Beta'd by The Immortal Spank

Sprinting as fast as I could, leaves of green grazed my face as boulders of dull gray flashed by as I flew through Hircine's hunting grounds; each silent only step a desperate attempt to distance myself.

My mind raced. 20 minutes, that was all the time Hircine gave me, and frankly that's not enough. Tsajira's dismissal of my abilities, while hopefully mere arrogance, held a degree of self-assurance that was backed by the not so small fact that he was Hircine's Champion; tracking skills were a given, a divine boon of sorts wouldn't be surprising either.

Or perhaps he has his own perk gifted to him from the Daedra? Not literally a perk mind you, but I do get one for completing this quest, would it not be likely that Tsajira also got a unique power from Hircine? I'd rather be under the assumption that he does, than to underestimate his capabilities and get torn to shreds.

I grimaced as I slowed down, taking a short rest as I gathered my thoughts. If I'm going to operate under that assumption, then he must have a way to track me regardless of my armor's abilities. My best bet then would be to somehow kill him, but he must be a werebeast from what Hircine implied. His combat prowess and agility would outclass me easily, and unlike Sinding he will have far more control; I can't expect the same bestial and untamed style of combat from him.

If I'm going to kill Tsajira, I'm going to have to outsmart him. I need to lay out a trap to catch him off guard, and I don't have the time nor the skill to make more than one.

Let's see…Tsajira must be able to hunt me down using his werebeast form, so using my scent will be the way he'll track me down, at least during the initial chase. My armor gets rid of that, but I can't rely on that alone to save me. If he can't hunt me through smell or sound, then he'll be able to get me from sight. I don't know how, but if Hircine thought I couldn't win despite himself KNOWING of the armor's capabilities, then it's the only logical to assume that he can track me through sight somehow.

Which means I'll simply have to get rid of his.

I took off into the forest again, my eyes roaming the surrounding area until I found exactly what I was looking for, an open field. Kind of. It was a large and deep river with an adequate amount of open field around it that stretched on for kilometers I would imagine. I couldn't see the end over the horizon, so it stretched pretty fucking far.

But it was perfect.

I made my way over to the other side and grabbed what I needed. I gathered up a bunch of large sticks together and tied them up with the last of my rope. It amounted to just a tall stick with a small cross section tied onto it, almost like a really shitty sword, but that's all I needed. I took out a commoner's shirt and draped it over the stick figure, and then attached my mangled Illusion armor to it. I moved the whole thing behind a tree, slightly in view from the other side of the river.

"Disguise," I muttered, watching the armor shimmer into what I was wearing when I met Tsajira. I fondly brushed my hand against the metal chest plate, feeling a bit sentimental as I came to terms with what was inevitably going to happen.

A distant roar echoed throughout the otherwise silent forest as I clenched my teeth.

Looks like my time was up.

(Tsajira)

Tsajira sat in silence in the presence of his lord. The time ticked by as the Nord ran and ran, but it would make no difference in the end. This one has been in service of "The Hungry Cat" for many years, the upstarts who dare challenge him all end up the same.

This Nord shall be no different.

Tsajira licked his lips, the Nord, while foolish, will provide an excellent sacrifice to his lord.

When his lord Hircine nodded his head, this one knew it was time to commence his hunt. He got up, hunched over as Tsajira's blessing took hold; transforming using the power his master gave him into the magnificent werebeast.

Tsajira's master was grand and benevolent, granting him senses beyond even other werebeasts. He sniffed the air, catching the Nord's scent to the far west. Tsajira frowned, truly disappointing the Nord was. Tsajira thought that the Nord must have had something to make him so confident, but he couldn't even mask his scent properly.

Not that it would have mattered, Tsajira's tracking is unparalleled, but the effort would have made this somewhat interesting.

This one ran on all fours, the forest blurring behind him as he tracked and pursued the Nord's scent. Random wererams and deers dashed away from the sight of him, but they were not Tsajira's target, he was in the distance.

Eventually, Tsajira crouched ever closer to the Nord's hiding spot. Tsajira could see the Nord's shoulder peeking out from behind a tree. It really was too easy. Teeth bared, Tsajira jumped over the river and pounced at his prey's exposed body.

Tsajira's claws tore through the Nord, his prey's armor crumpled in on itself as his hand tore through the Nord's body, his spine snapping like a stick as he tore apart his body.

Felt like one too.

Tsajira's eyes narrowed, on the ground laid broken and destroyed iron armor -not the hunting gear the Nord was wearing earlier- along with a bunch of destroyed rope and sticks.

