Recent Entries

  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 8

      Straag Rod, Book 1: Fate Goes Ever as it Must, Part 1 Chapter 8: The Scars   *** Warning: This chapter is for mature audiences. Includes caste discrimination, implied homoerotic fantasies, cannibalism, and cultural acceptance of non consensual sex in Altmer society. That bei...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 7

      Straag Rod, Book 1: Fate Goes Ever as it Must, Part 1 Chapter 7: The Burning Sky   Notes: The original title of Straag Rod, when it was posted in the Steam forums was "Of the Knight of the Crystal Tower" and an important aspect of Aelberon's past is shown in these next several...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 6

      Straag Rod, Book 1: Fate Goes Ever as it Must, Part 1    Chapter 6: The Deathbed   Skjor picked up his tankard when Njada’s Stonearm back fell against the table, moving it quickly out of the way. The corner of her mouth trickled with blood.    Heart of ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 5

      Straag Rod: Book 1: Fate Goes Ever as it must, Part 1 Chapter 5: The Mission   Balgruuf’s eyes lingered on the small village icon that represented Helgen on the parchment map in Farengar’s study. ‘Twas a finely drawn map, mounted on an ornately carved wooden scree...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 4

      Straag Rod Book 1: Fate Goes Ever as it Must, Part 1 Chapter 4: The Stone   “I cannot believe they did not even think to set you free.” Ralof frowned, reaching for Äelberon’s bound hands in the gloom of the Keep. They were crouched in a corner, close to a loc...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 3

      Straag Rod Book 1: Fate Goes Ever As it Must, Part 1 Chapter 3: The Attack   “Is it finished?” Haming heard his ma ask from the cooking fire when his da walked in. His da looked pensive as he set his axe against their weathered dining table and took his seat.   &...
  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 2

      Straag Rod Book 1: Fate Goes Ever as it Must, Part 1 Chapter 2: The Cart Ride   17th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201; Falkreath Hold, Skyrim, near Helgen   “Your honor will be your undoing...”   He remembered Rynandor’s words of warning in their final so...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter 1

      Straag Rod Book 1: Fate Goes Ever as it Must, Part 1 Chapter 1: The Dusken   14th of Rain’s Hand, 3E 431: Alinor, Summerset Isles    Crystal-Like-Law magisters Rynandor and Lilandtar observed the warriors sparring in the sunny courtyard as they settled down to an ...
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  • Straag Rod (The Turning Wheel): ToC

      Hello! I have been writing Straag Rod off and on since 2014 and have posted this on multiple platforms already. I have been rereading much it of lately and feel that this old war horse of a story is due a sound rewrite to reflect my and the story's growth. A lot of the initial story really...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XXI: Fate Goes Ever as it M

    Chapter 21: Fate Goes Ever as it Must   Aela woke next to Koor with a feeble moan, her head reeling like she had taken more mead than the twins the night before. Her eyes opened slowly, mere slits due to their puffiness.   She had made a fool of herself.   Aela the Huntress, g...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XX: The Grave Digger

      Chapter 20 - The Grave Digger   “Seek the storm.” She repeated, the voice becoming like knife’s edge. The cry of Mother Storm-Hawk.   “No!” He looked away, trembling, wanting to run, wanting to hide, but there was nowhere to turn in this wastelan...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XIX: Brother's Honor

        2nd of Sun’s Dawn   Why Äelberon picked up Skjor’s armor, Aela didn’t know. The Mer, with his sharp eyes, spotted it resting against a small ridge near the dilapidated fort they were now approaching and just picked it up. The extra weight didn’...
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  • The Sword, Chapter 3: An Extra Splash of Bloodwine

      14th of Rain’s Hand, 4e 101   “Are you going to let him?” She asked.   Tanan-Ze looked up from his work, at a pair of inquisitive white eyes, her chin resting on a pair of clawed hands that were, in turn, resting on the wooden table’s edge. He was ...
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  • The Sword, Chapter 2: The Cost of Grapes

      30th of First Seed, 4e 101   Äelberon gazed outside the carriage window and up at the clear night sky, the sounds of Gaspard’s snoring and the steady rhythm of the horses’ hooves providing a constant background noise. The Breton wanted to leave very early in the...
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  • The Sword, Chapter 1: Captain Cup Bearer and the Popinjay

