2 Chapter II: Getting one's bearings *Edited*
(Mc's POV)
[Hey you you are finally awake!]
'Oh fuck off'
[System initiated, welcome host]
'ok, better check and make sure I am safe before playing with the system'
I find myself on the side of a cobbled road descending a mountain leading into a valley northwards, it seems to be dawn, and I am sitting alone in front of a campfire holding a bottle of cheap mead. Behind me stands a small leather tent and next to it a small sack with what I presume are my belongings.
There is a puddle of clear water next to me so, unable to contain my curiosity, I use it as an improvised mirror. When I look at it what greets me are bright red eyes, a sharp, noble face, shoulder-length black hair, and light grey skin. It feels weird not being human anymore but I will no doubt quickly get used to it. I appear to be around 185ish cm tall which is quite a bit considering I am still very much a teen.
Or would I even be considered a teen for such a long-lived race? I hope I won't need to wait three entire decades just to be considered mature enough not to kill myself with my own stupidity...
Not noticing any threat around my campsite I finally focus back on my system, I only vaguely remember my past life, my memories mostly focusing on experience, so best get that aspect out of the way as soon as possible.
'Start memory integration' I command mentally.
Not even a moment later I am clutching my head in pain "Ah fuck that hurts" A small part of me notes that my voice is a bit gravelly for someone my age, I guess all that ash fucks one up on a genetic level huh?
'Ok so as I requested I am an orphan from the imperial city. My parents moved there after the red year and both served in the legion for almost two centuries, my father became a Legionary Legate of great repute while my mother retired early and simply contented herself with being a housewife.
During the great war against the Dominion, my father suffered many long-term injuries and was also forced to retire, they had me in 4e 180 and I grew up in relative luxury of a minor military noble. I attended the local noble school and was taught some beginner magic by my father.
Both my parents were killed in 4e 196 during an incident with a Thalmor agent while they were having a walk around the city, the entire event was swiftly covered up by the Empire. Disgusted by this turn of events I quickly left for Skyrim, intending to join the college there so I can get as far away from all of the disingenuous bullshit.
Anyway, I'll sort through the details later as I should find civilization instead of sitting here brooding about memories I still feel only the barest connection to.
'status'
[Name: Reyvin][House: Dagoth]
[Age: 16][Race: Dunmer][Sign: Mage]
(Average adult score is 10)
[Str: 7][Dex: 9][Vit: 7][Mind: 15][Mag: 120]
'Oh boy, ole' Bobby did say he would spice it up but I guess I underestimated just how spicy he meant! oh well, time to teach the mongrel dogs of Skyrim how they cannot be racist shits to a god... or well the descendant of one anyway, yes you heard it right I am indeed the grandson of big Daddy Dagoth the one and only god of the Dunmer, better not show myself before Azura's statue at all ever.
Filing that absolute clusterfuck waiting to blow in my face for later I decided to look over my skills.
[Skills only represent your abilities and do not enhance them, the values are basic-> novice-> apprentice-> adept-> expert-> master]
[Mage skills]
[Destruction-novice: Flames]
[Alteration-novice: Oakflesh, Minor Telekinesis]
[Restoration-novice: Heal]
[Alchemy-novice]
[Enchantment-basic]
[Warrior skills]
[Swordfighting-basic]
[Traits]
[Fireblood: Born under the fire of Red Mountain you are blessed with 50% resistance and 20% damage and control toward fire]
[Blood of Dagoth: You descend from a mad religious extremist, who non the less achieved a degree of godhood, providing you with a prolonged lifespan and the third eye trait]
[Third Eye: The metaphysical third eye you inherited grants you perception over Magicka]
'So I know enough magic not to die to a wolf and enough swordsmanship to use a blade as one instead of as a hammer, and looks like being a Dagoth does have its benefits. I have to admit I am very surprised that I inherited anything from the madman.
Maybe he made sure his bloodline remained supreme or whatever other megalomaniacal thing that came to his battered mind...
Opening the sack I find my magic notes, with some spells I was researching, some 150 septims, a basic alchemy kit, and an iron saber in good condition. The simple robe I am wearing is all the clothing I brought along with travel-worthy leather boots. Looking at the map I have folded in my notes I find that I am about half a day's walk from Helgen.
