Beta'd by The Immortal Spank
I trudged through the snowy mountain side, the cold weather proving near ineffective against my Nord ancestry. Still, that doesn't mean I don't feel it, the light silver fur covering my body implying as much. Light puffs of air showed as I breathed, walking uphill on the cold mountain. I could see a rundown shack above me as I walked by it, which told me I was just under what in the future would be Anise's Cabin, a relatively useless place unless you wanted Archer training, at least in game.
"I can't go much further right now, still recovering from the cold, but if you continue to walk forward from a shack high in the mountain you'll eventually come across a frozen pond of water. Nearby will be a small gathering of trees, where the deer will be sleeping under the tall pine branches in the barren ground."
Those were the words Morbrukk told me just before he left back to the base, and where I began my trek into the colder parts of the mountain. Thankfully, it wasn't snowing yet, so my vision wasn't obscured, The reflection coming from the snow is still annoying though; I grumbled under my breath, cursing this stupid snow as I continued forward, my eyes squinting as I continued to scan the area for any frozen ponds.
I fiddled with the bolt case strapped to my side, rattling the few bolts still left from the armed men that came to my base some days ago. I'm sure I'm going to run out after this, but I took care of that little problem during my downtime before the invasion of Sunderstone. I'm sure that Lod should have the bolts ready by tonight, both the iron and silver tipped ones.
I've already said it before, but I'm never going to be an archer. The time to train being one with any level of adequate skill would take way more time than I would like it to be, regardless of me having the system or otherwise, at least I think so. A crossbow on the other hand? A crossbowman might not have the range of an archer, but you know what a crossbow has going for it that a bow doesn't? Ease of use.
It's evident in history. Back in my world, the church itself outlawed the use of crossbows in medieval times because they were much easier to use than a bow. It only took a few weeks, sometimes just days, of training for any peasant to use properly. Those who were rich at the time, mainly the church, viewed this as an escalation of weapons of war, and were terrified that the lowly peasants would revolt against the Christian's, therefore outlawing the use of them.
A weapon that can kill heavily armored knights that only takes at most a few weeks of training for someone to be proficient in? That's my kind of weapon, plus with enough time dedicated I could use it with just one hand. People have done it before, it's just a matter of practice combined with my system.
My musing was interrupted when I spotted the frozen pond just ahead, I quickly grabbed my crossbow from my inventory, bolt already loaded, and carefully and quietly began to move forward. I ducked, my furs –while not completely white- did help me blend in with the surroundings better than the black fur of a wolf. I stayed crouched, hidden, but made sure to keep my weapon free of the white snow: concealing it and risking damage would be more detrimental.
I know Morbrukk said it was sleeping, but I have no idea how long ago he found it, and I have no idea how long the stag itself was sleeping before Morbrukk found it, so with that in mind I was not surprised to find the trees he found and no Stag under it.
Sighing, I stood up and made my way over to the barren ground. I squatted down, my eyes gazing at the dirt until I saw some slight makings of footprints.
My eyes naturally followed the trudged path of snow, hooves stamping out discernibly in a trail- following, I noted the footprints stopped just in front of an opening into the mountain. With no other leads of it going anywhere else, I stepped inside.
I followed the twisting path as silently as I could, eventually walking into a large open space. And I mean Large, there were several tall albeit sloping trees dotted across the area, high as can be with plenty of room to grow more. Vibrant grass and clingy moss grew everywhere in large patches, decorating this place beautifully along with the various flowers of dazzling colors and red yet white spotted mushrooms. The air seemed to dance with molts of light as some moths flew through the air, their little wings visibly blowing dust away when near beams of light.
As I walked in further, a variety of smaller yet more vibrant trees began to become more noticeable, each spreading out in the open with swaying pink leaves; painting a rather beautiful scenery that was only added with what came into view. Dilapidated yet firm bridges of stone, collapsed and old ivory pillars, were only highlighted further by the beam of illuminating light and rushing waterfall.
I was in awe of the beauty of this place, the calmness of the atmosphere, the peaceful aura I could feel as I stood still, enraptured. A few moths flew around me, perhaps curious but I couldn't tell. I held out a finger and one rested on me, its brown wings flapping slowly as its little legs found purchase around my index finger.
