Zephyr2011

If you want better graphics and atmosphere look no further than the MGSO 3.0, conveniently available on the nexus here! I currently have Morrowind cranked to look better than Skyrim on Ultra which is why I haven't touched Skyrim in weeks. Beyond that here are my absolute must haves: Horatio Spellcasting Illuminated Order Lichcraft2 Galsiah's Character Development Vvardenfell DruglordRise of House Telvanni Uvirith's Legacy I also highly recommend a better magicka regeneration mod or some serious tweaking of GCD so that mages are playable but that's kind of personal preference. I really enjoy the Tamriel Rebuilt project, just make sure you register the BSA's in your .ini folder or you'll be staring at yellow diamonds all day. Balmora Expansion is also good, maybe a little excessive for the city but still adds some interest to Balmora. If you need any other ideas I'd recommend checking out Morrowind Mythic Mods if any of the links are broken (many are) try Morrowind Mod History.

Other than the exterior could you not just use the stock tile sets? I understand having to finagle the exterior a bit to get the meshes looking right given the amount of customization you hope to include but unless you allow drastically different modifications it sounds like you could save yourself a lot of work by using the current tiles for your interior or at least small modifications of them.

Have you installed everything properly? Morrowind, then Tribunal then Bloodmoon? I would download all of the official patches if you can (you should only need one for Tribunal and Bloodmoon as Bloodmoon would bring MW up to date). Try that first, if that doesn't work reinstall and try, try again.

@Macman, I think I don't understand your last post. Did Geralt go to Dawnstar, kick some behind, come back and drop off the werewolf heads in Selene's office all before the conversation between Selene and Tenibrus ended? That's crazy fast considering the conversation couldn't have lasted more than a couple hours and Dawnstar is half way across Skyrim (a little more perhaps). Could you clarify the timeline here?

"Believe me dear Selene, I have not gotten where I am without discretion and prudence." Tenibrus replied to her warning. "I will concede that you know far more of the emperor than I. He is probably kept in check more by ambition than ability." Tenibrus continued slightly on his earlier message about Eykthain, "Class certainly means something but here, in the wilderness, in this age, determination and will power can make the lowliest peasant a force to be reckoned with." Tenibrus had a slight twinkle in his eye, recalling his early days stealing food to survive in Riften before the Theives Guild found him. "I have not always been among the nobility. I was born a poor farmer's son. The farm was burnt to a crisp when I was quite young and I survived as a street urchin. Through hard work, diligence and a knack for making the right connections, I made my poverty a moot point. After I turned I further elevated my status through the same machinations before entering the College of Winterhold. I exhausted the resources of that place and made a niche for myself. A man who could influence any court, sway any individual and deliver a city on a silver platter to the Brethren. Brutality works excellently in keeping the weak in their place. But the strong, or rather, the strong-willed. They are galvanized by it and I know better than most what a peasant can make of themself. Let Eykthain be kept in check by others, but not us. Let us not have his rage on our heads." Upon exiting the Palace Tenibrus inquired, "Shall we bring troops with us to clear out the old Thalmor imbeciles? They have never impressed me. The Thalmor, like the Brethren, have intelligence networks everywhere. But neither of the two groups uses these to their full potential. They have almost complete knowledge of both Stormcloak and Imperial supplies yet nothing befalls them. No scouting parties are ambushed and never heard from again. No subtle pulls at the morale of men from lack of quality suplies. Spy networks are invaluable but they are useless if not used to further yourself. Sitting on information that you could use to better yourself and your position is folly not impressive." Tenibrus spotted Geralt riding up with the werewolf heads. He chuckled slightly, the half-breed wreaked of blood and was clearly flush with it. So much for morality. The heads dropped and Geralt's words hung in the air. Tenibrus commented to Selene, "I see no reason to bother the marshal with this triviality. That one has changed though. You can smell it on him. He has a real taste for blood now. We should be careful with him, he's more powerful now."

