Aedric the Hunter - Chapter 11: King, Queen, Prince, Brigand

  • 27th of Last Seed 4E201

    I awoke in the Winking Skeever from probably the best rest I’d had all week, and went to see the barman for something to eat. After I received my hearty breakfast, the publican, Corpulus Vinius, told about rumors around town. After a day of travelling and fighting, I didn’t think I was quite ready to take on Fort Hraggstad or Ustengrav. He told me of 3 things going on in the city: There was a crazed beggar wandering the streets near the Bard’s College, an unsavoury looking Argonian looking for someone to do a favour for him, and the elder from Dragons Bridge, Varnius Junius, is heading up to the Blue Palace with a request of aid for Jarl Elisif. I opted to first head around the shops of Solitude to see if there was anything worth buying.

    The blacksmith’s and fletcher’s inventories were full of gear inferior to mine, so I headed down to the clothing store. I knew that often the more expensive outfitters held stock of enchanted jewelry and clothing. As I entered the Altmer woman and I greeted each other with equal disdain before I browsed the store. I picked up a silver amethyst ring which strengthened my light armor, protecting me from injury, as well as a fine golden emerald circlet which sharpened my eye, allowing me to place my shots more precisely for maximum effect. After losing 4000 septims in there I headed outside to see the Argonian leaning against the wall opposite the store. He was probably up to no good but I listened to his proposition anyway. He introduced himself as Jaree-ra before speaking. “There’s alot of ships coming into the port with the war and all,” he said. “If one of those ships happened to be rocked since the lighthouse was out, there’d be alot of loot for whoever did that.” He seemed to reinforce that none of the sailors would be harmed, but I knew that quite a few of the crew would die before help arrived. I was a thief, not a murderer. Plus, I didn’t want to compromise the Imperial war effort – there would probably be soldiers and crucial supplies on the ship. I accepted his offer. “I’ll be down at the docks with my sister, Deeja. Let us know when the lighthouse is out.” Excellent. Just the information I needed.

    It wasn’t difficult to spot the madman around the Bard’s College, as the crazed Bosmer ran up to me and pleaded, “You’ll help me, right? You help people! That’s what you do!” How could he know that? I’d been in the hold for less than a day and I’d never seen him before in my life. “Yes, what is it?” I said, begrudgingly. I was expecting some menial task but what I got was quite a surprise. “My master has abandoned me. Abandoned his people. And nothing I can do can change his mind!” “What can I do to help then, madman?” “He refuses to even see me. He says I interrupt his vacation!” “Well, where can I find him? Get to the point!” “He was visiting a friend in the Blue Palace, in the forbidden Pelagius Wing! Said they hadn’t had tea in ages!” This didn’t sound good. “Oh, and you’ll need the hipbone. No entering Pelagius’ Wing without that.” He thrust a pelvis into my hand before running off – he was indeed quite mad, although it might’ve been something worth investigating. With now two reasons to be there, I headed up to the Blue Palace.

