Zephyr2011

Hello everyone, I've recently been playing Skyrim again and have given Requiem a spin. I've loved it. I decided I'd flesh out the rest of my load order, mostly with updated versions of things I was already running or are complimentary to it. Unfortunately I was far too over confident in how compatible these are and now I'm afraid I'm crashing to desktop every time I start a new game. The sequence will go: spawn, do character generation, use the statue of mara (Alternate Start mod), sleep in the bed, loading screen, crash. I'm not sure what's causing this since it happens at the same point every time regardless of what alternate start destination I select. It's very puzzling to me that it's something so far reaching, yet doesn't affect my game when in the Alternate Start prison cell. I've spent several hours combing through this and thought it devoid of major conflicts. Most recently I sorted everything with LOOT then moved requiem's modules and etc to their proper places by hand, keeping the remainder of the LOOT loud order intact. At this point I think I really just need a few more pairs of eyes to figure out what I'm missing. Otherwise I'll go through the incredibly arduous task of disabling mods one by one to see what's doing it. Below is my load order. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any assistance you have to offer. GameMode=Skyrim Skyrim.esm=1Update.esm=1Dawnguard.esm=1HearthFires.esm=1Dragonborn.esm=1Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch.esp=1Wyrmstooth.esp=1ETaC - RESOURCES.esm=1Cutting Room Floor.esp=1Natural Lighting and Atmospherics.esp=1SkyUI.esp=1Real Roads.esp=1RevampedExteriorFog.esp=1WATER.esp=1Beards.esp=1DragonRealShout.esp=1randomthunder.esp=1EnchantedArsenal.esp=1iHUD.esp=1SMIM-DragonbornTernFix.esp=1SMIM-DungeonsCliffsIceSkirts.esp=1SMIM-FurnitureChestSnowFix.esp=1Supreme Fog.esp=1Weapons & Armor Fixes_Remade.esp=1ETaC - Complete.esp=1Tes Arena - Skyrim Frontier Fortress.esp=1Clothing & Clutter Fixes.esp=1Hothtrooper44_Armor_Ecksstra.esp=1CollegeOfWinterholdImmersive.esp=1WATER DG.esp=1Complete Crafting Overhaul_Remade.esp=1VioLens.esp=1Relationship Dialogue Overhaul.esp=1SDO Full-LOD - The Morthal Swamp Complete.esp=1Immersive Orc Strongholds.esp=1Helgen Reborn.esp=1SkyFalls + SkyMills.esp=1Weapons & Armor_FasterArrows.esp=1Immersive Sounds - Compendium.esp=1ESFCompanions.esp=1Immersive Whiterun.esp=1Undeath.esp=1Hothtrooper44_ArmorCompilation.esp=1WATER DB Waves.esp=1SDO Full-LOD - Waterfall Effects.esp=1MoonAndStar_MAS.esp=1MoonAndStar_ImmersionPatch.esp=1Immersive Weapons.esp=1Immersive Solstheim.esp=1JKs Windhelm.esp=1JKs Solitude.esp=1Inconsequential NPCs.esp=1JKs Whiterun.esp=1JKs Riften.esp=1Cloaks.esp=1SMIM-FarmhouseFlickeringFix.esp=1ETaC - Complete CRF Patch.esp=1JKs Markarth.esp=1SDO Full-LOD - Whiterun Trundra Creeks.esp=1buildablehouse.esp=1ETaC - Dragon Bridge South.esp=1flaho_shi_eagles_nest_ENG.esp=1SMIM-ShackRoofFixes.esp=1SMIM-ShackRoofFixesDragonborn.esp=1Religion.esp=1AgentOfRighteousMight.esp=1Nyyrikki.esp=1imp_helm_legend.esp=1RayeksEnd.esp=1LittleKeepPro.esp=1Dual Wield Parrying_SKSE.esp=1AchieveThat.esp=1EK_RingLimiter.esp=1dD - Realistic Ragdoll Force - Realistic.esp=1KS Hairdos - HDT.esp=1FNIS.esp=1PC Head Tracking - MCM.esp=1PC Head Tracking - Patch.esp=1LBackpackAll.esp=1Cloaks - Dawnguard.esp=1LandLord_.esp=1Brevi_MoonlightTalesEssentials.esp=1Illustrious HDT Cloaks.esp=1FISS.esp=1TES ARENA AIO-Clutting-patch.esp=1RaceMenuPlugin.esp=1ETaC - Complete Helgen Reborn Patch.esp=1vMYC_MeetYourCharacters.esp=1SDO Full-LOD - Giant Campfires.esp=1WATER Plants.esp=1Modern Brawl Bug Fix.esp=1SkyTweak.esp=1Skyrim Flora Overhaul.esp=1RaceMenu.esp=1MoonAndStar_Undeath_compat.esp=1MoonAndStar_WATERPlants_compat.esp=1Alternate Start - Live Another Life.esp=1ETaC - Complete AS-LAL Patch.esp=1Skyrim Unlocked.esp=1Requiem.esp=1Requiem - Legendary Bugsmasher Edition.esp=1Requiem - Hearthfire.esp=1NRM_Dragonborn_Reqtified.esp=1MoonAndStar_Requiem_compat.esp=1NRM Wyrmstooth - Requiem Patch.esp=1NRM Undeath - Requiem Patch.esp=1KFR-Kryptopyr'sFixesReqtified.esp=1COR-CraftingOverhaulReqtified.esp=1ISC Requiem Patch.esp=1ISCompendium CCO Patch.esp=1Requiem - Cutting Room Floor.esp=1VioLens - Requiem Patch.esp=1Requiem - Immersive Armors.esp=1Requiem - Immersive Weapons.esp=1Requiem - Immersive Sounds Compendium.esp=1Requiem - Improved Closefaced Helmets.esp=1Requiem - No Overencumbered Messages.esp=1Requiem - Skyrim Unlocked.esp=1Requiem - ESF Companions.esp=1Requiem - Immersive College of Winterhold.esp=1Requiem - Inconsequential NPCs - Enhancement.esp=1Requiem - VioLens.esp=1Requiem - Live Another Life.esp=1Requiem for the Indifferent.esp=1

