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Hiya! I created my moody mage Nara to be almost the total opposite of my main character, Mai - at least in terms of abilities and personality (yes I'm aware they look similar!). I love playing as Mai, but it's also nice to try out a completely different play style AND not have to worry about being nice all the time! This story shines a light on Nara, although you could also argue that the Dawnguard (or at least Celann and Durak) are the real stars. It's also much more serious than my normal Mai-orientated stuff, and that was by design. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy! Nara's Return Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Machinations of a Lich - Chapter 5 At the end of Time Skana wasn't surprised to find herself immediately at Labyrinthian when she stepped out of Illias cave. She did not care if it was the eye who brought her there or if it was an effect of the reality collapse, all she cared for was getting into the Soul Cairn to remedy what Jyggalag had done. The sky above Shalidors Maze looked very much like the one in the Soul Cairn already, Skana knew there wasn't much time left anymore. Not knowing what would await her she drew her sword and kept it ready on her shoulder as she went further into the maze. Or what was left of it. Skana did not know how this place looked before from the inside, but she was sure nobody would build only one half of a labyrinth somewhere and put order crystals next to it. No, she was at the very rift where this reality connected to the Soul Cairn, Maera did not lie. She stopped abruptly, noticing someone familiar infront of her. "I should have known that cowardly bitch of a revenant would make you show up here." Skana snarled. The lich was unfazed by Skanas words and his hoarse voice could be heard. "I am surprised you recognize me in this form, there could've been a possibility i was the one you know as Skaal. It must be the eye, i saw it through the scroll." he closed analytically, but not hostile. Skana was too much in a hurry to ask herself about details, all she knew is Uthrang was infront of her, she would fight him, even destroy him if she must, there was no time for Uthrangs delusional bickering. She stepped up towards the lich, gesturing to threaten him. "Get ouf of my way Uthrang, i don't have the time to deal with you, but Shor help me i will if you force my hand. Your stupid game of power has doomed all of mundus and my life or what was left of it!" Uthrang didn't move a finger as he spoke."You misunderstand, i am not the Uthrang from your reality, please forgive me i didn't mean to irritate. I know of this reality and how it is just a fake. I have waited for you and you came, as my elder scroll had foretold. It also showed me what the real me had done. Even if i am not the original, it shames me deeply." After blinking perplexed for a few seconds at this realitys Uthrang, Skana sheathed her sword, she was ready to draw it anew though as something was still unclear. "And Maera? She is the same as her original." Uthrang shook his head, before he continued in a sad tone. "Maera...she was my wife in this artificial reality. She died of disease and i sought to be together with her once more. When i achieved undeath and the means to reanimate her, i did. But undeath changed her, her mind grew chaotic and all she cared for was causing strife and suffering. The undead council crowned me for achieving undeath on my own and we sought to remedy my mistake but my former wife eluded us so far." Skana was surprised at the story this Uthrang tells and the few similarities she sees in them. "So you're the equivalent of Skaal in this reality, wife excluded... and the undead council, the coldharbour council." After shaking her head she added;"Gods, this is such a mess." Uthrang emanated an etheral laugh, it sounded bitter but firm. "I don't know the details, but it certainly is a mess. I am well aware that this reality is insignificant, since i found the elder scroll. It is all an illusion, my past, my wife, everything. My wisdom is above my desires, so for the sake of mundus, this must end. As he continued to speak the lichs voice hardened. "I know you seek entrance into the Soul Cairn, the very core of this dimensional atrocity. I don't know how you will undo this disaster, but since an elder scroll allowed itself to be found, i refuse to believe that mundus will end. Creation itself is involved in this and it has choosen you to enact its will. I will open a portal to grant you entrance, this is the role given to me by the scroll, the rest is up to you, girl." Uthrang did exactly that, he opened a portal directly into the dimensional wall that halved Shalidors Maze like a barely visible giant sword resting on it. Skana immediately went towards the portal. Skana stopped, one foot already in the portal, waving with her sword. "It's a shame you're not the original, i hope your soul finds its place once everything is how it should be again, given that i can do it." Uthrang laughed almost as if happy."This dimension will collapse in mere seconds, i can feel it. But I have no doubts of your success, creation itself is with you. Now go, before it is too late!" Skana thought about how little this Uthrang knew what was with her and how brave he faced his end as she stepped through the portal. If only the real Uthrang would be like that. This all would have never happened. Skana found herself at the entrance to the boneyard, she was relieved not to have to travel through half of the cairn, time was of the essence, she discared the thought that Jyggalag was not aware of what she was doing. She entered the boneyard, it was as if all just happened yesterday. The crystal was still there, holding Skaadi and Skaal. The eye floating next to it, inert. It wasn't rotating like it used to. With one exception. Skana was shocked when she saw Ylfa nowhere around. She stopped in her steps as she remembered being imprisoned here for 3 years, a feral Ylfa would be more than she could take, even with the other eye of magnus in her posession, this would not be sufficient to shield her from her own emotions. If her heart would still be beating, Skana was sure it would've stopped now. As the fog on the ground shifted she saw Ylfa lying there. Through the eye she was able to sense that Ylfa wasn't gone yet. Just unconscious. Skana began to wonder how much time must have passed in the Cairn since Jyggalags appearance, as she did not fall unconscious with 3 years without blood. The sight relieved her though, her fear that Ylfa would roam the boneyard as feral vampire, attacking her, did not happen. "She is just unconscious." Skana tried to calm herself. Not being able to bear the sight, Skana passed Ylfa with closed eyes. "This will all be over and we'll have a day or two just for us, i promise, Ylfa. I still have to tell you something." she spoke on the verge of weeping. As Skana steered towards the center of the boneyard, she remembered the words from the being in the void. She had to find the spear. The spear was still there. All the time, untouched by Skaals devastating spell. Skana did not know how the spear was still intact after being subjected to magna-ge magic, but she did not care as it was only important that the weapon was still there. The closer she got the more foreign the spear occured to her, she never had a weapon of daedric craftmanship in her hands, a spear even less. Skana felt the weapon was inert however, whatever magic once resided in it was long gone. As she picked the weapon up, she remembered the feeling of it when it pierced her throat back in the solitude catacombs. The magic being discharged into her body. And she understood why the being in the void told her to use it. Daedric or not, it was propably the only weapon capable of withstanding magna-ge magic surging through it long enough to use it. A strange feeling overcame her as she was holding the daedric spear. It was as if she once stood here already with the spear in her hand, fighting someone. Something. It was a dwindling feeling, but she noticed the eyes were reaching out for each other. She had to shatter the crystal. Skana focused herself, trying to grasp the concepts of magic, she knew the eye would grant her the wisdom, wisdom that would never leave her again. Magicka surrounded her, seeking its way from her body to the spear, ready to reshape a small fraction of reality. The order crystal. She approached the crystal, eyeing it critically, trying to figure out where to hit. It did not matter. She could feel the other eye trying harder to resonate to hers, it was almost overwhelming. "Alright, here goes." She swung the spear at full force, with a war cry only a nord could perform, against the order crystal. The magna-ge magic discharged in a thunderous blast, the released magicka itself was so powerful, a screeching sound halled through the boneyard, much like the spell Skaal had cast in his duel with the auroran. The spear disintegrated in Skanas hands and everything became bright and blurry. She could literally feel reality being changed, the crystal began to disappear. The sky in the Soul Cairn flashed briefly red. Skana knew, Jyggalag was on his way. He must have felt the crystal being unmade. Skana went on her knees as the magicka of the eye surged back into her body, grunting in exhaustion and surprise. "There's still magicka left after this?!" Happyness overcame her though as she noticed Skaadi and Skaal standing infront of her. She almost jumped up after the magicka was done surging into her, gesturing agitated, speaking to Skaal and Skaadi. "You have no damn idea what i just went through!" Skaadi just shook her head at Skana. "Oh trust me we do, we could see all through Skaals eye when we were in that crystal and what the other eye saw in the void, this was just.. weird." Skaal eyed her with a serious look on his face. "Skana, remind me when this is all over to buy every hat in skyrim so i can tip it to you. We did not know what you all went through before you came to join the clan, even if this was in a different reality. You went through it twice and you're still yourself. I can only admire that." Skaadi spoke calm, almost sounding prepared for something. "Skaal and i both know what will happen. You better summon your friend from the void. Can't say i like what will happen though." Skaal didn't sound troubled either, just like his wife. "Indeed. I would explain it all to you, but that isn't necessary, the eyes will resonate in a few seconds and you will know it all. Unfortunately i can't help. I have to admit, this is something only you can do right now, i'm not good with swords and the eyes resonate to you and only you right now. It is the will of Magnus." Skana wanted to say something, ask the whys and hows. But when the eyes began to resonate, she was just standing there as in trance, she saw it all. 14 years passed in the Soul Cairn, Mundus is gone. Only the daedric planes where still there and she could see them all. Every daedra lord watching her with interest or amusement. Sanguine was having a party and held a toast to her, raising a glass on a table with his followers reveling. Vaermina stared at her from her nightmare realm, menacing with a glint of hatred that wasn't directed at her. Azura was striding through the flowered fields of Moonshadow bowing graciously to her. Boethia was sitting on his snake mount, with a smug smile, expecting Jyggalags plot