The Shezarrine - a Skyrim story

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Welcome to the wonderful world of TES Skyrim. You know it by now, click the thumbnail to view the full-size screenhot and click the link to view the hidden screenshot I can't have displaued here. Have fun and enjoy the story. Let us begin...

My name is Bronkah Dovahkiir. This is my story. It Begins where it might have ended -- if fate had not intervened...
The Imperials had caught Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and leader of the rebellion. The civil war could have ebded this day. But the black dragon had other ideas...



Here we were on the road to Helgen, to our execution and on to Sovngarde...
"Sic transit gloria Imperii - So passes the glory of the Empire", I thought to myself. 



I was called up to the block after the brave Stormcloak Soldier. But then, out of seemingly nowhere...



The dragon saved my Life, but I was far from safe yet...



I followed Ralof, the Stormcloak Soldier into the keep...



We made it out together. Now we were on the road to the village of Riverwood...

It was early morning, before sunrise we set out...



An elder dragon decided it wanted to play...





The game could only end one way...



Found a ruin with a very minor treasure...



"Never work on a farm. They are always full of tools and hoes. Those hoes are a real pain to use, never again will I do an honest day's work," Sofia said.

"All right, hand over your valuables, or I'll gut you like a fish."



I looked the the thief and chuckled. Who did he thin he was. And when he saw the women, his demeanor quickly changed...
"Well. I, uh, can see you're not to be trifled with. Let this be a warning to you!"
We laughed as the Khajiit scampered off down the road.



Finding the entrance to the valley proved harder than I had thought. We must've passed the same place three times before we - well, it was Sindra who first pointed it out... 



The entrance was easy to miss if you weren't looking in the right place. But now that we had found it we passed through the pass and entered Dayspring Valley. Fort Dawnguard should not be far. We met another would-be recruit on the road...



"Oh, hey there! You here to join the Dawnguard, too? Truth is, I'm a little nervous. I've never done anything like this before. I hope you don't mind if I walk up with you. Hey, uh, don't tell Isran I was afraid to meet mim by myself. Not the best first impression for a new vampire hunter, I guess," he said.

"Here to join the Dwnguard? Good. Isran will decide if you've got what it takes. Go on, he's right inside," Celann said.

"Why are you here, Tolan? The Vigilants and I were finished with each other a long time ago," Isran said. "You know why I'm here. The Vigilants are under attack everywhere. The vampires are much more dangerous than we believed." "And now you want to come running to safety with the Dwnguard, is that it? I remember Keeper Carcette telling me repeatedly that Fort Dawnguard is a crumbling ruin, not worth the expense and manpower to repair. And now that you'ce stirred up the vampires against you, you come begging for my protection?" "Isran, Carcette is dead. The Hall of Vigilants... everyone... they're all dead. You were right, we were wrong. Isn't that enough for you?" Tolan said. "Yes, well... I never wanted any of this to happen. I tried to warn all of you... I am sorry, you know. So who are you? What do you want?"



"I heard you were looking for vampire hunters," I said. "You heard right. I'm glad word's finally starting to get around. But that means it won't be long before the vampires start taking notice as well," Isran said. "What can we do to help?" "I need someone out in the field, taking the fight to the damn vampires, while we're getting the fort back into shape... Tolan was telling me about some cave the Vigilants were poking around in. Seemed to think it was related to these recent vampire attacks. Tolan, tell him about, what was it, Dimhollow?" "Yes, that's it. Dimhollow Crypt. Brother Adalvald was sure it held some long lost vampire artifact of some kind. We didn't listen to him any more than we did Isran. He was at the Hall when it was attacked..." Tolan said. "That's good enough for me. Go see what the vampires were looking for in this Dimhollow Crypt. With any luck, they'll still be there. Here, you should take a crossbow. Good for taking out those fiends before they get close. Feel free to poke around the fort and take what you need. There isn't much yet, but you're welcome to anything you can use," Isran said. "I'll meet you at Dimhollow. It's the least I can do to avenge my fallen brothers." "Tolan, I don't think that's a good idea," Isran said. "I know what you think of us. You think we're soft, that we're cowards. You think our deaths proved our weakness. Stendarr grant that you do not have to face the same test and be found wanting. I'm going to Dimhollow Crypt. Perhaps I can be of some small assistance to you," Tolan said. "You there, boy. Stop skulking in the shadows and step up here. What's your name?" Isran said. "I'm, uh... my name is Agmaer, sir." "Do I look like a sir to you, boy? I'm not a soldier, and you're not joining the army." "Yes, si... Isran," Agmaer said. "Didn't I tell you to step forward? Hmm... Frm boy, eh? What's your weapon?" "My weapon? I mostly use my pa's axe, when wolves are attacking the goats or something." "My pa's axe, Stendarr preserve us. Don't worry, I think we can make a Dawnguard out of you. Here, take this crossbow. Let's see how you shoot," Isran said. "Uh, crossbow? I've never..." Agmaer said. "Yes, a crossbow. Best thing for killing vampires. Just take a few shots at those crates over there."



Me and the women returned to Dragonstead...

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It was quite the busy night. First Sofia, then Mirai, followed by Vilja, followed by Tindra. And then Sindra, to my surprise, but I'm not a man to deny a woman the pleasure she craves. Then Anduniel was waiting for my attention in the main bed. After that, I took a breather and finished by pleasuring young Shauna, too. How many was that? Six, no seven women in one night -- all in a Dragonborn's duty

Those vampires really pulled a number on the Vigilants of Stendarr...



