Part 26: The Elder Updates XXVI - Poor Old Thoronir

Poor Old Thoronir

Before we begin, I'd like to apologize for anyone expecting their daily dose of Sterv. This quest was not especially fun, so it's gonna be the italic voice for this update.


Last time, as you may recall, we swiped two soul gems containing Grand souls and used one to make ourselves a lucky helmet. We're going to sit on the other one for now, though, simply because another enchantment would put us back in the poor-house.


A quest it is, then.


First, I stop by The Copious Coinpurse and do the thing that would've made last updates Arena shenanigans entirely unnecessary.


I then buy that book I need for the quest regarding Garridan's Tears, which informs me that the cave is unbearably cold, gives me a map marker, and points me at a thing I need to enter the cave.


As long as we're here, let's look into this whole Thoronir scandal.


Yes, I'm here about just that.
So, Claudette sent you, eh? Well then, she usually sizes up people well, so you may be just what we're looking for.
Right. Well, start from the beginning.
I'm the chairperson for the Society of Concerned Merchants. We formed this group a while back to keep a nice fair economic balance in town.
A noble goal.
Not every store is a member, but we're slowly trying to convince them to join. Everything was fine until Thoronir opened his shop nearby.


People who buy tend to want to spend their money there. That leaves none for us. It's getting so bad, a few of us may have to close up shop. He outright refuses to join the Society or even discuss the matter. We are convinced he is up to no good.
And what is my role in this?
What we need is for you to case his establishment, and figure out where he gets his inventory. Find some proof of his wrongdoing, and let us know.
I can do this.
We cannot do it ourselves, as he recognizes all of us. The job pays a fair bounty in gold when he is brought to justice.


Hmm. Whatever he's doing, he's not doing it in the daytime. He's behind that counter when the store is open.


So I will wait until after hours for him to go somewhere...and I will follow.


Hmm. I can't have him hearing me, though.


There. Perfect.
Interesting little quirk about sneaking: until you hit 50 Sneak, wearing Heavy Armor boots makes you easier to detect. This applies solely to boots, mind you. I guess I can see the logic, but it's kinda silly.


Carefully measured sneaking ensues, by which I mean I go to where the compass is pointing after not seeing Thoronir anywhere.


Then, the ACTUAL following begins.


We eventually track him back to the Market District.


I come across Thoronir speaking to another gentleman, but unfortunately, they seem to have seen me.


Talking to Thoronir doesn't help matters much.


So I decide to stalk him another night and tend to matters pertaining to crystals.


Naturally, Julienne has the Refined Frost Salts we need.


I'm not sure if we'll be needing all five, but hey, better safe than sorry.


After some badly botched burglary, I reload an earlier save and try to listen in on that conversation again, and, uh...this happened.


I...whatever, game. If you want to give me quest progression for free, I'll take it.


So now it's time to follow Agarmir for a bit.


We reach his house in short order, and as it turns out, we need to go in there to advance the quest. The door's sealed as long as he's home, though, so we're forced to piss around and wait, hour by hour, checking his door until we can get in. This is trial and error at its purest, and it's just dull and infuriating. This is no way to design a quest, Bethesda.

Oblivion's Not That Bad Points: (-8 + + (3 * ))/)



Initially, I kill time by robbing random houses, and in the process, I learn that radishes have the Chameleon effect. Good to know.


I inevitably get bored of home invasion and decide that the best course of action is to keep waiting by Agarmir's house and just wait...


...which brings its own problems.



In order to escape the sun, I ducked into a nearby house to twiddle my thumbs until nighttime.



After several tries at Agarmir's door, waiting hour by hour, I realize I should probably go feed on someone so I don't burn up in the sun when it comes up.


Delicious. So, remember what I said about feeding and stealth checks before?


That's right, I always pickpocket 'em after.


And holy shit, what a pocket this guy had. Between Azura's Star and the Staff of Everscamp, we'll never run out of fireball juice. I'm going to credit the magic helmet on this one.


Eventually we get into Agarmir's house. For those of you playing along at home, the magic time was 5-7 in the evening.


My first order of business, of course, is to steal the guy's food. Also, note the snazzy chameleon effect! I wound up brewing up a chameleon potion or two just to make sure I wasn't seen breaking into the place.


I'm not sure what I'm looking for in here, but the compass is pointing me to the basement. Thanks, compass.


And in the basement, we find...


...oh dear.
Oh dear.


Well, that explains why Agarmir's inventory is mostly clothing.


I might have to come back here at some point just for the sheer amount of skulls to swipe.


Hmm. Looks important.


This is rather damning. I wonder if Thoronir even knows about it.


I should tell him.


...Thoronir, I've been to Agarmir's house, and, well, I found this.


You've been selling dead guy stuff.
I...can't believe what I'm seeing in this book. I'm mortified. To think these things here were once on the bodies of the recently deceased.
I'm...still wondering if anyone was buried with a repair hammer, myself.
It's just too horrible to comprehend. I don't even know what to say. I guess an apology is not enough. What can I do?
Help me stop Agarmir?
Yes! That's the least I can do. First and foremost, I will never meet with him again. I can promise you that. Secondly, I remember him mentioning a place he had to be this very day.


You don't think he would dig up another...
I think he would.
Oh, no. He wouldn't.
...yes. He WOULD
But I guess he has been.
That is what I told you.
Oh my. What have I done?
Don't worry. Sterv will take care of this, like everything else.
Yes, you do that. And in the meantime, I'll decide what to do with all of these ill-gotten things. I'm so sorry.


He's...this way.



Here!


Agarmir!
I had a feeling you'd catch on sooner or later. That's why I had this trap prepared for you. If you'll notice, the grave is already dug.
...Agarmir.
This time, it wasn't to take something away from the graveyard, it was to add something. I'm afraid all I can offer you is an unmarked grave.


AGARMIR THIS IS A MAUSOLEUM.


You too!
Already our new staff is making the game so much better.

Oblivion's Not That Bad Points: (-7 + + (3 * ))/)


Hmm. This sword would fetch a good price.


And I think it's time I replaced my silver sword, too.


There. Now, back to Thoronir.


Yes. Here is his shovel.
Then we can at last rest. I feared had he somehow bested you, I'd be next. It is fortunate that your skills exceeded his.
Of course they did.
I've come to some decisions. I intend to donate all of the money I have made, as well as what is left of these stolen items, to the temple. I also want you to know that I had a long discussion with Jensine, and I have decided to join the Society.
...already?
I realize you risked your life to give me a chance, and Thoronir never forgets things like that. Accept this ring as a humble reward.


It's actually a pretty decent reward! We'll get to that in a minute.


Also, Thoronir's stuff is going to be a bit more expensive now. Oh well.


Happy to help.


Now, the Weatherward Circlet! This is going to come in handy sooner rather than later. And by sooner I mean next update. See ya then!