#but still dreaming about elsweyr

[godofthegaps1]

Vampire alfiq OC

“Your daughter is Mooncursed” had the priest said to her mother. “Never feed her sugar, her blood is poisoned against it. She’ll likely die young anyway, i can’t heal her.” Her mother was appalled. How can a Khajiit not eat Moonsugar?

So Zarisi did the only sensible thing she could think of. Ran away from her village, posed as a house-cat for a while, changed her name to Bitsi, and became a vampire. She also became a master of illusion magic and loves to seduce her victims.Perfect cure for diabetes. 

#Eso #The Elder Scrolls #the elder scolls online #vampires #but still dreaming about elsweyr #wish i could cure my diabetes like this #silly khajiit

[tastesoftamriel]

What, in your opinion, is the unhealthiest meal of each race? The kinds that give dieticians nightmares.

The unhealthiest meals in Tamriel, eh? I'm secretly a connoisseur of all things salty, greasy, and downright delicious, so loosen that belt and make room for these treats...

Altmer

Greasy food is almost unheard of in Altmer society. Almost. However, fried seaweed in rice batter is a crispy treat beloved by many Altmer, but is eaten in moderation as a snack due to its greasy nature. For a naughty Shimmerene-style treat, a seaweed wrap with gryphon egg mayonnaise, crispy bacon, and mashed avocado is about as unhealthy as Altmeri cuisine can get!

Argonians

While the Argonians eat a healthy diet that's low in fat and sugars, durian pudding is definitely a dessert that goes right to the gut. Fresh, sweet durian is mixed with thick coconut cream, steamed tapioca, and sago pearls. The end result is a staggeringly creamy, rich dessert that you'll struggle to believe is vegan (and still somehow bad for the health).

Bosmer

The Bosmer are gluttons for anything deep fried, or "oil boiled" as they like to call it. The dish that made me pack on a small guar in weight was an entirely oil boiled tower of eggs, meat patties, and cheese, sandwiched between two thick slices of bacon "bread". The entire thing is impaled on a stick, rolled in a salty thunderbug egg batter, and oil boiled until dark brown and oozing lard. Delicious, and absolute murder on the digestion.

Bretons

Did someone say duck fat? The Bretons have an unhealthy obsession with frying everything in duck or goose fat, which gives food a delightfully greasy flavour. Most popular are duck fat potato wedges, which are served with an enormous dollop of extra thick sour cream, bacon, fried duck, melted cheese, and a finishing drizzle of seasoned duck fat for good measure.

Dunmer

Despite multiple warnings about not consuming too many kwama eggs, which are naturally quite fattening, it's impossible to stop the Dunmer from indulging in them. A favourite traditional dish is kwama egg omelette with scuttle and fried scrib, which sounds acceptable but in fact packs your daily dose of salt and fat. However, that won't stop many Dark Elves from enjoying these omelettes at all times of day, especially when washed down with some shein.

Imperials

Seared pork belly that's been wrapped in layers of provolone, sausage, and fatty cured ham is a firm favourite in Imperial City taverns, especially when it's been rolled in breadcrumbs and grilled until crispy. A meat lover's dream, and a healer's despair.

Khajiit

If it wasn't enough that everything is covered in moon sugar, the Khajiit are in love with slurping sweetened condensed milk, straight up or mixed with sweets. Deep fried condensed milk-soaked dumplings that swim in a moon sugar syrup are a popular dessert in Elsweyr, and are admittedly delicious until the moon sugar coma hits.

Nords

There's nothing quite like using sausages and bacon instead of bread when having a good old fondue with Eidar cheese. Eidar is known for being oilier and easier to melt than goat's cheese, and is therefore perfect for fondue if you can handle the smell. While other races tend to eat their fondue with bread, we Nords enjoy smoked sausages, sausage-battered seagull eggs, and thick rinds of bacon to dip into the delicious cheese. Yes, you may feel a little ill if you have too much.

Orcs

Echatere cheese and milk are high in fat, and make the bulk of the filling for cheese pies. Each of these flaky pastries are filled with an oozing cheese sauce, with grilled leek and fried potato, before being finished off with a spicy cheese sauce and deep-fried crispy onions. It's not great for the waistline, but it's any cheese-lover's dream!

Redguards

While Redguard food is seldom unhealthy, you'd probably purse your lips if you saw the donuts stuffed with jelly delights, whipped cream, and ghee fudge that are all the rage in Sentinel. Large, cinnamon donuts are stuffed with confectionary before being fried, and are dusted in honey and powdered sugar to serve. If you're avoiding sugar, this is definitely a dessert you should be running from!

#Asks #Food #Junk food #World building #Worldbuilding #the elder scrolls #tes #Tastes of Tamriel #tastesoftamriel

[uesp]

Theory: Todd is the sleeping Godhead that we all talk about. Also he achieved absolute CHIM

You're definitely free to come up with whatever theory on that you like, but if you're genuinely curious, I would say you're a bit off from the intended takeaway.

Trying to figure out who the Godhead is a bit of a self-defeating exercise. In fact, to get a bit ahead of the point I'm going to make, it's often easier to describe the One by what he is not. If you're looking at the rare in-series mentions of the Godhead (most of the uses of "godhead" are actually referring to more generic godhood, which is also a more modern form of "godhead"), you come up with two mentions of the Godhead, and only one of them describes the Godhead at all.

The eyes, once bleached by falling stars of utmost revelation, will forever see the faint insight drawn by the overwhelming question, as only the True Enquiry shapes the edge of thought. The rest is vulgar fiction, attempts to impose order on the consensus mantlings of an uncaring godhead.

From Waking Dreams of A Starless Sky

The Godhead is uncaring. And that is basically the depth of actual text on the Godhead. If you go with sources that did not appear in the game, you'll do a bit better, but not really to any satisfying degree. So how do we get a satisfying answer? We escape the confines of the rare and deliberately esoteric mentions of this part of the lore and look at its real-world inspiration. Speaking for myself, the best summary of this part of the lore I ever read is:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosticism

Sincerely, after reading that and its associated articles, I went from "wow this is all a bit complex" to "alright, this is surprisingly straightforward". To tangent slightly, while there are numerous fan writings that try to explore these concepts, and I do enjoy a lot of them, I find that some of them often have trouble expressing what it all actually means because they often restrict themselves to the trappings of TES. We're going to remove those trappings, and see if it helps.

If you want more help, here is how I mentally tie some TES lore topics to its real world counterpart.

The Godhead is the Godhead (Monad)

CHIM is Gnosis

CHIM has been described as the secret syllable of royalty. It is best understood as a state of being which allows for escape from all known laws and limitations. It is the process of reaching some sort of epiphany about the nature of the universe and one's place in it, leading to a simultaneous comprehension of the full scope of existence as well as one's own individuality.

Gnosis is the common Greek noun for knowledge. It is best known from Gnosticism, where it signifies a spiritual knowledge or insight into humanity's real nature as divine, leading to the deliverance of the divine spark within humanity from the constraints of earthly existence.

Amaranth is Emanationism

The Tower touches all the mantles of Heaven, brother-noviates, and by its apex one can be as he will. More: be as he was and yet changed for all else on that path for those that walk after. This is the third key of Nu-mantia and the secret of how mortals become makers, and makers back to mortals.

Emanationism is an idea in the cosmology or cosmogony of certain religious or philosophical systems. Emanation, from the Latin emanare meaning "to flow from" or "to pour forth or out of", is the mode by which all things are derived from the first reality, or principle. All things are derived from the first reality or perfect God by steps of degradation to lesser degrees of the first reality or God, and at every step the emanating beings are less pure, less perfect, less divine. Emanationism is a transcendent principle from which everything is derived, and is opposed to both creationism (wherein the universe is created by a sentient God who is separate from creation) and materialism (which posits no underlying subjective and/or ontological nature behind phenomena being immanent).

Anu and Padomay and their derivatives are Aeons

Lorkhan is the Demiurge

Lorkhan, the Missing God, is the Creator-Trickster-Tester deity present in every Tamrielic mythic tradition. He is known as the Spirit of Nirn, the god of all mortals. Names for versions or aspects of Lorkhan include Lorkhaj (the Moon Beast) in Elsweyr, Lorkh, the Spirit of Man, the Mortal Spirit, or the Sower of Flesh to the Reachmen, Sep in Hammerfell, Sheor in High Rock, Shor in Skyrim, and Shezarr in Cyrodiil. He convinced or contrived the Original Spirits (et'Ada) to bring about the creation of the Mundus, upsetting the status quo—much like his (figurative) father Padomay is usually credited for introducing instability, and hence possibility for creation, into the undivided universe (or the Beginning Place).

In the Platonic, Neopythagorean, Middle Platonic, and Neoplatonic schools of philosophy, the demiurge is an artisan-like figure responsible for fashioning and maintaining the physical universe. The Gnostics adopted the term demiurge. Although a fashioner, the demiurge is not necessarily the same as the creator figure in the monotheistic sense, because the demiurge itself and the material from which the demiurge fashions the universe are both considered consequences of something else. Depending on the system, they may be considered either uncreated and eternal or the product of some other entity.

The word demiurge is an English word derived from demiurgus, a Latinised form of the Greek δημιουργός or dēmiurgós. It was originally a common noun meaning "craftsman" or "artisan", but gradually came to mean "producer", and eventually "creator". The philosophical usage and the proper noun derive from Plato's Timaeus, written c. 360 BC, where the demiurge is presented as the creator of the universe. The demiurge is also described as a creator in the Platonic (c. 310–90 BC) and Middle Platonic (c. 90 BC – AD 300) philosophical traditions. In the various branches of the Neoplatonic school (third century onwards), the demiurge is the fashioner of the real, perceptible world after the model of the Ideas, but (in most Neoplatonic systems) is still not itself "the One". In the arch-dualist ideology of the various Gnostic systems, the material universe is evil, while the non-material world is good. According to some strains of Gnosticism, the demiurge is malevolent, as it is linked to the material world. In others, including the teaching of Valentinus, the demiurge is simply ignorant or misguided.

