Online:The Prophet

The Prophet (lore page)
Location	The Harborage
Race	Imperial	Gender	Male
Health	39,959
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Follower	God of Schemes
Faction(s)	Five Companions Imperial Legion (formerly) Cult of the Ancestor Moth (formerly)

The Prophet

A young Emperor Varen, dressed in Imperial armor

The Prophet is a mysterious Imperial sage and a central figure in the main questline. Many years ago he was captured, alongside his steadfast ally Lyris Titanborn, and condemned to Coldharbour for becoming entangled in the schemes of Molag Bal and Mannimarco.

He later reveals that he is Varen Aquilarios, the former Emperor of Cyrodiil. His nephew, Count Carolus Aquilarios, is the ruler of Kvatch on the Gold Coast.

Related Quests

• Soul Shriven in Coldharbour‎: Escape from the depths of Coldharbour.
• The Harborage: Explore visions of the past with the Prophet.
• Daughter of Giants: Rescue Lyris Titanborn from her Coldharbour prison.
• Chasing Shadows: Locate the agent of evil lurking in a nearby city.
• Castle of the Worm: Grant a request for asylum from a prisoner in the Castle of the Worm.
• The Tharn Speaks: Help the Chancellor uncover some new information at a Worm Cult lair.
• Halls of Torment: Save the missing companion from the Halls of Torment.
• Valley of Blades: Retrieve the Ring of Stendarr's Mercy from the Valley of Blades.
• Shadow of Sancre Tor: Retrieve the Amulet of Kings from its hiding place.
• Council of the Five Companions: Join the Five Companions and prepare for the final confrontation with Molag Bal.
• God of Schemes: Use the power of the Amulet of Kings to defeat Molag Bal.
• Long Live the King: Make preparations for a traditional Orc ceremony.
•  Old Life Observance: Participate in the Old Life remembrance ceremony.

Quest-Related Events

Soul Shriven in Coldharbour

When you wake up in Coldharbour, the Prophet's projection will speak to you:

The Prophet: "Greetings, Vestige. Like you, I am a prisoner in this place. You must rescue me. And I, in turn, must rescue you."

After defeating Vaekar the Forgemaster, the Prophet will warn you:

The Prophet: "The God of Brutality knows of your escape. Hurry!"

Once Lyris exchanges herself to free the Prophet, he will exclaim:

The Prophet: "Freedom. I remember this feeling. It will be fleeting though, if Molag Bal has his way."

You will speak with the Prophet to see what you can do to escape. He will give you the title of Vestige and you will need to accompany him to an Anchor in order to return back to Tamriel:

"Thank the Divines, you are safe! There is that, at least.
Lyris sacrificed everything, that we might go free. Her sacrifice must not be in vain."

Can we find a way to take her with us?

"I wish that were possible. But I promise you, once we escape Coldharbour we will find a way to rescue her together, Vestige."

Vestige?

"That is the name I have given you. You are but a trace of your former self. A soulless one. An empty vessel that longs to be filled.
It is as the Scrolls foretold, but not exactly as I imagined."

Why does Lyris call you the Prophet?

"That is what I have come to be called. My true name is lost—even to me. Years of torment have taken their toll.
Quickly now, we must make haste to the Anchor!"

Anchor?

"The Anchors are Daedric machines of the darkest magic. Their chains bind our world and pull it towards Coldharbour.
I can use one of these Anchors to return us to Tamriel, but you must lead me to it."

All right. Stay close then.

Nearing the exit to the Prophet's Cell:

The Prophet: "Up the stairs, quickly! We must get to the anchor mooring!"

Speaking with him again:

"Quickly, now! We must not let Lyris's sacrifice be in vain!"

Entering the Anchor Mooring:

The Prophet: "There it is. The Dark Anchor Mooring."

The Prophet fighting the Child of Bones

If you speak to him midway:

"Come. We must hurry to the Anchor mooring!"

If you speak to him while the Child of Bones is spawning:

"The future holds our salvation, and you have a part to play."

The Child of Bones spawns:

The Prophet: "Come, I will protect you!"

Once the Child of Bones is defeated, the Prophet will ask to speak with you:

The Prophet: "A moment, Vestige."

When you talk to him, he will explain what you need to do:

"The Dark Anchor's portal is high above us. I will prepare a spell to lift us to it.
But first, you must re-attune yourself to Nirn in order to regain your physical form. To do this, you will need a skyshard."

A skyshard?

"A shard of Aetherial magicka that carries the essence of Nirn. Some link them to Lorkhan, the missing god of creation.
If you collect and absorb its power, it should restore your corporeal form. I will summon one of these shards for you to absorb."

I'm ready.

The Prophet will call down a skyshard.

The Prophet: "Shard of Aetherius, fall upon us now and anoint us with your blessing."

The Prophet: "There. Quickly! Collect the Skyshard."

After you've collected the skyshard, he will pray and open a way to Nirn.

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!"

The Prophet: "Hurry, we must go now!"

After awakening on Tamriel, his projection will speak to you:

The Prophet: "The Vestige awakens, once again. Come here, we must speak."

You will have appeared in different places on Nirn:

"As I feared, we arrived in different locations. I am in a city near the sea, in a land of eternal spring. The air smells of the ocean, and of markets, and gardens.
It matters not. You have awakened once again, and we must set you on your path."

"As I feared, we arrived in different locations. I am in a city of industry, where men speak of intrigues and plots beneath layers of innuendo and pleasantry.
It matters not. You have awakened once again, and we must set you on your path."

"As I feared, we arrived in different locations. I am in a place with the smell of burning ash on a hot wind, and the sounds of a distant battle.
It matters not. You have awakened once again, and we must set you on your path."

How long was I unconscious?

"Days? Weeks? I cannot tell. The voyage between worlds disrupted all sense of time and space.
I know only that you were deposited into the sea, and some charitable soul fished you out and brought you to dry land."

What should I do now?

"I'm afraid you will have to decide that for yourself.
I must focus on searching for a way to repay Lyris's bold sacrifice. I cannot simply abandon her to the wrath of Molag Bal."

When will I see you again?

"I cannot foresee that. Not yet. But we will meet again. There is still much we need to accomplish."

If you exit out of the quest completion dialogue before turning in the quest, he will alternatively say:

"I sense your uncertainty. There is a darkness weighing upon your mind that only serves to deepen your despair.
Fear not. The roots of the Mundus are strong, and we are the leaves to gather the sunlight."

When will I speak to you again? (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

Once you complete the quest, he will have some more advice for you:

"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."

Where should I go?

"You must find your own path. But perhaps there is a reason for the place in which you find yourself.
Explore. Search for a cause to lend your hand. Join with others. You might even seek out those who rescued you from the sea. The choice is yours."

You think there are many who need my help?

"Indeed. And I sense that even now there are good people near you who face grave danger. They need your assistance should you be willing to give it. To thwart the will of Molag Bal, we must skirmish with evil wherever it rears its head."

Who would I join up with?/And there are others who would join me in this?

"We do not face these troubled times alone. Many shall rise up to fight this tide of darkness. Wherever you go, you will encounter others who share your courage and valor. Help them if you can, and enlist their aid if you have need of it."

