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The Crystal Tower

Author: 
Anonymous

Ceporah Tower

Oriandra

I'll start making preparations for the Dreaming Cave. In the meantime, Sotha Sil asked me to send you to his study the moment you arrived. I'm not sure what he wants, but you should tell him about your interactions with the betrayed Princes.

Player

Do you know why Sotha Sil wants to see me?

Oriandra

Something to do with the Crystal Tower, no doubt. Sotha Sil has never been forthcoming, though for some reason it appears that he's taken a liking to you.

But tell me, what of Darien and Leythen?

Player

Darien is on his way back, and he's bringing Leythen with him.

Oriandra

Both decided to return? I'm surprised. Meridia's knight has a stake in this, but why would Leythen volunteer to return? It makes no sense.

Well, go and talk to Sotha Sil. Perhaps he can shed light on what we can expect in the Crystal Tower.

Player

I'll go talk to Sotha Sil.

Oriandra

Sotha Sil waits for you in his study. Tell him about the alliance with the Daedric Princes and ask him if he knows what we can expect to face inside the Crystal Tower.

I'll wait for Darien and Leythen to return.

Player

If Vile and Mephala open the way, what's our plan for assaulting the Crystal Tower?

Oriandra

We'll want to send a small force but leave the majority of the Conclave behind in case the efforts in the Crystal Tower fail. Leave the details of that to me.

I'm not sure how we're going to stop Nocturnal, though. Maybe Sotha Sil has some ideas.

Sotha Sil

The Tribunal has been warned. They will make preparations in case the efforts here fail. I doubt that even they can weather the resulting storm if the worst comes to pass.

As I calculated, your actions will determine the outcome of these events.

Player

Is that why you sent for me?

Sotha Sil

In part. Determining the possible consequences of disparate actions becomes easier when studying the primary catalyst. You have a tendency to fill that role in almost all situations.

What happened after the Sapiarchs failed to attune the diamonds?

Player

I made a deal with Vile to reach the Crystal Tower and Mephala is considering attuning the diamonds.

Sotha Sil

A bold move. Still, I see the logic. Who better to send against their betrayer than the mortal who bested their plans at every turn?

If Mephala agrees, you'll be able to assault the tower. I just wish I knew what Nocturnal hopes to accomplish.

Player

Nocturnal plans to use the Crystal Tower and the Sea Sloads' abyssal pearls to remake reality.

Sotha Sil

I'm not sure that's within the capability of the Crystal Tower, but if she uses my technique for siphoning life energy to super-charge the tower—hmm. An interesting application of the magic of the abyssal pearls.

It could work, I suppose.

Player

What do you mean?

Sotha Sil

If Nocturnal uses the life force of Nirn to increase the power of the Crystal Tower, she can then use the same technique to steal the energy of the Daedric Princes as she invades their realms.

Infinite connections, infinite power. Ingenious.

Player

So what do we do to stop this?

Sotha Sil

Gather your companions and meet me in the Dreaming Cave. We must contact Vile and Mephala so you can enter the Crystal Tower, recover the Heart of Transparent Law, and repair the tower crystal.

That will require a burst of divine energy, though.

Player

We need divine energy to repair the Transparent Law crystal?

Sotha Sil

Transparent Law, the crystal at the top of the tower, is as much metaphysical as it is tangible. Only divine energy can reconnect the Heart and make the crystal whole.

Of course, Nocturnal is aware of this as well.

Player

Why does that matter?

Sotha Sil

If Nocturnal performs the restoration and once again merges the Heart with Transparent Law, her connection to the tower will become unbreakable. She truly will ascend to an infinite state of being.

Player

So what do you suggest I do?

Sotha Sil

You must enter the Crystal Tower and recover the Heart. Then find a relic filled with divine energy and repair Transparent Law. Only then will the tower's innate defenses reengage and repel Nocturnal's influence.

In theory, anyway.

Player

The player left Sotha Sil in his study and went to find their friends to prepare for the final assault. Darien was in the Psijic library downstairs, drinking.

Darien Gautier

Psijics must be wine drinkers, because this ale they make tastes awful.

I brought Leythen back and what does Valsirenn do? Sends me off without a word or a thank you.

So when do we head out to assault the Crystal Tower? No one tells me anything around here.

