- For other uses, see Varen Aquilarios.
- For other uses, see The Prophet.
- Not to be confused with Varen Hloran.
Varen Aquilarios, also known as The Prophet when the Vestige first meets him, is an Imperial sorcerer, Moth Priest, and the former Emperor of Cyrodiil. He is the founding member of the Five Companions, and plays a crucial role in the main questline of The Elder Scrolls Online.
Background[]
- "Once the Prophet was a man of vigor and strength. Some harrowing experience has aged and diminished him, leaving him blind and almost feeble."
- ―The Harborage loading screen[src]
Varen was born in 2E 536[UL 1] as the son of a Colovian Duke, and later became the Duke of Chorrol.[1] He had an unknown sibling whose son, Carolus Aquilarios, in turn being Varen's nephew, viewed him as a role model.[2] When Leovic, third of the short-lived Reachman dynasty known as the Longhouse Emperors, assumed the Ruby Throne, he legalized Daedra worship across the Empire. This outraged much of the population, and prompted Varen to spark a rebellion.[3]
He left his homefront, the Gold Coast, in the hands of his nephew Carolus. Using large amounts of stone, Varen constructed a wall spanning around the Gold Coast, later dubbed "Varen's Wall", in order to protect the region should Leovic's forces arrive.[4][5]
The Colovian Revolt[]
Varen summoned the military forces of the Colovian Highlands. Secretly, he also contacted Abnur Tharn, who would later become one of his Five Companions, for assistance to "depose those foul strangers from the north". Varen based his rebellion out of the city of Bruma, and subsequently won many victories across Cyrodiil.[3]
In 2E 576, Varen and his army stormed the Imperial City, before breaking into the White-Gold Tower and driving his sword into Leovic's heart at the foot of the Ruby Throne, thus instantly killing him, and immediately declaring himself Emperor. For Abnur's loyalty and assistance in the rebellion, Varen agreed to take Leovic's widow, Clivia Tharn, as his bride.[3] Due to the mass amount of casualties during the uprising, Varen converted the Market District of the Imperial City into the Memorial District, filling it with mass graves.[6]
The Five Companions[]
- "By the lighting of the Dragonfires, I claim my rightful lineage! By the fires of creation, let me be reborn! By the will of Akatosh, I proclaim myself… Dragonborn!"
- ―Varen Aquilarios[src]
Varen's rule went mostly without problems, but he was constantly worrying about him being an illegitimate ruler as he was not Dragonborn.
Believing that only a Dragonborn can rightfully take the Ruby Throne, in 2E 577, he formed the Five Companions to find the Amulet of Kings after the Altmer sorcerer Mannimarco convinced him that he knew a ritual that would allow Varen to become Dragonborn. After hearing of this, he set out on a two-year quest to find the Amulet with his Five Companions: Varen himself, the half-giant warrior Lyris Titanborn, the sorcerer Mannimarco, Sai Sahan, a Redguard blademaster and the captain of his personal Dragonguard, and Elder Chancellor Abnur Tharn.
The Soulburst[]
- "Varen Aquilarios, you are no heir to Alessia! You will pay for your sacrilege! The veil between Tamriel and Oblivion tears and splits asunder! ...My master, Molag Bal, is free to claim Tamriel for his own."
- ―Mannimarco[src]
The Five were able to recover the Amulet and begin the ritual in 2E 579. They gathered at the Temple of the One in the Imperial City and began to perform the ritual. While Tharn held the Amulet, Varen asked Akatosh to rightfully grant his claim as emperor by making him a Dragonborn. At that moment, Mannimarco immobilized everyone present and revealed his true intentions; he was an agent of Molag Bal, and the ritual did not reignite the Dragonfires, but in fact did the exact opposite, destroying the ancient barriers shielding Mundus from the forces of Oblivion and thus allowing Molag Bal to begin the Planemeld, a forceful attempt to drag Nirn out of Mundus and into his own realm of Coldharbour. This event was known as the Soulburst, and it shook every corner of Tamriel.[7]
Subsequently, Lyris was captured and brought into Coldharbour. Sai Sahan fled with the Amulet and managed to hide it in Sancre Tor before also being captured later on. Mannimarco summoned his Worm Cult and turned the Temple of the One into a sacrificial ground where dozens of souls were harvested and brought to Coldharbour, and Abnur joined him in order to gain his trust and spy on him. Varen, however, disappeared.[7]
Studying the Elder Scrolls[]
- "The Scrolls allowed me to glimpse the very fabric of reality, but each profound insight dimmed my vision and eventually left me permanently blinded to the light of the world."
