#elder scrolls daggerfall

[erika-xero]

Queen Morgiah, daughter of Queen Barenziah

[videogamepolls]

Requested by @pachnychnyszek

[delafiseaseses]

So, ever read the Morrowind to Skyrim skill book 'Night Falls on Sentinel'? If you have, are you aware of it being an epilogue to a Daggerfall quest called The Missing Prince? No spoilers for the book or the quest here, so don't worry if you haven't read them. I'm just gonna comment on an odd creative choice.

The Prince of The Missing Prince was unnamed in Daggerfall, in spite of everyone around him being named his was up to the Daggerfall Redguard name generator. The book, which I will say is a good epilogue to the Daggerfall quest and certainly works standalone too, made the odd choice to retroactively give this Prince the canon name of Arthago, rather incidentally, too. He could've just been 'That Prince' throughout and it'd be pretty much the same story.

And, even odder, its a name that couldn't be generated in Daggerfall. Procedural Redguard names in that game never started with 'A', only his mother Akorithi and sister Aubk-i being Redguards with 'A' names in that game (on the subject the book also spells Aubk-i as 'Aubki' for some reason).

Well, I guess one of the Dragon Break's least known effects was giving Arthago a name, hahahaa.

[mannimarcoiscool]

Join my cult

[the-mercurial-star-o-vesper]

What do you know about the Night Mother of the Dark Brotherhood?

In Morrowind, the NIghtmother is just a top-dog position, akin to Arch Mage or head Fighter.

But come both Oblivion and Skyrim, the Nightmother has been elevated to a more mythic status. And in fact, the position is not, in fact obtainable, and to declare yourself Nightmother is basically heresy and sacrilege.

Now this could be inconsistancy in the writing, new writers misreading or forgetting stuff (see any Ariella Septim page).

... But let's take the more interesting approach.

What if, akin to how Talos appeared between Daggerfall and Morrowind as a God, then full on Ninth Divine by Oblivion (which occured only a few years after Morrowind, mind), that something happened that caused the Nightmother position to enter Godhood. Akin to divinity, it became retroactive.

( Example again is Talos. He's made of the Oversoul which combines three entities--Tiber Septim, Zurin Arctus, and Ysmir Wulfharth. This was only possible by the Warp in the West, as the Underking (Arctus or Wulfharth... or probably both) was that missing piece. By the Warp in the West, Talos retroactively became a god upon Tiber Septim's death. )

While I doubt that the Morrowind Nightmother was playing around with Shezarrines, it isn't out of the question to assume that either a mantling occured (Where you take the steps to act as someone so well, that the universe itself cannot distinguish between you) or something else happened (Ala how the King of Worms became a Necromantic god), to retroactively raise the Nightmother from Guild Leader to God.

Not just A God either, but a Wife to Sithis, the closest we've gotten to an outright Elder Scrolls Titan or Primordial, no less.

The thing is, is that we don't, actually know, how.

We could probably assume that the only named Guild-Leader Night-Mother, Severa Magia (of the Morag Tong questline in Morrowind), did something or completed some underlying pattern of reality which raised her to godhood upon her death.

( Which means, congratulations Nerevarine, you made the Nightmother. )

And that the retroactive retcon status, is the result of watching a mantling / goodhood from the Outside perspective. It also means, given evidence provided, that this was a mantling or akin to a mantling, of Mephala (in the similar sense that the Champion of Cyrodiil can mantle Sheogorath ).

In which case, a mantling of Mephala involves the sacrifice of at least 5 people, or possibly children, or possibly metaphorical children. (can't take metaphors for granted in the Elder Scrolls )

But either way, it would explain the severe change of temperments and meaning between games, in regards to the Night Mother.

ADDENDUM:

Personally? I don't think it was Severa Magia. Stopping factional conquest doesn't scream "Hey let's alter reality!". But you know what expansion pack did involve the Dark Brotherhood in a major way? Tribunal. Where we find a mad mortal-god, hellbent on maintaining divinity, no matter who she kills. Who is known as a Mother of a peoples. Who's divinity comes from a divine spark of a Sithic Being. Whom, in a kin to her Anticipation is associated with plots and destruction, but whose acts rather include Murder and Secrecy, akin to the anticipation of one of her mortal-gods of their triad. Whose closest warriors are known as her Hand(s). What I'm saying is... the Goddess Nightmother is actually what's left of Almalexia.

[laurarolla]

Almost my birthday, and Gunhound should be finished before then. So, let's to the poll for the next game before my birthday arrives so I know which of these older western-made RPGs I'll start playing after Gunhound is finished.

Yes, these have all been in previous polls, with the exception of the Unity remake of Daggerfall (the original was in the last poll).

[madgod-of-magic]

Do you have a favorite pastry aside from strawberry tortes?

Hmm.. OOOH DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE! I'm crippled with indecision!

