>>41283686
>>The Black Marsh, where a scroll was found in the hands of Argonian highwaymen.

>>41283686
>Skyrim, where dwarven ruins have revealed a previously undiscovered scroll.

Moth priest?

Well okay

>>41283851

You have chosen the Black Marsh as your destination. Other priests have been sent to Skyrim and High Rock.
While your skills over the years have been centered around knowledge and insight, you understand that the Black Marsh can be dangerous. Luckily, you won't be dealing with an uncivilized bunch; you're heading to Blackrose, a great city. Unfortunately the road to Blackrose is long and dangerous, surrounded by dark swamps and strange creatures.
You have received training, as a child, in a weapon. What was it?

>I was trained by my father, a hunter in a small village in Valenwood, to use a longbow for hunting wildlife.
>During my time training for the military in Cyrodil, I learned to use the longsword.
>I grew up in the alleyways in the city of Helstrom in the Black Marsh, and became skilled in the use of a dagger.
>Before learning the secrets of the Elder Scrolls, I was training to be a mage in a guild from Morrowind.
>I learned to use a spear in Hammerfell.
>My family is well known in Skyrim, and it was there that I was trained by a warrior using a battleaxe.
>In High Rock, I learned the art of the warhammer.
>While living as nobility in the Summerset Isles, I was trained by an expert fencer to use a shortsword.

>>41284168
>During my time training for the military in Cyrodil, I learned to use the longsword.

>>41284168
>>Before learning the secrets of the Elder Scrolls, I was training to be a mage in a guild from Morrowind.

>>41284256
>>41284347

You two will have to decide this amongst yourselves, unless a third vote comes along.

>>41284446
Well then... Compromise with Battlemage Training, either or on location?

>>41284168
>>During my time training for the military in Cyrodil, I learned to use the longsword.

>>41284256
>>41284476

You go through the closet in your room, looking for an extra set of robes, and find... ah, yes. Your old steel longsword. You had been a soldier before becoming a Moth Priest, but you left that life behind.
You pick up the sword. It's heavy, and requires you to use both hands to hold it, but it feels good. You give it a swing. Well, your skills have diminished over the years, but it could save your life.
You put it in its sheath and attach it to your belt. Then you hear a knock on the door.
"Who is it?"
"This is General Maximus."
"Please, come in."
The door opens, and reveals an old man with a short beard and bald head. He may be old, but he's particularly muscular, and is wearing full steel armor.
"I don't particularly believe that your job is very important, priest, but I have been ordered to supply you with a cart, a few soldiers, and a specialist. A waste of manpower, if you ask me, but orders are orders."
He crosses his arms and looks around your home with a look of disapproval on his face. "In any case, there are three people available with knowledge of the Black Marsh, and we can afford to send one of them with you. Tell me who you'd like, so I can get back to work training my men."
"Ah, yes, sir. I remember them from the letter sent to me. I believe I'll be taking...

>... Sir Lazarus, the battlemaster."
>... Court Mage Sarah."
>... J'slan, the scout."

>>41284706
>>... Court Mage Sarah."

Is it possible for us to wear armor, too? I'm assuming it is, since it's never really shown to interfere with your abilities.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>41284706
Dice guide us

>>41284798
>>41284822

"... Court Mage Sarah."
"Very well. At least we aren't losing another soldier or knight to you, Moth Priest."
"I would like, if I may, to be given some armor during my travels. I would return it upon my arrival back at the White-Gold Tower."
"I'll have it loaded into your cart."
"Thank you, General Maximus. Glory to the Empire."
"Yeah, yeah, glory to the Empire. I'm leaving, then. You can expect the cart and reinforcements to arrive here in a few hours."

He leaves without another word. Even though you're a Moth Priest, it doesn't seem like some people respect your work. It's a shame that they don't recognize the importance of the Elder Scrolls.

It seems that you've got a few hours before the cart arrives. You've got about enough time to...

>Practice my swordplay at the army training ground, using a training dummy.
>Visit my mother, who has lived alone in the city since my father passed.
>Visit a tavern to gain some liquid courage.
>Browse through the market stalls.

>>41284706
Sarah. Mages are useful as fuck.

>>41285027
>>Practice my swordplay at the army training ground, using a training dummy.

Gonna need to fuck some shit up if it gets too close.

Also, I'm assuming we're an Imperial, yes?

>>41285056

Being born in Cyrodil, you are an Imperial.

