Skyrim RRP: Robert

Dustman's Cairn and the Silver Hand

This now brings me to my current challenge. Farkas and I entered the first chamber. Several Draugr lay on the ground and urns lay smashed. Farkas remarked that it looked like someone had been searching here recently. I agreed. We searched the Draugr and the urns for clues as to who was here but no luck.

We continued into the tomb dispatching several Draugr who didn’t awake at the passing of whoever was here before us. I moved swiftly and silently with my sword and shield or bow ready but Farkas ambles behind me with loud foot steps and noisy armor carrying a sword so large and heavy I don’t think many in Skyrim could lift, let alone swing it.

We descended down a set of stairs into a slightly larger chamber. There was an arcane enchanting station in the corner as well as a table with some dead draugr on the opposite ends of the chamber. Our path blocked, we looked to find a way to open the gate.

In a side recess I picked up some potions and found a lever. I pulled it and then another gate I didn’t see slamed shut, cutting me off from the rest of the chamber. I try pulling the lever the other way but it won’t budge. Farkas comes over and sees my situation. He assures me that he’ll find a way to open the gate when I see, out of the previously blocks path, five bandits rush into the room.

They look upon Farkas with seething hate. Their weapons drawn they circle Farkas as he moves from the center of the room and backs up against my cage. They remark how the slaying of a Companion will make for an excellent story.

Through his whole thing, I can’t help but notice how calm Farkas is. No worry or panic in his voice. Farkas then lets out a warning and begins changing before my eyes. I can’t tell if he is some sort of Daedra or something at first but then it soon becomes clear. He is a werewolf. His great fighting ability and lack of fear make sense. Before he is fully transformed the bandits attack. Any wound they leave is healed by the transformation. The bandits begin to get careless with their attacks and one stabs his friend through the back.

Farkas then stands up and lets out a howl. The bandits fall easily once he is fully transformed. Farkas’s claws move in a blur and rip them wide open. In only a few seconds all five bandits are defeated. The werewolf looks at me briefly and runs out the path that was blocked.

The gate opens and I ready my sword and shield. Farkas comes back through the portal but he is back in his Nord form. I ask him several questions about him and the Companions. I find out that the Circle is all werewolves. Farkas cuts the questioning short and suggests that we continue with the trial.

The thought of becoming a werewolf dominates my thoughts but soon we come across more bandits, who Farkas mentioned are called the Silver Hand and are werewolf hunters. An arrow to the chest of one sends him reeling to the wall and down to the ground. The other charges us but between Farkas and me, he stands no chance.

The rest of the tomb seems littered with Draugr and Silver Hand. Farkas and I come across a group of each trying to kill each other. We hang back for bit and let them take each other out.

We press forward, no enemy strong enough to withstand our combined strength. After several hours of searching the tomb for the fragment we came to a final chamber. There was a hallway lined with black coffins that opened up into a larger chamber. The coffins lined the outer wall of one side of the chamber while there was a wooden ramp with a few more coffins up on a raised ledge.

A single tomb lay at the center of the room, but what most interested me was a wall I recognized at the far end. I could hear the same chanting as Bleak Falls Barrow and I recognized the scratches as Dragon Language.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Army of Draugr and Another Mission

Again I was drawn to the word wall at the opposite end of the hall. I walked up and felt the same dizzying sensation as before. One of the words on the wall was etched into my brain but I couldn’t grasp its meaning even with the knowledge of the one Dragon.

On a preparation table in front of the word wall there were several soul gems, a vial and what I can only assume to be a fragment of Wuuthrad. I looked at Farkas and gave him a nod. He returned the nod and readied his greatsword. I grabbed one of the soul gems on the table leaned over the fragment.

I put my hand near the fragment ready to take it. With my other hand I got the soul gem ready to take the fragments spot. I wiped the sweat off my brow and tried to concentrate. With one motion I both grabbed the fragment and placed the soul gem.

Farkas and I both waited a second, listening for any movement. I half expected a round boulder to drop through the ceiling and try to roll and crush us.

A moment passed and I thought we were in the clear. Crack. The sound of sealed tomb being opened was unmistakable. I lowered my head in disappointment. Not at the fact that I had to fight my way out but for thinking that this was going to go any other way.

One by one the coffins creaked open the Draugr spilled out into the chamber. New metal clashed with ancient metal. Some Draugr were better armored then others and could take a few more hits. Farkas and I went back to back to manage their numbers but we were soon split apart.

I received several slashed across my back, but thankfully my armor kept everything in place. Lastly the tomb at the center opened and a well armored Draugr crawled out. Farkas and I dispatched the last of the other Draugr and changed focus on the leader. Farkas’s swings were wild and powerful, while I alternated between blocking his strikes and then bashing him off balance and following up with some quick slashes.

I could feel a cold enchantment on the Draugr’s weapon; each hit, cold seeped through my shield and armor. Remembering an attack on previous Draugr I cut the legs out from him and as he began to fall, split open his stomach and chest and watched his organs turn to dust.

I looted the chest that held the possessions of the dead and then Farkas and I escaped through a secret passage behind one of the coffins on the raised ledge. We followed the path which took us back to the first chamber through a secret door which rose when we pulled a lever.

I exited Dustmans Cairn elated that I had completed the trial. Farkas and I followed the road all the way back to Whiterun.

Along the way I caught my first glimpse of the Thalmor. I had heard that they were all over Skyrim now, locking up or worse anybody found to be worshipping Talos. Farkas and I passed them without eye contact.

Back at Jorrvaskr I was greeted by Vilkas at the doors. I gave him the fragment and he asked that I follow him to the training yard. All of the Companions had been summoned to officially welcome me to the Companions. Kodlak and the Circle stood while they took an oath, stating to guard my back, attack my enemies and drink at my accomplishments. All that was asked of me was to do the same for them.

