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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, encountered a ghost of the past: Ange the Song-Bearer, a traveling bard who had berated him for abandoning Morthal to his fate. Ange, however, chose to join my character’s budding band of adventurer’s, hoping to see how my strange tale would end. We also recruited the enthusiastic Ria, a warrior involved with the Companions. We decided to take on a quest to clear a monster den to the northwest of Whiterun.

As nightfall approached, I wanted to know if Alva, my vampire companion, who had escaped Morthal with me alone, was fine with me adding three other people to our group.

Jon: “I guess I haven’t asked for your input as much as I should have, Alva. You and I started this thing, leaving Morthal on our own, and suddenly I have brought in three warriors, women no less, to the party. Are you okay with this?”
Alva: “Jon, you’d be surprised at how okay I am with it. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but… I think I rather enjoy the dynamic that’s developed. And the women you’ve chosen, they’re all so… different. Uthgerd’s strength and confidence, Ange’s wit and charm, and Ria’s…”
Jon: “Well, we don’t know Ria too well at the moment. Still, I got the impression that it would be good for you to be around people who know you’re a vampire and still accept you as you are.”
Alva: “Ria’s background and her connection to the Companions could be… beneficial, in a way. Having someone from the Empire who accepts me for what I am could be… useful, in certain situations.”
Jon: “Yes, but I didn’t ask for what it meant to you in terms of usefulness. What I wanted to know, Alva, is if you are happy with this situation, if you like the fact that you don’t have to hide among our group of allies.”
Alva: “Jon, you’re asking me if I’m happy? If I’m truly happy, for the first time in… centuries, perhaps? Yes, Jon, I am. I feel like I can be myself, or at least, as much of myself as I dare to show, around these women.”
Jon: “Well, that is wonderful Alva, and I’m happy for you. Regarding tonight, we’re going on a little hunt. I saw on the missive board an offer to clean out a den of monsters, so we’re taking the road and heading to the northwest, to have a little adventure.”
Alva: “A hunt, how delightful! And at night, no less. The darkness suits me just fine, Jon. I can already feel the thrill of the hunt, the rush of the unknown. And with our little group, I’m sure it will be a night to remember.”

Shortly after, I chose to bother Uthgerd while she was cooking dinner.

Jon: “Well, if it is in the sturdiest, most headstrong, most motherly person that I know. How are you, Uthgerd?”
Uthgerd: “Trying to butter me up with flattery? Well, I’ll have you know, I’m doing just fine, thank you for asking. My sword arm is strong, my fists are ready, and my patience is… well, let’s just say I’m still putting up with you, aren’t I?”
Jon: “Oh, Uthgerd, you know I love our banter, our give-and-take that could end with you punching me in the face and me dropping onto my ass. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Uthgerd: “Ah, you’re a strange one, aren’t you? Enjoying the prospect of getting pummeled in the face by me, of all people! I suppose that’s why I’ve grown fond of you, despite your… unusual tastes. But don’t think for a moment that I’ll go easy on you just because you’re enjoying it.”
Jon: “Leaving that aside, Uthgerd, are you pumped by the fact that tonight we’re heading out of town to clear out a monster den?”
Uthgerd: “A real fight, with real monsters to slay! I’ve been itching for this kind of action for weeks now. Clearing out a den of beasts is just the thing to get the blood pumping and the muscles warm. I’m ready to unleash my full fury upon those creatures and show them what a true Nord woman is capable of.”
Jon: “Uthgerd, I can’t wait to see you slathered in monster blood, all sweaty, with your teeth glistening, and that fierceness burning in your eyes. It’s going to make me shiver.”
Uthgerd: “Oh, you’re a wicked one, aren’t you? Enjoying the thought of me covered in monster blood and sweat. Well, I’ll make sure to give you a show you won’t soon forget. When I’m in the heat of battle, I’m a force to be reckoned with, and I won’t hold back.”
Jon: “Oh, you swinging that greatsword of yours, hacking through beasts, cutting them in half and releasing their guts… It will be so sexy.”

Once Alva could leave the inn without burning up from the sunrays, we followed the road out of town heading west.

