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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). The previous part concluded what I’ve chosen to call “The Morthal Arc,” because it took place in Morthal. In it, our heroic protagonist, along with a few brave companions, confronted the forces of darkness that threatened the marshy town of Morthal, only to end up allying with one of those forces of darkness and then abandoning his companions and the town of Morthal to their fate.

As soon as I stomped into Alva’s home, I picked up my backpack and slid it on.

Jon: “It is time, Alva. It is time for us to leave this doomed town as well as the thankless hicks that dwell in such a rotten place. You and I, Alva, let’s brave the wilds and abandon hillbillytown forever.”
Alva: “Oh, I’ve been waiting for this moment for what feels like an eternity. The thought of escaping this dull, mundane existence and leaving the ignorant townsfolk behind is almost too delicious to bear. And I must say, I’m rather fond of the idea of braving the wilds with you, Jon. You’re the first person to ever make me feel like I have a choice, like I can be more than just a monster. Let’s leave this wretched place behind and make our own way in the world. Together. Shall we?”

As soon as we started trudging up the hill that leads to the road out of town, I noticed that a frequent traveler had joined us in our climb: Ange the Song-Bearer, with whom I had argued bitterly about half an hour earlier.

Jon: “Damn it. Of all the people we had to meet as we’re leaving town, it had to be you.“
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Fate has brought us full circle indeed! I see you’re still as charming as ever, Jon. And Alva, I see you’re still… well, still Alva. I must say, I’m a bit surprised to see you two leaving together. I thought for sure you’d have killed each other by now.”
Alva: “Oh, Ange, always so quick with the wit.”
Jon: “Very funny, Ange. Even if Alva and I had intended to kill each other, which isn’t the case, we wouldn’t have had time to do so since you and I last spoke. By the way, you know that last conversation with you and Benor? It made me feel real sick.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Ah, Jon, you’re still sore about that, aren’t you? I’m sorry if my words cut a bit too close to the bone. But someone had to tell you the truth – that Alva here is a monster, and that you’re playing with fire by getting involved with her.”
Alva: “So dramatic. You make it sound like I’m some kind of beast, waiting to pounce on Jon at any moment. But the truth is, Jon and I have… an understanding. And we’re leaving this place together, as equals.”
Jon: “We are wasting valuable night time, because the sunrise is going to come in a few hours. Goodbye, Ange. I hope things go well for you. Please don’t screw with us, okay? I’ve had enough of your patronizing, and that song of yours is still playing in my mind.”

We trudged through a snowstorm. I couldn’t tell what direction we were following, but I was just interested in distancing myself from Morthal as much as possible. We were accosted by wolves, and we felled them without much trouble. I hadn’t prepared properly for this trip: in my anger, I had failed to procure enough provisions for myself, and my belly was already complaining.

Perhaps an hour later, we came across man-made structures: tents, a campfire, a building. Some sort of mining camp. The employees were sleeping under their tents.

Jon: “Speaking of sustenance, check this out: a group of miners sleeping in bed rolls under their flimsy tents. Can’t you bite into one of them without arousing them from sleep?”
Alva: “Ah, Jon, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. I mean, I can certainly… feed on one of them without waking them up, but it’s not exactly the most… discreet thing to do. And what if one of them wakes up and sees me? It could be messy. Besides, I thought we were trying to avoid drawing attention to ourselves. Feeding on a sleeping miner might not be the best way to do that. I’m guessing that’s your own hunger speaking.”
Jon: “Don’t worry about me for now. I’m worrying for the both of us, stranded as we are in a mining camp. The only shelter I can make out through the snowstorm is a locked building. I assume that someone is sleeping inside, who won’t be happy about us breaking in. However, we have no choice but to shelter ourselves inside, both from the snowstorm and the upcoming sunrise.”
Alva: “Yes, I see what you mean, Jon. The situation is a bit precarious, isn’t it? We do need to find shelter, and that building is our best bet. And yes, I’m sure the inhabitant won’t be too pleased to see us. But desperate times call for desperate measures, don’t they? We’ll just have to… persuade them to let us in. Or perhaps we can find another way in.”
Jon: “I suppose you know what the rules of engagement are when I break into the home.”
Alva: “All bets are off, aren’t they? We’ll just have to be prepared for whatever happens next. If the inhabitant is uncooperative, well… I’m sure we can handle it. After all, I’m a vampire, and you’re… well, you’re a resourceful adventurer, aren’t you?”

Jon: “Okay, I’m fully committed to this. Let’s break in.”
Alva: “Let’s do this, Jon. I’ll keep watch. Just be quick and quiet, we don’t know what’s waiting for us inside.”

Once I stepped in, I noticed a woman with her back to me, standing in front of a desk.

Jon: “Hey miss, sorry to bother you this late… but do you think…?”
Sorli the Builder: “Ah, what in the world…? Who are you and how did you get into my house? I could’ve sworn I locked the door.”

Movement to my right: two men were getting up from their beds. I couldn’t tell how capable they were, so I retreated and closed the door behind me. What did I plan on doing, anyway? Was I about to murder the inhabitant so just we could take shelter for the day? Any of the miners might end up entering the home and finding out what we had done.