will get foiled. Clavicus Vile who was having an argument with his better half Barbas, turning to her applauding in anticipation. Hermaeus Mora who stared at her greedily with his many eyes, intending to learn everything he can about what will happen. Hircine who was standing on one of the many high hills of his hunting grounds, howling her name together with his were-beasts. Malacath who eyed her with a stern look, letting out a warcry, cursing Jyggalags name, that halled through his Ashpit. Mephala was sitting on a giant spider web with her spider daedra, ridiculing Jyggalag for being blind to Skanas doings, letting her act in complete secrecy. Namira with her ever rotting and repulsive face, who was simply smiling at Skana. Nocturnal who was wishing her luck from her dark realm Evergloam. Peryite who was sitting on a volcano in the Pits, expressing his dislike for Jyggalags form of order with a massive roar of his dragonic throat. Sheogorath sitting on his double colored throne, who was balancing a giant cheese wheel on his staff, winking at her. Mehrunes Dagon who was striding through the Deadlands with his towering 4 armed body, commending her for her ambition to fight Jyggalag. Meridia who was throwing a tantrum in her colored rooms, being annoyed about the last survivors of Nirn being undead. Molag Bal in Coldharbour, who was threatening her not to fail, making a gesture at his neck, reminding Skana of her collar. And Jyggalag, who was striding through the void, closing in on the Soul Cairn rapidly, speechless, like a mindless machine set on a single target. The sight of Jyggalag brought her out of the all-seeing vision the eyes granted her, she knew it was only a matter of minutes until Jyggalag was here, almost commanding Skaadi and Skaal, her resolve hardened. "Go to Ylfa, I'll summon our friend and pray to the gods he is able to help!" Skaal nodded at Skana at went together with Skaadi to the unconscious vampire. Skana was focusing the infinite magicka of both eyes into herself. The eyes made her realize, this was no simple conjuration spell like one would summon an atronach, it was conjuration of the highest form, to pull something out of the void by sheer willpower. To force the void to give something up. As she focused, the feeling of remembering something, overcame her again, this time clear. She saw herself holding the daedric spear, pointing it at a several thousands of undead, striding through battlefields on different planes as a warlord. She was unsciously yelling the oath, the shades in the corrupted temple were throwing at her. "He swore! To serve!" Pointing her sword downwards, concentrating the magicka into the tip of her pale fire greatsword carefully enough not to disintegrate it, she continued to recite, yelling the next words through the Cairn, her voice was accompanied by an otherworldly echo. "He died! He prayed!" Finishing to recite she thrusted the sword into the ground of the boneyard, yelling the final words. "BETRAYED BY HIS LORD VENGEANCE HE SWORE!" Palefire was surrounding her suddenly. The palefire gathered around her, enclosing her in a bright shell of light, the memories occured again. She saw herself looking up to a woman, surrounded by a golden shine, expecting something, but the woman simply turned away with a dismissive gesture. It felt as if the magic was nearly crushing her, it was impossible for her undead body but for some reason she could feel the fire was cold, she was almost freezing. She saw herself again, cleaving a vampire lord in half with the daedric spear, the woman was watching again and turned once more away with a dismissive gesture, she saw herself bowing to the woman, the spear clenched in her fist. The palefire began to disperse and Skana suddenly realized, those weren't her memories. Those were the memories of someone else. Someone who served faithfully and never got a sign of acknowledgment. The illusionary feeling of cold disappeared in the blink of an eye and the palefire was once again surrounding her, loose flames dancing in circles. Another memory surfaced, she shaw herself dying, being torn apart by a powerful spell, trying to comprehend unusual ways of thinking and coming to the conclusion, she got betrayed. No, the being those memories belonged to got betrayed. Skana sheathed her word on her back, waiting for what happens next. The blue dancing flames began to concentrate on a single spot on the ground and a slow, monstrous, distorted, metallic and echoing voice could be heard. "I swore to serve my lord faithfully. I did so for aeons." And a giant skeletal helmeted head appeared belonging to what was stepping out of the palefire on the ground, slowly. The towering undead figure kept speaking as it emerged from the flames. "When i died, i prayed for acknowledgement, being honored by my lord as i had fulfilled my sworn oath to her." As the colossal undead warrior was standing in his full height infront of Skana, being summoned completely, it closed. "I felt betrayed for serving for aeons but never getting a single word or gesture of honor from her, she always dismissed me and all the others as if blind servitude was a certainty. In my final seconds i swore vengeance to her, i would return as what she hates most, her greatest champion becoming undead." The skeletal warrior paused for a moment before he continued with an iron voice. "Once, my name was Auronus. Champion of Meridia, Warlord of Dawn. I cast off those petty titles for i am so much more now. I dwelled in the void for centuries when i got nearly defeated here in the Soul Cairn. A true lord would never let his knights die. I renounce Meridia, i renounce my titles, i renounce the dawn. I pledge to oppose every of her actions in any way possible, furthermore, you who have summoned me, i pledge myself to you, i will annihilate all who would oppose you or cripple them, dying to try if my might is insufficient." Skana couldn't believe her ears and eyes, she was staring at the now undead Auronus for seconds before she could speak. "That's..entirely unexpected." after a short moment she regained her composure, asking;"And you can stop Jyggalag?" Auronus looked down to Skana with his blue burning eyes. "No, that i cannot, but i think you can. You know Nirn is gone. The collapse will expand and consume all daedric planes until it reaches Aetherius. Jyggalag will attempt to level the Soul Cairn himself due to your presence, you are a thorn in his side. When he does that, i will bind myself to him and banish you and him into the Void. I don't know what will happen to me or your friends but this will rob Jyggalag of a tremendous amount of his power when he annihilates the Soul Cairn. His might will be that of a dremora lord. You must defeat him, you bear the eyes, i don't know if that is enough to destroy him permanently in this state, but it is the only chance you have." Skana could not hide the skepticism in her voice. "I hope this works. Because if not, there won't be a chance for you to oppose anything anymore, Auronus." Auronus was sure of himself."The void teaches rarely, but it teaches well if it does, Jyggalag will not be able to resist me binding myself to him." As silently and out of nowhere like the first time, Jyggalag appeared, the same pose as before, his metallic bellowing voice could be heard. "Your resistance and actions are illogical. I will make sure to unmake this plane personally and with it, you will cease to exist." A kind of pressure could be felt in the Soul Cairn, increasing in intensity every second. It was Jyggalag, unmaking the Soul Cairn through his will. "There is only perfect order where nothing exists. The only logical course of action is to return Mundus to nothingness." Skana looked up to the giant daedra lord, she was annoyed by Jyggalags blabbering of logic and order, throwing a snide comment."Wonderful, can you at least end the world without talking all this nonsense? Even Sheogorath makes more sense than you do, besides, I think my friend here wants to tell you something." Auronus took word, his voice did not contain the friendlyness he adressed Skana with when he adressed Jyggalag. "Your logic and order are delusions of your own daedric personality Jyggalag. None of the others welcome you on their planes, you even got cursed with madness once, but it appears that wasn't enough. The byproduct of that was the only good thing you have ever contributed to Mundus. You would deny it, but behind all that order and deduction you embody, lies arrogance enough to fill Aetherius with it to the brim. And that will be your downfall." Jyggalag was completely unimpressed by Auronus speech. "The former auroran known as Auronus. You are one of the most illogical beings i have seen. A daedra becoming undead was never planned by the creation. If i would waste myself on something so irrelevant as celebration, i would celebrate annihilating you together with the rest of Mundus." Skana could hear Auronus laughing with his distorted voice. "We have played for enough time, at this point you're unable to stop the destruction of this plane. Creativity was never your strong side Jyggalag, this serves as your disadvantage." Auronus opened his jaw and a stream of lightning came out of it, directed at Jyggalags face. Auronus magic hit the daedra lord. Binding himself to Jyggalag, he commented snide. "I am afraid a large part of you will go together with the Soul Cairn." Jyggalag acting like his personality just replied. "Of course." The hole in the sky of the Soul Cairn became increasingly larger and Skana realized it's the void closing into the plane, the Soul Cairn would be gone in mere seconds. She thought about Skaal and Skaadi who were at Ylfa and watching. Skana did not know if Ylfa woke up or not, or if she would see them again. The thought of loosing everything did not make her sad, it infuriated her. She did not know if even if she defeated Jyggalag, Mundus would be restored or not. But she wanted to cut him into as many pieces as possible and crush his animus, that was certain. She could hear Auronus as everything darkened rapidly, the Soul Cairns existence came to an end. "Here it comes." Skana found herself back in the void, where she met the apparition of Auronus before. She tried to think about how to restore Mundus, and if it would be possible at all. Everything she knows is gone now, there was nothing left, only herself and Jyggalag. Jyggalag was standing right infront of her in his usual pose. Even that infuriated Skana. It was as if Jyggalag would literally view himself as the judge of everything. It made her mad. The daedra lord didn't made a move to attack. Instead he commented. "I always thought undead to be a crime comitted by Molag Bal. It is a miracle to me how something can be undead when death is something absolute for mortals. Your kind defies every logic." Skana drew her palefire great sword. Hell-bent on destroying Jyggalag. "Wonder all you like with that rusted iron brain of yours, in the meantime i will cut you into pieces before i destroy your animus." Jyggalag took a deep long breath, as if he required to breathe before he spoke. "In fact, you will be the last of your kind... for a few moments." and pointed his sword at Skana. Skana was angry, left with nothing. Jyggalag took it all from her. She swore to herself she would destroy Jyggalag, no matter to cost. She glared at her daedric opponent as she took an offensive stance, her resolve was adamantine. "Let's see if a daedra lord can bleed!"