The Harborage

The Prophet communicating via projection

Once you arrive in one of the starting cities, a projection of the Prophet will contact you:

The Prophet: "There you are. Do not panic, only you can see me. Come, we have to talk."

While you were busy, he will have found a place to set up camp:

"There you are, Vestige. We must speak at once."

Hello, Prophet.

"Listen well. I have located a safe harbor from which we might plan our course of action. You must meet me there."

Where is this safe harbor?

"I awoke upon a sandy shore—a stretch of beach outside a bustling city of Elves. Vulkhel Guard.
The Harborage is in a seaside cave, outside the city. It is there that you will find me."
"I awoke in a city of Bretons, its air heavy with the smells of baked bread, horses, and intrigue. Daggerfall.
The Harborage is in an abandoned cave, outside the city."
"I awoke to choking ash in the air and the sounds of strife. I am in Morrowind, home of the Dark Elves, in a city called Davon's Watch.
The Harborage is a ruin in the cliffs, west of the city."

I'll come at once.

Seek out the Harborage. Inside, he'll call out to as you enter the main cavern:

The Prophet: "I hear familiar footfalls. Come closer, Vestige."

He will then welcome you to his abode:

"Welcome to the Harborage, Vestige. This is as comfortable a home as an old dried-up husk like myself could hope for."

How did you find it?

"Despite my blindness—nay, because of it—my other senses seem to have heightened. This place had the right smell about it."

When you first appeared to me in Coldharbour, you spoke of my destiny.

"Indeed. But let us not get ahead of ourselves. Without an understanding of where we are bound, every road will get us nowhere.
Before we truly understand our destination, we must speak of the past."

A history lesson?

"Of a sort. I invite you to enter my mind and walk with me through visions of the past, that you might understand the events that brought us to this time, this moment."

With that, he will take you to his mind:

The Prophet: "Enter my mind, Vestige, and walk with me through the shadows of past events."

You will follow him through a Coldharbour-like area while watching these memories.

The Prophet: "Follow me, Vestige, and learn of the events that precipitated our current crisis."

The Prophet: "My part of the story began when I awoke on the steps of the Abbey of the Moth Priests, with no memory of my prior life.

The Prophet: "The Moth Priests took pity upon me and brought me into their fold. I was weak and near death."

The Prophet: "It was there I first set eyes upon the Elder Scrolls and devoted my life to their study."

The Prophet: "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."

At this point, you need to talk to him again.

"The prophecies of the Elder Scrolls are a fluid, living thing. They are not fixed. At many points throughout history, the actions of heroic mortals have rewritten them."

What does that have to do with me?

"I only know that you are important, Vestige. The Scrolls revealed to me that your destiny is intertwined with that of the Five Companions."

Who are the Five Companions?

"The Five Companions were a band of adventurers who sought out an ancient artifact called The Amulet of Kings. They hoped to use this artifact to persuade Akatosh, the Dragon God, to accept their leader as one of the Dragonborn."

Dragonborn?

"The Dragonborn are mortals destined for greatness, with the blood of the Dragons in their veins.
It is said that only a true Dragonborn can ignite the Eternal Dragonfires in the Imperial City."

Who was their leader?

"Varen Aquilarios—the son of a Colovian duke, who led a rebellion against the Emperor Leovic and took the crown himself.
Alas, Varen was not truly Dragonborn, as those who sit upon the Ruby Throne must be, in accordance with tradition."

Go on.

"You have already heard enough babbling from this old, blind fool. It is time you met the Five Companions yourself, and witnessed their fate."

Meet his memories of the Companions as he tells you more about them.

The Prophet: "The first Companion, Lyris Titanborn, daughter of giants, was the mightiest warrior in the service of the Emperor."

The Prophet: "Next, Abnur Tharn, a powerful sorcerer and Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Elder Council."

The Prophet: "The Redguard swordmaster Sai Sahan, leader of the Imperial Dragonguard."

The Prophet: "The Imperial Emperor, Varen Aquilarios, who attempted to light the Dragonfires and failed."

The Prophet: "And finally, Mannimarco the traitor. The King of Worms. A powerful necromancer, and your executioner."

You can then speak with him to learn more about them:

"These were the Five Companions, who set out from the Imperial City on an epic quest to recover the lost Amulet of Kings."

How could the Amulet of Kings turn Varen into one of the Dragonborn?

"Mannimarco convinced Varen that the amulet could be used to perform a ritual that would rekindle the Dragonfires. He claimed this would please Akatosh and entice him to adopt Varen as one of the Dragonborn."

Why did Varen want to be Dragonborn?

"By tradition, only the Dragonborn can lay claim to the Ruby Throne and rule as the one, true Emperor by divine right.
Varen conquered Cyrodiil and took the throne, but unless he became Dragonborn, he feared he'd always be thought of as a pretender."

Tell me about the other companions.

"Each of the Five Companions were chosen for their skill and courage, and each was given a special role to perform in the party.
Who would you like to know more about?"

Tell me about Lyris Titanborn.

"You've already met Lyris. She is a Nord warrior from the frozen lands of Skyrim to the north. And it is said that her family lineage contains the blood of Giants. Varen chose her for her strength and her loyalty, to be his personal bodyguard."

Tell me about Sai Sahan.

"Sai Sahan came from a long line of Redguard swordmaster nobles. He was the leader of the Dragonguard, the security detail of Varen and the Elder Council. While Lyris was Varen's bodyguard, Sai was charged with protecting the entire group."

Tell me about Abnur Tharn.

"The Tharns are one of the most influential families in Cyrodiil. Abnur, their patriarch, is the leader of the Elder Council, a powerful battlemage and a shrewd politician. With his counsel, Varen was able to seize the Imperial throne, years before."

Tell me about Mannimarco./I've heard enough about these three. What about Mannimarco?

"Mannimarco the traitor. The great enemy. The most powerful necromancer this world has ever known. His Worm Cult infiltrates and corrups every corner of Tamriel. It was he who convinced Varen to perform the ritual you are about to witness."

What happened when they performed the ritual?

"Disaster. War and pestilence. A world brought to its knees.
Now watch, and see how one man's arrogance brought about the greatest threat our world has ever known."

Varen praying to Akatosh

Witness the ritual and its result.

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."

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 sabotages Varen's spell

Varen is restrained by Mannimarco, just moments before the Soulburst

However, the ritual doesn't work as expected by most of the Companions.

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!"

Again, talk to the Prophet after witnessing the Soulburst.

"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."

What went wrong?

"Akatosh gave Alessia the Amulet of Kings as a symbol of his covenant with Nirn. So long as the Amulet remained in the care of Alessia's heirs, and the Dragonfires remained lit, Tamriel would be protected from the Daedra."

What happened next?

"Mannimarco tricked Varen into breaking the covenant, and the veil between Oblivion and Nirn was torn. The Elder Scrolls named this event the Soulburst. It gave Molag Bal the opportunity to disconnect the souls of Nirn from their hosts."

What happened to the other Companions?

"Varen was lost. In the chaos of the moment, Sai Sahan took the Amulet of Kings and fled. Lyris was captured by Mannimarco and delivered to Coldharbour, the realm of Molag Bal."

What about Abnur Tharn and Mannimarco?