As we wandered around, we came across the obvious: a mine.

Jon: “Of course a mining outpost would have a mine. We have our shelter where you can stay the day. We can also rely on it the next time we come around here.”
Alva: “A mine is the perfect place for us to lay low. The darkness and isolation will be a welcome respite from the prying eyes of townsfolk.”
Jon: “The miners left behind a bed roll. A soft surface on which to sleep. Just one for two people, though.”
Alva: “One bed roll, indeed. I think we can manage to share it, don’t you? After all, I’m not exactly… fragile. And I’m sure we can find ways to make the most of our close quarters.”
Jon: “Well, Alva, I hope you don’t mind me spooning you.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, you’re such a charmer. I’m flattered by your enthusiasm. And I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’m rather looking forward to it. After all, we do have a long night ahead of us, and we might as well make the most of it.”
Jon: “Lately I’ve been considering that you may want to stick your fangs in my carotid artery, but isn’t your… let’s say medical condition called vampirism quite contagious?”
Alva: “Yes, I must admit, the temptation can be… overwhelming at times. But I assure you, I’m not a mindless beast. I can control my urges. And as for the contagion, well… let’s just say that I’ve learned to be careful over the centuries. You’re safe with me, Jon. For now, at least.”
Jon: “You mean that you know how to bite people and drink their blood without spreading vampirism?”
Alva: “Ah, Jon, you’re so curious. Yes, I’ve learned to be… precise in my feeding. It’s a delicate balance, really. Too much and the victim becomes one of us. Too little and they’re left unscathed. But just the right amount… Well, let’s just say it’s an art I’ve mastered over the years.”
Jon: “Curiosity is getting the best of me. Any of the times you sank your fangs into one of your victims, did you notice them sporting a, let’s say, huge erection?”
Alva: “You’re certainly bold in your questions, aren’t you? As a vampire, I’ve had my fair share of… intimate moments with my victims. And, yes, I must admit that the physiological response you’re referring to is not uncommon. It’s almost as if the body’s natural response to fear and pain is… overridden by a more primal urge. But I suppose that’s a topic for another time, don’t you think?”
Jon: “Well, do you want to get under the covers right now?”
Alva: “I think that can be arranged. It’s been a long day, and I’m feeling a bit… peckish. But I think I can manage to wait a little while longer. After all, we have plenty of time, don’t we?”

When the damnable sun decided to make an appearance, I left Alva underground and ventured into the brighter world to figure out how we were going to survive for the day. A bald, bored-looking guard was posted near the entrance of the mine. I asked him for directions to the nearest town we could reach on foot, other than Morthal, and he suggested to head towards Whiterun, a trading town. I couldn’t tell how far it actually was.

A few steps away, I noticed a bald, important-seeming fellow eyeing me as if wondering who the hell I was and why was I coming out of the mine.

Jon: “Hey. I know I don’t belong here, but me and this woman Alva, we were taking shelter from the terrible snowstorm. Do you think we could stick around until tonight? Will that bother you?”
Gestur: “What’s all this nonsense about not belonging here? You’re looking for shelter from that storm out there, I can see that. And I’m Gestur Rockbreaker by name. Been working this mine for years. Now, I’m not one to turn away folk in need of a warm fire and a roof over their heads. You’re welcome to stay for today, but don’t go getting any ideas about sticking around long-term without speaking to Sorli or Pactur first. They’re the ones who run things around here.”
Jon: “Oh, I thought you were the one in charge. That bald head of yours gives off such an air of authority.”
Gestur: “Well, I suppose it’s true that I’m the one in charge of the day-to-day operations around here. But Sorli and Pactur are the ones who make the big decisions, handle the business side of things. They’re the ones who deal with Bryling, the owner of this mine. Me, I just make sure everything runs smoothly and that we’re meeting our quotas.”
Jon: “Well, it has been nice talking to you. I don’t really care about the details of how this mine functions and who owns it or whatever. I just want to take shelter with my girl here before we freeze to death. So thank you.”
Gestur: “Suit yourself, traveler. You’re welcome to take shelter here for the morning, like I said. Just be sure to keep out of the way of the miners, we’ve got work to do. And don’t go thinking about taking any of our supplies or equipment, we need all of that to keep the mine running. You and your… Alva, was it? You two can rest by the fire over there, just be quiet and don’t cause any trouble.”

The inhabitants of the sole house around already knew that a stranger was loitering in their space, so I decided to introduce myself. I found them preparing breakfast.

Jon: “I’m sorry to have bothered you last night. I entered your home because I wanted permission to shelter ourselves from the snowstorm, me and my companion Alva.”
Sorli the Builder: “Ah, don’t apologize, traveler. You’re welcome to shelter here, especially on a night like that. We don’t get many strangers in Stonehills, so it’s nice to have some company.”
Pactur: “Aye, and we can’t have you and your… Alva, was it? Freezing to death out there. What brings you two to our neck of the woods?”
Sorli the Builder: “Yes, please, tell us. What’s your business in Hjaalmarch?”