- ―Varen Aquilarios[src]
After the Soulburst, Varen woke up weak and near death at the Abbey of the Moth Priests, with no memory of his past life as Emperor. The Moth priests took pity on him, assuming he was a lost vagabond, and gave him shelter within their establishment.
It was there where he set his eyes on the Elder Scrolls, mysterious artifacts of immense knowledge and power. He began to study and read the scrolls in order to learn the events of Tamriel which have happened and have yet to happen, including his life as Emperor and his destiny with the Vestige. The priests were shocked to discover how quickly he managed to read the scrolls, believing it to be a prophetic sign from the Eight Divines. As a result of continuously reading the scrolls, Varen gradually lost his eyesight. He carved himself a staff which he also used as a walking stick. Blinded, Varen still continued to study the scrolls in his mind's eye, and foresaw the events to come in Tamriel's future.
Capture[]
Word of Varen's prophecies began spreading across the land, eventually reaching the Imperial City. When Mannimarco discovered this, he arrested the Prophet under the grounds of rumor-mongering and treason. The King of Worms had the abbey and its contents burned to the ground, and transferred Varen into the custody of Molag Bal. Bal then initiated the Planemeld upon Nirn, and had Varen imprisoned in The Wailing Prison.
The Vestige[]
- Main article: Vestige
In 2E 582, a mortal was captured and sacrificed by Mannimarco. Their soul was brought to the Wailing Prison in Coldharbour. After being transported to Coldharbour, a projection of Varen, using the pseudonym "The Prophet", appeared before them, giving the mortal the name of Vestige and telling them to find Lyris Titanborn. At the time, Lyris was unaware that The Prophet was her fellow Five Companions member Varen.
The Vestige journeyed through the prison with Lyris after she freed them. They struck down several of Molag Bal's minions before arriving at the courtyard and destroying a Sentinel, a minion made to stop prisoners from escaping. They find that Varen's cell is warded off, so they seek Cadwell for help, whom directed the two to the Undercroft.
Once Lyris and the Vestige reach Varen's cell, Lyris tells the Vestige that the only way to free Varen is for Lyris to take his place. Lyris then chants for her to take Varen's place in the cell, freeing Varen but imprisoning Lyris. Varen, still concealing his identity, and the Vestige journey to a portal out of Coldharbour. They strike down the Guardian of the portal, and Varen restores the Vestige's corporeal form before they both return to Tamriel in different locations.
Personality[]
- "Our fallen Emperor, in the tattered robes of a Moth Priest, blind as a newborn kitten!"
- ―Abnur Tharn[src]
During his reign as Emperor, Varen was considered a good leader, doing what was right for his people. The fact that he was not of dragon's blood continuously pestered him, often causing him to believe he was not a legitimate ruler, and even married Leovic's widow, Clivia, in an attempt to solidify his title, just as his predecessor had done. Varen founded the Five Companions in order to find the Amulet of Kings for two long years, and during the ritual in which Varen would become a Dragonborn, he was betrayed by Mannimarco, whom he had blindingly put his trust in. Varen later remarked that his decisions were foolish and taken out of desperation.[7]
Varen later lost his memory following the Soulburst, and was found outside the Abbey of the Moth Priests. He began to study the Elder Scrolls, and slowly began to encompass their knowledge by reading them, regaining memories of his past life. However, due to his consistent readings of the Elder Scrolls, he became blind, having to rely on his cane/staff in order to be aware of surroundings.[7] The Prophet became a considerably wise man, aware of events that have occurred and events which are yet to occur. He occasionally speaks in riddles, and initially keeps his origins a secret. Inside, Varen does not consider himself to be very grand or accomplished, referring to himself as simply "a blind old man". He still does what he considers best for the people of Tamriel, ensuring that every step he takes is done to stop Molag Bal from merging Nirn with his own realm, which he considers mainly his fault.