>>41285056
You walk to the army training ground, a nostalgic sight for you. Many days were spent here jogging around tracks, doing push-ups, and sparring with your brothers in arms.
It's never been far from your house, only a 20 minute walk, but you never seem to find yourself visiting anymore, since the Tower has been going through reconstruction after the War. Your duties as a Moth Priest have taken over your life, and you don't complain, but at times you do miss the life of a soldier.
After taking in the surroundings, you find a wooden training dummy and draw your sword. After only five minutes of swinging, you're damp with sweat. It has been a long time since you had any exercise. But that doesn't deter you; you are a proud Imperial, an ex-soldier of the Empire, and it wouldn't be fitting for you to give up after only five minutes.
Once an hour passes by, your arms are too tired to hold up your sword. You've improved, though; your training has been coming back to you rapidly.

You still have a couple of hours left before the cart should arrive, and with that time you decide to...

>Sharpen my sword.
>Get some food and wine; I'm starving after all that practice.
>Visit the castle enchanter, hoping to have some sort of enchantment done to my sword.

>>41285323
>>Sharpen my sword.
>Visit the castle enchanter, assuming we have time for both.

>>41285323
>Sharpen my sword.
Enchantments are for wimps! Plus, I doubt we'll have ready access to filled soul gems.

>>41285323
>Get some food and wine; I'm starving after all that practice.

>>41285323
>Food
>Sharpen

Great quest idea. Hope it works out for you QM, I'll be following.

>>41285514
>>41285474
>>41285444
>>41285428

You sit down at a grindstone near the training dummies and sharpen your sword, which had dulled a bit while training. Yes, it's looking nicer now; it's been years since you've seen it shine like this. It seems like it might even be better than when you first got it, but your memory isn't good enough to confirm that.
You sheathe your blade, delighted with your craftsmanship. If you weren't a Moth Priest, you may have had enough skill to be a blacksmith! Then again, all you did was sharpen a sword. Maybe there's a bit more to blacksmithing than that.
Once you've finished sharpening your blade, you return home and eat some bread. Oh, right! You still need to pack more supplies. Let's see.
Some healing potions, a few loaves of bread, a few bottles of water and a bottle of wine. As well as a spare set of clothing and your ritual supplies. What else? Oh, that's right. It's a long journey and you'll need some entertainment. You bring with you...

>A book: History of the Argonians. Might as well learn about where I'm going.
>A book: Feyfolken: Combined and Revised Edition. It's my favorite story.
>A set of cards. If I'll be traveling with soldiers, might as well get to know them over a game -- and maybe win some money.
>A chess set. The Court Mage will surely prove to be a worthy challenger, and the men will know enough about strategy to play as well.

>>41285700
>Book: Argonian

Could be useful to gain some insight

Do we know the MC's age?

>>41285700
>A chess set. The Court Mage will surely prove to be a worthy challenger, and the men will know enough about strategy to play as well.

>>41285842

You are in your early 40's.

>>41285741

You pick up a book titled "The History of the Argonians" and put it in your bag. If these people end up being poor companions, you may spend the entire trip reading this book over and over again -- luckily it's a long one.
Almost immediately after, you hear another knock at the door. You exit this time, with your belongings in a backpack.
In front of your house there are three men wearing Imperial armor, a horse-lead wagon with the insignia of the Empire painted onto the side of the cloth covering and a man sitting at the head of the wagon, and a young Dark Elf woman with lighter skin than most of her people and fiery red hair.
"Moth Priest, we've received orders to accompany you through the Black Marsh. The trip shouldn't take long; it's only a week of travel by wagon," one of the soldiers says. He's an average sized man with a thick, black mustache. "My name is Ryan Donoah, first infantry, second division. These two men with me are also from my division. The Nord is Alsmoth Stormborn, and the Redguard is Fa'hir Lionstooth. And I believe you requested Sarah, the Court Mage."
"Well met, Ryan," you say, looking over the cart. "My name is..."

>Enter a name.

In addition:

>"When I was in the military, we were mostly Imperials."
>"Why don't you tell me about yourself?"
>Talk to the Nord.
>Talk to the Redguard.
>Go talk to Sarah.

>>41286047
>Eligar Dryton
name generator ftw

>Introductions all around. Might as well get to know everyone.

>>41286047
>"Why don't you tell me about yourself?"
What race are we? We were raised in Cyrodiil, so I guess Imperial, but we could be an immigrant, or something.

>>41286047
>Claudius Crassus

>>41286151
>Introductions all around. Might as well get to know everyone.

