Horustair New Dialogue 2020

MAKE SURE TO HAVE AUDIO RECORDINGS SET FOR MONO, NOT STEREO
SPLIT EACH INDIVIDUAL LINE INTO ITS OWN FILE
KEEP QUALITY CLEAN AND CLEAR THROUGHOUT
HAVE THE AUDIO BE AS LOUD AS YOU CAN MAKE IT WITHOUT AUDIBLE CLICKING OR NOISE

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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Horustair
Loyal and prides himself on honor
Honest to a fault
Tries to adhere to stereotypical character of a knight
Good nature takes precedence over loyalty to kingdom when he starts seeing corruption of kingdom firsthand (when Sigmayne knighting criminals like Lowland Reavers, Sek and Mek)
30-40 years old
Tall and strong, doesn’t abuse power
Goodness is often taken advantage of, quite naive

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[Scene within town, Lord of town is confronted about bad behavior. Lord murders other lord who Horustair was guarding]

Bastard! Don't let him run!

We have no time for this, you're just delaying the inevitable.

Sek, stand aside! Do you want this town to become a gauntlet for that insane lord?

What abyssal sorcery is this?!

[Scene where Horustair and player survive Oblivion invasion]

You made it! By the gods I didn't believe you'd conquer that evil. Those creatures just collapsed as soon as you came through, how did you do it?

Of course, I can't... We can't thank you enough for the perils you've been through. I'll make sure that you two will be knighted for this triumph.

A rest well earned, but your friend here may still have some energy. Head into the King's Hall, and your knighthood will be immediately awarded.

[Scene where player is knighted, Horustair is clapping for player]

I hope you don't disappoint.

{Do you have further need of my services?}

A bounty has come through straight from the Council, they're in need of a Knights skills for this case, have a look.

{I've rescued the citizen.}

Your feats are inspiring to say the least, here, a reward most deserved.

{Would you have need of a Knights skills?}

Making the most of your new credentials I see? I hope you've finished with the celebrations as we've a most urgent matter that needs addressing.

There lies a village called Azra's Crossing, at the western border of our kingdom. Reports note that nefarious dealings are being conducted within the mines there.

So leading from your query, this small investigation should suffice to answer. We'll put these rumors to rest by attending those mines in person.

So what say you knight? Ready to show your skills?

{If it helps the Kingdom, then I will assist.}

For sure, with every threat that's quelled, the Kingdom gains strength. You will make a great Knight at this rate.

Be sure to meet me at the bridge that connects us to the village, the Aventuriers will be there to help if things turn sour.

{Maybe another time.}

I would like the dwelling investigated soon, so if you plan on reconsidering, then be fast about it. The plague waits for no man.

{Some noble bore the affliction, and was selling medicine to the villagers.}

We've had a run in with opportunists before, those that exploit the meek for personal gain.

{He also turned violent, I had to defend myself - so now he lays dead}

The commotion was hard to ignore, managed to alert the entire village.

I stayed outside to make sure no others entered the mine, or any left. I'm sure you did the right thing in there.

Take this for your help, I'll inform the court of possible contraband smuggling and corruption within the nobility.

{Why are noble persons here anyway?}

Noble's seldom see themselves free of scandal - this is just one of many. Wherever there's the prospect of riches, they'll be seen near.

Right, mind my tongue - not wise to besmirch those of higher authority.

Have this for your help, I'll inform the court of possible contraband smuggling. Maybe they'll pay closer attention to their wealthy friends.

{Nothing was found within the mines, I think they go inside to stay warm...}

Strange, why not just take shelter within their homes? Must be these wretched vines blocking access inside.

This plague has really taken a toll on this village - as you searched inside I took notice of all these sickly roots.

I was thinking, if you left the plague untouched in an area, that this is the result.

{I saw nothing like this in my journeys east}

We've employed the most stringent precautions within the Reach. Purgation units are on constant rotation to burn even the slither of affliction.

Yet sickly stragglers manage to elude even these measures. Surely spreading this pox even further.

{Anything else we can do?}

Never a day goes by that's free of work - but for now, we're settled here.

