Jackos Dialogue #2 COMPLETE

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COMMENTS IN BRACKETS {} ARE SPOKEN/DONE BY THE PLAYER
COMMENTS IN BRACKETS [] IS WHAT THE PLAYER IS DOING OR WHERE THEY ARE

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Jackos:
Stern
Dry humor
Informed about military practices/techniques
30-45 years old
Straight to the point
First find him in Arnima, he is anxious because of Lord Mortifayne’s paranoia. Leader of the Arnimain Scouts, implied to be expert in espionage/spy related activities.

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{Arnima experiencing hard times?}

You don't need me to tell you that, just look around - it seems as though the gods are trying to wash away this city as well as all the other omens.

Never seen you before, so I'll hazard a guess that you're new; the sheer state this town must be in for a newcomer to first remark on its poverty.

If you're willing to stay a while longer, then you'll come to witness that some of us still retain our civility. Don't judge a book by its cover they say - wish that were completely true in our case.

{I hear this may be the lord's doing?}

And I hear you can get your tongue cut off for having your words stray so close to treason.

But I shouldn't fault you, you just speak of what your eyes first come to see. The truth is, the lord is laying spite on anyone who he deems wrong.

Ah there's no point scaring off another visitor, and I should applaud you for that intuition - many who've come to stay in this tragic town only bemoan the people, instead of looking to who governs them.

The people within these walls used to have pride and community, now apathy and tension permeate the air. Some have taken their own lives.

If you've been sent by Evermore, tell them we need help. If it's not the lord that will be our undoing, it's the countless other evils lurking near.

{*Whisper* I was sent by someone on the bridge to see if you needed help}

Got ourselves a spy? Could find yourself at the end of a rope, if you're lucky.

Yet I know who you're talking of, tell her that a helping hand is more than welcome. She'll get the gist.

Before I forget myself as someone of meager authority, take this letter as well, the seal is meant to keep prying fingers out so she'll know if you start sticking your nose in.

{Anything else?}

What? Wanna take me to dinner? Just make sure you get back to her safely, if you ever feel your safety compromised, make sure to leave no trace of that letter.

Else all the blood that follows will be on your hands, not mine.

[Jackos approaches player after defeating witchmen (enemies)]

You made it through the savage's hole? Or am I seeing ghosts?

{Fret not, I still bleed like any other}

And you share our black humor, mortal down to the very bone.

Alright, we're gonna have to clear up here - see to it that these dogs don't return with yet another dark ritual.

Contacted our friends in Evermore, they're going to send the Ustase down to clean house. If you want a primer on who these criminals-turned-militia are, then we'll have to speak later.

For now, make sure we haven't got some foul straggler lying in wait for their arrival.

{What in oblivion was that?} [Player had defeated daedric dragon]


I thought the priest was being dramatic, portents of doom are all that drips from his lips at the smallest hint of trouble. But now I see there was some truth to his words.

Told me to expect some type of demon up here, never knew it'd take the form of this winged bastard. And now that confirms an even more sinister rumor...

{what rumor? Why didn't you tell me what we'd be running in to?}

Didn't want you to botch the job, mercenaries tend to under-perform when they know that a bounty spells certain death.

{I'm still a mercenary to you? I've risked my life for Arnima}

You did, forgive that slight, i've always taken umbrage to those who take blood money.

None of our quibbles are important right now. Let's get back on track...

That rumor had to do with our lord; Mortifayne, and his possible dealings with that foul goddess who summoned this creature; Namira. Priest didn't disclose any further than that relation existing, or not.

Just told me to look out for anything particularly strange, and well, we saw exactly that.

{Should I head back to the Priest so he can elaborate?}

Really putting your life on the line for us eh? You have my gratitude. If you do exchange words with him then make sure not to shout, many of those within the walls are still tragically loyal to that madman...

And.. not only there, but right here, so we'll have to halt this fatal talk if we want to keep our heads.

We'll be returning soon once that Lowland *ahem* Ustase detachment arrives, stay safe.


{I found everyone I could}

Awesome work. Hopefully with these numbers we can escape this nightmare.

More numbers grant us a better chance of making it out of this madness, steer yourself, we're ascending this mountain.

{Jackos, what do we do? What's going on?!}

I know it looks grim and by the gods I'm terrified too, but we have to follow what the priests taught us.

