Darius Septim

"Today we will liberate High Rock from the tyrannical grip of Augurius Mede. Today we will achieve victory!"

- Daric to his men

Darius Septim I, previously known as Daric Lariat, is a Breton emperor of the Empire of Tamriel. He previously ruled as King of Shornhelm and then as High King of High Rock after he started his rebellion against the Colovian Tyrant, Augurius Mede. He is the first emperor of the Septim Dynasty since Martin Septim, who wasn't officially coronated, and the first from Tiber's direct line since Pelagius Septim I. As a member of the Septim Dynasty he is dragon-blooded. He is married to Titus Mede II's daughter, Leona Mede.

Ancestry


Darius is a descendent of Andorak Septim, also known as Andorak Lariat. He was the son of Emperor Uriel Septim IV, son of Empress Katariah Septim and her lover Gallivere Lariat. Darius discovered, with the help of a Nord scholar, that his ancestor Katariah was the daughter of Tiber Septim and Barenziah's son. The pregnancy was said to have been aborted but Barenziah had the baby secretly then gave it away to one of her family members, of House R'Aathim. That child grew up as a member of the House and was Katariah's father.

The Lariat family has ruled the kingdom of Shornhelm since Andorak Lariat was given the kingdom in order for him to stop rebelling against the Empire, as his father was Uriel IV. Instead of the throne being passed to Andorak it was passed to another Septim, one actually belonging to the line of previous emperors. Some Lariats still felt cheated from the throne, however most accepted their place as the royal family of Shornhelm.

Early Life
Darius was born as Daric Lariat, in 4E 179. He is part of the noble family of Shornhelm, that has ruled the city since Andorak Lariat received it from the Empire in order to stop his rebellion. He grew up like any noble child in High Rock, by being prepared his whole life to rule. Darius fought in the 2nd Great war, just as his father fought in the 1st. Darius's father, Danders Lariat, was killed as he was one of the Breton nobles that cursed Augurius Mede for his betrayal of the Talos Pact after the 2nd Great War. Since then Darius has hated the Emperor, which is why he agreed wholeheartedly to aid the scholar in proving his blood connection to Tiber Septim, as it would give him a valid reason to war against the Emperor.

Caius Mede, Augurius' younger brother, became a friend of Daric after he joined him in 4E 212. Caius had supported his eldest brother's claim to the throne, who was defeated by Augurius and killed. Caius hated his brother since then, almost as much as Daric did. When he heard of Daric's claim he wanted to be by his side as it was his only chance to defeat Augurius. He soon became one of Daric's most trusted advisors and generals.

Part I
In 4E 213 Daric began his rebellion against the Empire, against Augurius Mede. The Nords had pledged their allegiance to him as they hated the Emperor more than anybody, this alliance formed the Stormcrown Alliance. The kingdoms of High Rock were reluctant to join King Daric as they feared Augurius too much. So Daric was forced to attack the neighboring kingdoms. The first he invaded was the kingdom of Northpoint, the north most city in High Rock. Since he only had his own men from Shornhelm and a few others that had joined his cause he had to request aid from the Nords. He led his army, fighting from his horse and wielding his father's blade. With the Nords aiding him in the siege it didn't take long for the city of Northpoint to fall. The king was replaced with someone that supported Daric's rebellion. After capturing the city Daric returned to Shornhelm. When he arrived in his palace he received word that a Blade had come by requesting an audience with him. He found the Blade sleeping and woke him up. The Blade introduced himself as Knight-Brother Caccian Vulpin, he had been sent to evaluate Daric's claim of being related to Tiber Septim. He, unlike his fellow Blades at Sky Haven Temple, pledged to serve Daric even without proof. Daric welcomed Caccian and brought him to his library, where the scholar and him had kept their research on the his ancestry.

The next day Daric went to meet with his generals in his war room, including Caius Mede. Caius informed him that Camlorn had agreed to side with Daric, and that the next step in their war would be to attack Daggerfall. While they were discussing a strategy Caius was assassinated, the killer slit his throat from behind. Both Daric and Caccian were too late to help Caius, and so he fell lifeless to the ground. Caius was meant to lead the siege in Daggerfall but now Daric had to do it personally. He sent a letter to High King Ulfric Stormcloak, asking him to send his navy to aid in the battle. A few days later Caccian returned from Skyrim and met with the king at his study. The Blade told him that after returning to Sky Haven Temple with the documents showing the research on Daric's ancestry some of his guild-mates decided to leave for High Rock to join the Breton. The Blades had split into two groups, the Dragonguard that remained in Skyrim and the Blades that decided to go with Caccian to High Rock. The night before leaving for Daggerfall Daric was in his study and the assassin that had killed Caius reappeared. Daric was startled but quickly composed himself and asked the assassin if he had come to finish the job. The assassin told him that he was hired by the Emperor and said that he would aid Daric in getting revenge if he paid him 50,000 septims, Daric refused. The assassin tried to convince Daric but the king said he wouldn't stoop to Augurius' level. However he acknowledge the assassin's skill and agreed to hire him to aid in their siege of Daggerfall, as someone with masterful sneaking like him would be useful in the battle.

Daric, Caccian and Kastus left for Daggerfall along with the Breton army, which was now larger as it contained Camlorn's troops and some from Northpoint. Caccian asked why Kastus was coming along, Daric explained that he was hired to sabotage the defenses in Daggerfall, but said that he didn't trust him and asked Caccian to keep an eye on him. When they arrived at the outskirts of Daggerfall, Daric sent a messenger to ask the High King of the city to surrender. Kastus returned after heading out to sabotage the outer wall's defenses, namely the catapults and ballistae. The Nords had arrived with their navy. The messenger returned with the High King of Daggerfall's reply, he refused to surrender to the usurper as he was still loyal to the Emperor. Daric then ordered the army to attack the city, leading them on his horse. The Daggerfall soldiers fired down on the besieging army, killing many with arrows. The High King came with some of his men and met with Daric on the battlefield, after an exchange of pleasantries the two returned to the battle. Kastus had managed to open the city's gates from the inside and Daric took advantage of that, charging with the cavalry into the city, Caccian at his side. As the Nord ships fired onto the city Daric led his men deeper into the city, towards the palace. By the time he made it to the Upper Quarter of the city Caccian spotted Imperial ships in the horizon, Augurius had sent reinforcements to Daggerfall, the Nord ships turned their attention to the incoming ships. Daric encountered Kastus in the city, the latter following the former to the city. Daric met up with Caccian and the Blade followed the king, Kastus, Ulfric and his men to the Daggerfall Palace. Kastus broke off from the group, Daric started to notice fallen guards as they moved deeper into the palace. The guards tried to stop them from continuing but they were no match for the king and his group, they eventually made it to the throne room's double doors. Daric warned the others to be ready and then went inside, where High King Arnand and his Royal Guard were waiting. Daric asked the High King to surrender one last time, he refused. Caccian tried to convince the High King but he still refused, Daric told him to stop trying. Arnand ordered his men to attack Daric and his followers, Daric cast a fireball at a guard. While the Royal guards were fighting Daric and his men Kastus appeared behind Arnand and slit the High King's throat, then the assassin joined the fight. Daric didn't approve of what Kastus did, as he hadn't hired him to assassinate anyone. To him assassination was the coward's weapon. The remaining Royal Guards surrendered when Daric asked them to, saying that they wouldn't be harmed if they did. One of Daric's soldiers entered the throne room and told him that Augurius was leading the Imperial reinforcements into battle against the Nords. Since the High King of Daggerfall was dead and the city was mostly secured, Daric ordered his men to assist the Nords, who had been holding the Imperials at bay. Caccian pleaded for Daric to remain in the city, as the battlefield was too chaotic and it would have been suicide for the king to go out there. Daric reluctantly agreed and had one of his generals lead the Bretons into battle. Daric remained on the walls of the city and watched the battle. He saw a bunch of Penitus Oculatus leave the battle and stop fighting. From there he also saw the Bretons charge the Imperials on their weak flank and force them to retreat. Augurius and his men returned to their ships and retreated to Hammerfell. With the battle won the Bretons had taken Daggerfall, however they lost a good portion of their soldiers in the fight. They restored order to the city and put the High King's sister in charge of the city.

Caccian had went to meet with the Penitus agents that apparently had defected from the Empire. Daric followed behind him and approached them. He questioned if it was Augurius that had left them behind or if they chose to remain. Caccian and a Penitus officer argued as Daric watched, he eventually got the two to settle down. Daric asked the officer if the Penitus Oculatus agents that defected would join him willingly or if they had to be sent to jail, to which the officer agreed to join, but only if Daric was indeed a descendant of Tiber Septim. Caccian assured the officer but he didn't believe the Blade. Daric told him of how he and the scholar followed the trail left by his ancestors Uriel IV and Katariah, leaving to detail untold. The story had convinced the officer enough that he agreed to go back to Shornhelm to see the documents himself. Daric welcomed the Penitus agents and asked for the officer's name, to which he replied Ortius Civello. Caccian asked if it was wise to trust those that abandoned the man they had sworn to protect, but the Breton king said they had a valid reason after one of the Penitus agents told him why they defected.

Ortius, Caccian and Daric then talked about what strategy would be best to take. Ortius suggested that they kill the Emperor and be done with it but Daric didn't agree. They eventually agreed that they first needed more allies before taking on the Emperor and the Legions in Cyrodiil. The next day Daric and his men left for Shornhelm after the Nords returned to Skyrim. Daric gave his condolences to Caccian as his comrades that were coming to High Rock were ambushed by the Legion and killed. Kastus showed up asking for his money, the king kept his promise and paid the assassin the other half of the agreed amount. He told the assassin that their deal was now done and tha he better not catch the assassin trying to kill one of his generals again. A messenger brought the King the news that the kingdoms of Jehanna and Farrun had agreed to swear fealty to him. Kastus gave the king an evil grin, then rushed past by the messenger. The courier fell to one knee and grabbed his side; the assassin had stabbed him. Daric yelled for the guards to deal with Kastus, but he was already long gone. Daric knew that the assassin had stabbed the messenger just to spite him, and that had made him lose his patience with Kastus. He ordered the guards to look for the assassin but he was long gone.

Caccian knocked on the door to the king's study. He shared with Daric his idea of having the former Penitus Oculatus agents join him to reform the Blades. Daric agreed to the idea, but he wasn't sure that Ortius would follow the Blade, he suspected that Caccian would have to share a bit of authority with the former officer. The king sent a letter to Ulfric asking for assistance in the siege of Wayrest, as he was unaware the Nords had their own problems back home. Ortius walked into the study and, as Daric has suspected, argued with Caccian over what he and the king had decided to do with the former Penitus agents. Daric was able to calm Ortius down and make him accept his decision. Daric then left the study and headed to the War Room, leaving the two behind. Daric discussed strategies for besieging Wayrest with his generals. Since they hadn't received a reply from the Nords Daric knew they needed a new ally in order to take Wayrest. Daric suggested the Forebears of Hammerfell, and so he sent a letter to them. The Forebears leader, King Bodean, agreed to help Daric with his war in High Rock if Daric would assist him in taking Hammerfell. Bodean went to Shornhelm to make the alliance official, then the Redguard and Daric discussed the strategy for taking Wayrest. The Nords sent a letter to Daric, asking for assistance in lifting the siege of Whiterun. Daric had the Blades and a small Breton Army head to aid the Nords. Bodean left for Hammerfell to prepare his army for the attack. When the king received word that Grandmaster Caccian of the Blades had died, he mourned for his friend. Daric left for the outskirts of Wayrest, he sent a letter to Ortius and General Roderic telling them to head straight for Wayrest when they return from Skyrim. In a few days the troops Daric had sent to Skyrim returned, after a successful mission. Daric sent a courier to Ortius, asking him to come to the king's tent. Daric filled Ortius in on the plan for the siege, the Blade then left to tell him men of the battle plan. At the break of dawn the Daric's army was ready for the attack, the Forebears still hadn't arrived but Daric knew they would come. Daric ordered his men to merely distract the Wayrest soldiers while they awaited for the Forebears. However, the Forebears took too long and Daric had to order the charge. The siege of Wayrest began, and Daric was leading the cavalry. The garrisoning soldiers fired down on the Breton king's army, Daric was lucky not to get hit. He led the horsemen away from the enemy's range of fire. Later, some of the Wayrest soldiers exited the city to meet Daric's men on the battlefield. Daric led the cavalry in a charge at the enemy's flank. When the Forebears arrived, holding Imperial flags, the Wayrest soldiers began to fight with renewed moral. This made the fight harder for Daric's men and they began to lose. However when the Forebears got to the battlefield, and some in the city, they showed their true colors and attacked the defending troops. Daric watched as the Redguards fought the garrison into submission, quickly turning the tide of the battle and ending the siege. The King of Wayrest surrendered to Daric and got to keep his throne after swearing fealty to him.

Daric decided to march straight for the last city still in Imperial control, Evermore. He called General Roderic to his tent. He and the general began to think of a way to take the city, as they figured a frontal assault would cost to many soldiers their lives. Roderic suggested sending a small force through the city's sewers, and have them open the gates from the inside. Daric agreed to the general's plan and told him to go with a group of Blades, as they were better at sneaking than most men in the army. The general said that taking so many Blades away from Daric would be risky but Daric dismissed the claim by saying he could take care of himself. He told Roderic not to take too long as the longer he took the more men would die outside. The next morning the Army marched for Evermore, arriving there two days later. The king wished good luck to Roderic on his mission. Daric decided to see the army's enchanter to fill the enchantment on Flamerend. He told the khajiit that he had been watching him for some time and that his skills in magic were wasted on only being the army's enchanter. He asked Jo'Khar to be his Court Wizard, and the khajiit agreed. He told Jo'Khar to get ready, as he would be joining the attack on Evermore. An hour later the army was ready to assault the city, they had given more than enough time for Roderic and the Blades to make it inside. Ortius rode at the king's side. Daric told his men what they were fighting for, to liberate High Rock from tyranny. He ordered the charge and the army headed towards the city's walls. The forces at Evermore had been reinforced by Orcs from Orsinium, making the battle harder for Daric and his men. Daric had Jo'Khar and the Battlemages go up against the Orcs, hopping to get the upper hand using magic. Jo'Khar cast a dual Chain Lightning spell at the Orcs, staggering a good deal of them. Daric led the cavalry to flank the Orcs, which caused them to break ranks and flee. Daric saw that the gates of the city were opened, he knew that Roderic had accomplished his mission. The king ordered Ortius to take out the catapults on the walls. Daric went to see if the khajiit was ok. Since Ortius was too busy to take out the catapults he asked Jo'Khar to find Roderic and tell him to take them out. Daric charged with a few of his cavalry men into the city, towards the castle. The pyromancer, that was leading part of the garrisoning forces, cast a wall of flames in front of Daric and the other horsemen. The king's horse went out of control when it was hit by the spell and Daric fell. Roderic ran over to help Daric, the fall had broken a few ribs, knocked the air out of him and probably caused some internal bleeding. Roderic led the king back to the army camp, as he needed immediate medical attention because from the pain he was feeling the injuries were more serious than they looked. As the healer began to look him over Daric told the general to capture the castle and end the battle. Caesar Autrus, a Blade, burst into the healer's tent and told them that the King and the Legion were retreating, however they were burning the city down. Daric ordered them to save the city.

The Breton king stayed out of the rest of the battle, as he was recovering back at camp. He returned to his tent and when the battle was done Roderic and Caesar brought King Barnand to Daric. Daric cursed Barnand for his incompetence and cowardice, Barnand tried to explain himself but Daric didn't listen. He sentenced the fat king to the dungeon and revoked his crown for his role in burning Evermore. Daric's army restored order to Evermore and instated the son of Barnand's cousin as the new King. Daric and his forces returned to Shornhelm, there he called all the Kings and Queens of High Rock to attend his coronation. Other than the nobility the important members of Daric's army also attended the coronation, and his allies as well. The Primate of High Rock crowned Daric Lariat as High King in the light of the Nine Divines, and the crowd cheered for the new High King.

Part II
High King Daric was in his study in Shornhelm, a letter from Hammerfell was in his hand. It was from his ally, King Bodean of Taneth, the leader of the Forebears. The province was completely in chaos, the Forebears were no match for the Crowns, since they had the support of the local 6th Legion. Bodean requested Daric's assistance. The letter also told where the cities of Hammerfell stood in the conflict. Daric met with General Roderic and Jo'Khar. He told the khajiit that the Redguards requested help and that he wanted to send aid to them, but he was too busy restoring and maintaining order in High Rock to lead the army. He told them that he needed them to lead in his stead and to go with the force to Taneth, where King Bodean would be expecting them. A Redoran ambassador arrived in Shornhelm, Daric goes to meet with him. The ambassador told him that the Archmaster believes that Daric is a worthy ally now that he has Skyrim, half of Hammerfell and all of High Rock on his side. He said that House Redoran would be honored to fight by their side against the tyrant Augurius Mede. Daric asked what other Great Houses would fight beside them. The ambassador replied that House Indoril would surely help. Houses Telvanni and Sadras had been neutral so far and House Hlaalu and Dres were supporters of Augurius Mede. But he told the king that for now Indoril wasn't going to help, they expect House Redoran to liberate Blacklight from Imperial Occupation first. He also said that it would take some time to put their plans into motion. And to expect word from them in the future.

High King Daric was in the War room. He had received word from the Forebears that Stros M'Kai had been captured. The most important military leaders in High Rock were there. The High King told Etienne Geles, one of his commanders, that he might need to go with the rest of the army to Hammerfell. Even with the help of the Bretons the Forebears were still outnumbered by the Crowns and their Imperial allies. Daric suggested that he should take the rest of the army and go through the Reach and Dragontail Mountains and attack Dragonstar. The commander acknowledged the order and left to coordinate and plan for the attack. Daric decided to check up on him and told him to be careful near the Reach, as that was were Orsinium was located. Etienne said he had a feeling the Orcs would stay put, then he offered some wine to Daric. The king accepted and had a drink with the commander. Etienne told the king that he didn't like the sound of King Bodean, as the commander thought he only joined up with Daric for personal gain. Daric agreed that it was a likely possibility as one of the terms of their alliance was that Daric help Bodean become High King of Hammerfell. However the king said that as long as they help Bodean the Redguard would help them. Etienne started to discuss strategy with Daric, asking where they should try to get one side of Dragonstar to attack the other. Dragonstar was a city that was split into East and West, and each part had its own government. Daric told the commander that both sides were vassals of the High King of Hammerfell, Ennah, but they still despised each other thanks to their governmental differences, as the West was a monarchy while the East was a oligarchy. Etienne said that he would try diplomacy, but that he would fight both sides if it came down to it. He said farewell to the king and asked that Daric not get shot or invaded while he was away. Daric laughed and told him he would try not to, as the Blades had been doing a good job so far and Ortius was a good Grandmaster. He then suggested that Etienne should take Caesar Autrus with him if he planed on using subterfuge. The King them took another sip of wine then returned to the castle, saying farewell to the commander.

Part III
High King Daric had received a letter from King Bodean telling him of how he was back and Taneth is once again in Forebears control. A few days later, Daric received a letter from Etienne Geles and then sent a reply, congratulating him on the success of his siege. In the letter he told Etienne that he could decide what course of action would be best now that he had taken Dragonstar. Because of General Roderic's absence in Hammerfell he promoted Etienne to General. Sometime later Daric received a request from General Etienne for assistance and sent the Breton Navy to Sentinel. The Bretons blockaded the Hammerfell capital and awaited for the arrival of their allies to take the city.

Part IV
High King Daric was in his castle's study in Shornhelm. He had just recently heard the news of Bodean Suda's coronation in Taneth, as High King of Hammerfell. His alliances were paying off. High Rock, Skyrim and Hammerfell were under his control and House Redoran had taken control of all Northwestern Morrowind. Soon he would have the armies necessary to attack Cyrodiil. A few days ago he had received an envoy from Morrowind, whom were primarily House Nerevar members. While he was in his study one of his guards informed him that Jina Nerevar requested a meeting with him. He agreed and told the guards to escort her there. Jina introduced herself and asked for forgiveness. She asked if he had received her father's, Joran Nerevar, letter, then informed him that she was there to negotiate with him about the acquisition of the troops of High Rock for the liberation of Morrowind. Daric said that he got the letter, but that his men were busy elsewhere. They were already assisting Bodean in the expulsion of the last Imperials from Hammerfell and the Nords were helping House Redoran under his authority. He looked up at the girl and asked if she wasn't a little too young to be a diplomat, as she looked to be only a teenager. She eyed Daric and asked if he wasn't a little too young to be an Emperor, throwing the rude question back at him, and then said that she had done more than he will ever know. She kept an indignant tone, Daric assume that the question had made her a little angry. She then composed herself a little and said that House Redoran and House Indoril, whom House Nerevar were a part of, didn't always see eye to eye. Daric raised an eyebrow, thinking that the girl was bold. He said that he was 35 years old. There had been numerous younger emperors than him. He looked back down and signed some reports. As for the rivalry between House Redoran and Indoril, he said that it wasn't his priority. All that he cared about was that Morrowind was united under him against Augurius Mede. House Redoran had been helping him and the Nords for a while now. While Jina's House had just recently contributed to his war.

Jina narrowed her eyes and said that she hoped they meet in the future. She wished the high king good day and hoped he would rethink his position on House Indoril. The Dunmer informed Daric that they had taken down House Sadras and that House Dres would soon fall as well. Unlike House Redoran, who just freed their cities, they were more successful in their rebellion. With out waiting for an answer, she turned on her heel and left the room. The High King thought that she had an attitude. House Indoril had failed to make a good impression on him. He continued signing more reports before retiring to his room. The next day Daric woke up to find a raven on his window. He was surprised at the sight of it. He went over to it and saw it had a letter strapped to its leg. He wondered who it was from before he got it from the bird and read it. The letter was from Nelthro Kanir, leader of the Nelthar Organization, and he said that he was coming to High Rock to negotiate with the Breton. Daric was interested and looked forward to their meeting.

Once more, Jina requested a meeting. He headed to his study and told his guards to bring the girl there, as he figured that he might as well give her another try. He sat at his desk and awaited for her. She greeted him and asked how he was, keeping her composure. He said he was fine, and asked what it was that she wanted to speak about. Jina asked Daric if he knew how it felt to have his rightful throne denied to him, because that was how her father felt. It was denied to him by the Empire and the other great houses. She took a shuddering breath. She said that the Archmaster of House Redoran intended to make himself the new King of Morrowind, not only the leader of the Great Council and that he had no right to such a title. Daric said that Jina didn't understand why he was doing why he was doing. He was not trying to become the Emperor because it was his birthright, he was doing it for the good of Tamriel. Augurius was a good strategist and general, but he was an awful Emperor. He was a tyrant, ruled with fear and deception. To him the ends always justified the means. He needed to be stopped, but no one would stand up to him due to fear. With someone like him, Daric, to lead people they would stand up for themselves and fight against oppression. The fact he was related to Tiber Septim only served as a strong claim to the throne which he used to form the rag tag Stormcrown Alliance. Daric got up and walked over to the window. He asked Jina who was it that protected the Dunmer from the Argonians, then answered it himself, House Redoran. He asked under who's guidance did the Dunmer fight in the Talos Pact against the Aldmeri Dominion during the 2nd Great War, also House Redoran. He asked what had her House, her father, done to show his devotion to the Dunmer. What had he done for Morrowind. He then stated that had Augurius not crippled House Redoran when he conquered Morrowind they would have become the new ruling house already.

Jina grew angry and argued with the High King. She claimed that if not for House Redoran, the Argonian Invasion wouldn't have cost so many lives. She admitted, however, that they did guide the Dunmer armies well against the Aldmeri Dominion, but her father had lost his sons and his city for the sake of the Dunmeri people. House Indoril had lost hundreds of lives during this war. House Redoran cared only about themselves and war. Her father had traveled across Tamriel and back to help the Stormcrown Alliance and the Dunmer. She pleaded the high king not to ignore them. House Redoran only knew one way to end conflicts, with blood and steel, they could never end it with words. All they knew was how to kill. She even claimed that they always set their sights higher. Once Daric was Emperor, what was there to stop them from attacking him, she asked. Daric said that a few Legions would be more than enough to stop House Redoran's army. Though they weren't foolish enough to try anything that dumb. As for ignoring House Indoril, that he was not doing. He acknowledged their help in taking Sentinel. Though he wondered if there was a connection between helping the Redguards and asking him for support. Or if it was a coincidence that Jina was in Shornhelm so soon after her father assisted Bodean. Jina got defensive and her voice grew louder. She said that Joran came to help the Stormcrown Alliance, to help Daric's cause. He didn't know that the High King had remained behind in High Rock, or he would have to Shornhelm himself. His intention was to negotiate with him personally, but he was fighting for his country, something Daric probably understood. Her father sent her here to be safe while he went to Sentinel, as Mournhold had just recently freed itself from a siege. He thought Daric would be there fighting. Since he wasn't he asked her mother to be a diplomat. Sadly, she was 8 months pregnant. So Jina took up the position in her stead. The Breton said that he understood, though he found it interesting that she said she came to help him, negotiate with him yet he had yet to hear any terms or conditions. All Jina had done was brag about her father and his right to rule. The High King walked back to his desk and sat in his chair. He then got out a septim and stared to play with it in his hand. He congratulated her on the upcoming sibling and wished him or her the best of luck.

A guard knocked on the door. He told Daric that a Nelthro Kanir had come to see him. The High King nodded and told Jina that he had another appointment. He excused himself and got up, leaving his study and heading to the throne room. He sat on his throne and told the guards to let the Nelthar in. As the doors open he walked into the throne room and to the middle of the room just before the throne and knelled. He introduced himself and asked if he got his letter. Daric said that he did. He asked what the cost of granting the High King free reign over the Nelthars would be, as that was not mentioned in the letter. The old man said that he wished for his family to be granted rank in the Breton's Empire, nothing more. He only wished to see his family prosper and in return he would help Daric seize the throne and grant him free reign of the Nelthar Family as he said in the letter. The Breton asked for him to clarify, if he wanted a noble titles or land or something else. Nelthro said he wanted title and power, a small reward for an Emperor to give out. Still Daric pressed the question, wanting the old man to clarify what he wanted specifically, for he was reluctant to agree to a deal without knowing the details. Nelthro offered much, so it seemed only logical that he asked for much in return. The Nelthar said that he wanted his family to have a reserved seat on the Elder Council, as well as a county for his family to rule. Daric thought a bit. A seat in the Elder Council meant a lot of power over the Empire, though the other members of the council will have just as much power. He thought those were terms he could deal with, especially since he could always deal with them later should they pose a problem to his reign. He told Nelthro that he agreed to his deal and asking him to come to his study so that they could sign a document and make it official. Nelthro followed Daric to his study. He sat at his desk and told the old man to have a seat. Daric started to write out a contract. When he was done writing the terms and conditions, he signed the bottom and then pushed the paper towards Nelthro and handed him a quill. Nelthro first read the contract carefully in case there was anything they hadn't agreed upon. When everything seemed in order he signed the paper with Ultima Nelthar, saying no one would believe him if he used his Kanir name. He rose from his seat and told the High King that now he had temporary free reign over the Nelthar family and his services were also on the table. He asked what his orders were, giving a grin.

Daric said that he could use more troops and he needed to know what was happening in Cyrodiil. Dark rumors had been spreading around about the Imperial City. My men couldn't get close to the city, but he was sure the Nelthars had their ways. Nelthro nodded, with their resources the Nelthars could infiltrate just about anywhere. Daric heard running outside his study. He stood up, wondering what it was. He said for Nelthro to excuse him as he checked the sound. He went outside and saw Jina running towards his quarters. He asked her what she was doing. Jina told him that two of his guards just attacked her. She screamed at him, outraged. She kept asking why would that happen. Nelthro also walked out of the study, asking if the guards weren't assassins. The Dunmer honestly didn't know. She just recognized one of them as the guard insulting her as she walked out of the High King's study during their first negotiation session, using air quotes as she said the word because of how the session went. Nelthro leaned on the wall next to Daric and asked why anyone would wish to kill her. She said she didn't know, it could be because she was Joran's daughter or anything. Maybe someone from House Hlaalu, or someone trying to get at her because of her affiliations. Nelthro bowed after hearing that Jina was the daughter of Joran Nerevar. He said to forgive his rudeness, for he had no idea who she was. As for the assassins, he offered to investigate. He enjoyed a good assassin hunt. He followed Jina to her room where the bodies of the guards were and inspected their armor, their cloaks and pockets. Daric had gone with Jina and Nelthro. He found it odd that his men insulted her, for Bretons weren't known for their racism. Due to the race being half-mer and half-men, they were known to be rather kind to others. He also asked what she meant about her affiliations, but she dodged the question. The Dunmer asked Nelthro who he was, she glanced at the symbol he wore. She pointed at the dead guard and told Daric to tell him that. Nelthro introduced himself as Ultima Nelthar but said he cared little for names.

