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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, flirted with a barmaid, unloaded his junk on an unsuspecting shopkeeper, flirted with a steward, threatened an Argonian, and suggested he might be a serial killer.

After I got back with Alva on a wagon, our whole band gathered at Falkreath’s inn. We were chilling, updating Alva regarding our recent adventures, when I noticed a Thalmor agent, a sole woman, haughtily throwing glances our way. I was itching for a fight or a little murder, so I confronted her. She claimed that she was curious about our band of adventurers and our intentions in the area. I told her to mind her own business.

Jon: “Listen, none of us like the Thalmor. You and I, we’re both High Elves, but I cannot abide by a political system that seeks to eliminate beautiful races like Utgherd’s here. Look at her, the beauty of a strong Nord woman. And people like you are trying to destroy it. That is something I cannot forgive.”
Jerulith: “You misunderstand the Thalmor’s intentions.”
Uthgerd: “Oh, we understand perfectly.”
Alva: “Miss, surely you can see the beauty and value in the diversity of the races of Tamriel.”
Jerulith: “It’s not about elimination. It’s about order. The Thalmor seek to bring stability to a chaotic world.”
Jenassa: “There’s a difference between order and oppression.”
Jon: “As a member of your race, yeah, we are superior in plenty of things. We are more attuned to magic than any other. But if you lot end up on top opressing everybody else, you’re buying into a future of constant anxiety and fear that every other race is going to band together against you. Is that truly how you want us Altmer to live?”
Jerulith: “It’s not about living in fear. It’s about ensuring our survival and the proper order of things.”
Uthgerd: “The proper order? Please. Your order is nothing more than bigotry and arrogance.”
Alva: “Uthgerd is right. What you call order is just oppression and tyranny.”
Jenassa: “Not all of us want to live in your proper order, Thalmor. The world is more complex than your narrow view.”
Jon: “Anyway… Now that our beautiful Alva has joined us again, how about we set off on the road to Rorikstead, where that courier whom we’re supposed to threaten was headed?”
Alva: “You’re right, Jon. We shouldn’t waste any more time here.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, let’s get moving. I’m itching for a fight.”
Jenassa: “I’m ready. The road to Riften is long, and could be dangerous.”

Torches in hand, Falkreath receded behind us, and we found ourselves surrounded by dense forest. Falkreath was notorious for having the densest forests in Skyrim.

Jon: “Oh, how wonderful! Another night-time outing with my girls.”
Uthgerd: “You make it sound like we’re going on a picnic, not hunting a courier and whatever’s in that letter.”
Jenassa: “It’s nice to travel by night for a change. Fewer prying eyes.”
Ria: “Let’s try to have some fun on this journey, yes?”

A sudden scream startled me. It seemed to come from the sky, and grew increasingly in volume. A body splattered against the ground. It was a guy, now very much dead.

Jon: “What the hell happened? This guy just fell from the sky. He was using some sort of device. Let’s see what the journal he had on him says… ‘I finally finished the paraglider. I didn’t have enough twine that the instructions call for, but this seems sturdy enough that I’m sure it will last… Being able to glide through the air like a hawk is such an amazing feeling.'”
Uthgerd: “Well, looks like his amazing feeling was short-lived.”
Jenassa: “What a strange way to die.”
Alva: “I’m more concerned about who he was and why he was flying in the first place.”
Ria: “This world never ceases to surprise me.”
Jon: “Well, I’m moving this poor bastard’s corpse out of the way, so it doesn’t block the middle of the road. I hope that someone more charitable than us comes along and buries him.”
Uthgerd: “Agreed, let’s get him off the road at least.”
Jenassa: “His death may have been his own fault, but no one deserves to be left like this.”
Ria: “He was probably an adventurer like us. I hope he didn’t die for nothing.”

Some time later, I spotted a makeshift bridge that crossed the road. From its top, two bandit archers shot at the local wildlife. I prompted the team to gather behind a thick tree.

