I don't know what I was expecting when I set out to go to Whiterun first thing in the morning.
I mean come on, did I really believe that I could reach Whiterun in a single day, when I already knew that this world was way bigger than the game one?
Yes, I did.
I feel stupid now.
I feel specially stupid since I forgot to put on my starter equipment that I got from the tutorial quest three days ago, so i got to putting it on after observing it to get an idea of how useful this would be.
Novice Robes
Worn by those just starting to learn the mystic arts.
MP regenerates 50% faster.
Novice Hood
Worn by those just starting to learn the mystic arts.
Gives a +30 increase to MP.
Yeah, this is gonna work just fine for a good while.
Guess this is why i got my ass kicked two days ago in the Kobold ID, my dumbass tried to go there in fucking rags!
Of course I would get my shit pushed in.
Another stupid move on my part was that I also didn't buy enough food for more the at least a days journey, not that I'm hungry or anything, but I always liked having something to drink while in the woods, don't ask me why.
Anyway, after putting my equipment on for the first time since I got it, I continue on my way towards Whiterun.
I still can't believe I forgot about that.
I can.
Shut up, I know I screwed up there, no need to remind me.
Yes there is, you keep forgetting about things, you even forgot to change clothes, who does that?!
Shut up, Bob!
After getting rid of the mangy pooch that's always lurking around the way down from Riverwood to Whiterun, and netting myself 50 EXP, I've run into a slight… let's say debacle.
Stop trying to sound smart, you're not.
You shut yer trap!
Onto more important things, when I was passing by the Pelagia Farm, you know, the place where there normally is a freaking giant fighting the Companions.
I'm surprised you know the name of such a minor place.
Of course I know the name, do you have any idea how much money I got from selling Pelagia potatoes and cabbages in the game?
A lot I'd wager.
He'll buy one cabbage double its actual price! DOUBLE! If I remember correctly, the base value of a single cabbage in Skyrim is two gold coins, so if you have 500 cabbages, that's 2000 gold coins! Easiest money ever!
I still don't see why you brought the place up anyway,
it's not like you have any cabbages or potatoes to sell.
True, and the problem is that the giant isn't there.
Wait, what?
Yeah, it's not there, look!
Looking over the farm shows that the place is indeed missing a giant, though it certainly left it's mark all over the place, what with the Giant's giant footprints all over the place, smashed crops, the Companions aren't there either.
Care to explain that Bob?
Oh, that happened yesterday afternoon.
God fucking damn, Bob!
What, not my fault you didn't realize that while this looks like the game you're supposedly so familiar with, it's not actually a game.
Does that mean that all my metaknowledge is useless?!
Nope, it just means that, unlike in the original game, events won't trigger just because you were nearby, they WILL happen, with or without you there.
Well that is just fan-fucking-tastic!
Anyway, shoving that aside for now, I'll deal with that can of worms later, I head on over towards Whiterun's entrance gate.
You know, i may love this, but i still think that whoever designed it was a dumbass, i mean, there is only ONE gate! What if they needed to evacuate the city and the front gate wasn't available? What, you'd put a sword in the hands of every man, woman and child and fight your way out? That seems stu… no wait, it's the nords we're talking about here, they'd totally do something like that.
As I'm approaching the main gates of Whiterun one of the guards approach me, he gives me the usual spiel about the gates being close, people being nervous or whatever the shit, I normally ignored this guy while he was talking to me, I guess that why i didn't notice that he, instead of talking to me, was now reaching for his sword.
"Are you listening to me, buddy? If you do not explain your business in Whiterun, things will get ugly for you." He threatened me.
"I was lost in thought, you know, anyway, I'm here to see the Balgruuf. Riverwood calls for the jarl's aid." I say, giving the usual line of dialog from the game, albeit a bit tweaked.
"Riverwood's in danger? Well, you better head on to Dragon's Reach then, it's the-" He says, but i interrupt him.
"Big building on top of the hill, yeah I know, anyway thanks, see ya." I say, walking past the guy, i know that he's just doing his job, but i've heard that same line at least for a thousand times over, that quite honestly, I have it memorized.
