Sundas, 17th of Last Seed

My intentions of migrating north to Skyrim seemed rational in my humble opinion. As a bounty hunter for the Empire, the possible riches that could be obtained through the Stormcloak rebellion could be endless. Unfortunately, my expedition came to a rough halt in its consummation at my unjust capture by the very people I served. If I was a less wise woman, I might have assumed that the Empire had intentionally grouped me in with that band of Stormcloak bastards that had been ambushed, but frankly the whole situation seemed as if it was simply a run of bad luck on my part.

I awoke with a throbbing head, bound in the back of a cart with the other rabble, one of which was surprisingly the enemy leader, Ulfric Stormcloak. We were led into a small town where we were to be executed, but something very surprising came about before that, and I know that this may seem upmost insane, but a literal dragon swooped in and started destroying the hamlet. The whole thing was honestly one big blur, and I am very glad I had chosen to eat lightly before I set out this morning. Thankfully, I am alive, and managed to escape, heading down a snowy road leading east to a town called Riften.

Already I am not free of troubles; a robbed caravan with bandits hiding in the bushes blocked the way forward, but my blade made sure to spill their dirty blood. A quick prayer was said to the poor Khajiit merchants that had been slaughtered before I continued on to find sanctuary. With night approaching and the air getting colder by the moment, a cave off to the side of the road felt like my best option… only it appeared to be the den of more bandits. Or so it seemed. As I fought through the cavern I encountered strange beings with red eyes that cast a spell of the same shade that drained me of my energy. They did not prove to be very challenging, and I’ll have to remember to take Darius out to drinks when I get back home for teaching me that spark spell. I can still smell the charred corpses of a few of them.

The only thing more disgusting than that stench is the mutilated, bloody remains that I find littered throughout the place. Worse still, there are no beds here, only coffins. Could this be the home of vampires? The individuals that resided here had all the traits of their kind, so it’s very likely. That, or I’ve stumbled across a cult of cannibals. Either way, they are now dead, and I am free to rest here without worrying about wildlife or the harsh Skyrim winter. It may be unorthodox, but I’ve filled one of the coffins with hay and plan to spend the night encased inside. I shan’t be doing anything more strenuous today; I grow more and more weary with each passing minute.

Morndas, 18th of Last Seed

I was not as thorough as I should have been in the caves. I assumed that the passage near the rear led back outside. In actuality, it brought me to a spider nest, and more shady villains. Their force was enough to drive me back outside; I would have most likely perished if I had not made a hasty retreat.

The long road was not kind to me, I have fallen ill and find it strenuous to swing my sword. I suspect the city of Riften will have to be my home for a few days while I recover. Although I wonder if my time here will be any smoother than the caves were. When I arrived, I was told by the guard that the south entrance was closed, and that I’d have to go all the way around the city to the north entrance. If that wasn’t enough, the guard there demanded I pay a visitation tax of all things! My mention of “shakedown” was payment enough, and I have half a mind to march up to whoever is in charge and have that man jailed for his actions. I have doubts with how that might pan out; all I’ve heard since arriving is talk that a prominent family called the Black-Briar’s has a supposed thieves guild in their back pocket. Maybe I can find work here, but maybe the work in question will be as dirty as the beggars that litter the streets.

Right now I plan on resting here in my room at the Bee and Barb, even though the sun has yet to set. A good night’s sleep in a warm bed and a hot meal should be enough to ward off this sickness, and if not… well, I am resting above a bar after all.

Tirdas, 19th of Last Seed

I was rudely awoken this morning by a strange man who began babbling about my wallet being light and how he could somehow help with that problem. I quickly made it known that I wasn’t interested in what he had to offer and set off to complain to the Inn’s owner about this troubling disturbance. What kind of fool would search a lady’s wallet and wake her upon finding it mostly empty? What putrid scum would then propose “work” to her as if I was some fresh faced babe getting groggy on my first tankard? I am not some common whore! I’ve only been in Riften for one night and it’s already leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Still feeling sick, I might have to dull my senses today with some fresh mead…

I’ve decided to learn a bit about this place and attempt to find a few jobs at the same time. I find it increasingly interesting that the locals all find the head of the Black-Briar family, Maven, to be a corrupt shrew who drowns her brewery workers if they don’t meet her expectations, while the jarl finds her to be a trustworthy ally working tirelessly to dispel crime in Riften. Nothing so far has given way that she actually employs thieves to do her bidding, but I bet if I can find proof, I’ll be paid handsomely by the jarl.

