#court mage!Magnus | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

nerevar-quote-and-star · 2 years ago

Text

So, based on the post @nientedenada made on Altmer names, I've devised the names for my Hero of Kvatch's family, all the way down the line to my Last Dragonborn, Leara.

Avarenya, my HoK; Oromis, my Sheogorath; and their two brothers, Amroth and Rumil, belong to a noble house in the city of Cloudrest. Their father and his brother:

Elmoriar, their father, is the younger of two sons of the Lord of House Stardust. His uncle, Elglorion, maintained a manor house in the city of Skingrad, which he left to Elmoriar in the event of his death. Elmoriar gifted the house to Oromis in 3E 401. Resents his elder brother as he does not believe Celengon takes being heir seriously.

Celengon, Elmoriar's older brother, is the heir to House Stardust, but he is a staunch bachelor. Oromis was originally groomed to be Celengon's heir before Oromis left to join the Arcane University. Celengon becomes Lord Varlarata in 3E 434 and is later succeeded by his nephew, Amroth, in 4E 98.

Their paternal grandparents, Lord and Lady Varlarata:

Elcaranon was the Lord of House Stardust from c. 3E 100 to 3E 434, at which point he was succeeded by his older son, Celengon. Elglorion was his younger brother. He was a strict and practical person both at home and in court.

Lothmiriel was Lady Stardust from c. 3E 100 to until her death in 3E 407. She was not fond of her daughter-in-law, Morwen, but doted on her grandchildren, particularly Avarenya, who was the only girl.

Their mother's side of the family:

Morwen, their mother, is an only child. She is very ambitious and seeks to elevate her station through her children. After the death of Lady Varlarata, she acts as hostess for her father-in-law.

Arkano, Morwen's father was a commander in the Welkynars in Cloudrest. He came from a long line of Welkynars, but is the first to achieve commander since the early Second Era. His grandson, Rumil, serves under him during the first part of his career.

Filiglan, Morwen's mother, was a sister to a respected vintner. Hér pedigree was clean, if lower than typically acceptable. She encouraged Oromis to follow his dream of joining the Arcane University.

The above are the two lines joined in Oromis, Amroth, Avarenya, and Rumil. Therefore, their name is:

'len Morwen Arkano Filiglan 'ata Elmoriar Elcaranon Lothmiriel cal' Varlarata

Avarenya ran away from Summerset in 3E 426. She was subsequently disowned. She then spent the next seven years bumming out in her brother Oromis's house during which time she tried to compete in the Arena and then joined the Fighters Guild. Then everything changed when the Mythic Dawn attacked.

In 3E 433, Avarenya became the Hero of Kvatch. At some point later in the Oblivion Crisis, she and Martin Septim slept together. They were IN LOVE! Not long after that, Martin destroyed the Amulet of Kings, mantled Akatosh, and defeated Mehrunes Dagon. He then turned into stone, leaving Avarenya knocked up and alone.

Subsequently, Avarenya hid out in Oromis's house. She didn't tell anyone she was having Martin's baby — few people knew she was even pregnant. Avsrenya and Martin's son, Magnus, was born in Evening Star, 3E 434/4E 1.

Concurrently:

Oromis, a member of the Arcane University's Council of Mages, has gone to investigate a mysterious door in Niben Bay. About the time his sister kills Mankar Camoran, Oromis mantles Sheogorath.

Amroth, after Oromis has renounced his rights to the house lordship, is Celengon's heir. With his grandfather Elcaranon's death, Amroth is heir presumptive to the Varlarata title. In the decades leading up to the Oblivion Crisis, Amroth fell in with a fringe group, which would later become the ruling body of Summerset.

Rumil is an active Welkynar. He got serious flytime during the Oblivion Crisis. Rumil is the only one having a good time right now.

Avarenya raises her and Martin's son, Magnus, in Skingrad. Despite being disowned by her parents, it is very important to Avarenya to give Magnus an Altmer name. Unfortunately, she never knew Martin's mother's name (neither did Martin), so she inserted a generic "Unknown Mother" type deal into Magnus's name.

Magnus 'len Avarenya Elmoriar Morwen 'ata Martin Uriel Lenvvahta cal' Septim | Racuvarla

While Magnus is technically a Septim, Avarenya gives him a different last name, one which she adopted for herself after being disowned. She belonged to House Stardust, but now her rights to the Varlarata name have been revoked. In response, Avarenya becomes a Fallen Star:

Varlarata = Stardust; Racuvarla = Fallen Star

Oromis, now Sheogorath, bestows a pair of magic rings to his sister which alter outward appearance. Daedric in origin, the rings are made of madness ore and fire, and confuse any Aetheric based magic that may try to undo the enchantment. While the ring does nothing to Avarenya, it changes Magnus's appearance to make him appear fully Altmer rather than Half-elven.

Avarenya is killed in c. 4E 11. Magnus is afterward a ward of Janus Hassildor. At 23, Magnus leaves Skingrad for High Rock, as the political situations in Summerset and Cyrodiil are increasingly tumultuous. He eventually settles in Wayrest.

Magnus appears Altmer, save for his blue eyes, which he got from his father. To cover these, he wears one of the rings Sheo!Oromis gave Avarenya. He meets Linley, a Priestess of Mara, in 4E 80. It is a long time before he tells her his full name. They marry in 4E 85. When they have the twins in 4E 87, they make the conscious decision to change his (famous) parents' names when naming Marelen and Avrose.

'len Linley Ardil Alpenwe 'ata Magnus Atavahta Avarin cal' Racuvarla

In omitting Martin's name and altering Avarenya's, the twins' connection is much less obvious to anyone taking a cursory glance.

Marelen, the older twin, is magically gifted and enjoys trolling the Thalmor agents that nose around High Rock. She marries a Breton blacksmith named Thoronis Ormand (his father Antoine named Thoronis after the Direnni he worked for) in 4E 133. Their daughter, Maragathe, is born in 4E 137. She is killed in 4E 148 by order of Lord Varlarata, aka Amroth, who is unaware he's taken out a hit on his niece.

Avrose, the younger twin, is less headstrong and actionary than her sister. She marries an Altmer teacher in Wayrest, Vorondon, in 4E 119, and they have a son, Erbane, born in 4E 132. She takes in her niece after the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law in 4E 146 and 4E 148.

Magnus dies in 4E 142 while his grandchildren are still young.

Marelen does not give Maragathe an Altmer name. She and Thoronis are more inclined toward Breton culture. Marelen names her daughter Maragathe Elanor Ormand, leaving only a nod to her High Elven heritage in the form of Maragathe's middle name. In contrast, Avrose does give Erbane an Altmer name.

Erbane 'len Avrose Magnus Linley 'ata Vorondon Hendunar Anorien cal' Bostor

in 4E 148, Maragathe goes to live with her aunt and uncle. Avrose's husband, Vorondon, discovering Maragathe to be a prodigy, trains her in magic. Maragathe's lone handicap is her low magicka regeneration rate, due to her being born under the Atronach. Avrose gifts her with a moonstone diamond ring that boosts her regeneration rate (regenerate magicka 100%}.

In 4E 155, a training accident results in the death of Vorondon. While the accident isn't Maragathe's fault, she subsequently runs away from home. Avrose is devastated by her husband's death and her niece's running away. Linley moves in with her daughter and grandson at this time.

In 4E 156. Maragathe joins the Blades under her middle name, Elanor. When she is sent to Alinor to infiltrate the Aldmeri Dominion in 4E 166, she does so using her mother's ring. Maragathe Elanor appears very Breton, save for her height of 5'11" (180 cm), white gold complexion, and the sharper taper to her ears. With the use of her mother's ring, Elanor appears entirely Altmer. Under the cover name Vilya, she devises an Altmer name based on her uncle, who was respected in Wayrest, and though he was not committed to the Dominion, he wasn't vocally defiant of it either.

Vilya 'len Lomiel Atavahta Lenvahta 'ata Vorondon Hendunar Anorien cal' Bostor

"Lomiel" is a fictitious woman Maragathe Elanor Vilya invented to act as her mother. As her uncle is dead, no one can uncover the validity of her lineage, but it is enough for her to gain a position under Elenwen in Alinor.

This is the last use of the Altmer naming scheme in the Racuvarla line. Erbane marries a Breton woman and names his son in the Breton style. Maragathe Elanor Vilya Leara names her children in the Nordic fashion: Martin Ulfricsson and Kyneiren Ulfricsdóttir.

Although if you're shipping Rosewing, Leara's kids are simply Kendov and Kaandrem respectively.

The Varlarata line is continued through Amroth's children Calmirien and Thorondon:

'len Galadien Cuillas Celithil 'ata Amroth Elmoriar Morwen cal' Varlarata

Rumil has one child, a daughter:

Armirel 'len Lindis Caragon Rohiren 'ata Rumil Elmoriar Morwen cal' Varlarata

Armirel, Calmirien, and Thorondon are Erbane and Leara's first cousins twice removed. As of 4E 201, Thorondon is heir to House Stardust.

41 notes · View notes

elenwen-and-ondolemar · 10 months ago

Note

A Messenger Arrives at the Gathering With the Following Documents for Elenwen

To: First Emissary Elenwen Security: Eyes only From: Dominion Advisor Ancano Date: 25 Rain's Hand 4e203 Re: Saarthal Magickal Relic at Winterhold Please see previous memorandum of 15 Rain's Hand 4e203 and all prior memorandums with the heading "Saarthal" On 22 Rain's Hand the senior magisters of the College of Winterhold relocated the large (10-12 ft diameter) magickal artifact discovered during the excavation at Saarthal to a display area in the Hall of Elements. The amount of magicka emanating from this artifact (colloquially termed "The Eye of Magnus")has proved impossible to quantify due to its sheer intensity. While I do not have access as yet to documentation in regards to Saarthal, the Eye itself remains in public view. I am continuing to document observations. Requesting immediate escalation to Lillandril and the Sapiarchs. Please advise further. Ancano By: Justiciar Mage-Aspirant Cyrelian To: First Emissary Elenwen Security: Administrative From: Justiciar Mage-Aspirant Cyrelian Date: 25 Rain's Hand 4e203 Re: Transfer Requesting immediate transfer of duty assignment to Whiterun Hold and reporting officer to Commander Ondolemar (detached duty). Rationale: I have completed all required coursework in Restoration from Master Collette Marance and have been offered a fellowship and further study under Danica Purespring, Temple of Kynareth, Whiterun Hold. This is an unprecedented opportunity as it would enable me to skip directly to my Adept level of certification in Restoration Magick. Dear Elen, Why on Nirn have we not sent anyone one else up here?! The preliminary reports on this EYE of MAGNUS are appalling and absolutely warrant further investigation by the First Council. Please. Anyone. It is spewing Magicka at a ridiculous rate-- and, even worse-- no one here really knows where it came from. For all we know it IS the damned Eye of Magus. Please tell me why we haven't sent a full team. Also-- You warned me, and you were right. I'll say it again: you were right. Just get me away from this lunatic, and I'll be good as gold for the Commander, I promise. The opportunity with Danica IS quite good, and it is likely I'll have a little time to deal with whatever administrative issues crop up in the southern Holds. Just-- would you mind telling me? If you can get my transfer to go through, what would you like for me to do about the open and notorious Talos worship going on in Whiterun's Wind District? Or would your preference be for me to keep my Thalmor affiliation under the rose? Do you think that the First Council even understands that operational needs take primacy in this regard? I'd surely hate to get you in trouble with the Special Clerical Court again, so please let me know what you'd like me to do. Yours in Service; Glory to the Dominion &etc Your Loving Brother, Cyrelian PS: Tell Cireen she loses her bet. It's been another whole year and nobody's drummed me out yet.

