Elder Scrolls Arena Storyline

Elder Scrolls Arena Storyline

Chapter 1:  The Arena

"The best technique are passed on by the survivors..."
                                                                                               - Gaiden Shinji, Blademaster
                                                                                                                     First Era, 947

For centuries different faction battled in petty wars and border conflicts, until in 2E 896 Tiber Septim crushed all those who opposed him and took control, proclaiming himself as Emperor. Still, the bitter years of war had its affect on the populace. The name Tamriel, Elvish for ‘Dawn Beauty’, seldom fell from anguished lips and was soon forgotten. In a place where life and death were different sides of the same coin tossed every day, the people of the known world began calling the land of their sorrow, the Arena…

Now, 492 years after Tiber Septim took control and kept the peace, the land of Arena has a new threat. The Emperor, Uriel Septim VII celebrates his forty-third birthday. But jealous hearts desire the throne and plot his downfall.

It is said that hope flies on death’s wings. Prepare then, for as the Elder Scrolls foretold, it will be here the Hero’s adventure begins...

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Hero awoke in the darkened cell, his head pounding from the blow it had received. A single candle guttered and flamed in one corner. Occasionally the clink of chains could be heard as they swung in a slight, fetid breeze. He knew where he was now. It came back to him even as he struggled to his feet. Fighting off the nausea he made his way to a crude stone bench. I have taken by the Emperor, but for what? His thoughts were interrupted by a low moan that came drifting down the corridor outside his cell door. Suddenly he was glad for the obvious strength of his cell door. I have been left to die, he thought incredulously. They did not even bother to strip me of my possessions. Indeed, upon self examination Hero found that he still carried his dagger and his pouch of money. It seemed that the Emperor had no fears of his escape. And why should he? He did a quick circumspection of the room, finding that except for the slime covered walls and floor, no water or food had been left. A slow death indeed.

Suddenly the air near the center of the cell seemed to brighten, slowly coalescing into a globe of brilliance. Hero fell back, shielding his eyes from the glare. The light receded, and in the purple afterimages of that burst he could see the shimmering form of a woman floating, her body draped in gossamer and blown by an unseen wind.

"Do not fear Hero, for it is I, Ria Silmane."

Hero looked shock as the figure of his friend took on form and substance, though somehow it did not seem to lose its edge of etherealness. "Ria! What in the name of the Lady has happened?"

Ria’s face seemed etched in grief, drawn by a sadness he could not comprehend. " Hero do you remember the last time we saw each other? It was at the Mid Year’s festival. I fear that is where the evil took form."

"What happened to you?" Hero asked in a shocked whisper. He had known Ria since he had summoned to court to learn under her tutelage the way of Sorcery. Ria had been the senior apprentice to Jagar Tharn, the Imperial Battle Mage of Tamriel.

"I am dead, Hero. Only my powers keep me in this form, though the pull of afterlife is strong. I can resist, but only for a time. It is imperative that someone know the truth; that someone stop the evil which has struck from the heart of the Imperial Seat."

Hero sat down once more, his legs seeming to no longer obey. Left to die in a cell, my friend already dead? What has happened to us all?

"The Emperor is not who he seemed to be, Hero. He is infact Jagar Tharn. The true Emperor was captured by Tharn and shifted to another dimension, a prison in which time runs much slower than on this plane of existence."

Hero looked up, his face a mask of shock and outrage, "But what of the Amulet of Kings?"

"The Emperor is not dead. Only in the event of his demise would the Amulet warn the Elder Council. Tharn was meticulous in his planning. With time in the dimension in which the Emperor has been imprisoned running at a fraction of what it does here, it will centuries before the true Emperor dies. And when he does, who will care? Those people will have seen the glorious rule of Uriel Septim VII end generations in the past. Tharn must be stopped, here and now." Ria’s face had a resolute set, one that if Hero had noticed, would have sent shivers of foreboding through his body.

Hero looked around, "Why are you here? I am but one, and not skilled in much of anything. Why not go to General Warhaft, or the Imperial Guard?"

Ria shook her head, "They have been captured along with the Emperor, and Tharn has transmorphed others to take their places, those who are loyal to him only. I cannot trust anyone else with this Hero. As you said, Tharn will not search for you as he would someone he considered a threat. Most of them are dead already. You can see the disdain the Wizard has for you, not even bothering to even bind you in this cell. He does not see you as threat, and in that arrogance he has made his first mistake." For the first time the ghost of Ria Silmane smiled, and to Hero it was as if the sun had come from behind the cloud.

