The Elder Scrolls: Ascension [IC]

[Cybraxia]

Fort Skycrown

---

The Emperor laughed in a rather mocking way. "Did you think we would openly state it if we were to back a coup? Truly? I think you have much to learn in the way of politics still, Ylgim Skycrown. If this coup had failed - and chances still are it might - then we would immediately be at war with the Dominion. Not at a moment of our choosing, but immediately, without us having any say in it. You are wrong. You have reason to trust me, for I am your Emperor - whether you are willing to accept that as a fact or not. No, if the Empire goes to war, I need to be able to trust you to not take your chances to try and wrestle as much of Skyrim into your control as possible." Remaunes' eyes shot towards another figure, close by. "What is this talk of plans and embassies? What have you been plotting?"

Jon sighed. "Emperor, what do you know of the Civil War? More specifically, what do you know... of the Grimmsdottir?" He stroke his beard for a moment before continuing. "Skyrim has been oppressed by the Thalmor. They are enemies of Talos, and therefore enemies of existence. If they would have their way, worship of Talos would be eradicated for good, and as such, Mundus, and by extension, Nirn, would collapse on itself. Which leads me back to my question... What do you know of the Grimmsdottir?" He crossed his arms.

[Ralnis]

Wolfskull Ruins,
Wolfskull Cave

Deep in the cave, the old sites where Necromancers were trying to summon and bind the Wolf Queen for whatever purposes that the Otoro didn't care for. The cave was the best place to try and squat for a time as they came to Skyrim in search for Mannimarco's Book of Lichdom from the Vigalilants of Stendarr. When they had picked up on the trail on the Vigilants, they only came to see that the convoy was attacked by skeletons and magic.

Yamir was writing in his journal which had a lot of spells in the form of necromancy and lighting spells. He knew that this wasn't really a time to be writing but he thought that jotting down the runescripts and the ritual sights of the necromancers who tried to bind the Wolf Queen. One of the Spellswords came up and cleared his throat to interrupt Yamir's writings, " we have the bones." He gave a nod and motioned him to walk with him to the chamber site where they had prepared their own ritual to undo the cleansing that the Priests of Arkay did to banish her.

" You really think we need help here Yamir? This Order doesn't cater to the crazy and you know it." One of the Redguard said as he saw Yamir and the other walking to the center of the chamber site where they had the power of dark magic and eldritch flames danced in the goblet of stands that were marked in a pentagram that was enclosed in a circle where the old runes of the Necromancers who had tried to bring her back from the dead.

" I know Ahliz, trust me but we will need allies in this province or we will be quickly outnumbered by the quantity of these hedge-mages. Besides, we are going to need to open our doors to the shattered after the Worm Cult got splintered in the 3rd era. That's 400 years of history gone in the way of any mage thinks themselves a skilled mage of the dead by just bringing a skeleton back to life." Ahliz crossed his arms," hmph! Just because we are around 55 of our people doesn't me we will take in just anyone. I will make sure of that Yamir, leader or no."

Yamir just nodded as the rest of the Otoro had started to use spells to cast off the cleansing from the bones of the Wolf Queen and the energy had started to spin and weave as the divine magic fated for the necromantic to come in. " Alright that's enough, it should be ready for the summoning. We need five in a circle, everyone get clear or you will be swept by the power of the ritual!" When the Redguards started the ritual, the air started to get heavy and almost impossible to breath as Yamir started the chant," we call upon the ancient, the power of the Old Age. Seek the power of the Wolf Queen of Solitude, Potema! Come from the either and grace us with your presence, I command thee, reveal!"

The room begin to shake as energies had started to swirl into a focus power over the Redguards as the energy starts to manifest to form a woman and spoke," so, another cult has tried to revive to take my power. You won't take my power! I won't let you!" Potema had tried to wrestle the magic from the Redguards and Yamir but they were prepared. The Otoro and Yamir had started to use their combined power to tied her to the bones and skull as long as Yamir allowed it.

" How? How could you do such a thing!?" She asked as her spirit had lost the battle for control temporary. Yamir started to catch her breath as he spoke in a calm voice," calm down Potema, I'm not here to absorb you or bind you to anything." Before he was able to say anything he surprised by one of Potema's lighting blast and knocked him back. The control on her was loosen a bit and she was trying to exploit the weakness till Yamir cast Finger of the Mountain as a large powerful energy bolt came from him to subdue the powerful spirit but he felt that she was getting stronger.

" Listen to me! I'm trying to talk to you! If you don't listen then I will send your soul to the Carin!" It was then that Potema was able to gather her strength but did not attack but stood in front of Yamir. " Fine mortal, release me and we shall speak." Yamir shook his head," not going to happen Wolf Queen. Even in death we can barely hold you down and if you hear what I say then I assure you that your full power will be restored and even have a new body."

A silence had came over the ethereal face of the Wolf Queen for a few seconds until she said," explain this deal." He pointed to her skull," My Order needs allies for we have plans, goals, basic things to grow our strength and such. I know that this was the place that you were supposed to be revived before the Dragonborn thwarted it but he is not around anymore. You help me and I help you." She walks close in a more angry stance but she showed no intent on harming the Necromancers," I don't have much of a choice in this do I? At least you are more up front then what you want from then the last group. Fine, I will help you but only if you find me a body to posses and for you to stay out of my way when I take back my city.

I will be in my catacombs building what army is left there. Before I leave, what is your name mortal?" As the spirit started to be unshackled and he spoke," my name is Yamir" the last words spoke as she took her remains and left out of the cave in the sky to her destination. Ahlizir had came to Yamir when the ritual was done he was a bit distraught," I don't think we can trust the Wolf Queen." Yamir nod in agreement," I don't trust her either, but we aren't in the way of picking and choosing our allies and neither is the Wolf Queen. She knows this for even someone such as I could subdue her with lighting, if she was in her full strength, then she would wipe us out for sure."

Ahlizir corssed his arms," at least you are of sound mind when you make your deals. Though as of right now, I have good news. We have tracked down the necromancers who took the book." They both started to walk together outside to the snow," where are they?" Yamir questioned. " Well, a group of them have inhabited a flooded Imperial prison in the Eastmarch region." Yamir stopped walking as he saw the night sky and immediately turned to Ahlizir," what do you mean a group? You mean there are more of them?" The Redguard nodded," yes, apparently the Vigilants had been having trouble with a growing faction of Necromancers under a one Altmer known as Macurio. He and his necromancers were the ones that have the book as Macurio is trying to achieve Lichdom."

