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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, the Frostpeak Stalkers offered a win to a suicidal cat-man. They met a whole bunch of disrespectful skeletons and draugr. After clearing out an ancient barrow, my character tried to score with a bard.

The Frostpeak Stalkers were chilling at Ivarstead’s inn, passing the time until they could set off toward Riften, when I noticed a local lad in his mid-twenties, with long red hair and a goatee, eyeing us disdainfully. He may have been tipsy, but I welcomed trouble, so I confronted him for his disrespect. He blurted out that he’d stare at us however he wanted. I asked, “What are you, the local prick?”

He pulled out a dagger. As he was about to lunge at me, Uthgerd and Jenassa beat the fight out of him. By the time he pulled himself to his feet, bleeding and defeated, he shuffled to a chair and lowered himself onto it. I could have told my ladies to throw him outside, or even keep beating him to the point where he wouldn’t be able to annoy me anymore. Instead of that, I sat in front of him and asked what had him so bitter. The guy, stunned, admitted that he was angry at life and that he probably wanted to take it out on us. He introduced himself as Bassianus Axius, a local fisherman. He said he was hoping to move to Riften some time in the future.

Jon: “By yourself?”
Bassianus Axius: “That’s the plan, yeah. Unless I can convince a certain someone to come with me. But that’s a whole other story, involving her overprotective father and a whole heap of potential drama. Anyway, I’d rather hear more about your adventures. What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done so far?”
Jon: “You know that ancient burial site called Bleak Falls Barrow that is located in the mountain between Whiterun and Falkreath? Well, we cleared that out. Took defeating like fifteen bandits, a huge spider, and lots and lots of draugr. At the end we fought a draugr overlord that could shout in dragon tongue. We got good loot out of that adventure.”
Bassianus Axius: “That’s… quite the adventure. And here I am, getting excited about the prospect of moving to a slightly larger town. Maybe I need to rethink my life goals. You know, if you’re in need of another adventurer, I might be interested. The Frostpeak Stalkers could use a bitter, jaded Nord like me, don’t you think?”

He was the first person who had taken a look at us, the Frostpeak Stalkers, and thought, “Wow, these guys are the real deal. I wish I were part of that.”

Jon: “I shan’t reject you outright. What are your abilities as a prospective adventurer?”
Bassianus Axius: “Well, I’m no stranger to a fight. I’ve been in my fair share of brawls here in Ivarstead, usually over petty disputes or too much drink. I can handle a sword and shield well enough, and I’m a decent shot with a bow. And while I may not have any magical talents, I’ve got a quick wit and a quicker tongue.”
Jon: “First, I must know: who is the fortunate person that you intend to bring along to Riften?”
Bassianus Axius: “Ah, her name’s Fastred. She’s the most beautiful, kind-hearted girl you’ll ever meet.”
Jon: “I’m guessing she’s gorgeous, the way these things usually go.”
Bassianus Axius: “Absolutely stunning. The loveliest face, and a smile that could melt even the coldest heart.”
Uthgerd: “Sounds like a prize worth fighting for. What’s holding you back from making your move?”

It seems Uthgerd had transitioned from kill mode to congeniality.

Bassianus Axius: “Her father, Jofthor. He’s not exactly fond of me. Thinks I’m a waste of space, a worthless layabout with no prospects, as he puts it.”
Alva: “Ah, overprotective fathers. Always a joy to deal with.”

I stood up from the chair.

