This is just something I'm doing for fun, using Take Notes! to journal the adventures of my characters. It'll be pretty rough work, so feedback is greaty appreciated - otherwise, enjoy.
Also, note: all the times seem weirdly close together because travelling takes so little in game time. Going forward (Beginning after the Civil War chapter) I'll be trying a mod that changes time scales when travelling. Note two: This is a heavily modded playthrough, and I will be doing modded quests. Finally, Note three: each "chapter" will refer to a different questline, although shorter quests might be done in a "chapter". I plan on keeping it all in this post.
---Last Seed, 17th, 4E 201---
Well, what a day. Captured by imperials and sent to be executed, only for a dragon to show up - letting me and a stormcloak called Ralof escape. We made it out, but the city was destroyed.
---Last Seed, 18th, 4E 201---
I've gone to Falkreath. I needed some rest, and I like the place.
I've met a travelling scholar, looking for protection - I'll take the deal. He pays well.
He brings up a good point - We should warn Riverwood.
---Last Seed, 18th, 4E 201---
I've made it to Riverwood - A bit beat up, but I've warned the residents. I've offered to help retrieve an ornament for the local shopkeeper - it's on the way to Whiterun, so I'll fetch it before informing the Jarl.
---Last Seed, 19th, 4E 201---
I've managed to retreive it, but I'm badly beat up.
---Last Seed, 19th, 4E 201---
It seems he suffered another break in, but little of value was taken - He seemed thankful for the claw.
The priests had a couple of potions available, but I'm still left with some bad wounds. I'll want to rest for a while.
---Last Seed, 20th, 4E 201---
I'm rested but still badly injured. I'll warn the Jarl, then spend some time resting.
A dragons appeared. I'm in no state to fight, but I'll give it what I've got.
We did it.
Killed it.
The final strike still rings through my body - It felt as if I could kill a god, take on an army. It felt as if I was a dragon.
Then a guard approched, he believes me Dragonborn. His belief probably holds some truth, too. I can harness the Thu'um, at least.
It seems I've been summoned by the greybeards - "Old masters of the voice", according to Balgruuf. But honestly? They'll have to wait. Theres a civil war tearing this land in two, and all they do is watch. I can't take it - I'm joining the stormcloaks.
Belethor was happy to buy some dragon bones - that'll pay for the rest of the potions I need.
I'm boarding a carriage to Windhelm - Ulfric may not be perfect, but the empire tried to kill me one too many times, and this war needs to stop.
---Last Seed, 21st, 4E 201---
I've been tasked with killing an ice wratih at serpenstone island. It's out near Winterhold, so I'll take a cart up.
---Last Seed, 21st, 4E 201---
I did it. I almost froze to death getting here, and I can only hope I make it back - But I did it.
---Last Seed, 21st, 4E 201---
Lucien dragged me half the way, but we made it back. Thank the gods.
---Last Seed, 22nd, 4E 201---
We got the jagged crown for Ulfric. Not too hard a fetch, and hopefully more people will recognise his claim now. Also, there was another of those ancient walls in the tomb - Like in bleak falls barrow. I wonder, can I unlock its power by killing a dragon, like I did the one in bleak falls barrow? Anyways, I've been ordered to deliver an Axe to Jarl Balgruuf - I take it Whiterun's neutrality can only last so long. I just hope they choose the right side.
---Last Seed, 22nd, 4E 201---
He returned the Axe. I'm no expert on the language of Jarls, but I know blades - and this doesn't bode well. He's even beginning to write a letter to Tullius as I write this.
---Last Seed, 23rd, 4E 201---
I feared this would be the case. We're to attack Whiterun. I knew this war would be brutal, but to turn the Blade of Whiterun against it's Jarl? Far a thane to attack her Jarl? I guess I have no choise but to serve. I signed up for this.
---Last Seed, 23rd, 4E 201---
We did it. I'm mostly unscathed, but the betrayal? It hurts. To see the man I served mere weeks ago, clad in armour and exchanging blows with me? To see his replacement approach, unbloodied and in fine clothing? I'm sorry, but Whiterun deserved better. If one day a historian seeks a scapegoat for Whiterun's fall from prosperity due to a weak Jarl, then I will bear that blame.
---Last Seed, 24th, 4E 201---
Well, I killed a dragon outside of Falkreath - and it seems my theory is correct: Killing dragons allows me to call upon the Thu'um I encounter in caves, such as what I found in Korvanjund.
---Last Seed, 24th, 4E 201---
We've managed to liberate Falkreath, though not unscathed. We lost good men and the rest of us barely made it - I hope this is all over soon.
---Last Seed, 25th, 4E 201---
Rest evades me. I close my eyes, and by brain is brought back to Balgruuf. His grimace as we exchanged blows. His disappointment, his judgement.
---Last Seed, 25th, 4E 201---
I'm to blackmail the Jarl of Markarth's steward, with evidence of his Talos worship. Seems my old skills are going to come in handy.
---Last Seed, 26th, 4E 201---
Did it - feels like I'm getting rusty though. We're to raid the caravan - on lot of supplies taken from the enemy is worth two of your own supplies.
Easy enough fight - the local forsword put up more of a defense than the imperials. "Heavily Guarded" Raerek said - I do hope this is what the imperials think heavily guarded is.
The weathers appaling, but Markarth is next up. Hopefully there aren't any ancient dwarven devices that they've managed to get in working order.
Oblivion, even the journey here was rough - forsworn litter this kyne-forsaken hold. Heres to hoping I've got the energy left in me to storm this place.
Theres something to be said for the imperial's bravery - they could be the last one alive and they still won't flee, or hide. I guess I'll see them in Soverngarde. Also, they've got some pretty impressive mages - I'd like to learn some proper magic myself.
---Last Seed, 27th, 4E 201---
Forging orders? This brings me right back.
---Last Seed, 28th, 4E 201---
This place is freezing - We'll have the imperials down in no time. They can't deal with the cold like a nord.
