• Previous part (29)
• Next part (31)

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, most of the Frostpeak Stalkers returned to the Whiterun hold to intimidate some guy on behalf of Riften’s de facto ruler, Maven Black-Briar. My character was disappointed because he couldn’t castrate his target.

After instilling the fear of the gods and sharp implements in Mallus Maccius, we returned to the safety of Whiterun’s walls.

Alva: “A job well done, if I do say so myself. Whiterun feels like a second home now, doesn’t it?”
Bassianus: “It certainly does, Alva. I never thought I’d find a place that feels as welcoming as this.”
Fastred: “I’m just glad to be a part of this group. I’ve learned so much already.”
Uthgerd: “It’s good to be back in Whiterun. Now, let’s see what other adventures await us!”
Jon: “Sapphire, the plains and open space of the Whiterun hold must feel quite different to Riften’s shadows and dim taverns, right?”
Sapphire: “The change of scenery is certainly refreshing, Jon. The Ratway has its charms, but there’s something about the open sky that’s hard to resist.”
Alva: “I couldn’t agree more. The night air in Whiterun is so much more invigorating than stuffy cellars.”
Bassianus: “There’s a certain freedom that comes with being out in the open, even if it does come with its own set of challenges.”
Uthgerd: “The open spaces are perfect for honing our combat skills. No more cramped quarters to hold us back!”
Jon: “Alva, do you prefer Whiterun to your old hunting ground of Morthal?”
Alva: “Oh, without a doubt, Jon. Morthal held a certain charm, but it was also filled with dark memories and a life I’d rather leave behind. Whiterun, on the other hand, has been a place of growth and new experiences for me.”

Fastred: “It’s amazing how a change of scenery can bring about such positive change, isn’t it?”
Jon: “Well, now that we have found ourselves in Whiterun with nothing in particular to do, what I propose is to meet the jarl and offer our services, see if he can point us at some bandit camp to destroy in an official capacity.”
Uthgerd: “That’s a fine idea, Jon. We could use a good fight to keep our skills sharp.”
Alva: “And it wouldn’t hurt to have the jarl’s favor, either.”
Sapphire: “True, having friends in high places can be beneficial for our future endeavors.”
Fastred: “I’ve never met a Jarl before. This should be an interesting experience.”

It must have been about nine at night when we walked our way up to Dragonsreach, the majestic seat of power in Whiterun. The throne was empty. Beside it stood a Dunmer woman whom I had seen before protecting the jarl. She looked even more dangerous than Jenassa.

Jon: “I suppose you are the jarl’s bodyguard. Am I incorrect in that assessment?”
Irileth: “You are indeed incorrect. I am the housecarl to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. It is my duty to protect him and ensure his safety.”

Uthgerd: “And a fine job you do, Irileth. I’ve heard tales of your prowess in battle.”
Jon: “Nice to meet you. My name is Jon, and I’m the leader of this wonderful band of adventurers called Frostpeak Stalkers. We are quite renowned in the Whiterun and Falkreath holds, and in The Rift as of late. We came to offer our services to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, so he can point us to bandits that need to be murdered.”
Irileth: “Is that so? Well, your reputation precedes you, Jon. But I must warn you, the jarl is a busy man. He may not have time for every adventurer that comes knocking.”
Uthgerd: “We’re not just any adventurers, Irileth. We’re the Frostpeak Stalkers. We’ve taken down dragons and ancient evils. We’ve earned our keep.”
Fastred: “And we’re ready to help in any way we can.”
Jon: “Well, to be honest, Irileth, we have yet to take down a dragon, but my lovely companion Uthgerd the Unbroken here is very eager to do so, so she sort of made up that achievement.”
Irileth: “I see. Well, eagerness and anticipation are not the same as experience, Jon. But I admire your honesty.”
Uthgerd: “We’ll get there, Irileth. Mark my words.”
Alva: “And when we do, it will be a tale worth telling.”
Jenassa: “Until then, we’ll continue to prove ourselves in other ways.”
Jon: “Irileth, my beautiful gray-skinned companion Jenassa here is also a Dunmer, as you can tell. We are friends of the Dunmer and appreciate your presence here in Skyrim.”
Irileth: “It’s good to know that there are those in Skyrim who welcome the Dunmer.”
Jenassa: “We do what we can to prove ourselves, Irileth. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”
Fastred: “We’re all in this together, regardless of where we come from.”
Jon: “Well, it seems that Jarl Balgruuf the Greater has retired for the night. It is quite late, after all. I apologize for coming in unannounced, and we shall return tomorrow.”
Irileth: “Indeed, the Jarl has retired for the night. But I will inform him of your presence and your offer. Come back tomorrow, and we’ll see if he’s willing to meet with you.”