Interactions[]
Coldharbour quests[]
Soul Shriven in Coldharbour[]
Varen, initially introduced as "The Prophet," contacts the Vestige at their cell in Coldharbour. Lyris Titanborn later travels with the Vestige to free him, and the Prophet speaks to them again on their way to Cadwell. Later on in his cell, Lyris takes the Prophet's place as a prisoner, so that he and the Vestige could escape. Once Varen is freed, he will say "Freedom. I remember this feeling. It will be fleeting though, if Molag Bal has his way."
You are then tasked with escorting him to the Dark Anchor Mooring. At the Mooring, Molag Bal will appear and summon the Child of Bones. Once it is defeated, he summons a Skyshard for you to absorb, then calls upon the Akatosh to open the Mooring to Tamriel:
The Prophet: "Great Akatosh, Dragon God of Time! I require your strength!
Let the way be opened! Let these wandering souls return home! Let the will of Molag Bal be denied!
Hurry, we must go now!"
After going through the anchor, you will arrive in either Stros M'Kai, Khenarthi's Roost, or Bleakrock Isle depending on your alliance. When you regain consciousness, he will say "The Vestige awakens, once again. Come here, we must speak." He will then recommend you explore your surroundings as he organizes a plan to rescue Lyris, and will contact you in time. He will then give you a Sealed Urn and answer questions you may have, before departing.
The Harborage[]
Once you reach level 5, The Prophet will contact you at the nearest opens a portal to a realm depicting past events. He briefly explains his story, and tells the tale of the Five Companions, concealing the information that he is the then Emperor Varen Aquilarios. The visions in the realm show the events leading up to the Planemeld, known as the Soulburst, the crisis which in turn ended up costing the Vestige their soul.
Daughter of Giants[]
The Prophet tells the Vestige that after Lyris took his place, she was moved to The Foundry of Woe, a location of Coldharbour dedicated to torture and despair. After Lyris is returned to Tamriel, the Prophet is informed that Sai Sahan is still alive. The Prophet then begins his search for his captured friend.
Chasing Shadows[]
The Prophet asks the Vestige to investigate the Worm Cult's activity in the nearby city (Daggerfall, Davon's Watch, Vulkhel Guard). After speaking to Abnur Tharn in The Worm's Retreat, the Vestige must give the Orb of Discourse to Varen.
Castle of the Worm[]
Varen asks the Vestige to come to the Harborage, where Abnur Tharn would like to speak with them. He requests asylum in return for Sai Sahan's location, and Varen tasks Lyris and the Vestige with retrieving him. After Abnur comes to the Harborage, an argument will begin with him and Lyris, since he does not currently know where Sai is. Varen puts an end to the fight, and reveals the truth to the Vestige that he is Varen Aquilarios, the previous Emperor of Cyrodiil.
The Tharn Speaks[]
After informing Varen that Abnur has located Sai in the Halls of Torment, he will agree to help Tharn look for a safe to break him out.
Halls of Torment[]
Upon entering the Harborage, Lyris and Varen will be found arguing about her travelling to the Halls of Torment in order to save Sai. Varen informs the Vestige that they have found the Halls, and asks the Vestige to pick either Lyris or Abnur to accompany them. Once a companion is picked, he will open a portal to the Halls and say "Go with
! Save Sai Sahan from the Halls of Torment!"After reaching the final location where Sai is being held prisoner, doppelgangers of Varen appear, asking Sai why he didn't trust him. Once all the enemies are defeated, Sai will be informed Varen is alive, much to his relief. A projection of Varen will appear saying "You have done it, Vestige! Bring him through the portal, quickly!" and open a portal back to the Harborage. After returning to it, Varen will reveal he knew that the Amulet of Kings is hidden in Sancre Tor.
