No.26- The Labyrinthian, Plus A Hop and Skip! (Dragon 10)

College of Winterhold Dragon 2

After whipping up a bunch of potions, instead of an enchanting night,  we spent an unsettled night in my dorm room at the College while that lunatic Arcano, the Thalmor Advisor/Spy remained barricaded behind a magical barrier he had spawned around him and the Eye of Magnus. The next morning a second Dragon hit the College...no problem.

Nelacar @UESP.net

Before leaving Winterhold I decided to give Azura's Star to Nelacar. If you remember the choice was: give it to Aranea Lenith the Daedric Priestess (at the Shrine of Azura) or Nelacar, the exiled Mage of the College, who told me whatever I do, don't give it the the Priestess! Thinking of my experiences in Cryodiil, I was generally not happy with Daedric Gods and the chaos they represent, hence my decision.

Azura's Star is a Daedric artifact/weapon used to collect souls, but after Nelacar researched it, he declared it was broken and inhabited by Maylen Varen's soul, the original mage driven slightly insane experimenting with it. Nelacar wanted me to send my soul in there and chase him out. He assured me that if I defeated Varen, I'd come out alive, boy... no, not right now. I'd do this before taking on the Thalmor Advisor at the College.

Labyrinthian Dungeon

To defeat Arcano we needed the Staff of Magnus, rumored to be located in the Labyrinthian. We fast traveling to a ruin east of Morthal and found it along the road between Solitude and Morthal on the north side of the mountains. Labyrinthian is a huge sprawling ruin, inhabited by trolls.

Ghosts or Vision?

Just outside the inside entrance, we bumped into a a bunch of ghosts or it was a vision of past events when a group of mages including Savos Aren, (former Arch Mage of Winterhold College, now deceased) led an expedition inside the ruin. I could not interact with them, but it appeared they were acting as guides.

Labyrinthian Bone Dragon

A big reception awaited us in a large columned chamber consisting of a bone dragon and multiple bow equipped/frost mage skellys. I ran around the perimeter of the room and down some stairs, losing Lydia in the process. The vision/ghosts were there, however I could not proceed without my Lydia. Sneaking back up and moving from column to column I was able to snipe every skeleton in the room without drawing excessive aggro. I summoned Sparky, Lydia appeared, and then we made quick work of the bone dragon.

Tunnel of Death

The next encounter was against Wispmothers (tough opponents), followed by a seemingly impossible hallway filled with fire and frost. I'm speaking of a freezing spray followed by violent one-explosion kills. This energy came from soul crystals mounted along the sides and at the end of the hall. After dying multiple times trying to traverse this passage, I volunteered Sparky. Either she dislodged the soul crystals or they exhausted themselves trying to kill her. In either case they went inert and I was able to collect them. After the fact, I'm thinking that shooting these crystals with arrows might have been an option.

Morokei

Walking into the final chamber we found two mages streaming energy into a magic bubble surrounding Morokei, one of the eight Dragon Priests in Skyrim and one tough dude. After an extended fight it fell dead allowing me to seize the Staff of Magnus. I also retrieved a really ugly mask that regenerates magic at a 100% faster rate. I'd wear it but only in combat. Exiting, we were confronted by Estormo, a Thalmor agent. He was mostly annoying and smacked down easily.

Morokei's Butt Ugly Mask

Popping out of the dungeon, we explored the rest of the surface ruin and found more trolls and an entrance to an area called Lost Valkygg. Inside, I faced toughest single creature in Skyrim (so far), a Drauger Death Lord with a nasty dragon shout and one-shot-kill bow. Lydia fell behind as I retraced my steps back through multiple chambers repeatedly spawning Sparky, refreshing my health and mana pool, and staying out of his aim as I was pursued! Damn I wanted that bow, but after a very extended fight, when the Lord finally fell into a lifeless heap, there was nothing special about his equipment. A chest in the final chamber held something called Meridia's Beacon and a sinister Daedric-sounding voice told me what it expected me to do with this item. I placed the quest on my "to-do" list for consideration.

After facing a full strength Dragon Shout in combat, I knew some tough challenges laid ahead and was concerned about achieving this ability myself. My target Shout would be "Marked for Death". I had one of the words, but needed two more.