Walking through the gates, I'm treated to the sight of good ol' Whiterun, I can see Adrianne Avenicci discussing Idolaf Battle-Born's order of swords and armor for the imperial soldiers with the man himself, Lars Battle-Born, Mila Valentia and Braith playing tag, Brenuin begging around for money for more mead…
I don't know if I should be amazed that you remember all their names or to feel pity that you spent long enough to remember them.
Shut yer trap, Bob! No one asked your opinion!
Anyway, I've wasted enough time on the entrance gate and I should just get on my way, especially since the guard that normally stays on the other side of the gate is giving me the stinky eye.
"What, you got a problem here?" I challenge the guy, he shakes his head no, but continues to keep his eyes on me, say whatever you want about the security in Whiterun, but if the guards don't know you, they WILL keep you in their sights.
If they don't just kick you out of the city first, that is.
What did I say not even five minutes ago, Bob?!
Anyway, moving on from the main gate, I make my way through the Plains District of whiterun, where the market is located and other shops like The Warmaiden, Belethor's General Goods, The Bannered Mare, Arcadia's Cauldron and The Drunken Huntsman.
Oh, and can't forget Breezehome, cozy little place, that one.
Going up the stairway near The Bannered Mare, I get to the Wind District, where most of Whiterun's residential buildings are located. Looking to the left I see House Gray-Mane, with Amren and Saffir arguing about Amren's father's old sword, Kynareth's Temple, House Battle-Born, the Temple of the Dead, to the right I can see Jorrvaskr, the Skyforge, Heimskr's house and the statue of Talos with good old annoying Heimskr, shouting about the glory of Talos, the failures of the Empire and the evil of the Thalmor.
While I don't care about Talos, I'll agree that the Empire failed horribly and that the Thalmor are absolutely evil.
Passing by the Gildergreen, the burnt out husk of a tree in the middle of the plaza, I go up another set of stairs up to the Cloud District, where Dragonsreach and the Whiterun Prison are.
I don't know who had the bright idea to build the prison underneath the palace, but they should be hanged for stupidity!
Why?
Think Bob, if there ever was a prison break, the jarl and their family are gonna be among the first to die!
Okay the, where would you've put the prison?
Near the guard barracks, where they can do their jobs of stopping criminals from stirring shit up.
Huh, that's actually smart.
Thank you.
Anyway, after entering the palace, I make my way up to where Balgruuf, Proventus and Irileth are discussing the rumors of Helgen's destruction and how to handle the situation, with Proventus advising caution and Balgruuf wanting to send troops to investigate said rumors, say what you will about Balgruuf, but as far as i can remember, he was the only Jarl in all of Skyrim that said that they protect their people and actually does something about it, even if it's something minor in the grand scheme that is a Bethesda game.
This isn't a game!
Shut yer gob!
As I approach, Irileth notices me and approaches.
-10 affection with Irileth (-10/100) for coming in unannounced.
Really, she already doesn't like me?!
"What is the meaning of this interruption, Jarl Balgruuf is not receiving visitors." She says with the usual distrust that is always present in her voice whenever she's talking with someone other than Balgruuf, even when she doesn't mean it.
"Alvor sent me. Riverwood is in danger.." I say.
"As housecarl, my job is to deal with all dangers that threaten the Jarl or his people. So you have my attention. Now, explain yourself." She says, starting to point her sword at me.
"Yeah no, I was told to give the message directly to the Jarl." I say back.
-15 affection with Irileth (-25/100) for refusing to explain yourself to her.
Fucking hell lady, you need to chill out, not everyone that want to talk with Balgruuf wants him dead, goddamn.
"Whatever you have to say to the Jarl, you can say to me. I'm starting to think..." She says, suspicion heavy on her voice.
"It's okay Irileth, I want to hear what he has to say." Says Balgruuf from his throne in the back of the room.
Irileth looks back at Balgruuf, likely asking for confirmation, and then sheaths her sword, I take that as a signal to move onwards.
"Well. I trust you have something vitally important to tell me. Important enough to interrupt me in the middle of council?" Says Balgruuf, in a tone that clearly states that this better be worth his time or I'm in prison.
