#erstin

@tes-summer-fest

this work has also been posted to ao3

The air was bitingly cold, but Erstin felt more at home than she had in a long time. In a way, Bruma had always felt something like home to her. It was not quite the same as Skyrim; the buildings were something of a different style than she was used to, and she had never seen anything like that chapel in Skyrim. But the similarities were there, and just enough to lend the city a sense of familiarity.

Though they’d begun their walk to the chapel before dawn, the citizens of Bruma were already beginning to filter into the streets. They largely ignored Erstin’s party, but every once in a while someone would fix them with a quizzical look before moving on with their business. It was not until the third or fourth such occurrence that Erstin noticed the tension in Martin’s shoulders.

“Are you alright, sire?” she asked. The young emperor cringed at the use of the honorific.

“I am perfectly fine, Erstin. Thank you for your concern,” he replied in a jilted voice. Unconvinced, Erstin glanced around them. Seeing no eyes on her, she stepped forward to his side.

“Are you quite certain?” she said in a low voice. Martin looked her in the eyes, then looked away with a sigh.

“I don’t like them watching me,” he said quietly.

“They are not watching you,” Erstin said. “They are looking at you. There is a difference.”

Martin frowned. “That is not the point. Regardless, I don’t like it. It feels as if they are judging me.”

ao3 // fanfic masterlist

hi hi hi this is going to be very long

Sirnja

General

Class

Fighter, specifically an arena fighter. She wear medium/heavy armor and uses a mix of axes and swords. She dabbles in alchemy and restoration magic, mostly for practical reasons. After traveling to Cyrodiil, she developed some stealth skills.

Background

Is this character from their race's home province/territory? If not, what is their relationship with the region? Do they feel a connection to it?

She is! I wouldn't say Sirnja feels particularly connected Hammerfell or her specific home. She just sort of goes wherever.

What was their childhood like? Who raised them? Do they have siblings?

Sirnja was raised in a large, multigenerational family. Her parents died when she was very young, and many of her family members treated her like a burden. She was close with a couple of her aunts, but none of her uncles. She left home at 16 to fight in the arenas, and hasn't seen any of her family since.

Do they worship any gods? Who? How do they feel about the gods in general?

Initially, no. Sirnja has no time for the divine. Later, she develops a devotion to the Night Mother, and a passing respect for Sithis. She does not care for men, even the non-physical, arguably genderless kind.

What are their interpersonal relationships like? Are they close with many people?

Sirnja is... not great with people. Like at all. However, she finds a community at Thirsk, and comes to really like them.

What's their relationship with their family like? Do they have one?

Like I said, she hasn't seen them in years. So again, not great.

Morrowind stuff

Why were they sent to Morrowind? Were they truly guilty?

Murder. She traveled to Cyrodiil in hopes of fighting in the capital A Arena, but got into a fight with someone and killed them. She is very, very guilty.

Do they align themselves with any great houses? If yes, why?

She joins House Redoran for the benefits, and because their whole vibe fits with her skill set. She doesn't really care about them, to be honest.

Do they believe their self to be Nerevar reincarnated? Do you?

She does not, but she feels that there's a piece of him in her, if that makes sense. I agree with her. I draw a distinction between having bits of Nerevar in you and fully being Him.

How do they feel about the Tribunal in general? Do they trust them?

She does not trust them a bit. She somehow likes them even less than she likes all the other gods.

Where do they go at the end of the game? Do they leave Tamriel?

Initially, she hangs out at Thirsk for a while as their new chief. She has a pretty good time, but she gets restless and decides to go back to Cyrodiil for a bit.

Oblivion Stuff

Why are they in prison at the start of the game? How long had they been there?

Same reason she got shipped to Morrowind: killed somebody. Only this time, the empire had no use for her, so they chucked her in prison. She'd been there for a couple years. To be honest, she fully expected to be let out the moment they needed another pawn.

What's their relationship with Martin? Are they coworkers, acquaintances, friends, partners?

Somewhere between acquaintances and friends. Sirnja is really bad at talking to people, but Martin is a sweetheart and managed to get some conversation out of her. He likes her.

Which daedric quests do they do? Which artifact do they give Martin?

All of them. I think she gave him Volendrung, because it was a) heavy and b) not useful to her.

How do they handle Martin's death? Who do they lean on for support, if anyone?

She just kind of... disappeared. Sirnja does not do emotional vulnerability.

Do they mantle Sheogorath? What exactly does that mean, in their case?

Kinda. I imagine Sheo as a force that grows inside of her over time, but once he gets strong enough, they separate.

Do they stay in the Shivering Isles? Is it by choice?

No. She actually kind of likes it there, but she gets bored eventually and leaves.

Lyswen

General

Class

Lyswen's a thief. It's basically the only thing she's ever done in life. Having weapons that weren't stolen or looted off a dead body was a trip. While in Morrowind, she learns some mysticism.

Background

Is this character from their race's home province/territory? If not, what is their relationship with the region? Do they feel a connection to it?

Lyswen grew up in Valenwood, and she misses it dearly. She feels very exposed when she's not surrounded by plant life.

What was their childhood like? Who raised them? Do they have siblings?

Lyswen was orphaned very young, and was taken in by a group of young thieves, all of whom were pretty much in the same boat. Think that one bit of Oliver Twist minus the wildly antisemitic caricature. She considers those people to be her family, and she has every right to, considering they raised her.

Do they worship any gods? Who? How do they feel about the gods in general?

She doesn't have a strong interest in the gods, but she isn't hostile to them like Sirnja. She just doesn't really care. She's never followed the Green Pact, it just wasn't practical to do so when they could barely feed themselves as it was.

What are their interpersonal relationships like? Are they close with many people?

Lyswen's pretty shy, but once she opens up to people she becomes close to them pretty quickly. She makes a few friends in Morrowind, and eventually reconnects with her friends from back home. While she's still in Morrowind, Nibani Maesa becomes a sort of mother figure to her, and Lyswen visits a lot for her advice.

What's their relationship with their family like? Do they have one?

Her actual family? Nonexistent. Her friend family? Pretty good. She misses them, a lot. They think she's dead. She should probably resent them more for not helping her, but what can you do.

Morrowind stuff

Why were they sent to Morrowind? Were they truly guilty?

Lyswen got implicated in a murder. She wasn't involved at all, just happened to be around when it happened. The guards knew her as a local scavenger and thief, and they grabbed her for the sake of appearances. Anyone who actually saw the even could tell you she had nothing to do with it, but the local government just wanted arrests. She somehow got given to the legion, and sent to Morrowind from there.

Do they align themselves with any great houses? If yes, why?

She joins House Hlaalu. She figures out that everyone is just manipulating her pretty early on, and decides that if she's going to be a pawn in this game, she might as well play. She turns out to be a pretty effective politician, with everything that entails, but she doesn't really enjoy it.

Do they believe their self to be Nerevar reincarnated? Do you?

She doesn't know how to feel. She doesn't FEEL like nerevar, but what would that feel like, anyway?

How do they feel about the Tribunal in general? Do they trust them?

She doesn't really trust them. She does, however, crush REAL HARD on Almalexia, so she blindly trusts her at first.

Where do they go at the end of the game? Do they leave Tamriel?

She sticks around Morrowind for a bit, then goes to Solstheim. After she gets her lycanthropy cured she goes back to Valenwood to find her friends. They're ecstatic to have her back. They're all bosmer too, so she doesn't have to worry about outliving them for a long time, unless someone gets stabbed or something. They continue to steal stuff and ambush bandits, but she's able to buy them a house that they use as a base, and work more as professionals than out of survival.

Marza

Marza doesn't have a lot goin on so I'm going to skip some stuff.

General

Class General warrior stuff, nothing super fancy. Spears and heavy armor, alchemy (I really like alchemy).

Background

Is this character from their race's home province/territory? If not, what is their relationship with the region? Do they feel a connection to it? Marza is an orc, and she grew up in Cyrodiil. I haven't really decided where.

What was their childhood like? Who raised them? Do they have siblings? Marza was raised by just her mother. She's got two younger sisters who she's very protective of. She stays in contact with all of them while she's in Morrowind.

Do they worship any gods? Who? How do they feel about the gods in general? Kinda? She's got a passing respect for Malacath but isn't super religious.

What are their interpersonal relationships like? Are they close with many people? Mostly, she's close with her mother and sisters. She doesn't really trust most of the people she meets in Morrowind. She does become pretty close with Nibani Maesa though.

What's their relationship with their family like? Do they have one? I basically already answered this!

Morrowind stuff

Do they align themselves with any great houses? If yes, why? No. She doesn't trust any of them a bit.

Do they believe their self to be Nerevar reincarnated? Do you? It's a hard thing to accept, but deep down, Marza knows she is. I'm currently playing with Marza and I have a mod called Past Life Regressions that gives you flashbacks to moments experienced by past failed incarnates, and also Nerevar himself. I'd say MArza is my only OC who is definitely, fully Nerevar reincarnated.

How do they feel about the Tribunal in general? Do they trust them? Shockingly, she doesn't trust them. A lot of Marza's story involves knowing she's being used, but feeling there isn't anything she can do about it. She doesn't like the Tribunal, but feels like she has to work with them.

Where do they go at the end of the game? Do they leave Tamriel? She goes home. Idk what really happens from there.

Erstin

General

Class I think I played her as a thief, but truthfully Erstin's more of a woodsman type. She's a pretty good hunter, and she picks up lockpicking in Cyrodiil.

Background

Is this character from their race's home province/territory? If not, what is their relationship with the region? Do they feel a connection to it? She is from Skyrim! She misses it a little, but there really isn't much left for her there anymore. She feels pretty at home in Bruma, though, and that's part of the reason she spends a lot of time at Cloud Ruler Temple.

What was their childhood like? Who raised them? Do they have siblings? Erstin's an only child. She was raised by two very sweet parents, including a father who taught her to hunt. He was injured very badly on a hunt, and all of Erstin's mother's skills in herbalism couldn't save him. He died after a several days of pain. Erstin's mother died in her sleep shortly after. Their neighbors all assumed she died of grief, but Erstin found traces of nightshade in the teacup by her bed. Erstin left home for Bruma after that.

Do they worship any gods? Who? How do they feel about the gods in general? Not anymore she doesn't. She lost what faith she had after her parents' deaths. Martin restored some of it in her, but, uh, that didn't last long.

What are their interpersonal relationships like? Are they close with many people? She's pretty closed off when she first comes to Cyrodiil, and understandably so. She opens up to Martin and the blades, though. She's actually quite friendly, and very funny.

What's their relationship with their family like? Do they have one? They're dead. So, that.

Oblivion Stuff

Why are they in prison at the start of the game? How long had they been there? She got caught stealing something. She was hungry, who can blame her. She was only supposed to be there for a couple of days, that's why she was in a cell that's supposed to be empty.

What's their relationship with Martin? Are they coworkers, acquaintances, friends, partners? They are partners, in every sense of the word. They actually get Jauffre to marry them right before the Battle for Bruma. (in my imagination Martin is much younger in this universe)

How do they handle Martin's death? Who do they lean on for support, if anyone? Not well. At all. She just completely retreats into herself. Baurus gets her back to Cloud Ruler so she can be looked after by the Blades. Since she's a Septim by marriage, they consider it their duty to serve her.

Do they mantle Sheogorath? What exactly does that mean, in their case? Okay buckle up because this is complicated lmao. So fun fact, Erstin was actually pregnant when Martin died. She didn't know at the time, and by the time she realized, she didn't think it was worth telling anyone. The Elder Council hadn't ever been told that she and Martin were married, since they were planning on having a more official wedding after he was crowned. Without proof of their marriage or the amulet of kings to prove that the baby was a septim, there was no way to prove she was telling the truth. She figured the council wouldn't believe the Blades if they backed her up, since they could easily have ulterior motives. By the time Erstin enters the Shivering Isles, she's about two months pregnant. Truthfully, she doesn't expect to make it out alive. She just needs to feel useful again. After finishing the questline and taking Sheo's throne, she basically throws a cosmic temper tantrum to get Akatosh to give her Martin's soul back (an idea I stole from someone who is no longer active :( ). She's visibly pregnant at this point, and Martin is immediately like. What the fuck is going on and where the fuck am I. I should be dead. After she has the baby, she notices that they're a little... weird. Like, "why do his eyes look like that" weird. As it turns out, the baby is the new Sheogorath. tl;dr, she's pregnant when sheo goes away, the baby is the new sheo.

Do they stay in the Shivering Isles? Is it by choice? Yes, and it's technically by choice, but also Martin can't leave. She remains duchess of dementia and Martin become duke of mania. yes this is cringe shut up.

Sille

General

Class If you were to ask her, she'd say she's a priestess (which she is). Skills wise, she's adjacent to a ranger.

Background

Is this character from their race's home province/territory? If not, what is their relationship with the region? Do they feel a connection to it? Yes, but only sort of? Sille's mother is a nord and her father is a redguard. She grew up in Skyrim, and she's only been to Hammerfell once, when she was really little. She doesn't feel any strong connection to Hammerfell, besides the family she has there.

What was their childhood like? Who raised them? Do they have siblings? Sille has a younger sister, Signy. Growing up, Sille was always drawn to nature, while Signy felt a distinct discomfort when she felt too far away from town. They were close when they were little, but when they were ten and eight Signy got hurt while they were climbing trees because Sille wasn't watching her. It really caused a rift between them. Signy also resented Sille for leaving to become a priestess, and ended up leaving home herself to join the Legion.