Elenwen: What in the - Thank you for delivering these documents, but this is neither the time nor the place.

Still, I will have to secure these documents immediately. Commander, take over in my absence.

Ondolemar: The First Emissary is attending to some urgent family - that is, official business. Malborn, do I need to beg you to bring a glass of Alto wine this way?

My, but this is one of those rare moments when I can appreciate the upside of having no living family.

#thalmor #tesblr

6 notes · View notes

kudriaken · 2 years ago

Note

1-) What were your main cultural and historical inspirations used for the characters' design and the fashion from the empire?

2-) Did any real historical events serve as base/inspiration for the story?

3-) What is your favorite part of working on your world and characters?

4-) I might be mistaken on this one, but remember seeing only Sylvia and Asheid wearing adornments and clothing that resemble a golden bird. Is it something traditionally worn only by the women of the imperial family?

5-) Asheid, Heil and Sylvia both have white irises, while their siblings and parents (minus their grandmother) have normal black ones; is it just a character design choice or a more in-world reason?

6-) How does someone find out they are a mage? Is it more of a natural thing or must they go through some type of test/accident to find out?

7-) Are there any religions or predominant religious institutions in the Empire? If yes, is it like a pantheon with each of them representing an idea or role, having their own cult of followers or just one main deity?

8-) Is the imperial family the monarchs due to their features in conquering so much territory or do they use "divine right" as a reason?

10-) Do the Royal children have any role or job? For example; diplomat, council member, knight or even library assistant?

11-) Why does Vivian doesn't like Saphire and Asheid?

12-) Has Corvus ever felt or been treated differently from his siblings for his lack of mana?

13-) How old are the parents?

14-) How long has Edlyn and Magnus been divorced?

15-) Were any of the characters inspired/ Influenced a little by real people?

16-) Is there a difference from how the Royal children were educated from one to another? How was their education?

17-) Who are the siblings closest to in their family?

18-) Will Dayane and Oriana play a role in the politics and succession problems in the story?

19-) Before entering the palace, what was Empress Vivian doing? How she met Magnus?

20-) Does Saphire lives in the palace with her family? Does she fells any resentment towards her father?

21-) What happened to Edlyn after the divorce?

22-) Is Magnus also mage?

23-) How were Magnus illegitimate children treated compared to Help?

24-) Do Asheid, Heil and Corvus have their own supporting factions?

25-) Did the nobles and commoners from the empire and Velmont oppose Magnus and Edlyn's divorce? Did he and Vivian face any backlash for it?

26-) Are all races able to use magic?

27-) In Chinese/Korean periods pieces and real history, there are different smaller palace building for different people representing their role (emperor;empress;consorts;crown prince/ss), does the empire follow a similar system? Is it just one big palace for the whole family and court?

28-) What happens to the new emperor/ss relatives and siblings when they ascend the throne? Are they given titles and lands, married into political alliances or are them given the ottoman treatment?

29-) How are the different races treated in empire?

Wow, that took me a lot of time, sorry... Thank you so much for questions! I tried to answer all of them shortly and I am sorry for my grammar. WARNING: A lot of text!!!!! 1-) What were your main cultural and historical inspirations used for the characters' design and the fashion from the empire?

Generally everything I find suitable for the character. Which is a lot. But I want to say, I don`t usually use just one culture for my own as inspiration. It`s usually a mix of many different things, I don`t like making direct adaptation of real countries in my world.

For the Empire I took a lot from Byzantium, Ottoman Empire, Persia, Assyrian Empire even a little bit from Egypt.

2-) Did any real historical events serve as base/inspiration for the story?

Mostly general patterns of history than one exact event or historical period. However, I sometimes take some details from the real historical event. But again I don`t like when fantasy world has almost exact event that took place in our history. But parallels can be great if well done.

3-) What is your favorite part of working on your world and characters?

Probably drawing different designs for the characters or some of their interactions with each other. I also like drawing random people that could possibly live in my world, but not being included in the plot.

Thank you for noticing! Yes, it`s the symbol of the family, so ceremonial garments usually depict it.

5-) Asheid, Heil and Sylvia both have white irises, while their siblings and parents (minus their grandmother) have normal black ones; is it just a character design choice or a more in-world reason?

Kudos for noticing! It`s in-world thing as well. They inherited it from their father. It usually signify that a person belong to this particular magical bloodline and inherited it`s magic abilities. There are cases when people inherited magic, but don`t have white irises. So some families have some specific traits that can be passed on.

6-) How does someone find out they are a mage? Is it more of a natural thing or must they go through some type of test/accident to find out?

It`s a natural thing usually, except unusual circumstances or deceases. Children expected to show signs of magic from 4 to 8, usually on accident. Since children tend to have weak underdeveloped magic it`s treated as normal and not dangerous. They can be tested though if their family have resources. However, specific testing for the type of powers is usually not very accessible across the world.

Yes, there are. Faith of the Ascended is the main faith in the Empire with quite numerous amount of priests. It has a pantheon consisting of 4 Gods. The Father God - Astaroth and his 3 children. Each one has own set of legends about them, and virtues assigned to them. People should pay respect to all Gods and their teachings, but usually choose to worship only one, that is closely aligned with their own values. Generally, figures in power tend to worship Astaroth, farmers and knights Helebor, mages and healers - Cillinei and artists and scientists - Aren. But it`s a very rough simplification.

Many other countries follow this religion, but in different interpretations of God`s roles and events. Which always cause religious disputes and sometimes even holy wars. Empire is notorious for their audacity to treating themselves as descendants of the Gods, so equating themselves to divine beings.

8-) Is the imperial family the monarchs due to their features in conquering so much territory or do they use "divine right" as a reason?

It`s a combination of both. They claim to descend from the blood of the Goddess, as some other prominent noble families. So among these currently existing families they were the one who succeeded more at suppressing the others by conquest.

10-) Do the Royal children have any role or job? For example; diplomat, council member, knight or even library assistant?

Yes, but still partly since most of them young. Saphyre is helping managing the palace finances and also occasionally checking how taxes were gathered with other clerks.

Corvus, Asheid and Heil represent themselves in the Council, because of the title as prince/princess. It allows them to vote on the matters of the Council. Corvus is generally not active in diplomacy or political discussions, so he received his place on the battlefield among the imperial generals and knights.

Heil is working as apprentice for one of the Emperor`s advisers, this way he actually participate in important closed meetings. Also since he generally very fluent with languages he act as a diplomat when it`s needed. It`s not important for the actual policy, but he also participate in artist`s evenings and sponsors some of them.

Asheid is an active Council member with membership in one of the parties. So she represents both herself and this party`s interests. She is also sent to diplomatic missions when her father orders it. She recently also received an opposition of the temporary governor for one of the cities that had political instability.

Other children are too young too anything.

11-) Why does Vivian doesn't like Saphire and Asheid?

Simply put it, they are not her own kids, so she see them as potential threat. Also Vivian generally don`t like a lot of people.

12-) Has Corvus ever felt or been treated differently from his siblings for his lack of mana?

Yes, he never was mentored or advised by his father because he is not a mage. Magnus thinks there are people more skilled with sword than him, so he just ordered them to educate his son. Corvus also had to train more physically and study skills specific skills to combat mages without using actual magic. Also he can`t bond based on mage`s daily problems.

13-) How old are the parents?

Magnus is 38, Vivian - 36, Edlyn - 38.

14-) How long has Edlyn and Magnus been divorced?

8 years

15-) Were any of the characters inspired/ Influenced a little by real people?

Yes, as well as some events in the story and character`s relationships. But I don`t want to share it because of privacy reasons. But I can safely say that some of the names were inspired by the names of people close to me.

16-) Is there a difference from how the Royal children were educated from one to another? How was their education?

Yes, they totally were.

Heil is the best educated in academical sense. His mother influenced his education a lot, focusing more on liberal arts and magic theory. He was provided with a lot of different teachers of the highest qualifications. He actually writes a lot himself and acts in academical circles. His best physical skill is horse riding, which he greatly enjoy.

Asheid had a rough start since she begun her education only after she came to palace at 8 y.o. However she worked very hard to catch up with other kids and eventually mastered her skills enough for the princess title. The hardest were her magical studies, since she could not control it.

Corvus was mostly pressured to score high with military education and physical combat. He has decent understanding of other subjects, like law, etiquette, history, administration, but his writing and speaking skills are disastrous.

Saphyre had only basic education worth of the court lady, except for managing finances. On this topic she received an amazing teachers. Also she is very passionate about theatre and poetry, so she educated herself on this subject.

Ian, contrary to his older brother - Corvus, doesn`t have any talent for physical activities. He is not good at handling any weapon and even bad at horse riding. But he is good at history and working with archives. However, he is very lazy and prefer to be seem as such.

Sylvia is very young her education is far from complete. Since many assumed she is not competing for the succession, her education is generally taken lightly. She can do whatever she likes to do. Currently she is trying to learn how to do sword fighting, sewing and study Old Almerian language.

17-) Who are the siblings closest to in their family?

Saphyre - prefers to keep to herself, but hang out more with Heil and Asheid to discuss fashion, current gossips and art occasionally.

Asheid definitely with Heil.

Heil with Asheid, his mother and his uncle(mother`s brother).

Corvus with his full-blooded siblings and mother.

Ian with Sylvia, she is the only one who is not nagging him about being lazy.

Sylvia, has good relationship with everyone, but closest to Ian and her father.

18-) Will Dayane and Oriana play a role in the politics and succession problems in the story?

Yep, especially Orianna. But that`s a spoiler.

19-) Before entering the palace, what was Empress Vivian doing? How she met Magnus?

Mostly living her best life as an heir of the rich noble family, occasionally hosting parties and participating in duels. She kinda also were on battle campaigns with her father, but she was not on the frontlines. She met Magnus once he visited Vivian`s lands for the celebration.

20-) Does Saphire lives in the palace with her family? Does she fells any resentment towards her father?

Yes, she lives in the palace. Even if she feel something, you could never tell. She is very masterful at controlling her emotions regarding this matter. She mostly act as a very grateful and behaved daughter.

21-) What happened to Edlyn after the divorce?

She is banished from the court and had to live in small mansion in the countryside under supervision.

22-) Is Magnus also mage?

Yes, an extremely strong one. None of his kids are currently on his level.

23-) How were Magnus illegitimate children treated compared to Help?

Heil had more opportunities to study and unquestionable respect that comes with the status of prince. Eventually it changed when his parents divorced. After that some nobles turned their back on him, and he became the subject on constant noble scheming. Vivian`s kids were mostly ok, having very calm and comfortable childhood with their mother`s family. Sylvia is probably the luckiest one, since her father actually paid attention to her and she was never pressured into anything. Saphyre were almost forgotten until she was summoned to the court and Asheid was a mere poor peasant before her father discovered her. Both girls were treated with negligence by the nobility at the start, but currently it`s not the case.

24-) Do Asheid, Heil and Corvus have their own supporting factions?

Yes. Heil and Corvus obviously have a privilege to be supported by their noble relatives. Asheid has admirers among commoner mages and newly made nobility, Heil has allies in the Western provinces, academical circles and old noble mages, Corvus has allies among non-magical noble families and army. There are also different Orders at play.

25-) Did the nobles and commoners from the empire and Velmont oppose Magnus and Edlyn's divorce? Did he and Vivian face any backlash for it?

