The Dreaming Cave
Valsirenn
I'm afraid we still have work to do. While the Crystal Tower is protected against Daedra, any mortal can now walk right through its gates. We must convince the Sapiarchs to gather allies in order to defend the Crystal-Like-Law.
Player
How can we convince the Sapiarchs to accept help?
Valsirenn
It will take an influence far stronger than you and I, of that I'm sure.
We'll call a meeting of Summerset's most influential leaders. Perhaps, with such a force behind us, we can persuade the Sapiarchs to see reason.
Player
And if they don't agree?
Valsirenn
We've already seen the devastation that's possible when the tower falls into the wrong hands. And the recent attack by Nocturnal only reinforces the need for greater protection.
I want you there to help plead our case. Will you join us?
Player
I'll help you convince the Sapiarchs, if I can.
Valsirenn
Go and tell Oriandra of my plan. She'll know which parties to contact.
I'd also like to ask Sotha Sil to join us. His support would be extremely helpful to our cause.
Player
How are you holding up?
Valsirenn
Honestly, I haven't yet had a moment to process all that happened. There's still so much to be done. And perhaps that's for the best.
The time to grieve can wait. For now, we must ensure the welfare of Summerset.
Ceporah Tower
Oriandra
It's good to see you alive and well. Word has already spread about your daring exploits within the Crystal Tower. It's still a little hard to believe, truth be told.
Of course, there's so much left to do. I already have a list as long as my arm.
Player
Valsirenn needs you to summon a council of influential Summerset citizens.
Oriandra
That doesn't sound good. Is there another crisis I have yet to be informed about?
Player
The Crystal Tower's wards have weakened. We must convince the Sapiarchs to gather allies.
Oriandra
I'd almost rather deal with another crisis than try to convince the Sapiarchs.
Still, it will be done. I'll even make sure to invite the Proxy Queen. Her palace should make for a suitable meeting place. Neutral ground, and all that.
Player
Where can I find Sotha Sil? Valsirenn wants him to join the council as well.
Oriandra
Sotha Sil's in his study, preparing to depart. He never seems to stick around for very long. I suggest you hurry if you want to catch him.
I'll meet you in front of the Proxy Queen's palace in Alinor. Meet me there after you talk to Sotha Sil.
Player
The player heads for Sotha Sil's study. The mage is exactly where they left him.
Sotha Sil
Here you are again. I thought such an outcome likely.
The time has come for my departure. I've always felt a sense of peace in Artaeum, but also … discomfort. A consistent dilemma within me, which seems to have only grown.
I'll be glad to get back to the Clockwork City. There's much to do.
Player
Much to do?
Sotha Sil
While you confronted Nocturnal, I worked within the shadow of your efforts. Negotiations with both Clavicus Vile and Mephala were held, and a compromise was decided upon.
The two have agreed to a compact. An end to their direct meddling.
Player
So does that mean they won't make trouble for us anymore?
Sotha Sil
Knowing the nature of Daedra, I doubt that shall be the case. However, any direct interference within Nirn should cease. While the terms are met, of course.
As for Nocturnal, it seems she's returned to the shadows.
Player
Do you think Nocturnal will strike again?
Sotha Sil
Perhaps. She likely contemplates her next course of action even now, given such a defeat. It may be centuries before she makes another attempt. Then again, could be days.
Such is the chaotic nature of the Daedric Princes.
Player
Before you go, Valsirenn wants you to join a council she's putting together.
Sotha Sil
I must decline. Valsirenn may see me as an ally, but to Summerset I am a foreign interloper. An enemy of the state. My participation would not be welcome.
The need for my presence has come to an end. And so, I must depart.
Player
Thank you for all your help.
Sotha Sil
And so the gears turn once more. Ever changing, yet ever the same. With you always in the center, it seems.
I take no pleasure in such distractions from my work. Still, I would not dislike it if we spoke again. Farewell.
Alinor Palace
Player
Since Sotha Sil refused to join the council, the player headed for Alinor. They found Oriandra and a cadre of Psijics waiting on the steps of the palace. Nearby, citizens of Alinor were suitably impressed.
Lireore
Is that actually a member of the Psijic Order?
Culdansea
It must be. There must be something important going on to bring them out of hiding.
Oriandra
Finally, you arrived.
