Chapter 2: 2
Chapter Text
[You have rested in a bed for 8 hours!]
[HP, SP, and MP restored!]
[EXP gain increased by 15% for the next 6hours!]
Resting gives some pretty good bonuses.
I slowly sit up to find several people sleeping on the various beds around me. Svarline and I were given bedrolls while Ralof, his sister Gerdur, and their family are passed out on beds packed with fur and straw.
As carefully as I can so as not to disturb anyone, I get up and make my way upstairs. I grab an apple off the table and walk out the front door.
The sun isn't visible yet but the horizon possesses an orange hue signaling that it will soon. I sit down onto a bench next to the door and start on my apple while I think.
So… yesterday happened. It was hectic, but I'm not dead! What do I do now?
I have a good idea of what comes next, but I'm hesitant to rely on outside knowledge for anything other than concrete fact. The last thing I need is to run into a crypt expecting a spider and meet a draugr overlord. Instant game over.
Anyway, back to planning. Important question, what am I trying to accomplish? Right now, I need to focus on power leveling to the point where I can survive being sneezed on. I also need to avoid anything that is able to sneeze me to death. Meaning dragons, vampires, giants, and the stronger draugr should be avoided if at all possible.
As a pathway to power leveling, I need to abuse the hell out of ID create. I also need to figure out where the heck I need to go. I'm fairly confident Ralof will ask either Svarline or myself to let Whiterun know about Helgen, and Whiterun is fairly close to the center of Skyrim. Making it a good place to start. After I get there, I need to do what keeps me alive longest. I'm a mage, so college is the most obvious option. That is if I can live through the hundred of so frost trolls I'll encounter because of that irritating flaw. That thing really limits my options. Until I'm strong enough to survive on my own I'm going to need backup.
Which leads to the million dollar question. Do I stay with our lady dragonborn? Pro, she's got some pretty useful alteration magic that's great for crowd control and tough enemies. Con, I'm almost certain to get dragged into the main storyline. Pro, she also has some restoration magic, and healers are ridiculously useful. Con, followers, because that's essentially what I'll be, have a tendency to die in hilariously painful ways. Pro, I'll have someone watching my back to help with any creatures that catch a whiff of me. Con, if I get swept up into the main story grinding levels is going to become significantly harder.
I let out a sigh as I finished off my apple. This sucks.
Ok, options other than hanging with Svarline? I could try to miracle my way to Winterhold and find the Eye of Magnus. Maybe even become archmage if I play my cards right. I could just find a cave to hide in while I abuse ID create to level up. Only emerging when I'm strong enough to not get dead. I could also try to get myself changed into a vampire or werewolf for the instant power boost.
Wait… vampire. I know where Serana is. I could totally break her out and get harkon to change me.…..That is the worst idea yet.
Skipping over the part where I would need to solo one of the harder dungeons in the game. Filled with undead hordes, giant frostbite spiders, master vampires, and gargoyles. Putting myself anywhere near Harkon is a hilariously bad idea. The only reason the MC makes it out in game is because they paid money for the DLC. If the developers had him act like his normal assholey self and kill you, it would've made for shitty content. I have no guarantee he won't just say, "Thanks for the Elder Scroll!" *CHOMP* So that plan's out.
Honestly, the best plan for right now looks like hanging with Svarline. Tell Balgruuf his lands have a slight case of world ending dragon, maybe get the dragonstone and hope and pray no watchtowers are burnt down.
I look up and see the sun beginning to peek over the horizon. Guess I'll keep hiding behind the dragonborn until I come up with something better.
Well now that that's out of the way, time to grind.
I go to stand up and cast ID Create when the door to Gerdur's house opens, and out walks Svarline.
I cry internally. I just want to become all powerful! Is that really so much to ask you damn univer..., I mean, you damn Godhead?!
"Hey." she says when she spots me.
"Uh, hi. How're you holding up?" I say back as I sit back down.
She pauses for a moment and looks at the slowly rising sun. "That really happened yesterday didn't it?" She asks weakly.
I give a weak laugh. "Either that, or we all shared one hell of a skooma trip."