"I wish to escape, that is sure. Beyond that I know not what I can do Ria."

"Take this," at Ria’s gesture a ruby key flashed into being in a niche in the northern wall of the cell, "it will unlock the cell door. You are in the sewer of the Imperial City. If you make your way west, then south, I can effect your escape."

Hero thought at a moment, "It will not do to have me surface in the City itself, for I would be quickly captured. I think it an uncommon occurrence to see a man pull himself through a grating on the city street. The guards at the least will have questions, ones I will be unable to satisfactorily answer."

Ria smiled again, "I am not as helpless as you may suppose. Even in this form I am able to work my magic, but to do so depletes the energy I use to remain on this plane. Your escape however is paramount to all other considerations. Get to the south-west corner of this sewer. There you will see a Shift Gate. It will transport you to another city, where you will appear inside their city gates. Teleportation between cities is common enough, I doubt you will come under scrutiny. With that you will be far enough from the center of the Empire to begin."

Hero felt a faint fear gnaw in the pit of his stomach and he whispered, "Begin what?"

"Your training, of course."

There was an uncomfortable silence as Hero looked at his friend. He did not entirely trust his ability to help her; to really make a difference. The alternative however was to allow the man who had killed his friend to continue the charade. Hero was not one to let a lie go unanswered. Ria concerned him however. Even now he could see the fringes of her form dissipating, and her face took on a worn and lined expression, as if she were tiring. He did not relish the idea of being alone in this, not knowing who he could trust. "Will I see you again?"

"If you survive these sewers and escape, I will come to you again. There is much I must investigate first so that we may find a way to free the Emperor from the dimension in which Tharn has placed him. Only by his release will the truth come to light. Remember Hero, Tharn has taken on the form of the Emperor, and no one will gainsay his word for yours. Had I been able I would have appeared to the Elder Council, but my body lies close by, forgotten and decayed. In this form I cannot travel far from my mortal remains." Ria looked down, her once wheaten tresses hanging limply as the ethereal wind diminished, "I cannot come to you again as I have now. It takes energy I dare not squander."

She reached out and touched Hero on the forehead. He felt a slight tingling, like an itch behind his eyes. A moment later it was gone. "I have linked us so I can appear to you regardless of the distance, but I will only appear to you henceforth in your dreams. The way is safer and less costly. It is very important that you rest now and again, when you are safe. It will only during those time I can reach you." Ria looked into Hero’s eyes, "You are entering a dangerous arena, my friend. One in which the players are being beyond your mortal comprehension. I see in your destiny the ability to transcend. There is a power within you as yet untapped. Look for me when you have gained some experience in the world. You are my last and best hope, Hero."

Before Hero could respond the form of Ria faded from view. In the deepening gloom Hero could feel the icy fingers of fear creeping slowly back into his flesh. Then the glint of ruby caught his eye. He walked over the niche and picked up the key. It felt warm to the touch, and strangely comforting. He thought about his friend Ria, dead now though she clung to unlife for the sake of justice. He thought about Jagar Tharn, who had killed his friend and attempted his own life. Such evil could not be permitted to grow, or go unchecked. Looking about the cell his purpose become clearer, as if his ruminations had opened a door to the beginning of understanding. Perhaps Ria had ensorcelled the key to produce this reaction, he knew not, but a litany from his old Armsmaster came to mind and he whispered, "Given the outcome of certain death, die with a blade in hand."

The cell door was a massive construction of iron and steel. He paused only a moment to listen. The moaning was gone, but from the darkness he could hear dozens of tiny claws skittering and scratching the damp mossy brownstone. Occasionally red eyes gleamed out at him. Hero inserted the key to the lock and turned it. With a groan the mechanism released and the Hero cell door swung open on rusty hinges. Despite the noise nothing flew out from the darkness to attack. It was as if the sewer itself had decided he was no threat, and turned its back on him. "Tharn," he thought, "you will not escape me so easily." Grabbing the candle from its holder Hero drew both breath and dagger as he ventured into the darkness hall...