Player

We're heading to the Dreaming Cave. Hopefully, Vile and Mephala will honor their end of the bargain.

Darien Gautier

I knew I could count on you! You're always straight with me. I appreciate that.

Still, the last time I went off to fight a Daedric Prince, there was a celebration. A party! This time, it's just us.

Player

You're upset because no one is celebrating?

Darien Gautier

What? No, no, no! I didn't mean it like that. I just mean, back then, there were more familiar faces. Friends who I knew had my back. Charging into battle with allies I trusted—there was a comfort in that.

Here, I'm practically a stranger.

Player

You can count on me.

Darien Gautier

And trust me, I am grateful for that. You're kind of like me in a lot of ways, aren't you? An outsider caught up in things we don't fully understand?

Whatever happens, when this is over, let me buy you a drink. Then we can have a proper celebration!

I'm going to finish my ale before I head to the Dreaming Cave. I mean, it could be my last drink. Even if this tastes terrible, it's still alcohol.

On second thought, maybe I'll just have some water.

Artaeum

Player

Next, the player went to check in on Oriandra, who had temporarily transported Razum-dar to Artaeum.

Razum-dar

This is Artaeum? Raz is impressed—and truly frightened by the very strange sky.

Oriandra

Ah, here comes your friend now!

Just remember, you were never here. The Conclave isn't fond of visitors.

Razum-dar

For a place that doesn't like visitors, Raz thinks it's pretty busy, yes?

Raz never had the urge to travel to Oblivion or visit a magically displaced island, but now Raz feels like the cat who caught the farmer's prized turkey!

It is good to see you safe, my friend. Now, tell Raz you have a way to save Summerset.

Player

We have a plan, but it involves a deal I made with Clavicus Vile and Mephala.

Razum-dar

Raz knew that strange talking dog would lead you into trouble! Do you really think we can trust those Daedric Princes?

No, too late for that. Tell Raz the rest of your plan, yes?

Player

We're going to assault the Crystal Tower and stop Nocturnal.

Razum-dar

Foolish, but brave. Also very foolish. Raz has walked into certain death many times and emerged with his fur intact. Mostly. But Raz knows why you do this thing.

Raz will not try to talk you out of this. He will, instead, give you happy news.

Player

You have happy news?

Razum-dar

Raz warned Queen Ayrenn. She has promised to contact the leaders of the other alliances and assemble a mighty force to deal with this threat!

Which brings us to the not-so-happy news.

Player

And what's the not-so-happy news?

Razum-dar

The mighty force won't reach Summerset for quite some time. Oh, Raz could tell you about prevailing winds, unusual storms, and other factors beyond our control, but it amounts to the same thing.

We're on our own, my friend.

Player

Are you going to come with me to the Crystal Tower?

Razum-dar

Not this time. Raz must go back and lead the Divine Prosecution in defense of Summerset. If the Crystal Tower keeps exploding, we will evacuate the island and save as many people as we can.

May the luck of Jone and Jode be with you, my friend.

Raz must return to Summerset. If you do not stop Nocturnal, this one must prepare the island for the nastiness that is sure to follow.

Oriandra

Razum-dar sent word that he needed to talk to you, so I took it upon myself to bring him to Artaeum.

I assumed you'd want to speak to him before you go off to assault the Crystal Tower.

Player

Finally, the player went to speak with Leythen and Valsirenn. The two of them were talking near a small shrine covered in flowers and candles.

Valsirenn

You were a terrific father to our daughter, Leythen. I'll never forget that.

Earl Leythen

You were always Ealdaawe's hero, Val. I envied the way she looked up to you.

Valsirenn

I'm sorry, Leythen. I should have been there with you. With her. At the end.

Earl Leythen

You were trying to save her. I know that. It was just … damn it, we need to win this, Val.

Valsirenn

Things will never be the same between me and Leythen again, but I think we understand each other a little better now.

Funny how the approaching end of the world has a way of putting everything into perspective.

Player

Are you ready to do this?

Valsirenn

I've been a member of the Psijic Order for more years than I can remember, but this is the first time since my daughter's illness that I've been truly frightened about what's to come.

Player

So this is your first time facing the end of the world?

Valsirenn

The world ends all the time. It's just that I'm more accustomed to that being a personal event and not a shared experience. The world ended when the Ritemaster died, for example, but only from his perspective.