Yamir gave a sigh," then take some of our own, bind some minons and storm the prison, we must get that book if we have any chance to unlock the secrets. I will try to start searching for a woman worth the possession of the Wolf Queen. Might as well search in Solitude since we are near it. Also, while your out, try to find a better place to set up a base of operations for I think we are going to be here for a long time, maybe permanent if we stay here too long."

Ahlizir shrugged his head," I just hope that's not the case. This province is full of bandits, rebels, and hedge mages who think that their all a necromantic warlords because they know a few skeletons." Yamir laughed," you know, were not far off from that statement." Ahlizir just growled at him as he left to go get the book and Yamir to find a host for their newfound ally.

[South Sutalia]

Vorid Ursine
Blackreach, The Pale
Skyrim, The Empire

"This should be interesting. Almost makes me wonder how the Dwemer got their hands on an Elder Scroll." Vorid said with a hint of curiosity. It was comforting to know that Thorvald looked as determined as ever, even as they all crawled deeper into the fathomless city. Whatever navigators that marched along with the army were probably just as awestruck as the Nord girl was. An entire observatory, Vorid mused, almost as if the Dwemer were trying to mock the gods. She wandered off to examine the device from multiple angles, keeping a respectable distance from Thorvald. Vorid was wise enough not to touch the dreadful thing.

She stood by where the shadows were slightly thicker than elsewhere in the chamber, all the while she continued to ponder, and likewise, Vorid was oblivious to an odd clicking noise coming from behind. It wasn't until the clicking became an outright screech, and soon enough Vorid was tackled to the ground by a savage Chaurus. Instinctively she went for her dagger, though the creature's chitin was almost impenetrable. Repeatedly she continued to stab it in the eyes, unrelenting with an overdose of adrenaline. By then it had already bitten into her shoulder, injecting a virulent poison into her veins.

[The Intergalactic Russian Empire]

Vorid Ursine
Blackreach, The Pale
Skyrim, The Empire

"This should be interesting. Almost makes me wonder how the Dwemer got their hands on an Elder Scroll." Vorid said with a hint of curiosity. It was comforting to know that Thorvald looked as determined as ever, even as they all crawled deeper into the fathomless city. Whatever navigators that marched along with the army were probably just as awestruck as the Nord girl was. An entire observatory, Vorid mused, almost as if the Dwemer were trying to mock the gods. She wandered off to examine the device from multiple angles, keeping a respectable distance from Thorvald. Vorid was wise enough not to touch the dreadful thing.

She stood by where the shadows were slightly thicker than elsewhere in the chamber, all the while she continued to ponder, and likewise, Vorid was oblivious to an odd clicking noise coming from behind. It wasn't until the clicking became an outright screech, and soon enough Vorid was tackled to the ground by a savage Chaurus. Instinctively she went for her dagger, though the creature's chitin was almost impenetrable. Repeatedly she continued to stab it in the eyes, unrelenting with an overdose of adrenaline. By then it had already bitten into her shoulder, injecting a virulent poison into her veins.

Thorvald Frost-Shield
Blackreach, The Pale
Skyrim, The Empire
Thorvald heard the sound of a struggle and turned to see Vorid being attack by a Chaurus Reaper. He sprang into action as soon as he saw the Reaper, pulling his spear off his back and chucked it at the Reaper. The spear hit the Chaurus in a soft spot and embedded itself in the Reaper's flesh. Soon after that Thorvald charged in with sword and shield in hand to finish the beast off, stabbing it inbetween the chitin. When it was dead he kicked the body away and knelt down by Vorid, examining her wound "The wound looks pretty bad, it may fester and become infected if it's not treated. We'll need to find a healer to treat the wound and cleanse you of any poisons the Reaper may have injected into you, but as far as I know there are no healers with us."

[Ralnis]

Abandoned Prison,
Skyrim, The Empire

Ahlizir and 15 other Spellswords made their way to the Prison. By the nature of the dark magic, Ahlizir already knew that the necromancers were hear. He had made about 50 skeletons, some he had to kill fresh but it didn't matter in order to get the book. The invasion was underway as Ahlizir had shouted," kill these Hedge Mages! We must get the book!" The necromancers were not surprised by the fact the necromancers attacked them, but they were kind of surprised that the necromancers were spellswords. It was probably different for them to see that the Sta'zin and their minions have fought together like a trained unit. Ahlizir had led the charge and the necromancers were saying things. One of them was trying to fight back," how do they fight back like that! Who are they!" One said, " it doesn't matter, don't let them take the book!"

The battle was hard fought but a few wounded compared to the pocket of the necromancers that were routed. Ahilzir was able to retake the Book but he had noticed that the necromancers were already gathering the recipes needed to perform the attempt to Lichdom. This was not good for if Marcuiro had perform the spell and even succeeded at the attempt then he will be a much more dangerous threat than before. Ahilzir tended to the wounded and hurried back to the Cave in order to tell Yamir of the news and start hunting down these necromancers and the artifacts if they would have any means to bring down a potential threat.

The Winking Skeever,
Solitude, Skyrim, The Empire

While Ahilzir was running back to help the Otoro to get the books back, he was looking for woman that could serve as a vessel for the Wolf Queen and this was the means to establishing an alliance as he felt her presence near here, almost under his feet. If the spirit of the Wolf Queen was this powerful, that means the legends of the Wolf Queen and her power was true. He was deep in thought like he always was until a bar wrench came with the mead," her you go sire." Yamir looked up and saw the woman, she was fair for a bar wrench, but it was a suitable vessel for Potema to do her complete resurrection. It was a shame that he would have to do this to an innocent but Yamir needed allies.

" Excuse me, but I hate to ask." He started to say in order to make a spell to persuade her." Please ask away, it shouldn't be that much of a problem." He eyes started to swirl a magical hypnotic glow that charmed her when he continued to speak," would you be so kind as to follow me?" She was charmed and didn't say anything but nodded and started to walk out after he paid for the tab and she said she was going to take a break to the owner. Little did she know that she won't be coming back anymore as Yamir made his way to the Catacombs in the Blue Palace.