Machinations of a Lich - Chapter 3 The Risen Lord Skana was enjoying the remaining hours of the night on the boat trip back to the castle and listened to Ylfa, who couldn't stop running her mouth about what she'd like to do with Skana. At one time she even mentioned a stretching rack, Skana had mixed feelings conerning those. "Ylfa, let's keep that for a bit later, i feel uneasy with those rack things." Ylfa inquired."Bad experience with those eh?" Skana just replied dry."Broken bones." Ylfa showed herself understanding while she steered towards a vampire of the clan which was sitting at the long table in the hall."Alright, nothing with that then, it's a matter of trustfulness with those games anyway." Arriving at the table Ylfa spoke to the vampire. "Hey Modhna, any idea where Skaal is?" Modhna was rather unperturbed by the interruption, as she was feeding right now. "I think he's still in the cairn, you know how long he takes with all that magic stuff." Ylfa turned around to Skana with a smile on her face."That means we won't get disturbed." Skana was still a bit reluctant though, as she had no experience with things like that. "Just remember, no broken bones and the like, i had enough of that." Ylfa teased her."Aww, come on where's the fun without broken bones and missing heads? You silly, relax, this is for fun and pleasure not for harming you. Although you went berserk back in dawnstar, vampires aren't all about killing and cruelty and whatever others may think." As Ylfa stopped in the room with the fireplace, where Skana dismembered the dawnguard thrall only one day ago, Skana was perplexed. "Here? Isn't that room a bit too central in the castle?" "Not at all." Ylfa elaborated. "These are actually the private quarters, nobody except Skaal or Skaadi go in here. Now how about we get out of all that gear?" After the two women, got out of their clothes Ylfa began to explain. "Now, we'll start small, since you're new to this. I doubt your former masters ever rewarded you for obeying, if you had any choice that is, but this is about fun anyway and since i'm in the mood today to be on top, I'll tell you what you do and if you do, you'll get rewarded, if not i have to punish you,playful of course. I won't do anything without your consent, now get on your knees." Skana didn't liked the thought to kneel again. "So, is this about me being your slave or something?" "Quite so."Ylfa elaborated. "But not the way you know it. Ever been to Morrowind? It's pretty common for Dunmer there to engage in a consentual form of roleplay involving a master and slave relationship between lovers. Now, do you want to kneel or not?" she asked playful. Skana pondered for a moment, but came to the conclusion that she at least wants to try that form of roleplay, as Ylfa named it, so she went down on her knees."Okay, i'm all yours, now please don't tell me to lick your boots or something, why do you still wear them anyway?" Ylfa couldn't supress a hint of amusement in her voice."I had that intention yes, trying to find out your tendencies. Now, are you a good girl and do as i say, or not?" She couldn't help herself, but Skana felt slightly aroused of the thought to give herself to Ylfa."Okay, i do it, but i will get back at you for that!" Ylfa was quite amused when she told her."Oh i do hope you will, being on top all the time can be boring you know? Don't overdo yourself, it's about submission, not making my greaves shine." Skana stopped licking Ylfas greaves."Orichalcum tastes kinda weird." Ylfa gestured her to raise her head. "Well then, why don't you lick somewhere else? Pleasure your mistress." Skana joked. "Oho, mistress now? Fine, i'll do as you say mistress." Ylfa began to breathe heavier when Skana did her best to please her. When Ylfa came close to her climax, she pulled Skana back on her feet. "Not so fast, i want to enjoy this together with you. Over there onto the wall and keep your arms above your head." Skana did as she was told and replied with an amused."Yes, mistress." Ylfa was quite delighted about Skanas reaction."Getting into it are we? That's good." Ylfa continued to talk as she led her claws gently down on Skanas belly."You did good so far, slave. I think a little reward is order." Skana played a disappointed tone into her words."Just a little? That's mean!" Ylfa led her claws further down on Skanas body."Shush slave, i didn't allow you to speak." Skana couldn't avoid having a moan escaping her lips. This aroused her greatly. Ylfa of course, heard that."Hmm enjoying yourself? I have an idea, let's put those cuffs of yours to use, turn around." Ylfa inquired for Skanas consent while linking her cuffs together."You're alright with that?" Skana was just eager to see what happens next in her aroused state so she replied still with the roleplay in her mind."Yes, i'm fine mistress." Ylfa just chuckled."You really do like this, Skana. Well then, turn around and show yourself to your mistress." Skana obeyed and turned back around to Ylfa, with her arms now cuffed behind her back, looking at her expectant. Ylfa had a smile on her face as she eyed a slightly helpless Skana infront of her."Now you're really at my mercy and i like what i see. Come here, you're such a good girl, you should have a real reward now." Ylfa went down infront of Skana and held her legs while she started to kiss and lick her. Skana was literally at Ylfas mercy now. She couldn't stop what Ylfa was doing even if she wanted to. Ylfa was holding her and with her arms behind her back she had no means of pushing her away. Much to her surprise Skana found herself enjoying the moment. All thoughts of doubt were shoved out of Skanas mind as Ylfas tongue brought her near the climax. She was trembling and her legs became shaky. Skana gave in to her desires and enjoyed the moment, she climaxed with a loud moan. Ylfa had no intention of stopping there, she laid on her back while pulling Skana carefully onto her."That's one for you slave, now you have to satisfy your mistress." She said while continuing to pleasure Skana. The feeling between her legs was overwhelming. Skana could barely manage to please Ylfa, as she was now sensitive from her orgasm, but Ylfa kept at it. "Having a hard time to concentrate?" She teased Skana, while beginning to heavy breathe herself now. Skana tried to answer but she came again, this time however together with Ylfa. Moans of pleasure filled the room. After bringing each other a few times more to the heights of pleasure, Ylfa shoved Skana gently from herself and got up, heavy breathing."Better than feeding don't you think?" Skana was still lying on the ground with her hands cuffed on her back."That was really something else. I enjoyed that." Ylfa was eyeing Skana with an amused expression. "Told you, it's something totally different from what you have experienced." Skana noticed Ylfas looks when she managed to get to lie on her side."You really like to see me helpless do you?" Ylfa didn't deny that with an amused tone to her voice."I love it, you're quite wild i think and to see you like this is just adorable." Skana played a snarl."Come on, make those cuffs loose and i show you how wild i am." "Alright, alright, let me let you loose, but don't you dare to bite!" Ylfa laughingly said as she unlinked Skanas cuffs. Skana joked."Me biting someone? No way!" Ylfa just smiled into Skanas face."Naaaah, you don't bite, especially not your mistress. right?" "I won't call you that outside of our private moments and remember, i told you i get back at you for licking your greaves." Skana replied with glee while she went over to the chair infront of the fireplace. As Skana sat down on the decorated chair, Ylfa almost jumped onto her lap. Skana began to like Ylfas directness. "You know, when i think back about all this, me being reanimated and later getting turned into a vampire, i'm quite happy about it. Despite all the bad things i experienced, i wouldn't be here if it didn't happened." Ylfa looked Skana into her red glowing eyes. "Are you implying, you're happy that you have met me?" Sure of herself, Skana just asked. "What if...? "Shut up and kiss me already!" Ylfa snarled before pressing her lips on Skanas and pulling herself closer to her. Skana had no objections and they were sitting there kissing each other for a while. Ylfa shoved herself gently off of Skanas lap after the intimate moment. "As much as i hate to say it now, we still have to find Skaal and inform him about what happened in Dawnstar." Skana just agreed before getting out of the chair."You got that right, let's get into gear and see if he's not already back in the castle." After helping each other into their armor Ylfa mused a bit about what happened."You know, next time we could make use of some of my toys." Skana was intrigued."Toys? What exactly are we talking about?" Ylfa elaborated."Well, i'm a resident of the castle, i mostly were just out on scouting, but i do have a few things here, gags, some restraints and such." Skana playfully warned Ylfa."Careful there with what you tell me, you know next time your ass will be mine." Ylfa just giggled. As Skana and Ylfa went to leave the room, a conjuration portal opened infront of them. A kind of dremora stepped out of it, one Skana has never seen before. "Woah careful, this is one of Uthrangs!" Ylfa warned. Skana, hot-headed as she was, drew her sword and threatened the daedra."You better state your business really fast, dremora! From what i understand, neither the Lord, nor the Lady of this castle tolerate intrusions like this." The dremora began to speak with a hollow voice. "Stay your weapons, i have no quarrel with you. I got send by Lord Uthrang to inform you about a problem he and Lord Skaal are facing in the Soul Cairn, your immediate assistance is required. I will open a portal to bring you there at your earliest convenience." Skana warned the dremora. "I'm at odds with dremoras, this better not be a lie or i'll find you and cleave you in half!" The dremora didn't react to the threatening tone or Skanas choice of words, he just opened a portal to the Soul Cairn. Little did Skana and Ylfa know, when they stepped through the portal, right into a nightmare. Skana realized this was a trap as she eyed the assembly infront of her, Skaal was standing infront of Uthrang, having a discussion with him, behind Uthrang were multiple Israns and as she spotted the last person it felt like a punch in the face. "What in Oblivion...Auronus?" Ylfa was also baffled. "Auronus? The auroran warlord? And why are there so many Israns behind Uthrang? What is going on here?!" Uthrangs raspy voice could be heard, slightly deeper due to him being in his Lich form."Oh, so we're all gathered and complete, how wonderful, even the rabble will perish. Skaal you were a fool to think i'd do nothing, did you think i'm afraid of your power and just wait until the end of time? I don't know what the source of it is, but once i find your phylactery, i will have it all! And who knows, maybe you get destroyed here by Auronus, that would be even better for me as i would instantly inherit your title. The title that stands for absolute power among the undead and absolute power is what i desire!" Skaal was disgusted by Uthrangs actions."Are you insane Uthrang?! Allying yourself with Meridias lap dog and now this, bringing others into this? Do you have even a sliver of dignity to do things yourself?!" Uthrangs voice formed a laugh."It's nothing personal Skaal, but i decide to bring others into my affairs if i gain from it. And for the newcomers, please don't be confused, these fine redguard gentlemen are the auroran council, they have taken on a more...pleasing appearance to walk the towns and streets of Skyrim. Speaking of dignity, let me be dignified enough to step aside, i think you might want to see our special guest." Uthrang