I'll back this

>>41286241
see >>41285105

>>41286151
>>41286241

"My name is Eligar Dryton. I'll be sure to talk to each of you once we enter the carriage. Ryan, why don't you tell me more about yourself?"
"Ah, I was hoping you would be more casual than the General," Ryan says, letting his posture relax a bit. "I'm the son of Wilhelm and Melanie Donoah, who run an apothecary here in town. I joined the army after the Stormcloak incident in Skyrim a year ago, so I'm still fairly new to being a soldier. I'm glad to get this opportunity."
"Young and full of a solder's spirit! I was like you once, before I became a Moth Priest. We shouldn't face too many dangers, but you should have a good experience traveling with me." You look to the Nord. "Alsmoth, was it? Tell me about yourself."
"Not much to tell, sir. I came here to escape the conflict in my homeland, and preferred General Maximus as a commanding officer over Tullius in Solitude."
"Well met. And you, Fa'hir?"
"Sir. I hope my blade will be of good service to you, sir."
"I'm sure it will." You walk to the entrance of the wagon, where Sarah is relaxing against the wood. "And if I'm not mistaken, you're Sarah, the new Court Mage. Tell me about yourself."

(cont)

>>41286621
"Mister Dryton, it's an honor to be speaking to a scholar of the Elder Scrolls. As soon as I heard about an Elder Scroll being found in the Black Marsh, I hoped that you would ask me to come with. I recently graduated from the mage's college in Skyrim, though my family were kept as slaves for a long time in the Black Marsh after the Morrowind incident. At college, my major skills were Conjuration and Restoration, though I have also dabbled in Illusion and Mysticism on my own time. I speak Argonian fluently and hope that we can speak in private over the course of this trip. I would love to learn what you know about the Elder Scrolls."
"I'm sure it will be wonderful discussion."

>"You said your family was enslaved by Argonians? Then why do you want to return to the Black Marsh?"
>"Mysticism hasn't been popular for a long time. What drew you to it?"
>Enter the wagon, beginning your journey.

>>41286641
>>"Mysticism hasn't been popular for a long time. What drew you to it?"
>>Enter the wagon, beginning your journey.

>>41286641
>>"Mysticism hasn't been popular for a long time. What drew you to it?"
>>Enter the wagon, beginning your journey.

>>41286750
>>41286795

"Mysticism hasn't been popular for a long time. What drew you to it?"
"It is precicely because of its unpopularity. It seemed a good thing to study for my career, since it is such a niche subject. In addition, as you're surely aware, it is a powerful tool."
"And a dangerous one, some would say."
"And some would say the same about studying the Elder Scrolls. It appears that you and I are in part of the same mind."
"Perhaps. For now, we should get going! There is an Elder Scroll waiting for us!"

You, Sarah, and the soldiers enter the wagon. The driver turns around to speak to you.
"Howdy. There are a few paths we can take to Blackrose, so which would you prefer?"

>East through Cyrodil and then South through the Black Marsh.
>South from Cyrodil, with a brief stop in Elseweyr, and then straight East by boat to Blackrose.
>South on Cyrodil, through blackwood, then East to Blackrose.

>>41286965
>>East through Cyrodil and then South through the Black Marsh

>>41287015

"East through Cyrodil, then South through the Black Marsh. We won't have to deal with blackwood or large bodies of water that way."
"As you wish."
The ride begins. As you're still in the city limits, there's no real risk yet, and the ride is smooth due to the streets. The soldiers and Sarah are in the wagon with you, and no one seems to be saying anything.
How do you spend your time while riding in the city?

>Read your book.
>Talk more with Sarah.
>Talk with Ryan.
>Talk with Fa'hir.
>Talk with Alsmoth.
>Talk with the driver.
>Drink your wine.

>>41287165
>read book.
Lets get it read before we hit the marsh.

>>41287207
You open up your book and read. It says:

"The history of Argonia, known to many as the Black Marsh, is relatively unknown in comparison to that of other provinces of Tamriel. The Argonians have long preferred an oral storytelling tradition over regulated book-keeping, though perhaps it is the mystique of this land that draws many to become interested in it.
First organized and taught how to interact as a society by the elves, the Argonians originally were clan-based hunter-gatherers, and these clans still are well respected in Argonia. The Shadowscales, for example, are now assassins, but originally were a clan from the areas close to what is now Cyrodil.
Through natural resilience to the lands, Argonia remained independent and Argonian-controlled until the late First Era, when the army of the Reman Empire managed to secure the lands. Many Argonians retreated to the city called Helstrom, and to this day there is a slight distaste for the Empire in that city. During the late First Era, Argonia was mostly used as a prison state where criminals deemed too dangerous for normal dungeons would be sent.
Many other Argonians, not so lucky to escape to Helstrom, were enslaved by dark elves, and there have been racial tensions between the Argonians and Dunmer since that time, well known in modern times due to the Argonian invasion after the Morrowind incident."

