Heheh, thanks, Wyrm. I'm doing a slight detour in this update. Not sure why I didn't skip this content last week, but what the hell. Let's see an old fashioned escort quest followed by the a choice at the end of it that didn't matter much in the big picture. The tension of an escort quest is lost if the NPC is invulnerable and hence Bethesda once again fails to understand how to create challenge.
Oh yeah, Merry Xmas. Enjoy!
Erandur, tell me more about this Daedric Lord Vaermina.
Vaermina resides in a strange realm known as Quagmire...a nightmarish land where reality shifts upon itself in seemingly impossible ways.
And the purpose of this nightmare is?
From her citadel, she reaches forth to collect our memories, leaving nothing in return apart from visions of horror and despair.
But what does she do with the memories?
Who can say? Perhaps she collects them for display like works of art in a nonsensical art gallery. Whatever the case may be, her inentions are far from benevolent. Come, let's go. Time's awasting.
Both the priest and the warrior leaves the inn for the cold air outside. They start trek towards the Nightcaller Temple.
So far so good....
Unfortunately, Shepard spoke too soon, and the small party was ambushed by a pack of Frostbite Spiders.
Fuck, that was close. Erandur?
I'm fine..give me a moment to heal before we continue.
Closing his wounds with a spell, Erandur stops at the door to the temple.
Were they successful?
No. Knowing they could never defeat the orcs, the priests of Vaermina released what they call "The Miasma," putting everyone to sleep.
So they won't be any threat when we head inside?
I cannot be sure, I'm concerned that when this place is unsealed, the Miasma will dissipate, and they'll awaken; both orcs and priests alike.
What does this Miasma do exactly? Is it like a poison?
The Miasma was originally created for rituals. It's a gas that places the affected in a deep sleep. Because the rituals would last for months or even years, the Miasma was designed to slow down the aging process.
So it's harmless? Except for the sleeping part?
Sadly, no. The longer an individual is exposed to the Miasma, the more the mind can become damaged. Those who've been under the effect of it for extended periods of time have been known to lose their minds entirely. In some cases, a few never awoke at all.
Wait, if the Miasma is still inside, aren't we in danger as well if we inhale it? Eh, Lydia wait outside.
Very well, my thane.
LP Comment: Yes, Todd. How does it work? But nobody gave a fuck and Shepard never get to ask this question in game.
Come let's go inside. As for the Miasma, I wouldn't be too worried, it's probably less concentrated after such a long period.
Entering the tower brings Shepard face to face to a Shrine of Vaermina.
Just a shrine. No way down?
Uh...ok.
You and your magicks.
Violet hued vapours fill the hallways further down the temple's depth. The whole temple felt unnaturally cold and silent.
Shepard looks down.
They encounter their first resistance in the form of awakened orc invaders. Thankfully, Erandur is more than capable of roasting them to death.
Looks difficult to breach.
Impossible actually. Hmm, I wonder..There may be a way to bypass the barrier, but I must check their library and confirm it can be done.
You seem to know an awful lot about this place.
I suppose there's no point in concealing the truth any longer?
What do you mean?
Shepard tightens the grip on his great axe. Ready for any betrayal.
My knowledge of this temple comes from personal experience. I was a priest of Vaermina.
Why keep this secret?
When the orcs invaded the temple, I fled. I left my brothers and sisters here to die. I've spent the last few decades living in regret and seeking redemption from Mara. And by Her Benevolence, I will right my wrongs. I still have my key to the library. Whenever you're ready, let's move on.
You spoke of the Skull down below. How can it be affecting Dawnstar?
Lore holds that the Skull of Corruption holds a constant hunger for the memories of others. The Skull has been out of touch for so long, I fear it's gained the ability to reach out on its own and try to feed.
Alright. Let's stop it then. Lead the way.
Erandur inserted the key and turned. He glances at Shepard, making sure the latter is ready.
Let's go. We have the advantage when they have to get off the floor.
Get back to sleep.
The battle was short, and the library is cleared of any threat. Erandur continues his investigation.
I hope the tome we need is still intact.
What are we looking for?
We're looking for a book of alchemical recipes called the "Dreamstride."
A short search through the ruined books later...
Found it.
Mara be praised! There is a way past the barrier to the inner sanctum. It involves a recipe for a liquid known as Vaermina's Torpor.
Some kind of potion?
Yes, it grants the ability called "The Dreamstride."; using dreams to travel distances in the real world.
Errr....how does this help us?
LP Comment: The original choice was 'That's amazing!' No. I don't find it amazing, Bethesda. I find it ridiculous. How does dreaming and traveling in dreams actually help in bypassing the barrier. Please clarify, bucket heads.
Mmm, I have yet to see it function in person.
Gee whiz. Some plan.
As a sworn priest of Mara, the elixir won't work for me. The Torpor will only work for Priests of Vaermina, or the unaffiliated.
Sounds stupid. How can you be certain this will work?
I will not lie to you, there is some risk involved. The last time the Torpor was imbibed could have been decades ago. But I swear upon Lady Mara that I will do everything within my power to prevent any harm from befalling you.
Fine, where can we find the Torpor?
I believe there is a laboratory in the east wing. If we proceed there, we should be able to locate a sample.
The laboratory houses a few of the awakened. Shepard and Erandur work together to put them back to sleep.
Browsing through the shelves, Shepard ran across a few rare ingredients, one amongst them is a Daedra's heart.
And amazingly, a bottle labeled 'Vaermina's Torpor,' is found intact in one of the shelves.
LP Comment: Fucking awesome coincidence isn't it? It's like they KNEW to keep a dose just in case!
