Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/27(Sat)20:42 No. 528540 ID: 92a9fd
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You realize that you have been standing out in the cold, making weird faces and half mumbling to yourself in public, or you would if you weren't completely clueless.

>>528517
>>528522
Thankfully, your Voices try to get you to do actually do something, and actually doing something turns out to be a great idea. You decide to head inside because it is ABSOLUTELY FREEZING out here.

>>528524
You brought enough food for most of the trip, and ended up mooching off of some merchants for the remainder. You were a stowaway on a merchant ship, but you were so bad at hiding that the captain let you stay out of pity. You never had much to your name, and since your Voice didn't specifically tell you otherwise, you didn't bring anything else except for the clothes you are currently wearing.

>>528526
That is a great point. You had not thought far enough ahead to consider finding a job, but you will most certainly do that thing.

But first, you should also probably look for your AUNT HOLDS-MANY-BRANCHES. She's not actually your aunt, more like a really distant relative from a nearby village, but you heard from a friend of your cousin's wife that she came to live in Windhelm a few years ago. She doesn't know that you're coming to stay with her.

This is going to be the best surprise ever.

>>528540
Yes, having distant relatives drop in on you is always a pleasant experience. I suggest you try the docks, child. Argonians and docks go together like Daedra and Toying-With-Mortals.

Either Argonian or High Elf

It CAN work? But let's do both you and her a favor by asking early in the day instead of just showing up on her doorstep after dinner looking pathetic. Hardly a suitible way to do things, even if that's how you got here. Let's reserve the beg-face for when we're out of options.

>>528540
Holy shit what is wrong with your FEET!?

>>528551
That's what Argonian feet look like. Insensitive, that's what I call you.

>>528554
Some of us literally haven't seen an Argonian in ages. (Well, technically just one age, but still.)

>>528566
You cannot blame all your ignorance on Dragon Breaks. Youths these days...

Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/27(Sat)22:02 No. 528578 ID: 92a9fd
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>>528548
The morning is still young, as the sun was rising as you arrived. You about an hour wandering, and after six different guards point you toward the Argonian Assemblage, you decide that to give it a try. You find a man of your race and ask him where Holds-Many-Branches might be. He says that he knows and leads you to the Argonian Assemblage. It is less impressive than you had assumed, consisting of a single room with four beds, a fire pit, some tables, and not much else. You think that this room must be some sort of relaxing area for dock workers. The man motions to an older Argonian woman.

Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/27(Sat)22:07 No. 528579 ID: 92a9fd
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Time suddenly freezes, as if someone pressed a pause button so that he could go to bed for the night.

>>528554
Argonians don't canonically have raptor talons dude.

>>528580
Nonsense. I clearly see that they do. Or are you so base as to call me a liar?

quick question, what skills do you have? I assume you are a decent singer because of your name but do you know anything else? could help us in finding you a job.

As for your 'Aunt' don't tell her your distant family, just say a friend back home told you to seek her out because they said she would help you get started on the right track. If she ask you who just give the name of whoever told you about her in the first place.

Most importantly of all, what stars guide your path, young one?

>>528601
Notatronachnotatronachnotatronach

>>528601
Atronach!

>>528601
(Other then not having played skyrim for a year(i think) i have no idea what is what atm)

1/4 Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/29(Mon)12:40 No. 529173 ID: 92a9fd
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Holds-Many-Branches, there is someone here to see you.

Yes, who is it, Scouts?

Ah, what is your name, child?

>>528596
You are most certainly an excellent singer, which is fitting, since you are the daughter of the one and only VOICE-WEAVES-GOLD, a local celebrity where you come from. You are also a natural at playing the flute, although you do not know many tunes. Other than that, you haven't gained much in the way of skills. Argonians aren't the fastest learners before their Naming Day.

>>528601
Oh, right, you were born under the star sign of THE THIEF, so you tend to be quick and lucky!

Hello?