I began to walk again, the moth flying away at the sudden movement. I peered around, and I found my target. Hunched over, back to me, drinking from one of the many pools of water. I hunkered down behind trees as quiet as a mouse. I lifted my crossbow and took aim, I'm lucky the fucker took refuge in here, as I'm essentially blocking the only exit. Can't get cocky though, even though it'd rather run than fight I have no doubt this animal could deck me if it needed to. I watched it lap up the water for what felt like a long time, waiting for the perfect chance.
…Now!
Even as it lurched up, I took hold of my weapon, pulling the trigger hastily; with the long and straight bolt being faster than it could react, it pierced right into the back of its skull. Sighing in content, I stood up and hooked my crossbow back to my side as I strolled down the slope to see my prize.
Just as I approached the corpse of the animal, a spectral version of ethereal and blue of the stag I just killed, materialized just beside it, but with an unnatural intelligence in its blank black eyes.
"Well met hunter!" The spectral being exclaimed, as if proud.
I bowed my head slightly, "It's an honor Lord Hircine."
The stag's head rose a bit, "You recognized me immediately? Ah, wait…" The spectral animal circled around me, analyzing with its lifeless eyes, "Yes, I sense it now. So you're the one with my ring." The being chuckled, "But without my blessing? My, that ring is quite useless to you, unlike the last one."
I shrugged my shoulders, "Wasn't doing him any good, with the ring being cursed and all."
"I had sensed the ring had moved bearers once it happened, but was ultimately unimpressed, at first." Hircine's aspect stood back in front of me, head lowered to stare at me in the eyes. "A mortal without my blessing having my ring? I normally wouldn't have bothered, but I had to make sure it wasn't in the hands of someone who wasn't worthy." The deer shook, almost as if laughing, "Leading my wolves to the bears was rather humorous, turning the hunters into the hunted. It was splendid!"
I grinned, "Thank you Lord Hircine." Hey, if he wanted to think it was intentional and calculated, then who am I to correct him?
The stag shook its head, "You have the makings of a fine hunter, mortal. You may even earn my favor, perhaps."
Here we go, "What would you ask of me, Lord Hircine"
"The one who stole it has fled to what he believes is sanctuary but has only ended up trapping himself. Seek out this rogue beast. Tear the skin from his body, and make an offering to me. If you wish this, travel with haste, for there are others who have found my aspects and have received the same offer."
I narrowed my eyes, moment of truth. "And if I turn the hunters into prey?"
The corners of the spectral stag's lips curved up, "I care not from where the prey come, but the blood from a living hunt is what I seek. The choice is yours. And if you succeed, I shall remove the curse from that ring."
Last chance to back out…
I bowed my head in thanks, "Thank you Lord Hircine for the glorious opportunity. I shall make haste to the beast's lair and hunt down those who believe themselves capable."
The aspect started to fade, but Hircine's voice still echoed out even when it disappeared, "The only hint you shall receive is that the beast dwells in a cave north of here, the rest is up to you, hunter, and we shall see if your strength will be enough for us to meet once more."
And with that, I was alone in this grove save for the many moths still fluttering in the air and the dead animal that lay at my feet. I looked around, I'll have to tell Umak about this place, there's so much shit here that I bet could be used for his potion making.
Wait, if nothing lives here beyond the moths then don't I-
Ancestor Glade added to territory (+2 INT)
There we go. I should probably swing by that shack too. Anise doesn't live there yet (I hope) so that's another free territory mark I could nab while I'm up here.
(-)
Once I had grabbed Anise's Camp (called Abandoned Whack because thankfully no one lived there) and added 1 END to my stat sheet, I made my way back down the mountain. I kept the white stag's body in my inventory until I got close enough back to the base to where I needed to take it out to not rouse any suspicion.
At this point, the former homeless workers had caught on to the fact that I'm not some normal miner, not when I regularly leave the base for long periods of time for seemingly no reason. Sometimes even coming back with dozens of more people that don't even mine, they aren't stupid. But at the same time, I gave them a job with a reliable income of 10 silver septim per day. At first I thought it was too little and tried to give them more but apparently that's actually the highest paying miner salary they've ever heard of.