The others were also gathered there as well and I made the time to talk to all of them. Before I left I met with Kodlak. I questioned him about werewolves. Since non-circle members are privy to that information he asked that I keep it to myself. He also mentioned that he wanted to cure himself. I tried to ask him more but he changed subjects. As an official member of the Companions I was entitled to a weapon of Skyforge Steel.

I stopped Vilkas just before he entered Jorrvaskr if there was any work to be done. He explained the job and headed inside.

I walked up to the Skyforge to see Eorlund and claim my new weapon.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

A New Home but No Time to Rest

Eorlund greeted me as I approached the Skyforge. He asked what type of weapon I would like and mentioned that the first one is free, but if I need more, I’ll have to pay just like everyone else. I asked for a sword and he produced one from his storage. I thanked him and went to see the progress of Breezehome.

I entered the modest house beside Warmaidens and was very pleased. It seems the stewards men worked quickly as everything was in place. I stocked the shelves with all the books I’d collected, and all of my smithing ingredients in a chest near my alchemy lab. I stored the ingredients I’d collected in satchels and all the clothes and armor I’d kept for one reason or another in the dresser upstairs. Above the entrance I mounted my axe of Whiterun. In the weapon rack at the front I put a silver sword and staff with the head shaped like a Dragon.

Lydia greeted me and asked if I had any burdens she could carry. Once more I declined company on my travels. My traveling pack considerably lighter I left for my next mission for the Companions. I realized that the Greybeards had summoned me but I wanted to make sure the Dragonborn was ready for their tests as well.

I read over the mission again. It was a rescue mission; one of the citizens had been kidnapped and someone had paid the Companions for aid. I recognized the name immediately. Battle-born. It seems that Idolaf was taken to Broken Fang Cave and the Battle-born family contracted the Companions to get him back.

I made a quick stop at the Skyforge to sharpen my new Skyforge Steel Sword. I then stopped by Farengar’s laboratory. I grabbed the most powerful soul gem I’d collected (Common) and enchanted my new sword with the enchantment I found from the Lunar forge.

With my powerful new weapon, I left Whiterun and followed the road toward Rorikstead. Soon after I was out of view from Whiterun I was ambushed on the road. The Dunmer was dressed in black and red armor that I could have sworn was Dark Brotherhood. He came after me with a furry I had not yet seen. Well placed slashes kept hitting their mark against my armor.

His defence was lacking however because as soon as I backed him up with my shield, he was wide open and several deep slashes of mine ended his life.

Only a small distance up the road I was forced to stop again. Still healing from the fight with assassin, a Redguard in heavy armor made a snide comment as he passed me heading for Whiterun. The only phase I caught was ‘milk-drinker.’ Not being one to stand for that, I turned and replied.

“You can’t talk to me like that”

“Oh? And what are you going to do about it, weakling?” he replied

“Walk. Away. Right now”

“Not a chance”

And with that he drew his axe. I readied my shield and defended the first blow. I opened with several slashes. He didn’t defend and he must have though his tough iron armor could withstand whatever I through at him but he probably wasn’t expecting Skyforge Steel. I cut through his armor with every slash and before long he was a corpse at the side of the road.

I followed a dirt path from the road which lead to a rock outcropping. Blood stained the rocks all around and a cart full of bones was near the cave opening. I feared it might be too late for the Battle-born, but encouraged by my new weapon I charged into the cave.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

The Vampire’s Nest

It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Unlike most bandit lairs which have torches placed on the walls to light the area, this cave had only a few sources of light. I crept forward hoping to take the kidnapper by surprise.

I found myself on a raised stone ledge with stairs in front of me leading to ground level. All around the chamber were similar ledges with black tombs standing upright. On the ground floor someone was sitting around a fire, chanting some black magic. I also heard some sort of rattling but I couldn’t figure out what was making the sound.

She was dressed in black and not aware of me so I readied my bow and put an arrow in the person’s back. As soon as she turned it was confirmed what I had suspected, this was a Vampire nest.

She attacked me with some sort of blood magicka and I rushed her. She made no effort to block my attacks but still withstood a lot of punishment. I managed to keep her off balance with my shield but her attacks combined with reanimated skeletons were taking their toll on me.

I wished I had Farkas for backup but I was on my own. The vampire started to back-peddle and started to cast her blood magicka again. I took the time to finish off the skeletons. They were frail and didn’t pose any problems for my Skyforge Steel sword.

I was finally able to concentrate on the vampire but she’d drained my health considerably. I quickly took a shot of healing potion to regain some strength and rushed the vampire again. She inflicted considerable damage with her ice and blood magicka but she finally went down after a flurry of slashes. She was incredibly difficult and it gave me pause to consider trying to fight the vampire leader.

The thought was only temporary. I was a Companion. Someone was in trouble. I drank another potion designed to increase my light armor skill and a potion I brewed that protected against ice attacks. As prepared as I could be, I found a path that led deeper into the cave.

The vampire was aware something was wrong but had not yet found me. I readied my bow and snuck down the path. The vampire walked to the tunnel opening and I fired two arrows into the blood-sucker before he could mount an attack. Idolaf, sat in the corner cowering in his Imperial armor. Some poor citizen who didn’t have someone to help him was reanimated by the vampire to aid his attack on me.

I ignored the vampire’s servant and focused on the vampire master. I closed the distance to reduce the chance of him using magicka. My Skyforge Steel sword found its mark over and over. The vampire only had a dagger for close range combat but he seemed to find all of the week points of my armor.

With all my strength, I reached out and pulled the blood-sucker close, and drove my sword down into his chest. The servant disintegrated into ash and Idolaf thanked me upon seeing the dead vampire.

