Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
There is another thing you could do for me. Suitable for someone of your particular talents, perhaps.
Come, let’s go find Farengar, my court wizard. He’s been looking into a matter related to these dragons and… rumors of dragons.
(We enter Farengar’s study)
Farengar, I think I’ve found someone who can help you with your dragon project.
Go ahead and fill him in with all the details.
Farengar Secret-Fire
So the Jarl thinks you can be of use to me? Oh yes, he must be referring to my research into the dragons.
Yes, I could use someone to fetch something for me.
Well, when I say fetch, I really mean delve into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not actually be there.
Player Character
All right. Where am I going and what am I fetching?
Farengar Secret-Fire
Straight to the point, eh? No need for tedious hows and whys. I like that. Leave those details to your betters, am I right?
I, ah, learned of a certain stone tablet said to be housed in Bleak Falls Barrow – a “Dragonstone,” said to contain a map of dragon burial sites.
Go to Bleak Falls Barrow, find this tablet – no doubt interred in the main chamber – and bring it to me. Simplicity itself.
Player Character
Anything you can tell me about Bleak Falls Barrow?
Farengar Secret-Fire
An old tomb, built by the ancient Nords, perhaps dating back to the Dragon War itself.
Ah. Maybe you just want to know how to get there. It’s near Riverwood, a miserable little village a few miles south of here.
I’m sure some of the locals can point you in the right direction once you get there.
Player Character
How do you know this stone tablet is in Bleak Falls Barrow?
Farengar Secret-Fire
Well. Must preserve some professional secrets, musn’t we? I have my sources… reliable sources.
Player Character
Tell me more about the Dragon War.
Farengar Secret Fire
I’m not surprised you’ve never heard of it. Even I used to think it was just a myth.
But not anymore. The Dragon War was a real event, although only the barest glimmer of the actual events has come down to us.
Far back in the Mythic Era, the dragons were worshiped as gods of Skyrim.
Many of the monumental ruins that still dot the landscape were, in fact, built as temples to the dragons.
The details are lost, but at some point the Nords rebelled. After a long and terrible war, the Nords overthrew their dragon overlords.
Player Character
So, were all the dragons killed in the Dragon War?
Farengar Secret-Fire
Oh, no. Many were killed, of course. But many survived into historical times.
Why, this very palace was built by one of Balgruuf’s ancestors to hold a captive dragon. Hence its name – Dragonsreach.
Player Character
Have you encountered any dragons?
Farengar Secret-Fire
Sadly, no. My work affords me few opportunities for such an adventure.
Perhaps some hero will bring one to Dragonsreach, like old Olaf One-Eye once did.
What a fascinating conversation that would be!
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
This is a priority now. Anything we can use to fight this dragon, or dragons. We need it, quickly. Before it’s too late.
Farengar Secret-Fire
Of course, Jarl Balgruuf. You seem to have found me an able assistant.
I’m sure he will prove most useful.
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater
(turning to me)
Succeed at this, and you’ll be rewarded. Whiterun will be in your debt.
Player Character
(I journey to Bleak Falls Barrow and after encountering bandits, Frost Spiders, devious traps, and Draugr; I find the Dragonstone just where Farengar said I would. I also encounter a great stone wall covered in ancient carvings I don’t quite understand. One word in particular imprints itself upon my memory: FUS. I exit the Nordic ruin and return to Whiterun promptly to deliver the Dragonstone to Farengar, whom I find in conversation with a mysterious hooded figure. I eaves drop on their conversation…)
Farengar Secret-Fire
You see? The terminology is clearly First Era or even earlier. I’m convinced this is a copy of a much older text.
Perhaps dating to just after the Dragon War. If so, I could use this to cross-reference the names with other later texts.
Delphine
Good. I’m glad you’re making progress. My employers are anxious to have some tangible answers.
Farengar Secret-Fire
Oh, have no fear. The Jarl himself has finally taken an interest, so I’m now able to devote most of my time to this research.
Delphine
Time is running, Farengar, don’t forget. This isn’t some theoretical question. Dragons have come back.
Farengar Secret-Fire
Yes, yes. Don’t worry. Although the chance to see a living dragon up close would be tremendously valuable…
Now, let me show you something else I found… very intriguing… I think your employers may be interested as well…
Delphine
You have a visitor
Farengar Secret-Fire
Hmm? Ah, yes, the Jarl’s protege! Back from Bleak Falls Barrow? You didn’t die, it seems.
(I hand the Dragonstone over to Farengar)
Ah! The Dragonstone of Bleak Falls Barrow! Seems you are a cut above the usual brutes the Jarl sends my way.