Autumn Watch Towers & Dragon Word

Not to sound distracted, but I mentioned getting married in a previous post and although I have no specific marriage prospects in mind, I had picked up the Book of Love Quest when I was in Riften, which would allow me to get married. Killing two birds with one stone, we stopped in Iverstad to help a couple in love (told them to elope; the marriage quest) and then moved on to Autumn Watch Tower south of Iverstad for one of the Dragon Words I desired, which also involved fighting another Blood Dragon. This was my second fight were I tried to take on a dragon from a tower roof. It was tougher than usual as I kept getting cooked, ran down the steps to heal, and then back up into the flames again! Fortunately I survived and it finally died.

The Kid Wants Vengance!

The final Marked for Death Dragon Word was associated with the Dark Brotherhood, a group of assassins. I was not sure I'd be up for their quests even if it did get me access to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, where the 3rd Marked For Death Dragon Word was supposed to be located. It especially bothered me the lead-in quest was awarded by an orphan in Windhelm, who had a grudge against the mean orphanage custodian, and wanted her murdered! I don't considered children the best source of fair, mature thinking, but I took the quest and hoped that I could  stomach it. After all the needs of the empire might override one person's life, that is if I could resort to murder.

No.25- On to Ysgramor, Calamity at the College!

Ready For Action in Ysgramor's Tomb

It would be a long trek from Whiterun to Ysgramor's Tomb, located on an island next to Winterhold. Let the Circle hoof it up there. I had enough time to run to Dragonsreach, the imposing castle that dominates Whiterun to behold my lovely and devoted Housecarl, Lydia sitting at the long table looking a bit lonely. We have been close at times, however she seemed a bit cool until I invited her to "follow me, I need your help". She's always been on the serious side, and although no cartwheels were performed, her eyes lit up saying "Honor to you my Thane. Lead the way!"

On The Sea of Ghosts

Fast traveling to Winterhold College, we ran down the college walkway, took a hard right and descended the rocky hill to the water. The blustery, frozen, North Eastern shore of Skyrim adjacent the Sea of Ghosts is a grim place. Competing in grimness is Ysgramor's Tomb on the small barren island across the narrow channel. I all most made it across, skipping on floating ice yelling "look at me", but alas I splashed in about half way across.  Shaking off the chill as I drained my boots, Lydia managed to hide her inner smile. We found the Tomb (standard Skyrim hole) and entered, being greeted by both Vilkas and Aera (Companion Circle leaders) in front of a  larger than life statue of Ysgramor, legendary first settler of Tamriel and Companion founder. "Lets get on with it", Vilkas said.

Ysgramor's Statue

Placing the Ysgramor's Blade in the arms of the statue opened the tomb up along with being advised by a ghostly voice we would be tested by ancient Companion ghosts, not to be mean, just to be sure we were worthy. The good news was that I got the Blade back and promptly gave it to Lydia. "You're better with two handed weapons than I am." The gift had made her day. If my Companion friends had a complaint about this, they kept it to themselves.

I Hate Spiders!

The first passage way was filled with spider webs... wonderful. The ghosts were there, lots of them which we fought and defeated. After finishing off the first two chambers, Vilkas announced he had to leave. Maybe he knew what came next?

Ghostly Combat

Why Didn't the Ghosts Take Care of These?

I was happy Aera, Lydia, and Sparky hung in there, because the next chamber was filled with giant spider eggs, and you guessed right, large spiders and one particular giant arachnid. God, I hate it when they spit! (Be sure to shield your eyes.)

Fire of the Harbinger

After finishing them off, we made it into the core of the tomb, a largish chamber with a pedestal containing the Flame of the Harbinger. Standing next to it was the spirit of Kodlak, a welcome reunion. To cleanse his soul, the deal required a  witch head thrown into the fire. I was happy to oblige, pew! Once this was done, Kodlak's large wolf spirit appeared and attacked! We beat it into submission and Kodlak's happy soul was now clean!! Astonishingly he told me I should be the leader of the Companions! Aera heard and it was good enough for her. Thinking of the responsibility, I gulped hoping it would be good enough for the rest of the Companions who have been bad mouthing me since I got admitted. I looked forward to seeing the expression on their faces.

Collecting loot and preparing to leave, I thought "hey", I had a bag full of witch heads that should not go to waste... I plucked a second ripe one from my bag and tossed it into the fire. "Yippy!" I cried out when my snarling wolf spirit appeared ready to fight me! We defeated it too and with a soul-shaking whoosh, I got tingles all over, as my body got free of its shaggy nature! I looked over at Lydia and gave her a "you and me babe" look, but we'd act upon that later. Aera, my Companion friend, told me she was going to hang out and enjoy the good vibes. I took a moment to appraise and thank her. Not a bad looking woman, but with a volatile nature. Hmm.

