Sir Cadwell is the oldest of the soul shriven, and is a cheerful and endearingly mad lost soul. In life, he was an insane Imperial from Chorrol, and Lyris Titanborn remarks that the reason he has remained functioning for so long is because he was already mad when he got to Coldharbour. It is said that he is not afraid of anyone, not even a Daedric Prince, and resides in Coldharbour. He died by decapitation.
Initially met in The Wailing Prison, he later appears in The Harborage, and later on in many locations around Coldharbour. He has a hovel setup in a Nordic ruin in the southern part of the zone.
"It's the same old pish-posh. Gallant knight, epic quests rescued maidens. I came to this land when my head was quite unceremoniously separated from my body. Bad luck that, but you make the best of things."
Cadwell was formerly known as Cadwell the Betrayer, a champion and knight of a time long past. He was known to help people but his motives weren't entirely altruistic.
Cadwell was friends with a Khajiit hero named Khunzar-ri, with whom he managed to stop the Dragons. This accomplishment was achieved by tricking Kaalgrontiid into placing a portion of his power in Plane of Jode. Blinded by his ambition, Kaalgrontiid ordered his brothers to do the same. Once the dragons were weakened, Cadwell and Khunzar-ri trapped them inside the Halls of Colossus.
Soon afterwards, Cadwell killed Khunzar-ri by stabbing him in the back, an act which earned him the nickname, "the Betrayer." Cadwell hoped to steal the power of the dragons within the Core and slaughtered his way through Shadow Dance Temple to reach it, but Anequina's adepts managed to stop him by cutting off his head and dismembering his body before he could achieve his goal.
Cadwell's body parts were buried in separate locations throughout Elsweyr, with his head being buried in a grave marked with his title. Cadwell lost all memory of his past self, becoming genuinely altruistic to the point of deeply hating his old self.[1]
After the gate to the Prophet is warded off, the Vestige and Lyris consult him in order to find a new route, with the latter stating that because he's the oldest of the Soul Shriven, he must know Coldharbour well. He tells them of an alternate path to the Prophet's cell—the Undercroft—which is accessed by following the river. After warning of traps and enemies, he also admits doubt to the plan's success, but wishes the party good luck anyway.
When the Vestige and Lyris arrive at the Castle of the Worm to rescue Abnur Tharn, they ask the soul shriven in the nearby town how to get inside the castle undetected. The locals direct them to Cadwell, whom they rescue from Worm Cultists. Grateful for their assistance, Cadwell assists them in infiltrating the castle and again during their escape by opening a locked gate from the outside. The Vestige then has the choice between bringing Cadwell back to Tamriel or leaving him in Coldharbour.
Upon arriving in Coldharbour with the Fighters and Mages Guild force, the Vestige is separated by Molag Bal's defenses, and lands alone to the south of the Hollow City, near Cadwell's hovel. The old knight directs them north to the city. Afterwards, he assists survivors from Tamriel in returning to the Hollow City by using portals to traverse to Coldharbour.
Once the Vestige rescues Vanus Galerion from the Black Forge, Cadwell helps defend Vanus from Daedra alongside the Vestige, Treva, and Svari while Vanus destroys the Great Shackle.
Cadwell directs the Vestige to destroy Molag Bal's reinforcement portals while the Tamrielic force of Mages and Fighters Guild members fight their way across the Chasm. He also fights Molag Grunda alongside the Vestige after they reached the gatehouse at the end of the Chasm.
Once the Planar Vortex was reached, the Groundskeeper revealed herself to be Meridia. She guided the Vestige and their group, including Cadwell, as they destroyed Dark Anchors. Once the Light of Meridia's power was released at the focal point of the Vortex, Meridia transported the survivors back to the Hollow City before they were killed.
After the Five Companions had performed the ritual to imbue the Vestige with the power of Akatosh, the surviving Companions were attacked by Daedra. Before they could be overwhelmed, Cadwell arrived and brought them through a portal to the Harborage. Once the Vestige had defeated Molag Bal and recovered their soul, Cadwell declared he was now pledged to serve Meridia. He told the Vestige how to use the Light of Meridia to journey to the lands of their enemy alliances should they be interested in exploring them.
