Let's Play Skyrim

[Krraloth]

This is good shit.

MOAR!

 

[Majestic47]

I can understand the complaint that the dragon are very, very underwhelming. Something like destructible cover, different attack patterns, perhaps a duo encounter would be awesome. But maybe it'll be available for DLC or something.

Heck, even a wing swipe/tail swipe physics that knocks ppl off cliffs would be a welcome addition.

 

[anus_pounder]

The Reapers in ME3 are going to be as lamesauce as Skyrim's dragons.

And no where near as cool looking (I'm being serious).

The shepards made the right choice. No one in their right mind would support Ulfric. Heres hoping Lydia doesn't meet as quick an end as Brian's companions.

 

[Codexlurker]

Bump.

 

[Majestic47]

I appreciate the bump guys, I really do, but I have to take my cousins out tonight. So as much as I would like to, the chance of an update is very ,very slim.

I am posting from work btw. Sigh.

 

[Wyrmlord]

I am pretty sure this is not your LP, Majestic47.

 

[Majestic47]

I am pretty sure this is not your LP, Majestic47.

 

[RK47]

The burning flesh of the dragon once again yields a soul for Shepard to absorb, leaving nothing but bones and scales behind.

Using this newly acquired soul, Shepard empowers his Fire Breath shout.

And it seems the Dragon is guarding another nearby wall, therefore teaching Shepard another shout.

Shepard, why haven't you visited the Greybeards? Your mastery of the shouts should be refined further if...

We've wasted enough time. Let's go back to Solitude.

Music: Heroes of Might and Magic IV - A Wise Tail

Within the Legion's fortress, another heated discussion takes place between General Tullius and Legate Rikke.

Both of them did not even notice Shepard entering the room. Shepard let them continue.

So what - Ulfric gets this crown and suddenly he's High King?

No, it's not as simple as that, but the Jagged Crown would be a potent symbol for his cause to rally around. But, if we found it first...

And we gave it to Elisif?

In the absence of the Moot, it would further legitimize her claim.

Perhaps...I'm entrusting you with what resources I can spare. But I'm warning you, if this turns out to be a waste of time and men...

It won't be a waste.

I volunteer myself for this mission.

Both of them turned around and finally noticed the Redguard in the room. Tullius smiled at the new arrival before continuing.

Make sure you take the Auxiliary here. You can send him back when you get there and find nothing but old bones and cobwebs.

The Stonefist's no fool. He's found the Crown. But we'll get to it first.

When do we move?

Before we go any further, it's time for you to officially join the Legion. Speak with General Tullius. He'll administer the oath.

Are you prepared to make that commitment?

Let's do this.

"Upon my honor I do swear undying loyalty to the Emperor, Titus Mede II..."

Upon my honor I do swear undying loyalty to the Emperor, Titus Mede II...

"...and unwavering obedience to the officers of his great Empire."

And unwavering obedience to the officers of his great Empire.

"May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty."

May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!'

Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!

Welcome to the Imperial Legion, soldier. Just remember, we take care of our own. Once you're in the Legion, you're in it for life.

Welcome to the Legion, auxiliary. Listen up. Ulfric's right-hand man, Galmar Stonefist, has located what he believes is the final resting place of the Jagged Crown. We're going to make sure he doesn't get his hands on it.

Where do I go?

The rest of my men are already assembling outside Korvanjund. I'll meet you there as soon as I finish up here.

Legate, how can you be sure that the Crown is inside that crypt?

Well, to be frank, I'm not so sure. Its location was lost with King Borgas, when the Great Hunt killed him while off on his Alessian campaigns.

Supposedly, his body was brought back to Skyrim and secretly buried with the crown. The Knowledge of that location was lost, in the Wars of Succession.

That still didn't answer my question.

I know Galmar. We fought in many wars together. He's not a sentimental man taken to fancy. If he believes the crown is there....he's likely found it.

You're a Nord aren't you? Why do you fight for the Empire?

I am a loyal citizen of the Empire. My parents were Legionnaires, and I've followed in their footsteps. But more importantly, I am a daughter of Skyrim and wish to see her made whole again.

So you have no problem with the treaty that bans the worship of Talos?