"Tharn remains Chancellor of the Elder Council, and his daughter Clivia rules as Empress Regent. But the true power remains in the hands of Mannimarco and his Worm Cult."

How did you end up in Coldharbour?

"When I discovered the truth about the Five Companions, I made subtle inquiries. But apparently, not subtle enough. Mannimarco got word of my interest and abducted me. He took me to Coldharbour, where I remained a prisoner until you freed me."

They saw you as a threat?

"The truth is always a threat to evil men. Mannimarco feared I would reveal his treachery. And if knowledge of Nirn's vulnerability were to become known, it could threaten his master's schemes. Molag Bal does not favor loose ends.
Walk with me."

The memories will now show the Dark Anchors.

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."

The Prophet: "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."

The Prophet: "If the Lord of Brutality and Domination is successful, he will merge our world and his own in a terrible Planemeld. Few will survive the ordeal, and those who do will be enslaved for all eternity."

He will have finished his story:

"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?"

Yes, I'm ready to go back.

"As you say."

Once you return to the Haborage, you can see what the Prophet's plan is:

"And so, it begins. The remainder of the story has yet to be written. It is your story, now."

You've given me a lot to think about.

"And there is so much to do. But know this—you will not walk this path alone."

So, what's our next move?

"We must grow in strength and in numbers. You will need more than the company of an old blind man to alter the course of history.
We must assemble our own group of companions. The first, you have already met."

Lyris Titanborn?

"Lyris sacrificed her own freedom to allow us to escape. She remains a prisoner in Coldharbour. I must determine her precise location if we are to mount a rescue. That will take time."

What should I do in the meantime?

"Mannimarco's agents weave a web of lies and deceit. They pit the races of Tamriel against one another and divert their attention from the real threat.
Seek out these agents wherever they can be found and expose their lies."

I'll do what I can.

"Forgive me. Bringing you into my mind seems to have taken quite a toll on me. I must rest.
I will contact you when the time is right. Until then, walk in the light Vestige."

If you exit out of the conversation before turning in the quest, he will alternatively say:

"We must right the wrongs of history and heal the soul of the world. Are you ready to meet your destiny, vestige?"

I'm ready. (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

Complete the quest and receive the Prophet's Recollection and 1 Skill Point.

Speaking with him after the quest:

"Leave me now. I must rest, and meditate. I will contact you when the time is right."

If you return to the Harborage before the next quest begins, he will say:

"Worry not for me. My sight is gone, but I am not defenseless. This place shelters us from the elements, and there is enough food to get by."

Daughter of Giants

Eventually, the Prophet will get in contact with you once he has news of Lyris Titanborn:

The Prophet:

"The time is now. Seek me by the sea outside Vulkhel Guard. Hurry."

"The time is now. Seek me by the cliffs outside Daggerfall."

"The time is now. Seek me by the cliffs outside Davon's Watch. Hurry."

Once you arrive at the Harborage, he will greet you and mention how he perceives your vestige nature:

"It is good to see you again. And I do see you, in my own way. You are a wound in time, a tear in reality that shouldn't exist and cannot long endure."

Why do you speak in riddles, Prophet?

"Fate speaks in riddles. Your fate was written in the Scrolls, long ago. It is entwined with the fate of the Five Companions.
I have finally located Lyris Titanborn in Coldharbour."

Is she safe?

"She works a terrible forge, under the lash of the great deceiver, Molag Bal. Her soul is in great danger. You must go to her.
I can manifest a gate to that dark realm, but you must go quickly."

Open the gate, I'll rescue Lyris.

After you agree to help, you can ask him more questions:

"Tread carefully in Molag Bal's realm. You are important. The Scrolls have so named you."

What happened to Lyris after we escaped Coldharbour?

"After Lyris took my place in the Wailing Prison so that we might escape, the Daedra moved her to the Foundry of Woe.
It is a place of torment and despair. She toils endlessly, making weapons for the enemy."

How do you know this?

"The God of Schemes invaded my mind many times during my imprisonment. It was a torturous experience.
But by forcing his way into my mind, he inadvertently opened his own thoughts to me and thus created a chink in his own armor."

What do you mean?

"We are connected, he and I. With concentration, I can see through his eyes. He feels my presence and it fills him with rage.
When you enter the Foundry to recover Lyris, I can keep his attention focused on me. He will be blind to you, for a time."

Isn't that dangerous?

"It would be a far greater danger for you to enter Coldharbour without this distraction. It is Molag Bal's realm and his power there is great.
I will endeavor to distract him in this manner whenever you travel there."

Once you arrive back in the Harborage after rescuing Lyris:

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!"

You can then talk to him:

"You've brought Lyris back! And largely intact, from the look of her."

She's been through alot.

"And she will need time to recover. One does not leave such a place unscarred."

We saw a projection of Abnur Tharn. He tried to help Lyris. / We also saw a projection of Abnur Tharn. He tried to help Lyris.

"Did he? I thought he had firmly aligned himself with Mannimarco and his Worm Cult. Curiouser and curiouser."

We saw a projection of Sai Sahan. He spoke to us. / We also saw a projection of Sai Sahan. He spoke to us.

"What did he say? Did Sai tell you where he was being held?"

He doesn't know. Mannimarco is torturing him. He wants the amulet of Kings/Sai Sahan said that Mannimarco wants the Amulet of Kings. Why?

"Then we must locate him before Mannimarco forces him to reveal the Amulet's hiding place."

How will the Amulet of Kings help us?

"As you saw in my visions, the Amulet's misuse ripped a hole in the barrier that protects Tamriel from the forces of Oblivion. That damage must be undone, and the Amulet is the key.
But, to find the Amulet, we must first locate Sai Sahan."

How can I help?

"For now, you must leave me to my meditation. I must set my mind to the task of locating Sai Sahan.
Until then, embrace the unknowable. The drops of water cannot know themselves to be a river, yet the river flows on."

One last thing. Why did Molag Bal leave Lyris any possibility of escape?

"Perhaps it was simply arrogance. Perhaps it was all part of his grand scheme. Who can know the logic of a Daedric Prince?
I will call upon you again when the time is right. Farewell, Vestige."

Exiting the conversation before turning in the quest and speaking with him again:

"Lyris is safe, and whole once more. You have done well, but there is still much to do."

Why would Molag Bal even give her the possibility of escape? (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

After quest:

"When the time comes, I will call upon you once more.
I won't advise you to travel safely—I know you too well. But keep your wits about you, and learn."

If you return to the Harborage before the next quest begins, he will say:

"With Lyris returned, the harborage is filled with life and music. She is a joy, a warmth in the encroaching chill winds of Coldharbour's looming presence."

Chasing Shadows

The Prophet will call you back once a possible lead to finding Sai Sahan is found:

The Prophet: "Ah, there you are Vestige. Come to the Harborage. We must speak."

Once at the Harborage, he will tell you more:

"Good, good. You are safe. Good fortune did not abandon us entirely."

Is something wrong, Prophet?

"Despite many days of meditating and scrying, Sai Sahan's whereabouts still elude me. The projection that you witnessed in the Foundry of Woe showed him to be in great peril.
If we are to find him, I will need your help, Vestige."

What can I do to help?

