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Not to be confused with Breda Tharvi.

Breda is a Nord New Life Herald residing in a tent south of Windhelm during the New Life Festival. She is the primary source of information about the festival.

Background

"I'm only a New Life Herald during the Festival. Otherwise, I run a lumber mill."
―Breda[src]

Breda was once a worker of the Knotty Pine Timber Mill. Annually, she would make a pilgrimage to Eastmarch each time the New Life Festival was taking place, yet one time, she was asked to help officiate the Festival, becoming the newest New Life Herald. After she became a Herald, she was met with political opposition from one such Housecarl Mudgeon, saying that "the engagement of so much effort and expense for so much frivolity and hedonistic behavior in a time of such great peril is an affront to the teachings of Jhunal and Stuhn." This opposition was not supported, and the New Life Festival continued being held.[1]

Interactions

The New Life Festival

A scroll has made its way to the Vestige, and they must travel to Eastmarch to meet the New Life Herald, Breda.

Castle Charm Challenge

Travel to Alcaire and perform at three sections of the city.

Fish Boon Feast

Travel to Hissmir and catch three special fish, retrieving them for Gentle-Heart, feeding the residents.

Lava Foot Stomp

Travel to four taverns in Stonefalls and dance in each one while wearing a special pin.

Mud Ball Merriment

Travel to Skywatch and throw mud balls at participants or citizens, and finally the three visiting faction ambassadors.

Signal Fire Sprint

Travel to Bergama, speak to Aubatha and light four braziers within the allotted time limit.

Snow Bear Plunge

Travel to three points within Eastmarch and jump into the freezing waters of the White River.

Stonetooth Bash

Travel to Betnikh's Stonetooth Fortress, speak with Matron Borbuga and retrieve supplies for the concurring feast.

The Trial of Five-Clawed Guile

Travel to Rawl'kha in Reaper's March and participate in the Trial of Five-Clawed Guile, opening three chests containing three tokens, and give them to the Rawl'kha Festival Chief, Tumira.

War Orphan's Sojourn

Travel to Grahtwood's Temple of the Eight and donate to Ormurrel, either by gold or by slaying encroaching wildlife.

Conversations

The New Life Festival

"You're here for the New Life Festival? I'm happy to serve as a herald. I can tell you all you need to know!"

What is the New Life Festival? "It marks the fresh start to a new year, for all who walk beneath the sun. Everyone in Tamriel celebrates! Well, perhaps not the Maormer—but everyone else. You should try it for yourself and see!"
I'm interested. Tell me more about it. [One of the quotes marked as "General"]
Everyone celebrates New Life? So is there more than one way to enjoy the festival? Of course! They're different all over. I've taken part in cliff jumping, anchor tossing, and drunken Echatere racing … though Orsinium had to cancel that one. Simply ask, and I'll send you to the best celebrations in Tamriel!"

This part of dialogue which took place after telling her that you are interested in the festival was replaced.

"The New Life Festival was once a celebration of Magnus, the sun god. I have a book—you're welcome to read about the history, if you care to. But I'd rather tell you about the celebrations. Very few involve a chance of paper cuts!"

"Celebrations?" There are more than one?
Snow Bear Plunge

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "The Nords of Lower Yorgrim celebrate by travelling to remote places, stripping down to smallclothes, and leaping into the freezing water. You should take the Snow Bear Plunge! It is quite invigorating."

How would I do that? "I'll mark your map with the route. Travel to each place, shed your clothes and take a flying leap! Warm yourself at the bonfires before leaving. And share a drink with anyone else who takes the Plunge!"
I completed the Snow Bear Plunge. "I see that! You have a glow about you. Lower Yorgrim celebrates this way to show they don't fear what the cold brings. At the end of a winter's journey is a warm fire, good mead, and wonderful company. Also, it lets them compare tattoos!"
Stonetooth Bash

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "The Orcs of Betnikh celebrate through the Stonetooth Bash- a constant party, not the repeated punching of faces. Though sometimes there is punching. Matron Borbuga is an old friend. Seek her out on Betnikh! She will show you."

I took part in the Stonetooth Bash. "Good food, good drink and good times are the heart of Betnikh's celebration of the New Life. I'm glad Matron Borbuga could show you herself. I do miss the adventures we had in our younger days. I'd tell stories, but I don't want to burn your ears off."
Mud Ball Merriment

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "Wood Elf immigrants to Auridon introduced the locals of Skywatch to Mud Ball Merriment. It is as you'd expect- mud balls thrown at everyone. But each year, there is a specific target the Wood Elves agree most needs to be humbled."

Who is this year's target? "There are three! Ambassadors of each Alliance meet in Auridon to speak with righteous purpose. No doubt to argue the shape of the negotiating table, or which wine to serve next. They should take themselves less seriously, don't you think?"
I took part in the Mud Ball Merriment. "Wonderful! Mud on the face reminds us that life is not so self-important. With New Life comes a bit of fun, for those who aren't too proud to take part."
Fish Boon Feast

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "The Argonians of Hissmir have the Fish Boon Feast, one of Shadowfen's oldest celebrations. It's quite simple- those who are able, bring fish. Those who are not, eat fish."

