Rada al-Saran is a Yokudan vampire in The Elder Scrolls Online: Greymoor and The Elder Scrolls Online: Markarth, appearing as the overarching main antagonist of both expansions, as well as the Dark Heart of Skyrim storyline.
Previously, he was only mentioned by Rahama in the base game; it wasn't until the Dark Heart of Skyrim storyline that his vampiric background was described.
Background[]
Rada al-Saran was a great Yokudan warrior in the time of the Ansei. Rada was a proud man who claimed to match the gods in the way of the sword.
According to Rahama, Leki was said to have drawn Rada to the oasis in order to challenge and humble him. When Rada found Leki, "a warrior of sand wielding a blade of the hardest rock," he believed he had found an opponent worthy of his skills. After duelling for three days and three nights, Rada put all of his strength into one strike: the weakest point of his opponent's rocky blade. The blade broke in two and a great sandstorm split the horizon. A shrine was built by Leki soon after.[1]
Rada deeply resents Molag Bal for keeping his friends trapped and tormented in Coldharbour. He also resents King Styriche for striking the deal that led to their predicament eons ago.
Interactions[]
The Gray Council[]
Bound in Blood[]
Rada al-Saran can be seen talking with Matron Urgala in Deepwood Barrow, and once again at the top of Deepwood Temple.
Greymoor Rising[]
Rada al-Saran is performing a ritual at Greymoor Keep to attune High King Svargrim to the harrowstorm.
The Despot of Markarth[]
Rada al-Saran can be observed talking to Lady Belain in Valthume. The Vestige then speaks to Rada al-Saran after he tells them to follow him deeper into the ruin.
Blood of the Reach[]
Rada al-Saran and Lady Balain are seen speaking to Count Verandis Ravenwatch and Gwendis before disappearing with them both in the Bthar-Zel Keystone Vault.
Kingdom of Ash[]
End of Eternity[]
Dialogue[]
The Gray Council[]
"How good to see you, Verandis, my old friend. You look well. Our halls have felt quite empty without you. What do you think of our new home? Is it not, as I wrote in my letter, everything one could ask for?"
- You've built a grand castle, old friend. But I must know, have you considered my request? "To parlay with the mortal queen? I have, but my stance has not changed. The Gray Host's strength has grown over the centuries, while dozens of mortal kingdoms have risen and fallen. What sense is there in revealing ourselves to them now?"
- Mortals are not as you remember them. Empress Hestra would make a fine ally. "What mortals gain from an alliance with us is obvious, but what benefit do we receive from them? King Styriche and our Gray Host could crush this Empress Hestra and her armies in a day. I know you worry for our people, Verandis, but you need not."
- You can't continue to war against the mortals. There are simply too many of them. "For such a brilliant mind who helped conceive our Gray Council, you can be so short-sighted, Verandis. I will say this: If the mortals do not move against us, we will not move against them. But I cannot protect your precious mortals from themselves."
- I believe in the Gray Council, not Styriche's Gray Host. And an alliance would protect us all. "Enough talk of alliances and mortals. It has been too long since we last saw one another, Verandis. Let us speak of better times, drink the blood offered, and contemplate the tremendous responsibility we bear to keep our people safe."
- I spoke with Ulfra and Tzinghalis. "Good. You cannot imagine how much I have leaned upon them in your absence. It should please you to know that Ulfra shows restraint these days. And I know Tzinghalis would love to discuss his experiments and research with you."
- They don't understand the dream, Rada al-Saran. "They understand little that does not serve their own needs. They do not understand why we started the Gray Council or what an asset you are to the Gray Host. It will take much to convince them to make peace with mortals."
- Why did you invite me here if you're unwilling to talk about this? "They understand little that does not serve their own needs. They do not understand why we started the Gray Council or what an asset you are to the Gray Host. It will take much to convince them to make peace with mortals."
- The dream didn't start with us ruling over mortals. "Your dream and mine are similar, my friend, but they are not the same. This friction between us, it thins my patience. Still, this place, no matter how grand, did not feel complete until you returned. You belong here, Verandis."
- I would like to continue our discussion of an alliance with the mortals later, my friend. "Of course, Verandis. I know you too well to think you would let the topic go so easily. I promise, we will speak of it again. There is no need to rush. We have not seen each other in an Elf's age. I would hear what you have been up to, my brother."
- We're immortal. We have all the time in the world to catch up. "And yet you waste years away from your family, caring for those who live short and meaningless lives. Ah, Verandis. Is my word not enough to appease you? We will speak more of this later. For now, I wish to discuss more pleasant topics."
- I spoke with Ulfra and Tzinghalis. "Good. You cannot imagine how much I have leaned upon them in your absence. It should please you to know that Ulfra shows restraint these days. And I know Tzinghalis would love to discuss his experiments and research with you."
- I believe in the Gray Council, not Styriche's Gray Host. And an alliance would protect us all. "Enough talk of alliances and mortals. It has been too long since we last saw one another, Verandis. Let us speak of better times, drink the blood offered, and contemplate the tremendous responsibility we bear to keep our people safe."
- You can't continue to war against the mortals. There are simply too many of them. "For such a brilliant mind who helped conceive our Gray Council, you can be so short-sighted, Verandis. I will say this: If the mortals do not move against us, we will not move against them. But I cannot protect your precious mortals from themselves."
- Mortals are not as you remember them. Empress Hestra would make a fine ally. "What mortals gain from an alliance with us is obvious, but what benefit do we receive from them? King Styriche and our Gray Host could crush this Empress Hestra and her armies in a day. I know you worry for our people, Verandis, but you need not."
Conversations[]
- Bound in Blood
On top of the bridge in Deepwood Barrow:
Matron Urgala: "As you'll see, the storm's effects will be quite devastating." Rada al-Saran: "As long as everything's ready for the first harvest, Urgala, I will be pleased."
Quotes[]
- "Not a day passes when my thoughts do not dwell upon my beloved brothers and sisters in arms."
- "Verandis, my friend. At long last." – When approaching him during "The Gray Council".
Gallery[]
Appearances[]
References[]
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