I think that by seeing these concepts side by side it will help make sense of it all. You can definitely research this further, and argue that specific parts of the lore are more directly related to other concepts, but from my limited understanding of theology/philosophy, this is a framework for understanding what the lore was based on, and the ideas that might otherwise go unconnected. If you can do better than me here, by all means, be better than me.

But this takes us to the secret question within all of this: How does this effect the setting? The answer to that is that it really doesn't. Knowing that the setting of The Elder Scrolls is the material world created by the Demiurge, separating its inhabitants from the Godhead, doesn't really change anything. After all, you can literally say the exact same thing about our world. The presence of these concepts in The Elder Scrolls setting should change how you appreciate it in roughly the same way that this school of thought existing in our own world changes your view on our setting.

If you thought this was interesting, I certainly agree with you. If you think this is all a bit too much, and don't want to think about it anymore, you won't be missing out on much by ignoring it going forward. If you want to explore different theories on this, you’re definitely free too, I hope you enjoy exploring your own thoughts on this subject.

#UESP #The Elder Scrolls #Lore #Real Life Lore

[sonofhighrock]

TESFest 2021 Day 6: Moons

Elsweyr…the land of the Khajiit. Thorin Lillyhopper never dreamed he would step upon its warm sands. He had heard traveling tales of the land of the cat folk in his small village deep in the forests of Valenwood, but the tales did not do the land justice at all. The young Bosmer had now been to Auridon and now Elsweyr…places he only dreamed of visiting. He huddles near the warm campfire, who knew the desert could be so cold at night.

Thorin and the other agents of the Queen are camped out with some nomadic Khajiit. They are currently trying to track the Mane who has turned against his people. Razum-Dar exits from the tent, joining him by the fire, looking up at the moons. The only sound is a Khajiit, crying in pain, giving birth inside the tent. One of the Altmer agents, in there helping her give birth.

“Maser and Secunda are waning.”

Thorin adds as he looks up at the moons, seeing his friend and mentor looking up as well. The usually mischievous cat full of seriousness tonight.

“Yes they are, this one wishes to know…what Khajiit will be born tonight?”

Razum-Dar glances over at him, a bit of a sparkle enters his cat eyes. Thorin knows he is being tested. Raz had told him time and time again about the moon cycles and which Khajiit would be born. The Bosmer looks to the moons and back into the fire, trying to remember which one. There are so many variations, so many different type of Khajiit. His finger reaches up, stroking his antler like he often does in deep thought. His eyes light up as the answer finally comes to him.

“A Cathay-raht.”

“Close…that is when both moons are waxing. The cub born tonight will be a Dagi-raht.”

“I was close…those are the smaller Khajiit, the ones about my size.”

“Yes that’s right…you are learning Thorin.”

The two men sit in silence. Hearing the mother cry out and then the sound of crying. The sounds of a newborn cub echo across the camp. Thorin glances over, seeing his mentor smile wide and the Bosmer smiles as well. Even with this war and Molag Ba’s meddling there is still so many wonderful things that happen in Nirn.

“You think they’ll name the cub Razum-Dar?”

Thorin laughs at the Cat’s suggestion and the two men sit and laugh. Grabbing some alcohol and giving a cheer to celebrate the night as they gaze up at the moons.

#tesfest21 #day 6: moons #thorin lillyhopper #razum dar

[skymagpie]

Rank your favorite daedric princes from best to worst? At the top of my personal list is Peryite mostly because of those 2 cultists in Summerset who panic when you accept their offer to join their Peryite cult.

Actually those are the only valid cultists in the game, I hope we get to see them again in Blackwood because that legit made me cry laugh when I saw them appear in Summerset and then in Elsweyr too 😭

Okay but I think I more or less separate the Daedric Princes in two categories: Bad and Molag Bal. Everyone goes into Bad because they all suck, Molag Bal sucks so severely he gets his own category. If I had to rank them based on who I like for various reasons, from most liked to least, it would be something like this (also WARNING for various spoilers below):

1. Meridia - I think Meridia is actually pretty bad. Like she is against free will, she was fine with the Ayleid owning slaves and her purification is basically enslaving people by wiping their free will, dreams and desires and leaving them only serving her as they say "body and mind". She is 10/10 Bad. She is also a weird fav of mine because I would love to see her fail? I would love her to be the big bad villain in ESO because I love light-themed villains. Like with her entire fall from grace lore you can even argue she would be a tragic villain. I exist in this space of simultaneously loving and hating Meridia. I have OCs who are followers of hers and who hate her too. Like I really love villains who think they are good and serve the greater good and are saving humanity from itself but are actually very evil in doing so. Great concept. Want more Meridia content in general.

2. Azura - everyone that thinks the Tribunal sucks is my friend. I have nothing against the Tribunal, I love them in the same way I love Meridia. Also the moon and star theme is 10/10. I mean she looks like prime 2015 tumblr aesthetic with the flower crown and all. I don't know what she even does? She sounds like your shady aunt that definitely killed someone but would come pick you up from a club at 4 am. She should've ranked higher.

3. Nocturnal - NOCTURNAL USED TO RANK 1st! SHE USED TO BE MY FAV! SHE WAS MY FAV IN SKYRIM! She is down here because she killed one of my favourite characters in ESO and I can't forgive that. I love her Blackfeather Court, I love her Shrikes just being these naked topless feral women, I love her goth woods. She is a whole Nightwish song. And Nightwish is my fav band. Everything about her is made for me to stan her. But I just can't forgive her stupid Summerset arc. I hate it. She was good in CWC though.

4. Jyggalag - Now listen. I just really like light/order/"good" themed bad guys. Bad guys justifying being shitheads with doing "good" or bringing "order" or just looking like knights and paladins in shiny armor? Yes!

5. Sheogorath - I am basic okay, of course I like Sheo. And I really like what he has going on with Jyggalag. Like their whole 15th century knight and nobility act they have going on. Really great aesthetic. Love the Alice in Wonderland feel. Love the sexy lady warriors. It's that kind of wacky movie concept I can appreciate. Not a big fan of your character becoming Sheogorath, I feel like it's a huge burden to bear as good as that DLC is, kinda hate the outcome. I hate him in ESO and steal his stupid hammer in PvP.

6. Mephala - She sucks. But she is a huge sexy spider lady. I still think she sucks but I have an OC that has this love-hate relationship with her so I have to rank her up high like this.

7. Peryite - So far he has done nothing serious except having Zaan the Scalecaller serve him in ESO and I don't know about the other games but he is like a skinny dragon. And his followers are funny. Like some king of plague Timon and Pumba. So he gets a pass.

8. Clavicus Vile - Like a annoying little dude with his dog? It's funny, I give him that. I have a Clavicus Vile demi-prince in ESO actually, used to be a joke character but I am now serious. I think he is mostly harmless too, except for the whole Morrowind - Summerset thing but they kinda had it coming there.

9. Mehrunes Dagon - He sucks. He will cause me a lot of grief in this new ESO chapter. Generally evil demon guy. But-- them back muscles tho. 👀

10. Sanguine - His like Skyrim quest is funny and I like it. I don't know what he does actually? One of my friends used to have him in their url on here. I've been told he is as bad as Molag Bal, but I can't say I remember what specifically. So might reevaluate this.

11. Hermaeus Mora - Had to copy his name from the UESP. Anyway he is cool I guess, I love those knowledge type of bad guys. Though when it comes to floating eyes and knowledge, I do prefer Vel'koz from LoL. But still 11 is high ranking in my book.

12. Namira - Because one of my friends loves her. I don't know much about her so she really is getting ranked low here because I just don't know the lore. She seems to like the outcasts and the ugly and I fit right in there so that's pretty cool, someone will care for me. If she is recruiting I think I am qualified for the job.

13. Vaermina - I honestly mix her up with Namira and Boethiah. I thought they are the same till like few months ago. Anyway I don't know her but I will play the ESO Stormhaven quests soon and I heard she is the Daedric Prince of Nightmares so it might be fun!

14. Boethiah - I hate Dragonstar Arena. That's it. Sorry you are ranked this low because I hate farming that motherfuck-

15. Hircine - Yes I know. I am one of the rare people ranking him this low. People usually like Hircine. He seems to be pretty cool. Actually he isn't all that bad? He is one of the better daedra. You deal with him and you know what you are in for. I love werewolves. I just got really pissed off that he turned Vykosa in ESO into a werewolf against her will. I know Daedric Princes are like this, but I really like Vykosa and I have an OC who was turned by her experiments so in honor of my character, I rank him this low. He looks cool. Like Herne the Hunter. I like that.

16. Malacath - I will be honest I actually don't know anything about him. Orc lore isn't my forte. The orcs are mad about him so I guess he is their local town boy playing in the big leagues? I don't know, I am sorry I didn't rank you higher.

17. Molag Bal...I guess - I hate Bal. His voice in ESO is really good though, kudos to the voice actor. But I hate him. Who doesn't? Even if ESO tried to sugarcoat his shit he is still like an entirely different brand of evil from all the others. I would vibe with any Daedric Prince but him. I have a Xivkyn OC and he hates him too. -1/10 I hope he stays dad after I anime slashed him in ESO xoxo

#phew that was long #the elder scrolls #thank you for the question tho i love answering!

