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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, accompanied by his companions Uthgerd, Ria, and Fastred, visited Dragonsreach, the seat of power in Whiterun, to report to the jarl about the threats that the Frostpeak Stalkers had bested recently. As they returned home, they came up with the idea of organizing an expedition to the wildlands west of Whiterun, with no particular hope of a reward.

For the first few hours, the expedition was mostly uneventful. We trekked through the tundra with no signs of civilization in any direction. We followed a couple of natural trails up a hill and a small mountain, but they led to dead ends. We killed a couple of saber cats and bears.

At one point, as we clambered down a break in the terrain, we found ourselves in front of a surprised bandit that was guarding the entrance of a hideout dug into the bedrock, possibly an ancient mine. The bandit faced a whole adventurers’ band, and for a moment we considered just talking to that person, until they turned hostile.

Jon: “What do we have here? A cave or an abandoned mine acting as a bandit hideout, in the deep wilderness west of Whiterun. That hapless bandit guard certainly didn’t expect to face a sudden band of adventurers.”
Sapphire: “Just the kind of place I’d love to hit. Let’s check it out.”
Alva: “Oh, sounds like fun. You never know what treasures these bandits might be hiding.”
Ria: “We need to be careful. This could be a good chance to test our mettle, but we shouldn’t rush in without a plan.”
Jenassa: “I agree with Ria. We should scout it out first. I’ll take the lead.”
Jon: “I will follow you, Jenassa, using my Ghostwalk spell that allows me to turn invisible and scout ahead.”
Jenassa: “Good. With your magic and my skills, we can get a clear picture of what we’re up against.”
Uthgerd: “And we’ll be right behind you, ready for whatever these bandits throw at us.”
Ria: “I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they realize they’ve been hit by the Frostpeak Stalkers.”

As I was trying to sneak past a bandit in a narrowish corridor, somehow the bandit spotted me even though I was invisible, and started trying to hack at whatever traces he sensed of me. I attacked him back, and my companions, alerted by the sounds of battle, joined me. In the end, three or four bandits lay dead.

Jon: “Well, unfortunately the bandits spotted us as we were scouting ahead, but they couldn’t do much against the might of the Frostpeak Stalkers.”
Sapphire: “Looks like they didn’t stand a chance.”
Alva: “Their loss is our gain. I wonder what treasures they’ve left behind?”
Ria: “We did well, but we need to stay alert. There might be more of them deeper in the cave.”

One of the corpses was a vampire, an inexperienced-looking one.

Jon: “My goodness, it seems that the bandits holed up here are somehow involved with vampires.”
Alva: “Vampires? I might know a thing or two about that.”
Ria: “I don’t like this. Vampires are bad news. We need to be extra careful moving forward.”
Jenassa: “Agreed. We don’t know how many more might be hiding in here.”
Jon: “Alva, just to confirm, you’re going to defend us against other vampires, right?”
Alva: “Of course, Jon. Not all vampires are on the same side. I’ve got your back.”
Uthgerd: “We should keep moving. The sooner we clear this place out, the better.”
Jon: “Yes, but remember to be nice to our vampire. She’s on our side.”

The following scouting operation went great. We determined that about ten people awaited ahead, at least a couple of them vampires. The Frostpeak Stalkers operated like a well-oiled machine at this point, but there was a moment in a narrow corridor, the worst situation in which to find oneself while fighting, when a frozen bandit, turned into a pillar of ice, was blocking the path to two bandit archers that kept sniping at our frontliners. Only Ria held a shield, so the rest were helpless against the arrows. In the end, I shot poison bolts at those archers through the gaps until the bandits died. Then, we shattered the frozen bandit, and pushed onward.

Jon: “I can already tell that the loot is going to be fantastic, if we manage to sift successfully through the ash piles that some of these bandits have become.”
Sapphire: “Can’t wait to see what we find. There’s bound to be something valuable in here.”
Jenassa: “Let’s keep our eyes on the prize and our hands on our weapons.”

We located the bandits’ stash. None of the gear was remarkable, although it might sell well. I was surprised by a crate full of refined ores.