Jon: “Bassianus, that is bullshit. It isn’t true that you’re a nobody. You’re a respectable man, a member of the world-famous band of adventurers named Frostpeak Stalkers. Now, the father of your beloved should be able to accept you.”
Bassianus Axius: “I suppose he’s just looking out for his daughter. But I’m no good to Fastred if I never take any risks. If being part of your group means I can prove my worth to her and her father, then sign me up. I’m your man.”
Jon: “Bassianus, we’re gearing you up with good armor and a weapon. We expect you to fight alongside us. It’s a lot of fun, we get in trouble often. You’re going to make a name for yourself, man. When you enter a town, the villagers and going to look at you and think, ‘That’s Bassianus Axius, a member of the invincible Frostpeak Stalkers.'”
Uthgerd: “We’ll make sure you’re properly equipped, Bassianus. And the training will be brutal, but necessary.”
Bassianus Axius: “I understand. I’m ready for whatever comes my way. To be honest, I’ve always wanted to do something like this, to make a name for myself. I just never had the opportunity. Until now.”
Jon: “Isn’t this exciting, Uthgerd, Alva? Someone wants to join our band of adventurers because we’re so world-renowned. Soon enough, we’ll become an army.”
Uthgerd: “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Jon. We’re a small band, and I’d like to keep it that way. Quality over quantity, as they say.”
Alva: “Indeed. We’re a select group, carefully chosen for our unique skills and attributes. We wouldn’t want to dilute that with a bunch of newcomers who can’t pull their weight.”
Jon: “You’re two are right, of course. Anyway, Bassianus Axius, let me introduce you to these two wonderful women. This one, tall, broad, and strong, her name is Uthgerd the Unbroken, an amazing force to be reckoned with. She can destroy anybody with her greataxe or whatever weapon available. She would also be able to burst anyone’s head with her bare hands.”
Alva: “I don’t doubt that for a second. She tears through our enemies like a whirlwind.”
Uthgerd: “You’re not so bad yourself, Alva. Don’t sell yourself short. As for her, she’s the mysterious type, but she’ll still drain life and blast lightning from her hands.”
Jon: “That’s right, Bassianus. Alva is amazing. Just look at those gorgeous lips of hers. Regarding her extreme paleness, let’s say that she burns easy in the sun. Nothing you have to worry about. Anyway, I think it’s time for all of us, you as a newbie member of the Frostpeak Stalkers as well as our integral members, to talk with this father of yours. I mean, Fastred’s father. We’ll convince him to release her so she can accompany you on your new life.”

Ria and Jenassa, hanging out some distance away, were unaware of this lovely development.

Jon: “Hey, Jenassa, Ria, I know this is sort of sudden, but this man you see here all geared up with Elven armor is our new recruit. He’s called Bassianus Axius, a local lad somewhat capable with one-handed weapons. He wanted to go on an adventure, so I’ve decided to just take him in.”
Ria: “Hey there, Bassianus! Welcome to the Frostpeak Stalkers. I hope you’re ready for some wild adventures with us.”
Bassianus Axius: “Hello, everyone. Thanks for having me, Jon. I’ve been itching to get out of Ivarstead and see what trouble we can stir up.”
Jenassa: “Another one? I suppose you have potential. Just try not to get yourself killed out there.”
Jon: “The thing is, this guy is in love with a local girl called Fastred, but her father won’t allow her to go out with Bassianus. The old man believes that this guy is worthless and will go nowhere in life. We shall convince that girl’s father that such a notion isn’t true, because Bassianus is now a member of a world-famous band of adventures called Frostpeak Stalkers.”
Uthgerd: “Ah, young love! Nothing like a little romance to spice up our adventures, eh? We’ll show Fastred’s father what the Frostpeak Stalkers are made of.”
Bassianus Axius: “I appreciate it, friends. Fastred means the world to me, and I want to prove to her father that I’m worthy of her affection. With your help, I’m sure we can change his mind.”
Ria: “Don’t worry, Bassianus. We’ll vouch for you and make sure Fastred’s father knows just how capable and valuable you are.”

We marched through town like we were on a hunt, until we reached a farm in the outskirts. Tending to the fields was a white-haired man at the worst end of middle-aged. He looked like he worried constantly. Helping the man was a young, slender woman that at first sight looked worth all this nonsense.