In essence, even if the workers had issues with what I was doing (which I doubt any of them truly did), the benefits of just staying with working for me outweighed the inevitable financial risk that leaving me would cause. So when I came back with a brilliant white dead deer hefted on my shoulder they didn't even do a double take, and didn't bat an eye as I immediately called Gavnuk over to tell him he was in charge until I got back.
Out of everyone at the base, Gavnuk is the one I trust the most to run things smoothly in my absence. Kragrau is much too absorbed in his magicka research, which has only been enhanced now that he has people to practice and research with, and Umak is far too entranced in his potion crafting to give any attention. Gavnuk, on the other hand, has proven to be reliable and attentive to those at the base, so I'm sure everything is in good hands.
This will also prove that I can leave Gavnuk in charge when I inevitably have to leave for long periods of time to do certain tasks like: expanding territory, meeting up with my commanders (when I get them), and, if all goes according to plan, meeting up with other Jarls.
I gave Gavnuk his orders and sped off north into the wilderness after putting on my illusion armor. I sprinted as fast as I could,only taking momentary rests to recuperate my stamina. The sun is pretty much between mid afternoon and early evening, so I would assume around 4pm, if I'm right then I should get to Bloated Man's Grotto within the next hour or two.
Once I had rested enough I continued my rush forwards. Once I saw the Hunters Rest in the distance I sped past it towards the huge lake, and once I saw the main road, I rushed down it, passing by a courier. I waved to him, he didn't.
Bastard.
I raced down the traveled road and through the passage through the two mountains. I continued until the grass had turned a bright shade of green and yellow, the telltale sign of Whiterun territory. I turned right and ran around the mountain's edge until I saw the pathway that I knew led to the Bloated Man's Grotto. Gasping for air, I took the chance to look around to see if anyone was coming.
Once I knew that the coast was clear I found a nice hiding spot near the entrance, a place you wouldn't know someone was unless you were to go out of your way and actively search for them. Once I was situated, I laid down and closed my eyes for a quick nap.
(-)
I woke up to screams.
I bolted awake, alert, and ready for combat. My tense stance slowly melted away as I noticed no one was directly around me. I glanced at the sky, and saw the sun setting in the distance, turning the clear sky into a myriad of orange, red, and pink.
I shook my head, my thoughts now focused back on the task at hand. I unhooked and loaded my crossbow and strapped my shield to my arm. An axe wouldn't do me any good in an enclosed space, much less coupled with experienced hunters, I'll have to fight them long ranged. I'll have to fight them from a range.
I cautiously, but quickly moved around and into the large open area that was Bloated Man's Grotto, trees and other various types of vegetation decorated this pocket in the mountains, the sky clear to see. Various pools of water were scattered about throughout the land, most under waterfalls with fish swimming in them.
Corpses of animal were visible with every passing step, most torn asunder by something much stronger than it, perhaps Sinding? Going further, two humans laid sprawled against one another, their chest cavities open.
Definitely Sinding.
I pushed forwards, ignoring the bodies that littered the ground as I continued into the deeper parts of the grotto. Following the paths of flattened grass and hard dirt, winding my way around the large risen land in the center of the grotto, and the top of a Talos statue from what I could see. I finally got to the center, where the statue is. There was no chest, but there was a sword I remembered being there.
What I didn't remember was the Blade's Katana being broken.
I took hold of the mangled blade, the metal warped and scratched. I'm no blacksmith, but even I was able to tell that the blade was broken, and no amount of tempering or reforging could fix this.
I angrily tossed it to the side, such a fucking waste. And if I remembered correctly, the blades were the only ones who knew how to forge katanas, which meant that I couldn't even get the damn things fixed even if it was in good enough shape.
I heard commotions further down, fighting it would seem. I rushed down the stone steps, past two dead spriggans and two unidentifiable and mangled bodies, finding a large clearing with seven or so hunters all ganging up on a bloody mouthed Sinding, two front liners dressed in heavy armor and five archers pelting the beast. I crouched behind a large rock and readied my crossbow, taking careful aim at one of the archers in the back that was standing still. Once I was confident in my shot I released the bolt- flying straight into his throat and through it.
As he collapsed onto the ground the other archers cried in confusion. I managed to load and kill another one before the archers wisely ducked behind trees. Grinning, I focused my aim on the two heavy armor wearing hunters still duking it out with Sinding. They're still moving, but they stay in one position long enough for me to pull off a shot or two.