SO TERRIBLE! SO HARD! OH SO DIFFICULT!

There are so many to choose from!

Like croissants! The ones with the chocolate in the middle.

Or.. OOH! OOH! SCONES!!!

Or SWEET ROLLS!

OH HOW I LOVE MY SWEET ROLLS!!!

I Just can't pick a favourite.

[archivist-of-lorkhaj]

First TES Apocrypha written by the archivist. Further such ramblings will always be here.

Account of the Battlemage - Testimony of the Founder of the Empire, Zurin Arctus, the Underking

(The following is the end result of what can only be described as brainworms. This is the resolution of my brainworms with regards to the infamous Arcturian Heresy. It is my attempt to resolve its internal contradictions with. You can find the original post on the teslore subreddit, here. In addition, I put it on AO3, so it has a permanent place to reside. You can find that here.)

Account of the Battlemage

Testimony of the Founder of the Empire, Zurin Arctus, the Underking

In High Rock, Zurin Arctus is born at a certain time to uncertain parents. He is raised in the Breton manner, learning magic and chivalry and history. He has talent in the Art, but he does not have a purpose.

In the closing days of the Second Era, he hears the Greybeards Shout. The world is broken, and it is time to put it back together again. But Zurin does not yet know his purpose. It passes through his mind like a dream, implanting a sense of destiny without explaining it. He continues to live in the world, but now that he knows it is broken, it is not the same.

As Zurin walked through a field, he felt an ashen wind. He turned to look upon it, and saw the form of a King in Ash. I am Wulfharth, he proclaims, the Underking (not Zurin Arctus). And Zurin trembles, for he sees the Soul of Man inside Wulfharth. He sees himself, he sees a man Breathe Royalty and turn jungles into paradise, and he sees a Star-Made Knight driven mad by the weight of Prophecy. He sees that he is Talos Stormcrown, but so are many others. But it is too much, and he forgets, only remembering one name: Ysmir.

The Ash-King remains with him, an invisible ally, whispering and urging Zurin forward. Seeking his destiny, he joins the court of the pretender-emperor Cuhlecain, who declares him Grand Battlemage. But it is not Cuhlecain that he serves.

He sees a man standing by Cuhlecain, a Breton with Nordic features. His name is Hjalti Early-Beard. And Zurin remembers, and sees that he is Ysmir, just as Wulfharth is Ysmir, just as Zurin is Ysmir. Just as the Star-Made Knight was Ysmir. He falls to his knees and weeps, as the Underking leaves him to join Hjalti.

From here, Zurin and Wulfharth are united in service. They know that Hjalti will usher in a new age of Man. Wulfharth speaks of destroying Mer and realizing Shor's vision. Zurin does not think much of this. To him, it is only unity that matters. Only Hjalti that matters.

At the gates of Old Hrol'dan, Zurin watched as arrows flew towards Hjalti. He trembled and shouted, fearing the end of their dream. But Hjalti had no fear. Hjalti Shouted, and as he did, the Underking flew to his side. Others saw only storm and wind, as if Kyne herself were protecting the general. But Zurin saw the Underking. Zurin saw Wulfharth, and he saw that he and Hjalti were Two-Become-One. His troops proclaimed him Talos, or Stormcrown, ruler of the Wind.

Hjalti finally takes notice of Zurin Arctus, and they converse. In each other, they see kindred spirits. Zurin comes to love Hjalti, and knows he is the one to save Tamriel, to repair what is broken. Hjalti sees in Zurin a useful tool, one who can take blame for what must come next. Wulfharth whispers to both that the Cuhlecain has lost his usefulness.

Thus, after taking the Imperial City, Zurin Arctus arranges for Cuhlecain's death. How it is done is forgotten, but perhaps it was Wulfharth, always eager to do dark deeds in service of destiny. Zurin crowns Hjalti Emperor of Cyrodiil, and he takes a new name for his new people: Tiber Septim. A fiction is crafted. To the Nords, he is the last King of Atmora. Wulfharth spreads this in the hearts and minds of the Nords, appearing in dreams. To the Cyrods, he is a Colovian warlord of virtue and honor. Zurin Arctus ensures this fiction is believed. The Breto-Nordic Hjalti is erased.

The realms of man are united. Skyrim and High Rock fall easily, almost willing to serve this future Man-God. Hammerfell is more difficult. Wulfharth, who appears as Tiber Septim, is the hard fist of the Empire. When diplomacy fails, he is the leader of the Legions. Septim is the mastermind, using cunning and diplomacy to achieve his ends. Zurin feels as though he is going mad, for only he can see that they are different. And yet his mind still knows they are the same. His obsession with Septim deepens.

Wulfharth declares he will have vengeance on the Mer-Gods of the East, the Tribunal. Septim is not sure. He does not think a war with Morrowind is worth it. Not even Reman Cyrodiil could conquer Resdayn, and he thinks it is not worth it. But Zurin Arctus is as obsessed as Wulfharth, for different reasons. He knew the secret of godhood was found in Morrowind, in ancient ruins of the dwarf-folk.