Easy - the imperials were too cold to even draw a bow properly. We've pushed them out of almost all of Skyrim - Just Solitude left.
---Last Seed, 28th, 4E 201---
I've been promoted for our final march on Solitude. Stormblade. I can only hope the gods see my glory as the people do.
---Last Seed, 29th, 4E 201---
We've taken fort Hraggstad - The imperials have norwhere to go but Solitude.This'll all be over soon.
Still, I'd like to learn some magic - the imperials definately have an advantage other us in that category.
---Last Seed, 29th, 4E 201---
Today. Fredas, Last Seed, 29th of 4E 201. Today, the empire will be pushed out of Skyrim. Today, Skyrim will be restored to the Nords. Today, I take my revenge on Tullius, for trying to execute me. Today, I prove to the gods that I was worth saving.
---Last Seed, 29th, 4E 201---
Tullius, crawling before me. Rikke, Dead. She put up much more of a fight, not that it matters now.
Shoving the sword of Whiterun down his throat was satisfying. He may not be Numinex, but he wore the icons of a dragon, led his men like one - and was as smart as one. Prophetic, isn't it? I can only hope the skalds of Soverngarde sing about is as the skads of Skyrim will. Now Ulfric is to give a speach and officially declare himself as High King - the war is over.
---Last Seed, 30th, 4E 201---
Well. That's it.
The war's over.
All the bloodshed, the killing, the freezing.
Done.
I guess I should probably make my way to the greybeards now - though I did here about a museum opening in Solitude? Might as well have a look, while I'm here.
---Last Seed, 30th, 4E 201---
The museum is just opening, so he's asked me to retrieve some items he'd like to display. I'll do it when I'm in the area.
I've also heard some rumours of a sister ship to the Kateriah, captured by bandits. Wouldn't that be a prize?
It's beutiful. I'm no fan of the empire, but they sure know how to build a good boat. I'll be keeping this - maybe I can make myself a crew. Lucien will make a good ship's mage.
I've got some work to do though, the bandits didn't take care of it.
---Last Seed, 31st, 4E 201---
Ivarstead. Quaint little place. I don't suppose it gets any visitors other than pilgrims, and I'm not exactly helping that.
I've made it to High Hrothgar. Lets see what these old guys want with me - apparently they trained Ulfric? Maybe they have similair plans for me.
They did teach me some more Thu'um. Interestingly, the feeling when they leant their knowledge to me was very similair to that of absorbing a dragon's soul, and the knowledge I gain from them can be used to project into more Thu'um - it seem's my theory might have been correct. Overall, they tought me two new words of power - "Whirlwind" and "Balance". "Balance" continues on from "Force" to create a more powerful shout (Although I'm informed that the limit is three words in a shout. I wonder if theres a way to go past that?). "Balance" is the first word in an entirely different shout, which propels me forward almost instantly. They've also asked that I retrieve an artifact of their founder from a tomb in Hjaalmarch to complete my training. I was doubtful about these old guys initially, but the Thu'um is incredibly interesting, and could probably give me the upper hand in just about everything. I'll be helping them further.
I'll go via Whiterun to retrieve one of the artifacts the museam's curator wanted. I'll also detour to the south-east of the Rift, as I recall one of the artifacts being located there too.
---Heartfire, 1st, 4E 201---
I'm working my way through the cave that's supposed to contain one of the artefacts, and I've found some daedric artefact. An orb like object, which seemingly holds no power of its own, but a daedra spoke to me as soon as I touched it - requesting I return it to Mount Kilkreath. An interesting prospect - Daedra are tricky, but the reward is often worth it. I'll be looking into it when I'm next in the area.
The artefact wasn't far away - some kind of warhammer. Looks like it's from Morrowind? I'll have to see.
---Heartfire, 2nd, 4E 201---
I've just arrived in Whiterun, and the city seems to be recovering remarkably well. Theres a few remnants of the siege, but the market is lively as ever and everythings open.
I've found the artifact - some kind of powerfully enchanted ring. No clue about it's origins. I said I was going to go straight to Hjaalmarch next to retrieve the horn of Jurgen Windcaller, but I think I'll stop by Windhelm to drop some stuff off at the Scarlett.
---Heartfire, 17th, 4E 201---
It took a good minute, but I've finally managed to restore this ship to it's former glory - even managed to hire some crew from Windhelm.
It's been allot longer than I realised, though. I'll sail to Dawnstar and get myself to Hjaalmarch to finally get that horn.
---Heartfire, 17th, 4E 201---
I've made it to the tomb. There where some necromancers outside, so theres probably more inside - and worse, theres bound to be draugr. Never a pleasent experience.
Well. I go through an entire bloody tomb, and the horn isn't even here? This so called "Friend" in Riverwood better have some good answers, or I fear for their safetey.
At least theres some good treasure, and I also discovered a new piece Thu'um - "Fade". It turns me incorporeal, akin to a ghost.
---Heartfire, 18th, 4E 201---
Returning to Dawnstar, I definately feel like I'm getting more used to the cold. I can stay out much longer these days.
I've arrived at Riverwood just as the day turns, and found this "Friend". She says she's part of a group who's looking for a dragonborn, and now wants me to go kill a dragon with her to prove I'm the dragonborn. Apparently the Thu'um isn't enough. Well, she's given me the horn, so thats something in favour of her being trustworthy. She says shes an enemy of the thalmor, which would be something in common between us. I guess I'll go. If its a trap then its near the heart of stormcloak territory - whatever she's got will have a hard time beating us.
---Heartfire, 19th, 4E 201---
Well, we killed it. It wasn't a trap, so she seems trustworthy enough, and with good enough intention. She thinks the thalmor are somehow ressurecting these dragons, which is a ridiculous notion - If the thalmor could ressurect dragons, they'd have never settled for peace. Regardless, her next plan sounds like it's going to involving infiltrating the thalmor embassy - I feel like we should just gather some men and storm the place, but whatever. There probably won't be anything of interest in there, but I'm always up for annoying the Thalmor. I'll return the horn to the greybeards, then get that last artifact for the museum before returing to her - she'll probably have something by then.