From the smoldering Hall of Vigilants we made our way to Dimhollow Crypt...



"These Vigilants never know when to give up. I thought we taught them enough of a lesson at their hall." "To come in here alone... a fool like all the rest of them." "He fought well though. Jeron and Bresoth were no match for him." "Ha. Those two fools deserved what they got. Their arrogance had become insufferable." "All this talk is making me thirsty. Perhaps another Vigilant will wander in soon." "I wish Lokil would hurry it up. I have half a mind to return to the castle and tell Harkon what a fool he's entrusted this mission to." "And I have half a mind to telll Lokil of your disloyalty." "You wouldn't dare. Now shut up and keep on watch."

We showed those vampires.



This place was larger than expected.



There were more of them...

Our delve continued...



Didn't seem to be any shortage of draugr or vampires...



How big is this place, really?



Aaand, after the dragr and spiders -- more vampires.

It was entertaining to watch the battle between the giant frostspider and the vampire. The neckbiter came out on top in the end...



... That is until we raised the portcullis and made short work of the undead creature.



We heard voices...
"I'll never tell you anything, vampire. My oath to Stendarr is stronger than any suffering you can inflict on me." "I believe you, Vigilant. And I don't think you even know what you've found here. So go and meet your beloved Stendarr." "Are you sure that was wise, Lokil? He still might have told us something. We haven't gotten anywhere ourselves with..." "He knew nothing. He served his purpose by leading us to this place. Now it is up to us to bring Harkon the prize. And we will not return without it. Vingalmo and Orthjolf will make way for me after this." "Yes, of course Lokil. Do not forget who brought you news of the Vigilants' discovery." "I neve forget who my friends are. Or my enemies."



Varieties Of Daedra by Aranea Drethan, Healer and Dissident Priest

There is little chance of our ever understanding the various orders of Daedra and their relationships to the Daedra Lords and their dominions. Of the varieties of Daedra that appear in our world, and the varieties of their relationships to their fellows and their Daedra patrons, there is no end. In one place and time they are seen to be this, and in another place and time they are seen to be the opposite, and in another place and time they are seen to be both this and that, in completely contradictory terms.
What Daedra serves this Prince? What Daedra gives orders, and what Daedra serves, and in what hierarchy, and under what circumstances? What Daedra exist in fellowship with one another, and what Daedra have eternal enmity to one another, and what Daedra are solitary, or social, and by turns solitary or social? There are no limits to the varieties of behaviors that may be observed, and in one place they may be this, and in another place they may that, and all rules describing them are always found to be contradictory and in exception to others.

Further, from whom may we seek answers to our questions about these orders? From mortals, who know little but what they may observe of another world? From the gods, who speak in riddles, of enigmas wrapped in mysteries, and who keep things from us, the better to preserve their dominion over us? From the Daedra themselves, who are never the models of straightforwardness or truthtelling, but rather are famous for misstatements and obfuscations?

And even were the Daedra to speak the truth, how can we know if they know themselves, or that there is any truth about them that is to be known, or are all arrangements among the Daedra protean and ever subject to change?

In short, what is to be known is little, and and what is to be trusted is nothing.

These things being said, I shall venture to relate what I have observed and heard of the relationships of the servants of Lord Dagon in my brief service to the Telvanni Wizard Divayth Fyr, when I sought him out and offered to bring peace to the victims of corprus in his sanitarium, once the Prophecies of the Incarnate had been fulfilled, and Dagoth Ur had been destroyed, and the Blight had been banished from the island of Vvardenfell forever.

Divayth Fyr told me that he, by choice, trafficked only with two Daedra Powers -- Mehrunes Dagon and Azura.

Azura, he said, knew and understood all things, and declined to speak of these things, or only spoke in riddles.

Mehrunes Dagon, on the other hand, out of pride, fixity of purpose, and a predictable lack of subtlety in thought, knew nothing and understood nothing, and was inclined to speak freely and without falsehood.

Divayth Fyr said that Dagon's chief servants, the Dremora, were like him in pride, fixed purpose, and lack of subtlety, with the addition of the peculiar traits of honor and loyalty, both within their class and within their relationship to Lord Dagon.

And Divayth Fyr said that the Dremora were ordered into clans and castes, and these clans and castes were well-defined. Individual Dremora might rise or fall in ranks, or move back and forth among clans, but only when regulated by complex oaths, and only at the will and pleasure of their Lord Dagon.

The Dremora refer to themselves as 'The Kyn' ('the People'), contrasting themselves to other Daedra, whom they consider unthinking animals. The term 'kynaz' refers to a member of the Dremora race ('he of the Kyn').

The least of kyn castes are the Churls, the undistinguished rabble of the lowest rank of Dremora. Churls are obsequeous to superiors but ferociously cruel to humans and other Daedra.

Next in rank are the Caitiffs, creatures of uncalculating zeal, energy without discrimination. Caitiffs are used as irregulars in the faction wars of the Daedra, as berserkers and shock troops, undisciplined and unreliable, but eager and willing.

The highest of the regular rank-and file of Dremora troops are the Kynvals, warrior-knights who have distinguished themselves in battle, and shown the deliberate steadiness of potential war leaders.

Above the rank and file warriors of the Churl, Caitiff, and Kynval castes are the officer castes.

A Kynreeve is a clan sheriff or clan officer. Kynreeves are typically associated either with a clan fighting unit or an administrative office in the order of battle.

