Fennorian is a young vampire scholar who served as a researcher in House Ravenwatch. He was close and possibly related to Count Verandis Ravenwatch, who brought him into the House as a ward.[2]
Fennorian was first seen sharing a cart with the Vestige, which was ambushed and they were thrown into prison. After the character creation, the Vestige frees Fennorian from a sarcophagus and also retrieve his flask. He then reveals that he is a vampire from House Ravenwatch investigating the Icereach Coven which he tracked from a burial site in Bangkorai. After entering Deepwood Redoubt and eavesdropping on the conversation between the Icereach Coven branch leader, Matron Urgala, and the vampire Rada al-Saran, Fennorian suggests catching up with Urgala and investigating a storm they mentioned, which has been summoned. After defeating Urgala and destroying the Witch Pike. Fennorian then asks the Vestige to warn Solitude while he informs the other members of House Ravenwatch and continues with their investigation.
Fennorian can be found on the way to Kilkreath Temple, who asks the Vestige to escort him to the Witch Pikes to investigate them and gather information from any survivors. After examining the Witch Pikes, he suggests that they investigate a cart he noticed as well as the Temple itself. They find nothing useful at both the cart and the Temple, so Fennorian decides to retrieve his alchemical equipment to study the Alchemical Residue found on a Witch Pike. After retrieving his equipment and joined by Lyris Titanborn, they pursue a member of the Coven, Sister Ambritt, whom Lyris spotted prior. Lyris leaves the group following the defeat of Sister Ambritt, as the pair find exploded fragments of both the mysterious urns from Deepwood Redoubt and other larger vessels. They then part ways with Fennorian going off to see a clever woman named Old Mjolen in Morthal.
The Vestige finds Fennorian at a camp with Old Mjolen, where he asks the Vestige to seek advice from Mjolen to find the assassin of Queen Gerhyld. After Mjolen enchants the Icereach Coven Medallion, Fennorian and the Vestige follows the conjured vision to an abandoned campsite, where they follow another vision to Chillwind Depths. At the end of the dungeon, the assassin Pentarch Khorb injures Fennorian before escaping. They then track Khorb to Silversnow Mine and enters Blackreach with Lyris, where they failed to gather much information, but managed to stop a Harrowstorm. The trio then follows Coven members into Kagnthamz, where they kill Khorb and defeat the Coven witch Sister Tharda after that. Fennorian then decides that he and Lyris continue to investigate the place while the Vestige returns to Solitude.
Fennorian's screams can be heard as the Vestige progresses through Tzinghalis's Tower. He is found being tortured and experimented by Exarch Tzinghalis. After defeating Tzinghalis and freeing Fennorian, he suggests checking Tzinghalis's Sanctum for more clues before they return to Solitude.
Fennorian decides to create an elixir to prevent people from turning into Harrowfiends and the Harrowed, which requires certain ingredients. The Vestige meets him at the Coastal Camp, at which they discover that necrotic energy is used to create the Icereach Coven Medallions. Back at the Blue Palace, Fennorian completes the elixir following Svana's and Lyris's return, as well as getting some of Arkay's Sacred Oil. The four of them, including the Vestige, travels to Midnight Barrow to test it. The elixir turns out to be a success after they defeat Exarch Ulfra and stop a Harrowstorm.
At the Temple of the Divines, Fennorian suggests going to Blackreach to stop the Harrowstorm. At Greymoor Keep, the four of them split up into two pairs with Fennorian and the Vestige as one of them. At the center of one of the rooms is a book containing Tzinghalis's notes, which Fennorian discovers that the whole tower is a Witch Pike. At the Central Overlook, Fennorian and Svana stay to stop Rada al-Saran from empowering Svargrim while Lyris and the Vestige continues. At the end of the Stone Husk Gallery, Fennorian attempts to unlock a door as the others protect him. Upon entering the door, Fennorian figures out that the only way to stop the storm was to kill Svargrim. The group then splits up again with Fennorian and Lyris heading east, and meets up once again at the bridge connecting the Keep and the Temple. Later at the Temple courtyard, they decide that Fennorian and Lyris stay there to hold off the Harrowfiends as the Vestige and Svana face Svargrim at the Tower of the Wolf.
When the Vestige returns to the Temple of the Divines courtyard, Fennorian tells them that he "went wild" when the Harrowfiends broke out. In Solitude Mages Guild, he informs the Vestige that he and Old Mjolen have come up with a theory to cure Harrowfiends and the Harrowed, as well as their progress in brewing the elixir.
"Is someone out there? I could use your assistance. I'm quite trapped in here."
After freeing him:
"My thanks. Hear me out if you want to escape this place."
"You were on the cart. I saw you before those witches caught us and tossed me into this stone box. Glad you're finally awake. Apologies for my ghastly appearance. I'm…not feeling my best."