She quiets down for a moment, then takes a seat in one of the nearby chairs. "So much happened in such a short time. It's hard to believe half of it's real. Let alone the giant murderous dragon."
I nod and say, "Ya, the amount of shit we just lived through is truly ridiculous."
We lapse into silence for a few minutes before the door opens once more, and Ralof pokes his head out. "Come on in," he says. "Gerdur's got breakfast ready."
We both stand and head inside. We sit down at the two empty seats and everyone quietly eats their food. Once we all finish, Hod, Gerdur's husband, takes their son Frodnar outside to give us some space.
"Alright Ralof," Gerdur begins. "you've rested and eaten. So now I need you to tell me if what you said last night is true or if you were just drunk off your ass."
Ralof's gaze unfocuses as he responds. "It's true. The Imps captured us. They were going to execute Ulfric to end the war when oblivion opened up. A giant black dragon destroyed the entire town. I don't know who all got out. The only reason us three made it is luck."
I'd argue that point if it weren't so true. I need to get stronger fast.
Gerdur forces Ralof to look her in the eyes and holds his gaze. After a few moments she lets out a sigh and releases him. "If it's really that bad, then we need to do something. Riverwood isn't equipped to fight off large amounts of bandits, let alone a god's be damned dragon! Someone needs to take this to the Jarl, and it won't be you Ralof." She says as he goes to speak. "There are too many Imperial sympathizers in the city. If they see your face they'll hang you before they let you talk." Gerdur turns to Svarline and myself. "I thank you for bringing my brother back alive, but I need your help. We need the Jarl's aid in dealing with this, and I can't go myself. Would the both of you be willing to help?"
Quest added
[Riverwood's in Peril!]
With a dragon on the loose, Riverwood is defenseless. Go beseech the Jarl for aid on their behalf
Objectives- Tell Jarl Balgruuf of the dragon threat and get help for Riverwood
Reward- ?
Time Limit- One Week
Well when you put that question mark there I have to accept. "I'll go." I say, and Gerdur gives me a grateful nod.
"I will as well." Svarline says. We share a look and give each other a nod.
Gerdur leans back in her chair and lets out a breath. "Thank you both. I don't mean to evict you from my home, especially after your ordeal, but you need to leave as soon as possible. I'll prepare some travel packs for the two of you. Be ready to leave in three quarters of an hour." She stands up and walks down the stairs. Presumably to go pack us some supplies.
Ralof watches his sister go before turning to the two of us. "Thank you for this. I'm sorry you can't rest more but she's right. The longer the town's without defenders the worse off we are."
"It's no trouble. Thank you for letting us stay the night." Svarline says and I nod my agreement.
Ralof leans in and looks between us. "I didn't thank you before, we were all too tired, but thank you both. It's a fact that I would be dead right now if it weren't for you. Whether killed by the Imps, or crushed while still sitting over Jollond." At the name his expression falls, before rising to us once again. "Thank you, if there is ever anything I can do for either of you, you need only ask."
"Well since you mentioned it," I start, "would you mind pointing me in the direction of the trader here in town? I'd like to stock up before we head out."
Ralof smiles. "Sure thing."
He leads me outside, being careful not to be seen, and points me toward the center of town and gives me some directions.
I head off and do my best to follow Ralof's instructions but the town is nothing like in the game. It is at least twice as large and not built to make sense to a city slicker like myself. After about 10 minutes of wandering I find the Riverwood Trader and walk inside.
"...well if you had just locked the door like I…." comes a shout from inside.
Ya, no. Skip!
"Excuse me!" I call, "Is this the general goods store."
A dark haired man and woman both look towards me before shrinking in on themselves.
"Oh, um, yes! It is! Welcome! How can I help you?" The man stammers out while the woman walks behind the counter.
"I'm looking for spellbooks, and books on enchanting and alchemy." I say as I make my way to the counter.
The shop is different as well, at least twice as large with three times as many shelves. Meta knowledge, the greatest weapon of SI's everywhere, oh why have you failed me?
"Sure thing!" The woman says a little too chirpily before walking me to a particular shelf. "These are all the spells we have. They're a little hard to come by so we don't have much. I'll go grab you what we have on those crafts you were after."