In the chest beside the vampire’s bed I found some sort of white jewel. As I picked it up a voice spoke in my head. I realized it was some sort of Deadric artefact as the voice beckoned me to mount Kilkreath.

I kept the small talk to a minimum as we exited the cave and walked back to Whiterun.

I decided to take the shortcut over plains to get to back so Idolaf and I left the road. We avoided a giant’s camp and dispatched a few wolves but it was definitely quicker then the road.

Once inside the city walls we parted ways and I headed back to Jorrvaskr for payment and another mission.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Character Update

Stats

Level: 14
Health: 170
Stamina: 160
Magicka: 100

Perks

Block: Shield Wall 2/5, Quick Reflexes, Deflect Arrows
Enchanting: 2/5
1-handed: Armsmen 3/5, Fighters Stance
Light Armor: 1/5
Smithing: Steel Smithing

Weapons

Skyforge Steel Sword (enchanted with silient moons enchantment)
Hide Shield
Imperial Bow

Armor

Solitude Guard Armor
Hide Bracers (found with enchantment of 1-handed)
Leather Boots
Necklace of Dibella or Talos
Ring of minor blocking

Updates soon, today or tomorrow
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Becoming Moon-Born

Eager to claim my gold and continue to prove myself to the Companions I sought out Vilkas. Although it was late, he was still awake staring into the fire and whispering something to himself.

“Approach Dragonborn.”

“I’ve brought more honor to the Companions Vilkas. Idolaf now rests in his family’s house.”

“I know, I saw you approaching Whiterun over the plains while I was on the wall. Here is the Battle-born gold” Vilkas said as tossed me a coin purse without turning to me.

“Thank you. Do you have another assignment yet?”

“I do, but I’ll have to give it to one of the other recruits. Skjor has asked for you again. I think I know what it’s about but I’ll let him tell you. I believe he’s in his room but he said for you to wake him.”

“Alright, I will. I see you’ve been talking to the Jarl. I want you to know that joining the Companions is a great honor. I may be Dragonborn, but I’m a Companion first”

I turned and headed down to the living quarters. Skjor’s door was closed and after a knock on the door and no answer I opened it. He’d fallen asleep with his armor on. I called his name and he jumped awake and quickly moved his hand to the hilt of his sword.

“Ah it’s you Robert. What time is it?”

“Shortly after midnight. Why?”

“Come with me”

We exited Jorrvaskr. It was dark and raining. The streams of Whiterun were almost flooding the streets. Skjor stopped at the side of the building, at the rocky cliff just under the Skyforge. I asked what we were doing here but he would say nothing but “Aela will be along shortly”

Half an hour later Aela joined us. Her hair soaked, her face washed free of her war paint, she looked striking. She gave Skjor a nod and then slid part of the cliff away creating an opening. She went in and I looked at Skjor.

“This is the Underforge. Every member of the circle completed a ritual in here when they were recruits. Now we are some of the strongest warriors in Skyrim.”

I entered the Underforge following Skjor. I wasn’t surprised to see a werewolf at the opposite end of the chamber, but I was apprehensive. Skjor seemed glad that I recognized Aela and proceeded to tell me that this was a secret ritual even from Kodlak. Aela had agreed to be my forbearer; I was to become a werewolf.

Skjor made a small incision in Aela’s arm with his dagger. I was surprised she had such control in that form. Blood pooled in large basin at the center of the cave-like structure.

“Now Drink Shield-brother and reach the heights of the Companions”

Without hesitation I walked over and cupped a handful of blood. I took a brief moment to try and grasp the power I was holding. First the Thu’um and now this Beast-blood, destiny it seems has big plans for me. I drank.

At first I didn’t feel anything. After a moment I felt my body begin to change. My bones changing and shifting, my very flesh being altered. The pain was indescribable. It wasn’t long before I blacked out.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Wolves take Gallows Rock

I must not have blacked out long because the pain, although beginning to fade, was still severe. I didn’t remember exiting the cave but I found myself beside Jorrvaskr. New sensations began to reveal themselves to me. I could ‘smell’ everyone in Whiterun. I felt incredibly fast and strong. I looked down and saw fur covered arms and claws.

Realizing I had to leave Whiterun immediately or else I would come under attack, I let out a howl and entered the Underforge. I followed a path out the back which led out onto the plains looking east.

Before me was a farm. It smelled familiar, Battle-born blood if I wasn’t mistaken. I went to run and found myself running on all-fours. I almost couldn’t believe how fast I was. I caught an unfamiliar sent, very faint. I took off in the direction I thought it was coming from.

I passed deer, Torchbugs and Luna moths. I crossed the road but no one was around at this time of night. I soon found a cave dug into the cliff. There were odd posts constructed out of bones and another material I didn’t recognize. Suddenly everything got intense and I only remember running east as I lost awareness.

When I came too it was morning. I was lying naked in the forest. Aela was standing before me with my pack.

So many questions came to mind and I started asking one after the other about what it means to be a werewolf. She answered as I put my armor on and attached my sheath. She then explained that we were at Gallows Rock, a Silver Hand hideout. Skjor was scouting ahead, and we were to wipe them out.

Aela and I moved in. There were a few guards posted outside but Aela’s bow and my sword put them down rather quickly. One tried to hit me with arrows but they simply hit my shield harmlessly.

Inside was a more disturbing site. Werewolf and wolf heads were put on pikes and hung around the chambers. We caught most of the Silver Hand by surprise and they weren’t very well armed. They all had swords made of silver. I pick up a couple of them and didn’t notice anything particularly powerful about them. Aela explained that Silver is especially effective against the undead and werewolves, but only in werewolf form.

We found many werewolves already dead and even one that was still alive. Aela told me that people who are weak of mind that turn into werewolves go feral. I couldn’t think of too many fates worse then loosing yourself to a feral mind.