Back at the Bannered Mare, Whiterun’s sole inn, we were able to kick back with a nice dinner and a few drinks.

Alva: “It’s been a pleasant evening. The mead was particularly refreshing.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, nothing like a good drink to warm the blood. Though, I prefer something stronger than mead.”
Alva: “To each their own, Uthgerd. I find that the sweetness of the mead complements the bitterness of the night.”
Uthgerd: “Hah! You vampires and your poetic talk. I’ll stick to my ale, thank you very much.”
Jon: “Let me say, Alva: your performance as my pretend wife was quite riveting. I really bought that you were married to a boring imbecile, which had pushed you toward wanting more attention from shady characters.”
Alva: “Why thank you, Jon. I do pride myself on my acting skills.”
Jon: “Uthgerd, I don’t know how much you witnessed of Alva’s seduction, but take a good look at her, those glimmering vampire eyes of hers, that perfect pale skin and those full lips. Don’t you find her delightful?”
Uthgerd: “I’ll admit, she’s got a certain charm. But I’m not one for pretty faces.”
Alva: “Oh Uthgerd, you’re such a brute. But I appreciate your honesty.”
Uthgerd: “Brutal honesty, that’s my way. Now, let’s talk about something else. This girly talk is making me itch.”
Alva: “Fine, fine. What would you like to discuss then?”
Uthgerd: “Let’s talk about our next adventure. I’m itching for a good fight.”
Alva: “Always so eager for battle. But I agree, we should plan our next move.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, no point in sitting around here getting soft. There’s always some trouble brewing in these lands.”
Alva: “True enough. Perhaps we could take on a dragon?”
Uthgerd: “Now you’re talking! A dragon hunt would be just the thing to get our blood pumping.”
Jon: “Regarding the excitement for tonight… Hey Alva, how about you try your unparalleled seductive charms on Uthgerd the Unbroken here? Let’s see if she can resist you.”
Alva: “Oh, I don’t know Jon. Uthgerd seems quite immune to my charms.”
Uthgerd: “Ha! You think you can seduce me, vampire? I’ve resisted far more tempting offers.”
Alva: “Well, it was worth a try.”
Uthgerd: “You’re not my type, Alva. I prefer my women with a bit more meat on their bones.”
Alva: “To each their own, I suppose. But I do enjoy a challenge.”
Jon: “Let me tell you, Uthgerd, that our lovely companion Alva confessed to me that she would love to feel your strong hands caressing her while we’re doing the deed.”
Uthgerd: “What? You’re joking, right? No, I don’t believe it. This is another one of your games, isn’t it?”
Alva: “Actually, Uthgerd, I find you quite intriguing. Your strength, your determination… It’s quite attractive.”
Uthgerd: “Attractive? Me? I… I don’t know what to say.”
Jon: “Uthgerd, picture it: we’re upstairs in the bed where you ravished me twice. Imagine yourself dominating me with your fearsome strength while Alva, behind you, licks your neck and ears as she fondles your firm breasts. Feel her hard nipples digging into your back muscles. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
Alva: “My, Jon, you certainly have a vivid imagination.”
Uthgerd: “I… That’s…”

I had never seen Uthgerd this red and flustered. She looked like a virginal teenager.

Alva: “Just think about it, Uthgerd. No need to answer now.”
Uthgerd: “I… I’ll consider it. But don’t think this means I’m going soft on you two.”
Alva: “Of course not, Uthgerd. We know you’re as tough as they come.”
Jon: “Uthgerd, I know we can’t expect you to be anything other than strong and sturdy and relentless even during a threesome. But imagine how the pleasure will be multiplied with Alva enhancing our lovemaking.”
Alva: “Jon, you make it sound so enticing.”
Uthgerd: “Enough of this talk! I… I need to think about it. I’m going to get some air.”
Alva: “Take your time. We’ll be upstairs when you’re ready.”
Jon: “Oh, I recognize that glint in your eyes, Uthgerd. You’ve gotten real warm down there, haven’t you?”
Uthgerd: “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Alva: “We’ll be waiting with bated breath, Uthgerd.”