Oh, yes, hello. Um, I am looking for work, maybe? A friend from home told me that you might be able to help me.

2/4 Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/29(Mon)12:40 No. 529174 ID: 92a9fd
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Looking for a job, are you? Who sent you here to Windhelm? Was it Oneer-Sakee?

Actually, it was Jeenee, the weaver.

From the old fishing village? Well, that figures. What skills do you have, young one? Can you work hard and for long hours?

Um, I can sing and play the flute if you want music. Also, can I live with you?

3/4 Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/29(Mon)12:40 No. 529176 ID: 92a9fd
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...

...

:3

4/4 Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/29(Mon)12:54 No. 529185 ID: 92a9fd
File 137512768580.png - (612.31KB , 800x600 , 015.png )

!



Oops, forgot to italicize the dialogue

>>529185
How sad. She does not appreciate the bardic arts it seems.

Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/07/29(Mon)13:17 No. 529205 ID: 92a9fd
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Oh dear! You didn't see this coming at all!

W-wait! Maybe I can, um, well, I don't know, but there must be--

Don't worry, I'm not going to leave you stranded, jobless in a strange country. *sigh* I just don't know if I can take any more stress. I'll talk with my boss, see if I can set you up with something. We won't turn away one of our own.

The woman exits the room, and the male wishes you luck and follows after.

Will you follow after or wait here?

maybe follower her for a bit and ask her why she is so stressed? you might be able to help after all which would be nice of you seeing as she is going out of her way to help you.

Maybe you can try and ask the other guy about what is stressing her?

1/2 Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/08/04(Sun)17:02 No. 531486 ID: 92a9fd
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>>529210
>>529270
Oh, that is a good idea. You follow the male outside. Holds-Many-Branches is already a few meters away, and you probably should not bother her, so you turn to the other Argonian. What did she call him, Scouts?

Um, why did she speak of being stressed? Is there some problem, or perhaps too much work to be done?

The man stops and turns around.

Perhaps there is something I could do to relieve her stress, since she is trying to help me.

2/2 Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/08/04(Sun)17:04 No. 531488 ID: 92a9fd
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You really do not know, do you, nest-sister? There is nothing you can do for what concerns her--concerns all of our kind in Windhelm. Unless you can single-handedly overthrow the Stormcloaks.

The Nords here despise us, and Ulfric Stormcloak himself has forbidden us to live in the city. He and his men keep us outside the city walls, where we are left to beg from men like Torbjorn Shatter-Shield, who runs the docks here. He is a stingy fool, and says that we should earn only one-tenth what a "hard-working nord" deserves.

I don't know what anyone else has told you, but you do not want to live in Windhelm. But since you are here, the best thing you can do is try not to be a burden.

Oh my. You are beginning to feel less excited about this whole thing.

>>531488
How sad. You are not wanted here, nor can you easily survive. Perhaps it would be best if you became a pilgrim. There are many warm, pleasant shrines with food for the hungry.

well at least this give us a good idea what time we're in... ask if he knows anything about a town call Helgen.

as for what to do I guess we could just stay here at least for a night or 2 and then try our luck elsewhere. For now just try and find something to help out and try to get a better idea on what's going on in skyrim. Oh and there may or may not be a killer out on the loss in this city so you might what to ask about that as well.

>>531543
Helgen? Whysoever would you want to go there? It is a mere garrison, a blip in the middle of a pristine wilderness.

How do you feel about daring assassinations? Seems like Stormcloak or Shatter-shield could be made examples of.

Becoming a pilgrim might be better, child. Perhaps you could make the journey to windhelm. It's a fairly decent place, safe as well with it's stone walls. And warmer as well. It's under Imperial control, but they're nicer than the stormcloaks when it comes to those who arn't nords.
If you could scrounge up the gold, a carriage can get you there for about fifty coins. A little expencive, but safer than walking.

>>531649
We're in Windhelm now, I think your thinking of Solitude.

Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/08/05(Mon)13:16 No. 531707 ID: 92a9fd
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Stormcloaks. That's a name you've heard quite a few times in reference to the land of Skyrim. Even far away in Black Marsh, you had heard tales of a civil war in the land. The Stormcloaks had taken control of nearly half the kingdom in an attempt to separate Skyrim from the Empire of Tamriel. It had not seemed to be an excessively bloody war, so it was not enough to deter you from following your Voice, which let you to Windhelm.

>>531609
Oh, my. You don't think you would have the skill or nerve to kill someone, especially stealthily. Besides, while you are quick and quiet on your feet, you aren't very good at not being seen. Even if you wanted to do such a thing, you doubt you would be able to get out of such a situation alive.

>>531500
>>531649
>>531543
You like this idea better. Becoming a pilgrim seems much more peaceful. Wait, Windhelm? You are standing outside Windhelm now, and it is clearly ruled by the Stormcloaks. But you think that this plan is probably the best, if you can somehow manage to acquire 50 Septims. You will stay for a few nights, then make way to a warmer city when you are able.

Have you heard of a town called Helgen?

Yes, it is an Imperial town over in Falkreath Hold. It's on the other side of Skyrim. Why do you ask?

I am not really sure. Just curious, I guess. Oh, also, my, uh, they--is there a killer in this town?

You are strange, young one. You ask strange questions. But...yes, I heard some of the guards talking. They say there is one called "The Butcher," who kills Nord women in the night. But I do not wish to think of such things. What makes you ask such strange questions? Haven't you just arrived here?

You are unsure of how to answer to that. Perhaps he might understand if you told him about the Voices, being a fellow Argonian, but you are unsure. However, you think it might be safe to share your plans for now.

Perhaps I will make my stay here short. I wish to stay only long enough to save for a carriage, then I will travel somewhere else.

You are not the only one who wishes to earn their way out of here. Holds-Many-Branches has been saving for almost a year, but something unexpected has always come up. We at the docks only earn 25 Septims each week, which leaves us barely enough for whatever food we do not catch ourselves. Even then, we only get by because easy-to-miss goods occasionally...disappear. It is a hard life hers, but leaving this city on your own is too dangerous on foot and nearly impossible by cart, I fear.

If he ask again about how you know of the Butcher just say you heard some rumors on the way here. If he ask about Helgen, just say you have a feeling something big will happen there some time in the nearby future.

as for what to do... well hey where there's a will there's a way, just try to do your best to earn some coin here and there and maybe see if there are any odd jobs that you can find to make some extra cash on the side. We'll keep our eyes and ears open and see if we can't find you a way out of this city.

>>531707
Seek the priests of the Eight and One, child. They have faith in their gods, and shall not turn away a pilgrim.

But what sort of pilgrim are you?

>>531718
It's either "the Eight Divines" or "the Nine Divines." Most people, uh... there isn't really an "in-between" if you consider why there's a disagreement over it in the first place.

If you happen to see it lying around somewhere, read the book, "The Horror of Castle Xyr" It might be handy. If not it is at least entertaining.

You see it is a play as well as an interesting story. With your particular talents, I believe acting may be a potential avenue for acquiring currency.

When possible I suggest heading for Solitude. They have a college there just for those of the bardic arts. It is there that you may shine, if you truly have talent.

Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/08/06(Tue)07:15 No. 531919 ID: 92a9fd
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>>531712
Yes. You can't loose hope. Whether it takes you days or years, you will work with what you have been presented with. You hope it is days, though.

>>531718
What sort of pilgrim are you? You do not know what sort you are, or really what that question means. You have always been very passive in your relationship with the Divines, always sort of believing in but never giving much thought into the whole matter. Should you favor a specific Divine?

>>531692
>>531745
You will try to keep the book in mind, although you have not noticed it anywhere so far. It appears that some of your voices wish for you to travel to a place called Solitude. You ask the man if he knows of the place.