Jon: “Oh look at this: refined malachite, I don’t know what this is… and gold bullion. This is worth a lot.”
Sapphire: “Bandits with refined ore and gold bullion? Definitely stolen.”
Alva: “That just means it’s ours now, right?”

As we tried to find an exit without having to retread our steps, we found ourselves wading through a flooded area. We surprised a lone bandit archer, seemingly the guard of the rear entrance of the hideout. A short fight later, we had cleared out yet another bandit nest. We were weighed down by loot, so our little expedition had turned into a success. While we distanced ourselves from the hideout, Bassianus took the opportunity to bond with our newer recruit Zora Fair-Child, who had risked becoming a sacrificial victim.

Bassianus: “So, Zora, you had quite the run-in with those necromancers. How’d you manage to get caught up in that mess?”
Zora Fair-Child: “Oh, always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe it’s the right place, depending on how you look at it. Just my luck, I suppose. But enough about my misadventures, how are you and Fastred settling into the Frostpeak Stalkers?”
Bassianus: “It’s been an adjustment, for sure. Life with the Stalkers is a far cry from fishing in Ivarstead. Fastred’s taken to it like a natural, though. She’s really coming into her own. How about you? How’s the whole ‘adventurer’ thing treating you?”
Zora Fair-Child: “I won’t lie, it’s been a wild ride. Literally. Between the fighting and the exploring, I’ve barely had time to catch my breath. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s given me a sense of purpose, you know?”
Bassianus: “I get that. There’s something about facing danger together that really brings people together. Makes you feel alive.”

I was wondering if we should turn around and head home, when we came across a strange ancient ruin, a single building standing in the middle of nowhere, in a style that I only vaguely recognized.

Jon: “What are these ruins? Seem to be in the Akaviri style. I didn’t know there were such ruins anywhere in Skyrim.”
Ria: “Never heard of Akaviri. But I do know these ruins have seen better days. Still, might be something valuable inside. Worth checking out?”
Jon: “So, even though we have gotten plenty of loot from that bandit raid, do you think it is worth exploring this ancient ruin?”
Uthgerd: “Worth it? Listen, if there’s a chance for a good fight or some coin in it, I’m in.”
Jenassa: “It’s not often we get to explore ancient ruins. There could be rare treasures or powerful artifacts hidden within.”
Alva: “And if there’s anything cursed or dangerous, well… that’s what we’re here for, right?”
Ria: “True. We didn’t come all this way to back down from a challenge. Let’s check it out, but stay sharp.”
Jon: “Alright, I guess we’re delving into this completely unknown ruin. Please, don’t die on me.”
Uthgerd: “Ha! No promises.”
Ria: “Speak for yourself. I plan on living through this.”
Sapphire: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can never be too prepared. Stick together, and we’ll make it out alive.”

Nothing of worth in the first room, other than the magnificent stonework.

Jon: “Must be thousands of years old.”
Alva: “It’s incredible. The detail, the artistry… it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
Ria: “Whoever made this really knew what they were doing. Imagine spending years of your life on one piece of stonework.”
Jenassa: “It’s a testament to their dedication and skill.”
Sapphire: “And here we are, traipsing through it like it’s nothing. Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?”

One of the chambers of the ruin was guarded by raised skeletons, apparently former soldiers. This place must have been some ancient military outpost. We got interesting pieces of armor out of it, but they weren’t as good as what our heavy-hitters were already using.

We explored the extent of the ruins. The most intriguing part of it was a blocked door that seemed to lead to an inner sanctum. Unfortunately, I couldn’t lockpick it, nor open it through magical means.