Aela was indeed a mighty warrior. I was always improving, watching her techniques. We cleared room after room and no sign of struggle or Skjor. That meant he was still undetected.

Deep into the keep, we approached the deepest chamber. Aela said that the leader here was Krev the Skinner. Aela and I burst through the door and launched arrows at the closest Silver Hand members. After a few more arrows they were down. The leader and two more quickly closed the gap.

I took the leader while Aela occupied the other two Silver Hand members. She only had a knife but that didn’t hinder her one bit.

Krev on the other hand was a handful. He was well armored with steel and he hit very hard. My shield managed to stop most of the damage, but I found it hard to find an opening. I through him off balance with my Thu’um and landed several powerful blows. Krev went for a big overhand attack but before it could land I bashed my shield into his face. Blood running down his face from his nose and several cuts, he looked at me with contempt. He backed up to put some distance between us but I kept on him. With a bit a run he took one final swing at me. It caught me in the side and I lost my footing and staggered back. Another quicker blow came after that. The fight had taken its toll on both me and Krev but I knew I was the better warrior. I rushed him with an overhand strike of my own, hitting something vital. Krev looked at the wound and then fell over.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

The Difficulties Getting Back to Whiterun

Aela rushed to the far end of the room and pounded her fist into the stone ground. I walked up and saw Skjor lying motionless. His Skyforge Steel sword was just out of reach and there was a pool of blood under his body. Aela was frustrated but understanding. She blamed him for coming in alone.

“Although we are powerful, numbers can overwhelm” she said vacantly

I took the scene a little harder. Skjor had been my strongest supporter regarding joining the companions and moving up the ranks. Like most of the Companion’s I’d come to think of him like family. I knelt down and gave a quick prayer to Arkay.

“Don’t bother; he’s with Hircine now, joining in the great hunt. I’m going to stay, see if I can learn anything from the bodies. I do have another mission for you though”

“Of coarse Shield-sister, what can I do?”

She proceeded to tell me of another fragment of Wuuthrad. The Silver Hand got to it first and keeping it at Lost Knife Hideout. She marked the area on my map. It was just south of Fort Amol.

I lifted the door bar and walked into one of the rooms Aela and I had just cleared. To my left was another member of the Silver Hand just sitting down and having food. I snuck behind him, moving ever so slowly and then brought my sword down on the top of his head. He died instantly.

Outside I made my way down the gentle hill towards the pond. There was a small island with a boat docked. I decided to see if there was anything valuable there and was surprised to see small hatch leading to an underground cave.

It had all the signs of a classic smuggler’s den. I made my way quietly down the ladder. There was blood on the floor and a little into the cave I saw someone eating at a table, dressed in black. There was a dead body in a trough along the cave wall. Vampires.

I called upon my new Beast-blood. The transformation was less painful this time and I didn’t black out. I rushed forward with my new hulking form. I saw the surprise and maybe even a hint of fear in the vampire’s eyes as I approached. With one slash of my claw the body was thrown to the cave wall, blood everywhere. Another vampire came up a ramp and tried to drain my life with blood magicka. I ran and slashed at her with both claws, shedding her to ribbons.

The cave was stocked with books and potions and gold. I found a dead Vigil of Stendarr in the cage with ankle deep water. I concentrated on returning to my Nord form and soon my body shifted back. I looted everything I could and made for the surface.

I continued east and scaled down a small cliff to get to a road. I followed it south until I came across a mill. The sign read Mixwater Mill. Slightly up the road a bit I saw three soldiers in blue. I knew Lost Knife Hideout wasn’t far away and maybe I could clear it out before days end.

Then I felt something which almost knocked me to the ground and I heard a familiar cry. I looked to the sky and saw a Dragon swoop past me and circle the mill. So much for a quick walk to Lost Knife Hideout.

The Dragon circled a while and for a moment I thought it was just going to fly away. It made a banking turn and landed right on top of the house near the mill. I launched several arrows into the Dragon’s tough hide. It blasted me with frost. It hurt, but my Nord blood helped me block out the numbness.

It took off again and made another pass. It prepared another attack, this time just flying in place above the river. Several more arrows found their mark. I noticed a few more arrows strike from a different direction. The three Stormcloaks were taking flanking positions and firing arrows at the beast!
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Heavy Burdens and a Breath of Fire

Glad for the assistance I re-doubled my effort. It wasn’t long before the Dragon was forced to the ground due to injury. Unfortunately this only made him fiercer. To their credit the Stormcloaks charged in bravely.

The closest soldier got a full blast of ice. He or she must have been a Nord as well because they didn’t go down. They unsheathed an iron war-axe and began slashing. Furious that the soldier was still standing, the Dragon reared its head and bit down on the soldier.

Only the legs flailed briefly, then the Dragon shook his head violently back and forth, showering the area in the soldier’s blood. Arrow after arrow imbedded itself in the Dragon but it still had plenty of fight left.

The Dragon charged another of the soldiers. Forced to take a stand or be attacked in the back the soldier readied their iron war-hammer and began landing powerful blows to the Dragon. I decided to keep firing arrows while the soldiers held the Dragon’s attention. My back was now to the small cliff I’d just climbed down.

The Dragon was now heavily wounded. Blood had stained most of the wings and parts of his body. The Dragon was biting viciously at the soldier and after two narrow escapes the soldier was almost cut in half by teeth crushing the body.

The final Stormcloak and I kept launching arrows. I had to re-fill my quiver from my pack twice already. I don’t know what came over the Stormcloak next. Either overcome with grief and rage or maybe just out of arrows, he grabbed his war-axe and rushed the Dragon.

This time the Dragon made short work of him. Two bites crippled the soldier and he again grabbed and shook the soldier to death.