I wish I could remember everything from training to deal with situations like this..... We have to find the others, and then we find that stone.

Keep close, this is going to get rough.

{We shouldn't stall, let's head up the mountain now}

You're right, the more we delay only brings a higher chance of failure, and worse. Let's hurry then.

{I found a way through the door}

No kidding, thanks for putting your neck on the line for us. After this is all done, you'll be the first to receive a reward from the king himself.

We should get going, before our luck runs dry.

[Scene where Jackos tells you to leave him as he fends off enemies]

You and rados must reach the top of that tower, we'll fend off these creatures and bide you enough time to finish this.

The fate of the reach are on you two, Mara's love be with you. I hope to see you on the other side. Now go!

[Scene where Jackos comes across locked door in a daedric realm]

Damn... Seems to be locked. There must be another way around these walls.


If this world works as ours does, which is a huge assumption - then I think we may have another route to get beyond these rotting walls.

Heard wind ushering from that cave down there, must be coming from its other end, which could lead us out through this construct. Haven't many options, so we'll have to take risks.

See if you can find another path through this dump, may mara protect you from the evils to come.

[Scene where Jackos meets Rados (Friend) in a Daedric Realm]

It's rados, thank the divines! Now we stand a better chance.

We can't talk now, lest we provoke the ire of that beast above. Keep moving until we can find the priest.

[Scene where Jackos Finds Priest within a daedric realm]

Priest!

We'll have to try, or us being here will be for nothing.

And you, try to find and bring back any other lost men who came through the rift. All the men we can get to reach that stone.





{Need help with anything?}

An eager helper? Or a plotting saboteur? If the latter, then I must warn you, there's no second chances within this town - first sign of you turning cloak and we'll have you hoisted in the dungeons.

{Paranoia isn't going to earn you any friends, no wonder you keep earning enemies}

What do you suggest? Confront our foes with daisies and smiles? They'll cleave your smug face in two.

Yet there's some truth in your words, and I'd be remiss of this town's welfare if I stubbornly defend my stance. So if you're sincere in your want to help out, then we have a job at hand.

{Tell me what you need done and I'll make an attempt}

Oh no friend, not "attempt", but do - this isn't a job that you can just half arse then make your peace with the land. You'll have to stick it through else Mara's gonna be receiving another soul.

If you haven't noticed, we civilized folks in our civilized gatherings are but an enclave to all the scum that lie in wait, just a stones throw from our gates.

Our closest neighbors happen to be those feral folk dejected from the Kingdom's settlements, making the wilds their home.

{Bandits?}

Exiles, same thing just different legal repercussions if they ever return to where they were booted.

The punishment here is death; Mortifayne decreed it so, even the family of exiles can expect the same harsh treatment if they're ever found to be consorting with their criminal kin.

{So what exactly do you want me to do}

Well, we needed a scout to oversee any contraband smuggling or corruption within our ranks, who may be dealing with the delinquents.

The exiles don't pose the same threat as all the other villains in the reach, but they sure break cohesion here in the Kingdom.

Always had a problem with our guard; doped up and turning a blind eye to their duties. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between our own and those rats who supply 'em.



{I can try, tell me where to go}

Just what I like to hear, some conviction for your work. Here, give us your map, I'll dot the area that our scouts use as a vantage point.

Can gander at the whole camp on this humble knoll, just make sure you're discreet with this venture - these exiles may be dumb but they aint blind.

{Anything else I should know about my scouting duties?}

Since you're working for us in this brief stint, I just want to brief you on our alarms, If you hear the horns blowing then turn tail and get back to us in haste.

We're on edge for any attacks on our walls, and for good reason - had a witchman raid not long ago and I want more bodies at the gate to deal with them.

Seems as though every time I ponder about a raid it happens, misfortune runs through the land like our water.

{Sorry, that lies outside my skillset}

Just needed someone to talk to and waste time with? I'm not someone you want to make your mug, return if you're serious about this quest, else don't bother.

{What can you tell me about the Redguards?}

That they're thieves - alright, pardon my temper, I know better from my travels that they're aren't all plunderers and pirates - only because not every red owns a ship.

