• Previous part (23)
• Next part (25)

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, the Frostpeak Stalkers, renowned band of adventurers, discovered that the courier they were searching for had been eaten by bears, so they decided to become couriers themselves. My character met a suicidal cat-man monk.

Half past one in the afternoon and we were still in Ivarstead, closest town to the start of the trail that, about 7,000 or so steps later, perhaps significantly fewer, should lead to the top of High Hrothgar, tallest mountain in the world.

Jon: “I intended for the three of us to sell our loot at the local blacksmith and general trader, but turns out that the town is too small for even that.”
Uthgerd: “No blacksmith, huh? Just our luck. We’ll have to lug this gear around a bit longer, I suppose.”
Jenassa: “It’s not ideal, but we’ve dealt with worse. We can always head to the next town and try there.”
Jon: “Well, we can’t leave until night-time, when Alva, our lovely vampire friend, will be able to accompany us. So, how about we explore the surroundings of the town? Maybe we’ll get to stir up some trouble.”
Uthgerd: “Stirring up trouble is what I live for, Jon. Let’s see what we can find. Maybe there’s a bandit camp nearby that needs clearing out.”

We crossed the river onto a little island, and found ourselves facing the pitch-black entrance of a cave.

Jon: “I doubt that I need to ask, but are you up for a little spelunking?”
Ria: “Spelunking? You mean exploring caves? I’m always ready for an adventure!”
Uthgerd: “Bah, you know I’m in. Let’s see what’s lurking in there.”
Jenassa: “As long as there’s the promise of coin or valuable loot, I’m game. Lead the way, Jon.”

Instead of the mazes of ancient ruins we had gotten accustomed to, this was natural cave that a bunch of skeevers had turned into their nest. The most prominent feature of the cave was a hole in the ground, that led to water about two stories below.

Jon: “I’m quite tempted to jump.”
Uthgerd: “Watch yourself, Jon. We don’t know what’s lurking in that water.”
Ria: “I agree with Uthgerd. We should find a safer way down. Maybe there’s a path or something we missed?”
Jenassa: “Reconnaissance is key. I say we take a moment to scout the area, look for alternative routes. Let’s not rush into traps or an ambush.”
Jon: “Yeah, I guess my suicidal plan of jumping into a hole in a cave is not a good idea.”
Ria: “At least you’re aware enough to recognize that, Jon. Let’s use our heads and find a smarter way down.”
Uthgerd: “You may be brave, but even the gods favor caution at times. Let’s keep looking around.”
Jenassa: “We’re all here because we trust your leadership, Jon.”
Jon: “By which you mean, Jenassa: do not betray our trust by doing something as stupid as jumping down a hole in the middle of a cave.”
Jenassa: “Essentially, yes. We trust you not to lead us into needless danger. Keep that trust.”
Ria: “We know you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Jon. Use it and let’s make it through this cave in one piece.”

All we found in the cave was the corpse of an adventurer. He had a bit of money on him, as well as a book called Lost Legends of Skyrim.

Jon: “Let’s see what it says.”
Uthgerd: “Hmm, Lost Legends of Skyrim? Sounds intriguing. What’s it about, Jon?”
Ria: “Maybe it’s about hidden treasures or legendary warriors. I’m curious to hear what you find in there, Jon.”
Jenassa: “Knowing our luck, it could be something dangerous.”
Jon: “It speaks of the sons of a powerful wizard named Gauldur, from the First Era, that apparently were pursued for reasons. One of those sons was supposed to have perished in a cave called Folgunthur, at the foot of Solitude. The rest is vague. I don’t know if you ladies would like to pursue a potentially pointless lead in the Solitude hold.”
Ria: “A powerful wizard’s legacy? That sounds like it might be worth checking out.”
Uthgerd: “I’m always up for a challenge. And if there’s some truth to these legends, it might just be the kind of adventure we’re looking for. What do you think, Jenassa?”
Jenassa: “If there’s potential for valuable loot or powerful artifacts, I say it’s worth a shot. But let’s not get our hopes up. These are legends, after all.”
Jon: “Well, if our globetrotting adventures bring us to Solitude, I guess we could try to find this cave.”
Ria: “Sounds like a plan to me. We’ll just have to keep our eyes and ears open for any clues leading to the cave.”