    26th of Sun’s Dawn, 4e 101   Bumph heard the impatient grunt from the rotund Breton and suppressed the urge to punch his face to a pulp with her bare hands. The battle axe could work too, but punching was sometimes more fun.   He actually wanted her to open the door to the ...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim (ToC)

      With the threat of Miraak and Ahzidal now behind them, it is a time to celebrate, for only one real foe remains. Alduin, the World-Eater. However, what happens when inner dragons prevent that celebration from happening? It takes the planning of a crafty Orc and a vampire to remind the Drag...
  • Path of the Aprax (ToC)

    "There is an after. One story tells of this. I will spare you the details, though I know it by memory. Every Altmer does. I will only say this. It took him thirty years to rebuild his, piece by piece, thousands of them, but he eventually did and he was accepted again.  Let us all rejoice an...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XVIII: Brother's Betrayal

    2nd of Sun’s Dawn,   He needed to relieve himself. Badly. And his mouth was very, very dry, like he had swallowed a whole tub of tundra cotton or something. But the bed felt oh so good. Warm… But he needed to relieve himself and Tilma was going to kill him if he did the alter...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XVII: The First Day

    They sat close by the campfire, like moths gathered to a lantern’s flame, using leftover crates and sacks from their supply run to Driftshade as either makeshift chairs or props for their backs.  Like a bunch of very furry moths, Brother Balis - well former Brother Balis - observed, a...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 10

    Balgruuf was stumbling through the dark, nearly tripping over several times as his sense of balance was somewhat drowned by the sweet sensations of the mead coursing through his blood. The reason though, why he was stumbling through the night, was that he was of a mind that he had too much mead ...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 7

    Warning: Adult themes and sexual situations There was a finality upon seeing the crown that Zahnirbildaar didn’t expect. A hard truth.   You are dead.   He didn’t feel dead, but he was and he wasn’t sure what to make of anything anymore. But he knew one thing. &...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 5

    Urag gro-Shub stretched in his seat as he drove the wagon closer to the lights that marked where the ‘stead branched off from the main road. It was going to be a warmer night than expected and he praised Malacath quietly that the trip had gone without incident. For all the artifacts he was...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 3

    Minutes till dusk   He always hated parties, preferring the quiet of his study to the racket that usually comes with gatherings planned by Nords, and, he shuddered, Orcs. Not that he had anything against Grulmar and Serana, but he knew the races, it would be loud and Nelecar wasn’t ...
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  • Goodbye Skyrim: Chapter 1

    A collaboration by Karver the Lorc, Teineeva, and The Long-Chapper 3 hours till dusk   Erik set down another pair of chairs, wiping off the sweat from his forehead. The day was certainly warmer than he expected, but it was a nice touch for today’s event. If Grulmar spoke the truth,...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XVI: Nowhere else to go

    2nd of Sun's Dawn, 4E 202   Thank Hircine bastard was whiter than the Jerrals, thought Skjor as he barreled down the road on Allie, clinging to her for dear life.  His hands were white-knuckled, not out of fear, but from the sheer strength he needed just to hold on to her.  He l...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XV: The Priest of Jorrvaskr

      Warning: Foul language and dark themes, for adult readers 1st of Sun’s Dawn, 202, nightfall   “Skjor?”   A hushed whisper brought Skjor out of his thoughts and his eye lazily veered to its left, briefly catching the black and white form of Koor wagging hi...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XIV: Old Buzzard

    1st of Sun's Dawn, 4E 202   “You will owe me a lot more than just one case of Black Briar for this, Veteran.” Griped Eorlund Grey-Mane.   “Get your hammer out of your arse, you old nag.  Here’s your coin.” Skjor replied, handing the smith an addit...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 8, Black and White

      “You can't save him,” Decimus suddenly said, with a voice clear and strong and Äelberon frowned, involuntarily taking a step back. He felt the dark magic rising as a midnight tide, drowning the room and Decimus was right at the middle of it. He had tried to stop it with hi...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 6, Proudspire

      They were standing in front of a door, the silent and disturbing aura of Solitude hanging heavily on their shoulders and Decimus looked at the Altmer standing next to him. Äelberon was just as tired as Decimus, the Mer was only better at hiding it. The events of the day were resting o...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 4, Terms of Release

    The dungeon guards, clad in Solitude’s red, bowed slightly in his presence and he acknowledged them with a curt nod as he glided gracefully down the stone steps leading deep into the bowels of Castle Dour, his arms folded backwards at the elbows. His favorite position for them and part of hi...
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  • Chasing Death: Chapter 2, Incidents

      The Winking Skeever was nearly empty with the exception of a few either brave enough or foolish enough patrons. And there was a very thin line between courage and idiocy. Some were already so drunk they couldn't even put together a coherent sentence and the rest were slowly getting there. ...
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  • Chasing Death: Prologue

      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.   An Imperial man sitting at the bar was observing all the people at their tables, chatting, enjoying their dri...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XIII: Means to an End

    30th of Morning Star   Skjor stirred from his slumber when he felt the sudden draft from her movements. He groaned in protest and reached with his hand, dragging the she-wolf back to his side.   “Not morning yet.” He grumbled through his yawn.   “It’s...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XII: Covenant

    When Äelberon woke from his nap, it had started to snow, and he shifted position in his bedroll so he could have a better view. There was something about Skyrim and snow. With a fresh snowfall, the province became a kingdom of such ethereal beauty. It took him back to his first year of exil...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter XI: Away from the Light

    Tavia was in charge of tending the flames of the Beacon today. To make sure the fire always burned, so that Stendarr’s light could be seen even in the darkness that was Skyrim these days. The war, the dragons, the threats that retreated into the night when the sun rose.  She dropped t...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter X: High Stakes

    27th of Morning Star, 4E 202   Naked and insignificant, he stood upon the wastes, the chill of the biting winds cutting through his very bones, cutting through his soul. Passing through him, under him, and above him. No gentle breeze, no calming zephyr, only a steady wild wind, like a mae...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter IX: Playing Dumb

    Warning: Adult themes and foul language   Where was he, thought Skjor. He had not seen him leave, but he wasn’t anywhere to be found. He wanted to leave, for he already saw Aela sneak out of the Bannered Mare and he was eager to follow. Very eager. Damn, you should be fucking follow...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter VIII: Of Mules and the Poet

    Jon Battle-Born took another slow sip of mead and felt the effects of it spin the room. That kind of pleasing spin that feels good, when you know the mead is seeping deep into the body. When you know you’ve had far too much, but at the same time, you don’t particularly care. Tonight ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter VII: Pride & Humiliation

    Äelberon and Kodlak were the last to join the gathered warriors, and all looked to the Altmer. Aye, he was expected to say something again and Kodlak watched the Mer adjust the position of the great bow slung over his back, ready to string in seconds. The Eagle.   His eyes caught the...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter VI: Sibling Rivalry

    It was utter chaos when Kodlak Whitemane and his Shield-Siblings exited the city. Passing guards were escorting frightened citizens to the city gates.  Thick was the veil of smoke, bright the glare of flame, and heavy the smell of fear.  They traveled through the masses of evacuating p...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter V: Moments of Truth

    21st of Morning Star, 4E 202   “What will you give in exchange for them?”   With a strangled gasp, Äelberon bolted upright, soaked in sweat, clutching his chest. It took him several moments just sitting there in the fuzzy darkness of his quarters before his heart...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter IV: Tail Between Your Legs

    19th of Morning Star, 4E 202   “I killed a bear today.” Volunteered Ria from her position in the Mead Hall.   “Battle Born job, Ria?” Kodlak Whitemane asked with a nod of respect.   “Yes, Harbinger.” She beamed with pride and Kodlak and ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter III: Hitting a Wall

    They still had doubts, Äelberon thought dully as he followed Master Borri out the heavy metal doors of High Hrothgar towards a snow-covered courtyard. A blast of icy wind ruffled the fur of his bearskin and he sniffed to clear his nose, his watering eyes tracing the embroidered pattern on...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter II: Initial Disappointments

    16th of Morning Star, 4e 202   It was impossible not to hear it. The Thu’um. Being used.  They knew he knew it. They had taught him, Arngeir reminded himself as he knelt before the brazier flame, watching it dance and crackle against the dark-hued stone, partially hypnotized ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Chapter I: Thoughts along the Path

    16th of Morning Star, 4E 202   He had not felt this small and insignificant since he first entered the Jerrals all those years ago, Äelberon thought while he looked up from the base of the worn stone steps leading to High Hrothgar, squinting against the sun’s glare reflecting...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 2, Prelude

    5th of First Seed, 3E 432, Alinor, Summerset Isles, Ascension Day   Rynandor was introspective today. The gathered crowds of onlookers and worshipers were excited, but he was introspective. Well, no, he wasn’t introspective, he was tense and terribly nervous, but he hid it under a...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Epilogue

      -From Notes on the Aetherium Forge.   20th of Morning Star   I write this late at night. She is resting and I know I should be too, but I still cannot contain my excitement and am wide awake, despite the effects of the moon sugar and the heavy draught Brother Theodard gave me...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 13 - Serpent Rising

        Reached the Treasury. There's a Tonal Lock here, still active. Judging from the corpses, it's safe to say the traps are still active, too.   16th of Morning Star, 203   “How is your wrist?” Layrene asked, giving Ondolemar a sidelong glance from her horse. ...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 12 - The Pinky Swear of the Ash King

      Arkngthamz. My map may be rough, but it was enough to get me here. There may be something to this after all.   16th of Morning Star, 4E 203   He was smothered, churning in curdled mud, his lungs filling with the brown-grey muck, drowning in it. And yet he drank of the mire, s...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 9 - It Doesn't Always Go As Planned

        “Damn that scheming elf! Damn him! He steals my notes, my discovery, and publishes it under his name! Twenty years of my life spent digging through those ruins, and what do I get? A dedication? 'Friend and colleague' my arse. He's just mocking me!”   Well, I'll h...
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  • Tales for the Hearth Fire ToC

      "The Storyteller’s Creed... I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge, That myth is more potent than history, That dreams are more powerful than facts, That hope always triumphs over experience, That laughter is the only cure for grief, And I believe that love is stronger...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 8 - Talons and Fox Trails

      “But nothing like the Aetherium Forge described in the inscriptions has ever been found within the borders of Skyrim. It may have been destroyed long ago, by the Nord invaders or the Dwemer themselves. Or perhaps it, like the secrets of Aetherium itself, still remains to be discove...
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  • Guide to Straag Rod: Timeline and Recap of Part 1, Book 1

        With Part 2 of Straag Rod delayed somewhat due to other projects, I thought I'd take it upon myself to offer my readers a recap of the events of Part 1 in a more condensed form. But then I got to thinking...   The events in Straag Rod span eras of Tamriel history, even t...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 6 - Parting Ways

        “If the inscriptions I discovered are to be believed, the results were nothing short of spectacular: the items produced by the Forge were artifacts of immense power, imbued from the moment of their creation with powerful enchantments. The Dwarven alliance shattered almost i...
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  • Straag Rod (The Turning Wheel) Book 1

        This is the Table of the Contents for the first in a series of three books that chronicle in the life of the Altmer, Äelberon of Dusk, the Last Dragonborn. This page will regularly be updated with links as chapters are published. Straag Rod is a tale that incorporates, ...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 4 - Fireworks

      “Modern scholars know Aetherium as a rare, luminescent blue crystal found in some Dwemer ruins. Most consider it little more than a curiosity, as it has proven all but impossible to work with: while it has a strong magical aura, it is alchemically inert, and no known process can ench...
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  • Chasing Aetherius: Chapter 2 - Assembling the Team

    Warning: Adult themes     “For centuries, scholars have marveled at the sudden collapse of the Dwemer city-states. Even the Nords seem to have been taken by surprise, though their chroniclers were quick to ascribe their success to King Gellir's inspired tactics and the blessin...
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  • Eyes Like the Summer Skies

    Warning: Contains foul language and adult themes.      28th of Evening Star, 4E 198, Bruma, Cyrodiil   Damn, it was brutally cold, thought Celann as he gathered his timberwolf cloak about his shoulders and walked to the Fighter’s Guild in Bruma from the Northern gate...
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  • Fe-angua Falcaex (My Promise) - A Poem in Altmeris, featured in

      My Promise  I sing to you whispers of forbidden joys, As we stand at the edge of a cliff Next to a wondrous little glade. You see great trees rain pink blossoms And blossoms of yellow rare over the earth. You see tiny forms dance against the wind, Shining in the Sunlight. Yo...
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  • Going Elsweyr: Chapter 5: Unexpected Developments

      1st of First Seed, approaching Corinthe, west of the Red River Gorge   “I have decided to keep it.” Announced Lillandril grandly, rubbing his chin with pride, feeling it against his fingertip while he trudged away from the water and wind-carved ravine, closing in on Cori...
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  • Going Elsweyr: Chapter 4: Sugar-Shakes

      17th of Sun’s Dawn, 4e 26, Orcrest   Revenge would be sweet, thought Äelberon as he strode towards Inyel’s stall and small farm at the corner of the Market Plaza of Orcrest, his head held high, his armor cleaned and the deep ebony-black of it glistening in the after...
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  • Going Elsweyr: Chapter 3: Blood Price

      5th of Sun’s Dawn, 4e 26, somewhere in the Ne-Quin-Al Desert   A weary nod from a dust-covered Vingalmo, his face sporting a fresh cut on his cheek, the right sleeve of his robes torn and bloodied, let Lillandril know through the growing swirls of the ominous dust storm that t...
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  • Going Elsweyr: Chapter 2: Changing Plans

    Warning: Contains sexual content, violence, and strong language. For mature readers.    28th of Morning Star, 4e 26, Riverhold, Elsweyr   They leaned over the curled-up figure, half-submerged in a small nest of silk blankets and beaded satin throw pillows of various shades of iv...
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  • Going Elsweyr: Chapter 1: The Meeting

    Warning: Contains Adult themes and some coarse language.    18th of Evening Star, 4e 25, Cloudrest, Alinor   Grand Emissary, it is my conclusion that the absorption of Valenwood into the proposed Third Aldmeri Dominion will succeed if the Thalmor exercise the points… &nb...
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  • Straag Rod Book 1 Part 1 Complete [Download]

      “Nut, your magic to me is: not only having a strong and believable main character, but to give life to all the so called "NPCs" on Aelberon’s path.” -From ackrueger (Steam forums) “The emotions, character interactions, holy devotion... makes me just want to wait...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XLI

    Kodlak Whitemane slammed his tankard of mead down upon the heavy table, spilling its contents on the grained surface. Tilma cringed when she heard the noise and Skjor leaned casually back upon his own seat, masking his own residual jumpiness much better than the Old Woman did. The Old Man was ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XL

      14th of Morning Star, 4E 202   Of the ten that battled the dragon at the Western Watch Tower, only five remained. Three of the five could not walk, and one was now hobbling to his horse in the heavy rain, moving far faster than what was better for his injury, bearing one of the ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXIX

      Äelberon heard his ankle snap and felt an instant surge of pain when he landed roughly upon the dragon’s back.                      It was not the first time he had felt pain in the battlefield. Bet had broken his...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXVIII

      Äelberon cursed himself for keeping the Staff of Hasedoki at Jorrvaskr. To use it would be advantageous, but in order to retrieve it, he would have to cross Kodlak and offer explanation as to why he was going to face a dragon… without them.   He did not want to. &nb...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXVII

      Äelberon stood patiently at the counter of the Riverwood Trader, his great arms folded over his chest, and waited while he watched Lucan Valerius search through his large chest of supplies. Where the shopkeeper tended to keep his smaller or more fragile merchandise. It was just pa...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXVI

    13th of Morning Star, 4E 202   He had felt himself thrown, cast into a break, cast into a tear in time. Thrust forward.   Nikriinne… Cowards! That is what they were, he raged; Paarthurnax as well. Afraid of his might, afraid of his strength, afraid of his closeness to...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXV

      “Risk the torch?” Äelberon asked in a hushed whisper. Asking permission? Of whom?   The scholar in him gave him the answer he wanted and Äelberon removed his pack from his shoulders, detaching the torch and holding it under his arm while he rummaged through...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXIV

      Äelberon sprinted past the first room, an embalming chamber, Koor close behind. He could hear the Dunmer’s cries of terror. He cleared the chamber and entered the first room of the catacombs and he saw him. Arvel was on the floor, his hand raised as a draugr wielding a battle ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXIII

    Warning: Contains adult themes (mild sexual situation and foul language)   13th of Morning Star, 4E 202   A month, Äelberon thought as he rode slowly up the dirt path that led north from Riverwood towards the imposing stone barrow that loomed on the mountainside, a month. It...
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  • Hybrid, Chapter 4

    Warning: Contains adult themes (nudity, foul language, drug use)   Flavius woke with a start, his body again soaked with sweat. He let out a low groan, his head pounding from his latest nightmare.   He could never remember them. He wanted to, but he couldn’t. Images mostly; of hi...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXII

      Vilkas was waiting for them just inside the gate; squinting his eyes in the sunlight.  It was not difficult for Äelberon to read the relief on Farkas’ twin’s face when he saw the both of them. He understood. He was very glad to be home. Home… Jorrvaskr trul...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXXI

    After hearing that battle cry, Farkas hesitated entering the chamber for what seemed like an eternity; his body tensely crouched against the stone cave wall, his sweat-soaked black hair plastered to his taut shoulders. He was trembling. Trembling! Him! He had changed back too fast and he was n...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXX

      11th of Morning Star, 4E 202   The Tenth had seen Jorrvaskr abuzz with activity. There were several guests being entertained at the Mead Hall and Äelberon was certain that some of the Companions thought Jorrvaskr was being invaded by the Elves. He smiled at the pleasant mem...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXIX

      7th of Morning Star, 4E 202   He sat at the edge of his bed sipping canis root tea, Koor dozing at his feet, and gazed upon the shining armor that was on display on the mannequin with tired, bloodshot eyes, a slow exhale of intense satisfaction escaping his lips.    ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXVIII

    Kodlak Whitemane sat heavily at his seat at Jorrvaskr's mead hall and picked at his venison stew, the cooked leeks and chunks of potato already separated onto a discreet pile behind a loaf of bread. It was his favorite dish still, despite the leeks and potatoes, but he had no appetite tonight,...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXVII

    Warning - Foul language. For mature readers.   1st of Morning Star, 4E 202   Äelberon threw his remaining tea into the cooling embers of his campfire, the water hissing into steam as it hit the hot wood, and he looked up at the sun, squinting, while he finished an eidar chee...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXVI

         We were born to cry. We were born to sigh. The Sundered’s only cope Is to always cry.   Tower razed by burning sky, Darker days for Elves are nigh The Sundered never hope, We can only cry…  - Äelberon of Dusk, circa 0 4E   10t...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXV

    Battle...   It was something Vastaril never formally learned. The art of warfare, the art of combat. Sure, she read the required reading, attended lectures at the Training Center, and passed exams that demonstrated to her superiors that she possessed the rudimentary knowledge needed on ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXIV

    Vastaril didn’t know how long she was out. She could still feel the warmth of his magicks and the hardness of her desk, and then she heard voices. His and others as she slowly drifted back.   “Captain, they’re trying to break through the doors.”   “L...
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  • Straag Rod: Book, Part 1, Chapter XXIII

      Note - This entry in Äelberon's tale contains the following adult themes; male nudity, coarse humor, attempted rape, and vampiric violence. While nothing is explicit, it's recommended for mature readers.      Her laugh was the loudest in the Lecture Hall and...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXII

      These next few blog entries are dedicated to my friend on Steam forums and the Tamriel Vault, Gnewna. Her own delightful blog character, Nerussa, a former Thalmor Agent, will have a prominent role in the next few chapters.    “Vastaril!”   A playful yet t...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XXI

      7th of First Seed, 185 4E   They were going to rob him, thought several members of the Redguard crew while they holystoned the deck of their ship from their last encounter with the Thalmor. It wasn’t a Redguard vessel, but it was their vessel. Their girl. The Tava’s ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XX

      Bruma, Cyrodiil, 185 4E, 5th of First Seed   Äelberon studied the face of the old Orc that stood next to him at the double doors of a quaint stone and wood home with a tall tree in the front yard. Shoots of lavender and milk thistle were just beginning to peek from the snow...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XIX

    Disclaimer - This blog post contains sexual (aftermath, implication of nudity) and violent content. Recommended for 17+ readers.    Äelberon left Markarth for a moment and took a deep breath as he walked to the stables. He could not be seen by the Thalmor. Damn it, he hated ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XVIII

      31st of Evening Star, 4E 201   He walked slowly, leading her gently by the reins. She was not limping in pain yet, but he could sense her discomfort. She was grossly off-balance. It happened when they encountered a band of forsworn, the “madmen” of the Reach as they ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XVII

