"Ah, at last. You must be here with my supplies. Just put the ink and delicate items in the tent here. You can begin unloading the bulk goods with my assistants."
Sorry, I don't have any supplies for you. What are you doing here?"Truly? This is the last time I trust an order to that Bosmer. It fits, though. Ezduiin has been one disaster after another. First, the spirits. Now the supplies. And to top it off, my top scholar and her team are missing!"
Some people are missing?"Stars, yes. Andewen and her team are somewhere in the ruins, looking for the Mallari-Mora. They're long overdue. If you're not here with supplies, perhaps you'd go look for them?"
I'll go look for them."Best-case scenario? They've found the Mora. I don't want to think about the worst-case. Too many variables."
Who are you again?"What a curious question. But if you insist. I am Telenger the Artificer—renowned genius, author, and explorer. Ezduiin is my latest endeavor. I will bring futher glory and honor to the Mages Guild!"
Why are you here?"I've come in search of the Mallari-Mora. I'll present it to the council and reap the rewards."
Mallari-Mora? Is that an artifact?"Quite attentive. Yes, the Mallari-Mora is an ancient relic. A talisman. Its power took the lives of everyone here. Cursed their immortal souls."
The spirits have been here ever since?"No, actually! They weren't here when we arrived. Though it's merely conjecture, I believe someone has rediscovered the Mora. The disturbance of the talisman has caused the bound dead to stir."
Who is Andewen?"She used to be one of my prized students. Very accomplished. She's now a high ranking member of the Mages Guild—the Master of Incunabula. She oversees the Arcanaeum in Skywatch."
What is she doing out here?"Assisting me, of course. Andewen is a true seeker of knowledge. She may care for her books, but research in the field is her first love."
Incuna—what?"Incunabula. She oversees research and training. A coveted position. One that most of my students aspire to, but few will obtain."
Aside from Andewen's team, is anyone else out there?"Yes, now that you mention it. Sirinque, one of my students, said something about freeing the spirits. She's nowhere near as analytical as Andewen. I think she's down at our forward camp. I'm sure she's fine."
"You return. I am almost afraid to ask, but—what news?"
Uricantar is dead. And I have the Mallari-Mora."Remarkable. I'm not easily impressed, but you've done it. And Uricantar disappoints, to the bitter end. Such a waste."
I'm glad I was here to help."All that remains is to tend to the wounded. And continue the research. With the Mora in hand and Uricantar dead, Ezduiin will soon be at peace. I'll see to it."
"Ahh, excellent. I sensed you coming. It's good to see you again. We can set to work right away."
Telenger, why are you still down here?"Why wouldn't I be down here? It's perfectly safe. Are you worried about the Arbordawn? They're harmless! Of far greater concern are the Daedra. They're the real problem down here. Silly creatures."
Daedra? Where?"Down in the deeper tunnels. Don't worry, you're here! Actually, your arrival was quite timely. I just finished recording some critical observations on the site. I almost feel bad for Indring here."
Indring?"Yes, the leader of the Arbordawn cult. He was very cross with me, shouting and carrying on. So I transformed him into a more manageable little fowl. It will wear off after we've gone, but he's much more pleasant to be around now. Sorry, where was I?"
Something about Daedra?"Of course! The temple. In my haste to excavate some of the older tunnels with earthmoving spells I uncovered an ancient structure. This whole mess is somewhat … a bit … my fault. But I'm not worried."
What can we do?"What kind of teacher would I be if you didn't learn something? You'll accompany me down into the temple and we can put an end to … whatever this is. It's through the vinewall on the far side of the main cavern. I'll meet you there!"
I'll see you there, then.
Outside the Daedric temple:
"There it is! Beautiful isn't it? In its own way."
How do we get inside?"Now that I've had a moment to examine the ward, it will be a simple ritual to open the doors. However, it will take a few moments to complete. And I expect my efforts will not go unnoticed."
I'll need to protect you, then?"Just so! I say, you are a learned assistant. Remind me to raise Andewen's guild stipend after this is over. She's truly a mage of great intelligence. Are you ready to begin?"
"My, my. So the Arbordawn cult has been spun into Mephala's web. Fascinating. Worrying, to be sure! But fascinating."
What do we do?"It's clear entering the temple was a poor choice. My enthusiasm for discovery has caused problems like this before. I imagine Andewen would be happy to provide you a list of past occurrences … but I digress. The temple must be resealed!"
What do you need me to do?"Nothing! Just stand there, assistant. And observe. Using a novel application for hermetic harmonic resonance, I shall completely seal the temple. Airtight, this time, if you will. No allowing Mephala's influence to leak out."
All right, then!
Outside:
"I believe Mephala's reaction was proof: the temple is sealed. Well done there, I suppose."
You suppose? Isn't that good news?"Oh, indeed. I'm sure in time the Arbordawn will return to themselves. It's just … it's a shame we didn't discover where the Falinesti have gone. It may have to remain one of Tamriel's great mysteries. Thank you, assistant!"
After finishing the quest:
"I'm already beginning to plan our next field mission. I'm thinking one of the planes of Oblivion. It's been some time since I perused the stacks in Apocrypha, for example."