Where are we?"Our precise location? Somewhere in Western Skyrim, I suppose. I was involved in my own investigation when the Icereach Coven witch attacked. We can escape, but I desperately need your help first."
Help with what?"The witches must have stashed my belongings nearby. Among them is a small flask. I can open the cell door. Once I do, I need you to retrieve that flask for me. I'll be too weak. And until I have it, you're in significant danger."
What do you mean?"I swear I intend you no harm. If I don't get that flask back, however, my intentions won't matter. Retrieve it and we'll break out of here together."
Open the door and I'll get your flask.
"Don't be afraid. This may be jarring, but it's a necessary part of the plan."
After he triggers the mechanism:
"You're free. Now, please. Hurry and retrieve my flask."
Retrieving his flask:
"Did you find it? Give it to me."
After he drinks from it:
"Yes, that's…better. Thank you, I could feel my control slipping away."
"Yes…that was blood. But, I swear there's no cause for alarm. Not every vampire is a monster. I'm part of a group that only drinks from willing donors. We regulate the actions of less scrupulous vampires."
What is this group you belong to?"I belong to House Ravenwatch, one of the noble houses of Rivenspire. We adhere to the teachings of our founder, Count Verandis Ravenwatch. We take no blood by force, we help those in need, and we curtail the actions of more hostile vampires."
Western Skyrim is a long way from Rivenspire."We go where we're needed. I was investigating a burial site in Bangkorai when I discovered smugglers stealing ancient remains. I followed the trail, ran into the witch and…well, you know the rest. Now we need to get out of here."
And you have a plan for that?"Sort of. I regained enough of my senses when they carried me in here to remember the way out. It's pretty straightforward. I'll guide you the way if you defend us from anyone who blocks our path. If we work together, I'm certain we can escape."
Lead the way.
"Follow closely! You never know what's lying around in these old barrows."
Vitrus the Bloody: "What are you two doing out? Urgala still has need of you." Fennorian: "That's the brute who threw us in our cell! We have to get past him." Vitrus the Bloody: "I'll put you two milk drinkers back in your cage!" Fennorian: "The only way out is through him! I'll support you from back here"
The combat tutorial:
"Strike him with a light attack!" "Hit him again!" "Don't let his heavy attack hit you! Block it!" "Strike him while he's off balance" "Get your guard up!" "Hit him!" "Defend yourself!" "Strike back!" "Break free from that stun!" "Break free, my friend!" "Another heavy attack! Interrupt him, quick!" "Press your advantage with a heavy attack" "Stop his attack!" "Interrupt that strike!"
After defeating Vitrus the Bloody:
"The smell of blood here is…overwhelming. We should move on." "You handled yourself well. Not sure I would have made it past that savage without your assistance. We'll be out of these crypts soon enough."
"The witch who captured us belongs to something called the Icereach Coven. These caverns make the perfect hiding spot for the group. Not sure I would have ever found it if they hadn't dragged me down here. We should keep going."
In Deepwood Redoubt:
"Over here! We're almost to the exit."
"Quick, hide! Look up on the bridge."
After listening to the conversation:
"Very curious. Let's talk for a moment."
"That was Urgala, leader of this branch of the Icereach Coven. She's the witch who locked us in the barrow. The others take their orders from her."
Who was she talking to?"I'm not sure, but he's…one of my kind. They mentioned a devastating storm. We need to find out exactly what they have planned. My apologies, but we're going to have to postpone our escape."
You want to follow those two?"We'll make an investigator out of you yet! I need to figure out how those stolen remains, the Icereach Coven, and that vampire are connected. Let's catch up to Urgala and her guest and see what we can find out."
After deciding to follow Matron Urgala:
"Sometimes you have to throw caution out the wind and go where the investigation leads you. Let's catch up to Matron Urgala and see what we can learn."
Upon entering Deepwood Run:
"We should be able to catch up with Matron Urgala through here."
Entering the chamber with Gray Reliquaries:
"Witches and their servants are everywhere. We could sneak through if you wish to avoid more battles."
"Look, the sky! What have they done? We must reach that clearing!"
While in Deepwood Vale:
"You'd think with all the truly bizarre events of my life, not much would unnerve me. Yet, an enormous arcane storm roiling in the sky still manages to do the trick. If we hurry, we can find the source."
Approaching the entrance to Deepwood Temple:
"That door up ahead. Looks like the way up to the clearing."
Upon entering Deepwood Temple:
"This place is thick with coven members. Be on your guard."
After Rada al-Saran vanishes:
"Kill Urgala! Maybe that will stop the storm from growing!"
After defeating Urgala:
"The storm! Somehow that pike is involved! Destroy it, quickly!"
Destroying the Witch Pike:
"You did it! The storm's dissapated."
"I wish we could have learned more before we killed Matron Urgala. I still don't understand what the coven has planned, and it's the not knowing that worries me."