Tenibrus grinned when Selene mentioned how well their skills and stations meshed. It was true, their partnership would be a most profitable and efficient one, though there was one point he had to disagree with her on, "Ah, but my dear, you are mistaken. I have true power. For what is true power but freedom to wield it as you see fit? My influence reaches farther than most could imagine, or suspect and yet I am still not saddled by petty bureaucrats and the finer points of nobility and class yet I retain their strong points. The Emperor does not wield true power, he is cursed by tradition, precedent and the elder council, not to mention the fact that if enough people disagree with him he will face the repercussions. I have no such responsibilities nor do I have the public face, I operate in the shadows, pulling strings where I see fit. That is true power." During his little monologue, Tenibrus's eyes glowed brightly. He had always had a lust for power and a taste for ambition, he was clearly very passionate about how he maneuvered himself in the world. When the duo entered the main hall and spotted Eykthain and the mage, Tenibrus hastily cast an illusionary spell over himself to hide his sharp teeth. He had planned on holding off on this measure but necessity dictated otherwise. He spotted the Triarii signet ring on the mage's finger like Selene. He had little working knowledge of the Triarii, being quite out of touch with Cyrodiil, but he knew them to be an influential, powerful and military family. He overheard Eykthain discussing finance with him. Selene severely reprimanded their Dunmer acquaintance and Tenibrus nearly winced. This noble, powerful though he may be, knew very little of the two of them. Eykthain, on the other hand had spent some time with them, he was clearly very capable and ready to seize the initiative. Tenibrus didn't want the ex-scout on his trail if he could help it. Defending a noble was one thing, but not at the cost of alerting someone who would have otherwise left them be. This Triarii gentleman might have more resources than Eykthain but he lacked the latter's information and initiative on the matter. "Now, now my dear, don't be so harsh on Eykthain, he is not being disrespectful. I'm sure this Triarii gentleman is most certainly a military man and would happily do all he can to aid the Empire. A mage I see, rare in the family if I'm not mistaken, I studied at the college what seems like an age ago. A good day to you." Tenibrus smiled broadly, hoping to sooth any wounds that may have been created by Selene. When the vampire and his companion were out of earshot he enlightened her on his feelings about her conduct, "In my experience, it is far better to be disinteresting to those you do not wish to deal with than venomous. Eykthain would likely not have proven an asset for us but he was also not likely to make himself a nuisance or an enemy. I fear that now he might investigate us more fully which could complicate matters. Rest assured, I have no fear as to our ability to deal with him, but it is better to avoid the fight altogether methinks." Tenibrus was becoming more business like all the time, his initial lust now fully in check. Cordiality was a tool for him and it would be so now. When they arrived at the Blue Palace and found Tullius, the marshal was quite shocked to see Tenibrus, "Tenibrus? What brings you to Solitude?" "Well marshal, unfortunately it was an errant letter that brought me here, seeing as how you are so surprised at my arrival. A parcel with your seal was delivered to me no more than three days ago. I fear that someone may be taking advantage of you. As to their intentions behind the matter I have no idea. Happily though, no misfortune has befallen me and I shall soon be spending more time in proximity of Solitude thanks to your Chief Adviser. I will let her tell you of her plans and intentions herself." Tenibrus finished eloquently. He had also suspected that Tullius might now view him as a threat and tried to lure him to his death but the fact that he wasn't immediately decried as a vampire spoke volumes. He would have to work hard to get to the bottom of this all, but if nothing bad arose from it he would leave it lie. He was a curious individual but he knew full well the price of curiosity. His 'affliction' served as a daily reminder.

Oh jeez. That's worse than I thought. We have more people now so it would be incredibly nice to just forge ahead. It also seems like the shrine has got to be close to the end of the journey here.