>Continue reading
>Talk to (someone in the wagon of your choice)
>Drink your wine

>>41287432
>talk to sarah

Man, wheres err body at?

>>41287778
seconding this

>>41287778
>>41288029
You close your book and look over to Sarah. She's very young from your perspective, probably around 20 years old -- though you suppose that makes her about the same age as the soldiers around you.
"So, Sarah, how did you come to be a Court Mage?" She looks surprised by your sudden question.
"Well, since the Skyrim incident began, the Empire has needed some more people that they can trust who are well-experienced with the area. Combine that with my stellar performance in the college, and you've got a perfect candidate. And it doesn't hurt that the Empire looks more favorable by hiring a Dark Elf, after what happened in Morrowind."
"I see. What have you been doing around the Tower?"
"Mostly using my Mysticism and divining events. Of course, they're more mundane than your divinations, since I don't use the Elder Scrolls, but they are helpful. Without my help, I fear the Stormcloaks may have won more ground before Ulfric Stormcloak's death."

>"Can you tell me more about your family?"
>"Why do you want to go back to the Black Marsh?"
>"What do you think of the Skyrim civil war?"
>"Any opinions on the Aldmeri Dominion and the White-Gold Concordat?"
>Talk to (someone else)

>>41288266
>Why do you want to go to Black Marsh?

>>41288266
>>"Why do you want to go back to the Black Marsh?"

>>41288305
Seconded, I don't think we know her well enough to ask any off the others.

>>41288305
>>41288360
>>41288362

"Why do you want to go back to the Black Marsh? You had mentioned that your family was enslaved there."
"I don't mean to show any false fronts, mister Dryton. It's true that my family has suffered due to certain Argonians in the past, and I would be lying to say that I am thrilled to return. But I am a loyal servant of the Empire, and I couldn't pass up the chance to discuss things with you. Imagine being a recently graduated mage and having the opportunity to speak with an expert on the Elder Scrolls!"
"Yes, I can imagine you would be excited."
"If you wouldn't mind, can you tell me about them? There's not much on them that's been written down."
"Well, what do you want to know?"
"What, exactly, are the Elder Scrolls? I know that they're scrolls, but I don't know much other than that."

>Explain to her what the Elder Scrolls are.
>"We should talk about this later, once we set up a camp for the night."
>"I don't want to discuss them on this trip. Perhaps once we return to the Tower, I could take you on as a pupil."
>"Maybe later." (Pick someone else to talk with or continue reading the book.)

>>41288514
>Explain to her what the Elder Scrolls are
This is why she's here, may as well oblige her.

>>41288514
>>Explain to her what the Elder Scrolls are.

You know I am getting the vibe that a skyrim incident is going to occur. If that happens I vote we make our own faction at that point.

>>41288514

>> We should talk about this later

I don't trust her, around elves...

>>41288514
>maybe later

>>41288546
>>41288573

"The Elder Scrolls are ancient artifacts. No one, not even the Moth Priests, know exactly where they came from or who wrote them -- even if it was one, or many, of the Gods that created them. As far as we know, they've always existed. The scrolls contain many things -- magical secrets, glimpses into the future, prophecies -- and each Elder Scroll is something to be handled carefully. The minds of mortals aren't prepared to read these Elder Scrolls; many go mad from the revelations, and others will go blind. Some have died."
"Except for the Moth Priests."
"Well, we have certain ways of handling the scrolls. The Dunmer used technology, but we have our rituals which we perform. Even then, many Moth Priests have suffered the effects of the Scrolls."
"How many are there?"
"Nobody knows, but there are easily over one hundred of them, each one containing something special that even Hermeus Mora couldn't know."
"Can you teach me how to read one of them? I would love to have the experience."

>"When we find this scroll, I will teach you how to read it."
>"When we return from our journey, I could take you on as a pupil."
>"It's far too dangerous."

C'mon dudes. Just tell her. We have time to kill, and its not as though the elder scrolls are super secret.

>>41288707


>> Its far too dangerous


Alarms are ringing in my fucking head now. Hell, there are air raid sirens going off. I don't trust her. Maybe its my time playing paranoia kicking in, but she seems fishy.

>>41288707
>"When we return from our journey, I could take you on as a pupil."
>maybe

>>41288707
>>"When we return from our journey, I could take you on as a pupil."