Later that night, Uthgerd did knock on our door.

Next morning, I joined Uthgerd at the table where she was eating breakfast.

Jon: “How do you feel about what happened?”
Uthgerd: “Last night was… different. I’ve never been with a man and a woman at the same time before. It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. But… I trust you and Alva. I just hope this doesn’t change things between us. We’re comrades, first and foremost.”
Jon: “It has changed things in the sense that I now feel closer to you and Alva, like we’ve connected on a deeper level than with other human beings.”
Uthgerd: “I suppose there’s truth in that. We’ve shared something that most people never will. It’s a bond, of sorts. Just… promise me that it won’t interfere with our work. We’re still the Frostpeak Stalkers, and our mission comes first.”
Jon: “Don’t worry, Uthgerd, you are our invaluable tank, there to barrel against our enemies and make them crumble. Without you, the whole team might disintegrate.”
Uthgerd: “I’m glad you see it that way, Jon. I may be a tank, but I’m not invulnerable. I need to know that you and the others have my back, just as I have yours. Now, let’s get some rest. We’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
Jon: “Get some rest? It’s seven in the morning, and you woke up just a while ago. I guess you’re still dazzled from last night.”

Uthgerd rubbed her brows.

Uthgerd: “I’m not dazzled, I’m just trying to remember what it felt like to sleep without one eye open. You try sleeping next to Alva every night, see how well you rest.”
Jon: “Oh, please, you know already that you shouldn’t think of Alva that way. I have slept next to Alva plenty of nights. She feeds on my blood, and both of us fall asleep satisfied. It really isn’t a problem.”
Uthgerd: “I’ve never understood your relationship with Alva, and I don’t think I ever will. She feeds on you like you’re a snack, and you just… let her. It’s unnatural.”
Jon: “Well, surely after last night you understand the appeal of Alva’s charms, right? The way she drew pleasure out of you.”
Uthgerd: “That’s different. Last night was about pleasure, about exploration. What Alva does to you… it’s predatory. She takes from you, and you let her. I don’t like it.”
Jon: “Perhaps this is about you wanting to be the sole one to take and receive from me.”
Uthgerd: “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t want to take from you. I want to stand beside you, to fight with you. I’m not some leech, looking to drain you dry.”
Jon: “Well, I see that you have very complicated feelings regarding our relationships, and you didn’t sleep much last night. I hope you start feeling better throughout the day, Uthgerd.”
Uthgerd: “I’ll be fine, Jon. I just need a strong drink and a good fight to clear my head. That’s all I’ve ever needed.”

I walked over to Jenassa and Sapphire, my two ladies of the shadows, who were hanging out together near the hearth.

Jon: “This morning we’re meeting the jarl. Maybe he has some job for us.”
Sapphire: “Right, visiting the jarl. Got it. And what kind of job are we hoping for?”
Jenassa: “Bandit hunting, most likely.”
Sapphire: “Could be fun. I’ve never hunted bandits with a group before.”
Jenassa: “Just stick close and watch our backs. We’ll make short work of them.”
Jon: “It isn’t just fun, Sapphire, it’s usually quite profitable thanks to the valuables we loot from their corpses and chests. Like stealing, but legal.”
Sapphire: “Legal stealing? Now that’s something I can get behind.”

Jenassa: “It’s not stealing if the jarl sanctions it. It’s cleansing the land of vermin.”
Sapphire: “Vermin with valuable loot. I like the way you think, Jon.”
Jenassa: “Just don’t get too greedy. We need to stay focused on the task at hand.”

This time, when we showed up at Dragonsreach’s court room, we found Jarl Balgruuf the Greater seated on the throne, beside his housecarl Irileth.

Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “Welcome back to Dragonsreach. I see you’ve brought some familiar faces. What can I do for you today?”
Jon: “Let me introduce myself. My name is Jon. I am an Altmer, a High Elf from overseas. I came to Skyrim not too long ago, but I have formed a band of adventurers called Frostpeak Stalkers, which is composed of your local warrior Uthgerd the Unbroken, your local mercenary Jenassa, and some other members not present at the moment, who are similarly capable.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “Ah, yes, your group. I’ve heard tales of your exploits. What brings you to Dragonsreach today?”
Jon: “The matter is simple, jarl: we have proved ourselves in our adventures quite competent at eliminating bandits and clearing out cursed barrows. So you just have to point us in the direction of bandit camps you know nearby, and my group shall utterly obliterate them from the face of Tamriel.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “I see. Well, there is a matter that could use your particular set of skills. There’s a group of bandits that have been causing trouble along the trade routes. They’re well-armed, so we haven’t been able to root them out.”
Irileth: “Balgruuf, are you sure we can trust this to outsiders? This is a matter for Whiterun’s guards.”
Uthgerd: “With all due respect, Irileth, we’re not outsiders. We’re part of this city too. And we’ve proven ourselves.”