She turned to the subject of his position and he had to laugh. She was more correct than she knew, "As a matter of fact Selene, many have tried to kill for my connections and power. When Markarth was taken, the ruling class thought of the silver mines as more of a tool than a source of wealth, their wealth being measured more in blood and servants than coin. They felt that the mines should be overseen by someone who had helped immensely in the taking of the city, none of the truly high ranking had much care for them and so the mines fell to me. I have virtually total control over them other than the donation of perhaps a few score of ingots to supply the feral hunters and that is out of thousands of ingots. My wealth and power have been envied by the lower ranking and ambitious. The council thought that if anyone should lust for my position, let them try to take it. I have thrice cut down usurpers to my title and that seems to have quite quashed open lust for my station. The mines tie the city with others in a loose bond but the council doesn't think it vital so they let me have my fun. It brings in quite the income, especially when I make all management decisions and our labor cost is literally nothing." Tenibrus smiled broadly. The mines had long been fueled by slave labor of one sort or another. The conversation shifted to modesty and Tenibrus nodded in agreement. He had never understood the mortal customs of modesty, as if hiding your greatest assets was of value. It was one thing to guard your hand but quite another to never play it. Even when he was a mortal he didn't get it, perhaps it was the society he had been around. He had only ever been around those who had to use everything they had to survive or were excellently aware of showing just enough of their talents and assets to keep everyone interested and everyone guessing. Such was the culture of thieves he supposed. The thought process had never left him. He enjoyed Selene's brief display of agility, and her body. "I would never presume to know better than you regarding fashion, you seem to have quite a knack for it. If you should ever need assistance in removing your finery though, I would be happy to assist with that." Tenibrus chuckled. Tenibrus shifted his manner to business and stepped away from the window, sipping his wine again. He raised his eyebrow slightly at the mention of the size of her estate. 50,000 was quite less than he had expected, he had to suppress a smile at his good fortune. He would be quite a useful asset to her with his wealth and connections. "Such an arrangement would be quite agreeable to myself. I care little for coin, I care for influence and my coin would be well spent at your Embassy. Let us travel to the Embassy as soon as possible so that we may make plans to make it ready. I can have word sent to my man to begin sending funds and I can have my smiths begin manufacturing cutlery and any other sort of silverware we might require for entertaining. Thankfully I have ample enough coin to make some orders here in Solitude for furniture and other needs as may arise. There is no time like the present after all" Tenibrus smiled broadly and offered his arm to Selene for their walk to the Blue Palace and Tullius.

I've really enjoyed the RP but it has been so start and stop, touch and go. I know it's due to real life circumstances but the plot just hasn't advanced much, we first got to Molag Mar at what? The beginning of December?