Speaking of, I’ve received a note from the authorities about a bounty in the nearby area. I’ll have to be sure to follow that up once I’m back to full strength. Bandits are small time, but gold is gold.

Middas, 20th of Last Seed

It’s worse than I could have ever imagined. I hadn’t contracted some sort of common sickness… Damn them! I was told that you could only catch vampirism through bites, but I was a fool, and now it rots my blood. The sun rejects me like a father would a bastard. At the first instance of it burning my flesh I was sent cowering to shade and was forced to wait for darkness to come over the land. I know not what I did to deserve this, but I can only call the grimy underbelly of the world my home now, and beasts my kin. I’d probably end myself if I didn’t feel an inclination to finish what I’ve started, because what’s happened earlier weighs equally on my mind.

I have been tricked. The bounty claiming the head of bandits was not as it seemed. I was expecting brutes of men who did nothing less of pillaging and killing, but got brave warriors who simply wished to guard the lands. I only realized this when I had my blade to the neck of their leader who then begged for his life. He didn’t put up a fight. He had family he was looking after. I’m just glad I figured out what had happened before I ended him. But two innocent men died today by my hand, and I can’t let that go unpunished. Someone in Riften has to pay for this, and I have suspicions on whom it might be.

I had talked to a man in the Bee and Barb this morning about speaking to Sibbi Black-Briar about a horse that was to be purchased. At least now I won’t have to worry about getting too violent during the questioning. Gods be damned if he actually makes it out of that prison cell he currently lives in alive. The Black-Briar’s have gone too far this time; and I won’t stop until justice has been dealt.

Fredas, 22nd of Last Seed

My depravity has reached an all-time high; I have been jailed caused by actions involving the thieves guild and an attempted infiltration of their ranks. My leads involving Sibbi came to a standstill due to the fact that I couldn’t access Riften’s prison. With little influence and even less gold, I’d have to postpone our little chat. It was almost ironic when I was caught picking the lock to a merchants booth and thrown in a cell right across from the Black-Briar heir, and it was frustrating knowing that I couldn’t do much in the way of getting answers from him lest I be gutted by the guards. So I served my time and crawled back to Brynjolf once I was released, and he surprisingly let me join the guild still.

Now I’ve been tasked to extort gold from some of the local shopkeepers, and my conscious wavers at the very thought. But if that’s what it takes to get to the bottom of this, then I’ll gladly sully my hands to clean the city.

Loredas, 23rd of Last Seed

It is done. I have taken the money that Brynjolf has requested and there is no doubt in my mind that because of this my reputation in Riften has been tarnished. Even now as I sit here in the tavern I get cold stares from other patrons, but I don’t exactly blame them. Let’s just hope that my undeath goes unnoticed; if that was discovered, I’d be chased from the city for sure.

While we’re on the topic, this vampire situation hasn’t proved easy. As the days pass I find the sunlight to be more and more bothersome, and normal food and drink fails to quench my base desires. The way I ache from my core almost drives me to feed on the living. I’m just glad I haven’t been given the chance to do so yet without being discovered. Oblivion, if I ever even get the chance, I’d probably take it…

My monstrous condition aside, I’m not quite sure how to proceed with the guild now that I’m considered a member. Just outright putting them down like the dogs they are has crossed my mind more than once, but maybe I could plan something more subtle in regards to their downfall. For example, this new job I’ve received. My first task as a member of the thieves guild involves a honey operation located just outside of Riften called Goldenglow Estate. My actions there are in direct response to the owner’s sudden silence and lack of cooperation with the thieves guild and Maven Black-Briar, one of the guild’s most important clients. They want me to provide some property damage in the burning of some of the bee hives, but if I were to burn all of them, then the Black-Briar’s would have to find another location for their mead’s honey.

Also, I was able to work up the gold to get myself inside the Riften jail to talk to Sibbi. Everything regarding the horse that Letrush wants is located inside Black-Briar Estate, which provides ample opportunity to ransack the place while I’m there. I’m a bit concerned with how easy it was to get the information out of Sibbi; could this possibly be a setup?