What will become of the Arbordawn Cultists?"Oh, they'll be quite all right. With the Daedric influence removed, they'll return to their old selves very soon. Actually, that's worth studying. I think I'll leave some students behind to observe their behavior."
So what do you think happened to the Falinesti?"For all we've learned here, the Falinesti Faithful may be a better resource to answer that question. Or, at least, a more entertaining one. Some of their stories are quite fanciful you know."
"I take it that you are the one who read my note? The spells I placed upon it alerted me that non-Daedra eyes examined the writing. I do hope that you are a member of the force from Tamriel. If so, I have something to show you."
What have you discovered?"This vault contains a portal, and the power emanating from it is overwhelming. Something on the other side seeks to pierce the veil of illusion that hangs over this ruined library."
Do you think it's dangerous?"Hmm. That's inconsequential. Whatever it is, it may serve a purpose in our battle against the lord of Coldharbour. If we can acquire it, then this excursion will not have been a complete waste of time."
You must have some idea what this source of power is."I have my suspicions, but I hate to speculate. If you must know, I think it might be one of the fabled Lights of Meridia—the sources of power she used to hurl the Hollow City into Coldharbour. Come in and we shall investigate further."
Inside his vault:
"Enter the portal and find the source of the power I sense emanating from the other side."
Why do you want me to do this?"Because I don't completely trust myself. While I have avoided the illusions that trapped the others, I can still feel the pull of the Daedric spell. Find the power source and meet me at our camp outside the ruins. And take this token, just in case."
What does the token do?"Once you go through the portal, the token will attune itself to the access point. If you get lost, use the token and it will return you to the portal. What was once a curiosity that won me fortune and acclaim is now a vital tool in our mission."
Outside the library:
"Welcome back, my friend. Did you find it? Was I right? Was the source of power I sensed one of the fabled Lights of Meridia?"
You were right. I found this on the other side of the portal."By the Eight! That crystal! It is a Light of Meridia! It is said that these orbs of power once allowed Meridia to transport an entire city into Coldharbour. If an agent of Meridia harnesses this power for us, we shall gain a distinct advantage."
After the quest:
"With Meridia's Lights, we can turn the tide of this campaign. Kireth said you came from the Hollow City. We shall go there once everyone has had a chance to rest. Thank you for your help. You know, you remind me of one of my students."
What will you do now?"Once inside the Hollow City, we'll begin helping with the war effort. We must test the Lights of Meridia and investigate methods for destroying Molag Bal's Planemeld mechanism. There is always research to do in campaigns such as this."
Telenger the Artificer:"Nonsense, dear. Just send down one of our most capable assistants."Andewen:"What about the cult? You crazy old wizard!"
In the Inner Temple:
Mephala:"Ahh …. Welcome to my web, mortals."Telenger the Artificer:"Mephala! A Daedric Prince herself in these tunnels! I should have known."Mephala:"Do be quiet, Artificer. Your companion is far more intriguing. Come, child. Speak with me."Telenger the Artificer:"Trust nothing she says, assistant."
While sealing the temple:
Telenger the Artificer:"This should be the work of a moment. Just need to attune this spell matrix …. Mephala! You face Telenger the Artificer! Learn what it means to snare one such as me in your web!"Mephala:"No! How dare you, mortal?"Telenger the Artificer:"I am the Artificer, madam! That's why I dare!"
Vanus Galerion:"Here's Telenger the Artificer, himself! Must it always take a crisis to pull you away from your toys, Telly?"Telenger the Artificer:"Vanus. Your robes smell of failed experiments and your words of failed wit."Vanus Galerion:"Tell me, Telly, what Dwemer rubbish pit did you crawl out of this week?"Telenger the Artificer:"You really must learn to respect your betters, old friend."Vanus Galerion:"Do let me know when one happens by, won't you? I don't have the time or the energy, Telenger, so I'll bid you good day."
Projection of Kireth Vanos:"All right, I think I made the proper adjustments. Now let's see if I can spot my brother …."Telenger the Artificer:"Lady Laurent, we need to get out of here. This place is a trap. Young Raynor has already been caught in its spell."Lady Clarisse Laurent:"Oh, Telenger, let's just stay here. You and I. Forever."Telenger the Artificer:"No, the glamour has taken you as well!"Lady Clarisse Laurent:"Come, my dear. Let us find a quiet corner among all these beautiful books."Telenger the Artificer:"She's lost. Damn! I need to escape before I also succumb to the spell. I'll leave them a note in case the effects wear off."Projection of Kireth Vanos:"A spell? Why haven't I been affected? Wait, I just heard the door unlock! It should be safe now. Come meet me in the gallery at the top of the ruins."
Quotes[]
The Arbordawn Cult
"Ahh, I felt something happening up here. Well done! Can't wait to see you inside." – After unsealing the entrance to the Halls of Ichor
"Be wary, assistant." – While unsealing the temple door
"Here they come!" – While unsealing the temple door
"Just a few moments more." – While unsealing the temple door
"Done! Let's get in there. If you'll allow me …." – After unsealing the temple door
"Fascinating!" – In the temple
"Curse it, I can't use my hands! Assistant, you'll need to free me." – In the temple
Trivia[]
Telenger has authored a number of works, including:
