First things, first : I'm glad Gauis' identity is reaffirmed as the one of a man. I kinda disagree with him retaining his strength regardless of the form if it's not an illusion though, as alteration is supposed to alter the nature of things, and so supposedly also alter their properties (which is the very difference towards illusion) (plus his objective which was allegedly to get lighter under his female form wouldn't make sens either). But that's minor. Overall, while the real fight was postponed, this chapter is a transition towards your next arc, and sets everything in place : the race between the metamorph Gauis and the Defiler necromancer towards Gwynolda. Opening so many choices and confrontations for her, and to her principles.

Technically, I enjoyed a lot the idea of the threat list, such an enjoyable concept with so many eater eggs for early followers of your stories. ^^ Plus that made some character development for Gauis. The screens are impeccable, with some really intimidating shots of Gauis, and others more intriguing related to the Defiler (and her dolls). The use of the DoF seems correct, the poses and effects are good (though you may or may not have forgotten to close his right eye when he changed form). The grammar and style also are mostly alright, there are significantly less mistakes and style issues than before.

Awaiting for the next arc  !

Malicia : Deep breath

          « 'kay. First thing I wanna say, it's that I'm very glad I'm not on Mr Gauis' to-do list. Even though he still turned people that weren't on it into ice-cubs, it's a relief.

             But he wrote this ->

              But as she's a vampire, Mrs Bal is already very dead, you know ?

              Also the Dovakind is supposed to be someone very kind and not questionable, no.  And the woman in the reindeer outfit still tried to touch Gywnolda's pee-pee sometimes ago.

             So Mr Gauis is very in need for expert advice about information, yes.

             Also, that gal looked very intelligent, but she said she lost one doll whereas there are two on the floor, you see ? ->

            Anyway, I'm very glad Gwynolda is fine, yes. »

1 hour ago, Tirloque said:

First things, first : I'm glad Gauis' identity is reaffirmed as the one of a man. I kinda disagree with him retaining his strength regardless of the form if it's not an illusion though, as alteration is supposed to alter the nature of things, and so supposedly also alter their properties (which is the very difference towards illusion) (plus his objective which was allegedly to get lighter under his female form wouldn't make sens either). But that's minor.

 

He always was man, so nothing changed.

Its not really illusion or fully alteration magic, consider more of his personal quirk he discovered and used to recover himself.. Eventually he realised the potential and more use of it.

Its more like his body's ability, what he controlls with a magic, then a proper spell.

Generally Gauis physical abilities way above what he could do naturally, he already has unnatural strenght for an imperial guy in his prime.

Maybe easier to explain in my rules.

In masc he has 18 str point, in femme shape 14 str, now this is quite significant in this part, but he has like +30 from unnatural sources, so his physical strenght in that would be 44-48 str.

This is just an example of course, but generally his stat that high, few points don't make difference for him, outside of very minimal ones ?‍?

1 hour ago, Tirloque said:

Overall, while the real fight was postponed, this chapter is a transition towards your next arc, and sets everything in place : the race between the metamorph Gauis and the Defiler necromancer towards Gwynolda. Opening so many choices and confrontations for her, and to her principles.

 

 

It was above my technical skills, Im sad about it, but decided to try make it up ?

Still we got a Gauis vs Shades fight 

New arc will be heavily focused on Gwynolda, and certainly will offer a lot of scenarios ?

1 hour ago, Tirloque said:

 

Technically, I enjoyed a lot the idea of the threat list, such an enjoyable concept with so many eater eggs for early followers of your stories. ^^ Plus that made some character development for Gauis. The screens are impeccable, with some really intimidating shots of Gauis, and others more intriguing related to the Defiler (and her dolls). The use of the DoF seems correct, the poses and effects are good (though you may or may not have forgotten to close his right eye when he changed form). The grammar and style also are mostly alright, there are significantly less mistakes and style issues than before.

 

 

Spoiler

Awaiting for the next arc  !

 

Threat list served a few purpose, show casing how much far Gauis go to deal with them under the solution part, as well who he think can be a problem long run for his goals..

Considering he wouldn't shy away to destroying an entire province, or dissolving an legal institution of the Empire, or Assasinate someone who can be potentially close to his position..

Concept is lovely, I really like it, it can be fun to make references for my own chars, lore-chars or even other author's chars.. Very fitting for Gauis's personality as well. ?