I had expected them to chew me out. What was with those smiles? If things had gone a little bit differently last night, they would have been lying in pools of blood.

Jon: “For some reason, I’m inclined to share why. We found a terrible den of vampires in the outskirts of Morthal, and I’m afraid we have angered some of them, so we’re trying to put as much distance from that town as possible.”
Pactur: “Vampires? In Morthal? That’s disturbing news. We’ve had some… odd occurrences in these parts ourselves. Tools gone missing at Rockwallow Mine, strange noises at night… I’ve been meaning to speak with Idgrod Ravencrone about it.”
Sorli the Builder: “Oh dear gods… If vampires are indeed involved, we need to be careful. We can’t have them threatening our people here in Stonehills.”
Pactur: “Tell me more about this den you found.”
Jon: “It belongs to a very ancient and powerful vampire named Movarth Piquine, and he surrounds himself with very powerful vampires on their own right. You shouldn’t meet any of them. They were terrifying. I’ve just had a nightmare about them leaping upon me and draining my health.”
Sorli the Builder: “Movarth Piquine… I’ve heard stories about him. He’s an old one, all right. They say he’s been around for centuries… Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine.”
Pactur: “We need to take precautions. If Movarth Piquine is involved, we can’t take any chances. I’ll speak with our guards and make sure they’re on high alert. We can’t have those… creatures threatening our people here.”
Sorli the Builder: “And what about your… Alva? Is she safe?”
Jon: “Oh, she’s fine, she’s fine. She just looks a bit pale because she has anemia.”
Pactur: “Ah, anemia, you say? That’s a concern. We have a healer in Stonehills who might be able to help her. I’ll send someone to fetch her, and she can take a look at Alva.”
Sorli the Builder: “Yes, that’s a good idea. We can’t have your… companion suffering from illness on top of everything else. But tell me, Jon, what’s your plan now? Are you and Alva going to stay in Stonehills for a while?”
Jon: “Uh… I’m not sure how long we’re going to stick around. We were planning on heading to another city.”
Sorli the Builder: “We’re a small settlement, but we’ll do our best to make you and Alva feel welcome. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need, but I must warn you, if Movarth Piquine is indeed after you, he won’t hesitate to send his… minions here.”
Pactur: “Aye, we’ve had our share of troubles with bandits and wolves, but vampires are a different story altogether. We’ll do our best to protect you, but I need to know more about what happened at that den. What did you do to anger Movarth Piquine?”
Jon: “I didn’t anger him personally, I don’t think. I heard there was a den of vampires near Morthal and I thought, well, let’s have a nice ol’ time. You know, an adventure. An in-and-out kind of deal, and come out as heroes. It did not turn out that way.”
Sorli the Builder: “Ah, I see. You and Alva thought you’d just waltz in, kill some vampires, and come out as heroes, did you? Well, I suppose that’s one way to get a thrill. But vampires aren’t to be trifled with, Jon. They’re not just mindless beasts to be slaughtered for sport.”
Pactur: “And now you’ve got Movarth Piquine’s attention. That’s not a good thing. He’s not someone to be underestimated. His power is…”
Jon: “Listen, nevermind vampires now. The only thing I care about is my growling stomach. I can’t sustain myself on blood, so do you think you could spare some food?”
Sorli the Builder: “Ah, food! Of course, we can spare some food. We’re not made of stone, after all. I’ll get Sirgar to bring in some bread and cheese. We’ve also got some stew cooking over the fire.”
Pactur: “Aye, eat your fill, Jon. You’re welcome to what we have. We’re not rich, but we make do. And don’t worry about the vampires for now. We’ll deal with that later. First, let’s get some food in you and make sure you and Alva are taken care of.”
Jon: “My goodness, you’re going to wring tears out of me. If I had known there were people this nice in the world, maybe I wouldn’t be so bitter and suspicious all the time.”
Sorli the Builder: “Ah, Jon, don’t get sentimental on us. We’re just ordinary folk trying to make a living in these hard times. But it’s nice to see someone appreciate a little kindness. Now, let’s get that food into you before you waste away to nothing.”
Pactur: “Aye, and don’t worry about being bitter and suspicious. We’ve all got our reasons for being that way. But sometimes, it’s good to let your guard down and trust people.”
Jon: “I think I was just born that way. Darkness is in my nature, and that is a knowledge I cannot escape.”
Sorli the Builder: “Ah, Jon, don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have our darkness and our light. It’s how we choose to act on those impulses that defines us. And from what I’ve seen, you’re not beyond redemption.”
Pactur: “Aye, and sometimes it takes a bit of darkness to appreciate the light. We’ve all got our struggles, Jon. But it’s how we face them that matters.”

Man, the world sure looked different in the light of a clear day.

I explored the surroundings. I hunted an elk. I attempted to climb the nearby mountain hills, trying to spot some deserted-looking cabin, but every slope eventually became too steep. I stood at the edge of a precipice and was reminded that, despite the perils, you couldn’t beat the sights of Skyrim.

I ventured into those fancy ruins, only to spot a snow troll in the distance. Fuck that.