There wasn’t much else to do in the surroundings of Ivarstead. They lived pretty peacefully, other than for the constant threat of being eaten by a bear. And they couldn’t complain about the views.

However, when we returned to the inn and ordered some drinks at the bar, the innkeeper told me a spooky tale about the ancient barrow located just across the street. Apparently it had been long rumored to be haunted. A year or so earlier, an adventurer had swaggered into the inn and claimed that he would clear out the ancient ruin. However, he was never seen again. What the innkeeper had seen with his very own eyes, though, was a ghost making spooky gestures from the burial site’s entrance. Ever since, the innkeeper never approached that place.

That was as much motivation as I, as well as the rest of my companions who could walk in daylight, needed to explore that site. The ground level was normal enough: a few open sarcophagi, and broken pottery. What we didn’t expect to find was a monk-like Khajiit sitting alone beside a sarcophagus as if meditating.

Jon: “Dar’Rakki, are you lost? We entered this barrow thinking we would have to kill a few undead, only to find you instead.”
Dar’Rakki: “Ah, well met, travelers. Lost? Perhaps, but not in the way you might think. Dar’Rakki finds himself pondering the mysteries of life and the paths that have led this one here. The gods work in mysterious ways, do they not?”
Ria: “It’s not every day you see a Khajiit philosopher in an ancient Nord ruin. What brings you to such a place?”
Jon: “Perhaps ancient Nord ruins help one philosophize freely.”
Dar’Rakki: “Indeed, the weight of history in these ancient stones is a fitting backdrop for introspection and contemplation.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, there’s wisdom to be found in the echoes of the past. But sometimes, action speaks louder than words. What’s your story, Khajiit?”
Jenassa: “Speak plainly, cat. We’ve faced many dangers in these crypts and have little patience for riddles.”
Dar’Rakki: “Ah, a fair request. This one is a traveler, seeking understanding and perhaps a place to call home in this land of Skyrim.”
Jon: “Yeah, I already asked Dar’Rakki about his story. Apparently, a fellow Khajiit asked him to come to Skyrim to work the caravan business. Unfortunately, his dear friend was ambushed by bandits and died. He’s distraught, understandably so, and alone in Skyrim. There aren’t many cat people here, and no other race is covered in fur.”
Dar’Rakki: “Jon, your understanding and empathy is a rare gift. Your words touch this one’s heart in a way Dar’Rakki thought no Nord ever could.”
Jenassa: “Hmph. Just because we’re not Khajiit doesn’t mean we can’t understand loss and your pain. We’ve all faced hardships in our own ways.”
Ria: “Jenassa’s right. Grief knows no boundaries between races.”
Jon: “Dar’Rakki, I will touch you more if you want. Khajiit fur looks very soft.”
Dar’Rakki: “Oh… This… this one appreciates the sentiment, Jon, but Dar’Rakki is not sure if this one is ready for such… intimacy. Though Dar’Rakki must admit, the thought is quite… intriguing.”
Jon: “Well, Dar’Rakki, are you planning on actually climbing the steps to the top of High Hrothgar?”
Dar’Rakki: “Dar’Rakki… must admit, this one is uncertain. The prospect of climbing such a vast number of steps is daunting, but perhaps that is the very challenge Dar’Rakki needs to overcome this one’s doubts and fears.”
Ria: “It’s no easy feat, that’s for sure. But I’ve always found that the toughest challenges are the ones most worth facing.”
Jenassa: “A wise sentiment, Ria. Let’s see if this one’s got the strength to match his words.”
Jon: “Well, Dar’Rakki, me and the rest of my team, who are called by the way Frostpeak Stalkers, are going to delve into this ancient, possibly cursed ruin, to strip it of its valuables.”
Dar’Rakki: “Ah, the Frostpeak Stalkers. A fitting name for a group of adventurers such as yourselves. Dar’Rakki wishes you success and safety in your endeavors within these ancient walls.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, may our blades strike true and our pockets grow heavy with loot.”
Jenassa: “Let’s get moving. We’ve got work to do, and these Draugr aren’t going to kill themselves.”
Jon: “What did I tell you, ladies? Didn’t I tell you that the name Frostpeak Stalkers was fantastic?”
Ria: “Haha, yes Jon, you did say that. And we agreed, didn’t we? The name has a nice ring to it.”
Uthgerd: “I still think Uthgerd’s Unbroken Badasses had a more personal touch, but I suppose Frostpeak Stalkers will do.”
Jenassa: “Enough about the name. We have bigger concerns now. These ruins won’t explore themselves.”
Jon: “That is one troubling thought. Maybe in the future a machine will be invented that will be able to auto-explore ruins by itself. Adventurers will find themselves out of a job.”
Ria: “Hah! Let them try. There’s no machine that could ever replace the thrill of adventure and the satisfaction of a hard-fought victory.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, let’s not worry about the future too much. There’s plenty of work to be done here and now.”