Im pretty proud of the screenshots, they brought my expected quality and the things I wanted get done served their purpose ?

Gauis can open his other eye, it has no issues, he just kind keep one eye to look more menacing. 

1 hour ago, Tirloque said:

 

 

Malicia : Deep breath

 

          « 'kay. First thing I wanna say, it's that I'm very glad I'm not on Mr Gauis' to-do list. Even though he still turned people that weren't on it into ice-cubs, it's a relief.

 

             But he wrote this ->

  Reveal hidden contents

Lamae Bal:

Threat Level: High

Reasons: First Vampire, legend or no.. I don't take chances

Solution: Using fire and holy magic to destroy her vessel..

Status: Unknown, might dead..

 

Bla bla bla

 

The Dragonborn:

Threat Level: High

Reasons: Prophecies chant about the return of it, potential usurper of the ruby throne..

Status: Questionable

 

Bla bla bla

 

The Witch Queen:

Threat Level: Low

Reasons: Ancient entity, stealing her own child's vessel, potential provincial threat...

Solution: Destroying her.

Status: Eliminated

              But as she's a vampire, Mrs Bal is already very dead, you know ?

              Also the Dovakind is supposed to be someone very kind and not questionable, no.  And the woman in the reindeer outfit still tried to touch Gywnolda's pee-pee sometimes ago.

 

             So Mr Gauis is very in need for expert advice about information, yes.

 

             Also, that gal looked very intelligent, but she said she lost one doll whereas there are two on the floor, you see ? ->

 

            Anyway, I'm very glad Gwynolda is fine, yes. »

 

 

I don't think you are that important in his yes Malicia to be a threat, just because you are cheeky and saucy 

Gauis consider undead as existing thing, so if Mrs Bal don't exist, then she would be eliminated..

Gauis feels the dragonborn is very much an legal claimant for the Empire, he don't feel they are good for his plans ?

He pretty sure meant the original witch queen, you mistaking her with Evelynn who touched pee-pee-s.

Ohh he is very much expert on his subjects, very smart you see..

She pretty sure meant her vessel, not the literal doll she played it, also we don't know Gwynolda is fine, since she want to play with her as well. ?

The purge is completed. SADLY.

3 hours ago, Resdayn said:

Maybe easier to explain in my rules.

 

In masc he has 18 str point, in femme shape 14 str, now this is quite significant in this part, but he has like +30 from unnatural sources, so his physical strenght in that would be 44-48 str.

 

This is just an example of course, but generally his stat that high, few points don't make difference for him, outside of very minimal ones ?‍?

Alright, this way it makes sense. ?

3 hours ago, Resdayn said:

Gauis can open his other eye, it has no issues, he just kind keep one eye to look more menacing. 

I thought it was some kind of war injury, but I guess it's ok. That's minor anyway.

3 hours ago, Resdayn said:

I don't think you are that important in his yes Malicia to be a threat, just because you are cheeky and saucy 

Malicia : « I'm very strong and very intelligent. And I know people who're way saucier than me, uh.   »

3 hours ago, Resdayn said:

Gauis feels the dragonborn is very much an legal claimant for the Empire, he don't feel they are good for his plans ?

 

He pretty sure meant the original witch queen, you mistaking her with Evelynn who touched pee-pee-s.

Malicia : « I very see, yes.  »

3 hours ago, Resdayn said:

She pretty sure meant her vessel, not the literal doll she played it, also we don't know Gwynolda is fine, since she want to play with her as well. ?

Malicia : « I'll have to warn Gwynolda not to accept any invitation at her home then. »

What is it with LL redheads and calling people meany? ?

Some really nice looking atmospheric shots here, good job. Nice to see the focus sifting back to Gwynolda again.

You know, I liked the Purge of Riften arc so much that I am actually a little bit sad that it's over. It was completely epic!  So many excellent twists, such creepy characters like Defiler and Eliza (in her vampire form).  Of course the adventure will continue but just the whole setup in Riften was extremely entertaining.  ?

The Defiler's level of 'disturbing' is getting higher and higher. Those naked dolls of hers were great both from screenshot perspective and from the horror point. Every time she is shown, the readers can practically feel that there's something VERY wrong with her. Though she has a humanoid body (or a vessel at this point?) the Defiler seems less human and more like a chaotic entity, with the reasons for her actions far beyond our comprehension.  You did a masterful job in creating her character! ?