Solitude is the current imperial capital, far in the northwest. The fares there are a bit lower than those to less developed areas, but it is quite far from here. The Bard's College there is renowned throughout Skyrim, although I don't know if they actually have any competition either way. Who knows? Perhaps that may be a good destination to strive for.

What was your name, again?

Sings-Through-Swamps. And yours?

Sings-Through-Swamps? Solitude may be the place for you after all. I am Scouts-Many-Marshes. But enough idle chatter, there is much work to be done. You can help me unload this firewood if you wish to be of assistance. By the gods, I often do this all day, but I barely ever seem to make a dent in the load.

You and Scouts-Many-Marshes begin to transport chopped logs back and forth. The task soon becomes monotonous, and you begin to zone out.

well if you're looking for a way to help pass the time you could maybe hum a little tune. or you could ask Scouts-Many-Marshes so more questions. Like how long has he been in Windhelm and why did he come here? or you could do both if you really want.

>>531919
There are many Divines child, each of whom has their own field. Kynareth is the choice for those who love nature and the world, Akatosh for those who worship order, Julianos for those who worship knowledge, and many others.

I would suggest you avoid the Daedra cults. Traditionally Daedra dispose of their followers whenever it is convenient to do so.

>>531947
Yes. Don't get manipulated by daedra. That would be bad.

Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/08/07(Wed)11:54 No. 532341 ID: 92a9fd
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>>531947
>>532130
You know about the divines, including Talos, which the Thalmor convinced the empire to ban. You just aren't particularly drawn to any specific one. You also know about the Daedric Princes, and do not wish to do business with them of any sort. You know that things never end well for those who are used by the Daedra, and you would not allow yourself to get played for a fool.

>>531935
You don't have to be told to hum, because you've already started, although it is nice to know that the Voices approve of your little quirk. The two of you chat a little while you work as well. You learn that Scouts-Many-Marshes has been in Whiterun since he was a hatchling, and that he wishes all the races that all the races could get along. You also find out that he is the only Argonian around to share that sentiment, as the others have grown disdain for the races of Men and Mer.

You work for a while longer until you spot Holds-Many-Branches returning.

we'll finish with the bundle of wood you have now and go see if she has anything for you.

as for the divines
Akatosh is the God of Time but other then that I really don't know what his pilgrims would do so meh
Arkay is the god of death and no offence kid but you don't look like you could handle dealing with corpses all day,
Dibella is the Goddess of beauty but she is depicted in many ways. From the beauty from a work of art to just simple sex. You know if you want to become a pilgrim and still have something to do with your singing you could go with Dibella and just focus on the art and beauty of song.
Julianos is the god of wisdom and logic and is mostly associated with wizards, so unless you have a strong desire to learn magic I think he's a no go
Kynareth is the goddess of nature and sometimes associated with travel as well but I'm not to sure what they'd have you do. I also think there's a temple for her in whiterun which is a good halfway point between Windhelm and Solitude if you want to check it out.
Mara is the goddess of love so if you joined her I think you'd be running around helping people fall in love or maybe even do a marriage or two. You'd might like that it seems it could suit you
Stendarr is the god of mercy and justice but around Skyrim he kinda has a cult around him that go around slaying undead, conjurers, and Daedra so unless you feel the need to fight such things maybe we should look somewhere else
Talos is... well I think we should stay away from Talos for now, seeing how anyone caught worshiping him by the Thalmor are dragged off to be tortured in god knows where so, nothing against him personally it's just I don't want to deal with the can of worms that comes with worshiping him right now
and then there's Zenithar the god of work and Commerce, which wouldn't be to bad to follow if you plan on striking it rich at some point and again could tie in your singing with this one as well if you so wish.

So that narrows it down to Dibella, maybe Kynareth, Mara, and Zenithar unless you maybe did feel like you wanted to try out one of the other divines I mentioned?