Sundas, 24th of Last Seed

By the eight, I was right! The Black-Briar Estate was filled to the brim with guards armed to the teeth, all covered in heavy plate. It couldn’t have been a simple coincidence that they were all waiting for me by the door either. That fool Sibbi must have let on about my plan, but maybe I’m the fool for thinking he’d keep his mouth shut.

I was chased so far out of town that I think I shan’t be returning. I’ve thought very hard about my predicament and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not well equipped enough to handle the mess that Riften’s in. Maven has sway over the guild; they’ll know about me and slit my throat the first chance they get. Well, that’s if the Dark Brotherhood doesn’t kill me first. They’re after me now too, stated by a death contract on the assassin that I encountered earlier. I don’t even have to guess on who ordered that; I was told that the Black-Briar’s have in’s with the brotherhood.

So my plan now is to head north to Windhelm, restock, and then take a carriage to Solitude so I can do what I originally came to Skyrim for, help the Empire in its war against the Stormcloak rebellion. I’d like to bring in the head of Ulfric, but he’ll be locked up in his keep with guards in every room.

Travel has been… unsteady. Besides that failed assassination attempt, I was ambushed by a group of my own undead kin. It just goes to show how far one can fall, attacking one of their own just for a chance to taste blood. Thankfully, a Khajiit caravan just so happened to wander up while I was under attack and aided me, most likely saving my life. In return I’ve accompanied them up the road and have provided protection against the many dangers that one would come to expect. While we walked, I got to know one of the Khajiit guards a bit. He told me about how their group was under constant threat of raiders and that during one attack, a moon amulet that his mother had given him was stolen. I’ve agreed to find it for him; I’ll need to remember to come back to the region and do that later.

Now I’m almost to Windhelm, but the sun’s showing itself, so I’ve taken shelter in a little inn called Braidwood. I’ll rest up and be back on the road at nightfall.

Morndas, 25th of Last Seed

It really is a pain in the rear that shops only open during daylight hours. I can’t tell you how foolish one looks scampering between buildings like a headless chicken. Windhelm isn’t that bad; the constant cloud cover makes sunlight a minor issue. Hopefully the overcast stays this thick in Solitude, or I might have to adapt something less revealing.

While I was out buying potions I overheard the shopkeep having an argument with his assistant, and when I inquired about it the alchemist brought up something called the white phial and how he had little means of retrieving it for himself. Now, I’m being employed to head into a cave or ruin or whatever to take it. It seems like there could be dangers in this place considering the thing hasn’t been unearthed until now, which is why I’ve gone and hired some extra muscle. I met a strong looking man in the inn today named Stenvar, and he’ll accompany me tonight for the white phial so I can see just what he can do. I don’t have much worry, as he looks like he’s had years of combat experience; and if we make it out alright, then he’ll be coming with me to Solitude. I hope he doesn’t have gripes with the Empire; it seems like few in Windhelm like our type.

hi marik

Tirdas, 26 of Last Seed

Out treasure hunt went very well! The white phial was housed in an underground tomb inside a cave. The only things keeping us from just waltzing in and taking it were traps, which I spotted easily, and zombies, which were scarier than they were strong. Some only used basic weapons while few had magical powers, but the ones that did only knew frost spells, and as a vampiric force they barely harmed me at all. Stenvar on the other hand didn’t share my more unique traits, and was constantly complaining about how cold it was. In fact, he was so winy that I gave him an amulet I found that seemed to be imbued with frost resistance. And boy, did he shut up after that.

That wasn’t all we found down there though, the place was filled with ancient Nordic weaponry and priceless jewels and metals. We made a killing off most of it, but I set aside a few pieces for myself and a little something for Stenvar. I now have a nice new bow that looks to be of Orcish make, a sword styled like those of the old Nords, a neckless enchanted to make myself less visible whilst sneaking, and a silver banded amethyst ring. Stenvar gets an old Nordic great-sword, but he seems happier with the gold I’m providing.

If this hadn’t been such a successful expedition, I probably would have been angrier when that old sod only gave us five measly Septims. Well, until I had a talk with his assistant that is. I can’t quite blame him though, the phial was cracked when we found it, and that old elf seemed like he spent most of his life looking for the thing.

But one really shouldn’t focus on the grim. For us, we’re kings for the day. Tonight we fill ourselves with mead, and tomorrow we depart to Solitude.

hi marik

Hi Aza! :)

I don't know why, but your text sounds unbelievably happy.