And Pardon the jab, can't help it - sometimes you can only laugh when you're dealing with this much dung being thrown at you from every corner of the land. Let's just call them raiders huh?

Well these raiders swarmed our southern mines, right in the heart of that storm which brought the rivers crashing to our walls. Canon had leveled the bog and we soon saw the rats feed among the rubble.

{Opportunities are always seized by the predatory, and what is this "canon"?}

What the reds use because their impotent minds being incapable at handling magic. A large metal tube propels a metal ball, where if you blink, you'll miss it ripping right through your skull.

Those redguards have a lot of similar contraptions, fortunately the most advanced aren't held by their criminals - but by those with the coin to do so.

Another precaution against a provincial war If I may opine.

{Yet we have magic, surely that's better? Why have they not been expunged from those mines?}

It is better, but extremely taxing and can have a callous mage in a very dire situation if he casts in disregard. Machine however, needs no mental operator that must maintain a steady focus.

Only thing they need is a cleaning and someone with spare hands to wield it. Can't say the same for all the mages, who've lost their minds from years gazing into their tomes.

So we're being careful when approaching these river rats, have to gauge what their arsenal is before making our move. But rest assured, we will flush them out, just a matter of time.

{Is it done? Are they gone for good?}

Redguards and Piracy aren't easily parted, but even a dog should know when to stay clear of a fire, and we'll make sure to have the flames of their ships burn bright enough for the whole river to see.

Just have to get some of the mage lads down here to work their magic. Caught wind that Sigmayne is sparing some of his precious treasury our way - Good thing too, the Bog was one of the chief contributors to our kingdoms wealth.

Once we're sure that those desert rats aren't making any further plans, we'll have that rubble-heap cleared up and made pretty again.

{Do you need me to do anything further to help?}

Me? No. Yet Kegor may, if you've met him already that is. If not, then he resides within that walled up city to the west; Evermore, as you've probably heard more than enough of by now.

He'll be the one you'll need for any proposed clean up duty. Cheers for the help here, the boys are more than appreciative for your presence.

{So, do you have any family here?}

Propositioning me lad? Careful, sodomy is a crime that earns a special type of punishment here. Better not let ranney get his hands on you.

Asking for my hand? Sorry love, I'm taken. Let's hope the misses isn't lurking around here, for your sake that is.

Yet if you're genuinely curious; No, my family aren't here. I've made sure of that - they've been sent off to daggerfall with the coin I could muster. Children will be learning a trade without the worries that they'd have here.

{And the wife?}

The wife is good, "clean" hopefully *Forced laugh*. Tears at me daily knowing they're all so far away, but having them stay here would put a greater burden on my heart.

{Never thought of joining them?}

Of course, but I can't. I found my nest in this town and seek to drag it out of its state - fleeing would only blacken the conscience further.

Once things change - and I mean radically - then I'll reconsider that option, though I'd prefer them returning east than me heading west. People have to know their home, lest you forget your history.


{Why haven't you done anything about Mortifayne already?}

Got your blinders on? "Plans" have a tendency for being outed upon leaving your lips here - we've got ears all aroun' town, eager to earn an extra septim for themselves by getting on the lord's good side.

Besides, our hands are ultimately tied through forces beyond Mortifayne.

{What do you mean?}

There's a larger fear among the royalty in this province for uppity peasants than mad tyrants. We don't want to be setting any precedents with our unruliness now.

And so our only ally is time, waiting for the lord to pass on for a more just ruler to reign. Though knowing the reach, it's a hope based in fantasy.

We shouldn't talk about this further, a man has to be cautious if he wants to keep his head.

{What's the deal with these witchmen}

Isn't that the question on everyone's lips. Abandon any hope of reasoning with these savages, trying to understand them will earn you a dung-covered arrow in the gut.

They damn wiped out nigh eight tenths of the men I've sent up their way, all felled by either maddening sorcery or toxic weaponry.

The other two tenths? Returned either missing their limbs or part of their sanity.

{Sanity?}

You heard right, like their brains were knocked clean out of their skulls. Raving mad, regurgitating the same strange words that those fanatics vomit up from their black lungs.

Ever wondered how a force this destructive and incoherent can keep their numbers up? It's not because they breed like rabbits - though that definitely plays a role -  it's mainly because our very own defect from all over the kingdom.