floated aside to show the center of the assembly, Skaadi was kneeling next to Auronus. She called out for Skaal with a weak voice."Skaal.... help me...!" Skaal couldn't believe his eyes."No, you bastards! What have you done to her?! Skaadi! Are you alright?" Uthrang was preparing to teleport away when he spoke to Skaal. "We have done? No, it's about what you have done. Auronus exists solely to see the Dawnbreaker into hands of the living and just heroes, or whatever you call them these days. You see, Meridia is quite angry that you stole the Dawnbreaker and brought it to Molag Bal, i merely told Auronus who the one responsible for the theft was, the rest is yours to deal with." The last words before he teleported away were directed at Auronus."Lord Auronus, please feel free to begin to question the Risen Lord for the whereabouts of your ladys sacred blade, best of luck in your endeavor for i bid you farewell." Auronus seemed to favor actions before speaking so he stabbed Skaadi in her back with his spear, his iron voice directed at Skaal."I am well aware of your relationship with this vampire, lich. I refuse to comprehend how abominations as you can choose to feel love as mortals do. But it will serve me, for this vampire will only be the first to die at my hand. Tell me where the Dawnbreaker is and present me your phylactery so i can end this quickly!" Skaadi screamed in pain as the aedric spear pierced her body. Skaal called out for her as he watched in horror. "Skaadi! No! My love, don't let this daedric bastard do this to you, get up!" Whatever Auronus did to her had its effect. Skaadi was too weak to retaliate. Only a few words escaped her lips with a weak dwindling voice. "Skaal... i ... love...." Skaadi couldn't finish her words. She couldn't finish the one sentence that filled Skaal with the highest possible degree of joy from the day on he met her, that one saying he always returned to her, all these decades. That she loves him. Skana was speechless. She didn't knew Skaadi long, but she know what it means to love someone as she was about to fall in love with Ylfa. The loss of someone dear is possibly the worst experience a person can go through, independent if undead, living, man or mer. Ylfa couldn't hold her emotions when she shouted for Skaadi as she saw her collapsing. Skaal closed his eyes, the moment of Skaadis death burned into them. "No... this can't be.. not my wife. Not my Skaadi. My love. I refuse this!" Skaal began to speak to someone. Someone not present in the Cairn. "God of magic. The one who granted me the vessel for my soul. One day i wanted to show it to her, i wanted to give her my soul as a present no man else could give his beloved wife." Skaal was surrounded by a red aura of magicka as he continued to speak, his voice intensifying due to his anger. "God of magic. Forgive me for i act now in my own interests. I summon my phylactery onto this plane." Skaal shouted the words. "I CAST OFF THE LAWS OF MUNDUS" "FOR I REFUSE MY WIFE TO BE TAKEN BY DEATH AS LONG AS I EXIST" "TIME BE RESHAPED BY MY WORDS" "AURONUS ACTIONS NEVER HAPPENED" The impossible happened. Time itself answered. A rift in reality opened infront of Auronus and swallowed Skaadis corpse. For the first time Skana saw the Auroran warlord in disbelief. "What?! How is this possible? What have you done? How can the laws of Mundus answer to someone as you? Only the Architect is able to form reality!" Skaadi reappeared in the same moment next to Skana and Ylfa, being very confused. "Uh.. what the? Didn't i just....?" Ylfa was baffled but found her posture mere seconds later. "As it happens, your husband hid something from you, have you ever seen his phylactery?" Skaadi didn't understand at first. "I... no. Why? I think his soul is something that only belongs to him so why should i...?" Ylfa interrupted her."Skaadi, your husband just manipulated time and reality itself to prevent your death while it was already too late. Now he's summoning his phylactery, your husband is going for a full transformation for the first time!" Skaadi knew exactly what Ylfa meant. Seeing her die must've made Skaal mad beyond comprehension. "Well, suits that Auroran bastard, i won't spoil that moment for Skaal. With expressing his rage against Auronus he wants to show me how much he loves me. Men are like that. This is his moment and he wants me to see it, as do I." Skaal continued to speak to the entity he referred to as the god of magic. "The laws are reshaped, but with my own addition. No harm was done to the planes. There is no reason to object. I am honored to be the bearer of the eye. Permit me to summon my phylactery and to become what i embody, i take full responsibility. What say you?!" After a moment of nothingness. A tremendrous combination of multiple voices could be heard halling through the Cairn like an earthquake. The voices spoke as one. The ground shaking as they did."You who bear my eye, earned my trust over several decades, as much as i am disgusted by this world, i don't wish to see it destroyed. You have no damage done to the planes and i trust your wisdom that you never will." "Granted." After that single word. Skaals phylactery manifested in the Cairn. His phylactery being now in his posession Skaal reached the heights of Lichdom. The epitome of necromancy. "Skaadi is safe. All that matters now is to satisfy my ire." Skaal issued a spell through mere words. "Auronus, your council is dust." The auroran copies of Isran were hit by something undefinable. They began to disintegrate into nothingness. Silently. No screams of pain, nothing. Skaadi Ylfa and Skana were also hit, but to a different effect. Skana was shocked at first. "Woah what the ?! What is this?" Ylfa however noticed the difference."I don't know, but this feels kinda good. And we're not disintegrated, like those Isran freaks." Skaadi just watched her husband. Auronus was standing at the remains of what is left of his council. "It does not matter, they will be reborn in the waters of oblivion to serve Meridia once more. I don't understand why the Architect would grant his eye to you, but then again, Magnus cares little for Mundus aslong as it isn't subject to harm. I shall count myself proud to be able to face the might of the Et'Ada. I challenge you formally, Lich. You face Auronus, Warlord of Dawn, Champion of Meridia. By her decree i will destroy you!" Skaal was seething. This daedra had the nerve the issue a formal challenge after all that transpired just now. "Meridian scum, you got the nerve to challenge me formally after what you did?!" Skaal began to float infront of his phylactery while becoming rapidly skeletal. His voice became deeper and several metallic echoes clung to it when he spoke, continuing to change as he did. "I will enjoy the moment i crush your pitiful existence to nothingness." Skaal was now completely skeletal, no flesh remained on his body. "I wont be formal, i won't accept surrender. I won't let you run. I will chase you on all planes if you do. Your existence is forfeit, not even the elder scrolls will be able to tell of you." Auronus being a daedra, knowing how the laws of Mundus work, knew that Skaal was capable of destroying him permanently with the knowlegde of the eye. This only hardened his iron resolve. "I will serve Meridia to the very end, my challenge stands, complete your transformation and i will annihilate you." Skaals voice became metallic and deeper than anything Skana Ylfa or Skaadi have ever heard, the unreal echoes to it were as if ten molag bals were speaking all at once. He completed his transformation, emanating almost infinite magicka, in a purple dome around him. Skaal just laughed with his voice halling from everywhere around him. "YOU FACE THE RISEN LORD" "ARE YOU UP TO THE TASK?"

Machinations of a Lich - Chapter 2 Bloodlust Skana turned on her back after a while as she slept through the day, not minding the hard ground she was resting on. Sleeping like a stone, she didn't notice the heavy footsteps coming closer. Her mind began slowly to stir when she heard a male voice speaking to her. "No, really. I know vampires can develop odd habits, but i have never seen one sleeping on the ground, what were you actually before you got reanimated?" Skana awoke, being mildly annoyed to have her first real time of rest in years interrupted. "I only remember I was a bandit chief at some fort somewhere in Skyrim, but those times are over and i don't really care." As Skana got up she noticed it was Skaal who was talking to her. "I have to admit, you surprise me. Considering what happened to you in the last three years, you seem to take this whole situation with ease." Skana expected herself to yawn, but her undead body had no such intention. "Should I sit in a corner and drown in sadness until the end of days? I don't think so. I got what others only dream of, albeit through a lot of suffering.." Skaal said nothing for a few moments on that and Skana used the moment to get up while asking him. "What's with the long face?" Skaal just stood a while there and stared into the wall before he continued to speak. "I had an apprentice once. Her name was Illia, i'm sure that rings a bell to you. If i hadn't taught her the dead thrall spell, this all would have never happened to you." Skana didn't really cared about any of that and joked around. "Oh come on, being raped by a daedric lord isn't that bad, although i would've propably enjoyed it if it was Azura or Nocturnal instead of Molag Bal." Skaal couldn't suppress a slight hint of a smile. "I think i understand what you're getting at. Anyway, good to see that you are unaffected by all this. Now follow me, i want to introduce someone to you and we got something for you." As Skana began to follow Skaal she remembered something she saw yesterday. "Say, why is Skaadi wearing a collar? She doesn't really appears like a person who would bow to anyone." Skaal kept walking while he elaborated on the topic. "The former ruler of the castle, Harkon, used it on her. Sort of a way trying to discipline her because she was rather disobedient from what i heard." "Unfortunately, I was at Saarthal at that time back then, discovering and studying the path towards becoming what i am now. I deeply regret that i never had the chance to annihilate that cretin personally. When Skaadi killed him, the enchantment on the collar entirely ceased to work ." He continued with a grim face. Skana was surprised. "Why isn't she taking it off then? I mean man or mer wearing a collar is usually a sign for slav-.." She paused abruptly as she noticed what she was about to say and let out a deep-drawn sigh. "That was awkward." Skaal explained."When i told my wife that it reminds me of a dangerous, leashed animal, she began to saw more my words in it than anything else, she took a liking to those workds and that's why she is still wearing it. And if i may give you some advice, try to forget your collar, eventually you won't even notice it anymore after a while." Skana played with the iron ring on her collar while she replied. "You have no idea Skaal. I feel it whenever i move, i can't just pretend it isn't there." Shortly before reaching the main hall of the castle, Skaal turned around and continued the topic. "Ronara propably told you already a bit about the oddities of being a vampire, you could also end up liking it." Skana still didn't really understand that part of being a vampire yet. "Considering i'm forced to wear it, does it matter if i like it or not? I only experienced bad stuff with it and while Skaadi propably won't break my neck, i'm not exactly looking forward to kiss her boots or whatever she'd have me do." Skaal advised her as they both went down the stairs into the great hall of the castle. "Skaadi looses interest if the subject is willing, perhaps knowing this helps you." Skana