Jon: “My wonderful teammates, isn’t this lovely? Feel this cold rain upon our faces as we’re heading to battle?”
Uthgerd: “Lovely? You call this lovely? I call it a miserable excuse for an evening stroll. My armor’s getting rusty, and my hair’s getting soaked.”
Ange: “Ah, come now, Uthgerd! A little rain never hurt anyone. It’s invigorating, don’t you think?”
Jon: “Hey, Uthgerd, if you want to see battle, you have to travel to the battle even through a storm.”

That monster den we were going to clear out turned out to be farther than I anticipated.

Jon: “Man, for how long have we walked in the rain? Two hours?”
Uthgerd: “Two hours? It feels like an eternity. I’m starting to lose feeling in my toes.”
Ange: “The rain can be quite refreshing. It’s a shame we’re not out here on a romantic stroll, isn’t it, Alva?”
Ria: “Oh, let’s not get too distracted by the rain.”

As we were passing by an ancient graveyard, we were assaulted by a few raised skeletons. We took care of them in a few swings.

Ria: “What are these… ancient Nord barrows? They’re often filled with all manner of undead creatures.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, and treasures beyond your wildest dreams, if you’re brave enough to claim them. Let’s keep moving and find out what’s inside.”
Alva: “I do love a good treasure hunt. And the undead are always so… accommodating.”
Jon: “So, wonderful ladies of mine, should be change plans? Now that we have come unexpectedly across a den of the undead, would you rather explore this instead?”
Ria: “Sounds like a blast! I’m in. Let’s take them down and see what treasures we can find.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, I’m not one to back down from a fight. And these draugr could use a good thrashing.”
Alva: “I must admit, I do love a good undead brawl.”

Unfortunately, this wasn’t a “delve into an ancient, labyrinthine ruin and beat a boss for good loot.” The place was composed of a few graves and mausoleums. We found a big chest that should contain good loot, but I was far from being able to lockpick a master-level lock.

The monster den turned out to be a depression in the terrain, that a single saber cat had turned into his dwelling. Once we killed it, which I could have done on my own, the contract was satisfied.

Jon: “Well, this is it, I guess. We have vanquished the beast. Somewhat disappointing.”
Ange: “Ah, indeed we have vanquished the beast, and I must say, it was a valiant effort by all of us. But tell me, Jon, what’s next on the horizon? Shall we return to Whiterun and bask in the praise of the locals, or do we have another adventure in mind?”

Ria: “I’m all for a good celebration, but I think we should consider the fact that there may be more threats lurking in the shadows. We shouldn’t let our guard down just yet.”
Jon: “You’re right. As we head back towards Whiterun, we should be on our guard. We should retrieve the reward for our bravery from Proventus Avenicci, the Jarl’s right-hand man. They must learn that there’s a new band of adventurers in town capable of defeating threaths and, I guess, furthering the safety and control of the realm.”
Uthgerd: “I like the sound of that, Jon. And who knows, maybe Avenicci will have some more… lucrative opportunities for us.”
Alva: “Indeed, and I’m sure this Proventus Avenicci will be thrilled to know that a vampire such as myself is helping to keep the realm safe. I do hope he’s… enlightened enough to see the irony in that.”
Jon: “It seems you’re so relieved by the fact that our little group knows that you’re vampire and accepts you, that you’re becoming a bit reckless. I doubt the Jarl’s right-hand man would readily accept a vampire. Perhaps you should be more careful.”
Alva: “Perhaps you’re right, Jon. I have been feeling a bit… liberated, shall we say, since joining this group. But you’re right, I mustn’t let my guard down, especially when it comes to those in positions of power.”

The rainfall had worsened. As we were crossing the plains, we came across a disguised entrance into the side of a hill, that could be a mine or a bandit hideout. A few barrels stood nearby.