Jon: “Ladies, we have a problem. You see that bridge up ahead? Well, bandit archers are posted on top of it.”
Uthgerd: “Bandit archers, you say? So, we’ll need to take them out quickly before they spot us.”
Ria: “I agree. We should use a ranged attack to deal with them. Jenassa, your bow might come in handy here.”
Jenassa: “Consider it done. I’ll position myself in the shadows and take them out before they even know what hit them.”
Jon: “Meanwhile, I’m going to surround this rocky formation to flank the bandits. It’s going to be a careful operation.”
Uthgerd: “Careful is good. But let’s not forget the heart of a true warrior. They will taste our steel if they choose to stand against us.”
Alva: “And if they run, I’ll give chase. No one escapes the night.”

Those two bandit archers barely saw us coming. I ended one of them with a long spray of poison.

Jon: “It seems I worried for nothing. It was just a couple of bandit archers tending to a bridge, and they both fell easily.”
Uthgerd: “Hah! I told you we’d make short work of them. You worry too much, Jon.”
Ria: “But caution isn’t a bad thing. Better to be prepared for a tough fight and find an easy one, than the other way around.”
Jenassa: “Perhaps next time we’ll find foes more worthy of our blades. Or more gold in their pockets, at least.”

The road was following an increasingly steeper slope.

Jon: “Oh, wind’s picking up. I hope we don’t end up trudging through a storm like we’ve done recently in the Whiterun hold.”

We were cutting through the snowy mountains.

Jon: “I guess we should have looked at a map before heading in this direction. It leads us through a mountain pass. We’ll freeze our asses off.”

A fort blocked the road. Its undefended gate opened to a small community of wood and stone buildings.

Jon: “Well, ladies, I don’t think we’re going to reach Rorikstead before sunrise. Maybe we should rent rooms here for the night.”
Uthgerd: “I suppose it’s better than being out in the open with bandits on the loose. What do you think, Alva?”
Alva: “Helgen. I’ve heard stories about this place… It’s not the most welcoming of communities. But given the circumstances, I agree with Jon. It’s better to have a roof over our heads tonight.”
Jon: “It’s not like we’re going to live here. If you don’t want, you don’t have to interact with any of the locals. I’ll do the yapping.”
Jenassa: “You’re right, Jon. We don’t have to mingle with the locals if we don’t want to. As long as we have a place to rest and plan our next move, that’s all that matters.”
Uthgerd: “Agreed. Let’s just keep to ourselves and avoid any unnecessary trouble.”

The inn was eerily deserted. Its innkeeper wiped the counter as if she expected clientele any day now.

Jon: “Yikes. Sorry to say, but this place is pretty much dead. I don’t think I have ever seen an inn this devoid of clients.”
Matlara: “You’re right. It’s a bit eerie, isn’t it? But I suppose it’s to be expected in a place like Helgen.”
Uthgerd: “I’ve seen worse places, trust me. As long as there’s a roof over our heads and a bed to sleep in, I’m not complaining.”
Alva: “True. And maybe the lack of clients will work in our favor. We won’t have to worry about any unwanted attention.”
Jon: “Hey, do you have any free rooms available for us, a band of adventurers?”
Matlara: “Of course. Will you be needing anything else, or just the rooms for the night?”
Ria: “Just the rooms for now, thank you. We appreciate you accommodating us on such short notice.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, we’ve had a long journey and could use a good night’s rest.”
Jon: “How are things going in town?”
Matlara: “Well, to be honest, things have been quite difficult lately. Ever since the dragon attack, the town has struggled to recover. Trade has slowed down, and many people have left in search of better prospects elsewhere.”
Uthgerd: “Dragon attack? That sounds horrific. No wonder the town seems so quiet.”
Alva: “I can only imagine the devastation a dragon could cause to a small community like this.”
Jon: “A dragon attack so close to places we’ve been in. I’m surprised that most buildings are left standing. I would have expected devastation.”
Jenassa: “It’s surprising, but it seems like the buildings were sturdily built. They probably withstood the attack better than the people did.”
Uthgerd: “Still, it’s a shame to see a town so empty. It must be hard for the few who remain.”
Matlara: “It is, but we’re doing our best to keep things going.”
Jon: “Well, I hope that our coins contribute to revitalize this place.”
Matlara: “Thank you. Every little bit helps, and we’re grateful for your patronage. I hope you and your companions find our accommodations satisfactory.”
Alva: “I’m sure we will. And who knows, maybe we’ll even find a way to help the town while we’re here.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, if there’s anything we can do, let us know. We’re no strangers to lending a helping hand where it’s needed.”