Aldmeri Dominion:	Daggerfall Covenant:	Ebonheart Pact:
"Though Sai remains hidden from my sight, Lyris brings news that an agent of the enemy lurks in Vulkhel Guard. Fear is on the lips of the people. Darkness walks among them. Even a blind man can sense it. It is the hand of Mannimarco." How can that help us? "If it is truly an agent of Mannimarco's Worm Cult, it may provide us with a clue that will hasten our search. Seek this agent, but tread carefully. The Worm Cult is a cult of necromancy, and the undead are fearsome opponents." How can I find this agent? "Venture to Vulkhel Guard. Speak to the fisher, Mehdir, and the jongleur, Diranor. It was on their lips that Lyris first heard of the troubles lurking in the shadows. Locate this agent of evil. Return with any personal effects they carry with them." I'll find something and return.	"Though Sai remains hidden from my sight, Lyris brings news that an agent of the enemy lurks in Daggerfall. Fear is on the lips of the people. Darkness walks among them. Even a blind man can sense it. It is the hand of Mannimarco." How can that help us? "If it is truly an agent of Mannimarco's Worm Cult, it may provide us with a clue that will hasten our search. Seek this agent, but tread carefully. The Worm Cult is a cult of necromancy, and the undead are fearsome opponents." How can I find this agent? "Venture to Daggerfall. Speak to old maid Maxelle and Husniya the mercenary. It was on their lips that Lyris first heard murmurs of trouble lurking in the shadows. Locate this agent of evil. Return with any personal effects they carry with them." I'll find something and return.	"Though Sai remains hidden from my sight, Lyris brings news that an agent of the enemy lurks in Davon's Watch. Fear is on the lips of the people. Darkness walks among them. Even a blind man can sense it. It is the hand of Mannimarco." How can that help us? "If it truly is an agent of Mannimarco's Worm Cult, it may provide us with a clue that will hasten our search. Seek this agent, but tread carefully. The Worm Cult is a cult of necromancy, and the undead are fearsome opponents." How can I find this agent? "Venture to Davon's Watch. Speak to Feduira Llaren [sic] at the market, or Okeeh the beggar. Lyris first heard murmurs of trouble lurking in the shadows from them. Locate this agent of evil. Return with any personal effects they carry with them." I'll find something and return.

Speaking with him after this exchange:

"Good hunting, Vestige. Keep your wits about you."

Upon your return with the orb:

"You've returned. What have you found?"

The cultists use orbs like this one to communicate. I spoke to Abnur Tharn.

"Abnur Tharn shows his face again. I get the sense that he might have a larger part to play in the coming events, but for good or ill I cannot say.
Leave the orb with me. I shall be able to use it to locate Sai Sahan."

Good Luck.

After this, before talking to Lyris:

"I shall need time to unravel the sorcery that controls this orb."

Speaking with him after talking to Lyris but before ending the quest:

"Lyris has more to tell you, Vestige. Speak with her."

After the quest:

"Interesting item, this Orb of Discourse. I must find a way to use it to determine the location of Sai Sahan."

If you return to the Harborage before the next quest begins, he will say:

"Abnur Tharn's continued presence in the flow of events is curious. When I read the Scroll that spoke of this prophecy, there was always an odd, black thread alongside our own. I begin to wonder if it symbolized the chancellor."

Castle of the Worm

Quest beginning:

The Prophet: "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."

Once at the Harborage, you will quickly see there is an extra person:

"We have an unexpected guest, Vestige."

What's Tharn doing here?

"My attempts to use the Orb of Discourse to locate Sai Sahan did not meet with success, so I decided to try a more direct approach.
I used it as it was intended, and contacted Abnur Tharn."

Is he being cooperative?

"He admits that he knows Sai Sahan's location, but he will not reveal it. He demands to speak with you, directly."

Let's hear what he has to say.

Speaking with him again:

"Perhaps you can convince Tharn to reveal Sai Sahan's location. He refused to speak to me."

The Prophet appears along the Path of the Scorned with a portal

After speaking with the projection of Abnur Tharn:

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."

Speaking to him before entering Coldharbour:

"Beware the forces of the Worm Cult. They may only be men, but they are the worst kind of men."

Escaping Coldharbour with Abnur, the Prophet will provide a means of escape:

The Prophet: "Quickly, I have opened another portal! Hurry!"

Before you go into the portal:

"Into the portal, hurry!"

Speaking with the Prophet before Tharn:

"Despite his … abrasive personality, Tharn could be a useful ally. Sometimes the best way to find out whether you can trust someone is simply to trust them."

When you speak with Tharn about Sai Sahan's location, his admission that he doesn't actually know will understandably anger Lyris:

Lyris Titanborn: "What? You son of a bitch!"

<Lyris punches Abnur in the face>

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."

After rescuing Abnur Tharn, you will discover that the Prophet is none other than the former Emperor Varen Aquliarios; henceforth, his name will be changed to Varen Aquilarios when you encounter him. You can then speak with him:

Speaking with him at this point:

"You are angry. It is to be expected."

You're the Emperor?

"I was once, but no more. My name is Varen Aquilarios."

Why didn't you tell me? Why the deception?

"In truth, I feared you'd kill me where I stood if you knew who I was. You certainly wouldn't have allied with us so readily.
I caused this. All of this. If Molag Bal destroys this world, the blame will be mine, and mine alone"

How can I trust you now? Or Lyris?

"You must not blame Lyris. She did as I instructed. She is my sworn protector, but she is also your ally. You have my solemn promise, Vestige.
When this is over, if you still judge me harshly, you can end my life. I will offer no resistance."

So, what now?

"We must find Sai Sahan. Everything depends on that."

What should I do?

"In this matter, nothing. Abnur and I must confer. We will contact you again when we have more information.
I did not foresee Abnur's defection, but I welcome it. Mannimarco fears him―and with good reason. He can help us. I feel certain of it."

After the quest:

"I understand your anger, Vestige, but I hope will give me the opportunity to make reparations for my transgressions. My intentions are honorable, I promise you."

If you return to the Harborage before the next quest begins, he will say:

"Tharn and I have much to discuss. His wheedling has not come as a complete surprise, but his value should not be discounted."

The Tharn Speaks

Before you speak to Tharn at the Mages Guild, he will say:

"I'm pleased that you are still willing to work with me, Vestige. I hope to make amends for my part in all this."

Speaking with the Prophet upon your return from investigating a lair with Abnur Tharn:

"An unexpected visit! What brings you back, Vestige?"

Tharn and I discovered where they are keeping Sai Sahan.

"At last! Where can he be found?"

A prison in Coldharbour called the Halls of Torment.

"Well done. I will begin searching for a safe route to the Halls of Torment immediately."

Is there anything else?

"I was going to say that the river flows and we are slaves to its current, but I am done with riddles and metaphors.
I don't know what awaits us. I'm not a Prophet. I'm just a foolish old man who glimpsed the wisdom of the scrolls, and survived."

But you can find a path to the Halls of Torment, can't you?

"When Tharn returns, we will combine our resources. We will find a path to these Halls of Torment soon enough."

If you exit the conversation before turning in the quest:

"We will rescue Sai Sahan as soon as Tharn's preparations are complete, you have my word."