The Kynmarcher is the lord and high officer of a Daedric citadel, outpost, or gate. A Kymarcher's command is usually associated both with a unit and with a 'fief' -- a location or territory for which he is responsible.

Above the Kymarcher is the Markynaz, or 'grand duke'. A Markynaz is a lord of lords, and member of the Markyn, Mehrunes Dagon's Council of Lords.

The highest rank of Dremora is the Valkynaz, or 'prince'. This warrior duke is a member of the Valkyn, Mehrunes Dagon's personal guard. The Valkynaz are rarely encountered on Tamriel; normally they remain by Mehrunes Dagon's side, or serve as commanders of operations of particular importance or interest to Dagon.

Of the varieties of other Daedra I encountered while I served in Divayth Fyr's Corprusarium -- Ogrims and Golden Saints, Daedroths and Winged Twilights, Scamps and Clannfear -- there is much that might be said, but little that is helpful or reliable.

I did note, however, that when Divayth Fyr sought a Daedra of a character like unto the Dremora, but of greater power, and greater inclination for independence and initiative, or solely as a master, he summoned Xivilai, who are like the Dremora in personality and temperment, except that they hate subordination, and are liable to disloyalty and betrayal when they feel they have not been treated with the proper deference and respect.

The feral, beastlike Daedra like the Clannfear and the Daedroth appear in the service of many different Daedric Powers, and may represent common creatures existing like wild animals in the wildernesses of Oblivion. Other savage, semi-intelligent creatures like Scamps and Spider Daedra may also be found in the realms of various Daedra Lords.

The case of the Elemental Atronachs, on the other hand, is less certain. Flame and Frost Atronachs, for example, appear to be highly intelligent, but not all varieties of Elemental Atronachs seem to be social or to have the power of speech. Divayth Fyr preferred not to summon or deal with these creatures, had little experience with them, and showed no inclination to speculate upon their nature, so I learned little about them during my time at Tel Fyr.

Notes on Dimhollow Crypt Vol. 3 As written by Adalvald

Divines be praised! Here at last is the breakthrough I have been seeking. All the dangers I have escaped, the traps I have eluded and the foul draugr I have avoided have brought me at last to this.

In my previous volume of notes and observations regarding Dimhollow Crypt's possible connections to the ancient vampire clans of Skyrim's history, I wrote of a great chamber, far larger than anything else I've yet seen here in the crypt.

Alas, a few wandering draugr forced me to retreat to the earlier passages of the crypt, thus depriving me of an opportunity to study this huge cavern.

Well, praise be to Stendarr, for as I write this, I have just spent nearly a full day exploring that very cavern.

It was a risk that proved more than worth it, because what I found in that chamber nearly defies description.

Central to this huge cavern is an island of stone in a subterranean lake. Upon this island is something I can only describe as an elaborate ceremonial construction surrounded by stone columns linked by arches.

There is no mistaking the stark contrast in architecture here; no ancient Nords made this stonework. Here, too, were more of the gargoyle statues that I first glimpsed in earlier passageways.

There is no draugr burial site in Skyrim that contains these statues, save Dimhollow Crypt.

Indeed, I am now certain that the strange construct in this main chamber was built long after the crypt, and by wholly different masters. These must be the same builders who placed the gargoyles through the crypt, perhaps to frighten away the curious.

All signs seem to indicate that the masons who crafted these strange arches were servants of some ancient master who favored necromancy or vampirism.

The style and craftsmanship in the stonework are not only distinct in terms of design, seeming to speak of an entirely different culture than that of the old Nord peoples, but also in skill with which they were fashioned.

The cutting and shaping of the stone, for example, suggests more sophisticated tools than the crypt's original architects would have possessed.

Although I feel a sense of exhilaration that my theories have at last been confirmed beyond any shadow of a doubt, I am also disappointed at the lack of answers. How long ago were these new features added to the crypt? And by whom? And for what purpose?

On one point, I have no doubts. I must return to the Hall of the Vigilant and share these findings with my brothers and sisters. When they see what I've discovered with their own eyes, they will no longer scoff at my theories or mock my endeavors.

And when that is done, I will return to my work. For now, Dimhollow Crypt might be a mystery, but by Stendarr I will see that mystery solved.

With the first vampire down, only Lokil remained...



... but not for very long. Now we could concentrate on what this strange circle was. There was a pedestal with a button in the middle, and others that could be pushed along a path...



I pushed the button and was in for a nasty surprise as a spike shot up and pierced my hand -- big ow! But it seemed my blood had activated something. Now we had to figure out the next step...



... Which meant pushing the right pillars so that their cauldrons lit up, all of them. Then something happened...



We seemed to have solved the puzzle. Whatever they were looking for must be in that box that came out of the ground. We took bets on what could be inside. I thought it could be a suit or armour, but none of us could have guessed what really hid inside -- or rather, who...