Do they worship any gods? Who? How do they feel about the gods in general? Yes! Sille is a priestess of Kyne. I could write a whole post about what exactly that looks like, but I'll put some of the main bits here. Priestesses of Sille's "order" (not really the best term but I can't think of another one) emulate Kyne in different aspects of their lives. They are unmarried, typically, and at different stages of their lives they different figures of the maiden/matron/crone archetype: when they are younger they are Kyne prior to her marriage to Shor, once they are fully committed to their life as a priestess they are Shor's wife, and in their old age they are his widow. More significantly, they emulate The Hawk by practicing hunting as a form of devotion. They are expected to hunt regularly, partially for practical purposes, and partially as an act or worship. They also serve a practical purpose in the community, being skilled herbalists and healers. They learn ice and lightning magic, the powers of the tempest. Typically, they wear their hair long and unbound, unless practicality demands otherwise.

What are their interpersonal relationships like? Are they close with many people? Back home, besides her family, the only people Sille regularly sees are other priestesses. She becomes pretty close with a few people in Cyrodiil, though, in particular Baurus and Martin.

What's their relationship with their family like? Do they have one? She's still in contact with her parents, she doesn't live too far away and she tries to write them fairly often. She has no direct contact with Signy, who last she heard was stationed in Hammerfell. Signy writes to their parents every couple months, but never to Sille.

Oblivion Stuff

Why are they in prison at the start of the game? How long had they been there? Sille was sent to Bruma to meet with some priests at the Chapel of Talos. While she was there, someone told her about the Shrine of Kynareth, and she decided to go visit it, after getting permission to stay for a while. She had to go to the Imperial City first to get directions, though, because she didn't know where it was. She got into a drunken brawl with some random people in bar over a religious debate, and basically got thrown in the drunk tank. She was there for less than twelve hours.

What's their relationship with Martin? Are they coworkers, acquaintances, friends, partners? Definitely friends. She likes him a lot, and respects him as a priest and a leader. Frankly, she thinks being a priest of Akatosh sounds super boring, but she's not one to yuck anyone's yums.

How do they handle Martin's death? Who do they lean on for support, if anyone? I wouldn't say she handles it well, but it definitely could have gone worse. She basically throws herself into trying to heal and treat everyone hurt during the final battle. Signy ends up showing up with the Legion, and there's a whole awkward reunion. They make up a bit, though, and end up going back to Skyrim together for a while.

Sille doesn't go to the shivering isles, so I won't answer those questions.

Mailie

General

Class Idk. One handed swords, light armor, stealth, archery, restoration magic, fire spells. Whatever you'd call that.

Background

Is this character from their race's home province/territory? If not, what is their relationship with the region? Do they feel a connection to it? She is from High Rock, and she doesn't really care about it. She misses it being less cold, though. Also good wine.

What was their childhood like? Who raised them? Do they have siblings? Mailie's family is somewhere between high-ranking aristocrats and low-ranking nobles. They have a lot of money, but not a lot of land or political clout. For the last couple of generations, they've really been trying to improve their station, and Mailie's parents were borderline obsessed with her marrying well and moving them up in the world. Mailie had a younger brother, Pierre. He was about ten years younger than her, and was always a sickly child. For somewhat complicated thalmor-related reasons that will sound weirdly familiar to anyone who's read the Anastasia Romanov Royal Diaries book, the family doctor had to leave very suddenly, and Pierre died not long after of some disease. Mailie always blamed the thalmor for it. Instead of mourning their son in the way Mailie would have liked, her parents redoubled their efforts to shape Mailie into the perfect bride for any random nobleman willing to take a chance on their family. Mailie just couldn't deal with it anymore, and she ran away in the middle of the night.

Do they worship any gods? Who? How do they feel about the gods in general? It's sort of complicated. Mailie's parents practice religion for appearances, so she never felt any real connection to the gods. She respects and honors Nocturnal in her role as a Nightingale, but since Nocturnal doesn't ask for or want worship, Mailie isn't super dedicated to it or anything. She'll honor any deity who can get her what she needs, unless she just thinks they're evil. *cough* moldy balls *cough*

What are their interpersonal relationships like? Are they close with many people? She's more than a bit stuck up and self-important when she first goes to Skyrim, so she can be a bit abrasive at first. She's actually very sweet and funny though, so once she gets over herself she's very likeable.