Together, Wulfharth and Arctus convince Septim to invade. The war is hard fought, and in the end, an Armistice is reached. Zurin thinks this is good; they got what they needed. Septim got his Ebony, and Zurin now has access to the ruins of the Dwemer. But Wulfharth wanted only to destroy the Tribunal. When he demands answers from Zurin, asks why he will not fulfill his destiny, Zurin laughs and dismisses him.

Zurin's obsession grows. His love for Tiber Septim drives him to find a way to defeat their last obstacle, the Aldmeri Dominion. To the Men of the Empire, this is a religious war, a final confrontation between Man and Mer. But to Arctus and Septim, it is nothing personal. They must unite Tamriel. Septim sends Arctus to Alinor, to negotiate treaties and promote integration. All the while, Arctus works on the mystery of Walk-Brass, so that Tiber Septim the man can become Talos Stormcrown the God.

Soon, the pieces are found, and Zurin contemplates the Divine Metaphysics. He finds the Egg of Time, and he comes to understand the Tribunal, Dagoth Ur, and the Heart. He sees the danger, but it is worth it. Tiber Septim must become a god. He rebuilds the Numidium, its parts gifted by the Warrior-Poet Vivec. He does not question why Vivec aids them. Wulfharth screams in silent rage.

There is one obstacle. The Numidium requires the Heart of Lorkhan, avatar of Man, to function. Zurin has dim memories of his vision. He remembers that he dreamed Wulfharth was Ysmir, and that Ysmir was not-quite-Lorkhan. Perhaps it would be enough. Tiber Septim and Zurin Arctus hatch a plot, and lure the Underking back to the Halls of the Colossus. They craft a soul gem, the Mantella, to house Ysmir.

Wulfharth sees the deception, but also opportunity. With the Numidium, he can destroy the Tribunal, and then Alinor, and wipe out Mer. He comes willingly. While he fights against Arctus and Septim, he knows it is his destiny to become Anumidium. Tiber Septim strikes the final blow, and his soul is captured in the Mantella. Only now does Zurin Arctus realize his error.

Tiber Septim, the man Zurin Arctus loved and followed, stabs Zurin through his empty chest and slays him.

The souls of Zurin and Wulfharth both become trapped in the Mantella. Zurin remembers their connection. Flashing before his eyes, he sees that he is Wulfharth, and that he is Tiber Septim. His thoughts are jumbled, and now he knows that Tiber Septim does not need the Numidium to be a god. He is Shor reborn, the Star-Made Knight. He is Wulfharth and he is Zurin Arctus. He is Ysmir, dragon of the North. He is Lorkhan.

The Numidium will be used to commit a great crime, to kill many elves. Zurin only wanted to gift his lover godhood, for the good of all. In horror, he watches. Wulfharth laughs as his goals are realized, and Zurin understands the nature of Lorkhan. He is the God of Man, but the God of Madness. He is the contradiction of Man and Mer personified. He sees the Star-Made Knight, and he understands what drove him mad. Tiber Septim sheds all that came before, to define new meaning for Man, in the name of ambition.

Tiber Septim has freed himself from his other aspects. No longer bound by Wulfharth's all-consuming hatred of elves. No longer chained by the Battlemage's idealism. The three are now one, and he is Ysmir in his totality. A God not of madness, nor a God of ideal, but a God of Man. He displays a fraction of his might and levels Alinor, and now Tamriel is his. He does this not because it is fate, but because he can.

Talos Stormcrown cannot fully destroy that which is part of his essence. While their soul is trapped, Zurin and Wulfharth have become one. They return as the Underking once more. Talos is not truly free of them. They remain the dark reflection of Talos, the side of his divinity He discarded, that He wishes the world to forget.

They will haunt the Septim dynasty until its dying days, because Talos cannot escape the past. The lies have been made reality, but the truth remains the truth. The Underking is Talos, and Talos is the Underking.

Zurin Arctus wrote this.

[skyrim-forever]

@uesp im ur biggest fan

[nirn-root]

[pyronianmage]

UESP Out of Context

[uesp]

Did You Know: Similar to our Earth, Nirn also has two moons?

[salad-juice-enjoyer]

Two liveblogs are already too much for me, but whatever:

[delafiseaseses]

So, I've done some readin' of Elder Scrolls wiki pages, as y'do. The little info on those forgotten shrine deities from Daggerfall an' found this.

There's somethin' kinda delightful about a deity apparently associated with 'the pursuit of lore' to be so obscure, I think. Almost poetic. T' know of this Q'Olwen is to be in that aspect, in a way.

[mannimarcoiscool]

Worms

[theribbajack]

Casual Fredas in the Shivering Isles ft. the return of the ugly shirt