The Cold Fire of Agnon

Sheogorath

Well, well. So you've experienced both shades of madness. Wonderful. You seemed fulfilled. Full of fill. Bursting at the seams. Seamless. Now to the meat of your endeavor. The crux of the situation. The reason for your being here, and the likely cause of your death.

What do you mean?
You'll be stopping the Greymarch. Altering the course of events, breaking the cycle. A fly in the ointment. A new cause for a different effect. We're going to change things. No... things will be different this time around. You'll be my champion. You'll grow powerful. You'll grow to be me. Prince of Madness, a new Sheogorath. Or you'll die trying. I love that about you.

How can I be a Daedric Prince?
A fair question. You won't, really. At least I don't think so. But you'll have power. My power. Try not to lose it. It's a pain to replace. But, for all intents and purposes, you'll be Me. A Me to fight the Him. Since I won't be around. It's simple, really. If you don't think about it.

Why me?
Because you seem a nice enough sort. And you've made it this far. And if you don't, I'll swallow your soul and vomit it into the Everfilling Chamberpot of the Ageless. But mostly because I asked nicely.

Where will you be?
Not here. Didn't I say that? I'm never here when Jyggalag walks. It's one of the Rules. I've told you too much for now. Listen to me prattle on. I can see your mortal brain straining. We'll talk more later.

What's next?
Now... you've seen the Great Torch that burns brightly over New Sheoth? No? Because it doesn't. It should. But it doesn't. You'll fix that. You'll go to Cylarne and bring back the Flame of Agnon to relight the torch. Oh... and take care with my minions at Cylarne. In their eternal quest to please me, they're constantly fighting over Cylarne. It can be tiresome. But, really, it's divine. Divinely tiresome. Well. That's your problem now. Off with you. I don't want to see you again until the Great Torch is lit. I wouldn't want to have to hurt you. Much. Oh, don't forget to make use of dear Haskill. Between you and me, if he's not summoned three or four times a day, I don't think he feels appreciated.

Cylarne
That's where you're going to get the Flame of Agnon. Do you listen to anything I say? Do your ears work? If not, I can find use for them. Go and fetch the Flame. Bring it to the Sacellum. Light the Great Torch. How are you going to be Me if you can't even do what Me tells you?

Flame of Agnon
It's what's used to light the Great Torch. Haven't we covered this? You'll find it in Cylarne, guarded by my Saints and Seducers.

Great Torch
The Great Torch shines brightly above New Sheoth, a beacon of hope for all the citizens. Except it doesn't! It's gone out. Happens every time the Greymarch begins. Which it has. Makes all of my subjects uneasy. Tense. Homicidal. Some of them, at least. We need to get that Torch relit, before the place falls apart.

Greymarch
Aren't you the curious one? You know what they say about curiosity, though, don't you? It killed the intrepid adventurer who really should just be doing exactly what I say at all times. You're going to stop the Greymarch by becoming Me. Or a version of Me. You'll be powerful. Powerful enough to stop Jyggalag.

Obelisks
They're getting more active every day. Not a good sign. You know what would be a good sign? "Free Sweetrolls!" Who wouldn't like that? Shut them down where you can. And make sure to kill the Priests you see around them. If you don't, they can reactivate the obelisk.

Priests of Order
They're the worst of all. My own subjects, working for the Enemy! It's enough to make an old Daedric Prince get all weepy. It doesn't help that they're the ones who make the obelisks work. A little chanting, a little ritual, and POOF! Knights of Order. Bad news. Kill them when you see them. But don't touch the corpse until they're really dead. Which they aren't, until you deactivate the obelisk.

Liann

(Talk to Haskill.)

Haskill

Yes? Is there something you require?

Cylarne
Cylarne was once the capital of the Shivering Isles. Perhaps the first capital. In any case, the Flame of Agnon here is always used to light the Great Torch of New Sheoth. It has always been so, and presumably always will be so.

Flame of Agnon
The Flame of Agnon can only be lit by the immortal servants of Sheogorath: the Golden Saints and Dark Seducers of His creation. In normal times, Sheogorath would simply command it and his servants would leap to sacrifice themselves upon the Altars of Rapture and Despair. But, alas, the times are not normal, and Sheogorath has given you this task, without the authority to command it. I'm afraid you may have to be a little bit clever.