This is what she reminds me of:
 

Of course along with the Defiler's level of creepiness rising we also get the sheer badassery of Gauis reaching new heights as well.  ? I loved the explanation for his transforming abilities and it seems he is as practical and prudent as always. One face for the masses, another for the enemies, yet another just in case he needs to play the role of a ruler in order to avoid civil unrest.  Though we didn't get to see an epic fight between him and the hordes of the undead the letter and the jester cap really made up for it in terms of atmosphere.

I completely agree with Tirloque - the threat list was a very clever touch that allows you to sort of combine all of your characters into one setting as well as give us a glimpse of any new potential enemies that Imperator Magus will be dealing with.

And finally - Gwynolda is awake! Yay!  But I get the feeling things are about to get very complicated for her. After all, Defiler's games aren't exactly friendly. ?

Wonderful work, Res! The screenshots, the settings - everything is exceptional! And the next arc promises to be even more intriguing!

Thank you for sharing your stories with us! ??

P.S. When the Defiler mentions that she lost one doll - is that the one she lost at the meeting with Lady Trinn? ?

6 hours ago, Devianna said:

You know, I liked the Purge of Riften arc so much that I am actually a little bit sad that it's over. It was completely epic!  So many excellent twists, such creepy characters like Defiler and Eliza (in her vampire form).  Of course the adventure will continue but just the whole setup in Riften was extremely entertaining.  ?

 

The Defiler's level of 'disturbing' is getting higher and higher. Those naked dolls of hers were great both from screenshot perspective and from the horror point. Every time she is shown, the readers can practically feel that there's something VERY wrong with her. Though she has a humanoid body (or a vessel at this point?) the Defiler seems less human and more like a chaotic entity, with the reasons for her actions far beyond our comprehension.  You did a masterful job in creating her character! ?

This is what she reminds me of:
 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

 

 

Of course along with the Defiler's level of creepiness rising we also get the sheer badassery of Gauis reaching new heights as well.  ? I loved the explanation for his transforming abilities and it seems he is as practical and prudent as always. One face for the masses, another for the enemies, yet another just in case he needs to play the role of a ruler in order to avoid civil unrest.  Though we didn't get to see an epic fight between him and the hordes of the undead the letter and the jester cap really made up for it in terms of atmosphere.

 

I completely agree with Tirloque - the threat list was a very clever touch that allows you to sort of combine all of your characters into one setting as well as give us a glimpse of any new potential enemies that Imperator Magus will be dealing with.

 

And finally - Gwynolda is awake! Yay!  But I get the feeling things are about to get very complicated for her. After all, Defiler's games aren't exactly friendly. ?

 

Wonderful work, Res! The screenshots, the settings - everything is exceptional! And the next arc promises to be even more intriguing!

Thank you for sharing your stories with us! ??

 

P.S. When the Defiler mentions that she lost one doll - is that the one she lost at the meeting with Lady Trinn? ?

 

 

 

Thank you ?

This arc changed a lot and got much longer then initially planned, it started as 3 chapter long thing with Gauis, then eventually turned into a full arc with many twist, new characters, character develoment, and lovely shots. I consider one of the best thing in my blog ❤️

Don't worry, new arc will be just as exciting as this one ?

Im glad to hear that she is disturbing and getting more and more creepy. That was my intention, she is horror entity like antagonist, complety different compared my other ones. She is indeed way less human and more like some entity, outside of her child-like curiosity and desire of fun in destruction and chaos. Her motivation and goals, are unpredictable, so is her nature. I gave her the Chaotic Evil aligment, something what fits her perfectly. Evil represents her not human morality, chaotic part her nature.

She uses dolls and various undead as vessels, she don't really have humanoid body, just her dolls tries resemble one. 

That pic is very interesting and creepy, yet close how I imagine her ?

Gauis definetly just getting more menacing and badass as the arc went on, we got some insights of his plans, methods, as well enemies with his threat list. His new ability what let him use masks, taking over the Empire as well deceive the masses and enemies ?

We got still a Gauis vs Shades fights, but as the purge went on Defiler's game and toys slowly broke, Gwynolda's actions made sure Arkay dissolved her undeads eventually. ?

Threat list was pretty good idea, actually perfect for character development as well showcasing how far Gauis will go to deal with them. Also wonderful for Easter Eggs.

I not gonna I planned to add Lady Trinn as well, but during this time period, they already allies, so he merely removed her.

Im glad, you like the screenshots, Im pretty proud of them, everything delivers what they supposed to be?, new arc will be very fun one, hehe..

Lady Trinn didn't destroyed the doll, and the Defiler merely repossesed, it wasn't lost one. She lost her doll in Riften.

She can use multiple dolls, they can function as her vessels, as any undead minion, creation of them are a different creepy thing. ?

9 hours ago, SpyVsPie said:

What is it with LL redheads and calling people meany? ?

 

Some really nice looking atmospheric shots here, good job. Nice to see the focus sifting back to Gwynolda again.

That was a minor Malicia easter egg ?

Thanks, yep its time to get a Gwynolda heavy act ?

15 hours ago, Tirloque said:

 

I thought it was some kind of war injury, but I guess it's ok. That's minor anyway.

 

Malicia : « I'll have to warn Gwynolda not to accept any invitation at her home then. »

 

It actually was originally, but as he stated his injuries and wounds are fully recovered, just not in public way ?

I don't think Gwynolda has a home.

11 hours ago, SpyVsPie said:

What is it with LL redheads and calling people meany? ?

48 minutes ago, Resdayn said:

That was a minor Malicia easter egg ?

Malicia : « That's 'cause I'm very famous, you see ? That's what makes some people saucy.  »

8 hours ago, Devianna said:

This is what she reminds me of:

 

  Hide contents

 

 

 

Hmm ; where is this taken from ? It reminds a bit of one of Naruto's Kakuzu or Nanatsu no Taizai's ten commandments , but in a tentacles version. 

Malicia : « ! 

                  Well if that's true she doesn't look like me at all, no ! »

48 minutes ago, Resdayn said:

It actually was originally, but as he stated his injuries and wounds are fully recovered, just not in public way ?

Retconing spotted !

48 minutes ago, Resdayn said:

I don't think Gwynolda has a home.

Malicia : « I meant the redhead's gal house. If Gwynolda gets invited there to play dolls, Cluedo or karaoke, she should very refuse.  »

8 minutes ago, Tirloque said:

Retconing spotted !

Public population of the Empire, does not aware Gauis infact recovered fully from his war injuries ?, he will appear in one-eyed look depending where is he, while in combat or less public places, he showcase the two eye. ?

10 minutes ago, Tirloque said:

 

Malicia : « I meant the redhead's gal house. If Gwynolda gets invited there to play dolls, Cluedo or karaoke, she should very refuse.  »

 

You mean Winterhold? ?

1 hour ago, Resdayn said:

Public population of the Empire, does not aware Gauis infact recovered fully from his war injuries ?, he will appear in one-eyed look depending where is he, while in combat or less public places, he showcase the two eye. ?

That makes sense.

Same than Titus Medes' face I guess, the public tend to overreact so easily those days...

2 hours ago, Resdayn said:

You mean Winterhold? ?

Malicia : « No, I mean here ->

               If she comes to Winterhold, she'll be served cookies with chocolate inside.  »

4 hours ago, Resdayn said:

That was a minor Malicia easter egg ?

I guess it's better than the sort of references  she usually gets ?

5 hours ago, Resdayn said:

I not gonna I planned to add Lady Trinn as well, but during this time period, they already allies, so he merely removed her.

 

I was actually a little bit worried that Lady Trinn would also be in that list with a note of "needs to be killed once she's no longer useful" ? So I was happy to see that Gauis stays true to the alliance that he forged with her. ?

5 hours ago, Resdayn said:

That pic is very interesting and creepy, yet close how I imagine her ?

 

4 hours ago, Tirloque said:

Hmm ; where is this taken from ? It reminds a bit of one of Naruto's Kakuzu or Nanatsu no Taizai's ten commandments , but in a tentacles version. 

 

This is a picture of Nyarlathotep, also known by the title of Crawling Chaos and God of a Thousand Forms (H.P.  Lovecraft). The Defiler's ability to build and occupy vessels, her general alien mentality and sadistic desire to "play" with others reminded me of that character. Plus also the fact that as she points out, death means nothing to her.  I just hope she doesn't possess the same amount of power as her Lovecraftian counterpart - otherwise Skyrim is in a whole lot of trouble. ??

3 hours ago, Devianna said:

I was actually a little bit worried that Lady Trinn would also be in that list with a note of "needs to be killed once she's no longer useful" ? So I was happy to see that Gauis stays true to the alliance that he forged with her. ?