>>41286641
Wait a minute qm!
I'm sorry to call you out like this and I was enjoying reading through this quest

>but no one except the saxheel themselves can speak jel fluently.

The reason for this is it incorporates so many sounds that humanoids besides the Saxheel themselves cannot make.

>>41288937

The explanation I'm going to give is that she can speak the closest approximation that is possible well enough that someone would be able to understand her, roughly, and she can understand others perfectly well. Being "fluent" in Argonian can be compared to extremely butchered half-English half-Spanish.

>>41288846
>>41288760

"When we return from our journey, I could take you on as a pupil."
"Are you sure? I would be honored."
"It's not often that you find someone willing to deal with the dangers of reading the scrolls. We Moth Priests could use any help we could get."
"I won't let you down!"
"I'm sure."

The wagon comes to a stop. It's still mid-day. You look out at the road and see two Thalmor, fully armored, standing in front of the horse.
"What's the meaning of this?" You ask the driver.
"Thalmor checkpoint. Had to work this way after the White-Gold Concordat. They'll just check our wagon for any signs of Talos worship and then we can go."

>"This is unacceptable. Drive on and ignore them."
>"This is unacceptable. Men, draw your weapons."
>"Oh, alright." (Talk to someone in the cart during the check)
>"Oh, alright." (Pay close attention during the check)

>>41289076
>>"Oh, alright." (Pay close attention during the check)
If they do something stupid kill them.

>>41289076


>> If we must

its not like we have anything to hide

>>41289076

Also, it should be noted that while I've played Skyrim and Daggerfall and I've done some reading into the lore, I'm no expert, and so some liberties will be taken with Elder Scrolls canon during this quest. If this really bothers you, then you can correct me and if the story permits it, I'll change any errors. If the story doesn't permit the change, well, then I guess you'll have to get over it.

>>41289144
>>41289200

"If we must, then alright."
You pay close attention to the Thalmor as they approach the wagon. One of them opens the back-flap and enters, his hand resting on the hilt of his shortsword.
He gives a quick glance over all of you, then speaks up. "You, Nord. Remove your chestpiece."
Alsmoth stands up in the wagon and removes his chestpiece, not saying a word. He wears a symbol of Kynareth.
"Satisfied?" He asks, still holding his armor.
"Quite." The Thalmor exits the wagon and after a moment it begins to move again. Alsmoth puts his armor back on after it begins moving.

>Apologize to Alsmoth on their behalf.
>Complain to (someone in the wagon) about the Thalmor.
>Speak to (someone in the wagon) about something other than the Thalmor.
>Read your book.
>Drink your wine.

>>41289440
>>Apologize to Alsmoth on their behalf.

>>41289440
>speak to alsmoth
Why would we need to apologize?

>>41289440
>apologize
then
>read your book

>>41289489
>>41289582

"Alsmoth, I'm sorry that they singled you out."
"Of course they did. I'm a Nord, and the Nords have a history of denying the ban on Talos worship."
"You aren't upset by it?"
"If I were upset by it, you'd have a Thalmor's head sitting in your lap right now."
"I see."

You open your book again. Where were you? Oh, right, at the end of the First Era.

"Very little is known of Argonia during the Second Era except for the outbreak of the Knahten Flu. Some say that it was created by an Argonian shaman, but it is likely that this illness came about by natural means.
The effects of the Flu were disastrous, spreading to anyone who did not have reptillian blood. It covered the entirety of the Black Marsh, and anyone who contracted the disease would surely perish.
This lead to the extinction of some species as well as the retreat of most outsiders. Once the land was habitable again, fear of the disease kept many away. It is even said that Tiber Septim thought twice about entering Argonia -- but, as it is known, he did so, and was met with little resistance.
With Tiber Septim's entry, Argonia was willingly handed over to the new Empire, and as such is was never truly conquered. Likely, the Empire could overthrow Argonia if necessary, but it would come at a great cost. And if the legends are true, the Knahaten Flu could return once more."

By the time you finish that chapter, you can see that it will soon be sunset.

>Continue reading
>Talk to (someone)
>Suggest setting up camp

>>41289798
>Suggest camp

>>41289798
>suggest camp

>>41289798
>>Suggest setting up camp
"Will be easier then trying to do it during the night."

>>41289827
>>41289899
>>41289938

"Perhaps we should set up camp while it's still bright out," you say to no one in particular.
"That's a fine idea," says Ryan. "Smith, could you stop the cart near a clear area? We're going to set up camp."
"As long as I get paid." After a few more minutes, the cart comes to a stop.

