Player
The Blade had fought their share of undead all around town, and thus was rather skeptical about finding a fast and easy answer. They decided to go around and ask everyone in town for their best haunted dungeon rumors.
Constantia Galena
You look concerned... what's on your mind?
Player
I'm trying to figure out where the undead are coming from.
Constantia Galena
Have you checked out Hangman's Wood? It's rumored to be haunted.
Anyway, if I was trying to find the undead, that'd be the first place I'd look.
Guthrum of the Isles
I heard you are asking about Undead sightings.
Player
Do you know anything about it?
Guthrum of the Isles
Death is the natural order of things. Those who choose undeath are placing themselves outside of the Divines' light.
Arkay, Lord of the Wheel of Life, stands against these abominations. Perhaps if you pray to him you'll find what you seek.
I offer you the wisdom of the Eight.
Player
Wasn't it the Nine?
Guthrum of the Isles
The worship of Talos is now forbidden, leaving on the Eight true gods.
But I do not judge those who still *privately* count him as one of the Nine.
Wanum
Can I help you with anything, dryskin?
Player
Heard anything about undead sightings in the region?
Wanum
You mean apart from the attacks on our stronghold? Hmmm, let me think...
Fort Cassynder has been considered haunted for as long as I can remember it. Maybe you should try there.
Sirfing
Ask that Dunmer traveling merchant next time he's in town. I'm certain he'll have the information you need.
Player
That sounded promising, and the merchant happened to be in town, so that's where the Blade headed next.
Arven Dalas
Greetings, valuable customer! I bring you wares from across Tamriel.
As an archeologist, I often stumble across priceless ancient relics.
Would you like to see them? They could be yours... for a price.
| Player I thought you said they were priceless? Arven Dalas Well, a mer has to make a living, doesn't he? | Player Archeologist? Don't you mean grave robber? Arven Dalas Potayto, potahto. |
Arven Dalas
So? Interested?
Player
Maybe later.
What do you know about the attack on this town?
Arven Dalas
Rumor has it the Bloodfall Queen razed the place as a penalty for not paying taxes on time.
I'm sure other towns in the area will hurry up to pay what they owe!
Too bad about the statue, though. it's been here for ages.
Player
Where do your travels take you?
Arven Dalas
Mostly to Morrowind and back, though now that the Great War's over I may travel further west.
War may be good business for some, but not for me.
Player
Since the traveling merchant had nothing to say about the undead at this time, the Blade continued with the regular townfolk.
Sorine Vien
Maybe those Thalmor have heard something? They have ears everywhere.
Varro Matius
Well, my cousin Nazarius did say something about scared half to death by walking skeletons.
He was checking out an Ironwood patch near the Howling Caves.
Player
The rest of the townsfolk had nothing new to say, so the Blade decided that those four locations were their best bet.
The Missing Scroll
Player
Before exploring all those locations, the Blade decided to try to get the Elder Scroll from the Bloodfall Queen. Once again, they had to fight their way through a bevy of undead, this time accompanied by necromancers.
None of that stopped them however, and they soon arrived back at the Queen's castle.
Urzoga Gra-Batul
Ah, my favorite new subject. Did you run into more undead on your way here?
| Player Worse than that: necromancers. Urzoga Gra-Batul Death mages have been outlawed for centuries! I will not tolerate their presence in my realm now. | Player I'm not your subject. Urzoga Gra-Batul As a citizen of my realm, you are my subject whether you like it or not. |
Player
They're after the scroll your men took.
Urzoga Gra-Batul
The scroll that was inside of that statue? So, there really *was* something special about it, then?
Unfortunately someone stole it from us. What's so special about it?
Player
We believe it's an Elder Scroll.
Urzoga Gra-Batul
An Elder Scroll? Are you sure?
I wish you had told me before our mage left yesterday to go after the thieves. I haven't heard from him since, and now fear the worst.
These necromancers must be responsible for the recent plague of undead. Could they use this scroll to cause even more mayhem?
Player
There's no telling what they could do with it.
Urzoga Gra-Batul
I'll send word for you if my mage comes back with any information. Thank you for your services, [Player Name].
Player
The Blade made it back to town to report what had happened to Saashi.
Saashi
You have returned! So? How did it go?
| Player Someone stole the Scroll from them. Saashi Hmm. Saashi assumed as much. | Player We were attacked by necromancers. Saashi Well, now it is known where the undead are coming from. |
Saashi
It is safe to assume the Sorcerer-King has the scroll, or will have it soon.
We need to find the Lich's lair and do some reconnaissance around it.
The Lair of the Sorcerer-King
Player
The Blade now had four likely locations for the lich's lair: Hangman's Wood, the Ayleid ruins of Niryastare, the Howling Caves, and Fort Cassynder. After telling Saashi about each one, they chose to begin exploring.
Hangman's Wood seemed like a good place to start. But it proved a dead end, with tons of wolves, trolls, and spriggans, but no ancient Ayleid liches. They returned to town to tell Saashi about their failure.
Saashi
Did you find the Lich in Hangman's Wood?
Player
No, just spriggans and trolls.
Saashi
Perhaps this will not be as easy as Saashi thought...
Player
Fort Cassynder was the next stop. Inside the Blade found tons of mercenaries apparently turned bandit, but once again no undead.
Saashi
How did it go at Fort Cassynder?
Player
The Lich wasn't there.
Saashi
Saashi supposes we will just have to keep looking.
Player
Up next, the Howling Caves. Again, the Blade found nothing of interest.
Saashi
So? Was it the Howling Caves?
Player
No. And they weren't howling.
Saashi
Saashi sometimes wonders how these places come by such names.
Player
Finally, the player explored the ruins of Niryastare. Although they were Ayleid just like the Lich, the lich was not inside.
Saashi
Was there anything in the ruins of Niryastare?
Player
Some undead, but no Liches.
Saashi
Just our luck...
Ah, but this reminds me. The traveling Dunmer merchant, Arven Dalas, is back in town.
If anyone knows what is going on in the realm, it is him!
Player
I'll ask him if he's heard about this.
The player headed back to Arven.
What have you heard about undead sightings?
Arven Dalas
I've heard a lot about Drachurst Keep these past few days.
It was rumored to be haunted, but now people are speaking of seeing wights within its walls.
Player
This sounded promising, so the Blade headed back to confer with Saashi.
The traveling merchant says he's heard strange screams coming from Drachurst Keep.
Saashi
He has? We should go! Rather... Saashi means [Player Name] should go.
| Player I'm on my way. | Player I'll get around to it. |
Saashi
Saashi has a good feeling about this one...
Player
The Blade did, too. After a short stroll through the forest they entered Drachurst Keep. It was indeed haunted, which was a good start. At the very end of the castle dungeons, they encountered a powerful Ayleid lich, hovering over a dais with the Elder Scroll.
It took some work, but the Blade finally managed to vanquish him. They retrieved the scroll from the platform and headed back to town.
Saashi
See? Khajiit knew this was the right one!
And you found the Elder Scroll, too! That is amazing!
Saashi must admit, it is tempting to open it and peek inside..
| Player Won't you go blind? Saashi You are probably right... It might be worth it, though. | Player Let's deal with the Sorcerer-King first. Saashi You are right. The secrets of the universe will have to wait. |
Saashi
Now that you have recovered the Elder Scroll, it is only a matter of time before the Sorcerer-King comes to take it back.
| Player It'll take some time before he's ready. | Player What should we do next? |
Saashi
We need to move quickly. This town cannot withstand an undead assault.
Saashi once met someone while traveling... They might know how to use the Elder Scroll against the Sorcerer-King.
You might not be too keen on talking to him, though.
Player
Why is that?
Saashi
Well... he is a dragon. Shulkunaak. This one recognized his name in those runic inscriptions.
Player
You met a dragon?
Saashi
It is a long story. But Saashi promises to tell once this is all over.
This one believes he can help figure it out. If he does not kill you first, that is.
| Player All right, let's go then. Saashi Saashi will start packing. | Player I need to think about it. Saashi This one understands, but... it may be our only hope at this point. |
Facing the Dragon
Player
Together, Saashi and the Blade set out for a cavern where the Dragon was said to reside.
Saashi
The dragon Shulkunaak should be somewhere in this cave complex.
Just please, be respectful when you meet him. This one would be very sad if he ended up eating you.
Player
The cave was populated by a variety of spiders and bears. After defeating them all, the Blade discovered the dragon napping in a large chamber at the cave's end.
Shulkunaak
Who dares disturb my peace? Speak, volaan. Your life hangs in the balance.
Player
I am [Player Name], and I seek your wisdom.
Shulkunaak
You came here alone? That was very brave, or very stupid.
Player
I'm not afraid of you.
Shulkunaak
Stupidity it is, then. If it is death you seek, I will give it to you.
Player
I trust your good judgement with my life.
Shulkunaak
Ahkrin - bravery - may impress your peers. All it will earn you here is a quick death.
Player
I am [Player Name], and I don't fear you!
Shulkunaak
Do you think it wise to provoke me, here in my own lair?
Player
I see no other option for a coward like you.
Shulkunaak
Do not think you can provoke me that easily. But I admire your bravado.
Player
I am told dragons appreciate confidence.
Shulkunaak
Your ahkrin - bravery - has earned my respect. But that will not save your life.
Shulkunaak
But first, tell me. Why did you come all the way here to die?
Player
The Sorcerer-king Celemaril has returned.
Here, the story splits into two parts - one where the Blade speaks to the dragon to get their answers, and another where they must first defeat him in combat. Due to length, they are presented in separate sections.
Talking to the Dragon
Shulkunaak
So the rumors are true. Krosis sul! I hoped this day would never come. You seek my help, then.
Player
You're the only one who can help.
Shulkunaak
Very well. Celemaril must not achieve his goals. The world cannot be destroyed just yet.
Shulkunaak
Know this: the Sorcerer-King is immortal. Simply destroying his physical form will not kill him.
Player
So, he cannot be defeated?
Shulkunaak
You need to bind his spirit first. But that will not be easy to accomplish.
Player
What do we need?
Shulkunaak
Have you already found the Elder Scroll?
Player
We have.
Shulkunaak
The Kel, the Elder Scroll, can affect all possible futures. you must bind the Sorcerer-King to the one where he fails to escape.
You will also need the incantation that was used to bind his spirit in ancient times.
Defeat Celemaril in combat. A pure heard must read the incantation while wearing his lost crown.
Celemaril's ancient crown is another matter. I do not know where it may now be found.
Player
That's it?
Shulkunaak
Yes. That should not be too hard for you, kendov.
Player
Thank you for your help, great Shulkunaak.
Shulkunaak
Do not thank me yet. Now you must prove yourself worthy to face the Sorcerer-King.
Player
It doesn't have to be this way.
Shulkunaak
There is no evading your duty, Blade.
Player
Me, a Blade?!
Player
Is it that obvious?
Shulkunaak
Zu'u ni mey. I did not survive this long without knowing a Blade when I see one.
Have the Blades forgotten their sworn duty as dragonslayers? I assure you, I have not.
Player
I don't care, this is unfair.
Shulkunaak
Fairness is irrelevant. Either you are a [man/woman] of honor, and you fight.
Or you are not honorable, and I kill you.
Now honor your comrades, and fight me! Aav grah!
Player
Very well.
Shulkunaak
I knew you were a [man/woman] of honor. Aav grah!
Player
Not if I kill you first.
Shulkunaak
Aav grah! Let us test ourselves against each other, [Player Name]!
Player
The player and Shulkunaak fight. Though the blade is powerful, the dragon is much more so. Eventually the Blade manages to damage the dragon enough to force a dialog.
Shulkunaak
Enough. You have proven your worth.
Drem wah hi. Go in peace, Blade.
Player
You have my gratitude, and that of my town.
Shulkunaak
None of that will matter until you use it to stop Celemaril. Kfir voth ahkrin.
Fighting the Dragon
Shulkunaak
So the rumors are true. Krosis sul! I hoped this day would never come. You seek my help, then.
Player
Yes, and you'll tell me, or else!
Shulkunaak
You choose death, then. Ol hi hind. So be it.
Player
The player and Shulkunaak fight. Though the blade is powerful, the dragon is much more so. Eventually the Blade manages to damage the dragon enough to force a dialog.
Shulkunaak
You have defeated me. I am gronsezin - honor-bound - to tell you what you need to know.
Player
Tell me what we need to defeat the Sorcerer-king.
Shulkunaak
I will tell you what you need to know.
Shulkunaak
Know this: the Sorcerer-King is immortal. Simply destroying his physical form will not kill him.
Player
So, he cannot be defeated?
Shulkunaak
You need to bind his spirit first. But that will not be easy to accomplish.
Player
What do we need?
Shulkunaak
Have you already found the Elder Scroll?
Player
We have.
Shulkunaak
The Kel, the Elder Scroll, can affect all possible futures. you must bind the Sorcerer-King to the one where he fails to escape.
You will also need the incantation that was used to bind his spirit in ancient times.
Defeat Celemaril in combat. A pure heard must read the incantation while wearing his lost crown.
Celemaril's ancient crown is another matter. I do not know where it may now be found.
Player
That's it?
Shulkunaak
I have told you everything I know. The rest is up to you.
Player
The two paths converge here.
Injured and exhausted, the Blade makes their way back to the cavern entrance and relays the events to Saashi.
Saashi
[Player Name], you have returned!
| Player I have, and I know how to beat the Sorcerer-King. | Player You sound surprised. |
Saashi
Surprised? Of... Of course not. Saashi is simply relieved to see [Player Name] in one piece, and... well, relatively unburnt.
So, how did it go? Did you kill the dragon? How big was he? Did he tell you how to defeat the Sorcerer-King?
Player
Whoa, easy... I'll tell you all on the way back.
Saashi
Yes, apologies. Saashi is excited. Let us return home.
Player
They made their way back to the town without further incident.
Saashi
This one still cannot believe you were able to defeat Shulkunaak.
| Player Now we know how to bind the Sorcerer-King. Saashi You are right, of course. At least now we have a fighting chance. | Player I never thought I'd fight a real dragon. Saashi Sad to think he might be the last of his kind, too. |
Saashi
Also, this one *may* have overheard [Player Name]'s conversation with Shulkunaak...
Player
You did?
Saashi
Saashi will keep your secret safe.
Player
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Saashi
You should go talk to Junius, he wanted to talk to you about rebuilding the founder's statue...
Finding all that is needed to defeat the Sorcerer-King is going to be a challenge.
Saashi does not know where to find the ritual incantation. [Player Name] will have to ask around.
Player
All right, I'll do that.
Saashi
Saashi may know someone who could help with the crown, though. His name is M'jaddah.
He is an expert in ancient Ayleid artifacts. A treasure hunter.
| Player Can we trust him? Saashi If we have coin, he will help us. | Player Where do you know him from? Saashi He is actually a cousin of Saashi's. Twice removed. |
Saashi
This one is unsure of who else could help at this point.
| Player Okay, I'll go see him. | Player Let's wait a bit on that. |
Saashi
Do keep an eye on your valuables while you are there...
