Snowline
The area of Snowline is infested with wolves, goblins, bandits and wormmouths. The player's combination of Blaze spell and Bled's Ebony Longsword proves powerful enough to battle these adversaries. Ivgrizt told her the location of the Fearfrost Caverns, the goblins home, so they go directly to find these caverns. They find it in the north part of this area.
Fearfrost Caverns, Area I
Upon entering the caverns, the player spots a handful of goblin warriors. So far, they are not hostile. Fearfrost Caverns is impressive. It is a huge hollow inside the mountain; there are hundreds of narrow ways with bottomless chasm on the left and right that connecting some bigger landmasses. The landmasses just like floating islands. One wrong step and they'll fall. The landmasses work like rooms.
A goblin steps forward. It's Ivgrizt, the goblin the player helped in Twilight
Ivgrizt
"I have the Orc's pack, as I said. Take it with my best wishes. But I must warn you... The headdress failed to give hero Tirasch the powers of shaman. His anger still grows. I stay away. He is still looking for blood. Yours would satisfy him."
The player looks through the pack. Trailslag's pack has several sealed compartments, which look trapped, but there is a note from General Duvais they can reach. They reads the note.
"A third of the payment accompanies this note. The rest shall be paid in full by our agents. Scout Dragonstar, deliver the map to our agents in Earthtear Caverns."
Hmm... intereting. And they have already delivered the map, to Tanyin Aldwyr. The player goes out of the the caverns and decides to visit the village of Snowline.
SNOWLINE VILLAGE
Upon reaching Snowline, the player spots a familiar figure, Tanyin Aldwyr. Not far from Tanyin, there is an Argonian. He looks like an important person. The player talks to the Argonian first.
Porliss Caith
(he huddles next to The player as if for warmth) "See that Redguard Knight? Her loyalties are most... un-Redguardian."
Player
"What?"
Porliss Caith
"I think she is in league with Skyrim forces. She is looking for help, and whatever she needs done I most probably do not. If you could go hear her out, find out her proposition, turn it down and return to me, that would be most helpful. If you do this, you are undoubtedly helping to keep Dragonstar in loyal hands."
Player
"Consider it done."
The player greets Tanyin Aldwyr, who seems troubled on something.
Tanyin Aldwyr
(Tanyin leans close to whisper) "There are many factions hereabout. Mine is being particularly hurt by these goblins. Movement of material to Dragonstar has proven very difficult. That battle can ill afford this side show. If you could eliminate the goblin threat, our forces, as well as the resident of Snowline, would breathe easier. Find the Goblin Hero, Tirasch. Without him, the goblin forces pose us no threat. If you do this, I will personally recommend you to General Duvais."
Player
"No thanks."
Tanyin seems dissapointed but she doesn't say anything. The player goes back to Porliss Caith.
Porliss Caith
"Ah ha! If I could afford to pay you for the expression on her face, I would. Alas, you will have to settle for doing the right thing... this time. (he slaps the ground with his tail in excitement, grimacing at the explosion of snow)
The player thinks that they'll eventually have to fix the goblin problem for this city, but that would have wait a little bit. Instead, they meet an Argonian in his house.
Sissithik
"Blasted goblins broke in but were too dumb to find the family valuables. They did get away with something important though. They took my will. I cannot go to Dragonstar to get a new one. Could you get it back from the goblins?"
Player
"I will find your will."
The shop is easy to find, since it's the only shop in Snowline. The proprietor looks casually at the player, and then does a double take.
Wendek Freetalker
"My word! A new customer! What with the goblins and bandits about I had thought about packing for Azra's Crossing. You must be the one Rene spoke of! Any friend of Rene's is surely a friend of mine. Feel free to purchase my goods at a discounted price."
Player
"Thank you."
Wendek Freetalker
"Well then," (he gestures around the shop) "How may I help you?"
The player peruses his goods, but his price is still outrageous, although he has said that he gives a special discounted price. What a merchant... Giving up with the merchant, the player goes out and then meets with a woman named Rilora.
Rilora
"My sister Penelope runs an herbarium in Dragonstar. I find herbs for her and ship them to Dragonstar. But with goblins and bandits I am afraid to leave Snowline, let alone search the herbs. Would you look for me?"
