Pre-Chapter Notes:
After receiving a couple of reviews recently on addressing concerns over formatting or the way I'm writing the story. I've decided to make a few Pre-Chapter Notes.
When I first started here a couple Years Ago, I was a complete noob on storywriting. I had been planning This Story for Years. Before I was even a Fan of Game of Thrones. Even before I was a Fan of The Elder Scrolls; which started with Skyrim for Me.
Foreshadowing of a greater Expanded Universe in Books 2 and 3 of the Trilogy? We'll see!
Anyway, My formatting was terrible. But now, I've gotten a hand of it, and This Site. A review from a long time ago now expressed concern over formatting. I promptly fixed that. A much more recent review that mentioned it was hard for them to get in to This Story because of bad formatting because of text walls still present made Me realize that I "Didn't fix it enough." So, I did.
Another more recent review expressed the person's disliking of something I was including in the story. That will be explained in The Post-Chapter Notes to avoid spoilers. So if you see the same way that person does, just bear with Me to the end of the Chapter and this will be explained.
And Trolls. God, I hate trolls. Everyone hates trolls. I feel that it was necessary to include a good chunk of backstory at the beginning, to summarize what happened between the events of Skyrim and the beginning of This Story. As well as mentioning events that happened even before The Game that attribute to what's going on. When you go and say that I'm having a palpable nerdgasam and that there is "Too much excess fat on this story" because of that, it makes you look like a trolling ass.
Trolls are not welcome here.
Yeah, "Season 8" In This will be heavily different from what we got with The Show. I've already got The Ending thought out. Roughly. Just kinda how on It will lead into Book 2. And a few other things.
And with that being said, enjoy the story.
Varnus
The Imperial City
Eighteen-Hundred Hours, 17th of Last Seed, 217 4E
Emperor Varnus Julius sat there in a chair deep in thought. About the great many feats he had accomplished in the past 16 years.
From The Destruction of Helgan to The Battle of The Tongues. The deaths of Kodlak Whitemane and Ancano. Fighting the undead corpse of King Olaf One-Eye. Taking the Pieces of Mehrunes Dagon's Razor to the Mythic Dawn Museum in Dawnstar after looting His Shrine. Shattering the Skull of Corruption. Evolving Azura's Star into The Black Star, razing the Shrine to Namria in The Reach Hold, Skyrim. The horrors of that abandoned house in Markarth and killing that Boethiah Priest. Helping that Tribe of Orcs with their giants problem. Solving the... Puzzles inside Pelagius Septim III's Mind.
Killing Orchendor. Lifting the curse from Hircine's Ring and tearing the Savior's Hide from that werewolf. Reuniting Barbas with Clavicus Vile. That... Night to remember with Sanguine. The Whispering Door. Slaughtering that Boethiah Cult and Boethiah's Champion with his minions. Claiming the Oghma Infinium. Cleansing Mount Kilkreath of the necromancers. Striking down Ulfric Stormcloak. Killing Madanach. Drinking the holy water in Markarth's Temple of Dibella. Delivering Mara's Warmth all around Riften. Healing The Gildergleam.
Defeating Potema's Spirit. Butchering The Butcher. Unknowingly preventing the return of the Cult of The Black Worm in that cave in Winterhold Hold. Returning the Skeleton Key to the Twilight Sepulcher, and then receiving it along with the Ring of Khajiiti after recovering the Eye of Nocturnal for Her. The reopening of the East Empire Trading Company in Skyrim. Getting Thorald Gray-Mane out of Northwatch Keep. Killing that Vampire Lord near Falkreath, sweeping through the Redwater Skooma Den, killing that little herd of Vampires in Morthal. Recovering Auriel's Bow and Shield and using them in the fight with Lord Harkon.
Selling those Three Elder Scrolls to that Moth Priest as he left to return to The Imperial City. Getting those four Ancient Falmer Books translated. Resuming the Excavation of The Dwarven City under Markarth. Forging a Staff, Shield, and Crown from The Aetherium Forge. Returning that Lexicon to a lost City of the Dwemer for an Argonian Adventurer. Doing favors for several Argonians in both Windhelm and Riften. Using The Atronach Forge to Craft a Staff that summons hordes of Flame, Frost, or Storm Atronachs. Getting Yagrum Bagarn cured of Corpus Disease. Meeting and teaming up with The Nerevarine. Helping Master Arniel in his endeavor.
Battling Miraak at the summit of Apocrypha. "Reopening" Bloodskal Mine. Unearthing Ahzidal's Tomb: Kolbjorn Barrow. Killing the creators of those strange elemental spiders and claiming the knowledge of how to create them for himself at White Ridge Barrow. Killing the undead Legatus Legionis Falx Carius. Thwarting House Hlaalu's assassination attempt on House Redoran Councilor; Lleril Morvayn. Thwarting the Thalmor's Plans for Stalhrim. Exploring Vahlok's Tomb with that Imperial Historian. Liberating Thirsk Mead Hall from Rieklings. Claiming the Deathbrand Armor and Swords and Treasure from the Ghost of Their Owner. And lastly ascending to The Ruby Throne with his Merit as Dragonborn and from his many glorious deeds, and many more!
His mind shifted to finding the Wraithguard Gauntlets and Hammer after being directed to their hiding spot by Yagrum Bagarn after curing him of Corpus Disease. Keening was restored to it's former power. Only with Wraithguard could he lift Sunder and safely use Keening. And he wielded it alongside that Hammer of Divine Mass against The World-Eater in Sovngarde. He struck critical blow after critical blow. Then, used Keening to deliver the... "death" blow. When he struck, he concentrated on what power to take from Alduin and he took the Thu'um and Ritual Alduin used to resurrect dead dragons.
And apparently this was the last straw needed for Father Akatosh to finish the kill by completely and utterly destroying Alduin's avatar. Casting his incredibly weakened soul into the Pits of Oblivion, ending up in The Deadlands. "Ah. You. Finally, at long last! Now you shall suffer the eternal consequences for permeating the happy-go-lucky Leaper Demon King I once was with this... curse as a Daedra. NOW SUFFER!" Varnus could hear Dagon say this as Alduin's soul arrived in His realm. Almost as if He wanted him to hear. Alduin roared in pain and anger, enough so that some swore he shook The Heavens! Varnus could even hear what He said and what He said had been haunting him to this very day: "Dur hi, Dovahkiin! Dii rax wah hin ruus! Hi lost ni nun laat do Zey!" [Curse you, Dragonborn! My teeth to your neck! You have not seen the last of Me!]
This was as Varnus returned from Aetherius to Nirn. Varnus had then set out upon Tamriel to resurrect several Dragons Alduin had not gotten to, and to get them to swear fealty to him. During the slow agonizing process of rebuilding The Battlespire, deep within It's remains; He even found the skeleton of Dragonne Papre and resurrected him. He then learned from him that his true name was Maaryolvus. [Maar. Yol. Vus; Terrorize. Fire. Nirn.] He also revealed that he was once one of Alduin's Chief Lieutenants, like Odahviing and Paarthurnax were. Dragons that Alduin didn't get to that were killed long before Varnus included Nafaalilargus, Numinex, Grahkrindrog, and Krahjotdaan.
Along with several Dragons that were never killed including Skakmat, Kahvozein, Nahfahlaar, and Ahbiilok. Although he didn't expect to have to fight the latter. But they did so as to "test and feel" his Thu'um. He had to take all four of them on at the same time too! Unsurprisingly, he beat them, but not without effort. After defeating them, they called for parlay. Which Varnus agreed. And they gladly and eagerly accepted the terms of: He would not "devour" them if the swore fealty to them. Kahvozein even further stated "It would be an honor to serve under you. Dovahkiin, Thuri."