"A dragon destroyed Helgen. Alvor is afraid Riverwood is next." I say.
"Alvor? The smith, isn't he? Reliable, solid fellow. Not prone to flights of fancy... And you're sure Helgen was destroyed by a dragon? This wasn't some Stormcloak raid gone wrong?" Balgruuf asks, skeptical about the existence of a dragon.
Not that I can blame the guy for thinking that way, if dragons had appeared on earth a lot of people would begin losing their shit, both the good way and the bad way.
"I was there. I saw the dragon burn Helgen to the ground." I say, while sneaking a smug look at Irileth, she just rolls her eyes and scowls at me.
+10 affection with Balgruuf The Greater (10/100) for bringing confirmation about Helgen.
"By Ysmir, Irileth was right!" Exclaims Balgruuf, before he turns to Proventus "What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon?"
Before Proventus can speak anything, Irileth interjects "My lord, we should send troops to Riverwood at once. It's in the most immediate danger, if that dragon is lurking in the mountains..."
Proventus, fearing the consequences that might spring up from such an act, is quick to interrupt her "The Jarl of Falkreath will view that as a provocation! He'll assume we're preparing to join Ulfric's side and attack him."
I mean, he's not wrong, that could happen, but he's also not right, simply because he can't be sure if it will happen.
Balgruuf doesn't seem to agree though, if his facial expression is anything to go by "Enough! Irileth, send a detachment to Riverwood at once.".
Irileth is quick to do as she's told "Yes, my Jarl." seriously, if she were anymore loyal to Balgruuf, she'd be a dog.
Still fearing the worst, Proventus tries to speak one more time, to try and convince Balgruuf "We should not...".
Balgruuf speaks before Pronvetus can finish though "I'll not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people!" He shouts.
See, this is why I like this guy.
Defeated, Proventus lowers his head and clasps his hands in front of him, as a sign of deference, I guess "If you'll excuse me, I'll return to my duties."
"That would be best." Is Balgruuf's sharp remark.
After Proventus leaves, Balgruuf turns to me with a bit of gratitude in his voice "Well done." He says "You sought me out, on your own initiative." I mean, not really sorta kind of maybe yeah "You've done Whiterun a service, and I won't forget it." He says, before he signals a guard over, says something to the guard and the guard walks off, before coming back with a pair of Iron Gauntlets "Here, take this as a small token of my esteem."
Observing the gauntlets, this is what I can glean from it.
Iron Gauntlets
The Iron Gauntlets are a piece of heavy armor and part of the Iron Armor set .
Physical Damage is reduced by 1%.
Gifted to Korvan by Jarl Balgruuf The Greater for his help.
While I'm putting on the gauntlets, Balgruuf starts speaking again "There is another thing you could do for me." He says, I already know where this is going, but I've got no reason to interrupt him "Suitable for someone of your particular talents, perhaps.".
The hell does that even mean? It's not like I have any reputation in Skyrim for him to say that, if you don't count Alvor, Hadvar, Ralof and Gerdur, of course.
You're wearing the attire of a mage, what do you think he means?
Right, forgot about that.
"Come, let's go find Farengar, my court wizard. He's been looking into a matter related to these dragons and... rumors of dragons."
Shrugging I follow Balgruuf to Farengar's office, is what I'd like to call it, but I don't really know if that's what they call it, doesn't really matter though.
Once there, I can see Farengar hunched over a book, probably about the Dragon War.
"Farengar, I believe i've found someone that can help you with your dragon project." Says Balgruuf.
"Oh, really? That's wonderful!" Said Farengar excitedly, before calming down and looking at me, and his excitement noticeably dropped when he saw me.
"Yes, now why don't you fill him in on the details?" Said Balgruuf, I don't think he noticed how Farengar seems unimpressed with me.
After saying that, Farengar turns to me "So the Jarl thinks you can be of use to me?" He says, with that particular condescending tone that is common among mages and elves in Skyrim.
"Maybe, if I knew what he was referring to, he didn't tell me anything, just that I could help." I say, Balgruuf at least had the decency of looking sheepish.
I'm bullshitting of course, I know what it is he wants me to do, but I can't just come out and say exactly what he wants me to do.