didn't liked that at all."Oh great... doing it willingly once or doing it a hundred times unwilling, i guess once is better." As they entered the hall, Skana saw Skaadi talking to another vampire. "just some remnants of the dawnguard, i don't get it myself why they try so hard to reestablish after we almost wiped them out decades ago, i guess they think it's fun to play vampire hunter." Skaal interrupted the conversion blandly. "Greetings Ylfa, what news to you bring from the holds?" Skana just stood there hoping Skaadi wouldn't do anything funny. The two vampire women turned to Skaal and Ylfa eyed Skana. "Greetings Skaal, just some unorganized dawnguard movement in Dawnstar. Considering we've almost destroyed them about 120 years ago i think we can ignore it aslong as they don't start to creep around the castle again. What's this? Does the clan enslave vampires now?" Skaadi answered Ylfas question. "Oh i forgot to mention our newest addition to the clan. This is Skana, she was a dead thrall before becoming a vampire, hence the bindings and all that. But that magic collar on her is nice, Skaal and I can force her to do anything we want, of course my husband would never do such a thing, but i certainly would, you know it's entertaining." Ylfa grinned amused."Skana Skaadi Skaal, that's quite the name trio we have here. But i do love new things, so why don't you show me that collar in action Skaadi?" Skaadi pondered for a second but asked Ylfa instead."Well, what do you suggest to have her do? I could have her kiss Orthjolfs ass, that would be hilarious and i really doubt he would mind it." Ylfa disagreed though."Nay, not Orthjolf, we can't do that to her, he's the only vampire i ever met who manages to smell like a barrel full of mead" Skana thought about what Skaal told her a few minutes ago and she certainly would like to avoid situations like this. She raised her arms as if signalizing to surrender. "Yes yes, make fun of the new pet. Whatever you want, should i lick the floor clean of blood or something? I'm thirsty anyway so let's just get this over with." Skaal apparently told the truth. Skaadi changed the topic. "Well, that would be certainly a less messy way to feed for you. You should've seen that Ylfa, she devoured half of a thrall and barfed it all on the floor afterwards." Another awkward moment for Skana, but better than licking the floor or worse, Orthjolfs ass, whoever Orthjolf is. "Oh come on, it was my first time and i wasn't in control of myself." Ylfa took word again although she changed to a more seductive tone."Perhaps someone should be in control of you, so you'd learn to feed properly. Should i show you how to do it? I can teach you many things." That was enough to make Skana more than just annoyed. She never liked seductive types and the topic isn't making it better. "Perhaps i should teach you what happened to the first person that was in control of me. I ripped her head off with bare hands and i wouldn't mind to do it again, if you catch my meaning." Ylfa was neither impressed nor intimidated by Skanas words."Oh she's a feisty one, i like her. I think i have a reason to stay at the castle now." Skaadi didn't really mind. "Be my guest Ylfa, you know where everything is. I think you two will get along just fine." Skaal who watched the introduction the whole time decided to take the word again. "Now then ladies, let's keep the pleasantries for later, i was actually taking Skana to the armory." Skaadi just threw in a "I expect a 'thank you' from you later Skana." Skana was still busy snarling at Ylfa and replied dry."Yeah sure. Whatever you say Skaadi." Ylfa just kept being amused by Skana. "I bet i can make you smile before the night ends." Skana turned to follow Skaal and just barked into her Scarf. "What an irritating woman." Skaal just laughed while he kept walking. "Ylfa isn't irritating Skana, having a discussion with Maera about council-rules, that's irritating. But i hope you'll never see that wretch again." Skana had no intention of trying to remember what exactly happened back in the Soul Cairn, as she followed Skaal to the armory, Ylfa was keeping her thoughts occupied. "What's with Ylfa? I just met her and it's like she's desperately trying to provocate me." Skaal noted cheerful. "That's just like her. Don't let it get to your head, she's just probing your personality. Talking of which, what do you think of her?" Skana didn't really know what to say so she just voiced the first thought that came to her mind."I find her attractive.. and irritating." The surprised look on Skaals face told Skana that wasn't the answer he had expected. "That's not really what i was asking for but i think i get what you meant with Azura instead of Molag Bal now." Skana was embarassed so she said nothing, but Skaal disarmed the situation, pointing at the weapon rack on the wall."My wife keeps her weapon very dear to herself, like any good warrior should do. I'm sure this blade is familiar to you." Skana couldn't believe her eyes at first. "But, that's my greatsword! That's my palefire greatsword!" Skaal elaborated on the weapon. "Palefire greatsword? I guess you could call it that way. When my wife forged it she named it Coldflame. You see, Skaadi is very fond of Akaviri swordmanship and according to history the Akaviri believed a warriors weapon is his soul, so they gave names to their weapons. It's obviously just metaphoric but a warrior has to find meaning in something just like a wizard does in his studies. Skaadi wasn't satisfied with that sword though, so she forged a daedric blade some years afterwards." Happy to see the blade again, Skana didn't thought of any fancy Akaviri names. She just wanted to have it again. "So when Illia went that day out of the cave, she came here to steal it i guess. Skaadi said i should thank her later, so she'll let me have the sword i take it?" A simple "That is correct." could be heard from Skaal. Skana happily fastened the sword on her back, noticing the familiar blue flames of the palefire enchantment."Who created the palefire enchantment actually?" With a proud tone to his voice Skaal replied. "That was me. Something to counter those pesky dawnguard cretins." As Skana wanted to say something, commotion could be heard from the main hall of the castle. Skaadi was angrily discussing something with someone, someone with a rather hoarse and raspy voice. Skaal rushed towards the room exit. "I don't like the sound of that voice." An odd clothed old Aldmer was standing in the hall, facing a very angry Skaadi with her weapon drawn. "The last Aldmer who annoyed me in these halls lost his limbs before i decapitated him, your chances to leave here intact are getting dangerously slim, Elf!" Skaal raised his voice."What's the meaning of this intrusion?" The old elf stayed calm and spoke with his raspy voice. "Lady Skaadi, with respect, all i want is to talk to your husband, i assure you after that i'll be gone, let's not make this a big deal. Skaadi was seething. "A big deal? You'll shove your bony ass out of my castle or i'll show you that you and my husband aren't the only ones who can transform into something nasty." The elf seemed to think for a moment, propably choosing his next words very carefully. "I have no intention to ignite a fight in your home, i came here with disturbing news, regarding recent dawnguard activity." Skana had no idea who the pompous elf infront of her was but Skaal knew him. "Uthrang spare us the formalities, what do you want and why do you intrude in my wifes castle?" Skaadi had her weapon sheathed again when she noticed Skaal being present. "Husband, you know i can't stomach this clown, i trust you will tell him to leave. Now excuse me, i need to find Nei before i loose my temper." Skaadi hastily left the hall after those words. "Ah cold and beautiful as always, your wife." As Uthrang laid eyes on Skana his interest seemed to be piqued. "And i see the slave is still accompanying you but what's this? Molag Bal turned her into a vampire eh? Yes that's just like him." Skana remembered the name Uthrang from that time back in Coldharbour, he was the other Lich, the one who spoke as if he was delusional. Calling her a slave made her rather angry. "I'm no ones slave you wannabe necromancer!" Skana noticed her temper gets increasingly shorter over time and she tried to suppress her anger. Skaal seemed to notice it."Calm yourself Skana, don't let those words agitate you." Skaal turned to Uthrang and spoke sternly."Skana is now a member of the Volkihar clan and you will treat her with the respect she deserves, are we clear on that?" Uthrang changed to his formal tone once more."Of course, apologies, i meant no disrespect. Now on to the current matter, i'm sure you'll be quite surprised to hear that i've seen the former Dawnguard leader Isran in dawnstar with a few of his troops." Skaal became slightly annoyed. "That's nonsense, Isran got killed decades ago. And last i remember the Dawnguard doesn't practices necromancy. We are well aware of some unorganized remnants that desperately try to reestablish their old order but Isran is nothing more than dust by now. You're wasting our and your time, i suggest you leave now before i show you the door." Ylfa took word on the matter. "No wait, this actually makes sense now that he says it, i remember seeing a bunch of dawnguard recieving orders from a bald redguard. When i think about it this could've been Isran, as unlikely it seems." Skaal turned to Ylfa in disbelief. "How in oblivion would that be possible? Even if we didn't killed him, He would be around 140 years old by now, no mortal man lives that long, especially not if he despises necromancy and vampirism like Isran did." Uthrang had a throw in again."Yes, like i said it's quite disturbing considering the facts about the Dawnguard." "Perhaps i should also note, he fights exactly like he did decades ago. I was curious and sent some minions in, he burned them to a crisp with his aura spell. Now that said, i will take my leave, i trust you will handle this accordingly since i have had no real business with the Dawnguard before." Uthrang vanished into a portal. Skaal turned to Skana and Ylfa. "I hate to admit this, but Uthrang is right, this needs to be investigated. I'd like you two to handle this, it's also a good possibility to get to know each other. And Ylfa, i'm sure Skana noticed it herself by now, her temper grows rather unstable, her body wants to catch up the three years without blood she had in the Soul Cairn, i trust you take care of her. In the meantime, i'll head into the Cairn, i'd like to know how Maera managed to get in there yesterday." Ylfa faced Skana with a smug grin."Well, you heard the Lord, Looks like i'll get to show you the ropes." Skana had trouble to handle her mood, Ylfas choice of words didn't made it easier for her either. "I'll show you the tip of my sword if you order me to do anything." Ylfa put on a playful face. "Only if you want me to order you, that's a difference and some people actually enjoy that." Skana didn't understand what Ylfa was getting at."Why i would i want to be a slave again? Care to tell me? You're so damn irritating." Skaal just shook his head. "You should learn to take a hint Skana. Anyway i trust you two can handle a mysteriously reanimated, or whatever happened to him, redguard crusader. Now off with you two." As Skana and Ylfa made for the exit of the castle, Skana thought about being in a town full of mortal men and mer and hoped for the best."So, my first time as vampire in a town, won't they recognize what we are when they see our eyes? I mean you all have glowing red yes, i think it's safe to assume my eyes look the same." Ylfa elaborated on that casually."Non-undead are not able to see it, for them our eyes are whatever they were before we became vampires. You