I definitely agree with the getting stomped online, at least on a decent portion of official servers, however, there are some with a good community that it's mostly just other noobs you have to worry about. The PvE servers are a lot better about fostering cooperation. Many of the unofficial servers are pretty good, they have active admin and moderators, there's a few cases of power abuse, but it's not hard to find one where the rules are enforced. A lot enforce a no offline raid policy or only allow pvp during certain days, otherwise it's turned off. It's certainly frustrating to start out online if you don't have anyone else who plays it though. The single player isn't bad, it takes some tweaks with the settings (offered up on starting or resuming a session) to make the time more balanced for it, and there's a limit to how much you can do by yourself, but it's certainly enough to entertain oneself for a few dozen hours. I think the merits for early access outweigh the detriments. Just look at minecraft, that was essentially the early access game that got the trend going. Certainly, there are several examples of dismal failures or money grabs, but there's a lot of games that have a solid amount of content out when they go to early access. ARK has shifted direction a decent amount since its inception to better cater to its audience and its a much more efficient way to find the bugs than to sort through all of it with a small dev team. As players, we pay much less for the game if we get early access than if we wait for full release. It's full of tradeoffs but it works pretty well I think.

I love it. It has a lot of depth, especially for still being early access. I definitely recommend it if you like survival and sandbox games.

I apologize everyone, a combination of writer's block and life getting in the way definitely disrupted my posting. At some point I would like to rejoin, but right now I don't think I have the creative juices flowing or the time enough to put forth posts quality enough for an RP on here. Sorry for the hold ups I may have caused.

Aaron blushed slightly after Merlin's chastising. He had always been a curious man, but he let it get the best of him earlier, rendering him a bit annoying. He composed himself and listened carefully about the pendents. Looping the cool metal over his neck, he tucked it between his button down and undershirt. Everyone else seemed to have a little harder time believing the course of events, but Gates was excited and fully on board. It was all so exciting, deep down he wasn't sure if his belief in Merlin's words were because the evidence was compelling enough, or because he wanted them to be true so badly. What a thrill to have come to another dimension to save its people. He still had a pit in his stomach, he missed his wife and children already, and couldn't help but think of them. What would they do? What would they think? Of course they'd be fine, but they would certainly worry and fear for the worst. He bit his lip sightly at the thought before shaking his head slightly. No time to worry about that now. The sooner we help these people the sooner I can get back home. "Lead away, let's get this adventure started in earnest."

The rag tag group of individuals met Aaron on his way towards them. He greeted them briefly and fell in towards the back of the group, everyone was obviously tense, but also rushed. Aaron was a little too disoriented still to exercise his normal charisma and get to know everyone, so he just snagged a torch from a wall sconce and followed along. The light wasn't much, but it helped to dispel the literal gloom some, as well as a little bit of his emotional gloom, he hoped it did the same for the others. After what seemed like an eternity, they came upon a bright, large room with some dark haired woman talking about enchantments and magic. Everyone else's eyes were on her, but Aaron's were darting around the room rapidly, a boyish grin on his face taking in all of the glassware and solutions. There were alembics, and retorts, mortars and pestles, several distillations running and a pleasant aroma that was a strange mix of cinnamon and a field of flowers in spring time. "How did you get such fine glassware? These pieces look expertly crafted. And the aroma! Are you synthesizing ethers? It's a different set up than I would have expected, but this is marvelous! What reagents are these? Are these used in the enchantments?" Aaron couldn't help himself, the science- or was it magic?- was so fascinating to him. In that moment, he didn't care where, or when, he was, he just wanted to know about this mysterious woman's intricate craft.

Thanks Auri! Glad to be aboard. I posted, I followed the tradition of getting struck by lightning and appearing in the ruin, let me know if there's anything out of wack, and sorry for the excessive rambling about 3D printing haha. Hey LIsn, I'm not sure, I'm from Illinois, both my character and myself haha. I'm all for getting some cool magical tricks. As for the "A" names, the character is largely based off myself, when I was younger someone said I looked like someone who used to work with our high school band named Aaron Gates, definitely just stole his name for this :P