I'm more than grateful you came, Kegor will hear of your fine work. If your achievements remain consistent, I may soon have an equal.


[Horustair confronts another guard, asking him to lower a draw bridge to an afflicted village]

At ease. Have you seen any activity within Azra?

Make sure to cover our rears incase things go awry, and don't be afraid to turn your hands against us if the worst comes to pass.

Lower the drawbridge, we're proceeding.

[Horustair confronts afflicted woman, woman refuses Horustair entry to the village]

As citizens under the protection of Evermore, you're still subject to our laws. We're investigating the mines.

Do you wish to see your welfare worsen? Cooperate and we'll see this village relieved of its suffering - Refuse us, and you'll earn the King's Wrath.

Seems they're not listening, get inside the mines, I'll draw their attention outside. I think they're going to turn violent.

{You're a knight?}

Does the armour betray my rank? And you, an aspiring Squire?

{No, I was just curious. What does a knight do then?}

How unfortunate, yet with a closer look, I see someone with higher ambitions.

Knight's are the right arm of your king's rule, meting out justice on the unbecoming, to enforce order within the kingdom's borders and to retain our reputation within the Province.

Well, knights like I at least - can't say the same for those who most recently received the title.

{What do you mean?}


My umbrage tempts the wrath of my peers, I shall be measured. Knighthood in Evermore doesn't share the same veneration as its found throughout other kingdoms.

For how could it? When that class is made up of men with the deepest shadows covering for the blackest deeds.

To feel shame for your class, to doubt in the knight's purpose..

..I've let slip too much. I will not slander what the god's have blessed me with. I will uphold the honour of my peers.

To never sully the name of my brethren, *sigh* That is the knight's oath.

To never sully the name of my brethren, no matter how deserving they are of scorn. *Sigh* That is the knight's oath.

{Tragic to see what's happened, do you need help in alleviating the suffering here.}

Tragedy? No, this is criminal - tragedy is to be laid at the inevitable. We had ample chance to avoid this fate, so much warning.


{You're angry at the Kingdom itself?}

The fool hates the image, with ours being that banner and royal blood. My ire is cast toward the men who reigned, dragging the rest of us to the pits.

{Never knew you harboured such resentment}

No sense in wearing your hatred, it'll make you all the more appetizing for those who seek your ruin.

Yet I shouldn't sit here sulking, calamity beckons and we need strength..

Say, are you familiar with the fate of Mados?

{Yes vividly, what about him?}

The reach is keen to repeat history, those same dreadful events that led to Mados' undoing are taking shape again.

Vengeful orcs, insidious shamans, walls where the helpless can only look on as doom falls.

{Tell me where they are and I'll deal with them.}

The Reach is dense with the mad, it's hard to recover any valuable information down there. Searching for them could take days.

{Knight to knight, how corrupt are the nobility?}

What gave you the idea that I'd be privy to that information?

{You seem to be one of the more honest people I've met around here.}

You may be a knight, but you are fresh within the ranks, still a stranger to many here. Best to avoid controversy so early in your career.

And to make enemies of the nobility have barely gotten to know them?

Veterans who've boasted accolades numbering in the hundreds can still see their reputation brought to nothing. It doesn't take much either, one mispoken word toward the nobility, and your fate is sealed.

Having said all this, I didn't answer your question did I? Well, my warning was not denial.

{Have we tried ousting these corrupt nobles?}

That's a rabbit hole you wished you never delved, you may find yourself collecting dirt on very powerful people.

You may happen on discoveries too dark for anyone to keep to themself. Then, your loyalty falters, and you wonder why you serve such people at all.

*Sigh* I know that road too well.

{How did you become a knight?}

Ha, how often I've heard that. For one, it wasn't easy, I assure you.

A lifetime of service and exceptional feats should prove enough for the title, yet It was never a conscious effort on my part.

An entire legacy of knighthood is from where I hail, I am but the latest in that long tradition. There weas no other road except that blazed by my forefathers.

I was knighted when I had just turned 30, for my service in the Illiac conflict which saw our great kingdom against Wayrest.

Commanding the second retinue of pikemen into their lands, seizing points of logistical interest and other requistions.