If Nocturnal remakes reality …

Player

Let's go to the Dreaming Cave and make sure that doesn't happen.

Valsirenn

You have a way of instilling confidence, my friend. You're similar to the Ritemaster in that regard. If we can't have him at our side for this, I'm glad to at least have you.

I just hope we can see our way through this. I'll meet you at the cave.

Give us another moment, then we'll join you in the Dreaming Cave.

Earl Leythen

This shrine, Val and I built it for our daughter after she died. High Elves don't bury their dead, but we needed something to remember her by. She loved climbing this tree before the illness took her.

I forgot how beautiful it was.

Player

Can I trust you to help us in this?

Earl Leythen

With the Psijic Order and my Mistress Mephala aligned toward a common goal, I'm feeling practically giddy with anticipation.

But never fear. I'll reestablish contact with my Prince when called upon to do so. I gave you my word.

Player

What did you hope to accomplish with the Court of Bedlam?

Earl Leythen

The Court offered me a purpose after my life lost its meaning. Our Princes promised to remake the world, turn it into a better place. A paradise. And they were going to elevate the Altmer back to their status as gods.

Suffering would come to an end.

Player

Isn't that what Nocturnal still wants to do?

Earl Leythen

Not in the least. Remaking the world to eliminate death and disease is one thing. Destroying everything to turn yourself into a being of infinite power—well, that's something else entirely.

Mephala will see that and provide the help you need.

Even after being gone so long, I could never forget this place. I can still hear the sounds of my little girl's laugh as she climbed this tree, giggling and shouting at Val and I to watch her.

It's a memory I'll forever cherish.

The Dreaming Cave

Player

With all their companions spoken with, the player headed to the Dreaming Cave to begin the final battle. There, they found everyone waiting for them: Sotha Sil, Oriandra, Valsirenn, Darien, Leythen... even Barbas, the Hound of Clavicus Vile.

Sotha Sil

Talk to me when you're ready to proceed.

Earl Leythen

Sotha Sil allowed Barbas to come to Artaeum so he can lead us to the Crystal Tower. In a moment, he'll also open the way so that my Prince can attune the diamonds for us. Then we can attack Nocturnal directly.

I'm actually looking forward to that.

Valsirenn

I wish the Ritemaster were still with us. I'd feel better if he were here to help with this fight.

Oriandra

I can't recall a time where the Psijic Order confronted a threat such as this. We've dealt with all sorts of problems and cataclysmic events, but this is … different.

I think … I think the Ritemaster would be proud.

Darien Gautier

I've learned to trust my instincts over the years. The problem this time, though, is my instinct is telling me to run far, far away.

That wouldn't be very heroic now, would it? Into the fray we go, my friend. Even if it might be for the last time.

Barbas

What? Sotha Sil let me in. How else am I supposed to lead you through the Fields of Regret and to the Crystal Tower?

Now could we hurry this up, please? Nocturnal's not going to wait forever to tear reality apart, you know.

Sotha Sil

This is the moment of truth. Once we begin, nothing can stop the rush to the grand conclusion. Make sure you have everything you need before I activate the Dreaming Cave.

Player

I'm ready to begin the assault of the Crystal Tower.

Barbas

I'll lead you through the Fields of Regret to reach the Crystal Tower.

Darien Gautier

Hey! That dog just talked!

Earl Leythen

I can establish contact with Mephala. She's ready to appear if you're willing to lower the defenses.

Sotha Sil

Oriandra, Valsirenn, assist me. Let us open a path and not keep the Prince of Secrets waiting.

The three of them cast a spell on the portal, and Mephala floats out.

Mephala

Sotha Sil, the false god. I should have expected to see you.

Sotha Sil

Lady Mephala. Will you honor the agreement you made with this mortal?

Mephala

I am always true to my word. Now, send forth the mortal who consistently avoids the tangles of my webs. We have much to discuss.

You are strangely consequential, for a mortal. In my calculations, I somehow overlooked your significance. And yet, that has worked to my advantage, for now we have a chance to thwart Nocturnal. And that will be something to savor.

Player

So you'll attune us to the Resolute Diamonds?

