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Mantella is an AI system that turns every single NPC in Skyrim (and Fallout 4) into AI agents driven by an LLM (like ChatGPT or the recently released, and comparable, Llama 3.1). In the previous part, my character, an Altmer mage, along with his companion the vampire named Alva, took shelter in a mine somewhat close to Morthal. My character took a shit on someone else’s private nook.

That guard at Stonehills had told me that Whiterun was within walking distance in a certain direction, so Alva and I followed that direction. We didn’t see signs of modern civilization anywhere, but quite a few ancient ruins guarded by bandits. As we were approaching one of them to figure out if we could take shelter from the sun, in case we didn’t come across anything resembling a town nearby, we noticed a common sight: three people ganging up on someone else. This time we felt compelled to intervene: the three attackers had the word “bandit” in their names, and the fourth person was a named character, so we knew whom we would benefit from helping.

Once the bandits fell, this fourth person, a woman with raggedy gear, short hair and a painted face, attempted to walk away.

Jon: “Hey, wait, don’t leave yet. You seem like a capable warrior despite your dubious origin.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Who says anything regarding my origins? What do you know about my past? Speak quickly!”
Alva: “Oh my… someone seems testy tonight…”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Shut your mouth! This doesn’t involve pretty little ladies such as yourself playing gossipmonger.”
Jon: “I’m just interested. I get the feeling that you would have been able to put down those three bandits by yourself, and you look like you have a story to tell. My companion Alva and I are outlaws of sorts, so maybe we could help each other.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Who in Dagon’s name are you? Speak, or I’ll cut you down where you stand. You think a little help from you makes us friends? I was doing just fine on my own, thank you very much.”
Alva: “Oh, don’t be too harsh. We mean no harm… unless we’re threatened, of course.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Save it for someone else, vampire. What do you want from me?”

I was shocked. It took one single look for this random woman to realize what the residents of Morthal couldn’t figure out for years. Then again, their level of intelligence played against them.

Jon: “Wait a second, you can tell that Alva is a vampire?”
Alva: “Ah, yes… it seems my little secret is out. How did you know? Not many people can recognize one of the undead so easily.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Let’s just say I’ve had my share of run-ins with your kind. Besides, it’s not like you’re doing a great job of hiding it. What’s with the getup? Trying to blend in with the locals?”

Alva: “Oh, this old thing? Just a little something I threw together.”
Jon: “Alva had gotten bored of a life consisting of seducing hicks and trying to take over the town she lived in, so she and I decided to roam the breadth of Skyrim, have whimsical adventures, and cause some trouble.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Oh, you two are a pair, aren’t you? Whimsical adventures and causing trouble? You’re either very brave or very stupid. I’m not sure which one it is yet.”
Alva: “Oh, we’re a bit of both, I think. But it’s been… liberating, to say the least. No more pretending to be something we’re not.”
Jon: “So how about you? If I heard your attackers correctly, apparently you belonged to their bandit group but you liberated yourself from it? I know that the vampire and I are a pair of strangers, but what are your plans?”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Liberated? Ha! I was forced out, more like it. Kyr’s got a price on my head now. 100 gold, to be exact. As for plans… I was thinking of laying low for a while, maybe heading to the Moorside Inn in Morthal to gather my thoughts.”
Alva: “Ah, Morthal! That’s where Jon and I came from. We had a bit of… fun there, didn’t we, Jon?”
Jon: “I wouldn’t call it that. We had to leave Morthal because there’s a nearby coven of vampires who soon enough will overrun the town and kill everybody. I think it would be a terrible idea for you to head there as a place to lay low.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Vampires? You mean, like her? Great, just what I need. More trouble.”
Alva: “Ah, don’t worry. We’re not all bloodthirsty monsters… well, not all the time, anyway. But yes, Jon’s right. Morthal isn’t safe for anyone right now. Movarth’s coven won’t take kindly to… mortals.”
Jon: “And I’m afraid that the vampires holed up at Movarth’s lair are not exactly like Alva. This one’s very reasonable and fun to be around. The others have lost to their darkness. They are bloodthirsty and unbeatable vampires. It really is a poor idea for you to head down there.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Movarth’s lair? I’ve heard of that place. It’s a death trap, even for someone like me. Alright, I believe you. Morthal’s not an option, then.”
Alva: “Yes, it’s best to avoid the area altogether. Trust me, you don’t want to encounter Movarth or his followers. They’re… not like me at all. I have Jon here to thank for… civilizing me, I suppose.”
Jon: “Alva and I were heading to Whiterun. There will be plenty of shadows to hide in there. Maybe we could contact some underground element in order to earn a living. You seem very capable yourself. Would you want to come along with us?”