We learned the Icereach Coven created a storm ritual for that vampire. That's something, right?"That's true. And we stopped that storm. My investigations have led to darker corners, but progress has been made. Here. Consider this a stipend from Ravenwatch. For your valuable assistance, of course. Now, let's get out of here."
"The Icereach Coven's presence in Western Skyrim concerns me, but we need to keep moving. The path down is through those doors. Outside, I'll point you towards Solitude. Go to the city and warn them. Whatever the coven had planned, it didn't end here."
Aren't you coming with me?"Not right now. Other members of the Ravenwatch came here ahead of me. They'll be interested in the vampire we saw and I need to get word to them. Besides, I want to follow the trail while it's fresh. So, it only makes sense that you warn Solitude."
Tell me about Solitude."We're in the hold of Haafingar in Western Skyrim. Solitude is its capital city and the seat of High King Svargrim. If we can find any help against the coven, it will be there. Head to Solitude and let the authorities know what happened here."
All right, I'll go to Solitude and warn them about the Icereach Coven."The Nords don't tolerate Reachmen in their territory. Once you warn the guards, I'm sure High King Svargrim will dispatch his troops. The coven's threat is as good as done! But just in case, I'll tell my fellow Ravenwatch what happened here."
Those urns from Bangkorai you mentioned earlier. What's so special about them?"As I said, my investigation begin in an ancient burial site in Bangkorai. Draugrkin were using similar urns, filling them with remains. Most disturbing, the ash and bones belonged to a dark army that once roamed the land—the Gray Host."
Why were the urns here?"I have no idea. When I stumbled into this nest of coven witches, I never expected to find a connection to the Draugrkin and the burial urns.And that vampire we saw…there's something more at play than we know. We need to find out what."
Leaving Deepwood Vale:
"This way, my friend!"
"The road ahead will take us straight to Solitude."
"Hold, my friend! A disaster has befallen Kilkreath Temple!"
"Didn't I send you to Solitude? This place isn't safe! The Icereach Coven performed a ritual and summoned one of those harrowstorms. Now Kilkreath Temple is crawling with harrowfiends!"
I was sent to warn the temple priests. I'm looking into the coven for Queen Gerhyld."I'm sorry, but you're too late. The coven unleashed their unnatural harrowstorm and now the entire area is overrun by vampires and harrowfiends. Still, meeting you again is fortuitous. We worked well together before and I could use the help."
There's nothing I can do for the temple priests?"There may be survivors who could use your help. And, if we can learn more about the ritual that summoned the harrowstorm, we might be able to determine how to stop them. Or at the very least, we can figure out where they plan to strike next."
What do you need me to do?"I could use your help to examine the strange pikes erected around the temple. Harrowfiends and vampires roam the area, making it difficult to get close, hence the need for your assistance. You see, I'm not that confident in my combat prowess."
What exactly happened at Kilkreath Temple?"The Icereach Coven performed a ritual that unleashed a harrowstorm on the temple. It struck withiut warning and evaporated as quickly as it began, but in its wake it left behind harrowfiends—innocent priests and pilgrims transformed into monsters."
What's a harrowstorm?"That's what I heard the Icereach Coven call the storm that struck Kilkreath Temple. It's magical in nature, the result of some sort of rituals performed by the witches. I'm still investigating, but I think harrowfiends are a byproduct of the storm."
Did you make contact with your Ravenwatch allies?"[?]"
At Kilkreath Temple:
"Look! A priest of Meridia! Maybe they can tell us more about what happened at the temple."
Examining the three Witch Pikes:
"An alchemical residue. That should prove useful."
"It's depleted. Just ordinary sticks now."
"Can you feel the lingering energy? It's Daedric, if I'm not mistaken."
After examining all three Witch Pikes:
"These depleted witch pikes expended a lot of power to summon the harrowstorm. Now they're just ordinary sticks, but even in this state, they tell us much about the ritual that flowed through them."
Remind me, what did we learn by examining the depleted witch pikes?"I'm sure now that the pikes play a significant role as focal points for the storm ritual. The prepared pikes are depleted as the ritual runs its course, but I sensed lingering energy—including a Daedric taint. And we found an intruiging residue."
What's the significance of the residue?"It's the remains of an alchemical poultice that was spread over the pikes. Smells like rotting fungus, doesn't it? With a little study, I should be able to identify each ingredient in its makeup. Then I can begin to understand the ritual."
Should we take a closer look at the temple now?"One other thing I want to check first. I noticed pilgrims leading a cart away from the temple right before the storm hit. Coven members could have tried to slip away among the innocent. The cart should be along the road south of the temple."
"Strange. They're alive, but unresponsive. Check the crates and see if they contain the smuggled items."
After checking the crate:
"Did you find anything of interest in the crate?"
The crate was empty except for some dust and ash."I can't believe anyone knowingly involved would have let themselves exposed to the storm. Perhaps the pilgrim was tricked to transporting the crate, or maybe it was slipped into their cart."