Lastly, through a deal with The Ideal Masters he worked out a deal with them to set Durnehviir free. As a literal army of looters was scavenging Castle Volkihar, they came across Valercia. They attacked, and although she struck a great many of them down, she was slain through their overwhelming numbers. When she died, Durnehviir was not set free, even though when she would die that was the deal in exchange for giving him necromantic powers. As The Ideal Masters "failed" to mention to him that Valerica was a vampire, he became trapped in the Soul Cairn with his soul bound to it. But that changed when Varnus eventually came along and later worked out a deal with The Ideal Masters to free him.
No strings attached surprisingly, although at the time, it was easy enough for Varnus to do as he had recently ascended to The Ruby Throne. And although Durnehviir was now free to go as He wished without being pulled back into The Soul Cairn, His Soul was still bound to it. If he became too grievously wounded He would instinctively "retreat" back to The Soul Cairn to recover. Meaning that he could not be slain by normal means, just like Alduin. The Now Abandoned Castle Volkihar also then came under the protection of The College of Winterhold, in order to prevent meddlers from accessing The Portal To The Soul Cairn.
The Mages Guild was dissolved shortly after the conclusion to The Oblivion Crisis. However, twelve years earlier in 204 4E he re-founded it. Using his position as Director of the College of Winterhold (which he still technically was) as leverage to further strengthen this decree. And Thus, The Mages Guild was reborn. He then named Tolfdir Director of the College of Winterhold. The Arcane University was back in business, they set up Guild Halls all across Cyrodiil, High Rock, Hammerfell, Skyrim, Argonia, and Orsinium. Even in the overseas Territories of Cathnoquey, Yneslea and Esroniet to the East, Rosacrea to the North, and Pyandonea to the South.
He also swayed The College of Winterhold into the fold, as It used to be part of The Old Mages Guild. Representing It's interests and assets in Skyrim. He opened New Colleges in all the aforementioned territories, excluding Cyrodiil as The Arcane University was already there, Skyrim as The College of Winterhold was already there, and Morrowind due to influence by The Wizards of House Telvanni.
After this, as his last act as Director of The Mages Guild, this is when he ordered the Reconstruction of The Battlespire. And naming Yagrum Bagarn Director of The Mages Guild and Headmaster of The Arcane University. Although The Mages Guild has no influence in Elsweyr, Valenwood or The Summerset Isles because of influence of The Thalmor Wizards and The Aldmeri Dominion. With The Battlespire rebuilt, the Traditional Training Regime for The Shadow Legion could resume.
Yagrum Bagarn. Last of the Dwemer. Tonal Architect answering to Master Tonal Architect Kagrenac. Easily the most brilliant Living Being alive today, next to Paarthurnax. Although his exposure to Corpus Disease rendered him Immortal. As well as complete immunity to all disease and poison. Thanks to assistance from The Nerevarine, they rediscovered the cure to the horrible affliction. Although the cure only eliminated the bad symptoms and leaving the two "good ones" behind. He removed his eight mechanical Dwarven Centurion Spider legs and replaced with two mechanical humanoid legs adjusted for for the optimal height he was with his real legs. "Finally, I can move about normally again!" He said. Varnus had a puzzled look on his face, he though he would've been taller. Varnus started to speak. "I thought-" But Yagrum cut him off. "Why do you think we're also referred to as Dwarves?" He said, almost as if he knew was Varnus was asking. That was back in 202 4E. Alduin having been slain just weeks earlier in The Final Days of 201 4E.
Thanks to him, Civilization had a much better understanding of his people. He also brought numerous Technological Accomplishments into our society; unfinished projects from before His People disappeared. Including a number of things commonly found or observed in the ruined Cities. Such as Steam Power and Plumbing, which were typically controlled by Control Cubes, and were also used for unlocking and locking doors to something important, just like Attunement Spheres.
As for the Steam Power, he made it so that Steam Engines could be put on Ships, greatly bolstering their speed. As well as finding a way to "power" the Mine Cart , the Railway was born, the Transimperial Railway was laid down in all corners of The Empire. And the parts of The Empire overseas laid down Railways of their own. He also made a machine called a Printing Press, which took loads of ink and pressed it into letters forming sentences of information on sheets of parchment.
The Black Horse Courier started using these for writing their Newspapers almost immediately. Yagrum also seemed to be the only one who knew how to harness the Knowledge inside Lexicons to the fullest extent, which is part of how he was able to complete these projects. He also used The Orrery at The Arcane University for some of them too.
Varnus once asked Yagrum about that "Sun" at the center of the City, on how while searching for an Elder Scroll in the City; he inadvertently Shouted in it's direction when he was shouting to pieces a Falmer Warrior that was attacking him. He heard it "ring" and a Dragon appeared seemingly out of nowhere and attacked him, which he subsequently slew.. He also made mention of the Dragon being crippled, unable to fly. And having a visibly injured head. "Ah. That would have been Vulthuryol, he had flown down here through a crevice during The Dragon War to rest. Until an earthquake created a cave-in, closing the crevice, trapping him here. He quickly came across some of My People and began to slaughter and eat them. He spoke..."
"Zu'u aal kos trapped tum het nu, nuz Alduin, Thuri lost called fah fin dinok do pah joor, same goes fah hi pathetic lir. Perish!" [I may be trapped down here now, but Alduin, My Overlord has called for the death of all Mortals, same goes for you pathetic weaklings. Perish!] Thousands were killed in the resulting firestorms, nearly reducing Blackreach to barren rocks. Until some of our Dwarven Ballistas landed some well placed shots in his wings and wing-joints. This sent him crashing to the ground, further injuring him. Two Dwarven Centurion Masters charged in at him, he toppled one of them when he set it ablaze, but he was too late to do the same to the other one when it delivered a crushing blow to his head with it's hammer-arm, knocking him out.
I was surprised when I learned that even that wasn't enough to kill him. Those things can literally flatten you. They said he was quite a big one too. Instead of finishing him off, they decided to imprison him within Blackreach's "Sun" using incantations your mind can't even comprehend. But you were able to remove them just with Your Thu'um. One that is merely kinetic energy built up through sound, no less. But yes, our "Suns" are used as Light Sources, and Prisons. The one here in Blackreach is actually the only one we ever built, come to think of it. As none of our Cities were quite as massive and open as Blackreach is." That was his answer.
Despite being Director of the Mages Guild and Headmaster of The Arcane University and having sole unrestricted access to the Headmaster's Quarters, he spent most of his time in Blackreach, the Capital City of His People's Civilization. Although he did link a Portal to and from his quarters at The Arcane University to his Workshop here in Blackreach which was activated by an Attunment Sphere. Along with subsequent portals at his Workshop to and from all the other Dwemer Cities scattered across Skyrim, High Rock, Hammerfell and Morrowind. (Excluding those completely destroyed by Red Mountain)
Only He, along with The Emperor, Chancellor, Shogun of The Blades, and Supreme Commander of The Armed Forces had unrestricted access to these portals and the ruined cities. Permission for accessing the Cities could only be granted by Yagrum himself. He even launched a massive restoration effort undertaken by Graduate Mages with Dwarven Automatons alongside them. Clearing all the rock and debris and repairing the damaged areas.
Red Mountain. Once The Largest Volcano in all of Tamriel, forming the largest island in all of Tamriel; Vvardenfell. Now but a shadow of what it once was. In 5 4E, Baar Dau; The Ministry of Truth slammed into the City of Vivec, leaving no trace of it except for a crater which quickly filled with water. The impact lead to The Red Year that same year. Where in which Red Mountain utterly exploded. Lava and Pyroclastic flows covered the massive Island, Plumes spread out in all directions, blanketing Morrowind's Mainland and the southern portion of the nearby island of Solstheim to the Northwest with ash and pumice.