When she walked away I looked over the five spells.
Summon Wolf Spirit
Costs 50 MP
Conjure a spectral wolf to fight by your side
The wolf is as strong as a typical wolf and lasts until killed or dispelled
Summon Fire Elemental(Requires Conjurer or Summoner Class)
Costs 175 MP
Conjure a fire spirit to fight at your side
The spirit as as strong as a journeyman pyromancer and lasts until killed or dispelled
Stone Barrage(Requires Elemental mage level 35)
Costs 80 MP
Rain down a hail of boulders on your enemies
Fires INT boulders that do INT 20 crushing damage on hit
Spectral Armor(Requires Conjurer or Summoner Class)
Costs 200 MP
Don a spectral armor that lasts until dismissed or broken
Absorbs INT 50 damage
Heal
Costs 30 MP
Heals the target for INT 10 damage and neutralizes weak venoms and poisons
Ok game I have some questions about the magic.
[I will answer any question I am able!]
Why can I use the wolf spell, but not the fire elemental? Can I get more classes, and how do I find more lightning spells?
[Excellent question!]
[To start, any mage can use the basic spells of any other discipline, but they must be specialized to learn the more potent magics!]
[You can have 1 combet class and 1 crafting class at a time, and you gain more when you max your current ones out!]
[You can receive new lightning spells by leveling up or by finding them in the world!]
[Once you get truly powerful, you won't even need spells!]
[You will instead be able to shape your lightning however you see fit and use it in ways limited only by your imagination!]
There's some potential there…
Thanks game.
[You are welcome Gamer!]
Camilla came back with two books, one on alchemy and one on enchanting. I grabbed Heal, and summon wolf spirit off the shelf and followed her over to the counter. "How much for all this?"
"300 septims."
Well crap. I've only got 231. I choose you bargainfu!
"How about 150 and I trade this grimoire?" I say as I put down the teleportation tome. I'll probably get it when I level to 50, and even if I don't. I need this stuff now.
Carmilla looks it over, "250 and the tome."
"200."
She smiles. "Deal."
We exchange goods, and I leave with two new spells and two crafting books.
On my way back to Gerdur's house I look them over.
Alchemy skill book
Grants the [Alchemist!] crafting class
Enchanting skill book
Grants the [Enchanting!] crafting class
Enchantments good but best at high levels. I'll take alchemy for now.
Class gained
[Alchemist!]- LVL 1/50
Brew potions, and poisons to use on your journeys
Gain 1 INT, and 1 WIS per level
As I gain the class I gain a few simple recipes. I can now make minor potions and poisons whose effects are simple, healing, harming, etc. Not a bad investment at all. Even if I'm broke now.
I make it back inside the house right as Gerdur's is coming up the stairs with two knapsacks.
"I packed you some rations, tinderbox, bedrolls, a map, all the usuals." She says as she hands them off to the two of us. "Take this as well." She says as she pulls a ring from her pocket. "The Jarl will know I sent you if you present him with that."
Svarline takes the ring and puts it in a satchel she didn't have when we got here. She must have gone shopping too.
We all move to the front yard and Ralof walks up to shake our hands. "Thank you again for all you've done. Until we meet again my friends."
Svarline and I say our goodbyes and start down the road in the direction of whiterun. Using our newly acquired map of the hold as a guide.
It takes us around 15 minutes to get out of town at which point I summon my new dog. Without having to worry about him timing out I can just keep him with us for the whole trip.
Svarline looks down at him, then back to me. "You have a ghost hound." she states.
With one hand petting him I look her in the eyes and say, "His name is Mr. Rogers and he is perfect."
She looks at me for a moment as if she can't decide what to do, before smiling and saying, "I don't know about perfect, but he is pretty pawsome."
My hand froze on Mr. Roger's head.
"This is gonna be a thing isn't it?" I sighed.
She just smiled even wider and continued on.
I sighed and followed.
Not 30 minutes later we got jumped by wolves.
Luckily, now that we hadn't just run from the firstborn of Akatosh we were able to dispatch the pack fairly easily.