Should we check on the temple now?"Yes, of course, though I fear what we may find there. The temple was clearly at the center of the storm. Regardless, there's still a lot we don't know about the effects of this ritual. Observing the target area could offer new insights."
Let's head to the temple now.
After investigating the acolyte:
"These are temple priests and pilgrims. It seems the storm killed them."
"I'll need to perform more tests, but from what we've seen I believe the storm affects mortals in three ways. It kills them, transform them into harrowfiends, or leaves them mindless. I suppose I'd say it harrowed those poor pilgrims."
So what do we do next?"I want to learn more about the ritual and how it produces the harrowstorm. And I need to comfirm my theories about the storm's effects. I'll start by examining the residue from the witch pike to identify the components used to power the ritual."
What do you need to examine the residue?"My alchemical equipment. It's extremely fragile, so I left it in my pack. I hid it among a copse of trees once I saw all the vampires and harrowfiends. Once I retrieve it, I can find a place to begin my analysis."
"I hoped you could take her prisoner. No matter, I found something. This way!"
At the broken urns:
"Do you see? These are the same as the urns smuggled from Bangkorai. They didn't just shatter, they exploded. I can sense traces of magicka clinging to the shards that match the energy used in the storm ritual. These other fragments though…"
Other fragments?"All this rubble scattered around didn't just come from these urns. The texture and patterns are different. They appear to have used the funerary dust in the urns to summon the harrowstorms, but I'm not sure what was inside the larger vessels."
Larger vessels?"Look at the shape of the fragments. They came from a hollow receptacle of some sort, something at least as tall as you. Perhaps larger. Just another piece of puzzle. Maybe when I analyze the witch pike residue, an answer will suggest itself."
Come to Solitude with us. There must be a place there where you can set up your equipment."Thank you, but no. I try to avoid large population centers. The temptation, you understand. I'll find some place nearby but out of the way where I can ser up my equipment and work undisturbed. I'll send word when I have something to report."
Do you have a location in mind?"I met a clever woman who lives in the bog near Morthal. Old Mjolen's a dying breed among the Nords, a practitioner of the old magic. The locals both admire and fear her. If anyone can help me untangle the coven's ritual, it's her."
What makes you think Old Mjolen can help?"Mjolen's experiences with the old ways and Reach magic make her ideally suited to assist me in this endeavor. She's the closest thing to an expert we're likely to find out here. At least one who doesn't want to feed our eyes to a harpy."
Have you dealt with anything like this before?"The Ravenwatch has had to curtail rogue vampire clans and put down feral bloodfiends on occasion, but I've never dealt with anything like this before. People turning into harrowfiends or becoming mindless harrowed. It's a nightmare."
Right, you had a theory about the effects of the harrowstorm."Yes, but more research is needed to confirm anything. Still, from what we observed here, it appears the harrowstorm produced three distinct results in those caught within it. It turned them into harrowfiends or harrowed, or simply killed them."
"Welcome to the middle of nowhere, my friend. You must be freezing. Warm yourself by the fire and tell me how your audience with the high king went."
Not well. The Icereach Coven assassinated Queen Gerhyld. Now Svargrim distrusts us even more."A bold move, even for them. Old Mjolen and I have been comparing notes and we've made some progress studying the harrowstorm ritual. What happened to your large friend with the axe, by the way?"
Lyris stayed behind to safeguard Princess Svana. I need your help. The assassin is a vampire."We knew that vampires were working with the coven. And Old Mjolen and I can say with certainty that the feral harrowfiends are byproducts of harrowstorms. You think the assassin was one of the vampires in league with the coven?"
I know it was a vampire. He wore an eye patch and dropped this medallion when he fled."An eye patch? That's uncommon. And this insignia. I've seen it before. It's the same as the symbol that decorates the urns smuggled out of Bangkorai. If it belongs to a vampire bloodline, I'm not familiar with it. I suggest you ask Mjolen."
After using the Enchanted Icereach Coven Medallion:
"A camp? And look! The magic points to the west!"
"What an interesting use of primitive magic! That was clearly your vampire assassin. He wore an eye patch. It looked like he was at a small camp. And you saw that ball of magicka? It went to the west. That must be where you'll find the camp."
So the enchanted medallion showed a vision and provided a direction when I used it?"Didn't I tell you? The clever woman's magic can be quite exciting! Not my usual process of investigation, but effective just the same. I'll leave Old Mjolen to continue our research and follow after you. I want to see how the divination plays out."
At the assassin's camp:
"The assassin drained her of blood."
After using the enchanted medallion again:
"He must have been desperate to feed while trying to escape."
"Is it wrong to find these visions so intruiging? This one showed your assassin again, eye patch and all, by a cave near a waterfall. And the ball of magicka drifted towards the west again. I suggest we go that way as quickly as possible."