"Unh... Where is... who sent you here?" "Who were you expecting?" I said. "I was expecting someone... like me, at least," she said. "Are you a..." "Vampire, yes." 
I looked at her. She had fair skin and was really beautiful. She could only be a Daughter of Cold Harbor, I thought.
"Why were you locked away like this?" was my question. "That's... complicated. And I', not totally sure if I can trust you. But if you want to know the whole story, help me get back to my family's home." "Where do you need to go?" "My family used to live on an island to the west of Solitude. I would guess they still do. By the way... my name is Serana. Good to meet you," she said.
I introduced myself, then I introduced the women.
"How long were you in there?" I wondered. "Good question. Hard to say. I... I can't really tell. I feel like it was a long time. Who is Skyrim's High King?" Serana said. "That's actually a matter for debate." "Oh, wonderful. A war of succession. Good to know the world didn't get boring while I was gone. Who are the contenders?" "The Empire supports Elisif, but there are many in Skyrim loyal to Ulfric," I said. "Empire? What... what empire?" "The... Empire. From Cyrodiil." "Cyrodiil is the seat of an empire? I must have been gone longer than I thought. Definitely longer than we planned. Please, let's hurry. I need to get home so I can figure out what's happened," she said. "Is that a Elder Scroll?" "Yes, it is, and it's mine." "Why do you have an Elder Scroll?" I wondered. "It's... complicated. I can't really talk about it. I'm sorry." "Any idea how to get out of here?" "Your guess is as good as mine. This place looks pretty different from when I was locked away," Serana said.



The portcullis had been lowered behind us as we had entered this place... and the lever to operate it was on the other side. We would have to find a different route...

I could feel the pull even long before we reached it...



"Het nok korpraan do Zvala wo piraak mulaag wah kriin dovah nuz ni gaan wah kriin pogaan. Here lies the body of Zvala who possesses the strength to kill dragon but not stamina to kill many."



Many think that they rays of the sun can disintergrate a vampire into a pile of ash. If that was true, Serana would've been killed the moment we stepped outside. No, she wasn't killed - but she was clearly uncomfortable in the sun. It seemed to make her skin itch and give her rashes. We trid to travel in the dark as much as possible for her sake. We were back home at Lakeview before we knew it. And of course, Serana wasn't very comfortable around the holy shrines - but that is common knowledge. All the rest of us, though, received the blessing of a Divine - just in case one or more of us had contracted Belua Sanguinaire - vampirism. It had to be cured within 72 hours or the afflicted would become a vampire. 

"Tell me about your home," I said. "It's on an island near Solitude. Hopefully we can find a boat to take us there. It's my family home. Not the most welcoming place, but depending on who's around, I'll be safe there," Serana said. "Someone you don't want to see?" "My father and I don't really get along. Ugh, saying it out loud makes it sound so... common. Little girl who dosn't get along with her father. Read that story a hundred times."

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After the sun had set we enjoyed the outdoor bath. I was happy to see Serana had no inhibitions about joining us. This gave me hope that she may submit to her carnal desires, even if she had strong mental reasons to avoid them...

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Serana was watching us as I had sex with each of my women. It was a good start...



We visited Dragonstead the following day. I hoped Serana would be impressed and tempted by her desires. I had more sex with my women, but Serana remained aloof, though she definitely could not resist watching us...

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"This is your home?" I said. "This is it. Home sweet... castle," Serana said. "It's impressive." "It's something all right. Hey, so... before we go in there... I wanted to thank you for getting me this far. But after we get in there, I'm going to go my own way for a while. I think... I know your friends would probably want to kill everything in there. I'm hoping you can show some more control than that. Once we're inside, just keep quiet for a bit. Let me take the lead," she said.



"How dare you trespass here! Wait... Serana? Is that truly you? I cannot believe my eyes!"
Vingalmo waled over to the stairs...
"My lord! Everyone! Serana has returned!" he announced. "I guess I'm expected," she said.



"For my daughter's safe return, you have my gratitude," Lord Harkon said. "After all these years, that's the first thing you ask me? Yes, I have the Scroll," Serana said. "Of course I'm delighted to see you, my daughter. Must I really say the words? Ah, if only your traitor mother were here, I would let her watch this reunion before putting her head on a pike. Now tell me, who is this stranger you have brought into our hall?" "This is my savior, the one who freed me." "Tell me, what is your name?" he said. 
I introduced myself, then Lord Harkon continued...
"By now, my daughter will have told you what we are," he said. "I don't care what you are," I said. "Perhaps you should. I count some of the oldest and most powerful vampires in Skyrim among the members of my court. For centuries we have lived here, far from the cares of the world. All that ended when my wife betrayed me and stole away that which I valued most."
I was obvious he meant the Elder Scroll. I could sense the frosty relations between Lord Harkon and his daughter. 
"What happens now?" I said. "You have done me a great service, and now you must be rewarded. There is but one gift I can give that is equal in value to the Elder Scroll and my daughter. I offer you my blood. Take it, and you will be a lion among sheep. Men will tremble at your approach, and you will never fear death again," Lord Harkon said. "And if I refuse your gift?" "Then you will be prey, like all mortals. I will spare your life this once, but you will be banished from this hall. Perhaps you still need convincing? Behold the power!"



The vampires couldn't fathom that I already was immortal - the gift from my Coprus diseased ancestor, the Nerevarine. And the women who had given birth to my children were also immortal, having been bestowed the gift of the heritrary disease. They underestimated us grossly - something we would do our best to avoid...
"Thanks, but no thanks," I said. "So be it! You are prey, like all moertals. I banish you!" Lord Harkon said.
We made our way back, the women and I...

Back home, we got back to our regular routine. Sindra should soon conceive, if she didn't use contraceptives. Still, I missed having Serana around...

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Duty called - as it always does - and we returned to Fort Dawnguard. We arrived shortly after it had been attacked...