Tenibrus chuckled at Selen's comments regarding the mortal. it was true, rare was the mortal who did not have a deep seated fear or abhorration of death. The fickle things would be terrified of their own one instant and embrace it the next, slaughter hundreds, then hesitate to kill a single being. It was all a matter of perspective. They only seemed to care about circumstance, they would quake in fear of dying in their sleep, of plague or some ambush, but would gladly through themselves into battle because it was 'honorable'. They pitied the ones they killed based on how much they knew, such a curious ability to dehumanize on a whim. None of it mattered to Tenibrus death, regardless of how it came about, was still death. "Mortals are quite peculiar in their views of life and death aren't they? It has been, it is and always shall be. It is inevitable for them, and for any of our kind careless enough, inevitable as well. They ought to accept it for what it is," Tenibrus mused. At the silver mines comment Tenibrus smiled broadly, he couldn't tip his hand completely, "Ah, I did not mention my name, how callus of me m'lady. My apologies. Yes, I am Tenibrus Mortus, the Overseer of Markarth's silver mines. The title is largely a formality, I delegate heavily so that I can maintain my social spheres. Day to day decisions are left to my lieutenants but the overall design I still see to myself. Rest assured, those who are able to strike me down would find Markarth's silver pointed in a decidedly different direction before it should come my way." Tenibrus couldn't resist tip-toeing the line of his dangerous game but he did not feel he had revealed much. The implications were numerous but only a few were correct. "As you speak of Tullius, I begin to wonder whether it was he who summoned me at all. His seal marked the letter, but not his hand. I did not think this amiss as he has often had someone else wright his missives. But if he wanted me to see his chief adviser about a mission, he would certainly have informed her. I may have had no business in Solitude at all save a good excuse at a convenient time to visit." Tenibrus pondered over this. Selene knew nothing about a mission for him and had only recently learned of Dawnstar's issues. This was not the precise, detailed laundry list that Tullius had always given him in the past, or had someone else give him in the past. There was no 'kill this man,' 'Find where this goes,' 'Find how to open this,' 'turn these men to the Empire,' 'capture this person' objective set for undermining Stormcloak or Thalmor influence in an area. He was usually left to the how on his own but the what was almost universally given. This wreaked of deceit. Someone had forged the letter. But who and why? The Order was a clear candidate, but if they knew of him and his connections to the Emprie why risk attacking him in Solitude? It would have made sense to ambush him on his way. Perhaps he got lucky and they expected him to travel by night or their man was ambushed himself. Tenibrus would look into this but for now he was free from obligations but still needed a way to spend his idle time. The Brethren were always looking for new avenues of power and increasing his own influence with the Imperials would make him an even more valuable asset. He smelled an excellent opportunity. He had traveled to the Thalmor embassy long ago for one of the common get-togethers there but it was long ago. He didn't see much of the compound so he knew very little. What he did remember was how amply suited it was to hosting social events. It was also quite expansive, he imagined there were numerous places torture could be conducted with very little notice. Especially as only nobles on distinct, planned occasions would visit. As Selene said, it was incredibly well suited to the designs she had for it. He also saw a wonderful niche for himself. He rose and followed her to the window, wine glass still in his hand. As she turned to her wardrobe he took another drink and set the glass down on the sill. "Your plans for the Thalmor embassy sound quite appropriate. It is ideal in every sense. It is far enough from Solitude and remote enough to be left alone when you want it to be, yet still close enough for you to receive prisoners. It is quite opulent and well suited to entertaining, which would indeed increase your leverage over the people of Skyrim. The Thalmor influence could be quite deftly combated through socializing and you would be able to torture your prisoners for information on a whim." Tenibrus turned and faced the room, placing his palms on the window sill and leaning back slightly. He glanced sidelong at Selene while she perused her finery. He certainly did not mind the reduction in outfit. He was overstepping the bounds of a gentleman but vampires were known for neither their chivalry nor their modesty. "I have some connections of my own, beyond just the Black-Briars, I could assist you in your efforts. And with your relocation. I suggest a ball, nobles can't resist the promise of a lively ball to save their skins as I'm sure you know. Invite the right mix of people and word will spread quickly. I would be delighted to help you with this and anything else you may require." Tenibrus definitely brought something to the table with the aristocracy. He knew many of the major families throughout Skyrim, the Gray-Manes, the Black-Briars, the Shatter-Shields, and the ruling families of Falkreath and Morthal. Most were from Imperial influence tasks but a few from prior acquaintances and business dealings after overseeing the silver mines. He used to know the silver-bloods when there was still a silver-blood family to know. He had some other designs as well but that was all in good time. "Just let me know how I may be of service, my dear." Tenibrus smiled broadly. He had wished that she might have refrained from unlacing her corset a little longer so that he could assist with that. He knew that he was being quite forward and normally it would be against his better judgement but Selene had great power as a vampire he could feel her pull. He could resist it well enough but he was far cockier than usual given the blood in his belly and he thought himself more than capable of digging himself out of any hole he might be putting himself in. He was, needless to say, using his ethereal charms in addition to his natural ones to expedite things.

Tenibrus accepted his blade thankfully and sheathed it, "It was far faster for him this way, I assure you. You do seem rather pale, good fresh air would do you some good and I'm afraid Selene and I have much business to discuss. Therefore, I must bid you farewell Eykthain, and good luck on your further adventures." Tenibrus kindly ushered the Dunmer out and carefully shut the door behind him before locking it. No need for the vampires to be disturbed, especially not when it could concern Imperial war tactics. The vampire returned to his seat and poured the remainder of his bottle of wine into his glass, sadly only half filling it. Thankfully he had one last bottle and brought it forth, offering to fill up Selene's glass. "Now that the mortal is gone m'lady we are free to choose our topic. I'll leave the details up to you." Tenibrus leaned back easily in his chair with his wine glass tilted slightly in a carefree manner, the wine looked quite precarious but he had more than enough control to prevent any of the precious blood from dropping. "What shall we discuss? Business? Or pleasure?" Tenibrus smiled broadly now, his fangs showing slightly among his glistening, white, pointed teeth.

