"Very few would dare to enter the Prince of Murder's realm of their own choosing. Your action consists of equal parts bravery and stupidity. I think, in this case, that's exactly what we need. We've been waiting for you, planewalker."
Who are you?"You may refer to me as the Groundskeeper, one of the few survivors that remain. I tend to this city. The magic that protects these walls and keeps us safe requires constant nurturing and the utmost care."
Where are we?"The city's original name no longer matters. Now it is a Hollow City, waiting to be filled. A perfect place to begin an assault on Molag Bal. This city can be your armor against the hazards of Coldharbour. It just needs life to return it to glory."
And this is where I'm supposed to gather my army?"It could be. There is no safer place in Coldharbour, for Molag Bal's reach cannot extend into the Hollow City. That is what was intended, and that is the way it is. Please, walk with me. Let me show you why this city will serve your needs."
I don't have time for this. Just tell me what I need to know.[?]
I'm ready. Lead on."Watch and listen. While I could explain things to you, it will be better to simply show you. The history of the city permeates these streets, and with a bit of magic I can reveal it to you. Now, come. Let us walk."
After giving you a tour through the city:
"This city shall serve you well against Molag Bal. Know that every choice you make in Coldharbour will have an effect on the Hollow City. It shall be reborn with every person you save, forged into a weapon by your own hands."
And what's your role in all of this?"I am your advisor. We both wish to stop Molag Bal's machinations. I offer you what help I can. The Hollow City awaits you and your allies. Use it wisely and it shall not fail you."
What's the next step?"You must gather those who were lost. King Dynar and Vanus Galerion have vital roles to play, and they must be at your side. Rescue your missing companions. Return the Hollow City to its former glory and we can begin the assault on Molag Bal."
"You shall require more than just the King and the Mage, of course. But they are as good a starting point as any. Others in this realm, allies current and soon to be, all have important parts to play in this endeavor."
Others?"As you seek out the Mage and the King, I'm sure you shall meet others who require your aid. Look for those you trust and who would be willing to join us here."
And the Mage and the King? Where will I find them?"Go west, beyond the Moonless Walk. There, you shall find the Ayleid King held within a tower of darkness. Vanus the Mage is somewhere in the eastern plane. His exact location is hidden from me."
I'll find the Ayleid King and Vanus the Mage."I recommend heading west first to find the Ayleid King, but the choice is yours. If you wish to free King Dynar, you must recover the Lights of Meridia. The lights have the power to unlock his prison of darkness."
What are the Lights of Meridia?"Originally, the lights were a gift from Meridia. Power that protected the city and made life easier for its inhabitants. When she pushed the city into Coldharbour, she filled the lights with even more of her divine power."
And how will I use them to free the King?"King Dynar is trapped within a tower of darkness, bound by shadows and dark magic. Meridia's lights can unravel those bonds. Without them, you won't be able to set the Ayleid King free."
Where can I find these lights?"As you no doubt noticed, Molag Bal's realm has its own defenses. Things that teleport onto this plane tend to get scattered. As were your allies. As were the lights. They could be anywhere, but most likely they are guarded by Molag Bal's forces."
You don't have anything more precise for me to go on?"Rumors, only, I'm afraid. I have heard tales of a strange prison to the northwest, a tower that is not a tower, that guards one of the lights. And others whisper of a vile laboratory to the southeast that distorts the purity of Meridia's light."
"The pieces begin to fall into place. With the King's aid, we shall assemble a force worthy of Meridia's blessing."
When did these people arrive?"Small groups have trickled in since your departure. The warriors inside seem to be under the protection of the knight, Darien. An exceptional fellow. Brave to a fault and devoted to lost causes. Cadwell found them in the wilds."
"The pieces are almost all in place. We can move against Molag Bal whenever you want. Attack now or gather more forces. The choice is yours."
What would you suggest?"Thanks to your efforts, life is returning to the city. Already, those you have rescued have found their way here. Do we have enough to start a war? Yes. But are our numbers strong enough to finish it? I'd suggest we're not there yet."
If I give the command now, what are the chances?"Marching against this enemy at less than full strength would not be advised. Of course, victory is never guaranteed, no matter what the odds. If you feel differently, give the command. Otherwise, go back out and look for more allies to aid us."
I need to find more allies to bolster our forces."I concur. That would be a wise course of action. When you feel our forces are sufficient for the task, return to me."
We can't afford to waste any more time. We have to strike now."Very well. If you feel that is the wisest course. Meet me in front of the cathedral when you are ready. We will begin making preparations immediately."
In front of the cathedral, if you have not yet completed all the sidequests:
"Ah, look around you. See how the people brighten the streets with their very presence! It is good to have this place inhabited once again."
Where did everyone come from?"Your actions have caused beneficial reactions. Those you saved found others on their way to the city. And the mages have opened stable portals to Nirn, bringing aid to Coldharbour. The city thrives, thanks to you!"
Why was I summoned?"King Dynar and Vanus have begun to rally the troops. They have called for a council to meet here in the Hollow City. There are decisions to be made. Plans to draw up. The time for war fast approaches, and we need to be ready."
Are there any others out there that need to be rescued?"I sense other lights trapped in the darkness. Their exact locations are hidden from me, but I can hear their desperate pleas for help. You must choose. Will you seek out more allies, or will you allow the war council to begin?"
Where are King Dynar and Vanus?"You shall find the Ayleid King and the Mage inside the cathedral. They await your arrival. Once you enter the cathedral, the preparations for the final assault to save Nirn will begin."
"You have performed better than I expected, even in the face of unrelenting danger and the worst horrors Oblivion has to offer. I am impressed."
What are you doing here?"Like you, I have come to finish this. Thanks to the efforts of your army, you have gotten this far without drawing the gaze of Molag Bal. I use a similar distraction to travel through this disagreeable realm unmolested."
You're more than a simple groundskeeper, aren't you?"Keep working on it. You will solve the riddle, eventually. There is more to do if you wish to save your world. To halt the Planemeld, you must enter the eye of the storm. The planar vortex can only be disrupted from the inside."
Why haven't you helped us before this?"I have been with you every step of the way. I provided a safe haven in Coldharbour. I gave you knowledge of the Lights of Meridia. I needed a surrogate, to act in my stead. I dared not risk exposing my true nature to the Dark Prince."
You used me?"Used you? Of course I used you. But you knew what was at stake from the beginning and did what was necessary to save your world. Every choice you made was your own. As it happens, your choices suited my own ends."
What do I need to do?"You must enter the planar vortex—the interstices of space and time where Nirn and Coldharbour churn and meld. Destroy the Dark Anchors within. Unleash the power of a Light of Meridia at the focal point of the Planemeld, and disrupt the vortex."
That sounds like a one-way trip."The life of one insignificant mortal to save an entire world? It is a small sacrifice. If you succeed, the brilliance of the unleashed light will consume the vortex and sever the Planemeld. Nirn will be saved."
Can I ask you something else first?"Ask your questions, but know that time is growing short."
If we enter the vortex, what happens to our army?"You cannot hope to succeed without the support of your allies. I will summon those who still live and draw them into the vortex with us."
But won't they die as well when we destroy the planar vortex?"The light of Meridia cleanses and purifies. There is nothing to fear from its brilliant embrace."
Quotes[]
"Long ago, this city existed in Nirn. It was alive and vibrant and went by a different name.Its people were devoted to Prince Meridia, the radiant one. They lived in peace and assumed themselves safe from any dangers.But Meridia has enemies, such as the despicable Molag Bal. The Prince of Murder sent minions from Coldharbour to destroy her beloved city.The city's defenders did what they could, but they were no match for Molag Bal's forces. Everyone outside the walls was slaughtered, but the warriors and mages managed to seal the gates to protect those huddled within.As fortune would have it, the Ayleid King Laloriaran Dynar was visiting the city. A skilled warrior and tactician, he quickly took command of the city's defenses.The Ayleid King single-handedly protected one of the gates. As he fought, he prayed for assistance. And his prayers were answered.Meridia felt compassion for her followers, but she also saw an opportunity. Molag Bal's open portal worked both ways. The time had come to take the battle to Coldharbour.Meridia warded the city and pushed it into Coldharbour. The city arrived intact, but many of its inhabitants were either killed or scattered by this realm's protective spells. Even the Ayleid King was captured.Still, Meridia had accomplished the impossible. She stabbed a dagger into Molag Bal's side. A portion of her realm was in his domain—and he could not touch it.The survivors lost faith, however. One-by-one, they left the safe confines of the city to try to return to Nirn. They were foolish, and they paid the price for rejecting Meridia's edicts.Meridia foresaw a day when an opportunity would arise. An overconfident Molag Bal. Champions from another plane. On that day, this city would become the focal point for the assault against the Lord of Schemes.I say that the day has finally arrived! The Great Mage, Vanus Galerion. The Ayleid King. And you, our last, best hope. You must gather your allies and bring them here." – In the Hollow City
"I have waited a very long time for this moment. You have done well, my child." – At the portal to the Planar Vortex
"Molag Bal's Dark Anchors form a vortex that sucks Nirn into his dark realm. We must break these vile chains." – In the Planar Vortex
