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"The Arcane University has been here for nearly as long as the Mages Guild has been in Cyrodiil. It has been our home for ages."
―Raminus Polus[src]

Raminus Polus is an Imperial Master Wizard at the Arcane University in the Imperial City. He is one of the main administrators of the Guild. He also gives advancements in rank with the exception of Arch-Mage, rather he will acknowledge you as Arch-Mage. At the end of the Necromancy Purge, he is the only surviving member of the Council of Mages as Bothiel is not part of the council.

Connection with the Mages Guild[]

Raminus Polus provides many amenities to the Hero, as do the rest of those at the Arcane University. He offers to "recharge" their magical items. He also offers advanced spells from his personal inventory, spells, bestows and promotes ranks to them, until becoming Arch-Mage.

Physical appearance[]

Polus wears a Mage Robe and gold trimmed shoes and casts Alteration, Destruction, Mysticism and Restoration spells.

He has much to say about everything but, due to his ties with the Mages Guild, he usually says something about the legality of Necromancy or the resigning of "half of the council of Mages."

He sits and reads for most of the day or talking to Bothiel and Hannibal Traven. The Hero must give him 20 fly amanitas and 20 dragon's tongues if they break the Guild law and are kicked out. To join, he will tell them they must speak to each proctor of the Guild Hall in each of the eight major cities.

Interactions[]

Joining the Mages Guild[]

After receiving recommendations from all the Mages Guild halls within Cyrodiil, Raminus Polus makes the Hero of Kvatch a member of the Mages Guild.

A Mage's Staff[]

After joining the Guild, Raminus sends the Hero on a task to officially join the Guild, by creating a staff.

Ulterior Motives[]

Raminus sends the Hero out to obtain a book from Count Hassildor, only for the Hero to discover a Necromancer's plot and the lie Raminus told them.

Vahtacen's Secret[]

The Hero is tasked by Raminus to aid in the research performed by Irlav Jarol regarding Vahtacen.

Necromancer's Moon[]

To aid in the war against Necromancy, Raminus tasks the Hero with learning new information regarding Black Soul Gems, and their connection to the Necromancers.

Liberation or Apprehension?[]

Raminus promotes the Hero to the rank of Magician, before sending them to Arch-Mage Hannibal Traven for further duties in the guild.

Dialogue[]

"Welcome to the Arcane University."

Mages Guild "If you wish to become a part of the Mages Guild, seek out the heads of the local guild halls. They will instruct you further."
Show: Joining the Mages Guild
At the Arcane University:

"Hello, Associate. It seems you've obtained the final recommendation you required."

Mages Guild "The Arcane University has been here for nearly as long as the Mages Guild has been in Cyrodiil. It has been our home for ages."
Recommendation "I have received recommendations from all the local guild halls in Cyrodiil. You have done very well for yourself. You may now enter the University. As a full-fledged member of the Mage's Guild, I now also promote you to the rank of Apprentice, and grant you the Robe of the Apprentice. Take a moment to try it on, and then we shall speak of what comes next for you."

When approached again:

"We come to the real work at last. You have, no doubt, seen some of the worst the guild has to offer. As much as we try to hold mages to a higher standard, they are only human. What I hope you will now see is that while the guild can be disjointed and misused, it can also achieve some wonderful things. Now you have an opportunity to engage in more meaningful tasks, and continue with your advancement through the guild."

Advancement "You do not yet qualify for further advancement in the guild."
Tasks "Before you can begin work for the guild, you'll need to do something for yourself. Every mage carries a staff. It is crafted and enchanted by the guild, and is a symbol of status. You need such a staff."
Mage's Staff "The wood used for staves comes from a grove to the northeast of the Imperial City, near Wellspring Cave. Several mages tend to the grove, and should be able to assist you. Speak with either Zahrasha or Eletta when you arrive. And choose wisely."
Show: A Mage's Staff
At the Arcane University:

"You should be out acquiring a Mage's Staff for yourself. What do you need?"

Mage's Staff "Wellspring Cave lies to the northeast of the Imperial City. The mages there can assist you."
Tasks "You have your task. Acquire wood for a staff from the grove outside Wellspring Cave."

"You shall have a true Mages' Staff soon."

After killing the Necromancers:

"What? Necromancers at the cave?"

Necromancers "Eletta and Zahrasha dead? I can't believe it! They've never been so bold before now. Always hiding in the shadows, staying away from the guild. What could have prompted this? I'll need to speak to the council about this. Thank you for relaying the information. Now, tend to your staff, and your wounds, if necessary. Delmar at the Chironasium can help you with the staff. You still need wood from the grove before he can create your staff. Get it immediately."