He'd have to give the Nord more credit than he originally thought. Using previously worn armor to distract his sense of smell while he continued further into the woods. No matter, all that did was buy him a few more minutes before Tsajira tore his body asunder.

Tsajira sniffed the air again, frowning. There was no other trail? He sniffed again to make sure, but again there was nothing. Somehow the Nord had a way to mask his scent entirely. No sound either, not even a distant footstep made it to his sharpened sense of hearing.

Exhaling, Tsajira's eyes glowed a bright red. The forest's colors blurred into shades of gray and white, but the birds and other animals glowed a soft blue. swiveled his head, searching for the Nord. This one turned around and there… He spotted him! Hidden up in the trees to the far west, he could see the red aura of his prey.

His ears flicked at a sudden sound coming from where the Nord was. That was all the time he had before an agonizing pain erupted from his head. Tsajira stumbled back, howling in pain as the familiar searing pain of silver pierced his right eye. Snarling, Tsajira opened his now one good eye and glared at the Nord with unbridled anger, sprinting at the retreating Nord who dared to take away part of the gift his master gave him.

(Ragnar)

I dashed further into the woods once I heard the distant roar of Tsajira. I had to act fast, it took me less than twenty minutes to get here, and I doubt it'll take him more than five.

I climbed up a tree and grabbed out my crossbow, loading in one of the four remaining silver bolts I had left, took aim at the makeshift dummy and waited. In the distance, thanks to my enhanced sight from the Savior's helmet, I could see birds flying out of the trees which let me know exactly how close he was, though I could never actually see him until he burst out of the tree line on the other side of the river.

Tsajira was huge, easily double the size of Sinding – who was already large mind you! A feral beast, hackled fur as black as night and eyes as red as rubies with teeth and claws as sharp as blades. I forced down the urge to gulp, not trusting myself to make even the slightest of sounds in case the beast could possibly hear me.

I watched as the beast tore into my now destroyed armor piece. I quietly mourned the loss of such a valuable piece of equipment, it's been with me for many battles but it's life has come to an end. I looked on with anticipation as Tsajira looked around, and as he turned around, he stared straight at me!

With no time left to waste I released the bolt from its confinement, watching it fly faster than the beast could react, piercing its eye. I wasted no time marveling at my accuracy – I'll chalk it up to Daedric artifact bullshit - as I stood up and jumped through the trees.

I could hear the beast roar, an animalistic primal bellow of rage that almost shook me, the paws that slammed forth in a stride of fury towards me only made me more focused for what was to come.

I hastily equipped my shield and axe from my inventory, no point in subtly when my enemy could gut me at a moment's notice.

I twisted midair and landed on the sturdy branch, groaning underneath the sudden weight; I paused with bated breath as Tsajira revealed himself, jumping into the air after me, sickening thick and sharp claws brandished to tear my body into ribbons

I jumped up high, his claws raking against the thick branch under me, tearing into the wood deeply but managing to get ahold of it so as to prevent himself from falling. When I went to reach for my crossbow his eye widened and quickly let go of the branch, the grin that formed dropped as the branch groaned under my weight, unable to support me as the wounds on it became unbearable.

The branch snapped, I lost my footing and fell onto the forest floor, the branch landing on Tsajira's head, dazing him long enough for me to stand up and block an overhead swipe from him. His claws raked into the shield's face, crevassing my already damaged shield even further. I reckon that it'll take only a couple of more hits before it's broken completely.

I took the opening I created and bashed my shield into his already dazed face, concussing him further as I reared back and slammed the butt of my axe into his jaw. He staggered back. I took the chance to sprint away south, getting as far as I could while the beast tried to recover from the head trauma I inflicted.

Which wasn't too long as about three minutes into my dead sprint I could hear the sound of a large object barreling through the forest. I turned, skidding as I did just as a beast came into view. I braced my shield in front of me as all of what could only be two hundred or more pounds of pure werebeast slammed into me. We rolled and tumbled on the ground, skidding on the dirt as our grappling bodies crashed into the water of the river I had found earlier.

We both gasped for air but I recovered faster, I lunged at the beast in the water and managed to finagle my way onto his back, my arms pulling him into a choke hold as I took a deep breath.

This fucker still has to breathe.

I plunged us both back under the surface, my lungs burned as I refused to give up any ground as the beast flailed underwater. Tsajira's legs frantically kicked at my body, making me lose precious oxygen as bubbles from grunts of pain broke past my lips, increasingly blurring my already fuzzy vision.

