Skyrim Mod:Bards College Expansion/Ballads

Olvus can compose ballads about the player character's adventures if asked about the power of song. Once composed, each ballad will have a chance to be played by wandering bards across the world. Each ballad requires the completion of a major questline. There is no ballad for the Civil War questline, nor for choosing to destroy the Dark Brotherhood instead of joining it.

Skyrim

After completing Dragonslayer, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "The discovery of my lineage and my grand battle with Alduin."

Ah, yes. There are rumors abound about "the Dragonborn". Perhaps we can put some of that hearsay to rest. Speak your tale... ...So that's how it happened. You honor me with your retelling! I hope I can do this Ballad the justice it deserves. Hmm, um... I think I know how to start...
	Arise, Arise! For down from the skies. A hero of old descends with their prize
...Yeah, yeah, that feels good. Tell me, for the next verse, what attribute of yours shall we shine the spotlight on?..
My physical prowess.	With steel brandished high, the Dragonborn comes! Sound their triumph on beating of drums!
My arcane talents.	With a mystical light, the Dragonborn comes! Sound their triumph on beating of drums!
My wielding of the Thu'um.	With a cry and a shout, the Dragonborn comes! Sound their triumph on beating of drums!
	The World-Eater's rage brought terror below. As he burned our dear homeland and blackened the snow.
...Hmm. Time for a proper introduction. This is your story, so what do we say of your origin?..
Who I was before doesn't matter. In Skyrim I found myself.	But out from the ashes of Helgen, alight. The Dragonborn gathered their strength and their might.
My past made me who I am, I made mistakes, but regret nothing.	But lo, a prisoner, humble and slight. Was given the chance to bring grievance to right!
I'm a veteran of many campaigns. Alduin was but my latest conquest.	But mountains cried out, and wind howled a name. A warrior stood amidst Alduin's flame!
	Alduin's bane, from legend unfolds. Who saved us from wrath that the stories foretold.
...You had some help on your journey. But who most deserves to be exalted in song?..
I couldn't have done it without the warriors of Sovngarde.	Hero of Sovngarde brought forth to save. Who rallied the immortal souls of the brave!
The Blades deserve some credit.	The Hand of the Blades as fierce as a storm. With soul of a dragon, but mortal in form!
The aid of the Greybeards was invaluable.	Down from the mount, from Hrothgar on high! The Dragonborn comes with a voice raised high!
	Arise, Arise! Our hero draws near! Down with the Era of Terror and Fear. Hail to the Dragonborn! Gallant and Bold! The Slayer of Alduin, we behold!
...That was something special. I thank you for sharing it...

Bards College Expansion

After completing Requiem, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "My time with Sledrig and the Bards College."

Now that's a story I'd love to hear! Sledrig always was somewhat of a mystery to me. So, what exactly happened?.. ...Wow. What a tale! I never knew all that about Sledrig... But before we get to that, let's begin with your joining of the Bards College...
	A hero came down, cross the mountains of Skyrim. The Master of Song writ their tale upon string. Victor of verse, who found the poems of the bards. Burned in effigy, Tyranny's King. At feast, the hero stood, viewing the merriment. Lo, the stoics saw this conservator, proud.
...This party you attended, how shall we say you were perceived by the other Bards?..
I was respected and welcomed as a bard of the highest order.	They strode of the grounds, striking and elegant. All eyes fixed as they waltzed through the crowd.
Despite their false decorum, it was clear I was beyond them all.	They strode of the grounds, charm like royalty. And saw through the smiles to the lies they enshroud.
Fear was in their eyes. They all knew they'd met their superior.	They strode of the grounds, confident and self-assured. No one outmatched them for wit they endowed.
	The Master of Song, saw the truth inside them. Voice made of souls, Dragonborn within. He took them away and taught them secrets of the Voice. Sent them to find the lost Sword of Wind. Venzahkrii in hand, the air splits and shadows cry. The dragon, Volgaafsonaan, would rue the day.
...Your confrontation with the dragon, any particular way you'd like me to describe it?..
For the good of the land, Volgaafsonaan had to fall.	The Hero saw the fiend -- for what it was, an evil thing. Swore destruction, lest guiltless minds pay.
The dragon was a means to an end. I would profit from its defeat.	The Hero saw the fiend -- for what it was, a useful being. For their treasures, the beast, would they slay.
Volgaafsonaan was a challenge to be conquered.	The Hero saw the fiend -- for what it was, a rivalry. Champion's rite, to make the beast pay.
	By sword and by song, they journeyed cross Skyrim. Blade in their hand, and a tune in their heart. The beast was found, its home, a desolation. Icy prison, where prey shan't depart. The battle waged on, a splendid song rising! At last, the strike fell that would end his fell plight.
...Now, we know how this all ended, but that doesn't need to be what is sung. So, what fate befell Sledrig and the dragon?..
I kept my promise to Sledrig, I granted his rest by ending Volgaafsonaan.	The Dragonborn, true, kept word to the Master. Took the soul of the beast of the night.
I found another solution allowing both Sledrig and Volgaafsonaan to be restored.	The Dragonborn's might broke bonds of the Master. So too, restoring Volgaafsonaan's light.
I opened Sledrig's eyes, allowing him to draw greater power from Volgaafsonaan.	The Dragonborn's wit stirred mind of the Master. Ascending his soul with Volgaafsonaan's might.
Sledrig used me, Volgaafsonaan was more worthy of being restored.	The Dragonborn, bold, broke word to the Master. Released the soul of Volgaafsonaan's blight.
Tiring of it all, I slew Sledrig and Volgaafsonaan.	The Dragonborn, cold, broke word to the Master. And struck them both down and left them for blight.
	So Hero came down, from the mountains of Skyrim. And sang a soft tune on the winds of the range. And the Hall of the Bards, they lifted a glass. For stories they told, and whispers of change.
A story so close to me, and yet, I barely had any idea it was happening! There's a lesson in that...