Mephala

I can attune the diamond keys, but that won't be enough to keep you safe. Using the secrets she stole from Sotha Sil, Nocturnal has infused the Crystal Tower with boundless energy. It makes the tower's connection to reality … increasingly unstable.

Player

What else do we need?

Mephala

I must turn the Resolute Diamonds into more than just keys. They must become an anchor, something to lock you to this reality. Without such a weight, you will be lost as the tower rapidly shifts from one plane to the next.

And in exchange …

Player

Tell me what you want.

Mephala

Two trivial concessions, nothing more. First, just as Vile sends his Hound, I want you to take my earl, Leythen, into the Crystal Tower. And second, I wish a private meeting with Sotha Sil after reality has been saved.

Do we have a deal?

Player

I can only speak for myself. Attune the diamonds as you have said and Leythen can come with me.

Mephala

Two Resolute Diamonds … imbued with the power of Mephala! Now they merge into a single gem … one Resolute Anchor to serve as both key and safeguard!

Do not lose this. Only its presence will keep you and your companions anchored to this reality.

Player

Thank you, Prince Mephala.

Mephala

Remember, if any of you stray too far from the protection of the Resolute Anchor, you'll be lost in the nothingness between realities.

And know that I will be watching …

She floats back into the portal and disappears.

Darien Gautier

Can she do that? I hate being spied on!

Barbas

Now it's my turn. Let me use the gift my master gave you and I'll get you to the Crystal Tower.

With a bright flash, Barbas turns into a large horned humanoid. He opens the portal to the Fields of Regret and walks through.

Sotha Sil

Get the Heart and restore the crystal known as Transparent Law. But remember, you'll need a relic of divine energy to accomplish that.

Heed Mephala's advice and keep your companions close to the diamond. Without it, you would be lost in the darkness between realities.

Now, recover the Heart and restore Transparent Law. Just remember, you must find a relic imbued with divine energy.

Valsirenn

Leythen, promise me you'll keep them safe!

Earl Leythen

I promise, Val.

Darien Gautier

Oriandra, if I die saving the world, know that our brief time together has made me a better man.

Oriandra

What are you talking about?

Darien Gautier

Shh, it's all right to cry. I'll do my best to return to you. I promise.

Oriandra

What just happened? What's that crazy knight talking about?

Sotha Sil personally requested our help to maintain your connection to the Dreaming Cave. I know Valsirenn wanted to go with you, but just the thought of entering a tower that's bouncing through every level of reality scares me to no end.

Good luck.

Valsirenn

Sotha Sil needs Oriandra and me to help him maintain the connection from this end. But Leythen once wore the gray robes of the Psijic Order. He'll help you in there.

Just … just try to bring everyone back after you deal with Nocturnal.

Player

Leythen, Darien, and the player step through the portal and find themselves in the Fields of Regret.

The Fields of Regret

The three of them are in a sparse forest, with the broken, magic-infused Crystal Tower in the distance. Globes of purple magic fall from the sky, spawning Nocturnal's Daedra where they land. Barbas is nowhere to be found in either his human or his dog form.

Darien Gautier

I bet Nocturnal knows we're coming. So much for the element of surprise.

I suppose I'm ready. As long as you're ready, that is. You are ready, right? Of course you are. You're always ready.

Earl Leythen

Where's Vile's Hound? Has he abandoned us already?

If Vile and his Hound have already betrayed us, I'll turn that mangy mutt into a throw rug!

Player

They proceed further inward toward the tower and soon discover Barbas fighting off some Shrikes.

Barbas

Bother and bones! Nocturnal sends creatures into our realm? Not while Barbas is on guard! Skaafin, come forth!

Earl Leythen

Where are you going, creature?

Barbas

I promised to show you the way. There, follow that path. That's the way to the tower. Now I have a realm to defend!

Darien Gautier

I don't think I like Barbas very much.

I suppose I'm ready. As long as you're ready, that is. You are ready, right? Of course you are. You're always ready.

The three heroes follow the path, slaying numerous Shrikes and Gloam creatures along the way. Eventually, they reach the tower's base, where they again meet with Barbas.

Barbas

What a mess! And to think we're depending on the actions of mortals! Ah, well, let's talk.

Nocturnal dares much, attacking my master's realm!

But here you are, safe and sound. The Crystal Tower. At least, it's the version that exists in the Fields of Regret. Now I really need to get back to barking and biting Nocturnal's minions.

Player

We can enter the tower and reach Nocturnal from here?

Barbas

Well, that depends on how good Mephala's magic is. If you're attuned to the Resolute Anchor like she promised, then the doors to the Crystal Tower will open at your approach.

If not, you'll more than likely die on the doorstep.

Player

Aren't you supposed to come with us?

Barbas

That was the plan, yes. But plans changed when Nocturnal attacked my master's realm. Now Clavicus Vile wants me to repel those invaders and start preparing contingencies in case you fail.

Understand, I have no contingencies, so try not to fail.

Player

What can we expect inside the Crystal Tower?

Barbas

I've never been inside a tower that straddles every reality, but I expect you're going to have to go up, up, up!

If you do reach the Night Mistress, bite her once for me!

Player

We're going inside now.

Barbas

Remember Mephala's warning. Stray too far from the Resolute Anchor and you'll get lost between realities.

The Crystal Tower

Loading Message
The Crystal Tower, sometimes known as Crystal-Like-Law, is so named, not because it's made of crystal, but because the structure houses "the" crystal - Transparent Law, the "mystical stone" of the Tower of the High Elves.

Inside the tower, things look remarkably peaceful. If it wasn't for the Daedra further up ahead, the tower would have looked perfectly normal.

Darien Gautier

This place looks surprisingly intact.

Earl Leythen

The interior and the exterior of such places rarely coincide perfectly. I pity the Sapiarchs that were present when Nocturnal unleashed this magic.

Darien Gautier

I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this. Are you sure we're in the right place?

What am I saying? Of course you're sure!

Earl Leythen

It's a tower, so now we climb.

They did so. Going into and up through the tower, they fought off ghostly Sapiarchs and Daedra until they reached a dead end.

Darien Gautier

A dead end? Did we make a wrong turn?

Earl Leythen

Wait. The tower … it's moving. Fascinating! It appears to be reconfiguring itself!

Just then, the empty wall folded outwards in a spectacular display of magic, its bricks turning into columns and walls as it recombined itself into a passage that the heroes could cross.

Darien Gautier

Then let's get moving before the tower remakes this platform out of existence!

Earl Leythen

I expect we'll see more evidence of this malleable nature the higher we climb.

The three of them crossed the passage and entered what appeared to be some sort of museum.

Darien Gautier

Look at this place! Part of the ceiling has fallen in!

Earl Leythen

Yes, but what happened to the shadow Sapiarchs? They were thick as crows on the lower levels.

They heard a voice from somewhere in the back. Then, a giant Guardian Atronach stumbled out. Its body was made of molten rock.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

Stay… stay back!

Darien Gautier

Really? A walking volcano?

Darien, Leythen, and the player defeated the Atronach. They went into the room at its back to locate the source of the voice. It was coming from a Sapiarch kneeling on the floor and holding some sort of scepter. She was enveloped in a golden light and looked to be in pain.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

I don't know how you entered the tower … but you must get out of here.

Darien Gautier

She's still alive! We have to help her.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

No, stay back! The relic that protects me, it's failing. You can't help me.

Earl Leythen

She's right. Look how she's starting to fade.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

Please … before I am lost … tell me. What happened? I deserve to know why the tower has done this.

Player

Nocturnal has taken control of the Crystal Tower. How do we ascend the tower from here?

Sapiarch Nolyemal

Nocturnal? So I am to die as a pawn in some game played by a Daedric Prince?

I'm sorry, but you've reached a dead end. The explosions. The exit is blocked by debris. There's no way to move it. You should turn back and flee.

Player

What happened in here?

Sapiarch Nolyemal

I was just doing my studies. Like any other day. Then—then the tower began to shake suddenly. I heard screams. Such horrible screams.

I watched my friends just … cease to exist. And in their places, these monstrosities stood.

Player

How did you survive?

Sapiarch Nolyemal

I … I don't know. I grabbed this staff in hopes of balancing myself from the swaying of the tower. There was a flash of light and I … I was alone.

But I'm so scared. The staff's magic is fading. Oh gods, I'm going to end up like them.

Player

If we want to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else, I need to know how to get out of here.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

The old ballista … if you could get it working again, it might be strong enough to punch through the debris.