I was alone again and had just seen the Dragon take out three brave soldiers almost effortlessly. I kept my distance for as long as possible but the Dragon was still deceptively fast. I grabbed my new shield that I’d found in Gallows Rock. My Skyforge Steel sword and Elven shield ready, I braced for the impact of the Dragon’s head colliding with my shield.

After the fist bite attempt I shoved the shield back into his face and slashed at the eyes and face. The Dragon roared in pain. I readied my self for another bite attempt and dove out of the way. With all my strength I shoved my sword into the Dragon’s face. Its tough skin gave way and the sword when in to the hilt.

Almost immediately the body started to burn away, freeing up my sword. My vision blurred again and I felt my soul rip out the Dragon’s soul once again. The word from Dustmans Cairn came rushing from memory. With the Dragon’s essences now a part of me I grasped the meaning of the word ‘Yol’. Fire.

I dragged the bodies, or what was left of them to the side of the house. Hopefully someone would come along and take the message back to Ulfric and they could be identified.

I grabbed some of the Dragon’s bones and the scales that were not burnt up. I had almost forgotten how heavy they were. Unfortunately my pack was now reaching the limits of what I could carry comfortably. I made the decision to scout out the cave now and then returning with a lighter pack.

The cobble road crossed a bridge near an abandoned prison. Fort Amol was on my left and I saw a mage pacing the road. I kept my distance, ready to attack just in case.

The walk was peaceful after that. An old Nordic tomb lay on hill to the south and I could see the familiar sight of Valtheim Towers in the distance.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

I think it starts you off facing the door with no option, the text isn't there, to open it. You have to move your cursor away for a moment and then you can exit that way.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Mead, Food and a Golden Foe

Valtheim Towers turned out to be occupied by bandits. One wanted to charge me 100 gold to use the road. I told them her she could have it…if she could take it from me. I brought up my shield and grabbed my sword. She was all alone here at the base of the first tower and went down almost without a fight. Rather then try to clear out the towers, I decided just to walk away. I couple stray arrows harmlessly fell on ground beside me.

Back in Whiterun I unloaded my pack. I sold my loot to Elrindir at the Drunken Huntsman and Belathor at his shop. I also dropped off most of my alchemy ingredients and smithing supplies at Breezehome.

It was approaching Dusk but I decided I wanted to approach Lost Knife hideout at night, maybe catch them off guard. I tried to get a couple hours sleep but I didn’t feel as refreshed as I usually do. Lydia made me a quick meal and I was off again.

I passed the stables and followed the road back towards Fort Amol. In front of Honningbrew Meadery I noticed three guards standing out front drinking. I thought to myself, I hope for Whiterun’s sake that a Dragon doesn’t attack.

I crossed the bridge and saw a strange man on the side of the road. I asked what he was doing out here and if he needed any help. He introduced himself as Balbus. He was on a mission to fine “the Gourmet.” He said he had several rare ingredients that he wanted to present to him. He showed me a Daedra Heart, Spider Egg and a bowl of Troll fat. He also took pleasure in showing me his fork.

Leaving the strange man behind, I continued toward Valtheim Towers. An unusual amount of wolves seemed to hunting in the area. At first I thought this was good, with my new blood and all, but they attacked me regardless. By the time I reached the old Nordic tomb I’d collected seven wolf pelts.

This proved to be the least of my worries because at the tomb somebody in golden Dwarven armor decided to launch fireballs at me for no apparent reason. The first one just missed my head and grabbed my attention.

I dodged a few more trying to close the gap. The person in golden armor backtracked up the path towards the tomb still attacking. I couple managed to hit my shield and armor.

At last I was toe to toe with this mysterious warrior and I thanked Eorland for my Skyforge steel blade as the dwarven helmet and armor were difficult to pierce. A few times the fireballs managed to inflict serious damage and I had to drink a few healing potions from my pack. It felt like my skin was melting. I finally managed to use my shield to finish off my enemy.

I removed the armor and helmet and was shocked to learn it was a female Dunmer. No note or identification of any kind. I took the armor and helmet and folded them away to sell later.

Back on the road, I used my very limited knowledge of restoration magicka to heal my residual burns. I watched as my pink and black skin returned to their normal color. I soon came across the dirt path that led to the cave. Just outside the cave entrance was a pond filled by a nearby waterfall. It was dark but I could see movement under the water. I managed to catch some of the fish in the pond for powerful alchemy ingredients.

I entered the cave ready to retrieve the fragment of Wuuthrad. Inside, water from the pond flowed down beside a path deeper into the cave. Up ahead I saw a fire and two Silver Hand members around it.

This first went down with one arrow but the other was much tougher. I fired a few more arrows into him, but the armor must have kept them from being fatal as the Redguard charged in. His steel waraxe bounced harmlessly off my Elven shield and my blade soon cut him down.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

The Silver Hand Shouldn’t have Lost that Knife

I followed the shallow stream and soon it was dumped into a massive chamber. A bridge made of dirt and rocks lead to a pillar in the center, which stretched from top to bottom, where the Silver Hand had constructed a small lookout. I counted three Silver Hand, none of them well equipped or armored. I rushed in ready for battle.

One by one I cut them down but after the battle I had to pull several arrows from my armor and body. Eventually I came to a room where the Silver Hand had ‘jailed’ their leader.

I approached from a ledge above and I could see empty cages scattered on the floor below me. Below that was an open arena and the Silver Hand leader was pacing back and forth, taunting the others. I took down two members with my bow but soon the others were aware of me and charging in. For some reason no one was using their silver weapons but iron or steel.

There was two charging at me and another with a bow trying to overwhelm me. I forced them to a bottleneck by the cages and used my shield to out strike them.

The fragment of Wuuthrad was lying in a large chest against one of the walls. I put it in my pack and thought about what to do with the leader. Several bodies lay about the arena along with a bear carcass. Clearly not someone to take lightly.