I found one.
Wait. What will the Dreamstride feel like?
You'll be viewing the memory of another through your own eyes and with your own body. Those around you will perceive you as normal and you will find the words you utter may not be your own. Thanks to all of these odd principles, there is quite a lot of debate as to whether this is really a dream or just the machinations of Vaermina.
How will I know when to awaken?
I will watch over you as you slumber to ensure your safety. If I deduce anything is amiss, I will use my arts to bring you back. Otherwise, I am uncertain what will end your Dreamstride. Perhaps when Vaermina's curious appetite has been filled.
Thats very comforting, Erandur. Let's get this over with.
Dawnstar's fate rests in that tiny bottle. The longer we wait, the more damage Vaermina could be doing to those poor people. I understand your hesitation, but I promise you that it works.
Well, here goes nothing.
Shepard uncorks the bottle and gulped its contents down in one go. He tried to taste the liquid but found he could not even muster the strength to use his taste buds. His eyes grew heavier by miliseconds as he collapsed to the floor. Asleep. Then...something pierced his eyes. Something radiant.
The fuck?
We must hold. We can't allow the Skull to fall into their hands.
But...no more than a handful of us remain, Brother.
Then we have no choice. The Miasma must be released.
The Miasma? But, brother...
We have no alternative. It's the will of Vaermina.
Shepard tried to speak, but found his words were not his own.
I've made my peace. I'm ready.
Then it's decided. Brother Casimir, you must activate the barrier and release the Miasma. Let nothing stop you. Brother Thorek, we must remain here and guard this Skull with our lives if necessary.
Agreed. To the death.
Then let it be done. Farewell, my brothers!
Shepard watch as the two priests ran towards the Skull Chamber. He decided to go along with the dream's task: Release the Miasma.
A pitched battle between the orcs and the priests followed, Shepard wanted to fight - but found he was unable to, whoever's dream he is following must be completely devoted to unleashing the Miasma.
Shepard ran past another fight and finally reached the release chain. He pulled it hard.
Suddenly the yellow hue disappeared from his vision. Things became clearer again. And he is in full control of his actions once more. He knew. The Dreamstride is over.
Erandur...weren't you supposed to watch over my body?
You vanished after drinking the Torpor and materialied on the other side. I have never seen anything quite like it.
It was...remarkable. As if I were really there.
How I envy you. I can only imagine the excitement of seeing history through the eyes of another.
LP Comment: Huh...yeah. It must be exciting walking past fighting men and pulling a chain.
We can discuss it later. We need to proceed.
Indeed. My reverence for Vaermina's machinations should not take precedence over our mission. My apologies. The inner sanctum lies ahead. We must reach the Skull and put an end to Dawnstar's troubles. Lead on, my friend.
More battles with the awakened followed, but it proved to be no challenge. Shepard and Erandur is strong enough to power through any threat.
Finally, the Skull of Corruption is within sight.
Two awakened Priests emerge from the Skull's chamber. Shepard remembered their faces. And he is not alone in this.
Veren...Thorek...you're alive.
Casimir? Then the dream...it must be-
I no longer use that name. I am Erandur, Priest of Mara.
You're a traitor. You left us to die and then ran before the Miasma took you.
No...I...I was scared. I wasn't ready to sleep.
Enough of your lies! I cannot allow you to destroy the Skull, Priest of Mara.
Then you leave me no choice!
Jeez, some reunion!
The battle was quick and brutal, Veren fell first. Thorek was next.
Is this punishment for my past? Is it Mara' will to torment me so?
Maybe they were right, Erandur. Don't destroy the staff.
No! You must not listen to them. They speak only lies and deception.
LP Comment: I...I don't follow this shit. As far as I know both of them were followers of Vaermina. Perhaps they knew how to solve the problem without destroying the Skull. But even if they were best buddies once, Erandur had no issue with slaughtering them AND destroying their artifact. Lies and deception? What did they lie about?
Had we aided them in releasing the Skull, they would use it to wreak havoc across Skyrim. They..they had to die.
But...they never did...ah fuck it..
Yes. It's time. The Skull must be destroyed. If you'll stand back, I'll perform the ritual granted to me by Lady Mara.
Erandur climbed the steps. Every step seems very heavy as he regard the Skull of Corruption.
First, an incantation to remove the barrier.
The Skull hungers. It yearns for memories and leaves nightmares in its wake.
Grant me the power to break through this barrier and to send the Skull to the depths of Oblivion.
(Goddamn...I wish he gets this over with already. Legate Rikke is going to bust my ass for being late..)
(Huh?)
When the ritual's complete, the Skull will be free and then Erandur will turn on you.
(Then he dies. What's there to be worried about?)
Foolish mortal! Quickly! Kill him now. Kill him now and claim the Skull for your own.
(Fuck you, voice. I don't give a shit about magic. Go stuff it up some high elves vagina.)
Vaermina commands you!
(Aww, look...it's Vaermina. Your pussy's bleeding. Now shut the fuck up and get a daedric tampon.)
The voice stopped calling into Shepard's mind and finally, Erandur completes the ritual.
So, we're done, then?
Yes. The Skull has been destroyed and Dawnstar is safe.
So what'll you do now?
My intention was to spend the rest of my years here, burying the past and praying for forgiveness. But instead, I wish to offer my services to you. If you ever wish to journey with me, I'll be here.
I'll hold on to that promise some time. Farewell, Erandur.
Good fortune to you, Shepard. Mara be with you.
Shepard leaves the tower. The people of Dawnstar now can have their rest.