    I entered into the magnificent building of shining stone masonry, and made my way up to where Jarl Elisif held court. Sure enough, there was Varnius, making a plea for aid. “There are unnatural magics at work here – strange lights and noises are coming from that cave!” Varnius said. “Then we will send out a Legion to scour the cave and secure the area. Haafingar’s people will always be safe under my rule,” Elisif replied. A woman in mage robes to her left, assumedly the court wizard, spoke up. “Your eminence, my scrying suggested nothing of the sort. This is likely superstitious nonsense.” A bearded Nord man to her left, assumedly the Jarl’s steward. “Perhaps a more... tempered reaction might be called for?” The Jarl seemed to have taken heed of their words. She looked over at the steward and said, “Falk, tell the Captain to send a few soldiers to Dragon Bridge.” “What about the cave?” Varnius said. “I will have someone investigate it. You’re dismissed,” Falk replied. It sounded like easy work to me, and I could ask Falk for the key to the Pelagius Wing while I was at it. I approached Falk directly. “Do you have business with the court?” “I hear you’re looking for someone to investigate a certain Wolfskull Cave.” “Well, you’re quick. I was actually going to let that one go – probably just bandits or wild animals. Besides, Varnius is jumpy at the best of times. But if you want to check it out, go ahead and I’ll make sure you’re paid.” “Sounds good to me, Falk.” “Before you go, may I know your name, mercenary?” “The name’s Aedric, and I prefer the term ‘adventurer’.” “Ah, pleased to meet you. Is there anything else I can do for you?” “Yes, actually, I need to get into the Pelagius Wing.” A scowl immediately covered his face. “Absolutely not! That wing has been sealed for hundreds of years, and for good reason. The ghost of Pelagius the Mad still haunts it!” Well how had the madman’s master gained entry? “Very well, I’ll take my leave then.” Perhaps I could ask one of the servants for a key. I found one of them sweeping the tiled floor out of earshot of the guards and court. “Are you my gallant hero, come to take me away to a life of adventure and romance?” she said. I’d use that to my advantage. “Perhaps, but first I need the key to the Pelagius Wing.” “Oh, that’s not allowed. And it’s scary in there!” So Falk was lying – it hadn’t been sealed for hundreds of years. “Falk asked me to. I’m going to clear out the ghosts.” “Alright then, but be careful!” She handed me the key and I made my way over to the entrance. I was surprised at how easy it was – I thought I’d have to try and steal it, or worse.

    I opened the door into the wing, and emerged into a dusty cobwebbed room, with furniture and dishes strewn all over the room. There was only one way to continue, which I followed into a staircase and emerged onto the next floor into a large hallway. I cautiously made my way down the hallway, when all of a sudden my body was surrounded with swirling lights, and I appeared in a foggy clearing, in the centre of which was a feast table. On one side was an old man with opaque irises wearing a most odd raiment of purple and orange, and on the other side an Imperial man. The old man spoke. “More tea, Pelly my dear?” Could the Imperial man be Pelagius, the Mad? “Oh, I can’t goes right through me. Besides, I’ve so much to do! So many undesirables to contend with. My headsman hasn’t slept in 3 days!” The old man spoke again. “Oh, you’re far too hard on yourself, my dear, sweet homicidally insane Pelagius. What would the people do without you?” How was this even happening? Pelagius III died an era ago! I reached for my sword only to find it missing. My bow and quiver were gone too, likewise my armor and everything else – which had been replaced with a set of fine clothes. I tried casting a spell and shouting but those didn’t work either. It seemed I was simply along for the ride. “You’re the best Septim that’s ever ruled! Well, besides that Martin fellow. But he turned into a dragon god, and that’s hardly sporting. I was there for all of that, you know!” “Yes, as you’ve said countless times before.” “Well perhaps its best if I take my leave then! Good day to you sir, I said GOOD DAY!” In a vortex of swirling purple lights, Pelagius disappeared from his seat and I was left alone with the other man. “Can’t be bothered to host an old friend for a decade or two,” he remarked at me. “Where are we?” I asked. “We’re in the mind of Pelagius, silly! Or is this your first time?” “This can’t be happening. He died at over 500 years ago!” He didn’t seem to take heed of my statement, so I got down to business. “I’m here to deliver a message.” “Reallllllllllllly?  What kind? A song? A summons? Wait, I know! A death threat written on the back of an Argonian concubine!” It seemed the master was just as mad as the servant. “Well? Spit it out, mortal! I haven’t got an eternity! Well, actually, I do!” Who was this man? “But seriously, what’s the message.” “I was asked to retrieve you from your vacation.” “By who? Wait! Don’t tell me! I want to guess!” He rattled off a seemingly meaningless list of names, including a certain ‘Stanley, the talking grapefruit from Passwall.’ “Wrong on all accounts, aren’t I? No matter! It’ll ruin the surprise! But do you, expendable mortal, think you can force me to leave? Because that’s crazy! Do you realise who you’re dealing with? ” “You tell me, sir.” “I am a part of you, little mortal. A shadow of your consciousness. I’m there, but you just don’t know it. I am Sheogorath! Daedric Prince of Madness – at your service.” I was dumbfounded – I was speaking to a Daedric Prince – in person? “So are you going to leave?” I asked. “Now that’s the real question. How much time off does a demented Daedra really need? So, here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to leave. On one condition.” Ah, here was the catch. “You have to find the way out first. But you can’t rely on your swords and spells and sneaking. You’ll have to use... THE WABBAJACK! Didn’t see that coming did you?” A metal staff with a head of 3 strange faces materialised in my hand, as Sheogorath sat back down. There was 3 paths from the clearing I was in, and assumedly there was something to do in each before I could escape from Pelagius’ mind.

    As I walked down the western path, Sheogorath babbled some incoherent nonsense about Pelagius’ upbringing by his mother, and then I reached a stone arena where two Storm Atronachs were fighting, while 3 men in Dwarven Armor watched on from the other side of the arena. “Use your Wabbajack to defeat the enemy, while they do the same!” I Wabbajacked one of the atronachs, which changed into a Frost Atronach. When the other turned into a Flame Atronach, Sheogorath spoke up again. “Your creature doesn’t seem to be fairing any better than before – perhaps your aim is off!” But I’d hit the creature directly with the bolt of the staff! I looked around and saw the 3 armored men on the other side of the arena. Perhaps if I Wabbajacked them... I fired a bolt at one of them. Two of them turned into wolves, killing the third before running off. “Oh-ho! I thought you’d never figure it out! With the threat gone, Pelagius is under the illusion he is safe – so you’ve helped him, sort of, and we’re that much closer to home.”

    “Pelagius feared many things. Assassins, wild dogs, the undead... but the deepest hatred was of himself. The self-loathing enhances Pelagius’ anger, and his confidence will shrink with every hit! You must bring the two into balance.” There was a large man, at least 10 feet tall, and a tiny man, only about 2 feet tall. The larger one was battering the other relentlessly, so I began Wabbajacking. I fired bolts from the staff at both, until the sizes were reversed – the tiny one was huge and the huge one tiny. “Well done! Pelagius is finally ready to love himself. And continue hating everyone else.”

    “You’re now headed down the path of dreams. Unfortunately, Pelagius suffered nightmares from a very early age. All you have to do is wake him up – but you’ll find his terrors persistent.” I came across Pelagius yet again sleeping in a bed in another clearing. Nothing else was in sight, so I Wabbajacked him. A wolf appeared and charged at me, which I Wabbajacked mid-stride and it turned into a goat. The next ‘terror’ was an armoured Orcish bandit chief, which I immediately Wabbajacked and turned him into a human child. Next up was a Hagraven, which immediately began tossing fireballs all around the clearing, which transformed into a maiden after being struck with the Wabbajack’s magic.Fourth came a Flame Atronach which I transformed into a fireplace. And finally some kind of undead mage which changed into a treasure chest. At long last Pelagius rose from his bed. “Well! Now that’s something to crow about – with Pelagius up and about, we’ll both be home in no time.”

    I returned to the central clearing. “I’ve fixed Pelagius’ mind.” “Fixed is such a subjective term. I prefer ‘treated’ – but you’ve succeeded and survived, so I will honour my part of the bargain. So, you’re free to go. I’ve been known to, um, change my mind. So you really should go.” I stepped back, hoping to be transported back to Skyrim, but to no avail. “Pelagius Septim the Third, now so boringly sane! Well it’s time for me to head back to the Shivering Isles – if you ever come to visit, you should look me up! Now, let’s see. Clothes – check! Beard – check! Luggage – Luggage? Where did I leave my luggage?” The madman from Solitude appeared. “Master – you’ve taken me back! Does this mean we’re going home? Happy times!” “Yes, yes, you go on ahead now!” He teleported back out. “Now feel free to keep the Wabbajack as a token of my... just take it! Now do take care of yourself now. Ta ta!”

    I reappeared in the Pelagius Wing with all of my belongings, as well as my new clothes and the Wabbajack. Now that was quite the experience! I was glad Sheogorath had decided to send me back to Solitude – I wasn’t really sure where he was going to send me. I still had two more things I had in mind for today so I headed back to the market for a bite before leaving the city. It was already early afternoon when I collected my horse and headed up to Wolfskull Cave, in the mountains to the west.

    It was a straightforward journey – no Thalmor, no bandits, no hungry animals, nothing. I reached the cave quickly and was greeted by two skeletons which were reduced to piles of bones within seconds. I entered the cave a saw necromancers up ahead – Varnius was right after all. The draw strength on my bow proved lethal against these unarmoured foes, and I proceeded through the cave without being seen. I came to a chamber guarded by an armoured Draugr standing over a large pit. My arrow pierced the leathery skin, and it summoned a Frost Atronach before an arrow to the hip toppled it into the pit, the atronach following it in. I rained arrows upon my foes from the top of the pit, strafing out of the way of the ice spikes it threw back at me. I dropped into the pit, dispatched a few more necromancers, and emerged into an absolutely massive cavern. It appeared to contain the ruins of a fort, and there was strange blue energy streaming towards the top of the tallest tower. A woman’s voice was amplified throughout the cavern. “Wolf Queen, hear our call and awaken. We summon Potema.”  A chorus of voices answered her. “We summon Potema.” First I meet Pelagius and now his aunt? A most strange day indeed. The Draugr and Necromancers patrolling the ruin didn’t pose much of a threat, as I advanced through the ruin, backed by the chanting of the mages on the tower and the answering call of Potema herself, albeit in spirit form. I reached the tower unseen by the necromancers, but they somehow noticed me as I crept up the stairs. My weapons were still sheathed, so I grabbed an invisibility potion out of my pack, made my presence known, and dashed quickly back down the stairs. I made sure they saw me run out the door before drinking it, and darted back inside before they all rushed through the door. I began to pick them off, one by one as they searched the ruin for me. I took two of the four down unseen, but the third screamed as I misplaced my arrow. I managed to kill her but the last one spotted me. He cast a spell and raised his recently fallen companion and I dashed to the side of a volley of four ice spikes. Drawing my blade and charging the raised one, she went down quickly, and the other man began to back towards the parapet. I spotted a small ruined section where the wall had fallen away, and manoeuvred myself so he was between it and me. “FUS RO!” He staggered into the fallen section, but managed to maintain his footing before falling off. He didn’t stay on for long however, as I charged him, the force of my sword blow pushing him off.

    I barely managed to stay up myself. I proceeded back up the tower where one of the Necromancers was continuing the ritual, oblivious to what was going on around her. I struck her down before she could react, and the spirit energy dispersed out of the cave. I think I’d just stopped something pretty big – I couldn’t imagine what would’ve happened if Falk hadn’t sent anyone.