"Look at this. I should've known it was only a matter of time before they found us. It's the price we pay for openly recruiting. We'll have to step up our defenses. I don't suppose you have some good news for me," Isran said. "I have news, but I wouldn't call it good," I said. "Of course. Why did I suppose differently? Fine, tell me what you know." "The vampires were looking for a woman trapped in Dimhollow." "A woman? Trapped in there? That doesn't make any sense. Who is she? More importantly, where is she?" Isran said. "She's the daughter of a powerful vampire lord." "And so you delivered her to them." "They also have an Elder Scroll," I said. "They what`? And you didn't stop them? You didn't secure the scroll?" "I never got the chance." "I suppose you're lucky you're not dead. Or worse, one of them. By the Divines, this couldn't get much worse. This is more than you and I can handle," Isran said. "So you're just going to give up?" "When did I say that? We just need... we need help. If they're bold enough to attack us here, then this may be bigger than I thought. I have good men here, but... There are people I've met and worked with over the years. We need their skills, their talents, if we're going to survive this. If you can find them, we might have a chance." "Where can I find the people we need?" I wondered. "Right to the point, aren't you? I like that. Not like the fools in the order. We should keep it small. Too many people, and we draw unwanted attention to ourselves. I think we'll want Sorine Jurard. Breton girl, whip-smart and good with tinkering. Fascination with the Dwemer. Weapons in particular. Last I knew, she was out in the Reach, convinced she was about to find the biggst dwarven ruins yet." "She'll help us?" "Might need a little convincing, but she should. You'll also want to find Gunmar. Big brute of a Nord, hates vampires almost as much as I do. Got it into his head years back that his experience with animals would help. Trolls in particular, from what I hear. Last I know he was out scouring Skyrim for more beasts to tame. Bring the two of them back here, and we can get started on coming up with a plan," Isran said.

"You there, hold fast! I've tracked this damned bear for two weeks now, I'll not let it have any more victims," Gunmar said. "Isran needs your help," I said. "Isran? Needing someone else's help? Never thought I'd hear that. I'm afraid he's a few years too late. I've moved on. I have more important business to attend to. Besides, he can handle anything alone! He assured me so himself. What could he possibly need my help with?" "We're up against vampires." "Vampires? That... well, that might change things. Tell me more about what's going on," Gunmar said. "We're not sure, but they have an Elder Scroll," I said. "By the Nine... All right, look. I'll consider it, but I can't just leave this bear to prey on more innocent people. Once it's dealt with, then perhaps I'll see what Isran expects of me."



"Don't know how well I'd have managed on my own. You have my thanks. You've helped me, so I suppose the least I can do is find out what Isran wants. He's still at that fort near Stendarr's Beacon, I assume?" Gunmar said. "Yes, he said to meet him at Fort Dawnguard," I said. "Of course he did. He's been working on that place for years now. Never lets anyone in. His own little fortress. Well, I guess I'll get to see what he's been up to all this time. I'll meet you there."

"You haven't seen a sack full of dwarven gyros lying around, have you? I'd swear I left it right here. Do you think the mudcrabs might've taken it? I saw one the other day... Wouldn't be suprised if it followed me here," Sorine Jurard said. "Isran asked me to find you," I said. "Isran? Wants me? No, you must be mistaken. He made it exceedingly clear the last time we spoke that he had no interest in my help. I find it hard to believe he's changed his mind. He said some very hurtful things to me before I left. Anyway, I'm quite happy in my current pursuits. So if you'll excuse me..." "You had a falling out?" "Yes, that was my point. I felt that was rather clear. Look, what is it you want rom me?" she said. "Vampires threaten all of Skyrim. We need your help." "Vampires? Really? Oh, and I suppose now he remembers that I proposed no less than three different scenarios that involved vampires overrunning the population. Well, what are they up to?" "They have an Elder Scroll," I said. "I... Well, that's actually something I never would have anticipated. Interesting. I'm not sure what they would do with one, but in this case Isran is probably correct in thinking it isn't good. All right. If nothing else, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to learn more about what's going on so I can better defend myself. But I'm not just going to abandon what I've been working on here. It's too useful. I need at least one intact dwarven gyro. So either I need to find the satchel those mudcrabs stole, or I need another gyro from someplace. You wouldn't happen to have one, would you?" Sorine said.



"Here, I've found your gyro. Take it," I said. "Thank you! It's not much, but this will help a great deal with some things I've been researching. Now, where is it Isran expects me to go?" Sorine said. "We're meeting at Fort Dawnguard." "Ah. Been working on his secret hideout, has he? It'll be interesting to see how much progress he's made. I'll finish up here and head in that direction as soon as I can. See you there."



When we got back to Fort Dawnguard, we could see the defenses had been stepped up...



Gunmar and Sorine Jurard had arrived just moments before us...

"All right, Isran, you've got us all here. Now what do you want?" Gunmar said. "Hold it right there." "What are you doing?" Sorine said. 



"Making sure you're not vampires. Can't be too careful. So, welcome to Fort Dawnguard. I'm sure you've heard a bit of what we're up against. Powerful vampires, unlike anything we've seen before. And they have an Elder Scroll. If anyone is going to stand in their way, it's going to be us," Isran said. "This is all well and good, but do we actually know anything about what they're doing? What do we do now?" Sorine said. "Gunmar, there's an area large enough for you to pen up some trolls, get them armoured up and ready for use. In the meantime, we're going to get to the bottom of why a vampire showed up here looking for you. Let's have a little chat with it, shall we?"



