No Strings Attached

Hail, traveller. I am Florencia Aicherius, although I hope you will call me Fria, like everybody else. It's the greatest of pleasures to meet you, I'm sure. A little about myself? Let me see. I'm a puppeteer, I'm older than I look, and as for my home - have you ever been to Sheeraln, in Elsweyr? A pleasant enough place, but far too warm for me. That's why I'm in Skyrim. There is such a lot of snow here, isn't there? I expect I'm asking too many questions. Please, make yourself comfortable, and don't mind the disembodied limbs lying around.

[vilepuppetry]

Headcanon #56 - Parting With Puppets

There is very little which could convince Fria to part with her puppets. Even old, broken ones are more likely to be disassembled and repurposed than sold on to anyone who offers to pay for them. It’s less out of sentimentality than with the aim of protecting her business - if people got hold of her puppets, they could become a rival, and Fria has a reasonably solid monopoly over puppet shows in Skyrim at the moment.

Since going through a financial rough patch, however, she’s taken up making paper puppets to sell after her shows. They’re both quicker and cheaper to make than a full marionette, and, the cynical might add, more likely to break over time, particularly as her primary customers are children. A particularly popular design is a mage which, with the help of a sliding tab, can throw spells from its hands that have a genuine glow (for about a day, until the crushed glowing mushrooms rub off).

[weirdlandtv]

Marionette museums...

[skewrocket]

My little dragon puppet I just made!! Be nice to him he’s only a little boy! 

I have a tutorial up on how to make him if u want check it out 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Hkv6d-Jpg

[gumi-megpoidd]

@im-a-dragon-cawcaw

[im-a-dragon-cawcaw]

im not crying but that is a   b a b e y     …. okay maybe im crying but still-

[paladincecil]

@dragonbleps

[vilepuppetry]

(It should be noted that Nelle is Fria's #1 fan, okay? Okay.)

‘Nelle is a little darling herself! We absolutely must catch up again sometime, I would so love to hear more of her thoughts about Dwemer engineering.’

[memeasaurus-promptus]

Late Night Wanderings Sentence Starters

“What are you doing out this late?”

“This part of town isn’t a good place to be at this time of night.”

“Now what’s a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?” 

“You do realize what time it is, right?” 

“Where are you going at this hour?” 

“The sun isn’t rising anytime soon, you know.” 

“Do you know where I am?” 

“The city looks different at night.” 

“This street is very dark…” 

“Why don’t you come stand in the light?” 

“Are you lost?” 

“I got turned around in the dark…” 

“This isn’t the time to go wandering around.”

“Only fools and trouble come out to these parts at this hour.” 

“Looking for trouble, are we?” 

“A little late to be shopping.” 

“Just coming back from the bar?” 

“Think any of the pubs are still going to be open?” 

“Trouble lurks around every shadowed corner.” 

“Woah! I didn’t see you there!”

“Where did you come from?” 

“What are you doing here?” 

“A bold move to show your face here in the shadows of night.” 

“Go home.” 

“It isn’t safe here at this time of night.” 

“You’re being watched.” 

“What are you doing still up?” 

“Looking for something?” 

“I like walking when the streets are empty.”

“It’s dangerous to walk at night alone.” 

“I know where I’m going.” 

“The trees are kind of spooky…”

“Did you hear that howl?” 

“Was…was that an owl…?” 

“This path is scary at night…” 

“The woods is no place a __ after dusk.” 

“Oh you poor soul, wandering lost in the forest under the new moon…” 

“You can’t see the stars from here…” 

“This is the witching hour.” 

“Dark beasts lurk here. Be cautious.” 

“Stay on the road!” 

“Talking a midnight stroll along the beach?” 

“The ocean is so mysterious at night…” 

“What brings you to the pier at this hour?” 

“What dangers lurk in these dark waters, I wonder.” 

“You’re going to get yourself lost one of these days.” 

🌙+ your own

[assbitingtoiletpaper]

Richard Teschner [via 50watts]

http://50watts.com/Richard-Teschner-and-His-Puppets

[pentacass]

[vilepuppetry]

[The Aicherius girls, courtesy of ESO.]

“Why am I dressed in such horrid rags? And as if Marisa could wield a sword! What nonsense.”

[gravecuriosity]

No Strings On Me

[vilepuppetry]

gravecuriosity‌

“You were in Elsweyr?! What was that like?” Nelle asked excitedly, turning from the construction of the stage to fully face the woman. As if she weren’t enough of a fan of the puppeteer already!

The Breton gleefully awaited the appearance of the puppets, and seemed to be thoroughly enthralled by them. Of course, Nelle would have liked to touch them, to feel their different textures and weights, but that would be too forward of her. Best to wait and see if the opportunity presented itself in a different manner than her simply asking.

At the questions, Nelle frowned slightly, and turned to adjust the curtains on the miniature stage and wipe away some dirt that had settled on the stage floor.

“My father found a lot of things unladylike,” she replied with a shrug, and let out a short huff. “Mostly it seemed anything that I was truly interested in was unladylike. But he said that if I were to ever please my husband, I’d need to fill my mind and time with proper things – not frivolous hobbies. Fortunately, my mother thought otherwise, and although I never got to own a puppet of my own, I was permitted to do other things my father thought were unladylike and wastes of time: study architecture, sculpt, read about dwemer engineering and astrology and Conjuration.”

