The Mystery of Silent Moons Camp

I’m unexpectedly writing tonight from Silent Moons Camp. I started the day unsure of what to do. Yesterday I killed a dragon and rumors are flying around Whiterun that I’m some kind of Dragonborn. These sages called Greybeards summoned me to High Hrothgar which is several days journey to the top of the highest peak in Skyrim. It honestly seems too daunting. I had originally come to Whiterun to deliver a message and run errands, but the dragon’s attack really interrupted my plans of a simple trip to the city. Anyway, I decided I’d stick around Whiterun and try to understand my role as Thane a bit more. I needed to confer with my appointed housecarl, Lydia.

Breakfast with the Housecarl

The thought of having such a servant makes me slightly uncomfortable, but Lydia seems honest and loyal to Whiterun and thus to me as her thane. We spoke this morning for a long time and she offered to accompany me on my errands. I reluctantly accepted, but she came in handy. We spoke with Proventus about purchasing a home in Whiterun, which I felt would be proper for a thane, but the price tag on property was much too high. This provided me a proper goal. I asked Proventus if the city had any paying work I could do and he let me know there were bandits holing up in some ruins known as Silent Moons Camp. So my quest for septims is what brought me out here.

Business Over Breakfast

I’ve never considered myself a bounty hunter or a mercenary, but my experiences in Skyrim are proving that if I set my mind to it, I’m capable of these feats. I tucked the bounty note Proventus had given me in with my belongings - which were quite heavy and overflowing my satchels, I might add - and headed into the city to see if I could take care of some of those errands I had come to do originally. As I was leaving Dragonsreach, however, the Court Wizard, Farengar, caught my eye and I decided he and I should speak.

He was condescending as usual, but offered me some advice on studying magic in Winterhold at the College there. I told him I was most interested in my ability to conjure a spirit wolf companion and he pointed me to some books in his collection. There was a spellbook detailing the summoning of a spectral, magical blade to battle with and another to raise the dead. I stared at the second book for a long time, and Farengar assured me that necromancy was only one side of conjuration. Still, it felt wrong. I bought the book on binding a blade as well as one called Candlelight which would light up dark rooms - something I sought earlier last week. As I was leaving his office, Farengar asked me if I would deliver some salts to the town alchemist, Arcadia. I agreed since I was curious about alchemy.

Lydia and I stopped for lunch on our way to Arcadia’s apothecary where I spent a long time reading through the spellbooks and getting a fundamental understanding of how to cast the two spells. I wanted to test them out, but the center of town was not really the time or place. After getting the basics of the spells down, we delviered the salts. I stopped in at the the local merchant, the local blacksmith - who asked me to deliver something up to her father Proventus - and the local hunt shop where I unloaded quite a bit of merchandise I’d been collecting. I still only had 2000 of the 5000 septims I needed to buy a house in Whiterun. Silent Moons Camp was still calling.

Crafting in Whiterun

I sent Lydia to deliver the sword to Proventus while I worked a few hours on the smelter, turning all that ore I’d dug up around Riverwood into ingots that I could later work into weapons and armor. I decided to see if I could craft myself a better pair of boots before heading out for adventure. Even though my hide boots were dear to me after so many days in those blasted footwraps, I replaced them with actual leather. I thought about working on some other weapons or armor to trade away since I had so much raw iron, but I needed more leather for the bindings. Since I couldn’t make any thing else, I was ready to investigate the bandit’s camp and maybe do some hunting en route. Defeating bandits was becoming a regular part of my life in Skyrim, and Skyrim never seemed to have a lack of bandits.

I spot my first mammoth!
I slay dragons, but I'm scared of mammoths.

It was somewhere around 3pm when I set out from Whtierun for Silver Moons Camp. I tested out my new spells with excellent results and summoned my wolf companion to help me hunt. Unfortunately, the first elk I came across the wolf just stood there while the elk ran off. He’s not much of a hunting companion, but at least he’s a good distraction in a fight. It wasn’t too long before Silent Moons Camp came into sight and I began my approach. The camp itself appeared to be dug into a decent sized hill, so I decided once again to take the high road. I came in over the crest of the hill looking down into the camp expecting to see bandits going about their business. That’s when things got unusual.

There was nothing stirring in Silent Moons Camp. I couldn’t find a single person. I thought perhaps they were out on a raid, but I could see smoke rising off their cooking fire on the north edge of the camp. Someone must have been here not too long ago. I edged around the camp, and climbed up on some rocks. It’s there I spotted a dead body lying down in the center of the camp. From where I was standing I couldn’t tell if it was a bandit or some hostage they had dragged in here, but I had a suspicion it was one of the bandits. I started to edge closer to the body to get a better look when I was distracted by the sounds of metal striking metal - rhythmically. Someone was using a forge nearby.

