ESO Morrowind: Divine Conundrum

Alavesa Arethan

There’s an Armiger injured on the road outside Seyda Neen. So much blood! Theyóthey need help.

Vestige

Tell me what happened.

Alavesa Arethan

I’m not exactly sure. The Buoyant Armiger was accompanying Canon Valasa on a mission for Lord Vivec, but something terrible must have happened! Canon Valasa sent me to find help. She’s on the road, just outside of Seyda Neen. Will you help them?

Vestige

I’ll go find Canon Valasa.

Canon Valasa

Forgive me, Outlander, but I have enough to deal with. I’m just a simple Tribunal priest, and the trouble at the ancestral tomb was too much for even our Buoyant Armiger to deal with. I have failed Lord Vivec and left a colleague alone at the tomb.

Vestige

What happened at the ancestral tomb?

Canon Valasa

Lord Vivec sent the three of us to seek guidance at the Andrano ancestral tomb. We were attacked when we got there and our guard was seriously hurt. I barely got her to safety, but we failed to complete the mission Lord Vivec bestowed upon us.

Vestige

Three of you? You mentioned another priest.

Canon Valasa

Canon Llevule. He remained behind after we retreated from the tomb. I know he wants to get back inside and ask Lord Vivec’s questions, but there’s no way he can get past the Daedra or ask the questions on his own. May the Three grant him wisdom.

Vestige

I can go to the tomb and help Canon Llevule.

Tanisa Drothan, one of the people staring at Canon Valasa and the wounded Armiger, is posessed by Azura, the Daedric Prince of dusk and dawn.

Azura

By Dawn and Dusk, evil creeps through the shadows of my beloved Vvardenfell. But an Outlander arrives to aid my people, just as I have foreseen.

Tanisa Drothan returns to her normal state.

Canon Valasa

Lord Vivec protect me! That was Azura, the Queen of the Night Sky! And you – she spoke directly to you, Outlander! I’m surprised the Daedric Prince would risk Lord Vivec’s wrath to proclaim a prophecy, but she did say you were here to aid us.

Vestige

What just happened here?

Canon Valasa

The Daedric Prince Azura possessed that woman and spoke through her! I’ve heard of such occurrences, of course, but to witness such an eventÖ She said evil creeps through the land. I wonder if it has anything to do with what we saw at the tomb?

Vestige

Tell me more about your mission at the tomb.

Canon Valasa

We sought guidance in a matter that concerns Lord Vivec. I received specific questions to ask while Llevule concentrated on summoning his ancestor. The Daedra ruined those plans when they fell upon Urnsi and we were forced to flee.

Vestige

Daedra?

Canon Valasa

Vile creatures from Oblivion! You hear about an odd ghost or a nest of vampires, but never Daedra! Please, if they’re still there, they’ll rip Canon Llevule apart! He’s definitely not a warrior. Just look at what they did to the Buoyant Armiger!

Vestige

What’s a Buoyant Armiger?

Canon Valasa

The Buoyant Armigers comprise one of the military orders of the Tribunal Temple. They seek to emulate Lord Vivec’s deeds through actions and words. Poor Urnsi! Those monsters went straight for her. Her blood flowed like lava from Red Mountain!

Vestige

Red Mountain?

Canon Valasa

Where are you from? Children of Red Mountain before they even taste flin. The mountain sits at the center of Vvardenfell, periodically rumbling like a sleeping nix shaking its leg. Lately, however, it seems to be waking from its long slumber.

Vestige

Tell me more about Azura.

Canon Valasa

Azura is the cruel but wise Daedric Prince of dawn and dusk. She’s one of the “good” Daedra, for what that’s worth, but for her to speak through an innocent means something terrible is about to happen. Why else would she dare Lord Vivec’s wrath?

Vestige

Lord Vivec and Azura don’t get along?

Canon Valasa

What do they teach you where you come from? Lord Vivec’s a Living God! Azura is merely the Anticipation of Sotha Sil. Vivec stands as the present and the future, while Azura clearly represents Vvardenfell’s past. So, no, they don’t get along.

Vestige

Who’s Lord Vivec?

Canon Valasa

You don’t know Lord Vivec? One of the Living Gods of the Dunmer Tribunal? You must be new to our land, Outlander. But there’s no time. Canon Llevule remained behind. He needs help if he’s going to get inside the tomb and ask Vivec’s questions.

Vestige

Vivec’s a Living God?

Canon Valasa

Yes, one of the God-Monarchs of Morrowind. He’s the Warrior-Poet who lives in a grand palace in Vivec City. Lord Vivec sent us on this holy mission, to request information from Canon Llevule’s ancestor. It breaks my heart that I have failed him.

The Vestige travels to the Andrano Ancestral Tomb.

Canon Llevule

Those monsters! It’s too dangerous. What am I going to do?

Canon Llevule

Did Canon Valasa send you? She did, didn’t she! That means she made it to Seyda Neen. Vivec be praised! Will you help me complete my mission? It would be sacrilege if I don’t enter my family’s tomb and make Lord Vivec’s inquiries.

