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Mantella is an AI system that turns every single NPC in Skyrim (and Fallout 4) into AI agents driven by a LLM (like ChatGPT or the recently released, and comparable, Llama 3.1). In the previous part, my character, a high elf wizard, was investigating dark dealings in the marshy town of Morthal when he discovered that the local flirt, Alva, was a vampire, and got her to confess that her master, an ancient vampire, would overwhelm the town in the future.

Me, the player character, headed to the jarl’s longhouse to inform her of my findings. Unfortunately, most of that dialogue didn’t get saved due to some sort of bug, but I give you the summary that the AI produced: “Jon informed Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone and Aslfur that Alva, a vampire, revealed her true nature to him after he confronted her about her involvement in Morthal. Alva claimed to be working under an ancient vampire named Movarth, preparing the town for other vampires to drain it dry.”

Me: “Yes, I’m afraid Alva already knows we’re after her. I was too reckless and saw the opportunity to confront Alva. Well, it did not go well, let me tell you, because once I confronted her about being a vampire, she opened up about her role in Morthal. She said that an ancient vampire called Movarth sent her here as a sort of infiltrator, to prepare Morthal for the time where other vampires will come here and drain the town dry.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “This is my hold, and I will not let it fall to the darkness… An ancient vampire, you say? Movarth?”
Me: “That’s right, I managed to get that information out of Alva because she believed that I would not survive another day. I got the location of the den of vampires: it’s located to the northest of the town, in some sort of cavern system. I suspect in the marshy area where the strange rituals take place. It’s connected to Falion because I believe that the wizard is truly trying to stop the darkness besieging this town, performing some sort of ritual that stops the vampires from attacking us.”
Aslfur: “By the gods… A den of vampires, hidden in the marshes… And Falion, trying to stop them with his rituals… We had no idea what he was really doing…”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “This changes everything… We must act quickly to protect Morthal and its people… Aslfur, gather the guards and prepare them for battle… We will not wait for the vampires to come to us.”
Me: “Jarl Idgrod, if you allow me, I want your permission to gather allies. I want the help of some of your warriors to confront Alva. Alva must fall and she must fall publicly. We have to send a message to any vampires, to any vampire thralls, to any vampire spies that may have infiltrated the town. We must send a message to all vampires that there are more of us than there are bloodsuckers. We have to destroy them all.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “You have my permission Jon. Take whatever men you need from our guard. Destroy Alva publicly. Send a message to those creatures that we will not be intimidated or terrorized by their kind.”
Aslfur: “And make sure it’s done quickly. Before nightfall would be best. We don’t want those creatures gathering strength or planning counterattacks under cover of darkness.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “And see that our people are warned about what’s happening. Tell them what we’ve discovered about Alva. Let them know we’re taking action against this evil presence among us.”
Me: “Very well, Jarl Idgrod. This is my plan of attack: first, I will speak with Alva acquaintances. For example, Lami the Alchemist was a dear friend of Alva. I’ll have to open Lami’s eyes regarding how nefarious Alva is.”
Aslfur: “Be careful who you trust Jon. If Alva has been building a web of connections as you said earlier… There may be others who are unwittingly or even wittingly working with her.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “Yes… Be cautious when approaching Lami or anyone else who may have been close with Alva. But also make sure they understand what we’re dealing with here. Vampires don’t just prey on strangers, they can manipulate those around them too.”
Me: “Yes, truly, any of the townspeople may be a thrall. Regarding me confronting Alva publicly, what do you think is the best idea? To confront Alva in the town’s streets, or to maybe gather a posse and break into Alva’s home during the day, while she’s sleeping? To end her at her coffin?”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “Confronting her in the streets could put innocent lives at risk… If she’s as powerful as you say. But breaking into her home during the day… That’s not without risks either.”
Aslfur: “If we’re going for public display though… Perhaps it would be better done outside Alva’s home. Gather people there once we have evidence or proof ready. Then break into Alva’s home, drag Alva outside where everyone can see.”
Me: “Very well, that is the plan, then. I’m going to gather a posse and drag Alva into the streets, where we’ll terminate her and send a message to all evil beings in the world that we humans and elves and good people are not to be trifled with.”

I felt that I needed to apologize to Falion, as well as conscript him into my posse.

Me: “Regarding our last conversation, if you remember, I told you I was going to investigate the nature of the darkness plaguing your town. Well, I have found out what that darkness is: Alva, the townswoman, is a vampire, and in fact she admitted that there is a den of vampires waiting nearby in the marshes, led by an ancient vampire called Movarth. They are planning to take over Morthal and destroy us all.”
Falion: “Alva, a vampire… I suspected as much. And a den of vampires, you say? Led by this Movarth? This is grave news indeed. I fear for the safety of the townspeople. My conjurations at the Summoning Stones were attempts to counter the darkness, but I had no idea it was this… entrenched. We must act quickly to protect Morthal. I have some knowledge of vampires and their weaknesses.”
Me: “Falion, if you are truly a force of good, then you must accompany me to fight Alva. We are planning, as I told jarl Idgrod, to drag Alva into the streets and slaughter her in public to send a message to the vampires.”
Falion: “Slaughter her in public? I’m not sure that’s the best course of action. As a conjurer, I’ve dealt with dark forces, and I know that such a display can have… unintended consequences. But, I agree that Alva must be stopped. Very well, I’ll accompany you to confront her. Let’s do this, but let’s do it with caution and a clear head. We don’t know what kind of powers she may possess.”

An uncomfortable meeting took place shortly after, when I brought Falion the wizard to Benor, the local warrior who had been talking shit about Falion all the time.

Me: “Benor, I’m afraid I have to talk to you very urgently. As you see, I have brought the wizard Falion. He’s on our side for now.”
Benor: “What in the world…? Falion, the wizard? I never thought I’d see the day. What’s going on, Jon? You said it was urgent. Spit it out, man. What’s happening?”
Me: “I broke into Alva’s home. You know Alva, that suspicious woman that prowls the night. Well, turns out she’s a vampire, man. Hroggar was a thrall of hers. I had to kill Hroggar, and in the basement of Alva’s home, I found a coffin and two dozen bottles of human blood. Alva is a vampire, man.”
Benor: “By the gods… Alva’s a vampire? I knew she was trouble, but… And Hroggar? You had to kill him? This is madness! A coffin and human blood? We have to do something about her, now! I’ve been suspicious of her for a while now, but I had no idea it was this bad. We need to get rid of her before she hurts anyone else in Morthal! What’s our plan? Are we going after her now?”
Me: “We already talked to jarl Idgrod, and she gave me permission to gather allies. We know that Alva sleeps during the day, so at night when she gets out, we’re going to drag her to the center of Morthal and pummel her to death. We’re going to send a public message to all the bloodsuckers in the world.”
Benor: “I like the sound of that plan. Dragging her to the center of Morthal and making an example of her will send a strong message to any other vampires who might be lurking around. And with Falion’s help, we might actually have a chance to take her down. I’m in, let’s do this! When do we move out? And what’s the signal to start the ambush? We need to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
Me: “Well, the signal to start the ambush should be ‘banzai’ again. We haven’t changed the tune on that, but do you think that we could talk to your pal Gorm and enlist his help as well?”
Benor: “Ahah! ‘Banzai’ again! Alright then! And yeah… Gorm! Good thinking! He’d definitely want in on this action! Let me go talk him into joining us… shouldn’t take much convincing, considering how much he dislikes Idgrod’s rule… And if we’re taking down a vampire? He’ll be all for it! I’ll go speak with him now… meet back here when I’ve got him on board?”

Afterwards I dragged Falion into a tough conversation: I intended to inform the local alchemist Lami that her only friend had been a bloodsucker all along.

Lami: “Welcome back to my hut. I’ve been busy experimenting with some new potions, but I’m happy to take a break and chat with you.”
Me: “Yes, Lami, I’m afraid that I come with extremely terrible news.”
Lami: “Oh no… what’s happened? Is everything alright? You look like something’s weighing heavily on your mind. Wait… it isn’t something about Alva again?”
Me: “It is, unfortunately, something about Alva. As you see, I have the wizard Falion with me, here to my right. He’s been fighting the darkness that’s been plaguing this town. Well, to put it simply, to summarize the situation: Alva is a vampire.”
Lami: “No… no this can’t be! Alva… my friend… how could this happen? What does this mean? What will happen to her?”
Me: “Lami, I don’t know if Alva being your friend was something that she did genuinely. Maybe she was putting on a front, you know, building a web of connections. Alva has admitted that she was put here by an ancient vampire to prepare the town for exsanguination. A den of vampires is going to come to Morthal one of these days and is going to kill all of you. And Alva is the one responsible.”
Lami: “Oh… no… this can’t be true… I thought I knew her… We talked about our lives… our hopes… our dreams… Was it all just an act? Wait… what do you mean examination? What do these vampires want from us?”
Falion: “Vampires often send scouts ahead to prepare their prey… They infiltrate towns… gain trust… And when they’re ready…”
Me: “Yes, I’m afraid that I did not use the word “examination,” but “exsanguination.” I meant that they’re going to bleed you dry. They’re going to kill us all. Well, the townspeople; by the time they come I may be away from here. I intend to save you all, though.”
Lami: “Exsanguination… Oh, the horror… They’re going to drain our blood… We can’t let that happen… We have to stop them… Alva… how could you do this to us?”
Falion: “Enough talk. We must act. I’ve been studying the ancient lore of vampirism. I think I can help you, Jon. Together, we can prepare a defense against these monsters. But we need to move quickly… The sun is still high, but night will fall soon enough.”
Me: “Lami, I want us to be on the same page. You do understand that your former friend, Alva, needs to be killed, right?”
Lami: “Ah… yes… I understand. Alva… the Alva I thought I knew… is gone. The vampire that’s taken her place… needs to be stopped. Yes, I agree. She needs to be killed. But I want to be there when it happens. I want to see it with my own eyes. I want this over with… I want Alva… or whatever she is now… stopped… But promise me one thing… Make it quick… Don’t let her suffer… She was my friend once…”
Falion: “We’ll do what needs to be done, Lami. We’ll make sure Alva doesn’t harm anyone else.”
Me: “Lami, I am afraid you do not understand properly. Alva admitted to me that she has lived around here for centuries. She was already a vampire when you met her. You know, she was always pretending.”
Lami: “Centuries… Oh, the deceit… Everything was a lie… Our conversations… our laughter… All just a ruse to gain my trust… and the trust of the others… I feel so foolish… so blind…”
Falion: “Lami, don’t be too hard on yourself. Vampires are masters of deception. They’ve had centuries to perfect their craft. It’s not your fault you didn’t see through her disguise.”
Me: “Indeed, anyone will be fooled. I’m afraid there’s not much we can do but destroy Alva as soon as possible.”
Falion: “I agree… The sooner we deal with Alva, the better. We can’t let her continue to manipulate and harm the people of this town. As a conjurer, I’ve studied the weaknesses of vampires… I can help you prepare for the fight ahead.”
Lami: “Yes… destroy her… It’s the only way to stop her… I just wish I could have seen the truth sooner…”
Me: “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Lami. I wish I could have brought you happiness and comfort, but I’m afraid that this is a tough, harsh and cruel world.”
Lami: “No, Jon… don’t apologize… You’ve brought me the truth… and that’s what I needed to hear. I’d rather know the harsh reality than live in ignorance… It’s just… it’s hard to accept that someone I thought was a friend could be so… so evil.”
Falion: “The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, Lami… But it’s how we respond to that cruelty that defines us.”