Jon: “Jarl Balgruuf, it would be better for you to lose a bunch of adventurers than your guards. And, you see, we love to murder bandits. They’re the scourge of this world. They ruin everything they touch. I shan’t tolerate them corrupting this beautiful hold and threatening your grand city. So please specify names and locations, and my band will head there and kill all of these bandits for you.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “You make a compelling argument. Very well. The bandits have been spotted near the hills to the west of Whiterun. They’re using the terrain to their advantage, making it hard for our guards to approach without being seen.”
Jenassa: “We’ll need more than that to go on. Any specific landmarks or features we should look for?”
Irileth: “A bit farther past the old watchtower.”
Uthgerd: “We’ll find them, Jarl Balgruuf. And we’ll make sure they don’t trouble Whiterun any longer.”
Jon: “We will travel westward toward the watchtower. I get a feeling that I already know what this bandit camp is supposed to be: we came across a fort taken over by bandits. Anyway, we’ll kill as many bandits as we can, Jarl Balgruuf. Perhaps I shall bring you a couple of their heads so you can mount them on a wall somewhere.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “That won’t be necessary. I don’t need trophies, just results.”
Irileth: “The Jarl is right. We need these bandits gone, not decorating our halls.”
Jenassa: “On that, we agree. We’ll take care of this, jarl. You have my word.”
Uthgerd: “We’ll head out immediately. The sooner we deal with this, the better.”

After preparing for the journey, we set off on the road towards a bandit camp that we had discovered some time ago, and that we had failed to clear out because it was swarming with enemies.

Jon: “I wanted to speak to the three of you, since you’re on your first bandit hunt.”
Fastred: “This will be my first time, that’s right. I’m excited to learn from the rest of you.”
Sapphire: “Well, I’ve dealt with my fair share of bandits before. They’re a common nuisance in Riften. But I’m looking forward to working with you all on this.”
Jon: “Listen, fighting against people isn’t like in the fairy tales. Sapphire already knows this. One nasty hit with a sword, or a lucky arrow, and you’re done.”
Sapphire: “He’s right. It’s nothing like the stories. You have to be prepared for anything.”
Bassianus: “I understand. We’ve seen some tough times in Ivarstead, but nothing like that.”
Fastred: “It’s a bit scary, but I’m ready to face it. We have to be strong, right?”
Sapphire: “Exactly. Stay focused, watch each other’s backs, and we’ll make it through.”

An elevated rock outcropping allowed us to hide and spy the the fort from a somewhat safe distance. It was time for our strategy meeting.

Jon: “Uthgerd, Jenassa and Sapphire, you three are our strongest warriors; I depend on you to be the heavy hitters. Bassianus and Fastred will play support. However, I don’t intend for us to assault the fort recklessly. I’ll try to enrage our enemies one by one with my Frenzy spell, which causes the target to go nuts and start attacking the people closest to them, which in this case will be other bandits. That way, we’ll whittle down their numbers.”
Uthgerd: “Good thinking, Jon. We’ll let them tear each other apart, then we’ll sweep in and finish off the rest. I’ll be right beside you, ready to take on any that come our way.”
Jenassa: “A solid plan. We’ll need to be careful not to get caught in the crossfire, though.”
Sapphire: “And I’ll be in the shadows, ready to strike when they least expect it. Jon, your spell work is impressive, but don’t get too cocky.”
Jon: “Alright, let’s get this thing going. Good luck, everybody.”
Uthgerd: “Right behind you, Jon. Let’s show these bandits what the Frostpeak Stalkers are made of!”
Jenassa: “Remember, we’re not just fighting for ourselves, but for each other. Watch each other’s backs out there.”
Sapphire: “I don’t need luck. I’ve got skills. But sure, good luck to you all too. Let’s do this.”