Chapter 2:  Fang Lair

After his escape from the Imperial dungeon in Imperial City, Ria Silmane visited the Hero in his dream. She said: "I see you have strengthened your arm, and your mind. It is time we began this journey. This is the Staff of Chaos, the one item that can open the door between this world, and the dimension to which the Emperor has been banished. Tharn used this item to destroy my corporeal form when I tried to warn the Council. He knew that the Staff of Chaos was nigh indestructable, having been made from the essence of the Land itself. But in that he found the key. As the land is split, so did he shatter the Staff into eight perfectly formed pieces. These he scattered across the realm. I have been able to divine the location of the first piece, a place called Fang Lair."

"It is said that Fang Lair was originally built by the Dwarves of Kragen. Legend has it that a Great Wyrm drove the Dwarves from their home in the Dragon's Teeth, and took the Lair for itself. I only wish I knew the exact location. Perhaps there are sages, or scholars who would know of this place. Somewhere in its dank depths lies the first piece of the Staff of Chaos. I wish you well. I do not think Tharn knows of your escape, but I can do little else in this form. I have tried to obscure your identity with a spell, but I do not know how well it will hide you. Take care for Tharn may be searching. Go forth with the blessings of the true Emperor, and myself..."

The place is located in Hammerfell province. To get this place, the Hero had to consult with the ruler of Rihad. Which in turn asked to get a parchment which held within its writings clues to decipher the part of the Elder Scrolls which spoke of the location of the legendary Fang Lair. The parchment can be found in a dungeon named Stonekeep. After the trouble with goblins and their leader, Golthog, the champion was rewarded with the location of Fang Lair by the ruler of Rihad.

"You stand before the dragon gate of Fang Lair, humbled before its majesty.
The Dwarven Hold seems abandoned long ago, its stone walls cracking with age and neglect.
Somewhere within its dank depths lies the first piece of the Staff of Chaos."

After the Hero captured the first piece of the staff, Jagar Tharn's image showed up and said: "I do not know who you are, but you have made a fatal mistake. I have sent my minions, ones worthy of the attention you deserve, to relieve you of the burden of the Staff piece you now hold. Give it to them and I will order your death painless and quick. Resist and I shall see you in such suffering that you will grovel for the sweet release of death..."

Then Tharn's minions attacked, but the champion survived this first attempt to end his life.

Chapter 3: Labyrinthian

After Fang Lair, Ria Silmane made another visit to the Hero. She said: "It seems that you are well chosen. I see that you have won the first piece of the Staff. That in and of itself is not a simple task. Tharn it seems, is not as concerned with you as I had thought he would be. Perhaps he thinks you dead or lost in the sewers from which you escaped. That is well, for I have discovered the second piece's location. There was once a great maze, built by the Archmagus Shalidor to guard what he called, Glamorill, the elven term for 'The Secret of Life'. I know not the location of the great maze, which was called the Labyrinthian, but somewhere in its twisted corridors lies the second piece of the Staff of Chaos. Shalidor, according to the old texts, made his home in the Fortress of Ice. He would not have built the Labyrinthian far from his home. I would search to the north for such a place. I wish you well on your journey..."

The place is located in Skyrim province. To get the place, the Hero had to consult with Mages Guild in Winterhold which was in feud with the knights of Fortress of Ice. The mages wanted the champion to infiltrate the fortress to recover a magical tablet that would help decipher a part of the Elder Scrolls. This piece completed a map to the Labyrinthian.

"Stubborn grass and roots stand in the stiff arctic clime, refusing to yield.
Ahead of you stands the entrance to the Labyrithian, testing ground of the Archmagus Shalidor.
Within its twisted paths lies the second piece of the Staff of Chaos."

Exiting the Labyrinthian, the Hero had to face Jagar Tharn's image again and the image said:

"You have survived the Labyrinthian, a place most dire. Continue along this path however and you will face such things as to make your very heart freeze. I will save you the ordeal for my servants approach you even now. From your managled corpse I will take what is mine..."

His minions attacked, but still the Hero survived this attack.