I picked the lock of the cage door leading to the arena. The Silver Hand leader was standing in the middle taunting me. I took in the surroundings. I could always back track and lose him behind the small waterfall. The water flowed down a stream following the cave wall to my left and exited through a door made of iron rods.

I advanced toward him and he came at me with a running over the top strike with his Orcish Greatsword. I braced my shield for impact but I was still reeled back from the force of the impact. My arms rattled and went numb. I couldn’t take many of those. He poorly blocked a few of my strikes. He tried to block another but I came down with all my power and managed to make him stagger. I quickly followed up with some quicker strikes to capitalize.

He was well armored so I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. He caught me with a quicker strike to my right side, throwing me to the ground. I rolled out of the way from another heavy strike and took a swipe at his legs.

As he went for another powerful strike, I felt as if time slowed. I thrust my shield into his face, breaking his nose and halting his attack. I found weak point after weak point in his steel armor, but I was wearing quicker then he was. I’d realized I’d never transform in time to use my Beast blood.

A temporary retreat was needed so I ran back to the cages and climbed on top of one. As he chased after me, I used the brief pause to drain a healing potion as well as a green stamina potion. He took a couple swipes at me from the ground but the cage made it easy for me to predict where they would go and easily dodge them.

I jumped down on top him bringing us both to the ground. He was slower to get up so I slashed his back with my Skyforge Steel blade. He winced in pain and turned for a quick swing. He was falling apart, losing most of his technique. He came in for another powerful strike. I stepped back, just out of range then grabbed his neck with my shield hand, and thrust my sword through his unprotected head.

Exhaustion took me and I fell over almost before he did. I again called upon my limited knowledge of Restoration magick, trying to conserve healing potions as I’d used a lot during the fight.

I striped him of his valuables and took his weapon as a souvenir. Two more Silver Hand members guarded the way out but they weren’t as challenging as the leader. Exiting the cave I splashed some water on my face and made for Whiterun. I looked up at the clear, starry night sky and color danced across it. I took it in and hoped for an uneventful walk back to Breezehome.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

A Trip North

Thankfully the road back to Whiterun was almost empty. Balbus was still at the side of the road near White River Watch. I avoided the strange man and continued on.

Back in Whiterun, as it was still dark, I sold some of my stuff at the only place that was open, The Drunken Huntsman.

I made a quick trip up to Dragonsreach to the enchanting table and then made for Jorrvaskr. I knew Aela would be up waiting for my return and sure enough she was just inside the doors near the fire. I dropped the fragment of Wuuthrad in her hands and got my next mission.

Aela and I sat down while she explained that she’s found evidence of Silver Hand activity at Fort Fellhammer. I was to assassinate their leader to avenge Skjor. Aela said she’s been covering for me here, keeping the others from asking too many questions about our plans and my whereabouts.

Tomorrow I’d leave, but tonight I spent the night in the living quarters listening to Athis talk in his sleep and Njada snore as load as a cave bear. I made a mental note to just go to Breezehome next time.

I ate with the Companions that morning and left when the other shops would open. I sold off the rest of my stuff to Arcadia and Belathor. I had accumulated quite a bit of ore and pelts so I spent a few hours at Adrianne;s practicing my smithing. I showed Adrianne my Elven shield and she showed me what kind of materials I would need to make and improve it and how to create other pieces made from those materials. I purchased some moonstone and quicksilver from her and made myself an Elven Bow and Sword.

Pleased with my work I hung my Skyforge Steel Sword over the Door of Breezehome and left Whiterun. Aela had marked the area on my map and there was a road that passed very close to the Fort. It was just south of Dawnstar

With a long trip ahead I followed the road north that was just east of Whiterun. I passed the Meadery and several farms. I recognized the area from my first transformation to a Werewolf.

Before long I saw a figure standing off to the side. As I approached I saw that it was an Orc and he had recently slain two Sabercats. I also noticed another figure several yards away dressed as a monk or priest but they didn’t move. I asked the older Orc what had happened and he said he was searching for a good death. I tried to convince him that he was still a capable warrior but he had made up his mind.

I told him I’d give him a good death. He unhooked his axe from his belt and I readied my sword and shield. You can’t afford to give an Orc any opening, most are hard warriors with no remorse. My opening attack probably caught him so off guard that it explained the relative ease of the battle (NOTE: I was expecting a tough fight and it wasn’t). I let forth my newest shout and encompassed him with fire. My new blade found its mark over and over while the few swings that the Orc managed were easily deflected by my improved Elven shield.

I talked to the Khajiit who watched the whole thing but he made no sense, he just mentioned that Nords were very tolerable of some things here but he referred to himself in the third person. Maiq was a strange one indeed.

Farther up the road I crossed into the Pale. A wagon carrying a coffin had broken down and another odd character was flailing madly. He told me that it was carrying his mother and that the nearby farmer had refused to help. I told him I’d look into it. I managed to convince the farmer to help the man Cicero.

Cicero was so pleased he handed me 400 gold just for simply talking to the man. Hoping to avoid anymore odd characters I continued north. The land seemed to go a bit downhill and snow started to cover the land. I followed the road as the wind picked up and snow began to limit my vision.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Adventuring around Duskglow Crevice

I followed the road north but it started to turn east. I found myself at place I’d heard refer to as Shrouded Grove. I had to put down a Snowy Sabercat to get a look at the entrance of the cave. While I was peering inside an Ice Wrath tried to imbed itself in my back. My father’s armor prevented anything fatal but I was forced to drink several potions to heal the wounds.

The Ice Wrath was tough to hit and packed a huge punch for such a small creature. My new Elven blade was proving worth the time to craft it and my fire breath almost shattered it on the spot. I bottled its essence and took its teeth and headed into the cave to see what was being guarded.

