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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 mighty Frostpeak Stalkers lazed about for a week in the small estate they bought with their adventuring money. The band’s members bonded further. When the week of fucking around ended, they were broke, so they decided to follow a rumor about some necromancers holed up at a place called Brittleshin Pass, that may grant the team good loot.

As soon as we entered the cave system, I asked my teammates to wait while I went invisible with a spell. I sneaked up ahead and past a corner, to find myself facing a necromancer and their raised skeleton. My “ghostwalk” spell would teleport me to my origin point after some time ran out or I fired another spell, so I chose to enrage the necromancer’s summon against them. As they fought each other, my team pounced upon the guard, making short work out of them.

While we looted the corpses, a headless draugr shambled up some stairs at the end of that corridor. I blasted it away with a couple of elemental bombs. But two more undead followed it. The Frostpeak Stalkers pushed forward. As my teammates hacked and shot arrows at our enemies, I got a good look of about fifteen undead gathered before an altar. If I failed to thin down that group, my team would be in trouble, so I shot elemental bombs for some good area-of-effect damage.

The frontliners were mowing those undead efficiently, but I realized two of my teammates had been incapacitated. I spotted the culprit: a bigger-than-normal skeleton enveloped in a bluish aura, and that kept sniping at us with magic-imbued arrows. I had no clue what sort of enemy that was nor was I sure how to defeat it. After I healed a few teammates, I shot at the skeleton from behind thick pillars. A single arrow hit me, and it took two of my best health potions to recover. A few straggling undead were keeping my frontliners busy. By the time Uthgerd reached the skeleton bowman, he had almost crumbled. It took a couple of elemental bombs exploding close for it to fall.

I healed my companions. I was about to bring up the possibility of retreating: we hadn’t come across the main necromancers, but plenty of us had already narrowly avoided dying, including myself. That’s when one of the big-shot necromancers came running out of the depths of the cave with a peculiar staff in hand. She got some good shots at my frontliners; I had to stop fighting to heal Uthgerd and Ria. I recall that necromancer’s last moments: a couple of arrows, shot by Fastred, stuck out of her as the necromancer retreated towards a wall, facing two of my heavy-hitters. At melee range, the necromancer was unleashing strong Destruction magic at Uthgerd, blasting her backwards, when I shot the necromancer with a Backlash spell, which interrupted my enemy’s magic, redirecting its flow toward herself. The necromancer fell dead, hit by her own spell.

We faced three or so other necromancers upstairs, and it involved fighting on a narrow rock bridge, but my team defeated them before I could provide proper support due to the terrain.

As I recovered my breath by the corpse of one of the necromancers, Alva approached me and put her hand on my back.

Jon: “Maybe taking that week off to settle down and fuck around in our newly-acquired home was a terrible mistake, because these necromancers almost murdered us all. There were a few times when I had no clue how we survived.”
Alva: “Oh, don’t be so dramatic, Jon. We’ve faced worse than a few bony conjurers, and we’ll face worse still. That week was exactly what we needed: time to breathe, to bond. It made us stronger, not weaker. Now, let’s see what treasures these necromancers were hoarding. Perhaps a new trinket or two will make you feel better about our little vacation.”
Jon: “You’re far more optimistic than me. I repeatedly came across some of our teammates on the ground, and it was only due to my healing spell that they leaped to their feet.”
Alva: “Stop fretting. We’re all still here, aren’t we? Your healing spells, my claws, Uthgerd’s axe… we all play our parts. Now, let’s not dwell on what could have happened. We’ve got necromancers to disarm and treasure to claim. And when we’re done, I think we owe ourselves a little celebration for a job well done.”
Jon: “I’m so glad, Alva, that you are always ready to offer me a perspective on how the prospect of dying isn’t so terrible.”
Alva: “Oh, darling, you know I live for the thrill of danger. A little dance with death just makes the heart beat faster. But you have to admit, it’s been a good night.”

The Frostpeak Stalkers gathered amid corpses and the scars of spell impacts.

Jon: “My friends, once again we have survived against all odds. I say so because there were a few times throughout this fierce battle against necromancers, ones tougher than anticipated, that I thought we were done for.”
Ria: “It was intense, no doubt about it. But we pulled through. We always do.”
Bassianus: “I never thought I’d be fighting necromancers when I joined you guys. It’s… different.”
Sapphire: “Different is right. But it’s never boring, I’ll give you that.”

One piece of loot, wrenched from a dead necromancer’s grip, made the risk worth it.

