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Mantella is an AI system that turns every single NPC in Skyrim (and Fallout 4) into AI agents driven by an LLM (like ChatGPT or the recently released, and comparable, Llama 3.1). In the previous part, my character, an Altmer mage, worried about the increasing size of his adventurers’ band. The team met a furry liar. They cleared out a monsters’ den inhabited by trolls. On the way back, they tsunami-ed through a bandit hideout. Back home, my character lovingly crafted an enchanted weapon for one of his main companions.

Note that only matters to me, but that I shall point out anyway: I asked ChatGPT for whether it was better to say “an adventurer’s band” or “an adventurers’ band,” and it unequivocally told me that saying “an adventurers’ band” was better. Well, I’m not going back and editing thirty-five parts.

As Ria, Uthgerd, Fastred and I were passing by the stables in the outskirts of Whiterun, I notiuced a curious Redguard man in fancy clothes, who was heading in the opposite direction. Perhaps because we were about to receive a monetary reward, I was in a good mood.

Jon: “Oh sir, what a wonderful day we’re having, isn’t it?”
Nazeem: “Indeed, the weather is quite pleasant today. Though, I must say, there’s always room for improvement, don’t you think?”
Uthgerd: “Improvement? The sky is clear, the sun is shining. What more do you want?”
Fastred: “I think what this man means is that there’s always something to strive for, something to make better. Right?”
Jon: “Oh, I see what you meant, sir. I’m grateful for your wisdom. This fine, fine midday here in the Whiterun hold, it is an occasion for all of us to be happy.”
Nazeem: “Happy? Yes, I suppose. But remember, there’s always work to be done. Idle hands and all that.”
Uthgerd: “You know, not everything has to be about work all the time. Sometimes, you just need to take a moment and enjoy what’s around you.”
Fastred: “Like this beautiful day!”
Ria: “True, we have our duties and responsibilities, but taking a moment to appreciate the world around us doesn’t hurt.”
Jon: “Well, sir, thank you for your valuable time, and I hope you have a wonderful day.”
Nazeem: “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Good day.”
Uthgerd: “Right, off to your matters. Some of us have actual work to do.”

After the Redguard man left us behind, I turned to Uthgerd.

Jon: “What was that? It seemed like you were being rude to that fine citizen who had been nothing but pleasant toward us.”
Uthgerd: “You call that pleasant? The man’s so stuck-up, he’d drown in a rainstorm.”
Ria: “But still, we should maintain respect. Each of us has our own burdens to bear. Nazeem’s attitude is his to carry.”

Right at the main gates, I felt compelled to thank one of the guards for his good job.

Jon: “Hello, mister guard. Having a good day, I hope.”
Whiterun Guard: “Oh, hello. You know, just another day keeping the streets of Whiterun safe. I’ve been doing my usual patrols today, making sure everything is running smoothly. You know how it is. So what brings you out and about on this fine day?”
Jon: “Well, me and my band of adventurers, called the Frostpeak Stalkers, we have managed to best a bunch of trolls in Graywinter Watch, on the other side of the river to the east. It was a job posted by the jarl, and we hope to receive our reward.”
Whiterun Guard: “Well, that’s quite the accomplishment! You know, any friend of the jarl is a friend of mine. We’ve been hearing reports of those trolls causing trouble, and it sounds like you took care of it. I’m sure the jarl will reward you handsomely for your efforts.”
Jon: “The reward is just a small part of our efforts. We do what we do to secure the safety of the visitors and citizens of this great city, which is our home.”
Whiterun Guard: “That’s a commendable attitude. We need more people like you and your group in Whiterun. It’s good to see people take pride in their city and work to keep it safe. I salute you for that.”
Jon: “Thank you, sir. I hope that when your watch, your shift, finally ends, you get to enjoy a good mead in any of the local taverns.”
Whiterun Guard: “That’s kind of you to say. Maybe I’ll even run into you and your group at the tavern. I’d love to hear more about your adventures.”