---Heartfire, 20th, 4E 201---
I decieded to check in with Ulfric, and he's decieded to offer me a posistion as Thane of Eastmarch - A position I accepted gladly. I see to be collecting Thaneships now - My political power is going to start to rival my physical power.
---Heartfire, 21st, 4E 201---
I've managed to return the horn to High Hrothgar - and they officially proclaimed me Ysmir! The dragon of the north. What's more, they've tought me four new words of power: Push, Mirror, Decieve and Phantom. Push is the third word of Unrelenting Force - and it is much more powerful for it. While the known limit is currently three words in a shout, I wonder what would happen if we exceeded it? Mirror, Decieve and Phantom are three words of another shout - used to create and detonate a phantom decoy. They've even granted me access to their library - There's sure to be more on the Thu'um there.
After some looking in the library, I've found a notebook from some long gone greybeard, detailing ways of combining different words of power into new shouts - It's possible! This opens so many new avenues.
---Heartfire, 22nd, 4E 201---
I've managed to aquire the last artifact. Some kind of warrior statue, made of jade? I've never seen anything like it.
---Heartfire, 23rd, 4E 201---
Made it back to Riverwood - the journey was suprisingly safe, considering the Reach's forsworn problem.
Delphine has a plan, and it sounds crazy. The Thalmor are hosting a party at their embassy in a couple days, and I'm to sneak in, find information on the dragons, and get out? Sounds like a bit of a pain - I'll probably just kill all the elves instead. I'll probably drop the artefacts off at the museum while I'm in Solitude, too.
---Heartfire, 24th, 4E 201---
I've returned the artefacts, and the curator offered me a permanant position looking for artefacts and other items to display. He gave me a short tour, and this place is comprehensive - I'm to fill it with anything and everything interesting I find on my travels. I really like the idea - Let the people of Skyrim know who Stormblade was when I'm gone.
Well, It's off to the embassy now. Lets hope this goes well.
---Heartfire, 25th, 4E 201---
I made it out alive - Can't say the same about the thalmor. They don't know anything about the dragons - I don't know what Delphine expected. I wonder what ridiculous plan she'll come up with next?
Well, she took interest in the thalmor dossier I found, about a man named "Esbern". Apparently they used to work together, and he's some dragon expert. Convenient. Well, I'm to find him now - She assumes he's hiding in the Riften Ratways, but reccomends I talk to a man by the name "Brynjolf".
I've made it to Riften - not a great first impression. The guards seemed pretty rude. Dosn't matter. I'll rest the night and find Esbern in the morning. If he's even alive. I hope to the gods that he's as useful as delphine makes him out to be.
---Heartfire, 26th, 4E 201---
Innkeep hasn't heard of him, but she seems convinced the ratway is where he'd be hiding. I'll check there before I go to Brynjolf - Not sure I properly trust delphine's reccomendations.
Made it to some tavern down in the ratway - a little coin was enough to jog the memory of the innkeep there. Old guy, absolutely nuts. Holed up in the deepest parts of the ratway, never leaves. I think delphine said something about the 30th of Frostfall? I hope thats enough.
Theres thalmor here. Probably the right place.
Yup, it's him. Started talking about how the end is nigh, and how only the dragonborn can stop it. Now he's askling me to get him to delphine. Well, I suppose I'll comply.
Made it back to riverwood with all three of us alive - One of these beds has my name on it.
---Heartfire, 27th, 4E 201---
Well, Esbern seems pretty knowledgeable. Finally delphine finds someone useful. He believes the answer to the dragon problem can be found in Alduin's Wall, a monument in Sky Haven Temple.
We've made it to what looks to be the entrance. Had to clear our some forsworn, but it wasn't too much of a challenge.
We made it in. The dragonborn blood seal wasn't the nicest, but this place is stunning. Hopefully the answers are here too.
I've found a wonderous blade - strong enough to put my Sword of Whiterun to shame. It seems to bear some enchantment specialised in dragonslaying too - this'll definately come in handy.
So the answers were here - kind of. It seems they used a Thu'um to knock Alduin out of the sky, but it dosn't say which Thu'um. Hopefully Argeir knows - delphine seems dislike him, but I trust him. I'll take a detour via the museum first as theres some stuff I'd like to drop off, then I'll be off to ask Argeir.
---Heartfire, 28th, 4E 201---
The museum's really coming along - I'd love to see it complete some day: a glorius monument for all to learn from. Also, Auryen (the curator) gifted me a powerful mace he found recently. I'll be putting this to good use. Anyways, it's off to High Hrothgar now - I reckon I'll take a carriage to Ivarstead.
Long journey - It's passing to eve now. I reckon I can still make it up though.
Made it up. Time to find Arngeir.
He didn't know the words of Thu'um? He described it as a shout born of hate, who's loss they do not regret. However, he's agreed to teach me a Thu'um next morning that will allow me to climb to the top of the mountain - to meet their leader, Parthurnaax, in hopes he has an answer. Interestingly, Arngeir holds a similair contempt for the blades - it seems these two have something against eachother. At least Arngeir actually has answers for me.
---Heartfire, 29th, 4E 201---
He's tought me a three-word Thu'um, Sky-Spring-Summer, and granted me the knowledge to use it. It'll clear the skies on the way to High Hrothgar's peak - something that would normally require a powerful mage. Outstanding. He says this is unfortunately to be my last gift from them, so I guess I'll be back to finding pieces of Thu'um scattered through the land - One day, I will unlock the full potential of this magic.
Well. Can't say I expected that. The leader of the graybeards, a Dohv. That explains the hatred between the graybeards and the blades. According to Parthurnaax, the shout cannot be learned, or even comprehended, by a Dohv - so I'll just have to find AN ELDER SCROLL? Cast myself BACK IN TIME? And then I'll learn it.How in Oblivion I get my hands on an elder scroll I don't know, but Arngeir has proven helpful so far.