[Quest added: Reach Helgen today]
[Reward: an opportunity for free lodging]
'Huh, I guess that is what he meant when he said balanced rewards, oh well off I go then... After I pack all of this up' I groan, reminded of the annoying fact I was not granted any kind of inventory.
---
(General POV)
Some hours later Reyvin can be seen absentmindedly picking flowers while walking along the road. 'At least I don't have to eat them since most people actually write down recipes these days' He shivers as the next thoughts come to mind 'Imagine having to eat a giant's toe...'
The flower picking continues for some time until suddenly he hears a child scream not far in front of him.
'Fuck I hope it isn't bandits, I still don't even know if I can fight other people competently...' He takes a deep breath and follows the noise with a determined yet cautious look on his face.
Soon he spots a Nord girl running away from a lone starved wolf, just barely managing not to get mauled as she notices the robed elf in the distance.
Quickly forming a plan he shouts to her while pulling out his saber "Run towards me and when you get close jump to the side!"
Catching a glimpse of hope the panicked child immediately listens to the adult's voice and in seconds she only meters in front of Reyvin, the wolf not far behind.
Reyvin takes one final deep breath and yells "NOW!"
She throws herself to the side just in time to not get covered in a torrent of flames, the wolf being not as fortunate whimpers pitifully for a moment before becoming extra crispy and leaving this mortal coil.
A couple of seconds pass as both of them take long breaths and try to calm down.
"Well, I sure as hell ain't getting a pelt out of that one." Reyvin says with a strained chuckle, attempting to calm his nerves after brutally burning another living being,
the now surprisingly calm child looks at him and smiles, reminding him of just how ridiculous his new neighbors, the Nords are "Thank you for saving me, mister" She says cheerfully.
"It's no problem kid, I am guessing you are from Helgen, right?" She nods "I am heading that way you might as well come with me." He waves for her to follow him and starts walking.
"Ok, my da owns the tavern, he will give you a drink for sure!"
"Well, we have to hurry up then, don't want to be late for it." The elf happily urges her on, already thinking of how nice a drink would be after all that.
---
An hour later they enter the tavern, the girl immediately rushes the man who looks like the owner of the place and starts excitedly retelling her adventure, halfway through the tale the man stops listening to her and walks toward Reyvin "Be welcome traveler, and thank you for protecting my daughter. Those damn wolves are getting braver every damn day" He says shaking his head "Anyway, name's Vilod the owner of the tavern, I hear you want a room?"
"Yes, just for a night and a hot meal and bath would do as well" The elf requests with a tired voice.
Vilod nods happily and signals toward a free table "Make yourself at home, you can stay for free whenever you like"
"My thanks sera, I will be taking that bath now if possible."
"Sure thing, dinner is in half an hour."
Reyvin nods and walks into the room Vilod pointed him to and takes his time relaxing in the large wooden basin inside, the warm water taking out a good chunk of the day's stress.
'Oh it seems that notifications are hidden when in combat huh'
[Quest Completed: Protect the innkeeper's daughter][Reward: free lodging]
[Hidden quest completed: Defeat the wolf without the child getting harmed][Reward: Minor warrior's blessing]
'Huh, hidden quests are a thing as well, neat'
---
After a very long bath, Reyvin finally leaves the small room and grabs something to eat, quickly inserting himself into the patrons' conversations while fishing for rumors. It was mostly complaints about the Thalmor and their Justiciars hunting down people willy-nilly, one makes a comment about all elves but quickly corrects himself as he hears the tale of Reyvin saving Vilod's daughter.
'Who could have guessed, if you aren't a s'witt people don't treat you like one...' Reyvin inwardly chuckles, and then nearly facepalms as he realizes he had inherited his current self's mannerisms.
'First day on Tamriel and I already got to save a child, fight a wolf and my greatest achievement yet: got a bunch of Nords to respect a Dunmer.' Reyvin reminisces as he lays in his bed 'Five years until the world goes to shit... that is if my knowledge even holds up still. I will have to grind my magic like a madman unless I want to become dragon food.'
'Suddenly that little powerup from Dagoth doesn't seem all that bad...' And with those happy thoughts, his mind drifted into sleep.