Jon: “Excuse me, sir. Are you Fastred’s father?”
Jofthor: “Aye, that’s me. What can I do for you, stranger?”
Bassianus Axius: “Good evening, Jofthor. This here is Jon, the leader of the Frostpeak Stalkers. He’s taken me under his wing.”
Jofthor: “Is that so? And what exactly do you want with me?”
Jon: “Sir, I have heard tales of you. Tales of oppression, of tyranny, of prohibiting a young maiden from following her heart.”
Jofthor: “And who might you be referring to, elf?”
Fastred: “Papa, I think he’s talking about me.”
Jofthor: “Fastred? What have you been telling these people?”
Fastred: “Nothing, Papa! It’s just… I can’t keep living like this. I want more out of life than what Ivarstead has to offer.”
Jon: “Your daughter hasn’t talked to us. In fact, this is the first time I lay my eyes upon her fair face. But the condition of her heart is known to the entirety of Ivarstead. No, I’d say more: we, the Frostpeak Stalkers, have been summoned by the calling of her pure and compassionate heart. We heard its pleas from the plains of Whiterun, from the forests of Falkreath. We felt Fastred’s yearning to see the world, to accompany a world-renowned band of adventurers on their adventures.”
Jofthor: “You expect me to believe that you came all this way because you heard my daughter’s heart calling? That’s preposterous!”
Uthgerd: “Jon’s many things, Jofthor, but he’s not a liar. If he says that’s what brought us here, then that’s the truth.”
Bassianus Axius: “Jofthor, I know we’ve had our differences, but I love your daughter.”
Jon: “Jofthor, sir, look at this man, Bassianus, all decked out in Elven armor, with an expensive weapon at his hip. He’s ready to take on the world. And you dared to call him worthless?”
Jofthor: “You think some fancy armor and a weapon make a man worthy? It takes more than that to prove yourself, boy.”
Fastred: “Papa, please! Just listen to what they have to say.”
Jon: “Jofthor, I understand. Your daughter has a lovely figure, and her face is so youthful and beauteous that you’d want to stare at her all day and fantasize about how wonderful it’d be to hold her in your arms. Who would want to give away a lass like that? You’d want to keep her for yourself, for the rest of your life.”
Jofthor: “Excuse me? What are you trying to say, elf? You think I want to keep my daughter locked away for my own selfish desires?”
Fastred: “Papa, I’m sure that’s not what he meant.”
Bassianus Axius: “Look, Jofthor, Jon may not have the best way with words, but he’s right about one thing. Fastred deserves to see the world, and I want to be the one to show it to her.”
Jon: “Old man, you cannot raise walls against love. If you try to do so, your daughter will hate you for the rest of her life. Is that what you want?”
Jofthor: “You’ve got a lot of nerve coming into my home and telling me how to raise my daughter.”
Fastred: “No, Papa, he’s right. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life hating you, but I will if you keep me locked up here in Ivarstead.”
Jenassa: “Perhaps we should all take a moment to calm down and discuss this rationally.”
Jofthor: “And who are you? Another one of these so-called Frostpeak Stalkers?”
Jenassa: “My name is Jenassa, and yes, I am a member of the Frostpeak Stalkers.”
Jon: “Hey, Jofthor, you better not use such a tone when speaking to Jenassa. This one, with her fit figure and dusky skin, can kill anyone she wants at any moment, as she has done many, many times during our adventures. When you stare into those crimson-blood eyes of hers, you may as well be staring down Death itself.”
Jofthor: “Is that a threat, elf? Because it sure sounds like one.”
Jenassa: “Jon, please. Let’s not make this any more difficult than it needs to be.”
Fastred: “Papa, I love you, but I can’t keep living my life for you. I want to see the world, to go on adventures with Bassianus and the Frostpeak Stalkers.”