If the Unfinished Staff is taken before returning to Raminus:

"What? Necromancers at the cave?"

Necromancers "Eletta and Zahrasha dead? I can't believe it! They've never been so bold before now. Always hiding in the shadows, staying away from the guild. What could have prompted this? I'll need to speak to the council about this. Thank you for relaying the information. Now, tend to your staff, and your wounds, if necessary. Delmar at the Chironasium can help you with the staff."
Mage's Staff "You'll need wood for the staff before Delmar can assist you."

After obtaining the wood:

Mage's Staff "Now that you have the wood, speak with Delmar at the Chironasium."

If approached again:

"You have your task. Find Delmar, and ask for his help."

Show: Ulterior Motives
At the Arcane University:

"I have a new task for you."

Advancement "I accordance with guild rules, you now qualify for the rank of Journeyman. May you wear your rank well."
Tasks "The Council is investigating what happened at Wellspring Cave. Many of our resources are devoted to the task, leaving our ranks spread thin. There is a related book that needs to be recovered. It was recently loaned to Janus Hassildor, the Count of Skingrad. I'd like you to retrieve it. I understand this may not seem the most important of tasks, but still... it needs doing, and you are one of the few available to do it. A note of caution: Skingrad is an... unusual place. Be prepared for the unexpected."
Janus Hassildor "The Count is a reclusive man, and sometimes difficult to see. Hopefully, your status as a representative of the Guild will aid you. Speak with the castle steward when you arrive."
Skingrad "The city lies southwest of the Imperial City. The castle overlooks the city from a steep hill. You should have no trouble finding it."

If approached again:

"You have your task. Perform it as well as you would any other."

After dealing with Mercator Hosidus:

"Have you been to Skingrad, and seen Count Hassildor?"

Janus Hassildor "Saved you, did he? Well, that's a good sign. I must apologize. It was never the Council's intention to put you in harm's way."
Why didn't you tell me the truth? "The Count's unique nature is not public knowledge. The Council wishes to keep it that way. At the time, it was believed there was no reason to inform you, since it was not crucial to the task you were given. For that reason, I was unable to disclose more about his true identity to you. Clearly that judgment was in error. I apologize."
Why was I sent to Skingrad? "Arch-Mage Traven feared that sending a high-ranking official with the guild might draw too much attention, and provoke a reaction from the Count. We were also concerned that it might drive any Necromancers in the area underground, making them more difficult to root out."
I see. "We simply wanted to survey the situation in Skingrad. Our relationship with Hassildor is tenuous at best. The Council has agreed to keep his nature a secret, and in exchange he occasionally provides us with useful information."
Why does Hassildor aid you? "As a vampire, the Count has few allies he can trust. He has disguised his nature from most, but cannot hide it from the Council of Mages. So, he approached us with an accord. As you have seen, that agreement is under a great deal of strain lately. The Count does not agree with certain policies the guild has established."
You protect a vampire? "It's not quite that simple. Hassildor is powerful, to be sure, but the Council does not consider him to be a threat. After all, he has ruled over Skingrad for quite some time without incident."
So you no longer trust him. "We feared Hassildor may have been involved with the Necromancers. Thanks to your involvement, it would seem that he is not. At least, not for the moment. We will continue to monitor the situation, but I assure you we will make no further attempts to mislead you. You have done your job admirably, and I thank you for it."
Show: Vahtacen's Secret
At the Arcane University:

"I have a new task for you, and I assure you there are no Necromancers involved."

Advancement "Your services to the guild have not gone unnoticed. As of this moment, you have gained the rank of Evoker. Along with your new rank, please take this amulet. May it help keep you safe in times of danger."
Tasks "Are you ready for it? If not, I understand. You've been through quite a bit lately."
I'm ready. "Very well. There's a research project going on at one of the Ayleid ruin sites on the eastern side of the province. Irlav Jarol is in charge of the project, and is apparently in need of some help. I thought you might need a break, after the things you've been exposed to lately. You can find Irlav in the Arch Mage's Tower."
Irlav Jarol "He's a good man, but Council matters have distracted him lately, and he's been neglecting his other work."
Tasks "Speak with Irlav Jarol. He can give you the details you need."
I need more time. "As I said, I fully understand. I shall be here when you feel you are prepared."

"Irlav should be waiting for you."