The Vestige, Khamira and Abnur Tharn make efforts to prevent the resurrection of the Betrayer at the hands of Zumog Phoom. When the resurrection succeeds, Cadwell disintegrates. The Vestige must track down the Betrayer and slay him, as well as ensure he cannot open the doorway to Plane of Jode.
"One fine day in the middle of the night. Two dead kings got up to fight. Back to back they faced each other, drew their bows... and stabbed themselves."
"I've had the oddest feeling we've discussed this before, or did I already mention that? No matter. I am sir Cadwell the Undaunted. Knight of the court of Coldharbour, Champion of Chivalry, Defender of the Defenceless, Sheppard to the Soul-Shriven."
"Well, don't dally about here, you've got a princess to rescue. It was a princess, wasn't it?"
"Ah, the good ol' library! Read many of the books here myself. I love the ones with all the pictures in them."
"Where in blazes is everyone? This should be the right spot..."
"Did you hear that, my trusty shovel? Dragons! And mysterious graves! It's just like old times!"
"Don't worry on my account. Intrepid knights such as ourselves can't be rattled by a turbulent tummy. Or even by Dragons or visions, I dare say! Now, off you go! Abnur hates to be kept waiting. He's also not fond of being called Abnur, or so he says."
"Have at thee, vile Shackle! We're going to give you a damned good thrashing!" – at The Great Shackle
"There's a trick to getting into the gatehouse proper, but for the life of me I can't remember what it is. Not to worry, though. I'm sure it will come back to me." – during Crossing the Chasm, in the Gatehouse
"Ah, of course! I remember now! There's a flywheel in each of the side antechambers. We need to start them spinning to open the main door." – In the Gatehouse
"It's all coming back to me! There's a lever across the chamber. Just give it a good tug and that flywheel will be spinning in no time." – In the gatehouse
"What an impressive door! Look at that craftsmanship. Remarkable! Grunda always had good taste, I have to say." – In the Gatehouse
"See? I knew that would work! A word of advice. Guard your pluckables. Grunda enjoys plucking out eyes, spleens … anything pluckable, really." – Before entering Molag Grunda's room
"
"Well, that was disappointing. Hardly worked up a sweat!" – After killing Molag Grunda
"One last quest, old chap! One last leap into the fire! Unless we survive, of course. But how likely is that?" – during The Final Assault, when on your way to the portal
"Ah, another beautiful creature has fallen under Molag Bal's spell of evil! We must set her free!" – When approaching the Guardian of the Gate
"Another victory! I'm going to run out of room on my scabbard! Where will I mark my kills?" – after destroying the portal during The Final Assault.
"Don't toddle off just yet. Might I have a word?" – after speaking to your comrades after recovering your soul
"You know, that Varen fellow was always a good chap, even if he did muck things up at the start. And he did put things right in the end, didn't he? He's still with you, you know. A part of you, really. And perhaps he can continue to serve the land and the people he gave his life to save, through you. That's all well and done, then. There's just one bit of business left." – After finishing God of Schemes, if Varen was sacrificed
"Ah! There you are. When you have a moment, find me at the Harborage. I've got a question for you. Ugh. Tamriel. How do you stand it?" – At the start of Cadwell's Silver
"Hello, what's this? Out for a stroll, then? Lovely day for it."
You must be Cadwell."Sir Cadwell, yes indeed. A pleasure! And fair Lyris! Good to see you, m'dear! How are you, then?"
We're trying to get inside the Prophet's Enclosure. The door is sealed."Oh dear, oh dear. well, that is inconvenient, isn't it? Tell you what – I happen to know another way in! Much more of a scenic route. Rather a fun little jaunt, actually. Full of traps, and corpses, and nasty beasties filling up the bits in between."
How do we get through all of that?"Rather cautiously, I expect. Watch your step, hold your nose, and do mind the traps. There'll like as not be a fair dose of running and skull-bashing as well."
Where's the entrance?"Follow the river. You'll find the door to the Undercroft at the water's end. Once you're inside, stick to the light and you'll find a ladder that will take you right up to the Prophet, straightaway."
"Do give him my best!"
Thanks."Best of luck. Do check in now and again won't you?"