Jofthor: “And what happens when you get yourself killed out there, Fastred?”
Jon: “We’ll bury her, say our last rites, maybe shed some tears because we’ll never see that gorgeous figure and face again. Then we’ll pick up our swords and keep fighting beyond the day when we’ll forget that Fastred ever existed. That’s the way of the warrior.”
Jofthor: “You want me to just forget about my own daughter if she dies? What kind of heartless monster are you?”
Fastred: “Papa, please. I know the risks, and I’m willing to take them. It’s my life, and I want to live it to the fullest.”
Bassianus Axius: “Jofthor, I swear on my life that I’ll protect Fastred with everything I have.”
Jon: “Jofthor, sir, your daughter’s fate is for some strong man to steal her away from you. Even though she was once your darling little daughter, she will belong to another man who will take care of her, hold her in his arms, and make love to her over and over. She will learn to call someone else ‘papa.'”
Jofthor: “Now listen here, you pointy-eared bastard. I won’t have you talking about my daughter that way.”
Jon: “By the way, how old are you, Fastred?”
Fastred: “I’m fifteen.”
Uthgerd: “Jon, maybe it’s time we leave these people be. This isn’t our fight.”
Bassianus Axius: “This is my fight. Jofthor, I understand you’re angry, but that doesn’t give you the right to attack my friend.”
Jon: “That’s right. Even though I met Bassianus just today, and the first two things he did was disrespect me and pull a knife on me, we’re already friends. He’s also a member of the Frostpeak Stalkers. By rights, he’s going to take away your beloved daughter so we can all go together on a multitude of adventures, and you can do nothing about it but cry like a little bitch.”

Ria took Fastred into her arms while her father glared at me, teary-eyed.

Jon: “Jofthor, you’ve always known it was coming, and today is the day your darling daughter finally abandons you. Perhaps you will never see her again. Perhaps she’ll visit you one day round with child, but it won’t be yours.”

Jofthor clenched his fists, shaking with anger.

Fastred: “Papa, please. I know this isn’t easy for you, but it’s my life.”
Jon: “As of today, your daughter Fastred is a member of Frostpeak Stalkers. She will take on the evils of this world, accompanying us on many adventures, and everybody is going to be happy about it except for you.”
Jofthor: “You… You…”
Fastred: “Goodbye, Papa. I love you, but this is something I have to do.”

Fastred took Bassianus’ hand. We all turned our backs on her old man, and walked away.

Jon: “That conversation went wonderfully, I must say. Welcome, Fastred, to the ranks of Frostpeak Stalkers!”
Fastred: “Thank you, Jon! I’m so excited to join you all on your adventures. I’ve always dreamed of exploring the world beyond Ivarstead.”
Bassianus Axius: “Fastred, I’m glad you decided to come with us. I promise I’ll keep you safe out there.”
Ria: “It’s great to have you both with us!”
Jon: “Yeah, Fastred, and I’ll never get tired of looking at that pretty face of yours. By the way, what kind of martial weapons are you good with? Swords, maces, axes? Bows, crossbows?”
Fastred: “Well, I’ve always been pretty good with a bow. My father taught me how to hunt with one when I was younger. So I guess you could say I’m a decent shot!”
Bassianus Axius: “She’s being modest. I’ve seen Fastred take down a deer from fifty yards away. She’s an excellent marksman.”
Jon: “Hey, look at that, we’ve gotten ourselves a dedicated archer. Isn’t that wonderful?”
Ria: “Absolutely! Every adventuring group needs a skilled archer. Welcome to the team, Fastred!”
Jenassa: “A bow-woman will be a good addition to our group. Let’s make sure she has proper equipment.”
Uthgerd: “Fastred, you’ll need to work on your strength and endurance to keep up with us.”
Bassianus Axius: “She may be young, but she’s got the heart of a true adventurer. Fastred is more than prepared for this life.”
Ria: “Age is just a number anyway. The fact that Fastred is here with us now says a lot about her bravery and determination.”
Jon: “Well, Bassianus, Fastred, I must say, as the leader of the world-renowned Frostpeak Stalkers, that when I came to the little town of Ivarstead, I hadn’t expected to make two new friends, never mind two friends that are in love with each other. I feel that bringing you together has made up for plenty of the evil I have committed over the years, so I’m glad to welcome you into our ranks.”
Fastred: “Thank you so much, Jon! That means a lot to us. We won’t let you down!
Bassianus Axius: “We’re honored to be a part of your team, Jon. We’ll fight by your side and prove our worth.”
Uthgerd: “Haha, listen to Jon getting all sentimental! But he’s right, this is a good thing we’ve done today.”

