Chrononaut

The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal Library

OK YA LADS, here we go! The unnecessary 80s version!

The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal Library

Rytsas se valar morghulis,

A man must say that he is quite impressed with a concept such as this. A man shall be perusing the halls for that of a Dunmer... perhaps a spell blade with ancestral hunts reminiscent of the dark elves from the World of Sigmar or the Drow of Menzoberranzen. A man feels such venom may easily be birthed from a canal of oppression and degradation. Of course, you should not concern yourself or with an idea only partially hatched. A man will keep his eyes upon this thread and compile a viable concept. A man appreciates such an inspiring idea.

Kirimvose se geros ilas,

@A Man Is No One

Sounds good! Not familiar with Sigmar (I know a bit of Warhammer Fantasy), but how Dark Elves are treated in DnD/Menzoberranzen seems pretty similar.

The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal Library

I'm hooked. I expect good things from this.

Question though: When you say ALL hist trees, do you mean ALL hist trees? Did the hist trees not have some populations moved into the impassable zones of the Black Marsh? Or did the Imperials surpass the impassability of those Black Marsh regions?

@Parzivol

I had to really think about that and I later decided some (maybe three) would be more reasonable. I'll do a rewrite, but basically they got to the edge of the Argonians swamplands, got sick of being slaughtered relentlessly by the same race that invaded oblivion, and instead used magic and the sheer might of dragons. The fact their forces could fly helped quite a bit, that and without any dragonborn souls, the dragons were able to keep coming back to try again, and again, and again. To the Argonians credit, they managed to submerge some of the dead dragon bones in the swamps, making them hard to find/revive. Some of the Hist trees were just burned down. So, the Hist population is already lower than normal and some of the Black Marsh's forest has been burned to the ground, mostly near the border of Blackwood.

Of course, the hostage situation hasn't entirely worked out. The Argonians are only pacified into underground resistance.

Video Games: The General Discussion & Community Thread

<Snipped quote by Chrononaut>

It all takes a bit to read into since a lot of bigoted views are hidden in bad faith, lies, and dog whistles, so I can try to seriously analyze it.

For starters, all of the SJW comments: SJW is a notorious dog whistle. Like all dog whistles, usage of it doesn't mean much, but when you compound it with other things, it gets bad. The characterization of SJWs as this very angry force of sad people who just want to be powerful on the internet is a big red flag.

The "trans kids" arguments is a notorious right-wing lie and bad faith argument. If someone is telling you that the "SJW" or whatever they call them want parents to force their children to be trans, then that's 100% a lie propagated by bigots and the ignorant. The entire cusp (and common view) that is held is that children shouldn't be treated gendered. IE, since you're a boy you have to play with cars, wear blue, and do all of that stuff. Let children play with what they want to play with.

The 'there is no feminist slant' in this game comment from one of the lead devs is a dog whistle. The statement itself is rather inert from an objective reading; it merely says that there is no feminist ideals. However, compound it with other things and the statement becomes a bit more sketchy. By using the word slant, you're essentially implying that feminism is bad. Slant is a very negative word in common usage.

Then when Randy Pitchford (bless the piece of condensed coal that forms his fake, lizardman heart), said that Duke Nukem needed a paradigm shift in gameplay for modern audiences, they instantly went on the defensive. Rather than say that old school shooters were good and cool, a dev instantly went to "make duke an SJW", which is completely off topic for a quick jab at the invisible SJW menace.

The lead dev talked about some SJWs doxxing. Doxxing is a bipartisan (har har) issue. Both the mythical chud and the fantastical SJW doxx people. By his statements, he's implying that only SJWs doxx people.

Then there were his comments about the slut walk. The dude actually didn't understand the difference between a woman choosing to look a certain way without being harassed versus a fictional character designed by someone looking a certain way. There is no hypocritical view on disliking the design of certain fictional characters and allowing women to wear what they want without being harassed. Believing that someone couldn't hold the two views is indicative of bad faith.

A quick view of their twitter shows that the official Voidpoint twitter follows a bunch of bad actors that also fight against the SJW menace. They retweeted Lauren Southern on the official account. Lauren Southern. I wouldn't even retweet her on my sneaky fake account.

Then there's the dev who was pretty homophobic back in 2011 on Duke4. It was over 8 years ago and people can change, but dying on a hill slightly left from your poop mountain is not a good look on the idea that people change.

And for the tipping point (it was a bit buried a ton of pages in) here: another dev went for the HUGE bad faith argument of "the gov't is pushing a law that allows any surgery of trans kids of any age without proof" which is a huge push of lies from transphobic people. It's a massive dog whistles because, like before, none of it refers to gender reassignment surgery or things of that ilk. They're referring to hormone blockers. Something with a considerably low risk and does not cause permanent effects.

At best, they fall HARD into the anti-SJW rabbit hole which is a horrible look. If you take any statement as a single view, it's not so bad. Mostly ignorance with a touch of bigotry. But when you compound all of this stuff? Def. not a good view on the people in your company.