Tell me about yourself, Sir Cadwell."Well there's not much to tell, is there? It's the same old pish-posh. Gallant knight, epic quests, rescued maidens. I came to this land when my head was quite unceremoniously separated from my body. Bad luck that, but you make the best of things."
How long have you been here?"Oh, quite a long time. In fact, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I were the oldest of the Soul Shriven. Of those who didn't go feral, that is. I know every tunnel and path, every nook and cranny. The others look up to me, I suppose."
How do you know Lyris?"Ah, Lyris. girl's as mad as Sheogorath's jammies. Heart's in the right place, I suppose. Says she's got to rescue the Prophet to save us all from eternal torment. How an old blind man could do that is quite beyond me."
What do you know about the Prophet?"An Imperial gentleman. Apparently he was once a powerful mage, but the years haven't been kind. Lyris says he knows of a path back to Tamriel. I rather think that if one existed, I'd have found it by now."
You don't think there's a way to get home?"I hadn't actually given it much thought. Anything's possible, I suppose. Truth is. I've been here so long, this place feels like home. But a good uprising now and again is a pleasant diversion, so where's the harm, eh?"
"I say, jolly good timing. Lyris, enchanted, as always. And you―you're looking fit for someone so ... how can I put it? Deficient in the soul department?"
Sir Cadwell? What are you doing here?"Wherever the forces of evil prey upon the innocent, wherever souls are stolen and bodies shriven, wherever a people cry out for justice, there goest I! I mean, this whole eternal servitude business is rather nasty, don't you agree?"
We need to find a way into the castle."Dibella's garters, why? Lovely grounds, no question. But it's positively brimming with angry cultists carrying large weapons!"
We need to rescue Abnur Tharn. It's complicated."I see, I see. A rescue, is it? Well, that's a different kettle of fish, isn't it? Hmm. There is a cistern that drains into the waterway. The door is locked, but that's not stopped me before. Why don't you meet me there and we'll see what's what?"
Thank you, Sir Cadwell.
Inside the Castle Cistern:
"You keep up nicely! I can't abide dawdlers."
What's next?"This whole bloody castle sits on top of an ocean of unstable Oblivion-whatsit. The Daedra use pipes to control the flow of it all and it comes out as steam."
Go on."Well, most of the doors in here are sealed with pressure from that steam. It's all rather complicated, but in a nutshell―if I can tamper with the pipes, we can open the doors to the inner keep and you can slip inside."
What do you need from us?"Well, I can handle the tinkering, but you'll have to keep the beasties off me. It will be quite a romp! Are you game?"
I'm game. Let's go.
"Onward! Ha ha!"
When Cadwell is almost done:
"One more after this one." "This should do it!"
After shutting of the steam:
"There you are! Quick as you please. There's even time for tea."
Thanks."A pleasure. Think nothing of it. The merest trifle. Truly. You'll find this Tharn fellow at the top of the Tower of Bones. You'll need to make your way through the keep's heart to get to it, but it's not terribly far."
What is he doing up there?"I understand the King of Worms has set him to the task of inspecting the soul gems that find their way into the castle―which is to say, well ... all of them. You'll see crates of the things scattered around the premises."
Why don't you come with us? We could use another hand."Indeed? Well, I might just take you up on that. But safety first! I'll stay here for the nonce and make sure nothing comes to bugger up our little adventure from behind."
Thanks, Cadwell.
While escaping the Tower Summit:
"Hello again! Need a way out? I'll have that open in just a moment." "Arkay preserve us, you're as battered and bruised as a peach in a sack of rocks! Bit of the old derring-do, was it? No matter. You'll be needing an escape route, no doubt?"
Great timing, Cadwell."It's what I do, quite honestly. We should probably hurry it up. The entire castle is as bristly as a sack of sewing needles after all that noise."
Why don't you come with us?"Come with you? You mean leave Coldharbour? Well, I don't know. It's been a very long time since I've seen the world I left behind. Do you think it's wise?"
You should come along. It might be good for you."Well, that's settled, then. And after all, you do need someone to lead you out of here. Onward!"
Let's go!
"Into the chute! Come on!"
