>Read Frayed Journal

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Sundas, 17th of Last Seed

Those goddamn Imperials! After all of the favors and jobs clan Duzrub has done for the Empire, they decide to throw me under the axe! For what? Crossing that magic, invisible line between Cyrodiil and Skyrim while on a job? Idiots. Joke's on THEM, though! A fire-breathing beast, black as Malacath's eyes, destroyed Helgen and decimated the Imperial forces garrisoned there. Hadvar, the Imperial lackey that escaped with me, called it a dragon. I said that he must have been on skooma, and that dragons are a myth, and I still think that! Dragons haven't been around since the empire's baby years, all dead and buried. Why come back now? To save some random orc about to get turned into an orismer filet by the headsman's axe? Please. That overgrown abomination is a strange creature indeed, but it can't be a dragon.

After busting out of Helgen, I followed the Imperial to a little village called Riverwood, where he brought me to his uncle to recount recent events. Ha, even his uncle thought he was on something! I wonder if he has a history of this sort of thing? But even then, the poor fool bought the boy's story about it being a dragon! I guess I shouldn't be surprised, these Imperial types are superstitious. Then the man turns to me and asks me for a favor. I'm always looking for a bit of work, so I told him to spit it out. Apparently, he's taking the boy's story so seriously, he wants me to go to some jarl guy over in Whiterun, a major hold north of Riverwood. I say all right, since anything's better than sticking around in this backwater hamlet.

As soon as I step out of the door, my stomach starts kicking my hide. I hadn't eaten anything since those Imperials loaded us up on that wagon, and that was close to a day ago. I decide to head on over to the local inn to get some grub and a couple of winks. Met a dog on my way. I'm a sucker for dogs and wolves, so I stick around and play with the mutt a little before heading inside. Got another lead from the bartender and cook, some uppity bandit up in Voltheim Keep. I'll put him down soon another. Gave the cook a small tip. His goat roast is really well seasoned; if for some reason this journal gets into the hands of someone else, go see Orgnar at the Sleeping Giant inn in Riverwood if you're looking for good eats. That is if I don't find you first.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Morndas, 18th of Last Seed

After I had a good sleep, I decided to head back along the path I came to Riverwood from. I remember seeing a mine along the way, with a Khajit guard at the entrance, whom I swiftly brought face-first into the dirt after a good smack to the head with my mace. I went on inside to see what else the place had in store. The stupid bandits camping out there couldn't hide a trap for anything, the tripwire was lit up by the damn torch next to it, for Oblivion's sake! I went around the tripwire and headed deeper into the mine until I heard some voices. I ducked behind a beam in the dark of the tunnel. Two bandits, one was worried about the now-dead guard that was at the entrance. The other told him to just go to bed, that the trap would take care of any intruders. Pfft. Yeah, great plan there, moron. I cracked open the skull of the one bandit as he slept, and bludgeoned the other one that came running. I sent down the bridge over a gap into the deeper regions of the mine, where two more of the bastards came running. Took them both out like it was nothing. There were a few others in there too, whom I took down after a bit of a fight. Apparently they were running their own forge. Makes sense, it was an iron mine after all. After I took care of the little gang camped out in there, I looted their foodstuffs, their weapons and armor, some gold, gems, and jewelry, and even an enchanted amulet. It gives off little sparks, probably enchanted with some shock effect. I also nabbed some iron ore and ingots to upgrade my gear with later.

Since it was still night time, the local trader wasn't set up yet, nor was the blacksmith, so I headed straight for Whiterun. The journey itself was uneventful, had to put down a wolf, though. A shame, he was a mean one, would of loved to have him along with me. I passed an Imperial squad escorting a prisoner, but didn't pay them any mind. When I got to Whiterun though, I saw a group of warriors fighting a giant. Being the helpful orc I am, I decided to help out, smacking in the ankles of the beast. The huntress of the group commended me, and recommended I join their little club, the Companions. I might just take them up on their offer.