And the next one.
And the next one.
And the next one.
Oh look a bear!
A bear
Level- 5
HP- 175
Svarline and I shredded it from range while Mr. Rogers distracted it. He is best boy.
After two hours of walking we had killed over two dozen wolves and three bears. This flaw is a curse. I guess that's kind of the point.
On the other hand…..
Level Up! X3
Gain 30 Stat Points
Thank you very much, absolutely ludicrous EXP gain.
Dusk
Level- 8
Class- Electromancer- LVL 7/100 [82%]
Crafting Class- Alchemist LVL 4/50 [47%]
Race- Human
Tier- Mortal
Alignment- ???
HP- 300 [60 per minute]
MP- 900 [90 per minute]
SP- 300 [60 per minute]
STR- 30
END- 30
DEX - 28
INT - 45
WIS - 45
CHA - 20
LUK - 20
MP Regen= WIS x 2
MP= INT x 20
SP/Health Regen= END x 2
SP/HP= END x 10
I guess it's also a blessing so long as you're only in an area with trash mobs. Not looking forward to the higher level zones.
"This is the most animals I have seen in the woods at one time," Svarline comments after the second bear. "And they are all after you."
"Nature hates me." I respond simply.
We walked for another 4 hours, killed another three dozen wolves and two bears when we came to the top of a hill and got our first view of Whiterun.
Once again, the city was much larger than in the game. It took up three times the space and the walls actually looked maintained. They weren't all crumbly, but instead solid bricks.
Svarline looked as if she was doing mental math before she said, "Looks like it will only be another hour until we get there. If we hurry we'll still have some sun left."
I look up to see the sun about a fourth of the way from the horizon. "Well then, let's get going."
We walked for half an hour when Mr. Rogers started barking up a storm. Svarline and I paused to look where he was looking and saw a very big thing lumbering towards us.
Forest Troll
Level- 15
HP- 525
Unique abilities- Troll physiology(Regenerates 10 HP every 5 seconds and can regrow limbs, ability is negated by fire and acid)
Well this is bad.
"Mr. Rogers, run literal circles around him to keep him distracted! Svarline, we have to hit him, and not stop hitting him!"
Svarline and I took up positions on a nearby rock and started laying into the troll while Mr. Rogers used his superior speed to keep the troll from hitting him.
We threw everything we had into him. I did my level best to turn him into a fried chicken, and Svarline made him into a pincushion.
It was working, but slowly. Everytime we let up for even a moment the arrows would fall out of him and the flesh would close up Wolverine style.
On one of his passes, Mr. Rogers came to close and got smacked with a ginormous hand.
He yiped and faded into nothingness.
"You killed my dog asshole!" I yelled before covering the ground in lightning. I turned to Svarline. "Do the thing with the mud!"
She looked at me for a moment before nodding. She gathered mana and changed the dirt beneath the troll into a deep mud. Stopping him from moving out of the lightning.
With his healing effectively negated by the lightning flood, we doubled down and began to tear into him from range once more.
He tried to struggle his way out but finally succumbed when an arrow embedded itself into his eye.
Well that was fun.
Level Up! X3
Gain 30 Stat points
Dusk
Level- 11
Class- Electromancer- LVL 10/100 [23%]
Crafting Class- Alchemist LVL 7/50 [64%]
Tier- Mortal
Alignment- ???
HP- 300 [60 per minute]
MP- 1360 [136 per minute]
SP- 300 [60 per minute]
STR- 30
END- 30
DEX - 34
INT - 68
WIS - 68
CHA - 30
LUK - 30
MP Regen= WIS x 2
MP= INT x 20
SP/Health Regen= END x 2
SP/HP= END x 10
We took a few minutes to catch our breath before standing. I resummoned Mr. Rogers and started petting him.
"You're ok. Ssuuch a goood boy! I'm sorry the big mean troll hurt you. You're safe now." Mr. Rogers nuzzled my hand and panted happily.
Svarline walked over to the dead troll and observed our handy work. "Well," she said, "we really did this troll dirty." She looked back at me and grinned like a lunatic.
That's a modern phrase. How the hell does she know it?