Aaron was staring out his office window in Chicago, the rain beating down in vicious sheets. He sighed heavily. The one time I leave the umbrella in the car, he thought. Of course, the car was in the parking garage almost a block away. Much cheaper on the company to pay for those lots than in the large high rise the headquarters occupied. It was nearly six thirty, it had been pouring for an hour and showed no signs of slowing by the time he'd have to leave after this last print finished in, what the computer told him, would be another 44 minutes. Gates was late at the office yet again working on his pet project. Although he oversaw the direction and vision of the company, he liked to still keep a finger in the pie that was R & D. He was hard at work at making the first fully efficient and commonly available conductive filament for 3D printing. Other filaments existed on the market, and they could work, just not without adding some resistance to circuits. Aaron envisioned rapid prototyping of circuit boards themselves, the process of which had been figured out to a degree for repeatable, industrial applications, but not with flexibility and availability in mind. He believed he was almost finished with the project. This was trial 137, as recorded by the tally marks in his little black notebook that sat in his pocket. He was very close, he was sure, and now he was even more hungry for success. 44 minutes later, Aaron used a small lab spatula to remove the print: a copper coil encased in a special, flexible polymer filament. The thought was to make something that could be easily tested in a variety of ways to determine how close the filament was to 'traditional' copper wiring. He inspected the coil carefully, making sure that there were no fidelity issues with it; a habit that had become somewhat superfluous as the quality of his machines gradually improved, but an old one that was hard to break. Happy with the structure, Aaron pocketed the coil and gathered his things. As Aaron rode the elevator down to the first floor, he pulled out the coil to admire and play with it. He turned it in his hands, pulled it, twisted it and otherwise contorted it. It was flexible like copper wiring, but the special black casement filament caused it to gradually bounce back to its original shape. Honestly, the casement served more for amusement than for practicality. Once in the lobby, Aaron bade the building receptionist good night and braced himself as he exited the revolving door, thunder shaking the building. He trudged through the torrents towards his parking garage as the lightning seemed to be becoming more and more powerful and frequent, almost as if it was insisting on being heard and noted. Aaron rounded the corner and neared his parking garage, he pulled out his keys and fumbled with them as he dropped the coil. As he reached down and grasped the coil the ground seemed to almost erupt with energy and Aaron writhed with pain. A massive lightning bolt had struck him, the sound nearly deafening him as he crashed to the ground in agony. Then all went black... =================================================================================== Aaron awoke with a splitting headache in a dark space. He could feel the cold of stone as he lay there. Dully, he noted that he still had the coil in his hand, almost in a deathgrip, his keys looped around his curled index finger in the other hand. Slowly, he relaxed his hands and opened his eyes. A faint, yellow light and the echoing of voices emanated from his right. He slowly rose and shook his head lightly. Curiously, he didn't seem to be scorched, or battered in any manner, only his head hurt and the pounding was decreasing rapidly. His first thought was to check his phone - no bars. He almost used it as a way to guide himself towards the voices, but he suddenly thought better of it. Torches. Stone. No signal. Wherever I am, I'm probably a long ways away from a charger. I may need my phone or the battery later, best to feel it out for a bit now rather than waste juice. He took his phone out of his pocket and removed the battery before replacing it and feeling his way to a wall and calling out. He listened for the voices to respond as he followed the wall towards them and greater light, continuing to hail them.

If you're still taking newcomers, I'd love to join! This RP looks like a fun concept. Name: Aaron Gates Gender: Male Age: 34 Physical Description: Aaron is of relatively average build at 5'8" and weighing in the neighborhood of 155 pounds. Gates is relatively fit, he could run a 5k or 10k, but he wouldn't be overly impressive doing it. He has bright, piercing, blue-gray eyes, which are the most distinguishing feature of his moderately handsome face. His hair is brown with a few smatterings of golden blond closer to his ears and hair line, but the stress of business has grayed his temples somewhat and a few strands of silver appear throughout his head. His lightly tanned face shows fine laugh lines and the beginnings of crow's feet, a toll of his extremely intensive work-life. Clothing: Aaron sports a well-pressed, black 3-piece suit with a purple button down, pocket square and argyle tie. A black tie-clip with a single gold line holds back his tie and on his wrist is a black dress watch with gold dial and accents on the band. His left hand has his wedding ring: a simple gold band. Equipment: Black and Gold Fountain Pen - Black Ink: Jacket breast pocket. Smart phone: Front right Pocket. Wallet - 30 dollars cash, 2 debit/credit cards, a half dozen odd business cards, state of illinois driver's license, picture of wife and 2 daughters: back right pocket. Key ring - 3 door/deadbolt keys, 1 car key, 2 electric key fobs, 1 bottle opener: front left pocket. Notebook - small, black leather, unlined, half-filled, elastic band to hold closed, attached silk bookmark: front left pocket. Pocket knife - black, textured, plastic grip, 2" locking spring-assisted blade: clipped inside front left pocket. Background: Aaron is a self-made man from rural Illinois. When growing up, he was a member of the Boy Scouts, as there wasn't much else to do around town. Through Scouting, he developed a love for the outdoors and many survival skills, going on to earn his Eagle Scout rank. Unfortunately, as he's grown older he has made less time for camping and enjoying the outdoors, as such his once sharp woodsman and survivalist skills have been reduced mostly to a core sense of adaptability and general knowledge. While in high school Aaron was heavily involved, participating in many extra-curricular activities and sports which has greatly contributed to his well-roundedness as an individual. Though a very intelligent man, he struggled greatly with College, finding it hard to focus on just one particular branch of study. Finding great joy in working with people and a lot of challenge in connecting them with their needs, Aaron decided to drop out of college and start a business. Aaron founded Zephyr Materials, a moderately sized national company, based chiefly out of Chicago, with branches in Denver and Seattle. The company focuses on 3D printable materials and their applications. Aaron's focus on business lead him to give up many of his old hobbies such as camping and card games, but he resolved himself to maintain his relationships. He married his college sweetheart and now has 2 daughters, age 6 and 8. His varied interests lend him a natural charisma, being able to converse with most anyone about most anything, however his sometimes irresistible urge to add information to a conversation, often times unnecessarily, can grate on some people. His most defining characteristics are his determination and adaptability. Let me know if I need to change anything, and I'm sorry if the background reads a little choppy, I wasn't sure how to structure so much information in a (somewhat) concise manner.