Player
"I will get them for you."
Rilora
"Thank you. I need five herbs." (she begins counting them on one hand, beginning with her thumb) "Foxglove, Mountaintail, Snow Blossom, Trefoil Flower, and Yuin Root. Got all that?"
Player
"I will be back soon."
The player thinks that they'll be better off finishing Rilora's request first before attempting more dangerous business. They then go searching for herbs. Mountaintail, Snow Blossom and Foxglove are easy to find, but they cannot find Yuin Root and Trefoil Flower. Then, they notice a strange platform in the middle of snow. Touching the platform doesn't give any result, then when they try to step on the platform...
The player feels their body becoming light, and then weightless. As they begin to materialize at the new destination, they discover themselves submerged within a large body of water. Without enough time to react, they find themselves being dragged into a dark cavern beneath the water. After several minutes of floundering through an underground tunnel, the cavern finally spits the player out. Dripping wet, the player looks around and notices a woman nearby. They also notice that the ground where they emerged has some herbs they were looking for. Perhaps the woman can answer some questions. Upon seeing the player, the woman - an Elf - laughs. The Elf's laughter is not malicious, but probably at the player's expense as they emerge dripping from the water.
Llewydr
"Perhaps I should install a more convenient front door. While I value my privacy I do welcome the occasional bit of company. What bring you here on this fine day?"
Player
(still dripping) "I need herbs."
Llewydr
"Looking for herbs? Yuin Root and Trefoil Flower grow around here. Feel free to harvest some."
Player
"Really cold water."
Llewydr laughs. Her laugh is infectious, The player smiles back. The Elf has taken a liking to the player, which they count as a good thing. Thinking of possible trading, rhe player asks.
Player
"What do you have to trade?"
Llewydr
"Hmm... I only have a couple of learning scrolls, but what is your offer?"
Llewydr produces two scrolls, Feeble Blade scroll and Paralyze scroll. Her price for those two scrolls is high. The player eventually takes Paralyze spell, a paralyzing touch would come in handy. After spending some time, harvesting the herbs, the player feels that it is time to go back outside.
Player
"Can you return me?"
Llewydr
"Certainly, if you are ready, I can return you to a spot near Rilora's in Snowline."
Player
"Ready."
...and zap! The player suddenly stands in front of Rilora's house in Snowline. They enter and find Rilora is waiting for them.
Rilora
"Brilliant! You are simply brilliant! These will be perfect." (she samples the fragrance of the trefoil flower and smiles)
It is done, the player goes out. It is time for goblin hunting.
They decide that they need to do some exploring in this goblin cavern, and look for a way to eliminate Tirasch. Then the goblins and their pets, the wolves, go hostile.
In one of the landmasses, they meet with a goblin sergeant. He snarls and shouts at the player.
Goblin Sergeant
"Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm busy?"
Player
"Not my problem."
Battle begins. The player easily disposes this arrogant sergeant. In his body, they find Sissithik's Will.
Nearby, they find a pile of skeletons, human obviously. A glimpse of metal catches their attention; it's a sword. Mahk Longsword, a nice blade. they take it. They also finds some more interesting items in other part of the caverns, such as Silver Picks and Scythe Crystals. They also find a ring with an insignia which looks like a pair of fangs; Ring of Fangs that gives a small bonus to the attack rating.
The player stumbles upon an algae pool. It smells like rotting weeds, probably doesn't taste much better. If the goblins are living off this, no wonder they have a nasty disposition. However, the player somehow has a need to taste the algae. They eat a bit, and suddenly regains stamina, and feels a little better all around.
Later on, the player finds a room with of giant mushrooms. The air smells differently. It looks like the goblins are growing mushrooms for different properties than those growing naturally in the caverns. The player examines a gray mushroom. This gray mushroom is firm to the touch and looks edible. They try to consume it and realizes that their speed is increased a point permanently. There are five gray mushrooms total; they take all of them.
In a giant landmass at the farthest corner of the caverns, The player meets an impressive giant goblin. They know immediately that this one is Tirasch. The giant goblin attacks. As usual, the player's tactic is to use combination of Blaze spell and blade. But this Tirasch is indeed powerful and fast, the player has to use Heal Wound spell several time to avoid bleeding to death. Eventually, Tirasch lies lifelessly on the icy floor. In his cold body, the player finds a Shadowkey.