I shot one directly in the shoulder blade, the bolt piercing his armor and striking flesh. He cried out in shock, unable to stop what came next, as Sinding took the opportunity and clawed at him, killing him with a sickening crunch and squelch.
I ducked my head as an arrow struck the wall behind me. Tch, seems the archers found me.
I quickly cocked another bolt and took a chance to peek around the rock's edge. An arrow missed me by an inch, startled but readied, I found the man and shot a bolt before he took cover, hitting him in the thigh. He fell to one knee crying out in pain, so I decided to leave him alone to deal with the others. He's on death's door anyways, either I'll kill him later or Sinding will take care of the front liner and deal with him.
I shot forward from my hiding spot, rolling behind a tree for a better angle with my shots, avoiding the arrows that pelted into the ground. I loaded another shot and fired at the exposed shoulder of one of the archers. He cried out in pain, his arm flailing a bit as the bolt sunk deep into his uncovered shoulder.
Gotta love hide armor.
The remaining archers took aim at me, but before they could shoot me Sinding crashed into one, tearing out his throat in a gory display of animalistic fury. Terrified, the other archer swung around and loosed his arrow, miraculously hitting him in his left eye. Sinding roared in pain as one of his eyes was now gone. Furious, he leapt at the archer before he could retreat, pinned him to the ground, and bit his entire head off.
I kept the nausea I felt under control and tore my gaze from the display, walking over to the archer I shot in the thigh as I loaded another shot. He was sprawled behind a bush, hoping to hide as he dealt with his injury, but unfortunately, I could see his bow peeking out just underneath the shrubbery.
He didn't notice me, too focused on bandaging his leg to see if someone found him, so it was no surprise that he cried out in shock as I kicked him square in the chest. He collapsed onto the ground; the air knocked out of him as I kept my foot on his chest to prevent him from moving. Leaving no time to waste, I aimed my crossbow and shot the man in the throat, killing him quickly (I hope).
I sighed and turned around, everyone here was dead and I saw Sinding bounding down the bath back towards the entrance.
"Not even a thank you?" I grumbled to myself, but jogged after him nonetheless, another shot loaded in.
I quickly caught up to the screams of the last remnants of hunters that arrived late to the party. I rounded the corner and caught sight of Sinding fighting it out with three hunters, each decked in furs and hides with a bow to their backs and fighting desperately with some swords.
It wasn't helping them.
Sinding was tearing into them, gutting their stomachs with ease with his razor-sharp claws. When they went down, I secured the quick kill with my bolts. Killing all the men swiftly and surprisingly easy. Though I guess that's to be expected when a werewolf is your little helper.
I cautiously stepped out of cover, and as I did so Sinding twisted his head in my direction.
"Hey Sinding," I said slowly, soothingly, and hopefully unthreatening, "I'm back, just like I promised."
The werewolf continued to stare at me as I crept forward.
"The hunters here to kill you are all dead," I looked into his eyes, finding a disturbing lack of any understanding. "I'm going to leave briefly, and have Hircine-"
Sinding snarled at the Daedra's name and pounced at me, arms reaching out to kill me and his mouth open, exposing his razor-like teeth that no doubt intended to devour me.
I scrambled back, avoiding his grasp by mere inches but the fucker managed to scratch my armor, gashing into the metal itself. I turned and stumbled into a dead sprint, Sinding not far behind me.
What the fuck?! I thought that Sinding had a good amount of control over his beast form! He did in the game…which must be further in the future than now…
Did my intervention, possibly months or even years earlier than the start of the game, have an unintended side effect? Did Sinding, in the time between when we met and the start of the game, manage to garner far more control over his inner beast? If that was the case, then…
Cursing loudly, I made a hard right turn and bounded up the stone to get to a higher point, climbing up the rocky surface with surprising speed as Sinding clumsily turned the corner. He tried to climb after me, but his big claw hands couldn't grasp the small, delicate rocky hand holds I used to get up. He tried to jump at me, but I was just out of reach from his outstretched arms. Snarling, Sinding ran down the regular path, no doubt getting to higher ground to attack me from above.
Once I saw him rounding another corner I slid back down the stone surface and rushed towards the big open area by the entrance, loading in my silver bolts as I did.