The first line of offence was penetrated at the northern flank, it was us who secured the rear and stalled the encirclement that wayrest had banked on.

For that feat, my return to Evermore was celebrated with the promise of this most extolled rank.

Wish I could tell you that I was grateful for it, yet after hearing of who else had shared in my reward.

{Who?}

A twisted man, dark in all his being. Taking lead of the Ustase, in which he's taught much. Now they rival him in cruelty, maybe even more.

He is a baffling character; no history we could trace, and no discernible motive for his service.

Knighthood had come to mean nothing on the day he claimed it, "earned" through the evil he made Wayrest suffer. Serfs numbering in the hundreds, unrecognizable, strewn across their abodes.

We were sure it was the witchmen, no one of civil society could be capable of the scenes we witnessed.

But the Witchmen took pride in their savagery, marking their victims in whatever effigies or symbols their shrewd minds froths up. And they were never deft enough to elude us for long.

It was only through the patience and keen eyes of our scouts did we discover who was truly responsible.

{The Ustase I guess?}

Yes, the black hounds of Evermore. The kingdom's shame.

We brought their attrocities to the attention of the court, they trialed some, and excused many others. The leader himself, faced no punishment.

As I told you, he was rewarded. I saw through it all, this behaviour would be our standard. Evermore was to be terror for High Rock.

Wayrest was left in cinders, a storm of smoke so thick it gave pause to men miles away. You'd never see anything quite like what they did to that city.

As close to Oblivion as I could imagine, sunset stained with red flame - staring into a horizon of evil.

Yet all was not lost, King Uther had fled, bringing wayrest with him.

{The king survived, how do you know this?}

Ah.... Well we never saw to his body, even with Sigmayne ordering a full scouring of the city after its ruin. Many have come to us since, claiming to have seen Uther.

Though such a bounty would collect a very high reward, attracting many a swindler.

{So do you have a manor within Evermore?}

Ha, gods no! Even If I wsihed to, I couldn't. The property sold here is destined for Merchants and other money-minded men.

Soon the world will be under their sway, with even royalty kneeling to their requests. Or maybe I'm too cynical? We'll see what the future holds.

{So where do you live?}

A guarded secret friend, I'll just say that it's very far from the troubles here. Built with the help of my wife.. and a few carpenters. The wife tells me its the envy of all her friends.

I hope it is, I wouldn't have gone through the effort otherwise.

But Evermore has called me on until further notice, And I've recieved no update for when I can return home. Recent events will most likely extend my stay here.

Let's pray that the Reach can finally turn itself around, the only way we'll have peace.

{What happened within the town while we were in that realm?}

A nightmare without equal, swallowing the Reach entirely - as if we were being yanked to one of the many hells.

We hurried the people to any shelter that wasn't blocked by rubble, and it was only the Inn that was free. The missionary aided us with his magic, with us forming a wall to stem the horror.

It was looking bleak, and I had made my peace - we all did. These creatures just kept coming, there was no way we could hold.

Then the ghoulish shrieks ceased at once, warped bodies collapsing in their silence. That's when you came.

Mara's mercy, too many of us were taken, we should have done more.

Making sure that these fiends wouldn't return, we gathered what was left of them onto the pyres, ridding them from this world for good.

May stendarr collect their ashes and deliver righteous punishment.

[Horustair and player is interrupted by a guard, guard tells Horustair about Orc approaching bridge. Horustair is tense about Orc motives]

Hope you have a good reason for interupting.

Pray tell, what is the problem?

Calm yourself, what's causing this panic?

Shamans?! Not again, let's see what they intend to do.

Shamans?! Do the Orcs dare to repeat their crimes?

Orc! State your motives lest you fall to a rain of arrows.

Orc! State your intentions or be punished for your trespass.

What could you possibly offer us, Orc? Your kind has done its damage.

Quiet.

What do you want Orc?

Come clear with your agenda, Orc.

You take us for fools Orc? How do we know you're telling the truth?

Fear has not made fools of us Orc, tell us why we should believe you?

Damn, we really can't stake the lives here on a hope that he's lying.

Friend, you have proven yourself in many ways in your brief career. Please, sate our insecurities and find out if this Orc speaks truth.