Then, The player notices a door, they enter it and the door goes to another big hollow, separated from the rest of Fearfrost Caverns.
FEARFROST CAVERNS, AREA II
There are some chests; inside the player finds some interesting items, such as Frenzy Scroll and Sanctuary Scroll. Then they notice a big round crystal in the middle of the room, and there is a figure inside the crystal. Suddenly, the newly acquired Shadowkey glows and the crystal cracks. The figure inside moves amidst the shards. He looks at The player over carefully, then looks pleased as he announces.
Mysterious Mage
"You are not goblin." (the man extends his hand to shake her) "My apologies, I am..." (he pulls back his hand) "Hmm... I distinctly remember knowing who I was, but that escapes me now. Who are you?"
Player
"An adventurer."
Mysterious Mage
"An adventurer? That explains your lack of goblinosity. Well played."
Player
"Thank you."
Mysterious Mage
"Can you tell me more about me? I am lacking many of the details."
Player
"So am I."
Mysterious Mage
"Excellent, something we have in common then. Would you be interested in letting me know more about me should you discover it?"
Player
"Sure."
The man looks pleased. He takes a step forward the player, gesturing with his left hand. His shadow bends to overlap theirs. The player feels a jolt through their heels, their jaw tightens. They see white spots in front of their eyes. When their vision clears, the man looking surprised.
Mysterious Mage
"More painful than I remembered. But we should be able to keep in touch now through umbric connection."
Player
"I will be in touch."
Exhausted of any conversation, the player explores the surrounding caverns. They find a chest, containing two scythe crystals and a set of silver picks.
Then they leave the Fearfrost Caverns, and go back to Snowline village.
SNOWLINE VILLAGE
After some rest the player talks to Porliss Caith
Porliss Caith
(Porlis' tail swishes in the snow) "Rumor says Lakvan, and others, are receiving Imperial backing. This could tilt the balance of power. I need to know which way the balance tilts, if it tilts at all. Infiltrate Lakvan's Stronghold, find evidence of Imperial involvement and bring it to me. Dragonstar greatly appreciates your effort on her behalf. Can you do this one last thing?"
Player
"Lakvan's it is."
Then, the player tries to talk to Tanyin Aldwyr.
Tanyin Adlwyr
"I have seen you talking with the Argonian Porliss. I suspect that we currently work at cross purposes. I had a mission for you, but I need to get to Dragonstar East now as it is. Seek me out in the HQ of General Duvais, in southeast quarter of Dragonstar East. Perhaps we can work together then."
Player
"Later, then."
Then the player goes back to find the other Argonian, Sissithik.
Sissithik
"No, no this cannot be it." (he bites the parchment) "No... wait, this is it. Thank you for teaching those goblins a thing or two."
The player returns to Wendek Freetalker's shop to unload the loot from the goblins caverns. Then they depart to Lakvan's Stronghold. The area outside of the stronghold is guarded by several bandits that easily disposed. One of them had a nice Double-Bow. The player enters the stronghold.
LAKVAN'S STRONGHOLD
The fortress is still, silence adding to the player's sense of apprehension. Their shadow wavers, even with no change of light, then it speaks.
The player's shadow
"I think this place holds the answer."
Player
(shocked) "Who are you?"
The player's shadow
"I believe that is the question I posed to you beneath Fearfrost Caverns."
Player
(relieved) "Yes I'll have your answer."
The player steps deeper into the stronghold, and Tanyin was right this stronghold is difficult to overcome. High-leveled guards with some deadly archers wait her in every corner. The combination of Blaze spell, Mahk Longsword, and Double-Bow is not enough. They have to resort to running from the guards and drinking Health potions.
In some parts of the stronghold, they find some interesting items, such as Ring of Star, that increases magic resistance; Ring of Thunderblows, that increases the attack rating and Silver Gauntlet of Casting.
In one of the barracks, they meet a woman who apparently is arrested and being questioned. After disposing the guards, the player talks to her and the prisoner introduces herself as Clerk Skye. She looks relieved.