Trouble at the College!

Being forced to carry stinky quest items is a drag, but I decided I'd persevere a bit more in case any of the other Circle Members wanted to make a break with their furry tendencies.
"Lydia and I are heading up to the College to take care of some things" I said, winking at Lydia. It warmed my heart to see her lovely smile in response. However despite our romantic plans, we walked into a huge mess at the College! Inside the Hall of Elements Arcano (that prick of a Thalmor advisor) had locked himself into the Hall of Elements with a spell barrier and was up to no good hogging the Eye of Magnus all to himself. The Arch Mage and Mirabelle Ervin asked me to help them attack the barrier until it gave way, which resulted in a huge, eye-blinding explosion. Lydia and I survived unscathed, but Mirabelle was injured and the Arch Mage was missing! Stepping out into the College's court yard I found his crumpled body. The Arch Mage was dead! Curses!

Magic Anomalies Run Amuck

Back inside, Arcano and the Eye of Magnus was surrounded by another barrier and he appeared to be zapping it with magic. Associated with all of this, a pack of hostile magic anomalies had invaded the town. My thought was it could be a means of blocking the College off from anyone who could intrude on his devilish plans. Except he underestimated the College Mages, Lydia, Sparky, and yours truly! We dashed into town and took care of the anomalies, post haste.

Arcano, Up To No Good

Inside the Hall of Elements, that bastard Arcano was untouchable inside the roaring, swirling magical barrier that surrounded him and the Eye. Glaringly apparent at this point, I needed to rush to the Labyrinthian right away and fetch the Staff of Magnus, hopefully to crack Arcano up side the head with, but I felt like events were spiraling beyond my current abilities. Before leaving I had to take care of three important items- enchanting and alchemy sessions, and a good night's sleep with some Lydia snuggle time.

No.24- The Bastard Silver Hands Retaliate! (Dragon 9)

Dragon in Riverwood

After finishing off the Glenmoril Coven, we hoofed it back towards Whiterun.  Approaching  Riverwood, that rousing "lets fight" Skyrim Combat music started!
I looked around expecting bandits, but then I heard that familiar whoosh over heard and shouted, "It's clobber'n time!" as my team spread out. So far when you've seen one dragon fight you've seen them all. Lydia, Sparky (my fire atronach), and I battled the beast until it crashed down on the finger of land in the river by the mill. A crowd came out to gawk and pat us on the back. I was happy Delphine was not there to ask us why I was not in Solitude. Such is the life of a multi-tasking mage in Skyrim.

Jorvaskr Onlookers

After absorbing the accolades, we departed Riverwood and followed the river north to Whiterun arriving there after sundown. Normally by this time at night, the sidewalks are rolled up in this little hamlet, but there was a crowd on the street gathered in front of Jorrvaskr, the Companion Guild. The Silver Hands had finally reacted to getting their butts kicked across Skyrim and had struck home while I was away collecting witch heads from unwilling witches.

Aela, Watch Your Furriness

A body, belonging to a Silver Hand laid on Jorrvaskr's steps with Aela the Huntress standing over it, sword drawn, ready for more! Glancing back at the crowd, passing her I whispered "Watch your furriness". The magnitude of this attack became apparent when I walked into Jorrvaskr's front door and among the casualties, there lay Kodlak White-Mane dead and the fragments of the legendary Wuuthrad had been taken!

Companions Aftermath

I knew that Kodlak had wanted to be rid of the curse and that we needed to reforge Wuuthrad to gain access to a tomb and some witch heads to perform a ritual. Patting my squishy bag, I had just cornered the market on witch heads and knew I had done good! While not understanding what the Silver Hand wanted with the fragments of Wuuthrad, (maybe to perform their own ritual), we weren't exactly on speaking terms with them and needed the fragments back. There was no time to ponder as Vilkas recruited me to finish this conflict and seek vengeance for Kodlak. Vengeance is not normally my thing, but I was honor bound to comply. Unfortunately Lydia had to sit this one out. With a hug and pat on her posterior, she took it stoically, retiring to Dragonsreach until I returned.

Driftshade Refuge

Just north of Ft. Fellhammer lies Driftshade Refuge, another not-so-secret, Silver Hand hideout. Killing two sentries outside, in we burst making quick work of the remaining Silver Hands and retrieving the fragments.

Captured Werewolf in Driftshade

Had To Kill It

One disturbing encounter in Driftshade was when we freed a captured Werewolf apparently unable to understand who we were, went berserker and had to be destroyed.