What about the victim we found here?"There's nothing we can do for her. The vampire assassin drained all the blood from her body. He took time with her, I think. Probably needed to recover his strength after the events at the palace. Let's get after him before the trail grows cold."
"Yes, this is definitely the place in the vision. I'll slip past and scout ahead."
After Pentarch Khorb escapes:
"Once again, I prove that I'm a scholar, not a warrior. I don't think he expected another vampire, though."
I see you found the vampire assassin."I found the camp. Thought it was deserted, but the assassin must have been hiding in the shadows. He got the drop on me."
At least he didn't hurt you too badly before he got away."That had more to do with your arrival than anything I did. Luckily, he left behind his belongings when he departed. I saw a map and some documents over there. Why don't you take a look while I deal with this wound?"
"I didn't get a good look at that before. Mind bringing it over?"
"Let me take a look at what you found."
Of course. There are two letters and a map."The letters are both addressed to the vampire assassin, Pentarch Khorb. That's an unusual title. This one gives the order to assassinate the queen, though the language is guarded. The other talks about miners and a final ritual. Very ominous."
What do you make of the map?"It looks like a map to a mine in Karthald. It could be the one mentioned in the letter. If that's the target of another harrowstorm ritual, we need to stop it. Head south to the mine. I'll get word to Lyris and have her meet you there."
Lyris is in Solitude. I thought you tried to avoid large cities?"My particular habits aside, one of us needs to find the assassin and the other needs to alert Lyris Titanborn. I can handle the latter. Besides, I have no intention entering Solitude. A courier should have no trouble picking Lyris out of a crowd."
"My research into Skyrim included the legends of Blackreach, of course, but I never expected to see it. It's massive! That letter you found in the assassin's hideout. It mentioned a mining consortium in the darkness below. Could this be the place?"
That letter indicated that the coven were using the miners for various purposes."Right. If the assassin is part of a vampire clan working with the coven. I couldn't imagine a better hiding place than this land of constant might. My guess is that most of the miners have no idea what they've gotten themselves into."
Should we investigate the mining town?"You and Lyris should. It's our best lead to find the assassin. But if the miners have even an inkling of vampire activity down here, my presence might confuse the issue. I'm sure I can find something to do while you investigate the town."
Do you have something specific in mind?"I'll keep out of sight and check the surrounding area while you and Lyris investigate the town. Meet me on the far side of town when you're finished and we'll compare notes."
You mentioned that your research included in the Blackreach legends. Anything we should know?"Most of the legends are superstitious nonsense. It was once supposedly ruled by the Dwarves, though. If that's true, we'll see their ruins. There are also a lot of tales about monsters. Pale, feral humanoids. Giant insects. Be on your guard."
After questioning the miners:
"Over here!"
"You're just in time. I spotted the vampire with the eye patch. He met with a coven witch who immediately ordered her lackeys to place witch pikes around the area."
How can they summon a storm underground?"With arcane phenomena, anything's possible. If we hurry, we can stop this harrowstorm before it causes any damage. You and Lyris should split up. We need to destroy all of the witch pikes."
What will you do while we deal with the witch pikes?"I'll track the queen's assassin and the coven witch, you focus on stopping the harrowstorm. I'll find you after that and we'll confront the vampire and the witch together."
We'll take care of the witch pikes.
After destroying the Witch Pikes:
"You stopped the harrowstorm before it could even get started! Now to deal with the vampire and the witch."
"Well done, my friend. Before the witch could even begin her ritual, I saw the magicka disappear like the flame of a snuffed candle. The witch and the vampire fled into Kagnthamz, a Dwarven ruin. We can deal with them in there."
We should find Lyris first"Time is of the essence. You get to the ruin. I'll find Lyris and meet you there. It's southeast of Dusktown. If you get there before us, go inside and guard the entrance until we arrive."
"Careful. I sense the presence of other vampires."
Encountering Harrowfiends:
"Harrowfiends. Not the result of the ritual we stopped, so they must have brought them from someplace else."
After killing Pentarch Khorb:
"Now we need to find Sister Tharda."
Approaching the ritual:
"You listen in. I'll unlock the door."
Exiting Kagnthamz:
"You saw it too, right? That werewolf shed that statue like a snake shed its skin. Was she inside that stone husk the whole time, waiting to be awakened? Or did the ritual somehow summon her into that vessel? There's a lot I still don't understand."
What do you think Sister Tharda was doing in there?"A ritual, obviously. Remember the altar at Kilkreath? We found the urn—the reliquary—and sharss from a large stone vessel. I think they were remains of one of those stone husks. I'm not sure how, but it all ties bacl to the harrowstorms."
How do the stone husks tie to the harrowstorm?"I thought the purpose of harrowstorms were to create harrowfiends, but now I think that's only a byproduct. The storm somehow gathered energy that the witch used to summon Ulfra the werewolf. Ulfra seemed to think she was brought back to life."