I am a soldier, not a politician. And my personal beliefs are not yours to question. Now go. Don't wait for me. Get there as soon as you're ready. I'll meet you there.

Korvanjund is just south of Dawn Star, Shepard will have to take a carriage to save some time. On the way out of the fortress Shepard ran across Captain Aldis.

Captain, Angela sent me to ask about her daughter.

Generally, posting information is need to know only.

Well, I'm making it "need to know."

Shepard adjusts the straps of his gauntlets, hoping the gesture would help the Captain loosen his tongue. It worked.

If you want to know that bad, then fine. Her daughter was sent to Whiterun, the skirmishes there have been violent. She was one of the scouting parties in the area. They happened upon a large force...and I'm told none of them made it back.

So..she's dead?

Private Morrard....Angela's daughter was in that scouting party. She needs to be told.

Shepard relayed the sad news to Angela. She accepted it and admitted that deep down inside, she knew this would happen. The war has taken another one of Skyrim's daughters.

I cannot promise that your daughter's death would be avenged. But be assured that I'm trying my best to end this meaningless war as soon as possible.

Thank you, Shepard. You owe me nothing. Go with strength. Ysmir protects you.

Let's go, Lydia..and try not to die.

I'll...do my best, my Thane.

The quiet town of Dawnstar greets both of them. Shepard cursed when he realized it's a one way trip for the carriage. He would have to ride back to Solitude once this business is over.

Let's have a good rest by a warm fire before setting off...I'm sure Rikke won't mind.

Careful Shepard, Dawn Star's jarl supports the Stormcloaks.

A guard stops their approach before remarking on the current state in the city.

Even passing by the drunkard outside the inn yield similar tales.

Curious. What's happening here?

I don't like the idea of marching into the Jarl's throne room, but if it's information you need, you should seek an audience.

And so, they trudged towards the Jarl's hall where an argument is taking place.

Your man Horik is wearing his old Legion armor. What should I make of him?

He's proud of his service, Skald. The Legion taught us loyalty. And we're loyal to Dawnstar.

This isn't over. I catch you sending one letter to General Tullius, and I'll have you both executed.

The argument finally ended, the woman and his Legion armor-clad husband moved away from the Jarl's hall. Shepard decide to greet them.

Hail, Nord.

What's going on?

Not a single man or woman in Dawnstar has gotten a good night's rest in days. We keep having the same nightmare, over and over.

Sounds pretty serious.

If people aren't tired, they're angry, and if they aren't angry, they're afraid. It's made keeping order a mess.

So what's the Jarl going to do about it?

I don't know. But I heard Mara has sent on of her priests to the inn to try calm people down, but I don't know how much words will do now.

I overheard that argument with the Jarl...

Oh, that. Skald supports Ulfric's rebellion, and he doesn't like having a couple of old Legionnaires living in his town.

What do you think of him?

He's a fool. A dragon has attacked Helgen. Dawnstar needs the Empire now more than ever.

Shepard bade the couple farewell and enters the inn to meet up with the Priest of Mara, hoping to help solve Dawnstar's conundrum.

Hail, Priest. I heard you're helping the town with something?

Don't be ridiculous. Dreams are harmless.

In any other circumstance, I'd agree with you. However, these aren't normal dreams.

It isn't?

The Daedric Lord Vaermina's voracious hunger for memories is responsible for these visions. The nightmares are an echo of her presence as she feeds.

So, do you have any plans to solve this?

I need to return to the source of the problem, to Nightcaller Temple. Perhaps you are willing to assist me in that regard.

What do you mean, "return"? You've been there?

I've already said too much. If anyone overhears what we're saying, it could start a panic.

I don't like this.

I would simply ask that you trust me and help me end Dawnstar's nightmares.

You're hiding something.

Your concerns are understandable; trust is a very difficult commodity to come by these days. I can only give you my word as a priest of Mara that my intentions are honorable.

Very well. How can I help?

Wonderful! My lady Mara will be quite pleased! Nightcaller Temple is only a short walk from Dawnstar. Come, we must hurry.

You should wait here, Lydia.

No, I'm coming with you.

Fine, but just outside the temple.

Very well.

Erandur pushes the door out of the inn, letting the snowy breeze enter momentarily.