Argonia, Skyrim's Mainland and Cyrodiil got some of it too. A number of Dunmer fled out of Morrowind to Solstheim, which The High King of Skyrim at the time gave control of the Island to Morrowind's government 7 Years Later in 12 4E. The entire southern half of Vvardenfell was gone, sank beneath the waves, the central portion of the northern half of Vvardenfell sank as well! This new area of water was named the Scathing Bay as it's waters were boiling hot.
All that remained of Vvardenfell were the northwestern and northeastern corners of the island, which were later simply named West Vvardenfell and East Vvardenfell when the Dunmer began the slow agonizing process of resettling in their ruined homeland. The Archipelago Sheograd just on the sea of Ghosts to the North and the large island on Zafirbel Bay on which the City of Sadrith Mora resided to the East survived The Red Year too. All that remained of Vvardenfell which in it's entirety made up Red Mountain itself was but a Caldera, mostly underwater, but including the parts still above water too.
Back during his time in Apocrypha, just after he defeated Miraak and before he departed. Varnus asked Hermaues Mora a few very important questions. Questions the whole world was dying to have answered. "Was Sheogorath behind Baar Dau? Was The Great Collapse really caused by Tidal Waves generated by aftershocks from The Red Year? And Was The Sleeping Tree in Skyrim really formed by a fragment that was blasted from Red Mountain when it erupted during The Red Year?" After receiving no answer after a short while, he turned back to the Black Book to return to Nirn and touched it, right as he was leaving Hermaues Mora finally responded. "Yes."
During His Fight with Miraak, after having been weakened enough to promptly devour the Souls of The Dragons Kruziikrel and Relonikiv, Miraak was weakened again to prompt himself to attempt to devour Sahrotaar's Soul. But Varnus decided that was NOT going to happen. He interrupted Miraak's Devour Shout, by running him through with His Gladius.
In 6 4E, the Argonians started invading Morrowind, at the bidding of The Hist and possibly the Thalmor. Much of Southern Morrowind was lost to the Argonians, and apparently most holdings of House Telvanni. The combination of The Red Year forced most Dunmer to flee to Solstheim, (then part of Skyrim) Skyrim itself, and Cyrodiil.
By 201 4E, the Argonians have been pushed back to the southern end of the Deshaan Plain. By then, Sadrith Mora had been rebuilt, the Sheograd Archipelago was resettled and on West Vvardenfell, the Cities of Gnisis and Balmora have been mostly rebuilt at their original locations, as well as many new Telvanni Strongholds on East Vvardenfell. Balmora wouldn't be able to be rebuilt to it's former glory as where it stood, half of it is now underwater, and with House Hlaalu exiled, House Redoran stepped in.
The following year, The Mede Dynasty came to an end when Emperor Titus Mede II was assassinated. Rumors had spread saying that this has delighted The Thalmor, but after Varnus ascended to The Ruby Throne a short time later in late 202 4E, new rumors spread of The Thalmor's displeasure. Also, that they are even scared of him. However, everyone was completly oblivious as to who exactly killed Titus Mede II, only knowing that The Dark Brotherhood was responsible. He had joined and become Master of The Thieves Guild much earlier in the Year.
One of the first things he did as Emperor was retire The Penitus Oculatus from their duty as The Emperor's personal security force, making them exclusive to National Security and Law Enforcement. He invited The Blades which he helped rebuild before he became Emperor to be The Emperor's Personal Security Force again. Shogun Delphine agreed. Her, along with Esbern, and the 13 others left Sky Haven Temple to resettle in Cloud Ruler Temple. Delphine was at first reluctant to let Varnus continue to work with them, as he outright refused to kill Paarthurnax and Odahviing, but after informing her that Emperor Titus Mede II was dead and that he was going to play "The Game" for The Ruby Throne, as well the fact that those two Dragons had sworn their service to them along with more numbering up in the thousands! And that he had resurrected a number of Dragons that Alduin didn't get to as well.
Delphine called him a "Monster that must be put down" and drew her Katana, but he simply shouted her down without lifting a finger. "ZUN HAAL VIIK! FUS RO DAH!" He stood her up and throttled her against a wall. He lastly told her in a cold stern voice that "A wise man once told me that Dragons coexisting and even working with Joor was Their Destiny, either accept this, or you shall be left behind." Which was something Paarthurnax said to him, as a matter of fact, minus that last part.
Varnus also told him and The Graybeards of his plans. Arngeir responding with "That is your choice, as Dragonborn, and quite frankly, The Ruby Throne is Your Birthright." Delphine reluctantly, and yet eagerly; agreed. Varnus had persuaded Fultheim to come back to The Blades after he got the truth out of him by bringing Delphine to him at the Nightgate Inn in The Town of Helarchen Creek, which confirmed his theory. Fultheim gathered his things, including His Armor from the farmhouse he shared with someone that kept his secret safe. And he left with The Others.
Varnus had also rustled up a dozen reputable Mercenaries from across Skyrim to help rebuild The Blades. After they had settled in at Cloud Ruler Temple, people arrived at their doorstep wanting to join The Blades by the thousands. Soon, all Their Strongholds all across the Empire were well garrisoned and supplied, including Sky Haven Temple.
In 209 4E Emperor Varnus Julius was approached by an Orc that the Orcish Tribes had named their King with a request to officially declare the Fourth Orsinium as an official Province of Tamriel for the promise of Fealty to The Empire. Varnus recognized this Orc as Chief Gularzob So he worked out a deal with the Sultan of Hammerfell and The Orcish King. The Orcs had declared a region consisting of the entire Dragontail Mountains Reigon in Hammerfell, which ended at Iliac Bay as the new Orsinium. This also consisted of Hammerfell's entire land boarder with High Rock and the City of Dragonstar; the regional seat.
After intense negotiations and honeyed words by The Emperor, and no one wanting to see another War Against the Orcs; The Sultan finally relented and agreed after 3 straight hours of negotiation. The three of them then returned to The Imperial City and jointly issued The Orsinium Proclamation. Which states that the Dragontail Mountains Region of Hammerfell to is to be recognized as an it's own Province of Tamriel named Orisinium; making The Nine Provinces into Ten, and Hammerfell swearing Fealty back into The Empire. The lands The Orcs picked was also a smart move, it went as far west as to part of the coast of Iiliac Bay, this meant that they would be able to have not just an Army, but a Navy too. And not just Merchant Caravans but Merchant Ships and Fleets too. Militarily and Economically beneficial.
In late 211 4E, The Accession War was STILL ongoing, with only sporadic border skirmishes now and again. The Argonians were staring to push back into Morrowind, first heading towards Mournhold which was still being rebuilt. Emperor Varnus heard about this and approached the High Council of Morrowind. He offered the aid of His Legions and Dragons in exchange for an Alliance with The Empire. When The Neravarine, Councilor Lleril Morvayn of House Redoran, and Master Neloth of House Telvanni filled them in on Emperor Varnus' reputation and glorious deeds as well as the handful for Morrowind Itself on Solstheim, they agreed.
The Imperial Legions fought alongside House Redoran's Army and House Telvanni's Wizards. With Emperor Varnus Julius Himself leading the charge. The Dragons also flying ahead, setting fire to the swamps. Together they pushed the Argonians back at the Battle of Mournhold in early 212 4E and out of Morrowind down into Argonia itself, finally putting an end to the whopping 218-Year-Long War at the Battle for Helstrom and Emperor Varnus Julius Himself struck down the Argonian King Claudraz. The killing blow being Varnus disarming him and decapitating him with his Skyforge Steel Gladius: Dragonclaw. It's hilt and the blade were decorated with Imperial Markings.