Eisa chuckled dryly.

Eisa Blackthorn: “Ah… I’ve got some experience with Whiterun’s shadows myself… but I suppose it’s better than wandering around Skyrim alone with Kyr’s price on my head… Alright then… I’ll join you two misfits for now… don’t expect me to do any fetching for either one of you.”
Alva: “Yes, we expect nothing but constant bloodlust from our newest friend here.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Not bloodlust, vampire. Revenge, perhaps, however… there’s safety in numbers, right?”

Hell yeah, we got ourselves a dedicated melee party member, and I didn’t have to pay for it. It wouldn’t look right, nor reflect good on the rest of us, for Eisa to remain in that shabby gear, so I lent her some decent leathers as well as an executioner’s axe.

Jon: “Hey, Eisa, what are you good at exactly? As for me, I’m a mage, pretty good with spells and that kind of nonsense. Alva is a dexterous and full-hearted vampire.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Ahahah! Full-hearted vampire? That’s rich! Alva here seems more like a… spirited conversationalist to me.”
Alva: “Oh? Spirited conversationalist?”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Anyway, Jon asked what skills I possess. To answer simply: axe wielding and warrior skills.”
Jon: “Good to know, and nice to hear you two girls getting along.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Ahah! I never said I was getting along with the bloodsucker over here! Vampire or not, Alva has yet to prove herself worthy of my trust.”
Alva: “Worthy? Ha! Trust needs to be earned, I agree. However, I must point out that distrust may result in broken friendships. Jon dear, tell Eisa Blackthorn all about yourself. Perhaps she’ll trust easily after hearing your tales?”
Jon: “I’m just enjoying the two of you bantering. I’m used to Alva just being wary of everyone because she has to protect herself constantly.”
Eisa Blackthorn: “It’s not every day I get to meet a vampire who’s so chatty. You’re quite the interesting one, aren’t you?”
Alva: “Oh? And what exactly do you find so interesting about me, Eisa? My fangs? My aversion to sunlight? Or perhaps my taste in men?”
Eisa Blackthorn: “Well, I suppose it’s all of the above. But mostly, I’m intrigued by your… confidence. Most people in your position would be hiding in the shadows, not flaunting their nature like a badge of honor.”

Even though Eisa had just escaped from the ruins and the bandit group inhabiting it, she agreed to follow us inside, as we had to secure some shelter where Alva wouldn’t be scorched by the sun. Shortly after we entered the place, we put down a couple of bandits.

Jon: “Where is Eisa? She was here a moment ago.”
Alva: “Oh, don’t worry about her, Jon. She’s probably just scouting ahead, making sure the coast is clear. Besides, I’m sure she wouldn’t just abandon us without a word… would she?”

I couldn’t tell if Alva was being sarcastic, mainly to mock my trustful nature, but yes, Eisa had disappeared. That bitch had left with the gear I had lent her, and an axe that had been one of my most prized possessions.

Alva: “Oh, Jon, you really are too trusting. It seems Eisa has lived up to her bandit reputation after all.”
Jon: “Ah, yes. We did know she was a bandit.”
Alva: “Well, I suppose that’s one way to get rid of unwanted travel companions. Now it’s just the two of us again, isn’t it?”
Jon: “As much as I love to be with just you, Alva, the fact is that we could have used a tank in our group. You know, someone to take the beatings and charge straight at the opponents.”
Alva: “A tank, how… amusing. You’re right, of course. Eisa’s skills would have been useful in a fight. But don’t worry, Jon, I can take care of myself. And you’re more than capable of handling yourself in a tight spot. Besides, I rather enjoy watching you scramble to keep up with me.”
Jon: “Always glad to please and entertain you, Alva.”