Argeir believes the college of Winterhold might know. If anything, it'll at least be an oppertunity to practice my magik - I've been working on it, but I could always get better. My restoration and alteration are pretty solid, but the rest is in need of work.
I'm just traveling, and I've encountered another piece of Thu'Um - Weapon. It bears the capability to cast a foe's blade from their grasp, leaving them defensless.
---Heartfire, 30th, 4E 201---
I've made it to winterhold. Let's see if the college has anything of use.
I've been allowed in - netrance exam was pretty easy, so I guess their short on students. Regardless, I'll go find the library. If theres an elder scroll anywhere here, that'll be the place. Might also try to find some of the professors in Illusion or Conjuration.
It seems the college used to be in contact with an expert on the scrolls, but he's since moved out north. It dangerous to sail there, so I'll have to prepare for the cold.
I managed to find a professor of illusion, who was willing to teach me a little - including a spell to trick my body into being less cold, temporeraly. I guess it's time to go up north now.
I think I've made it! I can barely write this as my from the cold, but the Thu'um "Whirlwind" did a stellar job carrying me from ice flow to ice flow as I try to evade the water.
The man's insane - speaking in poetry, but he's so far been the most helpful person I've met. He believes he has an elder scroll here, but needs something from a dwarven ruin called "Blackreach" to access it - he even gave me what I'll need to open the ruins. There's an entrance relatively close to Winterhold, so I'll try make it over there first. If I don't freeze to death.
Somehow, I made it back to Winterhold - Lucien had to drag my frozen body half the way there. I'll need to rest up proper before I go into a dwarven ruin.
I'm taking some time to rest, and it's doing me good -I've managed to make sense of many spell tomes I found on my travels (with the help of some professors and other students).
---Frostfall, 1st, 4E 201---
I had the Scarlett docked in Dawnstar, so I decieded to take a ferry over to Dawnstar and sail the Scarlett back to Solitude - I've got some stuff I'd like to drop off at the museum, and it's not like I'm fighting through any dwarven ruins with this wounds anyways.
---Frostfall, 3rd, 4E 201---
Feeling better now, and the museum is doing well - I'll sail over to Dawnstar and go find this "Bleackreach" place.
I may not be as prepared as I could be, but it's just one dwarven ruin - How big can it be? Worst case I come out with some bad wounds and an empty stomach.
I've made it to what I believe to be the entrance. There's some dead bodies around - seemingly belonging to another adventuring party. Let's hope this isn't a warning.
I've found one of their journals, and it seems they got stuck inside. Seeing as I made it in fine, I should be able to make it out fine aswell.
One of them was some kind of dwemar researcher - makes sense. Kept writing about dwemar automotons, apparently powerful. I'd best watch out.
I've encountered one of the labourers the initial journal mentioned, alive. Seems that expedition wasn't as long ago as I expected. Sadly I couldn't ask, as he was instantly aggresive. Judging by the bottles around, skooma withdrawls. Hopefully I've sent him somewhere better.
Theres some kind of sphere automata - remarkably powerful. I'm glad to have Lucien here, he knows his dwemar pretty well.
It's amazing how this place is still whirring.
Theres som,e kind of creature inhabiting this place - pale as a vampire with ears like an elf, constantly hunched. I've managed to sneak past most of them with the Muffle spell, so I assume they're blind.
I just ran into the most powerful automaton I've ever seen - it must be at least three times my size! I only managed to fell it by luringing it into the camp of these creatures, then calling upon a Thu'um method I was theorising the other day: Calling upon the soul of a recently slain dragon, and using it as a channel for your Thu'um, allowing for more rapid shouting - I thought of it when I was looking into conjuration at the college.
I've run into a couple more members of the expedition - they wheren't happy to see me. I wonder how the managed to get here, though.
---Frostfall, 4th, 4E 201---
By the gods - this place is impressive. I've get a little rest in what seems the be the laboratoy of some long dead alchemist, so I'm assuming it's at least the 4th of Frostfall by now. He was looking for a different kind of nirnroot, that grow like blood - apparently much more potent. I'll have a look, but this place is huge - glowing mushrooms ten times my size illuminate the caverns, and ancient dwemar ruins litter them.
Lucien has been able to identify the creatures inhabiting these ruins as Falmer. I'll have to read up on them when I've got the time.
Exploring further, these Falmer have seem to have been taking human servants. I haven't been able to free any, but at least I can send them somewhere better.
There's a dragon here? How? Certainly no weak dragon either - those dwemar must have known much more than we think they did.
I've found some grand machine. Hopefully this contains the scroll.
Remarkable! I've found it. The lexicon from Septimus is covered in runes now, but he probably won't mind. I've found the elder scroll! I'll probably explore Blackreach a little longer though - I only need a few more samples of this blood nirnroot .
Theres a giant here, too? I presume it must have found its way in via one of the lifts. Curious.
Finally! I did it. 30 samples, plus one more for the museum. The original researchers dead, but he did mention someone in the Rift in his journal. I'll look into finding them when I get the time, but for now I'll be headed to the museum to drop some stuff off and get some rest, then it's time to learn Dragonrend.
---Frostfall, 5th, 4E 201---
I've just made it back to the Scarlett - One of my crew informed me that I've been away for three days? Gods. At this rate Skyrim will be torn apart by dragons.
It seems that may not be too far from the truth. I've just made it back to Solitude to find a dragon attacking the city.
---Frostfall, 9th, 4E 201---
Made it to Ivarstead, after a couple distractions anyways.
Was about to start the climb, but another dragon attacked. This is really becoming a problem.
Well, time to read this Elder Scroll. Hopefully this gamble pays off.
It worked - I learned Dragonrend. Alduin almost immediately showed up, and we almost felled him right there! Somehow he had done something to be unable to be slayed here though. I'll a Parthurnaax about it. Alduin was unlike any dragon I've ever fought - he was able to summon spectral dragons to aid him, alongside greater strength in most areas. Truly a great foe.