My exploits had taken more time than I had thought. After I pushed my way past an annoying guard at the gate, I looked up to see the sky beginning to glow with morning light. Several hours had passed, at least. I napped at the local inn, the Bannered Mare, and went to see the jarl in the morning. I delivered the news, and guards were ordered to Riverwood. Simple enough. The jarl gave me a steel breastplate and pauldrons for my effort; obviously he is easy to please. He then asked me to see his court wizard to help against the dragons. Gold's gold, so I went and talked to the high-horsed elf. Told me to fetch some tablet in Bleak Falls Barrow, near Riverwood, and asked me to bring frost salts to the local alchemist, which I did, and was given some nice potions for pay. I meandered around the shops, sold my hard-earned spoils, and bought some well-crafted iron greaves, a pair of iron gauntlets, and a steel helm. With a good set of armor, my weapon, and a purse of gold, I'm fully set to pay those bandits in Valtheim a special visit. Night is approaching. It will make for good cover against any archers.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Morndas, 18th of Last Seed

Almost midnight at the time of writing this. Went uphill a little bit east of the towers, on the southern side of the rivers, up by a clan of giants. Peaceful enough beasties if you know to keep your distance, they didn't bother me much as I set up on an overlook a few meters away from the southern tower. Can't say the same for that nosy wolf though. Found a vein of orichalcum on the overlook as well; just noting it for the future. I can see one lookout on the top of the tower with a bow, and another guard at the bottom of the tower at the entrance. Wouldn't be surprised if they're sticking up people for their "road toll". Pah, their tolls are going to be the least of their worries soon enough. Wagering a guess that their chief is in the northern tower; it's the most fortified position. Across the river on a really steep hillside, with the only ways over there being a mountain pass going from the tower eastbound and the bridge connecting the two towers. I can only hope my mark puts up a good fight, I traveled all this way from Whiterun, and I'm not gonna be cheated out of one!

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Morndas, 18th of Last Seed

Well, I said I wanted a fight, and I sure as Oblivion got it! The chief's lackey's weren't of an issue to me, but he himself wielded that greatsword well. He got in a few hits on me, and I had to scurry down the tower to slurp up a potion. He followed me down, and we danced for a little while, but I eventually got enough damage in to bring the bastard down. I think I'll keep his helmet as a trophy, ha ha! He had some good stuff stashed away in that tower of his. A bit of gold, and an enchanted ring and bow. When I wear the ring I feel...I don't know, smarter? More apt? I don't know what to call it, but it's got a fine blue glow, and is going to fetch a fine price I can tell. More of a face-basher type of orc myself, so I'll pawn off the bow, too. I've got no use for it. Now to get back to Whiterun, collect on my hard work, get roaring drunk, and pass out in the Bannered Mare! Getting out of this damn rain would be nice, too.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Tirdas, 19th of Last Seed

Well, unfortunately, I had to celebrate BEFORE getting my pay. The steward was off elsewhere in Dragonsreach, and I was only allowed in the main hall. Thankfully I took some of the late bandit chief's fine wine before I left the Voltheim Towers, no need to pay for my drink at the Bannered Mare. I had gotten so blasted drunk off of the wine last night that I picked a fight with a tall nord woman named Uthgerd. She threw damn good punches, nearly knocked me clean on my ass a few times, but I came out victorious. She commended me on my ability to stay in a fight, paid the two hundred gold we bet on our little tussle, and offered to come along with me as a helping hand on my journeys. I told her that if any big jobs come up, I'll be sure to take her up on her offer and give her a fair cut of the bounty. For now though, I need to turn in the bounty I already have. The steward should be up by now. Earlier yesterday I also heard some Redguard talking to his wife about some family heirloom. Said something about needing a few good men. Maybe this is the big job Uthgerd and I are looking for? Maybe. I'll hit him up after my business in Dragonsreach is finished.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Tirdas, 19th of Last Seed

Met with the Redguard after getting my pay from the steward. Amren's his name, and he told me he's looking for muscle to get his father's sword back from some bandits up at the Halted Stream mine. I agreed to help out. This bounty hunter thing is really paying off, I have to say! So I go to the Bannered Mare and fetch Uthgerd to come with me. I've heard the bandits up at Halted Stream are a tough bunch, and even have a mage or two, so I thought the extra sword would help a lot. Barely at the gates of the camp when arrows start flying by me. Shit shots, those bandits, I gotta say. Uthgerd and I bust down the southmost gates and pick our targets. I went and chopped down the mage at the entrance and the archer on the balcony above while Uthgerd secured the eastern gate. We both got a fair hit on the little bastard cowering in the shack in the middle of the camp. We hear some clanking from inside the mine, like steel against stone, so we decide to stay low when going into the tunnels. Lo and behold, there be a pretty nord bandit mining away at the iron veins at the back of the tunnel. I bash her face in with my shield, opening her up to a fatal jab from Uthgerd's massive steel greatsword. A brutal one, that dame is! Couldn't ask for a better travel partner. So we head deeper into the mine, and we see two bandits and their chief. They catch onto us immediately, so I decide to play a little dirty. I had yanked a Guardian Circle scroll from somewhere, I can't remember where though, and decided to use it up. A golden translucent ring formed around Uthgerd and I, and we could feel ourselves being reinvigorated by the aura. The bandits foolishly charged us, and were astounded that we did not go down with their initial strikes. Their shock bought us time to kill them swiftly, with Uthgerd burying her blade into the spine of the chief with three mighty chops.

