Yeol Clumsy #41 - Running for Peace

Morndas, 10th of Sun's Dusk 4E201

I had to set up camp outside High Hrothgar to recuperate after the exhausting fight yesterday. Paarthurnax's words still echoed in my head the next morning. "...Trap a dragon at Dragonreach and find out where Alduin resides...". It seemed a far fetched plan, but I didn't had any alternative suggestions. So I went the long way down, back to Whiterun.

Jarl Balgruuf accepted to trap a dragon in his castle.

The day after, at Whiterun, I proposed the plan to Jarl Balgruuf. He was surprised, but willing to try, as long as I could guarantee that his town would not get attacked by either force, Stormcloak or Imperial. He proposed to organize a cease fire meeting at High Hrothgar.

Passing by at Riverwood, ever peaceful and calm

So, I went back around the Troat of the World, and up the 7000 steps, to talk to the Greybeards. I arrived next day. Arngeir went in defense, and said that "he was no adventurer to capture dragons, nor a politicien to talk with quibbling warlords". But after some persuasion, he agreed. I only had to convince Ulfric and General Tallius to attend to the meeting.

The Greybeards are willing to hold the peace meeting at High Hrothgar

And thus, I ran down the mountain again, and headed to Windhelm to see if I could convince Ulfric Stormcloak. The road was easy, and I was there at evening. I met Ulfric, but I was surprised to see him gagged....(?) Anyway, after some convincing he agree to come to the peace talks.

Ulfric Stormcloak: why did he use this tissue?

After a night at Candlehearth Hall, I decided to take the northern road to Solitude. I would regret it. A large pack of white wolves had murdered out Agna's Mill. It took some effort to kill all wolves. The village is empty now. We overnighted at Dawnstar's Windpeak Inn.

Suffering from the cold at Dawnstar

Next two days were hell. A little outside Dawnstar we were attacked by heavily armed looters. I got very badly hurt, they almost killed us if it wasn't for Sofia. I used some bandages to stop the bleeding. A little further, between Stonehills and Morthal we were attacked by a frost dragon.This one was tough! It took lots of effort to get the overhand. We stayed at Morthal to recuperate.

A short but needed intermezzo at Morthal

The following day was even worse. Two (2!) Elder dragons attacked us near Dragonbridge. I think I died twice there, at least it felt that way. I got burned all over. I passed out from injuries a couple of times. Again it was Sofia who got me on my feet again. We survived, but I don't know if I can hold off these dragons much longer. I feel weak, I feel empty...

At Solitude I talked to General Tullius. He did not give a damn for Skyrim and their poeple. Only when Rikkie came in between, he gave in and agreed to go to High Hrothgar.

General Tullius did not see the point of peace talks.

I went to the Winking Skeever, to rest, and get healed after this episode of horror...

Yeol the Clumsy @  day 85, level 31

Yeol Clumsy #40 - Epic Fight with Alduin!

Tirdas, 4th of Sun's Dusk 4E201

Arriving at High Hrodgar, the Greybeards could not care less about me having the Elder Scrolls. They kept on praying and meditating, probably about the end of the world and the day of doom. I left them, and went to the Throat of the World, to talk with Paarthunax. Maybe he has a suggestion.

The Greybeards could not care less about the Elder Scrolls.

Paarthurnax sensing the Elder Scrolls

When I arrived, Paarthurnax immediately sensed the Elder Scrolls. He was impressed, and advised me to use it near the time rift. So I did...

When I started to read the Elder Scrolls, I was pulled into the rift, into the past at exactly the moment the time rift was created. The very same moment Alduin was defeated the first time. I saw it happen. I heard the shout that they used upon Alduin. I learned Dragonrend.

I saw the past, I learned the shout: Dragonrend

I returned to the present, and thought it was all done here, when suddenly Alduin himself appeared, as if called upon. He sensed my use of the Elder Scrolls, and came to get rid of me once and for all.

An epic battle began. I never have fought a dragon like Alduin. I used Dragonrend to force Alduin to land, so he became vulnerable. Paarthurnax helped me, but his effort of damaging Alduin were in vain. Only I was able to deal damage to Alduin. I shot many hundreds of arrows. We fought the entire night. I survived barely many meteor storms, flame breaths and other lethal shouts thrown at me. But finally Alduin had to give in. He admitted defeat, and flew away...

Paarthurnax can't damage Alduin

Alduin nearing his defeat

As by miracle Sofia and Lydia survived. They kept hidden behind rocks during most of the battle. They were impressed. Paarthurnax called me to him, and explained something about chasing Alduin now he's weak. To find out where he went, and if possible to capture him. It all seemed very far away. I barely listened, tired and exhausted. I stumbled down the path, heading back to High Hrodgar, hoping to find shelter and some sleep, realizing it is not all over yet...