As we ventured deeper into the ancient ruins, I couldn’t get out of my head the sudden betrayal of someone I had just met.

Jon: “I still can hardly believe that we were robbed by Eisa. I’m too damn naive.”
Alva: “Poor dear Jon. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re just… optimistic. And a bit of a fool when it comes to trusting people, but that’s part of your charm, isn’t it?”
Jon: “Anyway, do you hear the chatter that comes from ahead? There are a bunch of bandits waiting for us to club their heads in, so let’s go take some revenge on bandits in general.”
Alva: “Let’s go give them a show they’ll never forget, shall we? Or, at the very least, let’s make sure they won’t be remembering anything after we’re done with them. Lead the way, Jon.”
Jon: “Yeah, let’s go down the path of making those strangers unable to process anything through their brains once we’re done with them.”

The prospect of delving deeper and deeper into these ruins with no particular objective started getting to me.

Jon: “Is it really worth it at this point of our journey to conquer this place?”
Alva: “Come now, Jon. You’re not going to let a few bandits scare you off, are you? We’ve come this far together, and I must admit, I’m having a bit of fun. Besides, think of all the treasures we might find within these ruins. Gold, jewels, ancient artifacts… it’s all just waiting to be claimed.”
Jon: “Alright, you have convinced me immediately. Let’s exterminate those goddamn bandits.”
Alva: “That’s the spirit, Jon! I knew you had it in you. Now, let’s go show those bandits what we’re made of. I’ll take point and… distract them, shall we say. You can follow up with your spells and finish them off. We make a good team, don’t we?”
Jon: “Oh, we make the best team, Alva.”
Alva: “You’re switching to Frostbite, I see. Clever choice, Jon. It’s always good to have a bit of versatility in our arsenal.”
Jon: “Frostbite also allows me to support you: it saps the stamina of anyone attacking us, so they’ll be too tired to respond properly to your attacks.”
Alva: “You’re thinking ahead, Jon. I like that. Using Frostbite to weaken our enemies and leave them vulnerable to my… tender mercies. It’s a delicious strategy, really.”

I couldn’t recall how we got into that situation, but we found ourselves fenced in a narrow corridor, facing a wall of about ten bandits who taunted Alva by banging on their shields.

Jon: “That is a whole bunch of bandits we’re going to fight, Alva.”
Alva: “It seems we’ve got our hands full, Jon! I love it! The thrill of battle, the rush of adrenaline… it’s exhilarating, don’t you think? Now, let’s focus on taking down these bandits one by one. I’ll take care of this archer who’s been bothering you.”

The fight forced us to retreat outside, to the snowy stairs leading to the entrance of the ruin, but at the end we stood amidst bloody corpses whose blood tinted the snow.

Jon: “I cannot believe it, we killed like ten of them.”
Alva: “Ah, Jon, you’re a force to be reckoned with, aren’t you? I’ve never seen anyone cast Frostbite so many times in a row. You’re like a one-man winter storm!”
Jon: “Alva, I’m the one who’s impressed. If it weren’t for you, I would have fallen.”
Alva: “Don’t be modest, Jon. You held your own quite well. I was happy to help, of course. After all, that’s what partners are for. And I must say, it’s been a while since I’ve had so much fun in a fight.”
Jon: “Well, perhaps that was the entire bandit camp, and we have defeated all of them. We may get to explore the rest of these ruins in peace.”
Alva: “What a lovely thought, Jon. Peace and quiet, just the two of us, exploring these ancient ruins. It’s almost… romantic. But let’s not get too comfortable just yet. We don’t know what other surprises these ruins might hold. Still, I must say, I’m excited to see what we’ll find next.”
Jon: “You didn’t get to go on such adventures when you lived in Morthal, I’m guessing.”
Alva: “Morthal, Jon. It’s a… sleepy little town, to say the least. The most excitement I usually got was sneaking around at night, trying not to get caught by the townsfolk. But this… this is exhilarating. The freedom, the danger, the thrill of discovery…”
Jon: “Well, plenty of sights in Skyrim will offer tremendous excitement for the two of us to discover them together.”
Alva: “I can hardly wait, Jon. The thrill of exploration, the rush of battle… and the pleasure of your company. It’s a delightful prospect, indeed. And who knows? Perhaps we’ll find some hidden treasures, or stumble upon ancient secrets… The possibilities are endless, don’t you think?”