"Oh yes, he must be referring to my research into the dragons." He says, trying to clarify what he is talking about.
I gotta be honest, if it wasn't because I already heard all of this before, I wouldn't have known what the hell he was talking about, I guess he's worried about someone stealing his research.
"Yes, I could use someone to fetch something for me." Farengar says.
Seeing my expression of boredom, he mistakes it as me being unimpressed, so he scrambles to clarify his words "Well, when I say fetch, I really mean delve into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not actually be there."
"Uh huh, right, and what does this have to do with dragons anyway?" I say, really I'm just repeating the dialogue choices I normally choose, mainly because I refuse to allow anyone to compare me to a fucking meathead.
Farengar seems to perk up at my question, which is explained why when I see a new notification pop up.
+5 affection with Farengar Secret-Fire (5/100) for being more than a mere brutish fool.
Guess the guy never expected to have someone ask that question, understandable really, this is Skyrim after all.
"Ah, no mere brute mercenary, but a thinker - perhaps even a scholar?" He says, praising me for my seemingly inquisitive mind.
"Thanks, but I wouldn't say I'm a scholar, but I know a thing or two, I've read my fair share of books about the subject after all." I say, which is technically true, I did spend hours reading through the In-Game books and the Wiki, to learn as much as I could about the Elder Scrolls Lore.
+5 affection with Farengar Secret-Fire (10/100) For sharing his desire for knowledge.
Really easy to please this guy huh?
Nodding his head, Farengar resumes his explanation "You see, when the stories of dragons began to circulate, many dismissed them as mere fantasies, rumors. Impossibilities." he scoffs before muttering to himself "One sure mark of a fool is to dismiss anything that falls outside his experience as being impossible.'' A clearing of a throat reminds him that Balgruuf is still in the room, guess that explains that.
Quickly scrambling to continue his explanation and escape Balgruuf's burning glare, Farengar dry gulps and continues "But I began to search for information about dragons - where had they gone all those years ago? And where were they coming from?".
"And why are they coming back now? I'd wager that's also a really important question that needs to be answered, correct?" I say, trying to butter up this guy.
+10 affection with Farengar Secret-Fire (20/100) For sharing his desire for knowledge.
What did I say, easy.
"Correct, oh you don't know how refreshing it is to have the opportunity to speak with someone that can think on your level after so long." Farengar says with a big smile on his face.
Smiling back, I bring the conversation back on track "So what do you need me to do?".
"In my research I ah, learned of a certain stone tablet said to be housed in Bleak Falls Barrow - a "Dragonstone," said to contain a map of dragon burial sites." He says " I need you to go to Bleak Falls Barrow, find this table and bring it to me, simplicity itse."
Nodding my head, I glance down at the notification that appeared before me.
Quest Completed!
[Before The Storm] (Main Quest)
Objective I - Speak with Alvor and/or Gerdur.
Objective II - Request that Balgruuf send aid to Riverwood.
Rewards - 250 EXP, 250 Gold, Increased Affection with Gerdur, Increased Affection with Alvor.
Quest Added
[Bleak Falls Barrow] (Main Quest)
Objective - Retrieve the Dragonstone for Farengar.
Rewards - 500 EXP, Dragonstone, 500 Gold, increased Affection with Balgruuf, Increased Affection with Farengar, ?
… I forgot to check if I had gotten that quest, didn't i?
Yup.
Fucking hell!
You really need to pay more attention to things, you know.
Oh go suck a Troll's cock, you fuck!
Anyway, turning back to Farengar I said "I'll bring back your stone map."
Upon hearing this, Farengar flashes a smile and Balgruuf turns to speak with me "Good, you do this and you'll be on your way to a position in my court." He says.
"Don't worry, I'll get on my way to Bleak Falls Barrow tomorrow morning, I just got to the city and I'd like a hot meal and a comfy bed." I say, I mean, I don't actually need it, what with Gamer's Body, but it'd be suspicious if I didn't even pretend to need it.
"Ah, you'll want to go to the Bannered Mare for that, trust me, Hulda will take care of you." Said Balgruuf, with a big smirk on his face.