I stayed optimistic though, despite Sindings obvious strength and speed advantage, I was in much better shape than him. The various wounds and injuries he suffered from fighting the hunters prior to my arrival have not healed at all, and he's blind in one of his eyes. If I play my cards right, I should get out of this.
I got situated behind a tree and took aim; just as expected, Sinding got to the top of the rock where I was, but didn't see me. Before he could do anything, I shot my bolt, it flew true and stuck him in his huge shoulder. He roared in pain, his head swerved over to me. I saw him get on all fours and pounce off the stone, soaring through the air at the tree I was hiding behind.
I reloaded just in time to see him reach the apex of his jump, with no way to dodge, I fired again, hitting him in his chest just as he started to descend. He roared as he crashed into the tree, but I managed to roll out of the way as he destroyed it into a splintery mess.
I loaded and fired my third bolt just as I managed to get up, hitting him in the back. Sinding roared in pain again, but now that we were much closer he pounced at me. I waited until he was just close enough to where I pivoted to the right, dodging his claws and swung my shield arm around, bashing his face with the side of my shield.
He stumbled a bit, disoriented. I grabbed a bolt from my pouch and stabbed it into him like a dagger. It didn't pierce into him much, but it did its job of dealing an agonizing amount of pain to the beast as it howled. I peddled back and sent my crossbow to my inventory, equipping my axe instead. I can't outrun the beast so now it's full-on melee.
The beast charged at me, I dodged to the left, his blind side. He lost sight of me and slid on the ground to stop himself. As he passed me I lashed out with my axe, burying it into his arm. The beast tried to pivot to me, but his massive hulking body made it hard for him to do precise and dexterous movements. At best he managed to stop and turn fully around but by then I had already smashed the back of my axe into his muzzle. I raised my shield and blocked a strike from his claws, making deep gashes into the shield's face.
He lashed out again with both arms, I managed to block one, but I had to take the other. I tried to mitigate the damage, directing the blow to the most reinforced portion of my chest piece, but I still cried out in pain as his claws raked my flesh on my side. I stumbled back, taking a potion out of my inventory instantly and downing it as the beast clawed again at my shield.
I tossed the container away and bashed the beast's head again when he pounced. I didn't so much as bat him away, but the force of my attack did veer him off course to the left, avoiding me as he crashed into the ground. I peddled back as the beast reached up and swiped at me, hitting nothing but air.
The beast struggled to get up, the injuries and silver no doubt getting to him. I took the chance to quickly equip my crossbow and load another bolt, shooting him right in the side of his chest and reloading in sequence. The werewolf roared in pain, stumbling in pain, and glared hatefully at me with his one good eye. As he rose off the ground, I re-equipped my axe as he stumbled at me, swinging his arms around as I parried and blocked with all my strength. I grit my teeth as my arms ached with each heavy attack.
The beast raised it's arm for an overhead swipe, roaring, but stumbled -likely from all the silver in its body. I took the chance, I quickly equipped my loaded crossbow, took a split-second aim and fired the bolt.
It struck the roof of its mouth, piercing its brain.
The werewolf, formerly Sinding, stood still like a statue. Slowly, its head tilted to the side, followed by its body as it collapsed on the floor.
I panted heavily, falling on my ass as I sat down to capture my breath. I downed two more healing potions and checked my body for any other major injuries like the swipe I took to the side earlier. Finding none, I sighed in relief and brought up that annoying ass notification ping I kept hearing.
You have killed 7 hunters and 1 werebeast
+2 Lv Blocking [27/100]
+6 Lv Archery [16/100]
+1 Lv Axe Proficiency [34/100]
+3 Lv Heavy Armor Proficiency [27/100]
+1000XP
+Bloated Man's Grotto to territory (+1 END, +1 DEX)
You have leveled up! +2SP +1PP
Choose which stats you would like to increase?
Add both into DEX please.
Allocating Points…
Profile updated!
I dismissed the updated stat sheet as I saw a tear into oblivion shape in front of me. I caught the briefest glimpse of trees before Hircine's stag aspect appeared before me once more.
"Well met again, hunter!" Hircine seemed quite pleased, "I've been watching this hunt from my realm in oblivion, I am quite impressed and amused." He chuckled, "You have turned the chase inside out, and they were no base prey. And then the hunt continued when the beast you sought to spare bared its fang, and you did not yield. A fine hunt indeed, yes."