My lungs burned for air as I desperately hoisted myself up, pushing the beast further down as I managed to get a small gulp of air before the animal of a Khajit yanked me back down into the water. We grappled under water, the current carrying us down the river, battering us both with rocks but it was clear I was the only one bothered by it. Tsajira tried to swim up but I grabbed his leg and refused to let him surface. His efforts to escape became more erratic, his leg kicking me several times in the face and head but I held strong, my grip tightening even as my lungs cried for air.

He managed to get a lucky shot, his free leg kicking me right in the throat. I gasped, all the air escaping me as the beast kicked his way to the surface. I swam up desperately, coughing up water as I breached the surface only to be tackled by Tsajira and dragged back under the water. With each passing moment, my lungs spasmed in an attempt to breathe, a burning sensation overtaking them. And in those attempts, the sensation of drowning came ever closer.

The beast held strong, wrapping around my body to hold me in place. His jaws opened to bite my head off but I managed to free my arms and hold back his closing mouth, one hand on his upper and lower jaw. My blurry vision managed to make out a tall rock just as we crashed into it, his body letting go of mine in a daze as I desperately kicked my feet up and broke through the surface. I hacked and coughed up water, greedily taking in air as fast as I could before Tsajira had the chance to get me again.

I took another deep breath and went back under, Tsajira was kicking up after me to get some air but I crashed into his form, pulling us further under as I grappled his body. I struggled and held strong as our bodies drifted with the current, but I managed to force myself onto his back. My hand grasped his jaw and forced him to look up, his chest coughing a bit as water suddenly rushed down his nose, but I managed to get him to look up at me.

Valdr's dagger, which I had grabbed with my free hand, plunged down into his last good eye.

He roared in pain but regretted that action immediately as water filled his lungs. I grit my teeth as his flailing caused us both to tumble in the water, crashing us into sharp rocks and the riverbed under us. I struggled to keep him under the water, his power was enormous, but his strength was waning with every passing moment.

His feet kicked my gut, causing my mouth to open and once again fill my lungs with water. My eyes widened in panic as I frantically swam up to cough up all the water out.

I breached the surface, water pouring out of my mouth as I violently coughed up water. A roaring sound met my water clogged ears as I blearily opened my eyes. I didn't have any time to think, to scheme, before Tsajira burst out of the water. I turned around quickly and lunged at him, dragging him down before he could take another gulp of air.

We struggled weakly under the river some more, but a loud roaring sound reached our ears. I glanced behind me just in time to fall into open air, Tsajira still in my clutches. My eyes widened as we tumbled through the air and falling water, I glanced down and saw a large body of water underneath us.

Gritting my teeth, I used all my strength to twist my body midair, flipping Tsajira under me as we fell towards the large pool of water. His sharp claws dug into my back, but I didn't yield, only letting go just as we crashed into the water, my strength leaving me as his body was ripped from my grasp.

I felt my body being carried by the current as I floated from the large pool under the waterfall down towards where the river continued. I weakly kept my head barely above the water just long enough for my arm to grasp the river's edge.

I hacked and coughed as I struggled to lift my body out of the water, I heaved myself over the edge, holding myself up with one arm as I threw up what was mostly water. I took in deep gasps of air, my vision slowly returning to normal, but my body felt so incredibly weak. I wearily turned towards the body of water, shakily standing up for when Tsajira inevitably came up from the.

Except he didn't. Seconds turned into minutes but there was no sign of him showing up, even my enhanced eyesight couldn't make out any bubbles coming up, just a slow stream of red. Did he…?

Quest Completed: Call of the Hunt:

Rewards: Become hircine's Champion, special perk, Hircine likes you

You've killed 1 Daedric Champion

+600 EXP

+2 Lv Archery [18/100]

+3 Lv Heavy Armor Proficiency [30/100]

+1 Lv Blocking [28/100]

You have leveled up! +2SP +1PP

Choose which stats you would like to increase?

Please add both into STR, I definitely need more of that.

Allocating points…

Profile updated!

"Well, isn't this a grand surprise."

I turned around and saw Hircine in all his massive glory.

His giant head tilted downwards, eyes closed as he chuckled to himself, but given his size it echoed out quite far. "I must admit mortal, I hadn't expected this, no. Even with the boon I gave you with my Savior's armor I fully expected Tsajira's 'Predator Sense' to close that ever so small gap."

Hircine doubled over, his booming laughter bellowed throughout the forest. "But I never expected this! What a wonderous hunt, I haven't had this much fun since the third era!" Hircine waved his massive hand, the pool of water parting in half, revealing Tsajira's form impaled on a sharp spike of rock, dead. "To think you would circumvent his superiority by drowning and impaling him! What turnabout!"

Hircine's massive form moved towards me, shrinking in size as he did so until he stood before me, still much taller at 12 ft tall.

Hircine chuckled, getting the last bits of laughter out of his system. "Mortal, I no longer find you amusing. No, you're fun. To think you would best my champion in such a manner, such a desperate maneuver. But it worked, didn't it?"

He circled me, the butt of his spear poking and prodding my tired and sore body.

"You're no good for a standard hunt, are you?" Hircine muttered to himself, "No, you're no hunter, a werewolf wouldn't suit you. Yes, far more specialized…I have the perfect gift in mind."

Hircine was suddenly in front of me, far too close for comfort as he leaned down and grasped my chin in his fingers, forcing my eyes to meet his glowing red ones.

"Tell me, Ragnar," Hircine asked, "What is it that you desire, hm?" He stabbed his spear into the ground, waving the now free hand at Tsajira's corpse. "My previous champion wished to hunt down the ones who hurt him most, and for that desire I granted him enhanced senses far beyond that of a normal werebeast. But what about you?"

I found myself compelled to tell the truth, unable to stop myself as the words tumbled past my lips beyond my control "I wish to make all of Skyrim mine. Every cave, town, city, crevice, all of it. I will become Skyrim's high king, by force if I must."

Hircine smiled, "Such grand ambitions my champion has, I like it!" He patted my cheek, his hand glowing with divine power. "You wish to be king, yes? I have the perfect gift in mind for you. After all, what is a king without his army?"

Perk obtained: Leader of the Pack

Leader of the Pack (passive): A Daedric gift uniquely given to Hircine's latest Champion. When the user defeats werebeasts while in their own werebeast transformation they are able to make the enemy beast submit, turning them into allies.

Skill gained: Werebear Transformation

Werebear Transformation (1/5): The user can transform into a werebear. STR and END x2, DEX x 0.75 for 1 hour. Time extended if user eats the heart of enemies. If user is transformed for longer than 2 hours, they can succumb to bestial urges and stay transformed until the next day. (This effect is nullified if the user has Hircine's Ring equipped).

"Yes, I figured a werebear transformation suited you best, no? My most powerful beast gift strength wise, and it fits the motif does it not?" Hircine chuckled, "With this you will be able to utilize my personal gift to you, should you best another of my blessed beasts using your own transformation you shall be able to force them to submit to you."

His elk head tilted to the side, as if finally seeing my exhausted state. "Unless you have any lingering questions then you may return to Nirn, but know that should you pray at my symbol then my aspect shall appear if you need it. Now, ask away, or be whisked back to Nirn."

I mulled over the myriad of thoughts whirling around in my mind, "If I were to help another Daedra, would that upset you?"

Hircine tilted his head and blinked, humming softly. "I hold no love nor hatred to any of the other daedra, beyond mild annoyance with Sheogorath, though there are certainly other daedra who don't like me. I suppose Malacath won't like you based on your connection to me, though he hates all daedra in that regard so I'm not alone in that. But no, I won't be upset if you help another Daedra."

I breathed a sigh of relief, I may not be planning on helping another Daedra but in the event I'm forced then at least I won't piss off Hircine.

Hircine clapped his hands together, "Well if that's all let's send you back to Nirn now. I may call on you again to do a task or two, but you should be left on your own for the most part."

The forest we were in seemed to be engulfed in mist, the last thing I saw was Hircine patronizingly waving goodbye to me before I found myself surrounded by another but familiar forest.

I glanced around, the carnage from earlier still very apparent as hunter corpses littered the ground of Bloated Man's Grotto. I groaned, couldn't Hircine put me by my bed? I'm fucking exhausted and soaked to the bone.

I grumbled as I trudged my ass back home, walking back down the main path south towards Falkreath as I put my Savior's helmet in my inventory. I passed the wood mill run by vampires, following the path southeast until I went through the east gate of Falkreath, the guards letting me pass quickly on account of my frequent visits.

I blearily made my way through the capital until I found Dead Man's Drink. I barely caught the shocked looks of a woman and man just as I slammed the door open before my body betrayed me as I collapsed towards the ground, my consciousness gone before my body hit the floor.