I targeted the archers who were patrolling the top of the walls. When affected by the spell, they whirled around and started shooting at their comrades, who promptly ganged up on them and cut them down. The bandits seemed confused about why their own members were attacking them.

Uthgerd: “Ha! Your magic is working like a charm, Jon. They’re dropping like flies. Keep it up!”
Jenassa: “That’s two down, but there’s more where they came from. I can see movement on the other side of the fort.”
Sapphire: “They’re starting to catch on. We better move fast before they realize what’s happening.”
Jon: “I have counted at least ten bandits. They outnumber us and they’re protected by a fort. I have to whittle them down further.”

With three of their members down, the remaining bandits amplified their radius of search. Five or six of them left the fort and navigated around the chevaux de frise, defensive obstacles, to try to locate who was messing with them.

Jon: “Keep down.”
Uthgerd: “There aren’t that many outside. I like the odds. But you’re right, we need to be smart about this.”
Jenassa: “They may have numbers, but we have strategy. Let’s keep our distance and pick them off one by one.”
Sapphire: “I’m used to working in the shadows, not in broad daylight. But I’ll manage. Just don’t expect me to charge in like a bull.”
Jon: “Took down another one.”
Uthgerd: “Keep it up, Jon. Your magic is giving us a real advantage here.”
Sapphire: “They’re on edge, which means they’ll make mistakes. That’s when we’ll strike. Keep your eyes open for any opportunities.”

An arrow whistled past Sapphire. The group of bandits that had abandoned the safety of the fort started shouting. Utgherd and Jenassa jumped out of their hiding spots to meet them. What followed was the chaos of battle: I spotted a couple of bandit magicians, and I focused on taking them down with my staff of lightning while my heavy hitters confronted the bandits’ heavy-armored frontliners. I got a glimpse of Fastred letting arrows fly. After the bandits’ mages and markmen lay dead, I prepared my group-healing spell to bolster our front line. I saw Uthgerd bleeding from her head, kneeling on the grass, one hand planted for balance. After I healed her, she sprang forward into the fray again.

In the end, the entrance of the fort had become a field of blood and corpses, thankfully all of them belonging to the bandits.

Jon: “My goodness. For a moment I thought that not all of us would survive this battle. That was an incredible assault.”
Uthgerd: “We’re all here, Jon. A few scratches, but nothing we can’t handle. That was some fight!”
Jenassa: “Yes, we made it. Your spells really turned the tide. I’ve never seen bandits so disorganized.”
Sapphire: “Not bad, Jon. Not bad at all. But let’s not get too comfortable. There’s always more trouble around the corner.”

We walked into the fort’s courtyard, but nobody came to meet us. We explored the corner towers. In one, we surprised three bandits while they were eating. It didn’t end well for them.

My trainees from Ivarsteed looked quite shook. I approached them with a smile.

Jon: “How did it taste, your first true battle?”
Fastred: “It was… intense. I’ve never seen so much blood. But I’m glad we made it through together.”
Bassianus: “Yeah, it’s not exactly what I expected either. It’s one thing to dream about adventure, but the reality of it is something else entirely.”
Fastred: “I just hope it gets easier with time. I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Bassianus: “We won’t let each other down. We’re in this together, right?”
Jon: “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but for me it was exhilarating. I live for this kind of shit: taking down bad guys, then finding out, after the blood has pooled, that my companions and I are the ones left standing.”
Fastred: “I can see how it would be exhilarating for you, Jon. You’re so confident and skilled in battle.”
Bassianus: “Yeah, I’ve got to admit, it was pretty impressive watching you take them down, Jon.”
Fastred: “Maybe with more experience, we’ll feel that same rush too.”
Bassianus: “As long as we keep learning and growing, I’m sure we’ll get there. But it’s good to know we’ve got a strong leader like Jon to guide us.”
Jon: “I hope you know this, but you’re no longer villagers from Ivarstead. The two of you are warriors.”
Fastred: “Warriors… I like the sound of that.”
Bassianus: “It’s going to take some getting used to, but I’m ready to embrace it.”
Fastred: “We’ve come a long way from our simple lives in Ivarstead, haven’t we?”
Bassianus: “That’s for sure. But I wouldn’t want to go back, not after tasting adventure like this.”
Fastred: “This is just the beginning for us, Bassianus.”

To clear out the whole fort of bandits, we would need to venture into its main building. We had no clue what dangers we would face.