EDIT: Disregard

Baltis Arendus, Daggerfall, High Rock - The Suckling Pig When the Orc teased Katarin, Baltis chuckled slightly. If nothing else he had a good sense of humor. When Bhalrog asked about trouble, Baltis replied "Straight into it my good mer!" The Dark Elf then proceeded to explain the circumstances under which the party became acquainted and filled him in on their quest. "We head to the docks to take a ship to Wayrest at dawn if our little adventure peaks your interest." When the Marczon approached, Baltis cocked an eyebrow at the mention of Adrynn Indarys. I figured as much, I bet it was him. I wonder how many of the stories are true. As the conversations started to wind down and heads grew heavy, Baltis advised everyone to get some rest before morning so they could face the day ahead. He rose and retired to his room. Ascienne Motierre, Daggerfall, High Rock - The Suckling Pig Ascienne giggled a little at Katarin's reaction to the great Orc, as well as the large mer's humor. This would be a fun journey together. As the night wore on, Ascienne lost track of her liquor a bit. At one point she brushed Baltis's arm, which was met with a skeptical and disapproving look. That was a road Baltis would rather the two of them not go down again. She managed to stop drinking more wine and sober up a little, embarrassed by her misstep. When Baltis bid everyone good night she lingered a bit, staring into her cup of milk before rising herself and retiring. In the morning she waited for everyone in the large dining area, ready to lead them to the docks. ==================================================================== Bites-His-Claw, Daggerfall, High Rock - Daggerfall Docks The last bit of the voyage had been uneventful, passing clouds and ships were the only thing close to excitement. Just as the pre-dawn light began to bloom on the horizon, the Lady Mora was being tied down to the docks. Bites bid the first mate fair well and handed the captain a coin purse. The agreement was for them to reprovision before heading to Wayrest themselves where they would pick up the girl and head straight back to Solitude, the extra gold would help speed that process a long a little bit. The less time the captain and his steward had to spend bargain hunting, the more time they could spend getting to Wayrest. Bites himself made for another ship, The Lucky Lion, the only vessel bound for Wayrest that day. It would be a few hours before the ship departed so after paying the captain his fare, Bites strolled the wharf and piers. A few onlookers stopped and stared at the towering Argonian as he looked down on even the burliest of the Nords at the docks. His fine cloak and sturdy steel armor were also quite conspicuous and the subject of much talk. Few of the natives had ever seen an Argonian, let alone one of his stature and station.

Baltis Arendus, Daggerfall, High Rock - The Suckling Pig Baltis's plate had been finished some time ago when the Orc came in asking for a meal. He eyed the large Orsimer in his iron armor. A fearsome man indeed, his tusks were particularly interesting with their carved runes. The thief felt a tinge of pity for him when the bartender informed him that the cooking fires had been stamped out for the evening. Baltis counted himself lucky that he had managed to still order his veal. At least the wine still flowed though. The Orc caught the glances of the group and took them as some sort of challenge apparently. Baltis couldn't help but laugh a little. "No, no my dear Orc, we just can't help but feel for your plight. It's a rough night when an adventurer like one of us makes it to an inn only for the cooking fires to be done for the evening." He flashed a smile, he had to admit, he liked this Orc's boldness. =================================================== Ascienne Motierre, Daggerfall, High Rock - The Suckling Ascienne smiled after Baltis as well, "Come, join us Orc. We were just discussing our own plans and getting to know one another." The great figure did intimidate her a little. He was so sure of himself and well equipped, he clearly knew his way around the battlefield. She would not want to cross blades with him. She picked and chose her battles to be to her advantage, she couldn't see many scenarios where a fight with him could be to her advantage. ==================================================== Bites-His-Claw, Iliac Bay - Lady Mora Bites-His-Claw leaned against the railings of the Lady Mora, looking up into the now clear night. A few whispy clouds still skittered across the stars in some places, but the rains were gone. Daggerfall would be coming into view in a few more hours and they would make make land just before dawn. And then it's off on another damnable ship to Wayrest, the Argonian thought. It was an arduous errand, his. It was worth it though. That Solitude merchant was paying him handsomely to get his daughter back on the Lady Mora and headed back to Skyrim. Filthy pirates kidnapped her from one of his merchant fleet. Once she was safely aboard a ship headed homeward he would send a letter to her father and continue his adventures around the bay. The agreement was for him to get the other three fourths of the gold when he got back to Solitude. The only way the merchant went along with it all was the promise that if Bites-His-Claw didn't return, he would get to keep the rest of the gold. The first mate stole up next to Bites-His-Claw and leaned on the railing with him. "Can't sleep again eh?" "No. Being on the water, and being in it are two very different things for me. I detest these long sea journeys." Bites sighed, "But it is the fastest way to get around here." The first mate, Erik Sailskin, was a burly Nord, and one of the more open-minded ones that Bites had met. Despite his own size, Erik still stood a few inches shorter than Bites. "Aye, something about this area too. Ever since we got close to High Rock and the Bay I started having nightmares. Tossing and turning in my sleep. I can't hardly get shuteye without getting piss drunk before hand." As if to reaffirm what he said he took a swig of a bottle of rum and offered it to Bites-His-Claw. "Indeed," the Argonian took a swig of his own before giving it back to its owner, "That's why I'm staying her after we get Ileria aboard. I want to get to the bottom of all of this," Bites flashed a fang-filled smile, "and maybe earn some coin along the way." The first mate let out a hearty laugh and clapped Bites on his back, "Always looking for the money aren't you, you scaly devil?" Erik had grown quite fond of Bites. They had swapped tales of their lives and upbringings. It was a shame that Erik and Bites couldn't travel together. "Aye, I must always look to improve my station, and gold is the quickest way to that right now." Bites tensed slightly, "The quickest way to my father." Erik's smile faded. "Aye. That nasty business." To lighten the mood he asked a question he had had for a long time, "Say, Bites, why do you always wear your armor around the ship? It's dangerous if you happen to fall overboard you know." Bites smiled again, "Erik, you remember how I told you I was a mage as well? I am a user of alteration magic, especially magic that affects myself and my equipment. It is very easy for me to lighten all of my armor and allow myself to swim as normal. Additionally, being an Argonian, I have no problem breathing under the water. I could walk along the sea floor to land if I needed to. Granted, I would still need food, but air wouldn't be an issue." "Ah so that's it. I don't think we ever talked about exactly how and why you use all of that..." The two continued to while away the night and the last leg of their journey to Daggerfall.

