Nazir stood at the edge of the cliff.

The sand spread out wide before him.

When Stormcloak fell Skyrim erupted into chaos. Loyalest blamed the Empire for hiring an assassin instead of facing him in fair combat. The Imperials blamed the Aldmeri Dominion and the Aldmeri Dominion broke the White-Gold Concordant.

In any case... He could no longer remain. The Civil War had become more than just an uprising, but a continent-wide war. Not even the Listener could stop the chaos...

But the Redguards have protected their land well, keeping the Dominion from passing through and ravaging the local population. Nazir bid his Orcish traveling companions farewell and started down the mountain toward the mighty Alki'r. His road here had not been easy, he remembered the Listener bursting into the Sanctuary followed by four Stormcloak solders. He shouted at them to pack their things and flee. Nazir and Babbete fled through the secret entrance whereas Cicero refused to leave without the Nightmother. The last time Nazir had seen the Listener he was arguing with Cicero.

On his was down the mountain he found a small cave, he decided to camp here for the night. As he lit some of the firewood he carried in his pack he saw something move out of the corner of his eye. Nazir slowly reached for his scimitar when a dog came limping into view. As the dog came closer to the fire Nazir noticed it only had three legs. Where its fourth leg should be there was a gaping wound still bleeding. As it approached Nazir he recognised it, Babbete decided to travel south to Cyrodil and hide in Anvil. Nazir decided to travel back to Hammerfell. Though he didn't want to, he knew it was safe. A few days into his journey west he had stumbled across a dog on the side of the road, beckoning him. He followed it to a shack with a dead man, presumably his previous owner. But Nazir's heart was hard and he left the dog in the shack, alone to find a different meal ticket. Either he was out of his mind, or his journeys with the Orcs have softened his heart. Nazir gestured the dog to his side by the fire, 'Here boy.' Nazir whispered as the dog limped towards him. The wound seemed to have been inflicted by Falmer weaponry, chitin shards sparkling in the light of the fire. Nazir applied some bandages and fed the dog some dried meat coated in a health poltuice. The dog sat beside Nazir and, in assurance he will be safe with Nazir.

The morning came quicker than Nazir expected. His body was still following the weather pattern of Skyrim, as such he was not ready for the intense day-time heat of the desert. He awoke with a start, scaring the dog as well. He looked down at his new traveling companion, who looked back at him with a hint of admiration in his eye. 'You're going to need a name.' Nazir said as he crouched to pet the dog, who returned the favour with a cheerful bark, 'How does Three-Dog sound to you?' The dog waged his tail, clearly understanding the joke. And so, with a new companion to travel with, Nazir began heading in the direction of Dragonstar.

The Alki'r was both beautiful, and unforgiving. The first encounter Nazir and Three-Dog had was with a crazed Necromancer. The Breton set a horde of undead Fennecs upon them, but they managed to fight them off and kill the source. The second problem the duo had was a passing Thalmor scout, and later the entire group. Nazir's scimitar sliced though the elves and Three-Dog, despite his injuries, managed to get his fair share of kills. Nazir cemented it in his mind to loot everything of value he could find; food, water and coin specifically. Along with some embellishments to his apparel, including leather pauldrons and boots, he once again set off with Three-Dog.

Four days had past and Nazir could see Dragonstar in the distance. He could not help but think of a warm bed and a mug of ale, maybe even a bowl of fennec soup. He set up camp and dosed off.

The rumbling woke Three-Dog first. The redguard woke to the sound of his hound barking at the ground. 'Three?' Nazir asked in confusion as the hound continued to bark at the ground. Suddenly the rumbling started again and without warning, a strange creature burst from the ground. It had the body of a dragon, but much smaller, a large dorsal fin and a gaping maw for a mouth. To fins either side and a set of strong legs and clawed arms, this was a Sand Shark. The creature lunged its massive claws at Nazir, who dodged them only just. He reached for his blade, it wasn't there. Nazir looked past the shark and noticed his scimitar by the tent. Between him and his weapon was the shark. The creature lunged at him again, catching onto the redguard's hood and revealing his black corn-rows. Nazir dived between the shark's legs and scrambled to his blade, just in time. He lifed the sword up and caught the monster off guard, striking its claws. The creature staggered as it drew its last breath as Nazir slit the shark's throat. Before them lay the dead body of a Sand Shark, which slowly turned to ash. Nazir had seen this phenomenon before, necromancy. The redguard look up to Dragonstar, it was about a few hours walk away. He decided to head straight for the city.