Valley of Blades[]
Varen will appear to the Vestige later, saying that Sai's strength has returned. At the Harborage, Varen can be spoken to regarding the key needed to access Sancre Tor. He will reveal that the key is actually a ring bearing the sigil of Stendarr. After retrieving it from the The Valley of Blades, it must be given to Varen.
Shadow of Sancre Tor[]
In the Harborage, Varen will say that the Amulet of Kings was hidden in Sancre Tor, and opens a portal leading to the fortress. The Vestige will be acquainted by Lyris, Abnur, and Sai, in the quest to retrieve the amulet. Once it is obtained, it must be returned to Varen back at the Harborage.
Council of the Five Companions[]
Varen confirms that Mannimarco has been defeated, and is now being punished by Molag Bal. He gives the Vestige the option of seeing it in a vision, where the King of Worms is being whipped by skeletons as Bal watches. Sai Sahan then speaks to the Vestige, offering them a place as the fifth companion, as the replacement for the traitor Mannimarco. Abnur Tharn says for the ritual required to stop the Planemeld, he requires a sacrifice. Varen, along with Lyris and Sai, offer their services for this task.
God of Schemes[]
Varen is one the candidates eligible to be sacrificed in order to power the Amulet of Kings. They can all be chosen to be spoken to. After the ritual is completed, the Vestige will be granted with the imbued with the power of Akatosh. After Molag Bal is defeated and Meridia is spoken to, the Vestige will be returned to the Harborage.
If Varen is sacrificed, the Vestige will receive his restoration staff: The Emperor's Blessing. If Varen is spared, he will decide to leave and fades into the unknown.
Wrothgar quests[]
Long Live the King[]
Regardless of whether he died or not, a vision of Varen will appear to the Vestige at the end of the Orsinium DLC if they have completed the Main questline. He will warn them that the Daedric Princes are planning another attack on Tamriel, specifically "the great deceiver, the sower of discord, and the matron of darkness." This is a hint towards the Daedric War story arc involving Clavicus Vile, Mephala and Nocturnal. He says the war will begin "when the gates of Sotha Sil's lost city are re-opened."
Dialogue[]
Show: Soul Shriven in Coldharbour |
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In Coldharbour:
"Slowly, now. You've been through an ordeal. Take a few moments to collect yourself."
After defeating the guards: "Greetings, Vestige. Like you, I am a prisoner in this place. You must rescue me. And I, in turn, must rescue you." After freeing the Prophet: "Freedom. I remember this feeling. It will be fleeting though, if Molag Bal has his way."
"Up the stairs, quickly! We must get to the anchor mooring!" When approaching the Anchor Mooring: "There it is. The Dark Anchor Mooring." After defeating the Child of Bones: "A moment, Vestige."
"Shard of Aetherius, fall upon us now and anoint us with your blessing. There. Quickly! Collect the Skyshard." After collecting the Skyshard: "Great Akatosh, Dragon God of Time! I require your strength! Let the way be opened! Let these wandering souls return home! Let the will of Molag Bal be denied! Hurry, we must go now!" After arriving on Tamriel: "As I feared, we arrived in different locations."
"It matters not. You have awakened once again and we must set you on your path."
After receiving the reward: "Be wary, Vestige. Our very plane of existence is in peril. The threat of Molag Bal looms across all Tamriel, and chaos spreads in its shadow. Danger roams the land and will assume many forms. Do not let it catch you off-guard."
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Show: The Haborage |
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In the wilderness:
"There you are, Vestige. We must speak at once."
After entering the Harborage: "I hear familiar footfalls. Come closer, Vestige."
"Enter my mind, Vestige, and walk with me through the shadows of past events." In Varen's mind: "Follow me, Vestige, and learn of the events that precipitated our current crisis. My part in the story began when I awoke on the steps of the Abbey of the Moth Priests, with no memory of my prior life. The Moth Priests took pity upon me and brought me into their fold. I was weak and near death. It was there I first set eyes upon the Elder Scrolls and devoted my life to their study. The Scrolls allowed me to glimpse the very fabric of reality, but each profound insight dimmed my vision and eventually left me permanently blinded to the light of the world."