The world is in a terrible place right now. Perhaps it isn't the best way to see it."Well, that wouldn't do at all. And it's not so bad here, actually. Oblivion has its charms, doesn't it? Go on, you scamps. There's a grate just ahead that leads down to the rubbish tip. Do mind that first step, though!"
"Survived then, have you? Jolly good, jolly good."
Where is everyone?"Rotten luck. They arrived in Coldharbour, but in entirely different locations. Bloody unpredictable, portals to Oblivion. Not to mention Molag Bal's defenses. Nasty beasties abound. Off you go. Over the bridge and head inland. There's a good chap!"
"Welcome back to Coldharbour, old chum. Jolly good to see you! I was afraid you'd snuffed it."
What's across the bridge?"What bridge? Is there a bridge? Tricky things, bridges. Tend to have all kinds of hideous creatures living beneath them. Except that one over there. That one leads to the Hollow City."
The Hollow City?"Dreadfully dull place. And a real eye sore, if you ask me, but I suppose it's where you'll want to start your quest. Quest. What a simply fabulous word. Quest. Quest. Quest. I just love how it rolls off the tongue."
Right. I'll head to this Hollow City."Welcome back to Coldharbour, old chum. Jolly good to see you! I was afraid you'd snuffed it."
Where am I, exactly?"Welcome to the beautiful gardens of Coldharbour! Do have a look around. Lovely day for it. Soak up the ambiance, the grandeur, the wonder of it all!"
Tell me about yourself, Cadwell."I have the oddest feeling we've discussed this before. Or did I already mention that? No matter. I am Sir Cadwell the Undaunted, Knight of the Court of Coldharbour, Champion of Chivalry, Defender of the Defenseless, Shepherd to the Soul-Shriven."
What are you talking about?"Am I not speaking the common tongue of Nirn? I was once fluent, but time does get on, doesn't it? I'm sorry, I forgot the question. Though I'm quite sure I already answered it. You really should pay more attention."
You mentioned a bridge?"Did I? I don't recall that. There is a bridge just ahead. Leads to the city. Rather a drab, empty place at present, but a little paint, a potted plant or two …. And honestly, it's not as if you've got a lot of choices right now. So, off you go!"
Are you insane?"Sane? That's in the north, isn't it? I don't believe I've had the pleasure."
"Well, this has my knickers in a twist! We have a perfectly fine army, but what good is it? Sitting around this side of the Chasm, twiddling its collective thumbs. It's rather embarrassing, if truth be told."
What's the situation?"The situation? We're well and truly flummoxed! Before we could cross the Chasm, before we could confront Molag Grunda, we were stopped by a few irksome focus stones! The wee ginger mage says we need to break the stones, but good luck with that!"
Break the stones? Sounds easy. What's the problem?"Nothing other than the multitude of Dremora sitting on top of them! I could handle this myself, but I didn't want to make the rest of the troops sad by showing off my awesome battle skills. But, you, on the other hand. They're used to that from you."
After breaking the focus stones:
"Good show! The portal belongs to us now! Sir Darien and that lovely lizard have gone on ahead. I think he might be a bit intimidated by our prowess on the field of battle, and he's trying to compensate."
Any idea what I should expect, up there?"Grunda's a cheeky one, and she knows we're getting close. She's summoning reinforcements faster than Darien can kill them. You'd best get to it!"
I need to ask you something else."By all means. Do you want to know how many Daedra can dance on the head of a pin? How I manage to stay so cheerful even in the most perilous of circumstances? What's my favorite color? Ask away!"
What can you tell me about Molag Grunda?"Molag Grunda? Large woman with wings? Bit of a temper? Guards the gatehouse? I hear that she's the daughter of Molag Bal, if you can believe that! He never struck me as a family man, but who am I to judge?"
Why do you know so much about Coldharbour?"It's my home, old chum! Has been for years. I know every wondrous nook and cranny. Beautiful place, full of fascinating creatures. Of course, they often try to kill you, but that's the challenge of it, isn't it?"
I'm on my way.
After closing the portals:
"I think our friends have the Chasm well in hand. What say we pop in for a chat with Molag Grunda?"
I'm ready when you are."Right! We control the rest of the Chasm now and the troops have matters well in hand. Let's go and have a sit down with Molag Grunda. She's always good for a laugh and a song."