[The NAR]

Marcus Augustus
Blackreach, the Pale
Province of Skyrim, the Empire

---

The screams of battle were, by now, reaching every last corner of Blackreach. Marcus brought his sword down on a wounded Falmer, it's thick, dark blood splattering on his armor. Nordic Warriors ran past, they too bringing their blades down on the wounded Falmer. The Falmer force had been shattered and thrown into disarray, most were now scrambling into the buildings to regroup.

Marcus pushed his way through a crowd of soldiers that had gathered, and revealed to him was a man in rags, terrified, waving a war axe and screaming to stay away. Marcus HAD been wondering why these people were fighting with the Falmer, but those thoughts were cut short when his blade tasted their flesh. "BACK!" the Servant yelled at Marcus, waving his axe. Marcus didn't move, didn't flinch, just examined the Servant. He was just a kid, no older than 17 or 18.

"Calm down, son, it's over-" Marcus began.

"NO!" interrupted the boy. "They'll be back, with twice the numbers! They'll slaughter us all!"

Marcus moved closer to the boy. "Kid, put the axe down. You're safe now, nobody here will hurt you..."

The boy backed up further into the corner. "Why should I trust you? You just slaughtered my friends! Splattered blood all over my home! You know what those blind bastards are gonna do me!?"

"Son... put the axe down, and we'll take you back home. Where are you from? Where are your parents?"

"I... I'm from Markarth" stuttered the boy. "But my parents are dead, so you can just leave me here. This is my home".

"Alright..." said Marcus calmly. "But you need to put the axe down". Reluctantly, the boy slowly placed the war axe on the ground, looking at Marcus the entire time.

"There..." he said angrily. Marcus nodded and turned to soldier.

"Take the boy back to Base Camp, Ill talk to him when the mission is complete". With that, Marcus left the crowd to help the men clear the other buildings.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Esthael Cardes
Pale Pass
Skyrim, The Empire

---

With the group complete once more, they quickly began to move further northwards, towards Skyrim, crossing Pale Pass before night would fall. Once they had arrived in Skyrim, the group descended the mountains, coming to a halt once they had left the snowy regions of the Jerall Mountains guarding the Cyrodiil-Skyrim border. Making camp for the night, Esthael sat herself down on a rock once more - the thought of that seemingly becoming somewhat of a tradition entering her mind before she grabbed her bag, taking out a whole lot of notes along with a map, wondering where they'd best go now that they had entered Skyrim.

Fort Skycrown

---

"An informant of the Stormcloaks, and as such a traitor to the Empire. Now tell me, what is this about the embassy? Speak up, lest we have to force the truth off your tongue here and now! I have no time for whatever game you want to play."

[The Greater Gambia]

Cyrodiil, The Empire
The Narud Siblings


The Narud Siblings made sure they put plenty of ground between them and Esthael's party. Their beast form faded in a forest a few miles away from the Pale Pass. "Glad that's over, so shall we head to the Imperial City now?" Tazir said. Amina dusted herself off. "Of course, I've got a plan to-" Cyprus interrupted her. "No, to be honest, I think you've lost the ability to make the plans for a while." Amina was offended. "How dare you? It's not like-" Cyprus interrupted her again, much to her chagrin. "Last time you were in charge, you panicked and got us into this situation. Now, we have no weapons, no potions, and no food in the middle of nowhere. Not to mention that what's her name could the warn the Emperor that there are assassins."

Amina rolled her eyes. "Please, she doesn't know we're after the Emperor, why would she tell him?". Cyprus walked over to a nearby cliff. Even from this far away, he could see the Imperial City in the distance. "We just attacked a member of the royal family. Chances are that will come up in conversation at one point. Once that happens, it will probably become difficult to move around the province. Besides, the three of us alone won't be able to storm the White-Gold Tower. We'll need a team of skilled thieves and assassins."

[Cybraxia]

Esthael Cardes
Pale Pass
Skyrim, The Empire

---

With the group complete once more, they quickly began to move further northwards, towards Skyrim, crossing Pale Pass before night would fall. Once they had arrived in Skyrim, the group descended the mountains, coming to a halt once they had left the snowy regions of the Jerall Mountains guarding the Cyrodiil-Skyrim border. Making camp for the night, Esthael sat herself down on a rock once more - the thought of that seemingly becoming somewhat of a tradition entering her mind before she grabbed her bag, taking out a whole lot of notes along with a map, wondering where they'd best go now that they had entered Skyrim.

Fort Skycrown

---

"An informant of the Stormcloaks, and as such a traitor to the Empire. Now tell me, what is this about the embassy? Speak up, lest we have to force the truth off your tongue here and now! I have no time for whatever game you want to play."

Jon chuckled again. He began to pace as he spoke."She could be considered a traitor, but not to the Empire. In truth, she was a patriot, for she loved this country. And although it was not her birthplace, it became her home." He then sighed. "In truth, she was a traitor to an enemy that we all fear, an enemy of both the Empire and Skyrim. And she has played her role perfectly. But if a civil war has broken out between the Altmer, then our plans..." He shook his head. "Ah, yes our plans. The burning down of the Embassy." He shrugged. "Of course, we no longer have a need for that plan any more. So it was nothing more than an idea now. Besides, there's no harm in an idea, is there?"

He then stopped, and turned towards the Emperor. "And were you suggesting torture, Emperor? I thought better of you." He gave a wry grin. "Everyone knows that torture makes for a terrible method for getting the truth. People will say anything to get out of it." He returned to pacing. "For an Emperor, you need to work on your patience. Maybe then, incidents like this wouldn't happen..." He stopped and shrugged again. "Only a suggestion. But it's not like you'd listen to an old foolish man like myself."