I fumbled to catch my breath, opting for sharp intakes, "So what does this mean for me, Lord Hircine?"
Hircine nodded his Stag head towards Sinding's dead body, "You've amused me mortal, and for that have found my favor. The beast's skin will serve you well, child. My glories shall protect you from all this world's grievances."
I grimaced, "I've actually never skinned an animal before, does it matter how well I do it?"
"I suppose not," Hircine mused, "As long as the beast is skinned and offered in my name you shall receive my Savior's Armor."
I nodded my head and stood up, walked over to Sinding's body and knelt down. I took a calming breath and grabbed the dagger that Valdr gave me. I carefully did my best to skin the animal, I tried to treat it like fileting a fish. It was a piss poor job, I did manage to get the skin off but there were huge chunks of meat still on it, but I got the job done. I did my best to ignore the naked beast behind me as I shambled over to a fire one of the previous hunters had started for a camp.
The firepit was not lit, but with a stamp of Hircine's hoof it burst into flames. I looked at him, closed my eyes and threw the werewolf pelt -if you could call it that- into the flames.
There was no stench of burned fur or cooked meat that rose from the smoke, instead it was the scent of the forest that rose from the fire as the pelt burned.
I opened my eyes and laid down in front of me was an entire set of armor laid out carefully in front of me. All made of leather, hide, and fur. The headpiece resembled an Elk's head, antlers, and all but thankfully they acted much like the horns on my own iron helm. The gauntlets were made of studded hide with some light brown animal fur covering it, some spikes of bone lining the hand piece that served to deal extra melee damage.
The boots were simple leather hunting boots, also covered with animal fur and hide, and the chest piece was the most impressive. The interior was leather and fur, along with the collar, meant to keep the wearer warm. A large metal plate protecting the torso potion and it was stylized with a face of an animal that I didn't recognize, though I guessed it was just a generic beast of some kind.
I silently casted observe and marveled at what lay before me.
Saviors Helmet: A portion of a Hircine's artifact "Armor of the Savior's Hide." Stylized as an Elk's head, this helmet provides the wearer increased tracking capabilities. Also increases vision distance and clarity.
Savior's Gauntlets: A portion of a Hircine's artifact "Armor of the Savior's Hide." These gauntlets increase the range, accuracy, and power of bow and crossbow shots.
Savior's Hide: A portion of a Hircine's artifact "Armor of the Savior's Hide." This Cuirass has the power to mask the scent of the wearer from beasts.
Savior's Boots: A portion of a Hircines' artifact "Armor of the Savior's Hide." These boots make the wearer silent while worn, not even stepping over twigs or leaves will make a sound.
Hircine didn't bat an eye as my armor was unequipped, stored in my inventory as I carefully put on the armor laid in front of me, even the head piece. I was surprised that my vision wasn't impaired, in fact it looked like I could see the world just as clearly as before, if not more so.
"Thank you Lord Hircine, but what about the ring? You promised that you would lift the curse, did you not?"
Hircine's beady black eyes narrowed, "…I suppose I did, didn't I. Brave of you mortal, asking a prince for two of their artifacts, but I shall allow it this once."
The ring on my finger glowed a shimmering green before settling down.
"There, it is done." Hircine nodded his head, "With our business concluded I shall return to the hunting grounds, my new hound needs to be broken in."
My eyes widened, this wasn't supposed to happen, aren't I supposed to become his champion or something?
"M-my Lord Hircine, what does this make me?"
"The arrogance of mortals never surprises me." Hircine scoffed, "You're a favored hunter, as I said."
I gulped, "And if I wanted to be your champion? What would become of me then?"
"HAHAHAHA!" Hircine bellowed out, head tilted back. "Champion, the mortal says! The audacity!"
Hircine stalked forward, but I held my ground. "Bold of you to ask mortal, truly arrogant like your kind typically is, but amusing all the same." He chuckled, "Unfortunately for you, my current champion is still alive and well."
My eyes hardened, unacceptable. I need Hircine's support for my plans to flourish, it just wouldn't work the same with another Daedric prince except maybe Azura, but that would be far too much work and too time consuming.