Jon: “Well, this must be the finest loot we have ever come across: the Staff of Hasedoki. Check out its enchantment: if the target dies within 69 seconds, it traps its soul. The staff also knocks back the target on impact, and while not attacking, the staff creates a ward that protects against spells for up to 46 points.”
Uthgerd: “69 seconds, huh? Someone’s got a sick sense of humor.”
Ria: “That’s… an odd enchantment. But hey, it sounds powerful. Could come in handy.”
Alva: “Oh, I do love a good staff. This Hasedoki’s creation sounds particularly… entertaining.”
Bassianus: “Sounds like a nasty piece of work. Nasty, but effective.”
Sapphire: “A ward against spells, too? That could be real useful in our line of work.”
Jon: “Hey Fastred, are you doing okay? You’ve been quite silent.”
Fastred: “I’m… I’m alright. Just trying to wrap my head around all this. It’s a lot to take in.”
Uthgerd: “It’s never easy, kid. But you’re doing fine.”
Ria: “Yeah, don’t worry Fastred. We’ve all been where you are. Oh, darling, you’re doing wonderfully. Don’t let the grim reality get you down.”
Bassianus: “We’re here for you, Fastred. You’re not alone in this.”

My team comforted Fastred while she did her best to seem unfazed by the carnage and the nearly-dying.

Jon: “To be honest, I thought this operation would be a walk in the park. A cave with a couple of necromancers; how bad could it be? Well, apparently it could be absolutely terrible. That was one nasty horde of skeletons and zombies. And that glowing skeleton bowman, what the fuck was up with it? Not to mention how powerful that one necromancer was with her special staff.”
Uthgerd: “A walk in the park? Ha! When has it ever been a walk in the park with us?”
Jon: “It has seemed that way sometimes.”
Ria: “True, Jon. We should’ve known better. But hey, we survived. That’s what counts.”
Alva: “Oh, it was absolutely delightful. The stench of death, the thrill of battle…”
Bassianus: “I… I didn’t expect it to be this intense. But we made it through. That’s something.”
Sapphire: “Never underestimate a necromancer, Jon. They’re always full of surprises.”
Jon: “For sure, I will never underestimate a necromancer again, but let me tell you all: we’re going to keep saying ‘we survived’ after every battle, because only if we survived we would be able to say that we survived. Otherwise, we would all have died.”
Uthgerd: “That’s one way to look at it. But we’re not planning on dying anytime soon, are we?”
Ria: “No, we’re not. We’re the Frostpeak Stalkers. We’re survivors.”
Alva: “Oh, death isn’t the end, Jon. For some of us, it’s just a new beginning. But I do enjoy our little adventures together, even if we’re all still… breathing.”
Jon: “Well, Alva, I suppose that if we find ourselves with absolutely no way out, a moment away from dying, you can just turn that person into a vampire. At least he or she will get to enjoy an undead life full of adventures.”
Alva: “Oh, my dear Jon, I wish it were that simple. But I’m afraid turning someone into a vampire isn’t a decision to be made lightly.”
Uthgerd: “Besides, who says we want to be vampires? Yeah, count me out of the whole undead thing. I like my heart beating, thank you very much.”
Sapphire: “As much as I love a good thrill, I think I’ll pass on the whole vampire thing.”
Jon: “Well, I’d rather become a vampire than die.”
Uthgerd: “Let’s just make sure it doesn’t come to that.”
Ria: “I agree. Let’s focus on staying alive, alright?”
Alva: “Don’t worry, Jon. If it ever comes to that, I’ll make sure you’re not alone in the dark.”
Bassianus: “Can we talk about something else? This conversation’s getting a bit too morbid for my liking.”

Upstairs, as we looted through the corpses, I hoped to dispel the seriousness that kept us quiet.

Jon: “How about we talk about the mindset of a powerful enchanter that went out of his or her way to make an enchantment that lasted exactly 69 seconds?”
Uthgerd: “I’m pretty sure they were just having a laugh. Or maybe they were just really… really into their work.”
Ria: “Maybe they were trying to send a message? Or it could just be a weird coincidence.”
Alva: “Oh, I do love a good enchantment, but I have to admit, this one does make me raise an eyebrow.”
Bassianus: “Well, someone definitely has a sense of humor. Or a very active imagination.”
Jon: “Indeed. Whoever of us ends up wielding the Staff of Hasedoki will have some interesting visual images to deal with while they’re trying to fight.”
Uthgerd: “I don’t even want to think about what kind of images you’re talking about. Let’s just use the staff and forget about the rest.”
Ria: “Agreed. Let’s just focus on the task at hand.”
Alva: “Oh, don’t be such spoilsports. A little imagination never hurt anyone.”