Reminding myself not to get too cocky, also reminded me that having a husband could be fulfilling, however Vilkas was not my type. Of note, for story flexibility, my role-playing character in Skyrim swings both ways in relationships, but if it's going to be a guy, he's got to be a real beef cake, hansom, an intellect, and overall fun to be with (how I wish I was in RL :)). So far, with the help of an appearance mod, the babes out number the hunks in Skyrim, but generally speaking beautiful people are in short supply around here.

Kodlak's Funeral Pyre

Returning to Whiterun, I turned the Wuuthrad blade fragments over to Eorulund, the Companions blacksmith and attended Kodlaks funeral, a somber occasion. 

Underforge Conference

At a hasty Underforge meeting The Circle formulated a plan. I was shocked, but pleased when Vilkas expressed his doubts about the "gift or curse" and where it had led the Companions. Yeah, getting furry was a rush, but I hesitated to use it and it also interfered with my sleep, tossing and turning dreaming of chasing deer every night gets old. Kodlak had wanted to be cleansed and there was a possibility that we could scrub his soul posthumously, but Wuuthrad, the Blade, was required to open the ancient tomb of Ysgramor to conduct a ritual. (Ysgramor's Blade, Ysgramor's Tomb, if you wondering who exactly is Ysgramor, see this link.)

I suppressed an urge to cheer when Eorulund walked into the Underforge with Wuuthrad reforged in all it's glory. It was one mean looking blade. It was two-handed, not my preference, but they made me carry all 24 pounds of it. (I like one hand free for spells.) For Kodlak, we would use Wuuthrad to open the tomb  of Ysgramor and perform some soul scrubbing. Would it cleanse all of us? Unknown at this time.

NO.23- Thalmor Plans & Witches

Sleeping Giant Inn

After spending the night in the Sleeping Dragon Inn, the next morning I awoke to a niggling tap, tap, tap. Slowly gaining focus, I raised my head, peering over Lydia's shoulder to see Delphine standing there in her armor tapping her foot. I remember a time when she never wore her armor. Now I think she sleeps in it.
"Ok, I'll get up", I muttered. Lydia murmured something and turned over oblivious to scheming. Stretching, I arose, slipped on some clothes, and followed her to the Inn's basement strategy room.
"How would you like to attend a party?" she asked. I looked at her with a please-continue stare.
"I've got a friend over in Solitude who has connections and can get you an invite to a party at the Thalmor Embassy."
"And?" I yawned.
"Once your in, I'm sure you'll find an opportunity to sneak away and rifle through their offices searching for evidence the Thalmor are behind the Skyrim dragon problem."
Always up for a challenge, I said "Sure why not. Let me take care of my loot and we'll be on our way to Solitude."
That might have been a white lie from a timing standpoint. The party was several days off. In Whiterun, while selling loot, I picked up another Companion, Silver Hand Quest, a return to Ft. Fellhammer. On the road north west of Whiterun, we we met an interesting Jester fellow named Cicero on the road with a broken down wagon carrying a giant crate which he referred to as his deceased Mom. I ended up twisting the arm of a local farmer to help him, although I left the scene wondering if I was a sucker? The farmer was worried that the guy was a nut or smuggling weapons. Hmmm.

Ft.Fellhammer @UESP.net

Although we had all ready cleaned out bandits, Ft. Fellhammer had reinfested with Silver Hands, and we ran there to take care of an important leader. They must have thought this was a safe house, because there were only 4 of them there. The boss went down easily.

Jorrvaskr- Companions Guild

Kodlak Whitemane

Back at Whiterun and the Companions Guild, I was invited to a sit-down with the oldest member of  the Companions, Kodlak Whitemane who after soul searching, told me that the Companions had been in existence for 4000 years, but the werewolf curse had only been with them for a couple hundred years. He strongly urged me to wipe out the Glenmoril Witches, whom the Companions had bargained with to receive the gift of lycanthropy. Although I am a werewolf, I've never used the "gift" in combat, and started thinking about the future and maybe getting married. From a spouses persecutive it would be MUCH better if I did not have this hanging over me, although I admit I did not understand how bringing a witch head back to Kodlak would cleanse us.