The Mysterious Corpse at Silent Moon Camp

I turned my attention to the crest of the hill, where the largest structure was built into the ground. The sounds were coming from there, so abandoning the mysterious dead body, I headed up into the rocks to see if I could get a better look at the ironworker. I carefully, silently made my way up the rocks and saw the domed ceiling of the rock building built into the hill. I hoped that the top was open to the sky as it was clearly where the forge was located, and so I climbed up carefully onto the roof and edged my way closer to the peak. I was right. It was open. I could see the man inside working on a sword. He didn’t see me or hear me over his loud work. Was this the bandit leader I’d been sent after? I was so unsure. I didn’t want to kill an innocent man.

The Roof of the Lunar Forge

I edged around the open circle to get a better look at the man and that’s when things took a turn for the worse. I accidentally knocked some rubble loose and my hiding spot was discovered. The man immediately shouted at me and lightning streaked from his fingers and knocked me backward. I nearly fell from the roof, but I readied myself for my attack. I summoned my wolf, who dove into the forge area and began attacking the wizard-blacksmith. I fired arrows that all missed and the wizard disappeared into the ruins after dispelling my magic wolf. I watched and waited, but the wizard did not return to the forge. I thought he may try to get me up on the roof so I began to watch the perimeter for his flanking attack. He didn’t come.

I went to the edge of the roof to look down and find the wizard ready to shock me again - it’s an odd sensation that I didn’t wish to relive quite so soon. After the pain subsided, I sent arrows after the wizard, but he just ran down the stone steps into the camp. I assumed he’d wake his allies to come to his defense but no such attack came.

I cautiously dropped down to the stone steps and wandered into the camp armed with my bow. I proceeded slowly, because I was afraid I was walking into some kind of ambush. No attack came. I saw there were a lot more dead bodies in the camp than I had seen previously. They were all bandits - and one mudcrab. I laughed briefly at the thought of one mudcrab killing all six bandits before the wizard himself had to come down and stop its rampage. It was not likely, but I could see no other explanation. I found no traces of bears or giants or mammoths rampaging through the camp. The only other explanation I could venture was that another bounty hunter had come before me - or the wizard himself was a bounty hunter. I did not know.

The Remains of the Bandits at Silent Moons Camp

I saw a door leading into a stone structure and thought the wizard had hidden himself away inside. I summoned my wolf back to my side and entered the dwelling. As I entered I was nervous because I heard talking. I thought the wizard had fled inside, but the voices did not sound right - they weren’t discussing me. They seemed oblivious to the carnage outside. They either didn’t know, or had done it themselves and thus weren’t concerned. I wasn’t sure how to proceed. I pushed toward the hallway where the voices were coming and was spotted. The fight ensued and I met one squarely. My magical blade summoned instantly to my hand, I plunged it through the bandit’s chest - my wolf quickly defeated the bandit’s ally. Then we were alone.

Summoned Sword Saves Our Skins

I scoured the entire camp and found no trace of the wizard I fought in the forge. He has long fled. I did find that the forge is known as the Lunar Forge and the wizard was likely trying to make Lunar Weapons - an enchanted weapon that draws its strength from the moon. It was an interesting prospect and one I may pursue in the future in order to make money, but tonight I just needed a place to sleep. I don’t know what I will tell Proventus of this adventure. I defeated a single bandit, but I certainly did not find the organizer. I suspect it was the wizard and he’s beyond my reach now. Tomorrow I’ll have to carry all I can from this camp back to town in order to sell it - and hopefully find or buy some leather so I can start producing more weapons and armors to sell in Whiterun.

Cozy, isn't it? 

- Genjo, the Breton

23rd of Last Seed, 4E 201

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The OOC Corner - Reader's Poll & Author's Notes

I apologize for the month-long hiatus to any loyal readers/followers. Hopefully, I will be more consistent and able to update shortly after the polls end from here on out. Please forgive me! Last adventure's poll ended in a 3-way tie. It really derailed my creative process, and then this blog just slipped to the side-lines for a bit. I decided to go my own way and make my own goal of buying the home in Whiterun before having any grander adventures.

Mods I'm running:

• Arrowsmith v3b
• Dynamic Merchants
• Im's More Complex Needs
• Camping
• Realistic Lighting
• Fixed Followers Lite
• Realistic Thunder

I haven't changed anything here. I added a "Fishing" mod but it's not running for Genjo (yet) as I see no real need for him to fish. It would have been handy for his poor-man's life in Riverwood, but now that he's moderately successful, I don't see him taking any fishing trips in the near future.

Now on to the poll!

Should Genjo work on his archery? 
Should Genjo learn to smith steel weapons and armor?
Should Genjo work on his conjuration?
Should Genjo work on his stealth?