Nodding in gratitude I turn around and walk out of Dragonsreach.
You forgot to check your new perk.
GOD FUCKING DAMN IT!
So, this new perk that I got…
Affection 50 Reward!
[Work That Wood!] - Gerdur.
Saw-Mill Owners, Lumberjacks and Carpenters are more likely to trust you, giving you a 30% discount on all wood products.
Affection with wood-workers increases faster.
… I like it, I like it a lot.
After going down the stairway from Dragonsreach to the Wind District, I paused to take in my surroundings once again, you know, to see if anything of note is happening.
Near the Gildergreen there is nothing that calls my attention, well beside Heimskr's prattling about Talos this and Thalmor that, you know his usual spiel.
Amren and his wife aren't there arguing, so that means that either i'm too early or i'm too late for that particular misc quest.
Oh would you look at that! Braith with Lars cowering under her, really what a sorry sight.
Welp, I wanted something easy to do, there it is.
Making my way towards the two, I catch part of their conversation.
"I... I don't have any money." Says Lars, whimpering and trembling all the way through.
"You'd better give me five Septims, right now, or I'm going to bloody your nose..." Says Braith, real original kid, really you're a font of inspiration for witty bullies everywhere, note the sarcasm.
"No! Please! I really don't have any money, Braith! I'll give you ten septims tomorrow. Just don't hit me." Begs Lars, your elders are right kid, you're a fucking coward.
"Ten Septims tomorrow, baby Battle-Born. Or I'm gonna bloody your nose and your lip." Braith says.
After that Braith walks away in my direction, and she has the audacity to give me the stinky eye.
"What're you lookin' at? I'm not afraid of you, ya know. Even if you are my elder." She says.
Giving her my best glare, I slowly say to her " Kid, if you don't want me to drag you to your parents with a crack on your head, you'll start running. Now."
Braith seems intimidated, because she loudly gulps, but disguises it with a scoff and runs away from me and Lars.
Walking up to Lars, I look him up and down and ask " You alright kid?"
He sighs dejectedly "It's no fun getting pushed around, Braith bullies me all the time.".
"What about telling someone about it?" I ask.
What are you doing?
You said this wasn't a game, so I'm giving him prompts to get to the important part of the game's dialog by pretending I don't know what he's going to say.
Devious, I like it.
Thanks.
"All the elders think I'm a milk drinker 'cause I can't fight." Says Lars, ripping my attention back to him "Nobody understands!" He exclaimed, before amending "Well, not everyone, my friend Olava? The seer? She says things will get better for me, once I start sticking up for myself."
"She's not wrong, you know." I tell him.
But he sighs again, he does that a lot doesn't he "But I can't fight. Not even a little bit. How am I supposed to stand up for myself if I can't fight?" before I can say anything, he perks up and turns to look me in the eye "But you can, if you can get Braith to leave me alone, I'll be your best friend... forever! I'll pay you, too! My whole life's savings, two septims!"
Quest Added
[Bullying Braith] (Misc Quest)
Objective - Convince Braith to stop bullying Lars.
Rewards - 5 EXP, 2 Gold, increased Affection with Lars Battle-Born, Decreased Affection with Braith.
Come on, Bob!
What is it this time?
I'm not going to make her stop pestering the kid! Quite the opposite actually, I'm going to make her confess!
… Wait what?
Yeah! In the game she says that if Lars just manned up and kissed her, she wouldn't have reason to beat him up! She's a bitch to him, not because she likes to see him suffer, but because she's frustrated that he just won't kiss her already! So I plan on getting the two of them together! I mean, I can't be the only one that felt irritated that helping a relationship blossom between the two of them wasn't an option in the game?
Do you know how creepy you sound right now?
Oh shut up Bob! That is not being "creepy", that is being a shipper!
Tomato, Tomahto.
Besides, I doubt you could actually pull it off.
Oh Just you watch.
"Kid, you need to grow a spine" I tell him.
"Oh, I didn't think you'd help, no one does." He says dejectedly.
I give him a deadpan look, " Can I finish?" I ask sarcastically.
Giving me his attention again, with a surprised look on his face this time, I continue what I was saying.