    I still had one more matter to attend to – Jaree-ra. It was already nightfall when I exited Wolfskull cave with some new treasure, and I ate in the saddle on my way down to the docks. Sure enough, I spotted the two Argonians down there, Jaree-ra and his sister, Deeja. I crept around the rocks and positioned myself under the dock where they were standing as a Nord man approached them. I heard Deeja speak. “Jaree-ra’s found someone stupid enough to put out the lighthouse, just in time. Tell Captain Hargar to ready the men; we’re going for the big one tonight.” “Sure, lizard. I’ll tell him right away.” “Get out of my face unless you want my blade in your chest, human!” The man walked off the docks onto the road under the natural arch. If I could follow him back to his hideout I could end the Argonians’ scheme once and for all. I crept out from under the dock and threw my cowl over my head – I didn’t want Jaree-ra recognising me as I made my escape. I followed the bandit for the better part of an hour around the cliffs north of Solitude until he came to a cave entrance about 10 metres above the ocean level. I entered to be greeted by a cavern with a massive ceiling and a river running through it. The bandits had built scaffolding over and around the river, linking the ledges around the edge of the river. They weren’t very bright, tough, nor well equipped and made easy pickings for my bow. I advanced through the cave unseen – perhaps if they had a few groups of men guarding the few narrow paths into the main chamber I would’ve been seen, but it was just alot of men spread out all over the place, and they didn’t even notice their comrades falling around them. This Captain Hargar fellow wasn’t very organised. The largest chamber at the end held a massive scaffolded structure built around a few damaged boats. The end of the cavern was a mass of boulders – it appeared the bandits used to use this as  a port to launch raids, but no longer. I took down the men on the lower levels of the scaffold first, before moving around the edge of the chamber onto the side where I could get onto the structure. As I made my way onto the staircase leading inside the wooden stair creaked. I quickly retreated back up as one of the bandits came to investigate. As he reached the top of the stairs, an arrow struck him square in the chest, throwing him off his feet backwards, and he crashed through several floors of the

    wooden scaffold. I readied myself as I heard heavy footsteps approaching. A large Nord man emerged, holding a warhammer of Dwarven make, fury in his eyes. I didn’t blame him – he’d just seen his entire bandit group decimated by a single invisible man. A shot to the shoulder alerted him to my location, and he charged, hammer raised. I was hit by the first blow, which drove the air from my lungs for a few moments, but I easily evaded the rest of the slow, powerful blows of the hammer. I slowly but surely gained the upper hand, eventually breaking his grip on the hammer, and cleaved his chest open from hip to shoulder. I grabbed as much loot as I could from the Captain’s stash before putting the whole structure to the torch.

    I returned once again to the Skeever just after midnight. What a strange day – I met a dead Emperor, a Daedric Prince, cleared out a cave of Necromancers attempting to bind the aunt of said Emperor, and stopped an Imperial supply ship from running aground. I paid Corpulus and returned to my room, and collapsed into a sleep, filled with dreams of lucid versions of the day’s events. Had Sheogorath taken ahold of my mind?

    Another day awaits Aedric in Haafingar. Should he:

    1. Proceed with his original purpose of coming to Solitude - complete Legate Rikke's request and explore Ustengrav
    2. Explore Solitude's surrounds (indicate direction in your comment)
    3. Other

    Let me know in your comment!

    Next chapter is up, read it here

    Note: My longest entry yet at 3700 words. Sheesh! My total for all 11 chapters is over 30000 now!

Comments

5 Comments
  • Ponty
    Ponty   ·  February 13, 2012
    Since we've got a unanimous 1 I'll play through today, probably write up late tomorrow since I'm busy
  • Ponty
    Ponty   ·  February 12, 2012
    Oh, I've definitely had to adjust my playstyle. I try to get at least 6 hours of sleep, as opposed to my other characters' 'quest around the clock' style, and I try to avoid fast travelling since random encounters can be interesting!
    It's the first ...  more
  • Kynareth
    Kynareth   ·  February 12, 2012
    Those two quests were particularly interesting to put next to each other!  Very enjoyable post, Ponty, and well written, as usual.  I have a question for you, though...how has it been for you playing the game this way?  Has it been enjoyable, playing for ...  more
  • Ponty
    Ponty   ·  February 12, 2012
    Thanks guys.
    @Vix Thanks for the pointer, some of the in-game stuff/UESP stuff is a little confusing, I'll fix it up right away.
  • Bradley Robinson
    Bradley Robinson   ·  February 11, 2012
    Great as always! Keep up the great work. Oh, and 1.