followed up with a right to left, and then left to right slash across his flesh and armor. I cut out his leg and put a powerful over the top strike to his heart. The corpse gave way and I saw the eerie blue light in his eyes fade out.

I looked in the tomb and the tables near it but I could find no tablet. I checked over the draugr overlord and sure enough tucked under his armor was a cracked stone tablet.

I searched the chamber one last time and took in its beauty. Light shone in from a crack in the ceiling.

I took the heavy stone, put it in my pack and exited the chamber through a secret passage next to the word wall.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Preparing for the Trial

I came out of Bleak Falls Barrow far from where I entered. I was on a cliff looking out over a lake. My first order of business was to return the golden claw to Lucan at the Riverwood trader. I had also picked up several requests from my time in Whiterun. The Jarl had put of a bounty on some bandits camped at Silient Moons. I had also agreed to help a Redguard in Whiterun retrieve his family’s sword. He had tracked it to bandits stationed at White River Watch.

If I could defeat these bandits then I knew I would be ready for any trial Skjor had planned for me. I made my way down the cliff face and followed the water toward Riverwood.

Lucan greeted me warmly. I sold off everything I’d collected that I didn’t want to keep and very casually I laid the golden claw on the table in front of him. Overjoyed he dropped a sizable coin purse in my hand without taking his eyes off the claw. He thanked me repeatedly and his sister thanked me with a hug and wink.

I was famished after clearing out the barrow so I made my way to the Sleeping Giant for some food and maybe rest. Orgnar, the bartender gave me a discount of the food (wearing an amulet of Dibella) but told me the inn was closed while the owner was away on business.

Full of food and carrying a now lighter pack I decided to make my way to White River Watch. I managed to get a pelt from an Elk unlucky enough to cross my path but otherwise the trip to the meadery was peaceful. I crossed the bridge and followed the road to where a path broke off and lead to the entrance of the bandit camp.

Slightly farther up the road I saw a lit torch so I walked closer and found an Imperial troop. The leader, an Orc, was dressed in heavy armor and approached me. He told me I was disrupting Imperial business and that I had to pay a tax. I looked past the troop and saw a bare leg sticking out from behind a tree.

Something seemed off so I told them they could have the money if they took from me. Glad to oblige, they laughed and came at me all at once. I was becoming more skilled all the time but I wasn’t prepared for such well equipped bandits. Several times I thought they would finish me off but a healing potion saved me from death. Eventually I managed to fight them one at a time as I backtracked toward the Whiterun guards. One on one I was better and before I crossed the bridge they were down.

I cleared out the bandit camp with the only trouble coming from the leader. The swings of his greatsword were powerful and my shield absorbed very little.

I attacked several more bandit camps in training for my trial. Halted Stream camp and Silent Moons each presented different challenges but with a little luck and some healing potions I was able overcome. I had to spend the night in one of the cleared out camps but it wasn’t very restful, waking up often for fear of being attacked during my sleep.

Silent Moons Camp was my last stop so after finding some oddly enchanted weapons I headed back to Whiterun. I had loot to sell and items to return. Crossing the plains I got a good view of a Giant camp. Keeping my distance I watched as the slow creatures paced around the camp, guarding their mammoths.

I passed the archway and crossed the moat of Whiterun and entered the city. Since Warmaidens was right there I sold the weapons and armor I didn’t want to keep. Amren was walking the streets so I returned his sword. Overjoyed he taught me some sword and shield techniques from Hammerfell.

I met a young lady in the market, Ysolda. She was quite attractive so I struck up a conversation. She was trying to get in with the Khajiit caravans and they had asked her to acquire a mammoth tusk. I just happened to have a couple from my trip to Halted Stream Camp so I happily gave it over.

I walked up the stairs to Dragonsreach to claim the bounty and to hand Farengar the stone tablet
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

The Western Watchtower

I entered Dragonsreach and was greeted with the familiar site of the two maids sweeping. I walked up the stairs and made my way to the court wizard’s laboratory. There was another person alongside Farengar and they were discussing Dragons.

I walked up to Farengar and dropped the stone tablet in his arms. The other person raised their head and I recognized her as the owner of the Riverwood Inn. She seemed to have even more knowledge of Dragons then Farengar.

Suddenly Irileth, rushed into the room summoning Farengar and upon seeing me, asked me to come as well. Up in near the keep’s great porch at the battle command area the Jarl and a guard were waiting for us.

The guard told us of another Dragon attack, this time closer to the city, at the western watchtower. Jarl Balgruuf quickly dispatched Irileth and a troop of guards to go back and secure the area if possible. The Jarl also pointed out that I had the most first hand experience with Dragons in the hold so I was to join them.

Collecting my bounty would have to wait as I followed Iriteth out of the city. We were joined by the troop of Whiterun guards. I followed them along the road toward the billowing smoke.

The main structure looked mostly intact and there were a few guards hiding in it. However walls were cracked and broken and burnt corpses were scattered about.

Soon a guard spotted the Dragon coming back and we braced for the incoming assault. It came from the mountain ridges to the south and in no time it was circling the ruined tower.