Are you sure you can find the way? (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

If you speak to him again, he'll say in relief:

"Sai Sahan served me well for many long years. It saddens me to think of the tortures he endures, I'm heartened to know that he has not been broken."

If you return to the Harborage before the next quest begins, he will say:

"With the information you and Abnur recovered from the ruin, we should be able to locate the proper pathways to the Halls of Torment. Sai Sahan need not suffer much longer."

Halls of Torment

When they have located Sai Sahan, the Prophet will call for you:

Varen Aquilarios: "Vestige! Meet me at the Harborage. We are ready to rescue Sai Sahan."

Talk with the Prophet to get briefed:

"The time has come for another foray into Oblivion, Vestige. We have one last ally in need of rescue."

Sai Sahan.

"Indeed. Abnur Tharn and I have been meditating, scrying, and poring over Mannimarco's notes. And at long last we've discovered the location of the Halls of Torment."

How long has Sai Sahan been a prisoner there?

"Our friend has suffered unimaginable and unending torment for nearly two years. Far longer than any mortal man should endure.
But Sai Sahan is something more than mortal man. He's a descendant of Leki, the Yokudan Sword-Saint. I've seen it."

Then we must find him, and quickly.

"We have been able to determine the precise area of the Halls where Sai is being held. This is why we were so long about the task.
I shall open a portal for you."

Am I going alone?

"Lyris and Abnur have both agreed to accompany you, but I fear their mutual enmity will complicate your task.
Speak with them and hear what they offer, but you must choose one or the other."

Before you make a choice:

"Time has not mended their mistrust. No good can come from taking both Abnur and Lyris with you. You must choose one, and only one."

After making your choice:

Choosing Lyris:

Varen Aquilarios: "Go with Lyris! Save Sai Sahan from the Halls of Torment!"

Choosing Abnur:

Varen Aquilarios: "Go with Abnur! Save Sai Sahan from the Halls of Torment!"

If spoken to before entering the Halls of Torment:

"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 rescuing Sai Sahan:

Varen Aquilarios: "You have done it, Vestige! Bring him through the portal, quickly!"

Return to the Harborage and speak with Varen:

"Sai Sahan lives! You've outdone yourself, Vestige."

The Daedra tortured his mind as well as his body.

"The minds of some men can endure hardships far greater than anything the Daedra can concoct. The forces of loyalty, honor and friendship are powerful, indeed!"

What's our next move?

"We must recover the Amulet of Kings, but only when Sai Sahan has had time to recover. He is a man of great strength, but he will still need to rest after such an ordeal."

Where is the Amulet of Kings?

"Sai locked the amulet away in the ruins of Sancre Tor and entrusted the key to one of his closest associates.

But he can tell you himself. Speak with him. He's eager to meet his liberator. I'll contact you when we're ready to move forward."

If spoken to again:

"Sai Sahan wishes to speak with you, Vestige. Be brief. He needs to rest."

If you exit the conversation with Sai Sahan before turning in the quest, Varen will alternatively say:

"Sai Sahan suffers from unfathomable torment. I can sense it. Find him, Vestige. Bring him to me."

After you have spoken with Sai Sahan:

"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."

If you left Harborage and come back inside before the next quest, he will say:

"Greetings, Vestige. Sai is recovering well enough, though he hides a great pain in his heart. His confinement has shaken him more than he dares admit."

Valley of Blades

After some time, Varen will contact you when the team is ready to travel to the Valley of Blades:

Varen Aquilarios: "Ah, there you are. Come, we must talk."

You can then talk with the projection.

"It is time, Vestige. Sai Sahan's strength has returned. You must accompany him to his ancestral home in the Valley of Blades."

The Valley of Blades?

"An ancient trading hub, high in the mountains of Hammerfell; a place I thought lost to the ravages of time.
Sai Sahan entrusted the key to Sancre Tor to one of his mentors there. It must be retrieved."

I understand.

"Come quickly. Mannimarco is undoubtedly conducting his own search for the Amulet of Kings. We must not allow him to get there first."

I will leave at once.

Once in the Harborage, you can talk with Varen.

"Ah, good. You've returned. Sai Sahan has recovered, and there is much to be done."

What's our plan?

"The key to Sancre Tor isn't really a key at all. It's an enchanted ring bearing the sigil of Stendarr.
The ring is in the keeping of Sai Sahan's mentor, Kasura. You, Lyris, and Abnur must accompany him to the Valley of Blades to retrieve it."

Of course.

"The valley contains an abbey I thought long abandoned. In his youth, Sai studied there and honed his craft.
It seems that Kasura has been using it as a retreat of sorts, to train a select few young warriors. Sai Sahan can tell you more."

After speaking with Sai about the Valley, Varen will open a portal.

Varen Aquilarios: "I'll open a portal to hasten your journey."

If you speak to him before departing, he'll say:

"Tread carefully, Vestige. Mannimarco's agents are everywhere. The King of Worms will not be pleased that you stole his prize captive from the Halls of Torment."

Upon your return from the Valley with the Ring in hand.

"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?"

Here is the Ring of Stendarr's Mercy. The Abbey of Blades was destroyed.

"I witness the Titan's assault and sensed the deaths of many innocents. It was a great and terrible loss.
Sai Sahan and the others will need time to aid Kasura. I will contact you when they return and we will begin the journey to Sancre Tor."

If you talk to Varen after receiving your reward.

"Fear not, Vestige. When Sai Sahan and the others return, we will slip into the shadow of Sancre Tor and retrieve the Amulet of Kings."

If you return to the Harborage before the next quest begins, he will say:

"A Daedric titan is a formidable foe. They are the living siege engines of Molag Bal's invasion force. That you overcame one is testament to your strength."

Shadow of Sancre Tor

Varen's projection will call out to you once they are ready.

Varen Aquilarios: "Vestige! Meet me at the Harborage! We are ready to reclaim the Amulet of Kings!"

Once you have arrived at the Harborage you can talk to him.

"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."

Now we have a chance to make things right.

"Perhaps. But I wonder—will history repeat itself or rewrite itself?
In truth, I fear using the amulet again. Its power is both great and terrible. Destiny can crush us by fulfilling our wishes, just as surely as it can by denying them."

Tell me about Sancre Tor.

"It was a holy city in the First Era, founded by Queen Alessia herself. It has since fallen into crumbling ruin.
Before his capture, Sai Sahan hid the Amulet of Kings in the catacombs beneath the city."

Where is Sancre Tor located?

"It is in the mountains of Colovia, the land of my youth. But I have little memory of that time. My exposure to the Elder Scrolls stole much of the man I once was.
Speak to Sai Sahan. He can answer your questions far more accurately than I."

Speak to him again before speaking to Sai, he'll say:

"Forgive a foolish old man his ramblings, Vestige. We've no time for fears or regrets, our path is clear.
Sai Sahan awaits. Go speak with him."

After you have spoken with Sai Sahan and are ready to go, Varen will open a portal.

Varen Aquilarios: "The portal is open! Go, now. Return with the Amulet of Kings!"

If you speak to him before leaving:

"We've no time to waste. Go to Sancre Tor with Sai and the others. Bring back the Amulet of Kings!"

Returning with the Amulet:

"It is done. The Amulet of Kings is ours once again."

And Mannimarco is defeated.