The first underground level of the ancient ruin was surprisingly deserted. After avoiding a couple of traps and solving a puzzle that involved levers, we came across the first surprising sight: an actual ghost. It had the form of a man, perhaps an elf. It attacked us on sight. Thankfully, both magic and magical weapons damage ghosts. That apparition had been inhabiting a camp that, we soon learned, had been set up by the adventurer the innkeeper mentioned.

Jon: “I have found a journal on this guy’s corpse. Apparently he had set up camp down here to search for a burial chamber supposedly filled with treasures. However, he realized that he needed one of those claws to solve the puzzle of a door. He never found it, and instead he went nuts and died.”
Ria: “Poor guy, losing his mind like that. But a burial chamber filled with treasure sounds promising!”
Uthgerd: “Aye, it does. But we need to be careful. If he went mad searching for it, there’s no telling what dangers we might face.”
Jenassa: “True, but think of the rewards if we succeed where he failed. It’s worth the risk.”
Jon: “Listen, this guy apparently spent a year or more in this place, but he didn’t find the claw. The journal mentions the local innkeeper, Wilhelm, by name. Maybe we should bring the journal to him.”
Uthgerd: “Hmm, that’s not a bad idea. Wilhelm might know something we don’t.”
Jenassa: “I agree. If we can find that claw, we’ll have a better chance at getting through that door and claiming the treasure.”
Uthgerd: “Then let’s get moving. The sooner we talk to Wilhelm, the sooner we can get our hands on the loot.”

We promptly exited the ancient barrow, crossed the street, and waltzed into the inn.

Jon: “Yo Wilhelm, we have to speak to you. It’s quite important, and concerns the ancient barrow.”
Wilhelm: “Ah, the ancient Nordic barrow? What about it, friend?”
Ria: “We found this journal on a corpse, Wilhelm. It mentions a treasure-filled burial chamber.”
Uthgerd: “But the fool couldn’t find a claw needed to solve some door puzzle. Ended up going mad and dying in that ruin.”
Jon: “Yes, this Windelius character, that adventurer’s name, just pretended that the barrow was haunted so you wouldn’t bother him while he searched for the claw.”
Wilhelm: “Ah, I see. Ghost stories to keep folks away.”
Jenassa: “A common enough tactic. Though it seems it didn’t work out well for him in the end.”

Turns out that Wilhelm owned the sapphire dragon claw that the journal mentioned. Like the one we found in Bleak Falls Barrow, this claw’s palm showed a combination of symbols that should open a door puzzle.

Jon: “This claw should allow us, the world-famous Frostpeak Stalkers, to solve the riddle of your Nordic barrow. We shall claim its ancient treasure! I assume you’re well aware that whoever clears out a ruin becomes the owner of the loot.”

Wilhelm chuckled and shook his head.

Wilhelm: “World famous, you say? I don’t think I’ve heard of the Frostpeak Stalkers before, but I’ll take your word for it.”
Ria: “That’s right, we’re the Frostpeak Stalkers! Soon our tales will be sung in every tavern from here to High Rock.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, the bards will sing of our exploits.”
Jon: “They will proclaim the beauty of our members, at least the women’s, as well as how charming and attractive the sole male member of the group was, an Altmer named Jon.”
Jenassa: “I suppose we are beautiful, in our own deadly way.”