 

Decades of working together helps, as well knowing her personality goals and the close relationship.

Its quite fitting Gauis the  "needs to be killed once she's no longer useful" part, but she not a threat to the empire and generally agree the need of it.

3 hours ago, Devianna said:

 

 

This is a picture of Nyarlathotep, also known by the title of Crawling Chaos and God of a Thousand Forms (H.P.  Lovecraft). The Defiler's ability to build and occupy vessels, her general alien mentality and sadistic desire to "play" with others reminded me of that character. Plus also the fact that as she points out, death means nothing to her.  I just hope she doesn't possess the same amount of power as her Lovecraftian counterpart - otherwise Skyrim is in a whole lot of trouble. ??

I knew it was some lovecraftian entity, just not who, I know the works and themes, just not up to date with the entities.

Defiler is definetly very powerful being, she didn't joke when she said death means nothing to her, the concept itself is alien to her.

She simply don't get the majority of mortal concepts anymore.

Even if Trinn or Gauis would "killed" her, destroying her vessel in a battle, as you saw, she just posses a new doll or just make a new one, and she would act like if nothing happened.

Its all a game and chaos for her out of boredom, defeat lose or her plans don't come together? She don't care, she lose nothing or get any real consequence in her playground.

8 hours ago, Tirloque said:

 

Hmm ; where is this taken from ? It reminds a bit of one of Naruto's Kakuzu or Nanatsu no Taizai's ten commandments , but in a tentacles version. 

 

Someone watching a lot of Anime lately, especially shounen, haha.

Okeeey Gauis has grown above power level 9000!!! OMGGGGG :D! awesomenessssss
That pile of "dolls" is worrying tho.... oh god... and the cliffhanger! gjoaspdogjasdgp xD god damn et!!!!! 
AWESOME work as always Res! cant wait for more and now im damnnnnn hype 8D!

7 minutes ago, Xonsamdi said:

Okeeey Gauis has grown above power level 9000!!! OMGGGGG :D! awesomenessssss
That pile of "dolls" is worrying tho.... oh god... and the cliffhanger! gjoaspdogjasdgp xD god damn et!!!!! 
AWESOME work as always Res! cant wait for more and now im damnnnnn hype 8D!

Thank you ?

He always that strong ?

Even if a cliff hanger, that is technicly the new art, purge officialy ended ?

Dolls are definetly worrying, She is creepy ?

5 hours ago, Jayomms said:

?

Very thrilling culmination of the Riften tale. No more Riften since it's 12/12, right?

Big question is where the story will continue now 

3 minutes ago, worik said:

Very thrilling culmination of the Riften tale. No more Riften since it's 12/12, right?

 

Big question is where the story will continue now 

Purge is done, so if Riften, but darkness and horror remains as the Defiler and other players are still there.

You can recognise those lands, that might give a direction ?

But don't worry, new arc will be dark and exciting, more focused on Gwynolda.

11 minutes ago, Resdayn said:

new arc will be dark

That's what I was hoping to read

1 minute ago, worik said:

That's what I was hoping to read

Hard to expect a cheery tea party with a redhead lady like her?

Not like she go anywhere. ?

I enjoy making darker storylines, I don't really intend to easen that, infact I want make it even more darker then before ?

4 hours ago, Resdayn said:

Hard to expect a cheery tea party with a redhead lady like her?

 

Yeah, you know you're in for a bad time when there's redheads around

1 hour ago, SpyVsPie said:

 

Yeah, you know you're in for a bad time when there's redheads around

?

Damn, thast a great one actually! Here are a hell of a lot of cool screenshots!
And an interesting development and additional disclosure of Gaius as a character. But you know, one question still bothers me.
 

Jokes aside. Thats a great chapter, both visually and thematically.

3 minutes ago, Crw said:

Damn, thast a great one actually! Here are a hell of a lot of cool screenshots!
And an interesting development and additional disclosure of Gaius as a character. But you know, one question still bothers me.
 

  Reveal hidden contents

Where the all horsecocks? ?

Jokes aside. Thats a great chapter, both visually and thematically.

Thank you ?

Well he needed some one, now his goals and intentions are more clear, since majority of his appearance, we didn't get a lot of insight from him.

Technicly there was a horse cock, with the gargoyle, Gauis punched it to death. ?