If approached again:

"You should be helping Irlav Jarol, shouldn't you?"

Show: Necromancer's Moon
At the Arcane University:

"Good work at Vahtacen. Jarol is quite pleased with the information coming in about the site. There is another predicament which I believe you can also help resolve, if you feel ready for it."

I'm ready. What is it? "Excellent. You have become most reliable, and I assure you that the Council appreciates it. Now, to the matter at hand. In order to deal with the apparent growing problem of Necromancers in Cyrodiil, the Council needs as much information as possible. The Mystic Archives have been consulted with minimal success. Guild members are investigating other avenues, but I believe more can be learned here."
What do you mean? "What little we know makes no sense in a larger context. For example, why was Falcar -- who we know now to be part of this cult of Necromancers -- in possession of Black Soul Gems? The Arch-Mage has other reports of these gems being associated with Necromancers, but we do not know why. We don't even know what they do. We have overlooked these questions because we are so focused on rooting out the Necromancers as quickly as possible."
What do I need to do? "I'd like you to speak with Tar-Meena at the Mystic Archives. She is our specialist on magicka arcana, and has been helping gather information. I believe we have been asking her the wrong questions, taxing her too much with vague attempts to make sense of all that we know. Speak with her specifically about these Black Soul Gems. If she knows anything about their powers or creation. An insight into their origins may lead us to those who are responsible for them."
Tar-Meena "Her expertise in arcane knowledge and lore could be invaluable to us, if we can make proper use of it. She can likely be found in the Archives now, poring through materials on Necromancy. She stops only to sleep, at the Arch-Mage's request."
Not just yet. "I shall be here when you are ready."
Tasks "Before you begin, we must first discuss your advancement within the guild."
Advancement "You become more valuable to the guild with each passing day. The guild wishes to reward that, and so you are raised to the rank of Conjurer. Accept these robes, and wear them with pride."
Tasks "Are you prepared to begin your next task for the guild?"

"Report back as soon as you can."

After finding the Necromancer's Moon book:

"Has Tar-Meena been of use in gathering information about the Necromancers?"

Necromancer's Moon "Excellent work. I believe this will be of use to the Council. I shall make sure they're made aware of its contents. Hmm. I have never heard of this "Shade of Revenant." Some sort of celestial phenomenon? If that's correct, then Bothiel would be most likely to know something about it, as the caretaker of the Orrery. She should be on University grounds."
Imperial Orrery "A most fascinating contraption. Bothiel is one of the few who understand how it worked, and kept it running."

If approached again:

"Bothiel may know more about this "Shade of Revenant" referred in the book you've given me. Speak with her."

After speaking to Bothiel:

"Well met."

Shade of the Revenant "So, Falcar expressed interest in this Revenant as well, and left this note behind, did he? Perhaps we should look into it for more clues. This lists several locations. The first is "The Dark Fissure," which I recognize; it's a cave in the mountains south of Cheydinhal. If there is indeed an altar there, as the note suggests, I believe this cave is directly related to the contents of the book. Go to the Dark Fissure the next time this "shade" occurs. Search for any connection to what we've learned, and report back. Please, be careful. Anything you find is of no use to us if you do not survive. I believe we are dealing with powerful forces here. Do not put yourself in harm's way, if it can be avoided."

"Be careful."

After discovering the ritual:

"Have you been to the Dark Fissure yet? We need to know all we can about the Necromancers."

Necromancers "So, you saw them? The altars must be infused with some kind of power to change over the soul gems. I shall pass the news on to the Council. Most troubling, indeed, to know that these are not merely myths. I also fear their numbers may be greater than we believed. You have again performed admirably. You have my thanks, and that of the Council as well."
Show: Liberation or Apprehension?
At the Arcane University:

"You continue to do the guild proud. As such, a new task awaits you. This time, however, it comes from Arch-Mage Traven himself. You should go see him."

Advancement "You are Conjurer no more. Guild members shall now address you as Magician. Congratulations."
Tasks "Seek out Arch-Mage Traven. He has personally requested that you see him for your next assignment."

Upon completion of the quest:

"It's my pleasure. Please continue."

Advancement "Your role within the guild becomes ever more essential. Your are now attained the rank of Warlock, and are freely able to access the Council Chamber."
Tasks "Your tasks now come directly from Arch-Mage Traven. Please speak with him if you're unsure what you should be doing."
Tasks "Before you begin, we must first discuss your advancement within the guild."
Show: A Plot Revealed
At the Arcane University:

Advancement "Truly, you are an aseet to the guild. I reward you with the rank of Wizard, and teach you a most powerful spell."