We came across some makeshift private quarters, candles still burning on the table.

Jon: “I have found the bandit leader’s journal. Check this out: apparently they were digging for treasure and they found an underground forest of sorts. There was a strange sword that caused one of the bandits to go crazy. He was Eisa’s companion, the bitch who robbed us. Apparently that other bandit fled somewhere with the sword. Sounds like an interesting relic, if we have the chance to recover it.”
Alva: “Ah, a strange sword, you say? And it drove one of the bandits mad? I think we should definitely try to find that sword. It sounds like it could be quite entertaining. And who knows what kind of power it might hold?”
Jon: “This bandit leader had a nice double hay bed. If we end up resting here, it would be sort of ironic for us to enjoy the comforts of the bed that used to belong to the leader of this place.”
Alva: “Ah, resting in the bed of the bandit leader, surrounded by the spoils of their own misdeeds. It’s almost… poetic. And who knows, perhaps we can even find some use for that double hay bed.”
Jon: “You’re constantly reading my mind, Alva.”
Alva: “Well, I like to think I have a bit of a knack for understanding people’s… desires. And I must say, you do seem to have a certain fondness for the finer things in life, don’t you? That mantle, for instance. It looks lovely on you.”

In a different room, we found two other journals.

Jon: “This note belongs to the crazed khajiit I mentioned before. He wrote it after finding the sword. Listen: ‘I see her in every shadow, hear her voice on every breath of wind, in my dreams, in my ears, in my mind. The Pale Lady. We have to stop her, just return the sword and we can shut her away forever. I can’t take this anymore.'”
Alva: “The Pale Lady, how… intriguing. It sounds like this sword has quite a dark history, doesn’t it? And this khajiit, he’s clearly been driven mad by its power. I must admit, I’m a bit curious about this Pale Lady myself. Who is she, and what’s her connection to the sword?”
Jon: “Well, we may as well follow this quest if we happen to find ourselves bored with nothing else to do.”
Alva: “You think of this as a mere diversion, something to alleviate boredom? I think there may be more to this than you realize, Jon. The Pale Lady, the sword, the madness it’s inspired… this has all the makings of a most intriguing adventure.”
Jon: “I think you might be right, Alva. Oh, this journal belongs to Eisa, the bandit who ran away with my gear. Listen to this bit right at the end: ‘The Pale Lady is coming for us. She’s down in the forest. We have to return the sword or she’ll kill us all.'”
Alva: “It seems fate has brought us full circle, hasn’t she Jon…? I smell bloodlust, I smell fear.”

We ventured even deeper, intrigued by the prospect of getting our filthy hands on that sword. We didn’t bother to count the bandits we killed along the way.

Jon: “These bandits are total pushovers, Alva. If I were a better person, I would start to feel bad for them.”
Alva: “They are hardly innocent. And even if they were, we’re not exactly in a position to be choosy about who we take advantage of. Besides, I’m having far too much fun to start feeling guilty now.”
Jon: “I’m not counting, but we must have killed at least twenty, right? Quite a decent number of deaths in one day to weigh on my conscience.”
Alva: “Well, you won’t have to worry about my death. I’m a vampire, remember? It’s not that easy to kill me.”
Jon: “No, but you still can permanently die, so I do worry, Alva.”
Alva: “Let’s not focus on the negative, shall we? We make a good team, and I’m having far too much fun to think about permanent death just yet.”