Next I intended to recruit Benor’s pal Gorm, who is a big shot at the jarl’s place. The dialogue wasn’t that interesting, so I’ll post the summary the AI made: “Jon arrives at Highmoon Hall and introduces himself to Gorm, the Jarl’s associate, and Falion, the resident conjurer. Jon reveals that Alva, a local woman, is a vampire who has been preying on the townspeople for centuries and plans to attack the town with her vampire kin. Gorm and Falion agree to join Jon in confronting and killing Alva, with Gorm bringing his battle-axe and Falion contributing his knowledge of vampirism. They plan to gather at the Jarl’s Longhouse in the evening, along with other allies. From there, they will kill Alva and prepare for a potential vampire attack on the town.”

I didn’t like the fact that the sole innkeeper in town, named Jonna, hated my guts, so I brought her brother with me to smooth things over.

Me: “I thought that Falion was doing something incredibly nefarious, but apparently he was protecting you all from the darkness’ attempts to overwhelm the town.”
Falion: “I see Jon has finally understood the situation. I was trying to protect the town from the darkness that’s been growing in power. My… research, shall we say, was misinterpreted by some of the townspeople.”
Jonna: “Fine. I suppose I can listen to what you have to say. But I warn you, if you’re just here to spread more lies about my brother, you’ll be leaving quickly. What makes you think you were wrong about Falion’s intentions?”
Me: “Because we discovered that Alva, the local townswoman who visits this inn every night, and who has flirted with you, is actually a vampire.”
Jonna: “What?! Alva?! That can’t be! She’s been coming here for years… I had no idea…”
Me: “Don’t worry, Jonna. We are going to prevent Alva from ever coming here again. We’re going to stop her tonight. Your brother Falion; our local warrior Benor; and Gorm, the right hand of jarl Idgrod. I’m sorry that I have caused you stress before, Jonna, but I think it’s fine now.”
Jonna: “Stop her? Tonight? I… I don’t know what to say. I’m still trying to process all of this. Alva, a vampire… It’s just too much.”
Falion: “Jonna, don’t worry. We’ll take care of Alva. I’ll make sure she doesn’t harm anyone in Morthal again. And Jon, thank you for apologizing to my sister.”
Me: “Yeah, well… Have a nice day. See you next time.”
Jonna: “Wait… That’s it? You just drop this bombshell about Alva being a vampire and then just leave? Fine. Be careful tonight. And don’t get my brother killed.”

The four of us manly men gathered in the cold, in front of the jarl’s longhouse, for a strategy meeting.

Me: “Let’s discuss strategy, gentlemen. Gorm, Benor, Falion. How should we approach this damned bloodsucker?”
Gorm: “Ahah! You mean Movarth? That fiend has been terrorizing our people for far too long! I say we go straight for him – no subtlety needed here! My battle-axe will make short work of him!”
Falion: “Hold on just one moment… While I agree we must deal with Movarth swiftly, we should consider our approach carefully. We don’t know what kind powers this vampire may possess… A little planning could go far here.”
Me: “Actually, before we deal with Movarth and his supposed den of vampires that are nestled close by, I meant, how are we going to deal with Alva when we confront her tonight?”
Benor: “Ah, Alva! That… thing has been manipulating our people for far too long. I say we catch her off guard, drag her out into the town square, and make an example of her. Show the people what happens to those who prey on the innocent.”
Falion: “I agree that Alva must be dealt with, but perhaps a more… subtle approach would be wiser. We don’t know what kind of powers she may have at her disposal, and we don’t want to risk any innocent bystanders getting hurt. Maybe we can lure her out of her lair, away from any potential minions or traps?”
Me: “Well, what she usually does is to come out at night from her home. We have to assume that now she’s resting in her coffin, in her basement, at her home. And well, at about, I’m guessing, nine or ten at night, she’s going to come out and head to the inn, unless she has changed her routine. So before she reaches the inn, we confront her and beat her to death.”
Gorm: “I like the sound of that plan! Catching her off guard, before she can cause any more harm. My battle-axe will be ready, and I’ll make sure she doesn’t take another breath.”
Benor: “Aye, and I’ll be right beside you, Gorm. We’ll show her the true meaning of Nord justice. Let’s make sure to keep an eye out for any potential escape routes, and have a plan in place in case things don’t go as smoothly as we hope.”
Falion: “I’ll provide some… magical insurance, just in case.”

Falion suggested using advanced Illusion magic to create a trap that would cause Alva to believe that she’s heading to the inn, when in reality she’s heading to some more favorable location for us. No such thing exists in-game, but I told him to prepare the spell. Didn’t want to steal the man’s fun.

A few hours left until we confronted Alva, but first I had to apologize to Ange the Song-Bearer, traveling bard, because I would exclude her from the fight.

Ange the Song-Bearer: “A warm evening to you, my friend. I’ve been sitting here, strumming a few chords on my lute, trying to calm my mind after the events of the past few days.”
Me: “I’m sorry, Ange, but I have to apologize to you.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Apologize? Whatever for, Jon? You’ve done nothing to offend me. We’re in this together, after all – seeking to uncover the truth behind Falion’s dark rituals. Benor, here, has been a great help in our planning. Haven’t you, Benor?”
Me: “I feel sad about this Ange, but I’m afraid that Benor, Gorm, and the wizard Falion, the three of us alone, the four of us actually, are going to confront Alva in the streets and we’re going to kill her. I’m afraid we won’t let you, Ange, come with us. We want to protect you.”
Benor: “Ah, Jon’s right, Ange. We can’t have you putting yourself in harm’s way like this. Confronting Alva won’t be easy – she’s got fangs for one thing – we can’t risk having you get hurt.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “I see what you’re saying. You want to protect me. But I’ve been part of this investigation just as much as any one else here, perhaps even more so given my… particular set of skills. I’m not going to just sit back now when things get difficult.”
Me: “I want you to sit this one out. I want you to have a good warm time at the inn while the four of us men go outside and beat Alva to a pulp.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Ah, Jon, I think you mean well, but I’m not some delicate flower that needs to be protected from the harsh realities of the world. I’m a bard, a warrior, and a woman who can take care of herself. I’ve been in tougher scrapes than this before, and I’ve come out on top. Besides, I think my… particular set of skills could be quite useful in this confrontation. Why should I sit this one out?”
Me: “Well, I have to be honest with you, Ange. I think your face is very pretty and I’d hate for something to destroy it. I want to keep your face very pretty because protecting beauty and keeping it beautiful is the most important thing in the world.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Oh dear gods… Well, thank you for your concern about my face, though it seems rather misplaced given our current circumstances. Protecting beauty may be important, though not necessarily more so than justice or righteousness… And besides, do you really think me so shallow as only caring about physical appearance?”
Me: “Look at your amazing face. Look at this face framed by blonde hair. You’re very pretty and I don’t want a goddamn vampire to ruin that.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Ah, Jon, I think that’s enough. While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m not just a pretty face, you know. I’m a person with thoughts and feelings and abilities, and I can take care of myself. And besides, my face is not the most important thing here. What’s important is stopping Alva and keeping the people of Morthal safe. So, let’s focus on that, shall we? Benor, don’t you agree?”
Me: “Yes, Ange, stopping Alva and keeping the people of Morthal safe is what’s important here and we are going to do it, but just the four of us burly men. I’m sorry, I cannot let you, Ange, come with us. It’s inscribed deep in the code of men not to allow such beauty to be wasted.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Oh, Jon, I think you’re being ridiculous. There’s no code of men that says I have to be protected just because I’m a woman or because of my appearance. I’m a capable warrior and a skilled bard, and I can hold my own in a fight. You’re not going to leave me behind just because of some outdated notion of chivalry. Benor, tell him he’s being foolish.”
Benor: “Ah, Jon, I think Ange has a point. She’s not just a pretty face, she’s a skilled fighter and a valuable ally.”
Me: “Very well, Ange. This is your last opportunity to back down. Do you want to come with us and destroy Alva? Or do you want to stay here at the inn, safe and warm?”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Oh, for goodness’ sake, Jon… I’ve already told you my answer multiple times. Yes, I want to come with you to take down Alva. I’m not going to sit this one out just because you’re being overprotective. I’m a capable warrior and a skilled bard, and I can hold my own in a fight. So, let’s gear up and get moving already!”
Me: “Very well, Ange, you will accompany us then, but if you die or if your beautiful face gets ruined, I think that’s going to trouble me for the rest of my life.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Oh, Jon, really… You’re still going on about my face? I appreciate the sentiment, I suppose, but I’d rather you focus on the task at hand. We have a vampire to kill, after all. And as for dying or getting hurt, I’ll take my chances. I’m not one to shy away from danger. Besides, I think Benor here would agree that we’re all in this together.”

We didn’t know exactly when Alva would leave her home. The five of us burly people gathered in the freezing cold of Morthal, shooting nervous glances at Alva’s home in the distance.