Llianalta's Deep on Lake Llianalta

Half Moon Inn- Lake Llianalta

Before heading to Solitude and taking on the Thalmor problem, I decided to explore new territory, heading south and sneaking past Riverwood (so Delphine would not notice), then west to Lake Llinalta, a large pretty lake ringed by rock and pines and inhabited by large aggressive Slaughter Fish, (which you may remember from Cryodiil), always fun! We strolled west along the north shore until coming across the tops of several towers sunk into the lake, Llinalta's Deep what was left of a castle. This is where we should find Azura's Star, a quest I received from a  Daedric Priestess.

Welcome to Llinalta's Deep!

Llinalta's Deep was pretty cool. Locating an entrance on top of a tower, we descended into a damp and partially flooded space. I did not understand why it was not completely flooded, but I was feeling uneasy because Lydia and I were both short on water breathing potions and this space could flood quickly. Was some kind of magic at work, keeping the place semi-dry?

Remains of Malyn

We worked our way through tunnels and living quarters, fighting necromancer mages until we finally came to a chamber where I found Azura's Star and the skeleton of Malyn Varen, the Winterhold mage who had brought the Star here for experimentation outside the realm of College authorities. What had happened to him? And more importantly who should I give the Star to, the Aranea Lenith, a Daedric Priestess or Nelacar a Mage from Winterhold who had quit the College and warned me specifically not to give the Star to Aranea? I had some time to think on that.

Escaping Llinalta's Deep, I reviewed my map and decided swimming across was the fastest way to reach the Glenmoril Witches. I thought I felt the snapping of teeth while swimming and sure enough, after stepping out of the lake dripping, I had a 3' fish hanging on, trying to gnaw though my armor. After shaking the pesky fish off, Lydia noticed a school of Slaughter Fish waiting along the water's edge like hungry piranhas who'd missed a scrumptious meal. I'm always game to collecting potion ingredients. While dangerous in the water, they did not hold up to well against arrows and lightning spells. After collecting scales and eggs, we left the lake shore behind us, hiking over hill and dale while drying off in the welcome sunshine.

Glenmoral Coven Cave @UESP.net

Up a hill and around a bend a large hole in the side of a mountain like an evil orifice came into view. The trees looked dead in the immediate vicinity and inside, this cave was a spooky place. I felt a bit like Gimli, following Aragorn into the haunted caverns (Lord of the Rings reference), but it wasn't so bad. After being greeted by and killing a large spider, we slowly searched a multitude of tunnels to private witch living chambers.

The Ugly Side of Hocus Pocus

Living in isolation, immersed in dark magic, had turned them into something intelligent, but less than human. The quest called for me to bring back a witch's head, but if I was going to do this, might as well wipe out the coven to prevent surprise retaliation at an inopportune time. No big challenges here. We left with a bag of heads and headed back to Whiterun via Riverwood.

No.22- Tour of The Sunny South East (Dragon 8)

Autumn in Skyrim

After a few days of relaxation in they snowy North (Winterhold), we gathered up our gear in anticipation for continuing our journey to the Sunny South, including Mzulft Dungeon, Riften and a Silver Hand Hideout. If you remember a while back, I volunteered to seek out the Staff of Magnus, an artifact that might shed some light on the large orb that was found in Saarthal and relocated to the College. Mirabelle at the College directed me to the Mzulft Dungeon which was located South of the Hot Springs area.

Mzulft @ UESP.net

The Joy of Dungeons (Mzulft)

Mzulft was an interesting mix of high tech machinery mixed with natural caverns along with hideous Falmer, Dwarvin Dwemer Automatons, mechanical spiders and creepy crawlys, and Guardians that rolled in a ball, then popped open to fight. After one encounter, I just happened to loot an interesting crystal off a dead Falmer. Later we ran into a locked door with a mage, hiding behind it. After making acquaintances through the door, Paratus Decimius of the Snod Council, mage busy-bodies who like sticking their noses into all thing magic, unlocked the door and swung it open. He was there waiting for a cohort, who was supposed to return with a special crystal, but was missing. Hmm, pulling the crystal out of my napsack, a look of excitement lit up Decimius's expression. To bad about his friend, this was what he was waiting for!

Mzulft Device

In Focus

We followed him to a large circular room with a really big sphere in it. As explained to me, this device captures star light and once it was properly adjusted, was supposed to reveal important information magical info about Skyrim. He asked me to set up the crystal and adjust the device. I thought this really strange since this was his project. However, I like puzzling situations, agreed and proceeded to experiment. An occular lense ontop of the sphere was very sensitive to temperature. Eventually I discovered using fire and frost spells, I could adjust it. Finally it clicked, illuminating a map of Skyrim. Mage Decimius was perturbed, expecting more. "This device should show strong magical artifacts in Skyrim", but he did not see any. I finally got around to asking about the Staff of Magnus, if he knew about it and if he wanted to help me. Decidedly grumpy, all I got out of him was a location, Labyrinthian, an ancient Nordic Tomb.