Tenibrus listened intently to Eykthain's conjectures, memories and musings. The man was too quick to see the good in Tulius. The marshal might resist torture and might appear to rule somewhat fairly but he had achieved his station by getting results. Usually with plenty of ruthlessness and a small amount of cunning. It was still quit possible the general yet lived. There was actually logic in the general hiding from his only son. If the general changed his station for the greater good of his cause but his loved ones believed him dead, failure in his operations would not bring his family further heartache. Tulius could also have well invented all the details, often times the more detailed the story, the more likely it is a construction. Until Tenibrus heard more of the story from someone else he would remain skeptical but he did not say so. "Probably a wise choice dear Eykthain. I have found that in regards to family, the past is usually best left in the past in all instances. Now as to this monstrosity, the swiftest way to end him would be to pierce his heart, preferably with silver such as my blade." At this Tenibrus let his fire spell dissipate and then rolled the vampire onto its back so that its body was at Eykthain's feet. Tenibrus then offered the handle of his shortsword to Eykthain, "Do you wish to do the honors?" Tenibrus decided to be courteous, mercy was Eykthain's idea, not his or Selene's.

Tenibrus listened to Eykthain's tale intently. Honor and duty were always entertaining little tid bits that even the undead could sometime entertain. He understood the yearning to please one's father, especially the memory of one's father. He had spent the early part of his mortal life trying to do just that before realizing that he had not the means nor the desire to follow in his father's footsteps. The story did not, however, evoke much nostalgia in Tenibrus, just grim memories of stupidity on his own part. The part of Eykthain and his wife's joining was... unmoving to Tenibrus. When Selene gestured to him he chuckled slightly and smiled. He did not feel as strongly as she did, clearly, but he still frowned upon the curious little devices of mortals. He presumed that after longer years as a vampire and with more power he would grow to despise all weaknesses more. He maintained his cordiality though, he did not want to agitate or anger the man by any means. "A heart-warming story to be sure Eykthain," Tenibrus said. The Dunmer left suddenly though with a renewed purpose, while he was out of the room, Tenibrus arched his eye brow at Selene in perplexity and took the time to admire her form more. This was made much less awkward by the loss of their previous drinking companion but the appraisal was short lived as he returned promptly. The man dropped the vampire on the floor. Tenibrus jumped upright from his seat at the mention of 'vampire,' he had smelled it coming and prepared his acting abilities accordingly. He jumped quickly and readied his blade in one motion, as if in alarm at the presence of such a foul being. Internally he knew that he had to silence the vampire as quickly as possible or he and Selene would be discovered. At Eykthain's request for torture and answers, Tenibrus eagerly said, "Let me handle this, it may be of some value for the lady to know my skill set more fully. And I have special experience with this type of monstrosity." Tenibrus crouched in front of the paralyzed vampire's face, it was clearly starved and quite decrepit from overlong exposure in the sun. It would be easy to silence. Yet the newcomer began, "Crea-" It was frantic, it knew what Tenibrus was but its tongue was stayed by Tenibrus's silver shortsword. "Do you know what this is demon? This is silver. And it is particularly dangerous to your kind, and this-" Here Tenibrus brought his off hand close to the vampire and had a potent flame spell readied in his hand, "Is fire." Tenibrus brought his hand close enough to the vampire as to singe its face slightly and make it squirm with pain and fear. "If I were you monster, I would not speak unless asked to speak and I would speak quite promptly and honestly when asked." Tenibrus withdrew his spell-hand slightly but kept the silver a hair's breadth from the vampire's throat. "Now, the good gentleman asked where you heard of his father. Speak! Where did you hear this!" Tenibrus barked. His voice was flowing with all of his vampiric charisma, a healthy vampire would be able to resist him quite well, as would a very strong willed mortal but the combination of prior stresses and painful stimuli rendered the current specimen quite vulnerable to Tenibrus's special form of interrogation.

"I assure you good sir that you would not spoil the mood at all. Share all you feel compelled to." Tenibrus smiled but did not show his teeth, he was being cautious. He detained his vampiric influence, although the story would no doubt prove interesting, he did not feel the need to know this man's personal life without his being willing. For his part, Tenibrus would not compel him, though Selene just might. Tenibrus commented on his wine, "I see you don't mind the wine. It is an interesting brew to be sure, there is no mudcrab involved to my knowledge but a great variety of grapes from various parts of the Reach and the Rift. It is aged about a decade in barrels made of the wiry mosquite trees that can be found in some parts of the Reach. This is quite uncommon so it is not surprising that it should have a different taste or aroma than what you are used to." Tenibrus now looked at Selene with a mischievous look in his eye, "And you are quite right about wine, it, like many of the finer things in life," he payed particular attention to Selene here, "grows better with age." At the culmination of his little dissertation, Tenibrus took a sip of his wine, smiling slightly over the brim of his glass at the Vampiress seated opposite himself.