The city was massive. A huge wall separated the West from the East. Nazir entered the city and was greeted by a nordic guard. The man wore a helmet similar to those of Skyrim, except there was a cloth surrounding the bottom. Along with this his armour was also similar to the armour of your typical Skyrim guard, but with lighter cloth. He wielded a scimitar and shield bearing the insignia of two dragons facing away from each other, as in disgust. 'State your business here Yokudan,' the guard surprised Nazir with his use of word, calling him a Yokudan 'are you a traveller?'. 'I am simply passing through,' the redguard answered 'do you know of a place me and my companion can rest?' The guard looked down at the hound and for a few seconds Nazir could sense pity through the helmet. The guard looked up, 'You should go to the Cowering Scorpion,' the guard replied, sheathing his blade 'it is close to the Fighter's Guild. Can't miss it.' Nazir thanked the guard and him and Three-dog moved on.

The guard didn't lie. The Cowering Scorpion was marked by a statue of a giant scorpion, partially buried in sand. Nazir and Three-Dog entered the inn, the door just a simple blue cloth. The tavern was dusty, the heat creating a mystifying effect. Probably why there were so many artist here. As Nazir walked to the bar people shifted and stared at Three-Dog, who in turn cowered and stayed close to Nazir. Nazir eventually spent what seemed like an eternity heading to the bar. Everyone was staring at the three legged dog and the redguard dressed in red. Once they reach the bar Nazir sat and beckoned Three-Dog to join his side. 'How much for a room?' Nazir enquired as everyone stared. The bartender looked scared and was about to open his mouth when a guard walked into the tavern. 'Just give him a room,' Nazir took note that this was the same guard he met when he entered Dragonstar 'and stop staring at the poor fellow!' The Bar-keep hastened beneath his desk and produced a key with "5" written on it, presumable the room number. The crowd returned to their idle banter, some still stealing glances at the duo. The nord walked up to Nazir and removed his helmet as he sat beside him. He had a strong jaw, covered in thick mutton-chops. His golden hair was long, reaching to his shoulders. The eyes looked ancient, however, white iris and slightly pale pupil. 'I apologise of their behalf,' the man said 'they aren't the trusting type.' He gave the bartender a few coins and asked for two mugs of ale and a raw bit of meat. The bartender produced the requested and the nord gave the meat to Three-Dog. 'Name's Ylgar Curse-Maker,' the nord held out his hand to shake 'and before you ask, no, I won't curse you.' Nazir took Ylgar's hand 'Nazir,' he replied, 'and this is Three-Dog.' 'A bit of a mean joke don't you think?' Ylgar chuckled as he drew Three's attention from a Khajiit in the corner to his hands. 'He likes it.' Nazir explained. The Ylgar and Nazir spoke for a while, Three happily being pet by both. Ylgar used to be an adventurer, Nazir discovered, but when he came here joined the local Collage for Mages. After about a year Ylgar became the Archmage, but was taken out of the Collage when found researching how to curse arrows. He eventually managed to convince the captain of the guard to recruit him. 'What curse were you trying to make?' Nazir asked with genuine curiosity 'I was trying to make arrows that followed a specific body part,' Ylgar responded 'I was discovered when I tested my arrows on a mannequin the arrow flew away from me and towards the door.' Nazir was confused, so Ylgar explained further. 'The arrow flew into the marketplace and got a random adventurer in the knee.'

Nazir and Three-Dog thanked Ylgar and they parted ways. Ylgar asked for them to meet him upon the morrow and the arrangement was made. Nazir and the hound wandered towards their room, most of the patrons now accustom to the strange sight. Except a small khajiit, still cowering in the corner. Room 5 was hospitable enough, beds for both man and their hound. Nazir fell onto the bed as Three settled upon his own. Slowly, Nazir drifted off to sleep.