I groaned and turned back to Mr. Rogers. "When we get to Whiterun we need to get a new travelling companion. This one's defective."
Savrline laughed and we continued on our way.
Half an hour later we had made it to the farms surrounding Whiterun. The sun was close to setting, and I was happy. There was no giant! We didn't have to tangle with any lanky monstrosities today! No sir! We can just walk right in and…….
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! THERE'S A GIANT!!!!!!!"
Godamnit Murphy. I will find a way to neuter you.
Svarline and I looked towards the scream to see a blue skinned monstrosity in a loincloth heft a tree trunk over its head and slam it down. Turning the man beneath him into red mist.
Giant
Level- 52
HP- 5670
Thoughts about you- The puny people must die
Oh look, it's sentient. How nice. We can probably reason with hi... LIGHTNING BOLT!
Mr. Rogers charged forth while Svarline started casting a spell. I just kept hammering the giant with spell after spell. Targeting his knees to make it harder for him to walk.
The giant grunted in anger and started trying to move towards us. He swung at Mr. Rogers with his tree but was too slow. So he settled for a field goal kick. Sending the phantom pup flying through the air all, and the way back to Oblivion.
I heard shouting behind me but tuned it out as I sent lightning into the ground, then resumed my kneecapping. The giant stumbled but kept getting closer.
I threw everything I had into my magic but the giant just kept coming. He opened up into a full sprint, his arms pumping, his loincloth swinging violently. He was quickly closing the short distance between us.
I was running out of ideas when a loud *GONG* echoed out from the giant. The hulking figure bent in half to grab his… solid steel loincloth? Oh that poor bastard. Eh, an opening is an opening. I redoubled my efforts now aiming for the beautifully conductive clothing article causing the giant to scream in agony. Svarline, now done with her spell, started shooting arrows into his joints as we backed up to get more room.
The giant was still writhing on the ground in pain when several figures charged past us from behind. Each carrying a weapon and adorned in heavy metal armor.
The one in the lead let out a war cry before bringing his sword down into the grounded giants shoulder.
Hello Companions.
Vilkas
The Brains of Ysgramor
Level- 78
Race- Nord
HP- 945
Thoughts about you- You put yourself in danger to defend these people. You are a worthy warrior
Farkas
The Strength of Ysgramor
Level- 76
Race- Nord
HP- 920
Thoughts about you- You put yourself in danger to defend these people. You are a worthy warrior
Aela
The Huntress
Level- 73
Race- Nord
HP- 670
Thoughts about you- You're not too bad, for a spell flinger
More arrows join Svarline's and an axe finds its way to the giant's other shoulder. Each strike from a companion hits like a freight train, and the giant, wounded already, stands no chance.
He falls with one last sword strike piercing his neck.
Level Up! X4
Gained 40 Stat points
Dusk
Level- 15
Class- Electromancer- LVL 14/100 [79%]
Crafting Class- Alchemist LVL11/50 [32%]
Tier- Mortal
Alignment- ???
HP- 400 [80 per minute]
MP- 1840 [184 per minute]
SP- 400 [80 per minute]
STR- 40
END- 40
DEX - 42
INT - 92
WIS - 92
CHA - 40
LUK - 40
MP Regen= WIS x 2
MP= INT x 20
SP/Health Regen= END x 2
SP/HP= END x 10
"Well fought!" Call the black haired Vilkas as he removes his sword from the giant. "I am Vilkas, of the Companions."
"Farkas." his brother adds as he starts to clean his axe.
"I'm Dusk." I say, realizing this is the first time Svarline's heard my name. We didn't really have time to introduce ourselves ever.
"Svarline." My companion replies.
"And I am Aela." the huntress replies as she cleans off the arrows she was able to salvage. "What say you two join us in Jorrvaskr for a celebration of the kill?"
"We would be honored." Svarline answers for me, "but we must speak with the Jarl or his advisors first. We bring word from Riverwood."
The three Companions pause, and look towards us with unconcealed interest. "Riverwood still stands?" Vilaks asks. "When that beast was spotted flying away we feared the worst."
Huh, apparently people have eyes in Skyrim. Who'd a thunk it?