What can we expect in there?"From Grunda? Rudeness, hostility, sarcasm, and most certainly a large amount of open hostility. I've no idea how she keeps house, but I imagine we'll find the usual Daedric touches that make Coldharbour feel so warm and inviting."
All right, I'm ready."I can't wait to see Molag Grunda's face when she sees us. She and I go way back, you know. Once we get inside, we cross one little bridge to reach the gatehouse. Follow me!"
"Ah, there you are! The Groundskeeper said you had a pickup. I assume she was talking about this merry band? Good to see them alive and well. They are alive... right? Not that I mind the odd zombie. It's the smell I can't abide. Nasty, that."
They're exhausted, but they're alive."Yes, whenever I visit a library and do some reading, I usually fall right to sleep. Can't keep my eyes open. Great for when I get insomnia. But enough about my sleeping habits! I shall do my heroic duty and bring them back to the city unharmed."
Make sure they get back in one piece."No worries there. Almost all the people I've traveled with over the years have remained in one piece for the duration. I've seen the odd dismemberment, but that's far more the exception than the rule"
How do we get through all of that?"Rather cautiously, I expect. Watch your step, hold your nose, and do mind the traps. There'll like as not be a fair dose of running and skull-bashing as well."
Where's the entrance?"Follow the river. You'll find the door t the Undercroft at the water's end. Once you're inside, stick to the light and you'll find a ladder that will take you right up to the Prophet, straightaway."
"Do give him my best!"
Thanks."Best of luck. Do check in now and again won't you?"
Tell me about yourself, Sir Cadwell."Well there's not much to tell, is there? It's the same old pish-posh. Gallant knight, epic quests, rescued maidens. I came to this land when my head was quite unceremoniously separated from my body. Bad luck that, but you make the best of things."
How long have you been here?"Oh, quite a long time. In fact, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I were the oldest of the Soul Shriven. Of those who didn't go feral, that is. I know every tunnel and path, every nook and cranny. The others look up to me, I suppose."
How do you know Lyris?"Ah, Lyris. girl's as mad as Sheogorath's jammies. Heart's in the right place, I suppose. Says she's got to rescue the Prophet to save us all from eternal torment. How an old blind man could do that is quite beyond me."
What do you know about the Prophet?"An Imperial gentleman. Apparently he was once a powerful mage, but the years haven't been kind. Lyris says he knows of a path back to Tamriel. I rather think that if one existed, I'd have found it by now."
You don't think there's a way to get home?"I hadn't actually given it much thought. Anything's possible, I suppose. Truth is. I've been here so long, this place feels like home. But a good uprising now and again is a pleasant diversion, so where's the harm, eh?"
"Stand back, vile beast, lest I slay you in no uncertain terms! Oh, it's you. Taking a stroll, then? Enjoying the beautiful countryside?"
I'm trying to rescue people."And you're doing a smashing job of it! Jolly good! Wait a moment. Did you go through that portal? Did you meet the Observer?"
I did. "Jolly good! I've always wanted to play the Observer's game. But now that you've done it, I suppose there's no point, is there? I'm sure I'll find some other quest to occupy my time. So, where were we? Why did I come here, again?"
To lead the people I rescued back to the city."Brilliant! Just great! Truly! I wish I'd thought of it. Off with you, then. I'll make sure everyone arrives safe and relatively sound in the Hollow City."
"About time you got over here, old chum. Exercise is all well and good, but if I keep this up much longer I'll be useless in the actual battle!"
I may need your assistance once the assault begins."A quest? How marvelous! I shall march by your side into the darkest depths of foul iniquity, our weapons aloft and aglow with the fires of eternal righteousness! You honor me this day, my friend. I gladly accept this mission."
Accompany me on the initial assault."My sword is yours, my boon companion! Together, we will protect the beautiful realm of Coldharbour, and perhaps even save that ugly rathole you call home. Victory, thy name is Cadwell!"
Let me speak to the others before I make a decision.
In the Planar Vortex:
"I always wanted to see a planar vortex up close and personal. Isn't that sky spectacular? Wait, what are we doing here again?"