The team separated to do our own thing. At one point, I noticed Jenassa sitting at a table, eating dinner. I chose to bother her.

Jon: “Hey, Jenassa, how are you enjoying our adventures so far?”
Jenassa: “You’ve led us well, Jon. But don’t think for a moment that I’ve gone soft. I’m still the deadly blade at your side, ready for whatever comes next.”
Jon: “I do not intend for you to go soft, but I do wish for you to have fun. Not everything has to be so tense and, you know, so life-and-death. I hope to see you smile and laugh heartily from time to time.”
Jenassa: “You’re an odd one, Jon. Most who hire me care only for the sharpness of my blade, not the curve of my smile. But I suppose there’s no harm in enjoying myself.”

Unfortunately, I didn’t know what else to bring up. Jenassa wasn’t precisely forthcoming about her private life.

Jon: “Well, it’s been nice talking to you, Jenassa. I hope you have a good night’s sleep.”
Jenassa: “A good night’s sleep? In this line of work? I’ll rest when the job is done.”
Jon: “You better get at least one or two hours of sleep! I’m pretty sure you can go insane if you don’t sleep at all.”
Jenassa: “You worry too much, Jon. I’ve gone days without sleep before. But perhaps a few hours wouldn’t hurt.”
Jon: “You know, one of us will stand guard at a time. We are, after all, a party of five people. You’re one of them, an extremely lethal one, but… My point is, you can rely on us.”
Jenassa: “I don’t doubt your abilities, Jon. Or the rest of our companions. But I’ve learned to rely on myself first and foremost.”

I bumped into Uthgerd on the way to the lavatory.

Jon: “Hey, Uthgerd. Have you been enjoying yourself lately?”
Uthgerd: “The blood of our enemies stains our blades, and their gold lines our pockets. Can’t ask for much more than that, can I? Though, I have to say, the company’s not half bad either. There’s something to be said for fighting alongside folk you can trust to watch your back.”
Jon: “If I may ask… Do you have any favorites among the companions that have watched your broad back on our adventures?”
Uthgerd: “Favorites, huh? I suppose there’s a few I’ve grown fond of. That Jenassa’s a quiet one, but she’s got a fire in her you don’t often see. Alva… well, she’s a vampire, but she’s never shied away from a fight. Ria’s young, but she’s learning fast.”
Jon: “No mention of me, huh?”
Uthgerd: “You’re something else entirely. Fighting beside you is… it’s like standing in the eye of a storm. You’re chaos incarnate, and yet, somehow, when the dust settles, we’re all still standing. It’s… exciting.”
Jon: “I’m not sure what to answer. That is probably the best compliment I have ever gotten in my life. So, thank you, Uthgerd, and I hope that you keep holding on.”
Uthgerd: “Don’t let it go to your head. Besides, where else would I go? We’ve fought our way through bandits, draugr, and things I don’t even have names for. I’m not about to walk away from that. But the next time we find ourselves in the thick of it… try not to get yourself killed, aye?”

Jon: “The same goes for you, Uthgerd. If you died, I would have no clue what to do.”
Uthgerd: “If I die, you’d best not waste any time mourning. You pick up your sword and you keep fighting. That’s what I’d do if our places were reversed. The world doesn’t stop turning just because one of us falls.”

I felt a knot in my throat.

Jon: “My heart… might stop beating for a while, though.”
Uthgerd: “Your heart stopped beating a long time ago. It’s just taking your head a while to catch up.”

I felt she was right, although I couldn’t pinpoint exactly how. I had grown colder.

Jon: “Well, not sure what you meant by that, but… I think I’m going to bed. It’s always been nice talking to you, Uthgerd.”
Uthgerd: “Sleep well, Jon. And… may your dreams be untroubled. For what it’s worth… I’m glad you’re here.”