only have to watch out for magelight, as it is able to reveal what we are." It was a wonderful night when they stepped ouf of the castle and went the ramp down to the water. Skana wanted to ask how they will get off the island but discarded the thought when she noticed the small boat ashore. Ylfa however had a question. "We take the boat there, ...say are you always barefoot?" Skana would've liked not to answer but moody as she was she couldn't stay silent. "You're doing that on purpose, right? Imagine to wear a pair of boots with those ankle cuffs." Ylfa just laughed as they both got into the boat and made their way across the water to Dawnstar. Skana preferred to say nothing on the boat trip, she just enjoyed the night. A few hours later at the shore of Dawnstar Skana took word. "So, where do we start?" Ylfa just chuckled. "At the inn, you silly. It's the best place to get the newest talk in the town." Skana eyed every person they passed by with an interested look. This town is full of prey, a giant feast for a vampire. As she stared at a guard a bit too long she heard Ylfa behind her. "Hey, control yourself, we're not here to trouble the townsfolk." Skana saw the sign of the inn and steered straight towards it. "Shut up Ylfa, i know what i'm doing." Ylfa just chuckled to herself again. "I like it when you're so feisty." Skana wanted to give a matching reply to that as they both entered the inn, but the smell of blood interrupted her. There was a man lying dead on the floor, covered in his own blood. The man must've died only minutes ago, the smell of blood had a quality to it that made Skana want to sink her fangs into the corpse. Before Ylfa could throw another funny line at her, Skana spoke first. "I know, I have to control myself." No funny or sarcastic line this time from Ylfa when she commended Skana. "You didn't jump on the corpse the second you saw it, you're doing good i think." The short moment of acknowledgment went to waste when the man on the bar counter spoke in a burly voice . "That man, deserved no better. An innkeeper turning to necromancy to bring his dead wife back to life is just disgusting.." The bald redguard continued his stern speech as he turned around on the chair. "And here i was thinking to have a drink before i finish off the rest of his family. But i have to wonder since when does vampire scum like you tour the inns of skyrim? This man knew what they are without even looking at them, Skana and Ylfa were alarmed and drew their weapons. Ylfa remarked. "This is definitely Isran, i do remember that way of talking, he was even spouting this nonsense while we were impaling him on the gate at Fort Dawnguard." Getting called 'vampire scum' was exactly what Skana expected to hear from a guy like this. "Good, glad that the formalities are skipped, so i can cleave your ugly bald head." Isran was hardly impressed at Skanas words and readied a spell. "Ha, i've killed dozens if not hundreds of your kind, you won't be the last i'll kill." Having formed his aura spell, Isran began to provocate the two vampires. "You won't be able to even touch me, now come let me bash your fangs back into your head with my hammer!" Skana could feel the aura even from the other side of the inn, it reminded her of her encounter with Auronus. Being remembered of that day where the spear pierced her throat made her hysterical. "No! Not this again, no!" Ylfa did not realize what was happening at first. "Skana? Hey what's wrong?" Skana went down on her knees and began to stammer. "Not the spear, please no! I don't want to die again!" She saw Auronus' iron visage in her mind. The spear rushing towards her throat, everything. Ylfa tried to help her. "Skana snap out of it, that's his aura spell, you can will it away, all vampires can do that, i can do it and you can do it too! Think of something wonderful, something you'd like to have, something that makes you happy. Just will it away!" Something snapped in Skanas mind, she heard Ylfas words, to think of something that makes her happy, something she wants... Something she craves. Skana looked up at the ceiling of the inn, and began to mutter to herself. "Something i want, something i want, something i want.." she began to laugh silently. When Skana got up from her knees she kept muttering to herself the same words. "Something that makes me happy... something i want.." There was worry in her voice when Ylfa asked. "Skana, are you alright?" Skana began to laugh while repeating the same words over and over again. "It makes me happy, it makes me feel good, it makes me happy..." After staying silent for a few seconds, she fixiated Isran with her eyes. "Yes, you have what makes me happy." Skana snapped completely, she roared with laughter and began to shout. "BLOOD MAKES ME HAPPY, GIVE ME YOURS! GIVE ME YOURS!" Ylfa noticed too late that Skana flew into a frenzy. "No Skana!" Skana didn't heard Ylfas words and charged straight at Isran roaring like an animal. Skana did not care for Israns paltry aura, she didn't care how it tried to burn her undead flesh, all she wants was Israns blood. Ylfa could barely keep up with Skanas speed "Damn girl, you'll kill yourself at this rate!" and Isran was completely overwhelmed for a second, avoiding a fatal attack only by an inch. Isran parried the second attack, but Skana swung her sword with such force that his hammer almost slipped from his hands when his arms were flung behind his back due to the momentum. Momentum he used to execute a counter attack. Skana was acting more out of instinct than anything when she readied herself to parry Israns attack. Ylfa tried to help Skana but the aura burned her instantly. "Ah damn, i guess you're better in shrugging spells off when you're really angry." Skana parried Israns attack and disarmed him in the same moment by bashing the hammer out of his hands. Isran couldn't keep up with Skanas fury but in his own sense of pride he provocated her again. "What? That's it?! Come on give me your best shot, scum!" Skana intended to oblige, so she kicked him away from the bar counter and raised her sword to cleave Israns head just like she said. Isran did only laugh and his voice changed slightly. "The next time, I will fight you serious." Skana didn't care what the redguard kneeling at her feet had to say, she just wanted to sink her sword into that mans skull. But before she could strike the final blow, a fiery blue explosion emanated from Isran, blowing Skana off her feet against a wooden beam in the inn. Skana was leaning against the wooden beam she hit when she got flung away by the explosion, disappointed she noticed that Isran was gone. Ylfa was kneeling next to her, trying to gather strength. "Shors bones, what was that? That guy might looked like Isran, but i didn't remember him doing explosive teleportations when we fought him decades ago." Skana just snarled at Ylfa, she was angry that Isran or whoever that was is gone. She wanted to cleave his head in half, drinking his blood, using the skull bone as a cup. But then she could hear a person whimpering somewhere in the inn. Skana immediately jumped on her feet and pointed into a room of the inn. "I hear someone...someone in agony, it's so delightful. I think it comes from that room." Ylfa could barely stand and complained. "Excuse me i'm still trying to come to terms that we almost got burned to a crisp by a mysterious copy of a long dead crusader." Skana didn't gave a damn about it, she was still lusting for blood, blood that might be right in range. "I have to find it, i want to feed!" Ylfa realized Skana isn't done yet with her bloodrage and just stared shocked at her going into the sideroom. "Snap out of it Skana, you have to control it and not let it control you." Skana refused to hear Ylfas words again and as she saw the person who was whimpering all the time, she was happy. She could finally feed, no one would be able to take the feast from her this time. As the whimpering woman noticed Skana entering the room, she began to beg her. "Please, help me! This man has killed my father! Just because he wanted to bring Ma back, there's nothing wrong in that isn't ?! Please i need your help!" Skana did not care for the womans pleas and she just grabbed her throat and lifted her up on her feet. "Do i look like i give a damn about a dead innkeeper?! Or a begging peasant like you?! Huh?! Do i?!" The woman was only able to gargle instead of answering. Ylfa apparently felt better already when she entered the room. "Skana that is enough." But Skana became annoyed by those words. "I told you not to order me around Ylfa! Now shut up while i enjoy this." Before Ylfa could react, Skana bent the womans head to the right and sunk her fangs into her neck. Skana savored every drop of blood she drained from her victim, the feast she had waited for so long finally found its way to her. Skana accidently enthralled her as she greedily drained the womans veins, the woman was in a trance like state, muttering something to herself. "I.. must be ...in sovngarde.... ah this feels so... wonderful." This didn't go fast enough for Skana, she wanted all of her blood, in an instant, now. "I want it all!" Skana shouted while she ripped the womans head off her neck. Skana marveled at the blood splattering everywhere. "Yes! More! Give me more!" As Skana turned around to Ylfa she snarled, showing her fangs. "I want more, there is more in this town, i want it all!" Ylfa tried to talk Skana out of it, but Skana was drunk on blood and she wanted more. "Skana i urge you to stop it, you'll get addicted and turn feral if you continue this!" Skana aimed for the room exit, she wanted to introduce herself to Dawnstar. "Shut up, you're irritating as usual!" Ylfa grabbed Skana from behind and stopped her, Skana was protesting. "Let me go, or i'll swear i kill you!" Ylfa just held Skana closer to herself."I could bite your neck, right here and now and steal all that that blood you just had. I'm also thirsty, but that doesn't mean i will actually do it. I was in the same state a century ago i know what i'm talking about Skana, if you want to survive, you have to restrain yourself or else you'll go insane at this rate." Skanas mind jumped into different directions, never finishing a thought, except one. Ylfa seemed to care for her. This was enough to bring Skanas mind back to reality and she relaxed in Ylfas grasp. "It's alright, i'm myself again...and thank you." Ylfa turned Skana around. "Let me have a look at your face." After a few embarassing seconds for Skana, she added."That beautiful face of yours suits you better than the bloodthirsty grimace you just had. How about i'll distract you a bit from that bloodthirst when we're back at the castle?" Skana was perplexed, she knew what Ylfa meant but the straightforwardness surprised her. She remembered what Ronara told her about getting the mind off of the thirst before she tentatively accepted Ylfas proposal. "I think it couldn't hurt to try." As Ylfa released her from her grasp, Skana tried to get the situation sorted in her mind. It was a bit embarrassing but for some reason she enjoyed the thought that Ylfa cared for her, but there were more urgent matters. "In any case, we should get back and tell Skaal about what happened here. I'm sure he might have an idea what this Isran imitation was." Skana said nothing on the way back to the boat, but Ylfa seemed to know what was going on in her mind. "Hey, no need to be so shy. Where's the feisty woman i met at the castle a few hours ago?" There was no need to be embarrassed or shy, after all Skana deems herself more barbaric than civilized."Oh well, get your ass into the boat and start to row, while i enjoy the night." Ylfa replied with glee. "That's much better." Skana couldn't help herself, in the end Ylfa was right, she made her smile before the night has ended.