Middas, 27 of Last Seed

We rode up to Solitude by sundown, and what else would you see in the great capital other than an execution? A crowd had gathered and everything, and then they lobbed his head clean off… and the blood that poured from his wound, it looked so captivating. I hope this isn’t becoming an obsession. I’ve fed once before; I did it a few days ago in Braidwood when nobody was watching. It was enjoyable, downright fantastic even. After I ate, I was as I’d be after a feast; full and happy. But that was days ago, and watching that blood gush was like looking upon a chef carving a nice fat turkey. I’m hungry, I need more blood.

After the beheading we climbed the stairways to Castle Dour where the Imperial forces are based out of in Skyrim. General Tullius was inside, and I was actually quite honored to meet such a prestigious and decorated man. We exchanged a few words but I was ultimately turned over to a woman who I believe was named Legate Rikke. I told her of my previous work, about how I’ve taken care of various men and women that the Empire wanted dead in Cyrodiil. I couldn’t tell if she was impressed or not; I’d like to think so given the initiation process I was presented with. Take out a band of outlaws in the Hraggstad fort. I told her that bandits were my specialty; the fort was already theirs. Sure enough, me and Stenvar hiked up to the fort and cleared it out, no problem. If the Stormcloak’s are this easy, then we’ll have victory parades in a week’s time. Actually, I know it won’t be, which makes me partly excited.

With that out of the way, I had proven myself to the cause and then stated aloud this oath forever binding my life to the Imperial Legion.

“Upon my honor I do swear undying loyalty to the Emperor, Titus Mede II, and unwavering obedience to the officers of his great empire. May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty. Long live the Emperor, long live the Empire.”

Which, may be a long time actually.

Now I’ve been instructed to go to an Imperial camp outside of the Korvanjund tomb. There lies something called the jagged crown, a very important relic to Skyrim that may provide legitimacy to Queen Elisif the Fair against Ulfric Stormcloak. This may actually be my first skirmish against large forces, and I hope I’m prepared.

dix

Turdas, 28th of Last Seed

We’ve made it as far as the carts can take us. Before we hoof it the rest of the way, we’re stopping in the Bannered Mare in Whiterun for an hour to get our spirits back up. The guard almost wouldn’t let us into the city, the man said it was closed because “dragons” are about. While I know that there was one dragon, I also know you can’t close a city over it. Not if you want to keep the populace calm that is. Never the less, I had to toss gold to get the gates moving, and I can’t help but think this only goes on because the city has yet to commit itself to the empire and thus has nobody to enforce proper laws where corrupt officials that extort can be punished. Same thing happened in Riften too, only that might be worse with the fact that they’re Stormcloak land. Maybe that’s proof that Ulfric’s rule is doomed, he’s too busy fighting for the Nords and can’t enforce proper rules and regulations on his holds. The Empire may not be glamorous to the Nordic lifestyle, but you can’t deny that it’s a working system that’s been around long enough to merit some respect.

Fredas, 29th of Last Seed

The battle of Korvanjund was a glorious example of the combat prowess that the Imperial Legion commands. There we were, in the bushes with the night shroud all around us, looking down on the rebels as they patrolled the crypt entrance. They had no idea what hit them; we pounced like a mighty sabre cat, raining blows as a unified force until none stood in our way. I have to wonder if the Stormcloak men even have military training at all; their performance was bombast at best and uncoordinated at worst.

This being a Nordic ruin, there were zombies, and the only way they would ever pose a threat would be if they had the mental aptitude to understand modern Nord patriotism. I must say, a Stormcloak army filled with the walking forces of their long gone ancestors would be a sight of pure horror. Luckily, Ulfric hasn’t found a way to do that, because no matter what, an unyielding horde would always trump a smaller, more organized group.

Thanks to us, the crown now rests safe in Solitude, but we aren’t allowed that same luxury just yet. I’ve been given orders by General Tullius himself to deliver some high priority documents to the jarl of Whiterun. Maybe whatever they say can bring the man to his senses and finally get him to drop his neutrality in this war.

is this "read bloody journal" as in reading a journal covered in blood, or reading a bloody journal in the swear sense?

is this "read bloody journal" as in reading a journal covered in blood, or reading a bloody journal in the swear sense?