"The first companion, Lyris Titanborn, daughter of giants, was the mightiest warrior in the service of the Emperor. Next, Abnur Tharn, a powerful sorcerer and Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Elder Council. The Redguard swordmaster Sai Sahan, leader of the Imperial Dragonguard. The Imperial Emperor, Varen Aquilarios, who attempted to light the Dragonfires and failed. And finally, Mannimarco the traitor. The King of Worms. A powerful necromancer, and your executioner." When approached: "These were the Five Companions, who set out from the Imperial City on an epic quest to recover the Amulet of Kings."
After witnessing the ritual: "The ritual tore the veil between Nirn and Oblivion, allowing Mannimarco to begin stealing the souls his master needed to power the Dark Anchors and initiate the Planemeld."
While walking with the Prophet: "Long ago it was written―so long as the Amulet of Kings was borne by Alessia's heirs, Tamriel would be protected from the forces of Oblivion. But the Soulburst tore the veil between worlds, and gave Molag Bal the opportunity he desired. Molag Bal's Dark Anchors pierce the torn veil, and seek to draw Nirn into the depths of Coldharbour. These terrible engines of destruction have been appearing all throughout Tamriel. If the Lord of Brutality and Domination is successful, he will merge our worlds and his own in a terrible Planemeld. Few will survive the ordeal, and those that do will be enslaved for all eternity." When approached: "And so, it falls to us, Vestige. We must stop Molag Bal and his Dark Anchors, or our world is doomed. And now, history seems to have caught up with us. Shall we return to the Harborage?"
Back in the Harborage: "And so, it begins. The remainder of the story has yet to be written. It is your story, now."
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Show: Daughter of Giants |
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In The Harborage:
"Tread carefully in Molag Bal's realm. You are important. The Scrolls have so named you."
After returning with Lyris: "You've brought Lyris back! And largely intact, from the look of her."
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Show: Chasing Shadows |
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In the wilderness:
"Ah, there you are Vestige. Come to the Harborage. We must speak." After entering the Harborage: "Good, good. You are safe. Good fortune did not abandon us entirely."
After defeating Severinus Falco: "You've returned. What have you found?"
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Show: Castle of the Worm |
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In the wilderness:
"The fog has lifted, Vestige. The path before us has been revealed. It is both dark, and twisted. Come to the Harborage. We have an unexpected guest who demands your presence." Inside the Harborage: "We have an unexpected guest, Vestige."
While escaping Coldharbour: "Quickly, I have opened another portal! Hurry!" After the Prophet reveals being Varen Aquilarios: "You are angry. It is to be expected."
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Show: The Tharn Speaks |
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In The Harborage:
"An unexpected visit! What brings you back, Vestige?"
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Show: Halls of Torment |
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In the wilderness:
"Vestige! Meet me at the Harborage. We are ready to rescue Sai Sahan." Inside the Harborage: "The time has come for another foray into Oblivion, Vestige. We have one last ally in need of rescue."
If Lyris is chosen: "Go with Lyris! Save Sai Sahan from the Halls of Torment!" If Abnur is chosen: "Go with Abnur! Save Sai Sahan from the Halls of Torment!" If approached again: "The portal will deliver you into the Halls of Torment. Find Sai Sahan and bring him out. He is our last, best hope if we are to locate the Amulet of Kings." After saving Sai Sahan: "You have done it, Vestige! Bring him through the portal, quickly!" When back in the Harborage: "Sai Sahan lives! You've outdone yourself, Vestige."
If approached again: "Sai Sahan wishes to speak with you, Vestige. Be brief. He needs to rest." Upon completion of the quest: "When Sai Sahan has recovered, you must accompany him on a journey to the Valley of Blades, where his mentor Kasura resides. I will contact you as soon as he is ready to travel." |
Show: Valley of Blades |
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In the Wilderness:
"Ah, there you are. Come, we must talk." In the Harborage: "It is time, Vestige. Sai Sahan's strength has returned. You must accompany him to his ancestral home in the Valley of Blades."