Vestige

I’ll help you enter the tomb and ask your questions.

Canon Llevule

As the Saints declare, the Tribunal always provides. We’ll need to be cautious, however. Daedra invaded the tomb. Makes it hard to talk to one’s ancestors while monsters try to eat you! I’ll also need your help when we reach the summoning chamber.

Vestige

What kind of help?

Canon Llevule

Take this scroll with Lord Vivec’s inquiries. While I summon forth my ancestor’s spirit and concentrate on maintaining the connection, you must ask the questions. He insists we use the exact phrasing. We can go inside when you’re ready.

Vestige

I’d like to ask a few questions before we enter the tomb.

Canon Llevule

I’ve already lost precious time due to Buoyant Armiger’s wounds, but I suppose a few more moments won’t make the volcano erupt or the moonlet fall from the sky or anything. What else can I tell you, my friend?

Vestige

Why does Lord Vivec want you to contact your ancestor?

Canon Llevule

I’m not quite sure and it wasn’t my place to ask. When your Living God gives you a task, you say, “yes, my lord!” The questions seem to involve the time before the Tribunal, which I assume is why we must ask them of my long-dead ancestor.

Vestige

Tell me about your ancestor.

Canon Llevule

Few of my contemporaries can boast of a luminary such as Fadrena Adrano occupying a prime branch upon their family tree. Lady Farena studied at the feet of Sotha Sil and was counted among his companions before the Tribunal rose to power.

Vestige

Who’s Sotha Sil?

Canon Llevule

Who’s Sotha Sil? That’s like asking who are Vivec and Almalexia! They are the Tribunal – the Living Gods of the Dunmer. Sotha Sil is the architect of time and the binder of Oblivion. If you want to know more, we can talk after we’ve finished.

Vestige

Tell me about the creatures in the tomb.

Canon Llevule

Well, I can tell you they weren’t here the last time I paid my respects. Canon Valasa thinks they’re some kind of Daedra, determined to keep us from fulfilling Lord Vivec’s will. Until you showed up, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.

Vestige

I’m ready. Let’s enter the tomb.

Canon Llevule

Before we go in there and face those monsters, I want you to know how much I appreciate your aid in this matter. Just don’t lose the scroll that contains Lord Vivec’s questions. Now come! Let’s call forth my ancestor. I’ll open the tomb door.

Vestige

Lead the way.

Canon Llevule

Follow me, but keep an eye out for those Daedra!

The two enter the tomb and then enter the chamber where Farena Andrano is buried.

Farena Andrano

Hasn’t my rest been disturbed enough by those filthy Daedra? Why do you summon me, descendent?

Canon Llevule

My Lord Vivec has inquiries that only you can answer, my lady. My companion will present them, with your permission.

Farena Andrano

The Warrior-Poet? Very well, ask Vivec’s questions.

Farena Andrano

Ask the Warrior-Poet’s questions, Outlander.

Vestige

Lord Vivec asks, “The heart of the world, key to ascension, should I be filled with apprehension?”

Farena Andrano

Ah, Lord Vivec always had a way with words! Tell him to rest assured. The Heart remains safe. I wonder why that concerns him? Ask the remaining questions, as my time here is short.

Vestige

Lord Vivec asks, “Has the enemy of old returned, so devious and bold?”

Farena Andrano

An enemy of old, yes, but not the one that Vivec presumes.

Vestige

Lord Vivec asks, “Did Sotha Sil in his unending crusade know our divinity would shrivel and fade?”

Farena Andrano

Sotha Sil imagined multiple scenarios and contemplated endless solutions. He even experimented with his divinity, drawing energy to study before returning it. Loss will come, he foresaw, but not until the collapse of the Temple. Now, back to sleep.

Canon Llevule

I hope that’s what Lord Vivec needed. Let’s talk outside.

Canon Llevule

Thank you for helping me complete my task. Now I need to return to Vivec City. Have you been there? It’s amazing! Ziggurats rising out of the water, the moonlet hanging in the sky above. You should meet me there so I can introduce you to Lord Vivec.

Vestige

Did you understand what your ancestor told us?

Canon Llevule

Just between us, I understood neither the questions asked nor the answers received. Not that I expected to. Some things aren’t meant for mortal minds. That’s another reason for you to come to Vivec City, to help me explain what my ancestor said.

Vestige

I can help recount what happened here.

Canon Llevule

Excellent! I just need to make a quick stop in Seyda Neen to check on my original traveling companions. When you get to Vivec City, head right to the palace and I’ll meet you there. I know that Lord Vivec will want to reward you for assisting me.

Vestige

I’ll meet you in Vivec City.

Canon Llevule

I’ll be along shortly. When you get to Vivec City, head directly for Lord Vivec’s Palace. Once there, I’ll make introductions and we can tell the Warrior-Poet everything we learned.

Canon Llevule

This is the person who helped me at the tomb.