@OwO

Ok last version of the post was essentially pure, rambling stupid and I apologize for it and any other sin that I have ever committed. I'm going to say I agree the devs are likely the same ANTI-SJW types I was arguing with on the steamdiscussions who wanted to, desperately for some god forsaken reason, keep Ogay in as a thing. I sympathize and get that and most of your reads are pretty solid.

Video Games: The General Discussion & Community Thread

<Snipped quote by Chrononaut>

devs have said some incredibly shit things about trans people and feminist things. be their opinion come from ignorance or bigotry doesn't really matter for this.

@OwO

What did they actually say? Nothing in the resetera posts was actually transphobic (though, I will say, the insinuation that people are trying to make their babies trans is definitely a form of trans panic). They were discussing an issue, not saying that trans people or feminists should die.

I don't personally agree with a lot of of it, but it barely hit my personal "crazy" radar.

Edit: I guess for example, in one statement they said it was odd that videogame addiction is classified as a mental illness and being trans is no longer a mental health disorder. One trans person chimed in and said that was hilarious to them (because they have mental issues), and they talked about that. When you have people who are actually trans agreeing with your statement, even if its just one trans person, that doesn't make you horrible to have your ideas supported.

Edit v2: I think the gender role shit is dumb too, but I don't really care that much. It's such a common opinion, men vs women biology, stupid to get mad over it.

The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal Library

>Altmeri are slaughtered on sight, typically.

@Jarl Coolgruuf

Ah, yes, intense ecstasy and satisfaction are natural emotions when cutting down the life of an Altmer.

Video Games: The General Discussion & Community Thread

having unfunny jokes at the expense of others = not political

@OwO

I don't think the devs hate gay people (there are trans people they interact with everyday, so they're definitely not staunchly anti LGBTTQQIAAP), I just think their sense of humor still involves using the word "gay" because it kind of sounds funny.

The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal Library

Not saying that I'm joining (I already have multiple Elder Scrolls RPs that I'm a part of) but I'd like to point out that the year should be 4E243, not 2043. That's all for now.

@Hank

Thanks! Don't want to give the impression this is set in a 80s movies far cyber future.

(Yeah there are quite a few now, arent there?)

The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal Library

Prologue

Prologue

4E, 2043. The Emperor Havfyg Stone I stood on the balcony of his castle, gained by the slaughter of the previous Emperor nine years past. Despite the accolades, triumphs, and praise he had gained over the years for restoring the nearly full glory of the Empire, there was a pang of sadness that still lurked in his calloused, war-drawn heart. Titus Mede II, who had a voice of iron and a fist nearly as hard. Sometimes, he remembered what the man had said prior to dying and regretted what he had done. This was one of those nights.

He need not feel nostalgic though. Behind him, in his bedchambers, was a glass display case with Titus II's still beating heart. This was not done by natural means. It seemed, by appearance, the heart had a layer of black crystaline substance, that flexed as the heart beat. Slowly though, not nearly so fast as a living mans heart.

But, if one were to approach it...if one knew the words...

Havfyg bellowed, "Aal Aa Tinvaak!"

The heart glowed. He heard the familiar voice of Tidus, which drummed like Thunder in his undead state, "It seems you call me yet again. I don't suppose to return my body?"

Of course he wouldn't return his body. Havfyg had been using it as one of his deadliest assassins for the past 42 years. It was hard to kill a headless, moving corpse.

Havfyg sent a thought back, "No. I needs require you for the upcoming war. The Altmer. Something is different. I've lost a legion, with not even a scout returned to inform me. I was informed by a General Fitalos when he found their corpses impaled on stakes, like a forest of corpses."

The feeling of laughter shot up Havfygs spine. Titus's Heart said, "So it appears. A few of your Nordic champions who were pulled into the Soul Cairn said something of the matter. Prior to drinking themselves unconscious, they said they had seen Khajiit fighting alongside the Altmer. And, the attack occured at night, and some said they saw the Vampyr."

Havfyg swore an oath. He felt more laughter ripple up his spine, enough that he nearly began to chuckle himself. His eyes hardened and he said, "How are they finding such allies? I have curbed the radical sects of Elsywyr and the Vampyr do not typically make alliances."

"It's unfortunately true. Perhaps crushing the Skyrim Vampyr prior to assassinating me wasn't for the best. Oh, and maybe that Moon Sugar tax."

Havfyg waved a dismissive hand, "Every so often, I have to send a few particular Dunmer men and women. After three months, they come back with grins, bags of fingers, and notes of paper of Khajiit admitting their betrayal to the Empire and their wish to serve me, in anyway they can. I send a letter back saying the best way to serve me would be their own deaths. They are found, hung or throats slit, about five days later. I think I can do this again."

There was silence for a few moments as Titus processed all of that. "Can you just consider imprisoning them this time? Surely you're creating more radical elements this way."

Havfyg snorted.

Titus continued, "The vampires are easier to deal with. Send orders only to attack during the day. Double nightguard. Have soldiers sleep armed and armored. Set the forests ablaze. Avoid bodies of water. Avoid mist."

Havfyg interrupted, "Well, I could send those orders I suppose. Damned well don't know if anyone will listen. Perhaps I can join the assault of the Summer Isles. I doubt they can contend with a Dovahkiin with twenty seven Dragons under his command."