Excited, we hurried back to the burial site. We found Dar’Rakki still sitting at the same spot, either meditating or passing time.

Jon: “Yo Dar’Rakki, do you want to hear some interesting news regarding this barrow? We have explored enough of it to realize that it isn’t actually haunted: an adventurer had holed himself up inside and pretended that the place was haunted so nobody would find the treasure before him.”
Dar’Rakki: “Treasure, you say? In this ancient barrow? Hmm, this one wonders what kind of treasure it could be.”
Jenassa: “The adventurer is dead. That fool couldn’t figure out how to enter the treasure chamber and eventually went insane, likely from the isolation in this place.”
Dar’Rakki: “A dark jest, indeed. But the true treasure… it must be well hidden in this place.”
Jon: “So, Dar’Rakki, do you want to accompany us, the Frostpeak Stalkers, into the depths of this ancient barrow that is possibly haunted, to discover the secrets of the place?”
Dar’Rakki: “Jon, this one appreciates the offer, but Dar’Rakki must admit, the thought of facing the unknown in this ancient barrow gives this one pause. The mysteries of life and death weigh heavily on Dar’Rakki’s mind.”
Ria: “Dar’Rakki, I understand your hesitation, but imagine the stories we’ll have to tell after we conquer whatever challenges lie ahead! This is what being part of the Frostpeak Stalkers is all about.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, there’s nothing like the thrill of facing the unknown and emerging victorious.”
Jon: “That’s right, Dar’Rakki. One day you shall return to your homeland, Elsweyr, or wherever you’re from. Imagine telling your kin that you accompanied three gorgeous women, a Dark Elf, a Nord and… I’m not sure if Ria is a Nord or an Imperial, but anyway, also an Altmer mage, into the depths of an ancient Nord barrow and came out victorious!”
Ria: “I’m actually a Nord, Jon. But Dar’Rakki, don’t you want to experience what it’s like to be part of something greater, to forge bonds in the heat of battle?”
Dar’Rakki: “Your words are compelling, my friends. The prospect of being part of such a tale is indeed tempting.”
Jon: “To be honest, Dar’Rakki, I don’t know if you would be of any use in our little adventure, but it could be fun anyway. It’s not like you’re busy right now.”
Dar’Rakki: “You may be right, Jon. Dar’Rakki’s current state of contemplation and inaction serves little purpose.”
Ria: “Aye, joining us might give you a chance to find some answers you seek, or at least a distraction from your troubles.”
Jon: “That’s right, Dar’Rakki. There are more important things in this world than figuring out whether or not there are exactly 7,000 steps to the top of High Hrothgar.”
Dar’Rakki: “Perhaps you are correct. This one has been consumed by thoughts of deceit and betrayal, but what good does it do Dar’Rakki to dwell on such things?”
Ria: “Right, there’s so much more to experience and discover out there in the world!”

Uthgerd: “Like the feeling of cleaving a draugr’s skull in two with a mighty swing of your weapon.”
Jenassa: “Or the satisfaction of choosing the perfect moment to strike from the shadows. Dar’Rakki, joining us might just give you a new perspective on what’s truly important.”
Jon: “I’m afraid you have to choose whether or not you come with us, because I’m itching to get my greasy, greedy hands on that treasure.”
Dar’Rakki: “Very well. Your enthusiasm for the task at hand is infectious, and Dar’Rakki finds himself drawn to the prospect of the unknown, despite this one’s reservations.”
Ria: “That’s the spirit, Dar’Rakki! We’ll face whatever comes together, as the Frostpeak Stalkers!”
Uthgerd: “And if we find that treasure, we’ll all get a share. It’s only fair.”
Jenassa: “Just remember, Dar’Rakki, once you join our little band, there’s no turning back.”
Jon: “Hey, I didn’t mean for Dar’Rakki to join our little band for more than this adventure. Also, I never spoke of him getting a cut of the treasure.”
Uthgerd: “Jon, you can’t just go around making promises and then taking them back on a whim.”
Ria: “It wouldn’t be right to let Dar’Rakki join us and then not share the treasure equally.”
Dar’Rakki: “It seems there is much to consider before making a decision. Unfortunately, the intricacies of your group’s dynamics may require more contemplation than this one is willing to dedicate at the moment.”