Shall we make a move?

Yes, let's go.

 

[Wyrmlord]

RK47, I just want you to know that I am reading this LP with the Conan the Barbarian soundtrack playing.

And suddenly this game looks completely transformed.

MAN!

 

[Father Walker]

This LP is beyond EXTREME. Keep it up.

 

[RK47]

Heheh, thanks, Wyrm. I'm doing a slight detour in this update. Not sure why I didn't skip this content last week, but what the hell. Let's see an old fashioned escort quest followed by the a choice at the end of it that didn't matter much in the big picture. The tension of an escort quest is lost if the NPC is invulnerable and hence Bethesda once again fails to understand how to create challenge.

Oh yeah, Merry Xmas. Enjoy!

Erandur, tell me more about this Daedric Lord Vaermina.

Vaermina resides in a strange realm known as Quagmire...a nightmarish land where reality shifts upon itself in seemingly impossible ways.

And the purpose of this nightmare is?

From her citadel, she reaches forth to collect our memories, leaving nothing in return apart from visions of horror and despair.

But what does she do with the memories?

Who can say? Perhaps she collects them for display like works of art in a nonsensical art gallery. Whatever the case may be, her inentions are far from benevolent. Come, let's go. Time's awasting.

Both the priest and the warrior leaves the inn for the cold air outside. They start trek towards the Nightcaller Temple.

So far so good....

Unfortunately, Shepard spoke too soon, and the small party was ambushed by a pack of Frostbite Spiders.

Fuck, that was close. Erandur?

I'm fine..give me a moment to heal before we continue.

Closing his wounds with a spell, Erandur stops at the door to the temple.

Were they successful?

No. Knowing they could never defeat the orcs, the priests of Vaermina released what they call "The Miasma," putting everyone to sleep.

So they won't be any threat when we head inside?

I cannot be sure, I'm concerned that when this place is unsealed, the Miasma will dissipate, and they'll awaken; both orcs and priests alike.

What does this Miasma do exactly? Is it like a poison?

The Miasma was originally created for rituals. It's a gas that places the affected in a deep sleep. Because the rituals would last for months or even years, the Miasma was designed to slow down the aging process.

So it's harmless? Except for the sleeping part?

Sadly, no. The longer an individual is exposed to the Miasma, the more the mind can become damaged. Those who've been under the effect of it for extended periods of time have been known to lose their minds entirely. In some cases, a few never awoke at all.

Wait, if the Miasma is still inside, aren't we in danger as well if we inhale it? Eh, Lydia wait outside.

Very well, my thane.

LP Comment: Yes, Todd. How does it work? But nobody gave a fuck and Shepard never get to ask this question in game.

Come let's go inside. As for the Miasma, I wouldn't be too worried, it's probably less concentrated after such a long period.

Entering the tower brings Shepard face to face to a Shrine of Vaermina.

Just a shrine. No way down?

Uh...ok.

You and your magicks.

Violet hued vapours fill the hallways further down the temple's depth. The whole temple felt unnaturally cold and silent.

Shepard looks down.

They encounter their first resistance in the form of awakened orc invaders. Thankfully, Erandur is more than capable of roasting them to death.

Looks difficult to breach.

Impossible actually. Hmm, I wonder..There may be a way to bypass the barrier, but I must check their library and confirm it can be done.

You seem to know an awful lot about this place.

I suppose there's no point in concealing the truth any longer?

What do you mean?

Shepard tightens the grip on his great axe. Ready for any betrayal.

My knowledge of this temple comes from personal experience. I was a priest of Vaermina.

Why keep this secret?

When the orcs invaded the temple, I fled. I left my brothers and sisters here to die. I've spent the last few decades living in regret and seeking redemption from Mara. And by Her Benevolence, I will right my wrongs. I still have my key to the library. Whenever you're ready, let's move on.

You spoke of the Skull down below. How can it be affecting Dawnstar?

Lore holds that the Skull of Corruption holds a constant hunger for the memories of others. The Skull has been out of touch for so long, I fear it's gained the ability to reach out on its own and try to feed.

Alright. Let's stop it then. Lead the way.