Nazir climbed up the mountain, his freezing body trying to reject any movement. That's when the Orcs found him. Nazir lay unconscious on a cliff, and the Orcs took him to Orsinium. Nazir awoke to the warm feel of fire, the sound of blacksmiths hammers in the distance and the appearance of an Orcish healer. 'You shouldn't have gone out alone,' the healer said with a tone of disappointment, 'You were out cold, lucky you didn't get frostbite.' The coarse voice of the Orc female was strangely soothing and soon Nazir fell back to sleep. The next day Orsinium was bustling with activity. Goblins traded their wares, Ogres battled in the arena and Orcs participated in both. Nazir even learned to appreciate the bards and their tribal music. Nazir was accompanied by Lorbul Shak, a goblin explorer, and Olfiml Gar, an orcish bard. He had met Lorbul and Olfiml in a tavern discussing a venture to Daggerfall in an attempt to change the world thoughts of goblins. Nazir decided join them until passage to Hammerfell presented itself. Over time Lorbul and Nazir became close friends and they bonded. Nazir's skills of assassination and sneaking came in handy as they travelled the tunnels, dispatching Falmer ambushes before they could think. Except one. While camping they were attacked. Nazir had been considering going with Lorbul to Daggerfall when the screaming of the Orcish Healer was heard. Nazir ran out to see Lorbul along with four other members of the group slaughtered by falmer. Nazir then made short work of the ambush; scimitar slicing the falmer's sightless heads off. The majority of the Gro-Norak, giant shaggy centipedes used as beasts of burden, were all slaughtered par one. The youngest and weakest.

Nazir woke sweating. His nightmares began that day, and persisted with cunning. He glanced down at Three, who was sound asleep. He got up and dressed himself; ready to head downstairs he woke Three-Dog. The tavern was the same as it was before, with the absence of the "Cowering Khajiit". Ylgar sat in deep debate with the inn-keeper about the properties of the enchanted mead Ylgar had supplied to attract more customers. As if the place wasn't crowded enough, Nazir thought to himself, the hound seemed to know his thoughts and silently agreed. 'Gentlemen.' Nazir called as he walked towards the pair. 'Me apologies on me be 'aver last ni't milord.' the bar-keep called with a hint of fear. 'No harm done, my good man,' Nazir said plainly as he turned to Ylgar 'so what was it you wanted?' Ylgar drained the last of his ale and set the tankard on the bar. 'I wanted to know if you planed on staying in Dragonstar.' the nord stated, seemingly perfectly sober. 'I will be out as soon as I restock on supplies,' Nazir answered 'why do you ask?' Ylgar's pale eyes lit with a certain light only seen when someone sees opportunity. 'I would like to join you, actually.' Ylgar suggested in a simple tone. Three-Dog started barking happily, startling a nearby khajiit. 'Three seems to like the idea,' Nazir gave the question consideration 'you better make yourself useful.' The nord blinked in surprise, 'In all honesty I expected you to say no,' Ylgar's surprise was obvious, 'but I will make myself useful.' The Curse-Maker demonstrated his abilities with frost magic, making a snow cone of his ale.

Outside the Cowering Scorpion there was a small market. Nazir and Ylgar bought some supplies and a new hood to replace the one ripped by the shark attack. In a few short hours they were out on the road again, Ylgar filing his resignation form and Three-Dog terrorising a khajiit. Their destination was a small village in the middle of the Alik'r, built around an oasis. Its name was Dwemer's Blood. The road was almost as treacherous as the wilderness, bandit and wild animals are just some of the problems that can be encountered. One night, as the group slept soundly, a hulking creature wandered into the campsite. The footsteps awoke them and they readied themselves for battle, but put their weapons away when the hound ran in wagging its tail. The creature, Nazir noted, was massive. It stood on four huge tree trunk like legs and had a large flat-toped body. 'What is that thing?' Nazir's question was directed at Ylgar, who was now stroking the beast. 'It's a Hill-Tortoise.' the nord answered. Nazir look at the beast and noticed the lack of a head, 'THAT, is a tortoise?'. 'They are used as beast of burden,' Ylgar explained 'this wee tyke must have been abandoned.' There was genuine pity in his eyes. Then he, not thinking, asked a childish question. 'Can we keep him?' Nazir pondered the idea, 'Can we ride him?' The beast answer the question himself, lowering to the ground to be climbed on. The group welcomed this creature into the party and went to sleep with a guardian that night.