The more she spoke, the more she seemed to brighten, as clearly the mention of her mother raised her spirits. Nelle finally turned to look at the woman again, and a smile was on her face.

“My mother was always supportive of me. It’s because of her that I’m even here in Skyrim,” she stated, her smile growing slightly. After a moment, she shook her head and waved a hand. “But it’s my turn to ask questions again, isn’t it? Hm… what got you interested in puppeteering? Do you always make your own puppets?”

‘Goodness, it sounds as if your father would get on wonderfully with my mother. Did you know that building sandforts with the alfiq is also unladylike? And scaring your sister with toy spiders? Why, doing anything which isn’t what they want you to do seems to be unladylike. It’s awfully unfair, if you ask me.’

The actual puppet show she was supposed to be performing seemed to have slipped Fria’s mind. Apparently and attentive audience of one was preferable to hundreds of people milling by without dropping any coins her way or paying her any special attention. She produced a small cushion from the bottom of her pack, stitched in patchwork rather like her robes and usually used for kneeling on while performing, and sat herself down on it beside Nelle.

‘I do make them myself, yes,’ she said. Her hands played with the crossbar of the Dunmer puppet, making him stomp back and forth, turning his head to glare at Nelle. ‘Truly, it’s the best part, watching them come together. It was S’Yajiri who taught me. I knew her in Elsweyr, and-- oh, I’m getting myself all in a muddle. I grew up in Elsweyr, you see. I did like to watch the Khajiiti caravans passing our house, although of course that wasn’t at all ladylike either, and S’Yajiri travelled with one of them. I pestered her and pestered her for simply ages until she gave in and taught me.’

Finally, with a quiet thump, the Dunmer puppet threw himself to the ground in a sulk and stared off towards the stage. His foot tapped as Fria toyed with the strings, pursing her lips in thought.

‘Now, my turn again. Let me see. You said you studied Dwemer engineering. Do you know and awful lot about it? Oh, I’m sure you must!’

[vilepuppetry]

dalamusrex:

‘Spoilsport!’

“I do not play games with Daedra. The only way to win is not to play.”

‘Nonsense. Lord Vile is perfectly fair. It’s people’s fault for being so awfully  muddle-headed!’

[vilepuppetry]

Autumn Festival

Guest name: Fria Aicherius.

Race: Imperial (mostly).

Gender: Female.

Date: None. A festival where lots of people are gathering together? She’ll too busy using the opportunity to try and make money from her puppet show.

Outfit: Another of her own patchwork creations, but with a little more smartness than usual. It’s a proper dress rather than a robe, for starters, limiting itself to only a few colours rather than the usual hodge-podge of whatever scraps she has in her bag -- in this case, primarily gold and burgundy, with some turquoise accents. The sleeves are elbow-length, keeping her hands free for performances, and she wears a daisy in her hair.

[vilepuppetry]

Follower Dialogue: Fria

Original: [ghartokpadhome]

Copy and fill out with what your character’s dialogue would be if they were a Follower in the Elder Scrolls!

Fria - puppeteer, cryomancer.

Initiating conversation:

“Hail!”

“Greetings!”

Exiting conversation:

“My pleasure.”

“Be sure to watch my show this evening.”

Asked to wait:

“Oh, must I? How boring!”

“Do you mind if I mend some of my puppets while I wait? They’re getting awfully ragged.”

“I suppose...”

Spoken to whilst waiting:

“Goodness, you came back quickly.” / “Did you find anything exciting? I hope so!” - Initiating conversation.

“Let me just get my bag.” / “Which way, do you think?” / “I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!” - Asked to continue following.

“How rude! I can’t stand here forever, you know.” / “Gosh, what a waste of time.” - Conversation exited without being asked to follow.

Asked to move/interact:

“All right.” / “Let’s see...” - Command given.

“Don’t be silly.” / “I can’t possibly do that.” - Command denied.

“There!” / “All done!” - Command completed.

Asked to trade items:

“Just remember, a deal is a deal.”

“All right, but you must trade fair.”

Dismissed:

“It’s been such fun! Do find me again some time.”

“You’ll tell people about my show, won’t you? I shall come and find you if you don’t!”

After dismissal:

“Why, hello again! I’m so pleased to see you!”

“Are we exploring again? I do hope it’s a Dwemer ruin. They’re so fascinating!”

Combat

“Hah!”

“Getting... tired...”

“Ah...”

“A soul for Lord Vile.” -Upon killing an enemy.

Other Dialogue (Specific cities, locations, situations, etc.)

"If we’re exploring, why not visit that cave? It looks dark and intimidating. Perfect for an adventure! Let’s go!” -Outside Haemar’s Shame.

“My Lord...” -Shrine to Clavicus Vile.

“Mister Barbas, are there any offerings your master is particularly fond of?” -If accompanied by Barbas.

“Isn’t it amazing? All this machinery, still working after so many years. I wish I knew how they did it.” -Inside a Dwemer ruin.