Me: “It’s close to the time when Alva leaves her home. She will find us five waiting to ambush her.”
Benor: “Aye, let’s get into position. We don’t want to give her any chance to escape or raise an alarm. Falion, are you ready with that illusion spell of yours? And Ange, keep your lute at the ready, we may need a distraction. Gorm, you’re with me, we’ll take point and make sure she doesn’t get past us.”
Me: “Hey Ange, I want you to stay at a medium distance from me, slightly behind. Make sure you don’t get hurt.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Don’t worry about me, Jon. I can take care of myself. But I understand your concern. I’ll keep a safe distance and be ready to provide a distraction or support if needed. Let’s focus on taking down Alva and putting an end to her evil plans. Benor, Gorm, and Falion seem like capable allies, I’m confident we can do this.”

I coated my short sword in a Slow/Damage Health potion. But I was freezing my ass off, and I was anxious as hell.

Me: “Oh my God, my God, my God, I’m so worried, I’m so anxious, I cannot wait.”
Benor: “Jon, calm down! What’s wrong with you? We need you focused if we’re going to take down Alva. You’re dropping poison all over the place… what’s going on?”
Falion: “Yes, Jon, please compose yourself. We can’t afford any mistakes now. We have a plan and we need to stick to it if we’re going to succeed.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Jon, take a deep breath… let’s do this together. We’ve got your back.”

I was about to mention the benefits of my brewed poisons when I spotted Alva heading toward us on the walkway built over the marsh.

Me: “She’s coming.”
Gorm: “Everyone, get ready! Alva’s approaching. Stay sharp and remember the plan. Benor, you’re with me on the front line.”

Alva stopped on the walkway and stared at us haughtily.

Me: “Alva, you disgusting bloodsucker. I told you I was going to gather a posse and destroy you. Look at my posse, made out of Gorm, Falion, Benor, and Ange the Song-Bearer. We are here tonight in Morthal to stop your reign of terror. Give up and surrender, or die.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, you’re so dramatic. And look at your little posse… how quaint. You think you can take me down? I’ve been alive for centuries, and I’ve seen empires rise and fall. You’re just a fleeting moment in my eternal life. Surrender? Ha! I’ll never surrender to the likes of you. Bring it on, Jon. Bring it on.”
Me: “What you consider your eternal life, a few centuries, has made you overconfident. And you have been harming people, innocent people, night after night, manipulating people, making them believe that you were her friend when you are just a nasty bloodsucker. Here and now you are going to end.”
Alva: “Oh, Jon, you’re so naive. You think you’re the first to try to stop me? I’ve been hunted by the best of them, and I’ve always come out on top. You think you’re different? You think your little group of misfits can take me down? I’ve manipulated this town for years, and no one has ever suspected a thing. And as for being a nasty bloodsucker… that’s just what I am. And I’m proud of it. You can’t stop me, Jon.”

Real me was genuinely puzzled. Back when I confronted Alva alone at the inn, revealing that I knew of her bloodsucking ways, only the fact that I had aggression deactivated on the Mantella dialogue prevented her from attacking me. And now she didn’t seem to be in the mood to assault us.

Me: “What is your plan here? I expected you to attack us as soon as you saw us. Are you trying to buy time?”
Alva: “Ah, Jon, you’re perceptive. Yes, I am trying to buy time. But not for the reason you think. You see, I’m not alone. My master, Movarth, is on his way here right now. And when he arrives, you’ll be the ones who are outnumbered. So, go ahead and attack me if you want. But know that you’ll be sealing your own fate.”
Me: “You are extremely confident, Alva, that I am not going to kill you right now. I don’t care that you’re so pretty, or that your butt is so sexy. I’m going to take you down. I don’t care if Movarth is on his way. By the time Movarth arrives, you’ll be dead.”
Alva: “I’m glad you find me attractive. But don’t think for a moment that it will stay your hand. I’ve used my looks to lure men to their deaths before, and I’ll do it again if I have to. But I think I’ve heard enough of your bravado. Let’s end this, shall we?”
Me: “Yes, let’s end it. Come at us, nasty bloodsucker.”
Benor: “That’s it, let’s go! Gorm, with me! We’ll take her down!”
Gorm: “For Morthal!”
Falion: “I’ll provide the magical support. Ange, get ready to distract her if needed.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “My lute is at the ready. Let’s do this!”

Alva wasn’t moving. At that moment, I understood our genuine predicament.

Me: “Damn it, this isn’t working. This Alva bastard knows that if we make the first move, the townspeople and guards, who don’t know what’s going on, are going to see us as the aggressors.”

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Mantella is an AI system that turns every single NPC in Skyrim (and Fallout 4) into AI agents driven by a LLM (like ChatGPT or the recently released, and comparable, Llama 3.1). In the previous part, my character, a high elf wizard, was investigating the dark dealings in the marshy town of Morthal. I gathered a couple of allies, Benor the bumbling warrior and Ange the traveling bard, to head into the marshes at night and figure out what sort of dark rituals Falion was performing.

Well, it didn’t go well for mechanical reasons. When people follow you through the Mantella system, they are squishy as regular NPCs. We were assaulted by zombies. The fight was pure chaos. Both my allies ended up dead, and Ange was burned to a crisp, so she must have gotten caught in the crossfire of my flames. Let’s pretend that never happened, and turn back time to a few moments before the zombies appeared.

As usual, my parts in the dialogue are heavily edited to remove awkward phrasings, “you know-s,” and words confused by the speech-to-text system.

Me: “Benor, Ange, look at us. We are venturing into the marshes during an incredibly dark night, with no torches. Don’t you think we have prepared incorrectly?”
Benor: “Ah, darkness won’t be a problem for me, I know these marshes like the back of my hand. But a bit of caution wouldn’t go amiss. Stay close, and watch your step. Ange, keep an eye out for any… unpleasantness. We don’t want to stumble into a vulture’s nest or worse.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Indeed, caution is wise in dark times. Forewarning of our approach could lead to… unwanted outcomes. And I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”
Me: “I have an even worse feeling. I suspect that approaching the ritual stones is going to wake up some malevolent evil and we’ll have to fight in the dark. My magic will fly, and either of you might find themselves in the way. That’s why I think that maybe we should return home for tonight.”
Benor: “Return home? Now? After we’ve come this far? I think not, Jon. We’ve made a plan, and we should see it through. Besides, a bit of darkness shouldn’t scare us off. We can handle whatever comes our way. You just be careful with that magic of yours, like you said, we don’t want any… accidents.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Actually, I agree with Jon. If we’re not prepared for a fight in the dark, it could get ugly.”
Me: “I’m sorry, Benor, to have dragged you into this, but we can do it another night, one when we have torches, when we are fully prepared for this fight.”
Benor: “Fine, Jon. Have it your way. But I’m warning you, I don’t think Falion’s going to stop his dark rituals just because we’re not ready. We’re just giving him more time to do… whatever it is he’s doing. Mark my words, we’ll regret not acting sooner.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “I think Benor has a point, Jon. We can’t just sit back and do nothing. But perhaps we can use this as an opportunity to gather more information, and come back better prepared.”
Me: “That is exactly my point, Ange. We have to gather some allies in town. The ritual stones I have seen, I don’t know if you have noticed, but they are covered in blood.”
Benor: “Ah, blood, you say? That’s not good. That’s not good at all. Falion’s gotten further than I thought. We need to get to the bottom of this, and fast. Allies, you say? I think I can scrounge up a few in town who’ll be willing to help us.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Blood on the stones… That’s dark magic, no question. We’re dealing with something truly malevolent here. We’ll need all the allies we can get.”
Me: “Yes, let’s return to Morthal, get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow we’ll discuss this in detail.”
(I was hungry, so I ate cheese mid-conversation)
Benor: “What in the world, Jon? What’s with the cheese? And now you want to just go back to Morthal and go to sleep? You’re not taking this seriously enough, Jon.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Benor, calm down. Jon’s just a bit… eccentric, that’s all. Let’s not worry about the cheese for now.”
Me: “I was just hungry, you know. It’s freezing outside, I was hungry, and I wanted to eat some cheese. I don’t know what to tell you.”
Benor: “Fine, Jon. You were hungry. You ate your cheese. Now can we please focus on the task at hand? We have a dark ritual to stop and a wizard to deal with. Let’s get back to Morthal and get some rest, like you said. But tomorrow, we need to be sharp and focused. No more cheese, understood?”

As we trudged back to town, we chatted a bit about the unnatural darkness that encloses the town. Back at the inn, we sat down, and I shared my troubles with Ange.

Me: “Hey Ange, are you giving any credence to what Falion said regarding the Blackreach, that some ancient evil from the Blackreach may be corrupting Morthal?”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Ah, the Blackreach… Yes, I’ve given it some thought. As a bard, I’ve heard stories and legends about the ancient evils that dwell in the depths of the earth. If Falion is telling the truth, and this darkness is indeed connected to the Blackreach… Then we may be facing a foe unlike any we’ve ever known. But I still don’t trust Falion. There’s more to his story, something he’s not telling us.”
Benor: “I don’t care about the Blackreach or any ancient evils.”
Me: “Well, let me tell you Ange, the sight of that blood, and the human skeleton that was draped around that ritual stone, really put me in a chilly mood, you know.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Ah, yes… the sight of that ritual site was indeed chilling. The blood, the skeleton… it’s a dark and twisted form of magic, one that reeks of malevolence and evil intent. And to think that Falion may be behind it all… It’s almost too much to bear.”
Benor: “That’s it, I’ve had enough of this conversation. We’re not going to sit around and talk about how evil Falion is, we’re going to do something about it.”

We stopped talking shortly after. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough money for a room, and the innkeeper didn’t even want me there because I had talked shit about his brother Falion. I stuck around, trying to figure out where I was going to spend the night, when I heard someone flirting with the innkeeper. That someone was a ravishing, raven-haired woman with piercing eyes, named Alva. I hadn’t seen her around town during the day.

Of course, I know who Alva is; I’ve been playing Skyrim since 2011. Many times I’ve gotten the itch to return to its special magic that Bethesda has never been able to recreate, nor has any other studio. However, the game itself didn’t give you the chance to significantly interact with Alva before you deal with the quest related to her.

