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Grim Tales - On the Road Again - Fenrir Unbound Book III - Chapter 1 Part 1
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Grim Tales - On the Road Again - Fenrir Unbound Book III - Chapter 1 Part 1
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44 comments
Thanks for the sad yet moving story and images, not to mention that music from Posthumus fit quite nicely with the brooding action sequences that followed.;-)
With Adrianne I debated but I had a few meta-game things going on. I had a few CTD's and had spent a long time cleaning and scrubbing as a precaution - I did it in the catacombs as I had to be away from any beds (it was related to a sleep mod). I spent hours on getting everything working nicely again and it was AFTER that I found out about Adrienne. I was not keen on going through all of that twice. Second, even though she is one of my top favorite NPC's I felt like I should go with the game flow. Unlike other games I have played I have been very, very strict with Grims game. No fast travel, no console commands (in his core game of course, not the stories) except for screenshots, always in character, can only carry 10 potions at any time, no enchantments, etc. So I felt it must have been fate.
I still feel somewhat to blame though. I had fought the vampires but had not known she was out as it was late at night. I didn't see her corpse until after I had left the catacombs.
Anyhow I always feel bad when an NPC I like bites the dust and do try to protect them all when I can. Thanks for the comment and glad you enjoyed the story!
Very emotional chapter and have to agree that Breezhome is really no place for Grim. He is not the "city" kind.
Great work Wolf!!
Sad to see Lydia and Adrienne dead, though I did see your comment about Lydia earlier. I understand about Breezehome, too; I suppose it never really was home for Grim, even without the crossover echoes.
As sad as Lucia is, I suspect she'll be all right in the end, especially if she follows Grim's advice on revenge. (Nice bit with Ulfberth and her armor.) I'm more concerned about Ulfberth, but I think he'll get through it, too, as long as he remembers to keep his friends involved. Ditto for Grim; hopefully he can find time to grieve with all that's going on. (I suspect Eric may need to remind him of that later.)
Good to know Arnbjorn is doing all right. I can understand his discomfort, since he never really knew Lydia or Adrienne. Nice twist with Esburn, too; I've always liked how you worked your own angle into the main quests. I like the still-life shot of Delphine's table, too.
Anyway, nicely done, both pics and story! I look forward to seeing Part 2, and more of these guys with it.
I will still visit Whiterun - lots of friends there and things to do. Plus Grim's current main home is Dusk Cabin, which is just outside city across from the stables. Very handy as I don't use fast travel and the Carriage takes him to home and the city.
I also have not published part two of this story yet so no-one knows about what my true plan for Lucia is in Riften or ... well some other things that will help explain what I did in Whiterun some more and why Grim is okay with Lucia in Riften. Hope to do that story this weekend!
Thanks again for the comment and feedback!
Lydia and Adrienne dead, very sad, but that`s life in Skyrim. No place is really safe, not even behind walls. A terrible experience for Lucia, but she is very composed for a child. It gives an idea that she will grow up to an exceptional person.
I´m curious what will happen when she will be trained by the Thieves Guild.
I´ve read your response to Frank, and i think it`s a great idea to create a cliffnotes version.
Many folks have really not the time to read long storys, and it also took very long for those, whose native tongue is not english.
Your german fan base would thank you.
First of all I've wanted to say that your scenery descriptions were amazing, such awesomely reflected beauty of nature... also it was nice distraction of Erik who began to have self doubts again... or rather doubts in being fitting match for Grim. I think he was too hard n himself, since he proved himself time and time again as loyal friend and capable warrior... and he certainly shouldn't feel jealousy for Arnie! By the way, Arnbjorn's names for Erik were amusing apparently that werewolf never learned how to be polite. Even given his certain attractiveness i just can never imagine Grim cheating on Erik, wolves mate for life after all, so I felt bad for poor Erik with his jelousy.
Also it was interesting and very fitting way to give Grim break of main quest, since Esbern was wounded by poison blade and was not in shape to make any journey... I was anxious for Wolfgar getting poison but luckily he manged to heal. Besides it was nice and refreshing to finally see how Delphine did not act like as complete jerk towards Esben, her old comrade.
And then it was journey to Whiterun... due to our conversations i knew that would be not pleasant welcome for Grim, but gosh, poor people and poor Adrianne! Grim cared for her, she was his friend yet damned vampires just had to kill her! That not to mention my surprise that Lydia lad did not make it! it was also very sad to see her go, but I ma sure she did not die without a fight! Grim shock and rage were awesomely described! And little Grunt apparently proved himself a great guardian... he is such a brave little cub to try fight vampires by himself and Lucia acted brave too, apparently her character has changed from meek girl o little fighter as she lived with Grim and Lydia.
