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Isle of Madness

Author: 
Anonymous

This page contains the storyline for Elder Scrolls Legends: Isle of Madness. 

Nagh

Apologies, Kellen. Nagh was sure he saw water this way.

Kellen

(Gsigh) Not to worry. We should have enough to last until we reach the city.

Nagh

A long ride, that promises to be. Nagh would have a story to forget the heat.

Kellen

But of course. Indeed, you have just reminded me of one. I saw it not in the scrolls, but in a journal, many years ago. I shall try my best to recall it in the writer's own words.

Talym

My name is Talym Rend. This is my confession… and my warning.

Once I was one of the Empire's most cunning spies.

But I left that life behind when my son, Novos, was stricken with a terrible madness. I sought help from the Temple, from outlander healers, and even Ashland mystics. None could help him.

Talym

So I set out to make a bargain.

In Morrowind it is death to commune with Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of madness. They say he is a corner of the House of Troubles. But to save my boy, I would commune with any devil you could name.

And so it was that I sought the fabled land of madness - - a place they call the Shivering Isles. And, gods help me, I found it.


[A map of the Shivering Isles is shown, and the player, now in the shoes of Talym, is greeted by Cyriel.]

Cyriel

A stranger! What brings you to the Fringe?

Talym

I'm looking for Sheogorath.

Cyriel

Ooh, that's not a good idea. See, you'd have to get to New Sheoth Palace, which is on the other side of the gate, which is guarded by the Gatekeeper, who you'd have to be a madman to try to fight.

Talym

Perhaps I am a madman.

Cyriel

Ha ha, lot of those around here. If you're determined to try, check the Garden of Swords. Maybe there's a weapon there that can fight that thing. Right over there.

Talym

I think I see it.

Cyriel

Welp, gotta run! Been real nice talking to you, don't follow me!

Talym

Thanks for your - - hey, where's my purse?!

From here, the player may choose to go to the Garden of Swords or the Gates of Madness. I have arranged the chapters in a way that reads best to me.

Episode 1

Gates of Madness

Talym

First, the player heads straight for the Gates of Madness. There, Talym encounters the Gatekeeper, a hulnking construct of stitched flesh.

Gatekeeper

(Challenging roar of the Gatekeeper.)

Talym

That thing looks tough. Not sure I'm prepared for this fight, but here goes nothing…

Unfortunatelly, the fight proves too difficult, and Talym is forced to turn back.

Garden of Swords

The Gardener

Away you! This is my garden, you hear me? Mine!

Talym

The player defeats the Gardener.

The Gardener

Stop it, stop it! You're wrecking the garden!

Talym

I need a weapon that can kill the Gatekeeper. Give it to me, and I'll leave.

The Gardener

It pains me to harvest it but… here. I used the body of the last Gatekeeper to fertilize the ground where this axe grew. Now get out of here! And stay on the path!

Talym

Armed with the Gardener's axe, Talym heads back to have another go at the Gatekeeper.

Garden of Swords

Talym

That thing's huge! Hope the Gardener was right about this axe.

This time, Talym defeats the beast.

Cyriel

You killed it! Fantastic! I've always wanted to see the other side of the gates! Good luck, pal. See you around!

New Sheoth Palace

Haskill

I must beg your pardon, but the Lord Sheogorath will not see you. He said you were, and I quote, 'Boring, boring, boring, boo hoo, my poor son, get over yourself. No wait, get under yourself, that would be funny."

I suggest you try to be more entertaining. Perhaps someone needs your heroic services? The Isles are full of exciting ways for a foolhardy adventurer to amuse my lord.

Talym

The player heads out into the Shivering Isles, hoping to find contests that will entertain the Lord of Madness and get his attention. First, Talym heads to No-Rat Camp.

No-Rat Camp

Cyriel

Help! Help! Hey, mister, please, I need to get out of here!

Talym

Well, look who it is. Still have my purse, thief?

Cyriel

You're not still mad about that are you? Of course you're not. Look, I'll give it back if you just help me okay? I was robbing this giant camp when these boulders fell and trapped my leg. Please, the giant could be back any minute!

Talym

What kind of giant?

Cyriel

The big kind! Weird one, too. They say he's afraid of rats. Probably why he calls this 'No-Rat Camp' come to think of it.

Nervous Giant

(Roars.) I smell elves in my camp! Prepare to die, elves!

Talym

Cyriel runs away, but Talym must fight the giant. After defeating him, Talym turns his attention back to the thief.

All right, he's running off. You're safe now, thief. Thief? Oh for the love of Vehk, she's run off! Great…

(Sigh.) Well, on the bright side, I'm sure Sheogorath found this highly amusing.

Next, Talym chooses to head to Notehollow.

Notehollow

Luzrah gro-Shar

LA dah dee dah DAH! No, no, no. Maybe it's La dee dee DAH! GAAAAH, that's not it either! Why?!

Talym

What's wrong?

Luzrah gro-Shar

Can't you hear it? The song … playing in my head. I can't recreate it!

(A tune plays. It is five notes long, with the five notes being comprised of just three distinct notes.)

Talym

By the gods, I think I can hear it! It's coming out of that cave.

Luzrah gro-Shar

Yes, I've ventured inside. There are strange Grummites there that I can tell hold the notes… but I can't make them play the song! It's driving me mad not being able to hear it out loud. Please stranger, please: Make them play the song!

Talym

Talym heads inside the cave. Inside the cave, he must fight a Grummite Savage.

It's uncanny. It's as though something in this cave is creating the song in my mind.

Talym realizes that killing the Grummite's fellows leads them to make notes that sound like the song Luzrah is obsessed with. He kills a red grummite, a blue one, and finally a yellow one, producing the nescesary notes.

Luzrah gro-Shar

That's it! You've done it! Let's get out of here.

It's like a fog is clearing from my mind. This cave must be some kind of cruel joke of Sheogorath's, designed to draw in musical souls like us. I'm in your debt, stranger.

Talym

Call me Talym.

Luzrah gro-Shar

Luzrah gro-Shar, bard extraordinaire, at your service. I've been wandering the isles trying to learn their lore and songs. If you ever need knowledge, companionship, or a jaunty tune, never hesistate to call on me!

A Man Divided

Talym

Only one location remained marked on the map. Talym headed there, and, upon arrival, found an Altmer named knight Rayvat.

Rayvat

You there! You look like a formidable fellow. I need your help. There's a pesky knight, who's been following me around constantly! Every waking hour, it seems! I can't see him, can't ever find him -- but just I know he's there. Find him and beat him bloody for me, will you?

Talym

Talym looks around, and sees an Altmer Mage nearby.

The Other Half

Talym

You… you wouldn't happen to be following around a mage named Rayvat, are you?

Tavyar

What?! That worm? No, he's the one who's constantly following ME around! If only I could find him, I'd run him through!

Talym

You, uh… You look a lot like him, you know that? A whole lot.

Tavyar

Nonsense! That weakling and I are nothing alike. Say, you wouldn't be willing to sort him out for me, would you? Believe me, he deserves it.

Talym

Talym can either choose to fight the Knight (Tavyar) or the Mage (Rayvat )... or just tell them that they're the same person.

(Select "Fight Knight")

Talym

No, I promised Rayvat I'd sort you out. And a deal's a deal I suppose.

(Select "Fight Mage")

Talym

(Sigh.) Sure. I'll sort out 'Rayvat.' Tell you what, why don't you go around the corner and I'm sure he'll turn up.

(Select "You know...")

Talym

You do realize you're the same person, right?

Tavyar/Rayvat

What? No, that's ridiculous! Although… it would explain… Oh. Oh god. No. No, it can't be true! How dare you, you insolent, you… you pathetic coward? I'll blast you to pieces!

Talym

The Dunmer defeats the knight-mage, and decides to head back to New Sheoth Palace.

Something tells me I'm not going to get paid for this job. (Sigh.) Well, hopefully Sheogorath at least enjoyed the show.

Haskill

Well done, sir, My lord has been much diverted by your violent and musical antics. I myself had a most raucous chuckle. Sheogorath will see you now.

Together, the two of them return to the palace, where the Prince of Madness is waiting.

Sheogorath

a want me to do WHAT?! I'm the Daedric Prince of Madness! I don't make people sane! I'd have to be crazy to do that! And I am crazy. So I'll do it!

But here's the bargain, mortal...

You want me to make one person sane? You've got to bring three people around to my side of the coin. Y'understand?

Three lovely broken minds for one boring whole one. That's fair isn't it? Given that you're desperate and I'm mean.

Talym

You have a deal.

Sheogorath

Wonderful! I promise, It'll be the most fun you've ever had. Scratch that: It'll be the most fun I ever had, heh! But I'll have enough for both of us!

Episode 2

Sheogorath

Your first victim is a crusty old assassin named Zhanar. This cat has killed enough people to buy a fortress, and would ye believe, he doesn't so much as lose sleep over it? Never hears the phantom whispers of his victims? Hasn't once huddled in the darkness to escape the staring eyes of the dead? Terribly rude if ye ask me.

There's got to be a hint of mind shattering terror in there -- and you're going to find it! Give him a good and proper haunting for me. Oh, and I brought you some friends to help! I promised them riches, cheese, and that I wouldn't dismember them.

Luzrah gro-Shar

Suur-prise! Luzrah's here to heeeeelp!

Cyriel

Uh...Hi. No hard feelings about that purse thing right? Of course not, you're not the type for hard feelings, right? Right.

Sheogorath

I told you this would be fun!

Fortress Catacombs

Cyriel

Look, I found a way into the fortress catacombs.

Talym

Hmm. Sheogorath wants a "proper haunting." Maybe we can start by making a little noise.

Inside the catacombs, Talym fights a variety of Catacomb Creatures. He makes noise by copying the summons of the creatures, and eventually defeats them.

Fortress Guard

Zhanar, did... did you hear that racket last night? It was as if the walls of the fortress were shaking, but we couldn't find anyone inside.

Zhanar Tabav

It is surely nothing. But make sure you lock the doors tonight, if it makes you feel better.

Trophy Room

Luzrah gro-Shar

I've heard tales of this Zhanar -- he's killed some pretty renowned heroes. The Red Avenger, the Hero of Dawn, the list goes on. He's said to keep their weapons in his trophy room.

Talym

Is that so? Cyriel, if you can get me past the locks, I have an idea.

The gang infliltrates the trophy room, but Talym has to defeat Fortress Guards before they can take the trophies. Once the guards are dead, Talym and the crew sneak back out.

Fortress Guard

Zhanar! Some of the guards were found dead in the trophy room... and there was blood on the blade of the trophies! It's … it's almost as if the ghosts of your enemies took up their weapons against us.

Zhanar Tabav

After all these years, you think these spirits would suddenly bother Zhanar? No, we have some unseen enemy. Double the guard.

Cyriel

Those guards might be a problem.

Talym

Or an opportunity. Luzrah, tell me more about these heroes Zhanar killed.

Talym learns more about the heroes, and dresses up as them to further terrify the guards.

Fortress Ramparts

Fortress Guard

Halt! Who goes there?

Talym

I am the fire in the darkness, the blade of the morning, the protector of the weak.

Fortress Guard

It can't be. But that helm, that axe -- It must be! It's the hero of dawn, Benor Redoran!

Talym

Talym defeats the guards while dressed in the hero's relics.

Fortress Guard

I swear lord Zhanar, there's no question. It was the hero of dawn! Benor Redoran is reborn, and out for vengeance!

Zhanar Tabav

I will hear no more of this nonsense! This "hero" was only a man, and Zhanar killed him long ago! Zhanar fears no spirits, you hear? None!

Fortress Hallway

Fortress Guard

What's that noise? By... by the gods. That mask -- it looks just like the one worn by the Red Avenger, Renthos Hlaalu!

Talym

Again, Talym defeats the guard while pretending to be the dead hero.

Fortress Guard

Zhanar, Zhanar, I saw it with my own eyes -- I was attacked by the Red Avenger!

Zhanar Tabav

Rhenthos Hlaalu is dead. This one killed him, remember? And when Zhanar kills someone, they stay dead!

Necrom Graveyard

While the guards were terrified, their master was still not scared. It was time for something more radical.

Talym

We've done all we can short of showing Zhanar an actual ghost.

Haskill

Then might I suggest showing him some? My lord sent me to bring you this. It's a special soul gem able to trap and release restless spirits. Its existance is also quite offensive to them, so I dare say some should be along any minute.

Talym

He heads into the catacombs, defeating and trapping various Graveyard Spirits.

The gem is full. Let's give Zhanar a taste of what's inside.

Fortress Personal Chambers

Zhanar Tabav

These cowardly simpletons. Ghosts. Pfah. Perhaps spirits roam this world, but if they were vengeful, would they not have haunted Zhanar long ago? Or the tyrants and monsters of history far worse than Zhanar?

No. Death frees one of mortal concerns. Of vengeance, anger, and guilt. Zhanar has freed many, and someday... He will be freed in turn.

(A creaking floorboard, the moan of a ghost.) What is that? Who's there? No. No, it can't be! It cannot be!

Talym

Talym proceeds to fight Zhanar's guards. He uses the haunted amulet to unleash ghosts and scare away the waves of guards.

Zhanar Tabav

Come back here you cowards! That's not a real ghost! It... it can't be!

Cravens, all of you! Zhanar fears no mindless spirits!

Talym

Eventually, all the guards flee or are defeated, leaving just Zhanar.

Zhanar Tabav

It is true. After all these years, they have come for Zhanar! They wish to torment this one for all eternity! I must flee!

Talym

Zhanar Fled into the night, but there was no escape. Seeing our ghosts had broken the assassin, who would live out his days in fear of his long-dead victims. I almost pitied the old killer, but I was one step closer to curing Novos.

Episode 3

Sheogorath

Good work, mortal! I haven't laughed that hard since I made king Euryl marry a cabbage! Don't worry, it was a really pretty cabbage.

Your next nut to crack is one Baron Navir. Spoiled, arrogant little mortal, who's had everything handed to him -- money, power, fishsticks, several large rocks, you name it. But I think he craves even more.

Play on his ego. Play on his imagination. Play on his drums, I hear he hates that. Scramble his brains up good, and you'll be one step closer to curing your pathetic kid.

Baron's Palace

Baron Navir

What do you want, peasant? I've a busy day of lounging about ahead of me.

Talym

My lord, I have made pilgrimage to bear witness to your mystical powers. For lo, I have seen the stars that you are the prince of prophecy.

Baron Navir

What nonsense is this? I have land, title, and wealth, but mystic powers? I'm no mage. Go bother the Telvanni.

Talym

The Telvanni's might comes from books my lord. Yours is far greater. See for yourself. Make three decrees and watch as they come true.

Baron Navir

Ha! What foolishness! Very well. I decree that the Kwama in my mines shall begin laying eggs of gold. That my rival Meliel's lands shall be ravaged by his own peaceful netches. And that... oh, let's say that there is a terrible blizzard in this summer heat. There, is that enough nonsense for you, peasant?

Talym

We shall see, my lord. We shall see.

Talym must now make these "miracles" happen. He starts with making the Kwama lay gold eggs.

Kwama Mine

Cyriel

How are we supposed to make these Kwama lay golden eggs?

Luzrah Gro-Shar

Oh, that's easy. Did I ever tell you I used to be a painter?

The gang sneak inside the mine, defeat the Kwama guarding it, and paint an egg gold. Then, they sneak back out.

Talym

My lord, see what was found at your egg mine this morning.

Baron Navir

What? Golden eggs? That's impossible, but... if Meliel found out, he might raid my lands. Tell no one about this, you understand?

Talym

Of course, my lord.

Next, they choose to make it snow in the summer. To do that, they head to a nearby Telvanni tower.

Mushroom Tower

Luzrah Gro-Shar

What are we doing at this Telvanni mushroom tower?

Talym

Hopefully making it snow. Word is the mages here have a magical amplifier high in this tower. With it, we should be able to cast a blizzard spell over the Baron's lands.

Cyriel

And you think they'll just let us waltz in and use it?

Talym

No... that's going to be the hard part.

Inside the tower, Talym and the crew defeat a Telvanni Mage. With him gone, they can use the magical amplifier to make it snow.

Baron Navir

By... by the g-g-gods! Snow! It's actually snow! I-i-in hottest summer! Perhaps this was not my w-w-wisest wish. But still! Snow!

Meliel's Farm

Finally, the gang heads to the land of the Baron's rival to make his netches hostile.

Cyriel

Those giant things are tame? They look like monsters.

Luzrah Gro-Shar

Oh, netches are the gentlest creatures you'll ever meet.

Talym

Usually. My neighbor is a netch farmer. Said that when a Betty is afraid, she'll secrete an oil that drives the bulls mad. So we just need to spread some of the oil around Meliel's lands.

Talym defeats the Netch Herder and murders several Betty netches to enrage the Bulls.

Baron Navir

What's this? Meliel's netches are attacking his farmers? It's just as I decreed!

Can it be? The blizzard, the eggs, the netches -- all just as I decreed! How is this possible?! Perhaps I do indeed have powers! Perhaps I am indeed the Prince of Prophecy!

I shall go demonstrate these powers in Meliel's lands!

Luzrah Gro-Shar

Uh Oh. We better go follow him.

Meliel's Garrison

Baron Navir

I hearby declare these lands mine by right of conquest. Let any who would oppose me taste my mystical might!

Talym

I guess I'm providing the mystical might...

Baron Navir and Meliel fight. Talyn protects the Baron and defeats his rival.

Baron Navir

None may hurt the prince of prophecy!

Hahahaha! Behold my power.

Talym

Talym defeats Meliel, and the Baron is ecstatic.

Baron Navir

BWAHAHA! YOU SEE! That peasant spoke true! I AM the prince of prophecy! I can do ANYTHING! I know -- next I shall fly! I've always wanted to fly.

Luzrah Gro-Shar

Wait, NO!

Talym

It had been almost fun deceiving the Baron, inflating his already massive ego, until he hurled himself from a cliff, believing he could fly. Luzrah was horrified, and said she would no longer do Sheogorath's bidding. But I couldn't stop. I was only one mind away from curing Novos.

Episode 4

Sheogorath

I've saved your best victim for last! It's the Imperial spymaster Porcia Loran -- oh your old boss, if I'm not mistaken. And I'm usually taken correctly. She's currently attached to an Imperial phalanx that's preparing for battle against a pesky clan of Reachmen invaders.

Talym

No. Porcia is a good person. She doesn't deserve --

Sheogorath

Deserve what? A little insanity? Take it from me, insanity's more fun than popping pimples with a hammer! You really ought to try it some time.

But the choice is yours! You can go back to your poor, crazy son and forget all of this ever happened. Little Novos will never know you could have saved him.

Talym

You know I won't do that. Just… just tell me what you want me to do.

Sheogorath

Only what you do best, Tally-boy! Get snuggled up nice and close to your target, and then ruin them. The Reachmen are holed up in that Dwemer ruin there. I'm sure you can figure it out from here.

Oh, and I've just decided: You've got three days to do the job, or the deal's off. Chop chop!

Druadach Pass

Cyriel

So what's the plan?

Talym

Porcia's whole life is her work. So if she's trying to get intelligence from the Reachmen, so are we. And as luck would have it, I see one of their couriers coming now.

Talyn and the gang ambush and defeat the Doomfang Courier, and take his information.

Cyriel

This letter -- if I'm reading this right, the Reachmen have created a deadly poison gas! They're going to send it into battle on the back of some of those Dwemer machines. Talym, we've got to tell the Imperials about this.

Talym

No, our target is Porcia. We've got to make sure she fails. We'll plant false intelligence, maybe something about a false antidote. I believe I once heard about a sacred flower growing nearby...

Cyriel

You can't be serious! That entire army could die!

Talym

And? We don't have time to find the perfect plan -- Sheogorath saw to that with his little 24-hour whim. And I would sacrifice a hundred armies -- a thousand! -- to save my son. Do you understand me?

Cyriel

Yeah. I understand. But I won't be a part of it, no matter what Sheogorath promised or threatened. Goodbye, Talym. Here's your stupid coin purse back.

Bthardamz

Talym

If I know Porcia, she could be here any minute. I need to get in, plant the false intel, and get out before she arrives.

Inside the ruin, Talym defeats the Bthardamz Defenses, which are a variety of Dwemeri constructs. He then plants the false info.

Made it just in time. There goes Porcia...

Reachman

I know I heard some traps going off over here... Look, there, an intruder.

Porcia

Too many of them to fight. Why were they on such high alert?

Talym

Nchow, they've captured her! Time to play hero, for once.

Talym attacks the Reachmen.

Porcia

Talym Rend! What are you doing here?

Talym

Heard you might be in trouble. Hang on, I'll get you out of here.

He defeats the reachmen and frees Porcia.

Porcia

I didn't think I'd ever see you again after... what happened. I'm so sorry about Novos.

Talym

It's... it's not your fault. Now what do we know about the Reachman threat?

Porcia

I found this message inside. It says they plan to attack the Shrine of Mara, because the sacred flowers growing there represent the only cure for a poison gas their warleader has devised.

Talym

Sound like we better get there first.

The two of them head for the grove.

Grove of Mara

Priestess of Mara

Absolutely not. Our order has guarded this grove for generations. We will not allow its sacred flowers to be used for war.

Porcia

The Doomfang clan is coming here to kill you and burn the grove!

Priestess of Mara

Then we will die. Better that than to surrender the flowers.

Talym

We'll have to find another way then.

Porcia

No, these people are dead either way -- and those flowers mean life for our troops.

Talym

Porcia, you don't want this on your conscience.

Porcia

For the Empire, I will bear the guilt. We attack. And may the gods forgive us.

Porcia and Talym fight and slay the Priests of Mara.

Divine mother, forgive me.

Talym

You did what you have to do. Let's collect the flowers and go.

They take the flowers back to the Dwemer ruin.

Bthardamz Secret Passage

Porcia

Our alchemists have managed to refine the flowers into a gas that, if our intelligence is accurate, should negate the poison. But we don't have much of it. We have to contain the situation.

Talym

There's a secret passageway that will allow us to attack the ruin. I think it's the only way to move our troops in, but I'd bet they know about it.

Porcia

Then it's settled. You and I will guide the troops into the passage. My guess is that they'll wait until we've committed the bulk of our forces to release the poison. and that's when we'll deploy the antidote.

Talym

And if the antidote doesn't work?

Porcia

My intelligence was sound. It will work. It has to.

Talym

Let's go then.

They attack the Reachmen. When their chieftain was overwhelmed, he released the poison gas.

Porcia

They've released the poison. Quickly, use the antidote!

They're reacting but... Something's wrong. No! Get down!

Instead of neutralizing the gas, the "antidote" instead explodes, injuring Reachmen and Imperials alike.


Talym

The explosion and the gas conspired to kill most of the Reachmen, along with the Imperials. Technically, her mission was a success.

But witnessing such a massacre, with the murder of the priests weighing so heavily on her soul, was too much for Porcia to bear.

I hear she did not speak after that day, afraid to utter another command, or to share another secret, that might hurt someone.

Talym

She was, in other words, a better person than I. After all, I was the true architect of the atrocity.

I hadn't been sure the flowers would react violently with the poison... but had known they would not cure it.

Talym

Yet as I journeyed home, my guilt was a whisper, next to the expectant joy of seeing my son whole again.

Talym

Imagine then my horror, when I found my house empty. I ran to a neighbor, desperate for anyone who could tell me about my son.

Neighbor

Talym, what are you saying? Novos is dead. He's been dead for more than a year. Don't you remember?

We buried him... together.

Episode 5

Nagh

Wait, Nagh is confused. So the boy Talym was trying to save... was dead the whole time? And Talym didn't know? But he buried him -- so he must have known! And if he knew... why do these things he did?

Kellen

These are exactly the questions Talym wanted answers to. He returned to the Shivering Isles to seek them.

Talym

I don't know what trick the mad god played on me. But he will answer for it.

New Sheoth Palace

Golden Saint

Halt! our lord does not wish to see you, Talym Rend. You are not welcome in New Sheoth.

Talym

You think you can stop me?!

Talym

Be careful -- the madness is coming over him!

Talym fights the Daedra, eventually defeating them.

SHEOGORATH! I'm coming for you! I'm... no. No the doors... the doors have turned to walls. There's no way in. NO. I need answers. You OWE me answers! SHEOGORATH!

Kellen

It was at that point, wracked by despair, that Talym Rend truly began to fall into madness.

Flooded Camp

Talym

When... when did I get here? Here's as good as anywhere, isn't it? This is his plane! He must be everywhere! And probably nowhere too! Let's check under this rock. SHEOGORATH! YOU IN THERE?!

Mudcrab Merchant

Why... why don't ya keep it down pal? Shome of ush are tryn' ta sleep.

Talym

A ha! One of your foul creations, eh? Die, abomination!

He fights and kills the poor creature.

Haha! your monsters are no match for me, Mad God! You hear me!

Darkened Grove

Talym

Got to... got to remember why I', here. Where here is. Whoever I am. I'm... Vivec! No that's not right. Maybe I'm a Baron? No, I know! I'm--

Gnarl

Novos Rend?

Talym

A talking tree! Another of Sheogorath's tricks! Die, tree!

He battles the Gnarl Elder and defeats it.

That'll teach trees to mess with... whoever I am.

Circus of Cheerful Slaughter

Talym

Why am I alive, anyway? I suppose it's easier than being dead, seeing as I'm already doing it.

Grummite

You could try the alternative.

Talym

No, I don't think so. Not today. Not today Sheogorath!

Talyn and the Grummite fight. Something seems off about the creature, though, and when he is defeated Talym realizes what.

Grummite Savage

(Weakly sings the song from the Notehollow mission)

Talym

Luzrah?! Luzrah, are you okay?!

Luzrah Gro-Shar

I'll be all right. I... saw you down by the river, fighting a crab, attacking a tree. I approached, and it was like you didn't recognize me at all. What happened to you?

Talym

I... didn't mean to hurt you I... my mind is so jumbled. I can't keep anything straight. Maybe I don't want to.

Luzrah Gro-Shar

Well if you do, I think I know a way to help.

The Descent

Luzrah Gro-Shar

This won't be pleasant. I'm going to play you an ancient song of great power. It will send you inside yourself, to face your darkest fears. If you're not strong enough, you may never come out.

Talym

Do it. All I have to lose is my mind.

As the song plays, Talym is forced to fight a Worm Cultist. When the cultist is defeated, Talym snaps out of the trance.

Luzrah Gro-Shar

You're awake! You shook horribly there for a while. But I kept playing.

Talym

Thank you. My mind is still... clouded. But I know what I have to do; Force Sheogorath to see me, to tell me the truth about whatever he did to my mind. There must be someone or something that can compel him.

Luzrah Gro-Shar

I've heard a legend that Sheogorath keeps a powerful warrior trapped in a cave in Knifepoint Hollow. Maybe he's just torturing him, but some believe that he fears him.

Knifepoint Hollow

Luzrah Gro-Shar

Monsters! They must be guarding Sheogorath's prisoner. Be careful in there!?

Talym faces a Mazken Turnkey and her fellow Daedra. After he defeats her, he frees the prisoner.

Dyus

Ah. You're here. Yes. I knew you'd show up. Dyus of Mytheria knows most things.

Talym

You're... not what I was expecting. I was looking for a warrior?

Dyus

No. You were looking for leverage over Sheogorath. And this old librarian can provide.

Episode 6

Dyus

Once, long ago, the one you know as Sheogorath walked the earth as Jyggalag, the Daedric Prince of Order. I was his librarian, the keeper of his endless records.

Dyus

The other daedric princes feared his power, so they conspired to transform him into that which he hated most: The essence of chaos itself.

Dyus

Sheogorath has suppressed his memories of Jyggalag, and destroyed almost all trace of him, save for two: Myself, and the Sword of Jyggalag, which is... lost to him.

I suspect I know where the sword is. Find it, and Sheogorath will see you, Though whether to thank you or kill you, even I cannot predict.

Obelisk of Order

Luzrah Gro-Shar

This is the place Dyus sent told us about. What is that thing?

Talym

Maybe some last remnant of Jyggalag? Whatever it is, it's in my way.

Talym approaches the obelisk and is attacked by a Knight of Order. He defeats the hulking creature.

There it is -- the sword! Now I can face Sheogorath.

Luzrah Gro-Shar

I get the feeling this is the sort of thing you have to do alone.

Talym

Considering I'll probably die anyway? Seems best. Thank you again Luzrah. I didn't deserve you help after...

Luzrah Gro-Shar

Forget it. I owed you one. Good luck Talym.

The Final Battle

Sheogorath

So! You're back! You've got some old sword and you think that entitles you to... what? A back rub? Some cheese?

Talym

To a reckoning! You tricked me! Manipulated my mind! Made me think my son was alive!

Sheogorath

And you're welcome! You're the one who came to me. All boo hoo, and out of yer wee mortal mind. You couldn't live with your memories then, but now, oh now y'want 'em back?

Talym

The things you made me do.

Sheogorath

That was the price, Taly-boy. The price for making you forget. So I put a wee little fib in your mind about what's-his-name to motivate ya. So what?!

Talym

Novos. His name was Novos!

Sheogorath

Yeah, him! Look, you want your memories back so bad? I'm all too happy to give 'em back to ya! But I don't think you'll survive it.

Talym

The two of them fight. Just as Talym thinks he's won, he is overtaken with memories.

Sheogorath

Here, a trip down memory lane!

Imperial Training

The fabric of reality tied in knots, time crumbling to pieces. A day... a fateful day... from long ago...

Porcia

Talym, you're our best spy, but you're not ready to go back into the field. Go home, see your son.

Talym

The Worm Cult killed my partner. I'm ready to take them down. Set up the training exercise, I'll prove it.

Porcia

Okay. You Win. I'll find someone to watch Novos while you're gone.

Porcia and Talym fight. When he wins, Sheogorath again pulls him into the present.

The Final Battle Pt.2

What was and what has been. A whisper, a thought... only a memory.

Talym

Back in the present, Talym is still fighting Sheogorath.

I left him alone. I didn't realize how precious that time was.

Sheogorath

Oh, I'm sure ya had good reasons! You've always got good reasons!

How rude of me -- I forgot! I promised you more memories, didn't I? Well, here you go!

Worm Cult Initiation

Space rips itself apart, light and darkness and both at once. Another time... another moment... from long ago...

Worm Cult

You seek to join the Worm Cult, to worship our dread lord? Very well. Here is your first test, a trial of cunning.

Talym

He beats the Cult's trial.

Worm Cult

Well done. But another trial yet awaits.

The Final Battle Pt.3

What was and what has been. A haze, a dream... only a memory.

Talym and Sheogorath are still battling. Again, Talym thinks that he has the god beat, only for him to be thrown back into the past.

Sheogorath

I've one more memory for you -- and it's a doozy!

The Tragedy

Truth.

Worm Cult

There is one last test, Initiate. The trial of ruthlessness.

Talym Rend

Novos?!

Novos

Dad?

Worm Cult

Death is our home and our strength. Slay him. Prove you are one of us.

(If you choose to kill Novos)

Talym Rend

I'm sorry son. I am so, so sorry.

Worm Cult

The king of worms be praised! Welcome to the Worm Cult, brother!

(If you refuse to kill Novos)

Talym Rend

No! I refuse!

Worm Cult

How disappointing.

The Worm Cultist kills Novos in your stead.

Talym Rend

NOOOOO!

Final Battle Pt.4

What was and what has been. A shadow, a nightmare... only a memory.

Talym

Novos. My Son.

Sheogorath

Oh. Very sad isn't it. So very, very sad. You know, I think it's even more fun watching your mind break the second time around. Or is it the third now?

Talym

No. I took that easy path once. Chose to forget, to run from what I'd done. And you used me.

Not this time. This time I live with the pain. Let's see if you can do the same!

The two of them fight for the final time. This time however, Talym uses the Memory Wand on Sheogorath to remind him of his past as Jyggalag.

Sheogorath

What is this? Who's this "Prince of Order" loser? That's not... that's not me is it?

I can't ever have been that boring! This is making me skin crawl.

That's not me! Stop it! Cut it out! You lose!

Give up, go home!

Uncle! Uncle! Father, Brother, Second Cousin, Just stop making me Remember!

Talym

Unable to withstand his own terrible memories, Sheogorath relented. He restored my memories, and lifted the cloud of madness from my mind. I also made him promise to leave Luzrah and Cyriel in peace.


In exchange, I promised to leave the Isles forever. I returned home now to nurse my grief, and perhaps, in time, to plot my revenge on the Cult of the Worm. My warning to you, then, is this:

There will always be a devil seeking a bargain, promising to take away your pains. Do not trust them. The past may be the heaviest burden, but it is our burden to bear.

Nagh

Does Kellen not have any happy tales?

Kellen

A few. But as the story reminds us, we must remember the darkest tales as well.