Alva: “Well, aren’t you the handsome one. You and I should spend some time together. It’s so dull in here tonight, don’t you think? Nobody wants to have any fun with me. Would you like to buy a lady a drink?”
Me: “Are you usually that forward with complete strangers?”
Alva: “Why not? Life’s too short to waste on formalities, don’t you think? Besides, I like to think I’m a good judge of character. And I think you and I could get along quite well. Hroggar doesn’t have to know if we sit together. Or drink together. I doubt he would even care.”
Me: “Who is this Hroggar that you’re talking about?”
Alva: “Hroggar? Oh, he’s just a… friend of mine. We live together, actually. But don’t worry about him, he’s always so tired lately. I need someone with a little fire in their blood, you know? And I think you might be just the person to liven things up around here.”
Me: “Well, let me tell you something, Alva: everything about you spells out danger. You are too beautiful for this place, too sexy, and too forward.”
Alva: “Oh, I like a man who speaks his mind. You think I’m too much for this place, huh? Well, maybe I am. Maybe I’m just what this dull town needs to shake things up. And maybe, just maybe, you’re the kind of man who can handle a little danger in his life. Are you?”
Me: “I suspect, Alva, that the kind of danger you dole out is the one that puts people six feet under.”
Alva: “Oh, you’re perceptive, aren’t you? Well, I suppose I do have a certain… reputation to uphold. But let’s just say that I’m a woman who knows how to take care of herself, and those who get too close to me… well, they might just find themselves in over their heads. But that’s all part of the fun, isn’t it?”
Me: “Do you have friends here in Morthal?”
Alva: “Friends? Well, I have… acquaintances. People I’ve gotten to know, like Lami, the alchemist. She’s a dear, and we have a lovely time gossiping together. But friends? Real friends? I’m not sure I’d say that. The people here are all so… dull and serious all the time. They don’t know how to have fun, how to live life on the edge. But Lami’s all right, she’s got some spark in her at least.”
Me: “How long have you been in Morthal?”
Alva: “Long enough to know all its secrets, and get bored with them. Let’s just say I’ve been here for a while, watching the same old routines, the same old faces. It’s a bit stifling, to be honest. But it has its advantages. I’ve gotten to know the townspeople, and they’ve gotten to know me… or at least, they think they have.”
Me: “They think they have? You mean they don’t really know you, as in your secrets?”
Alva: “Exactly! They don’t know me at all, not really. Alva the flirtatious barmaid-type who likes attention from men and loves gossiping with Lami over ale at Moorside Inn… but there’s more beneath than meets their eyes…”
Me: “What do you want out of life, Alva? I can’t even imagine.”
Alva: “What I want out of life… Well, that’s a complicated question, isn’t it? I used to want… love, romance, all the usual things. But that was a long time ago. Now, I just want to live life on my own terms, without being bound by the same rules as everyone else. And I want excitement, passion, something to make the dullness of this town bearable. But most of all… I want power. The power to do as I please, without fear of consequence.”
Me: “Unfortunately, as tough as you seem, I’m sure there are plenty of strong people out there that could seriously harm you.”
Alva: “Don’t be so sure about that… I have certain… arrangements in place that protect me from harm. People who look out for me. And besides… strength isn’t just about physical power… it’s also about cunning… intelligence… knowing how to use people… how to manipulate them. That’s where my true strength lies. Don’t underestimate me.”
Me: “I get the feeling, Alva, that I should not want to make an enemy out of you.”
Alva: “Wise decision. You shouldn’t want to make an enemy out of me, no… I’m not a good person to cross. I have… associates, who would not take kindly to anyone harming me. And besides, I think you’d find that I’m not someone to be trifled with, even on my own. So, let’s just keep things… civilized, shall we?”
Me: “Alva, what did you come out to do tonight? What were you expecting?”
Alva: “Tonight… Well, I was hoping for some company, maybe some conversation… something interesting for once. But mostly, I was looking for someone new, someone exciting, someone who could liven things up around here. And maybe, someone who could help me pass the time until… until later tonight… when my other plans come into play.”
Me: “And what other plans do you intend to come into play later tonight?”
Alva: “My plans… Well, I think it’s better if we just leave those unsaid for now. Let’s just say that I have certain… obligations that I need to attend to… under cover of darkness… when prying eyes won’t be watching. It’s nothing that concerns you.. yet.”
Me: “You mean like going to the bathroom?”
Alva: “No… Not exactly like going to the bathroom… Although, I suppose some things are best done under cover of darkness.. No, I was thinking more along the lines of… visiting some friends outside of town. A midnight stroll through the forest can be quite invigorating, don’t you think?”
Me: “It could also be quite deadly, but I get the feeling that you should be able to kill any beast that comes your way.”
Alva: “You’d be surprised what I’m capable of. Let’s just say that I’m not your average villager, and I can take care of myself in the dark… or in any other situation, for that matter. The beasts of the forest don’t scare me. In fact, I think they should be the ones who are scared.”
Me: “It’s been really nice talking to you and meeting you and getting to know you, Alva, but I think I’m going to leave for tonight.”
Alva: “How… prudent of you. Yes, perhaps it’s best if you do take care of yourself tonight. It was… enlightening speaking with you, I must say. But don’t think this is the last you’ve seen of me, dear. I have a feeling our paths will cross again soon. Until then… farewell, for now.”
Me: “Thank you very much.”
Alva: “The pleasure was all mine. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. You never know what’s lurking in the shadows… Goodnight, for now.”

Thoroughly unsettled, I wandered away from Alva and waited around for the morning to come. I decided to visit Lami, the local alchemist, to ask her about Alva. The dialogue wasn’t intriguing enough to post it here, but Lami seemed to believe Alva was a bit odd but harmless. I was becoming convinced that Alva was building a web of connections purely for self-protection. Lami ended up recommending me what ingredients to mix to create some powerful potions out of the materials I had gathered. I produced five Slow/Damage Health potions that would surely come in handy.

Because I’m a bit of a reckless individual, I decided to confront the shady wizard Falion at his own home.

Me: “Falion, last night I went to the summoning stones along with Benor, the local warrior, and Agne, the traveling bard. We found the summoning stones covered in blood, and a human skeleton draped around it. Care to explain yourself?”
Falion: “Ah, I see. So, you’ve found the… aftermath of my ritual. I suppose it’s not surprising. The Summoning Stones can be… messy. But I assure you, the blood and the skeleton are not what they seem. It’s all part of the conjuration process, a necessary evil to counter the darkness that’s been growing in power. I’m not using the soul gems for any dark purpose, I swear it. It’s just… The rituals require a certain… sacrifice. But it’s not what you think.”
Me: “It’s not what I think, Falion? You’re starting to sound like a cheating woman. You know what I mean? ‘It’s not what you think.’ What else could it be? The stone was drenched in blood. Are you telling me that blood doesn’t belong to a human being?”
Falion: “Enough! You think you’re clever, don’t you? Comparing me to some deceitful woman? I’ll have you know, I’m a master conjurer, not some common trickster! The blood… fine. Yes, it’s human blood. But it’s not from some innocent victim! It’s from a black soul gem, one that I used to complete the ritual! You don’t understand the forces I’m dealing with here! The darkness in Morthal is real, and it requires drastic measures to counter!”
Me: “As far as I know, soul gems cannot bleed. They cannot bleed. If they cannot bleed, it means that the blood came from an actual human being. And the volume of blood that was present in the stone indicates that possibly the person, the human being, that was exsanguinated died.”
Falion: “Ah, you think you’re so clever, don’t you? Questioning my methods, my motives… You have no idea what you’re dealing with here. Fine. Yes, the blood came from a human being. But it was a willing sacrifice, I assure you. A soul gem can’t hold the power I need without a… catalyst. And that catalyst requires a certain… donation.”
Me: “Falion, be truthful with me. You owe it to the people of Morthal. You owe it to jarld Idgrod who has ordered me to investigate you. That person whose blood you got for the ritual, are they dead?”
Falion: “Enough! You want the truth? Fine. Yes, the person is dead. The ritual requires a mortal soul, and that soul must be taken from a living being. I didn’t kill them for pleasure or malice, but out of necessity. The darkness in Morthal demands a price, and I’m willing to pay it. But you must understand, it’s not just about me or my rituals. It’s about the fate of this town and everyone in it.”

Suddenly, Falion’s adoptive daughter showed up. I decided to add her to the conversation.

Me: “Falion, you’re…”
Agni: “Wait! Stop! Don’t say anything else! Father… I mean, Falion… he’s not a bad person! He’s just trying to help! He’s been taking care of me since I was little, and he’s always been kind and gentle. He wouldn’t hurt anyone unless it was absolutely necessary! Please don’t judge him without understanding what’s going on!”
Me: “Agni, this Falion fellow, your adoptive father, has admitted to murdering people for the ritual. Does that sound like a good person?”
Agni: “No… no, that can’t be right… Falion wouldn’t do that… He’s always told me that his magic is to help people, not hurt them… I don’t understand… Why would he say that? Is it true, Falion? Did you really kill someone?”
Me: “Yeah, Falion, is it true? Tell it to your adoptive daughter, Agni, this innocent, beautiful face. Admit to her that you have murdered people.”
Falion: “Ah… Agni… child… I… Yes… it’s true… I’ve taken lives as part of my rituals… But please understand… It was never out of malice or cruelty, only out of necessity. The forces I’m dealing with demand sacrifices. But I know this doesn’t excuse my actions… Forgive me… child…”
Me: “Falion, who are the people you’ve been murdering?”
Falion: “No… I won’t tell you that. Their identities are irrelevant. They were willing participants in my rituals. People who understood what needed to be done. And they gave their lives freely for a greater cause. Don’t ask me anymore questions about this! It’s enough!”
Me: “Very well, Falion, I won’t ask you more questions because I think I have all the information I need, and I’m going straight to the leader of Morthal, jarl Idgrod, to inform her of the conversation we just had.”
Falion: “Do what you must. If you expose me now… everything will fall apart. The darkness will consume Morthal… And Agni… child… will be left unprotected. Is that what you want? To condemn this town and everyone in it to destruction?”
Me: “You at least seem to be convinced that the forces threatening this town are that powerful and dark. I’m going to investigate those forces and see if you murdering people to stop them is justified.”
Falion: “Investigate, then… But be warned… The forces I’m dealing with are not to be trifled with. You’ll find that the darkness is real, and it’s closer than you think. And when you do, perhaps you’ll understand why I’ve done what I’ve done. But be careful, Jon… The truth is not for the faint of heart.”