"This vampire showed up while you were away. I'm guessing it's the one you found in Dimhollow Crypt. Says it's got something really important to say to you. So let's hear it," Isran said. "You probably weren't expecting to see me again," Serana said. "What are you doing here?" I said. "I'd rather not be here either, but I needed to talk to you. It's important, so please just listen before your friend, here, loses his patience. It's... well, it's about me. And the Elder Scroll that was buried with me," she said. "What about you?" "The reason I was down there... and why I had the Elder Scroll. It all comes back to my father. I'm guessing you figured this part out already, but my father's not exacctly a good person. Even by vampire standards. He wasn't always like that, though. There was... a turn. He stumbled onto this obscure prophecy and just kind of lost himself in it." "What sort of prophecy?" I wondered. "It's pointless and vague, like all prophecies. The part he latched onto said that vampires would no longer need to fear the sun. That's what he's after. He wants to control the sun, have vampires control the world. Anyway, my mother and I didn't feel like inviting a war with all of Tamriel, so we tried to stop him. That's why I was sealed away with the Scroll." "You took a big risk coming here." "I did. But something about you makes me think I can trust you. I hope I'm not wrong," Serana said. "No, you're right. We just have to convince the others you're on our side," I said. "Well, let's move then. I'm nothing if not persuasive." 
"All right, you've heard what it has to say. Now tell me, is there any reason I shouldn't kill this bloodsucking fiend right now?" Isran said. "Set your hatred aside and try to see the larger picture, Isran," I said. "Set my hatred aside? Not a chance. It's what keeps me strong." "You don't trust her, fine. Trust me. I believe her." "You'd better know what you're doing. It can stay for now, but if it so much as lays a finger on anyone here, I'll hold you responsible. Got it? You hear me? Don't feel like a guest, because you're not. You're a resource. You're an asset. In the meantime, don't make me regret my sudden outburst of tolerance and generosity, because if you do, your friend here is going to pay for it," Isran said. "Thank you for your kindness. I'll remember it the next time I'm feeling hungry. So, in case you didn't notice the giant thing on my back, I hve the Elder Scroll with me. Whatever it says, it will have something that can help us stop my father. But of course, neither of us can read it," Serana said. "Who can?" I said. "Well, the Moth Priests are the only ones I've heard of who can do it. They spend years preparing before they start reading, though. Not that it helps us anyway, because they're all half a continent away in Cyrodiil," she said. "Some Imperial scholar arrived in Skyrim a few days ago. I was staking out the road when I saw him pass by. Maybe that's your Moth Priest," Isran said. "Do you know where he's staying now?" Serana said. "No, and I'm not going to waste men looking. We're fighting a war against your kind, and I intend to win it. You want to find him, try talking to anyone who'd meet a traveler. Innkeepers and carriage drivers in the big cities maybe. But you're on your own," he said. "Where would a Moth Priest actually go?" I wondered. "Well, back before I... you know. The College of Winterhold was the first place I'd think to go for any kind of magic or historical thing. The wizards know about all kinds of things that people probably shouldn't know about. I'd... well, I'd come with you, but I don't know if I can trust your friends. Let me know if you want me along," Serana said.

I sent my women back home and went alone with Serana to Riften. We arrived in the middle of a vampire attack. Fortunately, the neck-biters and their pets were no match for us, Mjoll the Lioness and the city guard. I took Serana to my house in town, Honeyside...



"What do you know about Elder Scrolls?" I asked. "I mean... as much as anyone. Not a lot. You'd figure a couple hundred years locked away with one would have given me some insight, but no. Turns out you don't learn much from just sleeping with sometimg," Serana said.
I was a bit puzzled by what she had just said. Was she flirting with me?
"Are you saying you want to learn more about me?" I said. "Not at this rate, no. Do you know how the first vampire was created?" she said. "I would guess it came from a daedric lord." "The first vampire came from Molag Bal. She... was not a willing subject. But she was still the first. Molag Bal is a powerful daedric lord, and his will is made reality. For those willing to subjugate themselves, he will bestow the gift, but they must be powerful in their own right before earning his trust. The ceremony was... degrading. Let's not revisit that. But we all took part in it. Not really wholesome family activity, but I guess it's something you do when you give yourselves to a daedric lord." "Do you ever think about curing yourself?" I wondered. "A cure? Why even think of it that way? I can't think of any reason I'd want to lose this gift. Especially after what I did to get it. It may have driven my family apart, but I'm still here, and I'm alive. I won't give this up," she said.



"Have you been to Winterhold before?" I wondered. "Yes, but when I was here it wasn't so... crumbly. This used to be a city. I wonder what happened here," Serana said. "Apparently most of the city fell into the sea."
We had to spend the night at the inn, in the same room. I finally had Serana where I wanted her...

https://ibb.co/B6J6q90

In the morning we went to see Urag gro-Shub at the Arcanaeum...



"I need to find a Moth Priest," I said. "A Moth Priest? What in Oblivion do you need a Moth Priest for?" the old Orc said. "My business is my own. Just tell me what I need to know." "Fine, fine. No need to get your breeches in a twist. The obvious answer is to go to the Imperial City. The Moth Priests make thair home in the White Gold Tower. Sometimes they go out looking for Elder Scrolls. Lucky for you, there's a Moth Priest in Skyrim right now, doing just that. He stopped in to do some research in the library, then left for Dragon Bridge. If you hurry, you might catch him there."

