Details: This quest starts in the House Hlaalu faction, where a House Hlaalu official sends the player to negotiate with the local Ashlanders. There’s a conflict over the river water, where the Hlaalu think the Ashlanders are using too much of it for their guar herds, while the Ashlanders think the Hlaalu are being greedy and using too much to irrigate their plantation downstream of the camp. (The Ashlanders are probably in the right.) A particularly vain House Hlaalu official isn’t listening to reason though, and just wants the Ashlanders off the land so they stop “stealing” the water. They give the player a bunch of ratty hides and various common herbs, telling the player the Ashlanders supposedly like that kind of thing, and send the player off to make a bargain with the Ashlanders using the “trade goods”.
When the player reaches the Ashlanders, they are ridiculed. The hides and herbs are not of good quality, and the Ashlanders say they’re quite able to hunt up better on their own, thank you kindly! The player can then either try to raise their reputation enough to speak to one of the gulakhans, or return to the House Hlaalu official to report their failure.
Getting in good with the Ashlanders requires the player make use of the thoughtful gift mechanic, similar to how the player raises the disposition of the Urshilaku tribe in the main quest. Once one of the Ashlanders in the camp has a disposition of 80, the player is sent to speak to a gulakhan. The gulakhan refuses to move the camp, calling the Hlaalu greedy, and stating that the Ashlanders had been living on the land for generations. They suggest a scheme to the player instead, telling them to give the House Hlaalu official a special Amulet of Mephala and tell the Hlaalu that it is “a sign of the Ashlanders’ good will”. The amulet should have an enchantment of damage health on it (preferrably constant effect, but if I recall right the game doesn’t register this correctly, so it might need to be on use.)
As a hidden step (aka, no one tells the player to do this; they only discover this on their own), the player may then take this amulet to the wise woman. The wise woman realizes the gulakhan’s plan would just escalate the conflict, so instead supplies the player with another amulet (one that looks the same to help the gulakhan save face, but with a Drain Charisma and Intelligence enchantment on it instead). She explains she knows how greedy and vain this particular Hlaalu official is, and how this is a downfall that she can exploit. She tells the player to gift the Hlaalu with the amulet and that the enchantment on it will take care of the rest.
The player then returns to the House Hlaalu official. Three possible endings:
The gulakhan’s amulet ending: The player can give the gulakhan’s amulet to the Hlaalu and claim it is a gift as the gulakhan suggested. The official puts it on and is killed by poison. The quest ends and the only reward for the player is what’s on the official’s body. If returned to, the gulakhan is pleased, but sees no reason to give the player a reward. He would give the excuse they don’t have anything to offer, being such a poor people. He is lying when he says this, and if intimdated, would give a small sum of gold and spit on the player (disposition drop). Latest Rumors then tell of how the Ashlanders have been getting more aggressive and harassing caravans and merchants in the area. The plantation is expected to fail in the chaos, though the rumor mongers also speculate that if the Hlaalu turn to their Imperial Legion allies, the Ashlanders are done for.
The wise woman’s amulet: The Hlaalu official accepts the amulet and puts it on. He exclaims over how fancy it is and how he will show it off to the other Hlaalu councilors. He thanks the player and tells them to tell the Ashlanders thanks and to propose starting a trade with them for more of the fancy amulets. In this way, the player gets the full reward from House Hlaalu. They can also return to the wise woman, who says they will certainly “keep the trade going” (she says this with a knowing smirk), and the player is rewarded with another amulet (same design) that Fortifies Charisma but Drains Intelligence (sneaky wise woman). Latest Rumors then tell of how the Hlaalu official lost face in a series of scandals and stupid decisions over the management of his plantation. The Ashlanders are still happily living on their land as the plantation begins to fail.