The Argonian Kingsguards still standing noticed this and lunged at Varnus in a burst of rage, though he still managed to cut them down, one of them nearly cut him with a dagger. His helmet was knocked off earlier in the fight. He took a look around at all the carnage. Numerous bodies of many races. It at this moment he noticed everyone else staring at him. "Take those who surrendered to the jails." He commanded. With King Claudraz dead, and Helstrom occupied, Argonia had been fully subjugated and annexed by The Empire.
A long time afterwords, Emperor Varnus sent a Courier to Alinor; Capital City of The Aldmeri Dominion to call over Eran Granthar: King of The Dominion. To meet with him in The Imperial City. When King Eran arrived, Varnus asked him a question. "Do you have it?"
"Well, do did ask for Me to bring it, so yes." Eran replied. "Let me see it." Varnus took the original copy of The White Gold Concordat, read it over, let out an audible "Hmm. Yes." and then in a daring move... threw it into a lit brazier nearby. Eran just stood there in shock, gaping slightly. "Praise Mighty Talos!" Varnus boomed with pride. The citizens gathered around the two entourages (a number of them Nords) erupted into cheers and applause. The Eight just became The Nine once again. Eran finally spoke. His voice full of bitterness and a devilishly maniacal tone towards the end. "This. Isn't. Over. You'd better watch yourself now, Listener."
King Eran turned face and marched off with his retinue following close behind. All the feeling of pride and joy left Varnus' face as his blood ran cold. How does he know? How could he know?! He thought. The crowd around him oblivious to the look on his face continued their cheers and applause. He thought it was impossible that anyone outside The Dark Brotherhood knew that it was Him who killed Emperor Titus Mede II. He went back inside the White Gold Tower and sat upon The Ruby Throne to dwell on what just happened.
Then a familiar face entered the Throne Room; the Argonian Veezara.
He owed Varnus his life for saving him that day in the slaughter on the Dark Brotherhood's Falkreath Sanctuary. After Varnus annexed Argonia as Emperor, he contacted Veezara and together with the maniacal jester; Cicero went before King Tibaava, the Son of the Late King Claudraz to "resurrect" the Order of the Shadowscales. King Tibaava dispatched Veezara together with Cicero to gather up 100 Argonians from all over Tamriel born under the Sign of The Shadow. 50 Male and 50 Female. They established Headquarters in the Argonian City of Archon as originally planned. King Tibaava named Veezara Grandmaster of The Order, and Cicero returned to his Brothers and Sisters at The Brotherhood Sanctuary in Dawnstar, Skyrim.
"Listener, our moles have uncovered most troubling news. They have discovered that the Thalmor have been plotting another war against The Empire." He could hear Varnus gasp. "How long do we have?" He asked in a shaky voice. "We aren't sure. it could be Days. Weeks. Months. Years even. You should convene a meeting between The Heads of The Empire's Provinces as quickly as possible."
A week later, they all convened in the Throne Room. When he broke the news to them, they all wore horror-stricken faces, even the guards, though a few didn't even react. No one else already knew apart from those high in the Dark Brotherhood, Thieves Guild, and Shadowscales. (Including Veezara) Along with King Tibaava, and one seat of the Small Council: Master of Whisperers: Brynjolf.
Apart from being Master of the Thieves Guild after Varnus passed the torch to him, he held this seat in The Emperor's Council. So he left Leadership Duties for The Guild to Delvin and Vex. As apart from Shop Extortion, Big Planned-Out Heists, Smuggling, Forgeries, "Fishing," and "Planting," The Thieves Guild made for an excellent network of Informants. And The Dark Brotherhood made for deadly "Secret" Bodyguards.
Outraged by this revelation, The Heads ordered for Military Production to be significantly increased and to recruit a great many more men. The Maormer of Pyandonea caught wind of this and after being approached by their King whom offered a Pledge of Fealty as their hatred for The Dominion; to everyone else's surprise; was also greater than their own. Emperor Varnus gladly welcomed them into The Empire. He was also deeply disturbed by the fact that Their King told him that he knows why they greatly increased their Military Production. Hence why they came to offer their assistance in the first place.
This alarmed him, he began to fear that The Thalmor already knew too, He along with King Orgnum (Pyandonea's King) went and convened with The Rulers of the other Provinces under The Empire. While they were in session about this possibility, a Courier working for The Blades delivered him an ominous, unsigned letter bearing the seal of The King of the Third Aldmeri Dominion. It read:
So much for the element of surprise.
His eyes widened. They do know! He thought. He bolted up from The Ruby Throne to a nearby restroom to splash some water on his face and take a piss that he barely managed to contain when he read that foreboding message. He then went back to inform them all that they did in fact know.
That was two months ago, on the 1st of Midyear. Over the course of a fortnight.
"Dragonborn, are you alright?" One of his Twelve Blades Bodyguards present asked. Snapping Varnus' mind back to the present. "Y-yes, I'm fine Stenvar."
"I'm just making sure."
"It's just that... it's been 16 years now since That Fateful Day on the 17th of Last Seed. That's Today. Yes. 16 Years Ago Today, I was a hair away from meeting my end. When Alduin the World-Eater destroyed the Town of Helgan in Skyrim."
"By the Gods! That's today?!"
"Yep. It sure is, Hadvar."
Just then a Herald sounded off. "AND NOW, FOR THE FINAL CONTESTANTS!" Fanfare music played. "The last one already? Did I miss a few?"
"Yeah, You completely phased out during the intermission of the 24th Match an hour ago. This is Match 30. Are You sure You're alright, Imperator?"
"I'm fine, Hadvar, I'm fine. Just had a lot on my mind. Let's see how this one goes." They were at The Coliseum. Viewing This Month's Gladiatorial Games. Earlier in the day, they were at the Circus Maximus for This Year's Horse Race, Next Week would be the Monthly Chariot Races.
Varnus overheard a few Food Vendors making their sales pitches. "GET YOUR SURILIE BROTHERS WINE, THREE-YEAR VINTAGE, RIGHT HERE!" One called. "PIZZA PIES! FRESH FROM THE OVEN HE-ERE!" Called another. "GET YOUR PORK CHOPS HERE! NICE'N'JUICY!" Called a third.
"AT THE BLUE GATE, WE HAVE AN ORC BRUTE, STRAIGHT OUT OF ORISINIUM; THE SKULLCRUNCHER!" The crowd cheered, some chanting his name. "AND AT THE YELLOW GATE, WE HAVE OUR GRAND CHAMPION. HERE TO DEFEND HIS TITLE. A NORD FROM THE CITY OF WINDHELM IN SKYRIM: DRAGONHEART!" The crowd cheered, many more chanting his name.
"Wasn't Dragonheart the name Your 5th Great Grandfather; Augustus picked for his time in The Coliseum Dragonborn?" "Yes, Stenvar. Yes it was."
Augustus Julius. A man who was named a Champion of Cyrodiil. Most famously known as The Hero of Kvatch. One day, several Months after the conclusion of The Oblivion Crisis; he entered a Portal on an Island out on Niben Bay east of the City of Bravil, Cyrodill. He never re-emerged.
"LOWER THE GATES!"
And with that, the gates lowered. Dragonheart drew his sword, and simply started walking forward, whilst The Skullcruncher drew a Warhammer and charged at him with a roar of fury.
Varnus could hear some people in the audience nearby placing bets.