Chapter 4:Elden Grove

After acquiring the second piece, Ria Silmane made another visit "I would congratulate you on retrieving the second piece of the Staff of Chaos, but dire portents have I seen. The third piece of the Staff lies somewhere in the Elden Grove, ancient home of the Elves. The Elden Grove is said to be the birthplace of the sacred First Tree, that which gave life to all the forests on the continent of Tamriel. Its location has been a closely guarded secret, so guarded in fact that many believe that even the Elves have forgotten its true location. Considering that there are only three provinces that hold any of the Elven people, your search should not be too difficult. Find the Elden Grove and recover the third piece of the Staff. I wish you well on your quest..."

The place is located in Valenwood province. To finally get the location of Elden Grove, the Hero had to get a gem called the Heart of Selene. This gem is important to defeat Selene, High Priestess of Shagrath, the God of Spiders. The gem is located in her lair - Selene's Web. The champion had to infiltrate the lair and liberate the gem. After delivered the gem, the Elves of Eldenroot then agreed to share the location of Elden Grove.

"The small overgrown entrance to the Elden Grove stands before you, guarding secrets forgotten for ages.
Somewhere within its misty corridors lies the third piece of the Staff of Chaos."

After acquiring the third piece, the Hero had to face Jagar Tharn's image again:

"Why do you choose to align against me when it is obvious that I will destroy you. Even as each piece of the Staff comes into your possession it becomes easier to find you, and I have done just that. Face my creatures, if you dare. I am through toying with you..."

As the previous encounters, the Hero defeated Jagar Tharn's minion. After some rest, he was ready for the next.

Chapter 5:Halls of Collosus

After the third piece is liberated, Ria Silmane visited the champion again in his dream: "You have done well. I had thought you lost to me. The third piece of the Staff is yours. Rumors have been whispered about in the Empire. I think Tharn senses that the pieces come together. You must take care to not be discovered by him. Your death would be most unpleasant. I have divined the location of the fourth piece of the Staff. It lies in the Halls of Colossus, a structure built to honor a race of Giants, though none have been seen in the land for ages. It is said that the Halls of Colossus sat perched on a cliff overlooking the Great Divide, which is along the southern edge of Tamriel. Perhaps the Halls are near that coastline. I only wish I could offer you more. Fare thee well my friend, and find this place, for the sake of our loved ones..."

The place is located in Elsweyr province. To get the place, the Hero had to consult with Mages Guild in Corinth. Some days before, the warrior-priests of Temple of Agamanus attacked the Guild, and stole a stone tablet. It held the key to deciphering a part of the Elder Scrolls, the part that shows the location of the Halls of Colossus. And after the trouble with the warrior-priests of Temple of Agamanus, the champion was able to deliver the tablet, and in turn was given the exact location of the Halls of Colossus.

"You stand before the gigantic walls of the Halls of Colossus, built by giants in an age long past.
The wind echoes mournfully through the empty battlements.
Here lies the fourth piece of the Staff of Chaos."

As usual Jagar Tharn showed up after the Hero acquired the piece:

"It is obvious, whoever you are, that you are a cunning and worthy foe. I will not insult your intelligence with further digression. My minions soon approach, but I will not consign you to the dark door of Death. You have proven your worth. Once you are killed, I will raise you to fight for me, as one servants. Give in to me now and I offer you everlasting life..."

As the previous encounters, the Hero outwitted Tharn's minions.

Chapter 6:Crystal Tower

After the fourth piece, Ria Silmane met the champion in his dream: You have recovered the fourth piece! I honor your bravery. Listen closely now my friend, for Tharn has begun in earnest to look for you. Do not fear, he does not know your true identity, but he can sense the Staff's power. With four of the eight pieces, you stand out like a lantern at night. I urge you to caution. The fifth piece of the Staff lies in an ancient stronghold of sorcery called the Crystal Tower. It was said that the southern tip of the Dragon's Teeth, which stretches from the ice covered mounts of High Rock to the wooded forests of Valenwood, could be seen on the horizon from the top parapet of the Tower. This would lead me to believe it is not far south of the majestic mountain range. You must find the Tower and gain access to recover the fifth piece of the Staff of Chaos..."

The place is located in Summurset Isle province. Again to get the place of the Crystal Tower, the Hero had to consult Mages Guild of Lillandril. A few nights before, priests of the Mad God attacked the Guild. They stole a number of the guild treasured artifacts. Among these was a small diamond. It is said that the light from the gem will allow the viewer to see the true location of the Crystal Tower on a specially prepared map. After the problem with the priests in Mad God Temple, the champion delivered the gem and rewarded with the true location of the Crystal Tower.