I was very happy that Grim has saved her in time... her death would be very distressing and disturbing. I hate to see kids killed in any type of fiction, so it was great to see little girl live and her wolf saved by Grim. however even with her saving Lucia's life will be forever changed. since Lydia died, I guesses that Grim will change his plan into accepting Lucia into the Thieves Guild. Looks like she is very eager to join them, train and then get her revenge and Grim was wise to cool her off, since blind vengeance can do more harm then good...
And Grim also gave up the Breezehome... I can only guess who will this house new owner after some renovation... And for me this gesture showed Grim departure from Breezehome and Whiterun, since it stopped being a save heaven anymore...
What happened later, the telling about funerals for fallen, Adrienna's husband grief, a gift to Lucia... it was heart wrenching to read. Arnie described the situation fittingly, though in his own rude way. And now Grim an Erik will be n their way... with Thalmor and vampires lurking in the shadows or behind the scenes.
Thank you very much for sharing your awesome work and I look forward for continuation!
Thank you for noticing the part on Esbern. That is a big part of why I did that. I like consistency in a story. In a book I have complete freedom to arrange things as needed but when I am writing stories that go along with game play it is more restrictive. So here I thought was a great way to cause a 3 month delay - giving Grim some time to start work at the College and learning about the Eye of Magnus. Grim admires Delphine even if he doesn't get along to well with her ... and eventually that will cause problems I suppose.
If you read my comments to Alexi it will explain a lot about Adrianne and Lydia. Adrianne died as part of Grims "real" game (versus his "story" saves) when vampires did attack Whiterun that night that Grim arrived. Lydia - well she couldn't actually die as she never properly existed in Grim's world (per my comment); she was a cross-over echo from another time line and the Caretaker was finally cleansing those two time lines properly.
Everything else happened pretty much as the story went and indeed Lucia and Grunt did a great job of fighting (with perhaps a little luck from the Ebonmere and Nocturnal per my manly monday post). Grim has given up Breezehome (he never felt at home there, he likes Dusk Cabin and may eventually move to Leaf Rest or more likely Eagle Keep) and this is another fix by the Caretaker for Grim's timeline.
I was actually pleased at how close this story matches Grims real life (in game of course) experiences as I try hard to keep the two in sync for the most part. I role play a lot, of course, but the core stuff all matches as best as I can make it.
This chapter also sets the tone of more enemies and things heating up a little. Although my stories will never be to action packed as I tend to enjoy a more rambling story line with a few hot moments as appropriate
It was nice to see Arnie again; I must admit I'd forgotten that he still lived in your universe. I think you did a great job of catching his taciturn nature. I also liked the ?jealousy? that Erik felt... Or perhaps inadequacy would be the better word. Poor fella.
The vampire attack was very well done; both written and captured in some really nice screenshots. I couldn't believe you chopped on Grunt's ear though! Poor little sod! It was quite the unnerving situation for a grim to find himself in; home attacked, loved ones dead or under threat. I wonder if it was just a random vampire attack or if Bal was behind it... I also wonder if this might be the precursor for Grim go begin the Dawnguard quest?
Very touching writing when it came to the final scene with Ulfberth. I believe you captured exactly how the old man would react to Adrienne's demise. Having been witness to a stoic man in real life deal with the loss of his wife I'd say you wrote this with touching sensitivity and humanity. Very well done dear.
Yea Arnie is a favorite, no idea why - he can be a real bastard in the game. But different time lines and all
Grunt has a battle scar! Only wish I knew enough texture work to make it true in-game :p But he fought valiantly with Lucia (that was all a real battle by the way). SPOILER: Molag Bal is behind it BUT not because he knew about Lucia directly. He just wanted to cause Grim grief and is striking out anyplace he thinks Grim feels safe. I am not sure about Dawnguard yet. I think I may do it ... but trying to do Dragonborn quest plus mage quest plus Fenrir plot line ... I will be writing for years!
In regards to the last bit - I went to work the day after my brother died but my boss sent me home in the afternoon as I wasn't functioning very well. I used some of that experience to write Ulfberth.
Thank you very much for the great feedback and comment Jess!
Was great that tension you created as Grim sensed something was amiss as he passed through those city gates, was sad how he found Adrianne dead, that rage building in Grim at one that had been a friend, from your shots I had hoped that she was simply wounded. Good that Grim kept his wits about him, rushing to Breezehome with the warning of the wounded Amren. Was equally sad to see that Lydia had not made it, though I am sure she fought to her last breath to protect her charges, damn those vampires and their insidious presence. I am glad that Grunt was able to warn Lucia of the monster approaching, was impressive how she was able to set her fear aside to protect Grunt in turn, holding off the vampire long enough for Grim to burst in. Seems that training with that dagger served her well too, landing that distracting hit. You really reflected that danger of those moments well, I felt fear for them. That vampire had not change against an angry Grim, his blade putting an end to her. She has a kind heart that Lucia for her first concern after that battle to be for Grunt, touching to see Grim speak some soothing words to Lucia, telling her Grunt was going to make it.
Shows that Grim has face much danger and difficult moments in how he ordered that guard to set up a search for any vampires that remained and to make sure those that were wounded would see the priest of Arkay to make sure none turned, that ability to keep a cool head despite his sorrow for his friends, to make sure no others would be harmed. That attack sure had a way of pushing up those plans for having Lucia be trained by the guild, I like how Grim told her to become a rogue not out of revenge but to keep others out of danger, that is the best way of honoring fallen friends. Was also interesting to see that glimpse of Grim's thoughts of the home now.
Seems that Ulfbreth very much has that hardiness of a nord, opening up the shop despite the sorrow her felt, trying to stay strong for Adrianne, continuing her work. Was also touching to see that kindness of Adrianne in that armour that she had meant to give her, putting such care into it shows how fond she was of Lucia, that she saw potential in her to become that great rogue she wants to be, seems after her death she is looking after her. Seems there is a journey ahead, will be interesting to see how those of the guild take to Lucia and how she takes to them, Edrelle surely sends her condolences and wishes luck to Lucia in her path to become a rogue. A fantastic emotion filled chapter, Jonathan
I will say, a bit out of context, I would never kill an innocent in-game just to make a story. Perhaps this is why you see so few deaths in my game. That being said I try not to reload a game to often if a favorite NPC character dies from a random vampire or dragon attack. I have once or twice but it makes it feel a bit fake - I tend to limit it to those times it was my own fault or lack of judgement that they died (for example to busy taking a screenshot and not keeping the dragon away from the villagers). In Adrianne's case I had not even noticed she had died till much later when I got my inheritance letter :p I then found the point in time it happened when I reloaded a past save to do this story.By then it would have meant redoing a lot of content. I felt horrible as Adrianne is one of my favorite characters in Skyrim and I really like her and Ulfberth. They are such a sweet couple and always made visiting Whiterun a pleasure. So I was torn between reloading, which seems somewhat artificial, and tends to take some of the danger out of the game, or accepting the fact and moving on.
In regards to Lydia ... well she never really existed in my game. I used the CK to turn Lydia into Eir a long time ago. In Grim's world there never was a Lydia, just Eir. No one else knew about this plot issue but me so I worked around it in the stories. But it always, always, bugged me. So when I started the Unraveling I knew this was the perfect time to fix it.
Breezehome is really Dannee's home in my mind. Grim has always heard the echoes of her family there. In fact Breezehome is a nexus point of time lines in Skyrim. So there are many echoes of other people and lives there. Lydia is one of them. Her "echo" crossed over into Grim's world and has been taking care of Lucia and other children in Whiterun. When the vampires attacked her "echo" was simply sent back to its real timeline in another reality. It was the Caretaker actually fixing part of Grim's corrupted time line that removed her from the scene in a way that mortals could logically understand. So finally my game is consistent - no Lydia and just Eir as it was meant to be
Sorry for the long tangent. None of this matters to anyone but me but figured I would spill out a few secrets in case anyone read any of this :p
As for the rest of the story - it was pretty much like that. Vampires wore all over the main street of Whiterun and Grim was all over the place helping to fight them. The only adjustment I made was one managed to get into the house. But Lucia and Grunt fought it (thanks to some mods) and Grim charged in from the front of the house. Adrianne died and Ulfberth was open for business the next day.
Of course I "role play" Grim directing the guards and all that but I always try to keep the story as close to game play as I can outside of extra detail. The only exception are special stories - like the DB, Wild Hunt, and Grims child hood.
Not sure why I wrote all of this in response to your post except to explain there was some real emotion in it over Adrianne and Ulfberth and that I do role play a great deal when I play the game and try to combine game play with my stories. When I write a book I will do what I want, but for the game, and Nexus, I prefer to mix the two as close as I can.
Thanks again for the wonderful comment and very pleased you enjoyed the story so much. I tried hard to set up a lot of things to enhance the story and show what Grim is trying to do in his world (my game, thanks to many mods) as he sees it.