After the epic battle: exhausted but alive

Yeol the Clumsy @ day 79, level 29

Yeol Clumsy #39 - Eldergleam Sanctuary

Mondras, 3rd of Sun's Dusk, 4E201

When I intended to exit the ice cave of Septimus Signus's Outpost, I was held up by a deep purple void in front of me. It spoke, and out of the abyss came the voice of Daedric Prince of Knowledge, Hermaeus Mora. He tried to lure me to be his disciple, but his words were filled with filt. I refused, and the purple abyss disappeared, menacing me.

Hermeaus Mora, as a purple abyss talking to me.

The road from Winterhold back to Whiterun and further to High Hrodgar was long, but I ran it almost all the way to Whiterun. I'm getting very experienced in running. Late that evening I came home, Breezehome. I went to bed and slept vast and long.

M'aiq the Liar is everywhere, but has never anything to say...

Sweet home, Breezehome

Next day I used well, to get organized again: ordering, selling, crafting, ... the lot. Preparing for the next journey, to the Throat of the World. Lydia was bored, bored to death at home. I had pity with her, so I invited her along for the next mission. Sofia was not happy.

Early morning we picked up Maurice Jondrelle too, a scolar who liked to visit the Eldergleam Sanctuary. So we were four. The road was easy, but we circumvented Valtheim towers to spare Maurice.

At Darkwater Crossing we were again attacked by a frost dragon. With patience and a lot of arrows, the beast crumbled and was slain.

Another dragon slain at Darkwater Crossing

We entered the nearby Eldergleam Sactuary, and tapped a little Eldergleam sap, enough to revive Whiterun's Eldergreen tree. Maurice seemed annoyed and started to pray. We left him there, and returned to Darkwater Crossing, to spend the night.

Eldergleam Sanctuary

The next day was one of the long ascent. From the Darkwater valley we climbed to Ivarstead, and further to High Hrodgar. I have to admit that Lydia is also bored while travelling! Lydia is a thoroughly bored girl, and worse, a boring girl... I pity her.

Arriving at High Hrodgar

Yeol the Clumsy @ day 78, level 29

Yeol Clumsy #38 - Blackreach

Turdas, 30th of Frostfall 4E201

Next day I went back to Alftand, and descended further down to an underground world called Blackreach. When I entered I was overwelmed by the unearthly atmosphere of giant glowing and floating mushrooms, an endless deep black sky and the ruins of ancient civilizations.

Overwhelmed by atmosphere while entering Blackreach.

But my fascination was abruptly put to a halt when Falmer and Dwemer mechanoids attacked us at our first foot upon Blackreach soil. Slowly we progressed through the foreign world, guided by a paved path. It brought us to a Dwemer tower higher then the eye could see.

Blackreach, approaching the tower.

We entered the tower as guided by a natural force. I felt this was the place. Inside all was empty and silent. Things were as many ages ago, when the last occupant left: books, fireplace... Nobody came here in an uncountable time.

We went on, and there it was, a huge contraption. The mechanics, build by the Dwemer to capture the essense of the Elder Scrolls. I used the Cube, I touched the buttons, the machine activated, and there it was: The Elder Scrolls, a relic from beyond our time and space, from beyond our comprehension. I stared at it for a long time.

...THE ELDER SCROLLS...

But now what? I promised to return the cube to Septimus Signus. Maybe he can help to guide me with the Scrolls, and what to do with it. I took the Elder Scrolls and the Cube, and left Blackreach.

I came to the surface far from Alftand, and it took an unforeseen long journey to arrive at Nightgate Inn again. There I rested for the night. Next day we left early, but not far we had to fight a dragon again! "A dragon a day keeps the boredom away?". I killed it with ease somehow.

Again a dragon slain

Later that day we arrived at Winterhold. I warmed myself at the Frozen Hearth's fire, to continue the journey into the Sea of Ghosts. Again jumping from floe to floe, between the horkers to Signus's Outpost.

Arriving at Winterhold

Although he was joyed to receive the Cube, he started to speak in riddles, and did not mention anything about the Elder Scrolls. Instead he talked about needing elven blood, about curses and plagues. I decided to leave, with The Elder Scrolls in my back pack...

Septimus Signus started to talk gibberish, I left...

Yeol the Clumsy @ day 74, level 28

Yeol Clumsy #37 - Into the Depths of Alftand

Tirdas, 28th of Frostfall 4E201

The Elder Scrolls are located somewhere inside the Dwemer ruins of Alftand. So, I decided to go from Winterhold to Heljarchen, from where a path is leading to the ancient site. I left early, the weather was bad. Heavy snow slowed our journey.

I won a battle... and a dragon soul.

And it was precisely then that a frost dragon attacked: a named dragon which I forgot his name. It was cold, and it was important to deal fast with the beast, before I would freeze to death. It was a tense fight were I used my newly learned flame shout as much as possible. The dragon burned to dead before I froze...

Arriving at night at Heljarchen

I overnighted at Nightgate Inn, and left next day for Alftand. The exterior betrayed a failed expedition with dead corpses. I entered the ruin. Soon I stuggled with ancient Dwemer mechanoids and looting bandits.