Awkwardly, the Frostpeak Stalkers entered the ruin by themselves.

Jon: “Well, I suppose we are not getting a cat companion at the moment.”
Uthgerd: “So it seems. We’ll just have to make do with the capable warriors we already have.”
Jenassa: “Right. We don’t need to take on any more liabilities, especially not someone who appears more interested in contemplation than combat.”
Ria: “And really, that’s all we need. The Frostpeak Stalkers are strong enough to handle whatever comes our way, even without additional members.”
Jon: “You know, ladies, between us, not that I’m implying that I’m a lady… Dar’Rakki admitted that if he discovers that the steps to the mountaintop aren’t exactly 7,000, he intends to kill himself. So I’m a bit worried for him.”
Jenassa: “Jon, if that’s true, then Dar’Rakki needs more help than just an adventure with us.”
Uthgerd: “He might benefit from training his body as well as his mind, to give him something else to focus on.”

After some searching, we found ourselves in a ceremonial chamber that ended in a puzzle door. Our newly acquired claw solved that problem. The door opened to a long-sealed maze of corridors, niches, and many, many draugr. There were also floor traps that if triggered, launched a spiked gate against your whole self. Most of the dangers, we had already learned how to face them thanks to Bleak Falls Barrow, but one of the draugr types glowed blue and shot lightning that not only hurt real bad, but blinded me of my immediate surroundings. I relied on healing my companions and taking pot-shots at those draugr once we managed to isolate them. Tough bastards.

By the time we came across a big, proper chest, I crouched in front and attempted to insert a lockpick, only to find myself unable to do so. As I wondered why, the chest stood up. It had grown slender legs and arms. The latter proceeded to flail around, hitting anyone within reach. Ria, surprised as I was, got knocked against the wall. As I retreated, I couldn’t decide how to attack that creature: we had found ourselves fighting in a narrow corridor against a chaotic opponent. Any flames or poison bolts I shot could hurt my companions instead, so I opted for healing their wounds. In the end, the grotesque chest-creature lay dead, mouth gaping.

Jon: “I don’t think I’m going to forget that one any time soon.”
Uthgerd: “By the gods, I’ve never seen a chest try to bite someone’s face off before! Quite the surprise, eh?”
Ria: “I thought these mimics were just a myth! This is incredible! We’ll have quite the story to tell back at the mead hall.”
Jenassa: “I must admit, I didn’t expect such a creature to exist outside of tales.”

As if the mimic wasn’t enough, when we peeked into the next chamber, we saw a multiplatform stage with carefully spaced, closed sarcophagi, the whole structure surrounded by a moat. Boss fight if I’ve ever seen one.

Jon: “I’m sure that many draugr will leap out of those sarcophagi any time now. I’ll be ready to heal you when you need it.”
Ria: “Aye, this room reeks of danger. But we’re ready for whatever ancient horrors lie in wait! Bring it on, I say!”
Uthgerd: “Let them come. We’ve faced worse and lived to tell the tale. They’ll regret the day they crossed paths with the Frostpeak Stalkers!”

A lot of hurting and undead-killing later…

Jon: “That was a proper horde of skeletons and draugr. How many did we kill?”
Uthgerd: “By Ysgramor, that was quite the battle! Never have I seen so many undead fall before us!”
Ria: “The gods must have been watching over us! I lost count of how many we struck down. Must have been at least a dozen, if not more!”
Jenassa: “A formidable fight, indeed. It’s good we prepared for the worst and had Jon’s healing spells at the ready.”
Jon: “Oh, I think that was it. This draugr over here seems to be the overlord. A doubt that an ancient Nord barrow would have two, so we may have already cleared out this place.”

The final battle at Bleak Falls Barrow introduced the boss in a theatrical fashion: he alone climbed slowly out of his sarcophagus as if pissed off because we had awakened him. This most recent draugr overlord mixed himself with his brethren, only to fall like any other. Too bad for him.