[bluedraggy]

Katia in Hammerfell

(Artist - RaPel - https://www.pixiv.net/en/users/9003236/illustrations )

Colored this and wrote a short story around it. Observe, if you will...

Katia in Hammerfell

"No, really, thanks for everything. This is just something I have to do for myself, you know?"

"No, no, no... everything you told me was true. Free food, a roof over my head - even if it was more like a cave - all the companionship I could ever want.  All true. Too true. You know, yours wasn't the first cult I’d ever joined either. Well, technically I'm still in the Worm Cult. I just couldn't stand the rites. Trust me, it made yours seem pretty tame. Maybe not so numerous, but still… Necromancers are weirder than you can imagine. No really, trust me, at least you guys were pretty much normal! Except Edgar. Did I tell you he licked my toes?"

"It's not that I don't feel like you guys like me. Hell, you like me too much. And too often. Dude, I can barely walk after the Morwhan feast-day, and don't even get me started on how sore my boobs get! But really, even all that isn't why I'm leaving."

"It's just, I need to get out. I know you'll miss me. All of you. You really should think about getting more women in your cult, you know. But as for me, I think I've learned all I can here. But there's got to be more than just... that."

"I didn't say I felt worthless! I'm probably the best trained ritual-sacrifice in the world! And believe me, I do appreciate that you don't make me clean the altars anymore. But I want to be more than the best ritual sacrifice you’ve ever seen. I'm not worthless. I can speak Dragonish! Did I ever tell you that? I learned it when I was with the Dragon cult. Not many people can say that, I'm sure! Not that I have much use for it anymore."

"Oh, yeah, I was with them too for a while. I guess I never really quit them either. I just left when they wanted me to fuck a dragonling. I mean, gods! I know I'm a slut cat, but even I have some standards. Unless I'm drunk. Though they still were better than the Worm Cult. I did have a sort of pet/friend dragonling though. He was kind of nice, though it was hard to keep him off my leg."

"See, though, all this... it's not me, comrade. It's not that I don't believe. I believe all right! After the things I’ve seen I’d be a fool not to believe. But everything you all value me for, well, it doesn't make me feel good about myself. It's hard to explain, but sometimes I feel like if I didn't do the rituals you wouldn't care about me anymore. And while we're talking about that, some of those rituals... Come on, be honest. You guys just made those up, right?"

"That's what I figured. It was sort of fun at first, I admit, but I'm kinda tired of it all now. Besides, what happens when I get older and I'm no longer the nubile young sacrifice I am now? Look, right now my body is young and... flexible, but it won't always be. I need to learn a trade. A real trade. Something that doesn't rely on...this. I want to get out and see the world too. I need adventure. I need to be someone else. Someone who's more than just a sacrifice who can do weird things with pineapples. I need self-respect, comrade."

"I really don't know. I don't really expect much. But I have hopes. I do have dreams that are not nightmares."

"I'm sorry, but no. You've been a great friend. Really. But it would never work between us. We both know that. Especially after... well, everything you’ve seen. But I'm not looking for that. I'm not looking for someone else. I'm looking for me. I need to find out what I can be. I don't even know how to be a khajiit! Do you understand that? Can you understand that? I've tried learning, but it's hard here. Elsweyr? No, I don't think so. I think I'd be more out of place there than anywhere, if you believe that. No, I think Cyrodiil will be a good place to start. I feel like my whole life has been aimless, flitting from one place to another, happy to find people who will take care of me. And you guys have taken care of me. Not that I didn't reciprocate mind you! But I am tired of people having to take care of me. I need to take care of myself."

"Hehhehe. You remember that? Oh gods, that was the worst! I don't know how you stand it without fur! But see, that's exactly the sort of thing I'm talking about. I don't know anything. I've never been out in the real world - not the real world, like everybody else has been. I've been under one protective roof after another, protected against life itself. I'm so fucking naive.”

“I told you, I just misunderstood! I thought I overheard you and your friend talking about how much you would like a shaved cat. Well, that's just it! I'd never heard that euphemism before! And I wanted so much for you guys to like me that I went to a barber and did the stupidest thing I've ever done in retrospect. But I meant well, idiot that I was."

"You think that’s cold, try lying naked on a stone altar without fur someday!"

"...and don't think I don't appreciate it. It was a very nice, soft blanket. Hell I practically lived in it till my fur grew back. It sure did cut down on my ritual sacrifices for a while though. Nobody would so much as look at me. Yes, but you. You were very sweet."

"Well, I guess that's the ship's bell. It's going to be leaving soon. I need to get going. Say goodbye to the gang for me, okay? And tell Morissa I'm sorry, but she's going to have to take over my sacrificial duties. No, it won't be the same, I know. But you guys will do alright without me. Please don't make me get all emotional. I've got to do this."

"What?"

"Oh SHIT! It's been so long since I had to worry about such things, I didn't think! I spent all my money on the voyage, I don't have any left for clothes!!!  OH SHIT! I can't go on a fucking ship naked! FUCK FUCK FUCK!"

"Oh, thank the gods! I don't care where it's been, give it to me! It's better than nothing!"

"Ew... it stinks. No, no it's fine. I'll get used to it."

"Oh! Something fell out. What's that? A lock pick? No, I'll take it too. Who knows, I might need it."

"Okay. Well, goodbye comrade! Maybe I'll come back and visit again someday. No! No more rituals for me, thanks. Just to say hi. A hug? You want to give me a hug? Sure!!!"

"Yeah, it does stink. I'll wash it as soon as I can get some water from the Captain. Goodbye comrade! It's been... well, it's been an experience!"

"I'm coming captain!  I'm coming!"

Sigh. “I would have liked that hug. Now, where can I put this lockpick? No pockets. Hmm... Oh well, any port in a storm they say.”

“Whoa! That’s cold!"

#katia managan #prequel adventure #fanfiction #fanart #khajiit

[talldarkandroguesome]

30th of Midyear, Tirdas

I was so frightened when I went to meet with Qau-dar and his spouses. My fear nearly rivaled that of when I was brought before Almalexia for judgement. Almalexia would have at most, attempted to end my life. This... This was far more uncertain.

Yet I returned to the tent and faced my fears.

I entered and things were more casual than when I had left. I suppose they had the time to discuss what I had said and reach a conclusion.

And so they told me they would like to discuss the expectations of the marriage. They wanted to tell me what they expected and preferred and to check how I felt about the same.

I relaxed a little, still unsure as to what they would have me agree to.

Qau-dar explained that he had already told his spouses that I was interested in having many partners, not only one, using his same tea cup in a set versus shoe in a pair analogy. I confirmed that that was indeed my preference, but only in so much as would not be uncomfortable for them.

They explained that in general they were amenable to this, but with a few caveats. 

The first was that I let them know of any long-term arrangements I find myself in.

I agreed and immediately disclosed my relationship with Nabine to ensure that I was upfront and honest right away. I even mentioned that we had a child, Kuna together, just so that it would not be of any surprise to anyone later on should Nabine and I reconcile.

The spouses explained to me that children I had could be recognized as a part of the family and clan, though it would be up to the Clanmother to decide for sure.

Qau-dar teased me that it was a good thing mer can have so few children, lest I soon bring in more children to their family than Min-Daro. We all had a good laugh at that. When the joke was fully translated for her, Min-Daro laughed and then told me that as an older spouse I better not try anything because she was watching me.

I put my hands up to placate her and told her that as the junior-most spouse I would never dream of it. I assured her I would do whatever it was she said and that they should instruct him on anything else he should do as the junior-most spouse.

Qau-dar laughed and told me not to give them any ideas.

S’Fair reassured me that there was nothing to do  since we were all equal, other than to show respect to Ko’Aahni as the eldest spouse. After all, he added, when Qau-dar went senile, she would be in charge.

Qau-dar responded that Ko’Aahni was already in charge. Min-Daro leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, “or so we let her think”.

Everyone laughed again, except for Ko’Aahni who hissed at the rest of us and then flopped down into Qau-dar’s lap and buried her face in his leg.

I thanked them for their insight and asked they be patient with me while I learned my role.

Min-Daro told me to not be wound so tightly because it was a marriage of equality, not a political relationship. I felt instantly embarrassed about my earlier misunderstanding and felt heat rising to my cheeks. S’Fair told Min-Daro to stop teasing me. He bumped my shoulder with his and told me that we might be the junior spouses, but if we worked together we could take her.

I told him that I did not know any of them, other than Qau-dar, well enough to be plotting such tactics.

Ko’Aahni picked her head up and said such was the point of marriage. And explained how she had not known Qau-dar at all when they were wed.

Then each of them talked about what it was like when they first met Qau-dar. How much each of them know of the others. They joked with one another so easily when making sure each of the others was telling the story properly.

It put me well at ease as we moved onto the rest of our conversation.

The second condition they gave me for our marriage, was that I not get involved with anyone within the Clan. That I could readily agree to. I did not wish to jeopardize the relationship. And I had plenty of people within those who had come with me to Elsweyr that I know I can easily avoid an intimacies with other members of the Clan.

The last stipulation they had for me was that I let them know if I fathered any other children. The easiest of the three for me to agree to.

Ko’Aahni and S’Fair also asked that whenever I was with another partner, I make sure to take a cure disease potion afterwards. I laughed and told that they should have no fear, for it was already a standard practice for me. And they thanked me. I should have known the healers would be most concerned with health. Yet I was pleased to see such acceptance of not only their needs and mine, but of the fact that I might have a different set of desires. I was so glad to find a culture that did not vilify the type of desires I have. No judgement, just an appeal for compromise between all parties.