"100 Copper Pence on Dragonheart!"
"500 Silver Remans on The Skullcruncher!"
Then Hadvar stood up and placed a bet of his own.
"2,000 Gold Septims on Dragonheart!"
He heard a few "Ooo's" from the audience around them.
Varnus watched as The Skullcruncher closed in on Dragonheart. He swung his Orcish Warhammer high, and brought the hammer down. But Dragonheart simply sidestepped the would-be death blow. He swept at his legs with his Longsword, knocking The Skullcruncher to the ground. The crowd gasped with anticipation. Dragonheart then spun his sword into a downward stabbing stance. And plunged his sword into the huge Orc's chest. His mouth gargled with blood as the life left his eyes. The crowd went batshit crazy as Dragonheart raised a hand to them. Which seemed to make them go even crazier, some started hooting. Varnus cracked an amused grin at this. The Herald sounded off loud enough so the crowd quieted down a little to hear him.
"IT'S OVER! IT"S OVER! THE SKULLCRUNCHER IS DEAD! THE SKULLCRUNCHER IS DEAD! DRAGONHEART WINS! DRAGONHEART MAINTAINS HIS TITLE AS GRAND CHAMPION! If You bet on Dragonheart, speak to a Betkeeper at their Kiosk to collect Your Winnings."
"Not bad, Hadvar." Varnus said as the former stood up to go to a Betkeeper's Kiosk. "The fact that Dragonheart was Your Forefather's Gladiator name inspired Me to place a bet... on him." Varnus laughed. Brynjolf approached him. "Boss, Yagrum Bagarn and some Heads in The Mages' Guild request an audience with ya over at The Arcane University. Says they've got some new contraptions to show ya."
"Tell him I'll be right there."
"Will do."
Apart from being Director of The Mages Guild, Yagrum Bagarn had also become known for being a Scientist and an Inventor. Professions that came in handy from his time as a Master Crafter working for The Chief Tonal Architect; Kagrenac within the long-gone Dwemer Civilization which had ended when they all simply vanished without a trace way back in 700 1E when Kragenac used His Tools on the Heart of Lorkhan. Biology. Anatomy. Chemistry. Meteorology. Geology. Seismology. Volcanology. Machinery. Astronomy. He knew it all.
Varnus made his was to The Arcane University with Stenvar and 11 other Bladesmen, including a towering High Elf clad in Elven Glass Armor. He was armed with a Dagger, Shortsword, Bow, and Quiver full of Arrows, all made of the same material as His armor.. They were referred to as Glass Armor and Weapons due to their glassy appearance which came from one of the main "ingredients" in forging them: Obsidian. The Supreme Commander of The Empire's Armed Forces was tagging along with them too. Yagrum and several Master Mages were waiting for them outside the front door.
"Ahh! So good to see you, Varnus!"
"Likewise, Yagrum."
"We have some New Powerful Weapons to show You! Believe Me when I say they are going to LITERALLY blow your mind! Heh. The little half-machine Elf gestured towards the building. "Come and see. Follow us." Stenvar whispered to Varnus. "Dragonborn, How was it he came to having metal legs again?" "I'll tell You later, now shush."
They followed Yagrum inside into His Personal Quarters. There was a Mage standing next to a pedestal on a platform of Dwemer-make. Yagrum reached into his pocket and pulled out a metal cube. He inserted it into the pedestal. The platform lit up. Yagrum spoke to the Mage that was waiting there for him. "Remove the Control Cube once we've all gone through."
"Right, Sir."
"Kinda crowded in here." A Dunmer Bladesmen piped up. "Follow Me through the Portal and your claustrophobia will be remedied immediately." Yagrum responded, he then spoke aloud. "Blackreach." The platform opened a portal as if linking up with the other end. "Follow Me." He vanished into the portal, and everyone else followed suit. The Mage that was there waiting for them removed the Control Cube from the Pedestal as commanded. Closing the portal.
Nineteen-Hundred Hours, 17th of Last Seed 217 4E
Blackreach, Skyrim
When they emerged, they realized they were in Skyrim. In the Underground City of Blackreach, they made note of Dwarven Automatons all around them, hard at work with repairs. A number of Dwemer Cities were still in the process of restoration. Five Spiders went skittering by, their metal legs clinking on the stone floor. Two Sphere Masters stood sentinel at the door into Yagrum's Workshop, folded up in their idle Sphere Form. "If you all will excuse Me, allow Me to go and bring these out here from My Workshop." Yagrum and the Master Mages accompanying him went inside the Workshop to retrieve the inventions. They all sat down at a table outside the Workshop that looked as if it was recently placed there.
A few minutes had passed before anyone spoke again. "What's taking him so long?" A Bladesmen asked. "We haven't even been sitting here for five minutes, you pussy." Quipped a Nord. "He'll come out here when he comes out here, he never even specified when, Fultheim." There was a brief pause. "Are You sure about that, Legolas?" The towering Altmer shook his head. "Yes." He replied slightly irritated. "Bloody wonderful, must've dozed off when he said that." A female Argonian spoke next. "He said nothing about waiting in the letter he sent to The Dragonborn with Brynjolf."
"Oh, yeah. Thanks for reminding me, Fathoms."
"I have a feeling he'll be out very soon." A fourth said. "You're probably right, Erik." Varnus replied as if he knew.
Varnus had known Legolas ever since the Skyrim Civil War when he bumped in to Hadvar talking to him just after the Legion had successfully repelled a Stormcloak Invasion on Whiterun. Hadvar was a good friend, still serving in the XVIth even today. Legolas however became best friends with Varnus, and they seemed to have had parted ways, but when he found out he became Emperor and was reforming The Blades, he signed up almost immediately. And has since then has always been one of The Blades assigned as one of his Personal Bodyguards. Legolas was born in the City of Alinor, to a famous Thalmor Politician, never said who though, just that he was "dead to him now."
A Centurion came slowly thundering by, it was carrying what appeared to be a large box full of what Varnus guessed was rubble or tools. Just then, the door to Yagrum's Workshop opened and he came out accompanied by the Master Mages that went inside with him. They were carrying several things. Varnus spoke. "What devices have you got for the World this time, Yagrum? Looks like some sort of weapon."
"It is." he answered. "As I stated in the letter. The bow and arrow, the crossbow and quarrel, and all currently used pieces of artillery will become obsolete once I finalize these little toys and they're put in to full use. Currently they're nothing but untested prototypes. I call them: Guns. I'll start with the Hand-Gun, or: Firearm. Now keep in mind, these are rather... explosive. There's a chance they could misfire and blow up in your hands, seriously hurting or even killing You. There will still be the chance for that once they're in circulation."
"Can't afford to lose You, Yagrum. There are still so many Dwemer secrets buried or locked away that we need for You to show to the world." Varnus said, rather concerned.
They all watched attentively as some other Mages set up several training dummies. Two had a shield and armor and three more had neither. Yagrum then stuck a little ball in through the hole on the front of the firearm, pulled back a "hammer" with his thumb. Everyone heard a small hiss. Yagrum then smiled, he pointed the firearm at the dummy and then pulled a trigger. The gun shot off with a loud bang. Everyone jumped in their seats at the loud noise, Yagrum didn't even flinch.
The shot struck the shield dummy... in the shield. Yagrum spoke. "The bullet was absorbed by the shield. The same will happen with the armor. One day, I will have made the bullet even better so that as it will pass right on through the shield or armor. We're currently taking into consideration in making armor vests and special glass shields that can absorb a more advanced, currently nonexistent bullet."