After talking to Sai Sahan: "I'll open a portal to hasten your journey." After returning from the Valley of Blades: "In my mind's eye, I witnessed your battle with the Worm Cult, and with the undead Ansei abominations. Your mission was successful, was it not?"
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Show: Shadow of Sancre Tor |
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In the wilderness:
"Vestige! Meet me at the Harborage! We are ready to reclaim the Amulet of Kings!" In the Harborage: "And so we've come full circle. I led the original Five Companions on a quest to reclaim the Amulet of Kings. At the time, I told myself it was for the good of all Tamriel. I was wrong and now all the world suffers for my hubris."
After retrieving the Amulet: "It is done. The Amulet of Kings is ours once again."
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Show: Council of the Five Companions |
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In the wilderness:
"The companions assemble once more. Travel to the harborage; it is time for our final preparations." In the harborage: "Welcome back, Vestige. News of Mannimarco's demise spreads far and wide. Like worms, his followers burrow deep into the earth to escape the searing light of the coming dawn."
During Varen's vision: "Behold the fate of the King of Worms." After listening to the discussion: "It appears we have come full circle, Vestige."
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Show: God of Schemes |
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In The Harborage:
"Your deeds have been nothing short of legendary. With the Planemeld at an end, Tamriel may yet endure. Now, the time has come to confront Molag Bal and reclaim your soul."
At the Seat of Tyranny: "Remember Vestige, we fight for our people. We fight for Tamriel. Evil might be kept at bay for a time, but it can never be completely eradicated. What is important is that we resist it; that we fight on, and keep fighting."
If Lyris was sacrificed: "Forgive Sai Sahan for his anger. Ultimately it was Lyris's decision, and her sacrifice to make. He'll come to realize that, eventually."
If Sai was sacrificed: Is Sai Sahan really dead? "His spirit has been dispersed into the Aetherius. He is not dead, neither is he alive. His essense is outside the cycle of the Mundus."
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Show: Long Live the King |
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In Scarp Keep:
"Greetings, Vestige. Though, I can hardly call you that anymore, can I? Let us say, Meridia's Champion, the Hero of Coldharbour, the Savior of Tamriel."
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Conversations[]
Varen Aquilarios: "There it is. The Dragonfire brazier. Mannimarco, you're certain this will work?"
Mannimarco: "It will work, my liege. The Amulet of Kings will rekindle the Dragonfires, and ensure your rightful place as Emperor. You have my word."
Lyris Titanborn: "It better work, Mannimarco, or you'll find your neck at the business end of my axe."
Abnur Tharn: "My Lord, I wonder if you'd muzzle your half-giant pet? She really is annoying."
Sai Sahan: "Enough, both of you! We are here to ensure My Lord's rightful claim to the Ruby Throne."
Varen Aquilarios: "Abnur, begin the ritual. I have a destiny to fulfill."
[The Brazier gets lit]
Varen Aquilarios: "By the lighting of the Dragonfires, I claim my rightful lineage! By the fires of creation, let me be reborn! By the will of Akatosh, I proclaim myself ... Dragonborn!"
Mannimarco: "Varen Aquilarios, you are no heir to Alessia! You will pay for your sacrilege! The veil between Tamriel and Oblivion tears and splits asunder!"
Abnur Tharn: "What's happening? The sky is opening up! This is bad! This is very bad!"
Varen Aquilarios: "This isn't supposed to happen! What's the meaning of this? Mannimarco, what have you done?"
Mannimarco: "Gullible fools! The veil between Oblivion and this world has been torn! My master, Molag Bal, is free to claim Tamriel for his own!"
Varen Aquilarios: "Akatosh! Forgive me! Have mercy on our souls!"