The pillars of smoke obscured the dragon. The guards and I had our bows at the ready while Irileth’s hands glowed with magicka. It was incredibly fast; no one could hit it with arrows. Finally it hovered in place, ready to launch a fire breath attack. Multiple arrows found their target. Dragon’s are known as fierce beasts for a reason though, and it was far from over. One of the guards only caught a bit of the fire breath attack and he was crying out in pain.

The Whiterun guards took up positions along the broken wall while Irileth and I ran about trying to find better angles. I quickly realized it was not the same Dragon as in Helgen, which concerned me. This one was not as powerful. After several brutal hours blood started to pool on the areas of the wings and other injuries the Dragon had sustained.

Forced to land due to its injuries, it charged at me. I sprinted behind one of the walls before it could clamp down on me with its huge jaws. I readied my sword and shield as its attention was diverted to the guards or Irileth, I couldn’t see which. I did a brief look through my pack and found a potion to resist fire I had brewed and a potion designed to make lighter armor sturdier. I drank them both, gathered my courage and popped back out from behind the wall.

I rushed the Dragon and slashed with all my force. Hit after hit landed and I could tell it was taking its toll. It craned its neck at me an unleashed and an eruption of fire. I raised my shield to protect my face. The potion probably prevented my death but I was badly injured. I drank a healing potion and limped to find cover again. As the Dragon focused on the guards, I switched back to my bow and attacked from distance. Several minutes and half a quiver of arrows later the beast finally fell backward and gave its last breath.

I was asked by the guards, who were more then a little nervous, to check if it was really dead. As I got close the body of the Dragon started to burn to ash. I could feel my body, no not my body, my soul, ripping some sort of power from the Dragon. Soon all that was left of the Dragon was bones and a few scales and some of the contents of its stomach.

The symbols from Bleak Falls Barrow flashed in my head. For a moment everything else faded away and the meaning of the symbols, came through. They were Dragon words and this one was Fus or Force.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Tru_To_The_Game posted...

Good to see that others had a tough time sometimes with that first dragon. Even now, especially if he comes at me once he's on the ground and breathing fire, he's a handful and then some.

I usually have an easier time if I'm going main Archery (which I usually do), it's easier to use the tower or walls for cover. If you're trying to get up close and personal and do heavy melee damage, I agree he'll take you down a peg or two.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Thanes, Greybeards and the Dragonborn

“I can’t believe it you….you’re Dragonborn. You absorbed that Dragon’s soul didn’t you?” one of the guards asked.

“I think you may be right….” I said thinking of how it felt to absorb that power.

The guard then said how the Dragonborn has the gift of being able to shout using the powers of Dragons. He asked me to try shouting. I focused on the word ‘Fus’ and a feeling came from within. I then shouted that word and a force was projected forward, forcing one of the guards off balance.

The guard commented on the shout and then asked Irileth what she thought. Irileth, not being a Nord, dismissed the Dragonborn idea but awarded praise for the defeat of the Dragon none the less. She then said that she would secure the area and that I should report back to the Jarl.

My mind raced with the possibilities as I walked back to Whiterun. Could I be Dragonborn? Blessed like mighty Talos? I picked up a book from the Helgen torture rooms about the Dragonborn, I’d read it over when I got back to Whiterun and Jorrvaskr.

As I neared the stables, the sky seemed to shake. I then heard clearly some more Dragon language though I could not understand its meaning. “Dovahkiin” I felt like someone was calling to me.

The streets of Whiterun were full of people gossiping, I heard several mentions of Dragon this and Dragonborn summoned that. I kept my mouth shut and proceeded to the Jarl. I’m sure he was eagerly awaiting a report from Irileth.

Jarl Balgruuf was sitting in his thrown talking with Proventus and Hrongar. As soon as I climbed the stairs, I could see he was puzzled with the events. In front of the throne he asked what had happened. I told him the watchtower was destroyed but the Dragon was defeated. Relieved, he questioned me further.

“There has to be more to it” he insisted

I decided not to lie to this man. He would have been able to tell and I planned on spending a lot of time in Whiterun.

“Turns out I might be Dragonborn” I said.

I look washed over his face that said “now everything makes sense.” He questioned me about my knowledge of the Dragonborn and then told me that the “shouting sky” was the Greybeards at the top of the Throat of the World. They were indeed summoning me to their temple High Hrothgar.

After a lengthy explanation from the Jarl about the Greybeards, he got around to thanking me for my help with the Dragon. He named me Thane of Whiterun, and gave me an Axe to mark the post. He also said I could now purchase property. I thanked him and turned to see the steward for my reward and inquiring about property.

Proventus happily gave me my reward for the bounty and informed me of the price of the property that was available right now. I looked over the list and the name Breezehome jumped off the page at me. I barely had enough to buy the house and fully furnish it but I felt it was worth it.

I went back to Jorrvaskr to read the book and inform Farkas I was ready for my trial. After reading the book and trying to grasp at how great some of the Dragonborn were before me, I knew that I could complete any trial the Companions threw at me.

The next morning I told Farkas I was departing for Dustmans Cairn.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel