Recent Entries

  • Chained Shadows: Chapter 3

    The slaves’ bunkhouse was dark and freezing, all the slaves were lying on the ground on the damp straw, and the constant rattling of their chains kept Grulmar awake. He could feel the familiar weight on his wrists and ankles too, the chains and shackles cold against his skin, only remindin...
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  • Chained Shadows: Chapter 1

    The Théâtre Provincial was a Breton theatre, erected after the style of Second Era Breton architecture, and it only showed Breton plays. Odd choices considering it had been built in Anvil. It had gone out of business in six months.   Among his many failings, the playwright be...
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  • Chained Shadows: ToC

      Collaboration by Harrow and Karver the Lorc Look into the patterns. Look into the infinity. Look into the forces at conflict. Read them, tease them out. Emphasize them, eradicate them. Tear down the veil from your eyes. Cast off your shackles. Step through. Now look into the sha...
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  • Merotim Blades - Silk and Cashmere, Part 3

    12th of Hearthfire, 4E 209   The Elven Gardens District. Such a nice name for a district, yes? It has always been where most of the Elven citizens of the Empire took residency, and it is just that now it has become much more prominent since the Dominion established a presence in the Imper...
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  • Merotim Blades - Silk and Cashmere, Part 2

    12th of Hearthfire, 4E 209     Well, it might be better if this one just skips ahead a bit, he is not entirely proud of how this one let the guards beat him for being at the wrong place in the wrong time. Or maybe at the right place in the wrong time?   It does not matter, no...
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  • Merotim Blades - Silk and Cashmere, Par1

    11th of Hearthfire, 4E 209   ‘City of Gold.’   That is what the Imperial City is called most of the times. Yes, it is not actually golden, it is more white and grey with the majority of its buildings made out of marble. And yes, maybe if you waited for dusk, and the wea...
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  • Report on Merotim Blades

    Inspector Collagius Kratades   For the eyes of Chief Inspector Falceric Garranus only   14th of Rain's Hand, 4E 205   Per your request, Chief Inspector, I’ve looked into the matter of these Merotim Blades and their reckless use of the name of the Empire’s order and...
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  • Merotim Blades - ToC

    Mercenary life is not easy, this one can tell you that much. It involves lots of fighting, travelling, troubles, sweat, and hard work. But it is also one never-ending adventure with plenty of beverages, gold and women around, a life of camaraderie and bickering, of people at their worst and their ...
  • The Chorus of Fire, Part 5 - Survivors

    Part 5 25th of Frostfall, 4E 204, Hammerfell, Southern Bangkorai   It was quite a nice evening, all things considering, not too hot - especially after all that business on the edge of Alik’r - and not too cold. But really, could anything be as cold as Skyrim?   Grulmar glanced...
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  • The Chorus of Fire, Part 4 - Followers

    Part 4 25th of Frostfall, 4E 204, Hammerfell, Southern Bangkorai   Atuul kept staring ahead, watching the narrow walls of the ravine they were passing through, at the brown and grey stones smoothed out by the winds howling through the narrow space. This was still Hammerfell, but this area,...
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  • The Chorus of Fire, Part 3 - Hunters

    Part 3 24th of Frostfall, 4E 204, Hammerfell, Southern Bangkorai   A Redguard man stared out of the window, sitting at the table with his back to the small room which was both a kitchen and dining room as well as a bedroom, watching two boys playing on the street. Each carried a wooden sti...
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  • The Chorus of Fire, Part 2 - Knights

      Part 2 24th of Frostfall, 4E 204, Hammerfell, Southern Bangkorai   The smoke could be seen from leagues away and the setting sun caught the three knights walking towards the pillar of smoke in silence, lost in their own grim thoughts.   Three knights. Three Orsimer. One was ...
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  • The Chorus of Fire, Part 1 - Monsters

    Part 1   24th of Frostfall, 4E 204, Hammerfell, Southern Bangkorai   Smoke. Smoke and fire.   Two undeniable truths that became the whole world in their choking, searing grasp.   And blood, ever present, tasting of iron, closely followed by death.   Smoke whirled...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 17

    Chapter 17 The Knight and the Assassin   The gathering of the mercenaries outside the Riften’s wall had gotten quite impressive, seemingly creating another, much smaller city. Well, more like a town, or even just a village. The so called army couldn’t count more than a bit over...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 16

    Chapter 16 Breathing Ash   There were rumors circling Riften, rumors about a witch settling east of the city, in the ruined tower close to the road leading to Velothi Pass. People were whispering about her, telling each other exaggerated stories of how the desperate came looking for her he...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 15

    Chapter 15 Foreign Land II   The landscape slowly changed around them as their raiding party pushed through the lands of the Dunmer towards the Velothi mountains, becoming more familiar to Yamarz with its conifers and broadleaved trees. They travelled through the mix of mushroom forests an...
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  • The Sands of Inkseeds, Part 3

      They kept ascending. Isluf could feel it in his legs and all the while the Ansei was silent as death - which in a way wasn’t a surprise. They had encountered several of the so-called souleaters, revealed by the light emanating from the shehai around the Swordsinger’s left hand,...
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  • The Sands of Inkseeds, Part 2

      The neighs of horses woke her from her afternoon nap - for what else was she supposed to do around the excavation site? It was boring and sooo tiring. And the idiots didn’t even let her have her nap, unable to… do whatever they were supposed to do with horses to keep them calm...
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  • The Sands of Inkseeds, Part 1

    The City of Inkseeds rose from the desert, shining and decadent. Somehow, it still stood. I crossed through the gate, and the beast knew exactly where to take me: the way worn by beggars and poets. The only place a man of my appetites can find satisfaction. I'm not proud, but then, nobody ever is....
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Epilogue

    The celebration kept going well into the night, almost to the morning and it was maybe an hour before sunrise when the last of the most stubborn ones fell off. The east was already much brighter when Grulmar began picking his way among the people just lying everywhere around the homestead, snori...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 8

    Erik downed his tankard of mead, setting it back on the counter in front of Grulmar. The Nord’s eyes kept darting towards Tavia, who was leaning against the wall of the homestead, talking with Vilkas about some Vigilant business no doubt. Erik was just waiting for the right moment to go ta...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 6

    Teineeva watched the Orc behind the counter, making bottles levitate in the air, flying towards the people who ordered them. Orc barkeep. Now here’s a first. More like a clown in my opinion. But who gives a shit?   The Argonian then twitched when he felt a scaled hand on his biceps....
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 4

    Äelberon headed towards the goats’ pen, but Grulmar decided to let him.  He knew the Altmer would eventually come around. People were going towards the roasting spit where Tilma was carving the boar and serving slices of it onto wooden plates for the guests, though Grulmar notice...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 2

    2 hours till dusk   Outside the homestead, it was now starting to look like a proper Nord feast would take place, when the twins dug a shallow hole in the ground, Vilkas long ditching his wolf armor to work more comfortably. Tusker actually showed up in his wolf armor, but he was that way...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Prologue

    A Collaboration by Karver, Teineeva and Lissette 6th of Second Seed, 4E 204, 4 hours till dusk   It was a lovely day not too far from Whiterun, with clear skies, save a few cotton tuft clouds,  and a sun that was being rather warm even though the spring was only about to properly b...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 14

    Chapter 14 Foreign Land I   The landscape of western Morrowind seemed to be a creation of nightmares with its towering mushrooms, strange dead trees with bare sharp branches, with eerie glowing ropes hanging from them, reaching for anyone who got too close. Then there were the flowers, glo...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 13

    Chapter 13 Rats and Deals 4E 187   The first thing that Decimus noticed was the smell of course - there was no better tell that Riften was close now. The smell of fish thrown into the mix of piss and shit was making a rather strong stew, assailing Decimus’ nostrils. He grimaced and ...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Epilogue

    13th of Rain’s Hand, 4E 204   An Orc came running towards Bulwark right around noon, closely followed by a small blue creature, which only made the Redoran guards scratch their heads, uncertain what to do about them when the Orc began pounding on the gate. He seemed like he was runnin...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 46, That World Shall Cease To Be

    A Discourse on Faith by Ugdorga, the King's Scribe   For generations, Orcs have believed in three constant truths: the stronghold, the grudge, and the fury of Malacath. But before Malacath, at least according to certain traditions and a few noted scholars, there was Trinimac. Today, the cit...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 45, In Pieces

    A lonely guar struggled through the Ashlands on a cold, moonless night. The wind was frosty and bitter and chilled the animal to the bone. "Alas!" it cried, "I will die here, alone in the cold."   Just then, the guar caught sight of a faint orange glow in the distance. "A campfire?" it bark...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 44, Burn

    Ahzidal's Descent by Halund Greycloak   In the days beyond memory, when men first walked the lands of Skyrim, there arose in the city of Saarthal a great enchanter. As a boy, his gift for magic and artifice had been evident to his tutors. As a man, his skill surpassed them all. And findin...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 43, Let There Be Light

    The Journal of Ralis Sedarys, Volume 22   If it weren't for the comfort brought by my invisible friend, I would have fled this place long ago. I wish I had realized earlier that it was not a group, but a master who contains multitudes. He's guided me into a true understanding of the barrow,...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 42, Shadows and Preparations

    The Journal of Ralis Sedarys, Volume 19   Moving on to Solstheim next, chasing after vague rumors of this Kolbjorn Barrow. My patron seems confident we can find the Relics of Azhidal out here. I'm a bit skeptical, but so long as he pays well, I'll dig wherever the old coot likes.   I...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 41, And When The World Remembers

    Nothing is more revolting to a person than the sorry spectacle of another person enslaved by that derivative of moon-sugar known as "skooma." And nothing is less appetizing than listening to the pathetic tales of humiliation and degradation associated with a victim of this addictive drug.   ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 40, Debt Repaid

    Banker´s Bet by Porbert Lyttumly It was a perfectly ordinary day at the main office of the Bank of Daggerfall. Normal transactions took place: deposits were deposited, withdrawals were withdrawn, house mortgages were collected, letters of credit were golded. When a teller named Clyton J. W...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 39, And When The World Shall See

    So you wish to summon the Dark Brotherhood? You wish to see someone dead? Pray, child. Pray, and let the Night Mother hear your plea.   You must perform that most profane of rituals - the Black Sacrament.   Create an effigy of the intended victim, assembled from actual body parts, in...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 38, Hidden Twilight

    The City of Inkseeds rose from the desert, shining and decadent. Somehow, it still stood. I crossed through the gate, and the beast knew exactly where to take me: the way worn by beggars and poets. The only place a man of my appetites can find satisfaction. I'm not proud, but then, nobody ever is....
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  • PoTM: Chapter 37, Bull Netches

      [This book is a translated account of Nchunak's travels among the various colonies of the Dwemer explaining the theories of Kagrenac.]   I made inquiry as to the state of enlightenment among the people he spoke for. He answered that with respect to the theories of Kagrenac, there wa...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 36, And When The World Shall Listen

    The infinite archives of Hermaeus Mora are the ultimate treasure. Its innumerable shelves and countless books carry the weight of all knowledge. Therein, the diligent reader can find all that was, all that is, and all that will be.   Followers of the Divines, content in their dark cloisters...
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  • PoTM: Alteration, Lesson Two

    The Scripture of the Word, First:   'All language is based on meat. Do not let the sophists fool you.'   Second:   'The third walking path explores hysteria without fear. The efforts of madmen are a society of itself, but only if they are written. The wise may substitute one l...
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  • PoTM: Alteration, Lesson One

    The Scripture of the Wheel, First:   'The Spokes are the eight components of chaos, as yet solidified by the law of time: static change, if you will, something the lizard gods refer to as the Striking. That is the reptile wheel, coiled potential, ever-preamble to the never-action.'   ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 35, Our Hands Once Were Idle

    [The Book of Dawn and Dusk is a collections of sayings and aphorisms attributed variously to the Tribunals and to their saints and servants. Many of these sayings have become common cliches of everyday life in Morrowind. The following selection of slogans will illustrate many of the simplest notio...
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  • Old Man Tyr

      16th of First Seed, 4E 210   The continuous ringing of metal hitting metal echoed through a room with white walls made of marble, creating a deafening sound slowly reaching an unbearable cadence. A male Redguard and a female Nord were chasing each other from one end of the room to t...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 34, Not Today

    Words of the Wind   May I shrink to dust In your cold, wild Wastes, And may my tongue speak Its last hymn to your winds.   I pray for the herder That whistles to his guar at play. I pray for the hunter That stalks the white walkers. I pray for the wise one That seeks under th...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 33, Small Fish

    Mad Spirits   Spirits that are forced to remain in our world against their will may become mad spirits, or ghosts. Some spirits are bound to this world because of some terrible circumstances of their death, or because of some powerful emotional bond to a person, place, or thing. These are c...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 32, High Point

    Ildari’s Journal Volume I.   The fools have taken me in. Weak, pathetic men intent on looting this ancient fortress with their crude mining. Niyya is pleasant enough. I may choose to spare her when the time comes.   I'm still weak from Neloth's betrayal. He promised me power a...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 31, Our Eyes Once Were Blinded

    The Code of Malacath: A Sellsword's Guide to the Orc Strongholds by Amanda Alleia Mercenary   "No one bests an Orc."   I don't need you to guess how many times I've heard that boast in some dingy tavern or screamed at the top of the lungs by some fellow sellsword with too much fi...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 30, Of Revelations and Keys

    Foreign Views of Dunmeri Ancestor Worship and Spirit Magic   The Altmeri and Bosmeri cultures also venerate their ancestors, but only by respecting the orderly and blissful passage of these spirits from this world to the next. That is, Wood Elves and High Elves believe it is cruel and unnat...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 29, Total Recall

    The Ancestors are among us. They are never farther away than the Waiting Door.   The Ancestors are not departed. The dead are not under the earth. Their spirits are in the restless wind, in the fire's voice, in the foot-smoothed step. Pay heed to these things, and you will know your absent ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 28, Hard Times

    Ghosts Walk Among Them The departed spirits of the Dunmeri, and perhaps those of all races, persist after death. The knowledge and power of departed ancestors benefit the bloodlines of Dunmeri Houses. The bond that forms between living family members and their immortal ancestors is partly blood, ...
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  • PoTM: Conjuration, Lesson Two

    Vivec lay with Molag Bal for eighty days and eight, though headless. In that time, the Prince placed the warrior-poet's feet back and filled them with the blood of Daedra. In this way Vivec's giant-form remained forever harmless to good earth. The Pomegranate Banquet brought many spirits back from...
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  • PoTM: Conjuration, Lesson One

    As the Hortator pondered the first lesson of ruling kings, Vivec wandered into the Mourning Hold and found that Ayem was with a pair of lovers. Seht had divided himself again. Vivec then leapt through into their likenesses to observe, but he gained no secrets that he did not already know. He left ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 27, Far From Ourselves

    Fall From Glory by Nithilis Lidari   The Thieves Guild of Skyrim is something of an enigma. Within the last few decades, their order has gone from one of the largest, most influential criminal organizations in all of Tamriel to a small group of stragglers barely able to wreak havoc in thei...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 26, More Problems

    Crush, Slash, Bash and Stab by Weapon-Master Grutsug   "Grutsug," people ask me, "What weapon should I use? There are just so many choices!" Why, yes, my less-battle-savvy little friends, there are! But not to worry; you don't need to choose just one. In fact, if you're anything like me, y...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 25, Surprise! Supplies!

    Orcs and Their Tusks An Informal Study by Folms Selet   What is the fascination the typical Orc has with his (or her) own tusks? I swear, if they aren't constantly polishing or sharpening the damn things, they're studying them in whatever reflective surface is at hand or looking longingly...
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  • PoTM: Mysticism, Lesson Two

    For these were the days of Resdaynia, when Chimer and Dwemer lived under the wise and benevolent rule of the ALMSIVI and their champion the Hortator, though the Dwemer had become foolish and challenged their masters.   Out of their fortresses they came with golden ballistae that walked and ...
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  • PoTM: Mysticism, Lesson One

    The simulacrum of the netchiman's wife who carried the egg of Vivec within it went back to looking for the lands of the Indoril. Along the journey many more spirits came to see it and offer instructions to its son-daughter, the future glorious invisible warrior-poet of Vvardenfell, Vivec.   ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 24, Of Orcs and Women

    Always take care when dealing with women. They see things we do not. A smile. A glance. They mean nothing to us, everything to them. They twist their smiles to meet our own. They avert a gaze just so. Watch them closely. They rule the world; they just don't know it.   8th of Morning St...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 23, Breath of Change, Winds of Fire

    Strange Rituals of the Orsimer A Study of Death Rites of the People of Tamriel By Chaplain Jorden, Priest of Arkay   As a devout follower of the god of burials and funeral rites, I have dedicated my life to the study of the ceremonies and rituals performed by the various races of Tamriel ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 22, Syndicate

    Understanding House Dres   By Solamar Dres, Grand Historian for the House, Written in the 84th Year of the Golden Peace   House Dres, one of the Great Houses of the Dunmer, prized agrarian pursuits above all else. The House built its fortune on saltrice plantations and slave labor wh...
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  • Of Hounds and Men

    The streets were scorched by the relentless onslaught of the sun, the tiles of the pavement emitting heat under people’s feet. But it didn’t seem to bother those people at all, the crowded streets being sufficient proof of that. There were still several hours before sunset and the City...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 21, More Tea

    Testimonials on Mushroom Towers By Minerva Calo, Associate Chronicler   The Telvanni, the most mysterious of the Great House in all respects, features one of the most looming curiosities - both literally and figuratively - the mushroom structures which they live and work within. The House ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 20, Serpent Rising

      Celestial Serpent, hear my prayer!   Oh, Serpent, who descends from the sky, listen to my unworthy voice and raise me up.   Oh, Serpent, who sheds the Worldskin to return us to a simpler, better time, hear my humble words and make a place for me in your nest.   Oh, Ser...
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  • Chasing Death: Epilogue

      The tavern was slowly becoming crowded as the city’s guards ended their daily patrolling and crashed for the night at Winking Skeever’s, to let off some steam, as well as with people who just ended their day, looking for a drink or just a hot meal. There was a strange atmospher...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 7, The Catacombs

      All four of them were staring down the hole in the wall, down the stairs drowning in darkness. Decimus could swear the darkness was calling to him, inviting him to plunge into its cold embrace and let it swallow him whole between its welcoming thighs.   He suddenly shook his head, c...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 5, The Investigation

      I’m going to kill him, club him to death. Shove his head up his nose and I don't fucking care it's not possible! What the fuck was he thinking? Decimus roughly slammed the door to the small quarters in the dungeon where Ronnie was waiting for him. The Mer didn’t even flinch at ...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 3, The Albino

      Belrand yawned before taking another sip of his watered mead. That it was watered did nothing to warm his still chilling bones, but it was morning, and while he enjoyed his mead like any other Nord, drinking it so early was just not proper. A table nearer to the large central hearth would&...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 1, The Cave of Skulls

    They were standing in front of the cave's mouth, among the bones of three no longer animated skeletons, with wind howling around their bodies and Decimus couldn't help himself anymore. He spit. The saliva was carried by the wind to his left where Belrand was standing and the Nord mercenary jumped ...
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  • Chasing Death - Table of Contents

      O'Death, of ice cold hands, of cruel brands. Come and dance, with your adamance.   Spare me another day, In Solitude faraway, spare me another betray, in Solitude of stone and clay.   O'Death, I have learned your name, a flickering of cold flame, as darkness came, ...
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  • Outwit Myself

    Outwit Myself Mumblings of one of the residents of Shivering Isles How long has it been, friend?   Too long.   Years, won't you say? When we were young and naive.   You were, not me. You were always the weak one.   I was powerful, but afraid. Afraid of the dark, o...
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  • Walking Air

      I would like you to look around, feel the scorching heat of the desert, feel its every grain shift against each other. The desert is relentless, always marching, always walking at different angles. More so than we. The mighty sands of the Alik’r are unforgiving, but that doesn't mean...
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  • Gardener of Swords

    The air was heavy, one would even say sweaty. It was glueing to one's skin, turning into drops of sweat and water rolling down over revealed skin, soaking one's clothes. It was difficult to breath, but neither of the two men travelling through the shade of tropical forest seemed to mind that. Both...
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  • Ulfric's Joke

    Let me sing a song, good folk, about certain Ulfric Stormcloak, fighting against the Empire's yoke, but still dumb as an oak.   It all starts with a poke, when Great War awoke, Ulfric was caught in the smoke, tickled by Thalmor's stroke.   Returned home, broke, a little cub awok...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 19, By Night We Reclaim

      [This is a volume of verse collected from the wise women of the Urshilaku Ashlanders. It consists of verses composed by Ashlander warriors, champions, and ashkhans, committed to memory by the wise women and transmitted down the generations. 'May I shrink to dust' is attributed to the long-de...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 18, Gsuron na d'lain, d'nuh na tatain

    The Art of War Magic, v. II. by Zurin Arctus with Commentary By Other Learned Masters   Master Arctus said:   1. Flexibility is a key to victory. If you cannot make sudden changes, your best laid plans may fail entirely. Be confident that the enemy conversely plans against you, as ...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 17, Of Ashen Skin and Eyes of Fire

    My lover's heart is numbing stone That hides in ice beneath our sight. So some decry, "It is not there," While others whisper, "Yet, it might."   Though stone is born from fevered ash, Once formed it yields no whiff of heat. So too, her heart betrays no love, Nor comforts those embrac...
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  • PoTM: Destruction, Lesson Two

        These were the days of Resdaynia, when Chimer and Dwemer lived under the wise and benevolent rule of the AMLSIVI and their champion the Hortator. When the gods of Veloth would retreat unto their own, to mold the cosmos and other matters, the Hortator would at times become confused. V...
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  • PoTM: Destruction, Lesson One

      These were the days of Resdaynia, when Chimer and Dwemer lived under the wise and benevolent rule of the AMLSIVI and their champion the Hortator. When the gods of Veloth would retreat unto their own, to mold the cosmos and other matters, the Hortator would at times become confused. Vivec w...
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  • PoTM: Chapter 16, Give And Get

      Ahzidal's Descent by Halund Greycloak   In the days beyond memory, when men first walked the lands of Skyrim, there arose in the city of Saarthal a great enchanter. As a boy, his gift for magic and artifice had been evident to his tutors. As a man, his skill surpassed them all. An...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 15, Hearts of Stone

      The Red Year Volume I by Melis Ravel   Foreword   When I originally decided to write this accounting of the Red Year, I elected to travel across Morrowind and speak to the Dunmer people themselves. I sought first-hand accounts and personal views about the cataclysmic event...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 14, Dimwit

    Apprentice's Assistant by Aramril   No doubt you have heard tales of my adventures. Stories carried from province to province, all of Tamriel in awe of my feats of magical prowess. More than once, I am sure, you have thought, "If only I had Aramril's ability. Then I too could seek fame an...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 13, Reunion

        Mottos of the Great Dunmer Houses by Vilyn Girith   To my son, whose inability to remember even these simple facts embarrasses our family at every opportunity. This is to inform you of the words the great houses of Vvardenfell live and breathe by, and the saints they hold ...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 12, The Dusty Tale

    The Great Houses and Their Uses by Tel Verano   Living in the Ashlands, you get used to life being hard. Angry kwama, poisonous fungus, tribal raiders—everything wants to kill you. Don't let them.   I've compiled some notes on the Great Houses of the Dark Elves. Use them or d...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 11, Grasping Fortune

    House Hlaalu Philosophy of Trade   If you want to understand the essential philosophy of House Hlaalu, examine its coat of arms. Behold the scale: it represents balance, trade, and compromise. These essential concepts influence everything the House seeks to accomplish and directs its activi...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 10, Creaking Bones

    Grasping Fortune by Serjo Hlaalu Dram Bero   I am a councilor of House Hlaalu and chose to write this short guide for those who seek to understand us or join us. House Hlaalu is the most open and modern of the Great Houses. We are the only Great House who has embraced the irresistible tid...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Illusion, Lesson Two

    As the caravan of Nerevar now made for the capital of Veloth, anon Almalexia, there came great rumblings from the oblivion. A duke among scamps wandered into the House of Troubles, pausing before each scripture door to pay his respects, until finally he was met by the major domo of Mehrunes Dagon....
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Illusion, Lesson One

    You have discovered the sixth Sermon of Vivec, which was hidden in the words that came next to the Hortator.   There is an eon within itself that when unraveled becomes the first sentence of the world.   Mephala and Azura are the twin gates of tradition and Boethiah is the secret fla...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic, Chapter 9: Here Do We Toil

        Of Crossed Daggers: The History of Riften by Dwennon Wyndell   Situated on the eastern banks of Lake Honrich, the city of Riften serves as a reminder of a bygone era. The once-proud streets and buildings have vanished and been replaced with a collection of wooden structur...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Restoration, Lesson Two

    Being blind the netchiman's wife wandered into a cave on her way to the domains of House Indoril. It so happened that this cave was a Dwemeri stronghold. The Dwemer spied the egg and captured the netchiman's wife. They bound her head to foot and brought her deep within the earth.   She hear...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Restoration, Lesson One

        He was born in the ash among the Velothi, anon Chimer, before the war with the northern men. Ayem came first to the village of the netchimen, and her shadow was that of Boethiah, who was the Prince of Plots, and things unknown and known would fold themselves around her until they w...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 8, Maaahtiii

      18th of Sun’ Dusk, 4E 203   Grulmar was slowly picking his way through the forest that surrounded the lake he passed the other day. He decided to go through the forest mostly because he didn't want anyone to see him, especially the Rieklings. One might not be so dangerous but ...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 7, Among the Roots

    We come now to consideration of the spriggan, the elusive, feminine nature spirit of the deep woods. Of course, we all know the name from the taunting children's joke that goes:   "Guess what?"   "What?"   "Spriggan butt!"   …But beyond this juvenile jest, what c...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 6, What Is Yours Is Mine

      Rieklings: A Tiny Civilization, Unmasked.   Rieklings, the tiny, blue goblin-like beings that inhabit the island of Solstheim are grievously misunderstood and ignored for being "Stupid" or "a nuisance". I, Crassus Lanius, (author of "The Thousand-and-One uses for Horkers: A Primer")...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 5, Here In His Shrine

    One of the more intriguing legends found on the island of Solstheim is the story of a mythical figure whose name is long forgotten, but whom time remembers as "the Traitor."   Certain that this myth is rooted in history I set out to learn what I could and perhaps piece together a presumptiv...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 4, Mushroom Tower

    Want to Become Part of House Telvanni?   Outsiders learning of the rabid isolationist and outlander-hating temperament of House Telvanni wizards often assume it would be impossible to obtain positions in service to House Telvanni.   Nothing could be further from the truth.   F...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 3, Whole New World

    The History of Raven Rock Volume III by Lyrin Telleno   Raven Rock is one of the more interesting colonies of Morrowind of the last two centuries. So much has happened to this tiny town in such a short amount of time, and so many lives have been affected by it, I felt it necessary to d...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 2, Guild Mates

      The History of Raven Rock Volume II by Lyrin Telleno   Raven Rock is one of the more interesting colonies of Morrowind of the last two centuries. So much has happened to this tiny town in such a short amount of time, and so many lives have been affected by it, I felt it necessary...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Chapter 1, New In Town

      The History of Raven Rock Volume I by Lyrin Telleno   Raven Rock is one of the more interesting colonies of Morrowind of the last two centuries. So much has happened to this tiny town in such a short amount of time, and so many lives have been affected by it, I felt it necessary ...
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  • Practice of Telvanni Magic: Prologue

      Prologue   14th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 203   Bein’ dropped on a top of some gods forgotten mountain isn’t really fun. But I deserved it, I really tusked up back there. Quite surprised Broody just didn’t tear me limb from limb, Grulmar thought, closing his e...
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  • Chasing Sun: Part 3, Vosh Rahk

    Alik'r Desert, 29th of  Rain's Hand, 206 4E   They were walking, dragging their feet through the sand, their determination urging them to keep moving. To stop would mean to die. The Third felt his bones creak with every move, the weight of his armor pulling him down, almost like if he ...
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  • Chasing Sun: Part 2, Vorkhim Lorak

    Alik'r Desert, 20th of  Rain's Hand, 206 4E   Another three days through the desert and their prey was still eluding them. Yaman could see how the High Priestess was getting more irritated by every day - like a small runt already picturing the day it gets its first weapon but someone a...
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  • Chasing Sun: Part 1, The Penitent

    Alik'r Desert, 17th of Rain's Hand, 206 4E   The Orc in black fled across the desert, and the Knights followed…   He's losing his mind, an Orsimer female thought and snorted after reading the piece of paper for the second time. She let it fall into the sand, beside her boots m...
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  • Practice of Magic: Equilibrium

    Darkness.   Complete darkness was all around him, drowning him, going up his nose and down his throat, burning his eyes. It was playing with him, embracing him, like a distant mother embracing her child. Until he lit the light.   The Atronach Forge suddenly became prominent, being ev...
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  • Practice of Magic: Memories of a Very Stupid Orc, 5th Entry

    Well, this is it.   Can't make another step, not even one last drop of strength is left in me. I ran out of water, out of piss and even the tusking camels died under me. I drank their blood, the only liquid I was able to get my hands on. Do you have any idea how fast blood dries in this g...
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  • Practice of Magic: Conjuration, Lesson Three

    Grulmar was bent over a piece of paper, scribbling something on it, the moves of the brush being hectic and almost furious. He was so focused on his drawing that he failed to notice Agni talking to him. He heard for the second time and blinked. “What?” he shook his head and turned arou...
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  • Practice of Magic: Memories of a Very Stupid Orc, 4th Entry

    How far in the desert do you think we are? My guess is we've just reached the middle. Is that deep enough? Heh, deep. I'm sorry, but I keep thinking about the desert as sea these days. You might object, but think about it. When you dive into the waters and you keep swimming down, there is a cert...
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  • Practice of Magic: Conjuration, Lesson Two

    A TRAGEDY IN BLACK   A folk tale from the time of the Oblivion Crisis   The dremora looked on the young boy with disdain. He looked to be no more than seventeen or eighteen, on the cusp of manhood.   "You? You have summoned me?"   "Mother says I'm good with spells. So...
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  • Practice of Magic: Conjuration, Lesson One

    Imperial mages have arguably advanced the study of conjuration magic far more than most, but it first fell to Elven wizards to crack open the door to Oblivion without its screaming horrors spilling uncontrollably into Mundus. Corvus and Calani Direnni and their clan first lit the torch and peere...
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  • Practice of Magic: Memories of a Very Stupid Orc, 3rd Entry

      There was a garden…   Funny things, these memories. There are things that you remember, some that you don't, some that you remember only partially.   There is a garden…   Sometimes you can remember only images, blurred images streaked by the colours of ...
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  • Practice of Magic: Restoration, Lesson Three

    As he said few days back, he wasn't done with Restoration yet. He was practicing Wards and in the meantime he was trying to figure out both fortify and resist spells. With no satisfying results. Actually, with no results at all. He wasn't able to figure out how to imbue his muscles with Magicka, o...
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  • Practice of Magic: Restoration, Lesson Two

    To say that Grulmar's attempts at trying to cure the symptoms of his addiction didn't go well would be an understatement. It went horribly. Just one try left him with such strong shakes that no Magicka potion could fix them and he had to spend the whole day shaking and sweating in his bed. He was ...
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  • Practice of Magic: Restoration, Lesson One

    Up until he was ten years old, Oin Parnafacasis was in an elite group of the very best families of Gnisis. They went to the very best tailors, shared the same tutors, played in the same exclusive company. When his mother died, and his father discovered that the money they had been living on was ...
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  • Practice of Magic: Memories of a Very Stupid Orc, 2nd Entry

    I have no idea what you did with the previous piece of paper I wrote - maybe you read it, maybe you wiped your arses with it, maybe you ate it, who knows? - but I found out that this writing is in a certain way...relaxing. It helps me collect my thoughts, figure out where I'm actually heading. O...
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  • Practice of Magic: Mysticism Lesson Three

    To say that the last few days in the College were weird would be an understatement. Grulmar was doing his best to keep himself confined in his room, far away from Äelberon. What happened down in the Midden between them was lying heavily on Grulmar's mind. On one side he felt ashamed for all w...
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  • Practice of Magic: Mysticism, Lesson Two

    Grulmar took a deep breath and stretched his arms, circling with his shoulders and then wrists, all the while sucking in the cold air of the Midden. His mind already wondered through the streams and when he found the right one, he tapped into its power. He felt a tingling over his skin as a shield...
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  • Practice of Magic: Mysticism, Lesson One

      Changes. Big changes, Grulmar thought as he was watching the members of the College go about their business in the Hall of Elements, practicing spells or just chatting with each other. The place certainly looked better without all that Thalmor presence.   The Eye was gone, taken awa...
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  • Practice of Magic: Memories of a Very Stupid Orc, 1st Entry

    4E 206... shit, I actually have no idea what day it is today. Probably Sun's Dawn. Or First Seed?   The Orc in black fled across the desert, and the Knights followed…   Rather poetic, eh? There's not many hiding places in Alik'r so I can't really shake them off. They are persi...
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  • Practice of Magic: Illusion, Lesson Three

    “I've heard of you,” said the old vagabond, very impressed. “Aren't you the adventurer who slew all those ash vampires in Ghostgate a couple of months back?”   “That I am,” said Oristian Silverthorn with a weary smile for his admirer. He knew that his n...
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  • Practice of Magic: Illusion, Lesson Two

    Grulmar was sitting in a chair down in Subterrarium, listening to the sound of hissing Dwemer pipes were making around him as they were doing their...whatever. He understood only half of the things Arniel Gane said to him about it, but his understanding was that the pipes were warming up and creat...
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  • Practice of Magic: Illusion, Lesson One

    “The situation simply is this,” said Phlaxith, his face as chiseled and resolute as any statue. “Everyone knows that the cemetery west of the city is haunted by some malevolent beings, and has been for many years now. The people have come to accept it. They bury their dead by d...
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  • Practice of Magic: Destruction, Lesson Three

    Transcribed by Anias Gael   Dearest reader, the tome that you hold in your hand is a chronicle of pain, of torment, and of discovery. In these memoirs, I shall impart to you an autobiography of a foolish and failed attempt to achieve a great power. Walk with me as I break the bonds of pro...
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  • Practice of Magic: Destruction, Lesson Two

      It is popular, especially among young upstarts who wish to establish themselves as intellectual contenders, to dismiss the study of harnessing the destructive potential of magicka as crude or simplistic. Those who embrace this argument prefer to spend time researching obscure theoretical...
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  • Practice of Magic: Destruction, Lesson One

    His mind was wandering through and between the streams of magicka, looking and searching. He was passing streams he didn't even know what purpose they had, what properties. He was looking for very specific ones. He found the first, the one that felt like weight of the whole world and his hand reac...
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  • Practice of Magic: Alteration, Lesson Three

    It may seem beyond belief that an entire community could be so skilled in these spells hundreds and hundreds of years before the Mages Guild was formed to teach the ways of magicka to the common folk. There does, however, appear to be evidence that, just as the Psijics on the Isle of Artaeum dev...
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  • Practice of Magic: Alteration, Lesson Two

      It is easy to confuse Illusion and Alteration. Both schools of magic attempt to create what is not there. The difference is in the rules of nature. Illusion is not bound by them, while Alteration is. This may seem to indicate that Alteration is the weaker of the two, but this is not true...
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  • Practice of Magic: Alteration, Lesson One

    They were gathered in the Arcaneum, both students and a few teachers, sitting on chairs or standing, listening to Phinis Gestor’s lecture. Deadsmell and another policy lecture of his. Booooring! He almost gave a yawn and J’zargo sitting next to him poked him. Gestor was standing on the...
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  • Practice of Magic: Basics, Lesson Three

      No doubt you have heard tales of my adventures. Stories carried from province to province, all of Tamriel in awe of my feats of magical prowess. More than once, I am sure, you have thought, "If only I had Aramril's ability. Then I too could seek fame and fortune in magic duels!"   ...
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  • Practice of Magic: Basics, Lesson Two

    Imperial Theosophy teaches us that our world was born from magicka, the creative force that informs and sustains all life. The sources of magic are the many and diverse heavens beyond the void, collectively known as the Aetherius.   Aetherius, ancestral seat of the Nine Divines and the ot...
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  • Practice of Magic: Basics, Lesson One

    The Beginning Spellcaster   The most powerful mages in Tamriel were once beginners. They all had similar early experiences: exposure to magic kindled an interest and/or unlocked some latent ability, followed by years of hard work. These intrepid souls honed their skills, learned new spell...
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  • Practice of Magic: Introduction

    I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning. - J. B. Priestley   4th of First Seed, 4E 203 There was nothing but white, everywhere. As far as he could see. And he was slowly startin...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 14 - Shards of Aetherius

      Couldn't find any clues, so I'll make a sketch and work through this carefully. Five Resonators. Five tones. Just have to hit them in the right order. Let's see...   19th of Morning Star, 4E 203   They spent the next three days on the frozen road in tense silence, with the bo...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 11 - Reaching Aetherius

      Here's the result:1-Arkngthamz: This one 'Arkngthamz', was on the inscription, too. Apparently the main Aetherium research center. Seems like the place to start.2- Mentioned as a 'Bthar-zel' ('allied city'?). Not Bthardamz, though. Looks like a smaller site, north or northwest of there, on...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 10 - Negotiations

      I've got a lead. One of the moldy old books in Mzund mentioned the Forge. Ruined through and through, but I was able to copy down a few scraps, including a map of the first-era Dwemer kingdoms. Need to cross-reference it with modern borders when I get back.   11th of Morning Star, 4...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: ToC

      Aetherium. Only a few had heard about it and even less ever saw it, but in a scholar´s mind, it remains the biggest treasure of all, because Aetherium leads the way. To the Aetherium Forge! When a group of treasure hunters find the first key and then things go south, they have to enl...
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  • Practice of Magic: ToC

    "No one has become a mage over night, for the path to mastering the arcane arts is a long and difficult one. Some might stumble, some might fall, but those truly destined to wield the power of the world in their hands...those are the ones that always get up and keep trying. It is not a shame to fa...
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  • Souls in Modern Praxography

    Souls in Modern Praxography - A commentary on temporary conjuration theory Phinis Gestor and Sergius Turrianus, College of Winterhold, 4E 200   Vanus's Galerion stratification of magic into the six classical schools formed the theoretical groundwork for all subsequent magical research - a la...
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  • Of Drunks and Faith: Akatosh and Nice Arse

    Procagius took another proper gulp of ale and turned back to the people sitting around the tavern, laughing their arses off so much that tears were rolling down their cheeks. “But truly, that´s not what Akatosh said. Akatosh is wise and eternal and…” then he waved his hand...
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  • Chasing Aetherius, Chapter 7 - What is locked...can be opened.

      “We can only speculate that none were successful. Decades of conflict merely weakened them all, allowing for King Gellir's subsequent conquests. And though the Dwemer reclaimed most of their lands a century later, there is no evidence that they ever resumed their research on Aetheriu...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - ToC

      Know Mauloch, spurned of Boethiah and King of Curses. An age ago, a cult of Elves left the Summerset Isles, abandoning their kin to follow Veloth, a pathetic tool of Boethiah. Trinimac confronted Boethiah for this trespass and was challenged to battle. Trinimac was about to strike a mighty ...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 5 - Breath of Fire, Winds of Change

      “To the dwarves, of course, such problems were merely a challenge. In the years following King Harald's reign, the Dwemer discovered a considerable source of Aetherium in their deepest delvings. An alliance of four cities, led by Arkngthamz, the great research center in the souther...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 3 - Shein, Sujamma and Knives

      “My research suggests a much different cause, however. In the decades preceding their fall, the dwarven cities of Skyrim had been decimated by internal disputes and infighting over a most surprising cause: Aetherium.”   24th of Evening Star 4e, 202   Grulmar was...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 1 - Tremors

        Dedicated to Katria, my Friend and Colleague   “The end, when it came, was swift. In the span of three short years, the great Dwarven cities of Skyrim, from Markarth to the Velothi Mountains, fell before the armies of the High King. Cities that had held fast against...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 12

    Chapter 12 The Tide of Blood   There rose a garden of slender trees, and wound about the trunks were vines festooned with lilylike flowers. A multitude of spheres moved, deep in the sky, as distant and pale as the moons. There was the sound of chirping birds, but it was a doleful sound, as...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 11

    Chapter 11 Saying goodbyes   There's a time in the life when you have to say goodbye, to either your loved ones or things you care about. Nothing lasts forever. And Decimus saw that Orcs understood that very well. More than a dozen Orcs now stood in front of Largashbur's gate, their weapon...
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  • No Honor Among Thieves: Part 2

    Part 2 “No law ever written is as powerful as cold steel.”   “Come on, you bloody n´wah!” shouted Venhen from the balcony. “Are you going to just stand there while that Blue Team bastard´s hacking you to pieces?”   Down in the Arena,...
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  • No Honor Among Thieves: Part 1

      Part 1 “They say hope begins in the dark, but most just flail around in the blackness, searching for their destiny. The darkness...for me...is where I shine.” The sky was dark that night, moons and stars hidden behind clouds, obscuring the roofs of the Imperial City. Shadows ...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 10

    Chapter 10 The Pit of Ash III   Their journey to Fallowstone Cave began immediately after Atub collected all the necessary ingredients. She was curious as to whether Yamarz would bring more warriors with them, but he didn't and she didn't insist. The fewer, the better.   She hadn&rs...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 9

    Chapter 9 The Pit of Ash II   He was swimming in a river, deep under the water where the current was playing with him like with a rag doll, swimming through places of light and dark, where hot and cold were hard to distinguish from one another. At one moment he thought his body would burst...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 8

    Chapter 8 The Pit of Ash I   What a shitty day.   That was all Decimus was able to think about as he struggled through the snow. Yesterday had been a long day, especially because he’d got stuck in Riften because of that bloody snowstorm. Just admit it, it wasn't that bad. You ...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 7

    Chapter 7 Grow Up, Gularzob  III   What a beautiful day.   The sun was shining and everything was covered by snow. There was a man sitting on a wharf, a fishing rod in his hands, his face exposed to warm sun rays. The face was scarred with multiple marks left by fights he had g...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 6

    Chapter 6 Grow Up, Gularzob II   They followed the tracks in the snow and Yamarz glanced back in the direction of the cave where they had left the runts. He didn't want to admit it, but he was a little bit afraid for them. But only a little. They were Orcs - though Grulmar didn't act like ...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 5

    Chapter 5 Grow Up, Gularzob I 4E 187   Gularzob opened his eyes when he heard a loud crack in next room. He was still half asleep, so he couldn't really tell what it was. His confused mind, having just been awakened, worked slowly.   He was lying in his bed in the Longhouse; he hea...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 4

    Chapter 4 Adal Matar IV   Yamarz was standing outside, in front of the Longhouse, warming himself near the fire. He was tired, hungry and his bruises hurt, but he wanted this to be over with as quickly as possible. He didn't want to say no to the warchief of Adal Matar, but neither did he ...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 3

    Chapter 3 Adal Matar III   First part of the climb wasn’t actually that bad. Until a snowstorm caught them outside, between the rocks. Yamarz shouted at the brothers: “We need to find shelter!” He wasn't sure they'd heard him, because the roaring winds tore his words from...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 2

    Chapter 2 Adal Matar II   Yamarz looked at Snagam with interest as they walked, but he didn't seem to notice it. They had been travelling for some time now and that had given Yamarz some time to think.   Snagam's chieftain had presented an offer to trade his daughter. But Yamarz had...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Chapter 1

    Chapter 1 Adal Matar I 4E 181   “He's hungry,” announced Atub and Yamarz frowned. The child was constantly screaming as if they were killing it. Quite the opposite. He was kept in warm fur acting as a swaddling blanket and one of the stronghold's females were always waddling h...
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  • The Cursed Tribe - Prologue

    Prologue 4E 180   There is something sacred about midnight. Have you ever stopped for a moment and thought about it? A new day is just seconds away, the old one is coming to its end and all it needs to be reborn are few seconds. And when the moment comes, you don't even notice the differen...
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