Neither amulet: Alternatively, if the player didn’t manage to speak with the gulakhan OR told the Hlaalu about the schemes against them, the Hlaalu official exasperatedly tells them to go back to the camp and just kill the Ashlanders. (For sake of simpler game mechanics, killing the Gulakhan and his best friend in Yurt #2 would be enough; the Hlaalu official can give the reason of “the savages will loose heart without their leader”.) The manner in which the official suggests this should make it clear they’re not fully comprehending the enormity of this, likening exterminating Ashlanders to exterminating common garden pests. The player can of course finish the quest this way, and gain the full reward from House Hlaalu.
Comments
By the way, rather than going
By the way, rather than going with the generic ‘Hlaalu official’, I’d make the Hlaalu character the owner of the whatever-its-name-is plantation right to the north of the Ashlander camp.
Writer’s block on Illicit
Writer’s block on Illicit Inspiration, so here are some dialogue pieces for this quest.
First meeting--Hlaalu official
Greeting 5
Ah, @PCname, is it? I have heard of your exploits. Perhaps you can help me with a little Ashlander problem.
Background
I am (name). I set up the plantation here because the water from the surrounding hills provides for ample irrigation, or at least it should. Unfortunately, some Ashlanders have taken to squatting in the hills to the south, and their guars drink the river there dry. My crops suffer as a result.
Ashlander problem
Ashlanders make trouble at the best of times, and the Obainat are proving no different. They were nowhere to be found when we first surveyed this land to start the plantation, but now they are using up all the water that rightfully should go to my crops. I need someone to convince them to move. Will you do this for me?
Choice 1: I will help you.
Choice 2: Maybe later.
Ashlander problem, Choice 1
Good, good. I have a plan all laid out. Take these herbs and hides. I’m told Ashlanders like that kind of thing. Call it a thoughtful gift and they will be sure to see things our way.
Ashlander problem, Choice 2
Huh, probably another guar-lover like those savages. Move along, then!
Generic Obainat Ashlander
Greeting 5
Who are you that walks into our camp without permission?
----
This is the camp of the Obainat tribe, traveler. What do you want?
---
(if PC is Dunmer) Your words are strange; your clothes are stranger. You come from the foreigner lands? The House Dunmer corrupt themselves more every day.
herbs and hides, Disposition under 60
You must be joking.
herbs and hides, Disposition 60-80
No, I don’t think so. Go back to the Hlaalu s’wit and tell him we aren’t interested.
herbs and hides, Disposition 80+
I take pity on your ignorance, outlander, for your ways are not the ways of the Velothi or even the corrupt House Dunmer. I will explain. You see these herbs? They are dry and brown, and I could find fresher walking one hundred paces outside of camp. You see this hide? The scales flake from the guar’s skin, for they have been cured without care. (Hlaalu official name) insults us with these offerings. We will not accept.
Choice 1: What else can I do to convince you?
Choice 2: Very well, I’ll leave you alone.
herbs and hides, Choice 1
You are persistent? Perhaps Boethiah smiles on you yet. Take these to the gulakhan if you are so inclined. It is no longer my place to say what to do with you.
herbs and hides, Choice 2
Please do.
--Goodbye
Gulakhan
Gulakhan
Greeting 5, TalkedTo = 0
You reek, outlander. Say what you want fast, or go away.
herbs and hides, Disposition under 50
You make me laugh.
--
You think me so foolish to accept a Hlaalu offer?
--
Go away, you are bothering me.
herbs and hides, Disposition 50+
Maybe there is a gleam of intelligence in your eye after all. The river drying up is not our problem, outlander. The Hlaalu are greedy and stupid. This land cannot support their thirsty plants from other climes. Tell them to leave, and both our problems will be solved.
Choice 1: How do you suggest I do that?
Choice 2: No, I think you are lying. The Ashlanders are the reason for the river drying up.
herbs and hides, Choice 1
Mephala teaches us many ways to overcome our enemies. Give this amulet to (Hlaalu official name). Tell him it is our thoughtful gift in exchange for his.