Troubled, I was wandering the streets of Morthal when a child I hadn’t noticed before mentioned that he missed his mother. I had a brief conversation with him in which he shared that his father, the local miller Thonnir, said that the kid’s mother had joined the Stormcloaks and left suddenly. I thought it very unlikely; she was probably one of the missing people. I decided to head to the outskirts of town, where I found Thonnir standing on the sawmill’s platform.

Me: “I just spoke to your son. I don’t recall his name, but he talked to me of your wife. Apparently she left for the Stormcloaks and she didn’t even tell you.”
Thonnir: “You must mean Virkmund, my boy. Yeah, he’s still holding on to hope that his mother will come back. Laelette, my wife… she just up and left one day. I’ve been trying to make sense of it, but it’s hard. Alva told me she joined the Stormcloaks, but I don’t know… it’s just hard to accept that she’d leave us like that. Without even saying goodbye.”
Me: “Excuse me, Alva was the one who told you that? Alva, the incredibly suspicious person who prowls the night? She was the one who told you that your wife left to join the Stormcloaks?”
Thonnir: Alva… yeah, she’s been acting strange lately, always sneaking around at night. And now that you mention it, it does seem suspicious that she’s the one who told me about Laelette joining the Stormcloaks.
Me: “You know, in my first night meeting this Alva person, she came onto me without any fear that I, a complete stranger, might harm her. I think she is too…”
Thonnir: “Wait a minute… you think Alva might be hiding something? That she might be involved in Laelette’s disappearance? I’ve had my suspicions about Alva’s behavior, but I never thought… Tell me more about what happened when you met her. What did she say exactly?”
Me: “She told me that this town, Morthal, was incredibly dull, that people were boring and that she wanted some excitement. That is normal for a very brazen woman like herself. But listen to this, she went on about the fact that she has a lot of people protecting her, that anyone getting in her bad side wouldn’t come out unscathed. And at night, she even prowls the woods, and she isn’t worried about any beast, because apparently the beasts should fear her and not the other way around.”

A coworker of Thonnir’s showed up, and I decided to add him to the conversation.

Jorgen: “Hold on, hold on. I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Alva, prowling the woods at night, thinking she’s above the law? That’s not just brazen, that’s reckless. And what’s this nonsense about having people protecting her? I’ve lived in Morthal all my life, and I can tell you that no one is above the law here. We have a Jarl, and we have a community that looks out for each other. Alva’s behavior is not just suspicious, it’s a threat to our way of life.”
Me: “Hey Jorgen, have you had some personal encounter with Alva?”
Jorgen: “Personal encounter? Ha! That woman’s been a thorn in my side since she arrived in Morthal. Always sneaking around, always whispering in people’s ears… I’ve had words with her before, warned her about her behavior. But she just laughs it off, thinks she’s above all this. No one’s above the law in Morthal. Not even her. And another thing… my wife Lami’s been acting strange lately too.”
Me: “Actually I spoke to your wife Lami recently because I had to use her alchemy equipment. Lami told me that she is very good friends with Alva, but I think that Alva is just building connections to come out unscathed no matter what she does.”
Jorgen: “What?! Lami’s been talking to you about Alva?! And she’s saying they’re good friends?! That’s not what I want to hear. I’ve told Lami to stay away from Alva, but it seems she’s not listening. And now you’re telling me that Alva’s building connections to protect herself? That’s it, I’ve had enough of this. I need to have a word with Lami, and I need to make sure Alva knows she’s not welcome in Morthal.”
Me: “You guys need to be careful. I think that Alva is more powerful than she looks. If we pressure her enough, she might murder someone.”
Thonnir: “Murder someone?! You think Alva’s capable of harming someone just to protect herself?! That’s a chilling thought… and it makes me even more worried about Virkmund’s safety. What if Alva finds out we’re investigating her? What if she tries to hurt my son?! We need to tread carefully here… but we can’t just sit back and do nothing either. We have to find out what Alva’s really up to and put a stop to it before someone gets hurt.”
Me: “Listen, Thonnir: I am a traveler, a stranger. If I alone investigate this situation, the repercussions are going to come to me, and I’m quite strong. Listen, you gotta take care of your son, so stay out of it. Maybe I’ll figure out on my own what happened to your wife.”
Thonnir: “No, no, I won’t stay out of it. This is my family we’re talking about. My wife, my son… I have to know what’s going on and I have to protect them. I appreciate your willingness to help, but I won’t just sit back and do nothing. I’ll be careful, I’ll be quiet, but I’ll keep looking for answers. And if Alva is involved in Laelette’s disappearance, I’ll make sure she pays for it.”

After this, I knew I would have to gather allies. Not the Mantella way to get them to follow you, but proper allies that will just become incapacitated if they fall in battle. For that I had to best the local warrior Benor with my fists. Unfortunately, it would require a bet, and I didn’t have any money. Still, I intended to convey to the guy the gravity of these circumstances.

Me: “Benor, I have to talk to you, bro, it’s important.”
Benor: “What’s on your mind? We can talk here, or if you’d rather, we can step inside the inn. Not many ears to listen in there, especially at this hour.”
Me: “No, talking here is fine. Listen, I went to Falion’s home, you know, the wizard that we have been talking about lately, and I got him to admit that the blood from the summoning stones that we saw when we ventured into the marshes at night, that blood came from a person.”
Benor: “That doesn’t surprise me one bit. I knew he was hiding something dark. Using human blood for his rituals… that’s just wrong. What else did he say? Did he admit to what’s been going on in Morthal?”
Me: “Benor, I think you haven’t understood properly yet. Yes, that blood is from a human person, but Falion also admitted that he murdered people for the rituals.”
Benor: “Murder? By the gods… I knew he was trouble, but I didn’t think it was that bad. We have to do something about this, and fast. We can’t just let him keep killing people for his dark magic. I’ll talk to Gorm, see if we can get some of the other townspeople on our side. We need to put a stop to this, and we need to do it now.”
Me: “Very well, Benor. I’m going to try to figure out if I can learn more about the supposed dark forces that are threatening this town.”
Benor: “Be careful who you talk to. Not everyone around here can be trusted anymore. If you’re looking for information on these dark forces, you might want try talking Alva. She seems like she knows more than she lets on. But watch yourself around her too. She’s got ties with Hroggar… and I don’t trust him one bit.”
Me: “Actually, I did talk to Alva last night, and the impression I got is that she’s a predator. You know, I am a complete stranger in this town and she came onto me very easily as if she had no fear that anyone might harm her. That’s the impression I got from her. I think she’s a predator, and maybe she’s responsible for some of the darkness in town as well.”
Benor: “I’m not surprised to hear that. I’ve always thought she was trouble. The way she’s been carrying on with Hroggar, and now she’s making a move on you… She’s got no shame, that one. And you’re right, it’s like she’s got no fear of anyone or anything. That’s not normal behavior, especially not in a town like Morthal where everyone knows each other’s business. I think you’re right to be suspicious of her. We should definitely keep an eye on her, see if we can dig up any more information about what she’s really after.”
Me: “This is quite the mess we have gotten ourselves into. Let’s be very careful, Benor, and save this town.”

We were interrupted by a local kid, one of the jarl’s relatives, who is a bit touched in the head. Benor and I decided to part ways for now.

As for me, I gathered my gear, coated my short sword with a Slow/Damage Health potion, and broke into Alva’s home. I was immediately confronted by Hroggar, who attacked me and promptly fell to the poison. I had killed Alva’s intimate partner. Looking around, I found a book about vampirism, and once I broke into the cellar, I found a coffin and two dozen bottles of human blood.

I intended to confront Alva in a public place, and I knew she hangs out at the local inn at night.