Companions

After completing Glory of the Dead, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "My time spent with the Companions."

Really? I wasn't aware that you joined them. Seems I've some catching up to do. Please, tell me about it... ...Impressive! There's certainly a lot to work with there. Let's start by setting the scene...
	In Old Whiterun, there's a merry old band. Led by the fire of the warrior's brand. And one whose name resounds in the halls. As they sing of their deeds inside Jorrvaskr's walls!
...Now, let's tell the audience about some of your accomplishments! Which do you think best?
Helping Kodlak Whitemane find his peace.	Bringer of glory, herald to fame. Cleanser of spirits for sake of the flame!
My efforts to reforge Wuuthrad.	Who gave the Skyforge cause to sing. Who reforged the steel of the Atmoran King!
My rise to absolute power!	A harbinger, new, to keep them aligned. And Five Hundred souls, they rallied behind!
	We fight on the fields with a might to proclaim. Our revelry cannot be tamed. Though foes advance as cruel as the stone. Trust that the forebears won't leave us alone.
..Hmm. You know, everyone has their own style of combat. But what should we say yours is?..
Steadfast and focused. Discipline is key!	Unshakeable stance, and form like the dawn, and rivals they fall when last steel is drawn.
Methodical. Speed and cunning are my weapons.	A swift strike, truest and purest of all. A quick flash of steel, as the challenger falls.
Rage and frenzy! Let the blood flow...	Charging the swarm with a cry to the skies. We deftly draw steel, and our enemy dies!
	Within us a fire that glows brighter than light. Burns hot as the hearth in Sovngarde's night. Five Hundred Warriors, Five Hundred Kings. Resound in the Halls of the Dead as we sing!
...We're coming to the end now. How shall I close this?
Speak of our glory and camaraderie!	We'll join with them then, in a chorus, aloud. We'll raise up our cups to the ancestors, proud!
Speak of our continued struggle, and our respect for each other.	But until that day comes, may we fight and be free. We fight as companions of good company!
Speak of our ends, in glorious combat!	May day come at last where our spirits return. To the land of our fathers, and the fields that we yearn!
...There. I can see this one being popular in drinking halls!

College of Winterhold

After completing The Eye of Magnus, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "My appointment to Arch-Mage of the Mages College."

Oh yeah, I think I heard about that! But if I'm going to write a song about it, I'm going to need more details. So, tell me everything... ...Well, a colorful recounting! A lot of material to work with. Hm, think I've already got an idea for an opening verse! Let's see...
	I tell you a tale, a journey to fame. From pupil to master with mystic acclaim! On Winterhold's ruin lies a citadel, proud. And a Tower of Mages stands forth through its clouds.
...Hm, yeah! I like that. But, I need to describe you somehow... What would be your preference?
Speak of me as a teacher, one who wants to foster passion in others.	Among them a scholar, renowned and bold. An Archmage to steer learners, young and old!
Speak of my skillful mastery in the arcane arts!	Among them a sorcerer of grand design. An Archmage that bends mythic powers, divine!
Speak of my prowess and might, obliterating the weak before me!	Among them a spellsword, with might to amaze. An Archmage to conjure forth all Skyrim's praise!
	There's few who could fathom that philosopher's plight. For life, "Greatest Fire", and "Magic for Light". Bearing the weight of the scholar and sage. Committing the forebearers' thoughts to the page.
...That works! And then... Hmm... We should probably mention some of your exploits. Anything come to mind?..
My exploration of Saarthal, and recovery of... arcane mysteries.	They search and observe 'neath the ice and the snow. Uncovering secrets from long, long, ago.
My thoughtful council with the Augur of Dunlain.	Consorting with beings and augurs, aglow. Seeking out worlds in the darkness below.
"Exploits"? Surely people would care more for my application of raw power?	They master the flame and the conjurer's light. They summon forth winds that frost the cold night.
	But duty still calls to the magus's name. Through conquests and song, their favor proclaim! Delving through depths, the worlds of the past. Unearthing the remnants of courses, unpassed.
...We need more. More exploits! Help me out here.
Tell of my victory over the Thalmor "advisor", Ancano.	Tyranny vanquisher, brave and true. Who purified power and cleansed it anew!
Tell of how I overcame the Dragon Priest, Morokei.	Slayer of Morokei, Priest of the Damned. Breaker of malice's will and command!
Tell of how not even dragon, nor the dead, can escape my wrath!	Cadaverous dragon-destroyer of yore. Shatter the souls of the creatures of lore!
	Aetherius, stars of the darkened span. Baleful eyes watching the dawning of man. Gaze as the weaves of fate unfold. Lend us your secrets, your powers untold.
Hmm. Tell me, which school of magic do you favor?
I wield the might of Destruction to cleanse the realms.	Unshakeable power, destruction thy gain. Untamed and tempting the hearts of the vain.
The restorative touch of Restoration.	The shape that restores and revives the soul. Bliss made from starlight to make us whole.
The power of Alteration rests in my hands.	The truths of the world doth hold no sway. To the alterer's dominant mind, they obey.
Conjuration of beasts and thralls serves me well.	The summoner's will, projected through time. Conjuring creatures and constructs, sublime.
Best to cloud minds with Illusion and falsehoods.	Chimerical forms like sands of the storm. From dark of the mind, illusion is born.
	Amid the poor ruin of Fatherland's stone. Atop of the towers, arising like bones. A mystical master, honored and bold. Stands tall as they watch o'er the skies of the hold.
Hah! Yeah. I like that! And audiences always enjoy a good story of magic.

Dark Brotherhood

After completing Hail Sithis!, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "My ascension to leadership of the Dark Brotherhood..."

Wait, are you saying-... You? You're the Listener! Of the Dark Brotherhood?! Huh. Um, well, why don't you... tell me about it?.. That's... a lot to take in. Not to call you a liar, but... I'm going to choose to not believe most of what you just said. I think that to be the safest course of action for... everyone. But, theoretically speaking, this would make a gripping Ballad. Maybe something like...
	Summoned in shadow of wicked lament. Baptized in blood by that dark sacrament. Seized in the night by the light of the moon. Exacted the knife for the Blood Flower's Boon.
...So, they kidnapped you, right? Made you one of them? How should we describe that?..
I stoically accepted the fate thrust upon me.	Silent and sober, the penance performed. The one who would bear the dark mantle was born.
I accepted the opportunity offered.	Darkness divine, with hands like a cloud. Swift storming beneath a great burial shroud.
Before finding them, I was already one of them.	Ruinous, ravenous hunger profane. Laughter and bloodless incarnate of bane.
	Mercy, she wrought, for the hand that performed. And silently spoke to the Listener, sworn. A voice like the grave spoke a solemn decree. A deathly crusade made for all kin to see.
...And um... The next part. You were asked to... you know, "remove" someone. I'm not exactly sure how we should word that...
Mild euphemisms are okay. No need to be too graphic.	Cut from her branches, the vines of the bough. Those who would scorn the unmakeable vow.
Be precise, but dispassionate. It is what it is.	A grisly campaign that would sing of her might. A worshipful verse to the hymn of the night.
Speak plainly. I want them to know the sordid details.	A slaughter most pure, and with one affixed aim. To bestow to her children, a title reclaimed.
	The harvest was bleak, cross the blood imbrued snow. And whispers of dread plotted terror to grow. At last the knife struck, the blood-prey came to fall. But the Emperor's best did descend on them all.
...I still can't believe that-... Not to say you did do anything! But, after you, you know... you were betrayed, how should I put that?..
I performed my duty, the treachery was uncalled for.	Though the Listener strove to put deed to her calls. The treacherous hearts schemed within their own walls.
I did everything right, even when I was wronged.	Deception did spill from the veins of her brood. So the Listener rode, and the fools, they pursued.
I had no fear, any who stood in my way would fall.	But folly was theirs, for the Dark Mother's fare. To strangle the tricksters within their own snare.
	The Listener's blade whirled and danced in moonlight. And the Spectres all fell to the song of the night. Then dreaded dusk fell, like a harsh final breath. The night that would end with the Emperor's death. The chambers were still, at the darkenest hour. And Titus was felled by the Listener's power. Silence still speaks through the dagger kept near. Sweet mother, sweet mother, thy children, hold dear.
Well! That was-... Well, it was something! I can already picture the reactions from those listening. A dark, but captivating tale.