I do believe its the former.

is this "read bloody journal" as in reading a journal covered in blood, or reading a bloody journal in the swear sense?

It’s the first one; maybe my character dies, maybe the journal just gets covered in blood through glorious battle. We’ll see where the game takes me.

Although if you want it to be the second one, by all means, let it be the second one.

Sundas, 31st of Last Seed

What has transpired between today and yesterday, the events are somewhat difficult for me to wrap my mind around. For my sake, I’ll go through them one by one as they happened.

Firstly; Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun is very keen on placing the weight of his chores on the Empire, or in this situation, me. Before he’d even consider looking at the papers I’d delivered, I was sent out to go find some sort of dragon slab up in yet another Ancient Nordic ruin. It contained undead like the other two, but the similarities don’t stop there. While I was in Korvanjund retrieving the jagged crown, we came across a locked door with a claw shaped keyhole, and there was another door just like that here. They both opened after the retrieval of an intricate metal claw found in each location, and paved the way further in the ruins. Korvanjund’s claw was made of ebony, and this one is gold. I’d like to keep a lookout for more of these artifacts; they would certainly make a nice collection.

Secondly; Dragons are terrifying. Retrieving the slab? That was easy, and even though I grow tired of crypts, I’d gladly live in one than face a dragon. Which I did; Balgruuf practically sent me to my death bed when he ordered me to face that beast, and I’d be resting there now if I wasn’t accompanied by five of his men. The fire that it spews, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man’s flesh sunder quicker. In the chaos of it all I even thought I lost Stenvar, but he was hiding in the tower. For a man that talks on and on about battle, he sure did run for cover fast. While we lacked the spine to take that thing down, the Whiterun men were able to get the job done, and I’m steadily hoping that they’ll join our side in the war.

Thirdly; you really don’t have to do much to be perceived as a hero. The jarl has named me a Thane of Whiterun; basically a fancy title dubbing me as important to the masses. I don’t know what to think about this, as I don’t really deserve the honor, but having a Housecarl to do my bidding is always a positive. The hold of Falkreath has also extended an offer to make me their Thane by letter; it seems I’m becoming quite popular. If I wish to do so I can buy land in either holds, which might be smart, as I could use a base of operations.

Morndas, 1st of Heartfire

Concerning the state of Whiterun, I can say for sure that they are siding with the Empire. Balgruuf sent word sometime last night to the capitol, and hopefully there’s a Legion regiment stationed in the city as I write, because I believe that the Stormcloak army will be marching on Whiterun in a few hours’ time. Balgruuf handled relations the traditional way by sending me with his axe to Windhelm, and while I’m not very studied in Nord practices, I believe that Ulfric’s answer was negative. What may transpire over the next day could be a pivotal point in the war; Whiterun is an important hold and if it falls into Stormcloak hands, they may find themselves with a leg up on us.

Tirdas, 2nd of Heartfire

We arrived at the Whiterun gates by mid-morning, and by this time the Stormcloak army was already lurking in the surrounding hills. When I ascended to the keep to warn jarl Balgruuf, they had begun the march, and as I departed the keep, the battle had already begun. The walls and gates had been fortified with troops under Legate Quentin Cipius and the field was commanded by Legate Rikke. I was put up on the front walls with the archers, and Stenvar took position down with the foot-soldiers.

The Stormcloak force rushed in at a steady rate, so much so that us up on higher ground couldn’t stop the enemy from reaching the barricades. The chevaux de frise had fallen quite quickly, leaving nothing between the opposing forces. It was sometime around this point that I departed from the walls and drew my blade on the ground. And I must say, the delirium that can set in after long spurts in combat can almost bring you to striking your own allies. I recall one instance where I had broken away from a duel and got the chance to pull out my bow to provide covering fire, and yet as I studied the field for targets, I had a difficult time telling the difference between friend or foe.

Also; I may have taken out one of the Stormcloak commanders, as I encountered a man with intricate garb, who I believed to be a bandit at one point if only because he was wearing a skinned bear on his head. Let’s just say that I took his outfit as a war trophy. The Stormcloak forces eventually gave in and retreated, the battle lasting for around three hours. With a defeat like this, the Empire has proven that we have the ability to fend off the enemy forces. It can’t be long now before we start the attack ourselves and begin reclaiming holds. Or, so I hope.