You stretch as your exit the cart. It's spacious, but 5 people in the back of a wagon is a bit much, and you haven't moved in hours.
The soldiers set up the camp. While they do, Fa'hir brings out a small box and hands it to you.
"What's this?" You ask.
"Sir. I'm not sure, sir, but it was marked for you, sir."

>"There's no need to be so formal."
>Look inside of the box.
>Set the box aside and help set up camp.

>>41290029
>>"There's no need to be so formal."
>>Look inside of the box.
"How did we not see this before."

>>41290029
>>"There's no need to be so formal

>>41290029
>Attempt to speak in his dialect to help him feel at ease
>"Brother Redguard, why you always be so stiff? Loosen up, my kin-from-another-matriarch."

>>41290065
>>41290102

"There's no need to be so formal," you say while opening the box. Inside is a letter, which reads:
"Moth Priest,
You requested armor. This is what we had on hand.
- General Maximus"
Inside is what looks to be standard issue Imperial armor... with an extremely faint pink color to the armor.
"P.S.
Unfortunately the color suffered during a magical washing experiment. My apologies."
Well, armor is armor, and Imperial armor is of a fine make. It looks to be your size, too.

"Sir. With all due respect, sir, this is a military escort and I am in the service of the Empire. My brothers in arms may be more casual, sir, but I treat all missions as seriously as one might have treated the Great War, sir."


>"Understood, soldier."
>"If you keep that up, how will you be able to enjoy retirement?"
>"Tell me about why you joined the military."
>Talk to someone else.
>Help set up camp.
>Try on your new armor.

>>41290150
Kek

>>41290244
>>"Understood, soldier."
>>"If you keep that up, how will you be able to enjoy retirement?"
>>"Tell me about why you joined the military."
then
>Try on your new armor soldier.

>>41290244
>Understood
>Tell me about why you joined
>Try on new armor

>>41290244
>"This formality is some kind of rebellion against your upbringing, isn't it? Your father was never home; so you developed your own rigid, structured life to take his place."

>>41290441
Can we add this as a joke. heck ill change my vote to this if you allow it.

>>41290352
>>41290365
>>41290441

"Understood, soldier. But if you keep that up, how will you come to enjoy retirement?"
"Sir. It is my intention to stay in the military for life, sir. I hope to someday become a general myself when I am too old to take part in the action. My life belongs to the Empire, sir."
"This formality is some kind of rebellion against your upbringing, isn't it? Your father was never home; so you developed your own rigid, structured life to take his place."
"Sir. You're not entirely incorrect, sir. My father died when I was very young, and my mother had to take care of my siblings. As the oldest of her children, I had to take his place as the man of the house, sir."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Tell me why you joined the military, Lionstooth."
"Sir. After my father's passing, my mother needed money to survive and take care of my siblings, sir. I saw no more honorable course of action than to join the military and send all of my nonessential funds to her, sir."
"Your family must mean a lot to you."
"Sir. The only thing that means more to me is the Empire, sir."
"Go on, then, and continue setting up camp," you say, putting on the armor. You feel a bit silly, but it's a good fit, and it's not too heavy. This appears to be scout's armor.
And the camp appears to be set up. You've traveled for one day; Blackrose is still a six day journey from here. But now you're far from the city, and you're inside of the wildlands of Cyrodil.

>Go directly to sleep; we've had a long day.
>Talk to someone.
>Drink your wine.
>Share your wine with the entire group.
>Read your book while it's still bright out.

>>41290560
share wine with group

>>41290560
Go to sleep
Where da action at

>>41290560
I swear on me mum if he keeps saying 'sir' before and after every sentence I'm going to vote to slap him.

>>41290560
>>Share your wine with the entire group.

>>41290560
>Share your wine with the entire group.

>>41290601
>>41290610
>>41290660

After the camp is set up, everyone has sat down around a fire. You take a bottle of wine from your backpack.
"Now, everyone, we'll be together for at least two weeks and you've all done a fine job so far. I thought that it would be nice if we could share some wine together before we enter the Black Marsh."
"Well, there's an idea!" Ryan says, relaxing and leaning back. "Pass it over here!"
You hand him the wine. Fa'hir doesn't take part in drinking -- something about drinking on the job. Neither does Sarah, after tasting the wine -- it's not to her liking. You can't blame her; she's likely used to much better wine. But the driver, you, and the other two soldiers enjoy the wine and eat bread while the men exchange stories of their battles and hunts.
The six of you go to bed -- except Fa'hir, who has decided to stay up and watch over the camp.

Before we progress, how much wine did you drink?