Baltis Arendus, Daggerfall, Highrock - The Suckling PIg The bonemold clad Dunmer spoke about the nightmares and the Daedric artifact. The cause wasn't overly interesting to Baltis, however, with how far reaching these effects were, they were bound to do a lot of travel. The whole reason Arendus came to High Rock was to see more of the world and get in a good spot of theft while doing it. This could easily afford both opportunities, plus, it might be fun to actually work with someone for a change. "I accept. I'll gladly take your adventure and your gold," Baltis smiled and his eyes twinkled slightly before growing more serious again, "However, I suggest that we don't divvy out any of the gold until after this is all said and done. It would be the most prudent to use it only for travelling and whole group expenses to start. We can divide once we've finished this." ====================================================================== Ascienne Motierre, Daggerfall, High Rock - The Suckling Pig One last adventure, the Breton woman thought with a smile. "I always enjoy a good hunt for an artifact and a romp in some dungeons, count me in. I agree with Baltis on the gold, we should divide it later after using it for travel expenses." She thought for a moment, "In fact, if we find half of what I think we will on this adventure you all can keep my portion of the gold afterwards." She smiled slightly, the gold wasn't that important to her, it was the adventure and the sight seeing, but she wasn't as nearly as wealthy as Baltis so she couldn't afford all the travel expenses, she needed at least that. "As for where to start, I'm new to this Province myself, but I know at least some of the geography and have been looking into these nightmares and atrocities for a while now." She spread a map on the table, "Wayrest is probably our best bet for a starting point. It's fairly central in all of this commotion, and, being a high traffic port city, is likely to be a good source of information." She rolled up the map and stood. "Since we're all going on this journey, we shouldn't delay. The fastest and easiest way to get there is by ship. We should head to the docks and set sail as soon as we can."

My third and final character sheet. Name: Bites-His-Claw Race: Argonian Gender: Male Age: 39 Appearance: Bites-His-Claw has deep red and black scales with distinctive sickle like markings on his face. Three fins run down the back of his head, the middle one being slightly longer and larger than the others. Many of his teeth are exposed and are slightly longer than most Argonians'. Additonally, he is taller than many Argonians, standing nearly 7 feet tall. He bears a scar from a vampire bite on his neck and a long jagged scratch across his chest from claws. Skills: Long Blade, Heavy Armor, Block, Alteration, Illusion Equipment: A bastard sword with a 4 foot long, half inch wide chain attached to the pommel; darkened steel armor with no helmet; white tunic and padding beneath and in between the pieces of his armor; a light crimson cape, attached his armor with with a hood, reaches to half way down his calves; a darkened steel tower shield Homeland: Cheydinhall, Cyrodiil Personality: Bites-His-Claw is a matter of fact man. He is usually very blunt with people and does not tolerate nonsense very much. Even so, he remains a very level headed and logical person, attempting to approach every situation with a strategy and a backup in hand. The few times he does lose his cool is in the presence of vampires and certain undead. Background: Bites-His-Claw doesn't remember much of his early childhood, and represses that which he does. He grew up alone in Cheydinhall, the castle steward found him wandering the streets and took him in for a time before he could be on his own. While in the castle, Bites-His-Claw learned swordplay and the basics of magic while receiving an education on the world around him. Eventually he left the keep and joined the Fighter's Guild where he enjoyed great success thanks to his tactical mind and knack for unconventional methods. He eventually grew disenchanted with the Guild due to the excessive bureaucracy that inhibited good leaders and warriors from rising up through the ranks very much. He left Cheydinhall and began wandering Tamriel in search of work as a mercenary, participating in different small scale confrontations as well as rooting out covens and theive's dens. His journeys have brought him to High Rock on the news of a strange plague across the land causing nightmares and calamity. Chaos was always good for the business of a mercenary.

Woo! That SoDS throwback though!

Baltis Arendus, Daggerfall, High Rock Baltis lead through group through the city with ever surer footing as the cobbles began to dry. Thank the Nine it's not freezing today. They arrived in a much more residential part of the city with townhouses and upper class homes. Smoke whisped up from some of the chimneys, Baltis gestured to a larger building. "That my weary combatants, is the Suckling Pig, one of the finest establishments I've found in this city." A sign hung above the door depicting a boar asleep in a mass of hay with an apple in its mouth. Baltis opened the inn door and held it for his companions. Inside the fire was burning merrily in a large fireplace. There were only a few tables, but they were empty. There was a small bar with bottles of wine and a few casks of ale and mead. A large boar's head was on a plaque behind the barkeep who was idly cleaning glasses and dusting some of the more venerable vintages. Only a few travelers were at any of the tables. A woman in a leather coat sat at one table by herself, sipping wine, a couple sat at another talking quietly over a meal. ================================================================= Ascienne Motierre, Daggerfall, High Rock - The Suckling Pig Ascienne barely looked up when the door opened. She wasn't surprised to see Baltis the one opening it, what she was surprised to see was the group of battered people he was holding the door open for. It was an odd lot, another Dunmer, a Nord, A Bosmer and a Breton battlemage. When they sat down she rose and walked over towards Baltis, "And who are these poor souls who had the misfortune of running into you?" She smirked. "It's a rare sight to see Baltis Arendus making friends" she laughed slightly. Baltis laughed along with her, "These fine folk and I have just returned from a bit of a fight. A cur started a brawl at another bar, we figured it was best to avoid the guards, and so here we are." Although she teased him, Baltis was one of Ascienne's few friends. The two had met when she was trying to peddle some of her dungeon findings in Riften. Baltis apparently liked her quick wit and helped her get a good deal. As much of a scoundrel as he was, he could be kind and generous when he wanted to be. At one point maybe he was in the business for the money, but now he lived only for fun and impulse.