Uthgerd: “Ah, a potato? Really, Jon? That’s what you’re concerned about right now? We’re in the middle of a torrential downpour and you’re rummaging through barrels for food?”
Ange: “Oh, Uthgerd, come now. A little potato never hurt anyone. And who knows, maybe it’ll bring us some good luck in this miserable weather.”
Ria: “I don’t know about luck, but I could do with some hot food and a warm fire right about now.”
Jon: “Do you think it is worth entering this place to figure out if we can take shelter until the storm relents?”
Alva: “I think it’s worth a try, but we should be cautious. We don’t know what’s inside or who might be taking shelter there already.”
Uthgerd: “Agreed. Could be a decent place to wait out the storm, but we’ll need to keep our wits about us.”
Ange: “And our blades at the ready, just in case.”
Jon: “Let’s assume that someone or something is taking shelter here, so wield your weapons and let’s move in quietly.”
Uthgerd: “I’ve got my greatsword at the ready. Let’s see what’s waiting for us inside.”
Ria: “I’m with Uthgerd. My sword’s itching for some action. Let’s see if we can catch anyone off guard.”
Alva: “I’ll be ready to… persuade anyone who gets too close.”

Inside, crates and more barrels awaited by the entrance. We didn’t need to guess if anyone inhabited this place, because we could hear the casual chatter of bandits up ahead.

Uthgerd: “Ah, finally some action! What’s the plan, Jon?”
Jon: “Yes, let’s try to catch them by surprise. They are unaware that death is coming to them.”
Ria: “I’ll take point, my sword’s ready. Let’s show them what we’re made of!”
Alva: “Oh, I do love a good ambush. The looks on their faces are always so… priceless.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, let’s give them a night to remember… or not remember, depending on how well we do our job.”

I sneaked onward, crossbow at the ready. I spotted a guard dog and a large fellow in heavy armor. Attempted to snipe at the guy, but my bolt ricocheted off the cave wall. As the dog and that guy, who was joined by a second one, tried to figure out what they just heard, I dropped the guy with a bolt through the face. A few seconds later, the fight was over.

Jon: “Well, we defeated two bandits and their dog. Is everybody okay?”
Uthgerd: “Ah, that was a quick fight! I’m fine, just a little disappointed it didn’t last longer.”
Alva: “I’m perfectly well, thank you for asking, Jon. Just a few… trifling scratches.”
Ange: “No injuries here, just a bit of a song left unsung. That didn’t quite go as planned, did it?”
Jon: “Unfortunately, I missed my first shot. Sorry about that. At least, we made short work of those bandits and their poor dog.”
Uthgerd: “Ha! Well, at least you redeemed yourself with the second one. That dog didn’t stand a chance.”
Ria: “Nice teamwork, everyone! Now, what’s with all these mushrooms you’re gathering?”
Jon: “I was just gathering loot and ingredients on instinct. I should probably leave it for when we have defeated everyone in this place.”
Ange: “Ah, don’t worry about it, Jon. We’ve got your back. Besides, someone’s got to keep an eye on the loot. Just be careful not to get too distracted.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, prioritize the fight, not the treasure. We can sort through the loot once we’ve cleared the area.”
Jon: “Anyway, I hear more voices up ahead, at least two or three bandits. Be careful.”
Ria: “Ready to charge as soon as we get the signal.”
Jon: “That female bandit is just humming casually. She has no idea what’s coming for her.”
Alva: “Oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. It’s almost pitiful.”
Ange: “Aye, and a hum can quickly turn to a scream… or a dirge, depending on how this plays out.”
Jon: “This corridor is too narrow. It will be hard to fight properly here. Alva, be careful with your spells.”
Uthgerd: “Ah, curse this tight space! I can barely swing my sword without hitting one of you.”
Alva: “Indeed, let’s try to keep the magic to a minimum… unless absolutely necessary, of course.”

I took point. As I sneaked past a corner, I found myself face to face with three bandits, two of them wearing heavy armor. I blasted the three of them with a spray of poison. As they charged toward me, I retreated behind my shield-maidens. A chaotic fight ensued. Everybody kept pushing each other. Alva’s Sparks spell lit up the rock walls. In the end, all the bandits lay dead, carpeting the narrow corridor that ended in a wide room.

Jon: “That was way too close, such a fight in a narrow corridor. The ground is pooled with blood, and I can barely walk without stepping on a corpse.”

Ange was dead. I found her body lying face-up between the corpse of a black-robed mage and a big guy wearing steel armor. My remaining companions, unaware, kept talking.