After my eyes adjusted to the limited light I heard the unmistakable sounds of a bear. I saw movement deeper into the cave. I crouched down low and waited for a better idea of what was going on. Slowly the bear came around a large stone table and I hit it with a couple arrows from my new Bow. As it charged in, I dodged to the side the slashed the bear in its mouth, dropping it dead.

I moved in slowly, not knowing what else to expect. The cave was small and it had Nordic constructed stone and a few long deceased draugr.

I moved to examine the tables and draugr. I felt a crippling slash across my back. I turned wondering how I could have missed another bear but instead found myself face to face with something far more powerful. A Spriggan Matron had been hibernating in a tree. Its core glowed red and purple while its vines and roots twisted around forming its body.

I blocked the next few swings and then mounted an offence of my own. Once again fire breath bought me enough time to heal my back wounds. The Spriggan and I went toe to toe slashing wildly at each other. I chopped off vines for them only to grow back. At one point it fell to the ground, seemly defeated but a burst of white magicka radiated from it and it continued the attack. My vision was filled with blood and bramble roots tore at my armor. I could feel myself slipping away. The Spriggan Matron dove in to finish me off so I raised my sword which pierced the creature’s armor and core. The core faded from bright red, to dark purple and finally to black.

With the last of my strength I emptied my limited magicka reserves closing my wounds. I looted the place, starting to feel a bit better, and walked back out into the snow.

I decided to backtrack and found a path leading north I had missed earlier and was only visible because the snow was slightly less accumulated. I came to a shrine of Talos, located at Weynon Stones. Even snowing, I could make out some more Ice Wraiths resting on the ground. I got out my new bow and took aim. I took out the first before it could float up and “swim” through the air at me. The second I hit with one arrow, the rest missed due its erratic movement, combined with losing it in the snow.

I was more prepared this time and used my fire breath shout to weaken it. My Elven sword finished the job no problem. I prayed to Talos for strength at the shrine and continued north.

A mountain now loomed to the east, so I skirted the edge north. I climbed upward and found another cave. This one had a fire pit dug out front. I entered the cave and followed it into the mountain. I heard a conversation between bandits that someone had stolen their things. I proceed to clear out the cave of bandits and soon found what had stolen their belongings. I knew Falmer liked to use poison and kept viscous creatures as pets.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

The Hall of Stendarr and Fort Fellhammer

I cleared chamber after chamber of Falmer and Chaurus, mitigating their poison with restoration magicka if I got the chance or healing potions if it was on the fly. I finally found a chamber which looked like at one point was a path through the mountain for supplies. The bandit leader was battling a strong Falmer and his pet up on another floor, beside the gate. I kept out of sight beneath them and launched arrows at the Falmer. Soon the bandit leader had slayed the Falmer and his pet.

I casually walked up the plank steps to where they were battling and found the bandit leader badly hurt. He saw me and rushed to attack. I simple side-stepped him, and with a spinning attack decapitated him.There was still lots of valuables in this storage area so I tossed the Bandit Leader’s body aside, took what I could and the found my way out of the cave through the way I entered.

Back outside the snow still feel thick, limiting vision. I got turned around and found myself at Fort Dunstad instead. I followed the walls to what I thought was the correct direction. I trudged through the snow and saw a faint light through the snow. As I got closer I realized in was the glow of a building.

I was surprised to find it was a Hall of Stendarr. As I approached, two vigils stopped me on the porch. One noticed my amulet of Stendarr and softened his gaze. I knew of Stendarr of coarse but I wasn’t familiar with the Vigilant. I asked one their purpose and they explained how it was hunting Daedra. I told him I’ve been doing my part, having sent a few flame Atronachs back to Oblivion.

I then got slightly nervous by was said next.

“We hunt all evil. Vampires, Werewolves but Deadra are the worst” another vigil added.

I entered the Hall cautiously but curious of how a group of Daedra hunters set up. I spoke with their leader briefly, Keeper Colette. I decided not to rest here, for fear of my nature being discovered. Colette kindly pointed me in the right direction of Fort Fellhammer and I left.

The snow was not falling as heavily now and I could see much farther. I was only walking for fifteen minutes or so when I saw Fort Fellhammer. It wasn’t as large as some of the other forts I’d seen. It was overlooked by a steep hill to the south, with more open areas to the north and west.

I decided that I would attack from the south as it seemed the most vulnerable. I took caution to stay out of sight as I climbed a path that lead to the top of the overlook. From here I could see several guards patrolling the ramparts.

I grabbed my Elven bow and lined up a shot. The first had missed, drawing attention of three of the Silver Hand patrolling. The second and third arrows found their mark though dropping the one guard. The others scrambled to get off the walls and charge the only place that the attack could have come from.

I fired several more arrows before they came charging up the hill at me, hitting a few times but missing more often then not. I readied my Thu’um and Elven weapons as they approached the base of the hill.

My fire breath hit all three of the Silver Hand causing them to momentarily be distracted. I followed up with several attacks, quickly putting one away. One was staying back using a bow, while the other kept the pressure on me. I kept the one between the archer and myself to minimize the chances of an arrow hitting me, hoping he wouldn’t fire at his friend.

My Elven shield was excellent at deflecting the silver sword but some of the attacks got around it. I proved the superior warrior once again and the Redguard member fell and rolled down the hill into a tree. I closed the distance quickly to the other and my strength won over his agility.

Now inside the courtyard, I could see this was a mine protected by a fort. I decided to clear the mine itself before attacking the leader, who was surely in the upper chambers.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Revenge on the Silver Hand

The lock on the door to the mine was tricky and I busted a few picks getting it open. I was hesitant to transform, knowing that the silver weapons they were using would cut through my flesh much easier.

No one was aware of what had happened outside, how could they being underground like this? I crept forward, bow at the ready, searching for any signs of movement or a Silver Hand.