Great Torch
Ah, the Great Torch. It is a symbol of Sheogorath's power and a source of great comfort for the citizens of New Sheoth. Unfortunately, the Torch has gone out. For eternity, this has heralded the start of the Greymarch. Lord Sheogorath, in His wisdom, wishes for you to relight the Torch, to help ease the worries of the populace.

Greymarch
It is underway, but my Lord does not wish for you to confront it directly yet. First, the Realm and its citizens must be attended to.

Obelisks
I fear they grow in power as the Greymarch progresses. More and more Knights of Order make their way into the Isles. The Priests of Order are the key. They summon the Knights at the obelisks.

Priests of Order
A bad lot. Traitors. You'll find them near the obelisks that dot the land. They perform rituals at the obelisks to summon Knights to the Realm. Their link to Jyggalag gives them power. As long as their obelisk is active, they cannot truly be killed.

Liann

(Go to Cylarne. Talk to guarding Golden Saint.)

Chuna, Golden Saint Warden

Halt. Mortals are not permitted within the walls of holy Cylarne.

Stand aside. Sheogorath sent me.
My pardon, lord. Receive this key, and with it free passage throughout the Shrine of the Flame of Agnon.

I need to light the Flame of Agnon.
Alas, we cannot light the Flame until we take control of the Altar of Despair from the infernal Mazken. The Aurmazl Kaneh would wish to speak to you at once. Proceed through this door to our main encampment at the Altar of Rapture.

Liann

(Enter the Golden Saint occupied area. Witness a conversation between a male Golden Saint and Aurmazl Kaneh.)

Mirel

My scouts reported no signs of the Mazken in the Underdeep. It's our best chance to take them unawares.

Aurmazl Kaneh

Too risky. It's likely to be a trap. They could cut us to pieces down there if they knew we were coming.

Mirel

With all due respect, Aurmazl, I ask that you reconsider. The main passage is strongly defended. Perhaps if you'd allow me to scout further...

Aurmazl Kaneh

Enough! I've made my decision. We will attack down the main passage, as planned. The Mazken will not withstand us!

(They departed.)

Liann

(Talk to Mirel.)

Mirel

Greetings, stranger. Are you here to help us drive the Mazken out of Cylarne?

Flame of Agnon
The Flame is only lit at the command of Sheogorath, from the Altars of Rapture and Despair within the Shrine itself. I'm sure the Aurmazl Kaneh will be glad to help you once the Mazken are driven from the Altar of Despair.

Altar of Despair
Alas, we have not seen the Altar of Despair for many years. It is in the underground part of Cylarne, which is controlled by the Mazken. The Mazken do not even allow us free passage to worship there, which is one of the many reasons why they are unfit to continue to guard it.

Altar of Rapture
It is just there, at the top of these steps. You would pray for the blinding ecstasy which is the ultimate reward for those in Sheogorath's service?

Kaneh
She commands the Aureals here at Cylarne. She has just arrived with reinforcements from Brellach to end this stalemate once and for all.

Aureals
That's what we call ourselves. The most loyal and honorable servants of Sheogorath.

Brellach
Our home and sanctuary here in the Shivering Isles.

Mazken
The treacherous ones: the Dark Seducers of ill-repute, whose every action drags Sheogorath's holy name through the mud.

The Underdeep
My scouts recently discovered another way through the ruins to the Altar of Despair. The Aurmazl Kaneh wants to assault the altar down the main passage, but the Mazken are expecting us to come that way. They've strongly fortified the main passage against us. If we attacked through the Underdeep, we could take them by surprise. If only Kaneh would listen to me. An attack down the main passage will end the same as it always does -- a glorious defeat.

Why won't Kaneh listen?
She thinks the Underdeep is a trap. It's true, if the Mazken knew we were coming that way, we wouldn't stand a chance. But I'm convinced the Mazken don't expect us to come that way. If we attacked in full force, we could take the Altar of Despair before they had a chance to react. If only I could make Kaneh see that.

Liann

(Talk to Kaneh.)

Aurmazl Kaneh

This is no place for a mortal. We are about to join battle against the Mazken. You'd best stand aside.

Sheogorath sent me. I need your help.
My pardon, Emissary. I am at your service. We are preparing to sweep the Mazken scum from Cylarne. Perhaps Sheogorath sent you to help us?

Flame of Agnon
Only the servants of Sheogorath can light the Flame, by kindling the Altars of Despair and Rapture which feed the Flame. Alas, we hold only the Altar of Rapture. The treacherous Mazken hold the Altar of Despair. We must control both to light the Flame. If you help us seize the Altar of Despair from the Mazken, I will be honored to kindle the Flame of Agnon for my Lord Sheogorath.

Battle plans
The only way to assault the Altar of Despair is down the main passage between the two altars. It will be difficult. The Mazken have fortified their position. But I am confident that with your help, we can defeat them. Will you help us retake the Altar of Despair, and drive the Mazken out of Cylarne once and for all?

What about the Underdeep?
Ah, Mirel's beloved surprise attack. A perfect example of why males do not hold command positions. He has failed to consider the risks of his plan. If the Mazken have prepared an ambush along that route, we would be slaughtered. We're better off storming the main passage, where our superior strength and bladework can come into play.

I'll scout the Dark Seducer position.
That's an excellent idea. They cannot refuse entry to an emissary of Lord Sheogorath. Return at once when you have their deployments. This could make all the difference.

Liann

(Go to Dark Seducer occupied area.)

Vika, Dark Seducer Warden

What is it, Emissary?

(Hmm, she must have overheard my conversation with Chuna.)

Flame of Agnon
The holy Flame can only be lit from the Altars of Despair and Rapture. Alas, the Aureals hold Rapture... for now. You should speak to the Grakedrig Ulfri at once. She will be glad of your help to rid Cylarne of the arrogant Aureals once and for all.

Aureals
Our rivals. The so-called Golden Saints. One day, Sheogorath will finally recognize their bull-headed stupidity and expel them from the Realm.

Mazken
You know us as Dark Seducers. A name given us by our enemies. But we are the Mazken in our own tongue, Sheogorath's only truly loyal servants.

Ulfri
She is the Grakedrig -- commander -- of the Mazken here at Cylarne. She has never yet been defeated by the Aureals, despite their strength.

Liann

(Enter the Altar of Despair. Halted by a Dark Seducer.

Stela

What is your business here?

I am here on Sheogorath's business.
Then I am at your service. The Grakedrig Ulfri commands here. You will wish to speak to her at once, no doubt.

Liann

(Go deeper into the building, and meet Grakedrig Ulfri.)

Grakedrig Ulfri

Begone, mortal, or you will soon find yourself between the Mazken and their prey. A most dangerous place to be.

Your prey?
We are preparing to wipe out the arrogant Aureals once and for all. Once they break themselves on our defenses, Cylarne will be ours, a gift for our Lord Sheogorath.

I need to light the Flame of Agnon.
Then you have arrived just in time to help us defend the Altar of Despair. Once the strength of the Aureals is shattered, I will be honored to light the Flame as my Lord Sheogorath commands.

Flame of Agnon
The two Altars, blessed Despair and holy Rapture, feed the great Flame of Agnon above us. Only Sheogorath's immortal servants can kindle the Altars, and I am at my Lord's command. But I only hold Despair... for the moment. The Aureals hold Rapture, and are massing to attack us. But never fear, they are no match for us. Once their main force is destroyed, with your help, we can easily take Rapture from the few survivors. Then, I will gladly kindle the Flame for you.

Battle plans
We are expecting the Aureals to attack any moment. They'll come down the main passage from the Altar of Rapture. They always do. They are overconfident, as usual. We have prepared many traps and ambushes. It will be a glorious slaughter. Once the Aureals are destroyed, I will light the Flame of Agnon for you. Will you help us defend the Altar of Despair?

I'll lead the Saints into an ambush.
I never suspected that Kaneh had the audacity to try such a risky assault. But we'll teach her to try to take the Mazken by surprise! We'll cut them to pieces in those corridors! I'll redeploy my forces at once. You return to Kaneh and lead her into the trap. Once they are destroyed, I will kindle the Altars. Good hunting, friend.

(She shouts to her fellow Dark Seducers)

The Aureals think to take us by surprise! We will teach them what happens to those who trifle with the Mazken! To the Underdeep!

(They move.)

Liann

(Go back to the Aureals.)

Aurmazl Kaneh

Greetings, Emissary. We await your command.

Battle plans
Are you ready to help us destroy the Mazken and take control of the Altar of Despair?