Second character sheet Name: Ascienne Motierre Race: Breton Gender: Female Age: 37 Appearance: Ascienne is a thin Breton woman with sandy blonde hair down just past her shoulders, typically worn back. Her bright green eyes are her most striking feature while being otherwise very much the typical Breton woman.She has three jagged, circular scars on her two arms, one near her left wrist, and two on her right upper arm. Skills: Long Blade, Illusion, Destruction (specialized in corrosion spells, acquainted with most basic destruction spells), Enchant, Sneak, Alchemy (basic healing and dungeon delving potions only) Equipment: Ascienne sports chainmail armor over a quilted leather raiment that includes a flared skirt. Her boots are also leather and reach just below the knee, the feet and shin guards are plated in steel. Her primary weapon is an estoc, Soothsayer, imbued with a custom enchantment which causes its quartz pommel stone, and in certain situations, the blade, to glow based on the surroundings. Most commonly Soothsayer glows a bright blue-green in the presence of magical objects and filled soulgems, the more powerful the item, the brighter the glow. In her off hand, Ascienne most commonly wields a peculiar trident dagger of Dwarven make that she found in an old ruin. Her leather armor is imbued with minor enchantments to protect from the weather and she has a silver necklace that keeps her head dry. None of her weather protection enchantments can hold up to extreme elements such as temperatures far below freezing, fire or being submerged in water. Homeland: Chorrol, Cyrodiil Personality: Ascienne is a rambunctious sort. She is quick with quips and is often bitingly sarcastic. This, understandably, rubs many people the wrong way leaving her with few close friends. The ones she does have, however, are very dear to her and she will do almost anything for them. She has a general rebellious streak and holds authority figures and public officials with little esteem. Background: Ascienne was born to the renowned Motierre family of Chorrol in Cyrodiil. Her father was the younger brother to an Elder Council member. Ascienne's uncle had no heirs of his own, but saw the opportunity for one in Ascienne. He manipulated her father into giving her to him when she was 9. Ascienne's uncle tried to mold her into a similarly backstabbing and conniving politician. She resented both her uncle and her father, the one for trying to control her and force her to do something she did not want, and the other for being to weak to stand up for her. Her miserable home life lead her to flee her uncle's estate in the Imperial City when she was around 12 and her Uncle was away on business. She fled to Cheydinhall where some of her more well liked and less manipulative relatives lived. She stayed with them for a few years before wander lust set in. Ascienne began wandering Morrowind and Skyrim in search of adventure, taking a particular fascination with Dwemer ruins and the intricacies of enchantments. She eventually ended up at the College of Winterhold for a few years and better developed her magical talents. Once again she grew weary of sitting still and began to wander. After exploring numerous caves, Hagraven covens, and Dwemer ruins she began to bore of her part of the world and set out for High Rock to perhaps get in touch with her Breton roots.

Baltis Arendus, Daggerfall, High Rock - Tavern As the main antagonizers were shown the way out by the dwemer-clad Nord woman, every thing seemed to begin to settle down as the adrenaline wore off. Most of the squabbles had been settled, and it seemed the people who had rushed to the maid's aid, himself included, were about the only ones in any kind of shape to stand and walk about. The Breton who had summoned the cougar declared she would be leaving. Baltis thought it a prudent measure. He walked over to the bar and reached over the counter for his cloak, "Indeed, the guards won't care who started the brawl or who won it, they'll jail us all the same if we're still here. I for one am not one to squander the opportunity to avoid the lockup when given the chance. I suggest anyone else who can leave do the same." He made his way towards the doorway and the Breton woman, "If you care for some more sober company, I'm headed to the lodge I'm staying at where the drink does not flow nearly so freely, but the food is much better." He turned and flashed a smile towards the tavern owner, "No offense, my friend, you do what you must." As Baltis headed outside he looked up and noticed the rain had stopped. He almost lost his footing in his distraction, the cobbles were still a bit treacherous. At least they could only get easier to deal with. He began to make his way North through the city towards a slightly less tourist filled district and his inn.

Baltis Arendus, Daggerfall, High Rock - Tavern While Baltis was enjoying his fire whiskey, he noticed a pair of dark elves emerge from the back of the Tavern. He barely caught a glimpse of bonemold. Could that be? Eh, highly unlikely. I doubt that old man's alive, let alone fit to travel Baltis struck up a conversation with the bartender, discussing recent events in the city. He had only been here a few days so any information was valuable. They shifted from small talk to more personal matters, the bartender was a native son of Daggerfall, came from next to nothing to own the place. He tried to take good care of his employees, but it was hard, this wasn't a high class place, it couldn't afford to be. The crowds got rough and tumble on a regular basis. One of his maids had a young daughter and could barely feed her, but the tavern owner couldn't afford to pay her much more, he just didn't have the means. It wasn't much longer when the trouble in the corner started with the Nords and the barmaid, the very same barmaid who had the young girl. Filthy curr. Baltis thumbed his dagger hilt and started to rise when the younger of his fellow Dunmer flew at the Nord and rescued the waitress. With his main concern taken care of, Baltis turned back to the bartender. "Such is the way of things. Weak wills and large muscles with drink. Never a particularly savory combination. Your server is safe though." Baltis commented as one might comment on the weather. "But my bar!" "Oh don't worry, this will sort itself out." Baltis smiled. Around this time a Bosmer slid across the counter and nearly destroyed Baltis's whiskey. Baltis sighed. "Hello friend." He said. Baltis knocked back a shot of fire whiskey, poured another and forced it into the wood elf's hand, "For you" he smirked before rising from his seat. Baltis tossed his cloak to the bartender bidding him to take care of it. Baltis pulled his black leather gauntlets from their place behind his back with his belt and pulled them on as he headed towards the maid. He had a bad feeling all of a sudden. The thief was a blur, his years of darting past guards and would be victims made him incredibly agile. He didn't care much for the other combatants, all that mattered was keeping the mother safe. On his way, a Nord spat at him, "Filthy grey skin!" he bellowed and drunkenly charged at Baltis. His smirk vanished with the remark. Baltis ducked a wild hook and buried his own left fist in the Nord's gut before holding his right hand straight and striking the side of the larger man's neck. As the Nord dropped, Baltis darted beneath his former opponent. A man grabbed at him at one point and tore some of his finery, revealing a bit of the dark armor underneath. Arendus continued to dodge and counterattack as necessary as he crossed the rest of the bar to the mother. The Nord who had tried to strangle the server had come to and was crawling towards a steak knife near the maid, her eyes filled with terror. She kept trying to back up further into the corner, but to no avail. Just as the Nord's fingers began to grasp the knife's handle a sleek steel dagger whistled through the air and nailed his hand to the floor. The Nord screamed in agony as Baltis stepped up to him. "Was I supposed to leave that at the door? Oops." The Dunmer smirked. "Oh, did you want this? I'm sorry, here, take it." The smirk was replaced by a snarl as Baltis wrenched his dagger from the Nord's hand, grabbed the knife and plunged it into the Nord's wrist all in the same motion. Arendus wiped the blood off of his dagger on the Nord's tunic before he rose again. Baltis then walked towards the maid, who was even more terrified. "It's alright, no one will hurt you now. You're safe." He came closer and pressed something into her hand, "When this is all over, take it to the jeweler in the 3rd district, he's fair, these others are cheap and miserly. Don't take less than 700 drakes for it, take care of your girl and see to it that the tavern owner gets some of it to repair this mess." Baltis turned his back to her and engaged one of the other Nords who had harassed her.