That sounds simple enough. What would I do? "Go fishing! Best to catch them in Shadowfen's waters- but if you hate fish, you can still feed the hungry. Trade with friends, or seek them from a guild trader. When you have enough, deliver them to Gentle-Heart at Hissmir."
I assisted the Fish Boon Feast. "The Fish Boon Feast reminds us that it warms the heart to fill a hungry belly, especially when it isn't your own. And if you're truly in need? Well... the smallest kindness of others can help survive and thrive."
Signal Fire Sprint

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "Redguards of Bergama have the Signal Fire Sprint. It honors an ancestor who saved their city from certain doom, a true gift of New Life. Go there, to the Alik'r Desert, and speak with Aubatha. She can explain!"

I completed the Signal Fire Sprint. "Ah, Zoreh's tale is a lovely one. Bergama's celebration honors the sacrifices we must sometimes make, so that others may enjoy a new dawn. A toast for your swift legs!"
Castle Charm Challenge

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "The Bretons of Alcaire Castle have a curious tradition called the Castle Charm Challenge. Long ago, after a terrible war, the steward declared a contest. Any performer who most delighted the castle's survivors would win great renown."

What sort of performance? "Here, everything in this performance kit will let you experience for yourself. Go to Alcaire Castle in Stormhaven and perform for the crowds. They are quite friendly, so don't fear your time in front of them!"
I completed the Castle Charm Challenge. "Then you know its importance to Alcaire Castle. Imagine a castle recovering from a terribly bloody war. Parents lost, siblings scarred, children buried. After such tragedy, they celebrate the New Life as a chance to laugh and wonder once more."
Lava Foot Stomp

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "Once, very briefly, the city of Ebonheart decreed dancing to be illegal. The Dark Elves promptly invented the Lava Foot Stomp, which they called a necessity should their boots ever catch aflame. They practiced it in taverns, while wearing a small pin."

What sort of pin? "A dazzling pin such as this showed they were in friendly company. Now, it's a symbol of participation. Best to experience the Lava Foot Stomp for yourself. I'll mark the taverns on your map. Now, go forth and dance!"
.I completed the Lava Foot Stomp. "So you brought some much needed joy into the dour lands of Stonefalls? This is why the Lava Foot Stomp occurs each year. At least for a time, the warm feeling comes from within- and not all the nearby volcanoes."
War Orphan's Sojourn

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "The High Elves of Haven have the War Orphan's Sojourn. They travel to a temple in the heart of Grahtwood and donate what they can. I'll mark your map. It's quite simple- give what you are able to give."

I completed the War Orphan's Sojourn. "Good. War destroys what it touches, especially a family. The High Elves of Haven see their celebration as necessary to restore the spirit and renew the hope of lost children. And they hope that one day, they will never have the need to celebrate."
The Trial of Five-Clawed Guile

What's another way people celebrate the New Life Festival? "Khajiit of Rawl'kha honor their trickster god Rajhin with The Trial of Five-Clawed Guile. Travel to Reaper's March and speak with Tumira. She'll help you celebrate the New Life with the slightest of hand!"

I completed the Trial of Five-Clawed Guile. "What did Tumira ask you to do? Retrieve the coins from the chest, or from the victor's purse? No, don't tell me- I'll ask her when she visits."

Quotes

Quotes marked as "General" happen during "The New Life Festival" quest when Breda is asked to tell more about the festival or before accepting a daily quest.

Quote Topic
"All is welcome to start the New Life!" Before "The New Life Festival" quest
"It warms my heart to share the New Life Festival. The drink? It warms my belly!" General
"You are curious about New Life traditions, aren't you?" General
"Local traditions are essential to the New Life. Sometimes they change, year to year!" General
"The New Life is about what the old year was and what the new year can be." General
"Everyone celebrates the New Life their own way. I do so love the variety." General
"Off you go. See the celebration for yourself!" When speaking to her while a quest is active
"You're looking hearty and hale! And a bit frosty on the edges." When returning from the "Snow Bear Plunge"
"Is that a bit of mud on your hands? How was your visit to Skywatch?" When returning from "Mud Ball Merriment"
"Welcome back! Did you enjoy your journey to the island of Betnikh?" When returning from "Stonetooth Bash"
"How was your trip to Shadowfen? Catch anything good?" When returning from "Fish Boon Feast"
"Back from Bergama? I could never get used to the heat and sand." When returning from "Signal Fire Sprint"
"I hope you enjoyed your time at Alcaire Castle. A shame I did not see for myself!" When returning from "Castle Charm Challenge"
"You have the smell of soot about you! Did you just return from Ebonheart?" When returning from "Lava Foot Stomp"
"You return, after quite the journey. Well?" When returning from "War Orphan's Journey"
"Ah, you return from a land of grass and sweetrolls to one of snow and mead! How was your visit to Rawl'kha?" When returning from "The Trial of Five-Clawed Guile"

Gallery

Appearances

References

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