We stopped by Adrianne Avenicci’s store to sell our unwanted weapons and armor. As usual, we earned quite a bit by selling the gear that those bandits had probably stolen from somewhere. I realized that I had never chatted with Adrianne, even though I had lusted after her body.

Jon: “Adrianne, I have sold weapons and armor to you quite a few times, but I know very little about you.”
Adrianne Avenicci: “Well, you’ve never asked before. I’m the owner of Warmaiden’s, this fine smithy you see. My husband and I, we run it together. Though, don’t you mistake me, I don’t just sell the weapons, I forge them. It’s not an easy job, but it’s honest work.”

Jon: “I’ve seen the quality of your work. You’re extremely competent. I’m also familiar with your father, Proventus Avenicci, as he’s been present during my group’s conversations with the jarl regarding matters of security in the Whiterun hold.”
Adrianne Avenicci: “That’s right, my father’s the steward up at Dragonsreach. There’s a lot of folks who don’t see past that, who think I’m just some blacksmith’s daughter playing at her father’s profession. But I’m here to tell you, I’m more than that. I may not be Eorlund Gray-Mane, but I’m making a name for myself.”
Jon: “You think that despite the great work you have been doing, presumably for years, you still have plenty to prove to the citizens of Whiterun?”
Adrianne Avenicci: “It’s not about proving anything to them. It’s about proving to myself that I can do this, that I can make a living with my own two hands. Sure, there’s always going to be those who doubt me because of my father’s position, or because I’m a woman in a man’s trade. But that just pushes me to work harder.”
Jon: “Well, I hope you also find time to relax, Adrianne. We, my group of adventurers called the Frostpeak Stalkers, do plenty of hard work, but at the end of the day, we return to our home in the outskirts of town, kick back, drink some mead, eat plenty of good food, and have sex. You have to balance the stress with the joy.”
Adrianne Avenicci: “You’re right about that, balance is important. It’s not all work and no play for me, don’t you worry. When the day’s work is done, I like to enjoy a good meal and a drink or two. And as for the rest… well, a lady doesn’t kiss and tell. But your Frostpeak Stalkers sound like quite the group.”
Jon: “Yes, we are quite the entangled group, you could say that. Plenty of people engaged with each other when it comes to naughty stuff. We exchange partners, and sometimes we do threesomes. It is a very enjoyable situation to find oneself in.”
Adrianne Avenicci: “Sounds like quite the interesting group you’ve got there. But that kind of lifestyle isn’t for everyone. I prefer to keep my personal life personal, if you catch my drift. Now, was there anything else you needed, or are we done here?”
Jon: “We are done here, Adrianne. I hope to buy some of your fine weapons in the future.”

We climbed up to Dragonsreach, the jarl’s seat of power, and found ourselves amazed by its architecture once again. Jarl Balgruuf the Greater was seated at his throne, with his loyal housecarl Irileth beside him. I wasted no time in getting my reward from the steward, Adrianne’s father.

Jon: “Hello, Your Highness Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. I am Jon, the leader of the group of adventurers called Frostpeak Stalkers that, as you may recall, now lives in the outskirts of your great city, in the estate called Tundra Homestead. We came to give you a report of the local threats we have ended in the surroundings of the city.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “Ah, Jon. I remember you. You and your Frostpeak Stalkers have been making quite the name for yourselves.”