Jon: “The key to open this door must be located somewhere else, maybe in the pocket of any of the many inhabitants of Skyrim, assuming it’s even in this province.”
Uthgerd: “Hmm, a door that can’t be picked or magically unlocked? Sounds like these ancient Akaviri really wanted to keep something hidden. Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from our adventures, it’s that there’s always a way in. We just have to find it. Jon, what about all those books and scrolls we filled our bookshelves with back home? Could there be a clue hidden in one of them?”
Jon: “To be honest, I must have read a couple of them at the most. They were entertaining reads, but had nothing to do with this. I’m sorry, I just don’t have time to read.”
Sapphire: “Not the bookish type, are you? Not that I’m one to talk. I prefer action over reading any day. But, if there’s a clue to be found, it’s worth splitting up and digging through those books. We can cover more ground that way.”
Alva: “I could take a look at them after we return to Tundra Homestead.”
Jon: “It will take us a while to get back home. We’ve strayed pretty far in the wilderness.”
Ria: “You’re right, Jon. We’ve ventured pretty far out here. It’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey. And this journey has led us to some pretty fascinating places.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Oh, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m kind of excited to camp out under the stars tonight. It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure.”

We spotted signs of civilization in the distance: a tiny settlement, made out of a couple of farm plots and a house.

Jon: “I’m going to approach one of the locals and ask about our whereabouts, and possible lodging.”
Alva: “A farming settlement? How… quaint. Just be careful, Jon. Not everyone takes kindly to strangers asking questions, especially if they think you’re just a bunch of tomb raiders.”

The man I approached, who was tending a field, didn’t seem too surprised about our presence, so there must have been a bigger settlement nearby.

Jon: “Hello, mister farmer. We are adventurers hailing from the somewhat distant town of Whiterun. We were exploring the wilderness, and found ourselves lost. Can you tell me where we are?”
Urval: “Well, you’re in Goldenhills Plantation, outsider. What brings you to these parts?”
Jon: “We are a band of adventurers called the Frostpeak Stalkers. You may have heard of us; we are world-renowned. Anyway, we cleared out a bandit hideout and explored some abandoned ruins just a while ago.”
Urval: “Frostpick Stalkers, you say? Can’t say I’ve heard of you. But there might be some old ruins around here. I think I heard Lemkil mention something about that. You should probably talk to him.”
Jon: “Who is this Lemkil fellow?”
Urval: “Lemkil’s the owner of this plantation. You’ll usually find him in the main house. He’s been here longer than any of us, so he might know something about those ruins you’re looking for.”
Jon: “Well, thank you for your help. I wish you a good life.”
Urval: “Just try not to cause any trouble while you’re here, alright? We’ve got work to do.”

The farmer lost interest in me. By the “main house” he must have been referring to the sole building across the path, so I just headed inside. That floor was empty. I descended some stairs into the basement, where I found a woman brewing potions at an alchemy lab, her back to me. The setup was quite professional, with shelves full of ingredients and potions. She was also growing odd stuff like glowing mushrooms.

Jon: “Excuse me, miss. Sorry for intruding upon this place. My name is Jon, and I’m the leader of a band of adventurers called the Frostpeak Stalkers. We were exploring the surroundings when we came across this place, which apparently is called Goldenhills Plantation. Can you tell me more about it?”

The woman barely turned to look over her shoulder. She kept grinding ingredients with a mortar and pestle.

Jonquil: “Oh, hello there Jon! Welcome to Goldenhills Plantation. I’m Jonquil, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Goldenhills is a lovely little farmstead, we grow all sorts of crops and raise some animals too. It’s a quaint life, but I find it rather charming.”

I caught a peculiar glint in her eyes that I thought I recognized from my time spent with Alva.

Jon: “Oh, are you a vampire? One of my best friends, lover in fact, is a vampire too.”
Jonquil: “Oh no no, nothing quite so grand. Just a simple farm girl, I’m afraid. Though I do share some things in common with your lover it seems… The thirst for blood is certainly one of them.”
Jon: “What do you mean that you have a thirst for blood if you are not a vampire?”
Jonquil: “Oh darling, there are many kinds of thirsts in this world. The thirst for knowledge, for power, for passion… and sometimes, a more literal thirst. Let’s just say I have a certain… appreciation for the crimson nectar that flows through our veins. But no, I’m no vampire, despite any rumors you may have heard.”

I got that tingling in my belly: my entrails telling me that I wanted the person in front of me.