We were able to gather everyone together, but they've already started the meeting. Valsirenn tried to make them wait, but the Sapiarchs demanded to know what was happening.
Player
How's the meeting going so far?
Oriandra
To be honest? Not great. Even the Proxy Queen is hesitant to accept our request. As always, everyone's so worried about proper High Elf decorum that they refuse to see reason.
I'm just not sure how we're going to win this one.
Player
I'll go inside and see if I can help.
Oriandra
Everyone's gathered in the council chamber. You should go inside.
Player
They head into the palace and then into the council chamber. There they find Valsirenn, Razum-dar, Alwinarwe, and the leader of the Sapiarchs, Larnatille.
Sapiarch Larnatille
You can't make such demands. The Sapiarchs are the keepers of the Crystal Tower!
Valsirenn
This is about more than the College of Sapiarchs, Larnatille!
Razum-dar
If Raz could intervene? Perhaps we should hear from our newly arrived friend?
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
We concur with Razum-dar. Let us hear what the adventurer has to say.
Sapiarch Larnatille
The Sapiarchs recognize your bravery on our behalf in Lillandril and within the Crystal Tower.
But there is nothing you can say that will alter our thinking on this matter.
Player
Without the wards that keep people out, you need a new way to protect the tower.
Sapiarch Larnatille
So Valsirenn claims. If this is true, the College shall institute new measures to protect the tower. That is well within our capabilities.
The Psijic Order is responsible for all that has happened. Why should I trust them now?
| Player The Daedric Princes would have found a way, regardless of the Ritemaster's actions. Sapiarch Larnatille Perhaps you're right, but the Sapiarchs did not cause these events. The Psijic Order did. My people died protecting the Crystal Tower. Why should I accept aid from the very order that's responsible for their deaths? Player The Psijic Order helped me stop the Daedric Princes. Without them the tower would have fallen. | Player The Ritemaster wasn't in control of his actions. Sapiarch Larnatille And that's supposed to convince me? That the very leader of the Psijic Order was compromised in such a manner? We Sapiarchs have protected the tower for centuries without incident. Why should I trust the Psijics now? Player Without the actions of the Psijic Order, the Crystal Tower would have fallen to Nocturnal. |
Sapiarch Larnatille
Be that as it may, the Sapiarchs will continue to do as we always have. We shall protect the Crystal Tower.
Entrusting that responsibility to anyone else is just far too dangerous a risk to take.
Player
The Sapiarchs can't protect the Crystal Tower alone.
Sapiarch Larnatille
That's your opinion. You are a newcomer. I have no reason to believe that you have Summerset's best interests in mind.
For all I know, you and the Psijic Order wish to use the Crystal Tower for your own purposes.
Player
I think you're making a mistake.
Razum-dar
Our friend has proven their mettle time and time again. Raz thinks you should hear about these deeds.
Oriandra, admit our guests now, yes?
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
What are you up to, Razum-dar?
(Depending on which quests the player completed on Summerset, two of the following will speak up on their behalf. If only the main quest was completed, it will be Kinlady Avinisse and Canonreeve Farmeldo. Razum-dar will always speak for the player.)
Kinlady Avinisse
I will vouch for this adventurer. While I was blinded by prejudice and hate, their actions saved Shimmerene.
Canonreeve Farmeldo
Sapiarch, you know me. My son rejected the Queen's decree and suffered the consequences. This newcomer saved Rellenthil.
Justiciar Hyircil
The Divine Prosecution recognizes this adventurer's efforts to maintain the peace. I can personally attest that they saved Cey-Tarn Keep from a Daedric cult.
Alchemy
Alchemy vouches for this adventurer! Within our troupe, loyalty and trust come before all. This brave hero has demonstrated those qualities a thousand times over.
Andewen
Though the Sapiarchs and Mages Guild do not always see eye-to-eye, you know my reputation. This adventurer saved my life and I affirm their bravery and honor.
Battlereeve Tanerline
As the Battlereeve of Alinor, I support only those who deserve it. This adventurer, at great risk, gathered vital information about the Sea Sload and helped save Summerset.
Razum-dar
Finally, Raz must add his voice to the chorus. No one has served our Queen and our island as well as this adventurer. Not even Raz!
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
We have heard enough! We accept that the adventurer is trustworthy. Sapiarch Larnatille, listen to what they have to say.
Sapiarch Larnatille
I … apologize for my assumptions. It's clear you've done much good for Summerset and its people.
The protection of the Crystal Tower has been the Sapiarch's duty for time immemorial. To change that now feels like we've failed.
Player
We need to make sure the Crystal Tower is protected into the future. So we don't fail again.
Sapiarch Larnatille
I can't deny the truth of your words. Very well. Henceforth, the Sapiarchs will accept outside aid in order to best protect the Crystal Tower. I'll begin preparations immediately.
However, I still refuse to allow the Psijic Order to participate.
Player
As long as you have a plan for protecting the Crystal Tower.
Sapiarch Larnatille
I promise we will work with the Proxy Queen to make sure the Crystal Tower remains safe. I'll begin preparations immediately.
We'll even allow the Divine Prosecution and the Mages Guild to participate in these efforts.
Player
That sounds like a good idea.
Razum-dar
Raz is sure there are many more details to work out, but for now this one just wants a very strong drink!
Valsirenn
If you would wait a moment, my friend. I'd like to talk privately.
Thank you for helping me win this last battle. While the Psijic Order will not be among those protecting the Crystal Tower, we will continue to observe from afar.
And now, it's time for us to depart Summerset.
Player
You're leaving? Is that wise?
Valsirenn
We never meant to take such a direct role in events. We're observers. Watchers. We lend a hand, guide fate, but never directly shape it.
Besides, I need to return to Artaeum and take up the mantle of Ritemaster, at least for a little while.
Player
The Conclave made you the Ritemaster?
Valsirenn
On an interim basis, until we get beyond this crisis and can make a decision for the future.
In the meantime, I want to atone for what the Ritemaster and Leythen did. I owe Summerset that much, at least.
Player
So that's it?
Valsirenn
You're attuned to Artaeum and have a connection to the Psijic Order now. The portal will always be open for you. And you'll always be welcome on our hidden island.
Player
Thank you.
Valsirenn
I believe there's a certain Khajiit who wishes to speak to you. Go on and make sure he hasn't gotten himself into any trouble.
And just know, the Psijic Order will always consider you an ally and friend. As will I.
Player
The player heads out to the main chamber, where they find Razum-dar sitting on the throne of Alinor, enjoying a drink. The Proxy Queen is nearby, mad.
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
Razum-dar … remove your furry seat from our throne.
Razum-dar
After all Raz has done for Queen and country, you would deny him this small comfort?
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
Why cousin Ayrenn tolerates you, we'll never understand.
Razum-dar
Raz could get used to such a seat. Metaphorically speaking, of course. This one would prefer a throne with far more padding.
But enough of such talk. Today we celebrate your victory! From newcomer to savior of Summerset. Quite the feat, yes?
Player
Did you bring all these people here?
Razum-dar
Raz thought of many different plans, once he heard of this meeting. He is glad the first turned out so well. His other plans, well, there is no need to dwell on such unsavory details.
This one never doubted you could do it, five-claw.
Player
Thanks, Raz.
Razum-dar
Actually … Raz may have doubted you a few times. Or many times. But he apologizes for that! After all, you have now proven yourself most capable.
And of course, no heroic deed is complete without a reward.
Player
You mentioned a reward?
Razum-dar
Raz did indeed! On behalf of Queen Ayrenn, this is for you.
Ironic how Summerset was saved by one of the newcomers it so distrusts. This is a good lesson for the High Elves, yes? Maybe now they'll realize that change is not so bad after all.
Enjoy yourself, my friend! Raz certainly plans to.
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
Our throne, Razum-dar. We would have it back now.
Razum-dar
So tense, your majesty! Must be this uncomfortable throne. Perhaps Raz could suggest a most comfortable cushion upon which you could sit.
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
Such a cushion is much too lumpy for our tastes, cat.
Razum-dar
Raz has much to do after this. Reports to write, missives to send. Perhaps he will go visit his family, once all is done. It has been far too long since he has seen them.
But first, Raz shall drink some very expensive wine.
Proxy Queen Alwinarwe
We thank you for the aid you provided to our green and pleasant land. Newcomer, you have shown us that sometimes change is for the best.