Brought back to life? Is that even possible?"I've come to the conclusion that anything is possible where magic is concerned. I'm going to look around with Lyris, then return to Old Mjolen to finish studying the witch pike residue. Maybe that will help me understand how the ritual works."
You can really figure out the ritual by studying the residue?"Theoretically. Using my knowledge of alchemy and Old Mjolen's understanding of Reach magic, we should be able to figure something out once we know what componenets were used in the ritual."
We heard them mention exarchs and the Ashen Lord. Do you know what any of that means?"I don't know of any Ashen Lord, but exarch…I came across the term after the incident at the mass grave in Bangkorai. It's a rank, used by the ancient army. Its members were buried in that unhallowed grave and their remains were smuggled here."
What ancient army?"The Gray Host. It was an army of vampires and werewolves that rampaged across Hammerfell during the First Era. There aren't a lot of records remaining, and even the burial site was a closely held secret. Exarch was a rank, like general, I suppose."
Do you think someone is trying to bering the Gray Host back to life?"I—I don't know, but that's the impression I got from the witch's conversation with the exarchs. I wish I knew more about Tzinghalis and Ulfra, though. And the Ashen Lord, for that matter. That's why I want to check the ritual site."
Upon entering the Tower Corridor after the Netherroot Garden:
"Ahh! No! Why are you doing this to me?"
After freeing him:
"You should have left me…go warn Solitude…."
We'll all go. Tell me what you heard."Exarch Tzinghalis and Rada al-Saran talked freely while they tortured me…. They're planning some sort of assault on Solitude…a massive harrowstorm…."
You're hurt. How can I help you?"I need blood…but I won't drink from an unwilling person…. In this state, even with a willing participant, I don't trust my restrain. If only I had my flask…."
Here's your flask. I found it in your lodgings in Dusktown."My flask! Thank you, my friend. Rada al-Saran is the one they call the Ashen Lord…leader of the Gray Host. He and Tzinghalis often went into the nearby sanctum to talk. I heard a few words…map, plan…but I couldn't make out the rest."
Then we should search Tzinghalis's Sanctum."Yes…yes…. Once I take a long drink from my flask, I'll join you."
After speaking to Lyris:
"You risked so much to rescue me. Why would you do such a thing?"
We're friends. And we need your help to devise a defense against the harrowstorms."I had a lead on that…but Tzinghalis captured me before I could finish looking into that. I…I led Edjar down"
I rescued Edjar's pack. He helped us find you."The I also owe you for reconciling my debt to Edjar. Exarch Tzinghalis as experimenting with werewolf blood, both to determine why it renders them immune to the harrowstorms and to use it to strengthen the ritual components."
Can you use what you learned from Edjar to develop a defense?"Not by itself, but it gives me a place to start. With any luck, that map may provide additional clues. I…I need to rest. I'm sorry, my friend. This ordeal has been…more difficult than you can imagine."
"I…I know what you need me to do. Put my…experience behind me. Focus on the mission. Just like Verandis taught me. Could you show me the research you recovered from Exarch Tzinghalis's laboratory?"
I found notes on werewolves and netherroot, and a potion made of netherroot and other ingredients."These notes prove my theory. Netherroot is the key component of the harrowstorm ritual. It's like a poison for the soul. Weakens the bonds to the body so it can be pulled free. They're harvesting life energy from anyone caught in the storm!"
Why would they want to harvest life energy?"I'm guessing, but it may have something to do with the stone husks we saw. Remember how the werewolf emerged from one? And look at the mixture you retrieved. It isn't like the residue we recovered from the witch pike. It's more concentrated."
Could that be what they're going to use to make the harrowstorm stronger?"That's certainly what Tzinghalis's notes imply. Despite how it looks, a plan is formulating in my mind. And I think I can create an elixir, but I'll need more of this refined netherroot brew. And we need to solve the mystery of the coven medallion."
All right. Anyone have any idea where we're going to find these stuff?
"Lyris was right. The camp is crawling with the Icereach Coven. And they're definitely producing the medallion here. I was even able to slip away with one. We need to get closer, though."
Closer?"There's more to finding out this magic than watching from afar. I need to know exactly how they go about creating them. With your help, we can learn everything about that here in this camp."
What's so special about this camp?"It's a landing site for the boats coming from the island of Icereach. Plus, they're collecting something here that that goes into the process of creating the medallions. If you can get me to the center of the camp, I can learn what that is."
I'll help you reach the center of the camp."Determining how they create these medallions will be an enormous help. The Gray Host has accelerated their plans. They need more medallions for a reason. A big harrowstorm is coming. We need to be ready."
Why do you think we can learn more at the center of the camp?"Because the Gray Host is guarding something down there. I couldn't get close, but it appeared that they built the camp to surround something. Plus, I heard a few of the witches talking. Complaining, really. About needing to prepare more medallions."