Clerk Skye
"I was sent here to find some evidence of Imperial involvement. But these bandits' suspicions grow. I think I can gather evidence quickly, but I cannot leave with it. I haven't being paid, and recompense looks unlikely. If you would get me something I need from within the Stronghold... I require one Spider Heart and one Horrid Tongue in exchange for my evidence. Spiders and Wormmouths do wander the area behind the Shadow Gate. If you get the key from Lakvan... you should be able to find what you need fairly quickly. Will you do this?"
Player
"Yes, it's a deal."
The player goes again exploring, sneaking and slaying those bandits. Eventually they reach a big hall with several guards in it. They attack at once. Thanks to the goblin's Gray Mushrooms, the player's speed faster than those guards. Still, the battle takes sometime with hit-and-run attacks. In one of the bandit's body, the player finds a brass key with faint writing on it. Smudging soot from a torch on the key reveals ‘Lakvan's Room'.
There are two rooms that have not been opened, one is located in the middle of the area. The player is pretty sure that this Lakvan is in the room. The other is the room guarded by a Shadow Gate. Obviously, it needs a Shadowkey to open. The player goes to the room in the middle and uses the brass key, the door opens, and indeed Lakvan is inside. Lakvan snaps a glance at her.
Lakvan
"Tharn predicted complications if I worked with Asuul. But you are a complication I can easily handle."
Lakvan approaches the player, wielding the most massive axe they has ever seen. The battle begins. As before, a hit-and-run is the right tactic confronting the massive-axe wielder. After some strikes by Double-bow and Blaze spell, Lakvan goes down. The player loots his body, and the massive axe is actually a Daedric Battle Axe. They keep this and promise themselves to use it for another battle. The bulking size of the weapon makes the wielder slowed down, but the damage rating is extreme.
Inside Lakvan's room, the player finds a chest. Inside the chest they find a Shadowkey and a Star Tooth. The Star Tooth flares as the shadows from the key twist and dance, as if the two were locked in combat.
She then goes to the Shadow Gate. The gate swings open. Inside she finds some spiders, wormmouths and one lesser daedra, the hunger, not counting several bandit guards. She collects some Spider Heart and Horrid Tongue from the body of spiders and wormmouths. In one of larger room, there is a teleporter platform. She steps on it and immediately she transported to another room with a single person in the middle, Pergan Asuul.
Approaching, she notices that Pergan Asuul's face contorts into a hideous hybrid of a smile and rigor mortis.
Pergan Asuul
"So you found slaying me to your liking?"
Player
"I see one was not enough."
Pergan Asuul
"No, no it wasn't. And should you find need to kill me again, take comfort in the fact that you are doing my will by doing so."
Player
"Comfort?"
Pergan Asuul
"Ah, you mingled with shadow without understanding the forces you have set in motion, I shall harness, and none have the knowledge to stop me."
Player
"We shall see."
Pergan Asuul
(he laughs as his form begins to lose shape) "It is even better than I could have hoped for. Even mingling shadows with Azra Nightwielder will not help you now." (he disappears)
The player feels a chill through their shadow.
Azra Nightwielder
"Azra... Nightwielder? That... sounds good... familiar... right."
Player
"What now, Azra?"
Azra Nightwielder
"I shall travel to... Azra's Crossing. Meet me at the battle crater... meet me in the sinkhole just outside of town. I can have another Star Tooth for you and your friend Skelos. Perhaps more by the time you get there."
On the place where Asuul stood, there is a pair of Shadow Gloves. The player retraces their steps and goes back to Clerk Skye.
Clerk Skye brightens when she sees the player.
Clerk Skye
"You have all the items?"
Player
"Yes."
Clerk Skye
"Superb! Here is the evidence I promised you." (she hands the player two scrolls, one red and one brown, then she departs)
The player opens the red scroll. The scroll is ledger, which shows that considerable sums have been paid to Lakvan by the Empire. Some of the entries, such as "Hammerfell dead, per head" indicate the Empire is leaning toward Skyrim in this war.
The player opens the brown scroll. It reads...
"My most estimable Lakvan,
you must understand you risk my wrath by continued association with Pergan Asuul. Your claim he is a Shadowmage opposed to Skelos Undriel is irrelevant. Shadow magics by their nature will twist on their casters and so do the words of the magic's practitioners. My plan to have utterly destroy Undriel can tolerate no such risk this close to fruition. End this association with Pergan Asuul or I shall end mine with you. Ponder that choice as you will.