Baltis Arendus, Daggerfall, High Rock Baltis perused a market stall, despite the rain there were still several shoppers and all of the vendors were hanging about. A rather disgruntled Breton stood on the far side of the table lined with a variety of jewelry. The gems and baubles were all within cases, but the Breton himself neglected to grab a hooded cloak before leaving his home earlier in the day and a steady drip taunted the tip of his nose from his cap. Baltis himself had his wolf skin cloak's hood pulled over his head and was enjoying the opportunities the rain provided. With the lately cool temperatures and the rain, the Breton was shivering vigorously. Baltis struck up a conversation with him about the pieces which seemed only to disgruntle him further as he rued the weather and longed for the opportunity to close up shop. After ten minutes Baltis had sized up his mark. The man was agitated with the weather and agitated that he had a customer so he had to stay. His eyes barely showed any light when Baltis was bringing up the pieces he knew to be the most expensive at the kiosk. Arendus got the most reaction when he brought up a jet inlaid necklace made of brilliant silver. The Dark Elf smirked internally. The jeweler would easily be caught up with the sale of this expensive piece, it was incredibly valuable and had sat stagnant for a long time, despite being in a place of prominence on the table. Baltis haggled a little and got the price to a slightly less exorbitant mark up before finishing the deal and thanking the shopkeeper. The merchant handled the coin quickly, but fumbled multiple times, clear evidence of his cold hands. Baltis took the offered box for his new purchase and bid the Breton fair well. Arendus, ducked into a nearby tavern before he pulled out the two rings and amulet that he had managed to swipe during the transaction from his sleeve. The Breton was so concerned with the one piece, he failed to noticed the lesser ones disappearing. Overall he a little more than doubled his "investment." He could easily find a fence or someone from out of town to peddle the jewels to, he'd keep the purchased piece for himself. With the Breton's discomfort, he was unlikely to take stock today when he closed up, and would never connect the purchaser of his finest piece with the theft. Baltis lowered his hood, approached the bar and ordered a bottle of fire whiskey to get the chill out.