Yagrum reloaded the gun, moved to the next dummy and fired. The bullet hit the dummy square in the chest. "Remove the breastplate." The assistant took the breastplate off the dummy and handed it to Yagrum. "You can see where it hit. There is an entry hole, but you turn it around and there is no exit hole. Like the shield, the armor absorbed the shot. However, Shields and Armor will only hold up to a certain point. If they've taken too many hits, they'll be damaged to the point that they're unusable. Making You more vulnerable to getting shot and killed."
Yagrum reloaded the gun and moved to the next dummy and fired. The shot hit the leg and the dummy toppled. "Direct hit to the Femoral Artery. Major bloodloss. Without medical attention, he would bleed out and die in just a few minutes. If he managed to stop the bleeding, but didn't get the bullet surgically removed, he would succumb to lead poisoning over the course of several hours, or days. But usually, a rupturing of the Femoral is always fatal, regardless." Yagrum walked back over the table and set the Hand-Gun down, only to pick up a much bigger one.
"The smaller Hand-Gun I am calling a Pistol, this one I am calling a Musket, An improvement over the Dwarven Arquebus, which never even had it's first prototype manufactured before My people disappeared whilst I traveled The Planes of Oblivion."
He reached in to his pocket and pulled out a small paper bag that when he opened it, everyone saw it was filled with some sort of black powder. "This is Gunpowder. The backbone behind the bullet. Internal mechanisms that are activated by pulling the trigger is what propels the bullet from the chamber. That makes the bang. The Gunpowder is made from a combination of Sulfur, Charcoal, and Potassium Nitrate."
Yagrum propped the Musket up against himself, the front end facing the ceiling of the massive Cavern in which Blackreach lay. He took the bag of gunpowder and poured it down the muzzle of the barrel. He then took a noticeably larger shot and dropped it in, he then took a thin metal rod. "This right here is a Ramrod." He inserted it into the muzzle and moved it up and down. One of The Blades Agents that came with Emperor Varnus started snickering, Varnus looked over at him and just shook his head smirking.
Yagrum then removed the muzzle and set it down. He hefted up the Musket and aimed down the sights on it and pulled the trigger. The Musket went off with a noticeably louder bang than the Pistol. The bullet struck the dummy in the head and it fell backwards to the floor. "Point of entry in the forehead. Skull pierced. Shot's lodged in the brain. With the damage to his brain, he would already be dead. In a fraction of a second after impact."
"Now I'm impressed." Said one of The Blades.
"Lastly, this is the Shotgun. What makes it different from the others is that instead of loading it with one shot, it's loaded with a cartridge containing several "shots." That when fired, spread out for area of effect damage. At close range you don't even have to aim down the sights to do anything, just point and shoot. But for the sake of demonstrating just how powerful it is, watch what happens when I fire with it pressed up against his skull.
Now, the Shotgun is very loud compared to the others and has quite a kick to it. Much greater than the others. If you don't have a good grip on it, it'll go flying backwards several feet when you fire. And you can break your shoulder if you hold it with the butt of the weapon pressed into yourself." Yagrum opened up the gun at the back end of the barrel, stuck a cartridge in, closed it up, and cocked a pump on the bottom of the gun towards the front. It made a clicking noise. Yagrum pressed the muzzle up against the dummy's head and pulled the trigger. That was really damn loud. The dummy fell over, little pieces of it's head went everywhere. Stenvar wheezed a laugh. "I Love it already."
"Just wait until you see what the Cannon can do."
Yagrum walked over to the table and set the Shotgun down, and walked over to something covered and pulled the tarp off. "This. Is the Cannon. Ballistas, Springalds and Scorpions, Siege Towers and Battering Rams will all become obsolete." He gestured to another Cannon" And the Mortar will replace the Onagers, Catapults, Mangonels, Trebuchets and Couillard. And Our Navy's Warships can be armed with them too. Though we probably could still use Ladders and definitely still dig Sapping Tunnels. And remember, Gunpowder is HIGHLY Explosive! If a barrel full of it gets shot at or catches on fire, it'll create a massive explosion. If a shed used to store it or the reserves for it on a Ship gets hit; The shed pretty much gets vaporized and the Ship's stern is nearly blown off. Very devastating, very dangerous, and quite deadly."
"The Cannonball can also be heated up before firing to launch an Incendiary Round, starting a fire in the hole where it hits. They are best used to burn away the sails on a Ship. It can also be loaded with Grapeshot, a large canister full of little pellets like the ones used in the Guns; thus is why we're also calling it Canister Shot; use at close range only against a large formation of infantry or when you're right up alongside an enemy ship. And lastly, exclusive for the Ship-mounted Cannons we have Chain Shot. Two cannonballs connected via a chain. Aim high and for the mast. You'll tear up their sails and break the masts."
He then gestured to two Centurions waiting nearby to set down a large piece of wooden hull for a First-Rate Ship of the Line. And they went to opposite ends and grabbed on. "Now, they are going to hold the ship hull piece in place so the momentum doesn't make it fall over. Now... you might want to plug your ears, this'll be the loudest sound you ever hear next to Your Thu'um, Varnus. Watch for when the Mages and I do." He gestured for them to get in position. "LOAD! AIM! FIRE!" Everyone quickly plugged their ears as the Cannon went off.
The Cannonball went sailing through the air and went smashed through an armored dummy and further on, piercing the hull piece. The Centurions noticeably lurched keeping it up as they counteracted the force of the impact. "As you can see, he is... quite dead. And the ship's hull has been penetrated with ease. Add in some heavy iron reinforcements to it and the shot can be absorbed by the armor up to a point. Strike enough holes in the ship, especially if some are below the waterline and she heads for the bottom. Strike the powder reserves and you'll blow her apart."
"Yagrum, I must say, I really like what I'm seeing."
"I aim to please, Supreme Commander... LOAD! LIGHT THE SHOT! AIM! FIRE!" This time when it fired, a fireball soared through the air. The Centurions quickly let go of the hull piece and stepped back, so as to not catch fire. The fireball struck the hull, it fell over, but was set ablaze regardless.
Emperor Varnus stood from his seat, and let out a slow applause. He was quickly joined by his Bladesmen. "How soon before these are ready for use by The Armed Forces?" "Everything's still got some kinks to work out. Naturally, with Prototypes. We just got lucky with this set of field tests. We work those out, and they'll be ready for production in The Factories before The Month is done." Just then the ground started to shake. "Earthquake."
"No, Yagrum. The Graybeards. They call for Me."
"How us it that You can hear them all they way down here, and we can't?"
"Because, Supreme Commander Tulius, I have a "sense" for The Thu'um."
"I'll take Your word for it." Tulius further replied.
After Varnus had ascended to The Ruby Throne, He named Gaius Tulius; Legate of The Sixteenth Legion; Supreme Commander of The Armed Forces of The Empire. His Second-In-Command; Tribune Rikke was promoted to Legate of The XVIth, assuming command. Hadvar still served with them, also ranking as a Tribune. He became Rikke's Second-In-Command.
The shaking gradually came to a stop. Varnus turned to Tulius. "Supreme Commander Tulius, take The Bladesmen and make Your way back to The Imperial City. And start assembling The Small Council and The Senate for a meeting. I've got a feeling that The Graybeards have something important to tell Me that's going to require the cooperation of the Legions. I must go alone now."
"I understand, Imperator."
"You need Security. I'm going with You."
"I'll be fine, Tulius needs your help now, Legolas."
"As You wish, Varnus."
Tulius turned to The Bladesmen. "ATTENTION!" The Blades fell in line, Saluting the Supreme Commander whom returned the Salute. "Our Emperor is going to speak with The Graybeards. He must do so alone. We are to return to The Imperial City and assemble a meeting between the Small Council and the Imperial Senate and discuss what is to be done about whatever The Graybeards have told Our Emperor. Do I make myself clear?"