Out of a passage to my right a Silver Hand walked towards the far wall. I sent an arrow into my target but it went through the armor first, blunting the damage. He yelled out and I heard movement beneath me and from deeper into the mine. I swapped my bow for my blade and attacked.

Tougher then the members patrolling outside, I had to focus on my technique, alternating between sword and shield and staggering him, to best him. I had only a brief moment to heal myself before two more rounded the corner and found me near the dead body.

I opened the battle with my fire shout followed by a running power swing on the nearest member. I weathered a fury of attacks from both members, letting my shield absorb the most of the damage. I lulled them into a sense of superiority and then staggered them both with my shield. With a couple quick attacks of my own, the one member finally fell.

I felt a sharp pain in my side as I turned to focus on the last member. I looked back to find yet another Silver Hand swinging a silver sword into my side. I drank one of the healing potions that I kept handy and circled around to avoid being pincered.

The last two members didn’t go down easily and I had to use another fire shout to gain the upper-hand. Eventually they both fell to my blade and I could explore the rest of the mine. Lost of potiential iron, but nothing of real value except some gold lying around, that was presumably got from selling some of the ore.

I made my way out of the cluttered mine and walked along the fort walls until I came to the door leading inside the main fort. I moved as stealthily as possible once inside so as to not let the leader get the first attack.

A fire was roaring in the fireplace just inside. The area looked to be a two-room fort, built to house the owner of the mine. Books lie on shelf above the fire and weapons hung on plaques that were mounted on the walls. I could see the opening of the other room to my right so I moved for the best vantage into the room.

Inside I could see the heavily armored leader sitting at a desk with books, weapons and gold. I could also make out a large decorative chest behind the leader. It reeked of valuables. Not yet aware of me I knew the strategy I wanted to take with this guy.

I’d fire an arrow to get his attention. As he stood from the chair I’ll blast him with fire, giving me time to ready my sword and shield and with my hopefully superior abilities simply never give him an opening. I readied my bow and hoped all went according to plan.

A delicate twang of a bow string. The thunderous call of “Yol”. The clash of greatsword on shield. The crack of a broken nose. The scrape of sword slicing through armor. The slight oozing sound of flesh being pierced. The thud of a body hitting floor. The silence of victory.

I filled my pack with the contents of the chest and examined the items still left on the table. I had to make some sacrifices and leave some of my other loot behind to make room and weight for the better stuff. My pack was heavy again and walking all the way back to Whiterun would be a chore.

I decided to lighten my load at the nearby city of Dawnstar instead so I left the Fort and headed north… back into the snow.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel

Dawnstar, City of Nightmares

I had to check my map to see how far Dawnstar was. It wasn’t far, though I did have to go around a giant camp. It looked as though a small group of bandit’s greed had outweighed their common sense as they were attacking a giant and his mammoths. I hung back and watched as the giant effortlessly crushed them one by one with his club and then continued along the road.

I strolled into Dawnstar early in the morning. None of the shops were open yet so I made a lap of the city. I decided I’d rest a few hours at the inn after I lightened my pack and then make the trip back to Whiterun.

Soon the town’s people were heading off to the mines and opening their shops. I stopped a few to ask about the town but everyone I talked to, including the shop owners, were all complaining of nightmares. The town was limited in its shops but I sold most of my pack’s contents to the blacksmith and the alchemist.

I headed to the inn where there was a priest of Mara trying to reassure people that he was looking into the nightmares. Some called him foolish for trying to change dreams and others begged him for relief. I asked the innkeeper to wake me in a couple hours and got some rest.

Waking up hasn’t felt the same since becoming moon-born. No nightmares but I didn’t feel entirely rested. I guess that’s a sacrifice I’ll have to make.

Dawnstar is known for its mine of rare ore so I spent a few hours chipping away at the rock. After labouring to fill my pack, I made for the road south to Whiterun.

It was almost a straight shot from Dawnstar to Whiterun for which I was grateful. Luck, it seemed, was on my side today as just as I was leaving Dawnstar I met with Khajiit caravan on the move. There leader was Ma’dran and he explained that although one of the caravans did stop in Dawnstar he was making for Windhelm. I sold him some of the things that the other shop owners didn’t want or couldn’t afford.

I noticed a small Nordic crypt all but covered by snow. I investigated only to find two Skeevers who had made it their home. The Khajiit were moving at a slow pace so I couldn’t walk with them for protection. The road was mostly empty all the way to Fort Dunstad, though a few Frostbite Spiders thought I’d make easy prey. These were much tougher then the others I’d encountered, very large and white in coloring but still fell to my blade.

I walked through the gate of Fort Dunstad expecting to find an Imperial camp or maybe Stormcloaks but I guess my luck was running thin because Bandits had taken the abandoned fort.

They were all scattered about the place but some were on the walls and had bows for distance combat. I took them out one at a time and took the meagre amounts of gold they carried. They were more skilled then some of the others I’d encountered but still not particularly well armed or armored.

The fort encompassed an inn by the name of the Stumbling Sabrecat. I knew more bandits would most likely be inside so I took it upon myself to wipe them out. To my disappointment the inn didn’t have much in the way of valuables but I was able to vent my anger on two bandits drunk on mead.

Leaving the fort behind, I continued on the road. A few more of those tough white Frostbite Spiders tried to ambush me, jumping at me and spitting poison. I was able to cut them down but I had to use some healing magicka to counter the poison.

I thought my luck might take a turn for the better but I was wrong. I felt a rush of air and saw a distinct shadow pass over me. I looked up and saw another Dragon circling the area, readying an attack. I looked for cover and in the distance I saw some of the Weyon Stones. That would have to do. I grabbed my bow and sprinted for some cover.
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PSN: Silver-ArchAngel