>A large amount. It was my wine, after all!
>Just as much as the other men.
>A small amount.

>>41290792
>a small amount

The boring life of a monk.

>>41290792
>A small amount.
Don't want too much of a hangover, and we only have so much of it. Gotta make it last.

>>41290792
>Just enough to lower your inhibitions while remaining loquacious.

>>41290846
>>41290833
>>41290832

You only had a small amount of wine, so when you hear the clashing of metal against metal, you wake up almost immediately. Quickly, you don your armor and draw your sword.
Peeking out of your tent, you see Fa'hir fighting off three men at once. They're dressed in hides and furs. Barbarians. These men live in the hills and prey on small camps like yours for gold and food.
Fa'hir seems to be holding his own on the defense, yelling for everyone to wake up. His defense is amazing, but he hasn't had a single chance to fight back.
You hear the yelling of more men in the distance. Maybe three or four more.

>Stay in the tent and hide, letting the soldiers do their jobs.
>Exit the tent and join the fight, putting your military training to use. (Roll 1d20; best of 3 rolls)
>Write-in

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>41290962
>Exit the tent and join the fight, putting your military training to use. (Roll 1d20; best of 3 rolls)

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>41290962
>Exit the tent and join the fight

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>41290962
>>41290962
>>>Exit the tent and join the fight, putting your military training to use. (Roll 1d20; best of 3 rolls)

>>41290996

You exit the tent, sword in hand. You're glad you sharpened it the previous day, because although you didn't know you would need it, it sure is handy.
Quickly, you go back-to-back with Fa'hir.
"Three here. Five more in the hills."
"Wake up, men!" You yell. A barbarian leaps at you, bringing his axe to you with a haymaker motion. You quickly stab him in the gut as he comes at you. The axe never got close enough to hit you, but your sword went right through him. With a shove, you remove the sword from his flesh and he falls to the ground.
What time is it? It can't be too far from sunrise, as there's light color in the sky. The embers from the fire are still burning. Fa'hir slices another barbarian's stomach open, his intestines spilling onto the ground.

>Attack the third barbarian (roll 1d20)
>Kick the embers at the third barbarian's eyes and run for the soldiers' tent (roll 1d20)
>Kick the embers at the third barbarian's eyes and run for Sarah's tent (roll 1d20)

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>41291129
>>Kick the embers at the third barbarian's eyes and run for the soldiers' tent (roll 1d20)
They're probably hung over
WAKE UP FAGGOTS

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>41291129
>attack

>>41291129
>Kick the embers at the third barbarian's eyes and run for the soldiers' tent (roll 1d20)

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>41291227

>>41291189
>>41291227
>>41291237

You kick embers directly into the eyes of the barbarian, who yells out and flinches. Fa'hir stabs him in the throat and then kicks his body to the ground as you run into the soldier's tent.
"Wake up! We're being attacked!" You yell. The two men leap up and run out of the tent, not saying a word. Then you hear something being summoned.
Exiting the tent, you see a massive creature made of ice running into the hills alongside the three men. It must have been Sarah's doing. She's standing over the body of a dying barbarian, harvesting his soul with a gem, as the ice beast helps the men fight.

>Give her a command (Write-in)
>Run to aid the men in combat
>Go check on the wagon

>>41291292
>Go check on the wagon

>>41291292
>Go check on the wagon
Make sure no bandits have snuk up to loot anything

>>41291292
>>Run to aid the men in combat
This is pretty fucking metal

>>41291292
check on the wagon

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>41291292
>harvesting his soul with a gem

Black soul gems?

That's
Uh
Not sure how I feel about that.

>>41291322
>>41291336

You quickly run to the wagon to make sure no one is trying to loot your belongings. The driver is cowering in the back of the wagon.
"Are they gone?" He asks.
"They're being taken care of. Did they take anything?"
"No, I don't think so."
"And you're alright?"
"Lucky I am."
You look around the wagon. It doesn't seem like you're being flanked. The barbarians weren't smart enough for that. But perhaps drinking right before camping in the wilds wasn't a good idea; you take a mental note.

>Wait at the wagon.
>Go to check on Sarah.
>Join the men in battle. (Roll 1d20)

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>41291403
>Join the men in battle. (Roll 1d20)

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>41291403
>>Join the men in battle. (Roll 1d20)

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>41291403
>Join the men in battle. (Roll 1d20)

>>41291456
I got it!