"Riverwood stands yes, but Helgen's gone. We were there when it fell." Svarline replies.
"We must get you to the Jarl then," Vilkas stresses, "he will want to hear your story first hand."
With that the Companions wave down a guard and tell him to clean up the giant's mess before leading Svarline and myself towards the gate. The steel gate rises to accept the trio and we are not even given a second glance. Guess the Companions understandably have a lot of pull in the city.
Once more I see streets and buildings I don't recognize as the companions lead us at a brisk pace towards the north end of the city. After a 10 minute walk we come to the bottom of a castle built into and on top of the mountain. It's actually a fairly pretty sight with the sun slowly setting behind it.
"Come." says Vilkas as he begins the trek up the large staircase.
I feel like Po walking up to the Jade Palace for how many stairs I have to climb.
Eventually, we make it to the top and are stopped by four guards in front of the large wooden doors.
"These two bring word from Helgen and Riverwood." Vilkas says, and the guards let us pass.
We come into a large open space leading to the throne, and a mass of bickering people. Oh, I can't skip the politics this time can I? I'll just let Svarline do the talking unless I'm needed. Oh god. I've already started thinking like a follower. I'm doomed.
We move forward and go unnoticed until a dark elf woman stops our approach.
"What is your business here that it cannot wait?" Irileth says as her hand drops to rest on the pommel of her sword.
Svarline steps forward. "We've come from Riverwood, and Helgen before that. Helgen has been destroyed and Riverwood calls for aid."
At her declaration the many voices in the room die as all eyes turn to her. I very smoothly move away from all the attention. A public speaker I am not.
A blonde nord sitting in a large chair says, "Come forward, let us hear your words."
Svarline takes the lead as I try to disappear into the background.
Stop looking at me. I hate this. I hate politics. I hate talking to people. I hate talking to assholes, and 90% of these guys are most definitely assholes. Can we just go to Bleakfalls already? Come on! I am so done with this. One day soon I will be all powerful! I will move mountains and earth with my magic and you shall all tremble before me! Then, you will all worship the ground upon which I tread! You will speak my name in the same breath as the very Gods! This I swear! MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA oh they're talking.
"...in large part thanks to luck." Svarline says. "The city was collapsing around us and we were able to make it out through a cave system. The way fell in on itself behind us, so I don't know if there were any other survivors. Once we made it out, we made our way to Riverwood where Gerdur took us in and asked us to request aid on her behalf." she finishes as she pulls out the ring and holds it out to the Jarl.
He stands up and takes it, to the shocked gasps of a few of the nobles. Must've broken some stick-in-the-ass etiquette or something.
Balgruuf turns to Irileth. "Send any troops we can spare to Riverwood. Send a caravan with them containing food and other supplies. We will not lose Riverwood." He states with finality.
Quest Complete!
[Riverwood's in Peril!]
With a dragon on the loose, Riverwood is defenseless. Go beseech the Jarl for aid on their behalf
Objectives- Tell Jarl Balgruuf of the dragon threat and get help for Riverwood(Complete)
Reward- 1 Gacha coin
I really need to find a time to use those damn coins.
Irileth nods, bows and then starts walking away as the nobles in the area all start spouting nonsense about labor costs and other bullshit. The only ones present who don't ignore them are themselves.
The Jarl looks between Svarline and me. "The two of you come with me." He turns to the Companions, "Thank you for seeing them in. I will be sure to make sure anything else divined here will be passed on to you."
The Companions thank the Jarl then turn and walk out.
Balgruuf leads us through a set of hallways until we come to an isolated room with two figures hunched over a table.
One is a black haired man who wears a long black robe while the other is a blonde haired woman with simple leather armor.
The Jarl walks right up to them, interrupting their conversation. "Farengar. These two have brought news of Helgen's destruction." The mood in the room instantly sours. "They were there, and saw the beast up close. I need you to…"
"My Jarl!" a panicked voice interrupts whatever Balgruuf had planned to say next.
We all turn to look at the door we just came through to see Irileth. "My lord, the Northern Watchtower is under attack! It's a dragon!"
Fuck.