In a large chest in a corner, we find Amren's sword, along with a bunch of other things such as potions. We search the shelves and tables and find more potions, more gold, and even an alteration spellbook. Something about transmuting metals. I couldn't make hide nor tail of the blasted thing, so I just sold it to Belethor after we got back to Whiterun. I also grabbed a few mammoth tusks, since apparently they're fairly valuable. Those giants don't like to share, apparently. So we head back to town, and I present the sword to Amren. He was absolutely ecstatic. Instead of the standard bag of gold, he taught me a useful sword and shield technique his father had perfected. I was more than happy to get the free training. Out of respect for Uthgerd, I paid a hundred septims out of my own pocket to her for her assistance in taking down those bandits. We went back to the Bannered Mare and parted ways, for how long I don't know, though I hope we can do this again soon. I think it's time to get some sleep now though. Hopefully no one else has taken the room upstairs.

[Marik]

Oh the year why didn't I think of that

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Turdas, 21st of Last Seed

Spent all of yesterday eliminating another bandit stronghold and running a couple of errands for the locals around Whiterun. Some young Redguard upstart told me about how she wanted to become a merchant or a caraveneer, and that some old khajit that ran a traveling salesman group was her ticket into the business. Problem was, she had nothing to offer to the furball. She did however, mention that if she could just get her hands on a mammoth tusk, she'd be able to gain the merchant's favor. So, I tell her that it's her lucky day, and that I already had one that I had gotten from the Halted Stream camp. Shared some real good trading tips; I'll be able to get even better prices for the fruits of my enterprises! With that business concluded, I decided to put my new knowledge to some practical use, and went out to hunt some more bandits and jack their stuff. I headed westbound along the road until I reached an old fort. At first, I thought that the walls were manned by a good force of ten or so, but they were just fakes, cloth sack dummies on sticks. Only one person on the wall was real, and she didn't look like any Imperial or Stormcloak I've ever seen, though I suppose I haven't seen very many Stormcloaks. She starts yelling down at me to go away, so I yell back that she doesn't own Skyrim, and that I'll go where I damn well please! Some people, I tell you. So, the witch starts sending arrows down at me! That's when I decide to go in and teach her a lesson...only to be met by several of her bandit friends. I led them all on a goose chase around the wall, allowing me to funnel them on the narrow pathway. Again, their archers were absolute crap shots, so I didn't need to worry about that. All in all though, it was a good fight, if only because of the sheer amount of opponents.

I head inside the fort and clear it out. Standard stuff, no need to go into a long rant about it. Found some old hag that claimed to be a cleaner. Apparently this fort used to belong to the Imperials before the bandits shoved them out. What's the Legion come to these days, when a few hide-covered skooma junkies can best an entire garrison of troops? It's a god damn shame. So I take a look around, find some odds and ends, and even more mead. Bandits must love mead, and lucky me, because I do too! Some of my clansmen would tell me that I have a drinking problem, but to hell with them. At least mead doesn't get me drunk enough to propose to a deer, unlike some OTHER orcs I know, ha ha ha! After looking over the bodies of my fallen foes and looting the more valuable items on their person, I went ahead back to Whiterun and did my usual run of the shops. I have to say, Ysolda really knows her stuff! I left those shops with a considerably heavier purse. I should thank her later. As soon as I start heading to the Bannered Mare for food, drink, and sleep, I hear the produce lady complaining about all of the suitors out to wed her. One of the most annoying and persistent one of them, she said, was a bard named Mikael. I. HATE. BARDS. Their stupid music and their stupid dancing! Not to mention most are AWFUL at it! I say I'll take care of the bastard free of charge, and march in to meet the pipsqueak. He didn't last all of ten seconds before he was on the ground and surrendering. I tell him to quit pestering Carlotta, and he understood me crystal clear. Even though I said I'd do it for free, Carlotta insisted I take some septims as payment. Well enough, I say. Gold's gold. I finished the day with some leeks, chicken and mead, and then I went up to bed. Don't know what I'll do today, though. We'll see.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Turdas, 21st of Last Seed

Decided to have some of the cook's apple pie. Not exactly a breakfast food, but it was pretty damn good. I'd say with all the work I've done lately, I deserve a bit of a treat! I spoke with the barkeep and asked if anything needed doing. She handed me a bounty letter the guards left at the inn. Even MORE goddamn bandits! What the hell are the guards around here doing all day? My guess is staring at all of the lovelies in town. Can't say I blame them, but they've got a job to do, and they're just letting these savages run rampant! I guess it's up to me to dole out some good old fashioned orc justice. The bandits are at Redoran's Retreat, and the barkeep was kind enough to give me some directions. I've hit up Uthgerd again, and we're heading out as I finish this entry. Glory in battle, glory to Malacath!