By the time we trudged back to the surface, it must have been four in the morning. We found Alva enjoying herself at the inn.

Jon: “Sorry Alva, I know we were supposed to meet you at about eight in the afternoon so we could head to Riften, but the rest of us went on one of our little adventures that was supposed to last like half an hour and instead ended up lasting hours.”
Alva: “Oh, don’t worry about it, Jon. I know how these adventures of ours can be. Time seems to slip away when we’re out there facing danger and seeking treasure.”
Jenassa: “Indeed, we encountered quite a few challenges along the way. But we’re here now, and ready to move forward with our plan.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, no sense dwelling on the past. We’ve got a letter to deliver.”
Jon: “Alva, you would have loved this one. It was an ancient Nord barrow, proper archeological wonder. We faced many more draugr than in Bleak Falls. Some of the draugr sparkled with imbued lightning powers, which they shot at us.”
Alva: “Oh, that sounds absolutely thrilling, Jon! I do love a good adventure in an ancient ruin.”
Jon: “Alva, of course, even though you weren’t there, you’ll get your share of the loot. And we got plenty. Check this out: gold bullion, weighing twenty-six pounds! Twenty-six pounds of nearly pure gold. I’d say that’s going to get us our house for sure.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, you’re too kind. But I couldn’t possibly take a share of loot that I didn’t help in acquiring.”
Uthgerd: “Nonsense, Alva. We’re a team, and we share in both the risks and the rewards.”
Jenassa: “Indeed, your presence would have been invaluable in that barrow. You deserve a share, just like the rest of us.”

Alva: “Well, if you all insist. I suppose I could use my share to help furnish our new base of operations.”
Jon: “After all, it was my fault that you weren’t there. It must have been about seven in the evening when we decided to head into that barrow. I could have just returned to the inn and waited around until dusk. But we didn’t want to bother you, I guess, for what we thought was a half an hour thing.”
Alva: “Oh, don’t be too hard on yourself, Jon. These things happen when you’re an adventurer. Plans change, and you have to adapt.”

Few things beat the mood you’re in once you return to the nearest inn after an adventure that could have killed you. I sat at the bar and ordered a Black-Briar mead.

Jon: “Boy, Wilhelm, do I have a story to tell if you’re willing to listen at four in the morning.”
Wilhelm: “At this hour? Must be quite the tale.”
Jon: “It is indeed. You gave us the claw that was supposed to clear a puzzle door. Well, the door did open, and my band of adventurers, called Frostpeak Stalkers, we were able to delve deeper into the ruin. I must say, you lot have no clue about the archeological wonder hiding under your feet.”

It seems that few people slept in this town, because the local bard Lynly, as well as a woman in her forties with tousled hair whom I hadn’t noticed before, joined our conversation.