"You need to grow a spine, and kiss her already." I tell him.
His eyes widen as he blushes " W-wait what?!".
I pull him close with my arm around his shoulder and gesture in the direction that Braith had gone "Trust me kid, that girl is head over heels for you! That line about bloodying your lip? That is her way of saying she'll kiss you!"
He stares at me like I'm crazy " Hey don't look at me like that, I'm serious!" He still gives me that stare, sighing I tell him "Kid, has she ever called you anything, anything at all, besides 'Baby'?" I ask.
He opens his mouth to say something, but pauses and closes it back again, he spends some time thinking about it, before he opens his mouth again "... no?"
"You're asking me?" I say
"No." He says
"No what?" I tease him, I know exactly what he's saying.
He sighs, again "No, she doesn't call me anything but 'baby'" He says dejectedly.
"Kid stop sighing, it's annoying." I tell him, before i continue by saying "Look, 'baby' is a nickname that couples usually use with each other."
He stops and suddenly gains this far away look on his face, before he blushes again, redder this time, too.
"Kid? I try to get his attention but he doesn't respond…
I think you broke him
Nah, just blue-screened his ass, I know the perfect solution to this.
And that would be?
Instead of answering, I drive my fist on top of Lars's head.
"Ow!" He glares at me as he cradles his throbbing head in his hands.
"Oh good, you're back." Ignoring the glare that he is still sending me, I change the subject "Now, now that you know the true reason why she keeps bullying you, what are you gonna do about it?"
He stops glaring and seems to think for a bit before answering me " I don't know."
"You gonna fight back?" I ask.
He just shrugs.
Sighing I tell him "Look kid, I'll help you deal with this girl, but you'll have to wait, I've got an order from the Jarl and I set out tomorrow morning, so I won't be here for a while." He slumps down, he probably thinks I'm giving an excuse to ditch him "Think you can handle her until I come back?" I ask him.
"Sure, I've been handling her since forever, what is a few more days?" He says
"Good, see you then kid." I say as I make my way to The Bannered Mare.
Once there, I take a look around to see if anything is different from the game, and there are a few things, for one, like everything else so far it's bigger, which I should expect from everything at this point, with more benches and tables, and more people two, most are people from Whiterun, such as Carlotta and her daughter Mila, Brenuin, Saadia, Hulda herself behind the counter, and there is also that guy that keeps on talking shit about Balgruuf and Whiterun's security, what was his name again?
Oh, so there is someone you don't remember the name of in this city!
Get off my back okay! The guy is completely useless, he was always saying that the security is shit, but he never get off from his fucking ass and do any fucking thing to help with security in Whiterun, he just keeps sitting there drinking away and complaining about things that he's too much of a coward to do anything about!
Got that out of your system?
Yeah, I'm good now, I just really hate the guy.
You don't say.
Anyway, Hulda notices my presence and says loudly from behind the counter "Come on in. Let me know if you need anything, or take a seat by the fire and I'll send someone over."
Shrugging, I make my way over to Hulda and sit down beside Jon Battle-Born.
He seems quite drunk already, going by the redness of his face, his swaying head and the empty bottles of mead in front of him.
"So what can I get you?" Hulda asks me, trying to get me to buy something and be helpful.
"You must be Hulda, Correct?" I ask her as if I don't know who she is. After she nods, I continue "Well, I'd like to rent a room for the night." I say.
"That'd be 10 gold coins, please?" She says, giving her the money, I use Observe on her.
Name - Hulda
Title - Owner of The Bannered Mare
Level - 4
Class - Pawnbroker
HP - 200
MP - 100
SP - 200
Huh, she's about as powerful as I thought she'd be.
That's because she's an average person.
The average person, like merchants, citizens and innkeepers in this world are always level 4.
Why is that?
To give you an idea of how powerful you are and can be.
Huh, that's neat.
Anyway, after counting the coins, Hulda gestures for me to follow her up the stairs, and I have to hold back my surprise, because instead of one room like in the game, there is a corridor with four doors, two on the left and two on the right.
"Your room is the second one on the right, since it's the only one available at the moment, if you need anything else just let me or one of the barmaids know." Says Hulda.