Tell me more about the Gray Host."In the first era, an army of vampires and werewolves tried to conquer the land before they were stopped at Bangkorai. They called themselves the Gray Host. It seems this Rada al-Saran has resurrected the army—both figuratively and literally."
At the graveyard:
"Examine the headstones. Let's determine what's so special about the exhumed bodies."
While examining the headstones:
"Why are these particular graves so important?"
After examining the headstones:
"Finished? Have you come to any conclusions?"
"Well, we've both been over the headstones with a fine-toothed comb. If we can determine why the coven dug up these particular bodies, it will tell us something about how the medallions were enchanted."
Let's discuss what we found on the headstones."Of course. Compare notes and look for commonalities. You have the makings of a fine scholar, my friend. Now, let's see…. I noticed there were a mix of different races buried here. They weren't all Nords. Anything strike you about the departed?"
They all shared something in common when they were alive."Really? What was that?"
All of the exhumed corpses had the same name."No that's not right. Every headstone displayed a different name. There must be something else the exhumed bodies had in common."
All of the exhumed corpses were the same gender."Hmm. Not true. The insciptions mentioned wives, mothers, sisters and sons. There must be something else the exhumed bodies had in common."
All of the exhumed corpses did the same kind of work."Which headstones did you examine? I read about laborers, soldiers, and traders. Not the same occupations at all. There must be something else the exhumed bodies had in common."
I have another idea. Let's discuss what we found on the headstones.
They all shared something in common when they died."They did? Tell me more."
They were all buried in this graveyard."Well, yes, but so were the bodies that weren't disturbed. We're trying to determine what the exhumed corpses have in common, remember? There must be something else that we're missing."
I have another idea. Let's discuss what we found on the headstones.
They were all old when they died."Of course! Why didn't I see that? The headstones on the exhumed graves all mentioned that the person was old when they died. Let me think…. Some necrotic spells require the remains of the elderly. Something to do with the natural decay of life."
The natural decay of life?"According to one necromantic theory, the older a living thing becomes, the more necrotic energy it naturally acquires. As a body grows old and withers, the life inside it decays. Necrotic energy is the byproduct of this deterioration."
Does that tell you enough to figure out how to create the medallion?"I now know enough about how they create the medallions to move my research along. I'll return to the Blue Palace and start putting an elixir together."
What else do you need me to do?"To fully develop an elixir to defend against the harrowstorms, I still require a sample of refined netherroot brew. Plus, we need to determine what the Gray Host has planned. Help Lyris and Svana at the other camps, then meet me at the Blue Palace."
We took a sample of refined netherroot brew from the midland camp. Lyris is bringing it to Solitude. (This dialogue option appears if the Vestige has helped Lyris at the Midland Camp.)
"Oh, good, you're back. Mjolen and I have been discussing various ways to turn what we've got into a protective elixir. I'm hesitant to get too exited, but I think we've figured out how to defend against the harrowstorms."
Tell me what you're thinking."The Gray Host uses an unstable mix of alchemy and sorcery to create the harrowstorm. An arcane ritual and the netherroot brew focus the power of each harrowstorm through the prepared witch pikes. Ingenious, but fully exploitable."
Exploitable? How so?"We can use the refined brew as the basis of our elixir. Now that we understand how the harrowstorms are created, we can use those same components to replicate the medallion's protective properties. We just need to gather the necessary components."
How can I help?"Svana's associate, Maugh, will procure most of the supplies I need, but there's one final ingredient required. For various reasons. I can't simply walk into the Hall of the Dead and claim it myself. I need you to acquire Arkay's sacred oil."
Arkay's sacred oil?"A holy ointment associated with a god that became popular due to Imperial influence. It's used by the priests in the Hall of the Dead to provide protection against necromancy and the undead. We need that oil to create our elixir."
After adding the oil to the cauldron:
"Yes, a perfect fusion! It's ready to be tested. Come, let's talk."
"With the addition of the sacred oil, the elixir is complete. Before we produce enough to distribute to the people of Western Skyrim, we need to test it. I'm confident with my work, but we're dealing with powerful forces here."
How do you plan to test the elixir?"We can't wait for the next harrowstorm to strike, but what you and Svana learned in Blackreach might help. You heard that Exarch Ulfra was testing harrowstorm rituals in a place called the Undergrove. We'll go there and let Lyris drink the elixir."
Right, the orders mentioned the Undergrove is hidden in an ancient barrow."During my explorations of Blackreach, I came across an ancient burial site. A place called the Midnight Barrow. This Undergrove must be inside those ruins. Once there, you and Svana keep watch from a safe distance while Lyris steps into the storm."
I guess we're going to the Midnight Barrow."From what I can tell, Midnight Barrow sank into Blackreach in the distant past. Somewhere in tis chambers, we'll find the Undergrove. The ruined barrow is in the Lightless Hollow, in the northwest portion of the cavern. We'll meet you there."