It was almost uncomfortable to feel so accepted. I kept finding myself looking for clues of deception, though I know in my mind they are not seeking to do such a thing. So long has acceptance been a mode of betrayal, that it no longer is easy for me to feel comfortable in that feeling. It is something I must work on learning to feel safe in.

When we had finished with discussing the marriage expectations, Qau-dar began to sing a song about goats. It had a simple call and response and I joined in. Next, S’Fair sang a humorous song about an old man traveling around. Then Ko’Aahni sang a song about the delights of warm sun and sand and good food and family. Everyone had surprisingly good voices and I like to think we would make a very good chorus, this family.

I had heard Min-Daro perform before and I was eager to hear what she would sing. I should not have.

She began singing a song about what type of person one should seek for marriage. It was very clear, as she sung of various traits of my character or appearance. I believe one of the lines was, look for one with dark sing and a good voice.

Even had I not believed that it was about me, the way she stared me in the eyes as she sung left no doubt whatsoever.

Soon the rest of Qau-dar’s spouse... my spouse, joined in. S’Fair claimed I tried hard and was true. Ko’Aahni complimented me on my dark hair and easy laugh.

Bloody Qau-dar had to go and sing of my heart that was loyal and compare my eyes to deep rubies. I could feel my face heating up and everyone had a good laugh at my expense.

Qau-dar then sang about ears that could turn warm and purple before he decided to have mercy and made sing a verse to the rest of his spouses as well. It was well appreciated.

I chose to sing an old call and response love song, since I could hardly contain such emotion deep in my chest.

In the end, everyone was together in a pile upon the sleeping cushions, limbs and tails entwined. I cannot reconcile how loving and affectionate their marriage is. Even more so, that I am a part of it.

I fell asleep so easily and so deeply. I could not even say what I dreamed of. But to wake up to see Qau-dar in my arms again, it was overwhelming. I kissed his cheek as I got up. I could not resist.

All in all, I do not know how to accept how well things have turned around. I can only soak in as much of this feeling for as long as I can.

#ESO #TES #Dunmer #Khajiit #RP #Elder Scrolls Online #The Elder Scrolls

[thyfate]

IN THE LATE WEEKS OF HEARTHFIRE, 3E 394, vyel made her way into the city of alabaster in the east of elsweyr. there, she met with a local scholar, who promised her vital information for her quest, if she accompanied him to a local cave system. word had gotten back to him that an ancient artifact had been found within this system. he wanted to retrieve it for study, and if vyel could safely guide him to the artifact, she would have her information. agreeing to his terms, they set out the next morning.

the trek was uneventful, and as such, the scholar began to describe this artifact to vyel as they went. chrysamere, he called it. the paladin’s blade. favored by heroes, champions and bringers of justice, this blade was legendary with its seemingly unique ability to choose its wielder. it granted them inexplicable strength, healing and combat prowess, and for that, it was widely sought after despite its tricky nature. it never favored one hero, and would disappear without trace. vyel knows a daedric artifact when she hears about it, and immediately begins to feel like she may have just roped herself into something she can’t exactly deal with at the moment. but she’s a woman of her word, and continues on with this scholar.

the cave, the mouth of azurah, breaches on the horizon just as the sun reaches its peak. inside, there is little in the way of danger, only a few rats and straggling skeletons, easily dispatched by vyel. they eventually find themselves at an opening-- a spacious room with light bleeding in from fractures in the ceiling. the scholar makes his way around, checking corners and the odd brush pile for this legendary blade, but vyel sees it first-- tucked away in a small corner, embedded in stone.

immediately, she’s drawn to the blade, though wary of the bones and empty armor that surround it. she calls to the scholar, alerting him to her find, and he rushes over, quick to attempt his hand at drawing the blade. he tries for a considerable amount of time, even going as far to chip away at the rock surrounding it with his dagger, but his efforts go unrewarded. he turns to vyel.

“perhaps you’d like a go?”

with a shrug, she clambers up the side of the stone, and positions herself where he had been before. she can feel the blade humming. it’s clear as day now that it’s daedric, it’s probably dangerous, and will probably end up killing her, but it’s draw is almost irresistible. and honestly, she’d just like to get the damn thing and leave so she can finish her work here. she plants her feet firmly, expecting a considerable amount of resistance from a sword buried in stone, and grabs its hilt.

and pulls.

with a sharp crack, and a shrieking shing! chrysamere comes free, with almost no trouble. stumbling a hair, but balancing herself out, she stares at the broadsword in her hands, mildly concerned about the warmth-- the humming-- and the sensation of a heartbeat. the scholar congratulates her, whistling sharply with a comment about her strength, but she barely hears it. chrysamere is alive.

hours later, back in alabaster, vyel receives the information promised to her. the sun setting, and the night upon them, she takes what she needed, and heads back to her room in the tavern. her rest is near sleepless, the red image of chrysamere haunting her dreams. she awoke with a start, blinding dawn light breaking into her room. blearily, she sat up, and slowly looked around. and there, leant up against the desk, was chrysamere.

it was all too surreal. and for a moment, she thought she was still asleep. but as she got up, and approached the blade, she realized it was real-- and she was awake.

picking it up, it hummed in her hands, just as surely as it had yesterday. daedric artifacts, she rationalizes, and continues her morning. she returns to the scholar’s synod, and explains what happened, returning the legendary blade. he remarks that chrysamere is a fickle thing, and was known to simply disappear at times. they parted ways amicably, and vyel began her day.

hours later, in the midst of a dungeon, she reaches for her steel sword, only to find it missing. she fumbles for a moment, and realizes that there’s a weight on her back. she reaches up, and finds chrysamere. she wields it in that moment, without any other defense, and realizes how much easier it was to use than her regular sword. but even still, she returned it to the scholar.

in the next few days, vyel is constantly finding chrysamere. she returns it to the scholar every time, becoming more and more irritated with the blade. eventually, she grows so frustrated, that she insists the scholar lock it up. seal it with magicka, so that it may not escape again. he agreed.

near the end of the year, vyel delved into the halls of colossus searching for the fifth piece of the staff of chaos. the piece is within sight after hours of fighting her way through skeletons and ghouls, but just as she’s about to bash her way through the last creature, a homonculus slams into her. she’s staggered, tossed on her ass, and her sword skitters away from her-- and disappears into the dark. in a panic, she starts throwing spells, scrabbling to get to her feet. the homonculus rushes her again, and just as its about to overtake her, a blinding red light flashes in the dark cavern.

and a weight drops into her hand.

it’s chrysamere. and vyel doesn’t hesitate.

with the piece of the staff collected, she trudges back to the scholar. she forces chrysamere into his hands, but he hesitates. he takes a long look at the paladin’s blade, and then slowly hands it back to her.

“it seems to have chosen you. keep it.”

and over 300 years later, they’re still together :)

#◟ ﹥ ⁽ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁾ 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳 . ⁄ out . #◟ ﹥ ⁽ ⁰ ⁰ ² ⁾ 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘴 . ⁄ lore . #this is so poorly written but i wanted to use those caps....................

[askarchmagearen]

What are some books you like to read in your spare time and what makes them enjoyable? (For both mun and muse)

Savos chuckles. “If you’re looking for recommendations you would be better off asking Urag, but if you insist. I’ve read countless books over the years, but there are a few that stand out. For example, I rather enjoyed A Game at Dinner, although it did reinforce my distaste for politics and its practitioners.”

“A Tragedy in Black is one I have mixed feelings about, but still, as a conjurer , I believe it’s a book anyone dealing with dremora should have read at least once, for it shows the pitfalls any unsuspecting apprentice might stumble into.

“And of course,” he rushes behind the wall separating his private area from the rest of his quarters before returning with a very old, well-loved book.

“Incident in Necrom. My uncle gave me this book when I was but a young boy - much to my mother’s disapproval. Too scary, you see, but I loved it and it made me want to learn illusion magic. As it later turned out, I had no talent for that school but the book stuck with me nevertheless … Oh, right, you wanted to know the story. It’s about a band of adventurers clearing out a vampire den - a dark story with many twists and turns. I can lend you my copy if you want.”

Savos hands you the book. 

“Just treat it with care; I am quite attached to it. Nowadays I mostly read nonfiction, although that term can be debatable at times. I especially enjoy travel logs, journals and diaries. Winterhold can be so cold, dark and bleak and while I’ll never walk the warm sands of Elsweyr or sail the Abecean Sea,” he closes his eyes and sighs,”I can still dream.”

#nosy students and curious visitors #savos aren #skyrim #Elder Scrolls #skyrim books

[rakastyi]

My take on Ulfric

So, I’m absolutely not an Ulfric Stan, hell no. He’s gross.

But he’s a complex sort of gross that I think deserves some attention, if only as mental “weight training” in how we assess bigotry, bigots, and the roots of specific behaviors, and how we differentiate specific behaviors from endemic ones.

Facts we know about Ulfric:

Unapologetic nationalistic racist. He segregates the Dunmer and Argonians, adheres (mostly) to the “no Khajiit in cities,” and there’s his slaughter of the Reachmen.

Even if he lets individuals of other races into the Stormcloaks “if they’re really loyal to Skyrim,” that’s honestly no different than Hitler’s Jewish Doctor Friend. That’s right, even the Nazis had specific individuals they sought to exempt from the Holocaust because they had personal ties to these people. One specific behavior does not override endemic personality.

That said, his story is a complicated one that goes beyond “he’s just racist and stupid.”

He was literally tortured, psychologically, by the Thalmor when he was in their custody. That is not a small thing. It probably informs a lot of the how he behaves. It is important to remember this.

