After I talked with Baurus, I used the key he gave me to enter the sewers. Cold, dark, wet and foreboding, these sewers housed several dangers, including more rats and a couple of goblins lurking about. My sneaking and bow skills, as rudimentary as they are, came in handy, as I slowly moved through the sewers. I burst out into the blazing sun, blinking like a blind man given new sight. What a relief, to be free of the stinking cells, sewers and caves of the Imperial Prison!
Across the small river before me, I could see some ruins. Before I checked them out, though, I also noticed some interesting plants, which could be used in some alchemy experiments I've been planning. I just dabble in the Alchemists trade, but it can generate some nice coin and the folks back home were appreciative of my efforts. I even managed to find a Nirnroot plant, something I'd only heard about as vague rumors. I'll have to ask around in the Imperial City to see if I can get more information about the plant.
After a quick and invigorating swim, which helped to reduce my own overpowering stench, I crept around on the island. I felt little or no remorse while dispatching a few unruly bandits camped out in the ruins, and I gathered up a few of their items, although the pickings were slim. More interesting plants were found here as well, but even more incredible was the opening to a dark crypt or dungeon or whatever it is. I really didn't want to delve back underground, but my curiosity was overwhelming and thus I began my journey down the dark steps.
The place was crawling with more vermin, both of the animal and human kind. None were a match for my stealth and unerring accuracy, though. Keeping to the shadows gives me a quick, nearly mortal, surprise shot. Following this with a fireball often finished the job, although sometimes the battle became more fierce and I was forced to use my shock and cold touches. Again, treasures were minor, but the confidence the victories engendered was priceless.
Here I am now, a few levels down, gnawing on some excellent mutton by the fire of the erased bandit leader. I feel strangely empowered and, even more peculiarly, purposeful, as I explore this dark underground cathedral. Up until now, my life has been a vacuous one, going from day to day with little reason or intent. Perhaps it was the Emperor's confidence that instilled in me a new sense of being, a part of the grand scheme of things once again, a blank slate with a limitless future, like a babe newly born. Or maybe it was just being freed from a certain death, forcing me to reexamine a life wasted.
In any case, I feel like a new man, here in the Velverin catacombs (I've found some notes discussing this eerie, haunted place). Despite the feeling of unseen eyes on my back, and the overpowering evil of this place, my spirit rises to the challenge and I feel in charge and in control of my own life for perhaps the first time, no longer tossed and turned by forces unseen.
Gameplay footnotes »