Erandur inserted the key and turned. He glances at Shepard, making sure the latter is ready.

Let's go. We have the advantage when they have to get off the floor.

Get back to sleep.

The battle was short, and the library is cleared of any threat. Erandur continues his investigation.

I hope the tome we need is still intact.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for a book of alchemical recipes called the "Dreamstride."

A short search through the ruined books later...

Found it.

Mara be praised! There is a way past the barrier to the inner sanctum. It involves a recipe for a liquid known as Vaermina's Torpor.

Some kind of potion?

Yes, it grants the ability called "The Dreamstride."; using dreams to travel distances in the real world.

Errr....how does this help us?

LP Comment: The original choice was 'That's amazing!' No. I don't find it amazing, Bethesda. I find it ridiculous. How does dreaming and traveling in dreams actually help in bypassing the barrier. Please clarify, bucket heads.

Mmm, I have yet to see it function in person.

Gee whiz. Some plan.

As a sworn priest of Mara, the elixir won't work for me. The Torpor will only work for Priests of Vaermina, or the unaffiliated.

Sounds stupid. How can you be certain this will work?

I will not lie to you, there is some risk involved. The last time the Torpor was imbibed could have been decades ago. But I swear upon Lady Mara that I will do everything within my power to prevent any harm from befalling you.

Fine, where can we find the Torpor?

I believe there is a laboratory in the east wing. If we proceed there, we should be able to locate a sample.

The laboratory houses a few of the awakened. Shepard and Erandur work together to put them back to sleep.

Browsing through the shelves, Shepard ran across a few rare ingredients, one amongst them is a Daedra's heart.

And amazingly, a bottle labeled 'Vaermina's Torpor,' is found intact in one of the shelves.

LP Comment: Fucking awesome coincidence isn't it? It's like they KNEW to keep a dose just in case!

I found one.

Wait. What will the Dreamstride feel like?

You'll be viewing the memory of another through your own eyes and with your own body. Those around you will perceive you as normal and you will find the words you utter may not be your own. Thanks to all of these odd principles, there is quite a lot of debate as to whether this is really a dream or just the machinations of Vaermina.

How will I know when to awaken?

I will watch over you as you slumber to ensure your safety. If I deduce anything is amiss, I will use my arts to bring you back. Otherwise, I am uncertain what will end your Dreamstride. Perhaps when Vaermina's curious appetite has been filled.

Thats very comforting, Erandur. Let's get this over with.

Dawnstar's fate rests in that tiny bottle. The longer we wait, the more damage Vaermina could be doing to those poor people. I understand your hesitation, but I promise you that it works.

Well, here goes nothing.

Shepard uncorks the bottle and gulped its contents down in one go. He tried to taste the liquid but found he could not even muster the strength to use his taste buds. His eyes grew heavier by miliseconds as he collapsed to the floor. Asleep. Then...something pierced his eyes. Something radiant.

The fuck?

We must hold. We can't allow the Skull to fall into their hands.

But...no more than a handful of us remain, Brother.

Then we have no choice. The Miasma must be released.

The Miasma? But, brother...

We have no alternative. It's the will of Vaermina.

Shepard tried to speak, but found his words were not his own.

I've made my peace. I'm ready.

Then it's decided. Brother Casimir, you must activate the barrier and release the Miasma. Let nothing stop you. Brother Thorek, we must remain here and guard this Skull with our lives if necessary.

Agreed. To the death.

Then let it be done. Farewell, my brothers!

Shepard watch as the two priests ran towards the Skull Chamber. He decided to go along with the dream's task: Release the Miasma.

A pitched battle between the orcs and the priests followed, Shepard wanted to fight - but found he was unable to, whoever's dream he is following must be completely devoted to unleashing the Miasma.

Shepard ran past another fight and finally reached the release chain. He pulled it hard.

Suddenly the yellow hue disappeared from his vision. Things became clearer again. And he is in full control of his actions once more. He knew. The Dreamstride is over.

Erandur...weren't you supposed to watch over my body?

You vanished after drinking the Torpor and materialied on the other side. I have never seen anything quite like it.

It was...remarkable. As if I were really there.

How I envy you. I can only imagine the excitement of seeing history through the eyes of another.