The sun had set, so we grabbed Alva and gathered at the town’s entrance.

Jon: “Let’s be off onto further adventures. Onward, Frostpeak Stalkers!”

As we put more and more distance between Ivarstead and ourselves, something was nagging at the back of my mind. Had I forgotten to buy something? No, there wasn’t even a store in town. What then…? Ah, Lynly, that pretty bard. I hadn’t even said goodbye to her. Oh well, there must be plenty of good-looking women in Riften.

Jon: “Fastred, Bassianus, I bet that when you woke up this morning, you didn’t expect that by the end of the day, you’d belong to a world-famous band of adventurers.”
Fastred: “Oh, I don’t know about famous, but I’m just so excited to be part of something bigger than Ivarstead!”
Bassianus Axius: “Famous or not, it’s a chance to prove ourselves. And to be honest, I like the sound of Frostpeak Stalkers. It’s got a nice ring to it.”
Uthgerd: “Hah! You two have spirit, I’ll give you that.”
Jon: “Well, let me introduce the two of you to this pale beauty beside me. Her name is Alva, and she hails from Morthal, a little marshy town to the northwest.”
Alva: “Charmed, I’m sure.”
Fastred: “A pleasure to meet you, Alva! I’ve never been to Morthal. What’s it like?”
Alva: “Oh, you know. Marshy.”
Bassianus Axius: “You’re… You’re a vampire, aren’t you?”
Jon: “How could you tell?”
Bassianus Axius: “I guess I just put that together.”
Fastred: “Wait, really? A real vampire?”
Alva: “Yes, it’s true. I am a vampire.”
Ria: “And a valuable member of our team. We’ve fought beside Alva, and she’s proven herself time and time again.”
Jon: “I guess that the presence of a vampire in our group is uncanny to a pair of villagers, but when you’re a renowned adventurer, you end up engaging with people from all walks of life. What matters in the end is how willing those people are to fight on your side and have your back.”
Bassianus Axius: “I… suppose you’re right. It’s just a lot to take in.”
Fastred: “It’s a different world, for sure. But… I think I can handle it.”
Alva: “You’ll get used to it. And me. Eventually.”
Uthgerd: “Hah! Listen to Jon. He talks pretty, but he’s right. In this life, it’s about who you can count on.”
Jon: “Yes. From now on, you two are going to witness many of the strange wonders that Tamriel has to offer.”
Fastred: “I can’t wait to see them all!”
Bassianus Axius: “I’m ready for whatever comes our way.”
Alva: “Just remember, not all wonders are beautiful. Some are… quite the opposite.”
Ria: “But that’s why we stick together. To face whatever strangeness comes our way.”

Along the way, we were interrupted by skeevers, by wolves, by a dog-sized frostbite spider, and a squad of goblins, those delightful semi-sentient guys who love to kidnap women and use them as broodmares. Fastred and Bassianus were nervous about the trouble one found on the road, but they had great bodyguards.