Parthurnaax believes that if we are to kill Alduin, we should capture one of his allies in Dragonsreach. I was really hoping I'd never have to go back there. Not after the war.
---Frostfall, 10th, 4E 201---
The Jarl has agreed to the capture of a dragon, but in my haste I forgot to ask Parthurnaax how to lure a dragon to Dragonsreach. I guess I'll have to climb again.
I made it just as the day turns, and Parthurnaax has found a solution. It turns out Dohv names are made of three words of power, and will often answer the challenge when called. He's found the name of one of Alduin's lietenants: Od-Ah-Viing. Once called, he should fly to Dragonsreach and we can spring the trap. Parthurnaax believes him more likely to fall for it, as he is known for being headstrong. Time to make the climb back to Dragonsreach.
---Frostfall, 11th, 4E 201---
I'm ready. Let's go trap a dragon. I'd best not mess this up, or it could spell the end of countless civilians. We don't want another Helgen.
The fight was a bit more than I bargained for - apparently Alduin shared the ability to call spectral dragons with his lietenants - But we've captured Odahviing now. Lets get him talking.
Well. Alduin seems to be hiding in Sovngarde, devouring the essense of OUR heroes to strengthen himself - the disrespect! Thankfully, Odahviing has offered to fly me to his portal, which I'm sure isn't a trap because Odahviing said he's not a lier. At least I don't have to spend fourty more winters looking for a worthy foe to send me there the traditional way. I'll buy some provisions and head off. Also interesting to note, it seems many of Alduin's lietenants have begun to mistrust him - hense why Odahviing answered my call.
Odahviing's taken me as far as he can - It's up to me to fight my way through the rest. Here's to hoping I make it out alive.
I'm alive so far, and I've just discovered a new piece of Thu'um: "Storm". I'm not sure what it does, but it feels powerful.
Well. It summons a storm to strike down my foes. I like that.
I've made it to the portal. There are some dragons watching me, but I assume they are as Odahviing said: beginning to doubt Alduin, So they don't attack me, instead waiting to see if I succeed in slaying Alduin. I'll leave them be. Regardless, this is it. Sovngarde awaits.
The portal worked! I'm actually here! Well, time to rid this place of the world eater once more.
I'm glad to see some stormcloak boys here. They deserve it.
Many imperials too. Including Legate Rikke. I may have felled her, but she fought well.
I just fought Tsun to gain entrance to the Hall! I fought, and won, against the God Tsun, by The Whalebone Bridge, to gain entrance to The Hall of Valour - Shor's Own Halls!
The Ysgramor, who gave us our land, welcomed me to the Hall of Valour!
Shor has forbidden these heroes from facing the Wyrm - I must see it done. I, alongiside the three who banished him so long ago, must see it done - See Shor's realm freed of this plague.
We did it. The foul Wyrm, the World Eater, Alduin Firstborn of Akatosh - slain. His sould departed to the Sky - I can only assume it returned to our father, Akatosh. Sovngarde is now free from his snare, and it is truly beutiful. Tsun has guaranteed me a place among these halls when my work on Nirn is complete, but until then I must return.
---Frostfall, 12th, 4E 201---
I'm back. Lucien informed me that about a day passed in my stead, and Odahviing has agreed to answer my calls and aid me if requered. Further, Tsun granted me a shout to summon aid from Sovngarde itself - a chance to let heros fight on Nirn once more. But what now? I've saved the world. Parthurnaax has decided to try to teach other dohv The Way of the Voice - Odahviing doubts his success, but hopefully dragon attacks calm down now. The question yet remains: The bards of Sovngarde sing of my glory, but do the bards of Tamriel? Will the tale of my deeds reach Bravil? Will my family even remain to hear it? And more, where now? I can't return to Bravil - the imperials would see me dead. I guess its finally time to follow up on some older quest leads. I'll head to Solitude - the museum is a good place to stop by, and the sailors tend to have good rumours.
---Frostfall, 13th, 4E 201---
I'm just resting in Whiterun for the night, and a couple things have come up: Hulda mentioned something about Balgruuf's children - I'll have to check in on him when I'm next in Solitude. Gives me a chance to apolagise too. I've also just remembered that the companions are stationed here - Ysgramor's old crew, or the continuation thereof. I met Ysgramor in Sovngarde, and he was quite the man. I'd like to do his legacy proud - May as well join up. Besides, I'm good with blade and shield - they'll let me in. Hopefully this fighters guild goes better than the last one I joined.
They let me in without question - I guess word of my deeds have spread. My first task is to rescue one of the Whiterun stable hands from kidnappers - probably just simple bandits. They're holed up just west of Ivarstead.
More dragons. I guess the problem might take a while to clear up.
Seems its a vampire den. I'll have to make sure to get the stable hand to the priests lest he turn on us.
Got through fine. Let's get this guy home.
---Frostfall, 14th, 4E 201---
I got attacked by some strangly dressed dunmer, accusing me of being a false dragonborn while they preach some "Miraak". I traced them back to Solstheim by the orders they carried. It's a long journey, so I wouldn't quite want to try to sail the Scarlett over - I'll look into taking a boat next time I'm in Windhelm though.
I'm just going to take a cart up to Solitude to drop some stuff off.
I took the chance in Solitude to ask Balgruuf about his children, as well as apolagise. The old Jarls aren't really doing great - all of them holed up in the blue palace basement. I guess they chose the wrong side, but I cant fault them for holding to their beliefs. Regardless, Balgruuf was worrying about his youngest - said he'd become brooding, and spiteful. Sounds like standard maturing to me, but Balgruuf can't really reach him due to having to leave his family back in Whiterun, so it's the least I can do to check in on him.
---Frostfall, 15th, 4E 201---
I've made it back, and Skjor has asked to see me. I'd best speak to him immediately.