It is good Serana has overcome her fears and given in to her sexuality. She was raped by Molag Bal to become a Daugther of Coldharbour. The traumatic experience made made her afraid of her sexuality but fortunately my presence has saved her. I don't know how it works, but being a Dragonborn and setting my mind on conquering a woman makes it easy. Now I wonder if a vampire can conceive. I guess time will tell. I don't think Serana has been using contaceptive methods during or after our intimate moments...

https://ibb.co/TbsZT5P

We went back to pick up some of the others. Having slept with me a few times now, Serana does no longer insist on the two of us going alone. This is another of the miraculous wonders of being Dragonborn. I can keep a harem of women and there is no rivalry between them.



I asked around at the inn but no one there knew anything. Then I asked a guard...



"Know anything about a Moth Priest visiting Dragon Bridge?" "Ah, so that was a Moth Priest, then? He rode through town not long ago with an escort of soldiers. They didn't stop, just headed south across the Dragon Bridge," he said.



I have new orders for you
Prepare an ambush just south of the Dragon Bridge. Take the Moth Priest to Forebears' Holdout for safekeeping unlit I can vreak his will.
-Malkus

The vampires had attacked and killed the escort. There was no sign of the Moth Priest, but fortunately we found the orders on the vampire the soldiers had managed to kill.




We had to rescue the Moth Priest...

"Thank the divines for you!" the Moth Priest said. "Are you alright?" I said. "I'm quite alriht, thanks to you. Dexion Evicus is my name. I'm a Moth Priest of the White Gold Tower. These vampires claimed they had some purpose in store for me, but they wouldn't say what. Probably hoping to ransom me, the fools." "I know why they needed you, because we need you for the same purpose." "You do? Alright then, enough mysteries," Dexion said. "We're called the Dawnguard, and we need you to read an Elder Scroll." "You have an Elder Scroll? Remarkable! If my knowledge of history serves me, I recall that the Dawnguard was an ancient order of vampire hunters. I will be happy to assist you with your Elder Scroll. Just tell me where I need to go." "You can find us at Fort Dawnguard, near Stendarr's Beacon," I said. "Very well. I'll hurry on my way there before more of those vampires turn up."



"I'm impressed you could find a Moth Priest so quickly," Isran said. "Does he have the Scroll? Is everything ready?" I wondered. "For the reading? Yeah. Just let the old man know when you're ready."
I turned to the Moth Priest...
"Glad you made it here safely, Dexion," I said. "Ah, my rescuer! It's good to see you again," he said. "Have my companions made you feel welcome?" "It's not exactly the hospitality I'm used to, but your man Isran has seen to my needs well enough. And might I add, this is a remarkable fortress. I have colleagues back home that would love to study this place in detail." "Are you prepared to read the Elder Scroll?" I asked. "Oh, most certainly! Let's find out what secrets the scroll can tell. Now, if everyone will please be quiet, I must concentrate," Dexion said.



"I see a vision before me, an image of a great bow. I know this weapon! It is Auriel's Bow! Now a voice whispers, saying among the night's children, a dread lord will rise. In an age of strife, when dragons return to the realm of men, darkness will mingle with light and the night and the day shall be as one. The voice fades and the words begin to shimmer and distort. But wait, there is more here. The secret of the bow's power is written elsewhere. I think there is more to the prophecy, recorded in other scrols. Yes, I see them now... One contains the ancient secrets of the dragons, and the other speaks of the potency of ancient blood. My vision darkens, and I see no more. To know the complete prophecy, we must have the other two scrolls. I must rest now. The reading has made me weary," Dexion said. "Come on, old man. You should get some rest," Isran said.

"Do you have a minute to talk?" Serana said. "What's on your mind?" I wondered. "That Moth Priest, Dexion. He said we needed two other Elder Scrolls. I think I know where we can start looking." "Why didn't you say something earlier?" "Half the people in your little crew would jut as soon kill me as talk to me. That doesn't exactly make me want to open up. I got a warmer welcome from my father, and that's saying something," she said. "Does Harkon even care about you anymore?" "You know, I asked myself the same thing. I hoped that if he saw me, he might feel something again. But I guess I don't exactly factor in at this point. I don't even think he sees me as his daughter anymore. I'm just... a means to an end." "So where is this Elder Scroll?" I wondered. "We need to find my mother, Valerica. She'll definitely know where it is, and if we're lucky, she actually has it herself." "You said you didn't know where she went." "The last time I saw her, she said that she'd go somewhere safe... somewhere that my father would never search. Other than that, she wouldn't tell me anything. But the way she said it... someplace he would never search. It was cryptic, yet she called attention to it," Serana said. "Sounds like she was being cautious." "Maybe. What I can't figure out is why she said it that way. Besides, I can't imagine a single place my father would avoid looking. And he's had all this time, too. Any idead?" "Sealed away like you were?" I wondered. "I don't think so. She said she wanted to stay awake in case the situation resolved. It had to be one of us, and, well, she's so much more powerful than I am. It just made sense for her to be out here. Anything else?" "In Castle Volkihar?" "Wait... that almost makes sense! There's a courtyard in the castle. I used to help her tend a garden there. All the ingredients for our potions came from there. She used to say that my father couldn't stand the place. Too... peaceful," she said. "Isn't that pretty risky, staying around the castle?" "Oh, absolutely. But my mother's not a coward. That is... I don't think we'll actually trip over her there. But it's worth a look." "They aren't going to let us use the front door," I said. "True. But I know a way we can get to the courtyard without arousing suspicion. There's an unused inlet on the northern side of the island that was used by the previous owners to bring supplies into the castle. And old escape tunnel from the castle exists there. I think that's our way in." "Let's go to the castle's secret rntrance." "It's around the side of the castle. Let's move," Serana said.

https://i.ibb.co/2NNzkxD/20200701092850-1.jpg

We stopped by Lakeview where I left the other women. I would've loved to bring them all along, but it would have made us so much more likely to be discovered. Vilja and Tindra moaned the loudest, but they all knew it was for the bst they stayed behing. I spent the night pleasing them all, though. 



