Credit to the voice work goes to the enormously talented Cinn; you can message her on Casting Call Club/CCC here (https://www.castingcall.club/m/Cinn3x) or on Discord (Cinn#3218). Infinite thanks are in order for providing her talents for this mod, which would otherwise be just a generic follower.

CHARACTER BACKSTORY

Ariete (pronounced "Ari-tay") Melara is an Altmer female who has been scarred in many ways from innumerable conflicts ranging from duels to wars.

As a High Elf living in the homeland of the Nords during the time of its Aldmeri Dominion occupation and the civil war that resulted because of it, Ariete was subject to numerous personal assaults by fearful and mistrusting Nords. A duel with the Nord Alvorof Sky-Burner resulted in losing both of her eyes, and any will to avoid conflict. However, despite losing her eyesight, like the Falmer living underground, her other senses were sharpened, and she managed to duel and slay Alvorof without her eyesight. To send a clear message to further Nord attacks that she was no longer intent on avoiding bloodshed, she confiscated and equipped his Nordic gauntlets, helmet and boots, as well as his axe, which she gave a deadly enchantment that suited her violent and unpredictable nature. She kept her Elven armor, however, as a personal reminder of her heritage as well as it being light and comfortable.

To this day, she stays within the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun, the only place in the city where she was among fellow Mer. Despite her animosity towards Nords and other human races (which she holds in equal regard), however, she does not immediately condemn those who should approach her seeking friendship, an ally, or even a lover.

Ariete is, as her fictional biography elaborates, has a love for battle and is very brave and aggressive (but not foolhardy) in combat, and will fight zealously to protect the Dragonborn in battle while also carving through the enemy with her Chaos-enchanted Nordic War Axe. She levels with the Dragonborn, at just a higher percentage ratio, so she shouldn't be too powerful (let me know if she is), but is no pushover either. Ariete fancies one-handed weapons, and will dual-wield them if given more than one, though she'll also use a bow on occasion (she uses just a simple hunting bow and doesn't have any arrows but can be upgraded to use any bow and arrow type you wish) for dealing with ranged targets.

Ariete is fully-voiced by Cinn (her links are at the top of this page), and can be married. Ariete has many lines that are specific to certain conditions and enemies. Fighting a hive of Falmer? She'll share her thoughts on the "Falmer filth" as she carves them apart. Did you just assassinate the Emperor of Tamriel? She'll throw her two cents in on that in her usual, charmingly cynical fashion.

Ariete is updated frequently with more lines and features as I learn the workings of the Creation Kit, so expect periodic updates that add more lines and fix bugs, if any are reported by you guys. Enjoy, and give me some (positive, not rude/impolite) feedback! If you have any questions or suggestions, let me know.