“Think how much easier puppet shows would be if I had four arms!” -Shrine to Mehrunes Dagon.

"What nonsense.” -After being approached by Dervenin.

“Isn’t the snow pretty here?” -Ambient dialogue in Winterhold.

“I wonder... oh, nothing!” -The College of Winterhold.

“Stormcloaks are so silly. What can they possibly hope to accomplish?” -Ambient dialogue in Windhelm.

“I do love their uniforms. Hm...” -Around Castle Dour.

“Hey! Leave my bag alone! Gosh, Riften is dreadful sometimes.” -Ambient dialogue in Riften.

“Do you think we might visit a friend of mine here? She’s a wonderful alchemist, I’m sure she would have something useful for you.” -Ambient dialogue in the Rift.

“Markarth is lovely. But awfully confusing! I think I need a ball of string to help me find my way around.” -Ambient dialogue in Markarth.

“A dragon! Could you fight it, please? I want to sketch it.” -Encountering a dragon.

“Dras’kay, trevan.” -Encountering Khajiit caravans.

[boarchasers]

((Going to be away on vacation until Friday! I’ll probably drop in with headcanons and memes fairly often, but I probably won’t be able to post replies until then.))

[vilepuppetry]

brielleroux:

The combination of Fria’s voice and the groan of the old door made the Breton cringe. There have been no signs of life, no indication that the old fort housed hidden trouble, but the possibility of someone hearing the ruckus lingered in her mind. Her ears strained to hear something, but there was nothing.

Cautiously, she followed Fria into the room. “Some time, I think,” she replied. Why, she thought to herself, did no one empty this place of its weapons? It seems like a waste.

A short, nervous chuckle was given. “I hope they’re long by now.” Them, and any other hostile individuals. At Fria’s question, she shook her head. “No. I don’t. I… suppose I could take one from here.”

She grabbed a sword, and frowned. It felt odd in her hand, heavy. How is she going to defend herself with this? Still examining the blade, she asked, “Do you want to go back and see if we can find a way up?”

Fria dropped the shield against the wall and, after a perfunctory examination of the dummy, nodded.

‘Yes, let’s. Do you think we’ll be able to see Riften from the top? And all the little boats on the lake. I do hope so!’

Her chattering took her back to the door. It opened more easily the second time, but Fria didn’t walk through it. Her hand tightened around her walking stick -- a walking stick which, in the gloom of the fort, now seemed to glow faintly, lighting up the cobwebs on the wall.

‘Brielle?’ she whispered. ‘Did... did you pick up a weapon? I think I know why they’ve all been left here. I think I see people at the top of the stairs.’

[gravecuriosity]

No Strings On Me

[vilepuppetry]

gravecuriosity:

“Wonderful!” Nelle exclaimed, no longer hiding her excitement judging by the beaming smile on her face. She became instantly giddy and nearly giggled with glee. But she managed to keep it together and continued setting up, though she did glance over at the woman once or twice.

“Do you have a lot of puppets? Any favorites? How long have you been putting on shows?”

‘Goodness, such a lot of questions!’

Although judging by the warmth of Fria’s tone, she was not annoyed at the chance to show off. She threaded a thin stick through the loops on some miniature curtains, the front of her puppet stage, and balanced the result on the wooden slats Nelle had just set up. With that out of the way she abandoned the rest of the construction to reach for her bag.

‘I’ve got dozens. Some of them are getting rather tatty now, what with travelling around so much. I’ve been doing it for... oh, quite a few years! Ever since I left Elsweyr.’

The bag writhed as her hand dug through it, stirring up the limbs, to bring up a puppet wrapped in strings. Fria held it up and let it spin itself free. A gaunt-looking girl hung from the strings, with long black hair and chips of obsidian for eyes.

‘I’m fond of this one,’ she said, manipulating the control bar. The puppet hid its face in its hands. ‘It’s a new one. I based it on my sister! She didn’t like it, but I think she’s a fusspot.’ The puppet was carefully mummified in its strings again and Fria removed another from the bag, an elf with skin made from what appeared to be horker leather. It scowled at Nelle. ‘This one’s new, too! It’s a Dunmer. They’re always so grumpy, aren’t they...? But I’m talking too much. I always do. Is it my turn to ask you questions now? Why did your father think puppets were unladylike? My family thought this was a waste of septims, but unladylike... I’ve never heard anything so silly.’

[vilepuppetry]

moonsugarblues:

Hazred’s face burned with shame.

“Well, then you’d draw someone else entirely, on your own accord—” He sighed.

“Look, how about this: wanna draw my ugly mug? Let’s head somewhere with less people.” He then thought for a moment, before getting up from his stool.

“Maybe that, uh, balcony near the guard tower up there, just up the steps. Real peaceful, good lighting. You could really get a good drawing out of it.”

The parchment was back out again, draped across Fria’s arm and flapping against her patchwork robes. Her smile returned, too, and she skipped ahead of Hazred, pausing on the first step to turn and watch him.

‘There, now, this isn’t so hard, is it? I shan’t keep you too long, I swear.’

[vilepuppetry]

Character Moodboards

Fria

Marisa