- Daughter of Giants
The Prophet: "Lyris, child. Are you all right?" Lyris Titanborn: "Yes, Prophet. I'm fine. The Vestige freed my mind from the Daedra's control." The Prophet: "Thank the Divines. Your loss would have thrown all into chaos." Lyris Titanborn: "They won't take me again. Not alive, at least. Prophet, Mannimarco captured Sai Sahan! He's torturing him to find out where the Amulet of Kings is hidden. We have to rescue him!"
The Prophet: "Tharn is quite correct. We have little choice in the matter." Lyris Titanborn: "You can't be serious! How can we possibly trust him?" The Prophet: "As our visitor so eloquently pointed out, we cannot. But if we are to locate Sai Sahan, we must do this. Go with the Vestige, Lyris. Rescue Tharn. Give him a chance to redeem himself. He may surprise you."
- Sai Sahan's Location
Lyris Titanborn: "What? You son of a bitch!" Abnur Tharn: "Gah! Are you insane? Get away from me, you brutish she-troll!" The Prophet: "Lyris! Stand down!" Lyris Titanborn: "He's done nothing but lie to us from the beginning! I don't care what he says, he'll always be Mannimarco's toady!" Abnur Tharn: "Please. Mannimarco wants me dead! Did I pretend to capitulate to him? Yes, I did. Do you have any idea how many lives I saved by doing so?" Lyris Titanborn: "The only thing you saved was your holdings and your own hide, you pompous ass!" The Prophet: "Enough! Abnur had no choice, Lyris. And we are guilty of our own deceit, are we not? The time has come for the Vestige to know the truth!" Abnur Tharn: "What's this? The Vestige doesn't know? Oh, this is rich!" Lyris Titanborn: "Sire, don't ...!" The Prophet: "Vestige. Until now, you have only known me as the Prophet. But that is not my true name. I ... am Varen Aquilarios!" Abnur Tharn: "Our fallen Emperor, in the tattered robes of a Moth Priest, blind as a newborn kitten!" Varen Aquilarios: "I am sorry I deceived you, Vestige."
- The vision of Mannimarco
Varen Aquilarios: "Behold the fate of the King of Worms." Mannimarco: "Please! No more! It was a misunderstanding, great one! Let me serve you. Let me prove my loyalty. No more, I beg of you!" Varen Aquilarios: "Mannimarco's torment will be endless. The God of Schemes will use him to set an example. All who follow him will know, you cannot hope to betray the greatest of betrayers. I cannot help but pity him, despite all he has done. But, that is not why you were called here, Vestige. Come. Sai Sahan would speak with you first."
- The Five Companions
Sai Sahan: "My lord, with your permission." Varen Aquilarios: "You needn't call me that anymore, Sai Sahan. We are equals now." Sai Sahan: "All those years ago, when we fought beneath our lord's banner to free the Empire from the Longhouse Emperors, we did so with a dream of freedom and peace in mind―not just for the Empire, but for all of Tamriel. Together we forged a fellowship stronger than any blade, only to see it shattered upon the rocks of deceit by one of our own. That fellowship is no more, yet we four have assembled here, united by a single purpose. It is not vengeance that drives us, but truth and loyalty and justice. I, Sai Sahan, steward of the Abbey of Blades, call for the Five Companions to be reforged this day. By the light of Stendarr, and the heart of Lorkhan, may our blade fellowship be forged anew. And may the Vestige, our mutual friend and ally, become its tip, that we may thrust it straigt into the heart of a Daedric Prince." Lyris Titanborn: "Sai Sahan is right. You are the member that we should have had all those years ago." Varen Aquilarios: "It is as the Scrolls foretold. The soulless one will become the brightest of five stars, and they shall guide us to the coming dawn." Abnur Tharn: "Oh, please. You melodramatic sots! Fine, fine. If seeing one of your foolish prophecies come true will help to ensure the safety of the Empire, I'll play along." Sai Sahan: "We stand united once more―the Five Companions are reforged, and together we will strike down the God of Schemes!" Lyris Titanborn: "Come here, my friend. I've got a few things I want to say before you go."