They've recieved word of a fragment of Wuuthrad - Ysgramor's axe, and a fine axe when I saw it in Sovngarde. It is to be my trial to retrieve it - if I do well, I will be truly counted among the companions - a position that's sure to let the bards sing my name.
Dustman's Cairn seems to be the spot. It's not too far, either.
I was trapped, and we where ambushed by a group of four - It seems Farkas is a werewolf? The raw power is impressive - he dispatched the group in seconds, and judging by the fact I've never heard of this before, he must be good at controlling the condition. It seems the rest of the circle have lycanthropy too - perhaps they have some before now unheard of strain that allows the subject greater control of the condition?
We got the fragment - and I uncovered another piece of Thu'um! "Inferno", the second word of Fire Breath. Given how much I rely on this shout, this'll surely come in handy.
We've made it back, and I've been fully indited now. I've been sent to help exterminate some vermin from a Whiterun home. While I'm around, I should try find the Jarl's children.
---Frostfall, 16th, 4E 201---
It seems the Jarl's joungest, Nelkir, has been talking to some "Whispering Lady", who aparently resides behind a door in Dragonreach's basement - She's the one giving him these murderous intentions. Sounds dodgy to me - could be anything from some elaborate plot to kill the Jarl - perhaps from the imperials? To some lesser daedra causing trouble. Probably best to invesetigate further, because I doubt the boy can be talked out of stopping. I'll go have a listen.
By the gods! No simple lesser daedra, but the prince Mephala! She wants Me to open this door. I'm not one to trust the prince of betrayal, but if I do nothing the boy will just fall deeper into her web - and I can't see any way to deal with her other than doing what she wants.
I've picked the key from Farengar. Let's see what the prince of lies wants so desparately to have break containment, and hopefully put a stop to her whispering.
Well. A greatsword. I've heard of her Ebony Blade, but I never expected I'd see it for myself, let alone carry it. I've heard of it's corrupting nature, and a hastily scribbled book kept aside it reafirms that - the sword is too dangerous to be kept in any normal chest or display case. Until I can find a way to better store it, I'd best keep it on my person and try to resist.
Skjor is requesting to meet me at the underforge later. Curious - I've never heard of that before. I've heard of the Skyforge before - everyone has. But a secret forge underneaf? I wonder what one might forge there. It's not soon until night, so I'll just take a nap.
Well - they're offering me the beast blood. I'll accepted - Tsun has guaranteed my place in Sovngarde, so Hircine will not be able to claim my soul. Their strain of lycanthropy appears to be controlable, so it won't be to inconvient. Lastly, it will allow me to deal with unfavourable factors without muddying my name. It's worth noting that Kodlak seems to be against it, so there's probably more to it than I can see.
Well. I transformed. I've woken now - A human, and I'm unsure where. Aela's here, and is asking me to raid a camp of werewolf hunters. Seems like a good chance to unleash this - the primal I feel is truly something.
We killed the lot, but Skjor fell. I guess they do know a thing or two about werewolf killing. I do have to say though - this power is amazing. Almost addictive.
---Frostfall, 17th, 4E 201---
Kodlak has asked me to bring him the head of one of the witches that created this strain, as it will allow him to be cured of the lycanthropy, allowing his soul passage to Sovngarde. I suppose this might worry me aswell, but I have faith that my dragonblood will take presendence, and my soul will find it's way to Shor's halls. I'll head out to the glenmoril witches as soon as I can, though. Kodlak is in his twilight years and I don't want to leave it too late.
I've just encountered some strange building. It seems natural, like a giant tree - but holds a door on front. I've never seen anything like it - although it does somewhat resembles the sketches in some old book about Valenwood I remember reading somewhere. I'll nock.
It's inhabited by an archer from Valenwood, named Auri - coincidentally, she was about to go to Falkreath to find a traveling companion, so I've agreed to bring her along.
We've made it to the cavern. Time to kill some witches.
Got the witches head, and cleared out the cave for good measure - the hags fell quickly to my beast blood. Curse meets it's maker, I supposed. Time to return to Kodlak.
I'll rest the night in Riverwood, seeing as I've made it this far, and am exhausted.
---Frostfall, 18th, 4E 201---
The silver hand attacked Jorravaskr head on - how they got past the walls is beyond me, but Kodlak has fallen. I'd wish his soul peace, but it's trapped in Hircine's hunting grounds now. Me and Vilkas are off to take vengance.
The silver hand won't be bothering us much more. Time to get thiese fragments of Wuuthrad back there they belong.
I've made it back. Kodlak's funeral is tomorrow, so I'll rest.
The circle believe they've found a way to free Kodlak's spirit, to honour his ghost. We'll have to journey to Ysgramor's tomb to find it, and use the newly reforged Wuuthrad to enter. I believe the tomb is near Winterhold, so I'll take a carriage.
I've arrived at the eve of the day. I'll rest up, then travel tomorrow.
---Frostfall, 19th, 4E 201---
We've made it to the tomb. Let's see if we can free Kodlak's spirit.
Well, Kodlak's spirit is free. I wasn't expecting to have to fight it literally, but it worked. I've got a couple more witch heads in case the other members of the circle want to cure themselves. Also, I've been named harbinger, as Kodlak's successor. Given that the companions don't have much of a formal heirarchy, it shouldn't be too much extra work. I'll drop off some artefacts of Ysgramor at the museum, then head back to Jorravaskr to see if anything needs doing.
---Frostfall, 20th, 4E 201---
Auryen's proposed we start an adventurer's guild - a wonderful idea in my books. A guild dedicate to hunting down relics would help to take the load off my back, and me having the position of guildmaster would ensure that I can still hold respect in all avenues.
Well, I'll take a cart back to Whiterun through the night.
Mephala's blade is a dangerous thing. I hear it's whispers now, in Jorravaskr. It tells me to kill the companions - Njada, Farkas, Aela, the lot. I won't give in. I can't.
It seems Farkas wants to be cured of the beastblood aswell - Sovngarde beckons him. I'll accompany him to the tomb, as I've still got two witch heads. The weather's good, so I'll see how far we can get on foot.
We made it, and Farkas is cleansed. I'll head back to Jorravaskr.
---Frostfall, 21st, 4E 201---
I've rested in Winterhold for the night. Easier to travel by day. I'll take a ferry to Winterhold, then Cart to Whiterun.
Made it.
There dosn't seem to be anything else particuleraly pressing, so I'm going to take some time clearing out nearby bandits.
Vilkas asked me for my last witch head to go cure himself - I obliged.
---Frostfall, 22nd, 4E 201---
I'm not sure the companion's strain of lycanthropy is any different. I felt the call to transform during this night, stronger than I've ever fealt it before. Upon asking the companions about it, it seems a shared occurance. I don't think I can take it much longer, but I'm out of heads, and I don't think any other hags would be willing to deal with me. The vigilants would kill me without a second thought - but there has to be someone, right?
---Frostfall, 23rd, 4E 201---
I've just recieved a letter from Ysrald Thrice-Pierced, one of the stormcloak commanders. Apparently the imperials have challenged us to a last stand, a dual between champions. The stormcloak commanders have chosen me to put them in their place. Should be easy enough. I'll take a cart to Windhelm to pick up the armor their offering, then return here for the fight.
I was going to make the walk back, but I'm freezing and this armor is heavy.
I've made it back. Time to put an end to this imperial rebellion.
Easy enough fight - didn't expect much more from whatever the imperials had left. I don't think I'll see much more of them. I'm going to get this armor back to the museum.
---Frostfall, 24th, 4E 201---
I've displayed both sets. It'd probably make sense to get to work on the Explorer's guild buildings now, but I'd like to find another way of lycanthropy first.
There's nothing in the library on it. I could try asking around for werewolf rumours to see if it leads anywhere, but that feels too conspicuous. The last thing I want is my name associated with the beast.
Lucien knows nothing on the topic and Auri knows less. This isn't going to be easy.
One of the guards mentioned a newly reforming "Dawnguard" - vampire hunters or somthing. While my issue isn't to do with vampires, this organisation could be some form of a less extreme vigilants of Stendarr - in which case, they might actually have the desire to help those who want to change. Seeing as vampirism and lycanthropy are both daedric born inflictions, they probably know something or other about curing them, too. Upon enquiring further, I've found their headquaters to be an old fort, near Riften. I reckon I'll go investigate. It's a weak lead, but it's all I've got. I'll take a carriage there. Can't afford to wast time getting distracted by interesting looking caves on the road.
I've made it to Riften. It's late, So I'll rest up and travel in the morning.
---Frostfall, 25th, 4E 201---
I'm rested now - let's hope this gambit somehow pays off.
I've made it to the fort. I guess I'd best find the leader, but priests or similair are what I'm searching for.
The leader, Isran, said he's been trying to persuade some priests and mages to join, but to little success thus far. In the meantime, he's requested I take a look at some old crypt of interest to vampires. Otherwise, I'll take a look around the fort to see if I can find anything that might hint at a cure. If I can't find anything and no-one who might be able to cure me shows up, I'll probably take a look at the crypt to pass the time - besides, something of significant interest to vampires is probably interesting.
Nope. Absolutely nothing. Considering my best chance now is waiting for someone to turn up as I don't have any better leads, I may as well look into this "Dimhollow crypt". It's near Morthal, so I'll probably get a carriage in that direction.
---Frostfall, 26th, 4E 201---
I asked the driver to Solitude almost instinctively, but it's not much further a walk. I'll be setting off now I've rested.
I've been fighting my way through the crypt - vampires burn easily - and I've just arrived to some massive room, with some circular structure in the centre. Maybe this is what the vampires where after? It's probably not a cure for lycanthropy, anyways.
There's some kind of blood magic here. Let's see if I can figure it out.
I think I've cracked it. By moving braziers to follow the path of the magical flame, I've triggered something to allow the entire circle to move down, save for the central pillar. I wonder what's special about it?
Well, I certainly didn't expect a vampire lady carrying an elder scroll. She's called Serana, and is requesting I escort her to her family home, in Haafingar. I reckon I'll comply - getting in the good books of a vampire clan is probably handy, and they might even know how to cure lycanthropy.
There's another word of power here, too: "Stamina". I wonder who built this place?
I'd like to rest in Solitude or Morthal - warm up a little - but it's probably best to go straight to this family home. Maybe I can convince a ferryman to take us? Serana says it's on the coast.
We've almost made it. I transformed against my will on the way, though I was far enough away from civilization that I managed to wait it out. Regardless, this is getting dire.
We've made it. I'm absolutely freezing, but it should be warmer inside.
THIS IS IT!! I've found my cure!! Somewhat, anyways. The lord of the clan, Serana's father, has offered me his blood as a reward for escorting Serana back. He has the blood of a pureblood vampire - and I don't even want to know how he got that - but it would replace my lycanthropy with vampirism - a condition much easier to hide. It's not perfect, but it'll do.
---Frostfall, 27th, 4E 201---
This is more than simple vampirism - I have been granted the power to assume the form of a vampire lord. A form with power to rival the werewolf, but intelect and control superiority. Much less likely to reveal itself in public.
Regardless - this form feels powerful. Where the werewolf released the unbridled, primal nature of humanity - the vampire lord simply feels powerful, glorius. Too great to put into ink.
I've been ordered to fill the Bloodstone Chalice from the Bloodspring, at a place called redwater den - which I believe is in the Rift. Once that is done, the blood of a powerful vampire must be added. Vague. The chalice will then be able to enhance vampiric powers.
---Frostfall, 28th, 4E 201---
The place is a skooma den - it seems teh vampires here are using it to farm thralls.
I've eliminated the master vampires running the place. Even ancients stand little chance against the might of the vampire lord.
I've filled the chalice from the spring. A couple other member's of Harkons court attacked me - trying to steal the glory for themselves - but they couldn't stand to the vampire lord either. It's convinient, really. Their blood with fill the chalice. Now I just need to get back to the Castle.
Another perk of being a vampire is the ability to just shake off the cold. While it dosn't seem like the volkihar live under frozen lakes, they probably could if they wanted too.
---Frostfall, 29th, 4E 201---
I've returned the chalice. Garen noted that the attempted murder from the other two is entirely par for the course here - might take some getting used to. Now, Harkon has summoned me.
Harkon has given an task to the entire court, with reward to the one who might complete it. He seeks to fufill a prophecy, written on an elder scroll - but he needs a moth priest to read it. He has tasked the court with finding a moth priest, and bringing them back to the castle.
Serana's asked to accompany me on this - I'll oblige her. I reckon innkeeps are going to be where I look to first. I'll start in Solitude - it's closest.
---Frostfall, 30th, 4E 201---
The innkeep at the Winking Skeever said one passed through recently - I was able to talk him into revealing a little more, and it seems the priest was to pass through Dragon Bridge. I should be able to catch him up.
I've found some dead vampire, and judging by a letter he carried, he was also on the priests trail. Seems I'm going the right diraction, but if a vampire has died in this then there may be more forces at play. I'd best watch out.
I've enthralled the moth priest and ordered him return to castle Volkihar. The dawnguard where here first, but I don't think they prepared for a vampire lord. I wonder how they knew we would be after the moth priest, though.
I've sailed back to Lostport cavern - It's quite close to castle Volkihar. I reckon I'll look into hiring some men to fix this place up.
---Frostfall, 31st, 4E 201---
It's time to get this Elder Scroll read.
The prophecy is not yet complete; it has been written across multiple Elder scrolls. It seems one of them is already in my possesion, and Harkon believes his Wife stole the other when she fled. Maybe Serana knows where she went?
She thinks that her mother might have fled to some secret area of the castle. Given the sizer of the place, it dosn't seem too unlikely. We're going to go explore the courtyard to see if we can find anything.
We've found the old Courtyard - hopefully there,s something here.
We've found some sort of hidden passage. Hopefully this is it.
Well - a portal to the "Soul Cairn" - Home of the dead who's souls have been captured and put into soul gems. Interesting. Well, it would be a good place to hide.
There's some kind of word wall here, but it does not call to me. Strange - everything here has some kind of underlying feeling of just.. wrong?
---Sun's Dusk, 2nd, 4E 201---
Well, that was quite the adventure. Can't say I enjoyed all of it, but I came out far the richer - A new sword, an Elder Scroll, a never published before book written by some dunmer, and more soul gems than I can count. Was probably worth it. I'll get this scroll to Dexion.
He was blinded due to having neglected preparation when reading the first scroll, but he's told me of a ritual that can allow me to do it myself. I'll have to travel to Falkreath.
---Sun's Dusk, 3rd, 4E 201---
I've made it to Falkreath - the city, anyways. It's evening, so I'll get some rest and set off in the night.
I read the scrolls. Not quite an experience I can put to words, but not one I'll forget. I'm to go to some kind of ancient glade? Or similair? The path is in some kind of cave, to the north. I'll be heading there - hopeufully we can make it before Harkkon.
---Sun's Dusk, 4th, 4E 201---
I've made it to Dragon's Bridge - I believe it's close. This entire journey, I've suffered the ebony blade's whispers - I reckon I'll give it a try in battle. Only low beings though - beasts, or bandits.
I've made it to some obsolete cave. I shouldn't have seen it before, but I reconise it - so hopefully it's the one I saw in the scroll. The blade has proven very powerful in battle.
Outstanding. A live snow elf? I've learned to expect the unexpected, but this? Remarkable. He's informed me that I must follow in the steps of an Initiate of Auriel, and requested that I kill his brother, who has been cursed by the falmer, or betrayed. Doing so should allow me to claim Auriel's bow, and complete the prophecy.
---Sun's Dusk, 6th, 4E 201---
I've been exploring this place - some grand vale, closed off to nords since the merethic. It's curious: I've just encountered a word wall & a pair of dragons. I would've thought they'd be exclusive to nord locations, but apparently not.
I've been following the initiate's path, and I've made it to four of the five wayshrines. These are impressive, I must say. They rise from the ground to allow the initiate to draw water, then open portals to the other wayshrines to allow for initates to more easily traverse the vale.
I've also enountered a couple of paragons - upon placing them in a hold, they transport you to another part of the vale. This place is impressive.
---Sun's Dusk, 7th, 4E 201---
I've found the last wayshrine, and another Paragon. I'll venture to the inner sanctum first, though.
As my magic gets stronger, I feel like I could just ditch this armour. Get myself some nice robes - make sure commoners know I'm powerful.
Theres another paragon here. I wonder how many there are?
We did it. Obtained Auriel's bow. Killed Vyrthr. It turned out the Betrayed wheren't to blame for him - he was a vampire, and he wrote the prophecy to take vengance on Auriel. I've never heard of mortals - well, a vampire in this case - writing a prophecy. It must take an immense amount of power.
I'm desparately blood starved. Hopefully this bow can do away with the sun for long enough to feed.
I've been exploring the last of these paragons - I just encountered a betrayed falmer carrying a shield of similair make to Auriel's bow. Equally powerfull magic, too. I've never heard of something like that before.
It's time to head back, and face Harkon.
---Sun's Dusk, 8th, 4E 201---
I've rested in Solitude. Today, Harkon dies.
It's over. He put up an oblivion of a fight, but that was to be expected. Once you've killed the firstborn of Akatosh, it's hard to find someone stronger than you. The castle is mine.
One things remains. Purging this land of the scum that thinks themselves capable of hunting us.
---Sun's Dusk, 10th, 4E 201---
Dead. They call themselves hunters, but they stood no chance against a vampire lord. Pathetic.
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