"Mannimarco will pay dearly for the rest of eternity. One cannot outscheme the God of Schemes without paying a heavy price. I cannot imagine the torment that awaits him."

What do we do now?

"Sai Sahan must rest, as must we all. We can sleep a little easier knowing the King of Worms has been defeated, but we cannot rest too long.
Molag Bal is still a great threat, and the Planemeld must be stopped or this will all be for naught."

And my soul?

"I have not forgotten, Vestige. It is another piece of the puzzle and we shall address it in due time.
But for now, let us rest and recover. As always, I will contact you soon. Walk in the light, Vestige."

If you exit out of the conversation and before turning in the quest, he will say:

"Rest easy, Vestige. We've come a long way, but there is more yet before us. Molag Bal must be thwarted. The Planemeld must be stopped."

And get back my soul. (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

If you talk him afterwards:

"I will summon you again when the time is right.
Until then, walk in the light, Vestige."

If you return to the Harborage before the next quest begins, he will say:

"The fortress-city of Sancre Tor is one of Cyrodiil's most well-known and regaled sites. It was risky—but clever—for Sai Sahan to have hidden the Amulet in such obvious, plain sight."

Council of the Five Companions

When the time is right, his projection will call you back to the Harborage.

Varen Aquilarios: "The companions assemble once more. Travel to the harborage; it is time for our final preparations."

The Five Companions hold council

Once there, you can talk to him.

"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."

Why have you summoned me, Varen?

"As ever, straight to the point.
You have done the impossible. The King of Worms has been consumed by the wrath of Molag Bal. The power of his Worm Cult is broken forever."

But Molag Bal is still a threat and I haven't found my soul.

"That is the grim truth of the matter. But the Amulet of Kings is in our possession and there is still much to do."

How can we be sure that Mannimarco is truly gone?

"In my sleep, I hear his tormented screams, and Molag Bal forces visions of his eternal torture into my mind.
I can show you exactly what I see—if you wish it."

Show me these visions. (witness Mannimarco's fate)

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."

Varen Aquilarios: "I cannot help but pity him, despite all he has done."

Varen Aquilarios: "But, this is not why you were called here, Vestige. Come. Sai Sahan would speak with you first."

There is no need. I'll take your word for it. (continue without seeing Mannimarco's fate)

"As you wish. Sai Sahan has something he wanted to ask you as well. You should go to him."

If you try to speak to him again, he'll only say:

"Speak with Sai Sahan. He wishes to discuss the matters at hand."

If you agreed to regroup 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."

Sai Sahan: "Together we forged a fellowship stronger than any blade, only to see it shattered upon the rocks of deceit by one of our own."

Sai Sahan: "The 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."

Sai Sahan: "I, Sai Sahan, steward of the Abbey of Blades, call for the Five Companions to be reforged this day."

Sai Sahan: "By the light of Stendarr, and the heart of Lorkhan, may our blade of fellowship be forged anew. And may the Vestige, our mutual friend and ally, become its tip, that we may thrust it straight 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 com 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!"

Speak to him before talking to Lyris, and he'll say:

"Lyris desires to speak with you."

Speak to him before speaking to Tharn, he'll say:

"Tharn has requested to speak with you."

After the conversation with Tharn:

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 it over. 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."

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."

Speak with him.

"it appears we have come full circle, Vestige."

Does one of you truly have to die?

"That millions of others may live, yes. Do not be troubled. Any one of us would gladly make such a sacrifice."

But first, the Planemeld must be stopped.

"As Tharn has said, there are already plans in motion to infiltrate Coldharbour. You must be part of them. The chains that anchor us to Oblivion draw us ever closer. They must be severed, once and for all."

I'll find a way.

Talking to Varen after backing out of completion, and when the final quest stage appears:

"Are you prepared for what awaits you?"

I'll find a way.

"When the Planemeld has been thwarted and the dust has settled, the Five Companions shall gather one last time and face our destinies.
The God of Schemes must be stopped, Vestige. That is the only thing that matters now."

Speaking to him after the quest:

"Do not hasten towards this final hour. Take the time to appreciate the things you have, the friends you have made, and the world that birthed you."

If you return to the Harborage before you receive God of Schemes, he will say:

"I have lived to see one of the worst calamities in history ravage our realm. It must be stopped, no matter the cost."

God of Schemes

To start the quest, Varen will appear to you in the closest city (likely outside the Chapel of Light in The Hollow City) and address you as a projection:

Varen Aquilarios: "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."

You must then speak to him in the Harborage to receive your next task:

"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."

What must I do?

"You must lead the Five Companions into this final battle. We are, all of us, prepared to sacrifice our lives to see this through to the end.
Our plan is to use the Amulet of Kings to invest you with the power to do battle with the Daedric Prince."

What should I expect?

"No doubt the God of Schemes has rallied his most powerful servants to his side, but his arrogance has already proven to be his undoing. He may not even consider you a threat.
We shall endeavor to prove him utterly, catastrophically wrong."

I am ready to get started.

A portal will then appear to transport you all to Heart's Grief.

When spoken to in Heart's Grief without need:

"Here we are, Vestige, in the belly of the beast. And each of us carries within us, an Oblivion of his own making."

Upon entering the Heart's Grief Vestibule:

Varen Aquilarios: "This place is alive with pain and suffering. This must be where Molag Bal torments those who displease him."

Arriving at the Seat of Tyranny:

Varen Aquilarios: "Molag Bal is here. I can feel his presence. Sense his foul breath upon the wind."

Varen Aquilarios: "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."

Varen being sacrificed

You can then speak to Varen, and have the option to choose him as the sacrifice:

"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."

What did the Elder Scrolls say about this moment?

"Very little. The Scrolls can see many things―even possible futures―but they are not infallible, and they will not make this choice for you.
You cannot cross the sea simply by standing and considering the water. Be strong, Vestige, and act."

What if I make the wrong choice?

"There is no such thing as a safe choice. There are only other choices.
Oblivion did not make me a monster, it just confirmed my own worst fears about myself. It would be fitting, and honorable, if you were to choose me. It would be a fine death."

Very well. I choose you, Varen. (Varen Aquilarios is sacrificed in the ritual)

I need more time to decide. (You exit dialogue and can speak to him again, or to others)

Once you have made your decision on how to sacrifice, Abnur Tharn will bring out the Amulet of Kings and say:

Abnur Tharn: "Position yourself over there, Vestige. And brace yourself."

If you have chosen to sacrifice Varen Aquilarios:

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."

If you did not choose to sacrifice Varen and speak to him, he will say:

"The time for words is over. Go, now!"

Epilogue

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Memory of Varen
Location	The Harborage
Race	Imperial	Gender	Male
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Faction(s)	Five Companions Imperial Legion (formerly) Cult of the Ancestor Moth (formerly)
Condition	Projection

Back at the Harborage, events will turn out differently depending on the sacrifice that was made:

If Varen was sacrificed, the other two companions will speak:

Lyris Titanborn: "What... what happened? How did we get here? I remember being overwhelmed, but then..."

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."

Sai Sahan: "Snow Lily, I..."

Lyris Titanborn: "I know, Sai. It's over. It's all over."

Cadwell: "Well then! Happy endings all around! Smashing! Who's got the brandy?"