Oh gods … the relic! I'm … I'm not ready to die.

Player

I'm sorry.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

I don't want to die!

Earl Leythen

Let me help you. Clear your mind.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

It's so hard … to concentrate …

Earl Leythen

Think of your loved ones. Picture their faces and my magic will help you.

Sapiarch Nolyemal

I see them. The pain … is fading. I can see—

The Sapiarch dissolved into purple light.

Darien Gautier

She … she's gone.

Earl Leythen

Her last moments were peaceful. I saw to that.

The magic that held back the shadows is gone. They'll be upon us before we know it.

The shadow creatures are already flooding into this area.

Player

They head up into the mezzanine, where they find a large ballista. Darien examines it.

Darien Gautier

The dying Sapiarch was right! That is a ballista!

It's not broken. It's just missing a few parts. Look around while I get the rest of it back in working condition.

That should do it. I just need a crank, a rope, and some ballista bolts!

Player

While Darien fixes the thing, Leythen and the player go back downstairs to look for the missing parts. They fight off a lot of shadow Sapiarchs and eventually return to Darien with the required bits.

Here's what I was able to find.

Darien Gautier

That should work. Let's blast a way out of here.

Player

The player mans the ballista and shoots a blot straight through the rubble, uncovering a door on the other end of the room.

Darien Gautier

Now that's how to clear a path! I need one of those!

They step through the door and find themselves in a library.

Earl Leythen

Curious. From the opening in the ceiling, it appears that we're no longer in Vile's realm.

Darien Gautier

So that's what they meant when they said the tower was in every realm at the same time!

Player

They fight through the invaders and reach a glowing pedestal up top. It looks like it controls the gate that they need to pass on.

Earl Leythen

Yes, that must control the gate across the chamber. It appears to require a key, however. Down there. That looks like a likely candidate.

The three of them fight more shadow Sapiarchs and daedra and reach the key at the bottom. The player tries to pick up the library key, but a hologram Earl Tundilwen materializes in its place.

Darien Gautier

Where did she come from?

Earl Tundilwen

Nocturnal's started to repair Transparent Law. Soon none of this will matter.

Earl Leythen

No, you mustn't do this!

Darien Gautier

You can't reason with crazy, Leythen. Besides, we've got company!

Earl Tundilwen

How observant, knight.

The three of them are once again forced to fight off hordes of Daedra, this time joined by Gloam Minotaurs. Once they're victorious, Tundilwen has more monologuing to do.

Why do you insist on prolonging your pain, Leythen?

Earl Leythen

You know nothing about pain!

Earl Tundilwen

A pity. I thought we were the same. No matter. Your quest ends here.

Darien Gautier

Enough! Just hand over the damn key!

Earl Leythen

She's just trying to slow us down. Meet up at the gate pedestal!

They fight more daedra and get back to the top floor.

Try the key pedestal.

She did something to the controls. The gate won't open.

We must be nearing the pinnacle of the tower. That's why Nocturnal sent her champion to slow us down.

Nocturnal's earl damaged this mechanism beyond repair. Even if we had acquired the key, I'm not sure it would have opened the gate.

Player

Do you know how we can get through the gate?

Earl Leythen

Sapiarch magic is powerful, but not as powerful as the magic of the Psijic Order. Since we don't have the key, I can try to overcome the damaged mechanism and then follow after you.

Player

How are you going to do that?

Earl Leythen

I can operate the mechanism manually from here. Then, once you and Darien are through the gate, I can teleport across and make it to the other side before it snaps back shut.

Player

All right, open the gate.

Leythen casts a spell and the gate opens. Darien and the player run through it while Leythen holds it open.

Earl Leythen

The gate … it's opening! Go on! I can't hold this for very long!

Once Darien and the player are on the other side, the gate suddenly closes. Behind it appears Tundilwen, in the flesh this time.

Darien Gautier

The gate! Leythen, watch out!

Earl Tundilwen

I have to stop you here. All of you.

Earl Leythen

I wondered if you'd actually show yourself instead of just projecting menacing images.

Earl Tundilwen

A closed gate won't save them, Leythen.

Earl Leythen

No, but this will keep you busy for a time.

Earl Tundilwen

What? No!