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Turdas, 21st of Last Seed

Like a woodsman's axe to a dead tree, those scum fell to us swiftly and pathetically! I've grown to have great respect and admiration for Uthgerd. She is ruthless, strong, and not without good humor. After scrounging around the barrels of the bandits and making something out of the foodstuffs, we talked over our meal and mead. I inquired why she loved to fight so much. It may seem like a silly question to ask a woman like Uthgerd, but everyone's reason for engaging in combat is different. For some, it is the thrill of the fight, and the adrenaline that pumps through their veins, powering each strike against their opponent. For others it is simply what they know, and it's what they're good at; this is my reason for fighting. Uthgerd shared a nord proverb: "The heat of the battle is the fire that forges the strongest blade". It rings true. Through battle, you grow hardier, you learn how to survive, and you learn to appreciate the days the gods give you on Nirn. Your will becomes indomitable, and all fall to your blade despite all odds.

We searched through the chests of the bandit chief, and found something very interesting. A treasure map, noting a cache near Whiterun. It shows a first-person perspective of a windmill, and a red circle surrounds an outcropping in the hillside behind it. We went back to Whiterun, claimed our gold, and Uthgerd bid me farewell and went back to the Bannered Mare for rest. I've decided to find that cache. Whatever it is, those bandits certainly don't need it anymore.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Turdas, 21st of Last Seed

That was quite a stash! Inside the chest where the map was marked I found an enchanted iron helmet, a small gem, gold, a silver sapphire necklace, and an iron ingot. I pawned off the helmet to the Warmaiden's blacksmith, and the necklace to Belethor. As I write this, I'm sitting at the Bannered Mare, and I crave a change of scenery. I've finished up my lunch, and plan on setting out westward along the roads to see the sights of the nordic homeland. Decided against pestering Uthgerd and dragging her around with me, so I just waved goodbye and wished her glory in battle. This is going to be my last entry for today. It's time for some adventure!

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Fredas, 22nd of Last Seed

What a journey! I said that I would go along the roads, but the urge to go off the beaten path was far too strong for me to resist. I climbed around the base of the mountain, and found several ore veins. Further up, there was a cave, which lead into some kind of old nordic ruin. Inside was an army of the dead. Clinking skeletons brandishing ancient nord weaponry, all controlled by a necromancer. I took the liberty of dismissing him from life. Necromancers and undead are foul beings, and deserve to be put down wherever they may be found. But back on topic; the cave actually went through the mountain. I emerged on the other side; I was still in a forest, with a lake a few feet away from the cave's maw. I noted a sunken fort on the shoreline and decided to head on in via a trapdoor on top of one of the demolished towers. As soon as I enter, in front of me is a shackled corpse. They had obviously been there for some time; only their skeleton remained. At their feet was a small knapsack which contained a journal, detailing a fisherman's dealings with the locals. Apparently this fort sunk spontaneously years ago, and now it is seen as cursed. I don't know about cursed, but there were more necromancers and their thralls deeper inside. I decided to retreat after killing a few of them, as I had no intention of sticking around to fight their master.

In the middle of the lake was a large stone structure. I've heard about these stones before, how they correspond with certain constellations and bestow abilities; this was the stone of The Lady. I placed my hand on the cold, wet rock, and it lit up like a star. I felt as though I could run a mile, and keep going for several more! The stone had enabled me to recuperate quicker, ensuring I could spend more time swinging my weapon, and less time on my ass out of breath. I also discovered an iron ore vein next to the stone. What else will I be able to find? Only one way to find out, and it doesn't include wasting my time writing in this journal!

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Fredas, 22nd of Last Seed

I came across a small, privately owned mill a little bit away from where I found the stone. Ordinary enough, right? That's what I thought at first. A retch-inducing stench almost seemed to bellow out of a small shack near the main mill house. I inspected it, and at first it looked like a fairly normal game storage hut. Venison was strewn across the table, and rabbits hung on a metal ring attached to the ceiling. But when I looked closer, coated in blood that slightly camouflaged it, a ripped up shirt. Under the table? There was a human ribcage! I had stumbled upon the lair of cannibals, or perhaps vampires. Either way, I knew what I had to do. I marched straight into the mill house and was greeted by the owner, some pale-faced nord woman. Before she could finish her sentence, I caved in her skull with my mace. I left soon after, as I could find no trace of another one of the foul beasts.