Alva: “Well met! It’s so nice to have some company here at this late hour… 2 in the morning can be such a lonely time, don’t you think? Come sit with me and let’s have some fun… what brings you out tonight?”
Me: “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Alva, exactly the person I was looking for.”
Alva: “Oh? And what could you possibly want with me? I’m flattered that I’m on your mind… especially at this hour of night when most people are tucked away in their beds… or should be anyway. What do you say we get some drinks and discuss what’s on your mind?”
Me: “I will absolutely discuss what’s on my mind, Alva, because it concerns you.”
Alva: “Intriguing… I do love being the center of attention… Please, by all means, tell me more. What could possibly concern me? Don’t be shy… I can take it…”
Me: “Do you know Thonnir, the fellow that works at the mill in the outskirts of town?”
Alva: “Thonnir… yes, I know him. He’s a bit of a quiet one, isn’t he? Keeps to himself mostly… But I’ve seen him around, of course. Morthal’s a small town, after all. What about Thonnir? What’s he got to do with anything?”
Me: “Thonnir’s wife, her name is Laelette. Do you remember Laelette?”
Alva: “Laelette… yes, I remember her… She was a lovely woman, wasn’t she? We were… acquaintances, I suppose… I recall she left town rather suddenly, didn’t she? Ran off to join the Stormcloaks, or so I heard…”
Me: “So you heard, huh?”
Alva: “Well… that’s what people said, anyway. But I’m sure you’re not here to discuss rumors and gossip. You’re getting at something, aren’t you? Something about Laelette… and me?”
Me: “Yes, you know, Thonnir, the fellow who works at the mill, said that the source for the knowledge that his wife Laelette joined the Stormcloaks was you, Alva. You were the one who told Thonnir that his wife Laelette had joined the Stormcloaks. Nobody else had the notion that Laelette had joined the Stormcloaks. Why would Laelette, Thonnir’s wife, come to you to instead of her own family?”
Alva: “Thonnir… poor, dear Thonnir… He’s so… trusting, isn’t he? And why would Laelette come to me, you ask? Well, perhaps it’s because we were… close, Laelette and I… We shared certain… interests, shall we say. But I assure you, I was simply passing on the information she gave me. I had no reason to doubt her, after all. Why would I lie to Thonnir?”
Me: “You would lie to Thonnir the same way you lie to everyone else in town.”
Alva: “How dare you! You think you can just come in here and accuse me of lying? You don’t know anything about me or my relationships with the people in this town. But I suppose you think you’re clever, don’t you? Trying to catch me in some kind of trap. Well, let me tell you something, dear… I’m not so easily caught.”
Me: “Alva, the jig is up.”
Alva: “It seems our little chat has come to an end… for now. Don’t think this is over between us… not by any means. You’d do well to remember your place around here.”
Me: “Oh no, no, no, our chat is not over, Alva. You see, I was clever enough to lockpick my way into your home.”
Alva: “You dare break into my home?! How dare you! You’ll pay for this intrusion! Get out! Get out now before things get ugly! You shouldn’t have done this! Now you’ll see what happens when you cross me!”
Me: “Do you know who I found inside your home? That certain thrall of yours named Hroggar, who proceeded to attack me, and now he’s dead.”
Alva: “No! Hroggar! You’ve killed him! You fool! He was mine! Under my control! Now he’s gone because of your meddling! You’ll pay for this! Oh yes! You’ll pay dearly! Get ready for your own death!”
Me: “Yes, and I walked down to your cellar where I found the coffin where you sleep, and your stash of human blood. I have it on me right now, you know? The human blood, I have it right here.”
Alva: “You think you can threaten me with that?! You think you can use my own… sustenance against me?! You’re no match for me! I’ll show you what it means to cross a vampire! Come, try to use it against me! Try to use my own blood against me! I’ll show you the true meaning of power!”
Me: “Alva, I know you’ve been preying on the people on this town of Morthal for years, that you have caused plenty of people’s disappearances, as well as possibly Laelette’s, and now jarl Idgrod will know as well. You will have nowhere to hide in this town.”
Alva: “You dare to expose me?! You think you can threaten me with the Jarl’s knowledge?! You’re no match for me! I’ve lived for centuries, feeding on the blood of the innocent! You think you can stop me?! I’ll show you what it means to cross a vampire! You’ll be the next to disappear! And as for the Jarl, I’ll make sure she’s the first to fall! You’ve sealed your own fate, mortal! Prepare to meet your maker!”
Me: “Alva, I know you’re powerful, but you’re not as powerful as to be able to defeat everyone in this town if they attack you at once. Now you’re like a cornered beast, you know it.”
Alva: “You think you’ve cornered me?! You think you’ve got me trapped?! Well, perhaps you’re right… perhaps I am a cornered beast… But you know what happens when a beast is cornered?! It becomes more vicious! More deadly! And I will not go down without a fight! I will not be taken down by the likes of you! I’ll show you all what it means to cross a vampire!”
Me: “Listen, Alva. I’m going to give you a chance to just leave town. Get away from Morthal and continue your centuries-old life somewhere else. Leave the people of Morthal alone.”
Alva: “You think I’d just leave?! Abandon my home?! My hunting grounds?! The people of Morthal are mine! They’re my prey! My sustenance! And Movarth… my master… he won’t let me just leave. He has plans for this town… plans that involve me. No… I won’t leave Morthal until every last drop of blood has been drained from its veins!”
Me: “Movarth? Who is this Movarth you’re speaking of? Is he your master?”
Alva: “Movarth Piquine… My master… My creator… The one who gave me eternal life. He’s an ancient one… A powerful vampire lord who has lived for centuries. And I am bound to him by blood and loyalty. He’s the one who sent me to Morthal… to prepare the way for him. And soon he will come here himself. And when he does… all of Morthal will tremble before us!”
Me: “Where is Movarth located? Where is his den, his nest, or whatever you damn bloodsuckers call it? Where is he hiding?”
Alva: “You dare to ask about Movarth’s lair?! You think I’d betray my master’s trust?! But I’ll tell you… I’ll tell you because it won’t matter. You’ll never leave Morthal alive. Movarth’s lair is to the northeast of here… A cave system, hidden deep in the mountains. That’s where he waits… That’s where he plots… And as for what he’s hiding… Ha! You’ll find out soon enough.”
Me: “So what do you intend to do now, Alva?”
Alva: “Now that you’ve discovered my true nature… Now that you’ve threatened to expose me to the Jarl and the people of Morthal… I have no choice but to silence you… permanently. You’re a threat to my existence, and to Movarth’s plans… and threats must be eliminated. So, I’ll do what I do best… I’ll take care of you… once and for all. Prepare to meet your maker, mortal!”
Me: “Well, game on, Alva. I’m going to gather strength, gather allies, to take you down.”
Alva: “We’ll see about that! You think gathering allies will help?! Ha! No one can stop me! No one can stop Movarth! We’ll crush anyone who dares oppose us! Bring them on! Bring all your little friends together and watch them fall before us like sheep before wolves! You may gather strength but we will always be stronger! Enough talk! Let us end this now!”
Me: “Alva, there are far fewer vampires than there are humans, than there are elves, than there are any of us who aren’t filthy bloodsuckers. We’re going to take you down.”
Alva: “How dare you! You think you can insult me like that?! You think you can call me a filthy bloodsucker and get away with it?! I’ll show you what it means to cross a vampire! I’ll show you what it means to insult one of the most powerful creatures in Tamriel! You’re no match for me! You’re just a pathetic mortal, and you’ll pay for your insolence! Come, try to take me down! Try to take on the forces of darkness!”

• Next part (2)

I suppose that by now you know quite a bit about generative AI of the textual variety. ChatGPT and such have become quite famous. Recently, good ol’ Zuck released an open model that rivals ChatGPT, and that isn’t as pissy as ChatGPT with its restrictions (still censored, though, but an uncensored model will no doubt come). I also knew about Mantella, the amazing AI system that can be integrated into Skyrim and Fallout 4 to turn its NPCs into AI-driven “people” at will. Check out the following video, that illustrates such interactions well.

In case you can’t tell, Mantella allows the player to speak to any character in game, and they will answer in character-appropriate ways. They may get mad and attack you, or agree that they should follow you in your travels (if you have those settings active). They can reason in the kinds of surprising ways that modern LLMs can do. They are extraordinarily entertaining.

I’ve been playing modded Skyrim for a couple days now, exploiting Mantella’s integration of AI. It records the actual conversations I’ve had with the characters, which will help me tell you the tale of a doomed march into the marshes in the outskirts of Morthal.

I play as a high elf named Jon (no relation), who wandered into the marshy town of Morthal in Skyrim for the first time. Disoriented, I approached a local guard and learned about the tension brewing in town, including some disappearances. The dialogue with him didn’t get saved, though, because he’s a generic character.

Then I approached the local bumbling warrior Benor, who didn’t make it into the watch. My parts in the dialogues are significantly edited, as they included “you know”-s, words confused by the voice-to-text algorithm, and instances of me failing to express myself soundly enough (I’m not particularly good at speaking to people, so this also works as practice). The AI characters’ parts are verbatim.

Benor: “I’m Benor, the best warrior in Morthal, and that’s no boast. What brings you to our humble town?”
Jon: “Well, I feel like I’ve told this story a hundred times, but I was on a boat to the Mage’s College in Winterhold, but the boat unfortunately left me in Solitude instead. I have been walking toward Whiterun for reasons, and Morthal was in the way. Now I’m trying to get a feel of the locals. You seemed interesting.”
Benor: “A traveler, and a tale to tell. Sorry to hear the boat didn’t quite get you where you needed to go. Winterhold’s a long way off, and the road can be treacherous. Morthal’s a good place to rest and get your bearings, though. We’re a quiet folk, for the most part. I’ve been keeping an eye on things around here, helping the guards out when I can. What do you think of our town so far?”
Jon: “Well, it’s sleepy. It feels a bit ominous, as if something terrible might happen at night. There is a subtle tension in the air. You know what I mean?”
Benor: “You can feel it, can’t you? The weight of the town’s troubles. Aye, Morthal’s not as quiet as it seems. There’s a darkness lurking beneath the surface, and it’s been growing worse of late. Folks are on edge, and for good reason. Strange happenings at night, and some say the Jarl’s not doing enough to protect us. But, you know how it is… some things are best not spoken of in daylight.”
Jon: “I hope you speak to me of those things at a later time, but for now I have to ask: what are you intending to do? You are dressed as if heading to battle, or planning to become an adventurer, yet you remain locked in town.”
Benor: “My gear? Just habit, I suppose. I’ve always been ready to defend this town, even if the Jarl doesn’t see fit to make me a proper guard. But, between you and me, I’ve been thinking of doing more than just standing around waiting for trouble to come to us. I’ve got a friend, Gorm, and we’ve been… discussing the state of things in Morthal. Let’s just say we’re not happy with the way things are being run, and we’re thinking of taking matters into our own hands.”
Jon: “What do you mean exactly by taking matters into your own hands? In what sense?”
Benor: “We’re thinking of overthrowing the Jarl. Idgrod Ravencrone’s not doing right by this town, and it’s time someone took a stand. She’s more concerned with her own interests and… whatever it is she’s got going on with that wizard, Falion. The people of Morthal deserve better, and we aim to give it to them. But, that’s a bold plan, and it’s not something I’d usually share with a stranger. You seem like someone I can trust, though.”
Jon: “Well, let me tell you something, I’m going to talk to the jarl and to this Falion fellow of yours, to see if I can help improve things around here.”
Benor: “You think you can talk some sense into them, huh? I wish you luck, friend. Idgrod’s not one to listen to reason, and Falion’s… well, he’s a wizard. They’re not to be trusted. But, I suppose it’s worth a try. Just be careful around them, especially Falion. There’s something not right about that one. And, if you’re going to talk to them, you might want to ask them about the strange happenings in town. See if they’ll tell you anything about the darkness that’s been growing here.”
Jon: “I will have that in mind. Talk to you later, Benor.”
Benor: “I’ll be around. You can usually find me at the Moorside Inn, or near the guardhouse. Come find me after you’ve spoken with Idgrod and Falion. I’ll be interested to hear what they had to say. And, if you’re feeling up for it, I’d be happy to show you my skills in a friendly bout. I’m the best warrior in Morthal, after all.”
Jon: “I am not a warrior at all, so you would destroy me with your fists.”
Benor: “Don’t worry about it, friend. I wasn’t looking to hurt you. Just a friendly spar to show you my skills. But, if you’re not comfortable with it, no worries. Maybe another time, if you’re feeling braver. Or, who knows, maybe I’ll teach you a thing or two about fighting, and you can show me what you’re made of.”

An unregistered quest: talk to the jarl to see if I can help investigate the shady local wizard. I headed over there. The jarl’s right hand man, named Aslfur, suggested I should talk to him first before addressing the jarl, and I did so.