"SIR, YES SIR!" They shouted in unison. "Good." Yagrum approached Tulius. "Supreme Commander, take this Control Cube, put it in the pedestal on the Portal Platform, I'll remove it to close the portal once You're all through. Just speak aloud where You want to go, and if there is a Portal Platform at that location as well as synchronized with it, the Portal will flash to indicate it has opened on the other side. Though, the process works a bit differently with Attunement Spheres."
"Alright. May The Gods be with you, Imperator."
"And You."
Tulius approached the portal platform. "BLADESMEN, ON ME!" He placed the Control Cube in the receptacle on the pedestal. The platofrm powered to life. "The Imperial City. White Gold Palace." A portal opened in response. They all went into the portal. Leaving Varnus alone with Yagrum and The Mages. "Varnus, I may or may not see You back at the White Gold Palace when You get back there."
"Good to know Yagrum."
Varnus emerged from Blackreach unto Eastmarch Hold via the Great Tower of Mzark. He looked to the sky and called upon the power of The Thu'um.
"OD AH VIING!"
A few minutes passed before he heard a wingbeat, and the roar of a Dragon. "Dovahkiin! Here I am!" The Red Dragon landed with his face a few feet away from Varnus'. "Drem Yol Lok, Odahviing."
"Drem Yol Lok, Dovahkiin. You summoned Me?"
"Yes. Take Me to Ivarstead."
"Climb on my back, Dovahkiin, and we will be off." He followed suit, and off they flew to Ivarstead.
About 10 minutes had passed before they reached Ivarstead. Varnus dismounted off of Odahviing. "Call if You require further assistance, Dovahkiin." With that He took back off into the sky. Roaring periodically. Varnus watched him until he disappeared completely from view unto the night sky. Two Guardsmen came running up to him. "Your Imperial Majesty!" They bowed their heads.
"What an honor this is. Is it true that the Graybeards were calling for You?" Asked one of them. "Where are Your Bladesmen?" Asked the second. "They did. You heard them. And I come alone. I still have My Thu'um and Dragonclaw on Me. I'm turning in at Vilemyr Inn for the Night." Alright. But we'll keep guard over You. We may be sworn to protect The Town of Ivarstead, but The High King or Queen of Skyrim, and The Emperor or Empress supersedes that."
"Fine by Me." He headed inside and stepped up to the Bar Counter. "Emperor Varnus Julius! What an honor it is to have You here!" Nice to see You again after all these years, Wilhelm. I'll take the big room on the right."
"Of course! It's on the house for our Imperial Majesty!" The Guards went up to the counter and spoke to Wilhelm. "Lock the door behind him, got it?"
"Of course, of course." After Varnus stepped inside the room and closed the door, Wilhelm locked the door, Varnus stripped down to his breeches, climbed into the comfy, cozy double bed. And drifted off to sleep...
That night, he dremt about how he got Dragonclaw. And how "This all started." Dragonclaw was once his Father's; Titus Julius. Titus was a Legionnaire who fought in The Great War. Before The War at some point is when he enlisted for The Legions. At one point also before The War; He visited Skyrim. Whiterun specifically. He visited The Companions at Jorrvaskr. And spoke to Eorlund Gray-Mane at The Skyforge.
At the time, Eorlund was a young man, about as old as he was. His Father: Ragnar Gray-Mane; The Skyforge's Previous Smithy and Vignar's Father, this making him Eorlund's Brother; had recently passed. He had groomed His Son for the position. The Patriarch of Clan Gray-Mane before Vignar was a Sonless Loki Gray-Mane; Ragnar's Brother.
Titus had Eorlund forge him a Legionaire's Gladius with the widely famous Skyforge Steel. He named it Dragonclaw. He then, a short time later went on to fight for The Empire in The Great War. He fought the Thalmor Soldiers whilst at one point fighting right alongside the man only remembered as The Forgotten Hero. He was fortunate enough to survive The War and be known as a Veteran. At some point a long time after he came home from The War, he met Varnus' Mother; Claudia. Months later, they married. And the next Year, Varnus was born.
Over the next several years, they had steadily fallen on hard times. Taxes were increased. Due to sanctions forcefully imposed upon The Empire by The Dominion. Eventually outdoing Titus' Legion Retiree Pension. And they lost their Home; Rosethorn Manor in Skingrad. When Varnus was only Seven. Titus had grown sick with Rockjoint and died. Claudiana comforted Varnus as well as showing him Dragonclaw.
"He wanted You to have this when You were older, but I guess You can have it now." His Mother told him. Both Varnus and his Mother were forced to live on the street when there was a Foreclosure on their Home. A short time later, Esmon Surile; an old friend of Titus' whom was running the Surilie Brothers' Vineyard; gave them a room at his Extravagant Estate within The Vineyard's Property Line, and Jobs on the Vineyard.
A long time ago, not Ten Years after the conclusion of The Oblivion Crisis, there was a terrible flooding of the nearby Strid River. The competitor to Surile Brothers Vineyard: Tamika's West Weald Vineyard was completely washed away in the flood. Tamika, and Her Brother; Talan; were both killed in the flood. Though Surilie Brothers Vineyard did not escape unscathed. Thus Davide and Gaston Surilie looked at this as "Elimination of Competition though an Act of The Gods."
Davide Surilie publicly reminisced on this: "Even before this happened, despite Their's Tasting even better than Our's, albeit by a small margin; as many, including Me have said, We received more business than Them because of our much lower prices." It's almost is if The Gods had favored them and gave them the title of Vineyard Tycoon. Over the Generations, Surilie Brothers Vineyard began exporting Their Wine across The Empire, Including Skyrim.
Over time, Varnus become quite skilled with His Father's Gladius by training with the Skingrad City Guards. He even learned a basic Healing Spell and Fire Spell from reading a couple of Spell Tomes.
Nine Years later on the 3rd of Last Seed, 201 4E when Varnus was just Sixteen, His Mother went out to work at a Grape Press on the Vineyard, Varnus heard a loud scream coming from Her when He was inside the House. He and Esmon ran outside to find that had been grabbed by a hooded man and was riding off with her on Horse.
Varnus grabbed Dragonclaw, mounted a Horse, and gave chase. Esmon ran off into The City to fetch Guardsmen. Varnus felt the chase was going on for hours before he finally caught up to the man in a wooded area at a campsite. He found that his Mother had been raped, then murdered. The man responsible nowhere in sight. He approached his Mother's desecrated, lifeless body. And dropped to his knees. He dropped his head and closed his eyes. When suddenly a loud shouting was heard behind him. He got to his feet and whirled around. To see the hooded man rushing at him with a dagger. In rather Super-Human speed, he drew Dragonclaw and swung high as the man came within striking distance. Cutting off the man's hand that was holding the dagger, then quickly swinging back and decapitating the man.
He proceeded to stab the man's headless body numerous times, shouting angrily. He then broke a stick off a nearby tree, sharpened on end of it, rammed it into the ground. Then jammed the man's head onto it. He then went and buried His Mother's body there. He got down on his knees, lowered his head any closed his eyes. A few hours had passed. When he stood back up. He looked back to the way he came and he said aloud with a sigh. "I'm not going back." He rummaged through the Campsite, and took a Bottle of Surilie Brothers Wine dating from Last Year. and 3 Cans of Salted Pork. He mounted his Horse, and started off.