EDIT: a few additions to appearance. I rewrote that section so many times before I actually posted that I kept missing parts I wanted :P Name: Baltis Arendus Race: Dunmer Gender: Male Age: 45 Appearance: Baltis cuts a lean figure, even for a mer. His face is the typical angled and severe cut of the Dunmer people though with a slightly wider sit. His eyes shine slightly redder than most Dark Elves and catch light very well. His hair is kept pulled back in a gentleman's knot. A bizarre scar cuts from the middle of his right cheek, across his jaw bone and down to near his Adam's apple, the scar is far bulkier and looks more like a tear higher up. A second scar is a puncture wound near the small of his back, tattooed over it is the sigil of the nocturnal. Over his heart is the black hand of the Dark Brotherhood. He typically sports dark leather and fur finery with a wolf skin cloak. At his side he carries a decorative steel shortsword with a black leather bound handle and jet pommel. When he is "working" he dons his armor (see below) and dagger. Skills: Sneak, pickpocket, lockpick, alchemy, one-handed (daggers specifically, minimal "in combat" expertise) Equipment: Baltis's armor is a hybridization of the Thieve's Guild and Dark Brotherhood armors. The armor is built similarly to the Thieve's Guild sort, but is died the dark black of the brotherhood. It was issued to him by the Thieves Guild and thus bears the typical enchantments to bolster thievery, while the color is cosmetic and practical on its own. Baltis's dagger is a curved steel blade, kept razor sharp by only the most calculated use and due diligence. The decorative shortsword is battle ready, but not quite optimally balanced as the pommel stone was added after the forging as a decorative piece. Baltis "recovered" this shortsword from a noble's house in Chorral. Homeland: Windhelm, Skyrim Personality: Baltis is a smooth talker and a rather amiable fellow, but has a mistrust of most Nords. He appreciates family values and will aid most people that ask for help for the sake of their loved ones while he is otherwise fairly selfish. Baltis can be sly and sneaky, but generally holds a carefree, lopsided smile, like he knows something you don't, because you probably don't know the price of every guard in the city or how fast he can rob you. Background: Baltis's family were refugees from Morrowind who came to Windhelm seeking a new place to call home. Baltis's father was an alchemist and named his first born son after one of his inspirational authors, the famed Baltis Llervu of House Telvanni who went missing not long after publishing his treatises. Unfortunately for the Arendus's, alchemists were not in so great of a demand in Windhelm as to bring a Dark Elf business. Batlis grew up poor and downtrodden in a city that never wanted him, his family or his people. In order to help his father feed their family, Baltis took to stealing food. When he grew older, Baltis heard talk of the Thieve's Guild and traveled to Riften where he hoped his skills would bring him enough gold to help lift his family out of poverty. The young thief found ready acceptance amongst the guild, but the guild itself was not nearly as glorious as it used to be. He worked hard on any job Vex or Delvin Malory would give him and was one of the new members who helped get the guild back on its feet. Many members had no qualms about roughing up marks, or even killing watchmen to get the coin they needed, but Baltis always refused to harm another person. The coin was slow at first, but extortion and racketeering began to pay off for the guild, opening up new avenues in new cities. Each month, Baltis made sure to visit his family in Windhelm and give his parents no less than 1000 septims. He urged them to leave the city with his younger brother and sister, but they did not know where to go. In 4E201, Baltis visited Windhelm to find his family's hovel open, filthy and torn apart. In dismay he ran around the city until the undertaker informed him that a particularly drunken Nord had beat his mother to death and stabbed his father before killing his younger siblings. Enraged Baltis searched the city for news of who committed this atrocity. At last he had the name: Rolff. Baltis took his information to Ulfric Stormcloak who brushed him aside, citing his need to tend to the war. The castle steward refused to spare the men, he couldn't even spare guards to investigate murders of wealthy, Nord citizens. Baltis was infuriated. Baltis found Rolff and confronted him, the drunkard even bragged about raping his sister before killing her. This drove Baltis into a fury he had never known. Before the Nord even knew what was happening, his dagger had been stolen and tore him open from belly to sternum. Baltis remembered staring into Rolff's eyes, filled with hate and savoring the life slowly draining from those blue, condescending orbs. Baltis left the city before the guards discovered the body, but his identity was surely known. He had roared at the Jarl and steward and demanded justice. Someone else knew as well. When he stopped to rest at an inn on the way back to the guild in Riften, he was confronted by a Dark Brotherhood envoy, Astrid. At first Baltis was conflicted on whether or not he wished to completely change his ways. He thought back on the hatred he had felt for Rolff, at how much he resented those with power for doing nothing. There were people who deserved to die, but who could not be brought to justice by normal means. He would be those means. And so he entered the Brotherhood's fold. As time passed, the Thieve's Guild returned to its former glory with a new master at the helm. Baltis spent most of his time still working as a thief, but occasionally a letter arrived for him from the Brotherhood about a noble, a thane, a guard or some other person who would not be touched by the guards and Baltis would bring them to justice. He became wealthy and no longer needed to kill or steal for money, but purely for the pleasure of it. He became good at slitting throats and stabbing backs without being noticed and began eradicating any Stormcloaks he came across. When Titus Mede II was assassinated by the new Listener and the Skyrim branch of the Brotherhood was all but destroyed, Baltis helped to rebuild. As time went on though, Baltis's involvement with his guilds faded. He began to travel, having always stayed at one of his guild halls, he never had cause to spend much of his hoarded coin and could afford to travel and give the air of a nobleman on a journey.

Hey everyone, who's post is it? We seem to be at a major road block right now. Let's get this show back on the road.

Ra'Qassar - Skyhaven Temple After it seemed that most of the business was complete, Ra'Qassar began to gaze at the different bits of architecture throughout the temple. His mouth parted ever so slightly, as a child's might looking up at a great statue. He marveled at the superb craftsmanship of the carvings, pillars and walls, each adorned with reliefs, scroll work and bits and pieces of precious metals and gems. Though the place was surely beyond its prime, the Khajiit could see into the past and gaze at the glory that the temple once was. As Ra'Qassar wandered through the halls, he happened across a forge. He ran his hands over the smooth stone edge and the rusted anvil. He could feel the passion in the room. He could hear how the forge had once sang. The forge was dark and cold now, but it had once been warm, he hoped it would be warm again soon. They lacked the supplies right now to make that happen, but it could be roaring again shortly. Galus - Skyhaven Temple Galus stood beneath the great gash in the roof, his eyes closed, staring blindly upwards. His hands were out-raised and tendrils of purple-blue energy snaked and looped upwards towards the rift as he murmured under his breath. Slowly a magical membrane was forming and the small drops of water falling from the edges ceased. The spell complete, Galus dropped his hands and sighed deeply. The casting had taken a lot out of him, it was not easy establishing so many anchoring points for the shield and first establishing it, but it should hold and the toll would lessen as it stabilized. Baltis Llervu - Karthspire The lich nodded when Velanya gave him his task and then made his way outside. The corpses were strewn everywhere. That could be dealt with in a moment. He set to work laying several illusion charms on the entrance to the Karthspire to mask himself and his companions when they were within and to stop their voices from travelling. It was a slightly tricky spell, but one that Baltis knew well. It was good that he knew how to make the spell only dampen noise produced by men and mer. A complete vacuum of silence was far more conspicuous, and taxing. Baltis then began creating rune marks about the camp and the entrance to the temple. The marks were of frost and lighting, to slow and obliterate their would-be foes. He concealed those with further runes of invisibility. It was a time consuming task to establish all of these guards, but well worth the effort.

Sorry to hear about your mom Chrys, I think I speak for all of us when I say that I hope she gets well soon. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way bud. I look forward to having you back, but don't rush it, family comes first.

Baltis Llervu - Skyhaven Temple Baltis had to suppress a grin again at Adrynn's agitation towards the vampire. Such an ironic situation. Willis on the other hand impressed Baltis, it was rare to see people who could tolerate vampires it seemed. In Baltis's day it was mostly the more shadowy factions and the Telvanni who would tolerate them, even now it was much the same. Willis proved that he was willing to put forth the effort to become a part of the team. The lich hoped that Lucius would also take not of how much the Breton had just stuck his neck out and would appreciate it for what it was worth. If Lucius did, however, turn on them. Well, someone without blood didn't have much to fear from a vampire. And there was Ra'Qassar. Baltis would need to speak with him again soon.