Now I'm here outside of a cave with a man named Valdr. I spared him a potion, as he looked pretty damn banged up, and he told his tale. His group was tracking a bear when it ducked into the cave. When they followed, they were immediately torn apart by spriggans, with him being the only survivor. He has asked for my assistance, and I've obliged. I've never fought a spriggan before, hopefully I'm prepared.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Fredas, 22nd of Last Seed

As soon as Valdr and I entered the cave we were set upon by one of the spriggans. Strange wooden oddities that looked part tree and part mer, with a strange green glow emitting from the gaps in their bark. Tough bastards, those things are, and they seem to heal themselves if you beat them down enough. When the spriggan finally fell, I heard the unmistakable growling of a very angry bear. I knew I had a fight on my hands, so I quickly downed a health potion, and charged the monster down. Whenever it would try to snap at me, I'd bash it in the face with my shield, and Valdr pelted its hide with arrows. Deeper in the cave were two more spriggans, and they certainly didn't go down with any less of a fight than their comrades. With the cave cleared, Valdr was satisfied and felt he had successfully avenged his dead friends. He gave me a dagger he claimed was lucky, whatever that means. He went off to give his fellow hunters a proper burial and left me to my own devices. In the cave I found a large chest with a good amount of loot, and even a gold ore vein.

I left the cave and headed south towards Falkreath, coming across a few bandits and some wolves. I'm now resting at the Dead Man's Drink inn. After I get a good night's sleep, I'm going to mingle with the townsfolk and see what they need help with. As much of a backwater town Falkreath is, there's bound to be someone who would be willing to pay for some extra muscle.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Fredas, 22nd of Last Seed

Just writing this quick entry while resting. I got a bounty letter for some wretch in Bilegulch mine, a place to the north-west of Falkreath. I get halfway there, and guess who shows up? A Thalmor firing squad! That mage kept throwing lightning at me while her buddies swung their swords at me with little to no regard. I guess this necklace protects against lightning magic, good thing for me, not so good for the Thalmor. I looted the most valuable parts of their armor, since elven gear fetches quite a price and is quite light. I also found an execution order. Apparently I've "disrupted Thalmor activies" as of late. They have to have the wrong orc, as all I've been doing is odd jobs for townsfolk and contracts against bandits. Ah well, no bother to me. They can keep coming, I'll just keep killing them and selling their gear for a pretty penny! But enough about them. I've recuperated and am ready to carry out this bounty order.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Loredas, 23rd of Last Seed

Real unfortunate turn of events. The bounty I was assigned was against a bandit chief, that I knew. But what I didn't know was that this chief was that he was about to set up his own stronghold and create a clan. Can't help but feel a little bad about smashing the future of fellow orcs like that, but maybe they wouldn't have lasted long anyway, as their combat prowess left much to be desired. One of the residents ran right through the gate of the stronghold wall to fight me. He was a young one, with his fangs barely reaching his upper lip. I backstepped out of the way of his warhammer, and struck him down as he was winding up his second swing. The rest in the camp fell just as easily. The chief himself was more seasoned, and didn't swing his weapons with the reckless abandon his clansmates did. It was a good fight, and I'd like to think I gave him an honorable death. I suppose there is one bright side to this: The mine this clan was set up in was an orichalcum mine, with quite a few veins. This will be a good source of material for upgrading my gear, and perhaps even create my own traditional orc armor.

I've turned in my bounty and got paid. There seems to be little else that needs doing in Falkreath, so I shall rest up and head out wherever the winds take me...or wherever the signs point.

[Frizan]

Year 201 of the Fourth Era, Loredas, 23rd of Last Seed

I set out along the roads east, back the way I came from Whiterun. I investigated the small house along the road that I passed up before, and discovered a lair of bandits. They had a nice operation going; they fronted as a lumber company, while in actuality they would stick up traders, kill them, and take their cargo. Their leader was about as tough as her minions, that is to say, hardly tough at all, and she was an ugly runt to boot. She did have a very nice stash of loot, though I had to dodge half a dozen traps to get to the room she stored it all in. A whole bunch of gold, some potions, ores and silver and gold ingots, and a small candlestick mold. There was a silver candlestick in it, so I assume it's a silversmith's mold. Maybe if I find the owner they'll hand over some gold for it, but that'll probably be a while.

After a very rude ambush by bandits, I've decided to rest up at their little camp until morning. There's a nice fire and it's under a rocky overhang, so I won't get rained on in my sleep. I'll continue along the roads east tomorrow and see what I can find.