She asked about the mark he had on his shoulder. He said it belonged to the The Nelthar Organization, which he was the leader of. Nelthro turned one of the dead guards over to look for anything suspicious. He picked up a note just visible poking up from the shirt of the guard and read it. It mentioned House Redoran. With the note was also a Redoran pin, worn by members of the house. Jina got angry, and turned that anger towards Daric. She said that House Redoran just tried to kill her for being there, trying to take their place as Daric's Dunmer ally. She asked him what he was going to do about that. Nelthro pointed out that it was not uncommon for someone to pin the blame on someone else. He then asked Daric to check the other body, to see if anything could shed some light on the situation. The High King still found it too odd for House Redoran to send assassins to kill Jina in his castle. He agreed with Nelthro in that the situation looked set up. Jina suddenly gasped and fainted. Nelthro turned quickly and ran over to her. He saw that her wound was tinged green and asked Daric to call a healer immediately. Daric ran out into the halls and called for the guards. He came running back with a group of guards and told them to take Jina to the magister to heal.The guards then grabbed her and ran outside to the Magister's shop. Daric then turned to the dead guards and Nelthro. The old man asked where the guards stayed, to which Daric replied that they stay in the Barracks. He supposed that one of the men there could identify the dead guards. Nelthro asked if they should take the bodies with them, but the High King said that he'd have some guards gather them and bring them to the barracks to see if any of my men knew them. Daric went back to his quarters and told the two guards next to his door to go gather the bodies in Jina's room.

Daric and the two guards went to the barracks with the corpses. The guards in the barracks stood in attention. The High King told them that he was there to ask a simple question, if they knew the two dead men that they had brought. The two guards from Daric's quarters dropped the corpses in front of the other guards. One of the guards said that they didn't, they were new and never talked much with the rest of them. That is what Daric figured. He asked when they did they first arrive. Another guard said that it was a week ago. He noted that they were very odd. One time he caught them talking about a Dunmer girl and when they noticed him they went real quiet. The Breton thanked them and returned to the castle. He decided to go check on Jina so he went to the Magister's quarters. He walked into the Magister's room and went over to Jina and Nelthro. He asked her how she was doing. She said that she had been better and asked the high king how he was with a smile. Nelthro suggested that she rest, then walked out of the room with Daric, closing the door. The old man asked if he found any clues about the assassins, if they were indeed sent by House Redoran. The Breton said that like he suspected those guards were new. One of his men even heard them talking about a Dunmer girl. It was obvious to me that they were in fact sent to assassinate Jina. Though if they were sent by House Redoran or not is unknown. It seemed stupid to him to leave evidence with the assassins. He had the gut feeling that it was a set up.

Part V




Character Form

 * Class: Spellsword
 * Skills: Master Speech, Expert One-Handed/Destruction(Fire specialization), Adept Restoration/Heavy Armor/Alteration
 * Spells: Incinerate, Wall of Flames, Close Wounds, Greater Ward, Telekinesis, Detect Life, Flame Cloak, Heal Other
 * Powers: Dragonskin, Charisma
 * Equipment: Fine Garments, Fine Boots, Crown of Shornhelm, Amulet of Talos, Lariat Family Armor, Flamerend (Initially). Red-White Emperor's Robes, Fine Boots, Ruby Crown, Amulet of the Nine, Emperor's Armor, Tazaarfeyn (After becoming Emperor).

Trivia

 * When creating Darius I chose the name Imperial name first and then the Breton name, as I wanted the two names to be similar. The Imperial one was first because he would ultimately be named Darius after the first RP and for the rest of his life, making it more important.
 * Darius is the only character to appear in all 5 parts of Return of the Septim Dynasty.