"Thank you for your hospitality." I thank her, no reason to be rude after all.
"You're welcome." She says, turning to walk away, but before she can, I call her.
"Hey Hulda, I'm looking for work too, you got anything that could help me?" I ask
"Well, you could chop some wood for the fire, but if that doesn't appeal to you, come back down, I think I've got a bounty letter in there somewhere." She tells me.
Nodding I glance around the room for a bit, before going back down to the bar.
Once there, she goes behind the counter and pulls out a bounty letter and hands it to me after making sure it's the right one "Here, take a look at this.".
Quest Added
[Bounty] (Misc Quest)
Objective - Kill the Bandit Leader at Redoran's Retreat.
Rewards - 100 EXP, 100 Gold, ?.
"Thank you Hulda, have a good night" I say, before heading back up towards my room and going to sleep.
The next morning, after eating a piece of bread and a cup of water, because I'm not touching alcohol, mainly because of the debuff that it grants to SP, I make my way out of the Bannered Mare and onto the market plaza, where I almost bump into Amren, who looks lost in thought.
"Sorry, didn't see you there." He says apologetic.
"It's alright." I reassure him "Hey aren't you the guy that was having a shouting match with his wife in the Gildergreen plaza yesterday?" I ask.
He winces at the reminder "Yes, that was me and my wife, Saffir." He sighs.
"What were you two arguing about?" I ask "Seemed like it was important"
Sighing, he says "My Saffir doesn't like that I've been spending so much time looking for my father's old sword." Is the explanation he gives. Then his expression turned into one of determination "He fed his entire family with the gold he made using that weapon. I'm not about to let it gather dust in some thief's trophy room."
"Well, do you need any help finding the sword?" I ask.
"No, I've already tracked it to a group of bandits based at the old iron mine up north." He says, but then with a resigned sigh he says "But I'm no fool. I'd need the Whiterun guards or maybe hire the Companions to get it."
He slumps down after saying that, so much so, that it's actually quite the sorry sight. But with a defeated expression on his face and a hopeful tone in his voice, he says "I don't know why I'm saying this, but if you find it out in your travels, I'd be grateful to you."
"Sure, I'll be on the lookout for it." I say, reassuring the man.
With a thankful nod, he walks away.
Quest Added
[Family Heirloom] (Misc Quest)
Objective - Retrieve Amren's family sword from Halted Stream Camp.
Rewards - 25 EXP, 100 Gold, Increased Affection with Amren, Increased Affection with Braith.
Huh, the increased affection with Amren was expected, what wasn't was the increased affection with Braith, wonder what is up with that?
Despite what you may think of the girl, her father means the world to her.
Huh, now that's just cute.
Anyway, after that conversation I made my way out of the city and started sprinting my way back to Riverwood.
Why are you running? Are you in a hurry or something?
Nah, I just figured that I might as well get started on stat grinding. Why do you ask?
Nothing, just curious as to why you waited until now to start doing that.
…
You forgot, didn't you?
Shut up, Bob.
I hear an exasperated sigh coming from Bob, I guess he's annoyed with my forgetfulness, I mean, I am too, but it's not like I do on purpose.
Anyway, just to let you know, there will be a System Update when you next go to sleep.
Wait what? Why? That won't mess up my plans will it?
Nah, don't worry, just fixing some problems, it shouldn't mess with your inexistent plans.
Fuck you, Bob! I have plans okay!
Oh yeah? Enlighten me then. What are your plans?
I plan on exposing the truth behind this stupid civil war!
… What are you talking about?
I'm talking about how this whole thing is just a Thalmor ploy!
Okay, this I've got to hear?
I mean, that Ulfric is a fucking sleeper agent for the Thalmor.
Uh huh, you'll have to excuse me if I don't put much stock in conspiracy theories.
Listen here, you snarky coded fuck, I'm not a conspiracy theorist, I'll prove to you and everyone in the province that what I'm saying is the truth!
If you're so sure, here
Quest Added
[It's a Conspiracy!] (Side Quest)
Objective I - Find evidence that proves your claim that the Civil War is a Thalmor ploy.