Sai Sahan: "Wait, where is Tharn? Did he survive?"

Cadwell: "He vanished. Ran off, I think. And he took the amulet you chaps found, with him."

Varen will be gone, but a projection of him is shown from the Light of Meridia that Cadwell has brought. Cadwell will then proceed to deliver a euology.

Cadwell: "You know, that Varen fellow was always a good chap, even if he did muck things up at the start. And he did put things right in the end, didn't he?"

Cadwell: "He's still with you, you know. A part of you, really. And perhaps he can continue to serve the land and the people he gave his life to save, through you.
That's all well and done, then. There's just one bit of business left."

---

If Lyris 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."

You can speak to him after Sai Sahan:

"Forgive Sai Sahan for his anger. Ultimately it was Lyris's decision, and her sacrifice to make. He'll come to realize that, eventually."

Where will you go now?

"I will travel with Sai Sahan for a time. Then, perhaps I will return to the Moth Priests. The Scrolls may yet have secrets to reveal about the coming days."

After I reclaimed my soul, Meridia said there were still dark days ahead.

"Though Meridia came to your aid, you must never put your trust in her. Everything she did was to achieve her own ends. It is always thus with a Daedric Prince.
The forces of Oblivion will always be a threat to Tamriel. We must be eternally vigilant."

I understand.

"Our journey together has been enlightening. Few will ever know of your part in the salvation of this world, but the people of Tamriel owe you their lives. Nay, their very souls.
Perhaps one day we shall meet again. Until then, walk in the light."

Farewell, Varen Aquilarios.

---

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!"

Varen Aquilarios: "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 you talk to him before the other companion, he will say:

"And so it ends. I pray that it has, at any rate."

We did what must be done.

"My part in this story has ended, but yours has only begun. The world has been made right for now, but it is still wounded and in need of tending."

Where will you go?

"I cannot say. But I do not think the Scrolls have finished with me. Perhaps one day we shall meet again."

You can speak to him after talking to Lyris:

Is Sai Sahan really dead?

"His spirit has been dispersed into the Aetherius. He is not dead, neither is he alive. His essence is outside the cycle of the Mundus."

What happened to Abnur Tharn?

"Tharn has undoubtedly begun the long journey back to Cyrodiil with his new prize. His deepest desire is to unite all the errant territories of the Empire under a single banner. Perhaps he will succeed, but it will be a long and arduous task."

Where can I find you if I need you?

"If it is destined that we shall meet again, then destiny will find a way.
For me, I think its best that I shall be forgotten by this world. Let me be a sad footnote in Tamriel's long history. I deserve nothing more."

What about your role as the Prophet?

"I have no more prophecies to impart, no more strategies to suggest, no more riddles to ponder. I am just a man. A flawed man. And perhaps that is just as it should be.
Farewell, Vestige. Walk in the light, always."

Farewell for now, Varen Aquilarios.

Orsinium

Varen Aquilarios in Wrothgar

If you have already completed the quest God of Schemes, the Prophet will appear in Scarp Keep upon completion of Long Live the King and will have the following to say to you.

Varen Aquilarios: "Vestige. Attend me. I must speak with you."

"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."

Varen? Is it really you?

"Indeed it is. Though, I am far away, at the very edge of the world."

Why have you returned?

"I bring you a warning, Champion. Oblivion stirs. Great and terrible machinations have begun. Once again, Tamriel is in danger. You have a part to play in the events to come."

What events?

"A great war is coming. A war between the forces of Oblivion. The Daedric Princes are choosing sides. The great deceiver, the sower of discord, and the patron of darkness plot a great deception."

What must I do?

"Be ready. Watch for signs. The war shall begin when the gates of Sotha Sil's lost city are re-opened. So the scrolls portend. So shall it be."

Will you help me?

"I cannot aid you in the coming battle. My time in this world is at an end. I must take my place in the Immortal Plane. Farewell, old friend. We will not speak again."

Wait! I don't understand!

The Prophet will then disappear. If you decided to sacrifice the Prophet during God of Schemes, the following dialogue option appears instead of "Varen? Is it really you?"

Varen? But I saw you die!

"So you did. And I have gone on to the next great adventure."

If you have completed Long Live the King before God of Schemes, Varen will never appear in Scarp Keep.

Old Life Observance

The Prophet
Location	Old Life shrines
Race	Imperial	Gender	Male
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Condition	Spirit

Varen Aquilarios' spirit at an Old Life Shrine

After his death, the spirit of Varen Aquilarios may return from Aetherius and appear to you during the New Life Festival event quest Old Life Observance when you perform a remembrance ceremony at one of the Old Life shrines.

Five Companions Keep

Visions of the Five Companions

When you activate the Companion Table, you will see a vision of Varen Aquilarios, Abnur Tharn, Mannimarco, Lyris Titanborn, and Sai Sahan. Abnur and Mannimarco, as well as Sai and Lyris, occasionally speak with each other, but Varen remains silent.

Deprecated Content

Some quests have been changed throughout ESO's lifespan, with plenty of content being deprecated.

Wailing Prison Beta

The Prophet was initially the first one to greet the player, and Er-Jaseen was the one to free you. Both these roles were later taken up by Lyris Titanborn after Update 6, with the following dialogue being removed:

"Slowly, now. You've been through an ordeal. Take a few moments to collect yourself."

What's happening? Who are you?

"Like you, I am a prisoner in this place, yet so much more.
I am the past and future both. I am despair and hope. The tapestry we weave is a complex one. You cannot hope to see its pattern in its entirety. Not yet."

What do you want from me?

"You must rescue me. And I, in turn, must rescue you. You must escape this cell, take up arms and protect yourself. Then, find Lyris Titanborn."

Lyris Titanborn? Who is that? I don't understand ….

After Er-Jaseen opens your door, you will hear his voice again.

The Prophet: "Quickly! Follow Er-Jaseen."

As you run through the halls, he will speak again.

The Prophet: "There are weapons in the forge beyond these cells. Arm yourself."

Entering the Bleeding Forge:

The Prophet: "An enemy approaches. Strike it down!"

After you defeat the Skeletal Warrior:

The Prophet: "Do not slow, Vestige. With the passing of time, any indecision becomes decision."

Approaching the Skeletal Archer:

The Prophet: "Another enemy blocks the path ahead. Dispatch it, quickly!"

After entering the Ashen Mines:

The Prophet: "Lyris Titanborn is a mighty and noble warrior. Trust in her."

Getting to the top of the first tunnel:

The Prophet: "Courage, Vestige. Confidence is a beast that grows two heads for each that is cut off."

Going further through the mines:

The Prophet: "Do not lose heart, Vestige. You are close, now."

You can ask him more questions.

"Come. We must hurry to the Anchor mooring!"

I have some questions.

"I shall answer what I can, but know that time is short."

What exactly are the Daedra trying to do?

"The twisted machines of the Daedra are used to draw our land of Tamriel closer to Coldharbour, until the two realms merge. It is the evil dream of Molag Bal and his servant Mannimarco to meld the two realities and make one realm of suffering."

How do you know Lyris?

"Lyris and I walked together, once. Long ago, we were captured and condemned to this place for becoming entangled in the schemes of Molag Bal, the master of this wretched land.
More than that, however, I shall not say. It is not yet time."