OK, getting the nerve is a simple matter. Simply be stuck here in misery for the duration and you'll have no problems killing the overseer stealing your septims. The only hard part is your killing technique, and your ability to go without being seen. Perhaps you could practice killing by gutting fish? The unseen part I'm not quite as sure of.

>>532401
Killing a Nord in Skyrim, in the city of Windhelm, home of the most extremely xenophobic nationalist Nords and the most violent guards in the Empire? I feel this plan has a few flaws. And is extraordinarily foolish. Now, joining a Khajiit caravan as a pilgrim, that shows potential.

Sings-Through-Swamps 2013/08/12(Mon)11:43 No. 533833 ID: 92a9fd
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>>532401
>>532428

Assassination seems not only too extreme, but incredibly dangerous. You did not even know about some of the things that one voice said about Windhelm. You suppose you could try and join a Khajiit caravan, but you aren't a Khajiit. You're not sure if that would even be...allowed. Would it?

>>532346

Perhaps you may try to devote yourself to one of the divines, but you have never really been the most pious individual. You guess that if Zenithar's blessing will help you earn money faster, you might as well follow him. You wonder what your other voices think about it. Should you devote yourself to Dibella, Kynareth, Mara, or Zenithar? Or should you just not bother serving one specific divine?

You finish transporting the bundle of wood currently in your arms and approach Holds-Many-Branches. As you approach, she begins to speak.

Our employer will not listen to me. But as I said, I will not leave you to fend for yourself.

She looks at you silently for a moment, then looks up and shouts to the other Argonians.

Everyone, gather! We are going to have a short meeting. Shahvee, you too!

Scouts-Many-Marshes and three other Argonians walk up to Holds-Many-Branches and you.

This young lady has traveled far to get here, and we are going to give her hospitality. We will take her under our wings until I can set her up with a proper job. Shatter-Shield is still mourning his daughter and will not speak with me, but I will talk sense into him in due time. Until then, I want no complaints from anyone; she shall be earning her stay, and so she will be provided for. We look out for our own.

I am sorry, what was your name, child?

Sings-Through-Swamps.

There you have it. You may all go back to work.

The other Argonians do not seem too happy, but they keep quiet. Even Sings-Through-Swamps seems disheartened, but he pats you on the shoulder and goes back to unloading cargo. One of the workers remains behind and smiles at you.

Shahvee knows that things seem bad when first coming to this place, but there is still much worth being happy for. You have a home here.

She smiles once more before returning to her work at a tanning rack.

As a side note, I discovered some unused dialogue in the game that said that dock workers make twice as much as I said, 8 septims per day. I guess it's not canon since it wasn't used, but I still wish I could edit one of my previous posts to fix that. Needless to say, it's still barely anything, and I'll pretend I said 8 per day from now on.

Time to make good on the threats and get back to work, we need to be developing our stats getting enough work done that our arrival here doesn't make our family poorer. Develop those muscles, practice singing whatever the people around you want to hear, with as much variety as possible.

I guess we should be getting busy for now until we can figure things out. Ask Holds-Many-Branches what she would like you to do to help out around here or if she doesn't have anything go see what the others need help with.

Oh and about the divines thing, I got a little more info on one of them. Kynareth to be exact. Apparently the nords around skyrim (at least the old fashion ones) call her Kyne and in this form she has a lot to do with hunting. If you go with that for a pilgrim it might be a little more... exciting and you could sell the hide's and meat for cash but over all it seems like we're going to be stuck here for a while so no need to jump into things yet.

Oh and some final side notes, the Khajiit would let you travel with them but only if they get something out of it or you can befriend them. Easiest way would be to pay them but the cart would be far cheaper. Also whenever you find yourself with some free time, feel free to practice your singing, but I'm pretty sure you didn't need me to tell you that.

>>533833
Follow the path of the Divine Crusader, child. Seek the Wayshrines of the Nine Divines and pray for a sign.