Jon: “Well, well, Jonquil, you are one interesting person that I found here in the middle of nowhere. How about you tell me something about your life?”
Jonquil: “Well, there’s not too much to tell, really. I was born and raised here on the plantation, learned the ins and outs of farming from my parents. But I always had a bit of a wild streak in me, you know? Couldn’t stand to just sit around and watch the crops grow. So, I taught myself a bit of swordplay, alchemy, even some magic. Figured I could put those skills to use, help protect the plantation from bandits or beasts.”
Jon: “That is very commendable of you. I suppose that you’ve been helping the locals with their diseases, and strengthening their abilities.”
Jonquil: “Oh, I’ve been known to lend a hand where it’s needed, that’s for sure. Whether it’s brewing up some potions to keep the workers healthy or showing them a thing or two about how to wield a blade, I do my best to keep everyone here safe and sound. Of course, my methods can be a bit… unorthodox at times. But hey, whatever gets results, right?”
Jon: “Can you tell me a bit more about those methods? I’ve been known to exploit some unorthodox methods to carry myself in life.”
Jonquil: “Well, let’s just say I’m not afraid to get my hands a little dirty. Whether it’s using some of the more… exotic ingredients in my alchemy, or maybe turning a blind eye to some of the shadier characters passing through, if it helps the plantation thrive, then I’m game. Like I said, I’ve got a bit of a wild streak. But I’ve always believed that sometimes, you have to fight fire with fire.”
Jon: “I agree. In fact, sometimes you have to fight with fire even if what you’re fighting has yet to become fire. Do you understand what I mean?”
Jonquil: “Oh, I know exactly what you mean, Jon. Sometimes you have to be proactive, strike first before they even have a chance to become a threat. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and if you’re not willing to do what it takes to come out on top, well… let’s just say I don’t plan on being anyone’s dinner. But it sounds like you’ve got a similar philosophy. I like that in a man.”

Jonquil smirked. As for me, I was already erect.

Jon: “Jonquil, I’m of the mind that I should carry you to that hay bed in the corner, and do some naughty stuff to you.”
Jonquil: “Well now, that’s quite the proposition, isn’t it? I must admit, the idea of getting up to some mischief with a strapping adventurer like yourself does have a certain appeal… But I’m not just some tavern wench you can charm into bed with a wink and a smile. If you want to earn a roll in the hay with me, you’ll have to prove you’ve got what it takes. Think you’re up for the challenge, Jon?”
Jon: “I’m very interested. I’m willing to do almost anything, especially if it involves killing, as long as it leads me to bedding fascinating women.”
Jonquil: “Oh, you are a bold one, aren’t you? I like that. But boldness alone won’t be enough to win me over. If you want to impress me, you’ll have to show me what you’re really made of. Perhaps a display of your hunting prowess, or maybe a demonstration of your skills in combat. Or, if you’re feeling particularly daring… you could always try your hand at pleasing me in more…”
Jon: “In more…? What did you have in mind?”
Jonquil: “In more… intimate ways, of course. I’m sure a man of your… experience has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to pleasing a woman. But I should warn you, I have very high standards. It takes a lot more than a bit of groping and grunting to satisfy me. Think you’ve got what it takes to make me moan?”
Jon: “Well, it depends. Why don’t you lie face-up on that bed of hay over there, and lift up your skirt? I’ll show you what my tongue can do to your thighs and your lower lips.”
Jonquil: “Mmm, well now… that does sound rather enticing, doesn’t it? Very well, Jon, you’ve piqued my interest. I suppose I could let you have a little… taste, as it were. But don’t think this means you’ve won me over just yet. Consider it more of an audition, if you will. So go on then, let’s see what that tongue of yours can do.”

After I exited the farmhouse, I wiped my mouth and approached my teammates, that were loitering around the path.