After collecting the skyshard, you must speak with him again.

"It is time! If we are to return to our own realm, we must act quickly!"

What must I do?

"First, you must activate the Anchor. I can sense dark energy emanating from two devices on either side of me. Activate both devices.
I will begin the ritual that will pry open the jaws of Oblivion and allow us to escape."

Where will we arrive in Tamriel?

"There is no way to know for sure. In fact, it's extremely unlikely we will both arrive in the same location. Fear not. I will find you again when the time is right.
Now, go! Activate the devices!"

Very well.

He will begin his ritual after you activate the eastern and western devices.

The Prophet: "Great Akatosh, Dragon god of time. Your children are lost between worlds. They cry out for mercy."

The Prophet: "Hear my voice, Akatosh! I require your strength! Let the way be opened! Let these wandering souls return home! Let the will of Molag Bal be denied!"

The portal opens, and he runs up the stairs.

The Prophet: "Hurry! We must go now!"

Several variations of his lines also exist in the lang file for Update 7:

The Prophet: "Great Akatosh, Dragon God of Time! Your children are lost in the fog between worlds! They cry out for mercy!"

The Prophet: "Great Akatosh, Dragon God of Time! I require your strength!"

Chasing Shadows

One of the Prophet's lines of dialogue is different than in the final release.

"Good, good. You are safe."

God of Schemes

"Do not judge me too harshly. I will spend the rest of my days making amends for what I have done."

Cut Content

Some aspects of the game were cut entirely. Dialogue, quest stages, and journal entries left over from development can all be found in the text files for earlier versions of the game.

Cut Dialogue

These lines of dialogue don't appear anywhere in the final game.

"Abnur! Why don't you show this puppet magic's true potential?"

"You are back! I felt the shroud of the King of Worms descend over you, and I feared the worst."

Soul Shriven in Coldharbour Draft

The Wailing Prison quest was much different in the months before the beta. Lyris would have had you stage a revolt and finish quests with other Soul Shriven. At the end of the quest, the Prophet would have opened a portal using the Dark Anchor, calling upon all of the Divines to open the way home.

The Prophet: "I will manipulate the anchor and summon the portal!"

The Prophet: "Let us begin. Lyris, I will need you and the soul shriven to protect me while I manipulate the Anchor."

The Prophet: "Merciful Stendarr! This place of suffering traps worthy souls seeking egress! Come to us now!"

The Prophet: "Noble Arkay! Long has the bounty of Tamriel been denied us! We seek your power to return to its soil!"

The Prophet: "Mother Mara! Your children are lost beyond your sight! Find us now and lead us from darkness!"

The Prophet: "Cunning Zenithar! We work to return to a world that a terrible foe seeks to steal from us all! Help us now!"

The Prophet: "Gentle Kynareth! The nature of this place is an affront and perversion of your gifts! Bear us home on your winds!"

The Prophet: "Loving Dibella! We weep for the beauty and love lost to us as the world lies in peril! Let us have your love again!"

The Prophet: "Wise Julianos! We are unwilling pilgrims in a kingdom of lies and suffering! Carry us away from this place!"

The Prophet: "Eternal Akatosh! With eyes beyond time, you see as I see! We do not belong here! Reach out your ageless hand!"

The Prophet: "By the power of the Eight Divines, I open the way home!"

The Harborage Draft

You would have seen a vision of the Prophet being arrested by Mannimarco's agents during this quest, presumably after he mentions it.

?: "You have been accused of disseminating illicit materials that are an affront to Imperial law. Arrest him!"

The Prophet: "I've done no wrong. I merely studied the ancient texts. Is that a crime worthy of an Imperial prison?"

?: "Don't worry, old man. You're not going to an Imperial prison. We have a very special place in mind for you."

Daughter of Giants Draft

The Prophet's dialogue was a bit different from the final product. Notably, the Black Forge was where black soul gems were crafted instead of weapons.

"Fate brings us together again, as I foretold..
Lyris sacrificed herself to enable our escape from Coldharbour, and I feared her lost. But I see in dream visions that, though enslaved, she survives. We can rescue her."

"I have seen her. She works a terrible forge where Black Soul Gems are crafted to fuel Molag Bal's conquest of Tamriel.
By the power of my dream vision I shall open a gate to Coldharbour, so you can return there. Go. Rescue Lyris."

I don't care about Lyris, I just want my soul back.

The Prophet would have taken a much more active role in guiding you through the Forge, with more emphasis being put on the Prophet's mental link with the Prince than in the final release. Molag Bal would have eventually seen through the Prophet's gambit and set a pursuer on your trail, forcing you to flee.

The Prophet: "Molag Bal is strong—but for the moment, his gaze is on me. Find Lyris, and quickly."

The Prophet: "The Black Forge is ahead, but the way is barred.
Hurry—I cannot keep his eyes off you for long."

The Prophet: "That crystal is entrancing Lyris. You must break the spell!"

The Prophet: "He suspects. I cannot hold his attention any longer. I shall open a rift in Oblivion ahead. Run!"

Molag Bal: "You! Your interference will cost you your flesh as well as your soul."

After your escape from Coldharbour, you would have spoken to the Prophet much like you do in the live version of the quest.

"^(?)"

Molag Bal knew we were there.

"It was difficult to stave off his attention as long as I did.
With Lyris safe, we can enjoy a brief respite while we plan our next move. When the dream visions speak again, I shall call to you."

God of Schemes Draft

In one draft, it appears Meridia was supposed to speak with you and the surviving Companions alongside Cadwell following your return from the Colored Rooms. If Lyris 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'm 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 or 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 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."

Sai Sahan: "I cannot believe she is really gone."

Meridia: "Do not despair, Sai Sahan, son of Yokuda. Lyris Titanborn's sacrifice brought about the salvation of your world."

Sai Sahan: "Who comes here? Which Daedric Prince is this?"

Meridia: "You know me as Meridia. I appear to you in a form you can understand, but I cannot stay long.
This page of history is concluded, but there are many more chapters to be written. I must leave you now, but will be watching."

If Sai 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!"

Varen Aquilarios: "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!"

Meridia: "You are free indeed, Varen Aquilarios. Free of the calamity your hubris brought upon this world. Free of the Daedric Prince, Molag Bal."

Meridia: "I am the one you call Meridia. I appear to you in a form you can understand, but I cannot stay long.
This page of history is concluded, but there are many more chapters to be written. I must leave you now, but will be watching."

Notes

• The Prophet was voiced by the late Michael Gambon. His younger self and doppelganger are voiced by Crispin Freeman.
• According to an interview with Lawrence Schick, Varen was born in 2E 536. He is technically 46 years old, but the effects of the Soulburst, his reading of the Elder Scrolls, and Molag Bal's imprisonment have aged him unnaturally.
• Lines of dialogue that were apparently different from the current version of events were present in the text files for Update 1. They and other aspects cut from the Main Quest can be found here.

Gallery

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  Concept art

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  Render

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  Featured in a promotional render for 2024's Anniversary Jubilee, celebrating a decade of ESO

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  Artwork commemorating ESO's 10th anniversary: Varen is center-left

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  Depicted in the center of a wallpaper commemorating ESO's 10th anniversary