- The Price of Divine Power
Abnur Tharn: "Of course it is. The fact of the matter stands, however. One of the Five will need to give their life to fuel this attack, when the time comes." Lyris Titanborn: "So you said before the Vestige arrived. And I've already thought over it. I'll do it." Sai Sahan: "Snow Lily, no! You should not need to give your life this way. This is my duty―penance for my numerous failures. This is my chance to make things right." Varen Aquilarios: "The Scrolls said nothing of this moment, and so I am not bound to their dictates. Vestige, I ask that you let me do this one thing. All that has happened was because of my hubris. I shall be the one." Lyris Titanborn: "Sire, you've done enough. This was Mannimarco's doing, not yours." Abnur Tharn: "As the one who will fight the Daedric Prince, the Vestige should decide." Lyris Titanborn: "I don't see you leaping to volunteer, Tharn. Saving your own backside again?" Abnur Tharn: "Hard as it may be, Lyris, don't be an idiot. I am the only one who knows the ritual and we don't have time to teach anyone else." Varen Aquilarios: "That's enough. It won't be decided here and now. Vestige, come here. I have some final words for you."
The Prophet: "This place is alive with pain and suffering. This must be where Molag Bal torments those who displease him." Lyris Titanborn: "Look there! Is that Mannimarco?" Abnur Tharn: "Mannimarco! He was a back-stabbing hypocrite with delusions of godhood. The fool got precisely what he deserved!"
If Mannimarco is released:
Mannimarco: "You actually released me? Naive fool! Future generations will pay for your weakness!" Abnur Tharn: "Are you insane? That worm didn't deserve your mercy!" Lyris Titanborn: "Why do I get the feeling we're going to regret this?"
- Path of Woe
The Prophet: "Molag Bal is here. I can feel his presence. Sense his foul breath upon the wind."
- Seat of Tyranny
The Prophet: "There. That place should serve us well. Let us assemble and prepare the ritual." Lyris Titanborn: "What do you suppose this place was?" Sai Sahan: "A temple of some kind. The Dark Anchors may have pulled it into Coldharbour. Or, perhaps it was created by the Daedra to mock the Divines." Abnur Tharn: "What does it matter? We can't wait any longer. We must perform the ritual. Vestige, it is time for you to make your decision."
- The ritual
Abnur Tharn: "Position yourself over there, Vestige. And brace yourself." Lyris Titanborn: "We'll never forget you Sire, or your sacrifice." Varen Aquilarios: "Great Akatosh, Dragon God of Time, forgive me for my hubris. Grant your divine power to the Vestige and restore your protection to Tamriel, that my sacrifice might not be in vain."
- The aftermath
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!"
If Lyris Titanborn was sacrificed:
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."
Quotes[]
- "The hour has arrived, Vestige. The final confrontation with the God of Schemes is at hand. The Five Companions gather at the Harborage. Meet us there." – At the start of God of Schemes
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Varen has a nephew, Count Carolus Aquilarios, who viewed him as a role model and wrote Count's Correspondence directed towards him. He does not know of Varen's fate, implying that Varen hasn't contacted him despite already remembering his identity.
- Out of all 15,000+ NPCs, Varen's character ID is 1.
- The Prophet is currently the only character from the main quest to appear in a DLC.
- Varen is voiced by Michael Gambon, best known for playing the role of Professor Dumbledore in the 3rd – 8th Harry Potter films.
- When the Vestige escapes Coldharbour and talks to Varen, he is voiced by Jim Cummings (only for that conversation). This is likely a placeholder as Zenimax had to edit the dialogue at the last minute before the game launched to fit in with the redesigned tutorial.
- As of Update 7, this conversation is now voiced by Michael Gambon.
Appearances[]
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Imperial City (mentioned only)
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Orsinium
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Dark Brotherhood (mentioned only)
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood (mentioned only)
- The Elder Scrolls: Legends (Alliance War)
References[]
Emperor of Cyrodiil | ||
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Leovic | 2E 576–2E 579 | Clivia Tharn |
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