It does not explain the “why.” Racism has no explainable why, it’s an irrational collection of micro-whys and pure non-whys, all coming together in an interconnected net of hate. 

So his torture by the Thalmor is important, but largely in the context of “this is why he’s so VEHEMENT in his hatred, but it cannot be presented as the source of it.”

As to his stupidity in opposing the Thalmor, I’m not sure that can be taken as read. You see, Skyrim quite possibly could throw off the Thalmor independently. Hammerfell did it. The Khajiit still have an active resistance movement in the desert regions of old Elsweyr. It’s entirely possible that a newly independent skyrim could even seek alliance with High Rock and Hammerfell, or fund the resistance of the Khajiit, especially with control of Markarth’s silver mines.

These alliances become more, not less, likely if the Empire falls, as each nation would see the threat posed by Thalmor in full control of Cyrodil’s resources.

Now, does that make the rebellion right?

Honestly, no. The conflict between the Empire and the Thalmor is little different from the conflict between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, two objectively imperialistic and nationalistic powers trying to rip eachother apart. There was no “good” guy in the “Great Patriotic War,” just sides of varying degrees and flavor of evil. The same is more or less true in the Great War of Tamriel. Imperialism of any sort is not a good look, and there is not a moral imperative to compromise with a LESS imperialistic faction in order to stop a MORE imperialistic faction, if other alternatives present themselves.

So Ulfric is not inherently an idiot in opposing the Empire and the Thalmor both.

That, unfortunately, makes his character arc worse, not better.

He’s a wounded man who was tortured and sold out. He’s a fervently religious man. He’s deeply tied to and caring of his culture. He’s a capable commander. And he’s a racist, vicious man who calls back to WORSE racist, vicious men like Tiber Septim, or like Ysgrammor. He’s intelligent and capable of empathy, and still expresses in this particular way.

It’s fairly clear to me that we’re not supposed to actually empathise with him if we follow the Stormcloak storyline. We’re supposed to feel soiled by it. A dream of Sovngard, tainted by the nightmare of what we did to get there.

#tesblr #skyrim #ulfric stormcloak

[tastesoftamriel]

Is there any notable fusion cuisine in Tamriel?

Like culture, fusion food is in constant flux and Tamriel is lucky to be full of it! The most unlikely clashes of culinary creativity can be found everywhere, and these are my top picks.

Altmer

Altmeri food is known for being pure and using ingredients unique to the Summerset Isles. When given access to Dunmeri ingredients though, magic happens. I thoroughly enjoyed a three-course meal of indrik cheese and scuttle soufflé with comberry sauce, seared swordfish with ash yam dumplings, and marshmerrow pudding on a rosewater and guava granita.

Argonians

As Argonian cuisine is extremely region-specific, those living away from Black Marsh have had to adapt their favourite dishes to suit the locality. Keerava at the Bee and Barb in Riften makes a wonderful poached fish, Stormhold style, using fresh salmon from the lake. It's served with local greens, chickpea mash, and tomato chutney (and a baked grasshopper too, if you want the proper Black Marsh experience)!

Bosmer

The wonderful thing about Bosmeri cooking is how easily it segues into other cuisines, as the Wood Elves are masters of cooking meat in any way, shape, or form. I was pleasantly surprised in Marbruk by a big lunch of thick slices honey-roast ham and radishes, smoky pulled pork, and eggs florentine. It was the perfect mix of classic Bosmeri and Breton, and was a great meal!

Bretons

I love the food in High Rock as it's delightfully complex, with a focus on rich flavours. Crossing Breton and Khajiiti food may sound a bit odd, but the moon sugar creme brulee with swan egg and the best Wayrest cream still haunts my dreams. It was flavoured with exotic cardamom and cinnamon, giving this traditional Breton dessert an Elsweyr twist!

Dunmer

Like the Altmer, the Dunmer also do not enjoy mixing their cuisine with others. However, refugees and generations of Dunmer who fled Vvardenfell during the Red Year didn't just wind up in Skyrim. Dunmer in the Alik'r make the most of what they've got to replicate Morrowind favourites. It's camel instead of guar, goat instead of nix-hound, harpy eggs instead of kwama eggs, and goat cheese in place of scuttle. The Sentinel take on Hlaalu-style guar involves roast camel with a goat cheese and harpy egg creamy sauce, with a serving of imported saltrice when available (chickpeas or polenta stand in nicely too).

Imperials

Cyrodiilic cuisine has always been a fusion of all the other Provinces, but there are a few exceptional combinations that continue to astound diners at the King and Queen Tavern in the Imperial City. Popular in Orcish flavours such as wrathberry, juniper, thyme, and mint make traditional Imperial dishes pop, like a juniper and venison tagliatelle in a smoked snow truffle and chanterelle sauce. Other notable dishes include horse carpaccio a la Wrothgar, spinach tortellini with echatere cheese sauce, spicy chorizo kebabs with radishes and potato, and stuffed pigeon with wrathberry raisins.

Khajiit

The food in Elsweyr is peculiarly sweet and as such is often off-putting to outsiders. However, tone down the moon sugar and you'll find some wonderful dishes to work with. I like a traditional roast bristleback basted in coconut water, chili, and salt, but used in a Redguard-style tagine with cous cous, dried fruit, and sliced almonds. The two cuisines complement each other perfectly, and I enjoy combining the two sometimes myself!

Nords

Since Nord food is notoriously bland, it really gives one a blank canvas on which to work culinary magic! I like to cross a Haafingar barbecued horker with mudcrab gravy with Dunmeri influences. Rather than plain horker, it is seasoned with smoked saltrice grains and barbecued over coals and hot stones as they do on Vvardenfell. The mudcrab gravy is also given a bit of zing with a twist of comberry jam, spicy crushed fireblossom petals, and a good spoonful of ash-smoked bacon lardons.

Orcs

Orcish food is known for being hearty, which makes a cross with Imperial cuisine almost unthinkable. However, sometimes it just works! Wine-stewed beef or mammoth tail with sun-dried tomatoes, potatoes, Orcish ale, juniper berries, and black olives. It's a surprising combination of flavours that works, with the ale and wine coming together in perfect harmony.

Redguards

Aside from combining Khajiiti and Redguard cuisine, I also like creating dishes based on the fusion food you'll find at docks across Hammerfell. One of my favourite Stros M'Kai specials is a combination of Nord pickled fish (I know) that's surprisingly palatable when deep fried in batter, with seasoned grilled cod, spicy potato wedges, and a chili-dill mayonnaise. Talk about a culture clash!

#Asks #Food #World building #Worldbuilding #Tes #The Elder Scrolls #Cooking #Fusion food

[sigil-stone]

a treatise on tradition in the brotherhood

(tw: lots of talk about death. it’s the dark brotherhood, to be fair)

Tradition.

I, contrary to the belief of those I once called Family, enjoy tradition. I believe, however, that it has its place.

Death is not something to be taken lightly. All mortals face it, at one time or another, and one could argue that Death comes to the gods, despite their efforts to run from it. This personification of death in my former ‘Family’ was called Sithis, deriving from PSJJJJ, the same entity from which the Psijic Monks have taken their name. Sithis, in the Dark Brotherhood, is treated as a father, though it is not sentient. It does not care. Sithis is no person, no god, no entity.

Sithis is Void. The only tangible trait I can assign to it is cold, uncaring, endless, insatiable hunger.

Sithis is a manifestation of PSJJJJ, which is in turn a manifestation of Lorkhan, Lorkaj, Shor, Sheor the Bad Man, the Trickster, and all of His alternate names, who is a manifestation of Padomay, Chaos, so on and so forth. It is derived from Chaos, and so Chaos is what the Brotherhood wishes to spread. In my youth, I was an agent of this Chaos, and a proud member of the Brotherhood - until I began to look deeper into the traditions and history of the order of which I found myself in. 

The Brotherhood respects and honors Sithis, the Void; it does not honor nor respect Death. This was my main cause for concern and the reason for my leaving. Death is not meant to be disorderly. It is not meant to be painful, except in the cases in which the person facing it is of the most heinous, despicable sort - murderers, greedy nobles, thieves who steal from the poor, and those who commit unspeakable acts against others, especially those who commit these unspeakable acts against children and the feeble. I found myself troubled at this revelation; do I deserve a painful death? All I was doing was following orders; and yet, I was a murderer. I took no pleasure in the art of killing, yes, but I killed nonetheless. I followed orders, yes, and so I was complacent. I fell into a deep sadness, and I felt the purifying, sharp pain of guilt make its home in my soul.

I recognize the pain I have caused and I accept the truth that the blasphemous, twisted nature of the ‘Death’ I served is an imposter. I realized that Sithis was not Death. Sithis was suffering. I want no part of suffering.

So, I ran. For months, I skirted around Elsweyr, Blackmarsh, and Cyrodiil, under several fake names and identities. I used the skills I perfected in the Brotherhood to evade them. I had a close call in Black Marsh, when a Speaker by the name of Lucien Lachance - a name that inspires terror in the people of Cyrodiil and once inspired awe in myself - nearly gutted me in my sleep. I was woken as he raised his knife, though by what, I’m still not sure. Perhaps the gods looked at me in pity. Perhaps Sithis, hungry for the suffering of a traitor, wished me to face my death with terror. Either way, I surprised him with a dagger to his shoulder, and I made my escape.

I was taken into a group of mercenaries, who I will not name for their own safety. I took on the name that I still use today. While there, safely hidden deep within a mountain range, I was able to explore the intricacies of Life and Death. I came to realize that Death wasn’t just the ending of Life. No, Death was the great truth of Life. All things that truly live must die; for without Death, what meaning is there in Life? All things will end. All things must end. To be an instrument of Death was an honor. To grieve for those I kill, to protect the ones whose time hasn’t yet come, to accept my own mortality and the mortality of all around me -- that was honorable. Mourn the dead, comfort the living, and take no satisfaction in my work. That is what I learned during my time in the mountains.

