MOURNHOLD, ROYAL PALACE
Tienius Delitian
:anonymous writer:
"We'd like you to find the anonymous writer of 'The Common Tongue' and persuade him to stop printing such lies about King Helseth. When we make official inquiries, people just look stupid and assure us they have no idea what we are talking about. We think you may have better luck -- particularly if you approach less-reputable citizens -- persons who place profit above honor."
Faern Sargtlin
"'Lies'? Helseth IS a poisoner, isn't he?"
Tienius Delitian
:anonymous writer:
"I take your point. King Helseth IS a skilled alchemist and student of bodily processes. But it won't do to have people referring to our sovereign as a common poisoner, will it?"
Faern Sargtlin
"Fine. Then tell me more about this mission."
Tienius Delitian
:anonymous writer:
"First we want you to ask around and discover who is writing these lies. Then we want you to find him and persuade him to stop printing lies. The manner of the persuasion is left to your discretion. You WILL be discreet, of course. We don't want to appear to be threatening the time-honored Imperial traditions of encouraging free speech."
Faern Sargtlin
"I'll take care of it."
Tienius Delitian
:anonymous writer:
"Good. Report to me when you've found this anonymous writer and made sure that he will never print lies about King Helseth again."
Faern Sargtlin
(go to Great Bazaar)
MOURNHOLD, GREAT BAZAAR
Faern Sargtlin
(enter Mournhold Bookseller)
Sanaso Sarothran
"Whatever you want... within reason, of course."
:anonymous writer:
"No. I have no idea who the writer of 'The Common Tongue' is. Stands to reason, doesn't it? He's anonymous, right? And I never read 'The Common Tongue', anyway."
Faern Sargtlin
(raise her disposition)
Sanaso Sarothran
:anonymous writer:
"If I were looking around for an anonymous writer, I'd talk to someone who deals in writing -- books and scrolls, for example. Perhaps a person with a shady reputation -- like a pawnbroker."
Faern Sargtlin
(go to Mournhold Pawnbroker)
'Ten-Tongues' Weerhat
"Welcome, Dunmer, welcome! The best deals in all of Mournhold can be found here. Low prices every day, and special offers as well! Please, take your time and look through my wares."
:anonymous writer:
"I might know something. And when I really like someone, I can go a long way out of my way to help that someone."
Faern Sargtlin
(raise his disposition)
'Ten-Tongues' Weerhat
:anonymous writer:
"Here's what I've heard. I've heard that the guy who writes 'The Common Tongue' is someone named Trels Varis. Now, this is not a name known to me personally. I make it a habit to know the names of people in Mournhold personally. And this guy I do not know. And other people I talk to also do not know. Which is noteworthy in itself. I make the guess that this guy is well-hid, and wants to stay well-hid. But where do I first hear about this guy? In the Craftsmen's Hall. So maybe that is a one place to look."
Faern Sargtlin
(go to Craftsmen's Hall)
MOURNHOLD, GODSREACH
Bols Indalen
"Hello, Dunmer, and welcome to my shop. Have you come to order a piece of my famous custom armor?"
:custom armor:
"I make ebony armor and glass armor to order, but my specialty is adamantium armor. There's adamantium ore in the rock beneath Mournhold, and our family have been adamantium crafters for many generations."
:adamantium ore:
"Where beneath Mournhold? Well, that's a secret, of course. Worth quite a lot, and found only in hard-to-come-at and dangerous places. But now and again an adventurer will come by with a fine load of ore, looking to have a helm or bracers made, so they must still be finding new deposits."
:adamantium armor:
"You supply the adamantium ore and pay for my work, and I provide you with custom adamantium armor. Here. I've had a list of armor requirements and prices printed up. Look it over, and if you're interested, and you have the adamantium ore and the gold, speak to me again, we'll write up an order, and you'll have your new armor a day later."