"Lord Hircine," My voice, almost thrumming with a hardened tone. "Let me challenge that champion then, for the honor of being your chosen."
Hircine's eyes widened in disbelief, almost nearing that of excitement, "You believe you can stand against my champion and be victorious mortal? I thought I had seen the extent of humanity's arrogance but you have surprised me, truly."
Hircine stalked back and forth, pondering and muttering, "But yes. YES. This will truly be a glorious hunt indeed, and quite amusing. Fine, Mortal, you shall have your little challenge you so desperately crave. Come, we leave now to the hunting grounds, your challenge awaits you there."
I blinked, "Wait we leave no-"
I was suddenly not in the bloated man's grotto. Instead, I was overtop a small hill overlooking a wondrous forest of green and blue. Trees littered the landscape as far as the eye could see, rock pillars sprout up occasionally with moss and glowing blue mushrooms that illuminated the forest. The sky, a brilliant cloudy lavender sky with a giant orange tinted moon shone.
A grunt sounded next to me, I turned my head as another figure stumbled a bit on the ground. He rose to his full height, his black fur highlighted beautifully in the moonlight, his long tail swaying lazily through his tattered shorts. He turned to face me, his ears long, pierced with large gold rings the same color as his eyes. Pupils slitted like a cat, and the face of one too.
The large Khajiit finally spoke towards the moon, his raspy deep voice piercing the quiet still air, "What does my Lord Hircine require of Tsajira?"
Confused, I turned back around and stepped back in shock. There was Hircine, no aspect bullshit but Hircine, the true Daedric, standing as tall as a mountain and slightly transparent with a golden hue, looking down on both of us from the moon. I couldn't see below his torso, as his waist ended at the horizon's edge.
He was like an Elk and a Human combined. A large human physique with visible brown fur that could be seen in the large gaps of his extravagant hide armor. His head, on the other hand, was a giant Elk's head with glowing red eyes. In one of his hands was a giant shining spear, no doubt the Spear of Bitter Mercy.
Hircine lifted his giant spear and pointed it at me, its length so long that the almost transparent tip of it was just millimeters from my chest.
"The mortal known as Ragnar wishes to challenge you for the right to become my Champion."
Tsajira's eyes found mine and narrowed, "Ah, so Tsajira must fight this one, yes?"
Hircine's giant body got down on one knee, his head hovering feet above us as he spoke. "Not so simple my Champion. This one," he nodded his head at me, "Shall participate in the hunt."
Tsajira smiled wide, his jagged yet pristine teeth shown for all to see. "Tsajira is excited my master." His eyes roamed my body.
He scoffed, "If Tsajira may make a request, master, heal this one's injuries."
Hircine tilted his head, "You wish to hunt him at full strength?"
Hunt me?
Tsajira nodded, "Yes my master, it would be too easy otherwise, and Tsajira wants a challenge."
That son of a bit-
Hircine's giant hand hovered over me, basking me in emerald light. Soon, all of my injuries and fatigue were gone. In fact, I felt as right as rain! I started to do a bit of stretching, twisting my arms and torso around as I heard the satisfying pops and cracks of my joints.
"So…" I trailed off slightly, "How's this gonna work, do we fight or..?
Hircine snorted in amusement, "Not quite mortal. Instead of fighting you'll be running for your life while my champion hunts you down."
"…"
"Your task is simple, mortal. You must survive until the sun rises on Nirn, or if you kill my Champion as he hunts you. If you win, then my champion shall finally join my side as head of my pack. If he wins, you'll be turned into a wereram for my hounds to hunt for the rest of eternity."
Quest Received: Call of the Hunt
Objective: Survive until morning or Kill Tsajira
Reward(s):
Survive until Morning: Become Hircine's Champion, special perk.
Kill Tsajira: Above rewards, Hircine likes you
Name: Ragnar
Race: Nord
Level: 14
EXP: 335/ 750
Health: 260 Magicka: 340 Stamina: 250
STR: 16 (17)
INT: 27 (34)
END: 22 (26)
DEX: 22 (25)
SP: 0
PP: 2
Land Controlled:
Falkreath: (›)
[+1 STR, +4 END, +7INT, +3DEX]
People under your leadership:
Happy: 35
Neutral: 13
Unhappy: 4