[The Olog-Hai]

Whiterun, Skyrim.
There was work to be done. That Khajiit, who Redtail now owed a favor, and he was in a good mood, so would keep that favor, wanted him to put together a fleet. But, he said he would look for men, and ships, and Redtail could train them.
But, he didn't trust that Khajiit's crew-finding skills. He knew the only crew he could trust would be a crew that he hand picked. One that he could trust. And his flagship. That, he would have to find a ship. One can't trust a land-loving Khajiit to find a nice, sturdy, seaworthy ship. No, you had to pick it yourself. And make a few additions, of course. Those would be expensive, but worth it. He'd need some good, offensive spellcasters too. Trustworthy ones. Maybe some of his former crew, if they were still around. He could trust them.
"Hey," he said to his trustworthy, but not too trustworthy, friend. "Can you get us some horses? I'll need about ten. Maybe some wagons too. If you run away with the gold I'm going to give you to buy these things, I will hunt you down. You look like a smart one, you seem to know that one doesn't double-cross a pirate.
Now, off to do some work. He knew that some of his crew, or other good contacts, lived in the Whiterun area, a few even in the city. He'd just have to find them. He wouldn't be able to fully reassemble his crew, though, without time. Some were elsewhere, such as in Elsweyr or Cyrodiil. No, those were too far away. He'd have to run a skeleton crew for a while.
A few hours later...
Redtail, with some others, arrive at the stables. There, they meet his friend, who had been getting impatient.
The Nord asked "Who are all these people?"
"These?" Redtail replied. "These are some of my former crew, and some contacts I have. They're trustworthy, unlike my former first mate, who tried to stab me in the back. My reflexes were too good, though.
And so, Redtail, the Nord mercenary, and 8 others set out, with some supplies, towards Windhelm. There, he would find a ship, and hire some more crew.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Fort Skycrown

---

"Burning down the Thalmor Embassy? You realize that you would force the Empire into a war almost immediately? Thousands, if not more, would die in the war simply because it started too early. No harm because it was but an idea? You were plotting actions that would damn thousands to their graves, and for what?" The Emperor's mood was, by now, growing worse and worse - these rebels that were conspiring against him had not only plotted their succession from the Empire, but also plotted to burn down an Embassy, throwing the Empire into a war before it could fully prepare itself! "You speak of patience, and yet you have conspired to burn down an embassy and to throw the Empire into a war before its time. You will speak no more, lest I find myself to have grown more than weary of your reckless plotting to have thousands killed. And that, man, is not a suggestion."

Remaunes turned back towards Ylgim. "So tell me, then, how did you think that burning down the Thalmor Embassy would go? Did you think it would not matter at all? Did you think there would be no consequences on a larger scale? No, Ylgim Skycrown, I think you were fully aware of what would happen. You knew that this would mean the start of a war, and the death of thousands. So tell me, what did you want that for? An opportunity to, perhaps, betray the Empire? Explain yourself at once, for I find what little faith I had remaining in you and your comrades dwindling by the moment."

[Cybraxia]

Fort Skycrown

---

"Burning down the Thalmor Embassy? You realize that you would force the Empire into a war almost immediately? Thousands, if not more, would die in the war simply because it started too early. No harm because it was but an idea? You were plotting actions that would damn thousands to their graves, and for what?" The Emperor's mood was, by now, growing worse and worse - these rebels that were conspiring against him had not only plotted their succession from the Empire, but also plotted to burn down an Embassy, throwing the Empire into a war before it could fully prepare itself! "You speak of patience, and yet you have conspired to burn down an embassy and to throw the Empire into a war before its time. You will speak no more, lest I find myself to have grown more than weary of your reckless plotting to have thousands killed. And that, man, is not a suggestion."

Remaunes turned back towards Ylgim. "So tell me, then, how did you think that burning down the Thalmor Embassy would go? Did you think it would not matter at all? Did you think there would be no consequences on a larger scale? No, Ylgim Skycrown, I think you were fully aware of what would happen. You knew that this would mean the start of a war, and the death of thousands. So tell me, what did you want that for? An opportunity to, perhaps, betray the Empire? Explain yourself at once, for I find what little faith I had remaining in you and your comrades dwindling by the moment."

It was at this that Jon had enough. "If you thought that war wasn't coming regardless, you are delusional. The Third Dominion might have settled for peace at the time being, but their set of beliefs put us at odds, period." He scowled. "Men would die regardless. Would it not be better for them to die to guarantee peace, or to die simply trying to survive? And now you speak of this uprising, this revolt going on. You speak of the Empire not being ready, but when would it be? A year? Ten years? A century? Would you have us wait until they attack us first? Pah!" He shook his head. "It would be best to strike first, and attack while they do not expect it. But now, we have an advantage! Their own people move against them, if you are to be believed. If these people fight for ideals such as ours, would it not be best to cement an alliance? With our forces assisting theirs, we would win easily! Think of it! You would go down in history as the Emperor who secured a lasting peace throughout Tamriel. Your name would be among the likes of Reman and Septim!" He looked at the Emperor with a pleading eye. "Would not a lasting peace be a worthy cause?"

He paused for a few moments, and his eye looked away, shoulders slumping. "But again, I am a foolish old man." He turned and walked to the back of the Skycrown guards.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Fort Skycrown

---

"It seems that your... henchmen are somewhat lacking in the way of intelligence," the Emperor stated, perhaps somewhat bluntly, still looking towards Ylgim, "for them not to have noticed the massive amount of troop movement towards the southern borders of the Empire. Next time you plan to do a thing such as this I recommend you find people more... qualified for the job. This, however, still does not explain your own motivations for planning to do this. Thousands would die simply because you did not give the Empire the chance to start the War when it would be in our favour. Thousands, among which the sons of Skyrim. So speak up, man, and let this man and his foolish talks remain silent."

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Ylgim Skycrown
Fort Skycrown, The Pale
Skyrim, The Empire

---

As Jon spoke, Ylgim was yelling on the inside. He couldn't believe that Jon was share all this information, he would need to have a serious discussion with him after this.

Once Jon left behind the guards, Ylgim let out a sigh, "That, I can agree with.... I need to have a serious chat with him.... Anyway." He said as he turned his attention back to the Emperor, "Like Jon stated, it was an idea, not a plan. You say that the Empire is not ready for a war with the Dominion, but I've seen reports. The Empire is ready to go to war, and this coup is the perfect opportunity. You've had many opportunities, I can see why you have looked over many of them. But, this is the perfect time to fight the Dominion.... And you know that. As much as Jon can be foolish, he provided good points. If you let this opportunity go, then you miss an opportunity to save many lives, more lives than being thrown into war when you're not ready. The longer you wait, the more lives will be lost."

Ylgim paused, "And as for the motivations behind my idea. A show of courage and strength. The Empire has had every opportunity and right to close that Embassy, but yet, you don't. You are to afraid to order that Embassy closed and push the agents of the Thalmor out of Skyrim. In destroying that Embassy we would show the people of Skyrim that we aren't afraid of the Dominion, are willing to poke the bear and capable of defending ourselves. We would show the people that we don't need the Empire. So you asked the motivations behind the idea, you got it. It is to show the strength of what a free Skyrim is capable and willing to do." Ylgim then sighed, "Hence why it is only an idea.... Theoretically, it should work, if all the conditions were right.... But in reality, we don't know if it would succeed or back fire, hence why it is only an idea for if we are forced to use violence."

