Thoughts on this Journal

[eleglas]

I'm writing a journal about my characters past (I often do this for ones I like), now this character is called Isaac Carvain, he is the son of Carius Carvain, Count of Bruma. I'm working on his back story, up to the moment he is exiled from Bruma and crosses into Skyrim (you know the rest). But I'm having trouble thinking of ways to make this exile work, I'm thinking last of the Carvain's, being forced to flee by an attack. But I need specifics and thought you could help.

 

I'll just mention this doesn't have to fit perfectly with the Lore, in fact I don't know who the Count of Bruma is at the time of Skyrim, I just made it up. So Bruma could be bombed for all I care, so long as it makes sense and makes for a good story.

 

If you're interested in reading what I have so far for the journal, look in the spoiler. I haven't got far (these tend to be quite long). You'll notice there are a few hints to other stories. The whole second entry is one, can you tell where it's from?

 

Thanks for all your input guys.

 

 

 

Skipping through the long journal, you note some interesting points...

 

This is the private journal of Master Isaac Carvain, Son of Carius Carvain, Count of Bruma. If found, please return to the Steward of Bruma Castle, a small reward may be granted.

 

14th of Last Seed, 4E 191

Mother has talked me into keeping a journal for daily life, she says it may help my memory problems, this book was a gift from Silventro the Steward last week for my 15th birthday, I really didn't think I would be writing in it. I had left it on my nightstand where it was gathering dust, I didn't give it a second thought.

 

I don't think all this will help my memory, but it might be fun, who knows.

 

3rd of Rain's Hand, 4E 192

Father took me out of the city today, said there was something I needed to see. We didn't go far from the gate, just to the overview of the Imperial City, there was a man in chains with guards holding him.

 

Father left me at my brother Tom's side, he told me the man was caught after he murdered his wife, Father was to execute him. He told me "If you sentence a man to death, you should be the one to carry it out".

 

Father said a few words, allowing the chained man to speak, he spat on Fathers boots, when the guards went to strike him for it, father told them to stop "The man is about to lose his life, he has every right to be angry." They then put him on his knees, bent over the rock and looking over the Imperial City.

 

When Father drew his blade, the crows in the trees took flight. Were they scared of the sound, I wonder, or did they fear something more sinister? When the blow finally came, the man's head fell into a basket. It and his body was placed on a Pyre and Father lit it.

 

I don't think I'll ever forget about this day, even with my memory problems.

 

 

 

Edited September 19, 2012 by eleglas

[eleglas]

Third entry:

 

 

 

19th of Evening Star, 4E 193

I'm always fascinated by the way those in the lowlands see snow at this time of year when Cyrodiil is covered in it. Bruma is always covered, but they act as if it is something magical. It's like we live in different worlds.

 

A few "dignitaries" from Kvatch came today, no one particularly important, just a few nobles, however my Father decided to treat it as if the Emperor himself had arrived. Tom says it helps the moral of the city during these difficult months. I just see them as a drain on the precious few resources we have, hunters and farmers are barely bringing in enough to make sure we don't starve.

 

I was coerced into coming to the celebrations by Mother. I can't remember exactly what she said, something about it being expected of me I assume. The nobles were all rather... boring. "Milk-drinkers" is the first thing coming to mind, except for one, an Imperial called 'Decimus Ocarus'; he seemed to agree with me that it's all a bit too weak. However he seemed reluctant to tell me anything about himself, the most I got out of him was that he was actually born here in Bruma but moved south with his family some 20 years ago.

 

After speaking with him, I felt uneasy. I'm not sure why, he seemed civil enough, even if he was a bit rude.

 

[FennecFyre]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who develops backstories for my characters xD

 

I don't know much about Bruma, but I would encourage you to keep at this, it shows promise. As for the reason they have to flee, maybe there could be some sort of coup if the citizens are unrestful enough or being egged on by usurpers. Or, if all else fails, blame the Thalmor (if they're there.)

 

Sort of makes me want to do something similar for my own Skyrim character.

[eleglas]

I was thinking of perhaps making it something to do with the Decimus Ocarus character I introduced in Entry 3, perhaps a coup. But if that happened, the Empire would just walk over and take it back, so I need to think of something a bit more permanent.

 

Thanks for your input, by the way.

[AnkhAscendant]

If you want something permanent and a reason he can't go back, could Tom be 'evil' (see: "callous" or "power-hungry") and after their father's death have taken the counthood and developed or revealed a deathly grudge? The Empire wouldn't really have much reason to intervene, since it's just a petty family squabble. Decimus could be (surprise!) the one to help your guy escape to Skyrim, showing that a fifteen year old's immature judgments of character are flawed and giving him a life lesson. ;)

[Gruff]

Seems like a good start! I don't want to kidnap this thread, but where on the net are good places to get help, share and find this kind of stories? There is also a recent initiative in that direction here Edited September 20, 2012 by Gruff

[eleglas]

If you want something permanent and a reason he can't go back, could Tom be 'evil' (see: "callous" or "power-hungry") and after their father's death have taken the counthood and developed or revealed a deathly grudge? The Empire wouldn't really have much reason to intervene, since it's just a petty family squabble. Decimus could be (surprise!) the one to help your guy escape to Skyrim, showing that a fifteen year old's immature judgments of character are flawed and giving him a life lesson. ;)

 

Oh that's perfect!

 

I'm so going with that, I'll try get a few more entries wrote out tomorrow (been busy today). Sounds very much like the Aeducan family feud in DA: Origins.