Knight, you have given much to us already, but we beg that you prevail over one last evil.

Succeed where Mados had failed, do not repeat the mistakes of the past.


[Player approaches bridge with Orcs following]

Knight! Is this some twisted jest or have you turned cloak?

{Neither, I made a deal with the Orcs...}

A deal with savages who've raped their way through our kingdom?! Are you mad? Have the shamans put you under their spell?

{Horustair listen, they just want passage, towards their home. If we allow this then we wont be under threat from any further shaman rituals.}

And you've bought into their agenda without prying further? I have to ask again, are you mad?

Forgetting that knight, the people here will not take well to seeing Orcs walking among them. This cannot stand!

{We'll have put away our wrath for a moment if we wish to live for tomorrow, we don't know what could happen if we turn on them now.}

I have tolerated much in this corrupted system but it all pales to this.

Knight, I say this with utmost sincerity, if any of them even flinches towards one of ours. We'll put them all down where they stand.

With you joining them in death. Are we clear?

{Crystal.}

Go, and be quick about it. Lest we have a change of heart.

{The shamans have been dealt with, there was a lot of resistance.}

You've proven to be a far braver soul than I. Sigmayne knighted many wretches in his reign, but you stood alone, against them all.

{And yourself too, Horustair.}

No, I have my sins. Crimes that will be laid bare when Uther comes our way. I disgraced the banner for morality. I am no knight.

{What do you mean Horustiar? Explain!}

In short time, for now, enjoy the safety your heroic actions have secured.

And with your triumph, our survival. I'll make sure to tell those taking refuge here about your feats, so that your heroism isn't forgotten.

{Thank you, I do my best.}

{Thank you, I do my best.}

I know. The people are soon to ride out for Cyrodil, with others heading to Skyrim. Skyrim was your homeland was it not?

{No, I was just around there before my arrival here.}

Then I'm sure you're familiar with the land, the route there will be far safer with you on the roads.

{Yes, It is}

Everyone has to return home eventually, only with cruel fate is that path taken from us. Have skyrim hear the lesson of Evermore, have them know the consequence of greed.

I will stay, my inability to prevent this carnage cannot go unpunished. My penance will be found here. Fixing the Reach.


As you've shown on this dreadful day - the people are soon to ride out for Cyrodiil and Skyrim. So if you're looking to travel east in the immediate future, now's your chance.

{Horustair, I had to bring the Orcs over the bridge. Who knew what other tricks they had in store?}

You gambled with the lives here Knight, all it took was for their shamans to play foul on your agreement. Yet you staked your hope on an Orcs word.

{They just want to return home}

Don't we all? Yet home has been destroyed, and there is no one down there seeking to rebuild what is lost. Popular opinion here is that the Orcs are to blame

So popular opinion would now have you a traitor. I know you, Knight. But the others do not. You are no traitor, but simply too forgiving.

Eschewing further violence and having not shared the same thirst for revenge against the Orc. Noble. For that I commend you.

But you must return to Skyrim immediately.

{Why? I want to stay and help}

I've given you the reason, discipline is lacking here, tensions cannot be higher. To see a traitor who abetted the Orcs, never having been punished.

It is too much. Your presence risks more disobedience.

{I will go then.}

Your good nature will be put to better use in a better place with better people.

Goodbye, knight.


[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]
Causalities!
You'll bleed for that.

[NPC ATTACKED]
Ugh.. big mistake!
Oof!
Get back!
Stendarr, shield me.
Agh!

[NPC BLOCKING ATTACKS]
Is that all?
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]
A dance of steel.
Cretin!
You've earned my wrath!
Make your peace.
Weak technique.
Savage spawn.
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]
We'll bring the killer to justice, that is my promise.

[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]
Mind yourself!
Ugh!

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

[NPC watches other people fighting]
We'll not tolerate this disorder!

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

[NPC SAYS HELLO]
What's on your mind?
Need something?
Don't dally.
Let's focus.
Aren't you busy with something?
Blessings to you, Knight.
In need of aid, knight?

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


[NPC SEES HOSTILE]
Time to strike!
We have hostiles.

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