(-)

My eyes opened slowly as I shifted in a soft bed, the blanket pulled tightly over my shoulder as my head made sweet love to the pillow I rested on.

Wait a second, my bed isn't this nice…

I, reluctantly, got out of the nice…soft bed. I yawned, stretching my arms and back as I did so, the lack of my armor doing wonders for my morning cat stretches.

Wait.

I blinked, my hands running over my clothed torso to confirm that, yes, my armor was gone. I stumbled out of the room and sighed in relief, seeing my armor draped over the side of the huge fireplace being dried off.

The sound of soft footsteps reached my ears just as I turned around to notice Valga coming from up the cellar, a hot bowl of what I assume was soup in her hands. Upon noticing me she carefully placed the bowl down on the counter and hurried over to me.

"Ragnar!" She exclaimed, her hands a whirlwind as she checked me over, "Are you okay? You stumbled in here last night and collapsed!"

I grinned, "Yeah, I'm fine Valga." I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head, "Sorry for barging in like that, you guys were closer than my home so my body kind of just moved here on its own."

Valga huffed, "No need to apologize Ragnar, you're more than welcome here any time. Now, what on Nirn happened to you?!"

"I got into a fight with two werebeasts."

Valga gasped. "You had to fight two werebeasts?!" She angrily stomped her foot in frustration, "I knew the Jarl wasn't doing enough about the beast problem, we need the silver but he refuses to order some from Markarth!"

I sighed, "He hasn't ordered from my mine too, I wouldn't even charge him if he had mentioned he needed it for the beasts."

I didn't even know if I could, I didn't put much thought into it before getting into that contract with Amelie, but I have no idea if our contract means that I physically can't sell to any other potential buyer, or if she gets first dibs. Our contract doesn't say I can't, but an "exclusive" contract kind of implies that doesn't it? I'll have to talk to her about it

But even if I could, the Jarl's men taking out three or five werebeasts posed no issue to me, if they could even be bothered. The Guardsmen, while effective with handling people problems did not translate well into werebeast combat. I have no doubt in my mind that they'd rather run than try to kill the beasts. Which would be the correct action to take, it's foolish to get into a fight that you know you can't win. Better to retreat if you can and live another day if the battle was as inconsequential as dealing with the rare stray werebeast.

But Valga, much like the rest of the citizens of Falkreath, are justifiably angry that the Jarl refuses to do anything, not even something so minor as purchasing silver to give them any form of comfort. Siddgeir's approach of not doing anything has surprisingly not gone over well with the populace, who would have thought?!

"He hasn't?! By the nine Ragnar it's like our Jarl doesn't even care."

"Hey, not to play Dagoth's advocate but I'm sure Jarl Siddgeir has other matters he's looking over."

"What takes precedence over the safety of those living under him?!"

I'm feeding the flames at this point (at least that's what I tell myself), but I honestly agree with her. Siddgeir's top priority should be the safety of his citizens, not doing…whatever he's doing, I assume it's lining his pockets with the gold his payroll bandits steal from his own people.

And he calls himself a leader, disgusting.

Valga let out a huff of frustration, "I'm sorry Ragnar but this whole thing just gets on my nerves!"

I pat her on the shoulder comfortingly, "Hey, that's okay! I'm honestly frustrated too. If he had done his job correctly, I wouldn't have had to fight those two beasts."

She ran a hand through her long brown hair and sighed, "Yeah, that's true." She frowned and pointed at me, "Now get over here you dumb Nord and eat some soup and bread, you were freezing when Valdr and I had to haul your heavy ass to bed."

"Where's Valdr now?" I mused as I followed her back to the front table

Valga hummed happily, "He's just finalizing on a couple of things, he wants to ask you something when he gets back by the way. You mind staying for another hour or so?"

I agreed, graciously accepting the soup and bread she handed me. I ate in comfortable silence as Valga went around the Inn taking inventory. When I was done, we chatted aimlessly for a bit, cracking jokes at Siddgeir's expense and I listened to the gossip she had from around the city.

"-so anyways when I got him all checked in and everything, I told Frida -you know Frida right?"

"The blond who sells the vegetables by the west gate?"

"Yeah her! Anyways I told Frida all about the merchant that was staying over from Hammerfell, a huge man that was dressed lavishly in silks and jewelry but with muscles that Lod would be jealous of."

"And?"

Valga looked around and leaned in close, "Get this, I heard from some of the ladies around town that the two got together as soon as they met!"