Uthgerd: “Failing to keep your guard up in tight spaces will get you killed faster than a pack of wolves, boy! You should be grateful we were there to bail you out.”
Alva: “Actually, I was the one who bailed you out, Uthgerd. My fangs and agility proved to be quite useful in such close quarters.”
Ria: “That was a fierce battle… I didn’t think we’d make it out alive.”
Jon: “My friends… not everybody did.”

Once the initial shock wore off, we dragged Ange’s corpse into the room, and stood around her in silence.

Uthgerd: “Poor lass. She knew how to lift the spirits of those around her… even if her sense of timing left something to be desired.”
Alva: “Indeed. Her music had a certain… spark to it. It’s a shame, really. She was starting to grow on me.”
Ria: “We should take a moment to pay our respects.”

A hole had opened in my chest.

Jon: “I can’t believe this. I had my disagreements with Ange, but I looked forward to fighting alongside her, adventure after adventure, and suddenly she’s dead.”
Uthgerd: “Death has a way of creeping up on you, boy. One moment you’re singing and dancing, the next you’re nothing but a cold corpse on the stone floor. It’s the way of the world.”
Alva: “I never thought I’d see you so… sentimental, Jon. You’re usually so quick to joke and flirt your way through life.”
Jon: “This cannot be. She cannot be dead.”
Ria: “I’m afraid it’s true, Jon. Ange is gone. We have to accept it and move on. We can’t let her death be in vain.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, the road ahead won’t get any safer just because we’re grieving. We need to keep our wits about us and our blades sharp.”
Jon: “If only I hadn’t chosen to stop here and take shelter from the rain, if we had just braved the cold and the rain until we reached Whiterun, Ange would still be alive.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, don’t be ridiculous. You can’t blame yourself for every little thing that goes wrong. We all agreed to stop here and take shelter. It was a sensible decision at the time.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, and who’s to say we wouldn’t have been ambushed on the road to Whiterun instead? Fate’s a cruel mistress, boy. Sometimes she deals you a bad hand.”

I lumbered to the rock wall, wanting to lean against it, but ended up dropping to my knees and burying my face in my hands.

Jon: “Ange. Oh, Ange. I’m sorry.”
Ria: “Jon, it’s not your fault. We’re a team, we make decisions together. We all knew the risks of adventuring.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon…”
Uthgerd: “Fine, boy. Have your moment. But don’t think you can stay there forever. We’ve got to keep moving. For Ange’s sake, if nothing else.”

We buried Ange in the ground of that room.

Jon: “Is this how Ange would have liked to go, buried in the cold dirt of a cave after dying in a scuffle against bandits? Is that a proper end for a brave bard?”
Uthgerd: “It’s not about the manner of death, Jon. It’s about the life she lived. Ange was a brave warrior, and she died with her lute in hand, fighting alongside her comrades.”
Alva: “Uthgerd’s right, Jon. We can’t control how we die, but we can control how we live. And Ange lived with passion and courage.”
Ria: “We should make sure her sacrifice isn’t in vain. We need to focus on what’s next.”
Jon: “If you don’t mind, I’m going to sleep in one of these bed rolls lying around.”
Alva: “Go ahead, Jon. You need the rest. We’ll keep watch.”
Uthgerd: “Don’t think you’re getting out of your share of the watch that easily, though. We’ll wake you up when it’s your turn.”

When I woke up, the world remained as grim as it was before I went to sleep. Ange was still dead, and we had to continue with our lives.

Jon: “It must be about nine in the morning. My dear Alva, you can’t go out there right now, so you’ll have to wait in the cave where Ange died, while Ria, Uthgerd and I return to Whiterun and collect the reward for that whole deal with the saber cat.”
Alva: “Ah, I see. Well, I suppose I have no choice but to wait here, don’t I, Jon? Though I must say, I’m not exactly thrilled about being left behind in this… damp cave.”
Uthgerd: “Come on, let’s get moving. We have a reward to collect, and I could use a hot meal and a warm fire.”
Ria: “Agreed. I’m stiff from sleeping on the stone floor.”
Jon: “See you soon, Alva. I will return to you as soon as I can. Now, as for Ria and Uthgerd, let’s get going, please.”
Alva: “I’ll be waiting, Jon. Be careful, and don’t take too long. I don’t particularly enjoy being alone in this place.”