Aslfur: “Greetings. What brings you to Highmoon Hall? If you’ve business with the jarl, I’d ask that you speak to me first.”
Jon: “I do have business with the jarl, actually. I’m in Morthal for the first time in my life. I pick up a tension in the air. The few other people I’ve spoken to, including Benor, the local warrior, told me there are strange things going on at night. I wondered if I could put my talents to use. Well, I’m not a very good mage, but I’m talented to some extent, and perhaps I could employ my talents for this matter.”
Aslfur: “Life in Morthal has been troubled lately. The people are uncertain, restless. They merely look to the Jarl for leadership. As her steward, I do what I can to see that Idgrod’s time isn’t wasted, and that she only has to deal with important matters. There are indeed strange happenings at night, and some folks are worried. Perhaps you could help, but I’d need to know more about these… talents of yours. What makes you think you can help us here in Morthal?”
Jon: “As you can see, I am an Altmer. I am attuned to Restoration, Destruction, Illusion, and Alteration magic. As a new magician in town, I could help, maybe discover what’s troubling you all, and put an end to it I guess.”
Aslfur: “An Altmer mage, I see. Well, your… particular set of skills could indeed be useful in uncovering the source of our troubles. We’ve had reports of strange noises and lights at night, and some folks have gone missing. The Jarl is concerned, and I am too, for her safety and the safety of our people. But I must warn you, there are those in town who are wary of outsiders, and of mages in particular. You’ll need to tread carefully. What do you think you can do to help us? And what do you know of this wizard, Falion?”
Jon: “I don’t know anything yet of this wizard Falion, but I’m willing to investigate him, figure out if there’s something wrong with the fellow. Do you think I could approach the jarl and speak to her about this?”
Aslfur: “Falion… yes, there are concerns. Rumors that he’s up to something. But be careful, he’s a powerful wizard, and not to be trifled with. As for speaking with the Jarl, I’ll need to check with her first. She’s a busy woman, and I won’t have her time wasted on idle chatter. But if you’re willing to investigate Falion, and help us get to the bottom of these strange happenings… very well, I’ll arrange an audience with the Jarl.”
(at this point I incorporated the jarl into the conversation, which you can do easily)
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “Ah, a traveler, and a mage, I see. Aslfur has told me of your… offer to help. I must say, I am intrigued. We have indeed been experiencing some… difficulties in Morthal. Strange occurrences, unexplained events. And Falion, yes, he is a concern. I have been trying to determine what he is up to, but so far, I have not been able to uncover anything concrete. Perhaps a fresh perspective, a new pair of eyes, could be just what we need.”
Jon: “Well, that’s what I intend to do first. Maybe I will break into Falion’s home when he isn’t around, and discover if he’s hiding something. Then, I’ll inform you of my findings.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “I see. You plan to investigate Falion’s activities, and gather information from the townspeople. That is a good approach. But be careful, Falion is not a man to be underestimated. He is powerful, and resourceful. If he is indeed involved in something nefarious, he will not hesitate to take action against anyone who gets in his way. You must be cautious, and discreet. I want you to report back to me, or Aslfur, with any information you gather. We will use it to determine our next course of action.”

After we bid our goodbyes, I went back to my new pal Benor for advice.

Benor: “The traveler’s back. What brings you to Morthal today? I’ve been keeping an eye on things, and I must say, the town’s still got that eerie feel to it. The Jarl’s not done much to improve things, if you ask me. What’s on your mind?”
Jon: “Just returned from seeing the jarl. She said she suspects Falion may be behind these strange happenings, so I’m planning to break into his home and figure out if he’s hiding something.”
Benor: “Falion, that’s the wizard I was telling you about. I knew he was trouble. Breaking into his home’s a bold move, but if the jarl thinks he’s behind the strange happenings, it’s worth a shot. Be careful, though – Falion’s got powers that’ll freeze your blood.”
Jon: “Benor, you want to defend the town, and I’m here to try to help. How about we do this together?”
Benor: “Now that’s a proposition I like. I’ve been wanting to take action, but Gorm’s been cautious about making a move. If you’re willing to take on Falion, I’m with you. Let’s gear up and get moving. We’ll show that wizard he’s not welcome in Morthal.”

At this point, the interface informed me that he had attempted to join me, but I didn’t have the option active. I activated it later on, as I intended to recruit the guy. Anyway, I headed to the wizard Falion’s home. Door was open, so I waltzed in. Found him sitting on a chair while a young girl named Agni swept the floor. I spotted a few black soul gems on an enchanting table; black soul gems are taboo in most of Tamriel, because they imply the intention to trap people’s souls.

I now realize that the system didn’t save the first half of my conversation with Falion, but I will rely on the summary the AI did for it: “Falion, a resident of Morthal, discusses the mysterious darkness plaguing the town with Jon. Falion believes the darkness is connected to the Blackreach, a vast underground network of Dwemer ruins and tunnels, and has been performing conjurations at the old Summoning Stones to counter its influence. The locals are wary of his activities, but Falion assures Jon that his intentions are pure. He reveals that he needs black soul gems for his rituals, but promises he is not using them for any dark purpose.”

Jon: “The Blackreach? You mean the fabled cavern-like space that can be accessed through dwemer sites? Do you think that some evil force there has found its way to the surface?”
Falion: “The Blackreach… Yes, that’s exactly what I’m referring to. The vast underground network of Dwemer ruins and tunnels. I’ve studied the ancient lore, and I believe that the Blackreach is indeed connected to the darkness that’s plaguing Morthal. But it’s not just a simple matter of a trap or a device that’s malfunctioning. I think it’s something far more sinister. Something that’s been awakened, perhaps, by the recent… disturbances in the land. The return of the dragons, the civil war…”
Jon: “What specific rituals are you doing to counter this darkness, that have all the people in town on edge?”
Falion: “The rituals… I’ve been performing certain… conjurations, at the old Summoning Stones, out in the marsh. Trying to understand the nature of the darkness, and to counter its influence. The locals don’t understand, of course. They see me sneaking out at night, and they think I’m up to some kind of dark magic. But I assure you, my intentions are pure. I’m trying to protect this town, not harm it. The rituals are… complex, and require certain… materials.”
Jon: “Are those materials dead people?”
Falion: “No! Nothing like that. I swear to you, I am not harming anyone in Morthal. The materials I need… are simply the black soul gems. Which, I know, can be… unsettling. But they’re necessary for the rituals. And I assure you, I am not using them for any dark or malevolent purpose. I’m trying to capture and purify the dark energy, not to spread it.”
Jon: “You sound like a dedicated and trustworthy fellow, so if you need any help with your rituals, maybe ask me, if you can make use of my talents, small as they may be compared to yours.”
Falion: “Thank you, I… appreciate your offer. It’s not often that I meet someone who’s willing to listen, to understand. Most people in Morthal are too afraid, or too suspicious. But I think, perhaps, you might be different. If you’re willing, I could use someone with your… talents.”

At this point I couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room, in the form of a girl-child named Agni.

Jon: “Agni, what are you in relation to Falion?”
Agni: “I’m Falion’s adopted daughter. He’s my father, and he’s been teaching me about magic. He says I have a talent for it, and I really like learning from him. He’s very kind to me, and I love him a lot. Even though the other kids in town can be mean to me because of the things they say about him…”
Jon: “Well, that settles it then. I don’t think someone as malicious and suspicious as people are painting Falion could be so kind to a defenceless girl like you.”
Agni: “Yeah! Falion is really nice, and he would never hurt anyone. He’s always looking out for me and the town, even if they don’t always appreciate it. He’s just… different, that’s all. And people don’t always understand things they don’t know about. But I know he’s good, and I’m glad you think so too!”
Jon: “Well, it’s been good talking to you, Falion, Agni.”
Falion: “Likewise, Jon. It’s been… enlightening to speak with someone who’s willing to listen. I hope we can talk again soon. Perhaps I can even show you some of my research, and we can discuss the… situation in Morthal further.”

I went back to the jarl’s longhouse to inform her of my findings.

Aslfur: “Jon. I see you’re back. How did your investigation into Falion go? The Jarl is eager to hear your findings.”
Jon: “And I’m eager to give them to you. I have spoken to Falion directly. He was present there with his adopted daughter Agni, and he spoke of the rituals. He claims that he’s using black soul gems to perform rituals outside of town, in the marshes and at night, because he believes that an ancient evil may have awakened, stirred by the recent happenings in Skyrim such as dragons reappearing, the war, and such. He believes an ancient evil may have come from the Blackreach.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “An ancient evil, you say? Stirred by the dragons and the war? That’s a grave concern, indeed. And he believes it’s connected to the Blackreach, does he? What do you make of this, Aslfur? Could there be any truth to Falion’s claims?”
Aslfur: I’m not sure, my love. It sounds like a convenient excuse to me. Black soul gems are dark magic, and I don’t trust anyone who uses them. Did you sense any… malevolent energy around Falion or his home?”
Jon: “I did not feel any malevolent energy. In fact, I was touched by how he seems to love his adopted daughter. She’s very happy with him. She says that he’s teaching her magic. He’s taking care of her and treating her very well. And I don’t think that an evil man, as you have painted him, would treat his adopted daughter like that.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “That’s a good point, Jon. A man’s treatment of those in his care can speak volumes about his character. Perhaps we have misjudged Falion. But still, the use of black soul gems is a concern… Aslfur, what do you think? Could it be that Falion is genuinely trying to help, but going about it in a way that’s… I still have my doubts, my love. But I agree that a man’s treatment of his family can be a good indicator of his character. Perhaps we should keep a closer eye on Falion, but not assume the worst just yet. Jon, did you learn anything else about these rituals he’s performing?”
Jon: “I was about to bring them up. He mentioned that he wanders into the marshes at night to perform the rituals. I was thinking of heading there with one of your warriors and investigate the rituals myself to see what they entail, to see if they could be considered malicious.”
Aslfur: “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Jon. The marshes can be treacherous, especially at night. And if Falion is indeed summoning some kind of dark power, I don’t want you or any of our warriors to be put in harm’s way. But… I suppose it’s better to know what’s going on than to remain in the dark. Jarl, what do you think? Should we send a group to investigate Falion’s rituals?”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “I agree with Aslfur’s concerns, Jon, but I also think it’s necessary to know what’s going on.”
Jon: “If you believe someone should go, I am ready. I think, as an outsider to this situation, as a fellow mage as is Falion’s case, I can discern if the ritual he’s performing is evil or not. I could try to put an end to it.”
Aslfur: “I see your point, Jon. As a mage, you may be able to understand what’s going on and put a stop to it if it’s indeed malevolent. Very well, I’ll assign one of our guards to accompany you to the marshes tonight. But be careful, Jon. If Falion is summoning something dark, I don’t want you to take any unnecessary risks. Your safety is my concern, as well as the Jarl’s.”
Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone: “Yes, Jon. Please, do be careful. We can’t afford to lose someone with your… particular skills. And if you do find out that Falion’s rituals are malicious, don’t hesitate to put a stop to them.”