Choice 3: This amulet burns to the touch. What is it?
herbs and hides, Choice 3
Do not look at me like a dumb beast, outlander. Just give the amulet to the Hlaalu fool. Do I have to hold your hand?
--Goodbye
herbs and hides, Choice 2
The n’wah once again prove their foolishness. Are you still here? You buzz like a fly wanting to be crushed.
-- -10 Disposition
--Goodbye
Wise Woman
herbs and hides
I take pity on your ignorance, outlander, for your ways are not the ways of the Velothi or even the corrupt House Dunmer. I will explain. You see these herbs? They are dry and brown, and I could find fresher walking one hundred paces outside of camp. You see this hide? The scales flake from the guar’s skin, for they have been cured without care. (Hlaalu official name) insults us with these offerings. We will not accept.
thoughtful gift, player carrying Mephalan amulet
Wait, what is that you are carrying?
Choice 1: I intend to give this amulet to the Hlaalu as a gift.
Choice 2: None of your business.
thoughtful gift, Choice 1
No, do not! Who put you up to this foolishness? (Gulakhan name)? That man will get us all killed someday. No, listen to me, outlander. Whether you are for us or against us, giving this amulet to the Hlaalu would start a war neither of us can afford.
Choice 2: I don’t care.
Choice 3: You have a better solution?
thoughtful gift, Choice 2
Your actions would doom us all.
--Goodbye
thoughtful gift, Choice 3
(Gulakhan name) thinks himself clever, but he has none of Mephala’s guile. Give me the amulet, and I will rework its enchantment to serve our needs better. (Hlaalu name) is known for his vanity you see, and this is a downfall I can exploit.
Choice 4: Continue. (fade in/fade out)
thoughtful gift, Choice 4
There, it is done. Follow (gulakhan’s) plan now and do not tell him of our conversation, for I do not wish him to lose face. We Velothi are very proud, and our tribe is in a tenuous enough position without more infighting.
Hlaalu person
Hlaalu person
thoughtful gift (default)
A custom among Ashlanders, I’m told. They exchange gifts to show favor. We can make use of this. It is not too unlike how we use bribery.
thoughtful gift
What is that? The Ashlanders wish to give this amulet to me?
Choice 1: The gulakhan shows you favor, (name).
Choice 2: Yes, but it is a trick.
thoughtful gift, Choice 1
I suppose I cannot refuse a show of gratitude, even if it is from a savage. Does this mean you managed to convince them to leave the river?
Choice 3: Continue
thoughtful gift, Choice 3, gulakhan’s amulet
Wait...this amulet...stings. I cannot…cannot breathe…what have you…?
--Goodbye
--Hlaalu dies
thoughtful gift, Choice 3, wise woman amulet
What a quaint amulet you’ve got there. Tourists rather go in for that sort of thing, don't they? It might fetch a good price. Oh, but look how it matches my clothing! You must get more of these, outlander. We can start a trade with the Ashlanders! Our worthless goods for these wonderful amulets, ha ha! No, don’t say anything. Go back and secure a deal with them before anyone else does!
--Goodbye
thoughtful gift, Choice 2
I should have expected this. Very well. If they will not respect our claim, we will just have to get rid of them. Kill this—what is he called?--this gulakhan. If that does not teach them, then the rest of them. Off you go, then.
--Goodbye
placeholder: latest rumors at
misc. loose ends, once quest is finished
latest rumors, gulakhan ending, non-Obainat NPCs, non-Imperial
The Obainat tribe has been getting more aggressive. I heard just the other day they attacked a caravan headed towards the (name) plantation. Where are those Imperial Legion patsies when you need them?
latest rumors, wise woman ending
(Hlaalu official) has been even more eccentric than usual, you notice?
latest rumors, wise woman ending, higher rank Hlaalu NPCs
(Hlaalu official) has been making some poor decisions down at (plantation name). If you ask me, the Council should consider giving the reins to someone else before we lose even more profit on his foolish investments.
herbs and hides → should disappear
Greeting 5, Hlaalu official, wise woman ending
I feel so fine! These amulets are quite exquisite.