We woke up near midday. As we shared a table to eat breakfast, I thought it was time to bring up something that had been bothering me for a while.

Jon: “My beloved maidens of battle, it’s a new, cold day here in Helgen, and a good time as any to bring up a matter of vital importance that, honestly, I should have brought up a long time ago.”
Uthgerd: “What is it, Jon? You know I don’t like it when people beat around the bush. Spit it out.”
Alva: “Yes, Jon, what’s on your mind? We’re all ears.”
Ria: “Let’s hear it, Jon. We’ve been through a lot together, so there’s no need to hold back.”
Jenassa: “Get to the point. We don’t have all day.”
Jon: “Well, the thing is… I’m tired of going up to people and introducing ourselves as “an adventurer’s band” or “a band of adventurers.” We need a name for our little team, a catchy name that strikes fear in our enemies, that strikes… amazement in onlookers. So, I shall propose the name that I’ve been thinking about: Jon and the Amazing Band of Adventurers!”
Uthgerd: “Jon and the Amazing Band of Adventurers? You can’t be serious, boy.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, really? It’s a bit… self-centered, don’t you think?”
Ria: “I agree with Alva. Shouldn’t our name represent all of us, not just you?”
Jenassa: “If I’m going to be part of a group, I’d prefer a name that doesn’t make me sound like a sidekick.”
Jon: “Very well. That first tentative name for our group was probably a joke. Let’s try this next name: Four Fierce Maidens of Battle, and One Dude.”
Uthgerd: “Still not feeling it, Jon. It wouldn’t strike fear in enemies, that’s for sure.”
Alva: “It does have a certain ring to it, but I’m not entirely convinced.”
Ria: “We’re not some harem, Jon. And shouldn’t our name focus on our skills and abilities?”
Jenassa: “Would it kill you to be just a little less self-absorbed?”
Jon: “Alright, I’m trying to think about our common traits. My beloved Alva here is a pale vampire. We have Uthgerd, who is big, sturdy, strong. Jenassa is cool and, you know, an assassin, and also a Dark Elf. We have Ria, who’s young, enthusiastic, and a Companion. What’s the common denominator here?”
Uthgerd: “We’re all skilled fighters, dedicated to our cause and each other. Why not focus on that?”
Alva: “Yes, perhaps something that reflects our strength, and the bonds we’ve formed.”
Ria: “A name that shows our unity and prowess in battle. That’s what’s important.”
Jon: “Let’s see… Should we make some metaphoric reference to animals or monsters, like in a sports team?”
Jenassa: “A sports team? This isn’t a game, Jon. We’re warriors.”
Alva: “As much as I enjoy our fun moments, Jenassa is right. Our name should carry weight.”
Ria: “So, something with animals or monsters. Like a wolf pack or dragon riders?”
Jon: “How about something that makes references to a force of nature and also fierce animals? Like Storm Wyverns, or, I don’t know, Firestorm Cave Rats?”
Uthgerd: “Firestorm Cave Rats? That’s… a mouthful, Jon. And not exactly the fierce image we’re going for.”
Alva: “I think we should stay away from cave rats, Jon. They’re more of a nuisance than a fearsome creature.”
Ria: “How about referencing creatures that are actually intimidating, like bears or sabre cats?”
Jenassa: “Or something that captures the essence of our fighting spirit, like a tempest or a whirlwind?”
Jon: “Let’s approach this from two angles: please brainstorm names of powerful forces of nature on one side, and on the other, honorable and powerful animals or monsters.”
Alva: “For forces of nature, we could go with something like Stormblades.”
Jenassa: “Or we could reference powerful creatures, like Direwolves.”
Ria: “On the forces of nature side, there’s always something like the Shattered Peaks.”
Uthgerd: “And as for fierce animals, Thunder Mammoths could work.”
Jon: “Thunder Mammoths, huh? How about Ground Sloth Tempests?”
Uthgerd: “Ground Sloths? Not exactly the most intimidating creatures, Jon.”
Alva: “And tempest suggests a lot of chaos and movement. Not really fitting for a sloth.”
Jenassa: “We need a name that will strike fear into our enemies, not make them laugh.”
Jon: “How about something fierce but not animal related, like… Fearsome Motherfuckers, or Tempest Bastards?”
Alva: “Tempest Bastards, huh? That’s… certainly a choice.”
Ria: “I think we should probably steer away from just outright calling ourselves ‘bastards’ or ‘motherfuckers,’ Jon.”
Jenassa: “If we are to be feared and respected, our name shouldn’t be a joke. Let’s keep thinking.”
Jon: “Jenassa, can you contribute some particular flavor from your homeland, Morrowind? What is there in Morrowind that could be fitting for this conversation?”
Jenassa: “Well, in Morrowind, there are the Ashlander tribes. They’re fierce and proud warriors. Maybe something like Ashlander Raiders?”
Ria: “Ooh, that’s got a nice ring to it! Good suggestion, Jenassa. What do you think, Alva, Uthgerd?”
Jon: “I mean, I like Raiders, but we have nothing to do with the ashlands. I have never even seen an ashland.”
Alva: “True, we don’t have a direct connection to the ashlands, but the name does evoke a sense of ferocity and strength.”
Uthgerd: “But if we’re trying to build a reputation for ourselves, shouldn’t our name reflect who we are and where we come from?”
Jenassa: “It was just a suggestion. Shall we keep brainstorming?”
Jon: “I like the term Raiders, but Raiders sounds like Bandits. I want something that suggests the ferocity of raiders but in a sort of honorable manner. And I want a landscape connotation like Ashland, but local to Skyrim. My apologies to you, Jenassa. Perhaps we could go back to including references to fierce animals.”
Alva: “How about Stormcloak Stalkers? It has the force of nature element with Stormcloak and the fierce animal connotation with Stalker.”
Uthgerd: “But wouldn’t that make us sound like supporters of Ulfric and his cause? That could be problematic.”
Jenassa: “Given the current political climate, it might be best to avoid names associated with either side of the civil war.”
Ria: “Maybe something like Frostpeak Hunters then? It still has the fierce animal element without any political affiliation.”