The Crystal Tower dominates the area, rising like an accustory finger pointing at the sky above.
This bastion of sorcery seemingly transcends normal human conceptions, existing in many planes other than this.
You can sense the fifth piece of the Staff of Chaos, somewhere above..."

Exiting the tower, the Hero was greeted by Jagar Tharn again:

"I have underestimated you, that is clear. You have not only defeated the useless creatures I have sent against you, but managed to survive the Crystal Tower, a feat that in and of itself could be legend. It is sad that I am forced to destroy you. Prepare, for my minions arrive..."

Yeah, Tharn is really underestimated the Hero, he kept sending weak creatures.

Chapter 7:Crypt of Heart

Gaining the fifth piece, Ria Silmane made a visit to her champion: "It has become a habit, congratulating you on your success. Still, there are three pieces left, and what guards them only the Divine Lady may know. I have spent many a day searching the ethereal planes for some clue as the location of the sixth piece of the Staff. This is what I have found. The piece was sent to a place called the Crypt of Hearts. I have no clue as to the location of such a place. The price for the little knowledge I have was... exacting. Still, only three provinces remain that can hold these last pieces. It can only lie in one of these. Good luck..."

The place is located in High Rock province. To get the crypt, the Hero had to met with the priests of Brotherhood of Seth. They wanted the player to go to Mines of Khuras to get a map, which was need to be deciphering first before the map can show the location of the Crypt of Heart. And after the trouble in the mines, the champion was rewarded with the location of the Crypt of Hearts.

"The chill of death seems to touch your heart as you gaze upon the stone walls of the Crypt of Hearts.
Above the entrance stands a grinning skull, a warning to those who would traverse the halls of the dead.

You can sense the sixth piece of the Staff of Chaos, somewhere below...

Jagar Tharn greeted the Hero again, after the Champion takes the staff piece:

"You have rejected my offer of everlasting life, and defeated the Crypt of Hearts. Your list of accomplishments grow. You will not however, accomplish the forging of the Staff. My forces are inexhaustible, and you will succumb. Prepare, for my servants arrive..."

Another weak servants, and they were easily dispatched.

Chapter 8:Murkwood

After the Crypt of Heart, in the Hero's dream, Ria Silmane said: "Tharn is livid, scattering about the Imperial Palace like a rabid dog. You have caused him no end of worry. I am sure the Wizard's minions are tracking you. I will say no more, lest I tempt Fate. You seek now the seventh piece of the Staff of Chaos. I have found that this piece lies in a place called Murkwood, the dark forest that ever moves. There can only be one of two provinces left that can hold this forest, Black Marsh or Morrowind. I would start my search in one of these..."

The place is located in Black Marsh province. To get the exact location of Murkwood, the Hero had to talked with the leader of Conclave of Baal. He asked the champion to recover the stone tablet that held the key to the location of Murkwood in the Vaults of Gemin. The champion was able to recover the artifact and rewarded with the location of Murkwood.

"The mists of Murkwood, the Black Forest, swirl about.
Inside the dark forest can be heard faint cries of despairs, souls who have lost their way within its cunning web.
Through the smell of decay from every tree and stone, within this forest lies the seventh piece of the Staff of Chaos."

Jagar Tharn made another attempt to stop the Hero:

"You amaze me with your tenacity. It boots nothing to avoid my snares, for this game is at an end. The final piece of the Staff is in Dagoth-Ur, in the province of Morrowind. The information is useless to you, for none know the entrance to the volcano, and even if you survive the creatures I have sent against you now, you will not survive its depths. I bid you farewell. You have been a most worthy opponent..."

As usual, the Hero survived.

Chapter 9:Dagoth-Ur

The last piece, Ria Silmane visited her champion and said: "I would take no chances, for Tharn has no mercy and will attack the moment he perceives the Staff reassembled. You must be swift. To the northeast lies the fire mountain, Dagoth-Ur. Somewhere in its volcanic depths is the final piece of the Staff of Chaos. The entrance to that fabled mountain has disappeared with the Dwarves that mined it. There may still be those who know of it, however. Find the entrance, enter the volcanic catacombs, and return with the final piece of the Staff. We are so close, I wish you well..."