I still wasn’t operating within the law, however. In the eyes of Imperial Law, killing, whether honorable or blasphemous, was still very much illegal. Eventually, I was captured after a clumsy mistake, and I found myself in the Vvardenfell district of Morrowind, where I reside today.

I have taken my time to truly live while I’ve been here. The Brotherhood still haunts my every move, and the shadow of their teaching may still be seen in my demeanor. They hunt me still, as well, though they have yet to send a competent assassin. I suppose Mister Lachance, the only one who has come close to killing me, is busy recovering from that knife. Hah. At least I haven’t completely lost my humor.

I still feel the dull ache of guilt in every waking and unwaking moment, and I am constantly hounded by it in my memories and in my dreams, though the ache is less when I keep myself busy with my research and quiet journeys into the areas around me on this great island. I may even dare to say that on some quiet days, as I walk the great expanses of the Ashlands, or play a card game with a sibling in the Morag Tong, or explore the nearest great Dunmeri city, that I feel at peace.

I hope that this quiet peace lasts.

Hm. Look at me - this began as a treatise and turned into an autobiography. Well, I never said I was exceedingly humble, did I? Still, perhaps writing out my journey from mindless murderer to honorable assassin may help others understand the mind of an assassin. Perhaps it will help some regard Life and Death in a new light. Maybe there’s a Brotherhood assassin, lost and guilt-ridden as I am, who will find this and realize that not all is lost for us. Even the foulest of monsters can use the abilities gifted to them by evil for good. Time will tell, I suppose.

Mephala cloak you.

#apocrypha #ch: areleth soft-step

[eldritchsurveys]

279.

What may we call you?: >> Mordred, or Rev, or Shadow, or whatever.

When can we send you a birthday card? (Figuratively, of course.): >> Today!

And, where are you calling from? (Again, figuratively.): >> Michigan.

What is your favorite Hostess/Little Debbie snack?: >> I can’t stand those.

Do you/your family buy loaf from the bakery or bagged on the shelf?: >> I buy bagged on the shelf, it’s just convenient.

White, wheat or other?: >> Other (multigrain or sourdough).

Have you ever fixed something without knowing just how you did it?: >> Probably, yeah. I’m like that with computers sometimes.

Do store brands actually taste the same?: >> Some do, most don’t.

Quick! Grab the closest book to you, open to page 5 and type the first line: >> There isn’t a book close to me right now.

What’s the last non-fiction book you’ve read? (Not a school textbook!): >> How To Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan. A deeply fascinating and inspiring read.

Do you make surveys or just take them?: >> Take them, now.

When was the last time you were on a plane?: >> February.

Where were you going and why?: >> New Orleans, for wedding planning (mainly).

What’s the best news you’ve gotten lately?: >> One of my buddies from Discord bought me the Elsweyr expansion for ESO for my birthday lmao.

^And, the worst?: >> I haven’t gotten any bad news recently.

How is 2010 treating you so far, anyway?: >> LMAO... well, I’ll just answer for 2019. It’s been a little rocky at times, of course, but this is honestly one of the better years I’ve had so far, in comparison to past ones.

If you could invent something, what would it be?: >> I don’t know.

Tell me about your favorite pair of pants.: >> I don’t have a favourite pair.

Do you like getting dressed up?: >> Yeah.

Would you rather receive (or give) flowers, chocolates or jewelry?: >> I’m not really interested in any of those things.

Do you drink Vitamin Water?: >> No.

^If yes, what flavor is your favorite?: >> ---

What color are your headphones/earbuds?: >> Black. Is your technology up to date?: >> Not particularly, but it still works wonderfully.

Ever been stuck next to someone really annoying on a LONG plane/train ride?: >> Nope. I usually get either people who keep to themselves, or really kind old ladies or something.

What sound just drives you crazy?: >> Oh man, what sound doesn’t, lmao.

Would you be embarrassed to find out you snored loudly in public?: >> Sure, but I don’t snore so it’s not likely to happen.

Do you embarrass easily?: >> Not really, and if I do get embarrassed it’s usually a brief and manageable experience.

Why were you embarrassed last?: >> I don’t remember.

Are you afraid of heights?: >> No, but certainly incredible heights can be daunting because of that thing that happens where you think your body’s going to randomly go apeshit and throw you off the roof or something. Which it obviously won’t but brains are dumb.

What is a compliment you get most often?: >> I don’t get compliments often enough to be able to tally data.

Tell me about the last frightening/weird dream you had.: >> If I don’t make an effort to remember them, I forget them pretty quickly, so I don’t know.

Now, about the last pleasant dream you had.: >> See above.

Do you feel guilty about killing bugs?: >> Not really, but I’d still rather avoid doing so if I don’t have to.

If there is a spider in your room, will you be up all night knowing that?: >> Probably not. Flying insects, yeah, I’ll definitely be unable to sleep. But the spiders I’ve met tend to kind of just... chill. Or at least stick to the walls/ceiling and not get adventurous about, like, human faces or anything. Is there a trait typical to your gender that doesn’t apply to you?: >> ---

How do you feel about coconut?: >> It’s pretty good. Not in everything, though.

^ Ever cracked one open?: >> Nope.

If you like someone, what do you do?: >> ---

If you DON’T like someone, what do you do?: >> Not much, usually.

What do you feel most insecure about?: >> My ability to interact with other people in a manner that gets me what I need/want.

What’s the best thing about being your gender?: >> The best thing about having no gender is literally everything...

^ And the worst thing?: >> ...except that other people still misgender me on a daily basis.

Do you do your part to save the earth?: >> No...? I don’t bloody know, what even is my part.

Does it ROYALLY piss you off when your intended username is already taken?: >> Nah. I mean it’s fuckin annoying as hell lmao but I usually have backups.

What color do you wear most often?: >> Black.

Describe your sunglasses.: >> They’re just brown-tinted aviators.

What’s the most you’ve spent on a pair of sunglasses?: >> Probably like ten bucks.

^Or, ladies, what about a purse?: >> ---

Actually, what’s the most expensive clothing item/accessory you own?: >> In a few months it will be a bespoke suit. 0_0

Who do you think should have their portrait on a bill?: >> ???

What is your favorite spoken language to listen to?: >> All of them, really. I just think all human languages are fucking cool.

How long until you turn 40?: >> Exactly 8 years to the day!

Do you like coffee? >> Not really. Do your eyes ever twitch? >> Sometimes. Do you get excited when you get something in the mail that isn’t a bill? >> If it’s something worth being excited about, yeah -- like a gift or something novel that I ordered. What was the last thing you wrote by hand? >> I have no idea.

Why did you last feel exhausted? >> Because I’d had a demanding (not negatively so, but just full) day.

Have you ever used emotional blackmail to get your own way? >> Don’t think so, but maybe. Has anybody ever used emotional blackmail on you? >> Yeah. Assuming you have any, is your hair soft today? >> I mean, kind of. It’s more fuzzy-feeling than anything else because of the length. Who did you last worry about and why? >> --- Are you currently looking for a new place to live? >> No. When was the last time you ate/drank something gross just to be polite? >> I don’t. I absolutely refuse. I won’t insult it but I won’t consume it if I don’t like it and that’s that. Can you see any toys from where you’re sat? >> Plushies, yeah. Last time you heard a growl, who or what did it come from? >> Probably my stomach. Does it bother you when you forget something that you should know? >> Yes! What was the last thing you put off doing? >> I don’t remember. When did you last make up a baby’s bottle? >> --- What was the last thing you cooked? >> --- Do you eat your dinner at a dining table, coffee table or just off your lap? >> I just eat wherever I am, whether at my desk or in my room or whatever. When did you last see the sea? >> Not since I left New York :( Which would you prefer as a view; mountains or the sea? >> Either is nice, but I might prefer the sea. Do you have a mouse for your laptop? (Assuming you have a laptop) >> Yeah. Do you apologise a lot? >> No. Do you have any framed black & white photos in your home? Who are they of? >> There’s a random framed print of Audrey Hepburn on the wall lmao.

#surveys #survey #random survey

[fireintheforest]

Road trip

You’re standing at the front of a large boulder, all around you an arid desert whose sands look purple because of the red sky and the white sun above you. This is normal. It’s nighttime despite the aforementioned sun which you know comes out at night, but that’s not your concern. You observe the boulder, this big egg that you’ve been hunting for twenty years. The owl perched on your shoulder, who you know is Lillandril at the same time, hoots. You understand his words perfectly, but you hesitate. Instead of stepping away from the egg, you move towards it. This angers Lillandril, who begins to flap his wings at your face.

“What is wrong with you?” you ask him, angrily, trying to hold his wings. The owl bats them furiously and pecks your head. A shrill sound of bells, or something akin to them, begins to sound. You feel the wings hitting your head harder and harder, in a rhythm that doesn’t fit the way Lillandril, now in his Altmer form except for the huge wings that sprouted from him, is hitting them chaotically on your face. The bells and the smashing keep on as he slowly opened his eyes just a tad bit, adjusting them to reality.

And there was a shrill sound playing and something thumping his head, in a rhythm. Saufinril turned his head to the left, upwards, to see Dar’Shur thumping a tambourine at Saufinril’s head.

“Wake up Saroo.” Was the only thing he said, keeping up with the rhythm while hitting the Altmer’s head. Saufinril rested his head back and pulled the covers higher.