Come morning we were ready to set off. I took final farewell of Mirai. My young wife was so sad to see me go without her.

"Any clue about the other Elder Scroll?" I wondered. "Dexion said something about that scroll. What was it... something to do with dragons I think? Maybe we should try asking at the College of Winterhold. Sounds like something they'd know about," Serana said. "Were you and Valerica close?" "Before my father became obsessed with the prophecy, my mother and I spent quite a bit of time together. She was very fond of her alchemical garden in the courtyard. She taught me quite a bit about cultivating quality reagents." "So you always got along?" I said. "Like the best of friends. I would never hesitate to share anything with her." "But then it all changed." "It was very sudden. It was almost like one day we were a normal family, and then the next I didn't know who they were. I'd try to visit my mother in the garden, and she'd shoo me away saying she was much too busy," she said. "That's why we're headed there?" "She had to be up to something in that garden. I'm hoping it's a clue that will tell us where she went."



"Castle looks so big from down here. I mean, it is big, but, well, even bigger," Serana said.



We dealt with the pesky skeletons outside, then we went inside...

"The old water cistern. O some days, this would smell just... be glad you weren't here then," Serana said. "Yeah... all those bodies dumped around here can't be good for the health," I said.



"Did you spend a lot of time down here?" I wondered. "I liked to explore. My parents almost never let me off the island, so yeah, I poked around down here a lot. It was a little... quieter... back then. Guess a little vampire girl was enough to scare off the rats," she said. "That sounds lonely." "It was. But I got used to it."

The end, when it came, was swift. In the span of three short years, the great dwarven cities of Skyrim, from Markarth to the Velothi Mountains, fell before the armies of the High King. Cities that had held fast against the Nords for over a hundred years crumbled abruptly and without warning.
For centuries, scholars have marveled at the sudden collapse of the Dwemer city-states. Even the Nords seem to have been taken by surprise, though their chroniclers were quick to ascribe their success to King Gellir's inspired tactics and the blessings of Shor.
My research suggests a much different cause, however. In the decades preceding their fall, the dwarven cities of Skyrim had been decimated by internal disputes and infighting over a most surprising cause: Aetherium.
Modern scholars know Aetherium as a rare, luminescent blue crystal found in some Dwemer ruins. Most consider it little more than a curiosity, as it has proven all but impossible to work with: while it has a strong magical aura, it is alchemically inert, and no known process can enchant, smelt, mold, bind, or break it.
To the dwarves, of course, such problems were merely a challenge. In the years following King Harald's reign, the Dwemer discovered a considerable source of Aetherium in their deepest delvings. An alliance of four cities, led by Arkngthamz, the great research center in the southern Reach, was formed to oversee its extraction, processing, and study, and a new 'Aetherium Forge' constructed to smelt it under precisely controlled conditions.
If the inscriptions I discovered are to be believed, the results were nothing short of spectacular: the items produced by the Forge were artifacts of immense power, imbued from the moment of their creation with powerful enchantments. The dwarven alliance shattered almost immediately, as the four city-states and their rivals attempted to claim the Forge.
We can only speculate that none were successful. Decades of conflict merely weakened them all, allowing for King Gellir's subsequent conquests. And though the Dwemer reclaimed most of their lands a century later, there is no evidence that they ever resumed their research on Aetherium. Perhaps the costs had just been too great.
But nothing like the Aetherium Forge described in the inscriptions has ever been found within the borders of Skyrim. It may have been destroyed long ago, by the Nord invaders or the Dwemer themselves. Or perhaps it, like the secrets of Aetherium itself, still remains to be discovered.



"Take a left up here. This is one of those weird double-barred security measures that my father put in when he got more paranoid. If we follow the path around, we can find the other switch,"

I wonder what my girls would've said about this place. Vilja and Tindra would probably have found this place rather creepy. And Mirai would definitely have complained about all those sticky webs everywhere...



"Tell me about your family," I said. "There's not a whole lot to tell. You've already seen my father's obsession. My mother's not a whole lot better, but you'll see that soon enough," Serana said. "It sounds like you don't like either of them very much." "It's not that simple. I guess it never is with families, is it? What about you? What were your parents like?" "They were good people. I miss them," I said. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a bad memory." "It's fine." "Let's... uh... let's just keep going," she said.

"We've made it to the courtyard. Oh no..." Serana said.



"What happened to this place? Everything's been torn down... the whole place looks... well, dead. It's like we're the first to set foor here in centuries," she said.  



"This used to lead to the castle's great hall. Looks like my father had it sealed up. I used to walk through here after evening meals. It was beautiful, once," she said.



"This was my mother's garden. It... do you know how beautiful something can be when it's tended by a master for hundreds of years? She would have hated to see it like this. Wait..." Serana said.