Faern Sargtlin
(receive "Custom Armor Price List")
Bols Indalen
:anonymous writer:
"No. I have no idea who the writer of 'The Common Tongue' is. Stands to reason, doesn't it? He's anonymous, right? And I never read 'The Common Tongue', anyway."
:Trels Varis:
"Trels Varis. No. There's no one named Trels Varis here."
Faern Sargtlin
(raise his disposition)
Bols Indalen
:Trels Varis:
"Let me make myself perfectly clear. There's no one named Trels Varis here. Ask me again, and I'll tell you the same thing."
Faern Sargtlin
(go search the building and find a locked door)
Bols Indalen
:locked door:
"I keep my more valuable supplies there under lock and key. If it's any of your business."
Faern Sargtlin
(remember that there are some people with "Varis" as family name)
(go to Mournhold Temple)
MOURNHOLD, TEMPLE
Mehra Helas
"Give to the Temple, and receive the blessings of Almalexia."
:Trels Varis:
"Hmm. I don't know anyone by that name. But wait a minute, and let me think.... You know, maybe he's one of the Varis brood. I thought they had all left Mournhold to seek their fortunes in the outside world. Impressive bunch of kids, they were -- smart and ambitious. But maybe you should ask Granny Varis or Gee-Pop Varis up at the Temple. Maybe they'll know."
Faern Sargtlin
(meet Gee-Pop Varis)
Gee-Pop Varis
"All the trees and plants, tended lawns and paths, are hymns of praise to Almalexia's name. It's humble work, sera, but I'm very proud of it."
:Trels Varis:
"My son, Trels Varis? He's in Kragenmoor, out west near Cyrodiil. He's a scholar in a private Temple school."
Faern Sargtlin
(meet Granny Varis)
Granny Varis
"This temple is clean as Almalexia's conscience, sera. And mind you keep it that way."
:Trels Varis:
"My husband says he's in Kragenmoor? Old fool. What does he know. He'd forget his head if it weren't jammed tight on his neck."
Faern Sargtlin
(go back to Craftsmen's Hall)
MOURNHOLD, GODSREACH
Faern Sargtlin
(go sneaking and open the door)
(find a trap door and enter it)
(meet Trels Varis)
Trels Varis
"What are you doing here? And may I suggest you make your answer very clear, because this office and what we do here is a well-kept-secret. And we wish to keep it a secret, even if it means that you do not leave her alive."
Faern Sargtlin
"You will stop printing lies about King Helseth."
Trels Varis
"I haven't printed lies about King Helseth in 'The Common Tongue'. I've only printed the truth. And I intend to keep on printing the truth in 'The Common Tongue' -- unless you think you can stop me."
Faern Sargtlin
"I think threatening your aged parents will stop you."
Trels Varis
"Well. I must say, you've done your research. You've located Granny Varis and Gee-Pop Varis. I value truth -- but I value the lives of my parents more highly. Very well. I will not discuss King Helseth in 'The Common Tongue'. You have my word. And now, if you'll excuse me, we'll have to relocate immediately, now that the secret of our office is spoiled."
Faern Sargtlin
(go back to Tienius Delitian)
MOURNHOLD, ROYAL PALACE
Tienius Delitian
:anonymous writer:
"So Trels Varis is the anonymous writer of 'The Common Tongue'. And you threatened the lives of his aged parents. And Trels Varis gave you his word that he would not discuss King Helseth in 'The Common Tongue'. You show fine judgement, and a light touch. We are very satisfied with your service, and are pleased to give you a rich reward, and great honor besides."
"I give you a 'King's Oath' blade -- exactly like those used by the Royal Guard. Only those sworn to the king's service and tested by great trials may use them. They bear deadly curses that kill thieves and traitors. I salute you, and welcome you into our brotherhood. And there's one last official matter. Go to Lady Barenziah. She's asked to speak with you."
Faern Sargtlin
(receive King's Oath)
(go to meet Lady Barenziah)