Jon: “Hey, do you want me to recount one of our latest adventures, so you know what you’ve gotten yourselves into?”
Bassianus Axius: “I’d love to hear more about your adventures. It’ll give us an idea of what to expect.”
Fastred: “Yes, please! Tell us a story!”
Uthgerd: “Let’s see if these two can handle a tale of the Frostpeak Stalkers.”
Alva: “Oh, I know just the one.”
Jon: “Oh, Alva, what tale do you want to bring up?”
Alva: “Well, I was thinking about the time we cleared out that den of monsters. Remember, Jon?”
Uthgerd: “Oh, that was a night. We fought through hordes of creatures, side by side.”
Fastred: “Wow, that sounds incredible!”
Bassianus Axius: “I can’t wait to be part of something like that.”
Jon: “Of all the stories you could have brought up, you came up with a fake one. That supposed den of monsters in the Whiterun hold was composed of a single saber cat. We took that job from a missive board, and we ended up facing one solitary saber cat that we proceeded to slaughter. Contract over.”
Alva: “Oh, right. I guess that story wasn’t as exciting as I remembered.”
Uthgerd: “Hah! Not every contract is a grand adventure. Sometimes it’s just a big cat.”
Fastred: “Still, it’s more than I’ve ever done.”
Bassianus Axius: “Maybe our first adventure will be something grander.”
Jon: “Speaking of something grander, you see that huge greataxe on Uthgerd’s broad back? We stole that from a draugr overlord in the depths of an ancient ruin. We woke up every undead Nord along the way, and had to fight through all.”
Uthgerd: “Now that’s a story worth telling! We fought tooth and nail for this axe.”
Alva: “And the treasures we found… it was quite the haul.”
Fastred: “That sounds so exciting! I hope we have an adventure like that.”
Bassianus Axius: “I’m ready to fight for my own grand treasure.”
Jon: “I shall confess to you, Fastred and Bassianus, that as a team, Frostpeak Stalkers is working toward amassing enough money to buy our own house or land. We want a base of operations in which to plan our adventures and store our loot.”
Fastred: “Our own land? That sounds wonderful!”
Bassianus Axius: “A place to call our own… I like the sound of that.”
Alva: “It’s a good goal to work towards. We’ll need to take on more contracts to afford it.”
Uthgerd: “And with these two joining us, we’ll be able to take on even more.”
Jon: “And you know, in a big house of our own, maybe two young lovers will have their own room in which to do naughty stuff, away from the disapproving eyes of the girl’s tyrannical father.”
Fastred: “Our own room? Oh, Bassianus, can you imagine?”
Bassianus: “It would be a dream come true.”
Alva: “Well, aren’t you two just the cutest thing.”
Uthgerd: “Just remember, walls can be thin. Keep that in mind.”
Jon: “Uthgerd, you say that, but you didn’t have in mind the thinness of the walls at the Bannered Mare the night you ravished me.”
Uthgerd: “Hah! That was different. And don’t you go telling tales, elf.”
Fastred: “Well, if the walls are thin, we’ll just have to be quiet, won’t we, Bassianus?”
Bassianus Axius: “I can be as quiet as a mouse if it means being with you.”
Jon: “Why don’t the two of you enlighten us on how you met? Make it cute.”
Fastred: “Oh, well, it was at the Vilemyr Inn, in Ivarstead. I had taken a break from helping out my parents at the farm, and Bassianus was there, looking all broody and mysterious.”
Bassianus Axius: “And then this beautiful girl walks up to me and just starts talking, like we’ve known each other for years.”
Fastred: “I couldn’t help it! You just looked so interesting.”
Alva: “That’s adorable.”
Jon: “Hey, Bassianus, did your heart leap at the sight of that button nose and those doe eyes of hers?”
Bassianus Axius: “It did more than leap. It damn near soared out of my chest.”
Fastred: “Oh, Bassianus, you’re so sweet.”
Alva: “It’s always heartwarming to see young love.”
Uthgerd: “Just remember, kid, treat her right. Or you’ll answer to me.”
Jon: “Have in mind, Bassianus, that the measure of Uthgerd’s ‘treating someone right’ is to pin that person on the bed and take away their innocence while glaring and grinning.”
Bassianus Axius: “I’ll… keep that in mind.”
Fastred: “Bassianus… are you blushing?”
Alva: “Oh, this is too much. You two are just precious.”