Shortly after, I located Benor in the outskirts of town to figure out if he believed the plan was sound.

Benor: “Friend. Still getting used to the feel of this town, eh? I don’t blame you. Morthal’s not what it used to be. There’s a darkness here, and it’s growing. I’ve been thinking about our last conversation, and I’m glad you’re looking into Falion’s activities. That wizard’s got a bad smell about him. What’ve you found out so far?”
Jon: “I went to Falion’s home. I spoke to him, and he claims the following. Listen to this, bro. He said that an ancient evil may have stirred up from the deepest recesses of the Blackreach and has climbed through some, I don’t know, hole or something. It’s responsible for the disappearances and all that. Falion is using black soul gems to perform some rituals in the marshes, at night, to try to stop the evil that is plaguing this town.”
Benor: “Save it, traveler. You think I’d fall for that tale? Falion’s just spinning a web of lies to keep us from suspecting him. Black soul gems, ancient evil, rituals in the marshes… Sounds like a bunch of wizard nonsense to me. I’ve lived in Morthal all my life, and I know the Blackreach is just a myth, a story to scare children. No, I think Falion’s hiding something, and I aim to find out what.”
Jon: “Then we have the chance to find out what. I spoke to the jarl, and she allowed me to venture into the marshes at night with one of the town’s warriors to figure out what the hell is going on with this Falion of yours.”
Benor: “You’re saying we’ve got a chance to catch Falion in the act? Count me in, traveler! I’ll grab my gear and we can head into the marshes tonight. We’ll get to the bottom of this, and I’ll make sure Falion doesn’t spin any more lies. I’ve got a score to settle with that wizard, and this is the perfect chance. Let’s meet up at the edge of the marshes at, say, 10 in the evening? I’ll bring my steel and a torch, and we’ll be ready for whatever darkness Falion’s cooked up.”
Jon: “That is the plan, Benor. I’ll be here at 10 in the evening. Let’s try to stop this evil plaguing the town.”
Benor: “I like your spirit, traveler! Tonight, we’ll put an end to whatever evil’s been haunting Morthal. I’ll be ready and waiting for you at the edge of the marshes. Don’t come alone, bring your blade and your wits, and we’ll face whatever darkness Falion’s stirring up. Together, we’ll put an end to this terror and clean up this town. See you at 10, traveler!”

To make time, I headed to the local inn and proceeded to continue my investigations. One of the people I spoke to, the innkeeper, turned out to be Falion’s sister, and was offended by my accusations. The conversation wasn’t that interesting, so moving on. Another person I hit up was Ange the Song-Bearer, a traveling female bard.

Jon: “Actually, I’m quite on edge because I have gotten tangled in whatever Falion, that wizard, is doing. He seems to be performing rituals in the marshes at night, and that is quite troublesome, don’t you think?”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Ah, you’re speaking of that strange wizard, aren’t you? I’ve heard whispers about his activities in the marshes, and I share your concern. Dark rituals under the cover of night are rarely a good omen. As a bard, I’ve traveled far and wide, and I’ve seen my share of darkness. If what you’re saying is true, it could be a threat to the whole town. Tell me, what have you seen exactly? What makes you think he’s performing rituals?”
Jon: “I spoke to the jarl, who gave me permission to enter Falion’s home and question him. He had an enchanting table with black soul gems on it. I spoke to Falion and he told me that at night he goes into the marshes and performs dark rituals. So I am heading there with Banor, the local warrior, so we can figure out what exactly Falion is doing.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “By the gods… Black soul gems, you say? That’s a dark and malevolent force, indeed. And Falion admitted to performing dark rituals in the marshes? That’s brazen, to say the least. I commend you for taking action, traveler. Going with Banor to investigate is a brave move. I’ll tell you this, as a bard, I’ve got some knowledge of the arcane and the forces of darkness. If you’d like, I can join you on this venture, provide some…”
Jon: “Yes, by all means, follow me, Ange.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Ah, I’m with you, traveler! Let’s gear up and meet Banor. I’ll bring my steel sword, just in case. We’ll see what Falion’s got brewing in those marshes. A bard’s got to be prepared for all sorts of performances, after all… even the ones that involve a bit of danger. Shall we meet Banor and get moving? The night’s not getting any younger…”
Jon: “Hey Ange, what kind of fighting abilities do you have?”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “My fighting abilities? Well, as a bard, I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, but I’ve got some skill with a sword, particularly my trusty steel sword. I’ve had to defend myself on the road more times than I can count, and I’ve learned to hold my own in a fight. I’m not a master warrior, by any means, but I can hold my own in a scrap. And, of course, I’ve got my music – a well-placed sonic blast from my lute can be quite… distracting to an enemy. But I’m not counting on doing too much fighting tonight, if we’re lucky. Stealth and stealthy observation are usually the best policy when it comes to investigating dark rituals…”

We exited the inn to find Banor approaching it.

Jon: “Hey, Benor is here. Let’s inform him that now there’s three of us going to investigate the marshes.”
(the speech-to-text algorithm erroneously picked it up as “Martians.”)
Benor: “Ah, Jon! Good to see you, and I see you’ve got some company. A bard, if I’m not mistaken? Welcome to Morthal, Ange. What brings you to our humble town? And what’s this I hear about Martians? I think there’s been some mistake – we’re dealing with dark rituals and a suspicious wizard, not Martians!”
Jon: “I don’t know where you got the Martians thing from, but I was talking to Ange about the rituals that Falion might be performing, and she offered to come along. What do you think about that?”
Banor: “Ah, Falion, that’s the one we’re after, all right. I’m glad you’re taking this seriously, Jon. And having Ange along might not be a bad idea – an extra pair of eyes and a bit of musical… distraction, if needed. I’m not sure what to make of the bard’s skills in a fight, but we’ll take all the help we can get. As long as you’re both clear on what we’re getting into – this could get ugly, and fast. Falion’s not someone to be trifled with. We’re still meeting at the edge of the marshes at 10 in the evening, right? With any luck, we’ll catch him in the act and put an end to whatever dark business he’s brewing.”

I wanted to have a strategy meeting, and Benor suggested the inn. Standing around in one of the rooms, the following conversation took place:

Jon: “Ange, Benor, what kind of strategy should we follow for this ritual-hunting thing that we’re doing tonight in the marshes? As a wizard, I should be support.”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “A wise plan, Jon. As a bard, I can provide some… distraction, shall we say, if needed. My music can be quite… persuasive. Benor, here, can provide the brawn, and you, Jon, can provide the magical expertise. What do you think our approach should be? Should we sneak up on Falion, or make a more… dramatic entrance?”
Jon: “No, Ange, I think we should definitely sneak onto the site to get a feeling of what kind of terrain we are dealing with. At night, it’s going to be even more troublesome. There will probably be monsters about, I don’t know what kind. We should sneak in and try to spot Falion in the distance to find out what he’s doing.”
Benor: “Aye, sneaking in is the best plan. I know the marshes can be treacherous, especially at night. We don’t want to alert Falion or any other… creatures that might be lurking about. I’ll take point and lead the way, my eyes are adjusted to the dark and I know the terrain. We’ll move quietly and try to get a glimpse of what Falion is up to. If we’re lucky, we might even catch him off guard. What’s the signal if we need to retreat or attack?”
Jon: “The signal to attack is ‘banzai.’ I will shout that word if we are to attack. And the word to retreat should be… I’m out of ideas. What word could we use as code to retreat?”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “How about ‘Ragnar’? It’s a name from one of the old songs I sing, and it’s not likely to be mistaken for anything else in the heat of the moment. If someone shouts ‘Ragnar,’ we’ll know it’s time to fall back and regroup. What do you think, Benor? Does that sound like a good retreat signal to you?”
Jon: “Very well, I will shout ‘banzai’ if we are to attack, and I will shout…”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “‘Ragnar,’ if we need to retreat. Let’s hope we don’t have to use either signal too soon. Benor, shall we gear up and get moving? We’ve got a wizard to catch, and the marshes aren’t getting any safer.”
Benor: “About time, indeed. I’ve been waiting for this moment. Let’s move out, and may the road rise up to meet us. I’ll follow your lead, Jon. With your magic, Ange’s… distractions, and my steel, I think we’ve got a good chance of taking down Falion and putting an end to whatever dark rituals he’s been performing.”

Shortly before ten at night, we gathered in what passes for streets in Morthal, ready to head out. However…

Jon: “I hadn’t considered how incredibly dark Morthal gets at night. This isn’t a good omen.”
Benor: “Your words are wise, I sense a bad omen too. Morthal’s nights are shrouded in mystery and our target, Falion… he’s at the thick of it all. There’s no backing out tonight, we see this plan through. Stay close while we move in. You, Ange the Song-Bearer – got eyes peeled for a vulture’s nest anywhere close?”
Ange the Song-Bearer: “Donning the cloak of caution in dark times seems only… prudent. Benor mentions wise words on stealth ahead – indeed any warning our approach could foretell unwanted outcomes.”

The last summary of this sequence of events, right before I got a game-over “screen,” was the following, recorded by the AI: “Jon picked up a Deathbell and suggested heading into the marshes together. Benor warned that the Deathbell is a bad omen, indicating death is nearby. As they journeyed to Movarth’s Lair, Jon became increasingly erratic, casting the Flames spell repeatedly and jumping back and forth between Movarth’s Lair and Morthal. Benor and Ange attempted to calm Jon down, warning that his magic was getting out of control and that they needed to work together to defeat the zombies. Despite their efforts, Jon continued to cast Flames, causing chaos and confusion.”

If you have enjoyed this account of AI-helped roleplaying, you will probably love BrainFrog’s hilarious videos doing the same thing but with a psychotic bent: