Before you can decide what to do with the whole heap of news about Numidium and the Totem and everything, lady Brisienna, the resident push-you-around, appears on the horizon. She summons you to some tavern in a godforsaken town, and demands - you got it - the Totem!
Qwerty, I'm glad you could meet me here. The Blades and your emperor need you again. You may or may not be aware that the Totem of Tiber Septim has been found. For a brief time Lord Woodborne of Wayrest had it. Where he got it from is still a mystery. The Blades mounted an assault upon Woodborne Hall to retrieve it. Although the Hall fell, many of our number fell with it.
We sacked the Woodborne Hall, but the Totem was gone. I have reason to believe that Gothryd has the Totem. The Blades no longer have the men to mount an assault on Castle Daggerfall. You have shown yourself to be quite adept at getting in and out of these places. Would go into Castle Daggerfall and retrieve the Totem of Tiber Septim?
When you agree, she gives you a more specific direction:
I knew I could count on you Qwerty. The Totem is most likely in the Daggerfall treasury. It is a huge room, quite unmistakable. I am leaving in a couple of days. I shall send word to you where you can meet me after you get the Totem. Should you succeed, the Emperor has instructed me to gift you with an artifact of great power and renown. (Reward artifact)!
Beating castle Daggerfall is rather easy. Barely overcoming the temptation to kill off some of the most annoying inhabitants of the castle, you retrieve the Totem.
Suddenly it turns out that either the Totem has a mind of its own, or you need some mental healer's attention right away. A voice in your head speaks to you:
You are Qwerty. You are my new host. Know this now and resolutely. You are not worthy to carry the Totem of Tiber Septim. Only those of his blood line may carry me. I will give you a year and a day to accomplish this.
OBTW, earlier someone stated that only people of royal blood may possess the Totem. Obviously, the Totem thinks otherwise.
Now imagine for a second how mightily will those NOT of Tiber Septim's lineage be screwed when and if they get the Totem and the Totem gives them this kind of response! "Sorry, King Gothryd, you're no good. Access denied, honey."
Actually not. Obviously, the anonymous "Friend" was right and Totem is just being a bitch. If you give it to someone obviously NOT of Tiber Septim's blood - like Gortwog - it will work just as well. Or maybe Gortwog et al. have a descendant of Tiber Septim at their disposal, just in case.
And guess what, there's already a whole line for the damn thing.
Sentinel wants it:
Qwerty,
You are on a quest to retrieve the Totem of Tiber Septim. Do not deny it. My spies have confirmed this. The Totem is not for commoners, and you cannot use it. Bring the Totem to me and I will pay you 100,000 gold pieces. It is a king's ransom by any measure.
You should be warned, neither Wayrest nor Daggerfall are loyal to the throne. I am the only regent on the Iliac Bay that can be trusted. The others will only use it to destroy me.
Akorithi
Queen of Sentinel
And Wayrest wants it!
Noble Qwerty,
My ears have picked up rumors that you are searching for the Totem of Tiber Septim. I too have hunted for this wondrous artifact for many years. Should you find it, I would pay you a healthy ransom, enough to buy your own ship. I will match or exceed any price that Gothryd or Akorithi might offer. Never forget your real friends.
King Eadwyre,
of Wayrest
Gortwog wants it too!
Qwerty,
You are not orcish. How could you possibly understand what it is like? My people are treated like barbarians. Slaughtered upon sight. Is it so unusual that we respond in kind? Violence begets violence.
I aspire to raise my race from the mire. I will bring them to equal standing with the other races of Tamriel. To do this I must have the Totem of Tiber Septim. I will not insult you by promises that no blood will be shed. I do swear by my crown and by my heirs I shall not attempt to hold sway beyond the borders of Orsinium. My goal is not to conquer Tamriel, but to create the orcish homeland. I am in possession of an artifact that I am sure you would want to possess. It is yours if you but give me the Totem of Tiber Septim.
-- Gortwog, Warlord and King
King of Worms is in the game as well...
Qwerty,
You will soon have the Totem of Tiber Septim in your hands. It is forseen in the stars, and I have read them. Know you this. All of mortal stature are filled with pride and greed. To give the Totem to any of them is to let loose mortal vanity upon this world. They will destroy the very thing they covet.
I have no earthly desires. I have no mortal pride, no petty greed. Only one such as I can wield the Totem safely, for I would take it into the Aetherius and leave behind this earthly shell. So long as the Totem exists, it is a danger to all on Tamriel. Bring me the Totem and I will safeguard the world.
I will not offer you gold or gems. I will offer you what only I can give. Fame. Your reputation throughout Tamriel will soar.
Lord of the Necromancers,
King of the Worms
Underking claims it was his from the very beginning:
Qwerty,
Centuries ago, Tiber Septim ruled the land and forged an empire with great Numidium. The secret of Numidium's power lies in its heart, carried within the Mantella. It is the heart of Tiber Septim's battlemage. It is my heart. It is my Mantella. It is my Totem. It belongs to me, and to none other.
I have won and lost an empire. I have no desire to tamper further with mortal affairs. I have in my possession (another artifact), one of the world's greatest artifacts. You may have it in in exchange for the Totem.
My most loyal agent will await your arrival in (temple) of (city), at (province).
Underking
Lady Brisienna thinks you should play loyal for a minute or two:
Qwerty,
If you are reading this, you must have gotten the Totem and escaped from the dungeons of Castle Daggerfall. I am in (place), of (city) at (province).
Bring the Totem there as soon as possible.-- Lady Brisienna
And needless to say, the ones in charge of Daggerfall would be happy if you gave them the Totem back. But what's the point of stealing it in the first place, then?
And you once again think your work is done. Not so.The unmistakable voice of Nulfaga speaks softly in your head:
I see that the Totem has found its way into the hands of someone with royal blood. I think it is time you paid me another visit here in Shedungent Qwerty. Your work is not yet done.
Next: Mantella