BLOOD FOR BLOOD

>>41291456
Nice save

>>41291456

With a rush of energy, you run to aid the men in battle. They seem evenly matched, with the ice beast fighting two of the barbarians while the men fight one each.
You sneak around the battle. Ryan is in intense combat with one of the barbarians. Those two are much more focused than the others. You leap in and stab the barbarian in the spine with your longsword just as Ryan parries one of his blows.
"I owe you one!" He yells, then runs off to join the ice beast. You then aid Fa'hir in cutting down another barbarian.

By the time the bloodshed is over, it's sunrise. You look over the battlefield.
"This isn't right," Fa'hir says.
"Orsimer, all of them." You say, sheathing your blade.
"What's a tribe of orc barbarians doing this far South?" Alsmoth asks to no one in particular.
"I'll add it to the mission report," says Ryan, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Someone remind General Maximus not to kill the messenger before I hand it to him, though."

You walk back to camp with the men.

>Help take down the campsite and head off.
>Confront Sarah about the use of black soul gems.
>Loot the corpses while the men set up camp.
>Clean yourself up.

>>41291654
>Loot the corpses while the men set up camp.

>>41291654
>confront Sarah

>>41291711
>>41291734

Decide this amongst yourselves.

>>41291654
>Confront Sarah about the use of black soul gems.

>>41291912
>>41291734

"Sarah, can I have a moment?" You ask.
"Yes, mister Dryton?"
"During that fight, I saw you harvesting the soul of one of the Orsimer."
"Oh, yes. Soul harvesting is extremely important in Mysticism. That's partially why it's so unpopular now."
"Do you know what happens to those whose souls you take, Sarah?"
"No, I'm not sure."
"They go to the Soul's Cairn. It's an awful place. Once you use that soul gem in one of your spells, that soul will spend eternity there."
"Well, they tried to kill us. Besides, all of my resources go to aiding the Empire. It's for the greater good, mister Dryton."

>"Well, I suppose you're right."
>"At least for this trip, don't use black soul gems."
>"If you want to become my pupil, I need you to swear never to use black soul gems again."

>>41292008
>Write in
Just be mindfull of my advice.

Consigning souls to that place is a horrible fate I wouldn't wish on any but my most hated foes.

>>41292008
Supporting this >>41292099

>>41292099
>>41292108

"Just be mindful of my advice. Consigning souls to that place is a horrible fate I wouldn't wish on any but my most hated foes."
"I'll keep that in mind, mister Dryton. Thank you for your wisdom."

The men have finished taking down the campsite and packing up the wagon.

Day 1: Complete.
This is where we're stopping today.
The thread will be archived.
The QM Twitter is CitizenCFKane and I will post there before the quest runs and when the quest is finished for the day.

I am open to any comments and suggestions.

>>41292179
Thanks for writing!

I really liked the quest, I love the Elder Scrolls universe!

>>41292179
https://twitter.com/CitizenCFKane

this one?

>>41292230

Yes.

>>41292212
No problem, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Try to tune in next time!

>>41292370
I'll definitly keep an eye out for it!

What inspired you to write about TES?

>>41292399

I recently got back into Skyrim after a long break from gaming, and I really loved reading the books I would find along the way. I figured that it would be entertaining to use what lore I know from the games and run a quest, and I figured that other people would be interested in exploring places that the games don't really go into that often. Actually, I was really hoping that people would choose the Black Marsh, since it's one of the more mysterious regions of Tamriel and it gives me a chance to use a lot of imagination while still working within the same universe that I love to take part in.

Over the past two weeks I have put 65 hours into Skyrim alone.

>>41292486
I know that feeling, I've got over 1000 hours into the game myself, though half of that was probably from restarting and fucking around with mods.

Have you played the previous TES games? If so which are you favorite?

I also like that you included different races, especially dunmer, as I love the love behind them.

>>41292558

I've been meaning to play Oblivion and Morrowind, but I haven't yet. My girlfriend has 100% completed Oblivion, so most of the lore I know from it comes from her. I have played Daggerfall (about 50 hours total between restarts, since the game is so buggy) and I've tried my damn best to play Arena but it's far too difficult for my taste.

I think Skyrim is my favorite, but it's also the only one I've modded. A few mods are essential in my opinion (such as Run For Your Lives and The Paarthurnax Dilemma) and should've been in the vanilla game. I really love TES lore, but I can't say that I'd want to go into Oblivion or Morrowind without knowing that I could mod them.

>>41292179
I've been enjoying it so far. It's got a nice simplicity to it but I also enjoy how you write the characters so far, and the actijn's been good.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the Black Marsh is like, though I was also kind of interested in High Rock if only for the silly reason that I wanted to see Wereboars