Objective II - Expose the Civil War as a Thalmor ploy to all 9 Holds.
Rewards - 50000 EXP, 100000 Gold, Massively Increased Affection with the Imperials, Increased Affection with All Loyalist Holds, Massively Decreased Affection with The Thalmor, Decreased Affection with All Rebel Holds, 5 Gacha Tokens, 10 Stat Crystals.
Well hello there.
Okay, so sprinting all the way from Whiterun to Riverwood may not have been my wisest choice, considering that even though my SP is in the 200s, I've had to stop to take a breather at least two times.
Though I can't say it wasn't worth it
Your DEX has increased by 3.
Normally, simply walking from Riverwood to Whiterun takes around 6-7 hours, sprinting from one place to the other, even counting the breaks I had to take, took around half of that time.
Anyway, after getting to the bridge, I walk up the pathway that leads towards the ruins, and wouldn't you know it, that fucking wolf is there, waiting for something to eat.
Preparing a spell, I throw a quick Observe at it.
Wolf
LVL - 4
HP - 87/100
MP - 0/0
SP - 172/205
Huh, would you look at that, this bitch hurt.
Meh, easy EXP.
Shooting a Water Ball at it, I hit it in the side and I think I did a pretty good amount of damage to it, since I could hear a few of it's ribs breaking from the impact.
HP - 34/100
The wolf yelps in pain, before snarling at me and trying to run at me but before it can reach me I throw another Water Ball at it, killing the mangy mutt and netting myself 50 EXP
Level Up!
Nice!
…
… Where's the new spell that I'm supposed to get?
Oh that, yeah you're not getting it.
WHAT?!
No point in giving it to you now, when an update is scheduled to happen as soon as you go to sleep again.
I feel cheated.
Cry me a river.
I'LL FUCKING DUNK YOU INTO A RIVER, YOU OUTDATED PIECE OF COMPUTER SCRAP FUCK!
Fuming as I am right now, I continue walking in the direction of the ruins when I get near the old watch tower that indicates the halfway point of the path, I simply throw a Water Pike at the Bandit that stands guard at the tree near the entrance, hitting him right in the dick.
Critical Hit!
He goes down instantly and he doesn't seem to be moving, so I guess he died.
Then, out of the tower comes a female Wood Elf with a bow and arrow aimed at me.
Kinda stereotypical don't you think lady?
-15 HP
… Did this bitch just shoot me?
She did yes.
I conjure a Geyser right beneath her feet, launching her skyhigh.
Huh, she went higher than I thought she would, then again she's a Wood Elf, they're not exactly known for being particularly heavy, or at all.
Oh look, she's falling down the mountain now…
…
I didn't think she'd be bouncing so much on those rocks…
Neat.
Anyway, Making my way into the tower i spot the usual Bandit clad in iron armor, and he's not really a challenge, a well placed Spark Spell and the guy is quite literally cooked inside his armor.
Hey Bob?
Yeah?
Am i weird for thinking it smells like burnt pork chop in here?
Definitely.
Huh… Oh well.
Walking over to the burning corpse, I look at him and throw a weak jet of cold water onto his glowing red armor, rapidly cooling the metal.
After that I observe the armor, you know, to see if I can still use it or not.
Damaged Iron Armor
The Iron Armor is a piece of heavy armor and part of the Iron Armor set .
Physical Damage is reduced by 2,5%.
*warning!*
This piece of equipment is damaged!
Repairing it will make it usable!
Huh, not bad, I can repair it right now with the wolf fur I've got in my inventory, and it's getting late too. There isn't a bed or a bed roll in here though…
Pulling out the wolf fur, I start repairing the armor.
It doesn't take long to repair the armor, and I've discovered a neat feature! I can put armor pieces over clothing, like in Fallout 4!
How I discovered that, well by trying it of course! How the fuck else would I discover that?!
So now I've got Iron Gauntlets, Iron Boots and an Iron Chest Piece over my Novice Mage Robes, and I gotta tell you, I like it a lot.
Also, this opens the question if i can do this with other pieces of armor…
Hey Bob?
Yes you can do that with other pieces of armor.
Awesome!