LP Comment: Huh...yeah. It must be exciting walking past fighting men and pulling a chain.

We can discuss it later. We need to proceed.

Indeed. My reverence for Vaermina's machinations should not take precedence over our mission. My apologies. The inner sanctum lies ahead. We must reach the Skull and put an end to Dawnstar's troubles. Lead on, my friend.

More battles with the awakened followed, but it proved to be no challenge. Shepard and Erandur is strong enough to power through any threat.

Finally, the Skull of Corruption is within sight.

Two awakened Priests emerge from the Skull's chamber. Shepard remembered their faces. And he is not alone in this.

Veren...Thorek...you're alive.

Casimir? Then the dream...it must be-

I no longer use that name. I am Erandur, Priest of Mara.

You're a traitor. You left us to die and then ran before the Miasma took you.

No...I...I was scared. I wasn't ready to sleep.

Enough of your lies! I cannot allow you to destroy the Skull, Priest of Mara.

Then you leave me no choice!

Jeez, some reunion!

The battle was quick and brutal, Veren fell first. Thorek was next.

Is this punishment for my past? Is it Mara' will to torment me so?

Maybe they were right, Erandur. Don't destroy the staff.

No! You must not listen to them. They speak only lies and deception.

LP Comment: I...I don't follow this shit. As far as I know both of them were followers of Vaermina. Perhaps they knew how to solve the problem without destroying the Skull. But even if they were best buddies once, Erandur had no issue with slaughtering them AND destroying their artifact. Lies and deception? What did they lie about?

Had we aided them in releasing the Skull, they would use it to wreak havoc across Skyrim. They..they had to die.

But...they never did...ah fuck it..

Yes. It's time. The Skull must be destroyed. If you'll stand back, I'll perform the ritual granted to me by Lady Mara.

Erandur climbed the steps. Every step seems very heavy as he regard the Skull of Corruption.

First, an incantation to remove the barrier.

The Skull hungers. It yearns for memories and leaves nightmares in its wake.

Grant me the power to break through this barrier and to send the Skull to the depths of Oblivion.

(Goddamn...I wish he gets this over with already. Legate Rikke is going to bust my ass for being late..)

(Huh?)

When the ritual's complete, the Skull will be free and then Erandur will turn on you.

(Then he dies. What's there to be worried about?)

Foolish mortal! Quickly! Kill him now. Kill him now and claim the Skull for your own.

(Fuck you, voice. I don't give a shit about magic. Go stuff it up some high elves vagina.)

Vaermina commands you!

(Aww, look...it's Vaermina. Your pussy's bleeding. Now shut the fuck up and get a daedric tampon.)

The voice stopped calling into Shepard's mind and finally, Erandur completes the ritual.

So, we're done, then?

Yes. The Skull has been destroyed and Dawnstar is safe.

So what'll you do now?

My intention was to spend the rest of my years here, burying the past and praying for forgiveness. But instead, I wish to offer my services to you. If you ever wish to journey with me, I'll be here.

I'll hold on to that promise some time. Farewell, Erandur.

Good fortune to you, Shepard. Mara be with you.

Shepard leaves the tower. The people of Dawnstar now can have their rest.

 

[Wyrmlord]

Daedra Hearts. Worth their weight in gold, as one eventually discovers.

 

[Serious_Business]

Holy shit guys. I've been playing this crap
I'm about level 20 I think. I got a Shepperd similar to RK47's, Reguard, two handed, etc. I keep getting torn to shreds by pretty much everything on Master. This shit is worst than G2NoTR. Trolls, bears, giants, spriggans, every goddamn magic user, dwemer, falmer, all of that shit breaks me the fuck down. I can take down bandits, wolves and rabbits, that's about it. Goddamn, I need a way to power up right now. Feels like I'm stagnating and all the enemies are getting stronger, it's ridiculous.
My first Companion quest had me kill a guy - which I couldn't even get through. Some Falmer sorcerer + dwemer centurion. Are you fucking kidding me? The centurion kills me in one hit. Yeah. So I have to lure the falmer away, but then I can't even take down half of his health. Goddamn what is this shit? Are people finding this easy? I must be really bad at this game

 

[Wyrmlord]