What skill should Genjo pursue?

Genjo the Hunter

Today didn't exactly go as I had hoped, I'm afraid.

I left Gerdur and Hod's house early this morning hoping to put this bow that Ralof had given me to good use. I have hunted and tracked before so I hoped I could at least get enough food to live off the land as a hunter until I get back on my feet. I knew the wilderness of Skyrim was a dangerous and often unforgiving place, but I had to do something. I had to start somewhere and reestablish myself in this cold province.

When I stepped out into the cold morning air, I found Gerdur tending her animals. She spoke with me briefly about heading to Whiterun to talk with the Jarl, which made me feel slightly guilty. I explained to her that I would go, but I was in no position to set out for a new town in nothing but rags. What would I eat? Where would I sleep there? She tried to give me some food and trinkets to sell, but I'd taken enough of the woman's charity and told her I'd be back in town this evening with pelts and meats to trade. She seemed anxious for me to get to Whiterun, but it will have to wait.

Riverwood Trader: Wolf Pelt to Potato

As I was heading out of town before the sun had risen, I noticed the Riverwood Trader was open and decided to pop in for whatever meager breakfast I could afford. I interrupted the proprietor and his sister arguing about some recent theft, but was quick to sell the wolf pelts from yesterday and buy a fresh potato. I excused myself and ate the potato raw outside. My stomach was angry with me that I didn't make a decent breakfast before leaving Gerdur's house, but I ignored it and pressed on.

At the edge of town I bumped into an elf named Faendal who offered to train me in archery, but his rate was much too high for someone with only 7 septims left to his name. I was interested in some instruction on my archery, but I'd have to save up for the lessons later.

From Riverwood, I headed west along the road I'd come down yesterday. I knew I had seen some Guardian Stones on my way into town and I wanted to get a better look a them. I had heard before arriving in Skyrim that the ancient Nords had built them to honor the constellations and that they believed them to have sacred power so it was important for me to get a look at them at least once.

On the way out there, I decided to stop and move the wolves Ralof had killed out of the road. It was sort of gruesome for any travels to have to step over the dead, skinned wolf bodies on their way to Riverwood. As I was doing that civic duty, I happened to see an elk across the river and in an instant the hunt was afoot.

Target Aqcuired: Elk

I launched an arrow across the river into the beast's flank, but it wasn't enough to bring it down. The elk bolted off into the woods and so I dashed into the river without thinking to keep up to it. Fortunately the river wasn't deep, so aside from being cold and wet I splashed on to the northern banks without incident. I managed to catch up to the elk not to far into the woods and landed another arrow in its throat to drop it. At this moment, I felt pretty pleased with myself. So early in the day and I'd landed a big game. It felt pretty easy to live off the land. I had a new hide to trade, as well as some antlers, and it looked like dinner was shaping up if I could find a bit of salt in town.

I returned to the road and made my way up to the Guardian Stones. They seemed to resonate with my touch and the constellations depicted on them would light up whenever I touched one of the three monoliths. I decided to linger on the Mage Stone as it represented my Breton heritage which is attuned to magical power. As I write this, though, I realize I probably should have lingered on the blessings of the Warrior to help me with my hunt that day as I'm not really much of a magic caster. Perhaps if I venture out that way again, I can study the Stones more.

Majestic and Mysterious

While I was marveling at the Guardian Stones, I saw a small trail leading down to a small isolated camp and climbed down the slope to investigate. I met a woman there who identified herself only as "a hunter" though her defensiveness made me think she was more of a poacher. I'm not clear on the hunting laws around here, so maybe I'm a poacher also. I'll have to look into it. I don't want to cause any trouble. Anyway, this hunter wasn't much for conversation and she didn't have anything for sale that I could afford so I thought I'd get back to work. Although she seemed a little shady, that she was living out here on the land gave me hope that I'd be able to do the same, and sell or trade whatever I don't need in Riverwood nearby. Perhaps she and I could even be friends if she'd see we are similar.

A Fellow Hunter!

From the hunter's camp, I swam out into the river and managed to catch five salmon with my bare hands! I hadn't planned to do much fishing, but since there were so many salmon, and they weren't particularly evasive, I decided to get some fresh salmon meat for trade or future dinners. It was surprisingly easy to just scoop them up out of the water. They must have some fat bears in Skyrim. Unfortunately, the fish were more trouble than they were worth.

I was scaling the fish on the bank when I was attacked by two hungry wolves. I had seen them as they were on their approach, but didn't have time to ready my bow so I faced them down with a small dagger in my hand. They lunged at me and I slashed wildly at their throats. I managed to kill them with only after a few bites and scratches - nothing serious. Now I had some elk, salmon and wolf for sale. I didn't know how much this would be worth in Riverwood, so I kept going.