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Fort Skycrown

---

"And why do you think the Legion is moving for the borders, then? To sit there, doing nothing? It seems you have no idea how long it takes for the Legion to mobilize throughout the Empire and travel to the borders, to raise siege weapons, and nor do you seem to have any idea what the threat of a rebellion does to slow that process. If you would have burned down that Embassy today, the Legion would be forced to attack with a less than optimal amount of siege weapons, resulting in a lot more deaths than if we wait but a short time." The Emperor paused, giving a sigh before he continued. "There is no courage in burning down an embassy. You break the diplomatic immunity, both an act of aggression and dishonor. But this leaves us with far greater a problem. How can I trust you not to attack the Empire when not only have you been plotting a rebellion, but also the burning of an embassy to start a war too early? I can not, and I do not see how I will ever be able to do so."

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Ylgim Skycrown
Fort Skycrown, The Pale
Skyrim, The Empire

---

Ylgim chuckled, "You still grant the Thalmor diplomatic immunity? Do you not remember what they have done, and still do within Skyrim. Those elves have no right to diplomatic immunity for the crimes they have committed, dragging people away, funding bandits, are a few examples. So, if you call burning down their embassy a break in diplomatic immunity, then what do you call the crimes those elves have done? Aren't those a break in the diplomatic immunity? The courage isn't in the act, it is in the after math. We have the courage to stare into those elves, and make them pay for their crimes. Something the Empire has seemed to not want to do." He said to the walls of the Fort. The sound of approval could be heard.

"And in the matter of mobilizing your Legions, you've had ever since you came to power. That's plenty of time to build your siege equipment, and to move your armies to the boarder. The fact is, you've been reluctant to go to war with the Dominion.... now that could be for many reasons, your concern for life as one, that is respectable.... But you have men already at the boarder do you not? Why don't you send them in to help the coup of the Dominion along?" Ylgim asked, "Now, about trust..... You don't have to trust me, or mistrust me if you agree to granting Skyrim her independence.... That way, we can burn that Embassy to the ground, and you won't have to worry about the after math."

[Glasgia]

Northwatch Keep, Haafingar,
Skyrim

"What's the problem?" Thalin peered over the cart's stacked contents, looking to see why the driver had called his mule to a halt. The large Nord flexed his neck and shoulders, then began to move the carriage onwards again - However, he did so reluctantly. Thalin could sense fear even in that formidable brute.

"Thalmor bastards. I hate the place. I hate the cunts inside it. But, it's a job." The man nodded, perhaps to reassure himself. Thalin kept his mouth shut. The mule plodded on.

As they approached the keep, Thalin leapt from the cart and quickly grabbed at his assorted gear. The pack was noticeably lighter then when he had began his journey - Both a welcoming relief and a worrying sign of his food shortages. His faithful hound, or at least his third most faithful considering the fates of the first and second, followed at his heels as he began to trudge through the snow. A cold wind passed across him and he
shivered. This, this was no place for a Bosmer. A guard called out for him to stop and state his name.

"I-I'm Thalin, of Markarth. I was sent here by Lady Gaethore..." The name didn't sound right from his tongue, yet Thalin was confident he had uttered the right words. He awaited the guards with a certain hesitation, unsure of how the near future might form for him.

[Ralnis]

Potema's Catacombs,
Blue Palace, Solitude


The Blue Palace was still busling with Imperials like it always was but Yamir was on a mission. The Necromancer was walking through the halls that were lively with politics but one turn to the left was all that was needed to see a locked iron door until a voice came through his mind," you brought me the vessel. It will do, I'll just have to shape the body with my own. Enter Redguard." The door unlocked and opened to nothing but darkness as Yamir and the bar wrench walked down in the abyss of the catacombs.

Potema's Catacombs was dark for the most part as the two walked through. However, the faint cracking sounds of torches had lit the areas of reanimated draugurs and even some vampires had made their home here to honor the return of their Wolf Queen. Deeper within the Catacombs stood the inner sanctum of the Wolf Queen. It was in ruin and coffins filled it where seats were sitting in crumbling ruin. At the north part of the catacombs stand the heart of the Wolf Queen's dead army and her spirit sitting on her throne as Yamir approach her.

" Stand the body in front of me." She instructed Yamir and he moved the body in front of her and she started to call on the Vampires who lived in the catacombs to come and start to perform the ritual. Yamir stood back as the vampires started to take Potema's remains and grind them up and the power of the spirit started to pick up the remains and forcing the bar wrench to swallow them.

Yamir walked out in disgust at the torture that the innocent woman was going through and he felt his own humanity making him reel back in disgust because of the action he had just done. When it was done. A darken power became centered in the throne room as a new voice came from the body, " you may come back in Yamir." He did just that as the woman now had glowing red eyes and a foreboding, malevolent smile. The very undead was awoken by this transformation and the vampires were kneeling for their Wolf Queen has return to the mortal world after 100 years.

She picked up her gold circlet and put it on her head and sat down her stone throne as Yamir walked in. " Well, I never knew a necromancer who couldn't stomach a simple possession. Times have changed indeed." She said mockingly at the actions of the Redguard. "Let's just say that it's good to not let your power take over your mind."

She smiled," a powerful necromancer with his humanity still? Strange, but let's just hope it doesn't hold you back on your path to power, I know how that feels." She sat back on her stone throne as she felt something was coming," I guess that's a friend of yours Yamir?" Yamir felt it as well as it was dark energy and a Ahlizir coming down to see him.

" Yes, it is Wolf Queen. Don't kill will you?" He asked as he came down and saw the both of the talking amongst the kneeling undead. " Great, now the Wolf Queen is back in the mortal plane." Yamir turned around to Ahlizir, " is that really a problem?" This also got Potema's attention as she leaned forward to hear the reasons.

"Well yes but we can talk about that later." He said as he tried to dodge the question " I was trying to find you to say that I have the Book but Macurio and his cult are ahead of us in getting the ingredients." Yamir took the book and started to read the text that both Mannimarco has wrote and what was transcribed by Marcurio. The Wolf Queen had started to hover over Yamir as she had saw the book," Mannimarco's Book of Lichdom? An interesting path for someone such as you." She spoke to Yamir as he turned around, " it's only a means to an end for me, not some sort of ultimate achievement as our enemies think."

" Oh but that's how everyone get lured into the school." She commented but Ahlizir interrupted," Marcurio and his cult are going after three things: a ritual sight where the Necromancer's Moon will be in its zenith, a shroud of an archmage, and a heart of a high priest of Arkay." Yamir puzzled at the ingredients," that's some unique ingredients but I doubt that's this is meant for any normal Lich since this is from Mannimarco himself."

Potema was now more curious than she was before at the two Redguards and their quest. During her reign as the Wolf Queen of Solitude, she had many common lichens under her command as well as necromancers but Yamir was trying to obtain power that was beyond any normal Lich. She wander just how far he would go and what was the end goal. " I think I can help with your quest Yamir. Being just any Lich would be pointless but this a ritual that Mannimarco has written. Let me go after this shroud. I think it will be good to test out this new body of mine and to start getting my powers back." She said to Yamir with a determined smile on her face.

Ahlizir have a look at her and spoke," I don't trust her but I'm guessing she has her own reasons." She gave him a look,"trust me or not Redguard. Your leader brought me back to life and I thought why not return the favor by helping Yamir become a Lich. Now take my help or not but I will take back my kingdom and city no matter what the cost. But in order to do that I will need allies and an army and it seem you Redguards just might be the ticket."

Yamir saw the legendary ambition that made the Wolf Queen give up her own humanity to become a fury of ambition and madness that reminds Yamir what happens when you give yourself to the power so dark as necromancy. He even questioned the changing of being a Lich and just how far he will go to see if he is strong enough to have a level head when he has so much power at his fingertips.

" Fine Potema, you may help since its seems we both will probably get somethings out of this. You go after the Shroud. Ahlizir go to the Mountains near the throat of the world and take over the ritual sight. It should be in the mountains near the Throat of the World. I will go find a high priest of Arkay, one should be here in Solitude. If we can do this, then we may all benefit from this."

With all three of the necromancers were in agreement of what must be done. They set off in there own for either the quest or for power but both was on the minds of them all.

[South Sutalia]

Vorid Ursine
Blackreach, The Pale
Skyrim, The Empire

Vorid immediately swung her only good arm around Thorvald's shoulder, crying softly in pain. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," she repeated over and over again. Vorid inflicted herself with shame, knowing that she had decided to wander off from the group. The trauma was more than visible, with every inch of her skin shooting with agitation. The Nord girl was trembling as the poison coursed throughout her body, and already it seemed like she was too weak to stand. Pointless as it may have been, Vorid tried anyway. Her vision was blurry, as much as it could be for an archer, though she could still look upon the dead Chaurus not far from her. Vorid scuffled across the fine-cut stone floor, only to then fall on her knees. Reaching out to her arm, she could feel crimson blood seeping out, dripping on the ground. "Argh... how much longer do we need to be here?" she growled through her teeth.

[Zanera]

Neven Alswin
Imperial's Gorge, Originally Robber's Gorge

Neven had managed to kill an elk, getting it in the windpipe. Though going to meet with a Daedric Prince after having drank with him, Neven put the elk out of its misery when he went for it. Neven cut some meat out for himself, and spread the elk's skin so that the bear would not rip into it. Neven allowed the bear to eat what was left. After skinning the elk, he cleaned the skin and fur as best he could and bundled it, putting it on the bear's back.

By that time the stomach of the bear was settled and Neven could ride the bear. Neven knew he was reaching Imperial's Gorge, and smirked at what the Imperial soldiers there would think. The gorge came into view, and he could see commotion on the overpass. What he recognized as the guy in charge ran onto the overpass briefly in then ran off, meeting with Neven by himself when Neven came through. "I looked into your claims and they are true," said the Imperial, sounding uncertain.

"Of course it's true. Why wouldn't it be?" asked Neven in an intentionally slightly hostile voice.

"No reason. No reason. Um...may I ask why you are riding this bear?" asked the Imperial, still uncertain.

Neven shifted on the bear. "I'm an archer. I don't have much in the way of up-close protection. Bears can run fast. Faster than humans. Even if the bear cannot catch one running away, I can shoot them down. If they somehow live and come up close, they have to worry about the body weight, claws, and teeth of a big bear. Plus, I could probably still shoot them."

The guard seemed interested. "It seems real smart. Do ya think you could put armor on that bear?"

"I wouldn't put heavy armor on 'em. Maybe Medium or Light. Let the bear move good and move fast. Those are two of the most important things."

"Say, can I make a report and submit it to Solitude? I think you're on to something. Can I put your name as the main contact?"

"Neven Alswin."

The guard would probably remember his name, because he did not have paper with him that moment, and Neven's name wasn't that hard to spell. "Where could we find you?"

"I shall be in the Reach briefly. I'll probably stay mostly in Whiterun Hold or Falkreath Hold."

"Watch out for the Forsworn," said the Imperial, said the Imperial, backing away.

"I know," said Neven, starting his trip for Bleakwind Bluff again.

[Hastiaka]

Arenthia, 3rd Aldmeri Dominion Division

''Sir, The damned Thalmor have besieged Arenthia. We need to surround and isolate them.'' the sentry suggested. Arenthia is a strategic base, It used to house Dominion soldiers guarding the tense borders but it was recently seized by Bosmer militants. ''Sure, send our men to the gates and surround the Thalmor.''

Carrying Fourth Dominion banners and riding in horses, the division easily isolated Arenthia from the rest of the world. ''We must remove all Thalmor elements if we are to defend Valenwood from Imperial aggression.'' the soldier said. Hundreds of soldiers and mages surrounded the city. Demanding surrender.

''By the grace of the gods, we demand your surrender.'' a commander asked. ''Give back Arenthia, and meet our leader in Eldenroot. Peacefully''

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Fort Skycrown

---

"You call it courage to join those you hate in their crimes? You would call it courage to condemn thousands to an early grave? It is foolish, and it is madness. You would have me share my plans with you, a man so intent on betraying the Empire that he seems to be unable to know what his wrongdoings. How much of a fool do you think I am? Truly? I have given you the opportunity to negotiate, and here we stand. You, speaking of treachery hidden behind the words of 'courage'." The Emperor spread his arms. "And now you once again tell me I should make Skyrim independent. I cannot trust you, so I should make Skyrim independent? Because I do not trust you, you suggest I separate the Empire from High Rock, and as such make the Empire nothing more than the single province of Cyrodiil. What do you take me for, Ylgim Skycrown? A worshiper of Sheogorath?"