Fighting our way down, deeper and deeper into the ruins

I fought my way down, deeper and deeper into the ruins. Falmer were a real challenge. I almost died there, but luckily I had found here enough health potions to save me from utter failure. After many hours (I lost count if it was day or night) we arrived at the main chamber. I heard heavy battle noises, but when I came close all was silent again. On the floor I found many dead Falmer and a motionless Centurion. I escaped a very tough fight.

Point of no return: to jump or not to jump.

When I approached a weird Dwemer puzzle, two adventurers were fighting. I heard them argue about who would be the first to discover Blackreach or something... It seems now I will.

...when I arrived, all was quiet again.

A mysterious Dwemer puzzle lock.

But I was too tired to continue. I decided to go back to Heljarchen, and take a deep rest before adventuring beyond...

Arriving at Heljarchen tired... but alive!

Yeol the Clumsy @ day 72, level 28

Yeol Clumsy #36 - Roaming the Northern Ice Sea

Sundas, 26th of Frostfall 4E201

I left the College with only a vague description to find "a scolar", "somewhere north", who might know something about Elder Scrolls. So first thing I did that same day, was to explore the coastline at Winterhold. A blizzard made the prospection not easier.

Camping at Winterhold's shore to prospect the coastline

 When I came back to Winterhold late afternoon, a frost dragon attacked the ancient city. After a few hours of battle, the wounded dragon landed. I rushed in, and did what I never did before. I jumped upon the beast, and planted my sword deep into it's skull. The dragon fell flat dead.

I, the dragonslayer...

I was tired, but I had to prepare for a journey of multiple days to explore the northern ice sea area. I needed enough firewood, water, food and warm clothes to survive at least a couple of days and nights in the frosty open. We left the next day...

Searching the coast for a location to pass north, into the sea of ice

The day was clear, and we progressed quiet smoothly. Jumping over floes, exploring the area. Later that day we discovered a large ruin, much like Bleak Falls Barrow (later I was told it was Estar Outpost). Looters were heavily armed. The men outside attacked us without mercy. We had to deal with them, which took quite some effort. We went inside, but the guys there were too overpowered for us. We ran outside and fled the place.

Roaming the islands, hopping over ice floes....

Estar Outpost

Not knowing if this ruin really was the location we were looking for, we went roaming again. Maybe, or better hopefully, it's another place. Dusk came, we set up camp, and could admire a wonderful play of night sky lighting.

Camping on an isle in the northern ice sea.

Next day we continued our search. Jumping from floe to floe, between the horkers, looking for... something. And then, after hours of searching, we found a tiny doorway into the ice, with a small boat waiting outside. We entered, and there he was: Septimus Signus in front of a gigantic mechanic lock of some sort. He seemed a little disconnected from this world, but gave us all information about where to locate an Elder Scroll. He asked me to fetch it for him, so he could get his information from it. I agreed of course...

I'm telling Sofia what mister Septimus told, and what our next mission is.

Yeol the Clumsy @ day 70, level 26

Yeol Clumsy #35 - Steaming Baths and Freezing Paths

Fredas, 24th of Frostfall 4E201

Paarthunax send me on a quest to find an Elder Scroll, although he did not knew were to look. We camped for the night in front of High Hrothgar, and descended the following day. After a hot lunch at Vilemyr Inn, we went further down to Darkwater Crossing, silently hoping to enjoy a hot spring bath together.

Camped for the night in front of High Hrothgar

I managed to kill the frost dragon at Darkwater Crossing

But once we arrived at Darkwater Crossing, a frost dragon put my plans on ice. I needed hours to finally take the upper hand in combat. At evening fall the dragon was beaten. A relaxing bath in the hot springs was more than welcome. We both were quite uneasy with this new situation. Friendship stood between us, and held us from diving into an uncertain adventure.

We slept (separate) at the camp site. Next day we went to Whiterun. Voltheim Tower proved again to be a real challenge to be cleared from the occupying outlaws.

We did not stay long at Whiterun, enough to get organized for a trip to the far north: Winterhold.

Up to Nightgate Inn all went well, but not much further I saw a dragon circling in the sky. It was bitter cold. This was a fight I never could win. I would freeze to death in the time of battle. So I sneaked into a side valley, and kept out of sight of the dragon. I'll get back another day.

Dragon sighted, but the freezing cold makes fighting a suicide.

At Winterhold College, I talked to the Orc librarian. As expected he did not have an Elder Scroll. He only knew someone who has studied the subject. Unfortunately this person left Winterhold many years ago, inspecting a Dwemer ruin far north, somewhere in the sea of ice.

Nearing Winterhold

Speaking with the librarian at the College.

I have no clue where to go now. "North" and "Somewhere in the ice sea" is very vague. I'll probably need to stay here in Winterhold for quite some time...

Yeol the Clumsy @ day 68, level 26