Temba Wide-Arm: “What are you talking about? Are you saying there’s some sort of treasure in that old barrow?”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Oh, how exciting! I’ve always wondered what secrets that place held.”
Wilhelm: “So, you’re saying that old ruin is more than just a haunted tomb? I knew there had to be more to it than just ghost stories. But what exactly did you find?”
Jon: “Well, me and my team killed like thirty raised skeletons. We killed like thirty or forty draugr. You know, undead ancient Nords. Some of those draugr were actually imbued with lightning powers, and they kept shooting such spells at us. Let me tell you, those were hard to kill.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “By Shor, that sounds terrifying! You’re lucky to be alive.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Lightning spells? Oh, I’d have been scared out of my wits! You’re so brave.”
Wilhelm: “Sounds like you had quite the adventure. But I hope you’re not bringing any of that trouble back here with you. Ivarstead’s a peaceful town, and we’d like to keep it that way.”
Jon: “Sir, please, you offend me with those implications! My team, that you may remember is called Frostpeak Stalkers, delved into the cursed depths of those ruins to eliminate the undead menace that might have otherwise escaped the barrow and overrun this town.”
Wilhelm: “Easy there, friend. I meant no offense. It’s just… well, we’ve heard our share of troubling rumors about that place for years now. It’s hard to know what to believe.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Oh, I’m sure Jon and his friends had only the best intentions! We should be grateful they’ve made the barrow safer for us all.”
Jon: “Hey listen, maybe you should contact someone at the Archaeological Society in Solitude. One of those scholars could come down here to inspect the site. They’ll ascertain that it’s now safe. I’m talking lots of real estate down there, several levels. You could set up houses or shops.”
Wilhelm: “Now hold on just a moment. Are you suggesting we turn that ancient burial site into some sort of… shopping district? I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “I have to agree with Wilhelm. That barrow is a sacred place, even if it is a bit spooky. Turning it into a marketplace seems… disrespectful.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Oh, I don’t know. It could bring in some extra business for the town, maybe even attract more tourists or pilgrims on their way to High Hrothgar.”
Jon: “You know what’s disrespectful? My team, the Frostpeak Stalkers, explored that barrow out of the kindness of our hearts. Engaging our energies and strengths, we approached the ancient Nords that dwelled there, only for them to leap from their sleeping places and try to murder us. We did nothing to them. We merely looked at them, at the most. Sometimes we even greeted them, but they still tried to kill us. Does that seem fair?”
Wilhelm: “Well, when you put it that way, I suppose not.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “They sound like terrible hosts! Attacking guests like that.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “Sounds like those draugr had it coming, if you ask me. Ancient Nords or not, they had no right to attack you like that. How dare they?”
Jon: “That’s right, we were guests in their dwelling. We had entered the premises respectfully, were careful about not breaking anything, but those draugr didn’t even ask for our purpose.”
Wilhelm: “It does seem rather unreasonable of them.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “It’s almost as if they didn’t want anyone disturbing their eternal rest. But still, trying to kill you on sight? That’s a bit much.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “Exactly! And now, thanks to you and your friends, we don’t have to worry about them causing any more trouble.”
Jon: “Listen, that nonsense about eternal rest… If you’ve been dead for thousands of years, wouldn’t you welcome a traveler going out of his way to come to your house and offer you news about the world? Why would you attack such a person on sight?”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Maybe they were just grumpy from being woken up after so long. Some people need their beauty sleep, you know… Hah! Beauty sleep. That’s a good one, Lynly.”
Jon: “And listen… When I die, if I end up interred in a huge burial complex, which is likely to happen because by that time I will have become so famous that people will build a whole pyramid for me, I will probably be the final boss. Well, let me tell you, when I resurrect, I better be surrounded by beautiful women that have come to brighten my undead life. I’m going to be one of those restless draugr, with endless energy, if you know what I mean.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “Oh, you’re terrible! But I suppose there are worse ways to spend eternity.”
Wilhelm: “Careful what you wish for, Jon. You might just get it.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “Hah! I’ll drink to that. Here’s to an afterlife full of beautiful women and endless energy!”
Jon: “Hey, Lynly, for a moment you looked like you doubted my energy and, let’s say, restlessness when it comes to beautiful women.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Oh, no, not at all! I’m sure you have plenty of energy for… well, for whatever it is you plan to do in the afterlife. I was just thinking, you know, it might get a bit lonely after a while, even with all those beautiful women.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “Lonely? Surrounded by beautiful women? I think Jon here might be just fine with that.”
Jon: “You know, I don’t want to wait until I’m dead to be surrounded by beautiful women. In fact, right now a single beatiful woman would do. Like you, Lynly.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Oh, well, that’s very sweet of you to say, Jon. I’m flattered, truly. But, well, you know, I’m just a simple bard, and you’re a brave adventurer with a bright future ahead of him.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “Don’t sell yourself short, Lynly! You’re a catch, and any man would be lucky to have you.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “That’s kind of you to say, Temba. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Jon, your offer is very tempting, but I’ll have to think it over.”
Jon: “Me and my team are leaving tomorrow night, so you have some hours to think it over. I would love to be surrounded by you or to surround you myself, if you get me.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “Oh my… Well, I’ll definitely keep that in mind, Jon.”
Temba Wide-Arm: “Ha! You’d better be careful, Lynly. This one’s a charmer.”
Lynly Star-Sung: “I’ll say! But like I told you, Jon, I’ll think on it and let you know before you leave tomorrow. Just don’t get yourself into too much trouble between now and then, alright?”