Alinor

---

The Thalmor, once more, began to push back, this time almost in full force, with many more mages of far greater power than those that had come previously joining the ranks of those already in the fight - there would be no surrender to the traitors to the Dominion.

[Ralnis]

Temple of Arkay,
Solitude

While the other two necromancers go fight the cult by completing the quest for Lichdom, Yamir was supposed to get a heart of the high priest of Arkay. However, they have been on high alert because the dead have been coming back to life in the Hall of the Dead. This was because the power of the Wolf Queen was waking them up. They had wanted to keep this a secret from the Legion garrison for they had been using rights to from Arkay to keep them from coming up. However, when Yamir heard of this. He decided to go in the Catacombs invisible at one night and rally the denizens and the 90 undead to ambush the Priest of Arkay and drag them inside the catacombs to be part of the army.

The group that was inside was a total of 125 of them but they knew that the power of the Wolf Queen was growing and so was her ally, especially since she wanted to help the Redguard to become a Lich beyond normal Lichdom. The Preists were no match at one night they were going through the rounds to make sure the dead were going down but then one notice something was off. Someone was watching them and Yamir was knocking on the door until the High Preist opened it.

" Yes, how may I help you?" he asked the Redguard as he started to measure him. He was an old Nord, walked and spoke with a very humbling stance and he could feel an air of divinity over him that Yamir knew that he was the one he was looking for. " Yes, I'm sorry to trouble you at this hour of the night but I feel like I'm diseased, you see a vampire attacked me and I think I have been infected by the dreaded disease." The High Priest looked at him and notice that he wasn't breathing normally," ahh yes, I can see that. I'm sorry for being so reserved, we have been having a bit of a problem. Infestation of skeevers, should be calling some exterminators." He lied but then felt a magical aura as he let in Yamir," excuse me but are you a mage of some sort." Yamir stopped in the middle of the center of the chapel as he saw the illusion magic starting to wear off. " Yes, more like a spellsword, but I mostly try to use my blade." The High Priest was walking beside him," I see, well the Divines do smile on those that serve. Perhaps I can help you remove the curse and you can help with the infestation?"

Yamir started to see the flicker and waver of magic started to come upstairs as the vampires were making their move beneath him and two were coming up stairs to help Yamir with the ritual rites. " Yes, I probably can, but the thing is that I think I know what the infestation is?" The Nord was looking at him with an alarm face as he thought that his lie," you know? Then I'm sorry for lying to you..."

" I wasn't talking about the skeevers." He stopped and gave a sigh, releasing the spell that allowed him to conceal himself a bit. The High Priest back when he was able to sense the death magic that came from the Redguard. " I was talking about you and your priesthood trying to cleanse this place." He then cast a lighting spell to subdue him as the vampires appeared. " Tie him up and start the ritual. Get the rest of the priests to the Catacombs and do what you want with them." They did as instructed and tied him up as they started to use their tainted blood and started to make deadric markings to start the defilment of the temple.

" What do you get out of this necromancer?" He asked in a taunting voice to Yamir as he was walking towards him. " Well, for starters this really isn't for me, but this will be a small step to something greater." He said with a level mind, which was strange to the High Priest as he always knew that the power of death magic always corrupts the minds of its users. Yet he was sane for the most part, the corruption was there and he even knows it in his eyes but he was sane.

" And what does that step mean? What is your end goal?" He asked with still anger as the symbols were done." I hate to say it, but it involves the Wolf Queen for starters, then it also involves Lichdom, and then a shot had domination." The High Priest's eyes opened at the mention of the Wolf Queen," you brought her back? But, the Dragonborn defeated her and her remains were cleansed a hundred years ago. Is your road to power that bloody? Are you that desperate for allies? I assure that every rumor and story you had heard of Potema is true, her ambition and madness know no restraints! She will betray you..." he was smacked by a vampire," don't you dare speak about the Queen in that manner worm!" Yamir punched the vampire," the Nord is already in pain, do not make more so by showing how much you worship Potema!" The vampire got up," go set up the final rites." Yamir commanded the Vampire and it did so. He turned to he High Priest," I'm sorry High Priest, but the rites will already be painful enough. However, all things are a means to an end to me and my order. I don't trust my allies, especially the Wolf Queen. Though she is powerful, this is one way to make sure that all goals are completed.

Understand that this ritual will defile the Temple and undue all the cleansing spells you done on the rising undead. The crypt should also raise the rest, a good 100 or so. Maybe more considering the size of the Hall. This will also spread to any undead around the city so at least my order in Wolfskull Cave will be supplemented with the undead in there." He said as he remembered that the spread won't be instantaneous but the effect will be there nevertheless. The vampires were happy to know that the Queen's undead army would be able to grow faster with the help of Yamir.

" So I and my priests are nothing more for a sacrifice then?" He asked before Yamir got the knife," yes, again I say, this is all a means to an end." He started to enchant the knife with necromantic magic before he begin the ritual. He stabbed his head and dripped it over the ruins. " Start the ritual." The vampires started chanting the words of blood magic and the words that Mannimarco's book had inscribed. The magic danced around the High Priest and quickly gave him immense pain as it started to make his veins glow and his blood started to glow purple. Yamir let the blood from his hand glow as he reached out the chest of the High Priest.

" May Arkay hold your soul up. Because your heart will not follow you in death," with those last words he plunge his hand into the heart of the High Priest and the glow went from him as his heart was in the hand of the Redguard. It was glowing and still beating as the purple flows through the veins. He looked at the body of the High Priest and the heart. " It seems Arkay will not be having your soul tonight High Priest, or those who follow you." The very energy had started to seep into the temple as it became saturated with dark energy. The rest of the vampires started to show up as one spoke," the Hall of the Dead is swarming with the dead. We will need some help with controlling them before the Queen returns." Yamir sighs," fine, I'll be there for the dead will break out of the chapel if they aren't contained."