Machinations of a lich - Chapter 1 Maera Skana lost her sense of time as she wandered the soul cairn, not knowing if she was here for hours, days or even years. Her thirst was unrelenting and took its toll on her mind as well. She didn't even know anymore what she was searching for but she couldn't stop, it was driving her. Sometimes she tried to interact with one of the few souls she met in the desolate landscape, but the souls didn't even took notice of her, she could reach right through them, to no avail or any reaction from them. She stopped feeling disappointment and frustration a while ago, she just kept wandering. No thoughts inhabited her mind, except for the urge the quench the thirst that kept tormenting her, quietly but unyielding. Occasionally she walked past a structure with a large skeletal being standing infront of it. At first she tried to to avoid being noticed by it. But at least once, she mindlessly wandered near it. The large skeletal being just vanished when she came close, telling her it isn't time yet. It could have been a hallucination, Skana didn't know what it was and she didn't care nor did she think about it. After a while she shambled back to the place she deemed to be her resting place, a rib cage which must've belonged to a mammoth once. After she closed her eyes, she could hear a female voice laughing, calling out to her. Propably another nightmare, which she had very often lately. The voice didn't stop calling out to her in a cynical tone. Skana noticed she wasn't sleeping yet, this was no dream. She almost fell over her own feet as she stood up, intending to investigate where it came from. And then she saw it. A woman standing in one of the structures of the soul cairn. Standing there casually, gesturing for her to come over. The thirst in Skana took over, never having fed since she became a vampire turned her feral and this woman over there looked very much alive to serve her needs. Skana began to walk towards her in a hunched manner, like a wild and rabid snow troll. "Oh, you poor poor little bloodsucker." Said the woman in a cynical fashion. The words alone were enough to deepen Skanas feral state. Skana wanted to call out for her, to taunt her, to kill her. All that escaped her lips was a deep growl as she went faster towards the woman, ready to pounce at her and pin her down, to rip her throat apart and sink her fangs into it, savoring the sweet salvation flowing from it. But nothing what the vampire had pictured in Skanas mind did happen, the woman was suddenly standing behind her, mocking her, denying her the feast she had hoped for so long. "You must be so weak, you can barely stand." The woman said. Eyeing Skana as she felt weakness overcoming her body. "You see, my last ...plaything broke. I have waited for something new for so long." Skana growled as she went down on her knees in exhaustion. The short run took a greater toll as her body had expected. "Oh the fun i could have with a vampire.." The woman dreamily said to herself. There was something in the air suddenly. Something heavy, as if electricy was accumulating to form a single giant lightning strike. The roll of thunder could be heard, coming closer very fast. And then reality tore itself apart. A single enourmous lightning strike came down behind the unknown woman. Skanas head began to spin from the thundering sound, this wasn't part of the strange weather in the soul cairn. The woman turned around directly facing the lightning strike, yelling "Oh no, not you. Can't a girl have some fun?" in a agressive tone. As the thunderous explosion cleared, the shape of a man could be seen in it. Skanas feral mind got awkwardly reminded of a auroran she has met a long time ago. But this man was different, he was practically emanating magicka and something dark, like the opposite of Auronus' aura. It felt good. "This girl went through enough hardships the last three years. And the last person to have fun with me around, is you. Maera." The man replied sternly. Maera played a surprised gesture and continued in her cynical tone. "Oho, the high and mighty risen lord himself comes down to the cairn to deprive me of my pet. To what do i owe this honor, Skaal?". She dropped the surprised face in the same sentence "Are you tired of your little vampire whore? Do you want a new one? Is it that?" in a cold tone and kept going. "Oh i have an idea." Maera knelt down and spoke to Skana. "Do you see that man? He has all you need, all the blood you can drink, go get it!". Skana regained enough strength to stand again and she immediately charged Skaal in her bloodlust, growling like an animal. "She is all yours!" Maera remarked snidely. Skaal just said."I belive it is better for your health when you stay down for now." to Skana as she charged him. There was magic behind those words, they were enough to make Skana drop down in exhaustion again. Skaal now, speaking to Maera again, his voice changed as he did, it became deeper with strangely short echoes accompanying it and part of his skin seemed to fade away when he raised his hand. "The bargain has been concluded without you Maera, you didn't attent to the meetings and yet you claim ownership of the girl." Maera became snappy. "Oh come on, fancy bones. Just because you retrieved the Dawnbreaker for Bal. I could've done that as well. We're both part of the Coldharbour council and you already have your vampire toy. Let me have mine. Why don't you go and kiss Uthrangs bony ass after you have licked your whore into the next coffin?" Skaal became angry and began to turn even more skeletal. "You don't attent to meetings yet you claim ownership of a sentient being with a soul, one i deem kin. You break the rules of the bargain by coming here in an attempt to steal what isn't yours. And above all else, you have insulted my queen, we're done talking." Maera apparently had her fun provoking Skaal. "Yada yada my queen." she mocked him. "Someone with your power bows to a queen, how ridiculous. And you bear the title of risen lord, i can see why Uthrang covets it. I would like it as well but you see, risen lady sounds just plain stupid." Skaal was now completely skeletal in appearance, this disturbed Maera slightly. "Hey you don't intent to attack me?! We're both members of the council, that's against the rules!" Skana was still lying on the ground next to Skaal, she couldn't move but she felt electricity building up in the surroundings. Skaal just laughed with his deep echoing voice. "Rules that apply in Coldharbour, this isn't Coldharbour. And you're the last person to lecture me on rules. And to further add to this, a king bows only to his queen." Electricity was crackling everywhere and Skaal who was done with words ultimately, unleashed his spell against Maera. Maera went down on her knees in laughter. "A lightning storm spell? Is that all? That barely tickled me!" Her face spoke otherwise. "This isn't over Skaal, i will have my new plaything and neither you nor Uthrang will stop me from getting it." With those words Maera escaped into a portal. Skana didn't understand anything from what was going on, but at least it made the cogwheels in her mind spin again, albeit slowly. She tried to get up but Skaal wouldn't let her. "No, you should rest, i will take you to the castle and we will see what sanity is left in your mind." Skana fell into a magical induced sleep. Skana noticed someone near her, watching her as she slept. Her eyes were heavy and she needed a moment to collect what was left of her mind. A young girlish voice talked to itself."I never thought i'd see a feral up close." Skana immediately opened her eyes, someone was infront of her. Someone with warm fresh blood pulsing in his or her veins. Someone she could sink her fangs into. The girl spoke to her directly now. "Hello? Do you understand me?" and came a bit closer. Skana realized she was in a cage, again. This made her angry and she snarled at the girl after she got up, realizing she couldn't reach her prey. The feast once again denied. The girl was shocked and jumped onto her feet. "Hey don't try to scare me like that!" After a short pause and apparently remembering something the girl yelled into the rest of the castle. "Mistress! The feral is awake!". A few minutes and footsteps sounding through the halls later, Skaal and a woman Skana didn't knew were standing together with the young vampire girl infront of her cage. Skaal opened the conversation, talking to the woman."What do you think? I sense a sliver of sanity left in her, but she needs blood." Skana just sat there staring through the girl, fighting a battle with her own mind, trying to suppress the bloodthirst that keeps raging in her. The woman examined Skana with glowing eyes and replied "She's fighting her urge to try to rip the cage door apart and get onto Ronaras neck right here and she's doing really good at it. Because else i would have decapitated her by now. That's what i think." with a annoyed tone to her voice. Skaal shook his head. "Skaadi, I went through the coloured rooms to get the dawnbreaker in exchange for her, that was the bargain with Bal, whoever brings him the Dawnbreaker gets to keep the girl. I expected him to turn her, it's his nature but if this was all for naught i'd be slightly annoyed. Even more, if we just throw her out in this state, Uthrang or Maera will get her and that's the last thing i wish to happen. You know how far Uthrangs delusions go when it comes down to gain power and i had an run in with Maera in the cairn already." Skaadi was even more annoyed when Skaal mentioned Maera. "Maera propably ran away as usual, i will savor the day i have her head on a plate in the dining hall." She grudingly told Ronara."Get that useless dawnguard thrall here, i think we might have a possibility here to get rid of that filth." The short vampire girl left the room immediately. Skaadi remarked the collar on Skanas neck. "Looks familiar, but i guess you can't take yours off. This could be fun. We will keep her." Ronara came a few moments later back into the room with a enthralled human. "Here's the dawnguard thrall, mistress." Skaadi drew her nodachi and spoke "Good, Skaal you open the door." now to Skana directly. "And you, one wrong move and i'll cut you in half, you should understand the gesture of a drawn weapon even in your current state. You can have that thrall there, nothing else." Skana was hesitating at first, the enchantment of that sword was reminding her of something she once had in the past, but after letting out an acknowledging snarl she stepped out of the cage. She grabbed the man and sank her fangs into his neck. Voracious draining him of his blood. Her bloodlust intensified every second she drank from the thralls veins. She could barely control herself. When the thrall collapsed dead, she wasn't satisfied, her bloodlust took over and she began to rip pieces out of the dead mans body with her claws and devoured the flesh. Skaadi had sheathed her nodachi again and watched the show, commenting gleeful. "Oh this almost makes me hungry. Watching the first time is always fun and we all know what happens in a few seconds, right?" Skanas mind lept back into reality and her bloodlust subsided. She found herself eating the flesh of a dead man and savoring the taste of it. As she realized this her body began to reject the dead mans flesh and she vomited it on the floor. Skaadi almost cheerfully commented."And there we have it, this happens if your bloodlust takes over, damned messy!" Skana couldn't remember when she felt that good, but she began to remember what has happened to her. "What did i just?..., this wasn't a dream? What in oblivion has Molag Bal done?!" She heard Skaal speaking to her from behind her. "Calm yourself. You might don't see it that way, but Molag Bal actually did you a favor by.... turning you into a vampire. Your servitude as reanimated corpse has ended. The only persons left on Nirn that can command you are me and my wife here, Skaadi. I'm sorry but that was part of the bargain with Molag Bal, your bindings are still unremoveable i'm afraid. My wife will propably exploit this and play a bit around but she won't do you any harm. As for me, i don't intent to use any daedric commands on you, i didn't struck the bargain to have a slave, i wanted to see a kinswoman free. All sentient undead beings are kin to me and i dislike it when they are treatened like garbage." After a short pause he added." Please forgive my manners, my name is Skaal, you might have also heard others speaking of me as the Risen Lord, I'm what scholars call a lich" Skaadi played the annoyed wife at Skaals comment. "Oh come on husband, where would i exploit something so delicious as that? How about i exploit you on the stretching rack instead?" Skana was surprised. "Husband? Wife? You two are... ?" Skaal answered Skanas question. "For 102 years and counting." But directed the spoken word towards his wife again. "Remember what happened last time when we did it on the rack? It broke, half of the room was in pieces and the courtyard was devastated as well. Garan was bickering for weeks how the courtyard he rebuild for the hundredth time was destroyed again." Skana asked herself if she understood what the two were talking about but decided to introduce herself as well. "My name is Skana." But Skaadi and Skaal were already somewhere else in their mind it seemed. Skaal remarked casually. "We get some visitors tomorrow evening, you should rest Skana, let the blood do its work. I have to discuss something with my wife so Ronara will see you to your accommodations. Welcome to Castle Volkihar." Skana barely suppressed the urge to laugh. She thought a bit about where she got into now, it was a lot better than what happened to her before as dead thrall. "I'm not really used to have something like an own room actually." Ronara told her." Well then get used to it, or sleep on the ground, nobody here really cares about it that deep, it's not the Blue Palace of Solitude. Now follow me." while she turned around and left the room. Skana followed Ronara into a large room quite to her surprise. "I actually expected the broom closet." She joked. Ronara commented very dry on it though and came out with a whole lecture. "You could also go back into the cage if you like, you'll even get the key to it. Basically do what you want, except a few things, don't overfeed on the thralls, you will have to learn how to control your thirst but that's for another day. Don't feed at all on Nei, that's the mistress personal thrall, if you want one, get out there and make one for yourself. And lastly, don't touch Ruin." Skana just asked. "Ruin?" "That's the mistress' sword. I'm not sure why she gave a name to it, something about akaviri swordmanship i believe. But since you're wearing that collar i think she wouldn't let you anyway." Ronara replied. Skana felt awkward at getting reminded of that thing around her neck."Thank you for reminding me of it." but asked. "Say, when Skaal said his wife would exploit it to uhm.., play with me, what exactly did he mean?" Ronara corrected her. "That's Lord Skaal for you. As for what Mistress Skaadi would do, i don't know, she's very dominant to say the least, she despises weakness and likes carnage, but since the Lord said she wouldn't do you any harm i think it would come down to some sort of amusement for her. Maybe you have to lick her boots or something else.. i don't know. But don't get your hopes up if you're into women, she won't do anything like that with you, the Lord and the Mistress are both loyal to each other." Skana joked sarcastically. "Too bad, i was looking forward to getting whipped to the heights of arousal." As they both stood infront of a large bed in the room, Skana was surprised. "A bed? I thought vampires use coffins." Ronara just remarked on what Skana said before. "Oh if you want to get whipped you just need to ask, way i heard it the former Lord of the castle liked it to relax, but i'm not into women so don't ask me and the bed is actually a remnant of a moth priest who once erm.. lived here. If you prefer a coffin, those are downstairs." The girl baffled Skana with her blunt honesty and directness so she decided to ask. "How old are you? And how on Nirn can someone find it relaxing to get whipped?!" Ronara looked surprised for a moment but then she brightened up. "I'm 22, or at least i got turned when i was 22, i'm 46 years old now, young even for vampire standards. And you must be even younger, you should know, most vampires handle things like pain a bit different than mortal folks. Something to get the mind off of the thirst sometimes, i for example can only relax when the Mistress scratches my back, gets a bit bloody sometimes though. It's more or less natural for vampires, you'll find that out soon with yourself i'd wager. Now if you excuse me, i'm tired and i want to sleep, it's almost dawn." With those words Ronara went to leave the room. Skana understood now why Skaal said the courtyard got destroyed when he and his wife had some fun there. She leaned on the balcony in the room and threw a question after Ronara as she was about to leave. "Is it bad? Being a vampire i mean?" "I enjoy every minute of it." Ronara closed and left the room. Skana was alone in the room, standing infront of the Bed and spoke to herself. "Never liked beds, I wish they had some furs here to sleep on the ground. I guess either i'm barbaric or just too used to it." She chuckled to herself."Screw this, old habits die hard." And she laid down on the ground infront of the end of the bed. She instantly felt tired and thought a bit about what it means to be a vampire and what Ronara has told her, about what the next night brings and for some reason she missed her palefire greatsword. It was the only thing that was ever really hers in her time of servitude. She fell into a dreamless sleep, like well-fed vampires like to do at dawn.