What's their relationship with their family like? Do they have one? She doesn't talk to her parents anymore. They definitely know at this point that she's alive and the Dragonborn, but she wants nothing to do with them right now.

Skyrim Stuff

Were they trying to cross the border? Why? Yes, She was just trying to get into Skyrim. She figured it was the last place her parents would look for her.

Do they pick a side in the Civil War? Absolutely not. She agrees with the Stormcloaks to the extent that she doesn't think the empire has any business controlling Skyrim, but she absolutely hates Ulfric. Like everything about him. He tries to get her to join the rebellion at some point, btu she flat out refuses him. She tells him that the Skyrim he envisions is not one she can reconcile herself with.

Do they kill Paarthurnax? Why? No. He's too important an ally for that.

What do they do at the war meeting? How does it go? Do they maintain neutrality? She maintains neutrality as much as she can. Despite her hatred for politics, she's actually pretty good at them. All that diplomacy training paid off. She doesn't let the empire get the Rift, though. She can't risk increased scrutiny on the Thieves' Guild.

How do they feel about their position as Dragonborn? Do they embrace the role? Does it terrify them? Do they take advantage of it? Mixed feelings. The responsibility is just too much sometimes, but she actually feels useful for the first time in her life.

Dawnguard or Volkihar Clan? If they choose the Volkihar, do they ever reverse their vampirism? Dawnguard. Being a werewolf is bad enough. The only reason she hasn't cured her lycanthropy is because she doesn't want Aela to be the only member of the Circle who carries it. She eventually helps find a new member who's willing to carry it though, and then cures herself.

How do they feel about Miraak? Is he a villain to them, or a tragic figure? She feels sorry for him. Being beholden to a daedric prince for thousands of years seems rough. She thanks her lucky stars that Nocturnal is relatively chill. She still doesn't like Miraak, though, and she's happy to kill him.

Ardalie

General

Class Conjuration and destruction mage, and budding necromancer.

Background

Is this character from their race's home province/territory? If not, what is their relationship with the region? Do they feel a connection to it? Ardalie grew up in Summerset, and she doesn't know how to feel about it. She liked her life there, but it was tainted with lies. She can't ever go back.

What was their childhood like? Who raised them? Do they have siblings? She's an only child, was raised by pretty normal parents. Her father was a scholar and her mother was some kind of local politician. She was raised to join the Thalmor, it was just expected of her.

Do they worship any gods? Who? How do they feel about the gods in general? She did worship the elven pantheon, but not anymore. She is thoroughly disillusioned with every aspect of Altmer life.

What are their interpersonal relationships like? Are they close with many people? She's close with Lucien (Flavius), Serana, and her friends from the Arcane university.

What's their relationship with their family like? Do they have one? Nonexistent. She honestly hopes they think she's dead. It would be easier.

Skyrim Stuff

Were they trying to cross the border? Why? No, she wasn't caught at the border at all. She was sent to the Thalmor embassy as her first real assignment. They gave her the bs "learn about the civil war" quest that the alternate start mod gives you because they wanted her out of her hair. It was basically some light hazing. She went to Helgen and saw Alduin attack, and that's how she got thrown into the main quest. Throughout her travels she witnesses firsthand how awful the Thalmor truly are, and realizes that she can't be associated with them. She burns her robes and vows to destroy them.

Do they pick a side in the Civil War? She joins the Stormcloaks just to stick it to the Thalmor. She can't wait to see the look on Elenwen's face when she no longer has power in Skyrim.

Do they kill Paarthurnax? Why? No, she doesn't really spend any time with Delphine than she has too, and is never asked to. She wouldn't have anyway. If she believes in second chances for herself, she has to believe in them for other people.

What do they do at the war meeting? How does it go? Do they maintain neutrality? There isn't a war meeting for her because the Stormcloaks have already taken Whiterun by the time they need to catch Odahviing.

How do they feel about their position as Dragonborn? Do they embrace the role? Does it terrify them? Do they take advantage of it? She doesn't like the attention, but she does like the added power. She doesn't like to think about the implications, and has no interest in being anyone's political puppet.

Dawnguard or Volkihar Clan? If they choose the Volkihar, do they ever reverse their vampirism? Volkihar Clan. She sees Serana's skill with necromancy and is immediately sold. She doesn't get cured.

How do they feel about Miraak? Is he a villain to them, or a tragic figure? I wouldn't say Ardalie views him as a villain, but she thinks killing him is necessary. She definitely feels a little bad for him though.

ahhhh thank you so much! I've had the busiest week so thank you for your patience!!!