Havfyg felt cold running up his spine. He realized it to be what Titus II was feeling through the soul link. He said, "Is that not a good idea?"

Titus II answered, "Well, not entirely terrible. But how will you hold control of the Empire? Some council upstart will vote himself Emperor moments after you leave. No one likes being ruled under your thumb and I've said this before, a light hand is a good hand. Like glass steel. Your hand is like that damned Ebony armor you wear."

Havfyg shrugged, "It spreads fear in my enemies."

Titus laughed, "It spreads fear in your allies."

Havfyg sighed, "Well, I only took over your Empire to kill the Altmer and bring freedom to Skyrim. I think..." He looked out towards the night sky, where Secunda and Masser rose in their fully glory, "I think it's time."

"As simple as that? Just leave? They'll hunt you until your dead."

Havfyg only smiled.

II.

Havfyg walked down the halls of his castle, in his night clothes which consisted of nothing but a loincloth. He was in search of a privy, and he was too drunk to remember exactly where it was. So he eventually ended up in the courtyard where he stored the Argonians precious Hist Tree. There were three hooded figures, each wielding some form of weapon. An axe. A spear. A sword. They held them with what seemed like a dire purpose. And began rushing towards him, quickly.

Havfyg shouted, "Tiid Klo Ui!". Time slowed to a crawl. He casually walked towards the combatants. It wasn't fair they'd brought three. So he redirected the spear one man held into the abdomen of another. Time began to quicken. One of the assassins was screaming. Havfyg silenced him by throwing the axe he'd stolen into his skull. The other man, in the midst of realizing his sword wasn't in his hands, noticed his own sword slicing into his neck.

The spear wielding man cursed, holding his bloodied spear in front of him. Havfyg shouted, "Yol Toor Shul!"

Fire erupted from Havfygs mouth and trailed its way up the other mans spear and then to his face. He screamed, as the skin sloughed off his skull and his skull turned to cinders that fell to the floor in piles of glowing embers. His body fell to the floor.

Havfyg examined the carnage he wrought and was satisfied. He'd thought he might have gone soft, resting in luxury as he was. He was thinking this, as a man in full steel plate turned the corner.

III.

Vitepis Arcer found himself on the ground, his Emperor standing over him.

Havfyg said, "Oh, Vitepis. My apologies. I had three assassins trying to kill me, then you turned the corner and well. Sorry." He lifted his feet and dropped the axe he was about to embed in Vitepis's skull.

Vitepis muttered as he rose, "No problem my liege. What are your orders? Do you think there may be more assassins?"

Havfyg muttered, "No. I don't sense any. Perhaps. Scour for assassins. I'm going back to sleep.

Of Dreams and Nightmares

Of Dreams and Nightmares

For you, in dreams, there is no rest. You fly over a landscape of lurid purples where ruined stone structures litter the landscape. Before you have time to truly take in the shattered tops of stone towers, a massive purple crystal swoops into your field of vision. In its crystalline glaze, a reptilian eye opens and focuses upon you. You hear faint whispers and, like many times in this dream, feel something on the edge of memory. Then the words come.

"Know not. Madness. It comes. In the end, time is but the weaving. Time is but the weaving."

You open your mouth. Your tongue is dry and heavy. You try to speak, but dust comes out and before you can gasp out a word, you find that the crystaline dragon eye is shifting, whirling, until it becomes a vortex that you find yourself pulled into, pulled into.

Existence seems to tear at you. First, you're in a idyllic courtyard. Two Altmer, in lordly robes, speak. You cannot make out the words, for they when they speak, fire roars like a furnace from their mouths. Then that place is gone, and now a Nordic man stands before you upon a balcony holding a still beating heart in one hand and a black book in the other. The heart pumps furiously and he squeezes it over his face, drinking in blood. Then, you fall from the balcony, and keep falling, and keep falling...

Werewolves, clutching dismembered flesh in their jaws. The dead rising from their forgotten tombs to caper about roaring pyres. Yourself, screaming, eyes rolling back to black. A song, a song so hauntingly familiar that all you can do is laugh in wretched sobs. That laughter rolls like thunder until you're on a ship, moments before it crashes on the rocks. You fall into the ocean and are pulled by the waves, pulled deeper.

Deeper.

You awake in your cell.

Some of you are chained to walls, some of you are given free reign. But not too free. For between you and freedom is stone, and cold, hard iron. You know its cold, because some of you have tried to file it with your own nails. But today is different. Today feels, different. Your guard died of a heart attack, three days prior. It was very sad, but you all felt something. Hope? Perhaps. Fear? Likely.

You hear stone grinding. In another cell, appears a man, wearing red fur lined robes. His beard is straw coloured and he has a scar running down his face like a jagged thunderbolt. You recognize him as the damned Emperor who left you here to rot. He leaves the cell so he can begin to walk down the cell block. After giving everyone a good scowl, he stands in the center of your cells and tosses a single ring into each. "Put those on. Then we'll talk."

The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal Library

OK, I think I fixed the "temporary links to font image websites being unusable because they're temporary" problem. Working on a final pass for the first IC post.