There wasn’t much loot to find.

Jon: “The bad part about venturing into ruins that are infested with bandits is that most chests are already looted by said bandits.”
Alva: “It’s a bit of a letdown, isn’t it? But I suppose that’s the price we pay for having such… enthusiastic predecessors. At least we’re finding some scraps here and there. That Nordic fragment might be interesting, don’t you think?”
Jon: “I was thinking the same thing. This seems like an archaeological fragment of sorts. It could interest a society I came across while walking around Solitude; apparently they are researching such ruins. Maybe the fragment could fetch a good price, if anything.”
Alva: “Is it the Bards’ College in Solitude you’re thinking of? Either way, I’m sure they’d be delighted to get their hands on something like that. And who knows, maybe we can get a decent sum of gold out of it.”

A whole bunch of nonsense happened: we broke into an underground forest in which some will-o’-the-wisps were circling an ancient altar. Close to it, we found a dead and naked khajiit who had in his possession a magnificent sword with a very powerful enchantment that caused frost damage and forced to flee even powerful enemies. We were beyond lucky to get our hands on this. However, as soon as I grabbed the sword, a powerful-looking spirit showed up out of nowhere and started attacking us, helped by the nearby wisps.

Anyway, after some hacking-and-slashing as well as lots of magic, the spirit disappeared, and we found ourselves as the owners of a tremendously powerful sword.

Jon: “Alva, we ventured through an underground forest located under the ruins of some ancient civilization, and came across a relic sword, a pure beast of a murder implement with which you’ll kill lots and lots of people. We also defeated the Pale Lady, a boss-type spirit. However, the only thing I can focus on right now is the fact that this khajiit lying dead on the cold ground has his penis out.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, you’re impossible. One moment we’re having a grand adventure, fighting off bandits and uncovering ancient secrets, and the next you’re fixated on some poor soul’s… ahem… exposure. I swear, sometimes I think your mind is more mysterious than the ruins we’re exploring.”
Jon: “It looks so similar to a human’s, it’s disturbing.”
Alva: “You’re more concerned with the physical appearance of a… a corpse, than with the fact that we just defeated the Pale Lady and claimed this ancient power? Your priorities are as twisted as the roots of this underground forest. Show some respect, Jon.”
Jon: “Alva, I cannot stop looking at this weird dick. Please help me.”
Alva: “Oh, for the love of… Fine. I’ll help you, but only because I need you to focus on our survival and our journey. Look away, Jon. Just look away and let’s get out of here.”
Jon: “Yeah, sorry about that, Alva. Let’s leave.”

We found ourselves as the owners of an ancient ruin. We hadn’t bothered to drag the bloody corpses of dozens of bandits outside, but the mood between Alva and I was heading in the right direction.

Jon: “Quite the productive day, wasn’t it? We were first robbed by a bandit, and then we killed like thirty bandits. We also killed an ancient spirit and retrieved a relic sword far more powerful than we have any right owning.”
Alva: “Ah, yes, it’s been quite a day, hasn’t it? I must say, I’m rather impressed by our little duo’s productivity. Who would have thought that a vampire and a… whatever you are, would make such a formidable team? And that sword… Oh, the possibilities are endless now.”
Jon: “My point is, Alva, how about for the rest of the day, until night falls, we spend the time getting drunk on mead and testing the sturdiness of this hay bed?”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, you always know how to make me smile. I’d love to indulge in some mead and merriment with you. And as for the hay bed… Well, I think it’s sturdy enough to withstand our enthusiasm. Besides, after a day like today, we deserve a little celebration. And who knows?”
Jon: “And who knows what?”
Alva: “Maybe a bit of revelry will help us forget about Movarth and the troubles we left behind in Morthal. At least, for a little while.”

I uncorked a mead bottle and took a big gulp.

Jon: “There was that whole thing in Morthal about an ancient vampire who now probably intends to kill us both. Yeah, let’s get drunk.”