{Why would you join the witchmen?}

Ain't that another question on everyone's lips - would love to give you a reason but i've burnt myself out in the past trying to conjure one. Seems this dark prose gets lodged between their ears, messes with their thoughts.

Makes them violent, bitter and unpredictable. We've made it an unspoken law to exile those affected by this mind poison rather than take them in; rehabilitation has proven futile. A cold measure.

And Cold begets cold, with the whole land freezing in its misery.

{Was Mados important for the guard?}

Incontrovertibly so - his presence in these walls gave people a figure to rally around. Brimming with charisma; a mutual sense of belonging to those who adored him. He was the Reachmen's hero - well, for the civilized of the reach.

Many have tried to measure up to his legacy and many have failed, it seems those who mirror his physique and martial prowess are found wanting in mind. Such as those large lads, clad in ebony, that you've surely seen on your way to me.

{Who are those two?}

"Knights of Evermore", a parody that went from tragedy to farce almost immediately after their making. Knights have a whole different connotation in Evermore it seems.

The slightly taller one is Mek, slow in the brain but still capable of all the savagery that any mad reachmen can mete out. Must have been dropped on his head as a babe - He's reigned in by his more cunning, and terrifically more sinister brother ;Sek.

That Sek is a whole new beast, a whole new low for knighthood. Will gut a lifelong friend if it meant another pouch of gold or another accolade from the king. In fact, he did just that to earn his knighthood.

The man was at Munstor, those who saw him in the slaughter shuddered upon recalling his debauched behavior. Never knew a man could go through so many women within a night - slaying twice that number in men with his hammer.

And all at the ripe age of 16 - biggest man you'd have met for his age, mind you. Just another show of nature's cruel inequality.

{So it doesn't take much except fame, or infamy, to be a knight?}

Made enough gold for the King? No matter the means? You're knighted. Brought the King another girl to gawk at? You're a knight. Burnt a whole village to the ground because someone took the king's name in vain? You're a knight.

{I get it}

Hope you do, and I want you to understand our predicament when it comes to current morale. You can't have pride when it's based on farce and criminality. Corruption seeps through every crevice of our kingdom.

*Ahem* Got carried away, I am sworn to this town's defense and will lay down my life for the people. Don't take my words as a slight against any of my peers.


{Who are the Ustase?}

It's better to avoid asking them directly - actually, I would advise you to not engage with these types at all. Else you may land yourself in very hot water.

{Why? Have they got something against people like me}

They're very "off", most are drawn from the more unsavory ranks of our conscripts - with a popular, and probably true, rumor that half of them are pooled from the Exiles.

You may know the kingdom as having problems with corruption and bad seeds already, well, that pales to what these people are capable of.

If I were to opine, i'd say they were made from the Witchmen rather than any half-sane reachmen we have near the walls.

{I won't cause any trouble}

You wont but they certainly could - just best to leave them to their business, it's almost always a very dirty affair that'll make any witness despair.

Trust me, I know - certain things a "civilized" man should never do, yet they frequently transgress on that standard. When you think you've seen the worst, they'll surprise you the next morning with some new sickening spectacle.

{Why does the kingdom employ them?}

Because they get the job done, though sometimes it's better to draw these things out when you consider what a fast job like theirs entails.

The kingdom has come to prominence in High Rock in short time, don't think that was done with clean hands - there's rarely clean hands when it comes to getting rich fast.

[Scene where Jackos is leading group in an attempt to oust redguards who sacked neighboring town.]

Eyes and ears boys! We're going to drown these desert rats in the river from where they came.

Looted the entire town, nothing left to salvage. Let's go get back what's ours - avenge all who were slain here.

No doubt those thieves have holed up here as well, keep your wits about you - these reds will lash out when cornered. All inside!

If you need a second to breathe, take it now - we're not going to relent against these rats lest they regather. A direct spearhead through their ranks - alright, break over, off we go.

Good, they didn't trash the mines while they were here - could open for further function once we clear these reds out. More coin for Raven Spring lads, Rejoice.

Behold it boys, the rats nest - let's be the fire that ousts this vermin. Give no quarter, we need to show these river scum that the reach isn't to be trifled with.

We actually did it - *breath*, one heck of a rampage we had - pray that nothing else sails up those waters any time soon.