Sincerely, Jagar Tharn."
All the player's missions have accomplished; they leave the Lakvan's Stronghold andgoes back to meet Porliass Caith in Snowline.
SNOWLINE VILLAGE
Porliss Caith
"So, the Empire does gather strength. Yet they do not seem to harbor love for Skyrim. This could be good." (he shakes The player' hand and flicks his tongue in great excitement) "I need to get to Dragonstar West now. If you want some seasoning, come see me in the council building, in the northewest section."
Player
"Later, then."
Porliass Caith departs. The player thinks that they should go back to Ghast's Pass to deliver back the pack of Olpac Trailslag.
GHAST'S PASS
The player goes immediately to find Olpac Trailslag, which is still waiting in front of TwilightTemple . The temple now feels safe after the player defeated Pergan Asuul inside.
Olpac Trailslag
"My pack! You’ve returned it! And here I was ready to call it a lost cause. Here are two doses of Ghost Flame."
He thanks her for all the trouble, politely excuse himself and leaves. The player now is deep in thought, should she go to Azra’s Crossing to meet Skelos Undriel and Azra Nightwielder? Or continue to Dragonstar? She chooses to talk to Azra Nightwielder first in Azra's Crossing.
AZRA'S CROSSING
The player meets Azra in the crater outside of town.
Azra Nightwielder
"I cannot tell you how strange a thing it is to not know who you are. I am grateful that you revealed me. However, I can tell you that I had an interesting conversation with a mage, Skelos Undriel. Our disagreement is an important one. He believes there are five Star Teeth. In my time, there were seven; I presume there are seven still. Yes. If Skelos tries to control that shadow creatures with but five, he will fail, and will be consumed in the process. Better you should take the one he has, obtain the rest, and destroy this creature in the crypts where it is gathering strength."
Player
"Where are the rest?"
Azra Nightwielder
"One can be found in Broken Wing, and another in Glacier Crawl far to the north. Where the rest are, I do not know."
Player
(Azra is right, one in Broken Wing which they have already acquired, but for the rest...) "What then?"
Azra Nightwielder
"Go to Crypt of Hearts, north-northeast near the trading post of a man named Egrien Stout. Before they were scattered, the Star Teeth were placed in the Vault of the Heavens within the crypt. It is a vault dedicated to mind and stars. Place the sever Star Teeth there. This will be your bastion against shadow. Lure the creature there, and destroy it."
Player
"I could use some help."
Azra Nightwielder
(Azra Nightwielder is quiet for a few moments) "I will meet you there. The shadows and I are on very familiar terms. We will take advantage of that."
Player
"How?"
Azra Nightwielder
"I will enter the crypt before you. The attention paid to consuming... a morsel such as myself may give you time to find what you need." (he nods, more to himself than at the player) "It is done then. I shall see you at the crypt. Before I leave, here is the Star Tooth I promised you." (he gives them the Star Tooth)
Player
"Goodbye, Azra.
The player goes to Earthtear Caverns to meet Skelos Undriel.
EARTHTEAR CAVERNS
Skelos Undriel
(Skelos raises his voice in conjunction with his eyebrows) "You expect me to give you the Star Teeth back? My one chance to thwart the magic which threatens me?"
Player
"You've been misled."
Skelos Undriel
"Who misled me? How do you know Azra Nightwielder isn't the one who is misleading you?"
Player
"Azra has the same enemies."
Skelos Undriel
(Skelos thinks about what the player said) "I suppose he would understand the shadow wars better than I." (he hands The player his Star Tooth) "My foe has proven to be more that I can handle. I pray you are more up to the task."
Player
"I'll be ready."
Skelos Undriel
(Skelos clasps her shoulder and looks her in the eye, finally smiling) "Yes, yes, I believe you will be." (then, the shadow mage turns to leave)
The player goes out of Earthtear Caverns and they think that they will find more information about the Star Teeth in Dragonstar. They prepare themselves and then head to Dragonstar, via Ghats's Pass and Snowline. A long way, indeed.