We're here to stop the Planemeld …."Of course! Our epic quest. It must have slipped my mind. I've been on so many of these adventures, you know. After a while they tend to blend together. Kind of like these two realms are doing. Oh, sorry old chap! That's a bad thing, right?"
Yes, the Planemeld is a bad thing."Yes, yes, I knew that. Terrible getting your dismal world into the wondrous vistas of Coldharbour. Like dipping bread in honey. Frightfully repulsive! Still, I believe this might just be my best quest yet!"
[Intimidate] When this is over, I'm going to make you try bread and honey."Well, that'd just be disgusting, wouldn't it? Do you know where honey comes from? It's regurgitated flower nectar! Oh, very well. I accept your challenge. Now let's go and finish this so that I can taste your bitter poison."
Aren't you concerned at all?"Concerned? About what? We're heroes, my boon companion, and heroes always win! Let that be a lesson to you. Now let's go and stop the Planemeld!"
"take it you ran into Lady Meridia? Lovely woman. Charming. We get on famously! While you lot were having yourselves an epic row, I gave her a shout. Asked if she'd be willing to help us out if things went badly.
You asked Meridia to pull me out of Coldharbour?"The trick of it was the timing. With every blow to that Daedric windbag, you freed hundreds of souls. She was able to catch yours before it wandered off. Jolly good trick, that."
Indeed."Well! Isn't this delightful! World saved, heroes gone their separate ways, and this knight has a new mistress to serve. Bravo! Couldn't be happier! Smashing! Truly!"
"Well! Isn't this delightful! World saved, heroes gone their separate ways, and this knight has a new mistress to serve. Bravo! Couldn't be happier! Smashing! Truly!"
What should I do now?"Still itching for more adventure? Smashing! Have you ever wondered what would've happened if you'd woken up somewhere else? Washed up on a different beach? My new mistress provided me with the means to help you, if you're up for the challenge!"
After finishing the questline of the alliance you were sent to:
"You've done it again, haven't you? You're a hero, twice over! Brilliant!"
It's been a long journey."So it has, so it has! Are you feeling enlightened? Lighter? Lit? Why you would want to keep mucking around in Tamriel is quite beyond me. Nasty place. How—how do you get the smell out of your clothing?"
Thank you for the opportunity, Cadwell."Thank me? You're the one doing all the work, what with all your heroics and the derring-do! But if you enjoyed that, there's more in store for you!"
More?"Well, you've experienced two of the three alliances. Care to finish the set? Fill out your map? Collect all the … metaphors? If you're game, just touch Meridia's light and you'll be off again!"
I'd like that.
After finishing the third questline:
"Dear me! Thrice the champion, is it? Bravo!"
I've traveled the world, Cadwell."Not the whole world! Never the whole world. But, quite a bit, yes. Now I've got something for you, for all your trouble."
After finishing the quest:
"That's it, then? Seen the world thrice over and none the worse for it, eh? You should be ready for anything—and believe you me, the Daedric Princes never rest. They're always mucking about with something or other!"
"Ah, hello there! Good to see you again, old chum! Have you come to pay your respects, too? It was the strangest thing. I dreamed I was looking at this very gravestone. So here I came and there it is, all solid and everything!"
Is that gravestone important?"Important? I have no idea! I suppose it must be. I saw it in a dream, after all. Or was it a vision? I get those two confused. Anyway, I felt a sort of pull and stepped through a door. Then pish-posh, Honor's a bantam guar—and here I am!"
Abnur Tharn sent me to check on surges of power he detected."Jolly good! I've always wanted to play the Observer's game. But now that you've done it, I suppose there's no point, is there? I'm sure I'll find some other quest to occupy my time. So, where were we? Why did I come here, again?"
To lead the people I rescued back to the city."Tharn, you say? The grumpy battlemage? How is the old boy? The surges were probably just me. My portal took a few tries before we honed in on this exact location. Now, why don't you take a look at the gravestone and see what you make of it, hmm?"
What happened at the other sites you visited before you found this gravestone?"Well, it took a few tries to find the exact spot I saw in my dream. A number of frightfully rude lads and lassies occupied the first location I visited. Demanded my surrender, if you can imagine such a thing. Naturally, I gave them the old heave-ho!"