Holy shit guys. I've been playing this crap
I'm about level 20 I think. I got a Shepperd similar to RK47's, Reguard, two handed, etc. I keep getting torn to shreds by pretty much everything on Master. This shit is worst than G2NoTR. Trolls, bears, giants, spriggans, every goddamn magic user, dwemer, falmer, all of that shit breaks me the fuck down. I can take down bandits, wolves and rabbits, that's about it. Goddamn, I need a way to power up right now. Feels like I'm stagnating and all the enemies are getting stronger, it's ridiculous.
My first Companion quest had me kill a guy - which I couldn't even get through. Some Falmer sorcerer + dwemer centurion. Are you fucking kidding me? The centurion kills me in one hit. Yeah. So I have to lure the falmer away, but then I can't even take down half of his health. Goddamn what is this shit? Are people finding this easy? I must be really bad at this game

This was my experience as well. And I had the exact same build, only a Nord.

No, you are not the only one. Skyrim on Master throws you on the ground and kicks you in the teeth.

 

[Vival]

On Master you are a weak, pathetic loser. I bet the chosen dragon born one is crying inside when his horse is easily tanking shit that would wipe him out in a heartbeat.

 

[RK47]

Recommend you run on Expert if you really want a genuine challenge instead of inflated damage and HP. Even on expert, I do encounter archers that can kill in three shots. Pretty broken IMO.

 

[Clockwork Knight]

Don't understand what the priests are so butthurt about, Erandur did what he was supposed to. He just didn't feel like hanging around to fall asleep with everyone else. Whoop-de-doo.

Also, how are they be so aware of his "betrayal" if they just woke up, and were in another room when they were affected by the miasma back then? The other priests act like they've just fallen asleep, still panicking about the attack, while those two sound like they've been awake all this time, cultivating that butthurt. At best, they should feel confused about his new clothes.

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDD

 

[Brother None]

The daedra quests are supposed to be the best content, too. I did this one and the darkstar one, and, well...yawn?

Keep updating this LP please, RK47! I am following with great interest, and while I'm completely done playing Skyrim I wouldn't mind seeing where the main plots go.

Recommend you run on Expert if you really want a genuine challenge instead of inflated damage and HP. Even on expert, I do encounter archers that can kill in three shots. Pretty broken IMO.

Yeah, I agree with this. Expert seemed about the right soft spot between challenging and just boring HP inflation.

Still, Skyrim is an incredibly badly balanced games. It just wildly spikes all over the place due to level scaling and bad design. So you either turn down difficulty for a bit or exploit AI (which is usually pretty easy, I know the centurion fight you referred to, I took out the dwemer and you can hide behind the door or inside one of the huts and just shoop the centurion).

 

[Serious_Business]

I guess I'll downgrade to Expert, feels like cutting my own balls off. But then, I guess that's really the greatest feeling in the world.

Skyrim is a fine time sink, nothing to get excited about. And by excited, I mean in a positive or negative way. I don't think it warrants any kind of harsh criticism or inspired praise. I guess that says a lot about how bland the game is, but I've had some (bland) fun with it. I'm hoping to keep my intellectual hypertrophy in check long enough to enjoy it for some more time, so fuck you Codex. If I start breaking down that shit, which I could have done in my first hour of playing, then of course nothing would have been left but frowns and disgust, but I'm trying to have some self-discipline here. For some critique comes naturally, so you have to hold that shit down or risk becoming a fatty.

 

[RK47]

S_B, have you ever played Mount and Blade? There's plenty of time sink if you actually want to do a lot of stuff with mods. I'm kinda sinking my teeth into the game right now and man, even at 'easy' it wasn't 'easy.'

Combat isn't even 1 v 1 . More like 20 v 20 at the start and 70 v 70 near end.

 

[Commissar Draco]

Maybe I am biased but the dialogue of the Imperial side seems to be less retarded. (I read both RK and Anders playthrous) Also liked how Tulius was played stern and hardass veteran always to the point... people were whinining about him being cold and uncaring towards Snowniggers ''culture''.... but they're emo fagots consoltards anyway.

 

[sea]

It'd be nice if Bethesda made a game, just once, with plot holes you couldn't fly a 747 through.