Show: The Bloodworm Helm, The Necromancer's Amulet
At the Arcane University:

Advancement "I can truly consider you an equal, and so grant you the rank of Master-Wizard. There is no higher rank which I can bestow upon you. You have my congratulations, and my thanks."

Show: Confront the King
At the Arcane University:

"Arch-Mage! You have returned! Mannimarco has been defeated? I can hardly believe it! The King of Worms is no more! I... I received a note from Arch-Mage Traven. I know what he did for us, and that he selected you to take his place. I will mourn for him during my own, private time. For now, I cannot help but rejoice. You have brought safety to the guild, and I thank you. I have already sent word to all the local guild halls that you are now in charge. Congratulations, Arch-Mage."

Ingredient Collection "As the Arch-Mage, you are entitled to certain privileges. In addition to full use of all Guild facilities, there is one service available to you. Julienne Fanis has long served Arch-Mage Traven in collecting alchemical ingredients for his personal research. As the new Arch-Mage, I'm sure she'll extend the service to you as well. At your convenience, consult her at the Lustratirum."

Quotes[]

Spells for sale[]

Spell Skill level required Effects Base magicka cost
Alteration
AlterationOpenOpen Hard Lock Expert (75) Open Hard Lock on Target 176 MagickaIcon
AlterationBurdenOppressing Grasp Expert (75) Burden 75 pts for 30 secs on Touch 158 MagickaIcon
AlterationFeatherPack Mule Expert (75) Feather 150 pts for 300 secs on Self 183 MagickaIcon
AlterationShieldShield Expert (75) Shield 40% for 30 secs on Self 151 MagickaIcon
Conjuration
ConjurationBoundWeaponBound Sword Expert (75) Bound Sword for 15 secs on Self 352 MagickaIcon
Destruction
DestructionFireFire Storm Expert (75) Fire Damage 50 pts in 15 ft on Target 378 MagickaIcon
DestructionFireHeat Blast Expert (75) Fire Damage 70 pts on Target 258 MagickaIcon
DestructionFrostIce Bolt Expert (75) Frost Damage 70 pts on Target 255 MagickaIcon
DestructionFrostIce Storm Expert (75) Frost Damage 50 pts in 15 ft on Target 373 MagickaIcon
DestructionShockLightning Blast Expert (75) Shock Damage 70 pts on Target 269 MagickaIcon
DestructionShockLightning Ball Expert (75) Shock Damage 20 pts in 15 ft for 2 secs on Target 243 MagickaIcon
Illusion
IllusionInvisibilityGhostwalk Expert (75) Invisibility for 60 secs on Self 240 MagickaIcon
IllusionParalyzeImmobilize Expert (75) Paralyze for 7 secs on Touch 332 MagickaIcon
IllusionSilenceMute Expert (75) Silence in 15 ft for 15 secs on Target 303 MagickaIcon
IllusionDemoralizeTerrifying Presence Master (100) Demoralize up to level 17 for 30 secs on Target 507 MagickaIcon
IllusionLightTorchlight Expert (75) Light 50 ft for 240 secs on Self 183 MagickaIcon
Mysticism
MysticismDispelSuperior Dispel Expert (75) Dispel 150 pts on Self 219 MagickaIcon
MysticismDetectLifeSuperior Life Detection Expert (75) Detect Life 120 ft for 60 secs on Self 220 MagickaIcon
MysticismReflectSpellSuperior Spell Reflection Expert (75) Reflect Spell 20% for 20 secs on Self 323 MagickaIcon
Restoration
RestorationFortifyMagickaFortify Magicka Journeyman (50) Fortify Magicka 30 pts for 60 secs on Self 69 MagickaIcon
RestorationRestoreHeal Superior Wounds Expert (75) Restore Health 25 pts for 4 secs on Self 246 MagickaIcon

Bugs[]

This section contains bugs related to Raminus Polus. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:

  1. Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
  2. If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template  360  /  XB1  ,  PS3  /  PS4  ,  PC  /  MAC  ,  NX  /  PS5  ,  XS  , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.
  3. Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.
  •  PC   360   PS3   If expelled from the Mages Guild, the Hero may not have the option to get the Vampire Cure until they have finished the quest Expelled from the Mages Guild.
  •  PC   Raminus Polus may disappear after doing a Mages Guild quest.

Appearances[]

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