I gasped in an over dramatic fashion, "How scandalous!"

She grinned, "Her husband surely thought so!"

Our talk continued throughout the hour; we stopped whenever some people came by to reserve rooms but once they were done we quickly resumed. The time flew by as customers came and went until Valga excitedly tapped my shoulder and pointed behind me as Valdr hobbled into the Inn. Valdr looked up and noticed us. He smiled, and the large Nord strode forward and sat down across from me.

"Ragnar! How are ya, you doing okay after last night."

Valga and I quickly caught him up with my story, and then they spent some time venting over Siddgeir's lack of action while I spent that time feeding the flames of their smoldering anger. Eventually, we all calmed down enough for me to finally address Valdr.

"So, Valga mentioned you wished to speak with me?"

Valdr's smile gradually grew increasingly equal parts embarrassed and shy. It was only Valga's hand gently patting his own clenched one did he muster up the courage to speak.

"Yeah, I had something to ask of you."

"…and that is…?"

He grasped Valga's hand with his own, "When you had saved me way back then, I had mentioned that I was going to do something I should have done long ago. I did just that. When I had gotten back, I finally asked for Valga's hand in marriage, and as you can see…"

I looked between them, Valga's happiness was clear as day as Valdr looked down in embarrassment. Grinning, I slapped Valdr on the back, laughing as he squawked in shock.

"Congratulations Valdr!"

He laughed lightly, "Thanks Ragnar, but that's not what I wanted to ask you." He shuffled a bit in his seat, "Valga wanted her family to come to the wedding and because of that our wedding has been postponed to next week, and because my family can't make it I was wondering if you'd like to come?"

I was taken aback, "Are you sure you want me to come?"

Valdr looked shocked, "Of course I'd want you! You're a friend of Valga, are you not? And you saved my life, of course I'd want you to come to my wedding, if you want to that is!"

"But I barely know you?"

He laughed, "So? You saved my hide, if that isn't a reason to start a friendship then I don't know what is. Hell, my best friend and I became friends after we punched each other's lights out."

He smiled at me, "Besides, life's too short. I don't know about you, but I'd rather spend that time with as many friends I can make than worry about making enemies.

'Do I want to?' I mused, I'm not the biggest fan of weddings, but it would increase my standing with the locals, that's what I want right?

'You should go, for Valga' the more emotional side of my thoughts rang. It was true though, my time in Falkreath had me spending a lot of time with Valga. She was always very friendly, enough so that I found myself becoming friends with her despite my original callous reasons for coming over.

"…sure, I'll go."

It was strange to see Valdr's and Valga's face light up with happiness, I barely knew the man yet he was this excited to see me coming? I knew that Nord's had a strange way of making friends, sometimes even brawling did the trick. But to see it happen so fast in real time? It was…odd.

Yet…I couldn't bring myself to care. I felt…nice, being wanted.

It was strange. I hadn't cared that much at first, about the people. They were just numbers on a screen, milestones to further consolidate power, strangers that I didn't truly care about outside of small pangs of sympathy. But after spending so much time with them, listening to their problems, and helping around, they've…grown on me. I find myself almost… happy coming over and just spending an afternoon chatting with Amelie, helping Helga with her fruit stand, and going over to Lod's and laughing at our stupid insults.

Even Siddgeir, who I had originally never cared about, I found myself annoyed at how he treated his people. Their struggles went ignored while he sat on his ass doing nothing, even having the bandits that robbed his subjects under his payroll so he can pocket the excess. The nerve, hypocritical of me I know, but my plan was always to redirect Guruk's desire for banditry into something more productive, like being the general of my forces.

As I smiled and laughed with Valdr and Valga, I started to relax. Yes, it was an uncomfortable realization, but that made it even more important for me to kick Siddgeir out of his throne. I found my resolve strengthened, for these people I find myself surrounded with. I'll drag all of Skyrim kicking and screaming behind me.

At least, that's what I tell myself.

Name: Ragnar

Race: Nord

Level: 15

EXP: 135/ 800

Health: 260 Magicka: 340 Stamina: 250

STR: 18 (19)

INT: 27 (34)

END: 22 (26)

DEX: 22 (25)

SP: 0

PP: 3

Land Controlled:

Falkreath: (›)

[+1 STR, +4 END, +7INT, +3DEX]

People under your leadership:

Happy: 35

Neutral: 13

Unhappy: 4

I'm somewhat worried that the end was a tad bit heavy handed