Yes. It is still a point of political tensions here. That`s why the Empire mandated to have an “emperial advisor” to the regent of Valmont, to observe the situation and veto the radical decisions.

At the time, Valmont wasn`t capable to oppose the emperor successfully. However the divorce severed Emperor`s relationship with nobles in the West. And of course added new tension to the court relationships and family.

26-) Are all races able to use magic?

Most of them, yes. One of the races are only capable of Enchantment.

Currently it`s a one big palace, but they also have smaller places spread across empire.

28-) What happens to the new emperor/ss relatives and siblings when they ascend the throne? Are they given titles and lands, married into political alliances or are them given the ottoman treatment?

There are no accepted custom or law that tell to get rid of other candidates for the throne, but there were precedents. Relatives allied with new Emperor/Empress usually tend to receive better positions and titles. The siblings of the new ruler can receive the position of the advisor or at court, or on the contrary be sent away to not cause trouble.

29-) How are the different races treated in empire?

Depends on the region. But on average, humans are at the best position and considered the dominant race. Ecier are feared and disliked. Moroks are treated as inferior and uncultured, but feared because of their strength. Shadars are respected and envied because of their affinity to magic. Varsa were slaves of Southern nobility of Empire at one point in past, so the attitude is very bad still. Dorosi were formerly enslaving humans on the West coast, but currently they relationship is more of a shaky partnership. Small image of the family in the end:

44 notes · View notes

kookaburra1701 · 1 year ago

Note

For the Meme, how about. . . .Jarl Korir of Winterhold?

First Impression: I thought he certainly had a very fancy chair for a guy ruling over a population that is only slightly larger than Riverwood's.

Impression Now: It...hasn't really changed. If you listen to his and Thaena's dialogue with other residents it becomes clear that despite the title of "Jarl" and getting to sit in the big fancy chair, he doesn't actually have much power in Winterhold. All he can do is gripe about Dagur making money renting rooms to people visiting the college. Thaena and Birna snipe at each other, and in one of these conversations Thaena says "Trying to keep from freezing to death, trying to keep food on the table." This makes me think that being Jarl of Winterhold only really has any sort of power when it comes to going to Moots - that is, power outside of Winterhold. Inside of it, there's really nothing.

Favorite Moment: This conversation... Korir: "Looks to be another cold day." Thaena: "Aren't they all?" Korir: "Not like this. Feels colder than usual. Bet it's those damned Mages." ...just sums everything up about Korir. If it snows (IN A PLACE CALLED WINTERHOLD) it's gotta be those rascally mages!

Idea for a Story: Since Korir moves into Brunwulf Free-Winter's house instead of the Palace of Kings if the Empire wins the civil war, I figure they MUST have some connection. I would love to see a story exploring that, and how they navigate their relationship with Korir being even more bitter but relying on an Empire-backed friend's generosity.

Unpopular Opinion: Despite how cartoonishly paranoid Jarl Korir seems about the mages...I think he's right about the College of Winterhold. Not completely right - the mages are obviously too disorganized and plotting against each other (academia is the same everywhere) to actively plot against Winterhold, or Korir personally, but really the College has a SHOCKING body count. Magic entities escape and wreak havoc in town, the college is hosting Thalmor, they go grave-robbing and bring back obviously dangerous artifacts (I can just imagine the hullaballoo marching the Eye of Magnus through town caused), entire cohorts of students just disappear...some wander off, some die horribly summoning the most blood-thirsty daedric pirate Tamriel has ever known and others turn themselves into giant balls of pure energy. And they've never fixed that bridge. The college, at this point, is an attractive nuisance at best, and a death trap for talented youth of Skyrim at worst.

Favorite Relationship: We never see them interact, but I just love that his court wizard, Malur Seloth, is a totally lazy scam artist collecting a paycheck to not be a mage. We stan a quiet quitting king and his oblivious boss.

Favorite Headcanon: These go with my unpopular opinion, that Jarl Korir is correct about the college - I think the Augur of Dunlain was responsible for the Great Collapse. The collapse occurred in 4E 22, 69 (nice) years before the events of Skyrim. Tolfdir and Colette will say that an experiment went wrong, and that it happened before their time. I think the magical forces required to turn someone into a ball of purse consciousness and energy would be enough to cause some landslides and once-in-a-century storms.

#Jarl Korir #skyrim meta #ask meme #character meme

11 notes · View notes

finnkeepers-void · 7 months ago

Text

In the 21st century, Magnus has started larping. His favorite larping characters are: a court jester called Marius from Rochester and Magus Witchforth, a mage. They are both very gay.

#writing #oc #trivia #rpg #forum rpg #rpg character #Sir Magnus Wichforth of Rochester #fogs of london

1 note · View note

metallic-scaled-scarf · 2 years ago

Text

TESMerMay2022

Day 24: Orsimer

For the final day of the Orsimer section, I was indecisive on what or who to draw. Then, after a friendly and inspiring conversation with an acquaintance of mine, I had inspiration. Information about this character is below the cut, and there is... a lot of story to read.

This is Ekont.

He is an Orsimer that was given to Honorhall Orphanage in Riften when he was a baby. He expectedly was not treated well, and only survived by spending most of his time hiding. When he was still a toddler, he was adopted by Ghorza gra-Bagol and moved to Markarth.

He was raised in Markarth for most of his life, and though Ghorza tried to train him in blacksmithing, he never quite picked it up. He was shy through childhood and most of his adolescence, preferring watching his adoptive mother work over playing with other children.

Once Ekont was old enough (read: brave enough) to explore Markarth alone, he often found himself in The Hag's Cure reading or watching the women practice alchemy. A few times a month he was even permitted to visit Calcelmo— who would eventually inspire him to become a mage.

He left his home in Markarth after the Thalmor were stationed within the city permanently. He wanted to explore the province he'd read so much about. Ekont kept to himself, helping travelers and anyone who needed it when he could, and he never hired mercenaries or invited potential companions to join him in his travels.

Eventually, he met Farengar, who asked many questions about his experience in Nordic ruins and specifically about the Dragon Cult. Ekont and Farengar became quick friends and would talk for hours about information the Orsimer provided and the theories that the court mage concocted.

Ekont continued to hone his magickal abilities, finding his strenths in Destruction and Illusion spells. As for his other skills... He wasn't very stealthy, about average, and knew how to fight with a war axe if necessary. His main focus, however, would always be magick.

After retrieving the Dragonstone for Farengar, Ekont met and slayed his first dragon. The revelation of being Dovahkiin was incredibly shocking to him, as he didn't think a Nordic prophecy could apply to himself. The boy was instructed to climb the Throat of the World to High Hrothgar but he chose not to. This ‘destiny’ thing was something he felt he needed to process before doing anything drastic.

Ekont's travels led him north, to Winterhold— specifically the College of Winterhold. He felt immediately at home within the college, finding companionship for the first time with his classmates. He learned quickly, though not without incident, and found his closest friends in Onmund and J'zargo.

When he and Tolfdir breached the heart of Saarthal, where the Eye of Magnus was held, he was awestruck by the floating artifact. Ekont was reportedly so distracted and hypnotized by the Eye that he had to be physically torn from the room in order to regain awareness. After their resident Thalmor decides that the Eye was his own, Ekont is sent into Labyrinthian— Bromjunaar— to retrieve the fabled Staff of Magnus.

The fight against Morokei was a desperate one, and after two days of fighting through Dragur crypts, Ekont wasn't exactly ready for that fight. By the skin of his teeth he survived long enough to kill Morokei and claim the Staff. Looking at a pile of ashes he saw a mask, shiny and humming with powerful enchantments that didn't feel as though they'd weakened with age. He took the mask for his own, and often kept it attached to his armor or worn on his face.

He later left the college after Tolfdir became Archmage, because he was encouraged (read: forced by his professors) to go to High Hrothgar. He met with the Graybeards and began learning more about what being Dragonborn meant. As time went on and he completed the Graybeards' trials, he felt himself becoming more and more attached to the Morokei mask. He needed it around at all times, and would wear it more and more often outside of battles.

Meeting Delphine was unpleasant for him as it is for most people, but seeing Alduin seemed to change something in him. Something awakened, and that's where everything began going downhill.

Through the next few months there were short moments of time where he felt like he was floating, out of control, unable to see, and when he'd return he found that minutes— hours— had passed with no recollection of that time. These gaps in memory increased in frequency and length as he began hearing whispers of power and magick. His skin slowly took on a blue-ish tint and he wore his mask almost 24/7. Ekont found cruel actions easier to make and he was becoming more intense as a person, as his thoughts were being more and more influenced by... something.

Unbeknownst to him, ‘killing’ Morokei only sealed the Priest's soul inside of the mask, making it cursed. Wearing it and using the Staff of Magnus repeatedly led to Morokei gaining a stronger and stronger hold over Ekont's body, mind, and eventually soul.

A year after he first donned the Morokei mask, Ekont was fully posessed the first time. He had been exploring a Nordic ruin at the time, but when he woke up, Dragur were kneeling before him, completely still as though in prayer.

Months passed and he still couldn't understand why these things were happening to him. At first, he suspected his mask and staff, but his thoughts were shifted away anytime he considered the idea. Returning to the college to research this problem didn't help, but his professors and friends noticed the differences in his speech and behavior. They tried to pin down what was doing this to him, but he refused to let them inspect his mask, his staff, or even his state of health. Ekont's magickal abilities had increased tenfold since he'd first left the College, and he'd picked up 5 more full Shouts.

Two years after he first donned the Morokei mask, two years after he was revealed as Dragonborn, and Ekont no longer has control over his own body or his own thoughts. He is permitted glimpses of the events happening around his body, but no ability to influence them.

Alduin still flies Skyrim's skies, and the Dragonborn isn't delaying the return of the dragons. Morokei has control, now.

The Dovahzul:

“Hi Dii Dovahkiin.” “You (are) Mine, Dragonborn.”

#oc: Ekont #skyrim #the elder scrolls #tes #dragonborn #tesmermay2022 #dragon cult #morokei #dragon priest #orsimer #orc #staff of magnus #college of winterhold questline

40 notes · View notes

ms-katonic-of-tamriel · 2 years ago

Text

Skyrim Tarot Deck - Minor Arcana

Bit of a disappointment, this - first off they changed the suit names. Wands is Spells, Swords is Arms, Pentacles is Lockpicks, and Cups is the suit of Voice. And the pip cards just have the pips, no narrative pictures. Sigh. This is what happens when people who don’t know Tarot get let loose on this stuff. Symbolism axed and now it doesn’t chuffing mean anything.

I’d have liked to have seen the four faction questlines depicted on the Minor Cards, with faction NPCs as the Court cards. Wands can stay as the magic themed one based around the College (wands traditionally associated with magic users and its traditional element of fire is something mages are fond of) but call it the Suit of Staves, come on.�� Swords becomes the Suit of Daggers and takes on the Brotherhood, reflecting the Swords theme of conflict and discord quite well. Thieves get the Earth element because they love money, but Suit of Septims is better - Pentacles were supposed to reflect coinage. Leaving Companions with Cups which sounds odd for the element of water, love and emotions to go there - but they live in a mead hall. Flagons everywhere! And their guild name reflects fellowship and family, and they’re the most emotional of the factions. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, so yeah, Cups or the Suit of Flagons.