Leythen casts some sort of spell with the tap of his staff, and the two of them disappear.

Darien Gautier

Where'd they go?

Is Leythen … gone?

Earl Leythen

Leythen reappears, alone. He is still on the other side of the gate, and is emanating shadow.

That should keep her busy … for a short time, at least.

Darien Gautier

Um, why are you glowing?

Earl Leythen

I was overconfident, I'm afraid. Valsirenn always said I was too sure of my own abilities. I just assumed I'd be able to get back to the protection of the Resolute Anchor before I was unmade.

Pity. I would have preferred a more heroic ending.

Player

This was your plan all along?

Earl Leythen

I had to do something to get rid of Nocturnal's champion. At least for a little while. Beyond that, I really did hope that a moment outside the anchor's protection wouldn't be fatal.

Just something else you can tell Valsirenn I was wrong about.

Player

So that's it? There's nothing we can do?

Earl Leythen

You can stop Nocturnal. I'd really rather not see you and the knight wind up with this fate. And, if all goes well, you can tell Valsirenn that … that I'm sorry.

Now, hurry. Nocturnal's earl won't be gone long.

Player

Thanks for giving us a fighting chance.

Earl Leythen

I should be thanking you. You had no reason to trust me, yet you did. And you gave me a chance to see my wife … to reconcile with her in a way.

Now, go and beat Nocturnal. I have faith in you!

Player

After everything you did, this end is too good for you.

Earl Leythen

Yes, that's the spirit! Show me the anger you've been hiding! I'm fading away quickly, while you're about to suffer an eternity at Nocturnal's hands.

Regardless, I must thank you. You gave me a chance. You let me see Valsirenn one last time.

Player

What should I tell Valsirenn?

Earl Leythen

Tell her I'm going to go be with our daughter.

Tell Val … that we will … we will wait … for … her ….

Player

Thank you, Leythen.

Leythen collapses to his knees and evaporates shortly after.

Darien Gautier

We should … we should keep moving. There's nothing more we can do here.

Come on. Leythen gave us a chance. We can't let his sacrifice be in vain.

Player

The two of them proceed further up the tower, fighting more Daedra. Soon enough, they Tundilwen's voice again.

Darien Gautier

Nocturnal's realm. We've got to be nearing the top of this damn thing.

Earl Tundilwen

You thought Leythen could stop me? He's only delayed the inevitable.

Darien Gautier

Ignore the creepy voice. We have to keep going.

Earl Tundilwen

That's far enough. My Mistress can't be interrupted. Her work is too important!

She is standing right in front of the door to the top of the tower, and wielding the corrupt Dawnbreaker.

Darien Gautier

Give me the damn Dawnbreaker back!

Earl Tundilwen

Come and get it.

After a prolonged fight, she is defeated. She drops to the floor and the sword stands up before her. Both are shrouded in purple shadows.

I don't understand. Why didn't the sword protect me?

Darien Gautier

Because Dawnbreaker was never intended for you.

Earl Tundilwen

Meridia's magic is gone. The blade isn't yours anymore, either.

Darien Gautier

We'll see about that.

He reaches for the sword. Just as he does so, Tuldilwen casts some sort of spell that turns everything black all around them. The player cannot see anything, but they can hear voices.

No!

Nocturnal

Join Meridia in my eternal darkness!

Darien Gautier

We are … not … dying … like this!

The darkness erupts into blinding light. When their vision resolves, the player sees that Tundilwen is gone and Darien is standing in her place, glowing gold.

That worked? I mean … I mean … I mean, of course it worked. I just need a moment …

Nocturnal's earl was wrong. Meridia's power, it's not gone. Her magic remains strong and vibrant.

The vessel. The last Light of Meridia … it's me.

Player

The vessel? The last Light? What do you mean?

Darien Gautier

I finally understand everything Meridia told me. Her power, it's inside me. And with it I can remove the corruption from Dawnbreaker. I can fill the relic with divine energy again!

Player

Sotha Sil said we needed a relic with divine energy to repair the Transparent Law crystal.

Darien Gautier

Then this is even better. You can use the restored Dawnbreaker to save the world. I just won't be around to see it happen.

I finally understand. I'm the vessel of Meridia. Her champion. But you're the key to stopping Nocturnal and saving reality.

Player

Darien, what are you saying?

