The Wind Thief: Complete · 1:22am Feb 17th, 2012
Two months and sixty-five thousand words later, a random idea I had after playing Skyrim is complete. It is by far the longest story I have ever finished, and I have to say it might just be my favorite.
For everyone who tagged along, particularly during the past few weeks when I was on the road and unable to write, thank you.
Now, for some spoilers! If you haven't finished The Wind Thief yet, stop right here!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Okay, you've been warned. Here goes! First, some backstory on how TWT came to be.
Most people who've played Skyrim have already figured this part out, but I took some significant liberties with the lore from the Elder Scrolls universe. My goal wasn't to put ponies into Skyrim, it was to bring a bit of Skyrim to Equestria. So we have major plot points like Alduin, the dragons, the Dragonborn, Thu'um, and the like, but all occurring in the FiM universe.
Curalmil is a real NPC in Skyrim. He's the final draugr boss in the Forsaken Cave, which you visit as part of the White Phial quest. Curalmil has no real significance in lore, and we never learn anything about him in the game aside from his name.
He is, however, one of the most fun boss fights. The moment you walk into his room, the lid pops off his casket, and he starts chasing you around. Just like in TWT, he uses the Disarm shout, which knocks away your weapon. If you're not prepared for it, like I wasn't, his fight becomes an epic running battle throughout half the tomb with you desperately running away and trying to find weapons to hit him with.
For TWT, I borrowed a bit from another side quest, the Gauldur Amulet. Gauldur was an ancient archmage in Skyrim who created a powerful amulet, with which he brought peace to much of the world. His three sons grew jealous of his power, and killed him and split the amulet into three pieces. Eventually all three were defeated, and in Skyrim you must destroy their ghosts and reforge the Gauldur Amulet. This idea, of three sons warring for a magical artifact used by their father, became Curalmil and his three sons.
Certain thematic elements are borrowed from the outstanding Fallout: Equestria, by Kkat. If you haven't read that, for some unknown reason, go do so now. Seriously.
Anyway, as I hinted at earlier, Sly's adventures as the Dragonborn are not complete. This story was simply one of her side quests, and there are more where it came from. I'm already roughing out her next adventure, "In the City of Shadows and Light." Expect it after I clear out some of my other story backlogs.
Thanks again for reading. You guys rock.
Commenting before I've read the main body and the final part of The Wind Thief. I'm a little jealous, to be honest. I have no idea how completing a story feels (hehe), but I imagine it's a pretty cool thing. I've held off leaving a comment until now, but I'm sure once I'm done I'll have plenty to say about the story in addition to the plenty I already have to say about the writing. Just curious, what makes this one your favorite? The length? The story itself? The writing?
"Expect it after I clear out some of my other story backlogs."
I tremble in anticipation of what's to come.
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Probably more Michael Bay Presents. Am I right?
I didn't know Curalmil used Disarm. I guess he doesn't use it on you if you have bound weapons, or I just murdered him to quickly for him to get the chance. I don't remember the fight very well, it's overshadowed by the Potema battle.
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No. No... I wish, but no. I'm sorry everyone. I'm so, so sorry.
I hope SlyXTwi will be in the future stories
Don't be alarmed by Drakmire. He is actually excited about my next fic.
Very excited.
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You mean we all are, CiG. We ALL are.
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Why must you turn this blog into a house of lies?
What about Clavicus Vile? The deadric god of trickery and wishes. Both the wind's eye and Clavicus would grant wishes but with grim consequences. Was that intentional reference or just an coincidence?