Fresh Air!

The fast way out of Mzulft brought us out into bright welcome sunlight, its rays warming our faces. This exit was higher up the mountain side, covered in snow and ice. Gingerly we made our way down, well I did. As usual Lydia, scared of heights, did not follow well, when jumping and icy ledges are involved. Once I was down, I used magic to summon her to my side. She's used to it by now. We followed a road South through the mountain edged valley.

Clickable

 Village of Shor's Stone

Red Belly Mine

The road veared up into the foothils into the quaint hamlet of Shor's Stone. I talked to a few folks and heard the woes about their spider infested mine. I'm always available to help for situations like this. The Red Belly mine was barely a hole in the ground. We cleaned out 5 or 6 large spiders, collected our reward and continued on our way South to Riften which according to the map was close.

Riften @ Elderscrolls.wikia

Over a few hills and vales, through the aspen on the edge of a lake, a town built of timber came into view. Riften is located on the shores of Lake Honrich surrounded by a wall, as most substantial towns of Skyrim are. Checking the map, I noted in my journal, a hike from Lake Honrich up the river basin to Windhelm could be fun.

Lake Honrich @ UESP.net

Approaching the front gate, my impression flipped from positive to negative when two local characters tried to hussle us for an entrance fee. I asked them kindly if they'd like a boot in their asses? They seemed to be familiar with Thalmor boots, and although I'm not Thalmor, all elves look alike up here, if you get my drift. Grumbling, they relented. Inside Riften, it quickly became apparent that graft and thievery was the norm around here. The place was crawling with undesirables and the overall mood seemed grim.

Besides questing, a secondary goal of my Skyrim tours has been to scope out available, desirable properties. Despite various training expenses, I was still able to earn $16000 gold. So a tour of skyrim was supposed to helped me size up the best location for a residence.  After a lot of cleanup, Riften could be a possibility. At that point, front runners were Whiterun, Solitude, Riverwood, and Iverstad, if there are houses available.  Whiterun is a walled town in a wide valley with a river, and adjoining farms, very nice. Solitude is substantial, best for security, well protected with high walls, and south of the snow belt, but I've always preferred a small town atmosphere.

Riverwood- Prime Real Estate

Iverstead- Alpine Getaway

Riverwood, the small village I sought shelter in after my scrape with the Empire is desirable, and I liked Ivarstead, halfway up the mountain, near High Hrothgar, but I don't think there are any houses for sale there. Markarth and Windhelm are both questionable. Markarth is built into the side of a mountain and Windhelm is like living in a big grimy stone box on the edge of the tundra. Winterhold was on it's last legs as a town, and the prospect of perpetual blizzards knocked it from consideration. I was no closer to a decision at this point. I had one more prospect and that would be Falkreath located South West of Whiterun, near the Skyrim-Cyrodiil border. Of course if things turn to shit around here, Cyrodiil or even Morrowind could be options.

Riften Bunk House

Riften Alchemy Babe

After sneaking a bed in the Riften bunkhouse, we spoke to a local alchemist, a pretty one too. I put Riften on my "to do" list, and we left, heading east to the location of a Silver Hand hideout, called Broken Helm Hallow. To assist in kicking around the Silver Hands, my Companion Quest was to locate their book of plans.

View near Broken Helm Hollow

Broken Helm Hollow

Leaving the river valley, we hiked up into the foothills, searching, and finally locating the Hallow up the side of a mountain, which is not that unusual around here. Killing two guards, we tippy-toed in and took care of two more Silver Hands and the challenging boss-man. Minus the Silver Hands and I liked this cave. It had a bubbling creek flowing through it and glowy mushrooms hanging from the ceiling. Cozy for a cave.

Dragon Fight Broken Helm Hollow

Thinking the days travails were over, we walked out at dusk and right into a another dragon fight. I may have all ready said this, but I'm wondering if I'm being stalked. We killed this dragon in what was becoming my standard modus operandi, let Lydia stand out front in her great armor to take the frost, My fire atronach flinging fireballs, and me turning it into a pin cushion with my bow and arrows. Gathering up some dragon bones and scales, which are valuable, we fast traveled over to Riverwood, rented a room, and collapsed for the night.