Greeting 5, Hlaalu official, Ashlanders dead ending → revert to default greetings
thoughtful gift, gulakhan
Did (Hlaalu official) like the gift? [The gulakhan grins wickedly.]
thoughtful gift, wise woman, wise woman’s amulet ending
Thank you, outlander. I doubt the Hlaalu were generous to you, so take this for your part in sparing us from more bloodshed. We are not a people that rely much on gold, but perhaps you will find these potions useful.
--potion of levitation, potion of restore heatlh, potion of restore stamina
thoughtful gift, wise woman, other endings
You have already done enough.
Ashlander problem, Hlaalu official, if gulakhan killed
Good riddance. Take this for your trouble.
--reward (gold?)
Ashlander problem, Hlaalu official, any ending
You solved that one.
unique thoughtful gifts
thoughtful gift, random, Obainat Ashlander
I suppose you are at least courteous enough to ask. With the dry season, the river runs low, and water is precious. The bottles of the House Dunmer are hardier than the guar bladders we traditionally use to store water. Bring me some.
thoughtful gift, random, Obainat Ashlander
Our tribe has fallen on hard times, and I worry for our safety. The steel weapons of the Imperials are famous for their strength. Get me a steel spear or bow, so I can test it out myself.
thoughtful gift, random, Obainat Ashlander
I want an expensive robe. I travelled to Andothren once to trade with the House Dunmer, and they all dressed in such comical colors. My friend does not believe me, and I wish to show him.
thoughtful gift, on correctly giving any of the above
Yes, thank you. I suppose not all outlanders are bad.
--disposition increase
Okay, that’s most of the
Okay, that’s most of the dialogue. This is ready to start being implemented.
I was just ready to start
I was just ready to start working on the Impelemntation when I noticed one thing - the ashlander camp is not yet finished... should I wait until the necessary tents are done or should I just add the NPCs outside the tents?
Go ahead and put them outside
Go ahead and put them outside the tents for now. When you get around to merging instructions, note down which ones need to be moved inside.
Revoked due to lack of
Revoked due to lack of progress.
Closing until this claim is
Closing until this claim is finished: https://www.tamriel-rebuilt.org/claims/npcs-and-general-dialogue-obainat-camp
This was moved to unclaimed
This was moved to unclaimed as work can be done without the NPCing.
Granted to Jani
Granted to Jani
With your standards so high
And your spirits so low
Dropping due to lack of
Dropping due to lack of progress.
Claiming this in order to
Claiming this in order to sever the gordian knot of the changing geography.
Granting.
Granting.
Didn't work out on my end.
Didn't work out on my end. Dropped for personal reasons.
Granted to Not.
Granted to Not.
Revoked
Revoked
Claiming for my showcase. May
Claiming for my showcase. May this endless chain end here.
Granted
Granted
I think you should check with
I think you should check with Not if she has written any dialogue for this quest first. In particular, I think she might have some ideas that are not included in the quest description about the NPCs involved. What I know for sure is that some of the NPCs that it says you should create yourself, in fact are in the section file already. The Hlaalu Noble is supposed to be Mandaras Savrethi at Savrethi distillery. If you choose to include any other NPCs there, please make sure to coordinate with me and abby, and make sure to check out the Poisoning the Well quest. All Obainat NPCs except for one (I think) is already in the section file, the last one is handled by another quest (Sultan of Rum should know the details if you are concerned about this).
Thanks for the info! I've
Thanks for the info! I've checked the section files and dug through some of the old discussions before deciding to claim the quest. I'll check with the other developers.
One more thing: Since this is
One more thing: Since this is a Hlaalu quest, the player should get rewarded Hlaalu faction reputation if choosing to side with them.