Genjo, the Wolf-Slayer

I began walking back toward Riverwood along the opposite bank of the river, the northern side. I hoped to find another elk out here away from the road, but instead I found a strange, somewhat creepy shack in the woods. I met an old woman named Anise who told me all about how lonely she was out here, which isn't surprising since it's the middle of nowhere. I thought maybe I'd visit her again sometime and we could talk more, but I'm also a little nervous about it. Something about Anise and her shack made me extremely uncomfortable. I shudder just thinking about it.

Anise's Creepy Cabin from a Safe Distance

After that uncomfortable talk with the old woman, I pressed on and I thought I saw a deer upon a ridge ahead of me. As it turns out it was a man named Balbus who was gathering ingredients to impress someone named the Gourmet. He talked me up and down about the Gourmet like I should know who he is. I don't. I find myself not even remotely interested, although I do like cooking. Well, I wished him luck, warned him he should wear brighter clothing in the forest, and continued on my way. You meet a wide variety of strange folk out in the woods of Skyrim, I must say.

I passed by Riverwood on the north bank and began to explore the east side of town. It's quite a charming little town and I find myself rather fond of it. I'll have to make it a point get to know more of the townsfolk in the near future. I should also head down to the Jarl in Whiterun and ask for reinforcements in case the dragon comes back. I haven't thought much about the dragon. It seems more or less like a dream. Something like that couldn't have been real, but just yesterday I had seen it and what it was capable of doing to Helgen. Well, I'll leave those thoughts for later. Where was I?

Surpising Luck!

I caught a glimpse of a hawk circling overhead and decided to see if I could test my archery skills. I didn't want to waste too many arrows, but I was surprised that my second shot plucked the large bird from the sky and it happened to fall at my feet as well. How surprisingly lucky!  I knew the beak and some choice feathers that would fetch a good price in town mostly for their alchemical properties.

I headed back down to the river where I saw a doe and a rabbit on the southern shore. The rabbit bolted as I approached the river, but the doe jumped about in a panic. I managed to land an arrow in her ribs. I rushed into the river again to keep her in my sights. I lined up another shot, but before I could release the arrow a wolf jumped out of the bushes and took the doe down by the throat.

I was so startled by this that I just stood there dumbfounded up to my waist in frigid water. I hadn't seen the wolf before it launched its surprise attack on the doe. It caught me by complete surprise. It had seen me, however, and instead of enjoying its fresh kill was considering what it should do about me. I readied my bow for the incoming attack.

Genjo, the Stalking Archer

I managed to kill the wolf with arrows before it had the chance to get at me. Then I collected my prizes and headed back to town, since it was beginning to grow dark again. As I hit the edge of town, I heard a hawk's cry and looked around for its source. Far overhead I saw another hawk circling and perching on the high mountain rocks. I believe the hawk I killed earlier was the most profitable prey of the day and so I lobbed my last two remaining arrows into the sky. They both missed.

Now I get to the final heartbreak. I was able to turn those twelve arrows into 2 elk hides, 3 wolf pelts, and 1 hawk. I also have 2 great cuts of venison and 5 salmon as an added bonus, which I did not sell. Lucan of the Riverwood Trader was able to give me 33 septims for my day's work, which seemed like a lot to a man with nothing in his purse yesterday, but it didn't go far. I purchased a bit of salt from the Trader and cooked myself some venison on the fire. It felt good to fill my stomach with the day's efforts, but I was still thirsty and needed a place to sleep. 

Unfortunately, a night at the Sleeping Giant Inn with a mug of ale cost me a dear 25 coins. It nearly took an entire day's work just to afford a place to sleep and something to eat. To be honest I'm still famished as I write this. I could eat at least three times what I had for dinner if I could afford it. Soon my hunger will make me too weak to be able to hunt, and my feet are killing me from hiking all over the Riverwood area in these tattered cloth shoes. This just isn't feasible right now. After I spend what little I have on breakfast, I won't have enough coins for even a handful of arrows.

I need to do something different tomorrow.

- Genjo, the Breton

18th of Last Seed, 4E 201

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The OOC Corner - Reader's Poll & Author's Notes

Hunting was fun and exciting, but not profitable enough to sustain Genjo.
He has no more arrows, so only a dagger and some spells (he's currently unaware of) in his arsenal.

Due to mods installed, he is required to eat and sleep certain amounts everyday.

I should also mention that when Genjo succumbs do death, by whatever means other than user error, he is gone forever. I'm trying to play this with as much realism as possible, so once he dies it's going to be game over for him and most likely this project. Keep that in mind as you play the winds of fate making decisions for him. 

Vote in on Genjo's future!

How will Genjo proceed?