“Saroo.” Saufinril pulled the covers up to his head and closed his eyes tighter. “Saroo it is middle of the night, come on.”

“Bwaht?” the Altmer asked softly, turning to the Ohmes with a frown, “we leave at sunrise, why are you waking one up at this time?”

“For time advantage. We go. Nao.” Dar’Shur said.

“You’re out of your mind, and stop hitting one with that.” Saufinril moved Dar’Shur’s hand away. The khajiit exited the room, leaving Saufinril to slowly sit down, eyes still closed and bed head in all its glory. He stayed like this for 10 minutes, not asleep but not awake.

“Out of his damn mind.” He muttered finally, standing up and patting around the room until he found the candle, which he lit with magic before rubbing his face to wake himself up and proceeding to get dressed. He was combing his hair when Dar’Shur returned.

“Saroo, ziss, we have to go nao!” he hissed

“Wait a fucking minute, this isn’t even the time we were supposed to leave! Can you just-can you let one comb? One will be downstairs, damn.” Saufinril snapped

“We leave early, we get there early.”

“Fine, yeah, noted. Let one comb one’s hair.” With that, the khajiit left muttering in ta’agra while the Altmer muttered in Altmeris, both under their breath. Alfio’s voice came from the hallway, annoyed, as he said, “Be quiet, both of you. Can’t you bicker when people are awake? I live with wild animals…” before his door closed as he went back to his room. Saufinril finished tying his hair up, washed his face and grabbed his belongings before going downstairs to join Dar’Shur, who was ready to go. In silence, they walked down the streets until they got to the ports. People moved here and there, some merchants talking wages with captains, sailors talking to wenches, people and their products awaiting to embark.

“It is this bot.” Dar’Shur said, walking up to an Imperial galleon.

“It’s not going to leave anytime soon, Dar’Shur. Why did you wake one up so early? We leave at sunrise.” Saufinril protested, following him.

“This one changed times to leave in bot.”

“What??”

“So we can arrive sooner.” Indeed, the galleon was already boarding, with three Bosmer chatting excitedly amongst themselves ahead of the pair.

“Why exactly did you change the time?”

“Ziss Saroo, I say: to get early.”

“Why didn’t you at least tell one? You selfish fucking mer.”

“Because you maybe have protest-ed. This one has no time to explain.”

“Yes you did. Independently of whether one would have protested, you could’ve told one.”

“See, you already protest.”

“Of course one is going to protest, you-”

“Excuse me?” a voice ahead of them made the duo turn to the Bosmer, who were looking at them. The Bosmer that had spoken, a woman, cleared her throat and asked Saufinril, “Um, do you or your spouse happen to have a quill?”

Saufinril stared at her before replying dryly, “No. And he’s not one’s spouse.” She arched her eyebrows, said a quiet “Alright” before turning back to her own companions, talking and boarding the ship. They remained silent even after boarding, and well after the boat had set sail. The cool air drifted slowly past them as the galleon left the Imperial City, both sitting with their backs against the side of the boat. The very dark blue color of the night made Saufinril wonder vaguely about the dream he was having when he woke up. Something about an egg, and an owl, and Lillandril was there? That was all he could remember.

By the time the infamous sunrise made its appearance, Dar’Shur turned to Saufinril to talk again.

“This one forgot to tell you, this letter arrived yester-day.” He pulled out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Saufinril, who turned it around and then opened it, “Altmeri ink and paper, so it is for you, yes?”

“It is, it’s from one’s brother. Thank you.” He began to skim it.

“Everything is al-right? Yes?” Dar’Shur observed Saufinril read the first page, then put it back in the envelope and put said envelope inside his bag.

“One’s stepfather wants to reconcile.” Saufinril said, “One’s brother is asking one to go to the Isles, for…a reunion, one guesses.”

“Nao?” Dar’Shur asked, “Will you go?”

“Not-not now. And, just, one doesn’t know. Right now one is heading to Valenwood. One will repeat to him that one will not return to the Isles later.”

Dar’Shur observed his companion, the first rays of golden sunlight blending with his natural golden skin and hair. “You do not look at ease.”

“So, your sister.” Saufinril turned to Dar’Shur, “And her soon spouse. Where did she meet him?”

“He come from nomad car-a-van, is an old friend of her husband. Maybe this stop conflict in your familee, Sarro. Of you and tot of fado.”

“This is her third spouse, second husband, right?”

“Yes. Will you go to isle to see your liter, Saroo?”

“That must be something else. Three spouses. One couldn’t handle two boyfriends but then again, they didn’t know of each other and that’s on one. Is she excited?”

Dar’Shur exhaled, giving up. “Very. You can come too.”

“One knows, but one hasn’t been to the Den or seen them in a while and the old man gets nostalgic when one doesn’t go.” The conversation went on, here and there. At one point Saufinril fell asleep, then it was Dar’Shur’s turn. The galleon finally arrived on land two days after they’d embarked, and once on land Saufinril turned to Dar’Shur.

“Do you still plan on walking to Dune?” he asked. Dar’Shur hesitated, then shook his head, “No. This one will go to Valenwood with you.”

“Whoooooa ok, hold it cat. What about your sister’s wedding?”

“Ziss, this one will go. Is just take short-er to go to Valenwood and then cross to Elsweyr, yes? Than to go direct-ly.”

“It takes the exact same amount of days.”

“Al-right, then it is cheaper.”

Saufinril passed a hand through his hair, then exhaled, “Fine, one guesses it is. So, from here one planned to walk 2 to 3 days to Skingrad, from there we can take a caravan to Arenthia, from Arenthia a caravan to-”

“Ziss, do you have money to cover cost?”

“The Bravil job, dear. From Arenthia a caravan to Silvenar and from Silvenar walk to Elden Root. How will you get to Dune?” they began walking.

“This one can be company mid-way to Seel-ve-nar. Then this one walk.” Saufinril shrugged and added a “Alright. Suit yourself.”

It took them four days of walking to get to Skingrad. On those nights, when Dar’Shur was pretending to sleep, he’d see Saufinril read and reread the letter he’d given him. They were settling on the caravan when Dar’Shur turned to the Altmer again.

“Tell this one,” he began, “will you reconcile with the tot of your fado?”

Saufinril’s adam’s apple bobbed, then he leaned back on the seat as the cart moved, being pulled by horses. “One…no, Dar’Shur. One is not going to go to the isles.”

Dar’Shur exhaled, displeased, leaning back too. “Ziss, Saroo. You are stubborn.”

“Pardon one?”

“They are your family, why do you not want reconcile?”

“Mind your fucking business.”

“Oh, now you curse. Ziss, this one do not know what happen-”

“Exactly, Dar’Shur. You don’t know what happened. One will not return to the isles.”

“Ey,” the driver turned around to look at the duo, “quit the arguing or I’ll get you both down. I’m not going to carry on bickering for two blasted days.” Then resumed his job. Dar’Shur took a deep breath before trying again,

“Then, to see your liter?”

“He is more than welcome to come over, and he knows it.”

“Yes, fine. This one just ask-ed. He is good, yes?”

Saufinril nodded, avoiding looking at Dar’Shur. The trip took them down roads filled with orange, green, red and blooming trees, with the sounds of birds and wind in the background. It mutated to a lively orange at sundown and then a rich black by the time they made it to Arenthia.

“Border control is always a bitch, but one never expected it to be this anal this time.” Saufinril got down the caravan with his belongings.

“Saroo, you are just mad to run a-cross mer you did no contact after night of Den.” Dar’Shur replied, getting down as well.

“How was one supposed to remember he was a soldier at the border? What was he doing so far off the border that one time, anyways?” they reached a Bosmer to buy a horse.

“Eh. At least he is still hope-full you contact him.”

“Yeah, poor mer.” They got on the horse, Dar’Shur on the reins, which took on towards Silvenar. The climate contrasted drastically between Cyrodiil’s crisp air, green grass and green leaves and Valenwood’s overly rich black soil, sprouting roots, thick and large trees with so many leaves and so rich in abundance that it was almost dark. The sounds were not the Cyrodiil sounds, either: chirping, buzzing, croaking, cawing, thumping, all at the same time. “You do not contact him?”

“No. It was fun, but one is not looking for anything and he is so one will not waste his time.” They rode further, “One is not you and J’Dissa.”

“What?” Dar’Shur turned to look at him with confusion. Saufinril had a smug smile on his face.

“Don’t you ‘what’ one, one’s seen you both. It’s adorable.”

“J’Dissa is just friend.”

“Right, and one is Tiber Septim.”

“No-thing happen with J’Dissa.”

“And nothing will with that attitude.” They were interrupted by a rolling thunder, and less than a second later a curtain of rain fell heavily upon them. Warm rain in the shape of thick blobs of water that hit them mercilessly, getting them both soaking wet less than a minute.

“Sweet.” Saufinril’s only comment about that barely reached Dar’Shur’s ears. Still they rode on for a day and rested one night. The following morning (thankfully a dry one, or as dry as Valenwood’s humidity allowed), Dar’Shur packed and turned to Saufinril.

“This one goes nao, Dune is two days a-way.”

“Good luck and best of wishes to your sister.” Saufinril finished preparing the horse, “Are you sure you don’t wish to take the horse?”

“This one has less ter-rein to cover.”

“Fair enough.” Saufinril got on the horse, “Anything one should do or get or say when one returns to the Imperial City?”

Dar’Shur thought for a second, then shook his head. Before Saufinril could ride off, however, Dar’Shur placed a hand on the Altmer’s calf, making him turn to look with an inquisitive glance.

“Saroo, take care, yes?” the khajiit said.

“Sure. You keep an eye out for yourself as well.”