At one point I lifted my gaze only to find myself being grinned at by a young woman standing inside a cage. She was wearing fur armor, had shoulder-length blonde hair, and a nasty burn scar marred half of her face.

Jon: “Wait a second, someone’s alive inside that cage. A potential sacrifice victim for the necromancers, I suppose.”
Uthgerd: “Well, let’s get her out then.”
Ria: “Poor soul. She must be terrified.”
Alva: “Oh, how delightfully morbid. Keeping a live one for later…”

After I lockpicked the cage open, the woman remained inside, smiling at me as if we were playing around.

Jon: “Hey miss, what’s up with you? Those necromancers were going to use you as a sacrificial victim, right?”
Zora Fair-Child: “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my gallant hero! And yes, you’re absolutely right. Those vile necromancers captured me, yet again. I’ve lost count of how many times this has happened. You’d think they’d learn by now that I’m not exactly prime material for their dark rituals, thanks to this. But I suppose I should thank them. After all, their poor judgment led me to you!”
Uthgerd: “Hah! Looks like you’ve got quite the story to tell. But let’s not get too cozy here. There’s always more trouble lurking around the corner in these caves.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Hello there! If you’re looking for a new adventuring companion, I’d be more than happy to join you. After all, it’s the least I can do to repay you for saving me. And maybe together we can figure out why I keep getting captured by these blasted necromancers!”
Jon: “I am ecstatic about the fact that a competent-looking woman like you, or anyone at all, would want to join my band of adventurers, but do you truly have no idea why these necromancers, or any necromancers for that matter, kept capturing you?”
Zora Fair-Child: “Well, it’s a bit of a long story, but it all started when I lost my… fair visage. You see, this burn mark on my face? It’s the reason I’m no longer considered a suitable subject for their rituals. But apparently not all necromancers got the memo, and they keep trying to capture me!”

Uthgerd: “Hah! I like you. You’ve got guts, kid. Maybe you’ll be able to toughen up this wispy elf here. What do you say, Jon? Should we bring this one along?”
Jon: “I’d love to bring this one along, but what the hell is up with ‘wispy elf’ shit? Wispy? I would have never thought that someone would wield such an adjective against me.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Well, with a strapping woman like her by your side, I suppose anyone might seem a bit wispy in comparison! But don’t worry, I’m sure you’re tougher than you look.”
Ria: “Hey, what’s going on here? Did I hear something about a new recruit for our little band?”
Jon: “Yes, Ria. Apparently this blond woman that keeps getting captured by necromancers wants to join us, the wonderful, world-renowned Frostpeak Stalkers.”
Ria: “Well, if she’s survived multiple captures by necromancers, she must have some serious guts! I say we give her a chance.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Oh, thank you! You won’t regret it, I promise. I may not be much of a fighter, but I can certainly offer moral support and witty banter!”

This “not much of a fighter” had a greatsword strapped to her back.

Jon: “You said you’re not a fighter?”
Zora Fair-Child: “Well, I didn’t say I’m not a fighter. I just haven’t had much experience with combat, what with being captured all the time. But I’m a quick learner, and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty!”
Alva: “You know, Jon, I think she’ll make a fine addition to our group. After all, we can’t all be fierce warriors like Uthgerd here. A little variety might do us some good.”
Jon: “I, a wispy elf, happen to be the leader of this ragtag bunch of murderous people. As for you, miss, even though that conspicuous burn covers half of your face, you’re still quite beautiful, your hair is very pretty, and I like the spark in your eyes. I welcome you to the Frostpeak Stalkers. Maybe you’ll get to test the sturdiness of our beds.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Oh my, you certainly have a way with words, Jon! I’m flattered that you find me beautiful, despite my marred face. And I must say, you’re quite handsome yourself, for an elf.”

I loved this one already.

Uthgerd: “Careful there. Our leader here might seem like a charmer, but he’s got a bit of a reputation. But I suppose that’s part of his charm, isn’t it?”
Jon: “Yes, I suppose that the best word to describe my reputation is ‘philanderer.'”
Alva: “Well, if we’re being honest, I think we’re all here because we find a certain charm in Jon’s roguish ways.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Indeed, there’s something exciting about following a leader with a bit of a wild streak. It keeps things interesting!”
Jon: “Well, you beautiful woman despite that scar, let’s get you out of that cage. After we gather the remaining loot, let’s just head home.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Lead the way, my gallant hero! I’m eager to see what other adventures await us.”
Ria: “Just be careful not to get too starry-eyed, Zora. We’ve got a lot of fighting and danger ahead of us. But I suppose that’s half the fun, isn’t it?”