I believe the dots are indicative of how many posts you have made.

No haha, Tenibrus was actually hoping that Eykthain would be too busy to have a drink. It would be quite strange if Tenibrus was caught drinking blood and hard to explain without revealing himself. @Macman, there are a lot of vampires, quite true haha.

The wine itself is nothing special except it has some blood mixed in it as a covert way of vampires feeding. You wouldn't really have any effects from it but if you knew wine really well or the taste of blood exceedingly well etc. you would think something was strange. But other than that, no effects beyond normal alcohol, no real risk of blood born pathogens or the like because the alcohol would sterilize it. So yeah, for all intensive purposes, for a non-vampire non-werewolf it's just wine.

Tenibrus was slightly surprised at the man's acceptance of the wine. He had quite expected him to be off about his duties but then again, being in a room with two vampires could certainly make one more compliant. Tenibrus poured the man a glass of wine, he subtly used some magic to hold back as much of the blood as he could without being to obvious. He handed their companion a glass before topping off his own, this time with more blood, and offered to do the same for Selene. The taste of the blood was virtually undetectable to all but the finest wine afficianados and those with a greater... appetite for the sanguine liquid. Tenibrus hoped that Eykthain was not incredibly well versed with wines to really notice. Although Tenibrus thought he might be able to explain it away by discussing the variety of grapes and aging process involved in the wine, which was quite true. The alcohol also had the wonderful effect of keeping the blood about as nutritious as fresh. "It is true that the opinion of the Empire here in Solitude is rather lofty. But that is all the more reason for preserving it, yes? If popular opinion should change here, it takes little imagination to see the problems that would arise throughout the province. If Tulius and Mede lose their sway here of all places, I dare say the province would be quite easy for Ulfric and his rabble to bring this civil war to a swift end. As unlikely as all that seems, I doubt not that that is Tulius's principle concern with the interrogation. There are many caves and old forts within the hold that could easily be re-purposed for this and staffed by only those with the stronger stomachs. I think this would be agreeable to all involved, morale is maintained, opinion is still high and information is still recovered. Though the indoctrination over in Windhelm is quite a formidable thing to destroy." Tenibrus smiled knowingly, understanding the political atmosphere of Skyrim had been his business for a long time, since his days with the Thieves Guild so long ago. This was his principle talent and the one that endeared him to the Brethren and afforded him frequent niceties and opportunities with the Empire. Tenibrus now addressed Eykthain, "Ah General Rightain is your father? I met him once, a very good man. A finer tactician and more loyal gentleman I've scarcely seen. But he was not blindly loyal and that is all the more worth merit. I was greatly pained to hear that he is no longer with us." Here Tenibrus was cautious, he knew the varieties of faith which Dunmer may often hold and did not want to risk offending the man by being imprudent, "May his soul rest in peace." It was not as eloquent as he could have done, but for not knowing the mans faith it was about as best he could do without risking offence. "Please sit down Eykthain. I am sure you have quite the saga, having been in the legion for the better part of three decades."

The "time period" for the elder scrolls is really confusing indeed. The Empire is definitely Roman with the Nords a more, well, Nordic feel and the Anglo-Saxon period, say around the 10th and 11th centuries. Western Rome didn't fall until 496, with Byzantine Rome falling in 1453 so that's a really broad time period right there. Clothing wise it is definitely a hodge-podge of medieval, renaissance and Victorian (which I suppose is a subdivision of the renaissance, particularly in relation to England). Economically and Gubernatorialy it seems more like the Renaissance than anything else. There's still a shadow of feudalism with Jarls, dukes, counts etc. with most wealth inherited but a chance for some advancement through trade and hard work. Armies are, for the most part, voluntary which is also a little more indicative of Renaissance or Victorian era. Government is a little harder to place as the Empire does vaguely resemble rome in that regard but the amount of power the Elder Council wields versus the power the Emperor wields is not entirely clear. As I said there's a vague resemblance of feudalism but not as developed as in the middle ages. I'd say in terms of time period anything from 3rd century through the 19th century is lore permissible, except cannon for some strange reason. You never see cannons in TES, even though they were used in and around the 11th century.

Tenibrus didn't turn when the Dunmer entered the room, the man was agitated, that much was certain. But, based upon the words he chose the man wasn't very interested in being there, he just wanted to get his job done so far as Tenibrus could tell. The vampire remained standing for a moment, "I imagine that torture would be a little detracting to the image of the Empire, especially in so refined and urbane a city as Solitude. Perhaps it would be better to use different avenues of persuasion," Tenibrus eyed Selene meaningfully, he meant to suggest the natural vampiric powers of charming and dominating, "Then again, torture can be quite effective when employed properly but it is best done out of sight and out of mind of the more tender hearted. Perhaps Tulius would consent to you relocating your torture chambers to somewhere farther from the soldiers so as to not disturb them with your work. I've had a fair amount of experience with this myself and would be happy to lend my expertise." Tenibrus was quite cordial in his manner, trying to appeal to both sides. Tulius was to be kept at least tolerably happy so some change was in order but Selene got some results. "Something needs to change, that much is sure but that needs to be evaluated carefully I would imagine. Oh and please release your hold on that dagger good sir, it makes a man on edge when another is so clearly ready to fight him. No one means you harm here and I hope that following our little conversation you can give good report to the good marshal Tulius." Tenibrus produced a bottle of his 'wine,' he was more than confident that the newcomer would not detect its full contents. In each liter of wine there was but a fifth or less of blood, far too hard for a man or mer to detect without aid of a spell. Tenibrus strolled over to a cabinet and happily found some suitable wine glasses and brought them to the desk at which Selene was seated. He poured out two glasses, offering the first to Selene, "M'lady," flashing his bright teeth and fangs briefly. He took the second himself, sitting it in front of his chair. Before seating himself he asked the Dunmer, "Would you care for some wine sir? Or will you be leaving us? I, unfortunately, did not catch your name. Pray tell, what is your lineage? Your face seems familiar to me." Tenibrus turned his head just slightly towards the Dunmer so that his fangs could not be discerned, he had spent too many years carefully concealing his true nature to reveal himself to someone who evidently had connections. The soldiers outside were no matter, the vampiric influence over them easily erased their memories of the trio. As Tenibrus settled in his chair he took in Selene's form more fully, appreciating the fit of her dress. He indeed liked what he saw but he refrained from giving into his passions so easily. Lust had always been a weakness for him, usually for power but that was not always the limits of his vice. He sipped his wine to clear his head slightly, the filling of his belly bolstering his alacrity.

Regarding lore: There really isn't jack-squat on Dhampirs except for the Grey Prince who can't really be considered stock since he has the most obscene bonuses for a birthsign I have ever seen. But he does have some constant fire damage in there that is interesting, it appears to have not been used but may imply some sort of sun damage. See here. We really just don't know much about Dhampirs in ES lore. When you look at other lore it's hard to find consistency other than much less trouble with the sun and some similar powers. Decidedly though Dhampirs usually do not have the same strength as true Vampires. So he's not that weak for a Dhampir, no weaker than TES vampires are compared to most fictional vampires (Dracula could slaughter Harkon's entire little group with ease, let's be real here, hell even the twilight series vampires are stronger than TES vampires but that's a whole other story.) As it stands Geralt is pretty balanced with below-vampire powers, concentrated sunfire weakness and having bright sunlight affecting him to at least a small degree. On Elves: I think the reason the elves tend to blend together is because they have such angular features that are so different from humans so we're not as used to them. I really like the return to that though, I thought elves looked rather baby-faced in Oblivion and I missed the high cheekbones, proud noses and angular jaw-lines that made elves so distinct in Morrowind (which I've been unable to tear myself from for the last three weeks now). The amount of facial hair on some of the elves also makes it really hard to distinguish them as opposed to the faces themselves, if they were all clean shaven I think it would be much easier to differentiate. I also really like your character there, his armor is quite nice and he fits the image of tough-as-nails war veteran quite nicely.

