Field Research - Vulkwasten I (Sveraen)

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Entry I - Contextual Data Freewrite

As per usual protocol I have begun a new logbook to record my findings and research as all my previous field journals are not contextually relevant for this location.

Per the recommendation of my colleagues I have left the familiar environment of Morrowind. It is certainly true that to fully study the mind that I must factor in cultural and social influence. While I do believe I do not fully understand my kin, it is very possible it is because I lack the worldly experience to make appropriate comparisons and draw rational conclusions.

It has become obvious to me that while the suggestion of going to Valenwood was sincere that many of the other "advice" given was not in fact well-meaning or logical in any way shape or form.

My limited understanding of humor and the subtleties of communication has rendered me the target of a joke. I will not divulge all of the malicious misinformation. However to provide accurate data points I will include some of the faulty data I was given:

- The culture is entirely primitive. To fit in, one must dress accordingly to the traditions of these lower minded creatures. Like Argonians, Bosmer wear animal parts and often run naked. Bone jewelry and tribal attire suggested.
I spoke to our Argonian servants prior to my departure to ensure I had proper attire while in the Valenwood. I discovered that while many bosmer do wear animal pelts upon their person. My robes are sufficient and wearing teeth around my neck was not necessary.

- Bosmer engage in naked rituals involving the blessing of their preferred beverage and their handfasting ceremonies involve copious amounts of fornicating.
As of yet I have not witnessed any rituals and am confused on the notion of whether or not the one called Fedris, a dunmer living in Vulkwasten has many wives. A young Imperial informed me that he is heavily lusted after the local population of womer for his heroic deeds. More research needed, as it seems the youth may have been playing a ruse upon me.

Those are two examples from my colleagues prior to my d3parture. However in order to best cover my initial impressions. I shall have to free write more before beginning my specific case studies on individuals.

End log,
SVERAEN

Entry II

Subject: Prevalence of Lycanthrophic Diseases in the Valenwood

In my brief time within the Valenwood I have determined that there is a startling number of Were-creatures. By startling number, I mean of course that logic dictates that since I have already encountered one in my brief excursion here. There must be many more. In response, I have purchased many books and have spent many late nights reading in my innroom. Too many nights, I may have forgotten what day it is. I shall have to ask a mer in the morning.

In order to protect the innocent, I shall not name my Subject as they are at no fault of their own afflicted with this pervasive and fascinating disease. However while I came to Vulkwasten to study people, I have found that perhaps studying those afflicted by the Daedric Prince Hircine may be a worthy side project. After all, these are people whom are subjected to traumatic and volatile physical and mental change. How many have studied the effects on their personhood, after affliction? Very few. I must admit, my friendship with the subject may render me somewhat biased but I believe it has driven me to this work and in the interest of helping my Subject. I will commit to it.

Unfortunately I presently only have the one Subject. But I will persist in looking for others. According to the books I have read, Valenwood is home to Werevultures and Werebats as well. I attempted to set up a trap in the trees to see if I could find one but then I remembered I would have to release it and beg it not to eat me. So I returned to take it down and found that someone already had. It was bloodied and I found fur that suggests it was potentially triggered by a Werebat! They do exist!

Now, I need to just watch the trees and see if I can sight one myself. Perhaps later, I wish to find the one they call Afer and request to see his collection of heads. Perhaps he has heads from Werecreatures!

End log,

SVERAEN