Remind me, how are we going to test the elixir?"We're going to find an active harrowstorm ritual in the Undergrove, or I'm going to attempt to replicate one in there. Then Lyris drinks the elixir, exposes herself to the dark magic. And we wait to see what happens."
Sounds risky."Very risky. But it's also our best chance to counter the harrowstorms and fight back against the Gray Host. Either Lyris comes through fine, or she transfroms into a harrowed. Or a harrowfiend. That's also a possibility."
Conversations
At Kilkreath Temple, after retrieving his equipment:
Lyris: "That's close enough, leech." Fennorian: "Wait! Wait! I'm not part of the coven!"
After talking to Lyris:
Fennorian: "Perhaps I could question the witch before you introduce her to your impressive axe blade?"
Lyris: "As evil lairs go, I'm not impressed." Fennorian: "I'll take that as a good sign."
In Silversnow Mine:
Lyris: "Scaffolding. Let's follow it down." Fennorian: "Careful, the structure doesn't appear to be completely stable." Lyris: "Relax, it will take more than a rickety structure to take down Lyris Titanborn." Fennorian: "Actually, I was more concerned for my own well being, but if you insist…"
Lyris: "I think there's a cavern up ahead. It's just like the old legends…Blackreach! Fennorian: "Blackreach? So the legends are true? But why is there a town down there?"
After eliminating all enemies before the Experimentation Chamber:
Rada al-Saran: "A shame he could not be recruited to our noble cause." Exarch Tzinghalis: "The machine will finish him momentarily, my lord." Rada al-Saran: "Finish your work here, Tzinghalis, then join me in the keep. You must bear witness when we make our move." Exarch Tzinghalis: "Of course, Rada al-Saran. I am eager to see the power of our ultimate harrowstorm." Fennorian: <Tortured sobbing.> Exarch Tzinghalis: "New test subjects? Just in time. This one is about spent."
After killing Exarch Tzinghalis:
Fennorian: "It's too late…for me…." Lyris: "Fenn's delirious. See if you (The Vestige) can free him!" Fennorian: "Go…warn Solitude…."
Upon entering Tzinghalis's Sanctum:
Lyris: "Take your time. You've been through a lot." Fennorian: "They did whatever they wanted. I couldn't stop them. Exarch Tzinghalis was insane, but he was also a genius. If he kept records, they'll be here." Lyris: "I see a map and some papers. Hey, partner (The Vestige), take a look."
After speaking to Lyris:
Lyris: "Come on, Fenn. Princess Svana herself requested your presence at the Blue Palace." Fennorian: "I don't believe I'm very good company right now." Lyris: "Come on, Fenn. We'll help you through this."
Lyris: "So, do we have a way to defend against the harrowstorms or what?" Mjolen: "The elixir should do what we need…provided neither Fenn nor I made any miscalculations." Fennorian: "Mjolen, don't be so negative! The elixir will work. You'll see."
After retrieving Arkay's Sacred Oil:
Lyris: "Once it's ready, I'll test the elixir." Fennorian: "As you say, Lyris. Ah, here they come now. You (The Vestige) have the sacred oil? Add it to the cauldron."
At the entrance to the Undergrove:
Lyris: "This must be the place. I'll go back and get—" Svana: "No need, we're here." Fennorian: "The princess insisted…." Svana: "We followed at a safe distance and only advanced after you cleared the way. From this point on, we stay together. And that's an order." Fennorian: "Um, yes. What she said. Now let's enter the Undergrove."
Upon entering The Undergrove:
Fennorian: "We need to find where they're experimenting with the harrowstorms." Exarch Ulfra: "You honor me with your presence, my king." Lyris: "Gray Host! Stay quiet and listen!" Rada al-Saran "This harrowstorm must be the biggest we have ever wrought, my sister-in-arms." Svana: "That's the leader of the Gray Host!" Exarch Ulfra: "Have we heard from Solitude? Is everything in place?" Rada al-Saran: "I have been assured the city is ripe for harvest." Fennorian: "Rada al-Saran and Exarch Ulfra? Should we postpone the test?" Svana: "Certainly not! The holds are counting on us! Besides, we might be able to end this threat right here and now."
Upon entering The Undergrove Nursery:
Rada al-Saran: "Who dares intrude—you! The murderers who killed our beloved Tzinghalis!" Lyris: "And you're about to join him." Rada al-Saran: "Impudent mortal! You will pay for your crime!" Lyris: "Argh!" Rada al-Saran: "Now for the rest of these curs!" Exarch Ulfra: "My king, allow me the honor of spilling their blood!" Rada al-Saran: "Very well, sweet sister. Join me in Greymoor Keep when the task is done." Exarch Ulfra: "Let this harrowstorm flay the flesh from your bones!" Fennorian: "We need to leave—Svana, no!" Svana: "See to Lyris, Fenn. And pray your elixir works!" Fennorian: "Protect Svana! (To the Vestige) She needs time for the elixir to do its job!"