Tenibrus lowered his hands and released his spells after Selene's entrance. Finally he could get down to business. He strode through the parting ranks of the guards, giving a broad smile to Geralt before entering the castle. "If everyone does not already know the half-blood's nature, they very well should. As to the rest, the guards were quite under the influence of the two of us, they won't remember much." Tenibrus said as he followed the slender Vampiress. She had been in Markarth before, he recalled. She had some tie to the Brethren but as to what the exact nature of it all was he could not say. She might be a useful ally in his own schemes, and he certainly could not complain of the view as he walked behind her. Tenibrus began once they were indoors, "I received a letter from Tulius about a job, something about Dawnstar and Whiterun. Dawnstar was in some trouble of some sort and he needed more information on the happenings in Whiterun, I presume for an invasion or subterfuge of some sort. I imagine that you have the details for me, or that of a completely different assignment. It makes no difference to me."

In a few posts I mentioned a summons to aid the empire and a little history of helping them but I see your point. It implies that he is much higher ranking than he is. Tenibrus is, if you will, a valued freelancer rather than holding formal rank. I'll edit it a little bit for that to be more clear. He's not a formal imperial spy but he has been called in to help with something or another, harming him would probably agitate whoever summoned him regardless of rank v. rank hooplah. I'll clarify it more though in my posts.

Hokai, so, if we are at an understanding then: Tenibrus is not going to be an idiot and kill several imperial soldiers in the middle of an imperial fort (that was dumb to begin with), it's still logical that though he has been loyal to the Brethren and the Empire in the past he doesn't feel obligated to remain so. Direct sunlight makes Tenibrus less powerful but not pathetic when he is fully fed (when not well fed he's in big trouble) and concentrated sunlight is always a problem for him (I'll say it will kill him outright if he hasn't fed in a while and will severely weaken/harm him if he's well fed). Geralt does feel slight ill effects from glaring or concentrated sun but nowhere near the extent of full blooded vampires. Geralt also is not as strong/agile/etc as normal vampires do to less blood and feeding on stored blood rather than fresh. Is all that agreeable (in regards to Tenibrus) and correct (in regards to Geralt)? If so, I have edited my post accordingly for your review. I may need to look over it again to make it more fluid as I kind of just snipped bits out here and there and did a little rewriting rather than completely redo it (which would be the far more fluid option...)

On Tenibrus's connections to the Brethren: He helped them infiltrate and take Marthal, he has shown himself to be a capable persona and has helped them in the past, that does not mean that he feel he owes them anything. Much like Selene, he works with who is convenient. The Brethren offer him perks, that is also the only reason he works with the Empire: perks. His true loyalties lie only to himself but that does not mean that people don't trust him. As a vampire he is manipulative and a born infiltrator thus it is not unreasonable for him to have gained the trust of any organization without actually being loyal to them. High level spies and double agents in the real world are a prime example of this. His interaction with the Brethren is not unreasonable. Again on the sun thing: I stated in the character sheet that he is different. It is only when he is well fed that sunlight doesn't obliterate him. I also stated both in the character sheet and in the RP itself that his powers are greatly diminished in the sun but not to the point of him crawling around in agony or being a total push over. You have never mentioned that Geralt can burn if hit with concentrated sun nor that the sun weakens him in any way, if this is the case then I redact my statement of him being too overpowered and you will also note then that Tenibrus is more vulnerable than Geralt in the sun even when fully fed, when he is less well fed sun is quite potent on him. I will alter his cockiness regarding the sun spell as it would be painful but if that spell causes any vampire to just go *poof* regardless of lord or alternate blood line status that sounds real OP unless the caster is virtually useless while prepping the spell and following its use. Morality I believe should not be considered in strengths and weaknesses when discussing physical form. A character that can destroy the entire world should not be allowed just because he has a horrible weakness for insects and can't bear the thought of accidentally stepping on one. Physical strengths and weaknesses should be balanced with each other and moral weaknesses should be balanced with each other not a hodge-podge allowing for obscene amounts of god-like power at convenient points and minimal moral dilemmas at similarly convenient points.