How I’d have done it:

Aces (pure force of the element) - the faction logo or headquarters, so the Guild symbol as a shadowmark with a septim in the circular bit for Septims. For Flagons, the front of Jorrvaskr with a symbolic tankard above the door. For Daggers, the Black Door with the knife I’m sure is on there already highlighted and moved more centrally. And for Staves, the College main gate with a staff randomly hovering in front barring your way.

Then 2- 10 is the questline so...

Two (new beginnings, self meeting other):

Staves - Faralda at the College outer gate barring the way to a young apprentice, both holding a staff. Daggers - an assassin with a knife sneaking up on Aventus Aretino, who is also using a knife to perform the Sacrament. Septims - Brynjolf holding out a septim to a crowd of onlookers while someone is pickpocketing another septim into or out of Brand-Shei’s pocket. Flagons - Kodlak offering a flagon to a new recruit while Vilkas looks on, grimacing into his own.

Three (initial achievement or milestone):

Staves - new apprentice successfully wards off Tolfdir’s firebolt, watched by the three staff-wielding existing apprentices. Daggers - Astrid pointing the new assassin to a table with three knives on it, with the three hooded prisoners in the shack awaiting their fate. Septims - the new thief hands three oversized septims to Brynjolf with the three shopkeepers looking dejected in the background. Flagons - Skjor and Aela each holding a flagon as the new recruit gives Aela her shield, Farkas is behind with another one.

Four (reaches a plateau or stable place):

Staves - Eye of Magnus in place at the College, several wizards admiring it, including Tolfdir and the apprentice. Four of them are holding staffs. Daggers - Assassin is standing over Alain Dufont and Nilsine’s bodies, knife in the back of each, taking money off an ecstatic Muiri. They both have knives as well. Septims - Maven handing four large septims to the thief, background decoration of Mallus taking the Honningbrew sign off the meadery with a Black-Briar one ready for mounting on the ground. Flagons - the recruit is handing a piece of Wuuthrad to Kodlak while the other Circle members raise a flagon each... but they’re not smiling.

Five (stability collapses):

Staves - Augur of Dunlain surrounded by four floating staffs confronting a scared apprentice, also with a staff in hand. Daggers - the assassin is standing before an exposed Night Mother with Cicero capering and Astrid looking furious. All three have daggers and the Night Mother has two hanging in her coffin. Septims - two scenes on one card - the thief confronting Gulum-Ei in the background and in the foreground, the thief talking to an appalled Mercer. All four figures have a large Septim in hand and there’s a big one in the middle separating the scenes. Flagons - Aela and the recruit stand over Skjor’s corpse at Gallows Rock, flagon in each of their hands and a spilled one next to Skjor.

Six (movement, recovery):

Staves - the apprentice stepping over dead Synod mages and Falmer to pick up a Focusing Crystal, one staff in their hand and the rest on the floor belonging to corpses. Daggers - the assassin meeting Amaund Motierre and Rexus, each with two blades. Septims - Mercer opening the entrance to Snowveil Sanctum while the thief looks on (six septims on the door). Flagons - the recruit in beast form is savaging an entire Silver Hand camp, two in the beast’s hands, the rest on a table in the background.

Seven (a challenge, crisis point):

Staves - Magical anomalies attack the apprentice and various wizards while Ancano behind a ward manipulates the Eye. Daggers - in the background several assassins gather round a bleeding Veezara. In the foreground the assassin looms over a wounded Cicero in Dawnstar Sanctuary. Septims - Mercer is impaling the thief while a shadowy Karliah flees. Flagons - Kodlak is on Jorrvaskr steps pointing towards a distant cave while a dejected recruit heads out to do his bidding. Five flagons hover in the air with the witches heads above them, Kodlak and the recruit hold one each.

Eight (needing to rebuild, starting over):

Staves - Savos Aren lies dead, six staves arrayed about him, while Mirabelle passes a torc to the apprentice - they already have a staff each. Daggers - pandemonium breaking loose as the Emperor keels over at a feast and the Oculatus move on the assassin. Septims - the thief and Karliah bring the eight septims and Gallus’s journal to a sceptical Guild while the vault lies empty behind them. Flagons - Jorrvaskr in mourning as the recruit and Vilkas leave it behind, six flagons arrayed round Kodlak’s body while Vilkas and the recruit have one each.

Nine (harvesting the results of previous work with the element):

Staves - the wizard is clutching the Staff of Magnus as Morokei lies dead behind him, showing the signs of a hard-won fight and then Estormo arrives with another staff in hand to confront them. Seven others are on Labyrinthian’s walls. Daggers - Falkreath Sanctuary lies in ruins and the Listener kneels by Astrid as Black Sacrament, eight daggers embedded in her and the Blade of Woe in their hand as the ninth. Septims - the thief has returned the Key and Nocturnal is there bestowing riches. Gallus and Karliah are in the background, a Septim each and holding hands. Flagons - Eorlund has the reforged Wuuthrad, offering it to an overjoyed Circle. Eorlund has a flagon in his free hand and the four Circle members have two each.

Ten (culmination, the element reaches its peak):

Staves - the Psijics have come for the Eye and a grateful College names the wizard Archmage, with the five professors of each school of magic plus the master enchanter all with a staff each, and the three Psijics also raising one each at the Eye. Despite wearing the Archmage robes and holding the Staff of Magnus, the wizard doesn’t entirely look happy. Daggers - nine daggers in Titus Mede’s cooling corpse, and the tenth in the Listener’s hand as they savour the moment. Septims - the thief is acclaimed Guild Master and the Guild all raise a septim to them. Flagons - the warrior is now Harbinger and is toasted as such by the Circle at Jorrvaskr. In the sky there’s a picture of Kodlak approaching Tsun with a flagon in hand for him.

The Court Cards are normally representative of people, so we get faction NPCS, namely:

Kings (person capable of effectively wielding the element):

Staves - Mirabelle Ervine, staff in one hand, tome in the other, standing outside the College and glancing up as if to welcome you in. Daggers - Spectral Lucien Lachance, circlet just visible under the hood and knife in his hand, approaching across the snow with a brutally murdered corpse in the background. Septims - Gallus in his Nightingale gear with treasure at his feet in the Cistern. Flagons - Kodlak Whitemane, seated at his table in Jorrvaskr, flagon in hand, raised in a toast with a smile on his face.

Queens (person who embodies the element, seen as one who represents it without necessarily needing to do anything):

Staves - Tolfdir, sitting down with his staff leaning against his chair, clearly just relaxing in his College room. Daggers - Astrid sitting on top of the shelf in the Abandoned Shack, Blade of Woe at her side. Septims - Karliah, pulling the hood of her Nightingale armour down, Nightingale obelisk marking the Hall’s entrance in the background. Obviously she’s got a loot chest at her feet overflowing with goodies. Flagons - Farkas. Why? He’s the kindest of the lot and always willing to share a mead, which this card has him doing, offering you a drink by a fire.

Knights (adolescent form of the element, person wielding it but not necessarily that skilfully or with any direction, may not be able to predict consequences and not ready for leadership):

Staves - J’zargo, staff of magic at the ready, hissing as if to start a fight. Daggers - Arnbjorn, forging a dagger with a scowl on his face. Septims - Brynjolf trying to sell his Falmer blood elixir, Guild shadowmark on show. Flagons - Aela holding a flagon of beast blood to her lips, wiping it away from her mouth.

Pages (child form of the element, someone just starting out, a student):

Staves - Brelyna practicing her magic on a volunteer. Judging from the way she’s staring at a cow in the middle of the College, it wasn’t supposed to do that. Daggers - Babette smiling at you with a basket of poisonous flowers on her arm. Septims - Vekel the Man, sweeping the Ragged Flagon. Not really a proper thief but he dabbles. Flagons - Ria, practicing on a training dummy.

There! Minor Arcana as it should have been. Alas we didn’t get this. Still. The official deck is pretty and maybe worth ordering if you want it as a keepsake or novelty. But for goodness sake, get the Rider-Waite or Mythic Tarot if you want something for actual Tarot work.

#skyrim #tarot

5 notes · View notes

morihaus · 4 years ago

Text

White Hands

A single, uncoiled strand of time carries him to this moment, crossing the bridge in the shadow of the tower. The old familiar haze of un-time washes over the knight's mind as he moves with purpose through the dreamlike world of the indefinite, lit by crackling thunder and the light of falling stars.

Citizens of Rumaranth scatter around Trinimac, making war and peace with one another, weaving interlocking tapestries that become ever-shifting with the uncertainty of their cyclical lives; some pay him heed and look on in awe, others run into their homes or cast stones at him, which merely clatter harmlessly from the interlocking sheets of crystalline glass. The flawless surface of his armor continues to reflect the many warped visions of his surroundings.

He is of a single mind, however, and passes through without concern. He cuts this path through the frenzied arena for a meeting at White-Gold- he's checked Ada-Mantia, thinking the lord of that tower may have returned, but it seems that instead he lingers at the source of this calamity- and nothing gives him pause as he enters the Imperial Palace. Nothing, save for a presence in the throne room, and then, the sight of the emperor.

It's the hole in his chest. His brilliant silver armor shows a massive crack along his left breast, revealing a dark cavity, lit by the regular pulse of a red crystal within it. He lays motionless upon the throne, pale like death, placid like the sea before the storm- even like this, he grips a mace tightly in his sword-hand, letting it hang over one side of the throne as he slouches.

He notices Trinimac, regarding him with eyes of cold-fire, familiar and unnerving. "Who visits my court? Is it war?" He sits up, cutting an ill-mannered figure as a ruler as he leans in with interest. "It's been too long since I've fought a good war. It calms the storms that rage in my clouded mind." His eyes travel rapidly and he blinks not once as he analyzes the man stood before him.

Trinimac is not sure what to say to that, what to say to this figure at all for that matter. The resemblance is unmistakable, even past the conspicuous cavity; the figure sat before him struck him as remarkably similar to the frigid corpse he met in long-gone green Atmora, the cruel features of a friend who could no longer recognize, familiarity without warmth. Yet he finds no recognition in this man's eyes, which scan him as a stranger, expectant of a response.

"I'm here to see Auri-El." He says.

This appears to have been the wrong thing to say, as he suddenly darts up to his feet, raising mace to make a threatening decree. "Then you have come to the wrong place, elf! Those pointy ears, I should have known!..." He scowls across at the aedroth. "So it IS war!"

"No," Trinimac says rather quickly, the prospect of battle with this misplaced corpse failing to excite him. "I have no quarrel with you, my business is with him." Being called 'elf' is odd to him, for some reason, and the venom with which it is uttered takes him off guard. Perhaps it is no surprise he should still hold a grudge, but to not recognize his own executioner?

"'Business'? Hah! The only business of the elven god is oppression and misrule, scarcely any better than consorting with the daedra." His face is serious as he speaks, his eyes seem to flicker and spark before Trinimac's glow, illuminating the dim white halls of the chamber, decorated only with tapestries of dragons and red diamonds. "You Old Ehlnofey are bold, to walk to the feet of the human king, asking to meet with your god. Perhaps it is only my duty to do you this favor?"

He watches as the strange man grips the handle of his mace, narrowing his eyes as he harbors conflicting feelings. It should be just as appropriate, he supposes, that he be undone by that which he himself sundered. But had he not come here to meet with Auri-El? And would it not be cruel, subjecting this one to the burden he bears now, the blood of a once-friend staining his hands and his spirit? Then again, perhaps he, in some twist of fortune, has forgotten. He should only be so lucky.

"Who are you?" Trinimac asks.

The question seems to almost instantly distract the other knight, who rights his posture to proclaim. "I am the last emperor of the Nedes. I am the answer to the question put towards elven ruling. I am the succor of man. I am called Pelinal, Whitestrake, Champion of the Divines."

The flowery titles do little more than confuse the god further. "Champion?"

"And who are you, to ask this of me, elf?" Pelinal steps forward, raising his chin to meet his eyes with a challenging gaze.

Looking down at the last emperor, he lets out a soft breath as he considers his response. "...I am Trinimac. Nothing more."

Pelinal wrinkles his nose up as though he'd been insulted. "Trinimac...?" He blinks- for the first time, his visitor notes. "I have not heard your name. Are you one of their sorcerer-kings?"

"No."

"Their wizard-generals? Mage-slavers?"

"No. Who is 'they'?"

"The Ayleids! Do you serve them?"

"No." The word did not ring familiar.

"Hm..." Pelinal turns his head to gaze thoughtfully over at an empty corner, before looking back up. "Strange. I had not expected one from over the seas. What is it you want?"

"I've told you." He says, growing weary as he grows perplexed. "I'm not an elf. And you're not really a man, are you?"

The emperor looks scandalized, mouth agape, but no indignant words flutter out.

Trinimac puts a hand to his breastplate. "I am a spirit. You are too."

"No," Pelinal says. "I am not."

Trinimac lifts his hand now to point at Pelinal's breast. "You have a hole, in your chest."

Pelinal pauses and looks down at himself. "...Yes."

"You are not mortal."

"No."

"You say you are mortal?"

"Yes," Pelinal nods. "I have died."

"And yet, you are here."

Pelinal frowns at him. Trinimac feels as though this conversation is intrinsically the wrong way around, as though explaining the stars to Magnus. He also feels Pelinal is being overly stubborn, but to pretend he wasn't once the same would be untruthful.

"I'm sorry, but," Trinimac bites his tongue as he ponders on the most diplomatic way he could say this. "I feel that we've met. You're... Shor, aren't you?"

Pelinal pulls the most indignant expression yet, actually spitting at his feet at this accusation. "Wipe your tongue clean of that name! It does not belong in your mouth, nor over my head!" His incensed voice reverberates through the expansive chamber, as though he were speaking from everywhere at once.

The knight's brow furrows. On some level, he agrees, who is he to speak of the dead? Still, he presses on. "I've met Shor. We... we were shield-brothers." He steels himself to stay firm and stand rigid straight even as guilt claws at his innards.

"With *you?!*" Pelinal cries. "Don't speak such slipshod lies!"

And even if it is the truth, Trinimac's heart sinks as though he were lying. For how can he call that the truth, knowing what more there is to the story? "I don't claim to understand it. He never made things simple..." He shrugs off the acidic grip of nostalgia and looks forward to the man he sees in this moment, primed to strike like a frenzied animal. "I see you and I see Shor. These are strange... times, I thought you might..."

And at this moment, something snaps along the tangled web of confused time, a crack of thunder only just perceptible to Trinimac, one that causes the Whitestrake to drop his mace as he clutches his head, screaming out in pain and collapsing to his knees.

In a moment, Trinimac forgets himself, rushing forward to help this uncanny visage of a friend. He extends a hand, but as Pelinal opens a fiery eye to see it, it sparks to life with white-light without warning, and he bounds backwards with fear as though barreled into, clutching his hand defensively over his chest.

Trinimac recoils as well, clutching at his own wrist as the white hand trembles.

The two of them stand and sit there, chests heaving and heavy with dread.

It is minutes, perhaps tens of minutes, before either of them speak again. Pelinal lifts himself up onto shaky limbs, leaning against the throne while Trinimac holds his hand out away from his own body, regarding it with fear, and the other's rattled countenance with remorse.

"...I am sorry, Trinimac." A soft voice cuts through the silence, Pelinal wears a dour expression, displaying a humanity not yet seen. "For not recognizing you. Really, I... don't know where my mind's gone, these days." An alien smile tugs gently at his lips for just a moment, before giving way to grief.

Trinimac blinks. "I-" His face screws up as he hears his own voice, vulnerable, sorrowful, quaking once again before another corpse. "Don't worry about it. I'm sorry, I've... intruded. I'll be going now."

But before he could, Pelinal reaches out a hurried hand. "Wait, please-" His own jaw clamps up, he takes a breath. "You don't need to go. I'd quite like your company."

Half-turned already, Trinimac looks back at him. He knows he should go. He has something important to get over with. And yet, he paces back over- maintaining a modest distance for their mutual comfort- and looks down to Pelinal. "...What is this, then? This form?"

Pelinal regards himself, shifting his body around as though only just now aware of it. "It's... well, I'm an incarnate." He looks off, morose. "I'm not exactly Shor, Shezarr, Lorkhan. There's... something of him, in here," He lays a hand on his breastplate, beside the hole. "But I am Pelinal. Hero to men, enemy to elves, liberator of the Nedes, divine-sent knight of Akatosh."

Trinimac nods. "Akatosh..." He frowns. "I'd heard that's what... he, calls himself here." He looks to Pelinal, equal parts perplexed and sympathetic.

He lets his head hang in response, giving a weak nod. "Yes. Though this confession weighs on me, at this point, there is no refuting it."

"You're the champion of Auri-El then."

"I suppose I am."

Another quiet interlude overtakes their exchange as they ruminate on the irony, the tragedy, and the cruel comedy of it all.

"Is it okay," Pelinal speaks up once again, lifting his head up to address his fellow knight. "If I ask you something?"

Trinimac simply nods.

His gaze trails off now, as he begins his query. "I cannot remember all that you have done at his command. To think on it too long leaves me agitated, stricken with madness and anger, as these things I know better than grief. Whatever you've done, I'm sure there is yet worse than convention, and far greater quantities. So, it is with this knowledge that I ask... how does one forgive himself?"

Trinimac is unsure how to respond.

Pelinal takes his silence as an opportunity to elaborate. "The things I have done under the dragon... they horrify me, and horrify those that I love. Perhaps it is true that I despise the elves and would see their Auriellic pantomime stricken from this world not meant for kings, but... in his hand, I was a sword, an instrument made to play myself. He directed me, but I carried out what I did with terrible enthusiasm. I wanted for nothing else but bloodshed, for it was bloodshed that best suited his needs. And now, though rage still burns within me, and madnesses still take me, I am left sometimes with my own thoughts, and I contemplate what I have done. It... it haunts me." He looks to the god with a pleading hope. "It's been so long for you- you must know something, some way to face yourself and your deeds."

Trinimac looks to him gravely. "...I do not."

This puts Pelinal to silence, and his gaze is put back to the floor.

There is a briefer silence this time, before Pelinal utters another question. "You came here to see Auri-El. Is this how you pursue your penitence?"

"...In a way." Trinimac turns away from him, staring off at the doorway out. "I came to... make my peace. Just to speak to him, say what I never got to say."

"And what might that be?" Pelinal asks.

Trinimac pauses. "I... it's not really the sort of thing you can rehearse." A boldfaced lie, he thinks, remembering all the times the uncaring world of creation played audience to his heedless cries to the heavens. "It's something that I can only do right now. Something that I have to do. In the moment, I'll know." Again, he lies.

"You're going to antagonize him?"

"Maybe." He says.

"He could kill you."

"...He could." He says.

He glances to see Pelinal stare at him, face difficult to read. In his face, he sees the both of them, dragon and scarab, disappointed in him. It's the last pair of expressions Trinimac wants to see right now. He begins to step away, content to drift to whatever ending awaits him.

"You would let go so simply?" Pelinal asks. "What of your existence? Your life?"

"I've seen what this life has to offer. Death could treat me no worse."

Pelinal sighs at this, Trinimac stops in his tracks and turns to look at him. The man's brow is furrowed, not with the disapproval of a lord, but the worry of a friend. "Anuics have such a perverse fixation on death. They look to this world and see only what they have to lose to it, blinding themselves to what could be gained..." Pelinal begins to step forward, slow and deliberate. "You do not need to think in their logic, Trinimac, your spirit is your own, it does not belong to them nor to me."

The other knight is just before him now, reaching up with his off-hand to press it against his breastplate. His formerly cold eyes become lit with a dull warmth; if not comforting, it's at least familiar.

"I do not know you like they do, but, I know what it is to be like you through them; I know how it feels to be torn in this way, to march to war against the rhythm of a ticking clock, or a beating heart, and to struggle for my own spirit." Pelinal's hand travels up to his shoulder, lifting further to brush against his cheek; Trinimac stands still, like a statue. "And I am sorry, for I know what it feels to be dragged into being- being one thing or another, or even being at all. But this world is not Auri-El's, it is scarcely Lorkhan's, because it is ours, we humble nirnbound spirits. Do not let one name rule you, do not let one moment define you, for you are so much more-" The hole in his chest glows bright red as the gem hums rhythmically behind his words, and in the same instant, pain sears across Trinimac's face.

He recoils, and Pelinal retracts his arm as his eyes go wide, frantically flitting between his hand, glowing with white light, and Trinimac, who clutches at his own face, his own off-hand glowing in response.

"Look at me!" Pelinal shouts. "See this mark of sundering! Spark from body, limb from limb, lord from tower, look and see it in yourself and in me!"

And Trinimac scowls, perplexed as he stares over at Pelinal's white hand, glancing at his own as well.

The Whitestrake outstretches his hand, which shone to illuminate the chamber. "Take it! Sunder the mark of my station, and I will yours!"

And in that moment, many things take place, winding around each other in strange sequences, though not strange for the time. In that white-lit chamber, there is a battle, an embrace, a retreat, a vengeance, but in the end, there is penitence, or at least an attempt.

White hands- an impossibility, what is and always has been but one appearing together by grace of confused time- join together, and create, for a moment, something so violent in both separation and unity. Alone, they are rent from the limbs of their wielders, together, they unmake themselves and vanish from the world forever, and the hands of Auri-El would never again find purchase within creation, only his voice. No champions such as them would ever blight the world.

In this, they collapse with relief, the tower shakes, and the string ends, or comes undone, feeding back into everything else.

#moriada #mori writing #PRESENTING: second fic about pelinal meeting some guy he has some things in common with ft. trinimac from the trinimac series #BIG shout out to kendra for helping w trinimac's characterization <3 we love you legend

33 notes · View notes

thegrunkiest · 4 years ago

Text

Not gonna lie, returning to Skyrim over the past few days has reminded me of just how much I hope TES VI does factions like they did in Oblivion.

!Some critical ranting of Skyrim/positive rambling of Oblivion ahead!

I’m saying this after I started trying to immerse myself in the College of Winterhold, at last, after installing some good magic mods. But I just couldn’t. I couldn’t really care less about this Eye of Magnus or why the Psijic Order wants to talk with me specifically. I couldn’t care about stopping Ancano I can hardly remember what even happens in the questline aside from go into ruin, find orb, go into basement, talk to an aura, go to a ruin, beat up a skeleton dragon and something after that.

This is the same issue I’ve personally had with the Companions, and to a lesser extent, the Thieves Guild. I legit only remember the Companions as “the guild that gives you lycanthropy”. Thieves Guild is a little better, as I do distinctly remember a few of the characters and their quests could get quite creative. I never felt particularly invested however.

So why exactly do I (and possibly some of you) think Skyrim’s factions don’t work, and that they should look back on Oblivion when creating questlines for the next games? For me personally, it boils down to two components: the state of affairs, and sense of progression.