Thieves Guild

After completing Under New Management, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "My climbing to the rank of Guildmaster in the Thieves Guild."

Shouldn't you keep that quiet? ...No? Well, alright. Tell me how it all happened. Just, avoid anything too incriminating... ...Hm, that... that wasn't as bad as I expected. Well, in terms of narrative, already seeing a few avenues we could go down...
	There once was rogue with a knack for the game. A swindler, true, but not one without shame. A thief, through and through, with a heart of gold. And this tale's but one that hasn't been told! See, they vexed an old burglar, renowned of deed. Who lived beneath Riften, swilling in greed. The rat ran a tight crew of misfits and crooks. All the while robbing them right off the books!
...Folk naturally hate thieves. But such tales can be given a positive spin. Speaking of thieves, what shall we say Mercer Frey thought of you?
We had a mutual respect, and a beneficial relationship. For a time.	Then the new thief arrived and was deft at their trade. And the old dog was struck by the gold that they made.
He was wary. He could tell my natural talents outstripped his.	Then the new blood appeared like a feather on the wind. And the jealous old thief would not be chagrined.
There was fear in his eyes. And who could blame him?	Then the drifter appeared with a swaggering gait. And the burglar did fear for his swindling fate.
	The old coot made a plan that could use this great skill. Then at the right time, their wealth he would steal. When chance came at last to remove this loose thread. He stabbed in the back, and left them for dead.
...No honor amongst that particular thief, hm? You obviously survived the betrayal, but how should we paint such a picture?..
Though injured, I could not allow such dishonor to go unanswered.	The new blood survived and quickly took flight. But the old thief had disappeared into the night.
Divine intervention. Someone out there likes me...	Their breath became scarce in the dark where they lied. Then Nocturne herself bound the wounds in their hide!
Blood, sweat, tears and wrath. I would have my vengeance.	They crawled through the snow, denying their fate. In their heart swore an oath of revengeful hate.
	And so they returned to Old Riften, below. Where they told of the treacherous thief and his woes.
...Now, after all that, how do we end this story?..
My course was as righteous as it could be. So naturally, people followed.	They rallied the thieves, the whole buggerin' lot. And they tromped through The Rift seeking out the old sot.
I used my mind and talents. Cunning and guile saw me true.	But the bastard took flight with their treasures in tow. So they hunted him down by the tracks in the snow.
I was swift, and unrelenting. The man never stood a chance.	With Nocturne their guide, and the wind at their back. They pursued the old thief, and readied attack!
	Then they cut down the greedy old thief as he strode. And stole off his corpse all the gold they were owed. On him they found Nocturne's treasures, they say. But that's a tale for another day. So let it be known to all who deceive. That honor still lives among those called thieves.
..Hm. Despite the subject matter, that turned out to be quite the adventure!

Dawnguard

After completing Kindred Judgment, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "My deeds with the Dawnguard and creatures most dark..."