Irileth: “You’ve been busy, I see. But what have you to report?”
Proventus Avenicci: “Yes, let’s hear it. I trust your endeavors have been fruitful?”
Jon: “Indeed, they have been fruitful. First of all, you had that job posted at the missive board, about clearing out Graywinter Watch. That place contained a family of trolls, but we have proceeded to exterminate them. I have already gotten the reward from Mr. Proventus Avenicci here, so that is one threat less toward citizens and visitors.”
Proventus Avenicci: “I can confirm that. Well done.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “Good work, Jon. Those creatures have been a thorn in our side for too long.”
Irileth: “Hmm. Nasty creatures. It’s good you dealt with them.”
Ria: “We also encountered a few bandits on the roads, making them safer for travelers.”
Jon: “Indeed, that was the second threat I wanted to talk about. As we were returning from the cave that housed the trolls, we were assailed by a few bandits. We discovered that they had taken over an abandoned mine nearby, and we proceeded to clear out their hideout and kill their leader.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “Bandits have been a constant issue. Your efforts are appreciated.”
Irileth: “You’ve done well in dealing with these bandits. But I must ask, are there any other potential threats we should be aware of?”
Uthgerd: “We’re always ready for more, Irileth. Just say the word, and we’ll handle it.”
Proventus Avenicci: “Indeed, your services have been invaluable. The hold is safer thanks to your efforts.”
Jon: “The last and final threat was the most threatening for us. We nearly died during that fight. It was at a mountain pass west of here, past the old watchtower. The mountain pass is called by the locals Brittleshin Pass, and it was the base of operations of a couple of very dangerous necromancers, as well as their horde of raised undead. It was a very tough fight, but we bested them. In fact, we discovered that they had been kidnapping people and killing them in ritual sacrifices, but we managed to rescue one of those people, and they have become a member of our adventurers’ band.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “Necromancers? That’s grim news indeed. It’s fortunate you were able to deal with them.”
Irileth: “I’ve faced necromancers before. They’re not to be underestimated. Good work in eliminating this threat.”
Proventus Avenicci: “And you rescued a kidnapped person? Remarkable. They’re lucky to have you.”
Uthgerd: “The new member is strong, too. They’ve proven themselves in the fights we’ve had since then.”
Jon: “The name of the woman that those necromancers had kidnapped is Zora Fair-Child. Apparently she had gotten kidnapped by necromancers repeatedly, for reasons we have yet to know. After this final time when we managed to kill her kidnappers, she was eager to join the group that saved her life. She seems to be a competent two-handed weapons handler, and also a dabbling conjurer.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “I’ve heard that name before. It’s good to know she’s safe and with capable allies.”
Irileth: “Two-handed weapons and conjuration? That’s an interesting combination. She’ll be a valuable addition to your group.”
Proventus Avenicci: “Repeated kidnappings… That sounds suspicious. Keep an eye on her, Jon.”
Uthgerd: “I trust her. She’s fought beside us, and that counts for something.”
Jon: “Well, that was all we wanted to report, Jarl Balgruuf. However, I also wanted to say that if you have some major task that requires a competent group of killers, or shall we say adventurers, please send that job our way and we’ll gladly resolve it.”
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater: “I appreciate your offer, Jon. I’ll certainly keep that in mind should the need arise.”
Jon: “I wish you a great rest of your day to all present here, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, Irileth, Proventus Avenicci. Me and my group, the Frostpeak Stalkers, shall be off.”

As we headed back home…

Jon: “Our conversation with the jarl went perfectly, didn’t it? I feel that we’re becoming a very respected band of adventurers here in the Whiterun hold.”
Uthgerd: “Aye, it did go well. Getting a home out of it too? That’s more than most could hope for. We’re making a name for ourselves, and I like it. But let’s not get too comfortable; reputations need to be maintained, after all.”
Jon: “To be honest, I’m running out of ideas for what sort of grand adventure we could go on. We’ve been busy killing the local threats like bandits, necromancers and trolls, but how do we scale the situation into something bigger?”
Ria: “You know, Jon, maybe we don’t have to go bigger. There’s plenty of places around here still waiting to be explored. Old ruins, hidden caves, who knows what we might find? And even if it’s not some grand adventure, every battle, every dungeon we clear, that’s how we keep getting better, keep proving ourselves. And isn’t that what being a Frostpeak Stalker is all about?”