      28th of Evening Star, 4E, 201   Äelberon carefully laced his cuirass, paying close attention to the lacings in the flank, making sure they were as tight as possible. He did nothing on the 27th save rest, tell stories, and make his bow, which he drew the schematics for the ver...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XVI

      26th of Evening Star, 4E 201   “The horses, quickly move them! To the cave!” Ordered Thorygg Sun-Killer, as he wrapped himself in a heavy cave bear cloak, his blond hair already covered with a dusting of snow, and stormed towards the tents, kicking snow inside roughl...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XV

      “Kharjo?” Äelberon asked.    The Khajiit paused from his wood-chopping, sat on the block and rested his hands on end of the axe, the blade resting on his armored thigh. “Ah, you survived Riften!”   “Oh come now, were you really...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XIV

      It seemed Äelberon had dispatched most of the dangers of the road in last night’s darkness, while he paused to string his bow, to ready it for today's trials. Evidence was scattered in numerous locations; spiders and wolves. The prayers of gratitude were indeed warranted thi...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XIII

      Ulundil gave sound information, noted Äelberon as Allie trotted away from Kynesgrove towards the volcanic tundra. The small hamlet’s mine yielded plenty of malachite ore and the greatest treasure; in a hidden corner of the mine, a crafting book for glass armor and weapons. H...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XII

      Äelberon was lucky, only wolves interrupted his ride to Windhelm. Just after crossing the final bridge. They had taken down a goat near the edge of the River Yorgrim. With his leg healed, he was able to steer Allie effectively and they proved easy shots. His precision resulted in ...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter XI

    22nd of Evening Star, 4E 201   He had ridden nonstop for a day, from Cloudrest to Dusk, as fast as his steed would carry him.  Still in his black plated captain’s armor and the purple velvet and apple-green satin lined cloak of house Larethian. The glossy black helmet cutting...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter X

      21th of Evening Star, 4E 201   Äelberon and Vilkas walked up the road from the Whiterun gates towards the stables.  It was early morning, chilly, and the dew still clung stubbornly to the tundra grasses and flowers as the birds began their morning songs. They were carr...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter IX

    18th of Evening Star, 4E 201   It took him five days to finish his armor and repair his weapons. He had not made a full armor set in over 200 hundred years and needless to say, Äelberon preferred making weapons. It was the legs, his damn legs were very hard to get just right and he...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter VIII

      13th of Evening Star, 4E 201   He sat at a small desk in the very room where the Companions had housed him during his illness. Its original purpose was to serve as sort of a study for Shield-Siblings that wished to learn more of the lore of Skyrim and of the Companions, but Vilk...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter VII

      Battle for Crystal-Like-Law, 3E 433   Lathenil of Sunhold could not contain his tears when he heard the battle cry of the Pale Elf. It was a cry of defiance that rang throughout the Tower. He had challenged Bet. He had challenged the Demon of Coldharbour. The Beast that left onl...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter VI

    Crystal-Like-Law, Summerset Isles, 433, 3E His etched silver plate armor caught the reflection of the fiery sky while he crouched from the ledge of his post near the top of the Crystal Tower, the part of the Tower that held the tombs of the great Aldmeri ancestors; the Tower’s “He...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter V

      The doors at Jorrvaskr opened slowly, yet no one paid attention as a tall stooped figure in Imperial armor slowly walked in. The inside of the building was dominated by a roaring fire surrounded by large, heavy wooden tables. Shields and swords mounted on plaques decorated the walls, w...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter IV

      1st of Sun's Dusk, 4E 201   Kodlak Whitemane woke with a start, covered in sweat, breathing heavily. He lay there in the dark for a few moments, processing everything he had just seen, while his pounding heart steadied itself. He did not want to lose the memories, the details. H...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Chapter III

      It took a few moments for Äelberon’s eyes to adjust to the darkness of the Keep and he could still hear the muffled roars of the dragon. He wanted to help those outside, but with his hands still bound, he would be useless. He needed out of these bindings!   “We&...
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  • Straag Rod: Book 1, Part 1, Prelude, Chapter I & Chapter II

     The Path to Transcendence  Merethic Era, author unknown Auri-El is the light of the world, the Soul of Anui-El, who is the soul of Anu, the Everything. The Dragon God of Time and these are the Tenets of His Holy Order. Commit them to your Body.  Commit them to your Heart. Com...
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