He looked at the two who helped with the ritual," while the rest of your brood is trying to take control of the undead, clean this place up and dispose of the bodies before daylight comes. This must be like they disappeared. Lock the doors when your done. No one must no about the Catacombs, if they do then make sure the undead are in there. I will help before I leave since I have things to do in Wolfskull Cave." The two had started to clean up the ritual and dispose of the bodies while Yamir and the vampires had to control the newly arisen dead so that they can use them for some sort of an army. It will be daytime when the Chapel was empty, not a single sound would be heard as the vampires and their undead army was in sleep as Yamir went to Wolfskull Cave to see if he could also arise the dead in the Cave and wanted to ask about a more long-term stay in Skyrim should he obtain Lichdom.

However, something in his mind had started to wander if killing the innocent was worth it or if anyone will find out about the growing dark aura of death magic that just woke the dead under Solitude and soon in Wolfskull Cave. He knew that nothing like that will stay hidden forever so he better use the element of surprise while he can but he wandered if the Queen would do so for he knows that Ahilzir rather leave than started building up an army. It does take a lot to convince him to do something like this anyway and that's why Yamir always ask for his advice and considers him the second-in-command of the Otoro.

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

I see you have served my brethren, and now you come to serve me. I am Hermaeus Mora. Past, present, and future are as one to me.

---

Apocrypha

"...my lord, I am truly honored. A thousand-"

"Quiet. I did not bring you here to speak, but to listen." For the man that sat kneeling on the cold, wet ground, the experience was overwhelming. He did not dare look up as his lord spoke, and would have knelt even further if he could've done so, but he found his body to be unwilling to move. "I want my Black Books returned to me. My Champion left them on Nirn, for others among my followers to find, but it seems that they are..." The voice of the man's master paused for a moment that felt a lot longer than it actually was, before it continued in the same tone as before - bored and disinterested, but still somewhat sinister. A drop of water fell on his head, soaking a part of the man's hair. "...misused. Mortals come to me, in my Realm, seeking favors. They are not welcome here without my invitation. Reclaim my books, and you will be handsomely rewarded..."

"Of-of course." The man hesitated before he looked up, towards the swirling mass of tentacles that hung in the air in front of him, a large eye at its center, surrounded by many more smaller eyes, all of them watching him, judging him in silence. "Where?" The central eye slowly blinked. "The Imperial City. Winterhold. Alinor. Solstheim. Stross M'Kai. Evermore. You will return my belongings to me from the Imperial. Others shall do the same... elsewhere..."

"Yes, anything, master! I shall -" The man was, perhaps rather rudely, interrupted of two floating creatures, and he fell to the floor. "Good. Do not disappoint me." His vision faded into blackness, and he could no longer hear a thing.

Cyrodiil

The first thing he felt when he woke up was the cold, followed by voices coming closer and closer. He's alive. He's awake. The man opened his eyes, and slowly turned to look in front of him. A statue, fashioned out of stone, made to represent a swirling mass of tentacles. It was where he had been before, and it seemed that all was well. The people around him where the ones he had known for a long time now, his fellows - all of them worshipers of the Daedric Prince of Knowledge, Hermaeus Mora. He looked around, searching for his mask, finding it and picking it up as he straightened his back. The man watched all of his comrades as they gathered around. "We have work to do."

[Ameige]

It would take several days for anything of major interest to happen for the vampire lady. She was laying low after her thievery attempt in falkwreath. Nothing large scale mind you, but certainly enough to steal some art, and some fancy decorational pieces and whatever small, portable, worth while things that could be stuffed into a few sacks taken from a small handful of wealthy peoples unprotected or poorly protected homes and businesses.

It was during this time that she managed to do a bit of renovating of the inside. Not a lot, but enough to make the area she called home a bit more comfortable and with considerably added room and storage space. As well as refurbished a few of the downstairs prison chambers as temporary storage rooms for the stuff she had in her carts.

She also made some room in a partially caved in area under the prison cells as a storage spot for coffins and mummified remains and the like, not unlike an ancient nord catacombs. And outfitted it just the same, if perhaps layered slightly differently.

It was a good thing she did too, because it was on a night when she was taking a break from having nearly finished her tasks of refurbishing her living space and the area she was transforming into catacombs thanks to all the spare parts and rubble lying about, she spotted 3 hunters crossing in front of the keep, chasing something in the twilight light of the quickly vanishing sun. It didnt last long though. One of the hunters got momentarily blinded by a ray of sun in the face and collided with a bit of the crumbling tower nearby, causing him to not only trip and fall but to have a dislodged piece of stone work to fall as well and crush his leg, trapping him painfully beneath. The sounds of the collapsing bit of structure and his cries of anguish just made everything worse, as it brought down a small 3 dog pack of wolves on them, taking the 3 hunters by surprise and using this shock and unexpected astonishment as a chance to tear out the throat of one of the still standing hunters and then split off between the guy trapped under the rock and the other hunter. The trapped guy, while easily subdued, did have some sort of blade with him and managed to deal with the one wolf attacking him, though did suffer mortal wounds in the process as the other hunter fended off the other two wolves, and looked like he might be winning as his archery skills and ability to be able to keep his distance between himself and the animals with hardly having to look back behind him very much, seemed unparalleled, at least compared to the now dead others.

Ofcourse this quickly was found to be all but an illusion, and thus, the moment he tripped over a few blocks of debris on the ground behind him, and sailed backwards onto the ground, having lost his balance and tumbled backwards, giving the ever forward encroaching wolves to leap forward, helping him in his process of falling backwards as they pounced on him and attacked him till he was dead, collapsed near the still standing watch tower, from which the vampire lady had seen it all, and from which she hit the three distracted wolves, unable to see her coming, in their heads with firebolt spells.

Afterward she would be coming down and dealing with the mess left behind and spending the next little while finishing up her projects on the inner parts of the structure that she had started on using the crumbling remains of other parts of the place and the tower outside to fix up certain areas, and using a book and some tools she found in the deeper levels, did her best as she could to essentially petrify the corpses in their post-death phase before any decomposition would arise, doing what she could to seal their likeness as they were in death before nature could take it's course and make them look like rotting corpses. She wasnt the best at learning new things on the fly, so it wouldnt be perfect, but she did what she could in repairing broken bits and keeping the corpses as intact and uncorpsified as she could, clearly having some plans for them later. All of this work together would take several fortnights to complete, aside from whatever work had allready been done beforehand.