I saw the light.

Jon: “How about Frostpeak Stalkers?”
Alva: “Frostpeak Stalkers… It certainly sounds intimidating and conjures images of fierce warriors hunting in the frigid mountains.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, it does feel like a proper representation of our strengths – fierce, unwavering, and perhaps a bit wild.”
Jenassa: “It also gives a nod to this land and its harsh environment. I must admit, I like it.”
Ria: “Frostpeak Stalkers… Yes, I can see that striking fear and respect into the hearts of those who hear it.”
Jon: “Well, I’m glad to have been the one to propose the final name. It would have been fine if any of you had proposed it, of course. But anyway, this group composed of the five of us, along with any future member that may join, shall henceforth be called… What was it again?”
Alva: “Frostpeak Stalkers, dear Jon. It was your brilliant suggestion, after all. Never mind that we all helped brainstorm and contributed ideas.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, Frostpeak Stalkers. It’ll be a name that echoes through the lands of Skyrim. And never mind that you only came up with it after numerous failed attempts.”
Ria: “Don’t worry, Jon. We’ll make sure everyone knows it was you who proposed the perfect name.”
Jon: “Well, the first name I proposed was Jon and the Amazing Band of Adventurers, and we ended up with Frostpeak Stalkers. That’s significant progress. Good job, everybody!”
Jenassa: “Indeed, Jon. We’ve managed to find a name that represents all of us, not just you. Quite an accomplishment.”
Alva: “Yes, we should be proud of our new name. I, for one, am very excited to see where the Frostpeak Stalkers will take us in the future.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, let’s raise our tankards to the Frostpeak Stalkers!”
Jon: “From now on, I’m going to say Frostpeak Stalkers so many times that you’re going to grow sick of it.”
Alva: “Overuse it and I won’t hesitate to correct you. I’ll be sure to remind you of your first suggestion every time you do. Oh, Jon, I have no doubt you’ll make us all tired of hearing it. But that’s part of your charm.”
Uthgerd: “Let’s focus on living up to the name rather than just repeating it.”