I saw that bantam guar rummaging around in a foul-smelling sack at one site."Foul-smelling? I'll have you know that was my lunch! Can't believe I lost it. And if by bantam guar you mean my faithful steed, Honor, well, he's always getting into my foodstuffs. Has the appetite of a mammoth and the cunning of a fox, that one!"
And did you also dispatch the ogrim I found at one of the sites?"Dispatch? Why would I do such a terrible thing? I adore those adorable pudge-buckets! Alas, Grook was standing a little too close when I opened my portal. Poor thing fell in and took a nasty spill. When the neck bone snaps, it makes an awful sound."
After reading the gravestone:
"Were the words the same for you? Sometimes written language likes to confuse me. Words change and switch places. Very annoying. Anyway, the gravestone mentions the Betrayer. Sounds like a dastardly chap. I wonder if I ever met him?"
Why do you think you dreamed about this gravestone?"I don't have the slightest idea. The words inscribed upon it conjure up all kinds of questions though. Who is this Betrayer? Whom did he betray? Why did they bury only his head? And where did they put the rest of the poor fellow? I don't have a clue!"
Abnur Tharn said that if I found you, I should ask if you'll help us with Elsweyr's Dragon problem."Dragons! I haven't battled a Dragon since … you know, I can't remember, but I'm certain I fought one or two in my day. I was a gallant knight, after all. Of course I'll help! I just need to do a little more digging into this dream thing first."
"Ah, there you are! Spare a moment for a chit-chat, hmm?"
"If we've had this conversation already, then I wanted to thank you for the useful advice. But if I haven't seen you since our talk at that mysterious gravestone, which seems much more likely, then I could really use your help."
I just got back, Cadwell. Tell me what's wrong."Did I mention the dreams? Visions, really. They come and go without warning, like seeing through someone else's eyes. Quite disconcerting, in an interesting sort of way. Anyway, my trusty shovel and I, we searched that entire grave, and it was gone."
Gone? What was gone?"The Betrayer's head! The dreams, the visions, they drew me there, but someone got to it before I did! I have the strangest sensation in the pit of my tummy. It could be the cobweb porridge I had for breakfast. Or something bad is about to happen."
You think the Betrayer's head has something to do with the Dragons?"Well, that's sort of like leaping from the Cliffs of Failure without a rope. Or at least without tying the end off first. I can't tell you how many times I've made that mistake! Oh, Abnur wants to see you. He's in the town hall with the cat-general."
Vanus Galerion:"I did it. The Great Shackle has been shattered! The threat of the Planemeld is no more!"Cadwell:"Jolly good! And, as soon as you deal with the planar vortex, everything will be as right as rain!"Vanus Galerion:"What? Explain yourself, man! What planar vortex?"Cadwell:"The Shackle formed a planar vortex. Kind of like an Oblivion straw that will suck Nirn right through and into Coldharbour. Quite amazing how I knew that!"Vanus Galerion:"Enough! We can discuss this back in the Hollow City. I'll open a portal before this entire place collapses on top of us!"
Laloriaran Dynar:"Attention, please! I have called you all here because the moment of destiny fast approaches. The Great Shackle has been destroyed, but not before a planar vortex was established. We must destroy this vortex before it sucks the very essences of Nirn into Coldharbour. The Fighters Guild shall deal with the Chasm's defenders, but blades have little power against magic."Vanus Galerion:"And that's where my mages come in. My scouts report that some kind of magical fixtures block access to the path across the Chasm. Mages there already work on a way to overcome these fixtures, and we are prepared to lend our strength when the main forces arrive."Sergeant Kamu:"A sound plan. Plays to our unique strengths. But this one wonders, what if the mages can't overcome Molag Bal's magic?"Vanus Galerion:"What a ridiculous question! Of course my mages can overcome this magic!"Cadwell:"Ah, magic! The solution to all life's problems. I love magic! It's so... magical."Laloriaran Dynar:"I have absolute confidence in Vanus and his mages."Gabrielle Benele:"Thank you, your lordship. But to be honest with you, I'm not feeling as confident as Vanus about this."Laloriaran Dynar:"We shall fight with all our strength. There is no other option. Lives will be lost, but hopefully a world will be saved.Know that the Chasm is only the first stage of this battle. The planar vortex abides within the very heart of Molag Bal's lair."Darien Gautier:"Oh, this just gets better and better!"Gabrielle Benele:"Darien! Mind your tongue!"Laloriaran Dynar:"Darien only seeks to lighten a tense situation. Still, we have to try. To do nothing is to doom Tamriel to certain destruction."Darien Gautier:"Well, when you put it that way, there are a lot of lovely ladies that need to be saved..."Vanus Galerion"Yes, well, be that as it may, we launch our assault on the Chasm immediately. The King needs to talk to the champion and I must discuss some final details with the mages. The rest of you have your own preparations to see to, I'm sure."