Sense of Progression

I’ll start with the simplest one first. Let’s use the College as an example again, comparing it to the Mage’s Guild of Oblivion. What do you do to gain entry to the College? Cast the requested novice/apprentice level spell (or alternatively, shout if you’re a Dragonborn or just schmooze if you, for some reason, already have 100 in speech). In Oblivion? You have to gain a recommendation from each of the individual chapters by completing a quest unique to each quild hall, which involve a little more work than simply casting a spell.

Alright, alright, so what do we do once we’re in? At the College, we engage in a little lesson with our many (see: three) fellow students. Cool (it’s also our only magic lesson from what I recall - great education system!). Then we’re immediately thrust into the questline, with no real or necessary deviations from the main subject regarding the Eye of Magnus. Then guess what - you’ve become Arch Mage!... wait what? I thought I just joined not too long ago?...

I find it hard to feel good about gaining the leadership role, despite me having just stopped a potentially devastating crisis to earn it, because I never felt more than a junior beforehand. This is how Oblivion does it right with its ranking system in my opinion. While I admit I might have chosen a bad example to draw from, as the Mage’s Guild quests also heavily concerns the main threat in at least some way, but what personally makes it more immersive for me is the fact you’re promoted whilst you’re playing - even to the point you’re being passed onto a different superior for more daring assignments! This is where the little things really count.

Then there’s the Thieves Guild. Unless there’s some backstory I’m glancing over, I don’t see why the Thieves Guild of Skyrim couldn’t have shared the same ranking system as the Oblivion branch, if no one else. In Oblivion, you can only initiate the quests after you’ve passed a certain threshold of fencing stolen goods, something that encourages you to actually be a thief to progress as a thief. I’m not just going from Pickpocket to Gray Fox, as I feel I am from an initiate to Nightingale/Guildmaster in Skyrim; you have various titles you earn in between.

If I had to summarize the point I’m trying to make - I’ll use Oblivion’s Dark Brotherhood. Arguably one of the most popular questlines in TES. Now, could you imagine an Oblivion Dark Brotherhood without Whodunit?, The Assassinated Man, Permanent Retirement, etc. - just axe those unrelated quests in favor of focusing on rooting out the Traitor. No promotions, just primarily finding ways to stop a person who, probably, has killed assassins much more seasoned than you! A deadly threat! Why? Because you’re you! And you obviously deserve to become the Listener after being a Murderer the whole questline.

Which leads me into my next point....

State of Affairs

Skyrim’s questlines seem to have a fixation on factions that are destitute and/or are on the brink of extinction. Business is dry with the Thieves Guild; in the Dark Brotherhood, all but the Falkreath sanctuary is destroyed and the Old Ways are abandoned; the Companions are struggling with the lycanthropy that plagues its strongest members; the College of Winterhold have little reputation in quite an anti-magic province; hell, even the Blades, who were previously slaughtered and run into hiding. The Dawnguard factions I feel are an exception (a reason I like that DLC so much), as the Dawnguard can excuse its low wealth and reputation with the fact that it was just reformed, and the Volkihar Clan have, for all I know, have just been... existing, in the shadows.

Admittedly, Oblivion also has a bit of a running theme among its faction - stable and well-organized factions plagued by a specific threat. The Blades have their Oblivion Crisis, the DB with their traitor ordeal, the Mage’s Guild with the necromancers/Mannimarco, the Fighter’s Guild with the Blackwood Company, Court of Madness with Jyggalag.

The reason why I prefer Oblivion’s guilds over Skyrim, I suppose, is related to my personal problem of power fantasy. Skyrim is a big old power fantasy. You’re the Dragonborn, the chosen one, the Hero of prophecy. So obviously you need to be the savior of each guild, right? You have to be the one the Night Mother deems Listener; the one the Psijics talk to; the one Nocturnal makes a Nightingale.

One might say it’s more realistic that way though, as it adds to Skyrim’s aesthetic of a darker, more unstable time with the Civil War and return of dragons. That’s a fair point. But did 90% of the guilds have to be restricted to poor little groups? Surely the Companions could’ve had other bases in some of the cities somehow, or the Thieves Guild have another hideout in, say Solitude?

You could argue you’re also chosen in Oblivion, sure. But while Uriel saw you in his dreams, you’re place as HoK wasn’t in part due to a superpower, either. I felt I was closing the Oblivion gates because my characters were who they were. You aren’t the only one who can enter Oblivion gates, but you were determined and skilled enough to make it through to the end. While in the factions, you were, for the most part, a newbie working through the ranks until eventually, you’re trusted to confront the threat. In Skyrim it feels less like organizations, and more like ragtag groups that were waiting for you to come in and fix them.

Coupled with the sense progression, this makes experiencing Oblivion’s factions much more organic and satisfying - in my opinion. That’s what’s most important. I’m not ragging on anyone who likes Skyrim’s factions, and I still love Skyrim despite my endless complaints. I understand I may have missed a few points (like the Civil War and Arena), and the ones I made could be disputed.

TL;DR: Skyrim’s fondness for power fantasy and the lack of ranks makes its faction questlines less immersive and more forced, whereas in Oblivion climbing ranks as a sort-of average joe feels organic and more rewarding. This is just my opinion. I don’t hate Skyrim. You’re free to agree or disagree and add to the discussion.

#VS BS #the elder scrolls #elder scrolls #tes iv: oblivion #oblivion #skyrim #i haven't played Morrowind so that's why i didn't mention it #dark brotherhood #college of winterhold #the companions #the mage's guild #the thieves guild #the blades #hope adding tags of the guilds i'm criticizing is okay

37 notes · View notes

forestwater87 · 4 years ago

Note

(first apologies if this is a duplicate; I got a "bad request" notification the first time I tried to send this ask) but anyhow; I saw your tags on my Lucretia post and i am not sure how to reply to tags?? but i want to see your version of that scene! (if you still want to share) I love Lucretia very much and love to see other peoples' takes on her. anyway, I hope you are having a good day!

OH MY GOD YAY!!

I mean, cool, whatever. I guess I could share a little bit of that fic. That’s fine.

(yayayayayayayay eeeeeeeeeee)

Okay, part of me wanted to blast you with the entire chapter, but that’s 25-ish pages so I’m forcing myself to show restraint here and only include the tail end. There’s a little bit of context missing, because it’s the last section of Chapter 10 of a fic that so far has at least 32 chapters, but I think it all makes sense. It’s basically just “here’s what happened in that cycle when everybody else was a statue person” and it was, you know, not a good time. (There’s some implied Magcretia, sorry not sorry.)

Plus it’s really good. I know that sounds arrogant, but I’ve spent the last 4-5 years hating every word I’ve ever written, and I’m going to enjoy this confidence for as long as it chooses to stay.

So anyway, I hope you enjoy!

There are no line breaks on tumblr anymore so this is the part where the actual writing starts:

When the Hunger arrived, it was a relief more than anything.

Lucretia had been in the middle of defending The Starblaster from a group of marauders climbing like ants all over the dented and hastily-repaired sides of the ship, trying to figure out if she could possibly shake them all free without having to resort to the magic she’d deduced made it possible for the court to find her, when the sky turned dark and everything went gray.

And her first thought was, Oh thank Pan. (She wasn’t a religious person at all, but enough time with Merle had made the casual prayers second nature.) This nightmare was almost over. In less than an hour, she’d have her family back.

She was so close to seeing Magnus again.

“Fisher, get back in your tank!” she shouted, abandoning the shield she’d been summoning and sprinting to the helm — she’d spent so much time this year running for her life that she could race from one end of the ship to the other without becoming winded. None of the marauders had made it onto the deck, but she felt the air above her head crackle with a spell that blazed past, and as she reached the controls she heard the now-familiar amplified voice call, “You are under arrest for multiple counts of evading the authority of the co — what the hell’s going on here?”

Oh, great. All her friends were here. Now all she needed was for the boar and crocodile to make an appearance.

As the officer began to interrogate the marauders (his side of the conversation still blaring loud and clear), Lucretia took advantage of the confusion to throw the ship forward. She’d had enough foresight to keep the way in front of The Starblaster clear for just this purpose, and while a few hundred yards of ash-colored grass were flattened, she was able to get the ship into the air.

She pointed it up, away from the Hunger — up into space, into nothingness, into any universe except this one, somewhere she’d stared at and imagined but now was finally going into . . .

If she could get the damaged, shuddering ship up to speed and break through the atmosphere, that was.

If not, everything ended here.

A tentacle of swirling darkness stabbed into the ground inches away from her ship, forcing her to swerve hard and nearly lose her footing. She threw all her weight on the acceleration as more of the Hunger’s tentacles latched onto the planet, the labored roar of the engines nearly drowning out the screams of panic from the people below.

As The Starblaster rocketed over a shining city with strange statues and up into the sky, a whisper made Lucretia look around — before realizing it had come from inside her own head.

We’ve been looking for you.

She frowned, clutching at the helm even tighter. Was this some sort of new thing the Hunger could do, or one last awful trick played by this hostile planet?

Another whisper, louder and lower-pitched: You’ve been evading judgement for some time now.

A massive column of the Hunger collided with the planet directly in front of her. It was so close, she had no choice but to try and blow through it, even though that meant taking the biggest risk she had all year. But The Starblaster’s momentum was impossible to halt, and the mile-wide column was impossible to go around, so she gritted her teeth, hunched over the controls, and slammed on the accelerator.

The second she crossed into the Hunger, everything went silent and black.

Everything, that was, except for the whispers:

Lucretia, you have always let others take action and responsibility while you sit back and watch. You tell yourself this is worthwhile, but you know it is a lie. And yet when it is smartest and safest to proceed with caution, you take the most reckless path, because you refuse to admit you might be wrong. Your past sins are sloth, envy, and pride. How do you plead?

How did she plead? She didn’t plead for much of anything, except to survive long enough to fly them into the next cycle. The Hunger buffeted at the ship, wrapping smaller tentacles around its sleek metal body and trying to keep it from plowing forward; it might kill her — kill them all — but not knowing what else to do, she used Mage Hand to open the nearest window without leaving the helm and cast Fire Shield around the ship. It was weak and flickering compared to the spells of protection Merle could create, but the Hunger fell back with deafening shrieks of pain as flames licked the air around The Starblaster.

The awful whispers weren’t letting up, though, digging cold fingers deep into her mind and sending a chill shudder down through her very soul.

Your present sins are no less grave. You kill without remorse. You have allowed yourself to become vindictive and spiteful. You have not abandoned your past failings, but have added new ones since our initial audit. We see fit to add to your current list of transgressions the crime of wrath. How do you plead?

Suddenly there was a break in the shimmering darkness, a bolt of ash-gray sky widening like a tear in heavy fabric — and then she was through, outside of the Hunger and so far above the doomed planet that she couldn’t see the ground below. She let out a scream of triumph, the noise tearing like sandpaper along her exhausted and dry throat, and angled the ship until it was almost vertical. The Starblaster shot forward as though with one last burst of strength, shuddering as its engines were pushed to the absolute limit . . .

The ship suddenly jolted to a halt, mechanisms whirring like a swarm of angry bees.

Lucretia turned to the still-open window and saw the entire view had been replaced with blackness, oily-iridescent tentacles spilling into the ship as others wrapped around it. She threw all of her weight on the acceleration, but it didn’t move; then, after a single grinding moment, The Starblaster began to fly backward, pulled back toward the core of the Hunger.

She could hear its gnashing teeth.

“NO!” The word exploded out of her, coming from somewhere far below conscious thought. She abandoned the helm just long enough to run to the window, ignoring the tentacles that curled around her ankles as she pointed her wand at the offshoot of the Hunger that had its hold on her, aiming for where the base met the rest of the massive column, and shot off a burst of lightning. There was another hideous wail and the tentacles around the ship shuddered and pulled away, just a slight loosening of their incredible grip.

Her entire body shaking with terror and fury, she pointed her wand at the same spot and cast Finger of Death.

The screaming was like a sonic blast — a thousand million voices filled with rage and pain and fear — knocking her onto her back and sending her skidding across the bridge. She scrambled to her feet, stumbling over her robe and lurching to the helm. The sound of the engines returning to full blast was like the roar of a furious animal loosed from its cage, and the last of the Hunger fell back as the ship threw itself up into space. It felt like the air was shouting with every conceivable emotion.

As the panic subsided and her head cleared, she realized it wasn’t the air screaming; it was those whisperers.

So much rage. So much wrath.

No remorse.

No different than the monster she tries to flee.

They were growing louder with every word, overlapping and running together until she struggled to pick out individual phrases —

She betrays the people she supposedly loves most

She destroys a family — destroys the memory of the family

Robs them of themselves

Who has the right?

No one has the right

The sound was becoming unbearable, deafening. Her ears felt like they were leaking; she lifted her hand to one and her fingers came back covered in blood.

It didn’t make sense — it wasn’t an external sound — it wasn’t an external force, but something ripping her apart from within.

It was the sound of going mad.

At that point she was barely able to understand anything

leaves him to die in agony in a hell she helped create

takes advantage of the innocent who make the mistake of believing in her

such a sweet boy, and all you do is lie to him

do you think you can make these decisions for the world?

the heartbreak you will cause

the betrayal

pride — such unfathomable pride

the deaths you will cause

the lives you will ruin

the blood that stains your hands

coldhearted — cowardly

wrath — envy — sloth

pride

PRIDE

Our judgement is decided.

You have been found wanting.

Something hardened in her chest, calcifying her lungs and making it impossible to breathe. Lucretia doubled over, her hands scrabbling to keep the ship moving, as her flesh turned hard, brittle, the feeling like casting Stone Skin but somehow it’d gotten inside . . .

She couldn’t move her tongue. She couldn’t breathe. Blackness crowded the edge of her vision — not like she was blacking out, but like her eyes just suddenly weren’t there anymore

everything went wobbly, the universe becoming untethered just for a moment

And when it stabilized, she realized she could move again, see again. She took a deep, tremulous breath and turned back from the helm, sliding to the floor in a heap.

It was less than a second, before the I.P.R.E. crew fully materialized, but she didn’t see it happen. As soon as the surreal, smoky outlines of her friends wavered into being, she dropped her head in her hands, a sob she’d been holding back for months finally escaping her throat.

She did it.

Magnus’s hands closed around her upper arms and he gently tugged her into an embrace. She could feel the cool steel of the bridge under her knees, heard the voices of all her friends speaking all at once. She was dimly aware she was talking, mumbling nonsense to herself as she waited for the world to stop spinning.

The last thing she was aware of before slipping into unconsciousness was Magnus’s breath on her forehead and his warm fingers combing through her hair.

78 notes · View notes

theironwarsmith · 3 years ago

Text

Highlights from the second D&D game

There was some debate amongst the party whether to return the crown to the king or sail away with it, as Cloidhna's ship, Hades' Chariot was docked in Smuggler's Bay, which was a little way away. In the end they decided on a route that I hadn't foreseen. Instead of going through the city, sneaking and/or fighting their way through, or just sailing away, they decided to sail around the island and up the river to the Palace that way. So they made their way to Smugglers Bay.

Jack Black (Halfling bard) and Arnie IV (dwarven barbarian) decided that they wanted to kill some refugees they encountered, going murder-hobo on them, however Evile (drow wizard princess) and Cloidhna (Tiefling rogue pirate) managed to contain the situation, the refugees ran away.

Jack Black successfully persuaded 10 guards that everything they lived for was a lie and that they should follow them to the ship.

Smuggler's Bay had many refugees, Cloidhna used Thaumaturgy to cause a majority of them to flee into the mountains for safety.

A few refugees remained, trying to get onboard Hades' Chariot, they were being blocked by First Mate Squigs (half-orc sailor) and the crew. Jack Black rolled a 24 on intimidate. The refugees soiled themselves and jumped into the water rather than walk past the Halfling.

Squigs gives up his private quarters to Princess Evile willingly (upon realising that she is royalty and he just dotes on her whilst she is onboard).

On the journey round the island, Jack Black and Arnie IV have a game of poker with some of the crew. Arnie wins but Jack Black convinces Arnie to allow him to 'look after' his money entirely under the prospect of the vastly superior Halfling Banking System, Evile overhears about this arrangement and tries to explain to Arnie that he is just being robbed. Evile then comes to believe in HBS too, not enough to give her money to Jack but to allow Arnie to continue with it.

The King, his General, his court mage Magnus and 20 guards, almost have to fight to get the crown back from the party. The King places the crown upon his head, his cataracts fade and he becomes youthful once more. A portal opens behind him moments later. Out pops the Big Bad, Valdrakk the Half-Dragon, who kills all 20 guards with single bi-secting blows and then breath attacks the general, leaving just boots behind. He decapitates the King and takes the crown. The mage is paralyzed with fear. He laughs at the party and steps back through the portal.

Evile, seeing the state the city is in, decides to request a raven from the mage so that she can send for aide from her nation (since her parents are King and Queen of the nearby island nation of Gonniki). To speed things up a bit Jack puts the Raven into the end of his didgeridoo, takes a deep breath and (rolls a nat 20) fires the raven out. Distant sonic booms are heard and a little hole in the clouds becomes visible.

The party decides to take the 10 guards they picked up earlier with them as they head to the Great Library of Athens, 4 weeks journey away. They also pick up more staff: an elven nurse called Philomena, a buff himbo carpenter called Jesus (pronounced Hezeus), as well as a Chef called Gaston and his gnome Sous Chef Lefou.

About a week into their journey, the lookout in the crows nest spots a nearby island almost obscured by fog. Instead of rowing out to it on a boat, Jack summons his Genie and requests that the party is lifted over to it. The Genie complies.

On the island, amongst rows of shrines and statues bearing the mark of Ares, the encounter a crypt. Inside the crypt, there are four tombs and another corpse on a throne. This time it is armoured and gripping a spear in one hand. The party tries removing the spear from its grasp, thinking it is a holy weapon. They try pulling it out and heating the metal, nothing. So they turn their attention elsewhere, except Arnie who tries to rummage through the pouches on the body. With that a spirit inhabits the body and drops the spear as it picks up the sword instead, a ghostly voice hissing "TRESSSSPASSSERSSS". Arnie downs a potion of Storm Giant Strength and pummels it to near death before Jack calms it mid-combat. It reveals its name to be Heracles and, upon learning of their task and Valdrakk's possession of the crown, tells them of the Sons of Ares and their role in preventing the return of the Ogdru-Jahad.

#dungeons & dragons #dungeons and dragons #murderhobo #dnd shenanigans

2 notes · View notes

kudriaken · 2 years ago

Note

Hello👋! I have a few more lore/character questions for your story. I'm sorry if some of them might be repetitive or too spoilery and I hope they are at least good ones! You were already kind enough to answer the ones I did before at IG.

1-) Was Vivian born in the empire or is she from a conquered land?

2-) Were Asheid and Sapphire born during Magnus and Edlyn's marriage? Were the two brought into the Royal family around the same type?

3-) Do Asheid and Sapphire dislike Vivian? Asheid is understandable, as she was raised with Heil by Edlyn.

4-) Did Vivian become Magnus' lover before or during his marriage? After they got married, were they're children legitimized?

5-) Are Heil and Asheid the main royal characters in your story together with Milan,Norair and Kai?

6-) Is Readanon a separate nation or part of the empire? Who is the Eceid race?

7-) Is Edlyn from a noble imperial family? Was she recognized and respected for being a good and capable Empress?

8-) Of the Royal children, which of them is the most magically powerful (minus Corvus)?

9-) Magnus and Edlyn seemed to have a good relationship in some of your art, and in others they looked distant and cold to each other,what happened?

10-) Is Vivian also a mage?

11-) When the story starts, will Milan,Norair and Kai already know each other?

12-) Are there other races besides Humans and the Eceid?

13-) Where is Orianna from? Is she also a mage?

14-) Do you plan on publishing the story on Webtoon - or other comic platform - or a self owned site?

15-) Technically, and is totally not because I favor Edlyn, is Vivian a good Queen? Is she evolved with empire politics?

16-) Why was Magnus so careless as to how many children he had? Did he not expect to become emperor, considering that he was a second son?

17-) Is Hespera still on court? Does she have any regrets about destroying her son's life?

18-) Who was Magnus' brother?

19-) Do you already have story title?

Hi! Thank you for so many questions! I am very flattered that you are so interested! Here are the answers: 1-) Was Vivian born in the empire or is she from a conquered land?

She is born in the metropoly of the Empire - Almeria. But she has foreign ancestry because of her mother.

2-) Were Asheid and Sapphire born during Magnus and Edlyn's marriage? Were the two brought into the Royal family around the same type?

No, they were born before Magnus had any wife. And girls circumstances were different, Saphyre lived outside the court, but in another castle, while Asheid lived among commoners because nobody knew about her existence. Asheid were brought to her father only when she was 8, and it was the first time when she gain access to the world of nobility.

3-) Do Asheid and Sapphire dislike Vivian? Asheid is understandable, as she was raised with Heil by Edlyn.

Yes, mostly. But its easy to say that Asheid is very vocal about, while Saphyre is keeping her thoughts to herself. Vivian dislike them as well, so its mutual.

4-) Did Vivian become Magnus' lover before or during his marriage? After they got married, were they're children legitimized?

It happen during the marriage. The divorce was mostly needed that Magnus could marry his lover. And yes, right after the new marriage, kids were legitimized.

5-) Are Heil and Asheid the main royal characters in your story together with Milan,Norair and Kai?

Yes, Heil probably more than Asheid at the beginning, but she is very important character in the story.

6-) Is Readanon a separate nation or part of the empire? Who is the Eceid race?

It`s a part of the Empire, located in the North. Ecier is a magical race that lives mostly in snowy mountains and cold-icy places. They are older than humans, but currently on the verge of extinction.

7-) Is Edlyn from a noble imperial family? Was she recognized and respected for being a good and capable Empress?

Edlyn was the heir of the Valmont Kingdom, which with her marriage joined the Empire. Despite her being from a foreign culture, she was respected for her intelligence and administration skills.

8-) Of the Royal children, which of them is the most magically powerful (minus Corvus)?

Potentially Asheid. She was born with dangerous anomality which gives her a lot of magic recourse(mana), but also creates big trouble in controlling her magic. Heil is much better at control, but don`t have as much recourses. Ian is just not strong-willed enough to develop his magic.

9-) Magnus and Edlyn seemed to have a good relationship in some of your art, and in others they looked distant and cold to each other, what happened?

Well, I like that my artworks translate different relationships ;) They started as good partners, but with time more and more promises between them were broken and relationship deteriorated. The final blow was, of course, because of increasing influence on Magnus from Vivian. After the divorce Edlyn lost almost all that she was working for, so she felt betrayed and resentful. They currently don`t talk to each other.

10-) Is Vivian also a mage?

No, she is a skilled with the sword though.

11-) When the story starts, will Milan,Norair and Kai already know each other?

Nilam and Kai are already friends, but they will meet Norair very early in the story.

12-) Are there other races besides Humans and the Eceid?

Yes, actually quite a lot of them. I don`t know how much I could show in story, but I plan to make artworks to represent other races.

13-) Where is Orianna from? Is she also a mage?

Orianna is from the South of the Empire, she is a heir for one of the provinces. And yes, she is mage, quite a gifted one.

14-) Do you plan on publishing the story on Webtoon - or other comic platform - or a self owned site?

I actually wanted to choose Webtoon, but with their recent policy updates it seems unlikely. Probably I will be forced to have my own platform. Also, maybe I can use Instagram to post the comic frames here.

15-) Technically, and is totally not because I favor Edlyn, is Vivian a good Queen? Is she evolved with empire politics?

Depending on the time. Vivian is charismatic and good at asserting dominance, but not skilled at more softer and delicate matters. She prefers to use the sword where and Edlyn would use the pen.

16-) Why was Magnus so careless as to how many children he had? Did he not expect to become emperor, considering that he was a second son?

He just likes women too much. But yes, he also didn`t want to be emperor at first and planned to just do his own stuff while helping his brother.

17-) Is Hespera still on court? Does she have any regrets about destroying her son's life?

She is on the house arrest. She is mostly bitter and thinks she did what was necessary. However, she doesn`t like that her relationship with son was destroyed and her court life ended.

18-) Who was Magnus' brother?

His name is Rufus and he is the older one of siblings. He was more extraverted and smooth-talking, with big ambitions and leadership skills. His only weakness was that he wasn`t born a mage. He died in battle before he had an opportunity to have his own coronation.

19-) Do you already have story title?

Yikes… Still didn`t find a suitable one, even though its a damn time.

#oc #my comic

9 notes · View notes

video-killed-the-radio-host · 5 years ago

Text

Nurture and Nature 2

It has been three moon rises and Kevin still hasn't woken up. It put Earl on edge. There's no telling how long it's been since the man ate. There's also no telling how much iron was in his system. The shackles had obviously been iron. the blade used to cut Kevin's chest had to either enchanted or iron.

Earl uses the time Kevin is asleep to research the Fae. There are multiple Fae that live in the palace but Earl wasn't close to any of them. He knew the captain of the King's Guard is a Fae. Cecil and Carlos seemed friendly with him. The human ambassador that they were hosting….Nyx, Earl believes his name is…..seemed fairly knowledgeable about the Fae as well. Maybe he could ask? But what would he even say?

Earl is pulled from his thoughts as the door opens. Cecil enters and shuts the door behind him. "Still asleep?"

Earl sits his notes aside and nods. "Yeah. I think his body needs it but I'm worried he might not wake up."

"I wouldn't lose hope just yet. He seems stubborn." Cecil looks at Kevin, as if trying to learn his story fro

m his face. He looks back at Earl. "What're you doing?" He asks, moving closer and leaning over Earl' shoulder.

“Research mostly. I don’t want to be left in the dark when he does wake up. I want to be able to help.” Earl looks up at Cecil. “I just don’t understand. Why take the priest? Priests are docile. Pacifist. It doesn’t make sense.”

Maybe they thought he would be easiest to break.” Cecil frowns. “Though I’ve found that the ones that are the most soft spoken are the strongest.” He looks over at Kevin, “We don’t know his story but we need to be careful. Something happened to him and we don’t want to risk triggering a bad memory.”

Earl nods. “I do have a favor to ask of you, while you’re here.”

Cecil stands upright and looks curious. Earl almost never asked for favors. “Okay?”

“Can you fix this?” Earl holds up what was left of Kevin’s now bloodstained , tattered white cloak. “I think it’s important to him.” He had moved it when he carefully changed the bed clothes earlier.

Cecil takes ahold of the cloak and inspects it. He runs his slightly webbed fingers over the soft fabric. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you Cecil."

Cecil carefully folds the cloak and tucks it under his arm. "It's the least I can do." He lets his touch linger on Earl's shoulder. "Carlos wants to call a meeting with the nobles about the camp we raided. Where we found Kevin. Where to go from here."

"Does he have any leads?"

"I'm not sure. I think he's thinking poachers or maybe even a rogue faction. Whoever they are, they may be looking to start a war."

Earl sighs and sits back in his chair. Oíche could easily win a war but Carlos tends to do his best to stray from fighting. "What does Magnus or Rochelle think?"

"I assume we'll find out at this meeting."

"Right." Earl nods. "When is this meeting?"

"In half an hour. We have to wait for the nobles who don't live at court to get here." Cecil brushes a few stray hairs from his face. “I honestly have no idea how this meeting is going to go. The private council isn’t big on outsiders.”

“I’m well aware.” Earl sighs before looking back over at Kevin. Would Carlos risk war over a man he didn’t know? He did when Cecil came here….

“We will figure it out.” Cecil puts a hand on Earl’s head. “We will. You know we will.”

-----.-----

Earl looks around the room. Carlos sits at the head of the table. Cecil sits to his left, not really paying attention as he worked on Kevin’s cloak. His hands had a soft purple glow as he mends the delicate fabric. Carlos’s King’s Deputy, Rochelle, sits on his right side, sharp eyes scanning the room. Between Cecil and Earl was Nyx, the human ambassador that both Cecil and Carlos have grown rather fond of. Across from Cecil, on Carlos’s right, sits Rochelle, the King’s Deputy. Next to her is Magnus, the captain of the King’s Guard. Rochelle is a Xaela, a tall proud woman with fiery red curls pulled into a long tight braid that hung heavily down her back. Black colored scales speckled her skin and tail, shimmering a rainbow of colors in the candle light. Strong but elegant horns curl delicately on either side of her head. Magnus was a little shorter than Rochelle. He was slightly tanner than most of the citizens of Oíche Vale. He has shoulder length dark brown hair worn in a ponytail. His ears and short and pointed like Kevin’s, while large gold colored wings fold neatly behind him so he doesn’t hit someone by mistake.

Various nobles sit around the table, talking amongst themselves until an older woman with a kind face and long white hair speaks up. “Your Highness, what is this about?”

The woman is Josefina Ortiz, a dutchess that lives near the seaside. Her gentle face showed her age and wisdom. She wears her Selkie’s pelt proudly and despite living in a male dominated society, she never married. Instead, she runs an orphanage and holds the respect of nearly everyone.

Carlos sits forward and raises a hand to silence the room. “As you know, just over half a week ago, we raided the camp. We were only able to recover one surviving prisoner. We have reason to believe this group may be poachers.” There is a ripple of murmurs throughout the room.

“What reasons do we have to believe that?” Another noble asks, an Elf named Tyler Brooks.

“The man we rescued has blatant proof that he was held by poachers or hunters.” Carlos speaks calmly.

“What proof?”

Earl groans inwardly. He really didn’t want everyone to know about Kevin’s wounds. Not without Kevin being here. He prays that Carlos keeps it quiet.

“Enough proof to convince both me and a medical professional.”

“Can you present this proof?”

“He isn’t awake yet.” Earl finally speaks. “I’m not taking the lot of you to gape at a sleeping man without his consent. But I recognize the wounds and they are most definitely from a hunter’s knife.”

Tyler rounds on Earl. Earl groans inwardly. Here we go.

“How do we know that the wounds aren’t self inflicted?”

Earl glares at Tyler’s smirk, He was trying to force out more information about Kevin and Earl could feel himself backed into a corner. A soft whistling catches Earl’s attention. He looks at Cecil. The blonde was staring at Tyler, his purple eyes were glowing slightly brighter than usual. It had taken a while for Cecil to learn how to control his song but now he can use it freely and openly and have it affect only one person. Tyler squirms from the effects of the song but kept his glare. After several minutes, Cecil stops and goes back to his work on the cloak.

“You stupid whore!” Tyler lunges at Cecil.

Earl isn’t sure who reacts first. Carlos, himself and even Mangus stands but before any of them can react, there's a soft twang and a net flies across the room. It wraps around Tyler and causes him to fall to the floor. The room erupts into chaos as Carlos stands. The comotion had caused Cecil to jump back and tear the cloak more. He curses softly under his breath and sighs.

Earl looks around and grins when he looks at the door. “Dave. Nice to see you again.”

Carlos moves to the door to greet the Nymph holding a compact bow. “It’s been far too long.”

"Aw you missed me?" Dave teases, slinging the bow over his shoulder before putting his fist over his heart and bowing. Carlos smiles.

"Of course. Things were too quiet. How is your wife?"

"Very….very pregnant. She wants to raise our child at court. If you approve of course."

Carlos chuckles. "We can discuss this later. Of course I approve."

Dave looks around the room. "So ....what's going on?"

"Before or after you showed up?"

"Uh…..both?"

Carlos turns and addresses his council. "We will finish this later. When things have calmed down. You are dismissed."

It takes several minutes for the nobles to file out of the room and Tyler is freed from the net. He narrowed his eyes at Carlos.

"Are you really ready to risk war over one person?"

"Brooks." Carlos says slowly, voice deadly calm but threatening. "Take a walk and wait until I address you again."

Tyler looks as if he wants to protest but instead chooses to scowl and turn on his heel. Carlos watches him go before closing the door and looks at the small group remaining. Cecil, Earl, Rochelle, Nyx-who had been quiet the whole time-, Magnus and Dave.

Carlos approaches Cecil first. He puts a hand on the mage's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Cecil smiles softly. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Earl watches Cecil, Carlos and Nyx have a quiet conversation before Cecil and Nyx stand. Nyx slips an arm around Cecil's waist and guides him from the room. Carlos beckons Dave to the table and he joins the others.

"So what's going on?" Dave asks again, sitting in Cecil's now empty seat.

"We raided a rogue camp because we were sent an SOS and we found a number of prisoners. Only one survived."

Earl sits forward. "And he shows obvious signs of being held by poachers or hunters. I wasn't able to look at the other prisoners because I was trying to keep the one that survived from bleeding out."

Dave nods slowly. "So what are we doing about it?"

"We are still working to figure that out." Carlos sighs.

"Maybe we should check out the camp again." Rochelle offers. "See if we can find anything."

Magnus nods. "It's worth a try." He looks at Carlos.

"It could also be extremely dangerous." Carlos rubs his temple, just under the gold circlet on his head.

"I want to go with you." Earl stands. He feels everyone else look at him.

"That's a terrible idea!" Rochelle protests. "You could get hurt."

"Please…. I want to go. At least look around. I need more information. Please?"

Carlos sighs, knowing that Earl won't relent. "Alright. But you aren't going anywhere on your own. That's an order."

Earl inclines his head. "Thank you."

-----.-----

Cecil had finally gotten the cloak mended and slips into the Infirmary. He folds the cloak neatly and lays it on the bed. It looks like Kevin is still sleeping and for a moment, Cecil just looks at him. His face is smooth and innocent in his sleep. Cecil had started to leave when he heard shifting on the bed. He slowly turns, panicked. Earl had left with the others at dawn and the only medical personnel left at court was Earl's apprentice Roger, whom Earl loved like a son. At the moment, Roger was attending classes.

Cecil turns and looks at Kevin, who was sitting up and staring at him. Large amber eyes train on Cecil's face. Cecil rests his staff beside the door and puts his hands up.

"I'm not going to hurt you."

#wtnv #wtnv cecil #wtnv carlos #wtnv earl #original male character #nyx #magnus #wtnv rochelle #wtnv dave #old woman josie #Oíche Vale #au #wip

4 notes · View notes