And unbeknownst to him, he was being tracked by Esmon Surilie and several Guards from Skingrad. They had happened upon the campsite. A messy and gruesome site. Esmon quickly deduced who was in the grave. But Varnus was no where in sight. "Let's break down this camp. The bodies stay here." One of The Guards said. There was nothing more they could do for Varnus. Meanwhile, Varnus was traveling Northeast, towards Skyrim. Several Weeks had passed before he reached the Border Crossing near the City of Bruma. And by then, He had bonded with the Horse. He snuck past the boarder portal at the Cyrodiil-Skyrim boarder in Falkreath Hold at The Pale Pass.
Early morning on the 17th of Last Seed, He was caught napping by a would-be horse thief named Lokir, who was trying to steal his Horse. Varnus woke to the sound of His Horse whinnying nervously. It was then Varnus noticed Lokir. "YOU PICKED THE WRONG HORSE, FOOL!" He shouted at him as he drew Dragonclaw. As he started to charge at Lokir, he turned to run. Then an unseen man shouted at them. "FREEZE, REBELS! DROP YOUR WEAPONS!" Varnus slowed to a stop. "We've got You surrounded!" Shouted another.
Varnus was looking around for the source of the voices when he noticed two nearby Horse-Drawn Carriages loaded up with what appeared to be prisoners and a third man inspecting Varnus' Horse. Which was nickering nervously. "Property of Esmon Surilie." He read aloud on the saddle's label. "Looks like we got more than just Rebels, but Horse thieves too! I think Mister Surilie will be pleased to know we found His Horse." Varnus than started to speak in protest as he saw a man in Legionnaire Armor tackle Lokir. "Rebels? What Rebels? I'm not a Rebel or a Horse Thief, I'm from-UGH!" He didn't see the man behind him as he got knocked out.
He awoke to find himself on a Carriage just coming in to Helgan, he saw Lokir on the Carriage with him, and a Solider he came to know to be Ralof and a gagged man whom he was told was Ulfric Stormcloak. They arrived in the Fortified Town, got off the Carriages. And went up to the chopping block. This is also where he first met Tulius and Hadvar. He identified himself. Hadvar and Tulius recognized the Name. He immediately didn't like the Imperial Garrison Captain present as she wasn't having it. "Forget the list, he goes to the block with The Rest."
Hadvar clearly felt sorry for him. As Varnus went up to join the others, he gave The Captain a look that said "If I get free of these binders, I swear, I will butcher your ass, You fucking bitch." Less than a minute later, Alduin arrived. Killing everyone and the City coming down around him. He remembered following Ralof into the Keep. He noticed Dragonclaw lying on the floor next to the dead Stormcloak Ralof identified as Gunjar. He swiped it up and clipped the sheath on him.
They heard voices. "I hear voices, stay close. It's the escaped prisoners!" It was That Bitch Imperial Captain! Varnus mouthed to Ralof: "That bitch is MINE!" Ralof nodded with a smirk. The door opened. Varnus charged at The Captain while Ralof buried his Axe in the skull of the Legionnaire accompanying her. "EXECUTE THIS, YOU BASTARD!" Varnus yelled at her. He was too fast for her. He decapitated her with one swift stroke and proceeded to stab her headless body numerous times shouting angrily. Varnus looked up at Ralof. Smirking with the look of murder in his eyes.
"Hohoo, Ulfric's going to like You." They proceeded on through the Keep, cutting down more Legionnaires. Butchering the Keep's Torturer and His Assistant. They linked up with another surviving Stormcloak. In the final push however that guy got killed. Later on after they cleared out a small nest of Frostbite Spiders. Varnus and Ralof snuck up on a sleeping Bear. "Varnus nailed the Bear in the head with the Bow and Arrow Ralof gave him. "Nice shot." He commented.
They exited the escape tunnel and split up on the way to Riverwood. Varnus had stumbled upon Embershard Mine occupied by Bandits. They were no match for him. "Sloppy." He commented aloud about them. He met back up with Ralof in Riverwood come Evening that day. After doing a few things around the Village he retired to a Bed in Ralof's Sister's and Husband's Farmhouse. Where in the morning, he would set off for the City of Whiterun to inform Jarl Balgruuf of the Dragon that destroyed Helgan.
Ivarstead
O-Eight-Hundred Hours, 18th of Last Seed 217 4E
Varnus awoke the next morning, he broke his fast with a big, Hearty Meal. He ate a Horker Loaf and washed the juicy, succulent loaf of Four-Tusked Walrus meat down with a Bottle of Black-Briar Reserve Mead and took a Bottle of Surilie Brothers Wine for the road.
Varnus headed outside and made his way towards the first of the 7,000 steps of High Hrothgar's Path on his way there he passed by a married couple, their names were Klimmek and Fastred. They had a young lad with them too. They smiled and keeled before Their Emperor. He recalled bringing them together, and felt responsible for them conceiving that child, it was a warm feeling. He smiled.
He walked down the road and across the bridge over the River. He stopped just before the first of the Seven Thousand Steps of High Hrothgar's Path. He looked up towards the Summit. He inhaled deeply. And exhaled. "Let's do this."
Author's Notes:
Going in to Chapter 2, we have not yet reached "The World" of Game of Thrones. Eran Granthar is the name of my High Elf character in Skyrim. Varnus Julius is the name of my Imperial Character, though it was originally Varnus Staad. Augustus Julius is the name of my Imperial Character in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Dragonne Papre is a massive Dragon featured only as a skeleton in The Elder Scrolls Legends: Battlespire. I came up with the real name for him: Maaryolvus. And as you're likely thinking; yes, Legolas the Altmer is named after Legolas Greenleaf from Middle-Earth. There were a number of other references to other media riddled throughout there. Did you catch them all? (There's another reference for ya!)
Someone doesn't think Guns belong in The Elder Scrolls or Game of Thrones. As a crossover; Game of Thrones is obviously affected by this. But I think Guns actually could fit into Elder Scrolls Lore. We all know how mysterious The Dwemer are. As I got to know Elder Scrolls Lore more and more, including that of The Dwemer, I believe that it's not crazy to think that when They Disappeared, that they left behind a bunch on unfinished gizmos and doodads. And I think Gunpowder could be among that.
Another reviewer that mentioned they were happy to see Dragonne Papre "Finally getting some love" also mentioned that they think they recall seeing Gunpowder Weapons being used and mentioned in The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard. I wouldn't know as I've never played it or Battlespire. Or Daggerfall or Arena. Or any of the three Travels games.
I remember hearing unused voice files for Yagrum Bagarn recently. And He sounded NOTHING like I thought He would have. He sounded like some old guy off of Futurama or The Simpons. And I'm glad that they never used them in Morrowind's Official Release. I think He would've sounded like a Dunmer. Namingly sounding like Neloth as we heard him in Skyrim's Dragonborn DLC.
I'm writing Yagrum as being sort of a compound character of a number of famous geniuses from History. Namingly: Archimedes, Aristotle, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Samuel Morse, John Barber and Guglielmo Marconi. And probably a few others.
The Gunpowder-Based Weapons and Industrial Powerhouses I'm introducing here are that of which was seen in the 18th Century and 19th Century respectively. Tamriel's Military Doctrines are equivalent to that of The Romans in the 1st Century BC. Where as Westeros' are equivalent to that of 12th Century Europe. Gunpowder was invented in China during the 9th Century and didn't make It's way into Eurasia until the 13th Century. The Guns of that time are referenced by Yagrum mentioning the "Dwemer Arquebus that was never finished before His People Disappeared." He improved greatly on the designs left behind by His People. And thus because of the existing Military Doctrines, These Guns are essentially Centuries ahead of their time.
That is why I chose to include Guns.
Until next time, stay spoopy my friends!