Cadwell:"I knew I'd find them here! Interesting. I've never been to this area before but it's … breathtaking!"Vanus Galerion:"Cadwell, your mastery of portals does you proud."
Lyris Titanborn:"What... what happened? How did we get here? I remember being overwhelmed, but then..."Cadwell:"Right. Sorry about that. I called in a bit of help to pull you out of there. I do hope I didn't overstep my bounds."Sai Sahan:"Snow Lily, I..."Lyris Titanborn:"I know, Sai. It's over. It's all over."Cadwell:"Well then! Happy endings all around! Smashing! Who's got the brandy?"Sai Sahan:"Wait, where is Tharn? Did he survive?"Cadwell:"He vanished. Ran off, I think. And he took the amulet you chaps found, with him."
Sai Sahan:"How have we returned? The last thing I remember was being overwhelmed!"Cadwell:"Right. Sorry about that. I called in a bit of help to pull you out of there. I do hope I didn't overstep my bounds."Varen Aquilarios:"He is gone! Molag Bal no longer touches my mind! I am finally free of him!"Sai Sahan:"My Lord Varen, are you injured?"Varen Aquilarios:"I'm fine, Sai. But where is Tharn? I do not hear his steps nor his breath."Cadwell:"He vanished. Ran off, I think. And he took the amulet you chaps found, with him."Sai Sahan:"I cannot believe Snow Lily is gone. Why did she do it, My Lord?"Cadwell:"Here now, my good man! Lyris Titanborn is a good hero! She gave her life for a noble cause!"Varen Aquilarios:"Sir Cadwell is right, Sai. We will all mourn her, but it was her choice. her sacrifice to make."
If Sai Sahan was sacrificed:
Varen Aquilarios:"The scents of the Harborage fill the air. But what happened? How did we return? Lyris? Lyris, are you there?"Cadwell:"Not to worry, not to worry! Lyris is fit as a fiddle, and you all seem quite intact, as well."Lyris Titanborn:"I'm here, sire. But where's Tharn?"Cadwell:"He vanished. Ran off, I think. And he took the amulet you chaps found, with him."Lyris Titanborn:"That bastard! Sai died for that Amulet!"Cadwell:"The Amulet's power is expended for generations to come. It will be of no use to him, now."Varen Aquilarios:"Things feel different. Molag Bal's hold on my mind has been lifted. I am finally free of him!"
Gallery[]
Sir Cadwell concept art.
Cadwell when he is first met in Coldharbour.
Cadwell from the "Meet the Character" series.
Trivia[]
He is voiced by John Cleese, best known for his roles in "Monty Python's Flying Circus" and the three films.
Even if the Vestige chooses to take Cadwell to Tamriel, he can still be found both in either Harborage or Coldharbour, participating in all latter quests in those locations as if he had never left Molag Bal's plane.
He has a companion Bantam Guar named Honor, who he refers to as "his noble steed."
Cadwell bears strong resemblance to the iconic Don Quixote de La Mancha, written by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605 and 1615, and considered to be the greatest character of Spanish literature.
Much like Quixote, Cadwell is an idealistic and humorous middle-aged man, who dreams of knighthood and adventures, courageous in his own madness, usually portraying the role of the fool who actually leads to interesting plots.
The design of Cadwell's moustache and beard resembles the usual portrayal of Don Quixote, as the pot he uses as helmet is in a similar position of the Spanish hero.
Before the launch Cadwell was initially planned to be an imp-like being, but it was changed to better fit the story.[2]