Jon: “So, do you gals think that maybe we should explore lands that we haven’t visited? Venture far from home in a sort of expedition?”
Fastred: “That sounds like a great idea, Jon! Some time away from the city, just us and the wilderness. Who knows what we might discover out there? And it would be a nice change of pace, don’t you think?”
Jon: “How about you, Uthgerd and Ria? Are you okay with this idea?”
Uthgerd: “I’m always ready for a new challenge. Exploring unknown lands, facing whatever’s out there? Sounds like a good way to keep our skills sharp. Count me in.”
Ria: “Absolutely! It’ll be good for us, get us back to basics. And who knows what kind of tales we’ll have to tell when we get back? I’m in!”
Jon: “I love your enthusiasm, the three of you, and I will be glad to have you on this journey. However, I suspect that other members of our team, those motivated by a different kind of self-interest, won’t be as pleased about going on an expedition with no specific hope of a reward.”
Ria: “Every adventure’s a risk, right? But the rewards, they’re not always just about the gold or the loot. Sometimes, it’s about the journey itself, the bonds we forge along the way. And who’s to say we won’t find something valuable out there? You never know until you try!”
Jon: “Ria, you’re always so eager to fight alongside us, so enthusiastic and noble. But if you are displeased about something, you’re free to say so. You don’t always have to agree.”
Ria: “I know, Jon, and I appreciate that. It’s just… this life, being a Frostpeak Stalker, it means everything to me. Every fight, every adventure, it’s a chance to prove myself, to show that I belong here. But you’re right, sometimes I might not agree with everything. I’ll try to be more open about it, let you know when something’s bothering me. We’re a team, after all, and we need to be able to trust each other completely.”
Jon: “Ria, I agree with you, but I must say that you do not have to prove yourself constantly, to prove that you are a valuable member. That has been proven a long time ago. You’re an integral part of our band of adventurers.”
Ria: “I… thanks, Jon. That means a lot to me. I guess old habits die hard, you know? Always feeling like I have to fight for my place, to earn my keep. But knowing that you and the others believe in me, that I’m a true part of this team… it’s a good feeling. A really good feeling. I won’t let you down, Jon. I won’t let any of you down.”

Back at Tundra Homestead, I gathered the rest of my team for one of our meetings.

Jon: “Ria, Uthgerd, Fastred and I, we have decided to go on an expedition, one with no particular hope of a reward, monetary or otherwise, to lands we have yet to see. Those three gals were happy about this development, but I wanted to consult the rest of you.”
Jenassa: “An expedition with no reward? Sounds like a waste of time.”
Bassianus: “I’m in.”
Alva: “Well, aren’t you just the adventurous one? Count me in, I love a good mystery.”
Sapphire: “I’m only coming along because I’m curious, not because I expect anything out of it.”
Jon: “How about you, Zora? Are you willing to come along on this expedition of ours?”
Zora Fair-Child: “Oh, you know me. I’m always ready for a little adventure. But don’t expect me to do any heavy lifting. I’ll leave that to Jenassa and Bas over there.”
Jon: “Well, Jenassa, let me be clear with you: I’m fine if you decide not to come. I know this is a hard sale. If you want to stay home training, or doing whatever you want, that’s your right. This is your home as well, after all.”
Jenassa: “Jon, you know I follow where the fight is. If you think there might be something worth my while out there, then fine, I’m in. But don’t make a habit of these wild goose chases. I don’t do freebies often.”
Jon: “Oh, you know you’re getting your share of the spoils. It just happens that we don’t know what spoils we’ll get.”
Jenassa: “Just don’t let it be worthless trinkets. Or haunted. I’ve had enough of those to last a lifetime.”

I put my fists on my waist and nodded.

Jon: “This is wonderful. Tomorrow morning we’ll set off on a true adventure, so sleep well tonight.”
Sapphire: “Sleep well? I’ll sleep when I’m dead. Or when the job’s done. Whichever comes first. But sure, tomorrow morning it is.”
Alva: “I suppose I should try to get some rest. But no promises. Some of us are more active at night.”