Dagoth Ur is located in Morrowind province. Every Dark Elf knows the fiery mountain, however for the Hero, he had to do an errant for the ruler of Ebonheart first before he can get the location of the entrance of the mountain. The ruler of Ebonheart wanted the champion to recover the Hammer of Gharen in a dungeon known as the Black Gate. After finishing the errant, the champion was finally able to get into the dungeon of Dagoth Ur and recover the last piece.

"The sacred entrance of the Dwarven smiths into the fire mountain, Dagoth-Ur, stands before you.
Magical runes glow in the red firelight, shimmering with heat.
Sulphurous gouts of steam escape from vents within the rock face of the opening.
The final piece of the Staff of Chaos beckons..."

Jagar Tharn made another futile attempt to stop the Hero:

"I congratulate you on your success. Have you discovered however, what I have known all along? The Staff is drained of all magical potential. I did it myself before scattering the pieces across the realm. It is a useless stick, good for churning butter or rowing a boat, but not for saving the Emperor. Come find me if you dare, and I will relieve you of any further burdens you may think to face. My legions await..."

One more place to visit: The Imperial Palace.

Last Chapter: The Imperial Palace

And finally after the Hero received the last piece, Ria Silmane made her last visit: "I had expected that with all eight pieces together, the Staff of Chaos would activate and free the Emperor. None of this has occurred, and I finally know why."

"Held by Tharn is a gem of the rarest qualities. Legend has that it is a star fallen from the sky, for it glows with an inner flame. This is the Jewel of Fire, and the crucible of Tharn's life force. It is also the thing in which Tharn has suffused all of the energy of the Staff. If you can touch the Staff to this Jewel, the release of that combined energy may be enough to destroy the Staff of Chaos and open the gate between worlds. If you are successful, Tharn will no doubt be destroyed as well. There is only one way to get this Jewel."

"You must make your way into the Imperial Palace and find wherever Tharn has hidden it. Be warned, once inside Tharn will throw the full might of the Palace Guards and those creatures made to resemble the Imperial Guard against you. They are but puppets of Tharn's machinations. Have mercy on them, for they know not what they serve. With Tharn however, such care need not be taken. If you are successful a dimensional door should open, freeing the Emperor. With the Jewel drained of energy Tharn should also perish."

"There is a problem however with this course of action. Tharn, in his fear, has made the Imperial Palace inaccessible. If you have been there you already know the Guards are under orders to turn all who approach back. I think that I can circumvent this with a Spell of Altering but it will mean the last of the energy holding me in this form. I will gladly sacrifice myself however, so that Tharn can pay for his betrayal."

"The spell I cast will alter other's perceptions of your appearence. The Guards posted outside the Imperial Palace should be fooled and allow you entry. I only hope it will be enough. You have done more than a hero could be asked. This is the final step of a long journey. Take heart and go forward with my blessings. I thank you, in the Emperor's name..."

And then the final battle in the Imperial Palace began. On the top levels, the Hero faced knights in shining armors, upon reaching the bowel of the Palace; the creatures that greeted the Hero are the liches. Finally Jagar Tharn himself showed up and fought the Hero. After taking some critical hits, Tharn surrounded himself with a magical shield. The Hero wasted no time and went directly to the place where the Jewel of Fire was kept. He touched the combined Staff of Chaos to the Jewel of Fire. Jagar Tharn shouted, "You must not! The Jewel holds my lifeforce!!!" But it's too late, Jagar Tharn melted.

From the Jewel of Fire sprouted some lightning bolt that grabbed the Staff of Chaos, turned it, faster and faster in circular motion. The middle part of the circle glowed and then the entire circle glowed brightly. From the glowed circle, two people came out. They are the Emperor Uriel Septim VII and General Warhaft.

The Emperor said, "Thou art truly a child of the Empire. I thank thee for thy assistance." General Warhaft followed, "It seems, that I am quite in the way. Not only have you managed to save the Emperor, but my life as well. I cannot be but proud of one who has truly earned such renown, and my deepest respect..." Finally the Emperor said: "I have a particular idea as to the question of your service in mind... From this day forth, thou art named the Eternal Champion. From thy hand shall be dealt the needs of the Empire. I, Uriel Septim, true Emperor of Tamriel do decree, and thus make law. Arise my Champion, and take thy rightful place at my side..." 

THE END

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