The Dawnguard? You were involved with that?! Hm. Well, I guess I have some catching up to do... Well, let's hear it!.. ...Never took you for the type to be embroiled with such things, but it did make for a great story! Let's see, maybe start with something like...
	The Vigilants fall, and dark closes in. To creatures that prey on cold blood of men.
...It's a good opening, but we need a focus. What's your preference on your entrance to this tale? What's our "focus"?..
Someone just trying to do what's right.	Into the depths of Dimhollow's gloom. A Wayfarer rescues a dark soul, entombed.
A curiosity that had to be sated.	Into the depths of Dimhollow's Crypt. A Wayfarer finds a Forbidden Script.
The destruction of the vile undead!	Into the depths of Dimhollow's tomb. A Wayfarer becomes the predator's doom.
	They stalk their prey by cover of night. Seeking out relics that hide from the light.
...Speaking of, which particular discovery would you rather have the audience associate with you?..
The beautiful and mighty Auriel's Bow.	Auriel's Bow, with power most vast. Which fired upon Lorkhan in times of past.
My search and retrieval of an Elder Scroll.	Into the cairn of endless soul. They search through the bones for the Blood-Infused Scroll.
My finding and subjugation of the dragon, Durnehviir.	From depths of the damned, a dragon flies, worn. And bested in battle, his honor is sworn.
	Servant of Coldharbour, Harkon the Vile. Striving to blot out the sun with his guile.
Obviously, Harkon was defeated by your hand. But how I sing of this, well, that's up you...
I did what any decent person would, and ended the evil creature.	But terror is shunned at dawning of day. And Heroes, victorious, make darkness pay.
Although I took pity on Harkon, his final death was simply necessary.	Pitiful wretch hath fallen to night. The Wayfarer ends his long-suffering plight.
Make up something... ruthless and final.	A bolt to the brow as he falls to the floor. At last, the vampiric lord is no more.
	Fear not the moon, nor shades of twilight. For the Wayfarer watches from shadows at night.
...There. Not sure how many will believe this one is true, but regardless, they should enjoy it!

Dragonborn

After completing At the Summit of Apocrypha, you can ask Olvus to compose a ballad about "My meeting and confrontation with another Dragonborn."

There's more than one?.. Hm. Well, you've got some explaining to do... ...I see. This "Miraak", not quite what I expected. But I think I've got an opening in mind...
	Hear and obey, the First Servant arrives. Bearing his blade at the rising of tides.
...Hm. I like that. Now we arrive at the Dragonborn I know. How do we bring you into this? A little artistic license is encouraged...
Miraak's lackeys drew my ire, provoking me to action.	The Dragonborn calls with a cry of their own. Wielding the Thu'um and defending their home.
I flew in on the back of a dragon!	The Dragonborn comes, on pale wings they fly. To ashes of Solstheim, they take to the skies.
I sensed an adversary worthy of notice.	The Dragonborn hears and draws steel to the night. Blood of their blood, yet darkness to light.
	Listen and pray, for Miraak draws near. From realms of Fate, Wisdom, and Fear.
...As I understood it, it was somewhat of an ordeal gaining the knowledge to defeat Miraak. How should we describe that?..
It was a sacrifice, but a necessary one.	The Dragonborn willingly bears the mark. For country and king, to the darkness embarks.
I learned what was needed gladly and without hesitation.	The Dragonborn cherishes secrets within. Venturing forth towards the Gardener of Men.
It was... disturbing. Not something for the faint of heart.	The Dragonborn drinks from the font, profaned. Through it, accursed knowledge attained.
	Defy and dismay, for the Firstblade alights! First of the Dragon Blood, fallen to night.
...I think it's time we drew this one to its close. Now, how shall we say you defeated your foe?..
With tempered and just might.	The Dragonborn, balance the scales of the clash. Vanquish opposer, and banish to ash.
Via mastery of the magic.	The Dragonborn, wielder of secrets, arcane. Smites down the ruin, and servant is slain.
With brutal and unstoppable power.	The Dragonborn, out from the darkness below. Crush under foot, the invincible foe.
...Hmm hmm. I think that's it! It was fairly short, but the best ones often are.

Reputation

The number of ballads written can give the player a hidden perk for their reputation. Each ballad allows to select some options that can be seen as honorable, cunning, or ruthless. If one of these values is strictly higher than the two others, it will have a subtle influence on how the player is perceived.

A reputation for cunning will give the player discounts when buying from merchants. A reputation for ruthlessness will make the player more intimidating. The effect is limited to 1% for two ballads written, 5% for three ballads, and then increases by another 5 percentage points for each additional ballad up to a maximum of 25% at seven ballads.