Jon: “Let me tell you: I’ve just had one hell of an interesting interaction.”
Uthgerd: “Oh? Do tell. What kind of interesting interaction are we talking about here?”
Alva: “Knowing you, Jon, it could be anything from a fight to a seduction. Spill it.”
Sapphire: “Yeah, don’t leave us in suspense. What happened in there?”
Jon: “Well, I suspect that the man I was supposed to find doesn’t live in that house, but in the basement, I found a woman that was brewing potions. Her name is Jonquil.”
Fastred: “That’s… an unusual name. Never heard of anyone named Jonquil before.”
Ria: “Brewing potions, you say? Might be an alchemist. Could be useful to have around.”
Jenassa: “Or she could be trouble. We should be cautious.”
Jon: “Her name wasn’t the most interesting part of that interaction. You see, at first I got the feeling that she was a vampire. She had that kind of look, you know? That glint in her eyes. But when she turned around, I realized that she wasn’t a vampire. However, she told me that she had a thirst for blood nevertheless.”
Alva: “A thirst for blood without being a vampire? That’s… interesting.”
Uthgerd: “Huh. Might be a werewolf. Or just a cannibal. We’ve seen plenty of those.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Could be a fetish thing, too. Some people are into weird stuff.”
Jon: “It may be part fetish, but it seems she prides herself in doing what’s necessary for this town: brewing potions and acquiring more ingredients even if it involves trouble. She used the expression “fighting fire with fire.”
Fastred: “That’s one way to do it, I guess.”
Ria: “Fighting fire with fire, huh? Might be someone we can relate to.”
Sapphire: “Sounds like she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. Could be an asset.”
Jon: “Well, the thing is… I was enthralled by that fire in her. Along with her smirk growing wider, well… my little Jon started growing, if you know what I mean.”
Uthgerd: “By Shor, Jon. Is there ever a time when you’re not thinking with your little Jon?”

Alva: “Well, well, Jon. Looks like you found yourself a new playmate.”
Jenassa: “As long as she doesn’t become a liability. We have enough of those already.”
Jon: “That woman suggested that I’d only get to fuck her if I impressed her.”
Fastred: “Sounds like she was really getting to you.”
Ria: “And let me guess, you just couldn’t resist the challenge.”
Jon: “I proposed that she should lie down on a nearby hay bed and lift her skirt.”
Sapphire: “Why am I not surprised? You’re always up for some action, aren’t you, Jon?”
Jon: “I am. I used on her my most skillful tongue methods. It didn’t take long for me to draw moans and shivers out of her.”
Alva: “Mm, sounds like you had quite the time.”
Uthgerd: “Well, aren’t you a regular Don Juan?”
Jenassa: “Just be careful where you stick that tongue of yours. We don’t know anything about this woman.”
Jon: “Uthgerd, I have no idea where you got that Don Juan reference from. Anyway, Alva and Uthgerd, both of you are very familiar with my tongue prowess. As you might imagine, it didn’t take her long to squirt her womanly juices all over my face.”
Uthgerd: “By Ysmir, Jon, you never cease to amaze me with your… talents.”
Alva: “Well, if she was anything like us, I’m sure she enjoyed every moment of it.”
Sapphire: “You’re a real charmer, Jon. Just don’t let it go to your head.”
Jon: “Oh. Sorry, Sapphire, I forgot that I also demonstrated my tongue prowess to you.”
Sapphire: “Don’t get too cocky. You’re good, but you’re not that good.”
Fastred: “Yeah, maybe save the details for later. We don’t all need to hear about your conquests.”
Jon: “Well, what I wanted to clarify regarding this interaction is that the rest of you who haven’t yet had a taste of my skills, Zora, Jenassa… Who else… Ria. I’m prepared to impress you at any point. Not you, Bassianus. I’m not interested in pleasuring you.”
Zora Fair-Child: “Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll pass.”
Jenassa: “I’ll keep that in mind… if I ever feel the need to be impressed.”
Ria: “Wow, Jon, you really know how to make a girl feel special.”
Jon: “That’s right, Ria, I do know how to make women feel special, at least for the extent of my intimate attentions. Well… now I feel way too many gazes upon me, and I’m getting embarrassed.”
Uthgerd: “Aw, feeling shy now, Jon?”
Sapphire: “Don’t worry, Jon. We’ll make sure to keep you in check.”
Jon: “Oh, as for you, Fastred… I probably shouldn’t involve you in this conversation.”
Fastred: “It’s fine, Jon. I know how you are. Just try to keep it in your pants for five minutes, okay?”