“This one is khajiit. Do not worry.”

“Fine.” Saufinril grabbed Dar’Shur’s forearm and gave it a squeeze, making Dar’Shur do the same. They released each other and Saufinril prompted the horse to ride on. Dar’Shur turned and headed towards Elsweyr.

It took Saufinril 5 days to reach Elden Root, but once he entered the Den, on the 16th of Rain’s Hand, he felt like he’d come home.

#fourth era sau #altmer #khajiit #lillandril #rialas #dar'shur #here's a birthday thing for Sau that didn't even work because he didn't arrive on his birthday lmfao

[jd-the-anime-fan]

Tell me about Gelor

Okay, here’s an OC backstory.

Gelor was born in the Imperial City just a few years after the Great War. His father was a member of the Synod, while his mother was a skilled enchantress who sold her wares purely for profit. In their relatively affluent financial state, they could afford Gelor several tutors. His history tutor in particular, got him interested in the Oblivion Crisis. The books, perhaps quite rightly, vilified Mehrunes Dagon and told of how Martin Septim sacrificed himself to save Nirn from the crisis.

However, Gelor saw it differently, while Dagon had been pushed back he didn’t exactly lose. He’s the god of destruction and change, his cult brought down arguably the most successful dynasty in Tamriel’s history and fractured the Empire while also indirectly causing the Great War due to influence the Thalmor gained. In his eyes, it brought about great change that could lead to an even grander rebirth from the ashes, not just for the Empire, but for all of Tamriel. Gelor knew not to speak his mind as praising a god that nearly brought about the end of the world would surely be a death sentence.

At age eighteen, having learned about fire-based destruction magic, alteration magic and how to wield a dagger, he set off to find his purpose in the world. While on one of his excursions, he happened upon a cave entrance covered by a rotted, wooden door. Entering the cave, he found it contained a shrine to Dagon and other Mythic Dawn paraphernalia. He made a decision to travel to Elsweyr as the Khajiit still openly worshipped Dagon in their pantheon. However, that night, he had a lucid dream, a visage of Dagon over the aroura to the north telling him to find his shrine hidden in the arctic tundra of Skyrim, his destiny lay there. 

#JDs Ocs #Character: Gelor #the elder scrolls

[curiousartemis]

My OCs

Casien Yedlin Casien is 17 when his story begins; at present, he is 25 years old. He’s a Dunmer, a refugee from Solstheim. Shy, introverted, and in love with books, he struggles to fit in in his adopted city of Windhelm - and that’s not even taking into account the rampant bigotry within the city. 

When he is 19, he begins working at the Palace of the Kings. Here, he meets Ulfric Stormcloak, jarl of Eastmarch and leader of the Stormcloak rebels. Their love affair is quiet, hesitant, and slow to gain speed. But each finds solace in the other, as they meet to share stories, air grievances... and slowly fall in love.

Casien’s story: The (Really and Truly Inspiring) Story of Casien Yedlin

MOODBOARDS: 💖 💘 (<-- click the hearts) Search Casien’s TAG. Includes art, drabbles, headcanons, and more!

[image by @agaricals]

[image by @kf1n3]

//

Calowen Bright-Hair Cal was a 28 year old half-Bosmer, half-Nord* thief whose relationship with the current High King of Skyrim ended abruptly, thus leaving him homeless. Somehow he found himself in Riften, working for the thieves guild. There he helped unravel a plot so thick it had each of his new friends in a vice-like grip, and that vice, of course, was firmly in the hands of one Maven Black-Briar.

*so he claims

Charming, irreverent, and perhaps a little too handsome for his own good, Cal probably won the heart of the theives guild guildmaster far sooner than he realized. Even so, winning Brynjolf’s heart is still not as impressive in his eyes as winning Vex’s friendship - something she denies even to this day.

Cal’s story: The Tale of Calowen Bright-Hair, Adventurer, Thief, Lover

MOODBOARD: 💖 (<-- click the heart) Search Cal’s TAG. Includes art, drabbles, headcanons, and more!

[image by @llstarcasterll]

//

Auren Lavellan When he was 22, Auren Lavellan’s beloved was killed - murdered - by human soldiers. Even since then, he has nursed an innate hatred towards all shem. This hatred and fear was a concern of his keeper’s, and thus he was selected to join a small group of hunters from his clan to accompany the keeper’s second - who also happens to be his cousin - to observe the goings on in Haven, where templars and mages were set to meet and finally hammer out their differences.

The Conclave, as it was called, was, of course, a disaster. Auren found himself and his cousin to be the lone survivors. Kael was quickly dubbed the Herald of Andraste (despite the fact that he frequently and joyfully declared himself to be an atheist) due to the mark on his hand. Meanwhile, Auren grudgingly stayed with the fledgling Inquisition, solely for his cousin’s benefit, but he truly wanted nothing to do with any of the major players in what he considered to be a shem organization. At Kael’s suggestion, he did agree to join the scouts and fell under the “command” of Lead Scout Harding - not that he ever considered himself to be anyone’s subordinate, let alone a shem-loving surface dwarf.

Privately, Auren hated himself for developing feelings for the human commander of the Inquisition. Even worse, the human did not... could not return those feelings. Unbeknownst to him, however, he had caught the eye of one of the Inquisition’s newest volunteers: the veteran warden, Blackwall.

Auren’s story is still on-going... but it’s safe to say that he reluctantly returns the older man’s attraction, though both of them are too stubborn to admit it.

MOODBOARD: 💖 (<-click the heart) Search Auren’s TAG. Includes art, drabbles, headcanons, and more!

//

Linas Linas is a young Bosmer , approximately 25 years of age, who makes his living hunting and fishing throughout southeast Skyrim. He believes he has partial human blood, very likely Imperial, but he doesn’t know his birth father’s true ancestry, and only has his memories of what his mother once told him. 

Linas’ mother died while he and his sisters were still young. When he was still very young, about 14, he and his sisters were captured by bandits and held captive for many days with the apparent intention of eventually selling all three off into slavery. Linas was forced to watch his sisters endure the brunt of the bandits’ abuse. By the time he was freed, both his sisters had died, and from then on, he was alone.

Today, Linas is a quiet but intense young man, occasionally showing up in Riverwood and other small villages and towns to resupply and trade his own furs and meats for goods. He suffers from mild claustrophobia and fairly intense social anxiety, and hence rarely speaks, and only unless spoken to. When not in town, however, and able to relax, Linas reveals himself to be a thoughtful, generally contented person who has an artist’s innate love for and appreciation for the beauties of the natural world. 

His story is still on-going. He will, eventually, be pseudo-adopted by the Companions, and win the heart of the eldest of the wolf twins, Vilkas, but in truth, all the Companions will have a soft spot for their semi-wild new addition.

MOODBOARD: 💖 (<-click the heart)  Search Linas’ TAG. Includes art, drabbles, headcanons, and more!

[image by @doomedteaparty]

//

Pell Falil Pell is a half-Bosmer, half-Redguard foundling discovered by a Khajiit brother and sister in Elsweyr. They found the infant Pell in what appeared to be a fatal caravan accident. Pell’s birth parents and older siblings were unfortunately dead. Their only clue to his identity was his mother’s journal; from there they learned his name: Pell Falil.

R’zad, a Cathay-raht, and his sister, Aya, a Sencha, raised Pell as their own. Once he came of age, Pell chose to leave Elsweyr. For though he loved his parents and his homeland dearly, he wanted to learn more about his birth parents and who he really was. He took what little clues from the wreckage he still had and set out for Hammerfell.

He only made it as far as Khenarthi's Roost. That’s also where he met Razum-dar... one of the Eyes of the Queen.

MOODBOARD: 💖 (<-click the heart) Search Pell’s TAG!. Includes art, drabbles, headcanons, and more!

//

Teddy Tyrane Teddy has a rather unusual heritage. His mother is a half-Bosmer, half-Breton woman, and his father is a Redguard. Interestingly, he identifies as a Breton, for he was raised by his mother amongst her relatives, even though he grew up in Hammerfell. Nevertheless, Teddy still is proud of both his Redguard and his Bosmer heritage, and though he doesn't have much of a relationship with his father—it isn't a bad relationship; the man is simply a sea captain who rarely sees his son or daughter and is no longer involved with either of their mothers—he gets on very well with his sister, Narine ("Rini"), who also makes her living on the sea.

Teddy joined the mages' guild when he was about 21 and became a mage apprentice at the local mage academy. When he was 23, he was sent to assist the eccentric researcher, Neramo. Teddy found Neramo strange but charming, and at first brushed aside his own growing feelings for the older man as infatuation. When he realized those feelings were serious, he admitted them to Neramo. who, for the most part... brushed them aside. It took time for him to convince his mentor that he was sincere.

MOODBOARD: 💖 (<-click the heart) Search Teddy’s TAG! Includes art, drabbles, headcanons, and more!

//

Lawrence “Laurie” Nailo Laurie is a mostly Altmer young man who was adopted by his mothers in High Rock, in a little village just outside Farrun. Since he has no knowledge of his true heritage, they have mostly his looks to go by, and, aside from his skin being more brown than golden, and his figure being a little fuller than your average slender Altmer, he appears to be mostly Altmer.

Laurie’s dream was always to become a bard, and so his mothers encouraged him, when he turned 21, to sail to Solitude in Skyrim and join the bard’s college there. Unfortunately, Solitude, the college, and its unfathomably talented students and professors were too intimidating for him, and he fled before he could even finish his audition.

That’s when he met the newly elected jarl of Solitude, Falk Firebeard...

#my ocs #casien yedlin #calowen bright hair #auren lavellan #pell falil #lawrence nailo #linas