The group awoke to a scorching sun. High above a hawk flew in the air, like an assassin about to attack its target. They mounted the beast, which Ylgar had named "Sandy" and moved on. After an hours ride they finally reached Dwemer's Blood. The small settlement seemed to have been built from the remains of a dwemer town. The golden hue of the dwarven metal and the redguard embellishments made the place seem like a repurposed skeleton. A large khaiit approached the party. As he got closer it became apparent that this was not khajiit, but akaviri. 'Greetings friends,' the tiger-like man said 'what brings you to my small village?' Nazir was confused, 'That is a good question,' he eventually answered 'one I would also ask of an akaviri.' 'I am no mere akaviri,' the tiger stated with a certain pride, 'I am Ka'Po'Tun!' He looked at the small party, expecting awe and was greeted by confused looks and a bored, three-legged hound.

The akakiri introduced himself as Do'mas. He inherited the town from a friend of his. Who was found in his burned down house, half melted. Do'mas showed the group around town. The arena, the airship and the castle were all grand structures. But the one place that Three-Dog took interest in was a little inn to the western side of the city called "Akaviri Rest". Do'mas told them he founded this place for akavir in Tamriel, but anyone was welcome. The interior was not inhabited by many Akaviri but rather a single monkey like creature playing a lute like instrument. The creature started singing. 'Dovakiin, Dovakiin. Nolag See-vol Swaren-' The monkey was interrupted by Do'mas, 'Dov, there is someone I would like you to meet!' His voice was hearty when he took a tankard of what seemed like blue wine from the bar. The monkey, Dov, stared at Do'mas with confused eyes. He look at the group, a redguard, a nord and a three legged dog. The monkey stood, 'Thuri?' he asked the khajiit-like akaviri. 'This is Nazir and Ylgar,' the tiger gestured to the group, 'and the small one is Three-Dog.' The monkey pointed to itself, 'Dov,' he said 'Ka'Tang Mo.' Nazir looked at the creature with a questioning look, but it was Do'mas who answered. 'My species religion revolves around transformation into a dragon,' as he spoke Ylgar listened intently 'the Ka in our name means "Dragon".' Nazir was still confused, Do'mas continued 'Dov adopted the religion,' Ylgar looked at Dov, who in turn nodded, 'in his attempt to transform he cursed himself, so he could only speak Draconic.' Nazir faked that he understood and asked the barman for a room, it had been a long day.

The cave stretched on for miles, darkness covering every corner. The sounds of falmer down the cave became louder with every step. But they couldn't stop, for fear of the beasts behind them catching up. They began to run until eventually. The darkness was penetrated by a piercing scream. As they walked deeper the cold body of an Altmer fell before them, drained of blood. Nazir held his lantern up and, to his horror, saw falmer looking creatures with bat wings and large canines pointing out of their mouths. There were hundreds of them, staring down at the small party, making small clicking noises. The company stared in horror as another corpse fell from the cave ceiling. As they stared they reaslised that the corpse was a member from their own company. One of the creatures dropped from its perch and landed perfectly on its feet. Then it screamed, louder than anything any of them had ever heard before. All the vampiric falmer swarmed around the company. They could barely fight as they were picked off one by one. The screams of the fallen sang from all directions, not one man, woman or beast of burden could say they got out without fear. Nazir and two orcs managed to escape the massacre, hearing the screams of their fellows slowly die out.

Nazir awoke sweating, but colder than ice. He opened the curtains to behold a bright light. He had over-slept, it seemed. As he dressed himself he could not help hearing the screams of his fallen company. This shall torment him for days to come. The inn's appearance had barely changed, save for Ylgar speaking with Do'mas. Dov sat in a corner, playing his instrument and singing that strange song. Three-Dog seemed to be in deep debate with a passing tabby cat. When Ylgar saw Nazir there was the slight look of fear in his eyes, then he beckoned him over. 'We have a problem,' the nord was obviously very nervous 'we may have been robbed blind last night.' At this Nazir tried, and failed, not to throw his mug of ale at the wall. 'But don't worry,' the nord was hasty with this 'Do'mas has an idea!' Nazir turned to the tiger-man. 'Dov has been looking for partners to join him in the arena,' the tiger was not very subtle, 'the reward is over 100 000 septims.' Do'mas went on to explain that Dov required it to fund his research and that there would be plenty left over. Nazir pondered this for a short time, this could be fun. 'Deal.'