Archcanon Tarvus

Lord Vivec, we don’t need the help of thisÖ Outlander.

Vivec

Oh hush, Archcanon Tarvus. Outlanders have their usefulness. This one intrigues me.

Archcanon Tarvus

As you say. I’ll be in my office if you need me.

Vivec

Step forward, friend of Llevule, and let us speak. Canon Llelvule says you helped him in his mission. As I have written, ďthe one who helps my ally becomes my friend. Despite the Archcanon’s concerns, I greet you with sincerity and pose a simple question. Will you assist us further, Outlander?

Vestige

What kind of help do you need, Lord Vivec?

Vivec

I have Ordinators and Armigers at my disposal, vast armies of followers and dedicated priests. What I don’t have, however, is a fresh perspective. Will you set aside your personal goals for a time and become the eyes and ears of a god?

Vestige

Of course, Lord Vivec. I can provide a fresh perspective.

Vivec

Good. I need assistance to investigate aÖstrange phenomenon that the ancestor confirmed may indeed be a problem. We’ll start with a simple divination ritual. Archcanon Tarvus can tell you what we need to delve into this mystery.

Archcanon Tarvus

Ah, Outlander. Lord Vivec trusts too much to put his faith in one such as you, but who am I to question my God? I suppose he sent you to me so I could put you to work? Did he say which task he wants us to accomplish first?

Vestige

Lord Vivec said he needed to perform a divination ritual.

Archcanon Tarvus

Ah, yes. We do need to perform a ritual to reveal the nature of the … phenomenon that vexes Lord Vivec. Now, listen closely. I hate to repeat myself.

Vestige

I’m listening.

Archcanon Tarvus

Despite my objections, Vivec believes you were sent to help, so I’ll do my best to assist you. Go to the ziggurat that’s still under construction and tell the Overseer that Lord Vivec requires the Blessing Stone. Then bring it to me in the palace.

Vestige

I’ll go to the unfinished ziggurat, get the Blessing Stone, and meet you at Vivec’s Palace.

Overseer Shiralas

This project has been nothing but one disaster after another. How am I expected to get this ziggurat built on time when things constantly go wrong? Don’t mind me. I’m just having one of those days.

Vestige

Archcanon Tarvus sent me. I need to borrow your Blessing Stone.

Overseer Shiralas

Our Blessing Stone? Do you know what happens if we give up our Blessing Stone? Well, neither do I, but I’m sure it won’t put us back on schedule or end our string of disasters. I’m not one to disagree with the Archcanon, but that’s a terrible idea.

Vestige

Lord Vivec needs the Blessing Stone to perform a ritual.

Overseer Shiralas

Lord Vivec? Why didn’t you say so? But I’ll need you help before I can turn over the Blessing Stone. The passage that leads to the consecration chamber collapsed, trapping some of my workers. If you can clear the way, you can borrow the stone.

Vestige

I’ll clear the passage and free your workers on my way to retrieve the stone.

Overseer Shiralas

I appreciate the help. Just remember that you’re only borrowing the stone. It needs to be back in the consecration chamber before the next shift or we’ll never get this ziggurat constructed in time.

Archcanon Tarvus

The Outlander returns. I understand there was some trouble at the construction site, but you were able to save a few of the workers. Lord Vivec always draws the straightest arrow from the quiver, praise the Tribunal! Did you bring the Blessing Stone?

Vestige

I have the Blessing Stone.

Archcanon Tarvus

Stand over there. In Canon Llevule’s absence, you will form the third corner of our ritual triangle. When you’re ready, place the Blessing Stone and we’ll being the ritual.

The ritual begins when the stone is placed in a holder in the floor.

Archcanon Tarvus

Hear the words of the Warrior-Poet and reveal the source of Lord Vivec’s distress!

The Divination Ritual is only partly successful. Before something unknown interferes and ends the ritual, three visions appear: an Ashlander, a clockwork mage and a Daedric cultist. When it ends, Archcanon Tarvus comments that and then leaves.

Archcanon Tarvus

Something interfered with the ritual, my Lord. But we may have learned something. Excuse me while I compare the results to our previous research.

Vivec

Between the cryptic warnings of the ancestor spirit and the unexpected result of the divination ritual, I fear there may be more astir than I imagined. We solve the greatest mysteries by accident, I suspect. Hmm. I should write that down.

Vestige

Something went wrong during the ritual. Did you learn what you had hoped?

Vivec

We learn from every action we take. Failure or success, each result teaches us something, at least in the larger sense. To be more specific … no, not as much as I hoped.

Vestige

But there were images in the ritual…

Vivec

Images that suggest avenues to investigate, riddles to solve. Let me tell you a secret, Outlander. It concerns a Living God and energy that fades like daylight as dusk spreads across the land.

Vestige

I don’t understand, Lord Vivec.

Vivec

Listen well and speak not a word! My divine energy, it drains away. Whether from illness or foul malady, I know not. You must travel the land and seek answers on my behalf. But first, “Gratitude before service,” as I have written. So, thank you.