View File After many days of work I'm proud to bring you all the evolution of my Dawnguard Sentries mod from Steam. This mod adds Dawnguard vampire hunters as extra guards to all the hold capitals in Skyrim, as well as some towns. In those towns, you'll see Vigilants of Stendarr working with the Sentries. That's done for immersion and variety in NPCs. The Dawnguard are supposed to be reforming after centuries and the Vigilants need a way to regroup after their HQ was burned First, Dawnguard is required, as are SKSE and SkyUI to support the MCM Menu. Version 1.1 is now Open Cities and Interesting NPCs Compatible. So What Features Does the Mod Have? 1) TWO DAWNGUARD SENTRY GUARDS AT EVERY VAMPIRE SPAWN POINT IN HOLD CAPITALS All of them are unique NPCs with distinct faces and a full range of Dawnguard gear. Some even have unique weapons. Some villages are also patrolled by teams of Dawnguard and Vigilants of Stendarr. VIllages covered are Dragon Bridge, Ivarstead, Riverwood, Rorikstead and Shor's Stone. All Sentries are set up as members of guard factions to make this mod more compatible with When Vampires Attack and Run For Your Lives. This also means they'll assist guards, make arrests AND FIGHT DRAGONS. Sentries are set to react neutrally to player and follower vampires however, meaning player vampires can go into town to sell and do quests, so long as they don't attack anybody or have a bounty. Other NPC vampires will be attacked mercilessly on sight however. Depending on your personal playing style and which side you're playing on the Dawnguard DLC, the Sentries can be set to Essential, making them unkillable, or to respawn only, meaning if they're lost in a vampire attack they'll re-appear after 10 game days. A note on Riften: I also took into account the Thieves Guild quest in the market and positioned the Dawnguard patrols wide enough from that spot to not impact the quest significantly. All Sentries also should disable during Civil War sieges (vanilla game script) so the fight doesn't become unbalanced 2) EXTERIOR SENTRIES OUTSIDE THE CITIES OF RIFTEN AND SOLITUDE Riften's North gate seems a spot of constant attack spawns for me. Now that spot, and the docks are watched by the Dawnguard, as is the Road just above the Solitude harbor. Mostly for immerison bu they will help with the occasional dragon attack at the Solitude stables. These particular Sentries can be toggled to Essential or completely disabled in the MCM 3) A DAWNGUARD PATROL BETWEEN RIFTEN'S NORTH GATE AND THE ENTRANCE TO DAYSPRING CANYON Mostly for immersion. After all, the Dwnguard has to keep it's supply lines open. This patrol does a great job of clearing bandits and wolves from the road. Again they can be set to Essential, Respawn OR toggled completely off if they're too much for you or you're already using Immersive Patrols. 4) VAMPIRE GUARDS OUTSIDE CASTLE VOLKIHAR A handful of unique Vampire guards now protect the outside of the Castle. Since the mod has all NPCs walking 24/7, these Vampires have a modified version of the Vampire sunlight weakness magic effect. They will be significantly weaker in sunlight, but won't take actual damage from it. Ergo, you have an advantage attacking during the day. These guards are respawn only but can be toggled off via the MCM 5) DAWNGUARD RECRUITS IN DAYSPRING CANYON Similar to Castle Volkihar, Fort Dawnguard has it's own security. 10 unique NPC Dawnguard recruits are positioned along Dayspring Canyon standing guard. They're respawn only but can be disabled via the MCM. So there you have it; a lore friendly, non-cheating and extremely customizable way to protect your favorite NPCs from Vampires and Dragons. The 'When Vampires Attack' and 'Run For Your Lives' mods are also recommended and compatible if you want maximum lore friendly protection for your NPCs. The mod was built with the MCM Menu being the only script added to the game also, so it should be very uninstall and compatibility friendly. The best part is that thanks to the new MCM Menu, you have multiple options on how to configure the number of Dawnguard Sentries running about, and if you want them to be killable or not (via essential state toggle options). Basic protection for the capitals and bigger towns, or max it out, it's all up to you. TRANSLATIONS: Dawnguard Sentries Plus - Traduzione ITA by logan1710 MOD COMPATIBILITIES: Dawnguard Sentries is very light on scripts and designed to be compatible with most other mods. Ver 1.1 greatly simplifies the Sentry AI, and short of dirty edits or mods that change guard factions and AI, the mod should work with most anything. The only mods that have tested incompatible so far are Journal for the Absent-Minded Dovahkin (it breaks Dawnguard and Dragonborn quests), Guild Starter, (Third party report without details), and Skyrim Fearless Encounter (badly breaks the AI system for the game). I also had some issues that I thought tied back to Extended UI, but they may have been caused by the Journal mod. RECOMMENDED: FUZ RO D-OH for silent dialog. VERY few voices work with the Dawnguard dialog factions, so this will let you "hear" more than a huh? from some Dawnguard Sentries. Likewise any mod that improves the Textures on the Dawnguard & Vampire equipment. I personally like EcthelionOTW and MissLexi's (absolutely amaziing EotW DAWNGUARD DLC TEXTURES REMASTERED. If you use a Sevenbase or UNPB body replacer, I also recommend FastestDogInTheDistrict's SEVENBASE ARMOR CONVERSIONS for the Dawnguard & Vampire Armors. Both look similar to the originals, just better textures and they don't make 7B characters look flat chested. Yes, UNPB bodies are so similar that Fastest Dog's mods have worked fine for me as a replacer. With all that said, I'd also like to give huge THANK YOUs to everybody who's given me an endorsement here (oh wait, nobody has lol) or the Nexus, or a thumbs up at Steam. I do this for fun and as a learning experience, but the ratings do help give me the motivation to continue. Likewise huge thanks go out to Crimson Blade, CPU, CDCooley, DarkFox127, lofgren, pevey, EnaiSiaion, Aqqh, FastestDogInTheDistrict, and several others who have all contributed directly or indirectly to my being able to make this mod work. Crimson Blade, mentioned above, was the author of the original Dawnguard Sentries mod. I took over the mod with his permission after he took a break from the game. While the mod has evolved a good deal since then, ALL credit for the original idea and initial work go to him. ARMOR IN THE FIRST SCREENSHOT: Since I've been asked in the past, my character is wearing the Midnight Breed armor. Formerly on the Nexus, it's now found here Submitter Shadowhawk827 Submitted 05/21/2015 Category Other Requires Dawnguard, SKSE, SkyUI Special Edition Compatible

View File This is just a simple mesh edit and reweight to make the Dawnguard DLC female Vampire Boots fit better on bare legs. It is meant for UNP but it MIGHT work with other body mods. To install, go to Data\meshes\dlc01\clothes\vampire and look for the files vampirebootsf_0.nif and vampirebootsf_1.nif. If they are present, copy them to make back ups and then install the mod manually. Extract and paste the meshes folder into you Data folder. Permissions: This is a freebie. The boots needed fixing IMO so I did it. Feel free to use this in your own mods provided you do not submit my content to Nexus. If you're modding for Nexus you cannot use anything I make. No exceptions. Effective 13 March 2016 I will no longer be providing mod support or otherwise communicating publicly on Lover’s Lab. All support questions and other comments will be handled HERE. My absence from Lover's Lab either by accident or design is not to be interpreted as permission to use my uploaded content as resource material. This shall commence immediately, effective 13 March 2016. Submitter Kendo 2 Submitted 01/11/2015 Category Armor & Clothing Requires Update.esm and Dawnguard esm, and probably UNP Special Edition Compatible