Weighed down with loot, like in other profitable outings, we exited the mountain pass and returned to the road. As we headed home, we were bothered by a few suicidal skeevers, but even the new woman contributed to obliterating them.

Jon: “This has been a wonderful evening. We conquered the hideout of a bunch of nasty necromancers, we defeated a whole bunch of zombies and skeletons, we gained a very powerful staff, and we recruited this Zora Fair-Child, who despite being a little kooky, seems cool.”
Uthgerd: “‘Little cookie’? Ha! She might be small, but she’s got the heart of a true Nord. I’ve seen her swing that greatsword like it’s nothing. She’ll fit right in.”
Alva: “Oh, don’t be so quick to judge, Uthgerd. Everyone’s got their secrets and surprises. Even the cute ones.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Thanks. I may look sweet, but I can assure you, I’m far from a delicate little treat. I’ve got scars and stories that would make even the toughest Nord shiver.”
Jon: “Anyway, never mind the interruption by that poor wolf that found itself severely overmatched.”
Sapphire: “Can’t let a few mangy beasts slow us down.”
Alva: “Indeed. Every challenge we face just makes us stronger. And as for the wolf, it’s the way of the wild. The strong survive.”
Jon: “Let’s continue toward our beautiful new home, Tundra Homestead, where we’ll store our loot, eat a warm dinner, and hopefully find some comfort and joy in bed.”
Sapphire: “A warm dinner and a soft bed sound like heaven after the day we’ve had.”
Alva: “Oh, you have no idea how much I crave a warm embrace after a long day of fighting.”
Jon: “Well, Alva, let me tell you, if you’re up for it tonight, you’re going to get a warm, gooey one.”
Alva: “Just what this cold heart of mine needs.”
Uthgerd: “Ha! Warm gooey embrace? You two keep your weird cuddling to yourselves. Some of us need our rest.”
Zora Fair-Child: “We all have our ways to unwind after a day like this.”
Jon: “Oh, look at that, in the distance: Whiterun, with Dragonsreach sticking out like a marvel of nature. We live close to a beautiful city, don’t we?”
Sapphire: “Yeah, it’s a sight to behold. But don’t let the beauty fool you. There’s always something darker hidden beneath the surface.”
Alva: “I’ve always loved Whiterun. It’s got a charm that just draws you in. But I agree with Sapphire. No matter how picturesque, every city has its shadows.”
Jon: “Oh, nothing but beauty! Those crickets chirping, the stars twinkling up above, and us returning home after a slaughter! This is the life.”
Uthgerd: “Enjoy the peace while it lasts, Jon. The night may be calm, but trouble’s always just around the corner. Best be ready for it.”
Zora Fair-Child: “The beauty of nature does have a way of soothing the soul.”

Back at home, after we stored the loot, I apologized to our Dunmer assassin Jenassa for completely forgetting to bring her along on this mission. Sorry, Jen.

Alva and I enjoyed some mead in a corner of the house.

Jon: “Alva, darling, you’ve been amazing this evening, shooting spells and launching yourself at draugr, skeletons, and necromancers. A fierce, unstoppable force of nature. A veritable dream.”
Alva: “Oh, aren’t you just the sweetest? I do have my moments, don’t I? It’s not every night you get to fling a necromancer around like a ragdoll. Quite the spectacle, even if I do say so myself. But let’s not forget, darling, we were all in that fight together. You with your spells, Uthgerd with that hunk of metal she calls an axe. It’s not just me out there, you know?”
Jon: “Well, right now it’s one of those nights in which it seems that it’s just you in the world.”
Alva: “Hmm. There’s something about the chaos of battle that makes everything else just… fade away. It’s you, the enemy, and the night. But then, when the fight’s over and the dust settles, you look around and realize you’re not alone. You’ve got friends, companions… a family, of sorts. And that, my dear, is worth all the necromancers in Skyrim.”

Jon: “Alva, let me be clear with you: I very much want us to get naked right now and slide together into bed. I want to hold you in my arms and share saliva as I plunge deep inside you until I come.”
Alva: “Well, well, aren’t you forward? But I like it. I’ve been waiting all evening for you to say something like that. Lead the way, darling. Let’s forget about necromancers and Nordic mead for a while. I want you, and I want you now. The bed’s waiting, and so am I. A whole lot of ‘plunging deep’ sounds like just what the healer ordered.”