Darien Gautier

I'm saying you've got this. Whenever a threat appears, you bring the champions together. You find a way to win.

And I'll be at your side for this one final battle, just not in the way I originally expected.

Player

Darien … what are you doing?

Darien Gautier

I'm returning the last of Meridia's power to the blade so you can stop Nocturnal. I wouldn't do this for anyone else.

Thank you … for everything.

He steps forward and grasps the blade. Both he and it glow with golden light, and then Darien fades away. The sword is cleansed and imbued with Meridia's divine energy. The player takes it and proceed through the door to the top of the Crystal Tower.

Pinnacle of Transparent Law

They emerge outside to the purple sky of the Evergloam. At The top of the platform, Nocturnal floats in a cloud of purple shadows. Both halves of the broken Heart of Transparent law float above her.

Nocturnal

You're too late. Once the crystal is made whole, I shall become infinite!

Saying nothing, the player raises Dawnbreaker and it erupts in a blinding light. Nocturnal disappears from the platform and instead appears as a giant aparition in the sky.

Meridia's power won't help you against me!

Player

She summons a variety of Daedra, which the player defeats. Like Darien before them, they are able to use Dawnbreaker to severely weaken or outright kill the Daedra. When enough of her minions are dead, she pulls Tundilwen's shade from the aether.

Shadow Tundilwen

Finally! My true purpose! I will not fail you, Mother!

Player

The player fights her wraith alongside more Daedric summons. When she is defeated once, Nocturnal raises her again.

Nocturnal

Your strength is impressive, but Transparent Law is almost whole. Now rise again, my champion!

Shadow Tundilwen

You can't stop me. I only grow stronger as we bathe this world in darkness!

Nocturnal

Witness my unbridled power!

Although it is a tough fight, the player once again defeats the undead earl. When they do so, Nocturnal appears visibly shaken in the background.

No... the tower crystal... was supposed to be... mine...

Player

They rush to the top of the platform where the Heart is enveloped in shadow. They stab it with Dawnbreaker. The shadows explode into light and the two halves are made whole. Nocturnal is gone and the sky returns to a natural blue.

They hear Valsirenn's voice from behind them.

Valsirenn

The Crystal Tower … its defenses no longer keep me out! Are you here, my friend?

You … you did it. I knew it!

Transparent Law, it's whole again! I didn't think that was possible. And you stopped Nocturnal. You're back upon Summerset, my friend. The tower itself—it reformed!

But … but where's Darien … and Leythen …?

Player

Darien sacrificed himself to restore the Dawnbreaker so I could repair the tower crystal.

Valsirenn

Of course. When you restored the tower crystal, it most likely expelled Nocturnal back to her own realm. I'm a little concerned that I was able to walk in without a key, but we can figure that out later.

Now tell me what happened to Leythen.

Player

Leythen gave his life so we could reach the top of the tower.

Valsirenn

Leythen … I'll … I'll mourn for Leythen later. I'm just glad he helped you. He would have made our daughter proud.

For now, you have to tell Sotha Sil what happened. Then we can inform Summerset that the island—the world—is safe again.

Player

Let's go.

Together, they step through a portal and find themselves in the Dreaming Cave.

The Dreaming Cave

Sotha Sil

As I predicted, your efforts were successful. A slight chance is all probability requires. There is no such thing as impossible odds. You are proof of that.

Player

Transparent Law was made whole by the power of the Dawnbreaker.

Sotha Sil

Was that Meridia's plan all along? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Your perseverance paid off, however. You never gave up, even when the darkness was unbearable. And because of that, the Crystal Tower is safe again.

Player

We lost friends along the way, though.

Sotha Sil

Life and death. It's all part of the ongoing circle. As long as you remember them, they will never be forgotten.

Player

Won't Nocturnal just try again?

Sotha Sil

It took Nocturnal hundreds of years to put all the pieces of her plan into place. And you wiped it all out with a single thrust of the Dawnbreaker. There will be other plans, I'm sure, but this particular threat is over.

Player

So what happens next?

Sotha Sil

Next? Every action we take can tip the balance of the flow of time. Bask in the moment and realize that you have done well, my mortal friend. You have saved the Crystal Tower. Saved Summerset. Saved reality itself.

Even I could not have done better.