[MISC DIALOGUE]

Get close or you'll be an easy target.

Keep vigilant, we're bound to be set upon soon.

All together lads, we're going to push through this.

What did we do to deserve this nightmare?

Keep your head low and stay alert, that creature is stalking us.

Getting closer to the tower, just a few more yards.

It all stinks, what godsforsaken hellhole have we landed in?

Stay alert and keep your eyes on the shadows.

Don't lose track of me, this isn't a place you want to get lost in.

[NPC ATTEMPTS TO ARREST PLAYER]

{I'd rather die than go to jail!}
Ha, as you wish.

{Fine, I'll pay my bounty.}
Be thankful there is a bounty to pay off. Next time it’s off with your hands.

{I submit, take me to Jail.}
You're going to be rat food soon enough, scum.


In the name of King Sigmayne, halt and submit!


[NPC REACTS TO PLAYER STEALING]
Brainless criminal, I'll cut those hands off!

[NPC DYING WORDS]
Mara..Take me..
No.....
I've failed...

[NPC REACTS TO FRIENDS DEATH]
Losing allies.
You'll bleed for that.

[NPC ATTACKED]
Smart huh?!
Ugh!
Bastard.
Stendarr, shield me.
Agh!
Lucky hit.

[NPC BLOCKING ATTACKS]
Childs play.
It'll take more than that.

[NPC BLEEDING OUT, ON KNEES]
Stendarr ... give me strength.
It can't end like this...

[NPC ATTACKING PLAYER/ENEMY]
Let's play.
Cleaning the filth.
Die fool.
I'll have your head.
Make your peace.
Weak technique.
Savage Orc.
Desert rat.
Another dead nord.
Foul creature.
Banish this demon.
Thieving cat.
Eyes forward, we have enemies.
Time to meet your end.
Gods... The stench.
Guard up, prepare for blood.



[NPC REACTS TO CORPSE]
Corpse is fresh, the killer is still here.

[NPC REACTS TO PLAYER SWINGING WEAPON]
Keep that weapon away from me.

[NPC REACTS TO PLAYER SPELLS]
Real fancy.
Who you trying to impress?

[PLAYER SHOVES NPC]
Are you drunk?
Watch where you're going.

[NPC REACTS TO PLAYER SHOUT]
That wasn't a nord's drunken rumor then? Shouting really does exist.

[NPC watches other people fighting]
Take this fighting out of here.

[NPC SAYS GOODBYE]
Stay alert.
Keep your wits about you.
We'll talk again.

[NPC SAYS HELLO]
Got something to say?
Need something?
Get to the point.
Let's focus.
Get back to me when you've done what I've asked of you.
Aren't you busy with something?
I've heard mention of you helping us out with the Orcs. At this rate you'll be one of our greatest allies.
Been helping out the clergy, right? Smart move, you'll always be in need of those with healing magic.
The people can't suffer much longer, tensions are going to erupt - and it wont be pretty.
Blessings to you, Knight.
Carry the griffon, Knight of Evermore.
I'm watching you, Orc.

[NPC HORRIFIED]
What is this place?!
What in oblivion!


[NPC SEES HOSTILE]
Outed yourself.
We have hostiles.

[NPC LOOKING FOR HOSTILE]
Can't hide for long, I've got time in abundance.

[PLAN FOR EXTRA DIALOGUE]

{Jackos talks of family, sent off to Evermore. Sends money to them and hoping to earn enough to join them or oust mortifayne to have them return}



{Why mortifayne hasn't been ousted, how sigmayne and royalty are extra vigilant when it comes to serf rebellions.}

{Jackos experience with witchmen, personal history with them and  talk of serfs being "possessed" by witchmen, replenishing numbers.}

{Jackos talk of Mados, what mados meant for Arnima and how it's good that rados returned. Bolstering morale among guard.}

{Jackos talk of knights in evermore, specifically Sek/Mek. How sek killed someone in Inn, was knighted because kingdom was desperate and recruited him. Either from event at Munstor or something else.}

{Jackos talk of Ustase, why they've helped the kingdom and their history. Origins should be around Kingdom started, signifying sick roots. That they were mostly pooled from the reach exiles at first, then used to conquer the same reach. Talk of predothor, say he's odd and appeared out of nowhere.}