Yes, but use the Underdeep.
I've already made my decision. We attack down the main passage! What makes you think you can persuade me when my own lieutenant cannot?

The Underdeep is undefended. [Lie]
You've seen this with your own eyes? I must be sure it isn't a trap if I'm to take such a risk.

It isn't a trap. [Lie]
Mirel was very convincing as well... Very well. We'll risk it. The Underdeep it is. May Sheogorath's divine madness possess us today!

(She shouts to her fellow Golden Saints.)

Aureals! We attack through the Underdeep! The Mazken will be destroyed before they awake to their danger. Follow me!

(They move.)

Liann

(They enter the Underdeep, follow them. At the first the Aureals easily wipe the defending Mazkens but after they enter deeper into the Underdeep, they are ambushed by a large number of Mazkens. Eventually, the Aureals are defeated. No one survived.)

Grakedrig Ulfri

Victory is ours! I have already instructed my subordinates to kindle the Altar of Rapture. It is my honor to sacrifice myself on the Altar of Despair at Lord Sheogorath's command.

Sacrifice yourself? What do you mean?
The Altars which feed the Flame of Agnon can be kindled only by the willing death of an immortal. I have hoped for this moment since I took command of the Mazken at Cylarne. I return my soul to the embrace of Oblivion's dark waters. Farewell.

(She walks into the Altar of Despair. She draws her sword and plunges the sword into her chest. She dies, shortly the flame kindle in the place where she dies. In the same time, the one of Ulfri's subordinates sacrifices herself in the Altar of Rapture. The Flame of Agnon is lit.)

Liann

(Talk with one of the Dark Seducers.)

Dark Seducer

Your name will be hailed whenever we toast this day's victory in our halls at Pinnacle Rock.

Pinnacle Rock
Our fortress and sanctuary here in the Shivering Isles.

Liann

(Walk out from the Altar of Despair into the courtyard, and see that the Flame of Agnon is indeed lit. Step on the fire, and the body is covered in flame, but there is no damage.)

(Go back to New Sheoth, and enter the Sacellum Arden-Sul. Talk to the priests.)

Dervenin

You've brought it! The holy Flame of Agnon, the fire of Inspiration and Rapture! If you light the Great Torch on the Mania side of the Sacellum, you will be a hero to the people of Bliss, I assure you!

Let me think about it.
Do not think about it. Dream about it! Let your mind soar on flights of fancy! I know you will choose well, in the end.

Arctus

Ahh! You burn with the purging Fire of Agnon, the flame of Truth, the flickering beacon of hope in the gloom of despond! Come, light the Great Torch for Dementia. Illuminate the conspiracies! Deepen the shadows! The people of Crucible await their Hero!

Let me think about it.
Yes, let your mind worry at the problem. Let fear and dismay over making the wrong choice sink their talons deep into your brain...

Liann

(Think which side to choose this time. Talk to the priests again.)

Dervenin

Are you ready to repent of your actions in Cylarne, and light the Great Torch for Mania?

I was leaning towards Dementia...
You should know, that in addition to the adulation of the people of Bliss, there is also a more... earthly reward. The Hero who lights the Great Torch for Mania is traditionally awarded the Raiment of Arden-Sul. Not that this should influence your choice at all. Now, what do you say?

(Hmm...)

Arctus

You'll uplift the poor, suffering folk of Dementia with the Flame, then?

I'm thinking about Mania, actually...
Oh no. You don't want to do that. Don't believe their lies. They are no true friends. Don't you see it? How they whisper behind your back? No, light the Torch for Dementia and you'll see how we treat our friends. Dementia takes care of its own. Few know that the Hero who lights the Torch for Dementia is granted the Ring of Intrigue, a boon for those who would gain access to hidden knowledge. Surely you will do what is right, won't you?

I'll light the Great Torch for you.
You are truly Demented, as I always suspected. Release yourself to your secret fears and desires. Let them rule you, as they must in the end! Now, light the Great Torch as a beacon for those who fear and those who inspire fear.

Liann

(Light the Great Torch of Dementia.)

Arctus

The Great Torch flares with the light of Dementia! All of Crucible will be celebrating tonight! Here. Take this. The reward you have earned. Quickly now. It's best if no one knows you wear this.

(Retrieve Ring of Intrigue.)

Next: Ritual of Accession